WEEK 5 PREVIEW: Breaking down the biggest games in Texas high school football

Photo by Russell Wilburn

Share or Save for Later

Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Save to Favorites

Refugio (3-1) at Mart (3-1):
It’s a rematch of last year’s 2A Division I state championship game as Refugio travels up to Central Texas to try and avenge its loss to Mart in the title game a year ago. After a couple of weeks of struggling on the offensive side of the ball, Refugio got things rolling on offense in a big way blasting past Hebbronville 58-14.  The Bobcats have to try and find a way to consistently move the football against the speed of the Mart defense which gave them such trouble last year in the state title game. Mart’s defense isn’t quite as good in the front seven so it’ll be interesting to see how Refugio attacks the Panthers.

Mart bounced back from its loss to Franklin two weeks ago with a dominant 52-21 win over Reisel. The Panthers scored 30 first quarter points and never looked back in the win. The Panthers still have one of the state’s top running back duos in Tyrek Horn and Shatydrick Bailey and those two are game changers at the Class 2A level. With this game being in Mart, give the edge to Panthers in a close one.
Stepp’s Pick: Mart by 4

Midland Lee (3-1) at San Benito (2-2):
It’s a week full of odd matchups as the Little Southwest Conference matches up with the lower Rio Grande Valley Class 6A district and these two districts are the only six-team districts in all of Class 6A. Midland Lee rolled past El Paso Eastwood last week 57-14 as the Rebels rolled up 457 yards rushing on the night in what was an emotional win after the death last week of a classmate Essence Glover who was a member of the girls basketball team. The Rebels have a new challenge this week as they take a very long road trip down to the Valley where they will encounter a tough environment visiting San Benito.

The Greyhounds are fresh off a disappointing home loss to Laredo United 23-10 as the Greyhounds after jumping out to a quick 7-0 lead struggled with a number of penalties and were unable to get their offense on track. Expect San Benito to come out swinging at home, but Midland Lee’s elite skill players will be too much of a matchup problem for the ‘Hounds.
Stepp’s Pick: Midland Lee by 20

Longview (4-0) at Rockwall (3-1):
The District 11-6A title may be decided in the first week of district play as powerful Longview heads west to visit a Rockwall squad that’s been putting up eye-popping numbers. Longview went out of state last week and knocked off a good Ruston, LA squad 56-28 as the Lobos offense rolled up 661 yards of offense, including 354 passing yards and five touchdowns from QB Haynes King. The Lobo defense struggled at times to get stops and get off the field on third down and that is not great news against one of DFW’s top offenses in Rockwall.

The ‘Jackets rolled past Arlington Martin,73-32, behind 262 yards passing and three touchdowns from Minnesota commit QB Jacob Clark. Rockwall’s defense hasn’t been great either, so expect this game to feature a ton of points. Both offenses have elite QB’s and playmakers at the skill spots and are above average up front. This game will come down to which defense can rise to the occasion and get a few stops and at this stage, I trust the Longview defense a bit more than the Rockwall defensive unit.
Stepp’s Pick: Longview by 6

Katy Seven Lakes (3-1) vs. Katy Tompkins (4-0):
District play gets started in Katy ISD with two teams that had a good amount of success in non-district matching up in a game that could be key for future playoff positioning. Katy Seven Lakes got two rushing touchdowns from QB John Harrington and also had an interception return for a touchdown that spurred the Spartans on in an impressive 30-13 win over a good Houston Heights squad.

Unbeaten Katy Tompkins has been one of Houston’s pleasant surprises early on as the Falcons have rolled to four straight wins all by 17 points or more. Last week, THS ran past Clear Creek 38-7 as QB Jalen Milroy threw for 191 yards and a touchdown and ran for another score, while versatile R.J. Smith ran for a score and had a touchdown reception. We’ve been touting Tompkins early on and this has the looks of a team that’s going to be a real contender for a playoff spot and they begin that playoff push with a slight upset of Seven Lakes.
Stepp’s Pick: Katy Tompkins by 4

El Paso Pebble Hills (3-1) at El Paso Eastlake (2-2):

Photo by Clayton Boling


Two of El Paso’s newest programs are also two of the better programs and meet up for bragging rights on the far east end of town. Pebble Hills took a long road trip to San Angelo and nearly stunned the Bobcats on their home field losing 31-20. QB Sebastian Ochoa led the way in the loss throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for another. Eastlake is also coming off a loss as the Falcons were completely stymied by El Paso Coronado in a 31-0 loss.

