Stepp's 3A DII Region I Picks: District Projections and Playoff Outlook

Canadian, in what’s turned into a rare occurrence recently, did not bring home a regional title last year. But even in a “down year," the Wildcats still managed a regional final appearance. The Wildcats return just seven starters, but they have a lot of experience back and almost always get the benefit of the doubt in the Panhandle and Region I. Childress isn’t quite at a regional contender level, but the Bobcats are still strong enough to hold off Friona for the two-seed. The battle for the final playoff spot will be tight between Tulia and Dimmitt.

What we do know is a good team will miss the playoffs in 2-3A Division II; there are five good teams in this loop and just four playoff spots. Last year’s district champion Idalou lost a big class of seniors, but we’ve got them holding off Littlefield and fast-rising Slaton. Lubbock Roosevelt - and 15 returning starters - gets the edge over Muleshoe, which has a new coach going into 2025.

District 3-3A Division II is the rare district where each team plays twice and if last year is any indication, things will be tight. Alpine, Crane and Compass all split 1-1 against each other, but only Crane was able to get a win in the playoffs. Because of that, Crane gets the slight edge over Compass, which returns 17 starters. Alpine only has four starters back on both sides of the ball and will be breaking in a new coach.

Defending regional champion Wall brings back a wealth of skill talent and is the big favorite in the district race. Can the Hawks' young offensive line and defense grow up enough to make a state title run? Coahoma brings back a strong group from an area playoff team with plenty of confidence after a strong summer of 7-on-7. Stanton, Grape Creek and Merkel all look to be improved, as well. Merkel looks to still be on the outside looking in of the playoff race after a 0-10 season.

DISTRICT PREDICTIONS

District 1-3A Division II

1. Canadian
2. Childress
3. Friona
4. Dimmitt
5. Tulia

District 2-3A Division II

1. Idalou
2. Littlefield
3. Slaton
4. Lubbock Roosevelt
5. Muleshoe

District 3-3A Division II

1. Crane
2. Odessa Compass
3. Alpine
4. Anthony

District 4-3A Division II

1. Wall
2. Coahoma
3. Stanton
4. San Angelo Grape Creek
5. Merkel

PROJECTED BI-DISTRICT MATCHUPS

W1 Canadian vs F2 Lubbock Roosevelt

R4 Coahoma vs T3 Alpine

W2 Idalou vs F1 Dimmitt

R3 Odessa Compass vs T4 Stanton

W3 Crane vs F4 San Angelo Grape Creek

R2 Littlefield vs T1 Friona

W4 Wall vs F3 Anthony

R1 Childress vs T2 Slaton

REGIONAL CHAMPION

Wall over Canadian