BI-DISTRICT PREVIEW: Breaking down the biggest games in Texas high school football

Katy Tompkins QB Jalen Milroe (Photo by Darrell Gest)

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Fort Bend Travis (10-0) vs Katy Tompkins (9-1): It’s rare in this day and age that you get this kind of bi-district matchup. But Mercer Stadium is definitely the place to be in Houston Thursday night as unbeaten Travis hosts once-beaten Katy Tompkins. Travis has one of the state’s most dynamic offenses with Penn State commit WR Parker Washington and Jarell Farr combining for 24 touchdown receptions. The Tigers defense has steadily improved as the season has worn on and late in games they’ve emerged to make plays in key moments. Tompkins has dominated all year aside from a close five-point loss to Katy. The Falcons are led by Texas commit WR Jalen Milroe, who has dazzled all year long with his dual threat ability. The Falcons backfield duo of RJ Smith and Marquis Shoulders has put up outstanding numbers, combining for 29 touchdowns on the ground. The key for Tompkins is its defense. If that unit is playing at a high level this is a real sleeper in Region III. Katy ISD has gotten the better of FBISD in these recent playoff matchups and that trend continues this week.

Stepp’s Pick: Katy Tompkins by 11

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Austin Westlake (9-1) vs Cibolo Steele (8-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Austin’s Chaparral Stadium: It’s a high-powered Austin vs San Antonio matchup and nothing would bring some pride back to the Alamo City like a resurgent Steele squad going into Austin and taking out the Region IV favorites. That’ll be easier said than done as Westlake’s defense has been flat out sensational all year long and will be dead set on slowing down Wyatt Beagal and that high-flying Knights attack. Westlake has dominated in their last four games since the Lake Travis defeat with their closest game being a 38-point win. Steele’s defense, which struggled in their two losses in the middle of the year, found their stride late and started to resemble the defensive units of a few years ago when the Knights were a title contender nearly every year. Westlake has liberally rotated three different signal callers all year and none have separated themselves. It’ll be interesting to see if later in the playoffs that ends up coming back to bite them. This one is dangerously close, but at home the edge goes to the Chaps in what should be an absolute thriller.

Stepp’s Pick: Austin Westlake by 6

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Lancaster (8-2) vs The Colony (8-2), 7 p.m. Thursday at Lancaster’s Humphrey Tiger Stadium: There will be some big-time talent on the field in this game as two of DFW’s most dynamic 5A programs hook up in a Thursday night showdown that will be full of fireworks. Lancaster is led by RB Tre Bradford and WR’s Majik Rector and LaTrell Caples, and a ferocious defense that’s among the fastest in the state. They’ll be tested by a dynamic The Colony attack that features WR Keith Miller (Kansas) and two-way star Christian Gonzalez (Purdue) along with Myles Price (Texas Tech), who lines up all over the field and is just a menace. The key in this game is which defense can rise up at key moments and get off the field. That edge goes to the Lancaster defense. The Colony has at times struggled when teams run right at them and get downhill and that’s what Lancaster thrives on.

Stepp’s Pick: Lancaster by 8

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Rosenberg Lamar Consolidated (8-2) vs Lindale (7-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Rosenberg’s Traylor Stadium: Lindale makes the long road trip down to the southern edge of the Houston area to take on surprising Rosenberg Lamar, who, with a big win last week over favored Katy Paetow, earned themselves a home playoff game. In last week’s 37-21 win over Paetow Baylor commit RB Taye McWIlliams ran for 208 yards and a touchdown, but it was the passing game that proved to be the difference as BJ Harris tossed three touchdown passes for the Mustangs. Lindale’s offense was the story last week as the Eagle flew past Jacksonville 64-50 behind another historic performance from RB Jordan Jenkins, who ran for 282 yards and EIGHT touchdowns. In fact, he’s accounted for a staggering 15 touchdowns the past two weeks! Slowing Jenkins down will be priority No. 1 through five for the Mustangs defense this week and their team speed will be of big benefit in this matchup. Give Rosenberg Lamar the edge with Lindale having to take a lengthy road trip.

