Regional Outlook

The South Plains have controlled Region I the past two seasons with New Deal and Post taking home regional titles in 2018 and 2019 and advancing to the state title game. Expect the 2020 regional race to heat up in a big way this year with the addition of San Saba to the mix from Region II and Cisco dropping down from 3A-Division II.

Panhandle looks to be the top team in 1-2A Division I with a veteran cast of skill players returning, if the Panthers develop up front they’ll be a regional contender. Farwell, always a tough team moves up from Division II with all 22 starters returning, but they’ll be on their third coach in three seasons. West Texas posted 10-3 record a year ago, but they’ve got a new head coach and are facing some heavy graduation losses, Olton gets the nod over Sanford-Fritch for the final playoff spot.

Post, last year’s regional champion has eight starters back on both sides of the ball and many of their underclassmen earned valuable experience a year ago. The Bold Gold is the heavy favorite in 2-2A Division I, although expect New Deal and Sundown to be much more competitive after dealing with the injury bug a year ago. Hale Center is a surprise pick for fourth over Tahoka, the Owls have the veteran experience to overtake a Tahoka squad that took heavy graduation losses.

Hawley, fresh off their best season in school history will still be great in the trenches but expect their offense to be a little more balanced with experience returning at QB and the graduation of Colton Marshall. Anson, down from 3A-Division II gets the edge for second over Stamford who is good bet for third place. The battle for fourth will be an absolute war with Haskell, Forsan and Colorado City dropping from 3A as well all on paper with a great shot at the post-season. From a depth standpoint, this may be the best district in the entire state at this level.

4-2A Division II is a fascinating district to watch with two power programs in Cisco and San Saba leading the way. On paper, San Saba, who has gone 27-2 the past two years has more returning, but they lose a D1 QB and a highly productive RB. Cisco always a contender in 3A-Division II doesn’t bring as much back, but their experience, ability to reload consistently and better depth gives the Loboes an edge. Don’t be surprised if Coleman takes a big leap forward in 2020, while DeLeon, Winters and Goldthwaite all appear to be solid contenders for a playoff spot in another deep district.

District Predictions

District 1-2A Division I

1. Panhandle
2. Farwell
3. Stinnett West Texas
4. Olton
5. Sanford-Fritch
6. Boys Ranch

District 2-2A Division I

1. Post
2. New Deal
3. Sundown
4. Hale Center
5. Tahoka
6. Floydada

District 3-2A Division I

1. Hawley
2. Anson
3. Stamford
4. Haskell
5. Forsan
6. Colorado City

District 4-2A Division I

1. Cisco
2. San Saba
3. Coleman
4. DeLeon
5. Winters
6. Goldthwaite

Predicted Playoff Matchups

W1 Panhandle vs F2 Hale Center

R4 San Saba vs T3 Stamford

W2 Post vs F1 Olton

R3 Anson vs T4 Coleman

W3 Hawley vs F4 DeLeon

R2 New Deal vs T1 Stinnett West Texas

W4 Cisco vs F3 Haskell

R1 Farwell vs T2 Sundown

Playoff Sleeper

New Deal: The Lions were “down” last year posting a 10-2 record and dealing with key injuries that derailed their season. They bring back the core of last year’s team with eight starters back on both sides of the ball, the Lions are a good bet to play on Thanksgiving weekend and they won’t be an easy out.    

Regional Winner

Post over Cisco: It’s the showdown we’ve all been waiting for and it’ll be a classic, but Post’s veteran experience and the dynamic game breaking ability of RB Ashton Jefferson lifts the Antelopes to their second straight regional title.