Stepp's 2A DII Region I Picks: District Projections and Playoff Outlook

After a surprise run to the state semifinals a year ago, Gruver enters 2025 with the target on their backs as they return an embarrassment of riches at the skill positions. The young offensive line will have to grow up as perennial Texas Panhandle bully Stratford would love nothing more than to ascend back to the throne. Don’t be surprised if the typically run-oriented Elks take to the air a bit more in 2025.

If you want to dream on a team to be a regional sleeper, Hale Center could be that bunch. HC Matt Puente’s bunch rolled to 10 wins, an area round playoff appearance and a district crown a year ago and they enter as the favorite with six starters back on both sides of the ball. The rest of the district may struggle to win a playoff game as there’s not a ton of depth.

This could be a swan song for fast-growing Ropesville Ropes as the Eagles are likely moving to 2A-Division I in the next realignment, and they could be primed for a regional title. Nineteen lettermen are back along with a dozen starters and this team has depth most at this level don’t have. Sundown returns an impressive 18 starters and they get the nod for second over Tahoka who won 10 games a year ago but returns just five starters.

After being upset by Ropes a year ago in the regional semifinals, Wink returns what may be their best team in school history as Brian Gibson welcomes back 16 starters and 20 lettermen. Wink’s been knocking on the door for several years and they could break it down in 2025. After winning 10 games a year ago, Iraan looks primed for the two spot with eight back on both sides of the ball. The intrigue in 4-2A Division II starts with the battle for third and fourth as McCamey, Sterling City and Eldorado can all make a very strong case.

DISTRICT PREDICTIONS

District 1-2A Division II

1. Gruver
2. Stratford
3. Farwell
4. Vega
5. Bovina

District 2-2A Division II

1. Hale Center
2. Sudan
3. Lockney
4. Morton
5. Ralls
6. Crosbyton

District 3-2A Division II

1. Ropesville Ropes
2. Sundown
3. Tahoka
4. Seagraves
5. Smyer
6. Plains

District 4-2A Division II

1. Wink
2. Iraan
3. McCamey
4. Sterling City
5. Eldorado
6. Van Horn

PROJECTED BI-DISTRICT MATCHUPS

W1 Gruver vs F2 Morton

R4 Iraan vs T3 Tahoka

W2 Hale Center vs F1 Vega

R3 Sundown vs T4 McCamey

W3 Ropesville Ropes vs F4 Sterling City

R2 Sudan vs T1 Farwell

W4 Wink vs F3 Seagraves

R1 Stratford vs T2 Lockney

REGIONAL CHAMPION

Wink over Gruver