North Forney (10-1) vs Waxahachie (9-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Arlington’s Choctaw Stadium: It’s a rematch from the area round of the playoffs a year ago as North Forney looks to avenge a 32-12 defeat and push into the third round of the playoffs for just the second time in school history. Last week the Falcons used a dominant second half to race past Sachse 42-7. Recent Ohio State QB commit Legend Bey was contained for the most part — he did run for two scores and throw for a score. But it was RB Andikan Asuquo who did the most damage tallying 188 yards and a pair of scores to lead the Falcons attack. Waxahachie had a road game in the bi-district round as they lost a three-way tiebreaker in 11-6A. But the trip didn’t faze the Indians as they rolled into Waco and blasted a good Midway team 48-16. TCU QB commit Jerry Meyer, III didn’t need to do much as the WHS ground game was sensational rolling up 389 yards. RB Taylen Furlough-Strange led the way with 175 yards and two scores. Texas WR commit Kohen Brown had 79 yards on the ground and a score as well as 34 receiving yards. Two other backs chipped in at least 50 yards on the night. The money matchup in this game is Waxahachie’s defense against that explosive North Forney attack. A year ago, Waxahachie kept NFHS in check and that was the difference. Both teams bring a lot of key pieces back and Waxahachie’s defense is uniquely positioned to slow North Forney because they have elite speed and talent at all three levels. But slowing Bey and North Forney hasn’t been done in 2025. I’m going to go with North Forney because I think they lure Waxahachie into a track meet and I don’t know if the Indians offense can keep up as they haven’t shown consistency in 2025. Stepp’s Pick: North Forney by 6

Lake Travis (11-0) vs San Antonio Brennan (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Seguin’s Matador Stadium: Unbeaten Lake Travis has staked its claim as the top team in the capital city and now have its sights set on a state title. Brennan has been one of the Alamo City’s top teams in recent history and the Bears have a win over Lake Travis in the postseason a few years ago. Can the Bears do it again in 2025? LTHS had no troubles with Round Rock last week in a 41-14 win. Once again it was the Cavs’ defense that was the story by holding a dynamic Round Rock offense in check. QB Luke McBride tossed four touchdown passes on the night, including a 99-yard scoring strike to Lark Sidle. Brennan raced past San Antonio Reagan, 49-21, as QB Cayden Glass tossed three touchdown passes on just eight completions; he also ran for a pair of scores. The Brennan running game was stout as in addition to Glass’ numbers. RB’s Jayshawn Mitchell and Micai Thompson combined for 204 yards and two scores. The big question in this game is can Brennan’s offense find any footing against what may be the best defense in the state? The answer to this point for 11 opponents has been no and I think it gets to 12 this week. Stepp’s Pick: Lake Travis by 18

Houston Memorial (10-1) vs Katy (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Houston’s Tully Stadium: It’s teacher vs. student this week at Tully Stadium as former Katy QB Brooks Haack leads his Memorial Mustangs against Gary Joseph and the Katy Tigers. MHS had no troubles ending the Cinderella season of Houston Wisdom last week with an easy 50-6 win. QB Grant Sperandio tossed three first-half touchdown passes and RB Kade Gulledge ran for two scores as Memorial raced out to a 43-6 halftime lead before a running clock in the second half ended things quickly. After starting the season 0-2, Katy has rattled off nine straight wins, including last week’s dominant 42-7 win over Richmond George Ranch. Katy led 35-0 at the half as RB Tremayne Hill ran for two scores. ATH Drake Hopkins had a touchdown catch and returned a punt for a score. Katy’s red zone defense was stout with a pair of key red zone holds that allowed KHS to build the big lead. Memorial is battle-tested with wins over Cy Ranch, Cy Falls and Cy-Fair - good teams - but they aren’t playoff-tested. This game will have a monster crowd and is likely going to be sold out. How Memorial handles the big game atmosphere will be key. Memorial keeps it close, but Katy’s experience wins out in this one. Stepp’s Pick: Katy by 5

Dripping Springs (10-1) vs San Antonio Harlan (10-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Alamo Stadium: It’s a rematch of a sensational area round game from a year ago when an upstart Harlan squad stunned favored Dripping Springs. The Tigers will be out for a measure of revenge in this Alamo City showdown. Dripping Springs had no trouble last week as they rolled past Cedar Park Vista Ridge 38-14. The Tigers only led 14-7 at the half, but Drip exploded in the second half to pull away. RB Jaceton Gotta ran for two scores, while WR James Montgomery topped 100 yards receiving and a score. WR Cooper Reid also chipped in two touchdown catches for DSHS. Speedy Harlan rolled past surprising San Antonio Madison 56-24 as TCU commit RB G’Ivori Graham ran for 193 yards and four scores; he added 78 yards receiving as well. QB Aldric Trotter threw for 198 yards and a score, while adding 110 yards on the ground and a score. The key in this game is Dripping Springs’ big and physical offensive line and their underrated defense, which has been outstanding down the stretch. As long as the Tigers limit Harlan’s big plays, they should walk away with a comfortable win. Stepp’s Pick: Dripping Springs by 11