The usually high-powered Eastlake attack couldn’t get off the ground and the defense simply wore down late. Pebble Hills looks to have firmly established itself as the top team in the Sun City and last week’s loss hasn’t done anything to diminish that. Expect the Spartans to roll.
Stepp’s Pick: El Paso Pebble Hills by 27

San Antonio Stevens (2-2, 1-2) vs. San Antonio Warren (3-1, 2-1):
After an upset loss to San Antonio Marshall last week, San Antonio Stevens is nearly facing a must a win situation this week against a much improved to San Antonio Warren squad. The Falcon offense didn't get untracked last week in a 14-9 loss to Marshall and the defense that pitched a shutout for the first three and a half quarters was unable to hold on down the stretch, allowing two MHS touchdowns in the final 5:58 of the game which proved to be the difference.

Warren improved to 2-1 in district play on Saturday night rolling past San Antonio Holmes as RB Samuel Stanford had 187 yards of total offense and had a touchdown run and touchdown reception to pace the Warriors attack. Once again Warren’s defense, which is considered one of the best in the Alamo City, put together a strong effort as well, in three of its four wins it's allowed just one offensive touchdown. Expect a low scoring slugfest, but the Warriors get the edge as they are a bit more well rounded a team.
Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Warren by 11

Brownsville Hanna (2-1) vs. Amarillo Tascosa (3-1):
It’s another cross regional matchup as two schools located 782 miles apart hook up in a neutral site clash Saturday morning in San Antonio. Hann after having its Week 3 game cancelled, started out a little slow in the win over Mission Sharyland but got it together down the stretch to get a 28-23 win. Ernest Mendoza’s eight-yard touchdown reception with 1:08 left in the game proved to be the difference for the Golden Eagles in the win.

Amarillo Tascosa got a big test at home, but escaped El Paso Americas 48-42 as RB King Doerue showed he’s not only an outstanding runner (92 yards rushing, one touchdown) but that he’s a weapon in the passing game hauling in two touchdown passes as well. Both teams love running the ball and playing a physical style. Tascosa’s a bit bigger and a bit faster and that should enable the team to wear the Golden Eagles down.
Stepp’s Pick: Amarillo Tascosa by 17

Magnolia West (2-1) at Tomball (2-1):
After a week off last week, District 8-5A Division I gets going with a key early matchup that could determine one of the final two playoff spots in the district. Magnolia West closed out non-district with an eye opening 43-39 win over Richmond Foster, as the Mustangs defense recovered six Foster fumbles and QB John Matocha threw for 276 yards and two touchdowns and ran for three other touchdowns in the Mustangs upset win.

Tomball also pulled a bit of an upset last week as they defeated Port Neches-Groves two Saturday’s ago 31-21. The key for Tomball was the fourth quarter when it outscored Port Neches-Groves 17-0 in the fourth quarter for the comeback win. RB Ja’Kobi Holland and WR Jayris Smith are outstanding playmakers for the Cougars and can present some matchup problems for opposing defenses. Look for a bunch of points in this one. Both offenses have been potent all year so it’ll come down to which defense can either get stops or force some turnovers.
Stepp’s Pick: Magnolia West by 5

Georgetown (3-0) at Stephenville (2-2):

Photo by Gary Sanderson

Georgetown makes its second trip out to the Big Country during the non-district slate as the Eagles visit newly remodeled Tarleton Memorial Stadium. The Eagles had the week off last week after knocking off Class 6A South San Antonio 45-25 at home. As the Eagles' passing game took flight, they led 45-12 at the end of three quarters before taking their foot off the gas in the fourth.

Stephenville has two losses on the year, but both are hard-fought losses to top five teams in Class 4A Division I. Last week the ‘Jackets fell in a heartbreaker 26-21 to Midlothian Heritage. Stephenville had a 72-yard fumble return with 3:21 left in the game to take a 21-20 lead, but the defense allowed a long touchdown pass with just over two minutes left that ended Stephenville’s hopes for the big win. Stephenville was unable to get the running game going last week and can’t afford to lean solely on the passing a game against an athletic and big Georgetown bunch. I expect Stephenville to keep this one close at home, but Georgetown wears the Yellow Jackets down, much like it did to Abilene Wylie in the season opener.
Stepp’s Pick: Georgetown by 10

Laredo Martin (2-2) at Eagle Pass Winn (3-1):
Laredo Martin is one of the most improved teams in the city and played Class 6A Laredo Alexander close last week in a 24-19 defeat. RB Jose Castaneda led the way for the Tigers and ran for three touchdowns, including a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns to nearly lead Martin to a comeback win. MHS trailed 24-7 in the fourth quarter but nearly made a big comeback.

