WEEK 7 PREVIEW: Breaking down the biggest games in Texas high school football

Photo by Michael Horbovetz

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Plano East (5-0, 2-0) at Allen (5-0, 2-0):
It’s been a long time since Plano East has beaten Allen, like as in since 1999. In fact during Allen’s 18-game streak over PEHS, the average margin of victory has been over 19 points. That fact is not lost on a talented Panthers squad who is looking to change the perception of being underachievers. The key for East’s big start has been a defense that is physical and plays with an edge led by DB Tyler Owens who recently committed to Texas. QB Brandon Mallory has been very efficient early in the year with a 5:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio and the Panthers' feature playmakers at the skill spots to really test the Allen secondary.

Allen has been very on-brand all year, rolling to a 5-0 mark with the brutal efficiency that we’ve come to expect from a team that’s lost just three total games the past six years. If you are scoring at home, that’s a 96-3 record (Let that sink in). QB Grant Tisdale (Ole Miss commit) and WR Theo Wease (Oklahoma commit) are as good as advertised but what makes this Allen team special is superior depth at every position and the extremely high level of execution across the board. This is a team that does all the little things at an astonishingly high level. This is the first year in quite sometime where I’ve personally felt like Plano East has a puncher's chance in this game and it’s primarily because this looks to be a team that’s talented and mentally tough. Allen’s going to throw big haymakers and if the Panthers can weather the storm, they’ll have a chance to pull a late upset. But I’m not bold enough to pick against the Eagles and definitely not at Eagle Stadium.
Stepp’s Pick: Allen by 10

Odessa (4-1) vs. Odessa Permian (3-2):
There’s no doubt Ratliff Stadium will be rocking on Friday night as two of the state’s most bitter rivals from opposite ends of town hook up in the Little SWC opener. Odessa High has typically been dominated by its rivals from the eastside of town, but in recent years even in losses, the Bronchos have played Permian very tough. QB Trey Smith triggers a balanced offensive attack that is more run based, but the difference this year has been the emergence of WR Tyrone Caulfield, who’s been a threat that can take the top off the defense. Permian’s got two losses but are both close defeats to DFW powers DeSoto and Southlake Carroll. The Panthers rolled in their last outing two weeks ago blasting Los Fresnos 56-0 and haven’t been really pushed since the loss at Southlake. QB Peyton Powell and RB Ed Williams are as dynamic a 1-2 punch as you’ll see out in West Texas and although Powell has yet to have a breakout performance since moving in, he’s been very solid. I’m predicting on this big stage in front of nearly 20,000 fans that this could be the stage Powell is unleashed on. Combine that talent with Permian’s very fast and aggressive defense and I think MOJO takes the first step to a possible district title this week.
Stepp’s Pick: Odessa Permian by 11

Haltom (5-0, 1-0) at Euless Trinity (5-0, 2-0):
After dominating its first four opponents by a combined 220-73 score, Haltom remained undefeated last week but got a scare from Weatherford in a 39-29 victory. QB Michael Black again had a big night accounting for four touchdowns, but there has to be a little concern from the Buffaloes who started fast at 21-0 but then allowed Weatherford to roar back in the second half and tie the game up. They’ll need to play a flawless game to remain competitive with bruising Euless Trinity, who is fresh off a 70-28 rout of San Angel Central down in San Angelo.

The Trojans were simply too physical on both sides of the ball for San Angelo and although the defense allowed some yards to an explosive offense, they made plays in key moments which allowed QB Laki Ellis and a balanced Trinity attack to rack up the yards and points. Ellis threw three touchdown passes and completed all seven of his passes and if Trinity’s able to work the play-action passing game to that level of efficiency it's going to be a really tough team to beat and could again make a deep playoff run. Haltom has some explosive weapons at the skill spots and may even have a slight overall edge, but Trinity’s advantage in the trenches and experience in these big atmospheres will be incredibly valuable.
Stepp’s Pick: Euless Trinity by 18

Aldine Eisenhower (3-2, 2-0) at Spring Westfield (4-1, 2-0):
It’s a battle of old powers on the northside of Houston and a battle of 16-6A unbeatens as Ike treks a few miles north on I-45 to take on powerful Spring Westfield. The Eagles, after a slow start, have gotten things right in district play and took down Aldine MacArthur 38-14 last week behind the running of Deon Allen and Sevan Guidry who combined for 241 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Eagle defense was sensational in the win as well holding MacArthur to just 88 yards of offense. Westfield completed the sweep of its Spring ISD rivals last week pitching a shutout against Spring Dekaney with an easy 30-0 victory.

