El Paso Americas (1-0) vs El Paso Eastlake (1-0): District play gets started in the Sun City with a big as two squads filled with star-power will hook up at the Socorro Student Activity Center. Americas, last year’s defending district champion, got off to a slow start but held off a feisty El Paso Del Valle squad 28-20 behind a strong effort from RB Aaron Dumas. The New Mexico commit ran for 178 yards and three touchdowns and the Trailblazers defense came up with key turnovers late to seal the win. Eastlake had no troubles last week as the Falcons, behind a dynamic offense, blew past El Paso Parkland, 59-25. QB Orion Olivas was sensational throwing for 359 yards and six touchdowns in the first half alone as Parkland had no answers for a veteran Eastlake attack. Americas is going to bring a different style game to the table than what Eastlake saw last week. The ‘Blazers won’t try to get into a shootout, instead they are going to physical with Eastlake and give them heavy doses of power running with Dumas. The question is can Eastlake hold up to the pounding for four quarters or can they lure Americas into their style of game? If they can, the Falcons can pull the upset, but that’s easier said than done. Stepp’s Pick: El Paso Americas by 8

Southlake Carroll (1-0) at Rockwall (2-0): If you like offense, then this is probably the game for you as two of the state’s top junior QB’s will be on display Friday night as Carroll heads east to take on unbeaten Rockwall. Southlake Carroll had to wait a week to get the season started, but the Dragons offense showed no signs of rust as they knocked off Rockwall-Heath, 72-57, behind 387 yards passing and five touchdowns from Texas commit QB Quinn Ewers. Sophomore RB Owen Allen chipped in 218 yards rushing and four touchdowns as well. The downside is WR Brady Boyd, a Minnesota commit, was injured in the game and out for an undetermined period of time; Boyd had 138 yards receiving and a pair of touchdowns. The Dragons young defense did have their share of struggles allowing Rockwall-Heath to roll up 700 yards of offense and allowed 57 points. Rockwall’s got plenty of offense on their side as well as the ‘Jackets are averaging 59.5 points per game thus far after a 60-38 win over Dallas Jesuit last week. QB Braedyn Locke led the assault for Rockwall with 283 yards and four touchdowns passing and a 24-0 third quarter run proved to be the difference as Rockwall broke a close game open. Expect this one to be high-scoring as both offenses as among the state’s best. Expect Southlake Carroll’s young defense to be much improved this week and they’ll make the adjustments needed to slow Rockwall down some. Southlake Carroll escapes Wilkerson-Sanders with a hard-fought, shootout win a battle of 6A Top 25 teams. Stepp’s Pick: Southlake Carroll by 11

Prosper (2-0) at DeSoto (2-0): It’s another 6A Top 25 showdown in the DFW area as Prosper travels down to DeSoto in what should be a fascinating contrast of styles. Prosper beat Euless Trinity at their own game in a 29-21 win on Thursday night. PHS was able to hold up in the trenches against the Trojans holding Trinity to just 156 yards on the ground. A blocked punt in the fourth quarter to set up the go-ahead touchdown was the real difference in the game as Prosper’s special teams were outstanding. The test is a bit different this week as Prosper will look to contain the blazing speed that DeSoto brings to the table. DeSoto raced out to a 37-0 lead at halftime and took their foot off the gas in the second half blowing away Converse Judson, 37-0. QB’s Samari Collier and Matt Allen combined for 375 yards passing spreading the ball around to eight different receivers in the win. DeSoto’s defense was sensational as well totally stuffing what is usually a stout Judson attack. This is a great measuring stick game for both teams. The edge goes to DeSoto at home. Claude Mathis’ squad has the look of a real contender in 2020 and a big win this week sends another message to the entire state. Stepp’s Pick: DeSoto by 9

Fort Bend Ridge Point (0-1) at Houston King (2-0): An underrated game in the Houston area that looks to be fascinating features 0-1 Ridge Point headed east over to Sheldon to take on C.E. King. Ridge Point, under first year head coach Rick LaFavers, opened the season last week with a 38-21 loss to a very good Dickinson squad. QB Bert Emanuel, Jr. was solid leading the Panthers attack, but the real concern was Ridge Point’s defense, which got shredded for 497 yards by a Dickinson offense that had a lot of questions heading into the season. King has been impressive through two weeks, blitzing past Cy Falls 51-3 in their opener and then last week having no trouble with Houston Strake Jesuit, 42-27.  Derek Fitzhenry’s squad brings a ton of speed to the table and thus far, no one has had any answers for the Panthers attack that has a ton of weapons. Ridge Point’s defense is still trying to find their footing early in the year and this isn’t the week for that against this C.E. King attack. Stepp’s Pick: Houston King by 14

