Mansfield Lake Ridge (4-1, 3-0) at Cedar Hill (5-1, 2-1):
This District 7-6A showdown lost a bit of its luster last week after unbeaten Cedar Hill failed to get any semblance of an offense going in a shocking 7-3 loss to Mansfield Summit. The Longhorns only managed 164 yards of offense and turned the ball three times in the loss. This was just a week after putting up 78 points against Waxahachie.

Lake Ridge once again got a nice performance from QB Chandler Rogers who accounted for 312 yards of offense and three touchdowns as the Eagles took down Waxahachie 35-21. Expect Cedar Hill at home to come out with a sense of purpose and a little anger after last week. This will be a shootout, but the difference is the Longhorns' defense.
Stepp’s Pick: Cedar Hill by 5

Cy Falls (6-0, 4-0) vs. Jersey Village (6-1, 5-0):
After last week’s stunning win over Cy-Fair, Jersey Village comes into this one with significant momentum. In fact, the Falcons haven’t had a six game winning streak since 1992. Jersey Village earned that sixth-straight win last week by stunning Cy-Fair 24-23 with 10 points in the final 3:54 game of the game. Trailing 23-7 in the third quarter, RB Raymond Richardson who finished with three rushing touchdowns; scored on a two-yard run to cut the lead to nine. His final touchdown run with 3:54 left in the game cut the lead to two and then with 46 seconds left Jonathan Cervantes nailed a 24-yard field goal to lift the Falcons to the upset victory.

Cy Falls’ defense two weeks ago made its own statement and took down Cy-Fair 14-7 to set the pace in 17-6A. Now with a week to prepare for the Falcons, the Cy Falls defense will be ready for the surprise team in Northwest Houston this week. Look for this to be a low scoring slugfest, which is right up Cy Falls ally.
Stepp’s Pick: Cy Falls by 6

Pearland (6-0, 3-0) at Houston Strake Jesuit (6-0, 3-0):
It’s a battle of unbeaten teams as Pearland heads across town to take on one of Houston’s most explosive offensive attacks in Strake Jesuit. Pearland put together its most complete effort of the season last week in a 52-0 demolition of Alief Elsik. Pearland’s defense held Elsik to just 111 yards of offense, while the Oilers offense put up 614 yards led by four touchdown passes from QB J.D. Head and a pair of 100 yard rushers. Pearland may need all of that offense this week going against a Strake attack that is averaging 45 points a game.

Last week the Crusader offense struggled some against a speedy Alief Hastings squad in a 29-17 win. That doesn’t bode well against a Pearland defense that’s as fast and physical as any in Houston not named North Shore. That edge on defense and up front against a smaller Strake Jesuit defensive line will tilt the scales into Pearland’s favor.
Stepp’s Pick: Pearland by 14

Alvin Shadow Creek (6-0, 3-0) at Friendswood (5-1, 2-1):
The Shadow Creek Sharks are not only the story of Class 5A in the Houston, but the first-year varsity program might be the story of the state. The Sharks rolled past Galveston Ball 59-16 last week to move to 6-0 as QB Jamarian George tossed three touchdown passes to Jared Jackson to lead the Shadow Creek attack. But what’s set Coach Brad Butler’s team apart has been a speedy and opportunistic defense that has come with big plays in the tougher games and dominated in the blowouts.

They’ll get a big test this week against a Friendswood squad that doesn’t wow you with major talent, but with balance and tremendous efficiency. Last week however, the Mustangs stumbled in a surprising 28-20 loss to a Richmond Foster team that had struggled. QB Luke Grden threw three touchdown passes in the loss, but he only completed 50 percent of his passes. He’ll need to be much more efficient this week if FHS wants to pull the upset.
Stepp’s Pick: Alvin Shadow Creek by 10

Cedar Park (5-2, 3-0) at Hutto (5-0, 2-0):
For all the talk and accolades given to the Hutto Hippos for them to really emerge as the contender in Class 5A in Austin, they’ve got one large physical and mental hurdle to clear and that’s Cedar Park. A year ago, a wounded Cedar Park squad came into the Hutto game as heavy underdogs with a backup QB and CPHS showed championship mettle with a very impressive showing and win. The circumstances are a bit different this time. Cedar Park, after a slow start, comes in red-hot with five straight wins including a hard fought 27-24 win over Georgetown a week ago. Sophomore QB Ryder Hernandez didn’t put up eye popping numbers up, but down the stretch made some key plays to lift Cedar Park to their third one possession win over Georgetown in the past five years.

