Pearland (10-0) vs. Dickinson (9-1)

The football Gods spoiled us with this incredible matchup of South Texas powers in the bi-district round. First-year head coach Ricky Tullos’ power spread offense has worked wonders for Pearland and the Oilers have one of their best teams in recent history. The Oilers completed their undefeated regular season with a win over Tullos’ former school, Richmond George Ranch, where he won a state championship in 2015. Tullos’ offense centers around feature back Jaelin Benefield who has accumulated 1,176 rushing yards and 15 TD in his fourth year as a starter. Quarterback J.D. Head (2,053 passing yards, 23 TD) is a very accurate pocket passer that has connected with massive quarterback-turned-receiver Austin Landry (564 yards, 13 TD) most often. Led by safety Kelekolio Linton (46 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, 1 INT), the Oiler defense is red hot and has only allowed a combined 21 points in their last three games.

Dickinson comes in red hot suffering their only loss this season to Clear Springs, 35-28. Excluding the loss, no team has come within 27 points of the Gators. Big-armed quarterback Mike Welch (1,972 passing yards, 19 TD) leads the Gators’ high-flying offense and has a big-time weapon at his disposal in tight end Jalen Wydermyer (678 receiving yards, 3 TD). Jordan Green (750 rushing yards, 12 TD) is the bell cow running back and is a tackle-breaking machine. Dickinson’s 3-4 defense has allowed 10 points or fewer in seven games this season and is the strength of the team.

Pflugerville Hendrickson (7-2) vs. Cypress Ranch (10-0)

Hendrickson placed third in a tough District 13-6A with their only two losses this season coming to Vandegrift and Round Rock Cedar Ridge. Underdog Hendrickson, which has had its share of playoff upsets in the past, shouldn’t be overlooked in this one as its high-powered spread offense can keep them in the game with just about anyone. Quarterback Blaine Barker is in his fourth year under center for the Hawks and has mastered the offense. Defensive lineman Curley Young is a wrecking ball on the Hawks 4-2-5 defense and specializes in stuffing the run.

Cy Ranch is one of the hottest teams in the state right now after rolling through District 14-6A play. The Mustangs have outscored their last two opponents 63-14 and have big-time playmakers on both sides of the ball. Ranch utilizes an I-Formation offense to penetrate opposing defenses. The strength of the unit is its depth as the offense has weapons scattered across the field. That said, the offense flows through running back Willie Eldridge (575 rushing yards, 9 TD), who has made opposing defenses pay this season. Linebacker Travis Arey (47 tackles) is the anchor of the Ranch defense and has the speed and athleticism to get to the football on every play.

College Station (8-2) vs. Mesquite Poteet (8-2) 

College Station narrowly dropped a pivotal game against Magnolia West last week, 27-21. A Cougar win would have allowed them to host Sherman. Instead, they are headed four hours north to face a stout Poteet team in a game that should that could go either way. Quarterback Brandon Williams (1,591 passing yards, 17 TD) is the leader of the offense but has thrown seven interceptions. Head coach Steve Huff isn’t afraid to dial up some designed runs for Williams, especially in the red zone. Running back Kolbe Cashion (627 rushing yards, 10 TD) has had success toting the ball as well this season and his blazing speed will present a threat to Poteet’s defense. Despite facing a difficult non-district slate and some high-scoring offenses, the Cougar 3-4 defense has allowed just 17 points a game.

Poteet’s only two losses have come to undefeated 5A DI No. 3 Denton Ryan and District 7-5A champion John Tyler. The Pirate offense averaged 45 points per game in district play and has scored less than 40 points in just three games all season. Junior Seth Mcgowan (1,483 rushing yards, 23 TD) is the unquestionable headliner on the Pirate offense and the dynamic back is quickly establishing himself as one of the state’s best. College Station may have a tough time penetrating Poteet’s secondary, led by Jalen Hodo (89 tackles, 3 INT) and Chris Muldrow (81 tackles).

Holliday (9-1) vs. Dublin (8-2)

Holliday’s loss to Gunter in week seven has the Eagles playing Dublin in a neutral site game in Graham. Holliday’s defense has been incredibly stout and allowed an average of just five points a game in their nine wins this season. Jett Johnson, who doubles as the team’s quarterback, is a ferocious linebacker that has tallied 81 tackles and nine tackles for loss this season. Offensively, Johnson leads a unique Wing-T offense that has a stable of running backs who take turns shredding opposing defenses. Headed by Tristin Boyd (908 yards, 15 TD), the Holliday running game has amassed 2,742 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns.

Dublin edged out Millsap 35-34 last week, clinching third place in District 3-6A and avoiding a first-round meeting with perennial power Gunter. The Lions strength is on the offensive side of the ball as they averaged 34 points per game in district play. Leading the charge is dual-threat quarterback Cy Wing (2,108 passing yards, 622 rushing yards, 30 total TD) who has had an extremely impressive junior campaign. Dublin’s 4-3 defense is anchored by Jared Ricks (120 tackles, two caused fumbles), who notched 14 tackles in last week’s win over Millsap.

Diboll (9-1) vs. Buna (8-2)

Diboll took care of business last week in order to clinch second place in District 11-3A trailing only a very strong Franklin squad, who they lost to 34-20 in week nine. Dylan Maskunas (567 yards, 7 TD) leads a Lumberjack pro-style offense that heavily leans on its running game. D’aris McMillan, who ran for 330 yards against Crockett, is a powerful tailback that uses his strength to break tackles. Diboll’s 4-2-5 defense has been stout this season and has posted four shutouts.

After falling to Woodville and East Chambers, Buna took care of business down the stretch, outscoring their last two opponents 98-21 clinching third place in District 12-3A. The Cougars utilize a Wing-T offense leaning on their depth at running back to put points on the board. Quarterback Alex Connell is the leader of the offense and primarily uses his elusiveness outside of the pocket to move the chains. Buna’s 4-3 defense gave up just 15 points per game in district play.