Aledo (5-0, 3-0) at Denton Ryan (4-0, 2-0):

Aledo’s national record district winning streak now sits at an incredible 130-games. During the preseason I thought the streak could come to an end this week as Aledo visits the team that eliminated them from the playoffs a year ago.

Aledo has cruised through its first three district games by outscoring teams 166-28, including a 56-14 drubbing of Keller Fossil Ridge a week ago. Despite the big point totals from the offense, this Aledo defense is what makes them a state title contender as the Bearcats have maybe the nastiest front seven in the state regardless of classification.

A dominant front seven on the defense leads the way for Aledo, while WR Kaydon Finley, a Notre Dame commit, is the headliner for an offense that seems to be finding itself.

Denton Ryan’s offense also saw their share of issues early on, but they’ve topped 40 points the last two weeks, including a 41-0 rout of Granbury last week. Ryan outgained Granbury 409-33 in total yards, while RB Tre’Vaughn Reynolds ran for 84 yards and a score and had 80 receiving yards for the Raiders.

Expect this to be a low-scoring defensive struggle. Whichever offense finds rhythm will be the team that gets the win and I’m not betting against the Aledo district winning streak after this red-hot start from the Bearcats.

Stepp’s Pick: Aledo by 6