WEEK 4 PREVIEW: Breaking down the biggest games in Texas high school football

Photo by Ruben Cortez

Share or Save for Later

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Save to Favorites

Edinburg Vela (3-0) at Los Fresnos (2-1):
The top matchup in the Valley sees Edinburg Vela head out east to take on the always-tough Los Fresnos Falcons. Vela knocked off McAllen Memorial 40-21 last week as QB AJ Sotelo threw for 169 yards and three touchdowns giving Vela plenty of confidence at a position that has been a bit in flux early on in the year. If the Sabercats can get that position settled, they have enough playmakers at the other spots to be a real force come playoff time.

Los Fresnos had no let down after an emotional come-from-behind victory in Week 2 as the Falcons rolled past an overmatched Edcouch-Elsa squad 42-13 in a game played on Thursday night. Expect Los Fresnos to hang around in this one, but their defense will certainly have a tough time slowing Vela and their multiple offensive weapons down. Look for the Sabercats to pull away late.
Stepp’s Pick: Edinburg Vela by 13

El Paso Pebble Hills (3-0) at San Angelo Central (2-1):
Pebble Hills has shown early that is may be the best team in the Sun City and have a chance to really make an impression this week by walking into San Angelo Stadium and knocking off the Angry Orange. The Spartans rolled past El Paso Chapin 34-14 a week ago on the strength of another strong night from RB Caleb Gerber. QB Sebastian Ochoa continues to improve in leading the PHHS attack. San Angelo Central, in its first game without star QB Maverick McIvor, got off to a slow start falling being 28-6 at the half and couldn’t dig itself out of that hole falling 37-22.

Central’s offense only gained 207 yards as two of its scores came on the defensive side of the ball, so the Bobcat attack has some work to do without a doubt. Expect a second game under center for sophomore QB Malachi Brown to go much better. He’s gotten a full game under his belt and seemed to settle down some in the second half. Add in the energy from the home crowd and San Angelo wins a close one.
Stepp’s Pick: San Angelo Central by 7

Austin Vandegrift (3-0, 1-0) at Pflugerville Hendrickson (2-0, 1-0):
Fresh off its hotly contested win over Round Rock Cedar Ridge, it doesn’t get any easier for the Vandegrift Vipers as they travel to the Pfield to take on Pflugerville Hendrickson in a battle of unbeaten teams.

Vandegrift trailed Cedar Ridge 14-0 going into the fourth quarter but showed how resilient it can be with a late rally to send the game to overtime. Isaiah Smallwood scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns and then in overtime, Tim Barney nailed a 33-yard field goal to lift VHS to the win. Hendrickson, after seeing its game against Smithson Valley rained out last week, wasted no time asserting its dominance in an easy 64-14 win over Round Rock Westwood. Hendrickson rolled up 51 first half points and scored the first eight times the offense touched the ball in the easy district opening win. Hendrickson’s defense was suffocating and time after time put the offense in great spots to help build up the big lead. The key this week will be offensive consistency and balance from HHS. Vandegrift is tough on defense and Hendrickson will need to avoid mistakes and be balanced in this one.
Stepp’s Pick: Pflugerville Hendrickson by 8

Photo by Joe Perez

Cibolo Steele (2-1) at Converse Judson (2-0):
Before last year, the annual battle for Alamo City bragging rights had been totally dominated by Steele. But Judson broke through and ended the Knights’ dominance in the series. Steele has won two in a row after losing the opener to San Antonio O’Connor and last week the Knights knocked off San Antonio Churchill 30-20 as RB’s Da’Quavion Thomas and Robert Collins combined for 191 yards and two touchdowns. Judson had its long road trip to the Valley to take on Harlingen cancelled due to the threat of bad weather a week ago, so the Rockets will be plenty rested for this matchup.