Abilene (9-2) vs Denton Ryan (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Fort Worth’s Crowley ISD Stadium: It’s a rematch of their 2023 showdown in which Abilene High stunned Denton Ryan as the Eagles made their deepest playoff push since winning the state title in 2009. Abilene had no troubles last week as they soared past El Paso Bel Air, 84-25. ATH Brayden Henry tallied six touchdowns in the win — setting the AHS school record for touchdowns — as he ran for three scores; he had a touchdown passing and receiving and he returned a punt for a score. The test will be much tougher this week as the Eagles take on a state title contender in Denton Ryan, which rolled to a 59-7 win over Saginaw Chisholm trail last week. QB Quin Henigan led the Raiders offense throwing for 370 yards and four scores. His favorite target was WR Raymond Smith, who had eight catches for 207 yards and three scores. Abilene’s a tough matchup for Ryan, mainly because of the Eagles offensive versatility. But barring Ryan’s offense turning the football over and putting the defense in bad spots, the Raiders will avenge that 2023 loss. Stepp’s Pick: Denton Ryan by 14

Frisco Lone Star (11-0) vs Georgetown (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Georgetown’s Georgetown ISD Stadium: After losing a home & home flip, Frisco Lone Star must make the long trip south down I-35 to take on a talented Georgetown squad. Lone Star cruised to an easy bi-district win over North Mesquite last week, 49-6. Sophomore QB Trey Wright led the Rangers attack with 138 yards passing and a score, along with 121 yards rushing and two scores. Florida WR commit Davian Groce was Wright’s top target with 138 yards receiving and a score. Georgetown was equally dominant as the Eagles drilled Burleson Centennial 42-11. Georgetown raced out to a 39-0 halftime lead and played backups most of the second half. The Eagles defense forced three first half turnovers, including a fumble return for a score. The offense took advantage of the short fields as Minnesota RB commit Jett Walker ran for a pair of scores, while QB Kaleb McDougle ran for a score and threw a touchdown pass to Texas State WR commit Xavier Warren. Lone Star’s loaded with talent, but they struggled some down the stretch and this is a huge test in what will be a hostile environment. LSHS needs to get Baylor ATH commit Karece Hoyt more involved in the offense this week to keep that explosive Georgetown attack off the field. If Hoyt runs for over 100, Lone Star wins. If he’s held in check, I like Georgetown’s chances of the upset at home. Stepp’s Pick: Frisco Lone Star by 7

Pflugerville Weiss (9-2) vs Lufkin (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Shenandoah’s Woodforest Bank Stadium: Fresh off a road upset of state title contender La Porte, Pflugerville Weiss will look to avoid a letdown this week against three-seed Lufkin in a fascinating cross-regional showdown. Trailing 35-14 at the half last week, the Wolves defense made key halftime adjustments and pitched a shutout, while sophomore QB Jaxon Schad put on the cape for his team with two touchdown runs and two touchdown passes. Trailing 35-28 in the second half, a blocked punt return for a score by Jorian Guinn. Sophomore Tylan Henderson’s 71-yard touchdown run with just over four minutes left proved to be the winning score. Henderson, who plays most of the time on defense at LB, broke off the long run on his first carry of the game. Lufkin took care of business in a 35-10 win over Houston Westbury. RB’s Kenneth Waters and Keshawn Waters combined for the Panthers three scores and the Lufkin defense had three interceptions in the first half to build a 21-0 halftime lead. Lufkin used the running game to take the air out of the ball in the second half as they finished with 379 yards on the ground. Weiss seems to be playing their best football with back-to-back wins over Austin Anderson and La Porte. Can they do it three weeks in a row against a Lufkin squad that’s also playing their best football of the season? Lufkin’s secondary will need to be at top efficiency against Tre Moore and a cast of explosive playmakers on the outside for Weiss, and I believe that explosive big play ability is the difference as WHS advances to the regional semifinals for the first time in school history. Stepp’s Pick: Pflugerville Weiss by 4

