Stephenville (14-0) vs. Celina (14-0), 7 p.m. Friday at Fort Worth’s Knight Stadium:

The showdown everyone has been waiting for in 4A-Division I is finally here as unbeaten Stephenville will look to put an end to defending state champion Celina’s 30-game winning streak.

A week ago, the ‘Jackets looked like they were in some trouble as they trailed Canyon West Plains 21-7 late in the first half. But 10 points in the final 34 seconds of the first half flipped the switch as SHS rolled to a 41-21 win.

QB Trot Jordan led the charge with 212 yards through the air and two scores, while rushing for 72 yards and two scores. The stout ‘Jackets defense held up in the second half stuffing the West Plains run game and that turned the tide in the end.

Celina similarly showed plenty of grit and fight last week as the Bobcats showed their versatility in a dominant 52-27 win over Alvarado. Playing the second half without Oklahoma QB commit Bowe Bentley, the Bobcats went old-school, smash-mouth against a smaller Alvarado defense and won the game at the line of scrimmage.

Luke Biagini, who is a star on defense, showed his versatility playing offense and rushed for 122 yards and three scores, while Evan Koehne ran for 117 yards and a score.

Bentley tossed two first half touchdown passes, but did not play the second half after leaving with an injury. His status for this week is unknown and that will be huge as I don’t think Celina can beat Stephenville without a healthy Bentley.

Stephenville’s front seven is outstanding and they’ve shown they can stand up to big and physical teams all year; that matchup will be key.

I think if Bentley can walk, he’s going to try to play as he’s as tough as they come and is the ultimate competitor. But I’ve been sold on Stephenville for a few weeks now and I think they just matchup well. I don’t think this will be as 7-3 game like their 2023 meeting, but I think the Stephenville defense is the key.

Stepp’s Pick: Stephenville by 3