The Judson offense has been solid thus far as new QB Mike Chandler, a transfer from San Antonio Johnson, seems to be settling in nicely and RB Sincere McCormick has been a dynamic threat on offense as expected. The Rocket defense led by Texas A&M commit DeMarvin Leal hasn’t been great thus far allowing 28 points in each of its first two games. If Judson wants to contend for the Region IV title, that unit will need to improve. In this matchup, the Rockets appear to still have the edge on a Steele team that appears to be improving but still trying to find its identity.
Stepp’s Pick: Converse Judson by 10

White Settlement Brewer (2-1, 1-0) at Crowley (2-1, 1-0):
A key early season matchup in District 3-5A Division I pits two of the district favorites matching up in what could be a massive game for potential playoff positioning. Brewer knocked off Arlington Heights 31-27 a week ago as WR Jahrad Taylor had a big night with 16 catches for 149 yards and two touchdowns to pace the Bears who have won two straight after a season opening loss.

The Eagles offense, which had struggled the past two weeks, got things going as RB Dominque Johnson and QB Kevin Miller give the Eagles attack a lot of balance. The defense has been tremendous all year as the secondary led by Bryson Bonds and Ronnie Sanders has a lot of overall speed and DE Mykol Clark is drawing a lot of FBS interest. Crowley’s defense will limit Brewer’s offense and the Eagles will hit some big plays to pull away for a win in this one.
Stepp’s Pick: Crowley by 14

Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial (3-0, 1-0) at Corpus Christi Flour Bluff (2-0, 0-0):
Quite possibly the game of the year in Corpus Christi takes place this week and a district title in 15-5A Division I could be on the line. Flour Bluff had the opening bye in the nine-team district and the Hornets were in high spirits after their big Week 2 win over Corpus Christi Calallen. They’ve had a full two weeks to prepare some wrinkles as they try and slow down a Veterans Memorial squad that’s been a juggernaut through three weeks. The Eagles blasted CCISD rival Corpus Christi King 55-19 last week as VMHS had two backs in David Soto and Izaiah Rodriguez top the 100-yard mark and as a team Vets ran for 441 yards on a rainy night in Corpus.

Flour Bluff has the offensive firepower and speed to contain the Vets’ attack. Expect a close and very physical contest. This one comes down in a lot of ways to who handles the moment better. Both of these teams have a lot of big game experience, there is a slight edge to Veterans in this one but don’t be surprised if we hear a lot from both of these teams come playoff time.
Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial by 2

Denison (2-1, 1-0) at Frisco Reedy (3-0, 1-0):
The District 7-5A Division II title race could come clearly into focus in just the second week of district play as two of the favorites meet up at Toyota Stadium. Denison opened up district play with an easy 41-14 win over Frisco Lebanon Trail as Cade Gordy and Kyrion Rosser each ran for a pair of touchdowns to pace a balanced Denison ground attack. Frisco Reedy took down one of the other district favorites last week as the Lions took down a tough Lake Dallas squad 35-21. RB Michael Ferrara ran for 194 yards and two scores, while ATH Will Harbour chipped in a pair of rushing touchdowns as well. Reedy’s big and physical offensive line will face a test against a very good Denison front seven.

Don’t expect the ball to be put in the air much on the grass at Toyota Stadium as both teams much prefer to run the ball. The key is which group controls the game up front and that edge goes to Frisco Reedy.
Stepp’s Pick: Frisco Reedy by 9

Fort Bend Marshall (3-0, 1-0) at Manvel (2-1, 1-0):
One of the Houston area’s most anticipated Class 5A matchups could be for a district title as two powers in Fort Bend Marshall and Manvel meet up. Manvel has dominated the past two seasons, but Marshall feels like it could have the best team in school history and Manvel showed two weeks ago in its loss to Crosby, it’s a bit vulnerable. Marshall had no trouble last week rolling past Houston Milby 47-0 as Jamile Adams ran for 213 yards and five other Buffaloes ball carriers found the end zone while the Marshall defense was dominant holding Milby to just 84 yards of offense. Manvel bounced back nicely from the disappointing loss by easily dispatching of an overmatched Houston Sharpstown squad 68-0. The Mavericks scored on a kickoff return, a punt return and a blocked punt return in the win and only put the ball in the air three times. It’s hard to tell where either team stands after beating up on overmatched opponents from Houston ISD last week.

