Allen (8-0, 5-0) at Prosper (7-1, 4-1): Unbeaten Allen heads to Prosper’s fancy new stadium looking to earn at least a share of the 9-6A title against a team that many early in the year pegged as capable of dethroning the perennial power. Prosper’s stock has dropped some, especially after that surprising lopsided loss to Dallas Jesuit, so it’ll be interesting to see if at home PHS can muster up a big effort. Allen was workman-like in its 24-0 win against McKinney Boyd. The AHS defense held Boyd to just 34 yards on the ground. Allen QB Raylen Sharpe ran for a pair of scores and accounted for 129 yards of offense, while Jordan Johnson ran for 133 yards and a score. Prosper rolled past Plano West 42-16 as QB Jackson Berry threw for 197 yards and four touchdowns, while JT Lane and Tyler Bailey combined for 227 yards on the ground and a pair of scores. The key for Prosper will be its offensive line. If they can handle the Allen defensive front and establish some semblance of a running game, then they’ve got a shot at the upset. But if they can’t run the football and Allen forces them to be a pass-only team, the Allen defense will feast.

Stepp’s Pick: Allen by 17

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Temple (7-1, 6-0) at Waco Midway (5-3, 5-1): This time last season Temple was unbeaten and looking like an outside contender for a state title in 6A-Division II. The Wildcats then lost to Waco Midway at home, setting off a shocking three-game losing streak that ended with a home playoff loss to Mesquite Horn. Temple has had this one circled for a while and the young, but talented Wildcats would enjoy nothing more than a chance to hand the Panthers another district loss and guarantee a long first round road trip to East Texas. Temple rolled past Waco 57-13 a week ago as sophomore QB Samari Howard ran for three scores and threw for another touchdown, while Anthony Jackson ran for 126 yards and two scores in just one half of action. Texas commit WR Quinton Johnston is one of the state’s most dangerous weapons out wide and will draw lots of attention from the Midway secondary. Midway played last Thursday and earned a big district road win as they knocked off a tough Killeen Shoemaker squad, 35-15. RB Will Nixon ran for 248 yards and four touchdowns, while the Midway defense held a speedy Shoemaker offensive attack in check. This one will be very close. Temple will need to get the passing game going and it’ll be interesting to see if QB Vance Willis is back in action this week after sitting out with an injury last week.

Stepp’s Pick: Temple by 3

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The Woodlands (5-3, 4-2) at Klein Collins (8-1, 6-1): After a rough patch in the middle of the season, it appears The Woodlands is getting its wheels back on at just the right time with back to back key wins. Two weeks ago, the Highlanders knocked off Conroe, 31-16, to move into their bye week with solid playoff positioning, QB Ben Mills ran for two scores and threw for another touchdown to pace the Highlanders in what was a key win in 15-6A. Klein Collins held off that same Conroe team last week, 29-23, but it was a different type of game as the Tigers were playing a desperate team who was playing for their season. A pair of Tanner Ward field goals in the third quarter proved to be the difference as the Collins defense, which allowed 23 first half points, pitched a second half shutout. Expect a physical and low scoring game. Both teams earn their money with the defense, but the edge goes to Collins. RB Braelon Bridges is the difference for Collins.

Stepp’s Pick: Klein Collins by 7

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San Antonio Brennan (7-1, 6-1) vs San Antonio O’Connor (6-2, 6-1): Although neither team is in contention for the outright district title, the winner of this matchup will still have a chance to pick up a share of the district title if Brandeis loses a game along the way. Brennan rolled past San Antonio Stevens last week 42-6. Darreyon Tolefree caught three TD passes from QB David Varela and even threw a TD on a trick play. O’Connor had no trouble last week either as the Panthers dominated San Antonio Clark, 49-0, behind 90 yards and a touchdown on the ground from Zion Taylor and a defense that was lights out, holding Clark to just 50 yards of offense. O’Connor’s offense is as dynamic as there is in the Alamo City and there’s always a few tricks they like to break out in these tough games. Brennan will be the faster team and it’ll be an intriguing chess match to see how O’Connor tries to neutralize the Bears defensive team speed. Don’t be surprised if special teams play a role in this one and that’s a big edge for the Panthers of O’Connor.

Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio O’Connor by 3

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Laredo United (7-1, 4-0) vs Laredo United South (5-3, 4-0): It’s a big one down in Laredo this week as the 29-6A title is likely to be decided between two United ISD blood rivals. United handled Laredo Nixon with relative ease last week, 45-14, to win their seventh straight game. QB Wayo Huerta continued his stellar season, leading the Longhorns offense with 386 yards through the air and three touchdowns. Ricky Chapa had 112 receiving yards and two scores, while Tanner Sanchez led the team with 130 receiving yards and a touchdown. United South needed a field goal in the game’s waning moments to stave off an upset bid from Del Rio and get a 24-21 win. The Panthers are led by junior RB Brian Benavides, who has been nearly unstoppable all season long. The key for USHS is pace; they don’t have the firepower to get into a shootout with Laredo United. If they can control the clock and keep United’s offense off the field they have a shot to pull the upset. But ending the Longhorns 10-game district winning streak is going to be easier said than done.

Stepp’s Pick: Laredo United by 10

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Highland Park (7-1, 5-0) at Lancaster (7-1, 5-0): The district title is on the line down in WEBO territory as Highland Park takes a trip over to Humphrey Stadium looking to get head coach Randy Allen his 400th career win. Both teams have one loss and, ironically, both are losses to No. 1 teams in the DCTF state rankings. Highland Park lost to 5A-D1 No. 1 Frisco Lone Star and Lancaster opened the season with a loss at home to 6A No. 1 Duncanville. Highland Park didn’t learn much about themselves last week in a 79-0 rout of an outclassed Dallas Sunset squad. the Scots led 72-0 at halftime in the win. In this five-game winning streak, HPHS has outscored opponents 339-12. Lancaster has had similar domination in district play, but the Tigers passed a big test last week taking down a very good Mansfield Timberview squad, 33-10. Tre Bradford ran for two touchdowns and had a 54-yard touchdown catch sparking the Tigers in a key third quarter that put the game out of reach. The Lancaster defense was sensational as well holding Timberview to just eight first downs and only 182 yards of offense. Lancaster has the firepower to give the Scots a game. The Tigers played Highland Park tough on the road a year ago. Expect another very close game. Playing the odds here, Highland Park is just a machine that doesn’t get knocked offline very much. QB Chandler Morris finds a way in the fourth quarter to make some magic happen and HP gets Randy Allen that 400th victory.

Stepp’s Pick: Highland Park by 7

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San Antonio Wagner (8-1, 7-0) vs San Antonio Veterans Memorial (7-1, 6-0): Things are going pretty good for the three Judson ISD football teams, who are a combined 23-2 on the season. Wagner, the “middle child” of the three high schools, rolled in the inaugural meeting between these two a year ago and the Thunderbirds, on paper, look to be a favorite once again. Wagner has pitched five consecutive shutouts against overmatched San Antonio ISD opponents, including last week’s 56-0 rout of San Antonio Jefferson. LJ Butler led a balanced rushing attack with 113 yards in the ground and a pair of touchdowns. Veterans Memorial drilled San Antonio Burbank, 49-7, as QB Khaliq Paulette accounted for 243 yards of offense and four touchdowns. But VMHS did turn the ball over three times. That’s a concern against a Wagner squad that feasts on your mistakes.

Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Wagner by 15

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Denison (6-2, 5-1) at Lovejoy (6-2, 5-1): Four teams in District 7-5A Division II are tied at 5-1 in district play, with Frisco Reedy lurking in fifth place with a 4-3 record and still in the playoff race. Denison’s one loss in district play is to Reedy, so the ‘Jackets are a facing a situation where they must win one of their next two games to get into the playoffs. Last week DHS got a much tougher than anticipated test against Frisco Memorial at home, but they found a way in a 28-21 win. Sophomore RB Jadrian Price ran for 148 yards, while sophomore QB Caleb Heavner accounted for 237 yards of offense and three touchdowns. Lovejoy also had their hands full last week as the Leopards held off a game Lake Dallas squad in a 28-26 win. The Leopards led 28-14 going into the fourth quarter, but they had to hold off a big LDHS rally down the stretch. QB RW Rucker led the LHS attack with 238 yards of total offense and all four Leopard touchdowns (two rushing and two passing). Lovejoy’s offense will certainly stress the Denison secondary. The ‘Jackets did get back their most dynamic DB back in Zaelin Wimbish, who had been out since the Week 1 win. But the key to slowing down Lovejoy is getting pressure on the QB. If Denison does that they’ll have a great shot to win, but if Lovejoy’s offense gets cranking the Leopards often excel in shootouts.

