Kennedale (10-0) vs Melissa (10-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Grapevine’s Mustang-Panther Stadium: It’ll be a contrast in styles Friday night in Grapevine as Wing-T oriented Kennedale hooks up with the wide-open spread offense of Melissa. Kennedale opened up the playoffs with a home victory over Brownwood, topping the Lions 44-7 last week. Kennedale’s defense, led by Texas commit J.D. Coffey, picked off five Brownwood passes and returned two for touchdowns, while Cameron Lyles and Marlete Joyner combined for 254 yards rushing to lead the Wildcats offense. Melissa didn’t have much trouble last week either as the Cardinals drilled Dallas Carter, 62-20. Melissa’s offense rolled up 578 yards of offense and QB Sam Fennegan tossed seven touchdown passes in the win. Expect a lot of fireworks in this one. I don’t think either defense is going to get much in the way of stops Friday night, but Kennedale’s secondary is good enough to turn Melissa over a time or two and that may wind up being the difference. Stepp’s Pick: Kennedale by 6

El Campo (9-1) vs Kilgore (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Houston’s Sheldon ISD Panther Stadium: When El Campo and Kilgore meet up Friday night on the east side of Houston, don’t be surprised if both teams feel like they are staring at mirror images of each other. It’s not just the red and white color scheme both school employ, these two teams are traditional ground and pound offenses that look to control the tempo of the game and they employ speedy and physical defensive units as well. El Campo opened up the playoffs in style last week with an easy 63-6 win over Houston Yates. The Ricebirds were led by three first half touchdown runs from Johntre Davis as they raced out to a 49-0 halftime lead and cruised with backups playing in the second half. Kilgore didn’t have much trouble last week either as the Bulldogs hammered Splendora, 42-0. RB Trayveon Epps ran for two first half touchdowns, while versatile playmaker Donovan Adkins caught a pair of touchdown passes and returned a punt for a touchdown as the Bulldogs led 35-0 at halftime before emptying the bench in the second half. Both defenses are going to load the box and be primed to stop the run. This game is going to come down to which defensive unit doesn’t lose discipline and allow big plays, because one missed assignment can result in a touchdown quickly. We’ll give the lean to El Campo, who is a little closer to home in Houston, and the Ricebirds defense, which has been lights out the last six weeks or so. Stepp’s Pick: El Campo by 7

Salado (10-1) vs Bellville (9-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Belton’s Crusader Stadium: These two run-heavy offenses hooked up two years ago in the regional semifinals and Salado upset BHS in overtime, 13-6. The rematch could play out in a very similar fashion as both defenses are uniquely equipped to stop the opposing offense because they know the schemes so well (both run the Slot-T). Salado is almost exclusively out of the Slot-T, while Bellville has opened things up a bit this year and thrown in some spread concepts. It’s paid off as the Brahmas have been very efficient when they take to the air. Salado didn’t play last week as the bi-district game with Rusk was forfeited due to Covid-19 concerns in Rusk, while Bellville behind six rushing touchdowns from Richard Reese blasted past Hardin-Jefferson, 41-10. Salado’s been underrated all year and the Eagles get the edge to knock Bellville out of the playoffs once again because of their stout defensive unit. Stepp’s Pick: Salado by 5

Hondo (10-1) vs Wimberley (8-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Von Ormy’s Southwest Legacy Stadium: Hondo has won 10 of 11 games under first-year head coach Joe Dale Carey. A matchup with defending Region IV champion Wimberley is easily the Owls biggest test of 2020. Hondo knocked off Ingleside, 38-28, last week in a game that wasn’t as close as the score indicated; the Owls led 31-8 after three quarters and cruised in the fourth. Wimberley’s defense was the story last week as the Texans contained an explosive Smithville attack in a 27-6 win on the road. The Texans defense, which allowed just 47 yards rushing against Smithville, will need to carry the load as their offense is dealing with a rash of injuries to key playmakers. RB Moses Wray had a couple of touchdown runs and had a long reception to set up a touchdown as the Wimberley offense was able to do just enough. Hondo’s offense is a bit more balanced and will pose more of a challenge for the Texans defense, but Wimberley’s size up front will wear down a smaller Hondo squad. Stepp’s Pick: Wimberley by 11

