Euless Trinity (4-0, 1-0) at San Angelo Central (4-1, 1-0):
The unbeaten Trojans take a long trip down to the Concho Valley this week to take on pre-season 3-6A co-favorite San Angelo Central. Trinity had no trouble last Thursday beating arch-rival Hurst Bell for the 21st straight time 40-13. THS scored on its first five drives as RB Brandon Theus ran for 195 yards and two touchdowns, while QB Laki Ellis accounted for three total touchdowns. Trinity’s physical defense continues to set the tone as well and will have laser focus this week on San Angelo sophomore QB Malachai Brown. Brown accounted for all four Bobcats touchdowns in a much closer than anticipated 26-21 win over Weatherford.

Central has been decimated this season by injuries not only at the QB position (Texas Tech commit Maverick McIvor in Week 3); but the entire offense has been hit hard with the injury bug. That’s not a good recipe this week against one of the state’s most physical teams. The game being at Bobcat Stadium will give San Angelo a boost and a big home crowd is expected, but a good defense and running game travels well and that’s the formula for success with Trinity.
Stepp’s Pick: Euless Trinity by 16

Coppell (3-1, 1-0) at Lewisville Hebron (3-1, 1-0):
District play opened up last week for both teams and for district-favorite Coppell, it definitely wasn’t a performance most expected as the heavily-favored Cowboys struggled with Irving MacArthur. CHS needed a 25-yard touchdown run from Ryan Hirt with 1:29 left in the game to escape MacArthur’s upset bid in a 28-21 win. They can’t play that poorly this week and expect to get past a very good Hebron squad.

The Hawks were a big favorite over Irving Nimitz last week and held up their end of the bargain with a 40-21 victory. Oklahoma commit WR Trejan Bridges had a monster night as he had six catches for 104 yards and two touchdowns, he ran for 38 yards and a touchdown and he returned a punt 63 yards for a touchdown. The Hawks look to be a more explosive team overall, but Coppell has a big time star of its own in two-way playmaker Jonathan McGill. Expect him to shadow Bridges a lot to try and contain Hebron’s dynamic playmaker. Coppell’s defense and punishing rushing attack will be the key in what looks to be an absolute slugfest.
Stepp’s Pick: Coppell by 3

Belton (4-1, 3-0) at Temple (4-0, 2-0):
The District 12-6A title could be decided in Temple on Friday as longtime and often bitter rivals Belton and Temple hook up. After a slow start, Belton got going in the second half rolling past a game Killeen Shoemaker squad, 42-20. QB Connor Carothers finished with 312 yards passing and five touchdowns passing along with adding 52 yards and a score on the ground. Most of that damage was done in the final two frames as Belton led Shoemaker just 13-7 at the half.

Temple’s last game was also against Killeen Shoemaker as the Wildcats rolled two weeks ago against the Wolves with an easy 42-6 win. Temple had the week off last week and coming into this matchup, that in my view is a massive advantage. QB Jared Wiley is committed to Texas to play tight end, but he’s been outstanding leading the Wildcats offense which has one of the state’s most underrated receivers in Quinton Johnson. THS also has the running game going in the win with RB De’Jon Overton rushing for 196 yards and pair of touchdowns. If Temple can consistently get the running game going, it's going to be a handful for any team on the schedule.
Stepp’s Pick: Temple by 8

Cypress Falls (5-0, 3-0) vs. Cypress Fairbanks (4-0, 2-0):
Defending state champion Cy-Fair puts its 20-game winning streak on the line Thursday night as they hook up with unbeaten Cy Falls who is off to a flying 5-0 start. Cy Falls has rolled the past two weeks, winning its last two games by a combined 97-7 score, including last week’s easy 42-7 win over Houston Memorial. RB Koby Leavatts was massive for the Golden Eagles last week rushing for 129 yards and four touchdowns and he chipped in 65 receiving yards and a touchdown in the win. This week against one of the top defensive units in Houston, Cy Falls needs to open the offense up some, so if it wants to pull the upset, QB T.J. Goodwin has to have a big night to keep the Bobcats defense honest.

