Springtown (12-0) vs Alvarado (11-0), 3 p.m. Friday at Fort Worth’s Knight Stadium: After big wins over teams from what many considered the state’s toughest district, unbeaten Springtown tangles with unbeaten Alvarado in a game that expects to feature a ton of points and a ton of action. Springtown dug themselves an early 21-7 hole last week but then rattled off 35 straight and held off a late rally to take down Frisco Panther Creek, 49-41. RB Jon Anthony Lardizabal had a career night for the Porcupines, operating behind a big and physical offensive line to run for 273 yards and five touchdowns on 32 carries. QB Kaine Hill, who has been such an integral part of the Springtown attack, did throw a touchdown pass, but it was the supporting cast that did much of the damage, which is a scary proposition as we get deeper into the playoffs. Alvarado, for the second straight season, ended Sulphur Springs’ season as the Indians jumped out to a big early led at 23-7 and then time after time came up with big plays to hold the Wildcats off in a 51-43 win. RB DeMarcus Belton tallied four touchdowns — two on the ground and two receiving — to lead the charge, while QB KJ Jenkins added four scoring passes to lead the always explosive Alvarado attack. CB Devin Johnson had a strong game for the Indians defense with an interception and a sack and ensuing fumble recovery, which helped AHS get out to the big lead. Alvarado’s offense is as good as any in the state, but the question is still can the defense hold up consistently? If they can force turnovers again this week, they’ll beat Springtown. But if Springtown takes care of the football, I think the ‘Pines advance to a regional final. Stepp’s Pick: Springtown by 8

Kilgore (11-1) vs Bridge City (11-1), 2 p.m. Friday at New Caney’s Randall Reed Stadium: The first two weeks of the playoffs, there might not be a more dominant team in the state than the Kilgore Bulldogs who have outscored two teams 103-14 after last week’s 42-0 shutout win over Stafford. The Bulldogs defense was simply suffocating by allowing just five first downs and 73 yards of offense in the victory. They contributed two scores as David McGowan had an interception return for a score and Isaiah Watters had a fumble return for a score. RB Rayshawn Williams led the Kilgore offense with 164 yards rushing and two scores. Bridge City continued their playoff run last week as the Cardinals took down Navasota, 35-27, as they held off a late rally after heading into the fourth quarter leading 35-14. Abraham Munguia had a sensational game for the Cardinals with three rushing scores to lead the way. Against this Kilgore defense that’s fast and extremely physical, Bridge City will need to put the ball in the air more. If the Cardinals can show balance, they’ll be right in this one late. But this Kilgore defense is ferocious. Stepp’s Pick: Kilgore by 13

Brock (12-0) vs Seminole (9-3), 1 p.m. Friday at San Angelo’s San Angelo Stadium: Unbeaten Brock looks to be a run-away freight train after a 65-18 dismantling of Lubbock Estacado a week ago. They return to San Angelo to take on a tough Seminole bunch this week. In the win over Estacado, RB Bryer McDonald ran for five touchdowns and the Brock defense suffocated an explosive Estacado attack. The Eagles offense is absolutely lethal and considering that they put up 65 points without a big game from QB Holt Frazier or UTEP commit Colt Matlock is a frightening thought for opposing defenses. Seminole finally got over their second-round playoff troubles as the Indians took down a surging Glen Rose squad with an impressive 39-27 win. Caton Carmer and freshman Landen Guerra each found the end zone twice and the Indians defense locked down in the second half, which proved to be key. Seminole is a solid football team, but Brock just has too much weaponry on the offensive side. It could be a long afternoon for the Seminole defense. Stepp’s Pick: Brock by 21

Tuscola Jim Ned (11-1) vs Paradise (11-1), 6 p.m. Friday at Abilene’s High Sandifer Stadium: Jim Ned gets another shot at Paradise this week as the Indians have not forgotten their heartbreaking 10-7 loss to the Panthers in the regional semifinal round a year ago. The Indians have the pieces to knock the defending regional champions off, but controlling an explosive Paradise offense is easier said than done. QB Cash Gwinn rushed for 104 yards and one score and threw for 90 yards and a touchdown as Jim Ned led 24-7 after three quarters against Bushland last week, but the Indians had to hang on down the stretch as Bushland rallied with scores late. Jim Ned was able to kill the clock after Bushland’s final score to escape Lubbock with a 24-20 win. Paradise’s defense put on a clinic last week in a 24-0 win over Dalhart, the Panthers forced three turnovers and controlled an explosive Dalhart attack. The offense didn’t execute at a level they typically do, but it was enough as RB Luke Brown ran for 91 yards and two touchdowns and Chase Harmon added 70 yards rushing and a score. Expect a low scoring, defensive struggle with both teams playing close to the vest. I’m gonna go with Jim Ned in a slight upset as the Indians force a turnover late to set up the game winning score. Stepp’s Pick: Tuscola Jim Ned by 3