Amarillo Palo Duro (10-1) vs Anna (9-2), 6:30 p.m. Friday at Wichita Falls’ Memorial Stadium: There are a lot of ties between the two head coaches of these programs as Seth Parr’s father, Steve Parr, served as the head coach of Amarillo Palo Duro and coached Palo Duro head coach Eric Mims in high school. The two coaches know each other well, but those friendships will be put on hold for 48 minutes in this area playoff showdown. Palo Duro used a 35-point second quarter explosion to crush El Paso Hanks, 56-7, for the Dons first playoff win since 2014. Junior QB Julian Reese led the way with 341 yards passing and four touchdowns, completing 18 of his 23 passes before resting for much of the second half. North Carolina ATH commit Darien Lewis did not play in the win, but he is expected back this week as it will be all hands on deck as PD tries to take down a strong Anna squad. Anna overcame several first-half miscues to knock off Mansfield Timberview, 35-25, on the road. QB Ziondre Williams threw for 192 yards and three scores; he added 71 yards on the ground. Anna’s defense, specifically against the run, was stout as they allowed less than three yards per carry and made Timberview one dimensional. If Anna can continue that trend this week, the Coyotes will push into the regional semifinals for the second straight year. Stepp’s Pick: Anna by 17

Mercedes (11-0) vs Alamo Heights (10-1), 7 p.m. Thursday at Corpus Christi’s Buccaneer Stadium: Undefeated Mercedes will face their biggest test of the season by far as they’ll look to pull the upset against a strong Alamo Heights squad that’s got one of the top offensive attacks in the San Antonio area. MHS rolled past Roma 65-29 a week ago as the Tigers got big games from RB Robert Sanchez, who ran for three scores, while sophomore WR Frankie Salinas found the end zone three times. Alamo Heights may have had their most impressive performance of the season as the Mules absolutely destroyed Corpus Christi Carroll 60-0. RB DK Garza continues his monster season as he found the end zone four times as he’s well over 30 touchdowns on the season; he’s averaging over 240 yards rushing per game. Mercedes should be able to move the ball at times, but unless their defense has the game of their lives this game could get ugly in a hurry. Stepp’s Pick: Alamo Heights by 34

Quick Picks

Midland Legacy (6-5) vs North Crowley (10-1), 2 p.m. Saturday at Abilene’s Shotwell Stadium Stepp’s Pick: North Crowley by 31

Coppell (9-1) vs Richardson (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Carrollton’s Standridge Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Coppell by 4

Odessa Permian (10-1) vs Mansfield Lake Ridge (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Abilene’s Wildcat Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Mansfield Lake Ridge by 21

Allen (11-0) vs Lake Highlands (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at McKinney’s McKinney ISD Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Allen by 20

Rockwall-Heath (8-3) vs Duncanville (8-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Allen’s Eagle Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Duncanville by 15

The Woodlands (9-2) vs Klein Collins (10-1), 6 p.m. Saturday at Houston’s Thorne Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Klein Collins by 3

Conroe Grand Oaks (8-3) vs Cypress Ranch (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Tomball’s Tomball ISD Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Cypress Ranch by 11

Cypress Falls (8-3) vs Katy Cinco Ranch (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Katy’s Legacy Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Katy Cinco Ranch by 3

Fort Bend Ridge Point (11-0) vs Galena Park North Shore (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Houston’s Thorne Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Fort Bend Ridge Point by 1

Houston Lamar (8-3) vs Houston Strake Jesuit (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Houston’s Delmar Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Houston Lamar by 8

Hutto (9-2) vs San Antonio Johnson (11-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Buda’s Shelton Stadium Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Johnson by 7

Cibolo Steele (10-1) vs Weslaco (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Laredo’s Shirley Field Stepp’s Pick: Cibolo Steele by 35

Laredo United (9-2) vs Los Fresnos (11-0), 7 p.m. Saturday at Corpus Christi’s Buccaneer Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Los Fresnos by 4

El Paso Eastwood (10-1) vs Trophy Club Nelson (9-2), 6 p.m. Friday at Lubbock’s Pirate Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Trophy Club Nelson by 21

Denton Guyer (9-2) vs Dallas Jesuit (6-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Irving’s Ellis Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Denton Guyer by 20

San Angelo Central (8-3) vs Southlake Carroll (11-0), 7 p.m. Friday at Stephenville’s Briles Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Southlake Carroll by 41

Prosper (10-1) vs Richardson Berkner (7-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Grapevine’s Mustang-Panther Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Prosper by 31

Longview (7-4) vs DeSoto (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Waco’s Waco ISD Stadium Stepp’s Pick: DeSoto by 2

The Woodlands College Park (10-1) vs Cypress Lakes (6-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Cypress’ Cy-Fair FCU Stadium Stepp’s Pick: The Woodlands College Park by 20

Forney (9-2) vs Killeen Harker Heights (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Mansfield’s Newsom Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Forney by 10