Stepp’s Pick: Lovejoy by 6

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Marshall (5-3, 5-0) at Whitehouse (6-2, 5-0): After a rough start to the season against a tough schedule, Marshall has gotten their wheels back on with five straight wins in district play and are looking to all but clinch the district title this week against fellow unbeaten Whitehouse. Last week the Mavericks knocked off Nacogdoches, 44-20, behind a potent rushing attack. Joe Jordan ran for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Savion Williams chipped in 115 yards rushing and one touchdown as well for the Mavericks. Whitehouse got another big game from QB Kaden Casey, who ran for 281 yards and four touchdowns and threw for 130 yards and two touchdowns in the Wildcats 50-36 win over Longview Pine Tree. Marshall’s defense, specifically the defensive line, is going to be the key in this one. The Mavs are going to be zeroed in on slowing Casey down and they’ve got the personnel to get the job done.

Stepp’s Pick: Marshall by 10

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Barbers Hill (7-1, 5-0) at Port Neches-Groves (6-2, 4-1): Barbers Hill can all but lock up the district title this week with a win over preseason district favorite Port Neches-Groves. The Eagles defense has been sensational the last five weeks allowing a total of 28 points and pitching two shutouts. It was more of the same in last week’s 28-7 win over Crosby as its defense held Crosby to just 216 yards of offense and forced four turnovers. QB Blake Bost has done a great job taking over the offense for PNG this year and he chipped in a pair of rushing touchdowns in last week’s 20-7 win over Santa Fe, but the Indians passing game scuffled a bit and they’ll need that offensive balance to keep the Barbers Hill defense off-balance. Barbers Hill is the slight favorite and unbeaten team in district play, but I’m taking Port Neches-Groves in this one. The Indians are at home and they’ve got a noticeable home field advantage and that’s key.

Stepp’s Pick: Port Neches-Groves by 2

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Leander Glenn (5-3, 4-1) at Brenham (6-2, 4-1): The always wild and wacky District 13-5A Division II got even weirder last week as Brenham, who was 4-0 in district play, was stunned by 0-4 Bastrop, 30-25. Brenham had won six straight games before the upset loss and in key moments their defense was simply unable to get stops. Glenn has bounced back nicely from their loss to Pflugerville Weiss with three straight wins, including last week’s 35-22 win over Marble Falls. The Grizzlies struggled slowing down the Marble Falls Slot-T offense early, but found their footing in the second half. Glenn’s speed proved to be too much in the win. Brenham is a tough road trip for teams in the Austin district. The Cubs play well at home and they’ll be looking to get that bad taste out of their mouth after the stunning loss. There’s plenty on the line in this one as the winner still has an outside shot at a share of the district title and a good chance at hosting a first-round playoff game.

Stepp’s Pick: Brenham by 7

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Alice (7-1, 4-1) at Corpus Christi Calallen (8-0, 5-0): It’s been a good year for Alice, but the Coyotes performance against the two best teams on their schedule has been a bit concerning. A few weeks ago, Alice dropped a 55-7 decision to Port Lavaca Calhoun. But they did end up with a win after Calhoun played an ineligible player. Last week at home, the Coyotes lost to a solid San Antonio Southside squad, 28-18. Calallen’s defense continued their dominant season last week in a 20-3 win over Gregory-Portland on the road last week. The Wildcats don’t put up the big numbers and certainly aren’t flashy, but what they are is brutally efficient and in the fourth quarter leading just 7-3 the Wildcats finally got the running game going and pulled away. Expect more of the same this week. Alice has some explosive ability on offense and there’s no doubt they could get a big play or two, but Calallen will wear down the Coyotes down the stretch.

Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Calallen by 17

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Waco LaVega (7-1, 2-0) at Brownwood (8-0, 2-0): It’s a top 10 matchup with a district title on the line as Gordon Wood Stadium in Brownwood will be alive as defending state champion Waco LaVega comes to town to tangle with unbeaten Brownwood. LaVega rolled past Central Texas rival China Spring last week, 49-17. The Pirates raced out to a 21-0 lead on just 11 plays and never looked back. Elisha Cummings ran for three touchdowns and paced a ground attack that saw seven different ball carriers roll up 387 yards. Brownwood got pushed last week but earned a hard-fought rivalry win on the road over Stephenville, 38-22. QB Drew Huff threw for 130 yards and two scores and rushed for 155 yards and another touchdown in the win. The key for Brownwood will be their outstanding defense and how they handle the speed of La Vega. If Brownwood’s defense can keep the Pirates from getting the edge, they’ve got a real shot to pull the upset. They’ll have a big home crowd on their side. Expect the Lions to come out strong, but the tale of this game gets told in the middle two quarters when the game settles in. I’m taking La Vega in this one, but Brownwood keeps this thing close all the way until the end.

Stepp’s Pick: Waco La Vega by 3

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Henderson (6-2, 2-1) at Carthage (8-0, 3-0): Although this is a big-time rivalry in the Piney Woods, it’s been quite one-sided recently as Carthage has absolutely dominated Henderson by winning nine of the last 11 meetings, including three straight in the playoffs. Henderson, after opening district play with a loss, has rebounded with two straight wins, including an impressive 63-35 win over Tyler Chapel Hill last week. Caleb Medford, Kevin Fields, Cameron Walker and Eli Jones combined for 556 yards and seven touchdowns to pace a lethal Lions offensive attack. Carthage drilled Palestine last week, 43-0, as QB Kai Horton tossed four touchdown passes, three to Arkansas commit Kelvontay Dixon, as CHS raced out to a 27-0 halftime lead and never looked back. The Carthage defense held one of East Texas’ best backs in check in the win as well and if Carthage’s defense is playing at a high level they could be tough to beat. Expect the Bulldogs at home to roll to a big win.

Stepp’s Pick: Carthage by 21

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Canyon Lake (6-2, 2-1) at Lampasas (7-1, 3-0): If Canyon Lake wants to get in on a possible share of the district title, they’ll have to win in what should be a very difficult road environment against state-ranked Lampasas. The Hawks defense was unable to contain an explosive offense last week in a 33-20 loss to Fredericksburg. That could be bad news against one of the state’s most dynamic offensive attacks in Lampasas. The Badgers, led by QB Ace Whitehead and a quartet of dynamic and fast receivers, are averaging well over 50 points per game. They didn’t do anything to lower that average last week in a dominant 56-0 road win at Taylor. Canyon Lake will look to take the air out of the ball with their run-oriented offensive attack, but they’ll need to play near mistake free football to keep pace with Lampasas.

Stepp’s Pick: Lampasas by 20

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Salado (6-2, 3-1) at Mexia (4-3, 3-1): Second place is on the line this week in 8-4A Division II, which may be the deepest 4A district in the state. Both Salado and Mexia weren’t picked to be near the top of the district standings in the preseason, but both teams have been outstanding in this incredibly tough district. Salado and their Slot-T offense rolled past Madisonville last week, 43-15, as the Eagles outscored Madisonville 21-0 in the second half. Mexia got a huge night from RB Jarrell Wiley in their 41-24 win over Robinson. Wiley went wild rolling up 284 yards rushing and five touchdowns in the victory. Mexia will be at home and winning at Blackcat Field is a tall order, but the Slot-T travels well and Salado’s ability to control things in the trenches gives them a big district win.

Stepp’s Pick: Salado by 4

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Grandview (8-0, 4-0) at Whitney (7-1, 4-0): Defending state champion Grandview is likely to get tested for the first time in several weeks as the Zebras head south to take on an underrated Whitney squad. Last week the Zebras rolled past McGregor, 49-17, as Tremayne Gullatte ran for 112 yards and two touchdowns and QB Dane Jentsch tossed four touchdown passes. Whitney’s offense is averaging over 40 points per game and last week they exploded in a 61-28 rout of Teague. QB Devin Wilson ran for 221 yards and three touchdowns and chipped in 120 yards on the ground to lead the Wildcats. The key for Whitney will be its defense. Grandview’s got a lot of big game experience and their defense is not going to get lit up, so Whitney’s defense will have to control Grandview if they want to have any chance at pulling the upset. Whitney starts out hot, but Grandview is just too experienced and too talented.