Yoakum (10-2) vs Hardin (12-0), 7 p.m. Friday at Cypress’ Cy-Fair FCU Stadium: If you like a good contrast of styles then this may be the game for you as high-flying Yoakum tangles with smash-mouth and undefeated Hardin. Yoakum took out unbeaten Fairfield, 36-29, last week as SMU commit X’Zavier Barnett ran for three scores, while freshman RB Germarquis Robinson broke off a 77-yard touchdown run and a 97-yard touchdown to pace the Bulldogs offense. The second touchdown proved to be the game winner in the third quarter as the Yoakum defense held a dynamic Fairfield offense at bay in the fourth. Hardin played eleven football games this year without punting and although the Hornet did punt last week (they also had a bad snap on a punt go out of the end zone), the defense rose to the occasion in a hard-fought 16-9 win. Trevor Jones and Javion Watley both had touchdown runs in the win, while the defense came up with a huge safety late in the game to help secure the win. Hardin’s been one of the state’s feel-good stories all year, but the run ends this week. Yoakum’s got too much firepower; they are battle tested and they’ll pull away late. Stepp’s Pick: Yoakum by 14

Franklin (9-2) vs Columbus (10-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Tomball’s Tomball ISD Stadium: Once again, Region III supremacy at the 3A-Division I level is one the line as Franklin and Columbus renew their playoff rivalry that’s been among the best in the state. Franklin won the 2022 meeting in a thriller enroute to a state title and Columbus rolled past Franklin in 2024 as they got their state championship. Franklin’s offense put up huge numbers last week in a 56-34 win over Orangefield, but the defense was touched up a bit for the first time in several weeks. QB Walker Anderson ran for a score and threw for a score, while RB Saywer Januse added two touchdown runs for the Lions and their balanced offensive attack. Columbus rolled past Palestine Westwood last week, 48-26, as QB Jack Schobel ran for 130 yards and two scores and he threw for 60 yards and a score to lead a balanced Cardinals attack. Columbus’ defense has been stellar all year; they’ve allowed less than 12 points per game, and they are stout against the run. Franklin’s Slot-T offense is going to be the Cardinals biggest test to date. I expect this one to be close, but Franklin’s rushing offense is borderline unstoppable for a 3A team. Stepp’s Pick: Franklin by 11

Troup (12-0) vs Newton (11-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Crockett’s Driskell Stadium: There might not be a team at the 3A level playing as well as Newton right now. The Eagles will face unbeaten Troup this week with the winner looking like the favorite in Region III in 3A-Division II. Newton smacked an overmatched DeKalb squad, 68-0, last week. The Eagles have allowed just 16 points total, including three shutouts, the last five weeks. RB Kendray Porter, Jr. had a monster night for the Eagles as six different players found the end zone, and the defense was absolutely dominant in the victory. Troup kept their dream season alive last week as the Tigers raced past Hooks, 49-19. RB Brett Wells led the charge for Troup with 190 yards rushing and four scores; he added 10 tackles on defense. QB Josh Childress gave Troup balance as he added 153 yards through the air and two scores. Hooks trailed 42-0 at halftime and had 51 yards of total offense at halftime before Troup put the backups in at the start of the third quarter. Troup was my pre-playoff pick to win Region III, so I’m sticking with the Tigers in my official pick. But no one in 3A is playing at Newton’s level at the moment. Stepp’s Pick: Troup by 2

Stinnett West Texas (12-0) vs New Home (10-2), 2 p.m. Friday at Floydada’s Tyer Stadium: Both teams come into this Thanksgiving weekend showdown fresh off heart-stopping wins a week ago, so don’t be surprised if this one comes down to the wire. West Texas High endured a tough Hawley squad in a 30-26 win last week in a game that saw seven lead changes. The Comanches defense made the plays to preserve the victory in crunch time. QB Cayde Winters ran for 157 yards and two scores; he threw a touchdown pass as well and had a key tackle for loss and sack late in the game. New Home rallied last week for a 21-20 win over Stamford as the Leopards rallied back from a 20-0 second quarter deficit. NHHS scored right before halftime to cut the lead to 20-7 and then early in the third quarter, the Leopards defense forced a huge fumble with Stamford going in to take a three-score lead. After cutting the lead to 20-14, New Home forced a fumble on the ensuing kickoff that set them up to take the lead. West Texas just might be a team of destiny right now; they are finding ways to win and they’ve got a guy in Winters who simply isn’t letting them lose. Stepp’s Pick: Stinnett West Texas by 10

Granger (12-0) vs Junction (12-0), 7 p.m. Friday at Johnson City’s Eagle Field: The only matchup of 12-0 teams in the state this week will take place Friday night in Johnson City as Granger takes on Junction. Granger rolled to an easy win over Yorktown last week, 62-30, as QB Wyatt Rochner and WR Caleb Tucker connected for three touchdown passes to lead the Lions. Rochner also ran for a score in the win and he ended up with four total touchdown passes on the night. Junction rolled to an easy win over Falls City for the second time this year as the Eagles soared to a 42-13 win last week. QB Chasen Doyal has been outstanding once again this year after leading JHS to a 13-1 record a year ago. Most of his skill talent graduated and yet Junction is still right here on the brink of a return trip to the regional finals. Look for a high-scoring shootout in this one, but Junction’s defense in the second half is the difference. They’ll get a couple of stops and that secures their trip back to round four. Stepp’s Pick: Junction by 12

