TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW - Week 16
The 2020 Texas High School Football season takes another big step forward this week, as 6A and 5A start the playoffs. Among the 128 qualifying teams that enter the bi-district round this week, some have had to overcome COVID-related challenges to keep their seasons on-track, while others have delicately navigated their way through the coronavirus pandemic. Some have played complete schedules, while others have played a relatively small number of games. In a year where the unexpected has become the norm, we get ready for a second round of playoffs and a postseason that will linger into January. Meanwhile, 24 other Texas schools will compete in the state semifinals this week in 4A-2A. That special group of two dozen is just one step away from accomplishing the goal of playing for a state title at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
CANCELLATIONS/CHANGES:
Fort Worth North Side vs. Wichita Falls Rider – CANCELED/COVID (WF Rider advances to area round of playoffs)
MONDAY's RESULTS:
Keller 38, Keller Timber Creek 35 (Timber Creek clinches playoff berth on points tiebreaker)
BI-DISTRICT PLAYOFFS
Class 6A Division I
Region I
ANALYSIS: Most expect Allen to emerge from this region, although a second-round matchup with unbeaten Lake Highlands at a neutral site could be very interesting. Same thing with a possible Odessa Permian-Southlake Carroll meeting in the area round. Carroll QB Quinn Ewers missed the last four games of the regular season with an undisclosed injury. I think the two wild cards in this bracket are Euless Trinity and Arlington Martin. Both one-loss teams had very solid seasons and will be extremely tough outs. Let's go with Allen and Arlington Martin in the regional final. PICK TO EMERGE: ALLEN
El Paso Montwood (4-3) vs Midland Lee (8-1), 6 p.m. Friday at Midland's Grande Communications Stadium
MIDLAND LEE LEADS RECENT SERIES (SINCE 2004) 5-1
LAST MEETING: Midland Lee 65, El Paso Montwood 32 (11/14/19)
LAST MONTWOOD WIN: 2008
6A #23 Euless Trinity (7-1) vs Keller Timber Creek (4-6), 1 p.m. Saturday at Bedford's Pennington Field
FIRST MEETING
6A #4 Allen (8-0) vs Plano West (6-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Allen's Eagle Stadium
ALLEN LEADS RECENT SERIES 12-1
LAST MEETING: Allen 34, Plano West 10 (11/8/19)
LAST PLANO WEST WIN: 2004
Lake Highlands (10-0) vs South Grand Prairie (6-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Dallas' Wildcat-Ram Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Odessa Permian (7-2) vs El Paso Franklin (2-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Odessa's Ratliff Stadium
ODESSA PERMIAN LEADS RECENT SERIES 4-1
LAST MEETING: Odessa Permian 48, El Paso Franklin 13 (11/15/19)
LAST FRANKLIN WIN: Sept. 2019
6A #19 Southlake Carroll (7-1) vs Haltom (5-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Southlake's Dragon Stadium
SOUTHLAKE CARROLL LEADS RECENT SERIES 8-0
LAST MEETING: Southlake Carroll 59, Haltom 0 (10/30/15)
Lewisville (6-3) vs McKinney Boyd (4-6), 7 p.m. Friday at Lewisville's Goldsmith Stadium
McKINNEY BOYD LEADS RECENT SERIES 5-3
LAST MEETING: Lewisville 41, McKinney Boyd 16 (9/13/19)
LAST BOYD WIN: 2017
6A #14 Arlington Martin (8-1) vs Richardson (5-5), 7 p.m. Thursday at Arlington's Globe Life Park
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Region II
ANALYSIS: As with Allen in Region I, Duncanville appears to be the clear favorite in this bracket. The bottom half is the tougher of the two, with a Rockwall-DeSoto showdown very possible in the area round. The regular season game between DeSoto and Duncanville was canceled, but they will meet in the regional final. PICK TO EMERGE: DUNCANVILLE
Sachse (3-5) vs Dallas Skyline (4-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Garland's Homer B. Johnson Stadium
RECENT SERIES TIED 1-1
LAST MEETING: Sachse 34, Dallas Skyline 13 (11/11/16)
LAST SKYLINE WIN: 2013
6A #2 Duncanville (6-1) vs Killeen Harker Heights (7-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Duncanville's Panther Stadium
DUNCANVILLE LEADS RECENT SERIES 1-0
LAST MEETING: Duncanville 24, Harker Heights 7 (11/11/16)
The Woodlands College Park (8-1) vs 6A #17 Spring Westfield (6-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Shenandoah's Woodforest Bank Stadium
SPRING WESTFIELD LEADS RECENT SERIES 1-0
LAST MEETING: Spring Westfield 49, The Woodlands College Park 21 (11/14/14)
Klein Cain (6-2) vs Cypress Woods (6-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Klein's Memorial Stadium
FIRST MEETING
6A #18 Rockwall (9-1) vs Wylie (4-5), 7 p.m. Thursday at Rockwall's Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium
ROCKWALL LEADS RECENT SERIES 2-0
LAST MEETING: Rockwall 28, Wylie 14 (9/30/11)
Killeen Shoemaker (7-2) vs 6A #11 DeSoto (7-1), 7 p.m. Thursday at Killeen's Buckley Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
6A #15 Spring (7-0) vs The Woodlands (5-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Spring's Planet Ford Stadium