The Mustang defense held DeKaney to just three first downs for the game and only 52 total yards of offense. QB Ra’Quon Washington led the way with 190 yards of offense and a pair of touchdowns (One passing and one rushing) as Westfield led 21-0 at halftime and cruised in the second half. Expect a low scoring matchup. Both teams are extremely physical and this will be a fun atmosphere at George Stadium. The edge goes to Westfield who is more battle tested and a bit more balanced on the offensive side of the ball.
Stepp’s Pick: Spring Westfield by 17

Photo by Gordon DeLoach


Lake Travis (5-0, 4-0) at Austin Westlake (4-1, 3-0):
It’s the annual biggest game of the year in the Austin area and it feels like a rivalry now as Westlake broke through and knocked the Cavs off a year ago. The question is can the underdog Chaps do it two years in a row? Lake Travis’ dynamic duo of Texas commit QB Hudson Card and Ohio State commit WR Garrett Wilson get all the headlines, but when the Cavs' supporting cast is firing on all cylinders, they are almost unbeatable.

Westlake has been on a roll since its loss to Cy Ranch to close out non-district pitching three-straight shutouts and outscoring three-straight overmatched Austin ISD opponents 178-0. The tough part about this game is that both teams are so overwhelming in district play, that it’s really tough to gauge just how good they are at this point in the season. Lake Travis hasn’t forgotten last year and there’s no doubt it's had this one circled on the calendar for a year and although Westlake is 4-1, the Chaps don’t look to be quite the team they were a year ago, especially on defense. Expect the Cavs to jump out fast and put it on cruise control.
Stepp’s Pick: Lake Travis by 19

San Antonio Madison (3-2, 2-0) vs. San Antonio Reagan (4-1, 2-0):
Bragging rights in Northeast ISD, along with a district title, could be on the line as surprising San Antonio Madison will look to take down San Antonio Reagan. Madison comes into this one on a roll winners of three straight, including an impressive 33-3 win over San Antonio Roosevelt a week ago. The Mavs' offense rolled up an impressive 527 yards of offense led by 343 yards of offense and three touchdowns from QB Dante Heaggans. The only negative for the Mavericks was three turnovers and they simply can’t afford the same thing this week if they want to take down the Rattlers.

Last week, Reagan handled Churchill 35-14, as RHS took control in the second half outscoring Churchill 21-0. That depth for Reagan, especially up front, could neutralize Madison’s edge at the skill spots, so look for the Rattlers to have a similar game this week, where it's close for a while and late in the game Reagan finds a way.
Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Reagan by 9

Edinburg Vela (6-0, 2-0) at Weslaco (5-0, 1-0):
It’s a battle of undefeated teams in the Valley as unbeaten Weslaco and second-year coach Mike Salinas host the consensus No. 1 team in the RGV Edinburg Vela. Adding to the intrigue in this one is Salinas going against his former team as he coached Edinburg Vela from the opening of the school until 2017. Weslaco has had two weeks to prepare for this matchup after blasting past Edinburg Economedes 44-0 to open district play.

The team will need to play their best game of the year against Vela who has had the most explosive offense in the Valley led by do it all playmaker Daniel Enriquez who is a WR, DB and one of the state’s top kick returners. He hauled in three touchdown passes last week and had a big kick return to set up another touchdown as the Sabercats downed Economedes 42-7 and sophomore QB A.J. Sotelo continues to progress in a big way. This game is going to come down to the Weslaco offense, can they keep up? Edinburg Vela is loaded with weapons and versatility and are going to put points up, the question is can the vastly improved Panthers keep up?
Stepp’s Pick: Edinburg Vela by 11

Amarillo (4-1, 1-0) at Lubbock Coronado (5-1, 2-0):
Amarillo not only opened up district play with a big 27-24 win over Lubbock Monterey, but from a mental standpoint, it was a big hurdle for the Sandies who the last two years have not had much success against teams from Lubbock. AHS led 17-7 going into the fourth quarter but Monterey rallied for 17-straight points to take a 24-17 lead. Amarillo showed plenty of heart though scoring 10 straight down the stretch, including a field goal with under a minute left to get a massive win to open district play.