Tyler Legacy (2-0) at Longview (1-1): One of the oldest rivalries in East Texas is renewed, but with one school having a new name, as unbeaten Tyler Legacy visits Lobo Stadium to take on 1-1 Longview. After an impressive Week 1 blowout win over Lufkin, Legacy got all they wanted from a young, but talented Tyler High squad, but escaped with a 40-28 victory. Once again it was Legacy’s backfield duo of Jamarion Miller and Bryson Donnell that did the damage as Miller ran for 170 yards and two touchdowns, while Donnell added 125 yards rushing and three total touchdowns. After a dismal performance in the season opener, Longview bounced back nicely with a dominant win over rival Marshall, 52-31, in a game that wasn’t as close as the score indicated. Kaden Meredith and Markevion Haynes combined for 260 yards on the ground and four total touchdowns, as Longview scored on their first seven drives. This is Longview’s home opener at venerable Lobo Stadium and although Legacy has the look of a powerful 6A squad, beating Longview at their place is an extremely tall order. Expect John King’s squad to come out with something to prove in this showdown. Stepp’s Pick: Longview by 7

Port Arthur Memorial (2-0) at La Porte (2-0): A real under the radar big time matchup in Southeast Texas pits unbeaten Port Arthur Memorial heading west into the Houston area to take on an up and coming La Porte squad. PAM has been living on the edge early in the year, but the Titans have shown a knack for winning close games as their two wins are by a combined ten points. Last week they took down Barbers Hill, 27-23, as QB Jah’mar Sanders ran for three scores and threw the game winning touchdown to Tony Brook with 1:29 remaining to lift Memorial to the victory. La Porte’s first two wins have been a bit more comfortable as the Bulldogs behind a stout defense have allowed just nine points in two games. Last week the Bulldogs dominated in a 27-3 victory over Clear Lake, as four different La Porte players found the end zone in a complete team victory. Defense is the story in this one and La Porte’s unit is elite and could be what gives them the inside track in this key District 9-5A Division I showdown. Stepp’s Pick: La Porte by 9

Georgetown (2-0) at Cedar Park (2-0): District play in the Austin area district 11-5A Division I gets started with a bang this week as unbeaten Georgetown looks to pull the upset against district favorite Cedar Park. Georgetown has knocked off back to back 6A opponents in Belton and Copperas Cove, and last week’s 38-14 win over Cove was quite impressive. GHS after trailing 7-0 rattled off 38 straight points as five different Eagles found the end zone, including a 74-yard fumble return for a score that made it 21-7 right before the half. Cedar Park, one of Austin’s most consistent programs not named Lake Travis or Westlake also took down their second straight 6A opponent, knocking off Round Rock Cedar Ridge 28-14. Cedar Park QB Ryder Hernandez was the catalyst for the offense as he threw for 346 yards and four touchdowns, while the Timberwolves “Black Rain” defense had nine sacks in the win. Cedar Park’s two wins over playoff-type 6A opponents are going to age well and this is a team that is a real threat in Region III at the 5A-Division I level, CPHS sends a message this week with an emphatic win. Stepp’s Pick: Cedar Park by 16

Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial (2-0, 1-0) at Victoria East (2-0, 1-0): Veterans Memorial heads north into hostile territory as they look to take down Victoria East in a key early season 15-5A Division I clash. The Eagles rolled in last week’s 57-20 win over Corpus Christi King as QB Carter Senterfitt threw for three touchdowns and ran for another as VMHS raced out to a 43-6 halftime lead before Senterfitt took a seat and cheered on the backups in the second half. WR Nana Amo-Mensah had a touchdown catch and also recorded a 73-yard touchdown run as well for the Eagles. Defense was the story for Victoria East in their district opener as the Titans defense scored a touchdown on a 99-yard pick six by DB James Jones and held Carroll to just 142 yards of offense. Sophomore QB Jadon Williams accounted for 179 yards of offense and a rushing touchdown in his first varsity start. East’s defense is solid, but that Veterans Memorial offense is one of the most dynamic in all of Central Texas. Look for Vets to jump on East quick and take the Titans out of their comfort zone. Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial by 17

