Canyon Lake (6-2, 3-1) at San Antonio Davenport (9-0, 5-0): Davenport can close out the regular season unbeaten and take home an undisputed district title if they can take care of a veteran Canyon Lake squad that is still fighting for playoff seeding in this one. Canyon Lake has had two weeks to prepare for this one as they search for ways to slow down a dynamic Davenport attack that averages just shy of 50 points per game. The CLHS Hawks two weeks ago had no trouble with Uvalde in an easy 47-7 win as the Hawks scored on five of their first six drives. QB Jace Wheeler tossed three touchdown passes and RB Chris Brown added three scores on the ground. Most of Uvalde’s offensive output of 212 yards came in the fourth quarter when CLHS had emptied the bench. Davenport took care of Uvalde last week 40-20 as the Wolves led by Barrett Fallon continue to show why they are likely going to be a real factor in the race in Region IV at the 4A-Division I level. Canyon Lake’s a good team, but Davenport’s non-district resume with wins over San Antonio Pieper, Kerrville Tivy and 6A Del Rio show this team has plenty of juice and I think we see a comfortable win for the Wolves to close out the regular season. Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Davenport by 21

Midland Greenwood (8-0, 2-0) at Seminole (6-2, 2-0): Two of the best at the 4A-Division II level in West Texas get together with a district crown on the line, and when Greenwood and Seminole play it’s often down to the wire. Greenwood made quick work last week in their tune-up with Fort Stockton in an easy 56-7 victory. GHS rolled up 50 first half points as RB Nathaniel Romero ran for four scores and QB Lincoln Madrid passed for four scored to lead the Rangers. Speaking of easy, it was shockingly easy for Seminole last week as they annihilated a struggling Snyder squad 88-14 a week ago. SHS put up 698 yards of offense with QB Dominick Higgins throwing for 233 yards and three scores, while Jacob Gonzales added 223 yards and three scores on the ground. I expect both offenses to be in top form this week for this one. This game is going to come down to defense and which unit can get a couple of stops. That’s a big edge to Greenwood, which hasn’t allowed more than 21-points in a game all year. The Rangers don’t have any stars in that unit but top to bottom they are solid with a load of senior experience. Stepp’s Pick: Midland Greenwood by 12

Tuscola Jim Ned (7-1, 3-0) at Clyde (7-1, 3-0): While most expected Jim Ned to be sitting with an outstanding record and playing for a district title at this point, there weren’t many outside of Clyde who figured the Bulldogs would be sitting at 7-1 and a chance at a district title in heading into Week 10. Jim Ned, as expected, had no trouble with San Angelo TLC in a dominant 50-0 that saw four different players find the end zone. Clyde set themselves up for a chance at the district crown with a huge 27-20 win over Sweetwater as QB Devan Wright ran for a score and threw for another score to lead the Bulldogs offense. CHS led 13-0 at halftime after playing the first half in a downpour and then took a 20-0 lead early in the third after a 100-yard fumble return for a score by Jeffrey Watson. Sweetwater rallied and cut the lead to one score twice, but Clyde was able to hang on and set up this week’s showdown. This game is huge when looking ahead to the playoffs. The bi-district matchup is with 4-3A Division I, where the top three teams are all teams in or near the state rankings. I expect a typical, smash-mouth, close-to-the-vest, low-scoring game and it seems like Jim Ned tends to thrive in those football games. The edge for me goes to the Indians. Stepp’s Pick: Tuscola Jim Ned by 6

Gladewater (7-1, 4-0) at Atlanta (8-1, 5-0): Gladewater has been one of the real surprise stories in East Texas under first-year head coach Jermaine Lewis. They’ll have a chance to clinch the outright district title this week as they head north take on an Atlanta squad that’s won eight straight games. Gladewater had their bye a week ago, but two weeks ago the Bears made quick work of Tatum rolling to a 33-6 win. RB Jeremiah Flanagan led a punishing Gladewater ground game with three scores on the ground. Atlanta played Tatum las week as well and usual it was a knock-down drag-out bar brawl with the Rabbits escaping Tatum with a gutty 14-7 win. Jayden Riley’s touchdown run late in the first half would prove to be the difference for AHS as neither team could find the end zone in the second half of play. Atlanta’s defense against the run is stout and that lines up well against a Gladewater squad that prefers to run the football. The key for Atlanta at home will be the play of freshman QB Brayden Thompson. If he has a good night and can get the ball to Riley and sophomore WR CJ Whaley, Atlanta wins this one. If Gladewater can make Thompson uncomfortable and harass him into a bad throw or two, the edge swings to the Bears. I’m taking Atlanta at home, and I expect a big night from the Rabbits offense. Stepp’s Pick: Atlanta by 8

Fairfield (8-0, 3-0) at Palestine Westwood (7-1, 2-1): This matchup lost a little bit of its luster after state-ranked Palestine Westwood was upset by Teague a week ago. Fairfield comes in looking to eliminate all doubt to any debate as who the top squad is in the district. Fairfield’s explosive passing game raced past Diboll, 51-7, as QB Kohl Collins and WR’s Kavion Hicks and Finn Smith have been absolutely unstoppable as the Eagles average over 55 points per game. Westwood’s 42-20 loss to Teague was one of the more surprising results of the week as the Panthers dug themselves an early 21-7 hole and were simply not able to recover. QB Kavian Bryant had another solid game, but a couple of untimely turnovers and Westwood’s inability to get stops were their undoing. Both offenses are among the best in 3A-Division I, but Fairfield’s defense gets the edge in this matchup as Westwood at times has struggled to get stops as they’ve allowed at least 28 points in six games this year. Stepp’s Pick: Fairfield by 10