Lubbock Coronado went on the road to red hot Abilene Cooper and the Mustangs proved they are certainly the team to beat in 2-5A Division I rolling past Cooper 42-23. WR Blair Conwright had two touchdown receptions and DB Cameron Stevenson scored not once, but twice on the defensive side of the ball to break the game wide open. Conwright has hauled in an incredible 13 touchdown passes thus far this season. Amarillo’s offense is much more dynamic this year and have opened things under new head coach Chad Dunnam. But Coronado is the Class 5A standard in West Texas and with the emergence of sophomore signal caller Sawyer Robertson the Mustangs are going to put themselves right in the middle of the Region I race come playoff time. Coronado rolls to a 3-0 district record this week.
Stepp’s Pick: Lubbock Coronado by 17

Lufkin (4-1, 2-0) at College Station (5-0, 2-0):
The matchup we’ve all been waiting for in District 8-5A Division I as Lufkin looks to take down last year’s Class 5A Division II state champion College Station who owns an 18-game winning streak. Lufkin got a much tougher than expected test last week from Magnolia but escaped with a 41-34 win. QB Kewone Thomas accounted for four touchdowns and 252 yards of offense to lead Lufkin whose secondary really had trouble slowing down a strong Magnolia passing attack.

College Station rolled past Waller 49-7 as the Cougars were led by QB Brandon Williams who threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns and ran for three other scores against an overmatched Waller squad. Lufkin looked like a legitimate state title contender in its Week 1 loss and since then, the Panthers have been good, but may have played their best game in a loss so far and its partly because they haven’t really been tested. I’m looking for a big effort from Lufkin this week, especially from the defense which is certainly not pleased with last week’s effort and have a shot this week to really make a statement that they are indeed a state title contender in 5A Division I.
Stepp’s Pick: Lufkin by 2

Port Arthur Memorial (5-0, 2-0) at New Caney (4-1, 2-0):
Very quietly, Port Arthur Memorial is putting together another strong campaign under Port Arthur native and first-year head coach Brian Morgan. Defense has been the name of the game for the Titans the last three weeks as they’ve allowed just 12 total points and the offense which had been a bit up and down got rolling last week in a 50-2 blowout win over Goose Creek Memorial.

New Caney has won four straight since opening the season with a loss to Crosby and the last two weeks the Eagles have just rolled past a couple of overmatched Houston ISD opponents. QB Zion Childress has been outstanding in directing the Eagles attack, but will be in for the toughest test of the year against a Port Arthur defense that is as fast and aggressive as any in Region III and the Titans defense sets the tone in what could be a battle for the district title.
Stepp’s Pick: Port Arthur Memorial by 8

Laredo Martin (4-2, 2-0) at San Antonio Southwest (4-1, 1-0):
Surprising Laredo Martin is off to an excellent start to the season and the Tigers are 2-0 in district play after rolling past San Angelo Legacy 41-7. That win marked the first time since 2004 that the Tigers have started district play at 2-0 and now fans around the program are talking playoffs. QB Matthew Duron led the way with a tremendous dual threat performance accounting for 338 total yards and four touchdowns, two on the ground and two passing.

This week, Laredo Martin gets District 14-5A Division I favorite San Antonio Southwest who had the week off after its own big win over Legacy two weeks ago. The Dragons will lean heavily on their rushing attack and advantage in the trenches on both sides of the ball. This is still a group of seniors with Class 6A numbers and that edge could wear down the thinner Laredo Martin squad.
Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Southwest by 10

Photo by Paul Roberts


Corpus Christi Flour Bluff (4-1, 2-1) at Victoria East (4-2, 4-0):
After seeing its offense struggle some a week ago, Flour Bluff got things going last week in a 56-19 rout of Corpus Christi Moody as QB Braden Sharron had a big night triggering the Hornets attack which has shown flashes but has lacked that consistency the coaches have been seeking.

After dropping its first two games of the season, Victoria East has found a new gear in district play rattling off four straight wins and averaging over 50 points per game in the process. Last week, the Titans rolled past Corpus Christi King 48-18 as RB Brandon Tumlinson continues to put up big numbers as he ran for 280 yards and four touchdowns to lead the East attack. Although Victoria East has put up some eye popping numbers, it hasn't faced a defense that features the speed and playmaking ability of Flour Bluff and will be laser-focused on slowing Tumlinson and making someone else beat them. The question for Victoria East is if Tumlinson is slowed can the team generate enough offense?
Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Flour Bluff by 6

Celina (4-1, 2-0) at Paris (4-1, 2-0):
Celina has quietly put together a strong start to the season and will head to the northeast to take on a surging Paris squad who has won four straight games. The Bobcats had no trouble with Paris North Lamar in a 45-0 win as week ago, QB Hunter Watson threw for 141 yards and two scores and ran for another while Logan Point had 151 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Bobcats attack while Celina’s defense held North Lamar to just 114 yards of offense.