Stepp’s Pick: Rosenberg Lamar Consolidated by 13

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Pampa (8-2) vs Gainesville (8-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Vernon’s Lion Stadium: Two of Region I’s most pleasant surprises in 2019 meet up in Vernon in what looks to be a very evenly matched game. Pampa, who is led by QB Tucker Bridwell and an explosive offensive attack, knocked off a game Canyon squad, 38-31, last week. Bridwell threw for 288 yards and two scores and also had a team-high 95 yards on the ground. A blocked punt return for a touchdown in the first half proved to be a key score as well for the Harvesters. Gainesville’s two losses have come to the hands of Decatur and Springtown, so no shame there.  The “Baker Boys”- Izaiah and Brandon - are the key weapons for Coach James Polk’s squad. The Leopards have speed to burn on both sides of the ball and that could be a real matchup problem for Pampa. If Pampa’s defense can’t contain the edge against Gainesville, it could be a long night.

Stepp’s Pick: Gainesville by 7

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Center (6-4) vs Hamshire-Fannett (6-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Woodville’s Eagle Stadium: Center saw their five-game winning streak snapped at the hands of No. 10 Jasper to close the season, 51-20. First-year head coach Scott Ponder’s squad is beginning to get the hang of his up-tempo offensive system and if the Rough Riders defense can come around, they have a chance to play into Thanksgiving weekend. Center, however, gets a tough first round game against Hamshire-Fannett, who emerged as the third-place team from a tough 10-4A Division II. The Longhorns closed the season with back to back losses to Silsbee and West Orange-Stark. It’ll be interesting to see how much confidence they have going into this matchup. The first 10 minutes will be key. If Center jumps out quick will Hamshire-Fannett hang their heads or be in it for the fight?

Stepp’s Pick: Center by 10

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Brock (8-2) vs Clyde (7-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Abilene’s Shotwell Stadium: Brock, without question, has a state title caliber defense. But the Eagles have major questions about their offense heading into the playoffs in a brutal Class 3A Division I Region I. The Eagles have found ways to win the last two weeks, but have scored just 37 points in those victories. They’ll get a massive test this week against a Clyde squad who has a defense that’s also worthy of praise. The Bulldogs have four shutouts on the season and in two other games allowed just a single touchdown. There’s no question second-year head coach Scott Campbell’s squad is battle- tested coming from a district featuring Wall, Eastland and Jim Ned. But Clyde lost two of those three games and that’s a concern. Brock is still an elite team and will be a tough out and in a matchup like this playoff experience is vital.

Stepp’s Pick: Brock by 13

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Buffalo (8-2) vs Rogers (9-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Waco’s Peoples Stadium: Buffalo probably has to be wondering who they made mad as the Bison, a year after going 12-1, managed in a “rebuilding” year to go 8-2, yet they draw a 9-1 Rogers squad, who based on a quirky tiebreaker, gets slotted into third place. Buffalo closed out district play last week with a sensational defensive effort in a 28-3 win over Scurry-Rosser. Rogers had rolled out to a 9-0 record, but the Eagles and their vaunted Slot-T offense, was slowed down last week in a 27-21 defeat to a tough Clifton squad. In fact, in two of the last three games Rogers’ offensive attack has been kept in check by Clifton and Lexington. Expect Rogers to get untracked this game as the Eagles are a contender in 3A Division II Region II.

Stepp’s Pick: Rogers by 14

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Joaquin (8-2) vs Shelbyville (7-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Henderson’s Lion Stadium: If you like smash mouth, physical football then this might be your game on Friday night as the 2A Division I Region III bracket is full of tough teams from the Piney Woods. Joaquin lost out on the district title a week ago losing in a slight upset to rapidly improving Harleton 22-13. The Rams led 13-9 going into the fourth quarter but a pick six gave Harleton the lead and JHS unraveled from that point on. Shelbyville was in trouble from the start last week in their 55-0 loss to San Augustine. It’s been a good year for the Dragons, but it appears San Augustine is just on a different level in 2019. Shelbyville’s defense won’t have the speed mismatches this week against Joaquin, but the Rams in the trenches will control a much slower paced game.

Stepp’s Pick: Joaquin by 6

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Wheeler (8-2) vs Archer City (7-3), 6 p.m. Thursday at Vernon’s Lion Stadium: Wheeler’s hopes for a district title went by the wayside last week as they dropped their home finale to a surging Wellington squad, 38-18. Heston Marshall did have another strong night for the Mustangs with 115 yards on the ground and a touchdown, but special teams mistakes and Wheeler’s inability to slow the ground game loomed large in the loss. Archer City has closed the season out strong with three straight wins and in all three games Shad Hanna’s squad has put up at least 49 points. In last week’s 49-20 win over Electra, ACHS got three turnovers from their defense and got 131 yards rushing and four touchdowns from Morgan Mobley. Archer City is solid, but they haven’t had the tests that Wheeler has had playing tougher competition up in the Texas panhandle.