Manvel blew Marshall out a year ago but expect the Buffaloes to keep this one much closer as they match up favorably with the Mavericks. Manvel is the favorite and should get the early jump on the district title provided they aren’t hit with the turnover bug like they were in the loss to Crosby. Look for a heavy dose of Manvel RB’s Ladarious Owens and Garrison Johnson to pace a methodical Manvel attack.
Stepp’s Pick: Manvel by 11

Photo by Gary Sanderson

Midlothian Heritage (3-0) at Stephenville (2-1):
After a three-week delay, Tarleton Memorial Stadium will re-open after a much-needed renovation and the first official game that will be played there will be a massive top ten Class 4A showdown as Midlothian Heritage comes to Stephenville. Heritage rolled past Decatur last week blasting the Eagles 56-21 as WR Jay Wilkerson had a monster night with seven catches for 177 yards and four touchdowns to lead the always explosive Jaguar offensive attack.

Stephenville came out of three straight road games to start the season in decent shape as the ‘Jackets have a solid 2-1 mark after going to 5A Abilene Wylie and knocking the Bulldogs off 41-28. The Stephenville defense was opportunistic forcing five turnovers that directly led to three touchdowns, while RB Krece Nowak broke out with 219 yards rushing and a touchdown. Stephenville’s defense has been solid, but this test with the explosive Heritage offense led by Wilkerson and QB Landon Ledbetter could be a bit too much to overcome as the Stephenville offense isn’t as dynamic early in the year, especially in the passing game.
Stepp’s Pick: Midlothian Heritage by 6

Hereford (2-1) at Lubbock Estacado (2-1):
A year ago, underdog Hereford opened the season with an upset of Lubbock Estacado; but the teams went in opposite directions after that as Hereford missed the playoffs and Estacado won its next 10 games. The Whitefaces are now down in Class 4A and have high hopes of their own. They rolled past Canyon Randall last week 27-0 behind another strong effort from RB Seth Dixon. Dixon ran for 195 yards and two scores and he also caught a nine-yard touchdown pass as well. QB Dodge DeLozier, who missed some time with an injury for Hereford, returned last week and gives HHS a viable option in the passing game as well.

Lubbock Estacado has rattled off two straight wins after knocking off Amarillo Caprock 34-17, the Matadors defense came up big with three interceptions and their RB due of Jeremiah Dobbins and Seth Porter combined for 235 yards on the ground and four touchdowns. The young Lubbock Estacado defense has come alive the last two weeks, but they’ll get a big test against a Hereford offense that is very physical and displays a lot of balance. Turnovers doomed Lubbock Estacado in last year’s matchup, the Matadors have done an excellent job of taking care of the football early on and their overall team speed will be the difference in this one.
Stepp’s Pick: Lubbock Estacado by 9

Carthage (3-0) at Gilmer (2-1):
It’s still a big game in East Texas, but this one doesn’t quite have the pizazz last year’s Saturday night matchup had as Gilmer comes in reeling after getting upset by Paris last week. The young Buckeyes still have sights set on a deep playoff run, but they’ve had a bit of an uneven start to the year. Gilmer dug themselves a 27-7 hole in the third quarter and made a big fourth quarter rally, but it fell just short in the 27-21 loss. The test gets even bigger this week as it takes on a Carthage squad that holds the state’s longest winning streak in 11-man football at 29 games.

Carthage has been tested early in the year as well, but the Bulldogs have come out on the right side of things thus far, last week they knocked off Class 5A Marshall 35-32 in a deep East Texas grudge match 37 years in the making (the teams hadn’t met since 1981 despite being 30 miles apart). The Bulldogs struggled to run the ball against the Marshall defense, but QB Gunner Capps had a big night throwing for 304 yards and three touchdowns to propel Carthage to a hard fought win. Expect Carthage to have more success on the ground this week as it’ll put an emphasis on the ground game this week after its struggles a week ago and Gilmer’s young defensive line may not matchup well with the big and physical Carthage offensive line.
Stepp’s Pick: Carthage by 15

Bellville (3-0) at Sealy (3-0):
A couple of old rivals who are just 14 miles apart in Austin County meet up for their annual grudge match and it should be a great one as both teams are off to tremendous starts to the season. Bellville’s defense early on has been one of the best in the state as the Brahmas have allowed just 28 points in three games, however the offense has yet to find its rhythm. Last week BHS won a slugfest knocking off Stafford 7-6, as James Wiley scored the game’s lone touchdown and ran for 110 yards to give Bellville the margin of victory. Bellville’s defense was stifling holding Stafford to just 196 yards of offense and only eight first downs.

