Grand Saline (1-0) at Palmer (1-0): One of the state’s most underrated QB matchups will take place in Ellis County as Grand Saline heads west to take on a strong Palmer squad. Grand Saline rolled to a 42-21 win over Cooper last week as QB Jett Taylor threw for 117 yards and three scores; he added 200 yards on the ground and a touchdown as well. Palmer rolled as well as the Bulldogs blasted an over-matched Blooming Grove squad 65-12. QB Eric Cisneros, a four-year starter, had a big night with 110 yards rushing and four scores and he added 102 yards through the air and two touchdowns. Both offenses are explosive. This game simply comes down to which of these defenses get stops and in a way this game will be a microcosm of their entire 2025 seasons. They’ll go as far as the defense takes them. Stepp’s Pick: Palmer by 4
Tidehaven (1-0) at Goliad (1-0): The game of the week in the Crossroads region features 3A-Division II powerhouse Tidehaven traveling over to Goliad, a 3A-Division I squad hoping to take the jump into the powerhouse category. Tidehaven opened the season in emphatic fashion as the Tigers ripped through Palacios 72-0. QB Kale Russell and the Tigers attack dominated from the outset. Goliad escaped Tidehaven’s district rival East Bernard in a close 20-14 win as the Tigers defense rose to the occasion late with an interception that sealed the win as East Bernard was looking for a game-winning score. Goliad’s skill playmakers of ATH LaMont Franklin and RB Donovan Perry will need to have big nights as they look to go blow-for-blow with this veteran Tidehaven attack. Goliad’s an underdog, but if they can get after Russell and pressure him some, they have the chance to pull the upset, much like they did a year ago. Stepp’s Pick: Tidehaven by 2
Hawley (1-0) at Albany (1-0): Albany will look for their second straight win over a Big Country 2A-Division I power as they will host Hawley. Hawley opened the season with a strong 33-14 win over Roscoe, spoiling Dan Loyd’s debut as a head coach. Hawley’s ground game was operating at a high level as John Doerschuk rushed for 153 yards and two touchdowns, while Camden Ables rushed for 118 yards and another score. Albany’s defense was lights out last week as they knocked off Stamford 21-7. The Lions totally contained Stamford’s young offensive attack, while RB Breylon Billington ran for 119 yards and two scores. Hawley’s going to have to get the passing attack going if they want to get past Albany in this one. The Lions defense is experienced and tough and a one-dimensional offense won’t cut it. Look for the Lions to go 2-for-2 against Division I opponents from the Abilene area. Stepp’s Pick: Albany by 11
Stratford (0-0) at Panhandle (1-0): Two of the best at the 2A level in the Panhandle meet up as Stratford visits the Panthers, who many believe can get to Arlington at the 2A-Division I level. Stratford led Abernathy 14-0 late in the second quarter last week before rain and lightning called the game off. The game officially is a no-contest, but the Elks have to feel good about the performance. QB Chase Lantelme was off to a sizzling start throwing for 176 yards and two scores on just five pass completions. Panhandle absolutely demolished a rebuilding Clarendon squad, 71-0. Army QB commit Broxton Robinson threw for 174 yards and six scores and added a touchdown run on the ground to lead a dominant Panhandle effort. Stratford’s defense will be much better equipped to slow Robinson down, but Panhandle in 2025 has the look of a complete team on the offensive side and the defense continues to make strides. At home, with a chance to make a statement, I think Panhandle does just that with a solid win over an underrated Stratford bunch. Stepp’s Pick: Panhandle by 14
Quick Picks
El Paso Austin (1-0) at El Paso El Dorado (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: El Paso El Dorado by 18
Eagle Mountain (1-0) at Grandview (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Grandview by 14
Whitney (1-0) at Benbrook (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Benbrook by 3
Lorena (0-1) at Malakoff (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Malakoff by 4
Jefferson (1-0) at Newton (0-1) Stepp’s Pick: Newton by 3
Little River-Academy (0-1) at Lexington (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Lexington by 9
Hitchcock (1-0) at Hamshire-Fannett (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Hamshire-Fannett by 7
Wichita Falls City View (1-0) at Windthorst (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Windthorst by 10
Honey Grove (1-0) vs Marlin (0-1) Stepp’s Pick: Marlin by 3
Junction (1-0) at San Saba (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: San Saba by 4
Last Week’s Record: 18-2
Last Week’s Win %: 90.0%
Season Record: 18-2
Season Win %: 90.0%
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