6A-5A Ultimate Preview: The Best Week 6 Games in Texas

Frisco (3-0, 2-0) vs Frisco Lone Star (5-0, 3-0): It’s an all-Frisco ISD affair and a battle of unbeatens as fresh off their bye week Frisco High looks to take down state-ranked Lone Star. In their last outing two weeks ago FHS doubled up Frisco Heritage, 56-28, as the Racoons offense used a balanced effort to pull away in the second half. Frisco’s defense forced three turnovers, with the biggest play coming in the second quarter when Harrison Hicks returned a Heritage fumble 42 yards for a score giving Frisco a two-score lead at 27-14 and they never looked back. Lone Star has been absolutely dominant early on this year and that was on full display last week in a 54-7 rout of Frisco Heritage. Sophomore QB Trey Wright completed all nine of his passes for 213 yards and two scores and he added 103 yards on the ground and two touchdowns. Florida commit ATH Davian Groce made his return to the lineup, and it was impressive as he had nine receptions for 215 yards and two scores. The Lone Star defense was impressive as well holding Heritage to just 135 yards of offense on the night. Frisco High is an improved team and will be in the playoff discussion, but Lone Star’s on a different level at the moment. Stepp’s Pick: Frisco Lone Star by 18

Amarillo Palo Duro (3-1, 0-0) at Wichita Falls Memorial (4-1, 0-1): After one week of district play, things have been thrown into disarray in 2-5A Division II with two of the district favorites taking surprising losses last week. Amarillo Palo Duro was immune from the chaos last week as the Dons were idle and now they leave the Amarillo city limits for the first time to take on Wichita Falls Memorial on the road. Palo Duro made a statement in their final non-district tune-up as they rolled past Amarillo High 35-14. QB/DB Julian Reese had a touchdown run and tallied 116 yards of offense and he picked a pass off on defense, North Carolina commit Darien Lewis did a little bit of everything with 68 rushing yards, 69 receiving yards and he threw a touchdown pass on a trick play, he also tallied double digit tackles as well. Memorial went on the road last week and took a surprising loss to upstart Abilene Cooper, 42-27. The Mavericks inability to stop the run was a major concern and will have to get cleaned up this week along with the three turnovers. WR Jamari Dean had a monster game in a losing effort with seven catches for 230 yards and three touchdowns. Expect an inspired Memorial effort this week and Palo Duro didn’t play well on the road a year ago, giving the edge to the Mavericks in what should be a barn burner. Stepp’s Pick: Wichita Falls Memorial by 4

Lovejoy (2-2, 1-1) at Melissa (3-1, 3-0): After a very disappointing 45-14 loss to Anna two weeks ago, Lovejoy will look to climb back into the district title race this week as they visit a surging Melissa squad fresh off a statement win over previously unbeaten Anna. QB Jacob Janacek has been outstanding for LHS early on, but the Leopards defense and running game have struggled and that’s been a major concern early on. Can they get that fixed against a very physical Melissa bunch? After two blowout wins to open district play, we learned plenty about the Cardinals in their 40-34 win over Anna last week as QB Brett Holloway emerged as Melissa’s key offensive weapon with 167 yards passing and two scores and 124 yards rushing and three scores. Sophomore RB Jeremiah “Bear” Tabor added 102 yards rushing and a score. Melissa’s depth and solid play up front on both sides of the ball neutralizes Lovejoy’s passing game and the Cardinals win by two scores to set up a looming showdown with state-ranked Prosper Walnut Grove. Stepp’s Pick: Melissa by 13

Huntsville (2-2, 1-0) at Port Neches-Groves (4-0, 1-0): After a slow start against a tough non-district schedule, Huntsville started things off last week with a 38-21 win over an improved New Caney West Fork squad that used a ball-control offense to keep the Hornets off the field. RB Trae’Shawn Brown ran for 177 yards and four scores to lead the way, while QB Zay Adolphe threw a touchdown pass as well. The Hornets defense, especially in the second and third quarters, played well also. One concern was HHS missed four PATs two kicks and a pair of two-point tries on their first four scores. They can’t expect to give points away against a team like PNG. The Indians opened up district play in resounding fashion by blasting Montgomery Lake Creek, 45-21. The score doesn’t tell the whole story as PNG led 42-0 at halftime on the strength of five Connor Bailey touchdown passes to three different PNG wideouts. The Indians played backups for the majority of the second half. Huntsville has the playmakers and talent to push PNG and they felt like they should have won last year’s game. But consistency is lacking early for Huntsville, plus this game is on the road and that’s a tough road trip to the Golden Triangle. Stepp’s Pick: Port Neches-Groves by 16

El Paso Eastlake (3-2, 1-0) vs El Paso Eastwood (4-1, 1-0) Stepp’s Pick: El Paso Eastwood by 2

Waco Midway (4-1, 0-1) at Killeen Shoemaker (5-0, 1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Waco Midway by 3

Pearland Dawson (4-1, 3-0) vs Pearland (5-0, 3-0) Stepp’s Pick: Pearland by 10

Cibolo Steele (4-1, 1-0) at San Antonio East Central (1-4, 0-1) Stepp’s Pick: Cibolo Steele by 28

Beaumont West Brook (4-0, 0-0) at Lufkin (3-2, 0-1) Stepp’s Pick: Lufkin by 8

San Antonio Southwest (4-0, 2-0) at San Antonio Southside (3-2, 2-1) Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Southwest by 11

Harlingen South (3-2, 2-1) at PSJA North (4-0, 2-0) Stepp’s Pick: PSJA North by 17

Arlington Seguin (5-0, 3-0) at Mansfield Timberview (3-2, 2-1) Stepp’s Pick: Mansfield Timberview by 6

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