Sherman (5-4, 3-2) vs. Denison (7-2, 4-1) (11/10) at Bearcat Stadium
One of the more storied sister city rivalries in Texas kicks off once again this week, with this edition having the potential to shake up the 5-5A standings a little. Denison tore through district competition, but suffered their second setback on the season with a loss to Denton Ryan last week.
Sherman however was victorious last week, downing Wichita Falls on the road. Sherman endured a 2-3 non-district outing, as well as a district opening loss, but the offense has remained steady with 30.6 points scored per game; the Bearcats currently occupy the last playoff spot.
Denison’s highlight this season was a one point victory over Abilene Wylie in week three; the offense capitalized on key drives while the defense held the Bulldogs to their second smallest point total this season, a microcosm of the Yellow Jacket’s 2017 successes. The offense is averaging 40.6 points per game in district, and will need to continue that good showing against their fiercest rival.
Last Result (2016): Denison 35, Sherman 30
Iowa Park (6-3, 3-0) vs, Graham (9-0, 3-0) (11/10) at Hawk Stadium
Iowa Park has quietly put together a decent season — outside of a loss to Gainesville in a thriller, and setbacks to quality Childress and Wall squads, the Hawks have rolled over opponents with an offense averaging 44.3 points per win.
The Steers haven’t been as quiet, but have been purely dominant this season. Graham boasts a top ten ranking in class 4A, but will need to down one last opponent to claim the 3-4A DII title and earn their first undefeated regular season since 2013. Tucker Horn has played spectacular football this season, compiling 2,558 passing yards and 33 touchdowns with one more game to go; the offense as a whole with Horn has averaged a whopping 52.2 points per game.
The Hawks defense held a solid Holliday team to one touchdown in week five, can it come through against another tough opponent?
Last Result (2016): Graham 42, Iowa Park 35
Leonard (6-3, 5-0) vs. Gunter (9-0, 5-0) (11/10) at Tiger Stadium
Leonard claimed only one win in non-district, but quickly turned things around to remain in the hunt for a district title. In order to rule the roost of 6-3A DII though, they’ll need to down a team still near the top of the 3A DII rankings. Gunter will officially be able to defend their state title in the postseason, but would surely want to claim back-to-back undefeated regular seasons in the process.
The offense has remained stellar in 2017, scoring an average of 48.6 points per game through nine outings, but the defense has really stepped up for district action; the unit has allowed only a single touchdown, shutting out the four other district foes faced. The Leonard offense has been decent so far, but they’ll need a huge defensive game to spring an upset.
Last Result (2016): Gunter 35, Leonard 6
Holliday (8-1, 4-0) vs. Jacksboro (9-0, 4-0) (11/10) at Eagle Stadium
Two of Texoma’s more dynamic teams clash to determine the 5-3A DII title in this week’s marquee matchup. The Eagles’ lone blemish on the season comes from a 21-7 defeat against Iowa Park, but Holliday rebounded nicely with a 56-14 dismantling of Nocona to open district play. The offense has performed well despite their loss, scoring an average of 43.5 points per win; the defense has been equally dominant, allowing just one touchdown to four opponents and pitching shutouts against two more.
Jacksboro is starting to receive a lot of attention statewide, as one of the more improved teams in Texas under first year coach Brannon Rodgers. The Tigers boast a tremendous run game which has helped them to an undefeated record and a scoring average of 37.6 points per game. The defense however has only one shutout and one single digit points-allowed outing; this unit would need a tremendous game to cap off an undefeated regular season and win a district title.
Last Result (2016): Holliday 21, Jacksboro 14
Seymour (8-1, 3-0) vs. Windthorst (5-4, 3-0) (11/10) at Fair Park Stadium
Another area district title on the line in the regular season finale, this time the Panthers and Trojans do battle for 5-2A DI supremacy. Outside of a loss to a strong Hawley squad, Seymour performed well offensively this season, averaging 35.5 points per game in their eight wins — the defense has been stout as well, pitching three shutouts and allowing double-digit scoring just three times.
Windthorst endured a rough non-district outing in the win column, but played solid football against quality opponents. The offense flipped the switch on for district play, recording 67, 59 and 49 point wins. Seymour has seen a few improvements on their 2016 season, can a win against a quality Trojan squad be another?
Last Result (2016): Windthorst 41, Seymour 8
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