THE WOODLANDS LEADS RECENT SERIES 2-0
LAST MEETING: The Woodlands 17, Spring 0 (11/16/19)
Cypress Ranch (7-2) vs Klein Oak (3-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Cypress' Cy-Fair FCU Stadium
KLEIN OAK LEADS RECENT SERIES 1-0
LAST MEETING: Klein Oak 41, Cypress Ranch 7 (11/23/19)
Region III
ANALYSIS: This regional features four undefeated teams, but two-time defending 6AD1 state champion Galena Park North Shore stands well above Katy Tompkins, Pearland Dawson and Pasadena Dobie. No one's come close to challenging North Shore this season. Even if they get Dawson and Tompkins the next two weeks, it's just a matter of calling North Shore's margin of victory. They are the overwhelming favorite to win not only this region, but the whole thing for a threepeat. Regional final will be Galena Park North Shore and Humble Atascosita. PICK TO EMERGE: GALENA PARK NORTH SHORE
6A #10 Cy-Fair (9-1) vs Houston Westside (4-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Cypress' Pridgeon Stadium
CY-FAIR LEADS RECENT SERIES 1-0
LAST MEETING: Cy-Fair 49, Houston Westside 14 (11/17/17)
6A #6 Katy Tompkins (8-0) vs Fort Bend Travis (4-3), 6 p.m. Friday at Katy's Legacy Stadium
KATY TOMPKINS LEADS RECENT SERIES 1-0
LAST MEETING: Katy Tompkins 35, Fort Bend Travis 28 (11/14/19)
6A #1 Galena Park North Shore (10-0) vs Deer Park (5-5), 7 p.m. Thursday at Galena Park's Galena Park ISD Stadium
GALENA PARK NORTH SHORE LEADS RECENT SERIES 13-0
LAST MEETING: Galena Park North Shore 49, Deer Park 7 (10/11/19)
6A #16 Pearland Dawson (9-0) vs Dickinson (6-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Pearland's Pearland ISD Stadium
DICKINSON LEADS RECENT SERIES 2-0
LAST MEETING: Dickinson 42, Pearland Dawson 24 (9/13/19)
Houston Bellaire (4-2) vs Jersey Village (5-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Houston's Delmar Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Fort Bend Ridge Point (5-2) vs Katy Seven Lakes (3-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Missouri City's Hall Stadium
FORT BEND RIDGE POINT LEADS RECENT SERIES 1-0
LAST MEETING: Fort Bend Ridge Point 14, Katy Seven Lakes 10 (11/16/18)
Pasadena Dobie (9-0) vs 6A #20 Humble Atascocita (5-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Pasadena's Veterans Memorial Stadium
HUMBLE ATASCOSITA LEADS RECENT SERIES 4-0
LAST MEETING: Humble Atascosita 61, Pasadena Dobie 6 (10/18/19)
Clear Springs (7-3) vs Pearland (7-2), 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Webster's Challenger-Columbia Stadium
PEARLAND LEADS RECENT SERIES 3-2
LAST MEETING: Clear Springs 54, Pearland 29 (11/17/17)
LAST PEARLAND WIN: 2016
Region IV
ANALYSIS: As with Duncanville and DeSoto, we did not get to see Austin Westlake (defending 6AD2 state champion) and Lake Travis meet as scheduled in the regular season. The Chaparrals and Cavaliers - along with Harlingen - make up the trio of unbeaten teams in this bracket. Lake Travis and Cibolo Steele in the area round could be interesting for a little while, but Austin Westlake, featuring a defense that has allowed a handful of points per game, should rip through the bottom half. Harlingen is a great story, but as the late, great Roger Emrich loved to say, no Rio Grande Valley team has won a state title since Donna High in 1961. It won't happen this year. We'll get that Lake Travis-Austin Westlake matchup in the regional final, and defense will carry the day. PICK TO EMERGE: AUSTIN WESTLAKE
6A #24 Round Rock (7-2) vs 6A #5 Lake Travis (6-0), 7 p.m. Friday at Round Rock's Dragon Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Cibolo Steele (6-3) vs San Antonio Madison (6-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Schertz's Lehnhoff Stadium
CIBOLO STEELE LEADS RECENT SERIES 6-2
LAST MEETING: Cibolo Steele 36, SA Madison 3 (9/1/17)
LAST MADISON WIN: 2013
San Antonio Harlan (5-4) vs Laredo United South (3-3), 7 p.m. Friday at San Antonio's Gustafson Stadium
RECENT SERIES TIED 1-1
LAST MEETING: SA Harlan 28, Laredo United South 14 (9/14/19)
LAST UNITED SOUTH WIN: 2018
Mission (4-1) vs San Benito (3-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Mission's Tom Landry Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
6A #3 Austin Westlake (8-0) vs Round Rock Cedar Ridge (6-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Austin's Chaparral Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
San Antonio Reagan (9-1) vs Smithson Valley (7-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at San Antonio's Heroes Stadium
SMITHSON VALLEY LEADS RECENT SERIES 7-3
LAST MEETING: Smithson Valley 17, SA Reagan 7 (11/13/15)
LAST REAGAN WIN: 2014
Laredo United (5-1) vs San Antonio Stevens (5-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Laredo's Johnson Student Activity Center
RECENT SERIES TIED 3-3
LAST MEETING: Laredo United 45, SA Stevens 10 (9/15/17)
LAST STEVENS WIN: 2009
Harlingen (5-0) vs Edinburg North (2-4), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Harlingen's Boggus Stadium