Eagle Pas Winn went north and shutout Pearsall 21-0, spoiling the Mavericks' homecoming. Winn’s defense has been outstanding early in the year, especially against the run and that’s what Laredo Martin relies on heavily to move the football. That’s a tough matchup for the Tigers, so look for Winn to improve to 4-1 as they head into district play.
Stepp’s Pick: Eagle Pass by 13

Photo by Charles Wilson

Huntsville (2-1) at College Station A&M Consolidated (3-0):
It’s the second straight game against a College Station ISD opponent for the Huntsville Hornets, who two weeks ago fell to College Station High to close out the non-district slate. Huntsville’s offense in that loss to College Station couldn’t get the offense going in a 20-7 defeat. It'll have to find a way to generate some offense against an A&M Consolidated attack that’s one of the most potent in the state.

Last week the Tigers drilled Leander Rouse 42-9 as QB Caden Fedora tossed four first half touchdowns in the first half. WRs Brian Darby Devin Price each hauled in a pair of touchdowns as AMC led 28-6 at halftime and cruised in the second half. The key to A&M Consolidated’s hot start has been the defense which in three games has allowed just 16 points.
Stepp’s Pick: College Station A&M Consolidated by 15

Gregory-Portland (3-0) at Port Lavaca Calhoun (2-1):
One of the pleasant surprises on the Coastal Bend has been the Wildcats who are off to a strong 3-0 start after closing out non-district play with a comeback win over Bay City two weeks ago. The Wildcat defense gets one of the toughest tests in the state as they try to slow down the riddle that is the Slot-T offense of the Port Lavaca Calhoun Sandcrabs.

Calhoun chruns out the yardage and the points in this attack and keeps its defense off the field, which enables the team to be fresh and play aggressive. That offensive style is really tough to get ready for and even though Gregory-Portland has had an extra week to prepare for this district opening game. The Sandcrabs attack will control the pace and win what I expect to be a high scoring game.
Stepp’s Pick: Port Lavaca Calhoun by 6

Melissa (3-1) at Paris (2-1):
Melissa takes the 90 mile trip northeast to visit Paris in a district opening game that should feature plenty of fireworks. Melissa dropped a close one to Trinity Christian-Cedar Hill last week 26-19 as the Cardinals allowed a TC-CH touchdown with less than a minute remaining. QB Brendon Lewis wasn’t able to get the passing game untracked in the rain and against a tough defense, he and TCU commit WR Kennedy Lewis should be able to get things going this week against Paris who has talent in the secondary but hasn’t put it together. The Wildcats after dropping the season opener have back to back wins over Gilmer and Mount Pleasant and are playing well. The Wildcats were dominant in a 41-7 win over Class 5A Mount Pleasant last week, but the Melissa offense will be a massive test. Paris will put some points up, but Melissa’s too balanced and will win what could be a game that sees well over 90 points scored between the two teams.
Stepp’s Pick: Melissa by 12

Gilmer (2-2) at Newton (3-0): Friday night for the Gilmer Buckeyes can only be described in one word; “disaster.” The Buckeyes were blitzed by Carthage 66-14 last week and it was a complete loss in all three phases. Gilmer couldn’t get stops, it allowed a kickoff return for a touchdown, a blocked punt for a touchdown and were held to just 153 yards of offense. The Buckeyes will need a total turnaround this week as they head south into Newton to take on the top team in 3A Division II Newton, who has had two weeks off after knocking off West Orange-Stark two weeks ago.