Sealy’s offense got off to a hot start last week as the Tigers jumped out to a 22-0 lead in the first quarter and rolled to a 36-23 win over 5A Waller last week. QB Garrett Zaskoda threw for 196 yards and two touchdowns to pace a very balanced Tigers offense. Unless Bellville’s offense breaks out, the Brahmas’ defense may be hard pressed to hold up against a Sealy attack that will be the best offense they’ve seen early in the year.
Stepp’s Pick: Sealy by 14

Gladewater (3-0) at Texarkana Pleasant Grove (3-0):
Surprising Gladwater will have a chance for a major statewide statement this week as it travels up to Texarkana to take on former district rival and defending state champion Texarkana Pleasant Grove. The Bears rolled past Center 46-22 as RB Eligia Carter for the third straight week topped the 200-yard mark on the ground. This time he ran for 252 yards and a pair of touchdowns to pace the Bears’ attack.

Pleasant Grove, who has won 19 straight games, got another test last week but took care of Atlanta 49-35 last week. The Hawks were led by junior QB Ben Harmon who threw for three touchdowns and ran for two others in the win as PGHS accounted for 547 yards of offense. The Pleasant Grove defense has been a bit up and down early. They’ve shown signs of being the dominant unit they were a year ago, but also stumbled at times as well. Gladewater’s physical style of offense plays right into the Hawks defensive weakness, so it’ll be interesting to see if the Hawks can adjust.
Stepp’s Pick: Texarkana Pleasant Grove by 10

Photo by Russell Wilburn

Giddings (3-0) at Cameron Yoe (2-0):
Unbeaten Giddings took care of business last week knocking off Taylor in a sloppy but effective 24-14 victory. The Buffaloes who were fresh off a 50-point thrashing of Wimberley possibly were looking past the Ducks who typically are very dangerous, and it almost came back to bite first year head coach Wade Griffin’s squad. After a bye week, Cameron Yoe showed a few signs of rush in the first half of their 41-21 win over Gatesville, but got the offense cranked up in the second half outscoring Gatesville 34-7 in the final two quarters. Yoe will look to speed the tempo up in this game and try to keep that physical Giddings offense off the field. If the Giddings defense can control the pace of this one, expect it to wear down a smallish Cameron Yoe defense with that big offensive line and multiple backs.
Stepp’s Pick: Giddings by 11

Marion (2-1) at Hondo (2-1):
Marion bounced back nicely from its loss to Class 4A Geronimo Navarro in Week 2 with a 29-22 win over Blanco. The Bulldogs rolled up 500 yards of offense and if you ask head coach Ryne Miller, he probably thinks his team should have put more points up. The Bulldogs had a big night from QB Tayler Mills who accounted for 461 yards of offense and four touchdowns to lead the Marion attack.

Hondo, after its hot start to the season, lost to its Highway 90 rivals from Medina Valley in a big way dropping a 41-11 decision. The Owls will have their hands full with what has been one of the more dynamic offensive attacks in Class 3A in South Texas. Look for Marion to win in a shootout.
Stepp’s Pick: Marion by 8

Breckenridge (2-1) at Brock (2-1):
A year ago in district play in Week 11, upstart Breckenridge stunned heavily favored Brock to close the regular season out. It became a turning point for Brock, who rattled off five straight wins as the Eagles advanced all the way to the state title game. Breckenridge on the other hand, failed to take advantage of that momentum as the Buckaroos fell in the first round of the playoffs.

