Doubt the Franklin Lions within Region III at your own peril as despite playing in one of the state’s toughest districts the last two years as one of the state’s smaller 3A-Division I teams, the Lions just simply win. They’ve played in four straight state title games and a fifth straight trip to AT&T Stadium could be in the cards, but as always Region III will present plenty of challenges.

2024 could be a monster year for Palestine Westwood as the Panthers appear primed to challenge not only for a district crown, but maybe a deep post-season push as well. Diboll and Teague are plenty experienced as well as both are fresh off area round playoff appearances, so the top three in this loop all can make a good case for the top spot. Crockett returns the house and could be ready to take a step forward, but Fairfield isn’t a team to be overlooked.

10-3A Division I top to bottom is a solid district and there’s a case to be made that the team that finishes last in this group could be a playoff contender in several other districts. Anahuac is the team to beat with a loaded group on offense returning, but there are some holes to fill on defense. It’s the exact opposite for speedy East Chambers as the Bucs will lean on their defense while a young offense goes through some growing pains. Orangefield is consistent, but the Bobcats have a new coach in 2024. Coldspring and Kirbyville are the best bets to fight it out for the last playoff spot, but Hardin brings back a load of experience and Buna brings half their starters back from a playoff squad of their own.

Although not quite the gauntlet that it’s been the last two years, 11-3A Division I is still plenty tough, most notably at the top where Franklin looks primed for another deep run with their vaunted Slot-T offense. Little River-Academy, fresh off a 10-3 campaign has some big names returning, but the ‘Bees do have some holes to fill in what is likely their last hurrah in Class 3A. Troy could be ready to take a step forward in a second year in the spread offense and a true gunslinger at the QB spot, while Yoe under a new head coach could be in a transition period, but the Yoemen should be able to hold off arch-rival Rockdale and McGregor.

It's now or never for Columbus who brings back fifteen starters from a team that advanced to the third round a year ago, if they are going to get over the Region III hump this will be the year for the Cardinals. Hitchcock is loaded as well, the skill talent that the Bulldogs bring to the table is as good as anyone, but will HHS be able to stand up in the trenches? Hallettsville and Yoakum will be in a tight race for the third spot behind the top two teams in this loop.

DISTRICT PREDICTIONS

District 9-3A Division I

1. Palestine Westwood
2. Diboll
3. Teague
4. Crockett
5. Fairfield
6. Huntington

District 10-3A Division I

1. Anahuac
2. Orangefield
3. East Chambers
4. Coldspring
5. Kirbyville
6. Hardin
7. Buna

District 11-3A Division I

1. Franklin
2. Little River-Academy
3. Troy
4. Cameron Yoe
5. Rockdale
6. McGregor

District 12-3A Division I

1. Columbus
2. Hitchcock
3. Hallettsville
4. Yoakum
5. Hempstead

PROJECTED BI-DISTRICT MATCHUPS

W9 Palestine Westwood vs F10 Coldspring

R12 Hitchcock vs T11 Troy

W10 Anahuac vs F9 Crockett

R11 Little River-Academy vs T12 Hallettsville

W11 Franklin vs F12 Yoakum

R10 East Chambers vs T9 Teague

W12 Columbus vs F11 Cameron Yoe

R9 Diboll vs T10 Orangefield

REGIONAL CHAMPION

Franklin over Hitchcock