Cy Fair had last week off after it had an easy win over Houston Memorial, blasting the Mustangs, 49-0. Cy Fair’s defense held Memorial to just 71 yards of offense with an interception return for a touchdown and  punt return for a touchdown as well in the win. The Bobcats didn’t need much from their offense in the win as many of the starters played just a half, but make no mistake, RB L.J. Johnson and versatile WR/DB Christian Richmond will be needed for all four quarters in this old Cy-Fair ISD rivalry game. The difference in this one is Cy-Fair’s defense. The Bobcats rode that unit during this 20-game winning streak and they’ll again rise the occasion.
Stepp’s Pick: Cypress Fairbanks by 6

Laredo Nixon (4-1, 0-1) at Laredo Alexander (4-1, 1-0):
The top game in Laredo this week is a key 29-6A matchup as Laredo Nixon is staring potentially at an 0-2 start in district going against an Alexander Bulldog squad that many consider the favorite in the district. Last week Nixon’s rushing defense struggled in a 41-21 loss to Laredo United South, allowing 323 yards on the ground and after some early big plays the offense struggled in the game’s final three quarters.

Laredo Alexander’s defense was the story last week holding Laredo LBJ to just 26 yards of offense last week in an easy 38-0 win. First-year head coach Sergio Salinas has the Bulldogs playing at an extremely high level. Nixon’s Slot-T offense plays right into the strength of the Laredo Alexander defense, so expect another big defensive effort from the Bulldogs.
Stepp’s Pick: Laredo Alexander by 17

Hutto (4-0, 1-0) at Georgetown (3-1, 0-0):
Hutto’s explosive offense was certainly as-advertised last week as the Hippos opened up district play with an easy 78-14 rout of Pflugerville Connally last week. QB Chase Griffin was 18-of-19 passing for 405 yards and six touchdowns and he ran for another score as Hutto did what it wanted and when it wanted in the rout of a struggling Connally squad.

While Georgetown had one of the more surprising results of the week last week as the Eagles went to Stephenville and were soundly defeated, 48-8. The big stat from this game was Georgetown’s five turnovers which put the Eagles into a big hole and they were unable to find their footing in a hostile road environment. Expect a better effort this week. Georgetown will clean the turnover issue but Hutto’s offense right now is just hitting on such a high level it’ll be hard to see them getting slowed down in this one.
Stepp’s Pick: Hutto by 19

San Antonio Harlan (4-1, 1-0) at San Antonio Harlandale (3-1, 0-0):
Upstart San Antonio Harlan in its first varsity season is off to a flying start after opening district play last week with a big 41-7 win over San Antonio McCollum. RB Aubrey McDade had a huge night running for 213 yards and three touchdowns to pace a Hawks squad that simply dominated in their first ever varsity district game. Now Harlan can really put itself in the playoff discussion right off the bat if it can take down Harlandale who is coming off its bye week.

Harlandale had to lick a few wounds after suffering its first defeat of the year two weeks ago losing to Boerne, 34-7. QB Christopher Perez and WR Steven Ruiz are certainly a combo to watch and have combined for four touchdowns this year, while the Indians' defense, aside from struggling in the Boerne loss, has been solid. Harlandale will have a tough home environment for Harlan to deal with and I expect that senior leadership for the Indians to rise the occasion in what could be the game of the week in the Alamo City.
Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Harlandale by 2

Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial (4-0, 2-0) vs. Corpus Christi Ray (3-2, 2-1):
Veterans Memorial has had a week to emotionally recover after the big win over Corpus Christi Flour Bluff two weeks ago. The Eagles' versatile offense is one of the most explosive along the Coastal Bend, but make no mistake when a play is needed to be made, the team looks to David Soto. Soto can line up at just about any offensive skill position on the field and be incredibly dangerous. He’s a matchup nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators without a doubt.

VMHS will take on a squad in Ray who features maybe the top player in all of Corpus Christi in QB Brad Brackenridge. The three-year starter however was held in check in last week’s 28-13 loss to Corpus Christi Flour Bluff. The big key was a couple of red zone turnovers by the Texans that really tilted the game in favor of Flour Bluff. In order for Ray to pull the upset, the team can’t afford to turn the ball over and must convert in the red zone against an athletic Vets defensive unit. This one will be closer than many anticipate, but Veterans Memorial just has a bit too much offensive talent for a shaky Corpus Christi Ray defense.
Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial by 11

El Paso Andress (3-2, 1-0) at El Paso Burges (2-1, 0-0):
The 2-5A Division II title could be on the line this week as Andress visits surprising Burges in a Sun City showdown. Andress last week was tested early but pulled away down the stretch for a solid 30-12 win over a much-improved El Paso Austin squad. Burges, who has technically played four games, had its season opener with Parkland ended in the second half due to the stadium lights being out. The game was tied when the game was suspended.