Speaking of defense, Paris’ defense was sensational as well last week in their 27-0 win on the road over Anna. The Wildcats held Anna to just 131 yards of offense and played much of the game without star DE Vershaud Richardson who left the game in the first half. Paris loves to be physical and run the football rotating in as many as five different backs, but the one to watch is Dorian Williams who has the ability to change a game if gets on the edge. Paris has been really impressive since its season-opening loss to Texarkana Pleasant Grove. Expect a physical, grind-it-out game and for it to be low scoring. We’ll give the edge to Paris at home in what should be a good one.
Stepp’s Pick: Paris by 2

Liberty Hill (3-1) at Fredericksburg (3-2):
Liberty Hill hasn’t played a game since September 21 as the Panthers have been a victim of no one wanting to prepare for its vaunted Slot-T offense. Now the games count and the Panthers' first district game comes against a solid Fredericksburg squad. The big question for the Panthers will be how sharp they look after two weeks off, remember in their last outing, they put up an incredible 89 points on Pflugerville Connally.

Fredericksburg is also fresh off a bye after the Billies dropped their non-district finale to Boerne 42-35. Fredericksburg has a potent offense, but that defense is concerning after allowing over 31 points in three of the last four games. Look for the Slot-T to get rolling after what might be a slow first quarter.
Stepp’s Pick: Liberty Hill by 24

La Vernia (6-0) at Beeville Jones (5-1):
Unbeaten La Vernia has been one of the state’s most impressive teams early in the season, with an average margin of victory of 30 points after last week’s 65-0 rout of Pearsall. QB Clayton Chadwick had another huge game for the Bears throwing for 327 yards and five touchdowns as the Bears dominated from start to finish.

The La Vernia defense will be against another high-profile signal caller in Beeville’s Seth Gomez. Gomez had another monster night last week in the Trojans' 35-24 win over San Antonio Central Catholic. This game comes down to which defense can make plays and the edge goes to La Vernia who has the better strength of schedule and better overall results.
Stepp’s Pick: La Vernia by 7

Jefferson (6-0, 2-0) at Mount Vernon (4-1, 1-0):
Dominant Jefferson looks to get the inside track to a district title this week against a strong Mount Vernon squad who won two straight after its one-point loss to Canton a couple of weeks ago. Last week, Jefferson celebrated homecoming with a dominant 41-7 rout of Hughes Springs. WR T.Q. Jackson hauled in a touchdown pass and also returned a punt for a touchdown to pace the Bulldog attack.

Mount Vernon’s last outing was also against Hughes Springs two weeks ago as the Tigers earned a 38-20 victory. The Tigers' ground-oriented attack will look to try and slow the game down and keep the ball out of the hands of the dynamic Jefferson attack. If MVHS can execute that plan they will have a shot at the upset, but that’s been easier said than done as Jefferson’s gotten off to incredibly fast starts and forced teams to play into their hands. The key will be the first quarter or so, Mount Vernon must not let Jefferson race out to a fast start or this could get ugly.
Stepp’s Pick: Jefferson by 15

Photo by Hale Hughes

Buna (5-0, 2-0) at Woodville (5-0, 2-0):
It’s a battle of unbeatens in deep East Texas as surprising Buna will look to make its case as a Region III contender on the road at powerful Woodville. Buna went on the road to Anahuac last week and spoiled the Panthers' homecoming with a dominant defensive effort in a 20-6 win.

In four of the Cougars' five games thus far they've allowed 14 points or less. But they’ll easily get their toughest test of the year this week on the road at Woodville. The Eagles scored early and often last week in their 57-6 rout of Warren, Woodville’s speedy rushing attack is averaging nearly 43 points per game and they’ll present some big challenges for that physical Buna defense.
Stepp’s Pick: Woodville by 11

Jourdanton (4-1, 1-0) at Marion (5-1, 2-0): It’s a key District 15-3A Division I matchup as the district’s two unbeaten teams square off in what could be a game for the district title. Jourdanton looked very sharp coming off the bye week as the Indians rolled past Karnes City 41-0 to earn their first district win. They’ll need a similar effort this week as they look to contain the explosive Marion offensive attack.

Marion improved to 2-0 last week in district play with a hard fought 35-28 road win against San Antonio Cole. The Bulldogs dug themselves an early 21-7 hole, but rallied for 28-straight points to get the win as QB Tayler Mills again had a monster night accounting for all five of the Bulldogs touchdowns. Don’t expect another slow start this week from Marion. The Bulldogs know that this week against a tough Jourdanton squad a slow start could spell disaster. Expect Mills and that Bulldog offense to be sharp from the opening whistle.
Stepp’s Pick: Marion by 8

Holliday (5-0, 1-0) at Gunter (6-0, 2-0):
The game of the week in the entire state in Class 3A is probably a battle of unbeatens as Holliday heads east to take on Gunter in what could easily be the first of two meetings between these powers. These two met in the playoffs last year and Gunter made quick work of the Eagles in a 48-7 win, but look for this year’s matchup to be much closer.