Bushland (8-2) vs Wall (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Snyder’s Tiger Stadium: Surging Bushland looks to make it eight in a row this week as they try to hand Wall an early playoff exit. The Falcons opened up the post-season last week by easily dispatching Slaton, 70-14, as a 35-point first quarter put this one on ice early. Wall had to absolutely scratch and claw last week in a 20-14 overtime win over Boyd. Wall needed a game-saving tackle on the two-yard line and a hooked field goal from Boyd to get to overtime, where Gabe Haskins hit Chase Rios in the corner of the end zone with a 20-yard touchdown pass to send the Hawks to the area playoffs. Wall has been winning games, but not with the dominance they’ve been used to the past few years. Running into a scorching hot Bushland squad with a dynamic passing attack could be the recipe to send Wall home before the regional semifinal round for the first time since 2011. Stepp’s Pick: Bushland by 7

Malakoff (8-2) vs Pottsboro (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Commerce’s Memorial Stadium: It’s a rematch of a classic regional semifinal game between these two powers; in 2019, Pottsboro announced to the state they were a real contender by upsetting the favored Tigers on their way to an appearance in the state title game. Malakoff will be out to avenge that defeat and the Tigers are on an absolute tear allowing just seven total points in their last five games while scoring 312 in the process, including last week’s 83-7 rout of Maypearl. Junior RB Deuce Hart led the Malakoff onslaught last week rushing for four of the Tigers’ 12 touchdowns. Pottsboro got more of a test last week in their first round game, but the Cardinals were up to the task in a 35-21 win over White Oak. Pottsboro was led by WR Titus Lyons, who had eight receptions for 243 yards and two touchdowns; QB Braden Plyler threw for 301 yards and four touchdowns and ran 98 yards and a score. Expect a lot of points in this showdown as both teams can score 40 in the blink of an eye. Malakoff’s had this one circled as they want another shot at Grandview, and they may get it after this week. Stepp’s Pick: Malakoff by 3

Ballinger (10-1) vs Spearman (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Floydada’s Tyer Stadium: Floydada’s beautiful new stadium hosts a big time Concho Valley vs. Panhandle area matchup as Ballinger and their lockdown defense will look to contain the dynamic Spearman offensive attack. Ballinger’s bi-district game with Odessa Compass was canceled last week due to Covid-19 protocols, but that early cancelation also allowed Ballinger’s defense extra prep time as they spent much of the week getting ready for the anticipated showdown with Spearman. Ballinger is allowing just six points per game the last five weeks. It’s offense has to be efficient, especially when it comes to controlling the ball. That will be of major priority this week against an explosive Spearman offense led by ATH Brennan Thompson, who has major college flocking to the tiny outpost 90 miles north of Amarillo. Spearman opened the playoffs against a tough Lubbock Roosevelt squad, but the Lynx prevailed, 63-34, by rolling up 526 yards of offense and averaging a whopping 16 yards per play. QB Jack Wilkerson led SHS throwing for 237 yards and three touchdowns and added 89 yards on the ground and a touchdown. Spearman’s got lots of weapons and versatility to mix and match personnel and put stress on the defense. They’ll open this game up early and get Ballinger out of their comfort zone. Stepp’s Pick: Spearman by 13

Daingerfield (9-2) vs Waskom (9-1), 7 p.m. Thursday at Longview’s Lobo Stadium: Lobo Stadium will be a fun place to be Friday night as we get a showdown of two of the real name programs in East Texas at the 3A-Division II level. Daingerfield and their wide-open spread offense can match up at the skill positions with anyone, but how will they adapt to the combination of speed, physical play and a unique option based offense that Waskom brings to the table? The Tigers last week rolled past Grand Saline, 53-21, as QB Dee Lewis threw for two scores and ran for another touchdown. The Tigers raced out to a 34-0 lead in the third quarter before going to the backups for the rest of the game. Waskom got more of a test last week against a tough New Waverly bunch, but the Wildcats held the Bulldogs off in a 45-33 win. LB Diego Smith had interceptions on back to back series, including returning one for a touchdown that sparked a 21-0 Waskom burst in the second quarter. Speedy junior Zay Thomas returned a kickoff for a touchdown as well for the Wildcats in the win. If Waskom was at full strength, the Wildcats may be the pick here, but they are dealing with some injuries at the moment and that tips the scales to Daingerfield. Stepp’s Pick: Daingerfield by 8