The Mustangs had last week off after closing out the non-district slate with a hard fought 19-14 victory over Class 6A El Paso Socorro. The Mustang offense the last two weeks has had some struggles and that’s a bit concerning in lieu of this week’s game against an Andress attack that’s showing signs of breaking out.
Stepp’s Pick: El Paso Andress by 7

Hereford (4-1) at Andrews (4-1):
After dropping its season opener, Hereford has rattled off four straight impressive wins and has moved into the DCTF Class 4A Division I top ten poll. The Whitefaces defense was again outstanding last week and blasted past Class 5A Plainview 37-0 behind a stout defensive effort, while the offense is showing plenty of balance with QB Dodge Delozier and RB Seth Dixon leading the way.

The Herd’s defense gets their biggest test of the year this week as they visit Andrews who has one of the state’s most prolific offensive attacks. The Mustangs are averaging nearly 50 points per game after last week’s 72-11 pummeling of Clint Mountain View, the defense which struggled early on has really started to find their groove of late as well. Expect a shootout, with the edge going to Andrews at home.
Stepp’s Pick: Andrews by 3

Texarkana Pleasant Grove (4-1) at Carthage (4-0): 
It’s a much-anticipated matchup of the defending Class 4A state champions as Carthage puts its 30-game winning streak on the line at home against a Pleasant Grove squad that’s won 20 of its last 21 games. The Bulldogs had last week off after they ripped past Gilmer 66-14 two weeks ago. The Carthage offense is as balanced as ever with plenty of playmakers and the defense is improving each and every week.

While Pleasant Grove responded nicely to its surprising loss to Gladewater two weeks ago, the Hawks rolled past Tyler Chapel Hill 49-0 as QB Ben Harmon had a big night throwing for 236 yards and two touchdowns as the Hawks scored 21 first quarter points and never looked back. The Hawk defense, which was so good a year ago, has struggled against teams who like to run the ball and Carthage loves to do nothing more than pound you with that big offensive line and then hit you over the top with play-action. Expect the Hawks to put up a fight at home, but Carthage makes it 31 in a row this week.
Stepp’s Pick: Carthage by 13

Rio Hondo (5-0) at LaFeria (5-0):
The top two small school teams will meet up in LaFeria Friday night in a game that will have a playoff atmosphere and will certainly be a big measuring stick as both look for playoff runs in respective divisions. Rio Hondo knocked off Rio Grande City Grulla 55-42 last week led by QB Josiah Ortega who accounted for 484 yards of total offense and seven touchdowns in the Bobcats big win. The offense will be tested in a big way this week as the LaFeria defense is downright nasty!

The Lions are allowing just over eight points per game and are led by a big and quick defensive line that loves to get after the QB. LaFeria’s offense hasn’t been quite as dynamic but led by versatile QB Dorian Hernandez punishing RB Avishai Dickerson, they've made plays at key moments the last two weeks in hard fought victories. This game comes down to tempo, whichever team can dictate the terms will likely come out on top. Rio Hondo wants a fast paced game into the 40’s while LaFeria will be content keeping the score in the 20’s.
Stepp’s Pick: Rio Hondo by 8

Fort Stockton (5-0, 1-0) at Snyder (3-1, 0-0):
Two of the real surprises out in West Texas meet up in a key District 1-3A Division II game that has a ton of playoff implications on the line. Unbeaten Fort Stockton opened up district play last week with a 31-18 win over Pecos and QB Nick Johnson led the way for the Panthers as he had a hand in all four touchdowns, rushing for two and throwing for two others. There’s no question FSHS has its biggest test of the year this week as it heads up to Snyder to take on a Tigers squad that’s had two weeks to stew over their first defeat of the year two weeks ago to Andrews.

