It’s been all Canadian in Region I for the past several years as the Wildcats have earned the regional title in seven of the last eight seasons (they also won the 2A-Region I crown in 2014 and 2015 as well), which means in the last ten years, CHS has made the state semifinals nine times. Can anyone outside of Gunter slow the Wildcats attack? One interesting note about this region is there are only 19 total teams competing for the regional title.

Childress has proven over the years to be Canadian’s biggest hurdle and the Bobcats have come close but they just have not been able to get over the hump and it is likely to be more of the same in 2024. The race for the three seed should be intriguing, but I like Friona to hold off Dimmitt. Tulia went through a late coaching change and it may be a year before the Hornets are post-season ready.

Only five teams are in 2-3A Division II, but top to bottom this may be among the best districts in the entire region. Muleshoe, dropping down from Division I gets the slightest of edges over a tough Idalou squad within the district. Lubbock Roosevelt, a regional champion in 2021 bounced back after two subpar years to post a 9-4 mark a year ago, but the Eagles were hit hard by graduation. Littlefield should have enough to hold off an improved Slaton squad for the final playoff spot.

All four teams in the far flung 3-3A Division II will be in the playoffs in 2024 after Odessa Compass moved into the district from 4-3A Division II replacing Tornillo who opted out of varsity football for the next two seasons. Alpine’s experience gives them the edge over Crane who went through a late off-season coaching change. Odessa Compass also had a late coaching change, but the Cougars will be fully equipped to handle Anthony and secure the three seed.

Wall gets the big edge in 4-3A Division II and the Hawks are likely the top candidate to dethrone Canadian, but how will the Hawks adjust to a new offensive system under a new head coach? Coahoma and sixteen returning starters gets the nod over Merkel who is young and under a new head coach. Grape Creek and Stanton will be locked in a dogfight for the fourth and final playoff spot.

DISTRICT PREDICTIONS

District 1-3A Division II

1. Canadian
2. Childress
3. Friona
4. Dimmitt
5. Tulia

District 2-3A Division II

1. Muleshoe
2. Idalou
3. Lubbock Roosevelt
4. Littlefield
5. Slaton

District 3-3A Division II

1. Alpine
2. Crane
3. Odessa Compass
4. Anthony

District 4-3A Division II

1. Wall
2. Coahoma
3. Merkel
4. San Angelo Grape Creek
5. Stanton

PROJECTED BI-DISTRICT MATCHUPS

W1 Canadian vs F2 Littlefield

R4 Coahoma vs T3 Odessa Compass

W2 Muleshoe vs F1 Dimmitt

R3 Crane vs T4 Merkel

W3 Alpine vs F4 San Angelo Grape Creek

R2 Idalou vs T1 Friona

W4 Wall vs F3 Anthony

R1 Childress vs T2 Lubbock Roosevelt

REGIONAL CHAMPION

Canadian over Idalou