Tyler Chapel Hill (3-1) at Lindale (4-0):

There’s no question 9-4A Division I is going to be a grind and it starts this week as Chapel Hill visits unbeaten Lindale in a game that will go a long way in deciding playoff seeding.

Despite last week’s 56-34 loss to Carthage, the Bulldogs are off to a good start behind a more balanced offense and a veteran defense. Last week, QB Malik Gee and WR’s Maliek Brown and Damarcion Blaylock made life difficult for the Carthage defense, but special teams gaffes turned the game in Carthage’s favor as CHHS allowed a kick return for a score and allowed Carthage to recover a kickoff. A late pick-six for Carthage but the game out of reach late.

Lindale took care of rival Van in a shootout and held off an inspired Gilmer squad, 35-23, last week. It was the Hank Thurman Show for the Lindale offense as the junior running back tallied five touchdowns on the ground.

Lindale’s defense led by Houston DL commit Kaleb Walker is stout against the run, but this Chapel Hill team seems to be more dynamic in the passing game, so a key for Lindale will be putting pressure on the CHHS signal-caller Malik Gee. Lindale’s offense really hasn’t been stopped this season; they are methodical and execute at a high-level. That consistency combined with being at home where they’ve played well against Chapel Hill gives the edge to the Eagles in what should be a banger of a matchup.

Stepp’s Pick: Lindale by 2