The headliners for the Eagles is their trio of TCU commits in QB Josh Foster, RB Darwin Barlow and ATH Tamauzia Brown, but it’s the Eagle defense, particularly the front seven that has really separated this team and puts them at an elite level. I expect a much better effort from Gilmer this week, but Newton’s on an elite level and the defense is too physical and its offensive playmakers create major matchup problems for Gilmer.
Stepp’s Pick: Newton by 16

Photo by Jessica Payne

Fairfield (4-0) at Lorena (4-0):
Two teams ranked in the Top 10 of the ever-changing DCTF Class 4A Division II poll meet up in a district opener that could determine a district title and have impacts on the playoff bracket come November. Fairfield spoiled Palestine’s homecoming last week with a 17-14 win as with less than five minutes remaining DB Jar-Mychael Hudson had a 64-yard interception return for a touchdown to keep the Eagles unbeaten. Fairfield’s defense will face its biggest test of the young season and try to slow down a balanced and dynamic Lorena offensive attack.

Lorena rolled past Teague 42-7 a week ago behind RB AJ Bell who ran for 202 yards and four touchdowns while Lorena’s defense did an excellent job containing an explosive Teague offense and got into the act as well, scoring a defensive touchdown in the victory. On paper, this looks to be a very evenly matched game, the key for Lorena will be containing Fairfield’s big plays and forcing the Eagles to drive the length of the field. We’ll give the slight edge to Lorena who is at home in this real pick’em type matchup.
Stepp’s Pick: Lorena by 2

Shallowater (4-0) at Brownfield (3-1):
Surprising Brownfield, under first-year head coach Duane Toliver will host Shallowater in one of the premier matchups this week on the South Plains. Despite the two towns not being that far apart from each other, this is still a non-district game but it gives some insight into the potential regional pecking order once the post-season comes around.

Shallowater’s offense exploded last week in a 49-21 win over Dalhart as QB Cutter Sparks tossed five touchdown passes to lead the Mustangs who had nearly 500 yards of total offense in the victory. Brownfield rolled past a struggling Muleshoe squad 39-0 as RB Chili Morin ran for 139 yards and a pair of touchdowns to pace a balanced Cubs offensive attack. Brownfield has the skill talent to matchup with Shallowater, but the Mustangs' depth and size in the trenches will be the difference.
Stepp’s Pick: Shallowater by 14

Orangefield (3-0) at Buna (3-0):
District play gets started in the Golden Triangle’s Class 3A Division I district as unbeaten Orangefield visits unbeaten Buna in a game that could have implications on the district title race. Orangefield and its Slot-T offense has been dominant early on, winning the three games by a combined 122-7 score, including a 20-7 win over Class 4A Shepherd two weeks ago.

Buna also had last week off after winning a 40-32 shootout over Coldspring two weeks ago. The Cougar offense over the last two weeks have gotten things in order. The Wing-T attack has some dangerous speed at the skill positions. This will be a quick game, don’t blink because you might miss it. The edge here goes to Orangefield, the team is a bit deeper in the trenches and have played lights out defense early in the season.
Stepp’s Pick: Orangefield by 8

Shiner (4-0) at Goliad (4-0):
Just a few weeks removed from rolling past Class 2A Division I powerhouse Refugio, Goliad has a crack at another power in the area from the 2A level in undefeated Shiner. Shiner kept its record perfect with an easy 48-6 win over Tidehaven last week. The Comanches were led by junior RB Donyai Taylor who ran for 221 yards and four touchdowns as SHS the past two weeks is averaging well over 50 points per game. The offense in the first two games only scored a total of 35 points, so there’s no question Steven Cerny’s offense has found its footing. They’ll need that offense and then some this week taking on powerful Goliad who is a consensus top five team in all of Class 3A.

Goliad knocked off a good 4A opponent in Rockport-Fulton last week 20-8. The Tiger offense wasn’t as crisp as they’d like but the Tigers defense was more than up to the task only allowing a single touchdown in the final frame. Goliad has a few too many weapons for Shiner and will be able to control things up front against a Shiner team that’s used to being the bully up front.
Stepp’s Pick: Goliad by 13

Ballinger (2-1) at Cisco (2-0):
District 4-3A Division II features eight teams so district play gets going this week after both teams had a bye week. Ballinger has been one of the pleasant surprises out in West Texas early on as the Bearcats had an impressive showing in a 42-34 loss to powerful Colorado City two weeks ago. The Ballinger offense was outstanding in the win but after digging themselves a big hole early on the defense couldn’t get the key stops down the stretch.

