Westlake/Lake Travis
This will be the the second week of Sam Ehlinger being back under center for the Chaps. Westlake hasn’t beat Lake Travis in eight years! EIGHT, that is two full graduating classes that haven’t seen the day that the Chaps beat the Cavaliers… That won’t change. Cavs make it nine in a row
Lake Travis
Manvel/FB Marshall
Manvel is our number four ranked team in TexasHSFootball 5A polls. This is Manvel’s first year in 5A after dropping down from 6A last year. Manvel’s defense has been suffocating so far this year, giving up less than nine points a game. Marshall’s offense has been just as good averaging over 42 points a game. I think a good defense beats a good offense.
Manvel
Permian/Midland
It seemed like fate up until last week that the Panthers were rolling, Friday Night Lights started 10 years ago. The Panthers suffered their first loss of the season in the district opener to Frenship. Midland is 5-1 overall and 3-0 on the road, and they will be on the road this week. I think Midland stays unbeaten on the road.
Midland
China Spring/Burnet
This may be the most exciting game of the week, someone will suffer their first loss of the season. China Spring is the number four ranked team in our 4A polls and is clear why; they play good defense and score a lot. Burnet has given up about the same amount of points, but haven’t scored nearly as much, for that reason I’m going with China Spring.
China Spring
Texas TechTech/K-State
The real question is will Patrick Mahomes play. I think even if he doesn’t play he the Red Raiders will still score, but with Mahomes in he takes the offense to another level, a level that is needed with that atrocious defense they throw out there. Kansas State is coming off a one point loss to West Virginia, and only held them to 17 points. K State will win just because the game is in the Little Apple
Kansas State
OU/Texas
The battle of who can lose the Big 12 the fastest. Texas has struggled since the Notre Dame game and if Bevo loses that game we would call that a struggle too, but they didn’t. Charlie Strong probably saved his job last year, and while it might not save it this year I think the Longhorns win. Oklahoma may have been the biggest fraud in the top 25 to start the season. After losing pretty easily to the Houston Cougars, they were then embarrassed at home by Ohio State. Yes, I know those are two good teams, but if you are a good team yourself you win one of those. They almost blew the game against TCU last week as well. This game may be the first one to 50 wins.
Texas
Westlake/Lake Travis
There’s lots of pressure on Westlake to break the streak this year, and Sam Elingher will be able to do that after the fan’s version of the Super Bowl Shuffle was taped this week.
Westlake
Manvel/FB Marshall
Manvel is going to be too much for FB Marshall, they’ve been dominating teams all year. The Maverick defense has been the reason why. This may be the year Manvel makes it to state not having to go through Katy anymore.
Manvel
Permian/Midland
This week was the 10th anniversary of Friday Night Lights, and there is no way Permian can lose.
Permian
China Spring/Burnet
Both of these teams are solid, but I really think Burnet comes out on top in a close game.
Burnet
Texas Tech/K-State
This is the toughest game to pick this week cause Mahomes isn’t playing, K-State is average at best but I’ll go with the Wildcats because they are home.
K-State
OU/Texas
Charlie Strong got a win that saved his job last season in this game but they won’t win this year. Whichever defense gets a couple stops will win and I think thats going to be the Sooners. First to 50 wins it.
OU
Austin Westlake at Lake Travis
Two of the very best in Austin square off in a heated rivalry. Sam Ehlinger’s health will be something to monitor for Westlake, but I like the Cavaliers with Cade Brewer, Cade Green, Maleek Barkley and their plethora of playmakers to win a wildly entertaining game.
Lake Travis
Burnet at China Spring
A big-time matchup between two undefeated squads in 4A. China Spring has essentially dominated everyone they’ve played this year and may have one of their best squads. Burnet likes to spread it around on offense and have the playmakers to hang tough. But, I think the Cougars will limit Burnet’s explosiveness to get the win.
China Spring
Midland High at Odessa Permian
This is a big game for Permian as they try to rebound from a disappointing loss against Wolfforth Frenship last week. As for Midland High, they’ve surprised with a 5-1 start with their only loss coming to DeSoto. Jackson Anuszkiewicz is a very underrated quarterback who can manage the Bulldog offense and I think he will be the difference in this one.
Midland High
Fort Bend Marshall at Manvel
A good matchup in 5A between two undefeated squads. Manvel wideout Keylon Stokes is a fun player to watch and will look to put up his fourth straight 100-yard game. As for Marshall, the Buffalos will look to run the ball with a dynamic running combo of quarterback Jabari James and running back Antonio Brooks among others. But, the Manvel defense has given up 10 points in three games and I think they’ll be good enough defensively to get the win.
Manvel
Texas Tech at Kansas State
This is a tough one. Texas Tech can put up points and can’t stop anyone. Kansas State has given up only 12.5 points per game and will put up a tough fight defensively but don’t have as much firepower on offense. Whoever wins this game will have their weaker side of the ball step up and right now, I don’t have a lot of confidence in Tech’s defense to stop anyone.
Kansas State
Texas vs. Oklahoma
Things do sure change in a few weeks don’t they? Both teams are looking for that win to get back in the Big 12 race. Oklahoma picked up a huge win at TCU, while Texas couldn’t stop Oklahoma State. Will Charlie Strong taking over the defensive play calling make an improvement to stop Oklahoma’s offense? We’ll see, but this is a game where the unexpected happens so I’ll stick with my gut and take the underdog in a shootout.
Texas