Refugio (9-0) vs Flatonia (5-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Karnes City’s Johnson Field: Unbeaten Refugio didn’t have a chance to play last week as the Bobcats game against Riviera Kaufer was cancelled. They’ll get a tougher test than they’ve had in a few weeks against a battle-tested Flatonia squad. Flatonia won an absolute slugfest with Ozona, 15-8, as Flatonia’s defense held Ozona to just 169 yards of offense and forced three turnovers; special teams came through with a blocked punt for a touchdown that proved to be the difference in the game. Flatonia’s defense is going to need a similar performance this week if they want to keep it close with a Refugio offense that’s one of the state’s most explosive. With three weeks off, Refugio may be a bit rusty early in the game, but by the second half Jason Herring’s squad will be hitting on all cylinders. Stepp’s Pick: Refugio by 21

Tenaha (8-2) vs Bremond (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Mabank’s Panther Stadium: While Mart steals headlines in Region III, this matchup between Tenaha and Bremond is fascinating because the winner likely gets their shot at Mart in the regional final. In Bremond’s case, it’ll be their second shot at the Panthers. Tenaha has rolled off seven straight wins and all seven have been by at least 20 points, including last week’s 53-12 rout of Burkeville. THS jumped out to a 29-0 lead at home and cruised in front of their home crowd. Bremond raced past Maud 56-14 as Jaray Bledson, Seth Kasowski and TJ Grimes each ran for two touchdowns. These two have played some absolute classics in the playoffs and I expect another barn-burner. These two are evenly matched and both have dynamic playmakers; this one comes down to the trenches. In a coin flip, we’ll go with Tenaha. Stepp’s Pick: Tenaha by 2

 

Quick Picks

Clint (6-0) vs Decatur (6-5), 6 p.m. Thursday at Big Spring’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Decatur by 42

Fort Stockton (5-5) vs Canyon (9-1), 7 p.m. Thursday at Wolfforth’s Peoples Bank Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Canyon by 10

Dumas (10-1) vs Andrews (8-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Plainview’s Sherwood Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Dumas by 8

Springtown (9-2) vs Big Spring (5-3), 4 p.m. Friday at Abilene’s Anthony Field Stepp’s Pick: Springtown by 28

Midlothian Heritage (9-2) vs Paris (7-4), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Paris’ Wildcat Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Paris by 1

Argyle (11-0) vs Stephenville (6-5), 7 p.m. Thursday at Arlington’s Globe Life Park Stepp’s Pick: Argyle by 24

Wilmer-Hutchins (5-1) vs Waco La Vega (8-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Corsicana’s Tiger Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Waco La Vega by 38

Lindale (9-2) vs Needville (7-4), 2 p.m. Saturday at Bryan’s Green Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Lindale by 7

Tyler Chapel Hill (7-4) vs Stafford (5-6), 6 p.m. Saturday at Porter’s Randall Reed Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Tyler Chapel Hill by 2

Freeport Brazosport (4-6) vs Huffman-Hargrave (9-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Splendora’s Wildcat Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Huffman-Hargrave by 14

Lampasas (9-0) vs Corpus Christi Miller (7-4), 8 p.m. Saturday at San Antonio’s Farris Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Lampasas by 11

Boerne (8-2) vs Port Lavaca Calhoun (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Jourdanton’s Indian Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Port Lavaca Calhoun by 14

Corpus Christi Calallen (9-2) vs Canyon Lake (6-5), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Pleasanton’s Eagle Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Calallen by 20

Alice (3-4) vs Austin LBJ (6-2), 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Seguin’s Matador Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Austin LBJ by 17