The Black Rain defense of Cedar Park will face what is easily their toughest test of the year trying to slow down UCLA commit QB Chase Griffin and that flame thrower Hutto attack that’s averaging over 52 points per game. The Hippos' last outing was against Georgetown two weeks ago as they knocked off the Eagles 38-14. All the signs point to big edges for Hutto in multiple spots and the Hippos have had an extra week to gear up and throw wrinkles at Cedar Park. If Hutto doesn’t get it done against Cedar Park this year, it might be a while before the Hippos finally do.
Stepp’s Pick: Hutto by 4

Eagle Pass Winn (4-3, 1-2) at San Antonio Harlan (5-1, 2-0):
It’s a Saturday night special in the Alamo City and visiting Eagle Pass Winn needs a win in the worst way after dropping two of its first three district games. Last week’s 27-16 home loss to San Antonio Harlandale really hurt and puts the Mavericks margin for error down the stretch at nearly zero.

On the other hand, San Antonio Harlan has been the surprise story of the year in San Antonio. The first-year program has won five of its first six games and has eyes on a district title in year one. RB Aubrey McDade and versatile Kannon Williams have paced a balanced Harlan offense all year and when the chips have been down, the young but speedy defense has found ways to make plays thus far. Expect Winn to put up a fight here as its season is on the brink with another district loss, but this young and exciting Harlan bunch has the makings of a district title squad right out of the gate.
Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Harlan by 7

Corpus Christi Miller (5-1, 3-1) at Corpus Christi Flour Bluff (5-1, 3-1):
Surprising Corpus Christi Miller hasn’t gotten the attention it's probably been deserving of in town through six games, but the Bucs can put themselves right in the mix this week if they can head out to the southside of town and take down a strong Flour Bluff bunch. Miller has been putting up some big numbers this year offensively as WR Ralph Rodriguez is one of the most productive receivers along the Coastal Bend. The Bucs have thrown up at least 35 points in every game played thus far. This week will certainly be their toughest test of the season as Flour Bluff has one of the toughest defensive units in the region.

The Hornets last week found a way to contain a very explosive Victoria East offense in a 37-21 win. East prefers to run the ball more, so this week, the challenge will be on the Flour Bluff secondary to slow down that dynamic Miller passing attack. Miller will push Bluff in this one, but the big key is Flour Bluff will dominate up front and their skill players matchup well with Miller.
Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Flour Bluff by 14

Stephenville (4-2, 1-0) at Waco La Vega (4-2, 0-0):
In the brutally tough District 5-4A Division I, it seems like every week there will be a showdown of state-ranked teams, but no matchup will decide the district title more than Stephenville visiting La Vega. Stephenville last week at home held off a feisty China Spring squad 21-14 as Krece Nowak ripped off a 75-yard touchdown run with just over six minutes remaining to lift SHS to the win.

LaVega had the week off after navigating an absolutely brutal non-district slate that included three 5A opponents and two state ranked 4A opponents as well. The Pirates and their young offense are showing rapid improvement and with a week off to clean a few things up LaVega could be real dangerous at home. Look for the Pirates to control the tempo with that tough rushing attack and their fast defense will be able to contain the ‘Jackets' offense.
Stepp’s Pick: Waco LaVega by 8

Athens (3-2, 1-0) at Midlothian Heritage (5-1, 1-0):
The Hornets opened up district play with an impressive offensive performance rolling past Waxahachie Life 62-24. Seven different Hornets found the end zone in the win and the defense forced four turnovers. It was the second consecutive outing the Hornets and their Wing-T offense put up over 60 points. Athens probably won’t want to get into a shootout this week with Midlothian Heritage who has two of the most dynamic receivers in all of 4A in Jay Wilkerson and Langston Anderson and a veteran QB in Landon Ledbetter.

The Jaguars had no troubles last week with Quinlan Ford in a 40-14 win as Ladbetter threw for 283 yards and four touchdowns. If Athens can play keep away and limit Heritage’s touches, it has a chance to hang around, but that formula will require the Hornets to be almost perfect on offense and I’m not sure a team as one dimensional as Athens is can consistently move the ball on Midlothian Heritage.
Stepp’s Pick: Midlothian Heritage by 16

Pleasanton (5-2, 0-1) at Boerne (5-1, 0-0):
After getting off to a great start in non-district play, the Eagles have stumbled a bit losing back-to-back games by just a single point, including last week’s overtime heartbreaker to Gonzales. The Eagle offense has been outstanding all year, but the defense had some issues slowing down the power running game of Gonzales, so expect Boerne to try and use the same tactics this week coming off a bye.