HARLINGEN LEADS RECENT SERIES 6-0
LAST MEETING: Harlingen 35, Edinburg North 14 (10/14/11)
Class 6A Division II
Region I
ANALYSIS: There are several teams that could advance to the state semifinals from this bracket. The biggest question is the status of Flower Mound Marcus QB Garrett Nussmeier, who injured his left hand in the final regular season game last week. If Nussmeier is healthy, Marcus is the favorite, although Arlington Bowie could present a challenge to the Marauders in the area round. El Paso Eastlake was undefeated in playing a limited schedule, but teams from way out west don't tend to hang around long this time of year. In the top half of the bracket, Denton Guyer needs to avoid slow starts in the postseason, and Coppell likely will put up a good fight in the bi-district round. If Guyer survives the Cowboys, Dallas Jesuit likely will be waiting in round two. Knowing what we know today, we'll go with Dallas Jesuit and Flower Mound Marcus in the regional final. PICK TO EMERGE: FLOWER MOUND MARCUS
El Paso Eastwood (7-0) vs Abilene (4-4), 3 p.m. Saturday at Fort Stockton's Panther Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
North Crowley (5-3) vs Trophy Club Nelson (6-4), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Arlington's Globe Life Park
FIRST MEETING
6A #13 Denton Guyer (7-2) vs Coppell (6-3), 1 p.m. Saturday at Denton's Collins Stadium
RECENT SERIES TIED 1-1
LAST MEETING: Denton Guyer 31, Coppell 7 (9/30/11)
LAST COPPELL WIN: 2010
Dallas Jesuit (7-3) vs Arlington (4-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Dallas' Postell Stadium
ARLINGTON LEADS RECENT SERIES 2-0
LAST MEETING: Arlington 38, Dallas Jesuit 21 (8/30/19)
San Angelo Central (4-5) vs El Paso Eastlake (6-0), 6:30 p.m. Friday at El Paso's Socorro ISD Student Activity Center
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Northwest Eaton (7-3) vs Weatherford (5-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Justin's Northwest ISD Stadium
FIRST MEETING
6A #12 Flower Mound Marcus (9-0) vs Prosper (5-3), 12 p.m. Saturday at Flower Mound's Wilson Stadium
FIRST MEETING
Arlington Bowie (7-1) vs Richardson Pearce (5-5), 3:15 p.m. Saturday at Arlington's Globe Life Park
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Region II
ANALYSIS: Is Cedar Hill back and ready for a run at a state title? The Longhorns' only loss came in a close decision with Duncanville, if that's any indication. Cedar Hill's biggest challenge in the top half of this bracket is unbeaten Tomball Memorial. In the bottom half, something tells me Rockwall-Heath - and that explosive offense - is headed for the third round, where they will face undefeated Bridgeland, which is a dark horse to make it to Arlington in January. Cedar Hill wins a tight one over Tomball Memorial in the regional semifinal. Bridgeland takes out Cedar Hill in the quarterfinal. PICK TO EMERGE: BRIDGELAND
Garland Naaman Forest (6-2) vs Tyler Legacy (5-5), 2 p.m. Saturday at Garland's Williams Stadium
TYLER LEGACY LEADS RECENT SERIES 2-0
LAST MEETING: Tyler Legacy 41, Garland Naaman Forest 35 (11/5/15)
6A #8 Cedar Hill (7-1) vs Bryan (6-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Cedar Hill's Longhorn Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Conroe Oak Ridge (5-5) vs Aldine Eisenhower (3-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Shenandoah's Woodforest Bank Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
6A #22 Tomball Memorial (9-0) vs Cypress Park (6-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Tomball's Tomball ISD Stadium
TOMBALL MEMORIAL LEADS RECENT SERIES 2-0
LAST MEETING: Tomball Memorial 36, Cypress Park 35 (10/25/19)
Rockwall-Heath (8-2) vs Garland (5-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Rockwall's Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium
RECENT SERIES TIED 1-1
LAST MEETING: Garland 20, Rockwall-Heath 16 (9/11/15)
LAST ROCKWALL-HEATH WIN: 2014
Temple (9-1) vs Waxahachie (5-4), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Temple's Wildcat Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Spring Dekaney (5-3) vs Willis (2-7), 7 p.m. Thursday at Spring's Planet Ford Stadium
RECENT SERIES TIED 1-1
LAST MEETING: Spring Dekaney 28, Willis 0 (9/4/09)
LAST WILLIS WIN: 2008
6A #7 Bridgeland (10-0) vs Klein Collins (4-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Cypress' Cy-Fair FCU Stadium
FIRST MEETING
Region III
ANALYSIS: The complexion of this regional changed when Katy suddenly slipped into 6AD2, thanks to Katy Seven Lakes. Nobody in this bracket wants to see the Katy Tigers in December. A third-round clash between Katy and first-year 6A Alvin Shadow Creek could be interesting. The bottom half of this region is wide open. Three of the eight schools come in with losing records. Katy Taylor might be the best of the bunch, if they can get by Richmond George Ranch in the bi-district round. Katy Taylor survives to face hometown nemesis Katy in the quarterfinal. PICK TO EMERGE: KATY