Quick Picks

Canyon (8-4) vs Canyon West Plains (11-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Canyon’s Happy State Bank Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Canyon West Plains by 20

Canyon Randall (10-2) vs Stephenville (12-0), 5 p.m. Friday at Snyder’s Tiger Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Stephenville by 28

Celina (12-0) vs Decatur (8-3), 2 p.m. Friday at Bedford’s Pennington Field Stepp’s Pick: Celina by 21

Longview Pine Tree (8-4) vs Fort Bend Crawford (11-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Groesbeck’s Groesbeck Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Fort Bend Crawford by 8

Bay City (9-3) vs San Antonio Davenport (12-0), 2 p.m. Friday at Cypress’ Pridgeon Stadium Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Davenport by 12

La Vernia (11-1) vs Corpus Christi Calallen (10-2), 7 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Farris Stadium Stepp’s Pick: La Vernia by 11

Midland Greenwood (12-0) vs Graham (9-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Sweetwater’s Mustang Bowl Stepp’s Pick: Midland Greenwood by 14

Athens (10-2) vs Sunnyvale (11-1), 1 p.m. Friday at Ennis’ Lion Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Sunnyvale by 14

West Orange-Stark (9-3) vs Sealy (11-1), 7 p.m. Friday at New Caney’s Randall Reed Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Sealy by 2

La Marque (10-2) vs Waco La Vega (10-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Bryan’s Green Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Waco La Vega by 13

Rockport-Fulton (8-4) vs Cuero (11-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Corpus Christi’s Buccaneer Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Cuero by 7

Sinton (11-1) vs Wimberley (8-4), 7 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Comalander Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Sinton by 10

Peaster (11-1) vs Vernon (9-2), 6 p.m. Friday at Burkburnett’s Bulldog Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Peaster by 12

Whitney (10-2) vs Pottsboro (11-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Melissa’s Kenny Deel Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Pottsboro by 14

Commerce (9-2) vs Grandview (10-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Mesquite’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Commerce by 3

Llano (11-1) vs Goliad (10-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Bastrop’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Goliad by 9

Edna (9-3) vs Ingram Moore (8-4), 6 p.m. Friday at New Braunfels’ Cougar Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Edna by 16

Canadian (11-1) vs Idalou (9-3), 2 p.m. Friday at Amarillo’s Bivins Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Canadian by 4

Slaton (10-2) vs Wall (12-0), 1 p.m. Friday at Sweetwater’s Mustang Bowl Stepp’s Pick: Wall by 37

Leonard (8-4) vs Blue Ridge (7-4), 2 p.m. Friday at Melissa’s Kenny Deel Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Leonard by 6

Gunter (11-1) vs Henrietta (8-4), 2 p.m. Friday at Denton’s Collins Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Gunter by 27

Edgewood (10-2) vs Arp (11-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Van’s Van Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Arp by 9

Blanco (10-2) vs Tidehaven (12-0), 1 p.m. Friday at Seguin’s Matador Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Tidehaven by 12

East Bernard (8-4) vs Lexington (10-1), 2 p.m. Friday at Waller’s Daiken Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Lexington by 7

Spearman (8-4) vs Cisco (11-1), 2 p.m. Friday at Lubbock’s Pirate Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Cisco by 16

Hamilton (10-2) vs Price Carlisle (7-5), 3 p.m. Friday at Corsicana’s Community National Bank & Trust Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Hamilton by 5

Axtell (10-1) vs De Leon (9-3), 5 p.m. Friday at Godley’s Wildcat Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Axtell by 6

Joaquin (8-4) vs Elysian Fields (11-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Tatum’s Eagle Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Elysian Fields by 10

San Augustine (9-3) vs Beckville (10-2), 5 p.m. Friday at Tyler’s Rose Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Beckville by 6

Kenedy (10-2) vs Mason (9-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Hutto’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Mason by 18

Ganado (11-1) vs Refugio (11-0), 7 p.m. Friday at Port Lavaca’s Sandcrab Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Refugio by 3

Stratford (9-2) vs Bovina (5-5), 6 p.m. Friday at Amarillo’s Bivins Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Stratford by 28

Ropesville Ropes (11-1) vs Gruver (10-2), 2 p.m. Friday at Canyon’s Happy State Bank Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Ropesville Ropes by 5

Collinsville (10-2) vs Lindsay (10-2), 1 p.m. Friday at Springtown’s Porcupine Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Collinsville by 11

Albany (10-2) vs Muenster (10-2), 6 p.m. Friday at Graham’s Newton Field Stepp’s Pick: Muenster by 14

Mart (7-5) vs Bremond (12-0), 6 p.m. Friday at Mexia’s Blackcat Field Stepp’s Pick: Bremond by 13

Mount Enterprise (12-0) vs Overton (8-4), 1 p.m. Friday at Henderson’s Lion Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Mount Enterprise by 17

Shiner (12-0) vs Iola (9-3), 2 p.m. Friday at Giddings’ Buffalo Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Shiner by 24