Idalou (5-3, 2-0) at Slaton (7-1, 2-0): The last two unbeaten teams in 2-3A Division II meet up for a likely district title and a much more favorable early playoff draw. Idalou raced by Littlefield last week, 42-7. The game was over by halftime as Idalou led 32-0 after the first quarter. QB Kamdon Lutrick threw for 189 yards and two scores, and he added a touchdown on the ground. RB Jude Heard ran for 126 yards and a score. Slaton trailed Muleshoe by nine in the third quarter and 21-19 going into the fourth quarter, but the Tigers exploded for 23-straight points to earn the 42-21 win. QB Jacob Lopez keyed the rally with two fourth quarter scores. He finished with four touchdowns on the ground. ATH Billy Ray Harris added a long touchdown run and a long punt return to set up one of Lopez’s touchdown runs. Slaton’s team speed can pose problems for Idalou, but Idalou’s defense is stout against the run. If they can limit any big passing plays, I expect the Wildcats to grind out a win. Stepp’s Pick: Idalou by 11

Honey Grove (7-1, 4-0) at Cooper (5-4, 4-1): At least a share of the District 9-2A Division I crown is on the line as Honey Grove heads east to take on rival Cooper in a battle of two of the better teams in Northeast Texas. Explosive Honey Grove’s been on a tear since losing to 3A-Division I Winnsboro, winning five straight, including an easy 57-12 victory of Alba-Golden two weeks ago. Stanford commit ATH Ryelan Morris is one of the state’s most dynamic players regardless of classification. He ran for four touchdowns and hauled in a touchdown pass. QB Jarmmez Daniels had a touchdown pass, a touchdown run, and he had an interception return for a score as it was a dominant win for the Warriors. Cooper, after a surprising loss to open district play, has won four straight games, including a 43-6 win over Alba-Golden on Thursday. Jace Meeks led the way on the ground with 193 yards rushing and three scores on just nine carries. On defense, Cash O’Neal finished with two interceptions and LB Cutter Chadwick tallied 22 tackles. Cooper will look to slow the tempo of this game and keep the ball away from the explosive Honey Grove offense. That strategy keeps this thing close, but Honey Grove just has too much firepower. Stepp’s Pick: Honey Grove by 14

Elysian Fields (8-0, 5-0) at Waskom (6-2, 4-1): One of the most underrated rivalries in East Texas has some district title implications in District 10-2A Division I as Waskom hosts surprising unbeaten Elysian Fields in the Battle of FM-9. There is no doubt this one will be as intense as it gets as Elysian Fields would love nothing more than to celebrate a district title on the home field of their bitter rival. EFHS, under first-year head coach Bo Maines, remained perfect last week with a 38-7 win over Ore City. ATH Brandon “Nunu” Kennedy has been among the best players in the state this season. He ran for two scores and had a touchdown pass to lead the ‘Jackets, while RB Alex Simmons ran for two scores and had a touchdown catch. Waskom rebounded nicely from their loss a couple of weeks ago to Beckville by roaring past Big Sandy, 61-7, as in typical Waskom fashion they spread the ball around as six different players found the end zone, with Nate Espy and Julius Irving finding the end zone twice. Elysian Fields will need to be sound on defense to deal with the option game of Waskom and if they can play their assignments, they have the speed to deal with Waskom and they have the best player on the field in Kennedy who will see a lot of snaps on defense this week. Stepp’s Pick: Elysian Fields by 7

Wellington (7-1, 3-0) at Wheeler (7-1, 3-0): First place in 5-2A Division II is on the line as Wellington visits Wheeler with the winner all but assuredly taking home the district title and No. 1 seed. Wellington took care of business last week racing past Shamrock, 67-7, as QB Callen Kane threw for 212 yards and two touchdowns; he added a 77-yard touchdown run as well. RB Noah Cantu had 67 yards rushing and five scores. Wheeler was similarly dominant as the Mustangs took care of Clarendon, 55-6, last week. QB Creed Newkirk tossed four touchdown passes for the usually ground-oriented Mustang offense, while RB Chris Gallardo added 137 yards on the ground. Wheeler’s secondary going against the Wellington passing attack is a major concern and I think that’s where the Skyrockets have a big edge in this one. Stepp’s Pick: Wellington by 10

Quick Picks

Longview Pine Tree (5-3, 3-1) at Lindale (7-1, 3-1) Stepp’s Pick: Lindale by 11

Austin LBJ (6-2, 4-0) at Taylor (4-4, 4-0) Stepp’s Pick: Austin LBJ by 30

Lubbock Liberty (7-1, 2-0) at Lubbock Estacado (7-2, 3-0) Stepp’s Pick: Lubbock Liberty by 7

Athens (6-2, 2-1) at Center (4-4, 2-1) Stepp’s Pick: Athens by 24

Sinton (7-1, 1-1) at Robstown (6-2, 1-1) Stepp’s Pick: Sinton by 34

Malakoff (5-3, 3-1) at Mount Vernon (5-3, 3-1) Stepp’s Pick: Malakoff by 21

Yoakum (6-2, 1-1) at Hitchcock (6-3, 2-1) Stepp’s Pick: Yoakum by 3

New Deal (5-2, 3-0) at New Home (6-2, 2-1) Stepp’s Pick: New Home by 6

Collinsville (7-1, 3-0) at Muenster (6-2, 3-0) Stepp’s Pick: Muenster by 13

Granger (9-0, 6-0) at Burton (8-1, 5-1) Stepp’s Pick: Granger by 8

Last Week’s Record: 13-7

Last Week’s Win %: 65.0%

Season Record: 116-44

Season Win %: 72.5%