Cisco has only played once in the past three weeks as its Week 2 game got cancelled, but the Loboes didn’t show any rust in their last outing with a dominant 34-13 win over Breckenridge. In the win, Cisco had four different players top 65 yards rushing and the defense forced four turnovers. It’s a committee approach to running the football for Cisco and when the Loboes have an elite team, they usually come at you in waves. This has the makings of an elite Cisco squad that could be a real darkhorse in 3A Division II. Look for CHS to make a statement this week.
Stepp’s Pick: Cisco by 20

Valley View (2-2) at Muenster (4-0):
Big things were expected from the Eagles this season and after two losses to private school programs in Week 2 and 3, there were some doubts. But VVHS got things back on track last week with a solid 34-14 win over Class 3A Nocona. The Eagles were shut out in the first half, but 34 second half points including a couple of big plays from QB Cale Kassen propelled the Eagles to the big win. They’ll look to take down defending state champion Muenster who comes into this matchup with a 20-game winning streak.

The Hornets had no trouble with 11-man football newcomer Campbell beating the Indians 45-0 last Thursday night in Commerce. There’s a lot of familiarity between these two programs as they are less than 25 miles apart and most of the players from both teams know each other. I’m putting this game on upset watch because Valley View has enough talent to push the Hornets and they won’t be intimidated in the least, but Muenster has a couple more playmakers than Valley View and that proves to be the difference down the stretch.
Stepp’s Pick: Muenster by 10

Quick Picks

Boerne Champion (2-2) at Castroville Medina Valley  (3-1)
Stepp’s Pick: Boerne Champion by 10

Winters (4-0) at Christoval (3-1)
Stepp’s Pick: Winters by 7

Seymour (4-0) at Collinsville (3-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Seymour by 13

Waco LaVega (2-2) at Midlothian Heritage (4-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Waco LaVega by 1

Leman Saunders' Six-Man Preview

Each week, six-man insider Leman Saunders will highlight the must-see action in Class 1A. Get in touch with him on Twitter @lemansaunders.

Milford (3-0) at Strawn (3-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday
These two teams squared off last year in a Division II semifinal, with Strawn pulling away for a 101-71 win. Strawn reenergized itself last week with a huge mercy rule win over defending Division I champion Borden County, 50-0 at half. Milford is perhaps a stronger, more well-rounded team than they were a year ago. Both have their share of playmakers — Julian Fraga, Carlos Villanueva and Tanner Hodgkins for Strawn; Taron Smith (perhaps the best player in 1A), Ricky Pendleton and Corbin Schrotke for Milford. Expect a tight game, but Strawn’s kicking game may be the difference.
Leman’s pick: Strawn by 2

Calvert (3-0) at Oakwood (3-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday
A huge game out east. Last year, Oakwood bounced Calvert of the playoffs with an upset 54-50 win in the first round. Both teams lost a few key players to graduation, but expect this game to be just as exciting. Oakwood is the consensus No. 3 team in Division II Jerimiah Sargent, Key Davis and Garett Bean doing most of the heavy lifting. Calvert, themselves a top 5 team, has playmakers themselves in James Green and Matt Steamer. Look for Oakwood to build off last year playoff win and use their loss to Milford earlier this season as driving factors here.
Leman’s pick: Oakwood by 6

White Deer (4-0) vs. Borden County (3-1), 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Lockney
Borden County is licking its wounds a little after suffering a 50-0 thrashing at the hands of Strawn, while White Deer is rolling, having just cracked Texas Football’s Top 10. For Borden County, it’s all about how healthy they are; for White Deer, it’s about letting playmakers like RBs Kason Virgil and Gage Freeman make plays. White Deer has a great chance, but it’s hard to pick against the Coyotes.
Leman’s pick: Borden County by 6

Patton Springs (2-1) vs. Springlake-Earth JV – 7 p.m. Thursday at Crosbyton
Patton Springs has nine to 10 players out for football this season, and after Loop canceled its game this week, the Rangers replaced them with Springlake-Earth’s junior varsity team. Why spotlight a JV contest? Springlake’s JV has played two 8-man football games — that’s right: 8-man! — beating Ralls’ JV both times. This game will be split: half under 6-man rules, and half under 8-man rules. This will be Springlake’s first attempt at six-man, and the rules may affect them here. What a spectacle.
Leman’s pick: Patton Springs by 10

Quick Picks

Blackwell over Hermleigh

Blanket over Gordon

Valley over Groom

Highland over Robert Lee

Motley County over Paducah

May over Zephyr

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!