QB Logan Greene and two-way player RB/LB J.J. Burns have been key in a Snyder resurgence in its first year dropping to Division II. Snyder’s very much battle-tested going primarily against larger schools in non-district play, while Fort Stockton’s non-district slate was noticeably weaker. Expect Snyder to open district play with a major statement victory.
Stepp’s Pick: Snyder by 16

West Orange-Stark (2-3) at Jasper (5-0):
This is one of those games that even though Jasper has the better record and is ranked above West Orange-Stark, I’m not sure I feel great about the Bulldogs' chances in this one. Jasper and WOS are old rivals and back in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s these two teams had some absolute slugfests. It’s clear this is not the West Orange-Stark team that’s played for the state title in four straight years, but its three losses are hardly anything to be ashamed of. The defense is still very strong and will be a major test to a Jasper offense that’s scored 31 or more points in all five games. The first quarter or so will be huge in this showdown, if Jasper can withstand the early charge from WOS and manage some jitters they could pull this one out late, but WOS has played the tougher schedule and been in the big moments. I’m taking the Mustangs in what the polls say would be a mild upset.
Stepp’s Pick: West Orange-Stark by 2

Whitesboro (4-1, 1-0) at Pilot Point (3-2, 0-1):
After a strong start to the season, Pilot Point could be staring an 0-2 start to district play and host a very strong Whitesboro squad. Last week, Whitesboro took care of Paradise in dominant fashion rolling to a 60-26 win. QB Scout Sanders was again sensational in leading the WHS attack throwing for 275 yards and four touchdowns, while adding 72 yards on the ground and two scores.

Pilot Point had no answers for Brock’s physical rushing attack last week in a 49-18 defeat. The matchup with Whitesboro this week gives PPHS a better shot at an upset as Whitesboro won’t present the matchup problems in the trenches on both sides of the ball that Brock presents. This one will be a close one, it’s an old rivalry on Highway 377 and the intensity gets ramped up for this one but Whitesboro’s a bit too dynamic this year.
Stepp’s Pick: Whitesboro by 14

West Rusk (5-0, 1-0) at Gladewater (5-0, 1-0):
It’s a big time Class 3A showdown in East Texas as two of the favorites in Region II hook up in a possible playoff preview. West Rusk has adjusted to the move up from Class 3A Division II quite well winning its first five games. Last week the team rolled past Mineola 42-21 behind two-way star L.J. Harper who ran for two scores, threw for a score and intercepted a pass on defense. RB Tyrell Moore chipped in 171 yards on the ground and two scores as the Raiders controlled Mineola for the entire game.

Gladewater’s been a revelation in 3A Division I after dropping from Class 4A in realignment. The Bears' rushing attack led by Eligia Carter has been one of the best in the state in the first half of the season and that pace continued a week ago as Carter ran for a pair of scores in a 39-6 win over Winnsboro. However, what’s separated the Bears early in the year has been their ability to hit big plays in the passing game with WR T.C. Minter (he hauled in two more touchdown passes last week) and a defense that has had a knack for big turnovers. That defense this week is the difference, Gladewater should have an edge in the trenches over West Rusk, so look for the Bears to wear down the Raiders in the second half.
Stepp’s Pick: Gladewater by 9

Muenster (5-0) at Childress (4-0):
Muenster puts its 21-game winning streak on the line this week and visits Fair Park Stadium to take on Class 3A Division II power Childress who has aspirations of a state title in 2018. Last week Muenster rolled past a good 2A Division I team in Valley View 37-6 behind a stellar defensive effort. Valley View’s only score came off an interception return for a touchdown. QB Parker McGrew led a balance offensive attack from the Hornets as he ran for a score and threw for another touchdown as five different Hornets found the end zone.

Childress has one of the state’s most dynamic signal callers in QB Luke Latimer who continues to carve up opposing defenses in the panhandle, last week the Bobcats were idle after spoiling Eastland’s homecoming in a 35-7 win two weeks ago. Muenster has taken on and beaten much larger schools in the past, but this Childress bunch may be just a bit too strong. The Bobcats' offense is loaded and the defense led by LB Isaiah Darter and DB Stephon Harris is a big play waiting to happen as well.
Stepp’s Pick: Childress by 12`

Shiner (5-0) at Lexington (3-1):
Can Shiner for the second week in a row go on the road and knock off a top five Class 3A opponent? The Comanches on the strength of a sensational defensive effort and a big night from RB Donyai Taylor stunned 3A Division I power Goliad 21-20 last week. Taylor, whose 49 touchdown catch gave SHS the winning margin, finished with 254 yards of total offense and all three Shiner touchdowns.

