Regional Outlook

Falls City, who has won the past two Region IV titles has a new coach and a much younger team, but the Beavers still appear to be the regional favorites, but there are some new challengers to the throne that could make the playoff race quite intriguing come November.

13-2A Division II looks to be a two-horse race with Granger, bringing back seven starters on each side of the ball from a regional semifinalist squad gets the nod over always speedy and tough Burton. Up and coming Snook is a real sleeper in the third slot, while the battle for fourth is anyone’s guess as Iola, Milano and Somerville all can have a case made for themselves.

Adding to the intrigue in Region IV is this Concho Valley district in 14-2A Division II which moves south in realignment, the majority of this loop was in Region II the past two seasons. Junction, which was a playoff team in Division I has the makings of not only a district title contender, but regional contender with eight returning starters on both sides of the ball. The Eagles will have to hold off solid challenges from Christoval and Eldorado who both posted 10-2 records in 2019. Miles, under new head coach Jayson Wilhelm brings back nine starters on both sides of the ball and gets the pick to round out the playoff teams.

There’s three main contenders in 15-2A Division II as La Pryor, D’Hanis and Bruni all can make a strong case to be district title favorites. La Pryor with fourteen starters returning from an area finalist nudges out D’Hanis who also brings back fourteen starters from a 6-5 squad. Bruni only won five games a year ago, but one was a playoff game and the Badgers return an impressive 21 total starters. If you are looking for a regional sleeper, the Badgers may fit the bill. Charlotte is expected to get the fourth playoff spot over what should be an improved Sabinal squad.

Regional favorite Falls City drops down to 16-2A Division II in realignment and the Beavers are expected to run the table in their new digs. Agua Dulce, a surprise 10-2 squad from a year ago is the clear favorite for the second place slot. Expect Yorktown, Louise and Runge to contend for the district’s final two playoff spots.

District Predictions

District 13-2A Division II

1. Granger
2. Burton
3. Snook
4. Iola
5. Milano
6. Somerville
7. Bartlett

District 14-2A Division II

1. Junction
2. Christoval
3. Eldorado
4. Miles
5. Menard
6. Rocksprings

District 15-2A Division II

1. La Pryor
2. D’Hanis
3. Bruni
4. Charlotte
5. Sabinal
6. Benavides

District 16-2A Division II

1. Falls City
2. Agua Dulce
3. Yorktown
4. Louise
5. Runge
6. Pettus
7. Woodsboro

Predicted Playoff Matchups

W13 Granger vs F14 Miles

R16 Agua Dulce vs T15 Bruni

W14 Junction vs F13 Iola

R15 D’Hanis vs T16 Yorktown

W15 La Pryor vs F16 Louise

R14 Christoval vs T13 Snook

W16 Falls City vs F15 Charlotte

R13 Burton vs T14 Eldorado

Playoff Sleeper

Bruni: The Badgers bring back all but one starter from an area round playoff team a year ago, their new district will make them battle tested and they’ve got a path to make it to Thanksgiving weekend.    

Regional Winner

Falls City over Junction: Upstart Junction will push Falls City, but in the end, the Beavers playoff experience proves to be the difference in key moments as Falls City takes home their third consecutive regional title.