The best thing about upsets is that you never see it coming — or do you? Each week, the Dave Campbell's Texas Football staff will identify three games that could defy the DCTF Computer Projections. Which underdogs can shock the state this week?
Graham (1-0) vs. Springtown (1-0)
Springtown is a 10-point favorite
This is a matchup of two teams who had vastly different winning experiences in Week 1 — Springtown made short work of Glen Rose in a 37-7 romp, while Graham had to scratch and claw its way to a win over Alvarado, scoring in the final minute and cashing in on a game-winning two-point conversion to bring home a 36-35 victory. But while you may be inclined to discount Graham's victory (they were huge favorites over Alvarado), I think it showed a fair amount of moxie, especially from the freshman quarterback Ty Thompson. Springtown is the rightful favorite here, and their defense looked exceptional in Week 1 led by do-it-all star Matt Lockard, but I'll be keeping a close eye on this one, if only because Graham is pretty tough to beat at home — the Steers are 9-3 in the last three seasons at Newton Field.
Tidehaven (1-0) vs. Ganado (0-1)
Tidehaven is a 5-point favorite
Ganado took it on the chin in Week 1 with a loss to Vanderbilt Industrial, but it's important to remember that Industrial is (now) a state-ranked 3A Division I team, a full classification larger than the Indians. Quarterback Kyle Burres-Guererro had a huge game for Ganado, accounting for four total touchdowns; it was just that they couldn't match up defensively. They're playing someone a little closer to their weight class this week as they visit Tidehaven, who overmatched Weimar in Week 1. The Tigers are a tough squad, but Ganado's Week 1 test should serve them well in this matchup. The biggest key for Ganado to spring the upset: shoring up the defense against coach David Lucio's high-flying attack, triggered by quarterback Logan Crow. Get a couple of stops, and the Indians could spring the upset.
San Antonio Churchill (0-1) vs. San Antonio Alamo Heights (1-0)
Alamo Heights is a 5-point favorite
Churchill is still smarting from a Week 1 pummeling at the hands of Buda Hays, but then again, Hays is a reigning state semifinalist and runs a notoriously difficult offense to gameplan against. Meanwhile, Alamo Heights had to mount a second-half comeback to edge 4A Boerne, with the Mules' defense getting touched up by quarterback Rashawn Galloway. That should provide some opportunities for Churchill junior dual-threat quarterback Merric Manwaring to make some plays and get the offense out of the mud. Facing a smaller classification team that runs a more conventional offense should give the underdog Chargers a chance to bounce back quickly.
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