Houston Memorial (7-2) vs Houston Lamar (5-2), 7 p.m. Thursday at Houston's Delmar Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
6A #9 Katy (8-1) vs Fort Bend Elkins (2-5), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Katy's Rhodes Stadium
KATY LEADS RECENT SERIES 1-0
LAST MEETING: Katy 56, Fort Bend Elkins 26 (11/29/13)
Houston C.E. King (7-3) vs Channelview (4-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Houston's Sheldon ISD Panther Stadium
HOUSTON C.E. KING LEADS RECENT SERIES 3-2
LAST MEETING: Houston C.E. King 55, Channelview 6 (10/25/19)
LAST CHANNELVIEW WIN: 2016
6A #21 Alvin Shadow Creek (4-3) vs Clear Creek (5-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Alvin's Memorial Stadium
FIRST MEETING
Houston Heights (6-1) vs Cypress Creek (4-6), 1 p.m. Saturday at Houston's Delmar Stadium
CYPRESS CREEK LEADS RECENT SERIES 1-0
LAST MEETING: Cypress Creek 34, Houston Heights 7 (11/17/18)
Richmond George Ranch (5-3) vs Katy Taylor (7-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Sugar Land's Mercer Stadium (REMATCH)
KATY TAYLOR LEADS RECENT SERIES 1-0
LAST MEETING: Katy Taylor 26, Richmond George Ranch 14 (10/1/20)
Pasadena Memorial (7-3) vs Beaumont West Brook (4-5), 1 p.m. Saturday at Pasadena's Memorial Stadium
BEAUMONT WEST BROOK LEADS RECENT SERIES 2-0
LAST MEETING: Beaumont West Brook 51, Pasadena Memorial 35 (11/15/08)
Clear Falls (5-3) vs Houston Strake Jesuit (4-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Webster's Challenger-Columbia Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Region IV
ANALYSIS: This is a bracket with no clear favorite. Some may tend to give Converse Judson the edge based on reputation, but the Rockets stumbled in a loss to Smithson Valley in their regular season finale last week. Judson should sail into the area round, but a tough San Antonio Brennan squad will be waiting for them. Austin Vandegrift and Edinburg Vela also could make noise in the top half of the region. In the bottom half, Eagle Pass and Brownsville Hanna are the unbeatens. Cedar Park Vista Ridge is always salty this time of year, and watch out for first-year 6A San Antonio Wagner. I've been really impressed with Eagle Pass. I like them for the regional final against Austin Vandegrift. PICK TO EMERGE: AUSTIN VANDEGRIFT
Austin Vandegrift (7-2) vs Austin High (5-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Austin's Monroe Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Converse Judson (6-2) vs San Antonio Roosevelt (6-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Converse's Rutledge Stadium
CONVERSE JUDSON LEADS RECENT SERIES 9-0
LAST MEETING: Converse Judson 62, SA Roosevelt 21 (9/15/17)
6A #25 San Antonio Brennan (8-1) vs Del Rio (4-4), 7 p.m. Friday at San Antonio's Farris Stadium
FIRST MEETING
Edinburg Vela (5-0) vs Weslaco (3-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Edinburg's Flores Stadium
RECENT SERIES TIED 1-1
LAST MEETING: Weslaco 44, Edinburg Vela 28 (10/10/19)
LAST VELA WIN: 2018
Buda Hays Consolidated (6-3) vs Cedar Park Vista Ridge (7-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Buda's Shelton Stadium (REMATCH)
CEDAR PARK VISTA RIDGE LEADS RECENT SERIES 2-1
LAST MEETING: Cedar Park Vista Ridge 62, Hays Consolidated 35 (9/24/20)
LAST HAYS WIN: 2017
San Antonio Johnson (8-1) vs San Antonio Wagner (4-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at San Antonio's Comalander Stadium
SAN ANTONIO JOHNSON LEADS RECENT SERIES 3-1
LAST MEETING: SA Johnson 52, SA Wagner 31 (9/12/15)
LAST WAGNER WIN: 2010
Eagle Pass (6-0) vs San Antonio Taft (6-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Eagles Pass' Foster Veterans Memorial Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Brownsville Hanna (4-0) vs PSJA North (4-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Brownsville's Sams Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Class 5A Division I
Region I
ANALYSIS: This is one of the more interesting big school brackets. Lubbock Coronado and Colleyville Heritage traditionally have been the strongest teams in 5AD1 Region One, and they come in as the only unbeatens in this regional. Then again, there are a number of schools that could make a run. That list includes Abilene Cooper, Amarillo High, Amarillo Tascosa, Azle, Burleson Centennial, Justin Northwest and Red Oak. It would not be a shock to see any of those advance to the third round. Abilene Cooper has won seven straight, and their only loss came to 6A district champ Odessa Permian in the season opener. Give me Cooper and Colleyville Heritage in the regional semifinal, with Abilene Cooper facing upset-minded Azle in the quarterfinal. PICK TO EMERGE: ABILENE COOPER
El Paso Del Valle (4-1) vs. Lubbock Monterey (4-5), 6 p.m. Friday at El Paso's Conquest Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Red Oak (6-2) vs. Justin Northwest (7-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Red Oak's Goodloe Stadium
JUSTIN NORTHWEST LEADS RECENT SERIES 2-0
