Brownwood (1-1) at China Spring (2-0): After an exciting win in Week 1 over Lampasas, Brownwood got off to a strong start last week against Midland Greenwood, dominating the first half, 13-0. But mistakes doomed the Lions as they drove to the Greenwood one-yard line and came away with no points, and penalties derailed them in the second half along with Greenwood getting the running game going late as the Lions fell 21-20.

China Spring took on a strong 3A team in Lorena and the Cougars were able to earn a hard-fought 21-13 win. QB Major Bowden ran for 145 yards and threw for a touchdown, while the Cougars defense chipped in a defensive touchdown that proved to be the difference in the game.

Brownwood is an explosive offense and will pose China Spring some problems, but Bowden’s ability to be a playmaker with his arm and his feet makes China Spring a tough matchup.

Give the Cougars the edge in what could be a high-scoring affair. Stepp’s Pick: China Spring by 10

Sealy (2-0) at Montgomery Lake Creek (2-0): Sealy is off to a strong start to the season, but they’ll take a big step up in competition this week as they take on Montgomery Lake Creek, a 5A-Division II playoff team from a year ago who expects to again be in the playoff discussion. Sealy won a 40-30 shootout with Navasota last week as the Tigers were led by QB D’Vonne Hmielewski who passed for 292 yards and four touchdowns, while adding 55 yards on the ground and a touchdown. Sealy raced out to a quick 21-7 lead before Navasota cut the lead to 21-17. SHS then in the second half rattled off 19-straight points to lead 40-17 before holding off a late Navasota rally. Lake Creek used a big second quarter and key plays on defense and special teams to pull away for a 35-15 win over New Caney Porter a week ago. RB Justin Freeney ran for 132 yards and a touchdown to lead the Lake Creek offense. This is a tough road test for Sealy and a great measuring stick game to see where the Tigers stack up against a larger school. Stepp’s Pick: Montgomery Lake Creek by 6

Mineola (1-1) at West Rusk (2-0): It was a complete effort from Mineola who bounced back nicely after a season opening loss as the ‘Jackets blasted Wills Point 42-11 behind 232 yards rushing and three touchdowns from Dawson Pendergrass who also added a passing touchdown in the win. Mineola’s defense was sensational as well allowing just 56 yards of total offense in the win. West Rusk unleashed the offense last week as the Raiders rolled past Sabine 55-33. Tate Winnings was one of several WRHS players who had big performances as he ran for 200 yards and a touchdown, while Jamal Ford ran for 160 yards and found the end zone three times in the win. Expect a shootout in this one, but West Rusk has the multiple weapons and they’ve shown early on they’ll be a force out in East Texas at the 3A-Division II level. Stepp’s Pick: West Rusk by 6

Little River-Academy (2-0) at Groesbeck (2-0): The Bumblebees of Little River-Academy continued their fast start with a convincing 35-7 win over Clifton last week. WR Scout Brazeal had a monster night for the ‘Bees with seven receptions for 193 yards and three receiving touchdowns. Groesbeck for the second straight week dominated a foe from District 7-3A Division II as the Goats blasted Rice 69-10. Groesbeck has outscored their first two opponents 126-24. Allen Lewis led a dynamic Groesbeck attack throwing three touchdown passes in the lopsided win. This will be a big test for both teams who have aspirations of challenging within their tough district, the homefield edge for Groesbeck may prove to be the key in this game which looks to be evenly matched on paper. Stepp’s Pick: Groesbeck by 3

Edna (2-0) at Refugio (2-0): Number one ranked Refugio (in 2A-Division I) gets what may be their biggest regular season test of the year as the Bobcats host 3A-Division I Edna. Edna comes into this one brimming with confidence after a strong 2-0 start and Jimmie Mitchell’s squad is a real contender in Region IV this year. Last week the Cowboys took down 4A Bay City 31-13 as Dreydan Ashford led a balanced Edna attack rushing for 97 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Refugio had no trouble with an over-matched George West squad as the Bobcats won 55-8. QB Caleb Hesseltine threw for 239 yards and seven touchdowns, while WR Jordan Kelley hauled in two touchdown passes and returned a punt for a touchdown as well. Edna is fast enough and physical enough to push Refugio like few small schools in the area can, but Refugio’s big game experience and raucous home crowd will be the key. Stepp’s Pick: Refugio by 10

Archer City (1-0) at Windthorst (2-0): A young but talented Archer City squad gets their first major test of the year against defending state champion Windthorst. These two played twice last year, with Windthorst winning both matchups, but ACHS pushed the eventual state champions in their Week 3 meeting a year ago. The Wildcats had to wait a week to open the season, but they looked sharp in a 34-14 win over Haskell. Talented sophomore Elijah Jackson was the story for ACHS putting up four touchdowns in the easy win as Shad Hanna’s squad raced out to a 34-0 lead in the third quarter before taking their foot off the gas. Windthorst rolled past De Leon 49-0 a week ago as QB Logan Cope threw 158 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 46 yards and two scores in his first varsity start to pace the Windthorst offensive output. WHS held De Leon to just 141 yards of offense and seven first downs for the night. That defense is the key against the speed of Archer City as Windthorst has shown they can slow down the fastest teams by being physical and flying to the football. Stepp’s Pick: Windthorst by 14

Quick Picks

Pampa (1-1) at Borger (1-1) Stepp’s Pick: Pampa by 9

Paris (1-1) at Texarkana Pleasant Grove (1-1) Stepp’s Pick: Paris by 10

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

Bushland (0-2) at Canadian (2-0) Stepp’s Pick: Canadian by 16

Ganado (1-1) at Hallettsville (1-1) Stepp’s Pick: Hallettsville by 18

Universal City Randolph (1-1) at Natalia (1-1) Stepp’s Pick: Natalia by 2

Coleman (2-0) at Brady (2-0) Stepp’s Pick: Coleman by 2

Gunter (2-0) at Whitesboro (1-1) Stepp’s Pick: Gunter by 21

Lexington (1-1) at Rockdale (1-1) Stepp’s Pick: Lexington by 3

Axtell (1-1) at Crawford (2-0) Stepp’s Pick: Crawford by 25

Thrall (1-1) at Snook (1-1) Stepp’s Pick: Snook by 3