Cedar Hill Longhorns(1-2) at DeSoto Eagles(3-0)
Cedar Hill RB/WR Joshua Fleeks (Rick Castillo, TexasHSFootball.com)
In what is arguably the most anticipated game in the Metroplex this week, the Longhorns make the five-plus mile trip to DeSoto for the next installment of this historic rivalry. Three out of the past four years, one of these teams won the state championship (DeSoto 2016, Cedar Hill 2013 & 2014). The Longhorns fell to the Eagles twice last year. They’ll be looking to bounce back this year behind quarterback Shayne Lawrence. Lawrence has led the Longhorns through two tough losses to Allen and Mansfield before getting their first win against Mesquite Horn.
DeSoto comes into this game riding a 19 games winning streak, including the 2016 State Championship. Quarterback Courtney Douglas will be leading the charge for the offense that is averaging 41 points a game. The Eagles defense has been stellar, only giving up more than 14 points once. Which team will come out on top?
Last Meeting(2016 State Quarterfinals): DeSoto 55, Cedar Hill 41
Crowley Eagles(1-2) at Burleson Centennial Spartans (1-2)
In what is the key matchup for district 9-5A, the Eagles travel up the road to take on the Spartans. Crowley, the defending district champions, are coming off a 17-7 loss at the hands of Azle two weeks ago before their bye week. The Crowley defense has been key in close games against Fort Worth Dunbar, Mansfield Legacy and Azle only giving up a total of 24 points. The Eagles offense however has gotten off to a slow start only scoring 28 total points. Leading the way for the Crowley offense is quarterback Chris James, who threw for 152 yards and a touchdown in the opener against Dunbar. Running back Rodrick Williams is also a key component in the offense
Centennial is also coming off a loss to Fort Worth Brewer in triple overtime. After a bye week they prepare for for a battle that could very well decide the eventual district champion. The Spartans have one of the toughest offenses to stop. The triple option offense gives Centennial many offensive weapons that can quickly move through the Crowley defense. Wing back Kelton Tezeno carried the offense against Brewer scoring three times on twelve carries for 186 yards. But will that cause Crowley’s fast pace defense to focus too much on him and leave the other backs open?
Last Meeting(2016): Crowley 39, Centennial 21
North Crowley Panthers(2-1) at Arlington Colts(3-0)
At historic Maverick Stadium on the campus of UT-Arlington, the undefeated Colts host the Panthers of North Crowley. The Panthers are off to their best start since winning the State Championship in 2003 and are looking to ride this momentum through district into the playoffs. They are coming off of a 53-35 win over Cleburne where quarterback Caleb Leake threw for 338 yards and four touchdowns. The defense plays a huge role in the turnover battle, recovering a fumble and getting an interception in the first quarter in the win against Cleburne.
The Colts are among the hottest teams in the Metroplex right now. Fresh off the bye week after a big win against Plano East 56-21. Senior quarterback D’Montae Davis will lead the high scoring Arlington offense along with running back Kenland McCray who rushed for 106 yards and received for 130 recording two total touchdowns against Plano East. Which team will prevail in this district opener?
Last Meeting(2016): Arlington 50, North Crowley 20
Arlington Martin Warriors(3-0) @ Arlington Bowie Volunteers(1-2)
Arlington Martin QB Juma Otoviano (Photo via Gordon DeLoach, TexasHSFootball.com)
Just down the road from the other District 4-6A matchup, another takes place at Wilemon Field. The Martin Warriors prepare for their district stretch looking to go undefeated in the regular season for the first time ever. Juma Otoviano will lead the charge for the Warriors behind an offensive line that has held off many defenders opening the door for Martin to score 136 total points over three games.
However, Bowie’s offense is just as high scoring, racking up 101 points over three games. The Volunteers are coming off of a high scoring loss to North Mesquite 49-45. Branden Ellis is the running back and will have to fight for every inch against this Martin defense. The key to this one will be whoever can step it up defensively and get the stops.
Last Meeting(2016): Arlington Bowie 12, Arlington Martin 10
Flower Mound Marcus Marauders(2-1) @ L.D. Bell Raiders(1-2)
Flower Mound Marcus RB Justin Dinka (Photo via Gordon DeLoach, TexasHSFootball.com)
Up in the northern part of the Metroplex, the Marauders travel to Pennington Field to take on the Blue Raiders. Marcus is coming off of a 31-14 win against Mansfield. A game in which star running back Justin Dinka ran for 232 yards and three touchdowns. The Marauders also lead in the turnover battle as they picked up two fumbles against Mansfield. One of which led to a field goal.
The Raiders are fresh off their loss at Keller two weeks ago 30-28. However this is an L.D. Bell team that seems to be turning themselves around. This will be a key game for Bell if they want to be in postseason play come November. They will be looking to utilize their ground attack led by Zion Hardy who ran for 113 yards against Keller. Austin Brougham will be under center for the Raiders looking to bounce back and start district play on a high note.
Last Meeting(2016): Flower Mound Marcus 45, L.D. Bell 28
Keller Fossil Ridge Panthers(4-0) @ Keller Timber Creek Falcons(4-0)
Cross-town rivals square off as district play for District 3-6A starts up at the Keller ISD Athletic Complex. City bragging rights are on the line, and so is a potential district championship. Both teams are only teams in the district that are undefeated so far. Not only that, but they are the only teams with winning records so far. The Panthers are coming off a win at Garland Rowlett 36-22. They are led by quarterback Cobe Craft who has already thrown for 1,147 yards and 15 touchdowns through four games.
The Falcons are coming off a big 37-7 win over Denton High. Dylan McCrary led Timber Creek with 142 yards passing, 114 yards rushing and two total touchdowns. The Falcon defense has been absolutely stellar in thus far in the season only giving up 35 points throughout the first four games of the season. But will their defense prevail over the Fossil Ridge offense? Only one team can remain undefeated.
Last Meeting(2016): Fossil Ridge 49, Timber Creek 44
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