Stepp’s Pick: Grandview by 13

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Diboll (8-0, 4-0) at Franklin (6-1, 4-0): A district title is on the line as Diboll, the No. 5 team in the DCTF state rankings at the 3A-Division I level, will look to avenge a loss to defending district champion Franklin. If you like wide open offenses that sling the ball all over the field, this is NOT the game for you. Both of these teams are going to do what they do, which is line up, run right at you and play tough defense. Diboll has pitched three straight shutouts. Last week, they blasted Palestine Westwood 55-0. RB Daris McMillan had another big night for the Lumberjacks and DHS converted four Westwood turnovers into four touchdowns. Franklin had no trouble last week rolling past Trinity, 60-12, as sophomore Seth Spiller ran for 175 yards and three touchdowns to pace the Lions ground attack, which averaged an incredible 16.7 yards per carry. Diboll’s speed to the edge and ability to play Franklin to at least a stalemate up front will give the Lumberjacks a big win and the inside track to a district title.

Stepp’s Pick: Diboll by 8

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Cisco (7-1, 5-0) at Anson (6-2, 5-0): Powerful Cisco will look to wrap up a district title this week as they visit fellow unbeaten Anson to decide the 4-3A Division II crown. The Loboes haven’t been challenged the last three weeks as they’ve outscored opponents 175-0, including last week’s 53-0 rout of San Angelo Grape Creek. CHS held Grape Creek to just 58 yards of offense, while the Cisco ground game was led by Cam Nichols and Stanley Callahan, who ran for a combined 217 yards and four scores. Cisco ended the game with 463 yards of offense, most of that on the ground. Anson did plenty of damage of their own rolling up an 81-0 win over San Angelo TLC. QB Drew Hagler ran for 67 yards and two scores on just six carries as he sat out most of the second half. Jacob Cisneros added a couple of touchdown runs as well. Anson has won six-straight since losing their first two games, but Cisco is just a machine. The Loboes are just on a different level from the rest of this district.

Stepp’s Pick: Cisco by 15

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Post (8-0, 3-0) at New Deal (8-0, 3-0): The game of the week on the South Plains is this 2A-Division I showdown featuring defending district and regional champion New Deal hosting upstart Post in a battle of unbeaten teams. Post has been the surprise team in West Texas, keeping their perfect record intact last week in a 41-27 win over Sundown. QB Taytem Thetford and RB Nathan McDaniel each ran for three touchdowns to lead the Bold Gold. New Deal’s defense has been outstanding recently with back to back shutout wins, including last week’s 22-0 win over Hale Center. Haden Caudill ran for two touchdowns and 133 yards while Leric Eaton ran for 188 yards and a touchdow. Expect a low scoring, defensive battle in this one. New Deal has two big advantages: they are at home and they’ve got the big game experience needed in these types of showdowns.

Stepp’s Pick: New Deal by 11

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Quick Picks

Weslaco East (5-3, 4-0) vs Weslaco (7-1, 4-0) Stepp’s Pick: Weslaco by 2

El Paso Andress (6-2, 3-1) vs El Paso Bowie (4-3, 2-2) Stepp’s Pick: El Paso Andress by 19

Graham (4-4, 2-1) at Aubrey (3-5, 2-1) Stepp’s Pick: Graham by 22

Sabine (8-0, 4-0) at Gladewater (5-3, 3-1) Stepp’s Pick: Gladewater by 2

Clyde (6-2, 2-1) at Eastland (7-1, 2-1) Stepp’s Pick: Eastland by 9

Daingerfield (6-2, 4-1) at Omaha Paul Pewitt (8-0, 5-0) Stepp’s Pick: Daingerfield by 3

Brady (4-4, 3-0) at Comfort (6-2, 3-0) Stepp’s Pick: Comfort by 7

Hawkins (3-5, 3-0) at Alto (8-0, 3-0) Stepp’s Pick: Alto by 24

Electra (5-3, 2-1) at Windthorst (6-2, 3-0) Stepp’s Pick: Windthorst by 17

Deweyville (5-3, 1-2) at San Augustine (7-0, 3-0) Stepp’s Pick: San Augustine by 31

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