Willis (9-2) vs Tomball (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at New Caney’s Randall Reed Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Tomball by 7

Manvel (8-3) vs Humble Summer Creek (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Humble’s Turner Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Humble Summer Creek by 15

Houston Stratford (5-6) vs Katy Jordan (8-3), 1 p.m. Saturday at Houston’s Tully Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Katy Jordan by 10

Alvin Shadow Creek (8-3) vs Sheldon King (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Houston’s Sheldon ISD Panther Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Sheldon King by 14

Austin Vandegrift (9-2) vs San Antonio Brandeis (8-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at San Marcos’ Bobcat Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Austin Vandegrift by 21

San Marcos (7-4) vs Edinburg (7-4), 1 p.m. Saturday at Corpus Christi’s Buccaneer Stadium Stepp’s Pick: San Marcos by 27

Medina Valley (9-2) vs Harlingen (5-6), 7 p.m. Friday at Corpus Christi’s Cabaniss Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Medina Valley by 18

El Paso El Dorado (10-1) vs Richland (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Lubbock’s Jones AT&T Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Richland by 11

Aledo (11-0) vs Amarillo Tascosa (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Big Spring’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Aledo by 44

Fort Worth Arlington Heights (10-1) vs Lubbock Monterey (7-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Abilene’s Shotwell Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Fort Worth Arlington Heights by 4

West Mesquite (10-1) vs Midlothian (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Mesquite’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: West Mesquite by 3

Highland Park (10-1) vs Frisco Reedy (8-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Frisco’s Ford Center Stepp’s Pick: Highland Park by 25

Cedar Park (8-3) vs Frisco Wakeland (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Hewitt’s Panther Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Frisco Wakeland by 4

Port Arthur Memorial (11-0) vs College Station A&M Consolidated (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Deer Park’s Abshier Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Port Arthur Memorial by 11

Beaumont United (7-4) vs College Station (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Channelview’s Maddry Stadium Stepp’s Pick: College Station by 17

Austin Anderson (10-1) vs Barbers Hill (8-3), 5 p.m. Saturday at Cypress’ Cy-Fair FCU Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Barbers Hill by 3

Smithson Valley (10-1) vs Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Alamodome Stepp’s Pick: Smithson Valley by 22

San Antonio Pieper (7-4) vs Corpus Christi Flour Bluff (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Corpus Christi’s Hornet Stadium Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Pieper by 6

PSJA North (11-0) vs Boerne Champion (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Laredo’s Johnson United ISD Student Activity Center Stepp’s Pick: PSJA North by 2

McAllen Memorial (9-2) vs New Braunfels (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Corpus Christi’s Buccaneer Stadium Stepp’s Pick: New Braunfels by 17

El Paso Andress (9-2) vs Melissa (8-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Wolfforth's Peoples Bank Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Melissa by 33

Argyle (10-1) vs Abilene Cooper (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Godley’s Wildcat Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Argyle by 21

Prosper Walnut Grove (11-0) vs Lubbock-Cooper (7-4), 3 p.m. Friday at Abilene’s Wildcat Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Prosper Walnut Grove by 14

South Oak Cliff (10-1) vs Mount Pleasant (5-6), 7 p.m. Thursday at Forney’s Better Life Stadium Stepp’s Pick: South Oak Cliff by 37

Terrell (11-0) vs Huntsville (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Waco’s McLane Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Terrell by 3

Texarkana Texas High (10-1) vs Midlothian Heritage (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Royse City’s Royse City ISD Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Texarkana Texas High by 7

Port Neches-Groves (11-0) vs Ennis (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Montgomery’s Montgomery ISD Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Port Neches-Groves by 16

Richmond Randle (11-0) vs Pflugerville Connally (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Bryan’s Green Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Richmond Randle by 27

Waco University (7-4) vs Bastrop (10-1), 2 p.m. Saturday at Belton’s Crusader Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Bastrop by 13

Liberty Hill (9-2) vs Brenham (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Hutto’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Liberty Hill by 12

Iowa Colony (10-1) vs Pflugerville (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Waller’s Daikin Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Iowa Colony by 28

Boerne (10-1) vs Mission Sharyland Pioneer (7-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Laredo’s Johnson United ISD Student Activity Center Stepp’s Pick: Boerne by 19

Gregory-Portland (10-1) vs Mission Sharyland (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Portland’s Akins Wildcat Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Gregory-Portland by 24

Mission Veterans Memorial (10-1) vs Victoria West (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Harlandale Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Victoria West by 16

Week 11 Record: 15-5

Week 11 Win %: 75.0%

Playoff Record: 0-0

Playoff Win %: 0-0

Season Record: 138-62

Season Win %: 69.0%