Stepp's 2A DII Region III Picks: District Projections and Playoff Outlook

DISTRICT PREDICTIONS

District 9-2A Division II

1. Collinsville
2. Lindsay
3. Era
4. Cumby
5. Celeste
6. Quinlan Boles

One of the most surprising aspects of the recent realignment is the move of this Texoma centric-loop into Region III. That changes the landscape a bit in this region overall and we’ll discuss more below. Collinsville, a regional finalist in Region II from 2022-2024, was upset in the third round by district rival Lindsay a year ago. The Pirates handled LHS, 49-27, in the regular season, but the playoff matchup ended up a bit different. The Pirates look to be primed to content with six on offense and eight back on defense. Lindsay battled through a rash of injuries mid-season but were a force once the Knights got healthy. A good senior class led by Lane Foster has moved on but Casey Jones’ squad should have enough for the 2-seed. Era is a fast riser under second year head coach Tanner Mann. The Hornets were 6-4 a year ago and return seven starters on both sides of the ball; they had a strong summer 7-on-7 campaign that for me gives them the edge for the 3-seed. Cumby is the best of the rest, although if you are looking for a deep sleeper, Celeste could be a team that takes a major step forward.

District 10-2A Division II

1. Clarksville
2. Maud
3. Big Sandy
4. Simms Bowie
5. Detroit
6. Linden-Kildare

Clarksville and Maud were basically a push a year ago (Maud won their meeting 22-20), and with both teams returning a majority of their starters, these two get the edge as the district co-favorites. Clarksville, with nine back on both sides of the ball, gets the nod over Maud, which returns seven on offense and nine on defense. Big Sandy being picked third may turn some heads, but the Wildcats will greatly benefit from a change of scenery in this new district where they head north; in my opinion they are a team that could take a massive step forward. Simms Bowie doesn’t have great numbers but the overall returning experience looks to be enough to keep them ahead of Detroit and what should be an improved Linden-Kildare bunch.

District 11-2A Division II

1. Alto
2. Overton
3. Grapeland
4. Tenaha
5. Cushing
6. Mount Enterprise
7. Cross Roads

After a stunning run to the state semifinals a year ago, Mount Enterprise faces a full rebuilding job as 17 starters graduate, including the state’s all-time leading rusher. Their coach left for district rival Alto, who I think is poised to make a major step forward and take home the district crown as 18 starters are back. Overton, who has been a force in East Texas the past two seasons, could be ready to leap back to the top of the district after finishing fourth a year ago; despite that finish the Mustangs were a third-round playoff team. Grapeland has some holes to fill on offense, but seven starters back on defense should keep the Sandies in contention. After a disaster of a 2025 season, Tenaha will look to restore glory as Terry Ward returns to the sidelines. The Tigers welcome back 10 starters on both sides of the ball as they look to return to the postseason.

District 12-2A Division II

1. West Sabine
2. Evadale
3. Deweyville
4. West Hardin
5. Colmesneil
6. Hull-Daisetta
7. Sabine Pass

Once again 12-2A Division II will be hard-pressed to get a win in the playoffs with a tough bi-district draw against 11-2A Division II, but internally the teams in this district will be competitive. West Sabine rolled to the district title a year ago and with 15 returning starters they easily get the pick to win the district and just possibly get past the bi-district round. Evadale and Deweyville on paper look evenly matched. The edge here goes ever so slightly to Evadale, but it’s a coin flip. West Hardin and Colmesneil bring a TON back, but West Hardin has the advantage of continuity. Colmesneil is on their fifth head coach in the past five seasons.

PROJECTED BI-DISTRICT MATCHUPS AND PLAYOFF OUTLOOK

W9 Collinsville vs F10 Simms Bowie

R12 Evadale vs T11 Grapeland

W10 Clarksville vs F9 Cumby

R11 Overton vs T12 Deweyville

W11 Alto vs F12 West Hardin

R10 Maud vs T9 Era

W12 West Sabine vs F11 Tenaha

R9 Lindsay vs T10 Big Sandy

Going into the playoffs, Region III could be absolutely wide open. Collinsville has the recent playoff pedigree in Region II and with a good cast back the Pirates may get the edge, but going into East Texas does present a set of challenges. The top half of the bracket isn't loaded with a ton of land mines, so I expect the Pirates to cruise into the regional semifinals where they could run into the runner-up from 11-2A Division II. My pick is Overton. The bottom part of the bracket could come down to Alto and Lindsay. This young Alto team by the time the playoffs come around could be really dangerous. 

REGIONAL CHAMPION

Collinsville over Alto