LAST MEETING: Justin Northwest 37, Red Oak 26 (9/2/05)
5AD1 #6 Lubbock Coronado (10-0) vs. El Paso Bel Air (1-4), 6 p.m. Friday at Lubbock's Lowrey Field
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Azle (8-2) vs. Burleson Centennial (5-3), Saturday 12 p.m. at Azle's Hornet Field
FIRST MEETING
Abilene Cooper (7-1) vs. Mansfield Summit (4-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Abilene's Shotwell Stadium
RECENT SERIES TIED 1-1
LAST MEETING: Mansfield Summit 31, Abilene Cooper 14 (8/26/05)
LAST ABILENE COOPER WIN: 2004
Amarillo Tascosa (7-2) vs. El Paso Chapin (2-4), TBD Friday at Amarillo's Bivins Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
5AD1 #10 Colleyville Heritage (6-0) vs. White Settlement Brewer (4-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Grapevine's Mustang-Panther Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
El Paso El Dorado (2-3) vs. Amarillo (6-3), 2 p.m. Friday at El Paso's Socorro ISD Student Activity Center
AMARILLO LEADS RECENT SERIES 1-0
LAST MEETING: Amarillo 41, EP El Dorado 27 (11/13/14)
Region II
ANALYSIS: This bracket is absolutely brutal. The school that ultimately survives this regional should receive some sort of special award from the UIL. Region Two of 5AD1 includes Denton Ryan, Highland Park and Lancaster, who are ranked 1-2-3 in the state. IF Denton Ryan survives the College Station-Sherman winner in round two, and IF Lancaster gets past the Longview-Lufkin survivor in the area round, Ryan and Lancaster would be an epic battle in the regional semifinal. College Station, Frisco Lone Star and Longview likely would be favored in some of the other regions, but all face uphill battles here. Meanwhile, not to say Highland Park has an easy path in the bottom half, but their road is less complicated. We expect the Scots to face either Magnolia or Frisco Lone Star in round three. Denton Ryan finally prevailed in this regional last year. They will again meet Highland Park in the state quarterfinal, and it's hard to pick against the region's reigning champion. PICK TO EMERGE: DENTON RYAN
5AD1 #1 Denton Ryan (9-0) vs. Dallas Bryan Adams (5-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Denton's Collins Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING/FIRST MEETING VS. DALLAS ISD SCHOOL
College Station (9-1) vs. Sherman (5-4), 2 p.m. Saturday at College Station's Cougar Stadium
FIRST MEETING
5AD1 #3 Lancaster (9-0) vs. Frisco Wakeland (6-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Lancaster's Humphrey Tiger Stadium
LANCASTER LEADS RECENT SERIES 1-0
LAST MEETING: Lancaster 49, Frisco Wakeland 28 (11/16/18)
5AD1 #8 Longview (7-2) vs. Lufkin (6-4), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Longview's Lobo Stadium
84TH ALL-TIME MEETING - LONGVIEW LEADS SERIES 42-37-4
LAST MEETING: Longview 24, Lufkin 21 (8/30/19)
LAST LUFKIN WIN: 2016
5AD1 #2 Highland Park (8-0) vs. New Caney (5-5), 7 p.m. Thursday at Dallas' Highlander Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Dallas Woodrow Wilson (7-2) vs. Frisco Independence (4-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Dallas' Forrester Field
FIRST MEETING
5AD1 #9 Magnolia (9-1) vs. McKinney North (3-6), 7 p.m. Friday at Magnolia's Bulldog Stadium
FIRST MEETING
Frisco Lone Star (5-3) vs. Dallas White (6-4), 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Frisco's Ford Center
FIRST MEETING
Region III
ANALYSIS: Among the 16 schools in this regional, most will be facing unfamiliar opponents in the opening round. Unbeaten Cedar Park may be the most underrated team in the state, and fellow undefeated Port Arthur Memorial looks ready for a deep playoff run. Head Coach Carl Abseck is 66-9 at Cedar Park. He knows how to get it done in the playoffs. Manvel and Richmond Foster are always tough in the postseason, and one-loss schools Georgetown, Katy Paetow and New Braunfels Canyon could make some noise. Look for Port Arthur Memorial to eliminate Manvel in a very entertaining regional semifinal. Cedar Park faces Katy Paetow in round three in the bottom half of the bracket. PICK TO EMERGE: CEDAR PARK
Port Arthur Memorial (9-0) vs. Fort Bend Hightower (3-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Port Arthur's Memorial Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Seguin (7-2) vs. Pflugerville Hendrickson (6-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Seguin's Matador Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
5AD1 #5 Manvel (6-1) vs. Beaumont United (4-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Iowa Colony's Freedom Field
FIRST MEETING
Georgetown (8-1) vs. Dripping Springs (8-2), 1 p.m. Saturday at Georgetown's Georgetown ISD Athletic Complex
GEORGETOWN LEADS RECENT SERIES 2-0
LAST MEETING: Georgetown 44, Dripping Springs 37 (10/31/15)
5AD1 #4 Cedar Park (9-0) vs. San Antonio Veterans Memorial (5-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Cedar Park's Gupton Stadium
FIRST MEETING
Richmond Foster (7-2) vs. Goose Creek Memorial (6-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Rosenberg's Traylor Stadium