Stepp’s Pick: Wheeler by 12

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Quick Picks

 

CLASS 6A

Division I

Region I

El Paso Montwood (7-3) vs Midland Lee (9-1) Stepp’s Pick: Midland Lee by 28

Euless Trinity (9-1) vs Arlington Lamar (9-1) Stepp’s Pick: Euless Trinity by 8

Southlake Carroll (10-0) vs Lewisville (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Southlake Carroll by 24

DeSoto (8-2) vs Dallas Skyline (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: DeSoto by 12

Odessa Permian (6-4) vs El Paso Franklin (8-2) Stepp’s Pick: Odessa Permian by 2

Arlington Martin (9-1) vs San Angelo Central (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Arlington Martin by 21

Flower Mound (7-3) vs Keller (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Flower Mound by 7

Duncanville (10-0) vs South Grand Prairie (5-5) Stepp’s Pick: Duncanville by 30

 

Region II

Allen (10-0) vs Sachse (8-2) Stepp’s Pick: Allen by 26

Rockwall (8-2) vs Killeen Harker Heights (4-6) Stepp’s Pick: Rockwall by 19

Round Rock Stony Point (7-3) vs Cypress Ranch (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Round Rock Stony Point by 2

Klein Oak (8-2) vs Aldine MacArthur (5-5) Stepp’s Pick: Klein Oak by 20

Wylie (6-4) vs Prosper (8-2) Stepp’s Pick: Prosper by 9

Killeen Shoemaker (7-3) vs Mesquite (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Killeen Shoemaker by 3

Cypress Woods (7-3) vs. Round Rock Cedar Ridge (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Cypress Woods by 4

Spring (8-2) vs The Woodlands (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: The Woodlands by 6

 

Region III

Cy-Fair (10-0) vs Houston Bellaire (6-3) Stepp’s Pick: Cy-Fair by 27

Katy (10-0) vs Fort Bend Ridge Point (8-2) Stepp’s Pick: Katy by 28

Galena Park North Shore (9-1) vs Pasadena Dobie (9-1) Stepp’s Pick: Galena Park North Shore by 33

Pearland Dawson (9-1) vs Clear Springs (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Pearland Dawson by 14

Houston Lamar (6-3) vs Cypress Falls (9-1) Stepp’s Pick: Cypress Falls by 17

Humble Atascocita (9-1) vs Deer Park (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Humble Atascocita by 20

Dickinson (9-1) vs Pearland (8-2) Stepp’s Pick: Dickinson by 11

 

Region IV

Lake Travis (9-1) vs Smithson Valley (6-4) 7:30 p.m. Friday at Lake Travis’ Cavalier Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Lake Travis by 21

San Antonio Madison (8-2) vs San Antonio Stevens (5-5) 7:30 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Comalander Stadium Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Madison by 15

Laredo United South (7-3) vs McAllen Memorial (9-1) Stepp’s Pick: McAllen Memorial by 4

Weslaco (8-2) vs Los Fresnos (3-7) Stepp’s Pick: Weslaco by 16

Converse Judson (9-1) vs Buda Hays Consolidated (8-2) Stepp’s Pick: Converse Judson by 28

San Antonio O’Connor (8-2) vs San Antonio Reagan (5-5) Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio O’Connor by 11

Mission (8-2) vs Laredo United (8-2) Stepp’s Pick: Mission by 4

San Benito (6-4) vs Edinburg North (3-7) Stepp’s Pick: San Benito by 25

 

 

Division II

Region I

El Paso Americas (9-1) vs Wolfforth Frenship (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: El Paso Americas by 9

Richland (4-6) vs Arlington (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Arlington by 13

Denton Guyer (9-1) vs Lewisville Hebron (8-2) Stepp’s Pick: Denton Guyer by 6

Cedar Hill (9-1) vs Richardson Pearce (5-5) Stepp’s Pick: Cedar Hill by 34

Amarillo Tascosa (7-3) vs El Paso Pebble Hills (5-5) Stepp’s Pick: Amarillo Tascosa by 24

Arlington Bowie (7-3) vs Weatherford (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Arlington Bowie by 5

Flower Mound Marcus (9-1) vs Keller Central (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Flower Mound Marcus by 10

Richardson Lake Highlands (7-3) vs Mansfield Summit (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Mansfield Summit by 14

