It’s a massive showdown on the campus of Baylor University as El Campo, who has designs on playing for a state title under first-year head coach Chad Worrell, takes on a surging Lindale squad who played for the title a year ago.

El Campo had no trouble in their playoff opener by blasting Houston Yates, 63-18. RB Reuben Owens ran for 202 yards and three touchdowns, while Johntre Davis, Stephen Norman and De'Koreyus Ward combined for 189 yards rushing and four touchdowns as well.

After losing an absolute shootout in the regular season finale to Kilgore, Lindale bounced back with a solid 56-39 win over Lumberton. Lindale only led by two at the half. But a strong second half effort allowed the Eagles to pull away for the comfortable win.

This is going to be a high-scoring shootout, it’ll come down to the defenses in this one. I’ve been on the El Campo bandwagon all year and I’m sticking with the Ricebirds and that defense to step up and get the key stops late.

Stepp’s Pick: El Campo by 9