Canyon (5-0) at Andrews (5-1): High-powered Canyon faces its toughest test of the season as they take the long road trip into the Permian Basin to tangle with always explosive Andrews. The headlines for Canyon will always be about the offense, but this Eagles defense is proving to be elite as well as in the last four games they’ve allowed a total of three points! Canyon had no issues in a 40-0 shutout of Levelland last week. The Eagles held LHS to just 140 yards of offense, while QB Jay Deefor accounted for 228 yards passing and three touchdowns. Andrews blasted Canyon’s district rival Hereford to the tune of 51-7 last week as the Mustangs QB E.J. Lopez threw for 356 yards and four touchdowns. After a scoreless first quarter, the Andrews offense erupted for 44 points in the second and third quarter to put the game away. The long trip and tough road environment will be tough on Canyon, but defense travels and that unit is what’s making Canyon a real contender in 4A-Division I Region I in 2020. Stepp’s Pick: Canyon by 13

Waco La Vega (4-1, 1-0) at Stephenville (3-3, 1-0): It’s a key District 5-4A Division I showdown as third-ranked La Vega visits Tarleton Memorial Stadium looking to secure the district lead against a surging Stephenville squad. Last week the Pirates looked refreshed and ready to go after their bye week as La Vega annihilated Waxahachie Life to the tune of 62-0. QB Jordan Rogers, who moved from defense to play QB after the injury to Ara Rauls, ran wild in the victory tallying 193 yards on the ground and three touchdowns, while the Pirates defense dominated holding Life to just 37 yards of offense for the night. The task gets much tougher this week on the road, dealing with an incredibly explosive Stephenville attack that seems to be hitting their stride. Just a week after upsetting state ranked Dumas, the ‘Jackets followed it up with a dominant 59-34 win over arch-rival Brownwood. QB Gavin Rountree has been doing much of the damage so far in 2020, but it was RB Kason Phillips, who stole the show with 275 yards and six rushing touchdowns and 74 yards receiving as well. La Vega’s defense, with their combination of speed, physical play and outstanding schem,e is a tough challenge for Stephenville and one they haven’t seen probably since the Lampasas defeat. La Vega doesn’t have the offensive firepower to go blow for blow with Stephenville so tempo and style of game will be key. La Vega’s style wins out as that defense has been looking to redeem itself after the loss to Argyle, Pirates win in a low scoring slugfest. Stepp’s Pick: Waco La Vega by 10

Henderson (2-2, 1-0) at Lindale (4-2, 1-0): Henderson opened up district play on the right note as the Lions defense was sensational in a 29-0 shutout of Athens. Henderson forced four Athens turnovers and limited the Hornets to just 37 yards on the ground in the win. Speaking of defense, the Lindale defense put on quite the show last week in their 52-6 win over Tyler Chapel Hill. The Eagles defense limited an offense averaging over 40 points per game to just a single score. Baylor commit RB Jordan Jenkins led the way as he ran for 294 yards and four touchdowns. Both defenses are very strong and among the best in the district, so expect a tight, low-scoring game. But Lindale’s offensive firepower is the difference in this one. Stepp’s Pick: Lindale by 6

Midland Greenwood (3-2, 1-0) at Sweetwater (4-1, 1-0): Defending district champion Midland Greenwood will head east on I-20 this week into the famed Mustang Bowl where they’ll tangle with one of the hottest teams in West Texas in Sweetwater. Plenty is on the line in this one as the 1-4A Division II title could be decided. Greenwood opened up district play on the right foot with a strong 39-10 victory over Pecos. Senior RB Trey Cross was the workhorse for the Rangers as he ran for 366 yards and five touchdowns in the victory. Sweetwater went on the road to arch-rival Snyder and got pushed by the Tigers, but behind a massive effort from WR Darian Carr who had 174 receiving yards and four touchdowns in the 47-28 win. Both offenses have plenty of firepower and although Greenwood has the pedigree, at home with a raucous (socially distanced) crowd behind them. Look for Sweetwater to pull off a mild upset and re-establish their claim as the top 4A-Division II squad in West Texas. Stepp’s Pick: Sweetwater by 3

Center (4-1) at Carthage (3-0): Center made its way into the state rankings a couple of weeks ago, but the challenge for Scott Ponder’s squad is magnified ten-fold this week as they walk into the house of Carthage for the district opener for both teams. Center has rattled off four straight wins, but it wasn’t easy last week as they escaped a tough Van squad, 31-28. WR/DB Marques Hall did a little of everything for Center, including six catches for 70 yards and a touchdown, 10 tackles, one interception for a 16-yard return for a TD and one forced fumble. But it was Luis Gonzalez’s field goal as time expired that lifted Center to the victory. Carthage, on the other hand, has been taking their pent-up anger out on some of the best teams in the state the last two weeks. After sitting out for three weeks due to a game cancellation sandwiched between two bye weeks, the Bulldogs have dominated in wins over state ranked Gilmer and then last week in a 35-7 rout of Texarkana Pleasant Grove. The Bulldogs got three touchdown runs from Mason Courtney and their defense forced four PGHS turnovers that helped turn a 7-7 game into a 35-7 rout in the second half. Center is a good team, much-improved but going into Carthage and playing the Bulldogs who have been waiting for a home game for more than a month is a massive undertaking. Stepp’s Pick: Carthage by 28

