Aledo (10-1) vs Lovejoy (13-0)

7:30 p.m. on Friday at Globe Life Park

Can Lovejoy make it three in a row over 5-5A Division II? The Leopards get their chance this week, but they’ve got to do it against nine-time state champion Aledo, who looks to be peaking at the right time as they eye a third consecutive state title.

Last week the Bearcats went into Frisco and totally dismantled Frisco High on the road in a 45-27 win.

Lamar signee RB DeMarco Roberts tore through the Frisco defense rushing for 224 yards and four touchdowns, while also adding 31 receiving yards on the night. Alabama signee JoJo Earle was held in the check most of the night, but still managed 70 yards from scrimmage and a pair of touchdown runs.

Aledo’s defense, especially in the middle part of the game, was sensational in holding a dynamic Frisco rushing attack in check.

Lovejoy’s offense absolutely exploded last week as the Leopards knocked off Mansfield Timberview, 64-50.

QB Ralph Rucker and WR Reid Westervelt were simply unstoppable as Rucker threw for 364 yards and eight touchdowns, while adding in 111 yards on the ground and a touchdown. Westervelt hauled in 11 passes for 213 yards and six touchdowns.

The concern for Lovejoy going into this one is even with all the offensive fireworks; the defense leaves a lot to be desired as they allowed 634 yards and 50 points to Timberview.

Aledo’s defense is too talented to simply sit back and let Lovejoy pick them apart. The question is can Lovejoy’s defense find a way to slow down that big Aledo offensive line and their powerful rushing attack? The answer this time is no; Aledo’s defense contains Rucker and the red-hot Lovejoy offense, and the Bearcats offense grinds the Lovejoy defense down.

Stepp’s Pick: Aledo by 10