Both teams come into this one reeling a bit as Breckenridge had no answers last week in a 34-13 loss to Cisco. The Buckaroos turned the ball over four times and allowed Cisco to rush for over 300 yards in the loss. If they do that this week against a very physical Brock squad, it could get ugly. Brock not only has the sting of last year’s loss to Breckenridge on their mind, but also disappointment after a poor showing last week falling to Argyle Liberty Christian 21-0 in a game that was called at halftime. Expect Brock to come out quick and make a statement, Breckenridge’s best shot is to withstand the early storm and hope to hang on and pull an upset.
Stepp’s Pick: Brock by 19

McGregor (3-0) at Clifton (3-0):
The McGregor offense, led by QB VeAndre McDaniel, has been borderline unstoppable early in the season topping 48 points in all three games, including a season high of 60 points in a 60-23 rout of Rogers. The Bulldogs will face their biggest test of the season this week against a Clifton squad that loves to play physical and slow the tempo down.

Clifton also comes into this matchup unbeaten after the Cubs rolled past Maypearl 47-0. Clifton’s defense is among the state’s best early in the year allowing 14 points total in three games. Whoever controls the tempo wins this game, that edge goes to McGregor, Coach Judd Thrash has things rolling in Bulldog Country and that roll continues this week.
Stepp’s Pick: McGregor by 10

Edna (3-0) at East Bernard (3-0):
Edna is off to a blistering start to the season winning three straight games to open the season and all have been by at least a 21-point margin, including last week’s 42-3 rout of Brazosport. Javonte Seymore scored a pair of first-half touchdowns as Edna raced out to a 29-0 lead and cruised in the second half.

East Bernard hasn’t been real explosive on the offensive side of the ball as last week’s 20-0 win over Boling was the most points the Brahmas have scored in a game thus far. The defense however has been tremendous pitching two shutouts early on, but Edna’s offense has a major speed advantage and multiple playmakers. Look for the Cowboys to break some big plays and put East Bernard behind the curve and out of its comfort zone.
Stepp’s Pick: Edna by 9

Wellington (3-0) at Stinnett West Texas (2-1):
The high-profile matchups for Wellington keep coming and at least early on the Skyrockets have been more than up to the task. Last week, WHS rolled past 3A Abernathy 28-6 as RB Arturo Tellez was outstanding rushing for 92 yards and three scores and chipping in 78 receiving yards as well. RB Seven Wilbur was a terror on both sides of the ball, rushing for 97 yards and adding 13 tackles and a sack on defense.

West Texas High earned a big win over Gruver last week 34-29. The Comanches rallied from an 11-point fourth quarter deficit as QB Avian Cruz led the offense throwing a pair of touchdown passes and running for another score. A pick-six by DB Jarren Adams is what sparked the rally with 10 minutes left. His interception return cut the lead to 23-20 and set WTHS on the comeback trail. West Texas High has been an excellent story in the panhandle, considering its best player transferred this summer but Wellington has the look of a 2A juggernaut that could be playing in Arlington in December.
Stepp’s Pick: Wellington by 15

Archer City (2-0) at Olney (2-1):
After falling behind 14-0 in the first half, the Archer City defense stepped up in a major way with four second-half interceptions including two returned for touchdowns as the Wildcats knocked off Pantego Christian 25-14. The Wildcats this week will take on one of the state’s most pleasant surprises in Olney who came into the season with a 22-game losing streak, but under new head coach Jody Guy, the Cubs have won two of their first three games. The Cubs’ offense couldn’t get on track last week in a 21-0 loss to Electra and the task could be similarly tough this week against an Archer City squad that is one of the more improved teams in the Wichita Falls area.
Stepp’s Pick: Archer City by 18

Quick Picks

Snyder (3-0) at Andrews (2-1)
Stepp’s Pick: Andrews by 6

Evadale (2-0) at Deweyville (2-1)
Stepp’s Pick: Evadale by 17

Corrigan-Camden (3-0) at Joaquin (3-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Joaquin by 3

Laredo United (1-2) at San Benito (2-1)
Stepp’s Pick: San Benito by 11

Snook (3-0) at San Saba (3-0)
Stepp’s Pick: San Saba by 21

West Orange-Stark (1-2) at Crosby (2-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Crosby by 9

This article is available to our Digital Subscribers.
Click "Subscribe Now" to see a list of subscription offers.
Already a Subscriber? Sign In to access this content.

Sign In
Don't Miss Any Exclusive Coverage!

We've been the Bible of Texas football fans for 64 years. By joining the DCTF family you'll gain access to all of our exclusive content and have our magazines mailed to you!