FIRST MEETING
New Braunfels Canyon (9-1) vs. Pflugerville (6-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at New Braunfels' Cougar Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Baytown Lee (7-2) vs. Katy Paetow (8-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Baytown's Stallworth Stadium
FIRST MEETING
Region IV
ANALYSIS: South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley were among the parts of the state hit hardest by COVID-19, and some of the schools in this bracket were able to play only a fraction of their regular season schedules. In the top half, San Antonio Southside and Corpus Christi Flour Bluff could be very interesting in the area round. On the other side, undefeated Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial averaged 51.4 points per game and was never challenged in the regular season. Veterans Memorial should survive the first three rounds without much difficulty, setting up a rematch with a CC Flour Bluff team they beat by 17 in mid-November. And in the state quarterfinal, Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial completes the season sweep. PICK TO EMERGE: CORPUS CHRISTI VETERANS MEMORIAL
San Antonio Lanier (4-1) vs. Eagle Pass Winn (4-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at San Antonio's Alamo Stadium
FIRST MEETING
McAllen Memorial (5-1) vs. Victoria West (6-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at McAllen's Memorial Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
San Antonio Southside (8-1) vs. San Antonio Jefferson (2-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at San Antonio's Southside ISD Stadium
SAN ANTONIO SOUTHSIDE LEADS RECENT SERIES 6-2
LAST MEETING: SA Southside 23, SA Jefferson 20 (9/30/11)
LAST JEFFERSON WIN: 2009
Corpus Christi Flour Bluff (8-1) vs. Brownsville Pace (4-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Corpus Christi's Hornet Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
5AD1 #7 Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial (9-0) vs. McAllen Rowe (5-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Corpus Christi's Buccaneer Stadium
FIRST MEETING
San Antonio Legacy (7-3) vs. San Antonio Highlands (4-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Von Ormy's Southwest Legacy Stadium
FIRST MEETING
Weslaco East (4-0) vs. Victoria East (6-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Weslaco's Lackey Stadium
WESLACO EAST LEADS RECENT SERIES 1-0
LAST MEETING: Weslaco East 49, Victoria East 36 (11/18/11)
San Antonio Brackenridge (4-1) vs. San Antonio Southwest (4-6), 7 p.m. Thursday at San Antonio's Alamo Stadium
SAN ANTONIO SOUTHWEST LEADS RECENT SERIES 3-0
LAST MEETING: SA Southwest 17, SA Brackenridge 14 (11/15/19)
Class 5A Division II
Region I
ANALYSIS: Wichita Falls Rider gets the better luck of the draw in this bracket. With losses only to 10-0 Lubbock Coronado and district foe Lubbock-Cooper, Rider should take care of business and advance to the regional final. In the bottom half, El Paso Irvin and El Paso Andress both went undefeated playing limited schedules. If they advance to the area round, Lubbock-Cooper and Grapevine likely will be waiting. Grapevine and Lubbock-Cooper is a great potential matchup in the regional semifinal. Not entirely confident in this pick, but let's say Lubbock-Cooper edges the Mustangs, setting up a rematch with Wichita Falls Rider in the quarterfinal. Lubbock-Cooper took a 25-24 win the first time, and Rider will be out for revenge. PICK TO EMERGE: WICHITA FALLS RIDER
El Paso Parkland (6-1) vs. El Paso Austin (4-2), 7 p.m. Friday at El Paso's Matador Stadium
EL PASO PARKLAND LEADS RECENT SERIES 6-2
LAST MEETING: EP Parkland 24, EP Austin 21 (9/6/19)
LAST AUSTIN WIN: 2007
Fort Worth Southwest (7-3) vs. Canyon Randall (4-5), 6 p.m. Friday at Fort Worth's Clark Stadium
CANYON RANDALL LEADS RECENT SERIES 1-0
LAST MEETING: Canyon Randall 38, FW Southwest 7 (11/16/18)
El Paso Burges (2-2) vs. El Paso Ysleta (3-3), 7 p.m. Friday at El Paso's Mustang Stadium
EL PASO BURGES LEADS RECENT SERIES 7-3
LAST MEETING: EP Burges 45, EP Ysleta 13 (11/15/19)
LAST YSLETA WIN: 2016
5AD2 #9 Wichita Falls Rider (7-2) vs. Fort Worth North Side (7-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Wichita Falls' Memorial Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
5AD2 #6 Lubbock Cooper (8-1) vs. Fort Worth Polytechnic (4-6), 5 p.m. Friday at Woodrow's Pirate Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
El Paso Irvin (4-0) vs. Clint Horizon (3-3), 6 p.m. Friday at El Paso's Irvin Memorial Stadium
CLINT HORIZON LEADS RECENT SERIES 2-0
LAST MEETING: Clint Horizon 37, EP Irvin 34 (8/26/11)
Grapevine (7-3) vs. Abilene Wylie (4-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Grapevine's Mustang-Panther Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Canutillo (4-1) vs. El Paso Andress (5-0), 6 p.m. Friday at El Paso's Sepkowitz Stadium
CANUTILLO LEADS RECENT SERIES 7-2