West Orange-Stark (3-0, 2-0) at Silsbee (3-2, 2-0): The Golden Triangle’s game of the week pits old rivals, with one that had dominated the series for a long time looking to send a message in 2020. For years and years West Orange-Stark owned Silsbee to the point that Mustangs fans no longer considered Silsbee a primary rival. The tables have turned the past two years as Silsbee has beaten WOS in the regional finals in both 2018 and 2019. All of a sudden, things don’t look quite as lopsided. West Orange-Stark got off to a late start due to the effects of Hurricane Laura, but the Mustangs have been making up for lost time with an impressive start to the season, last week the Mustangs cruised past Hardin-Jefferson 47-7 as WOS outscored Hardin-Jefferson 40-0 in the second half. Silsbee’s offense has been a concern as the last three weeks the Tigers have managed just 14 points in each game. Luckily for the Tigers, the defense has been stout in two of those games and SHS has managed to get wins. In last week’s 14-7 slugfest win over Liberty, Silsbee yielded just 93 yards of total offense. Silsbee’s offensive struggles are quite concerning. Although their defense is good enough to keep them in it, the lack of firepower will haunt them this week. Stepp’s Pick: West Orange-Stark by 11

Mineola (5-0, 2-0) at Mount Vernon (5-0, 2-0): It’s a big showdown of unbeatens in the brutal District 5-3A Division I as Mineola visits Mount Vernon in a game that should generate plenty of hype in East Texas. Mineola, behind another super-human effort from SMU commit Trevion Sneed, rolled past Bonham, 55-23. Sneed ran for 215 yards and five touchdowns, while also chipping in nine tackles. Mineola’s defense, which has been solid all year will have their biggest test of the season trying to slow down the incredibly dynamic Mount Vernon spread offense. The Tigers average nearly 46 points per game and last week they were right on that average in a 45-20 win over a rapidly improving Commerce squad. QB Brock Nellor was the story for Art Briles’ squad with 304 yards and three touchdowns passing and 146 yards with two touchdowns rushing. Mount Vernon at home playing their biggest game in years will be more than ready in this showdown and that up-tempo offense pounces on Mineola early and the ‘Jackets run based attack isn’t designed to play from behind. Stepp’s Pick: Mount Vernon by 14

Comfort (6-0) at Llano (5-0): The schedule doesn’t get much easier for Comfort, who, for the second straight week, takes on an unbeaten opponent. But this time it’s in the district opener and on the road as the Bobcats visit Llano. Comfort got a monster game from RB Chris Rodriguez last week in a 34-20 Hondo win; he ran for 206 yards and three touchdowns, while QB Oscar Falcon threw for 142 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Llano took last week off to gear up for district play. The Yellowjackets offense has been outstanding all season averaging over 41 points per game, but the defense is starting to peak as well as they’ve pitched a shutout in two of the last three weeks. We picked against Comfort last week going against the larger school in Hondo, and this week they take on a team that was in 4A a week ago. The difference is this time they are on the road and they are dealing with an opponent who can really threaten them with the downfield passing game. Stepp’s Pick: Llano by 6

Hughes Springs (3-1, 2-0) at Waskom (4-0, 1-0): Since returning from a two-week break due to Covid-19 protocols, Hughes Springs has been playing outstanding football earning back to back district wins, including last week in a 34-6 win over Ore City. The Mustangs Slot-T offense was hitting on all cylinders last week in the win as Trevor Bolden ran for 161 yards and a touchdown, and Trenton Bolden picked up 101 yards on 10 carries; Tyson Daigle added 83 yards and three rushing touchdowns. The Hughes Springs defense has been outstanding in three of their first four games, but the test against a speedy Waskom offense is going to be extremely difficult. The Wildcats had the week off last week after blowing out Ore City, 64-6. Freshman QB Cole Watson threw for 43 yards and one touchdown while rushing for 90 yards and another three touchdowns on just six carries. Tesean Hamilton had three carries for 82 yards and a touchdown as the Wildcats spread the ball around. The difference with this Waskom squad is the Wildcats defense. The Wildcats are starting to have the look of a real contender in Region III in 3A-Division II; expect Waskom to jump on Hughes Springs quickly with the week off and being well rested. Stepp’s Pick: Waskom by 16