 

 

Region II

Dallas Jesuit (6-4) vs Garland Lakeview Centennial (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Dallas Jesuit by 2

Longview (10-0) vs Temple (8-2) Stepp’s Pick: Longview by 12

Austin Vandegrift (10-0) vs Cypress Bridgeland (8-2) Stepp’s Pick: Austin Vandegrift by 17

Klein Collins (9-1) vs Spring Dekaney (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Klein Collins by 18

Garland Naaman Forest (4-6) vs McKinney (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Garland Naaman Forest by 1

Waco Midway (7-3) vs Tyler Lee (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Waco Midway by 8

Tomball Memorial (9-1) vs Cedar Park Vista Ridge (8-2) Stepp’s Pick: Tomball Memorial by 8

Spring Westfield (9-1) vs Klein Cain (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Spring Westfield by 15

 

Region III

Cypress Creek (6-4) vs Houston Westside (5-4) Stepp’s Pick: Cypress Creek by 27

Katy Mayde Creek (8-2) vs Fort Bend Bush (5-5) Stepp’s Pick: Katy Mayde Creek by 11

Beaumont West Brook (8-2) vs Humble Kingwood (5-5) Stepp’s Pick: Beaumont West Brook by 19

Houston Strake Jesuit (8-2) vs Clear Creek (4-6) Stepp’s Pick: Houston Strake Jesuit by 17

Houston Heights (4-6) vs Houston Memorial (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Houston Memorial by 2

Fort Bend Elkins (8-2) vs Katy Taylor (5-5) Stepp’s Pick: Fort Bend Elkins by 4

Humble (8-2) vs Houston King (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Humble by 7

Clear Falls (7-2) vs Richmond George Ranch (4-6) Stepp’s Pick: Clear Falls by 8

 

Region IV

San Antonio Roosevelt (9-1) vs San Antonio Brennan (8-2) Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Roosevelt by 15

Laredo Alexander (6-4) vs McAllen Rowe (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Laredo Alexander by 3

Weslaco East (7-3) vs Harlingen South (4-6) Stepp’s Pick: Weslaco by 14

Schertz Clemens (9-1) vs Austin Bowie (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Schertz Clemens by 21

San Antonio Brandeis (10-0) vs San Antonio Johnson (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Brandeis by 12

PSJA (7-3) vs Eagle Pass (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: PSJA by 9

Harlingen (9-1) vs Edinburg Vela (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Harlingen by 10

 

CLASS 5A

Division I

Region I

El Paso Eastlake (6-4) vs Lubbock Monterey (5-5) Stepp’s Pick: El Paso Eastlake by 2

Birdville (7-3) vs Saginaw (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Birdville by 22

Amarillo (8-2) vs El Paso Chapin (2-8) Stepp’s Pick: Amarillo by 38

Crowley (9-1) vs Colleyville Heritage (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Crowley by 3

Azle (9-1) vs Grapevine (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Azle by 14

Abilene Cooper (9-1) vs El Paso Del Valle (5-5) Stepp’s Pick: Abilene Cooper by 31

Denton Ryan (10-0) vs Granbury (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Denton Ryan by 44

El Paso Eastwood (5-5) vs Lubbock Coronado (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Lubbock Coronado by 7

 

Region II

Frisco Lone Star (10-0) vs Mansfield Legacy (4-6) Stepp’s Pick: Frisco Lone Star by 28

College Station (7-3) vs Tyler John Tyler (3-7) Stepp’s Pick: College Station by 14

Highland Park (9-1) vs Frisco Wakeland (5-5) Stepp’s Pick: Highland Park by 27

Mesquite Poteet (5-5) vs Magnolia (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Mesquite Poteet by 2

McKinney North (9-1) vs Magnolia West (5-5) Stepp’s Pick: McKinney North by 13

Lufkin (9-1) vs Texarkana Texas (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Lufkin by 17

Frisco Independence (8-2) vs Mansfield Timberview (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Mansfield Timberview by 3

 

Region III

New Caney (10-0) vs Richmond Foster (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: New Caney by 6

Austin LBJ (8-2) vs Georgetown (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Austin LBJ by 10

Alvin Shadow Creek (10-0) vs Port Arthur Memorial (5-5) Stepp’s Pick: Alvin Shadow Creek by 35

