Waco Connally (1-0) at Waco La Vega (1-0): Old rivals on the northside of Waco meet up for the first time in a regular season game in a few years as 4A-Division II power Connally meets the No. 1 team in 4A-Division I La Vega. Connally, behind their sensational running duo of Tre Wisner (266 yards, four touchdowns) and Kavian Gaither (233 yards, two touchdowns), blasted past Sunnyvale, 46-27, in an impressive opener. CHS didn’t need to throw it last week, but they are capable with Idaho commit Tyler Webb under center. Connally’s defense and special teams will need to improve this week against La Vega, who took down state-ranked Port Lavaca Calhoun last week, 20-7, in a late scheduled matchup. The Pirates didn’t have much time to prepare for this one and they are notoriously slow starters and that sloppiness showed at times last week. Expect a much sharper effort this week from Don Hyde’s squad in a game that means a ton to both communities. Controlling emotions will be huge in this matchup as well, silly penalties and mistakes may loom large. La Vega has the much better track record in these big games in the past and despite this being non-district it’ll be plenty talked about. The edge goes to the Pirates in what will be a very physical, but entertaining game. Stepp’s Pick: Waco La Vega by 11

Argyle (1-0) at Texarkana Pleasant Grove (1-0): Both state-ranked teams easily handled their business a week ago as Argyle absolutely destroyed Decatur 56-9, while Texarkana Pleasant Grove went out of state and easily rolled past a state-ranked team in Nashville, AR, 55-14. This week we will get a better idea of where both of these teams stand after this big matchup in East Texas. Argyle raced out to a 42-3 lead at halftime behind a solid first start for QB C.J. Rogers, two receiving touchdowns from TE Jasper Lott and a 74-yard touchdown run from Tito Byce on his only carry of the evening as he works his way back from a knee injury. Pleasant Grove, who is without Texas A&M commit Marcus Burris on the defensive line, is still scary good on defense with DE Landon Jackson, an LSU commit, and fellow FBS recruits DL Torrey Phillips and LB Nick Martin. The questions for the Hawks are on offense where Josh Gibson’s squad has a lot of youth, but that youth looked good last week as freshman RB Jaylen Boardley ran for 140 yards and a touchdown, Logan Johnson chipped in 136 yards and two scores, while Martin chipped in a 28-yard touchdown run and QB Jalen Woodside impressed in his first varsity start. If this game was being played later in the year, I’d pick Pleasant Grove, especially with it being in Texarkana. But Argyle has the experience factor over the Hawks, and they are usually the sharper team earlier in the season. This one goes to Argyle. Stepp’s Pick: Argyle by 6

Iowa Park (1-0) at Canadian (1-0): Iowa Park, a strong Class 4A-Division II program, will test themselves in a major way this week as the Hawks travel up to the Texas Panhandle to take on 3A-Division II powerhouse Canadian. IPHS got a stellar defensive effort last week as they rolled past Holliday, 28-0. The Hawks defensive line was dominant all night holding Holliday to just 111 yards of total offense and seven first downs. RB Jaydon Southard ran for 106 yards and two second quarter touchdowns that helped turn a scoreless game into a 21-0 rout by halftime. The Iowa Park defense has a massive test as they look to contain the always-explosive Canadian spread offense. The Wildcats appeared sharp last week as they blasted past Stinnett West Texas 77-26. QB Joshua Culwell was dazzling in his first varsity start throwing for 291 yards and six touchdowns as the Wildcats rolled up 56 first half points. Canadian’s offense will have a much tougher time this week as Iowa Park is going to matchup much better and being a larger school they’ll even have the edge at a few spots. Look for more of RB Hayze Hufstedler this week; he had 158 yards rushing last week, but only on nine carries. If he can get going, it’ll prevent the Iowa Park defense from pinning their ears back and getting pressure on Culwell. Canadian gets pushed in this one against a good 4A opponent, but this Wildcats bunch is elite at the 3A level and once again a state title contender. Stepp’s Pick: Canadian by 12

Bellville (1-0) at Cameron Yoe (1-0): Bellville got a big test a week ago on the road at Giddings, and the Brahmas passed despite some late nervy moments with a 34-31 win. Bellville, who relies on the Slot-T offense led by RB Richard Reese, went to the air in the win as QB Jake Lischa threw for 237 yards and three touchdowns; WR Robert Briggs was the recipient of two of those scores. If Bellville is able to keep defenses honest with the pass this year, they could be really tough to slow down. Cameron Yoe was a bit of an underdog last week on the road in Mexia, but the Yoemen answered the call as they normally do with a stellar defensive effort in a 21-16 win.  Yoe raced out to a 21-3 lead in the first half with the key play being a 66-yard touchdown pass from Zane Zeinart to Za’Corien Spikes, who finished with 104 receiving yards on the night. Despite the Mexia second half rally, Yoe’s defense rose to the challenge in key moments late and helped preserve the victory. Bellville, which struggled to run the ball, should have more success this week and with Yoe having to gear up for a few Bellville tricks that should open some running lanes. Both defenses are stout, but Bellville’s edge up front wears down a smaller, but faster Yoe bunch. Stepp’s Pick: Bellville by 8

Longview Spring Hill (0-1) at Gladewater (0-1): Spring Hill, known for a usually high-powered offensive attack, struggled last week in a disappointing 17-14 loss to Sabine. Now the Panthers have to find a way to slow down a potent Gladewater bunch that’s out for blood after an agonizing 55-41 defeat at the hands of arch rival Gilmer. Spring Hill’s got to find a way to get the running game going to take some pressure off QB Jax Stovall, who tossed two touchdowns last week. That may be easier this week as Gladewater’s defense was torched by Gilmer. Where the Bears had issues on defense, there were none to be found on offense last week as junior QB Tristan Holmes threw for 226 yards and two touchdowns. WR DJ Allen caught five passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns. RB Malachi Gordon carried 17 times for 109 yards and a touchdown, while Eliga Carter ran for 53 yards and returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown; Carter also impressed in defensive duty as well. Gladewater has too much firepower and they’ll be out to get that bad taste out of their mouths quick, fast and in a hurry. Stepp’s Pick: Gladewater by 18