Lexington didn’t show any signs of rust after an unexpected off week due to its game against Hearne getting cancelled. The Eagles escaped Class 4A Caldwell 42-27 as Ja’Kobe Cooper ran for 185 yards and two touchdowns, but the big key was that the Eagles got the passing game going as freshman QB Sheldon Springer threw for 329 yards and three touchdowns. If Lexington can get that kind of balance, the Eagles are a legitimate state title contender without question. Shiner with a second straight tough game against a larger school, may not have the depth to keep pace in this one.
Stepp’s Pick: Lexington by 10

Hawley (4-1) at Seymour (5-0):
Hawley’s offense continued its hot streak last week as the Bearcats rolled past Windthorst 51-21. Colton Marshall ran for 267 yards and four touchdowns to lead a Hawley attack that rolled up 567 yards of offense on the night. Seymour got a test last week from a good Collinsville squad, but the Panthers found a way in a 24-14 win. The defense was the key for SHS allowing just two first downs in the first half and then in the third quarter they put the game away returning a fumble for a touchdown.

Seymour’s defense will need to be even better this week against one of the most explosive offensive attacks in the Big Country and I’m not sure they’ll be able to keep up as Hawley looks to be hitting on all cylinders.
Stepp’s Pick: Hawley by 16

Roscoe (2-2) vs. Gruver (4-1):
This is a neutral site matchup involving two teams who lost a district opponent right before the season started. Roscoe has been a bit up and down early in the year and that’s to be expected as the Plowboys lost an outstanding group of seniors and Coach Jake Freeman’s squad is a much younger edition in 2018. RHS had a week off after knocking off Munday two weeks ago in some bad weather 12-0, but with a young team, the off-week could be beneficial as Roscoe preps for one of the top teams in the Panhandle. GHS has rolled the past two weeks after a close loss to Stinnett West Texas. In fact the Greyhounds have outscored their last two opponents by a combined 131-24. Jalen Conyers and company could be in for another big day offensively this week as Roscoe doesn’t matchup well with GHS.
Stepp’s Pick: Gruver by 22

Quick Picks

San Antonio Wagner (4-1, 3-0) at San Antonio Brackenridge (3-2, 2-1)
Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Wagner by 33

Pleasanton (5-0) at Kingsville King  (2-3) 
Stepp’s Pick: Pleasanton by 20

Madisonville (3-2, 1-0) at Fairfield (4-1, 0-1) 
Stepp’s Pick: Fairfield by 6

Groesbeck (5-0, 1-0) at West (3-2, 1-0) 
Stepp’s Pick: West by 3

Birdville (4-0, 1-0) vs. Grapevine (4-0, 1-0) 
Stepp’s Pick: Grapevine by 5

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.

Coolidge (4-0) at Calvert (4-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday
Big game out east this week as DI #5 Coolidge takes on DII #3 Calvert.  Calvert is hot off a big win over DII state ranked Oakwood 46-35 last week, while Coolidge crushed McDade 56-0.  It will be a speed game for sure with Skyler Hayes leading the charge for the Yellowjackets and James Green for the Trojans.  Calvert will need to play another solid game defensively to shut down Coolidge’s offensive attack.  I think the tougher schedule has the Trojans just a bit more ready for this matchup.
Leman's pick: Calvert by 10

Jayton (3-2) at Rotan (4-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday
It’s a brotherly affair this week as Josh Stanaland’s Jayton Jaybirds take on John Stanaland’s Rotan Yellowhammers.  This should be a good game as both teams are at full strength and it goes without saying the coaches know each other extremely well.  Giving their close proximity it is amazing that these two schools have only played each other four times it seems, Rotan holding a 3-1 lead in the series.  Rotan won a close game last season 54-41 and I think the 4-0 Yellowhammers are the favorites in this one.
Leman's pick: Rotan by 14

Follett (3-1) at White Deer (5-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday
White Deer is sitting at 5-0 on the season and ranked #7 in division one coming off a huge 42-20 win over juggernaut Borden County last week.  Follett has played a very tough schedule this season and are ranked #5 in division two coming off a much needed bye week for the Panthers.  Last year’s matchup ended via weather cancellation in the second quarter with Follett leading, no doubt the Panthers will be on the prowl with something to prove this season.  I expect Follett to make it a very competitive game, but White Deer pulling away late as they have too many weapons (namely Kason Virgil, Graysen Freeman and Gage Freeman) for Follett to keep pace.
Leman's pick: White Deer by 20

QUICK PICKS

Ira over Ropes

Strawn over Garden City

Motley County over Knox City

Cranfills Gap over Bluff Dale

Union Hill over Oakwood

Sterling City over Rankin