Sweetwater (8-1) vs Celina (4-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Stephenville’s Tarleton Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Celina by 2

Lubbock Estacado (5-6) vs Iowa Park (8-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Abilene’s Anthony Field Stepp’s Pick: Iowa Park by 15

Graham (8-1) vs Perryton (5-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Wolfforth’s Peoples Bank Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Graham by 31

Aubrey (10-1) vs Midland Greenwood (6-3), 3 p.m. Saturday at Abilene’s Anthony Field Stepp’s Pick: Aubrey by 16

Nevada Community (5-5) vs Texarkana Pleasant Grove (8-3), 3 p.m. Saturday at Frisco’s Ford Center Stepp’s Pick: Texarkana Pleasant Grove by 27

Caddo Mills (10-0) vs Van (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Mesquite’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Caddo Mills by 4

Gilmer (10-1) vs Godley (7-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Mesquite’s Hanby Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Gilmer by 20

Carthage (9-0) vs Silsbee (7-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Nacogdoches’ Bryce Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Carthage by 24

West Orange-Stark (8-0) vs China Spring (8-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Magnolia’s Bulldog Stadium Stepp’s Pick: West Orange-Stark by 7

Sealy (8-2) vs Center (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Waco’s Waco ISD Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Sealy by 3

Navasota (7-3) vs Rockport-Fulton (6-4), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Wharton’s Joseph Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Navasota by 18

Geronimo Navarro (9-2) vs Raymondville (3-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Corpus Christi’s Buccaneer Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Geronimo Navarro by 21

Sinton (7-3) vs Giddings (8-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Cuero’s Gobbler Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Sinton by 3

Shallowater (9-0) vs Pilot Point (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Breckenridge’s Buckaroo Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Shallowater by 3

Tuscola Jim Ned (9-1) vs Dalhart (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Levelland’s Lobo Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Tuscola Jim Ned by 10

Brock (11-0) vs Denver City (7-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Sweetwater’s Mustang Bowl Stepp’s Pick: Brock by 35

Mineola (10-1) vs Dallas Madison (4-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Princeton’s Hendrix Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Mineola by 27

Mount Vernon (9-2) vs West (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Rockwall’s Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Mount Vernon by 18

Grandview (10-0) vs Tatum (8-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Athens’ Bruce Field Stepp’s Pick: Grandview by 13

Woodville (8-2) vs Columbus (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Bryan’s Green Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Columbus by 14

East Chambers (10-0) vs Yoakum (8-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Waller’s Waller ISD Stadium Stepp’s Pick: East Chambers by 10

Lorena (8-2) vs Crockett (7-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Madisonville’s Mustang Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Lorena by 16

Hallettsville (9-2) vs Diboll (6-4), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Brenham’s Cub Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Hallettsville by 9

Llano (10-0) vs Lyford (6-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Karnes City’s Johnson Field Stepp’s Pick: Llano by 37

Jourdanton (10-1) vs Edna (6-5), 4 p.m. Saturday at Jourdanton’s Indian Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Jourdanton by 13

Vanderbilt Industrial (10-1) vs Blanco (8-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Giddings’ Buffalo Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Vanderbilt Industrial by 16

Orange Grove (7-3) vs Lago Vista (7-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at La Vernia’s Bear Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Columbus by 14

Crane (8-1) vs Childress (8-2), 7 p.m. Thursday at Shallowater’s Todd Field Stepp’s Pick: Childress by 8

Canadian (10-1) vs Bangs (9-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Vernon’s Lion Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Canadian by 35

Idalou (9-0) vs Alpine (7-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Andrews’ Mustang Bowl Stepp’s Pick: Idalou by 19

Eastland (8-3) vs Bells (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Boyd’s Yellow Jacket Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Eastland by 17

Holliday (10-1) vs S&S Consolidated (6-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Bowie’s Jackrabbit Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Holliday by 19

Leonard (6-3) vs Wichita Falls City View (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Mineral Wells’ Ram Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Wichita Falls City View by 24

Gunter (10-1) vs Henrietta (4-6), 7 p.m. Thursday at Grapevine’s Mustang-Panther Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Gunter by 35