Hutto (8-1) vs Seguin (5-5) Stepp’s Pick: Hutto by 22

Cedar Park (9-1) vs Austin McCallum (5-5) Stepp’s Pick: Cedar Park by 37

Friendswood (8-2) vs Humble Kingwood Park (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Friendswood by 9

Dripping Springs (9-1) vs Manor (5-5) Stepp’s Pick: Dripping Springs by 16

New Caney Porter (9-1) vs Fort Bend Hightower (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Fort Bend Hightower by 2

 

Region IV

San Antonio Wagner (9-1) vs San Antonio Harlandale (5-5) Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Wagner by 42

Rio Grande City (9-1) vs Corpus Christi Flour Bluff (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Flour Bluff by 8

San Antonio Harlan (10-0) vs San Antonio Burbank (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Harlan by 38

Victoria West (6-4) vs La Joya Palmview (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Victoria West by 3

Corpus Christi Miller (10-0) vs Brownsville Pace (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Miller by 24

San Antonio Southwest (5-5) vs San Antonio Brackenridge (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Southwest by 7

Mission Veterans Memorial (8-2) vs Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Mission Veterans Memorial by 1

San Antonio Veterans Memorial (8-2) vs Laredo Martin (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Veterans Memorial by 27

 

Division II

Region I

El Paso Parkland (10-0) vs El Paso Bowie (5-4) Stepp’s Pick: El Paso Parkland by 25

Fort Worth North Side (5-5) vs Wichita Falls (3-7) Stepp’s Pick: Wichita Falls by 14

El Paso Austin (8-2) vs El Paso Hanks (5-4) Stepp’s Pick: El Paso Austin by 10

Wichita Falls Rider (6-4) vs Fort Worth Southwest (3-7) Stepp’s Pick: Wichita Falls Rider by 35

Lubbock Cooper (9-1) vs Fort Worth Wyatt (3-7) Stepp’s Pick: Lubbock Cooper by 48

El Paso Burges (8-2) vs El Paso Ysleta (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: El Paso Burges by 12

Justin Northwest (6-4) vs Canyon Randall (3-7) Stepp’s Pick: Justin Northwest by 17

Canutillo (8-2) vs El Paso Andress (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Canutillo by 3

 

Region II

Aledo (9-1) vs Dallas Kimball (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Aledo by 38

Royse City (8-2) vs Lovejoy (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Royse City by 4

Red Oak (9-1) vs Everman (4-6) Stepp’s Pick: Red Oak by 23

Denton Braswell (9-1) vs Corsicana (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Denton Braswell by 14

Frisco (9-1) vs Greenville (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Frisco by 17

South Oak Cliff (8-2) vs Midlothian (8-2) Stepp’s Pick: Midlothian by 3

Ennis (9-1) vs Frisco Reedy (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Ennis by 22

Burleson Centennial (9-1) vs Seagoville (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Burleson Centennial by 30

 

Region III

Marshall (7-3) vs Huntsville (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Marshall by 5

Crosby (5-4) vs Fort Bend Willowridge (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Crosby by 13

College Station A&M Consolidated (10-0) vs Longview Pine Tree (5-5) Stepp’s Pick: College Station A&M Consolidated by 28

Fort Bend Marshall (9-1) vs Port Neches-Groves (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Fort Bend Marshall by 31

Manvel (10-0) vs Nederland (4-6) Stepp’s Pick: Manvel by 34

Barbers Hill (9-1) vs Houston Sterling Stepp’s Pick: Barbers Hill by 17

Whitehouse (7-3) vs Katy Paetow (8-2) Stepp’s Pick: Katy Paetow by 3

 

Region IV

Brenham (8-2) vs Medina Valley (5-5) Stepp’s Pick: Brenham by 10

Mercedes (7-3) vs Alice (8-2) Stepp’s Pick: Mercedes by 2

Kerrville Tivy (9-1) vs Georgetown East View (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Kerrville Tivy by 20

Corpus Christi Calallen (9-1) vs Edcouch-Elsa (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Calallen by 18

Port Lavaca Calhoun (9-1) vs Mission Sharyland (5-5) Stepp’s Pick: Port Lavaca Calhoun by 21

Boerne Champion (9-1) vs Leander Glenn (5-5) Stepp’s Pick: Boerne Champion by 16

Mission Pioneer (9-1) vs San Antonio Southside (7-3) Stepp’s Pick: Mission Pioneer by 12

Pflugerville Weiss (8-2) vs Lockhart (6-4) Stepp’s Pick: Pflugerville Weiss by 8

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