LAST MEETING: Canutillo 27, EP Andress 9 (11/14/19)
LAST ANDRESS WIN: 2010
Region II
ANALYSIS: This regional is kinda like the junior version of Region Two in 5AD1 - it's loaded with state-ranked championship contenders. Start with Ennis and Aledo, which have been ranked as the top two teams in the state all season. Then you sprinkle in Frisco, Mansfield Timberview, South Oak Cliff and unbeaten Lucas Lovejoy. A lot of us would like to see an Ennis-Aledo matchup in the quarterfinal, but a lot has had to happen first. It's possible top-ranked Ennis may have to get through Timberview and Lovejoy in back-to-back weeks. Aledo's path is no picnic, either. If things go as expected, the Bearcats would see the Frisco-South Oak Cliff winner in round three. I believe we will get Ennis-Aledo, and if so, it will be a state championship-like showdown in the regional final. PICK TO EMERGE: ENNIS
5AD2 #2 Aledo (7-1) vs. Dallas Hillcrest (6-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Aledo's Bearcat Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
North Forney (8-1) vs. Denison (7-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Forney's City Bank Stadium
FIRST MEETING
South Oak Cliff (8-2) vs. Arlington Seguin (4-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Dallas' Kincaide Stadium
SOUTH OAK CLIFF LEADS RECENT SERIES 1-0
LAST MEETING: South Oak Cliff 32, Arlington Seguin 13 (9/1/12)
5AD2 #10 Frisco (6-1) vs. Royse City (5-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Frisco's Ford Center
FRISCO LEADS RECENT SERIES 2-0
LAST MEETING: Frisco 48, Royse City 10 (9/2/11)
5AD2 #8 Lucas Lovejoy (10-0) vs. Greenville (4-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Lucas' Leopard Stadium
LUCAS LOVEJOY LEADS RECENT SERIES 2-0
LAST MEETING: Lucas Lovejoy 48, Greenville 7 (10/4/13)
Mesquite Poteet (7-3) vs. Everman (5-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Mesquite's Memorial Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
5AD2 #1 Ennis (8-0) vs. Frisco Liberty (6-4), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Ennis' Lion Memorial Stadium
FIRST MEETING
Mansfield Timberview (8-1) vs. Dallas Kimball (7-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Mansfield's Newsom Stadium
FIRST MEETING
Region III
ANALYSIS: Conventional wisdom says one of the three unbeatens in this regional - Texarkana Texas High, Huntsville or Fort Bend Marshall - will eventually push through to the state semifinals. I'd say the chances of that happening are good, although there are several schools capable of jumping up and biting the favorites. Texas High was rarely challenged in rolling through its schedule. Huntsville defeated three 6A opponents and has several quality wins this season. Fort Bend Marshall has recorded seven shutouts this season and has outscored its opposition 508-20. In other words, they've allowed just over two points per game this season. Texas High and Huntsville will take care of business and match up in the regional semifinal, with Huntsville advancing to face Fort Bend Marshall in the quarterfinal. PICK TO EMERGE: FORT BEND MARSHALL
5AD2 #5 Texarkana Texas High (10-0) vs. Montgomery Lake Creek (6-4), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Texarkana's Tiger Stadium
FIRST MEETING
Crosby (7-3) vs. Fort Bend Willowridge (7-2), 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Crosby's Cougar Stadium
CROSBY LEADS RECENT SERIES 1-0
LAST MEETING: Crosby 70, Fort Bend Willowridge 42 (11/15/19)
5AD2 #4 Huntsville (9-0) vs. Nacogdoches (5-5), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Madisonville's Mustang Stadium
NACOGDOCHES LEADS RECENT SERIES 2-1
LAST MEETING: Huntsville 57, Nacogdoches 7 (11/16/18)
LAST NACOGDOCHES WIN: 2005
Galena Park (8-2) vs. Barbers Hill (5-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Galena Park's Galena Park ISD Stadium
BARBERS HILL LEADS RECENT SERIES 8-0
LAST MEETING: Barbers Hill 56, Galena Park 7 (10/30/15)
5AD2 #3 Fort Bend Marshall (9-0) vs. Port Neches-Groves (5-5), 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Missouri City's Hall Stadium
FORT BEND MARSHALL LEADS RECENT SERIES 2-0
LAST MEETING: Fort Bend Marshall 48, Port Neches-Groves 14 (11/15/19)
Montgomery (7-3) vs. Whitehouse (8-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Montgomery's Montgomery ISD Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Nederland (7-3) vs. Houston Sterling (5-3), 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Nederland's Bulldog Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Longview Pine Tree (8-1) vs. College Station A&M Consolidated (7-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Longview's Pirate Stadium
A&M CONSOLIDATED LEADS RECENT SERIES 1-0
LAST MEETING: A&M Consolidated 42, Longview Pine Tree 14 (11/15/19)
Region IV
