Lufkin vs. The Woodlands
Lufkin’s spread offense has totaled 224 points this season, but they haven’t played a team like the Woodlands. The Highlanders are 4-0 for the first time since 2011, and have limited opponents to only 44 points total in four contests. Coach Mark Schmid’s son quarterback Eric Schmid should be able to handle the Panther’s defensive unit that forfeited over 800 yards of total offense to Parkway two weeks ago.
Prediction: The Woodlands
Abilene vs. Keller Fossil Ridge
Abilene is riding a good little win streak since bombing in their opener, sacrificing 63 points to San Angelo Central. The Eagles have tallied 50 points per game in wins and running back Abram Smith is going off with 9.42 yards per carry and 12 TDs so far. Keller Fossil Ridge has more experience with their 40 returning starters, but barely eked one out against Timber Creek. Either way, there’s going to be a ton of the ground game in this one.
Prediction: Abilene
Pearland vs. Alief Taylor
Pearland just lost their Texas A&M-commit quarterback Connor Blumrick in a victory against Alief Elsik on Friday. Alief Taylor has been perfect this season, posting a 5-0 record for the first time in 13 years. The Lions defense has allowed a mere 6.2 points per game, and have held opponents scoreless in two outings.
Prediction: Alief Taylor
Churchill vs. Reagan
Both San Antonio programs are nearly identical when compared statistically. The Rattlers have 143 total points and have sacrificed 64; the Chargers have 127 total points and have allowed 79. The game is hosted at Reagan, so I’ll give them the edge. The Rattlers usually get off to a quick start, but have not scored in the fourth quarter this season.
Prediction: Reagan
Texas vs. OSU
A loss to either team is going to effectively squash any Big-12 title aspirations. Both are limping into the game with defeats and lousy defenses. The Longhorns have the advantage with a solid offensive unit under newly minted OC Sterlin Gilbert, averaging 45 points per game. Mike Gundy’s Cowboys have some issues on the O-line, which has allowed the most sacks in the conference; the offense has choked up eight turnovers overall this season.
Prediction: Texas
TCU vs. Oklahoma
TCU lead receiver KaVontae Turpin is out for 4-6 weeks with a PCL tear. If he needs surgery, he could miss the season. Fortunately, TCU boasts a ton of offensive weapons with Kenny Hill under the gun. The defense has shined against lesser competition and leads the Big 12 with fourteen sacks. Oklahoma is a team that isn’t as good as initially predicted, battling through some identity issues, and will likely lose the game against the Horned Frogs defensive line at home. “Fear the frog”, Baker Mayfield!
Prediction: TCU
Lufkin vs. The Woodlands
The Lufkin Panthers are rolling into this huge 12-6A showdown with a lot of confidence, while The Woodlands had a chance to rest after a week off. Both teams feature prolific passing games, but the Highlanders will continue to establish themselves as a true 6A title contender.
Prediction: The Woodlands
Abilene vs. Keller Fossil Ridge
As Kyle mentioned in his preview, this game could very well decide the winner of District 3-6A. This matchup looks to be even. The passing game will need to come up with some big plays, but I like Abram Smith to lead the way for the Eagles in what should be an excellent game to watch.
Prediction: Abilene
Pearland vs. Alief Taylor
Both of these teams are off to strong starts so far this year, but I like Alief Taylor’s size on the defensive line. The Lions are 5-0 under first year head Coach Brian Randle and I’m looking for quarterback Dontay Warren and his surrounding cast to put up some big numbers.
Prediction: Alief Taylor
Churchill vs. Reagan
Quarterback Jordan Billups and running back Daniel Vela provide a strong 1-2 punch for the Churchill Chargers, but the speedy running back Marquis Duncan of Reagan should provide a good counter on the ground. Whoever wins this rivalry game will be better on the offensive line, and I like the home team in a close one.
Prediction: Reagan
Texas vs. OSU
This is a huge matchup for both squads. Texas is hoping to find any kind of defense this week, while Oklahoma State is looking to rebound after a tough loss at Baylor. With both offenses capable of putting up points in bunches, it could come down to who steps up on defense. However, Cowboy receiver James Washington going up against a young UT secondary; that could be trouble for the Longhorns. It will be close, but ultimately I think the Cowboys will bounce back.
Prediction: Oklahoma State
TCU vs. Oklahoma
Coming into the season, some people thought this could be a de-facto title game in the Big 12. However, OU has really struggled so far while TCU has had to deal with major injuries of their own, including one to their star receiver/running back KaVontae Turpin. The Sooners are in a desperate situation and they’ll play well. But, I think Kenny Hill will lead the offense to make just enough plays to win a close game.
Prediction: TCU
Lufkin vs. The Woodlands
This is going to be a classic matchup of offense vs. defense as The Woodlands looks to shut down the high flying Lufkin offense. Lufkin has the speed, but I like The Woodlands’ stout, tough team to take home the win in a close bout.
Prediction: The Woodlands
Abilene vs. Keller Fossil Ridge
I really like Keller Fossil Ridge’s Tyler Mitchell, but I think Abilene has the firepower to pull this out at home. The combination of Abram Smith and Peyton Killam are a lot for any defense to handle, and the Abilene offense is clicking right now.
Prediction: Abilene
Pearland vs. Alief Taylor
Alief Taylor is undefeated, but Pearland has some strength to them that can’t be denied. The Oilers’ only loss is to Manvel, a loss that can’t be faulted. I’ll take Pearland in a close one.
Prediction: Pearland
Churchill vs. Reagan
If there’s one thing Reagan can do, it’s start fast. They’ll need it against a tough Churchill squad, but I still like the Rattlers in this one.
Prediction: Reagan
Texas vs. OSU
With Texas’s only quality win declining in value steadily and wideout James Washington playing well, I’m expecting the Longhorn defense to get torched.
Prediction: Oklahoma State
TCU vs. Oklahoma
Oklahoma hasn’t exactly panned out as many hoped. Few though they’d get through their absolute gauntlet of a nonconference schedule unscathed, but few thought they’d lose in the fashion that they did. I’ll take TCU in a close one.
Prediction: TCU