Brady (1-0) at Comanche (1-0): Brady will head north on Highway 377 into a difficult road trip against a Comanche squad that’s flying high after knocking off Mason a week ago. The winner of this one moves to 2-0 and move to the meat of the non-district slate brimming with confidence. Brady didn’t get much of a test a week ago as the Bulldogs just annihilated San Angelo TLC to the tune of 81-8. QB Cutter Johnson was one of many Bulldogs who put up big numbers as he threw for 210 yards and three touchdowns and added two more touchdowns on the ground. Comanche’s defense rose to the occasion in a major way last week as the Indians stunned Mason, 14-0. It was the first time in school history Comanche was able to defeat the 2A power and the key was a tough defense that forced two big turnovers. QB Hudson Welch’s first half touchdown pass to Bryce Hermesmeyer proved to be all the offense CHS needed. Brady is still a bit of an unknown heading into this one, while Comanche and that stout defense is getting rave early reviews, the Indians keep it rolling this week behind that tough unit. Stepp’s Pick: Comanche by 9

Refugio (1-0) at George West (1-0): Defending 2A-Division I state champion Refugio will have its hands more than full this week against a really stout 3A-Division I squad from George West, a team many think will be in the mix for a regional title. Playing up in classification never bothers the Bobcats much and it showed again last week as they rolled past Class 4A Devine, 36-7. Refugio quarterback Caleb Hesseltine threw for 235 yards, while Bobcat wide receiver Antwaan Gross led Refugio with 90 yards rushing and 63 yards receiving as RHS pulled away in the second quarter. George West drilled Corpus Christi West Oso, 38-3, last week as the Longhorns multiple offense dominated from start to finish. The key for a George West win will be controlling the clock, wearing Refugio down and limiting the Bobcats big plays. QB Devon Jackson and RB Michael Upton each ran for two scores as the Longhorns raced out to a 28-3 halftime lead and cruised in the second half. Look for George West and its ball control offense to take this one over in the second half and score what many would think as an upset. But if you look at the numbers, this is a pretty evenly matched game. Stepp’s Pick: George West by 3

Sudan (1-0) at Sundown (1-0): The Hornets, who didn’t lose a regular season game a year ago, fell behind early, but rallied late for a 37-27 win over Olton in Week 1. They’ll get a much tougher test this week against a solid Sundown bunch that also avoided the upset bug in a 6-0 win over Muleshoe. Sudan, who trailed 27-13 at halftime, got things going down the stretch and figured out things defensively outscoring Olton 24-0 in the third and fourth quarter. Sundown’s offense was not sharp last week, but the Roughnecks defensive unit came to play in their low-scoring victory over Muleshoe. E.J. Hernandez got the lone score for SHS with an 18-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and that was all the ‘Necks defense needed as they forced four Muleshoe turnovers on the night. Sudan is a bit more explosive than Muleshoe, but the Hornets don’t have the depth or the defensive quality they had a year ago. Expect Sundown to win another low-scoring game where 21 may be enough for the winner. Stepp’s Pick: Sundown by 7

Muenster (1-0) at Lindsay (1-0): The “Kraut Bowl” should be hotly contested as always as these two Texoma rivals on Highway 82 renew their rivalry in Lindsay. The Knights are still a bit of an unknown as they drilled a struggling Era squad 71-0 last week. Muenster got a much tougher than anticipated test from Alvord, but the Hornets escaped the upset bid with a 24-22 victory. Jonathan Wheeler scored four touchdowns for the Hornets and a late fourth down defensive stop preserved the victory for MHS. Linday’s high-powered spread offense will test Muenster and the Knights have a bit better depth at the moment. That combined with the early season heat may give the Knights a bit of an edge in the second half of this matchup. Stepp’s Pick: Lindsay by 8

San Augustine (0-0) at Waskom (1-0): The Wolves were unable to open their season last week as the threat posed by Hurricane Laura forced the cancellation of their matchup with West Sabine. So Friday night will be our first chance to watch UTSA commit RB Kevorian Barnes as a senior. The Wolves return just three starters and are facing a major challenge to open the year as Waskom was very impressive in a 47-6 victory over Garrison. The Wildcats raced out to a 26-0 first quarter lead and never looked back, converting two Garrison turnovers into touchdowns. Freshman QB Cole Watson threw for three touchdowns and a cavalcade of backs in the Wildcats’ flexbone attack took turns gashing the Garrison defense. Waskom has the benefit of already having a game under its belt and San Augustine will be working the kinks out with no game last week and missed practice time. The edge is with the Wildcats in this matchup. Stepp’s Pick: Waskom by 9

Quick Picks

Lindale (1-0) at Midlothian Heritage (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Midlothian Heritage by 5

Splendora (0-1) vs Boerne (1-0) at San Marcos Stepp’s Pick: Boerne by 16

Corpus Christi Miller (1-0) at Rockport-Fulton (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Miller by 11

Cisco (1-0) at Wall (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Wall by 10

Shiner (1-0) at Blanco (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Shiner by 21

Gunter (1-0) at Pottsboro (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Pottsboro by 7

Poth (1-0) at Falls City (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Falls City by 2

Lexington (1-0) at Thrall (0-0) Stepp’s Pick: Lexington by 24

Ozona (1-0) at Wink (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Ozona by 11

Hamlin (1-0) at Hawley (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Hawley by 2