Celina (9-0, 5-0) vs Frisco Panther Creek (8-1, 5-0): A district title is on the line in Frisco as two programs with completely different histories meet up for the 7-4A Division I title.

Visiting Celina takes a backseat to no school in Texas when it comes to pedigree and the Bobcats are enjoying a fantastic season at 9-0 and ranked No. 2 in Texas.

After getting a push from a solid Dallas Carter squad a couple of weeks ago, the Bobcats made quick work of Dallas Pinkston in a 57-6 win last week. QB Knox Porter along with RB’s Logan Gutierrez and Harrison Williams lead a bruising Celina ground game, while the Bobcats defense is stout against the run.

Celina’s secondary will get tested this week against the dynamic passing attack of Frisco Panther Creek led by QB Braxton Roberts and WR Cristian Trickett, who make up one of the state’s most productive duos. Trickett has over 20 touchdown catches on the season and he added three more scoring receptions to that total in last week’s 69-20 win over Carrollton Ranchview.

The issue in this game for Panther Creek is their inability to consistently run the football. Being one dimensional against a tough Celina defense that can just pin their ears back is a bad recipe. Expect Celina to employ a similar defensive strategy to what they used earlier in the season against Anna with so much success.

Stepp’s Pick: Celina by 10

Anna (8-1, 4-0) vs Sulphur Springs (8-1, 4-0): The 8-4A Division I title is on the line in Collin County as Sulphur Springs heads into DFW to take on state ranked Anna.

Anna got pushed in a major way last week by a scrappy Paris squad, but the Coyotes managed to with a 21-20 win by stopping Paris on a late two-point conversion.

Sophomore QB Ziondre Williams has looked great at times, but he’s also gone through some growing pains. But getting WR Jacob Emmers back during district play has made a big difference for the Coyotes along with a solid defense.

Anna’s running game is going to need to take a step forward if they want to repeat or exceed the success of last year’s regional finalist.

Sulphur Springs has won two close ones in a row as the Wildcats pulled away late from Kaufman in a 35-20 win last week. The Wildcats got 401 yards passing and three touchdowns from QB Brady Driver, much of that went to WR Skylar Lewis who had 264 yards receiving and two touchdowns on just five receptions.

This one could be a shootout. Both offensive attacks are potent, but Anna’s depth and defensive playmakers make the difference in this district title tilt.

Stepp’s Pick: Anna by 11

Jasper (6-3, 4-1) vs Silsbee (9-0, 5-0): There will be no shortage of FBS talent on the field in this Golden Triangle showdown as Jasper looks to grab a share of the 9-4A Division II title on the road against unbeaten and second-ranked Silsbee.

The Bulldogs have won three straight games after a close loss to Hamshire-Fannett. Last week Jasper blasted Hardin-Jefferson, 70-6, and Kendrick Crumedy’s squad seems to be rounding into form heading into the playoffs.

Silsbee had a comfortable 33-7 win over Bridge City last week as the Tigers got touchdowns from Ashton Cartwright and Tre Kibbles, but the Tigers appeared to have a bit of a hangover after their big win over Hamshire-Fannett last week. The Tigers led just 20-6 at the end of three quarters, before finally putting Bridge City away.

Expect a much sharper performance from Silsbee this week. Expect the duo of Drelon Miller and Ashton Cartwright to be a real problem for the Jasper secondary.

Stepp’s Pick: Silsbee by 12

Groesbeck (7-2, 4-1) vs Malakoff (9-0, 5-0): Groesbeck will look to try and get themselves a share of the 8-3A Division I title this week as the Goats tangle with the No. 2 team in the state, unbeaten Malakoff.

Groesbeck bounced back nicely from a disappointing loss to Teague two weeks ago with a dominant 62-0 win over Eustace.

Malakoff rolled past Mexia, 41-10, last week and an example of the Tigers dominance in district play thus far in 2023 is that was Malakoff’s closest district game of the season.

Expect Groesbeck to try and control the clock and keep the ball away from Mike Jones and that explosive Malakoff attack. That keeps this game closer than the rest of the Malakoff district games, but Malakoff pulls away in the second half.

Stepp’s Pick: Malakoff by 24

Daingerfield (7-2, 5-0) vs Gilmer Harmony (7-2, 5-0): Two of the top teams in Northeast Texas will tangle for a district title and the chance to move among the favorites in Region III in the 3A-Division II race.

Daingerfield took care of Harmony in the regular season a year ago, but Harmony was able to make a deeper playoff push as they ended up Region III champions.

Daingerfield rolled past Waskom last week, 35-6, as the Tigers were led by QB Chase Johnson passed for 173 yards and two touchdowns and he added one rushing touchdown; RB Ashton Williams added 131 yards and two touchdowns as well to pace the Tigers attack.

