Stepp's 2A DI Region III Picks: District Projections and Playoff Outlook

Honey Grove was the heavy favorite to win the region last year and looked well on its way until a stunning regional final loss to fourth-place upstart Joaquin. The Warriors still have Stanford commit Ryelan Morris, who ran for 30 touchdowns in seven games, but a lot of their depth has been lost to graduation. Cooper, who had dominated Northeast Texas at this level, is still lurking, while traditional power Paul Pewitt will look to gain a new foothold.

Waskom had high hopes for a regional title last year, but the Wildcats were drilled by Honey Grove in the regional semifinals. The Wildcats are loaded at the skill spots, but they’ll go as far as their young offensive line will take them. Beckville has been a consistent contender in Region III, but they haven’t been able to get over the hump; the Bearcats will need to replace some key losses on defense. Elysian Fields has a new head coach, but coach Bo Maines inherits a squad with 16 returning starters. Hawkins, Big Sandy and Union Grove will be in a battle for the last playoff spot.

Garrison has knocked on the door of winning Region III the past few years. Could 2025 be the season the Bulldogs break through? Defending regional champion Joaquin will be a tough out, but they won’t sneak up on anyone after last year’s playoff run. Shelbyville returns the house, but the Dragons graduated nearly all of their offensive production after losing their QB. Can a defense that returns 10 starters but struggled a year ago improve enough? Timpson is two years removed from a state title, but Terry Bussey isn’t walking through that door. San Augustine has the skill talent to be dangerous, but the Wolves have to improve up front.

Centerville is much like Beckville and Garrison - they’ve been a consistent contender but just haven’t gotten over the hump. The Tigers defense brings back nine starters. If they can find a couple of skill weapons, they’ll be in the mix. Corrigan-Camden and Hearne are the likely top candidates for second place, but Jewett Leon should be one of the region’s most improved teams with 20 returning starters.

DISTRICT PREDICTIONS

District 9-2A Division I

1. Honey Grove
2. Cooper
3. Omaha Pewitt
4. Alba-Golden
5. Bogota Rivercrest
6. Como-Pickton
7. Quinlan Boles

District 10-2A Division I

1. Waskom
2. Beckville
3. Elysian Fields
4. Hawkins
5. Big Sandy
6. Union Grove
7. Harleton
8. Ore City

District 11-2A Division I

1. Garrison
2. Joaquin
3. Shelbyville
4. Timpson
5. San Augustine
6. Hemphill

District 12-2A Division I

1. Centerville
2. Corrigan-Camden
3. Hearne
4. Jewett Leon
5. Groveton
6. Normangee

PROJECTED BI-DISTRICT MATCHUPS

W9 Honey Grove vs F10 Hawkins

R12 Corrigan-Camden vs T11 Shelbyville

W10 Waskom vs F9 Alba-Golden

R11 Joaquin vs T12 Hearne

W11 Garrison vs F12 Jewett Leon

R10 Beckville vs T9 Omaha Pewitt

W12 Centerville vs F11 Timpson

R9 Cooper vs T10 Elysian Fields

REGIONAL CHAMPION

Waskom over Garrison