The Greyhounds, under first-year head coach Che Hendrix have rattled off four straight wins scoring over 34 points in each of those games. Boerne’s edge in the trenches will be the key in what should be a high scoring affair.
Stepp’s Pick: Boerne by 17

Midland Greenwood (5-2, 3-0) at Snyder (5-1, 2-0):
The 1-4A Division II title could be on the line in Snyder this week as Midland Greenwood visits the surprising Tigers who are riding high after two impressive wins to open district play. Greenwood rolled to another district win last week knocking off Pecos 41-13 as QB Jake Somers threw two touchdown passes and ran for another as the Rangers' balanced offense kept Pecos at bay.

Snyder went on the road to Monahans and got a huge win against the Lobos, who many deemed as the favorite in the district. It was a defensive struggle most of the way, but Snyder’s offense got going in overtime and QB Logan Greene’s two-point conversion in the third overtime proved to be the difference in a 29-27 win. Snyder’s not going to put up eye-popping offensive numbers, but the combination of Greene’s ability through the air and the duo of Greg Williams and J.J. Burns running the ball has made the Tigers tough to beat. Look for Snyder to take the inside track to a district title this week at home as its defense will contain Greenwood’s explosive attack.
Stepp’s Pick: Snyder by 6

Dalhart (5-2, 1-0) at Lubbock Estacado (5-2, 1-0):
Surprising Dalhart makes the long trip south to Lubbock for a Thursday night game that could have district title implications. The Golden Wolves have been one of the real pleasant surprises in the panhandle winning their last three games by a combined 107-15 score. Last week, DHS rolled past Perryton in the district opener 37-7 setting up a showdown this week with major playoff implications.

Lubbock Estacado held up its end of the bargain as well as the Matadors went to Borger and rolled past the Bulldogs 44-8 as the duo of Seth Porter and Jeremiah Dobbins pace an improving offense and the Mats defense is definitely playing at a high level. Estacado will need to make Dalhart one-dimensional on Thursday night and the key to slowing the Dalhart offense is containing RB LaDaryl Smith. If Estacado keeps Smith in check, it should get the team a key home victory.
Stepp’s Pick: Lubbock Estacado by 11

Texarkana Pleasant Grove (5-2, 1-0) at Gilmer (4-3, 1-0):
Last year this game had more than its fair share of hype as Pleasant Grove, the up-and-comer made a big statement going into Gilmer and ending the long district winning streak of the Buckeyes. The Hawks used that confidence-building win as a springboard to their first ever state title and now come into this district matchup playing some of their best football of the year. PGHS played Carthage tough two weeks ago in a loss and last week after a slow start, the Hawks rolled past a good Pittsburg squad 45-20 behind four passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns from junior QB Ben Harmon.

Gilmer has won two straight since its embarrassing loss to Carthage, but the Buckeyes certainly didn’t have it easy as they had to scratch and claw for a 20-18 road win at Longview Spring Hill. This Gilmer squad is good, but that’s not the standard in Upshur County as the Buckeyes are used to elite and this team just doesn’t have the personnel to be classified as such. However, Gilmer’s got a massive amount of pride and at home the Buckeyes will be energized and eager to atone for last year’s defeat against Pleasant Grove. That will keep this one much closer than expected, but in the end the Hawks and that brutally efficient offense will be the difference.
Stepp’s Pick: Texarkana Pleasant Grove by 7

Bellville (4-2, 1-0) at Giddings (5-1, 1-0):
If you like old school football, then Giddings might be the place for you as Slot-T oriented Bellville takes on the ground and pound attack of first-year head coach Wade Griffin’s Giddings squad. Bellville rolled past Smithville 38-13 as the Brahmas rolled up 454 yards of offense on the ground led by James Wiley’s 193 yards and one touchdown.