West Rusk (7-3) vs Hughes Springs (6-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Gladewater’s Murphy Stadium Stepp’s Pick: West Rusk by 9

Elysian Fields (9-2) vs Hooks (6-4), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Atlanta’s Rabbit Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Elysian Fields by 7

Newton (7-2) vs Omaha Pewitt (7-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Henderson’s Lion Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Newton by 17

Franklin (8-2) vs Natalia (7-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Cedar Park’s Gupton Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Franklin by 27

Lexington (7-3) vs Taft (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Yoakum’s Bulldog Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Lexington by 14

Poth (9-0) vs Rogers (6-5), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Smithville’s Tiger Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Poth by 8

George West (6-4) vs Buffalo (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Hallettsville’s Brahmas Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Buffalo by 4

Panhandle (9-2) vs San Saba (8-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Henrietta’s Bearcat Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Panhandle by 3

Post (11-0) vs Anson (8-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Clyde’s Bulldog Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Post by 21

Hawley (9-2) vs Sundown (9-2), 4 p.m. Friday at Big Spring’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Hawley by 6

Cisco (8-3) vs Olton (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Colorado City’s Wolf Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Cisco by 14

Lindsay (10-0) vs Tolar (5-6), 7 p.m. Friday at River Oaks’ Barnes Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Lindsay by 27

Cooper (8-1) vs Bosqueville (7-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Rusk’s Eagle Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Cooper by 3

Crawford (10-1) vs Bogota Rivercrest (7-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Grand Prairie’s Gopher-Warrior Bowl Stepp’s Pick: Crawford by 11

Italy (10-1) vs Alvord (5-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Alvarado’s Head Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Italy by 10

Garrison (5-5) vs Holland (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Fairfield’s Eagle Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Holland by 2

Timpson (11-0) vs Jewett Leon (7-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Palestine’s Westwood Panther Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Timpson by 18

Normangee (10-0) vs Price Carlisle (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Palestine’s Westwood Panther Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Normangee by 7

Hearne (9-0) vs Beckville (8-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Athens’ Bruce Field Stepp’s Pick: Hearne by 5

Shiner (9-0) vs Freer (3-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Pleasanton’s Eagle Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Shiner by 56

Mason (7-4) vs Kenedy (6-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Davenport High School Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Mason by 33

Three Rivers (4-4) vs Ganado (5-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Victoria’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Ganado by 20

McCamey (9-1) vs Wheeler (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Abernathy’s Antelope Stadium Stepp’s Pick: McCamey by 2

Smyer (8-3) vs Stratford (6-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Canyon’s Kimbrough Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Stratford by 6

Vega (9-2) vs Bovina (4-6), 7 p.m. Thursday at Canyon’s Kimbrough Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Vega by 9

Wellington (10-0) vs Wink (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Sweetwater’s Mustang Bowl Stepp’s Pick: Wellington by 10

Hamlin (10-0) vs Petrolia (7-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Seymour’s Fair Park Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Hamlin by 25

Quanah (6-4) vs Muenster (8-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Wichita Falls’ Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Muenster by 10

Windthorst (10-1) vs Archer City (6-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Graham’s Newton Field Stepp’s Pick: Windthorst by 11

Albany (9-1) vs Ralls (7-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Snyder’s Tiger Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Albany by 7

Simms Bowie (7-4) vs West Sabine (6-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Longview’s Lobo Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Simms Bowie by 5

Mart (10-0) vs Lovelady (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Caldwell’s Hornet Field Stepp’s Pick: Mart by 49

Deweyville (8-2) vs Chilton (6-4), 6 p.m. Saturday at Tomball’s Tomball ISD Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Deweyville by 14

Snook (6-4) vs Yorktown (7-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Altair’s Rice Veterans Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Snook by 3

Christoval (10-1) vs Bruni (4-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Somerset’s Bulldog Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Christoval by 21

D’Hanis (7-0) vs Eldorado (6-5), 6 p.m. Saturday at Hondo’s Barry Field Stepp’s Pick: Eldorado by 6

Falls City (8-2) vs Granger (8-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Fredericksburg’s Battlin Billie Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Falls City by 10

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