ANALYSIS: Undefeated Liberty Hill was already one of the favorites in this region. Now, after last week's death of head coach Jeff Walker, the Panthers are playing with a higher purpose. Never discount the power of human emotion in athletic competition. The young men on the Liberty Hill squad will look to finish the quest they started with their fallen leader. In the top half of this bracket, both Leander Rouse and Boerne Champion could challenge Liberty Hill. Edcouch-Elsa is a dark horse contender from the Valley. In the bottom half, it will be interesting to see what unbeaten Sharyland Pioneer brings to the table. Alamo Heights and Brenham are solid choices to meet in the regional semifinal. We'll go with Brenham and Liberty Hill in the quarterfinal. PICK TO EMERGE: LIBERTY HILL
Leander Rouse (8-1) vs. Austin Northeast (3-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Leander's Bible Stadium
FIRST MEETING
Mercedes (5-1) vs. Floresville (3-6), 7 p.m. Friday at Mercedes' Tiger Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
5AD2 #7 Liberty Hill (8-0) vs. Leander Glenn (4-5), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Liberty Hill's Panther Stadium
LIBERTY HILL LEADS RECENT SERIES 2-0
LAST MEETING: Liberty Hill 41, Leander Glenn 13 (8/30/19)
Boerne Champion (7-2) vs. Edcouch-Elsa (5-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Boerne's Boerne ISD Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Alamo Heights (6-2) vs. PSJA Southwest (3-3), 6 p.m. Friday at New Braunfels' Unicorn Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Austin McCallum (5-2) vs. Georgetown East View (5-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Austin's House Park Stadium
FIRST MEETING
Sharyland Pioneer (5-0) vs. Medina Valley (4-5), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Mission's Thompson Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Brenham (6-3) vs. Marble Falls (6-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Brenham's Cub Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
STATE SEMIFINALS
4A DIVISION I
Region I
Canyon 17, Springtown 14
Region II
Argyle 41, Paris 13
Region III
Lindale 56, Kilgore 42
Region IV
Austin LBJ 59, Corpus Christi Miller 54
Canyon (12-1) vs Argyle (14-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Anthony Field in Abilene
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Lindale (12-2) vs Austin LBJ (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Humble's Turner Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
4A DIVISION II
Region I
Graham 23, Celina 21
Region II
Gilmer 38, Caddo mills 14
Region III
Carthage 52, China Spring 14
Region IV
Wimberley 35, Geronimo Navarro 14
Graham (11-1) vs Gilmer (13-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Prosper's Children's Health Stadium
GILMER LEADS RECENT SERIES 1-0
LAST MEETING: Gilmer 50, Graham 7 (12/14/12)
Carthage (12-0) vs Wimberley (11-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Porter's Randall Reed Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
3A DIVISION I
Region I
Tuscola Jim Ned 45, Pilot Point 28
Region II
Mount Vernon 37, Malakoff 34
Region III
Hallettsville 23, Columbus 21
Region IV
Llano 31, Lago Vista 25
Tuscola Jim Ned (12-1) vs Mount Vernon (12-2), 3:15 p.m. Friday at Arlington's Globe Life Park
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Hallettsville (12-2) vs Llano (13-0), 7 p.m. Thursday at Georgetown's Georgetown ISD Athletic Complex
FIRST RECENT MEETING
3A DIVISION II
Region I
Canadian 45, Childress 14
Region II
Gunter 61, Eastland 28
Region III
Waskom 44, Elysian Fields 41
Region IV
Franklin 56, Buffalo 33
Canadian (13-1) vs Gunter (13-1), 4 p.m. Friday at Abilene's Anthony Field
MEETING IN STATE SEMIFINALS FOR FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
GUNTER LEADS RECENT SERIES 3-1
LAST MEETING: Gunter 27, Canadian 20 (12/13/19)
LAST CANADIAN WIN: 2018
Waskom (12-1) vs Franklin (11-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Tyler's TMF Rose Stadium
WASKOM LEADS RECENT SERIES 1-0
LAST MEETING: Waskom 33, Franklin 21 (12/17/15)
2A DIVISION I
Region I
Post 33, Cisco 0
Region II
Crawford 48, Bosqueville 0
Region III
Timpson 55, Beckville 14
Region IV
Shiner 24, Refugio 13
Post (14-0) vs Crawford (13-1), 7 p.m. Thursday at Brownwood's Gordon Wood Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
Timpson (14-0) vs Shiner (12-0), 7 p.m. Thursday at Porter's Randall Reed Stadium
FIRST RECENT MEETING
2A DIVISION II
Region I
Wellington 46, McCamey 26
Region II
Windthorst 30, Muenster 20
Region III
Mart 54, Tenaha 23
Region IV
Falls City 27, Christoval 18
Wellington (13-0) vs Windthorst (13-1), 7 p.m. Thursday at Vernon's Lion Stadium
WELLINGTON LEADS RECENT SERIES 2-0
LAST MEETING: Wellington 44, Windthorst 14 (11/29/19)
Mart (13-0) vs Falls City (11-2), 7 p.m. Thursday at Pflugerville's The Pfield
MART LEADS RECENT SERIES 2-0
LAST MEETING: Mart 28, Falls City 8 (12/13/19)
STATE FINALS
1A (SIX-MAN) DIVISION I
Sterling City vs. May, 2 p.m. December 16 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington
1A (SIX-MAN) DIVISION II
Balmorhea vs. Richland Springs, 11 a.m. December 16 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington
