Regional Outlook

After advancing to the state title game and giving Mart all they wanted, Hamlin has to replace some key offensive weapons, but the return of a four-year starter at QB and seven on defense puts the Pied Pipers not only at the top of the 5-2A Division II race, but right in the mix to repeat as regional champions. Ralls, a ten-win team a year ago and area finalist is the best bet for second place, while the battle for the final two playoff slots will be a tight race between Roscoe, Lockney and Crosbyton.

6-2A Division II is a three-horse race at the top with Seymour dropping down from Division I getting the slight edge over Quanah and Archer City who both bring back a boatload of experience from 2019. Take your pick of these three to win the district, the race is that tight. Electra is the pick for fourth, but after two straight years of struggles Munday is in a more favorable position to be competitive in 2020.

After a strong 2019 season and returning plenty of talent, Windthorst has their eyes set on not only a district title but a run to the regional crown as well in 2020. They’ll have to hold off Muenster who moves back over after a two-year stint in Region III. Chico drops down after making the playoffs in Division I and is a good bet for third, while Petrolia is the pick for fourth-place in 7-2A Division II.

Perennial Big Country powerhouse Albany is the team to beat in 8-2A Division II, but the battle for the second playoff spot will be fierce between Cross Plains and Santo. Meridian and Hico both struggled last year but bring back nearly their entire team, expect another tight race for the district’s fourth and final playoff spot.

District Predictions

District 5-2A Division II

1. Hamlin
2. Ralls
3. Roscoe
4. Lockney
5. Crosbyton

District 6-2A Division II

1. Seymour
2. Quanah
3. Archer City
4. Electra
5. Munday
6. Olney

District 7-2A Division II

1. Windthorst
2. Muenster
3. Chico
4. Petrolia
5. Era

District 8-2A Division II

1. Albany
2. Cross Plains
3. Santo
4. Meridian
5. Hico
6. Ranger

Predicted Playoff Matchups

W5 Hamlin vs F6 Electra

R8 Cross Plains vs T7 Chico

W6 Seymour vs F5 Lockney

R7 Muenster vs T8 Santo

W7 Windthorst vs F8 Meridian

R6 Quanah vs T5 Roscoe

W8 Albany vs F7 Petrolia

R5 Ralls vs T6 Archer City

Playoff Sleeper

Muenster: The Hornets aren’t far removed from a state title run and they’ve been a major contender in Region III with only Mart standing in their way. Brady Carney’s squad is experienced and will fear no one in Region II.  

Regional Winner

Windthorst over Hamlin: It may be the Trojan’s year as Windthorst knocks off defending regional champion Hamlin to push through to the state semifinals. Both teams have veteran defensive units, but its Windthorst’s experience on the offensive line that proves to be the big difference.