Holliday has been outstanding on the defensive side of the ball allowing just 25 points in five games and the Eagles got the offense going last week in a 56-0 rout of Wichita Falls City View last week. But in order to pull the upset this week, Holliday will need an even bigger effort as Gunter’s won 37 of its last 38 games. Gunter’s been a machine the last three weeks, outscoring opponents 129-0 and the Tigers haven’t allowed a point in the last 13 quarters played. Expect Holliday’s stout defense to keep them in it, but Dylan Jantz and that Gunter offense will be too much.
Stepp’s Pick: Gunter by 16

Floydada (5-0) at Sundown (4-1):
Floydada is making me look like a smart guy through the first half of the season, as one my hipster picks is certainly clicking off to a 5-0 start. The Whirlwinds will have their hands full in the district opener as they take on a strong one loss Sundown squad. Floydada rolled past Lubbock Roosevelt in its last outing 44-6, but it’s been the defense that’s been key for Coach Scotty Bruington’s squad as they’ve allowed 14 or less points in four of their five outings.

Sundown on the other hand has been an absolute flame thrower on the offensive side of the ball as the team has scored at least 40 points in four of their five games thus far. The difference-maker in this game is QB Christian Huey for Sundown, he’s one of the most underrated player on the South Plains and single-handedly can take a game over. He’ll find a way to put up more big numbers and get Sundown off on the right foot in district play. Stepp’s Pick: Sundown by 7

Quick Picks:

El Paso Eastlake (3-2) at El Paso Eastwood (2-3)
Stepp’s Pick: El Paso Eastwood by 2

Blanco (3-2) at Sonora (2-3)
Stepp’s Pick: Sonora by 9

Falls City (5-0) at La Pryor (4-1)
Stepp’s Pick: Falls City by 13

Clifton (6-0) at Hamilton (4-2)
Stepp’s Pick: Clifton by 21

Andrews (5-1) at Canyon (6-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Andrews by 1]

Port Neches-Groves (3-2, 2-0) at Crosby (6-0, 3-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Crosby by 6

San Antonio O’Connor (5-0, 4-0) vs. San Antonio Brandeis (4-1, 3-1)
Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio O’Connor by 3

Hawley (5-1) at Winters (5-1)
Stepp’s Pick: Hawley by 8

Eastland (4-1) at Early  (4-1) 
Stepp’s Pick: Eastland by 12

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.

Grandfalls-Royalty (4-2) at Sanderson (4-1)
District 5-1A Division II kicks off district play, and this one should have major playoff implications. Sanderson is essentially undefeated — their loss is a Week 2 double-forfeit with Marfa after a fight broke out in the third quarter, which also cost Sanderson their head coach for the remainder of the season due to suspension. The Eagles' schedule has been relatively weak, so they're still an unknown. Grandfalls' two losses are to state-ranked DI squad Balmorhea and surprise Grady, but the Cowboys righted themselves with a blistering win over Fort Davis last week.
Leman's pick: Grandfalls-Royalty by 22

Crowell (5-1) at Knox City (3-3)
Up in District 3-1A DI, Knox City has had its ups and downs, but they have plenty of playmakers in SB Abraham Nevarez (1,289 yards, 22 TDs passing; 809 yards, 13 TDs rushing) and WR Wesson Ham (343 yards, 8 TDs receiving). Crowell has its share of weapons as well, led by QB Seth Bearden (1,035 yards, 16 TDs passing) and RBs Michael Reeves (508 yards, 11 TDs rushing) and Jemal Lane (484 yards, 9 TDs rushing). The edge for Crowell is on defense, led by do-it-all star Harley Chapman (80 tackles, 3 INTs).
Leman's pick: Crowell by 6

White Deer (6-0) vs. Union Hill (5-1) at Bryson
The premier non-district matchup this year pits a pair of ranked Division I squads against one another. White deer is a hard-nosed defensive team with the luxury of having a big, balanced offense as well led by QB Graysen Freeman and RBs Kason Virgil and Gage Freeman. On the Union Hill side, there's plenty of talent including SB Keelon Caffey, who notched more than 600 yards of total offense in Union Hill's 84-36 win over Oakwood, and LB Colt Mallory. This could be a war of attrition, and perhaps White Deer's grueling schedule takes a toll on them, allowing Union Hill to hit a couple of big plays late.
Leman's pick: Union Hill by 10

QUICK PICKS

Blum over Aquilla

Gorman over Gordon

Saint Jo over Savoy

Milford over Calvert

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