Harmony has bounced back nicely from a 1-2 start to the season with six straight wins. The Eagles are fresh off a bye week after rolling past Waskom, 72-26. QB Boston Seahorn threw for 269 yards and six touchdowns, while Evan Webber rushed for 250 yards and four touchdowns to lead an explosive Harmony attack.

This game comes down to Daingerfield’s defense which is playing well down the stretch and the Tigers team speed will be the difference.

Stepp’s Pick: Daingerfield by 5

Forsan (7-2, 3-1) vs Sonora (9-0, 4-0): Forsan will travel down the Concho Valley as it looks to take down a state ranked Sonora squad who is starting to emerge as a real darkhorse pick to win Region I.

Forsan struggled on the offensive side of the ball last week in a 28-14 loss to Ozona. The Buffaloes only had 251 yards of offense and failed to fully establish the running game.

Sonora rolled past Christoval 46-0 last week as the Broncos got another big night from RB Edgar DeLuna, who ran for 186 yards and two touchdowns, while QB Jaime Buitron, back from injury, added 114 passing yards and a touchdown to give Sonora balance.

Sonora’s defense was dominant as well as they held Christoval to just 141 yards of offense. Sonora’s offensive balance is just going to be too much for Forsan in this one.

Stepp’s Pick: Sonora by 19

Garrison (9-0, 5-0) vs Timpson (9-0, 5-0): Unbeaten Garrison will look to top the state’s No. 1 team in the state in a key East Texas showdown that could be the first of two meetings this season.

Garrison rolled past San Augustine 58-10 a week ago as the Bulldogs continued their run of dominance inside of district play. Garrison’s closest district game was two 35-point wins over Joaquin and Shelbyville.

Timpson, led by five-star QB Terry Bussey, continues its dominance as well in a 61-0 win over Shelbyville last week. Timpson’s had even more dominance in district play as the Bears closest district game was a 53-0 win over Grapeland.

Garrison on paper gets an edge in the trenches, but can the Bulldogs keep up with Timpson’s absolutely dynamic skill players? Garrison keeps it close against Timpson much like last year, but in the end, Timpson has that guy in Bussey and he’s the difference in this showdown.

Stepp’s Pick: Timpson by 13

Clarendon (6-3, 4-0) vs Wellington (7-2, 4-0): Clarendon has picked things up under first-year head coach Aaron Wampler as they’ve won six straight games heading into this district title tilt with regional contender Wellington.

Clarendon rolled past Shamrock 58-6 last week. QB Lyric Smith had a monster game throwing for 223 yards and two touchdowns, and he added 90 yards on the ground and two touchdowns rushing.

Wellington rolled past Quanah 42-0 last week as the Skyrockets were led by QB Carson Tarver throwing for 127 yards with two touchdowns and he tacked on 55 yards rushing with two more scores. Travon Lewis led Wellington with 142 yards rushing and a touchdown.

Wellington’s dominance in district play has been impressive as they’ve outscored their four district opponents by a combined 188-0.

Clarendon’s offense is good enough to keep it close, but Wellington’s run game and the stout defense is still a level above a Clarendon squad that’s a threat to win a playoff game or two.

Stepp’s Pick: Wellington by 16

Quick Picks

Iowa Colony (9-0, 5-0) vs Needville (8-1, 4-1) Stepp’s Pick: Iowa Colony by 7

Midland Greenwood (2-7, 1-2) vs Wichita Falls Hirschi (5-3, 3-0) Stepp’s Pick: Wichita Falls Hirschi by 17

Breckenridge (4-5, 1-3) vs Clyde (8-1, 3-1) Stepp’s Pick: Clyde by 14

Comanche (5-4, 2-2) vs Eastland (3-6, 2-2) Stepp’s Pick: Comanche by 11

Palestine Westwood (8-1, 4-1) vs Woodville (6-3, 4-1) Stepp’s Pick: Palestine Westwood by 6

Hallettsville (6-3, 1-2) vs Yoakum (5-4, 1-2) Stepp’s Pick: Yoakum by 7

Alpine (5-4, 4-1) vs Crane (6-3, 5-0) Stepp’s Pick: Crane by 10

Boling (6-3, 3-2) vs Wallis Brazos (6-3, 3-2) Stepp’s Pick: Boling by 12

Cisco (4-5, 4-1) vs Hawley (7-2, 5-0) Stepp’s Pick: Hawley by 20

Ganado (8-1, 5-0) vs Refugio (8-1, 5-0) Stepp’s Pick: Refugio by 29

Last Week Record: 17-3 85.0%

Season Record: 141-39 78.3%