In District 4-6A, the new kid in town is the last man standing. This season, Mansfield replaced Weatherford in the 8-team district and is claiming the top spot among the highly competitive group. When it comes to district play, the Tigers are the only unbeaten team remaining after Arlington High beat Bowie Friday. The Tigers have scored 287 points this season and currently hold the number nine spot in the area. After going five rounds deep and losing to Lake Travis in the state semi-finals last season, Mansfield is taking this district to a whole new level.
Arlington High and Bowie have identical district records at 3-1. Bowie kicked off the season with a six-game win streak until their loss to the Colts last Friday. The Volunteers have a big game against Lamar at Cravens Field Friday. Edging out a couple of district competitions in overtime or narrow wins, Bowie escaped district last year with only two losses. Bowie will likely be the third seeded team heading into the postseason.
Arlington High has so far improved from last year’s three district losses. The Colts ended last season to San Angelo Central in the first round of the playoffs. Vying for a playoff spot, Arlington will likely improve to 4-1 Friday when they take on the winless Paschal Panthers. Assuming the Colts beat Martin, they’ll like be the 2-seed from this district.
Last year’s district champion, Martin, has fallen the hardest in district play. Following a perfect 2015 district season, the squad struggles with a 2-2 record. The fall of Martin comes even after acquiring senior quarterback Matthew Cook from Nolan Catholic. Cook played last year for Nolan Catholic where his father was the school’s athletic director. This year, when his father took the freshman coach job at Martin, his sons made the transfer to join the Warriors as well. Martin will attempt to improve their record Friday when they take on North Crowley.
Like Martin, Lamar has an even win-loss record. Lamar is coming off of a two-game losing streak. Their matchup against Bowie Friday night is critical for playoff contention. The Vikings have been making waves off the field this season, too. Joining opponents postgame for participation in the school song and group prayers, Lamar is certainly making a statement as district champions off the gridiron.
Sam Houston and North Crowley are each 1-3 and Paschal remains winless.
Premature as they may be in the tango of a district beating up on each other, lofty playoff predictions include:
1. Mansfield
2. Arlington High
3. Bowie
4. Lamar
…and thus, the great shake up continues.
