There are plenty of games kicking off this week in Texoma. But here is a list for you to know which are the most important and why.
Iowa Park (5-3, 2-0) @ Bridgeport (4-6, 2-1) (11/3) at Bull Memorial Stadium
Neither team made too much noise in non-district, but don’t be surprised to see fireworks when these two programs clash for second place in 3-4A DII. The highlight of Iowa Park’s season was a rousing 21-7 win over a solid Holliday team. The Hawks took three losses in non-district, but currently average 36.75 points per game, they also boast a 56 and 43-point victory.
Bridgeport endured a rough non-district schedule, but are currently rolling with back-to-back wins over Krum and Vernon. The Bulls, however, look poised to reach the postseason for the first time since 2014 with their hot district start.
Last Result (2016): Iowa Park 61, Bridgeport 50
Paris (5-3, 2-1) @ Anna (6-2, 2-1) (11/3) at Coyote Stadium
With three teams sporting 2-1 records in district 7-4A DII, one game could be the difference between solidifying a second place finish or missing out on the postseason entirely. It’ll be one of those games when the Wildcats and Coyotes do battle. Paris’ offense hasn’t been particularly dazzling, but has performed well enough to keep them above .500 with an average of 27 points per game.
Anna rebounded well from a 7-6 loss to Whitesboro in the season opener, scoring an average of 34.8 points per game up until last week. The 38-24 loss to Texarkana Liberty-Eylau was disheartening for the squad. The Coyote have extra motivation to rebound this week, playing before a home crowd for the final time this season.
Last Result (2016): Paris 41, Anna 0
Wichita Falls Hirschi (7-1, 3-0) @ Argyle (8-0, 3-0) (11/3) at Bowles Stadium
Hirschi is off to one of its best seasons since the late 80s, featuring a bevy of talent to lead the way. Argyle in the meantime, remains one of the top teams in 4A. But the loss of senior quarterback Jon Copeland surely raises the stakes for this district-champion deciding contest.
The Huskies began the season with back-to-back shutouts, played a solid Graham team close in week three. They also nearly broke the newly-minted single game rushing record with Daimarqua Foster’s 580-yard performance against Decatur. The offense has averaged a whopping 52.25 points per game, with Foster and quarterback Mart’ez Vrana racking up impressive numbers.
Hirschis’ offense has kept pace with Argyle’s, and has bettered the Eagles average of 50.5 points scored per game. Copeland was a key figure to the success of 2017 before going down with injury, tallying 2,043 yards and 24 touchdowns on 133 completions. He added four touchdowns and 252 yards on the ground as well. The rushing unit could be relied on heavily with Copeland out. Don Williams and Noah Lang have led the run game with 12 and 10 touchdowns on 995 and 516 yards, respectively. Argyle may have some growing pains under center, but a steady stable of rushers should keep this a competitive game.
Last Result (2016): Argyle 47, Wichita Falls Hirschi 14
Pottsboro (6-2, 3-0) vs. Van Alstyne (6-2, 2-1) (11/3) at Panther Stadium
This contest will likely not determine a district champion in 5-3A DI. But both teams still have a goal to fight for when the fairly well-rounded offenses clash. Pottsboro is looking to start a new district winning streak, after the previous mark of 32 was snapped last season. The offense averages 27.25 points a game, but the Cardinals earn close, motivational wins behind their bend-but-not-break defense.
That unit gets a strong test when Van Alstyne rolls into town, with an offense sporting a mark of 42.1 points per game. Junior signal-caller Rhett Gallagher has performed well for the Panthers this season, having racked up 1,463 yards and 20 touchdowns on 88 completions. Can the Panthers spring a key win? Or will the Cardinals defense shut it down when the game matters most?
Last Result (2016): Pottsboro 30, Van Alstyne 24
Munday (5-3, 3-0) vs. Petrolia (5-3, 2-1) (11/3) at Scruggs Field
Munday was district favorite to start the season, and here they are. After enduring a strong non-district schedule, while still playing great football, the Moguls have stormed through 7-2A DII play. They have allowed only a touchdown or two against their three opponents thus far. Munday’s offense is led by a good run game, headlined by Alex Thorn (1,174 yards rushing, 14 TDs). Quarterback Omar Nunez has also chipped in for 409 yards and seven scores.
Petrolia has seen some success under coach Jesse House in his first year. With an offense featuring several players contributing a solid amount of statistics. It starts under center with Macon Armour, who has completed 54 passes for 1,057 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Pirates feature a solid stable of rushers, namely Dayton Romines (1,362 yards rushing, 9 TDs), Hunter Baker (228 yards, 4 TDs) and Armour, taking in four scores.
It stands to reason the better defense would carry their team to a win in a clash of dynamic offenses, which is where Munday would seem to have an advantage.
Last Result (2016): Munday 60, Petrolia 20
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