Lubbock Estacado (1-0) at Dumas (0-1): Lubbock Estacado opened the season with a stellar defensive effort in a 16-7 win over Midland Greenwood last week. RB J'Kameron Thomas ran for 135 yards, while QB Kolby Sims tossed a pair of touchdown passes to lead the Matadors offensive attack. But the key was  the defense that held Greenwood to just 171 yards of offense and didn’t allow a score until midway through the fourth quarter. The only negative for Estacado was three turnovers, one of which set up the Greenwood score.

Dumas had trouble slowing down Wichita Falls Rider in a 38-18 loss as the Demons young defense was hurt by big plays and the offense simply was unable to establish the run, tallying just 55 yards rushing.

Dumas rotated QB’s throughout the game as well, it’ll be interesting to see if this trend continues or if the Demons will settle on a signal caller. Dumas is one of the toughest places to play in the Texas panhandle and it’s a long trip up from Lubbock; it’ll be a physical game, but I’ll give the slight nod to Dumas who shows big improvement this week with a big home crowd on their side. Stepp’s Pick: Dumas by 3

Iowa Park (0-1) at Canadian (1-0): A year ago Iowa Park handed Canadian their only loss of the season as the Wildcats eventually claimed the 3A-Division II title, while 4A-Division II Iowa Park put together another strong season. There’s lots of new faces on both sides, but for Iowa Park things did not go smoothly in their opener as they were knocked off by Holliday 20-14. A key fumble late in the game as IPHS was driving to possibly take the lead doomed the Hawks chances of pulling off a comeback win. Jaydon Southard was key for the Hawks, rushing for 98 yards, snagging an interception and returning a punt 61 yards that set up the Hawks’ game-tying score in the third quarter. Canadian rolled past Stinnett West Texas 69-6 as sophomore QB Camren Cavalier led the way in his first start throwing for 211 yards and four touchdowns, while Canadian’s defense was in mid-season form holding WTHS to just 78 yards of offense. Canadian hasn’t forgotten last year’s loss and in the friendly home confines, expect a fast start and the ability to hang on to the win this season. Stepp’s Pick: Canadian by 11

Wall (1-0) at Cisco (1-0): Wall had a lot of questions heading into the 2021 season, but the Hawks started the season strong with a 28-21 win over Eastland. The Hawks option-based offense ran for 316 yards as RB Jacob Richardson scored on a ten-yard run in the fourth quarter to lift Wall to a hard-fought win. Cisco had no such trouble last week as the Loboes blasted 3A-Division I Clyde 49-7. CHS rolled up 458 yards rushing as junior QB Hunter Long ran for 251 yards, added 32 yards passing and he accounted for three touchdowns to lead the CHS attack. RB Trenton Huston chipped in 142 yards rushing and two scores on just ten carries. Cisco has the look of a title contender in 2A-Division I, while this Wall team is good, but still trying to figure things out. Stepp’s Pick: Cisco by 14

Blanco (0-1) at Shiner (1-0): Big plays and turnovers doomed Blanco last week as the Panthers fell 41-27 to San Antonio Davenport a week ago, Davenport is a new school in Comal ISD playing an outlaw schedule in 2021. Blanco’s offense moved the ball well in the loss, but they’ll face a big challenge this week against one of the top small school programs in the state and defending 2A-Division I state champion Shiner. RB Dalton Brooks ran for 58 yards and two touchdowns and also chipped in 56 receiving yards, Doug Brooks ran for 84 yards and a touchdown and new QB Drew Wenske piloted the Shiner offense efficiently and he picked off two passes as well. Shiner’s defense is elite and that young offense will only improve as the season progresses. Stepp’s Pick: Shiner by 18

Daingerfield (1-0) at Tatum (1-0): Old East Texas rivals meet up in what should be a real measuring stick for 3A supremacy out in East Texas. Daingerfield blasted past Atlanta last week 48-7 as QB/LB Dee Lewis was a dominant force on both sides of the ball. Lewis threw for 367 yards and three touchdowns, he added 39 yards and a touchdown rushing and for good measure he chipped in seven tackles and 47-yard INT return for a touchdown. Tatum opened the season in style by ripping past Class 4A Center 68-26, as QB Kendric Malone had a monster night throwing for five touchdowns and rushing for another score to lead the Eagles. Tatum’s defense, which is a bit underrated is the difference in this matchup, look for the Eagles depth to wear Daingerfield down in the second half. Stepp’s Pick: Tatum by 6

Falls City (1-0) at Poth (1-0): It’s time for the annual “Polish Bowl” as Falls City travels eight miles north into Wilson County to take on their bitter rivals from Poth. Poth has dominated the series the past couple of years and the Pirates come in heavily favored. Falls City knocked off Three Rivers 27-12 as Grant Jendrusch ran for three touchdowns to pace the Beavers. Poth ripped past Lytle 52-0 as QB Jude George threw for 145 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 58 yards and a touchdown, RB Zane Raabe ran for 130 yards and two touchdowns to lead Poth to the easy win. Falls City keeps this one close, its hard to imagine a rivalry game ending in a blowout three years in a row, but Poth just has too much size and talent. Stepp’s Pick: Poth by 11

Coleman (1-0) at Anson (1-0): If you are looking for a team to watch in the Big Country in 2A-Division I, the Coleman Bluecats may be a team to watch as Coleman opened the season with a 24-0 shutout of Miles as the game was rain shortened. The Bluecats absolutely dominated, but will get a much stiffer test this week against a good Anson squad. Anson easily handled Winters 24-6 as the Tigers nearly doubled the offensive output from Winters in the game. This game could be Coleman’s official “coming out party,” as this is a team that’s primed to make noise. Stepp’s Pick: Coleman by 7

Quick Picks

Andrews (0-1) at Monahans (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Andrews by 9

Springtown (1-0) at Graham (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Springtown by 12

Midlothian Heritage (1-0) at Kennedale (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Midlothian Heritage by 4

Whitesboro (1-0) at Aubrey (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Aubrey by 17

Lorena (0-1) at China Spring (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: China Spring by 13

Hearne (1-0) at Franklin (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Franklin by 24

Newton (1-0) at Diboll (0-1) Stepp’s Pick: Newton by 12

Joaquin (0-1) at Elysian Fields (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Elysian Fields by 10

Snook (1-0) at Thorndale (1-0) Stepp’s Pick: Snook by 4

Freer (1-0) at Hebbronville (0-0) Stepp’s Pick: Hebbronville by 9