The Giddings run defense will be much tougher to deal with as the Buffs stymied the Caldwell offense in a 22-6 win. GHS who has leaned heavily on the running game, showed it can throw the ball when asked as QB Alex Dela Torre threw for 155 yards and a touchdown in the win. Expect a low-scoring close-to-the-vest kind of game, but Giddings and its ability to be balanced on offense is going to be key in this one. Look for the Buffaloes to take the top off the Bellville defense at least once and that could prove to be vital.
Stepp’s Pick: Giddings by 8

Rio Hondo (6-0) at Raymondville (5-1):
In four-team District 16-4A Division II, the only thing the teams are fighting for are playoff seeding and bragging rights and these two have proven through six games they are among the best small school teams in the Valley. Both teams are fresh off a bye week so expect a few tricks from both very explosive offenses. Rio Hondo is led by Josiah Ortega at QB who has put up some monster numbers thus far and is a true dual-threat.

It’s more of a balanced attack from veteran Raymondville who brought back some massive experience on the offensive side of the ball. The Bearkats, since their season opening loss to LaFeria, have scored at least 30 points in five straight games. Rio Hondo’s offense was held in check by LaFeria as well two weeks ago but the Bobcat defense held up their end of the bargain in a hard fought 14-7 win and that is what will be the key, Rio Hondo’s defense and its ability to get stops.
Stepp’s Pick: Rio Hondo by 10

Whitesboro (5-2, 2-1) at Brock (5-1, 2-0):
What was billed as a showdown for the district title lost a bit of its luster a couple of weeks ago when Whitesboro was upset on the road at Pilot Point. The Bearcats responded last week with a resounding 60-26 win over Paradise as QB Scout Sanders accounted for four touchdowns and WHS ran back a pair of punts for touchdowns as well. The Whitesboro defense will have a massive test this week as it tries to slow down a big and physical Brock offensive line.

The Eagles had the week off after rolling past Bowie 31-13 two weeks ago. Brock will liberally rotate offensive players in at the skill spots but in big moments especially when the Eagles need to go to the air, the team will look for Texas A&M commit TE Baylor Cupp. Brock’s dominance on the offensive line and that ultra-aggressive 10-1 defense will contain Scout Sanders and that explosive Whitesboro attack.
Stepp’s Pick: Brock by 19

Idalou (5-1, 1-0) at Colorado City (6-0, 1-0):
For a long time power on the South Plains, Idalou has flown considerably under the radar, but a win for the Wildcats on the road at Colorado City would certainly end the anonymity. Defense has been key for the Wildcats early on as they’ve pitched a shutout in three of their last four games, including last week’s 35-0 win over Coahoma. They’ll be focused this week on trying to slow down the Wolves' balanced offensive attack led by QB Markis Monroe who has thrown 18 touchdown passes in six games against just two interceptions.

RB Bubba Williams has been a great compliment to the Wolves' passing attack as he ran for four touchdowns in last week’s 45-6 win over Lubbock Roosevelt. Although Colorado City’s defense hasn’t put up quite the numbers it did a year ago during the 11-2 campaign, the Wolves' offense is significantly improved and that balance and playmaking ability will keep that Idalou attack off balance.
Stepp’s Pick: Colorado City by 10

Childress (6-0, 1-0) at Canadian (5-1, 1-0):
It’s the matchup we’ve all been waiting for in the panhandle as Childress looks to exorcise a few demons this week and head up to Canadian to take on the Wildcats. Childress has been close at times the past few years and even got two shots at the Wildcats a year ago and both times came up short. QB Luke Latimer and a playmaking defense have been playing exceptional football all year long and that trend was evident last week as the Bobcats rolled past a good Friona squad 47-28.

Canadian bounced back from its loss in the final non-district game with a 52-14 blowout of Tulia. QB Casen Cavalier threw five touchdown passes to pace the explosive Wildcats offense and the Canadian defense after some struggles in the Grapevine Faith loss rallied with a great showing against a speedy Tulia offense. Childress on paper might have the edge this year and its strong start to the season certainly backs that up, however I’m sticking with Canadian in this one. The Wildcats' pedigree, being at home and their recent run of success over Childress all factor into this one.
Stepp’s Pick: Canadian by 3

Lexington (5-1, 1-0) at Clifton (7-0, 1-0):  
Lexington will face its toughest test of the year as it visits undefeated Clifton. The Eagles' offense led by RB Ja’Kobe Cooper has started to show more balance as the season has progressed as freshman QB Sheldon Springer has made massive progress since Week 1. LHS needs all of that balance this week on the road against a Clifton defense that has pitched three shutouts and allowed just 40 points in seven games thus far

The Cubs' offense hasn’t gotten headlines, but they’ve been outstanding as well and had their best performance of the year last week blowing past Hamilton, 70-12. Job No. 1 for Clifton will be containing Ja’Kobe Cooper and forcing Springer to beat them. If that happens, the Cubs have a shot at knocking off a top five team at home, but Cooper being slowed down is easier said than done. It’ll be close, but Lexington’s big game experience will pay off in a hostile environment west of Waco.
Stepp’s Pick: Lexington by 4

Winters (5-2, 0-1) at Stamford (6-1, 1-0):
After a 5-0 start, the Winters Blizzards have hit a speed bump losing their last two including a tough district opening loss to Hawley 44-14. Winters had trouble slowing down a dynamic offense and its flexbone offense couldn’t generate first downs and play ball control as things got away and had just 112 yards of offense on the night.

That lack of production could spell bad news this week against one of the Big Country’s most prolific offenses at Stamford. A week after struggling against Clyde, QB Peyton Bevel got it rolling throwing for 283 yards and four touchdowns in a 41-16 win over Ozona. Stamford’s offense could be in for another big night and although I expect a better showing from Winters. The team simply won’t be able to keep pace with that Stamford aerial circus.
Stepp’s Pick: Stamford by 20

 

Quick Picks

El Paso Coronado (4-2, 0-1) vs. El Paso Franklin (4-2, 0-1)
Stepp’s Pick: El Paso Franklin by 8

Clear Springs (3-3, 2-0) at Dickinson (7-0, 3-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Dickinson by 15

Paris (5-1, 3-0) at Argyle (6-0, 2-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Argyle by 14

Skidmore-Tynan (5-1, 1-0) at Poth (5-1, 1-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Poth by 10

Alto (4-2, 1-0) at Price Carlisle (6-0, 1-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Price Carlisle by 12

Grapeland (6-1, 3-0) at Lovelady (5-1, 2-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Lovelady by 7

College Station (5-1, 2-1) at Magnolia  (4-2, 2-1) 
Stepp’s Pick: College Station by 4

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

Tuscola Jim Ned (5-1, 1-0) at Wall (3-2, 1-0) 
Stepp’s Pick: Wall by 17

Liberty (4-2, 0-0) at Hamshire-Fannett (5-2,1-0) 
Stepp’s Pick: Hamshire-Fannett by 6

Weimar (5-1, 1-0) at Shiner (6-1,1-0) 
Stepp’s Pick: Shiner by 21

Converse Judson (5-0,3-0) at Smithson Valley (2-3, 2-1) 
Stepp’s Pick: Converse Judson by 11

Graham (3-3,1-0) at Bridgeport (5-1,1-0) 
Stepp’s Pick: Graham by 8

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.

Ira (6-0) at Spur (5-1)
In this District 4-1A DI showdown, there is little doubt that this battle of the Bulldogs will have big implications. Ira features a balanced offensvie attack and a defense that has allowed just 72 points all season — remember the names of Anthony Coy, Nathan Goodwin, Matthew Brazil and Karson Valendine for the Bulldogs. Spur opened the season with a loss to Crowell but have rattled off five straight wins, including a 60-28 win over a hot Motley County team. Ethan Parsons and Jacob Cole are the players to watch for Spur; Parsons ran for 148 yards and three scores on just eight carriees two weeks ago against O'Donnell. Adding to the intrigue: Spur has never beaten Ira, and Ira may have a few extra weapons to put them over the top.
Leman's pick: Ira by 4

Abbott (4-2) at Gholson (6-0)
Unbeaten Gholson enters its biggest game of the season against perennial power Abbott, which got a district win last week over Covington. Abbott features its usual strong running game led by Paxton Miller, who ran for 152 yards and three touchdowns in the win last week. Gholson can run the ball as well as CJ Hutchinson (163 yards, 4 TDs rushing two weeks ago vs. Kopperl) guides the way. Gholson has a chance to earn its first-ever win over Abbott, but the Panthers may be a little too much.
Leman's pick: Abbott by 24

Anton (6-1) at Amherst (5-1)
This District 3-1A DII matchup should be worth the price of admission. Anton is the new kid on the block, dropping down to Division II after playing in Division I since their move to six-man ball in 2011. Amherst is a DII mainstay, making the playoffs in eight of the last nine years. Anton's more battle-tested, but Amherst is coming off of a bye week, which could help. The winner of this game is the heavy favorite to win the district.
Leman's pick: Anton by 16

QUICK PICKS

High Island over Fruitvale
Eden over Paint Rock
Morton over Whiteface
Knox City over Northside
Happy over Nazareth