Southlake Carroll (12-0) vs Prosper (11-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Arlington’s Choctaw Stadium:

When Prosper went into the Division II bracket, this was the matchup we were all looking at when the playoffs started.

After a slow start in bi-district, top-ranked Southlake Carroll got things going in a major way last week as the Dragons routed San Angelo Central 72-7. Carroll got 366 yards and five touchdowns through the air from QB Angelo Renda, who also had 91 yards rushing. The running game, which struggled in the first round, got going with 359 yards on the night.

Prosper has been equally dominant through the first two rounds of the playoffs. Last week the Eagles raced past Richardson Berkner, 50-24. PHS dominated the second and third quarters outscoring the Rams 36-0. QB Braden Imhoff threw for 199 yards and five scores, with three of those scores going to WR Lathon Latiolais.

Prosper’s running game was strong as well with 151 yards from RB Bryce Robinson operating behind that massive Eagles offensive line that features three FBS commits.

The key to this game will be defense; both offenses can put points up in bunches. Whichever defense can step up and get a stop or two, or force a turnover will be the key and that edge goes to No. 1-ranked Carroll.

Stepp’s Pick: Southlake Carroll by 10