Sundown (4-1) at Post (5-0): Much improved Sundown will get a chance to measure themselves against one of the best in the state as the Roughnecks visit Post for the district opener. The Roughnecks took last week off after getting a solid 24-6 win over Farwell two weeks ago to close out the non-district portion of their schedule. Sundown’s young offense will need to step it up this week as they go against a Post attack that’s as explosive as any unit in all of West Texas. RB Ashton Jefferson and Nathan McDaniel along with QB Slayden Pittman trigger a ground based attack that comes at you from all angles. Add in a veteran defense that’s got excellent speed across the board and Post is once again a strong state title contender. Sundown’s tough defense keeps this one close for a half, but Post pulls away down the stretch. Stepp’s Pick: Post by 19

Joaquin (5-0, 1-0) at San Augustine (3-1, 1-0): Although Joaquin is ranked above San Augustine, if you talk to most pundits, the Wolves are still the favorite in this matchup. Joaquin, who is unbeaten, was pushed last week, but survived a tough test in a 28-17 win over rapidly improving Garrison. Trailing by two points heading into the fourth quarter, Joaquin woke up with 20 points in the final frame to get the win. Gauge Jordan had a touchdown run and also had a pick-six to push the Rams to the win. San Augustine opened up district play with an emphatic 49-0 rout of West Hardin last week. The Wolves jumped out to a 35-0 halftime lead and coasted in the second half working in several backups in the win. This is a pick’em type game. Joaquin is a tough matchup because of their style of play, but San Augustine’s speed across the board will be a challenge for the Rams. Home field is the edge in this one and San Augustine takes a massive step towards another district title with a close win. Stepp’s Pick: San Augustine by 3

Ralls (4-2) at Hamlin (5-0): Ralls will look to pull off a big upset in the district opener as they take on Hamlin, the second ranked team in 2A-Division II. This is likely the game that decides the 5-2A Division II title as the Jackrabbits have rattled off four straight wins since dropping their first two games. Ralls rolled past upstart New Home, 46-15, last week as Abraham Van Gundy and Bryson Jones combined for 211 yards on the ground and four touchdowns. Hamlin got a major test last week against state ranked Windthorst, but again the Pied Pipers were able to pass the test in a tough 14-0 win. Hamlin’s defense bent but didn’t break, putting together four red zone stops to preserve the shutout. QB Braydin Warner’s 60-yard touchdown run in the first quarter proved to be all the offense Hamlin would need. Expect Hamlin’s offense to get untracked after some struggles last week; the Pipers roll and cruise through the rest of the regular season. Stepp’s Pick: Hamlin by 27

Quick Picks

Amarillo Tascosa (1-1) vs Odessa Permian (2-0) at West Texas A&M Stepp’s Pick: Odessa Permian by 7

Lubbock Cooper (1-1) vs Wolfforth Frenship (1-1) Stepp’s Pick: Lubbock Cooper by 3

Allen (2-0) at Cedar Hill (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Allen by 13

Arlington Martin (1-1) at Temple (2-0) Stepp’s Pick: Arlington Martin by 2

Smithson Valley (2-0) at San Antonio Wagner (0-0) Stepp’s Pick: Smithson Valley by 11

Lufkin (1-1) at Magnolia West (1-1) Stepp’s Pick: Lufkin by 3

Boerne Champion (2-0) at Killeen Harker Heights (1-1) Stepp’s Pick: Boerne Champion by 12

Wichita Falls Rider (2-0) at Midlothian (2-0) Stepp’s Pick: Wichita Falls Rider by 7

Medina Valley (1-1) at San Antonio Veterans Memorial (1-1) Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Veterans Memorial by 15

Corpus Christi Miller (3-2) at Alice (0-1) Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Miller by 10

Celina (1-3) at Aubrey (5-1) Stepp’s Pick: Celina by 17

Sunnyvale (1-3) at Caddo Mills (4-0) Stepp’s Pick: Sunnyvale by 6

Raymondville (0-0) vs Victoria West (0-0) at Falfurrias Stepp’s Pick: Victoria West by 24

Ballinger (4-1) at Brady (2-3) Stepp’s Pick: Ballinger by 7

Blue Ridge (3-3, 1-1) at Bells (4-2, 1-1) Stepp’s Pick: Bells by 13

Italy (4-1, 0-0) at Kerens (2-4, 1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Italy by 24

Refugio (5-0, 1-0) at Three Rivers (3-2, 1-1) Stepp’s Pick: Refugio by 31

New Home (4-2) vs Ropesville (4-1) Stepp’s Pick: New Home by 6

Bremond (4-2, 1-0) at Mart (5-0, 1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Mart by 30

Louise (4-1, 2-0) at Falls City (3-2, 2-0) Stepp’s Pick: Falls City by 23