No tricks here.

But there are plenty of treats for the football fan on Thursday night in advance of a busy Friday in high school football across the state of Texas.

College

West Virginia at No. 11 Baylor

Don’t look now, but the battle for the top spot among Texas’ FBS teams is between unbeatens SMU and Baylor. Matt Rhule’s Baylor team is 7-0 in 2019 and, dating back to last season, owns a 9-game winning streak and looks to remain perfect against an up-and-down West Virginia team that has had a week to lick its wounds following a 52-14 loss to Oklahoma. The Bears boast a balanced offense under the direction of quarterback Charlie Brewer (1,866 yards, 12 TDs, 3 INTs), running backs John Lovett and JaMycal Hasty (808 yards, 8 TDs combined) and receivers Denzel Mims and Tyquan Thornton (1,026 yards, 8 TDs combined). Baylor hasn’t won on Halloween since 1953.  

High School

Round Rock vs Hendrickson, KBVO, 7pm

A key District 13-6A game sees Round Rock looking to solidify its spot in the playoffs against a hard-luck Hendrickson team that’s lost three in a row by a combined 16 points to the three teams. The Hawks dropped a 24-21 decision to Stony Point, lost 31-21 to Cedar Ridge and came up just short against Vista Ridge, 35-32. Those three teams currently hold playoff spots. Can Chip Killian’s Hendrickson team play spoiler against a Dragons’ team that can climb into a tie for second place with surprising Vista Ridge, who they meet next week in the regular season finale. Round Rock’s passing combination of Seth Ford and Colin Sullivan look to put on a show.

Frisco vs Frisco Memorial

Two weeks ago, Frisco High put its unblemished record on the line against Denison and dropped a defensive struggle 10-7. The Raccoons look to bounce back, and a meeting with Frisco Memorial might be just want Jeff Harbert’s team needs. Memorial has struggled this season, winning just once in nine  games. A Frisco win will lock up a playoff spot for the high-scoring Raccoons. Frisco running back Bryson Clemons and receiver Chase Lowery have combined for 20 touchdowns.

4A D1 No. 9 Springtown vs Wichita Falls Hirschi

Following a loss to No. 4 Decatur, Springtown bounced back with a win over Gainesville, handing the Leopards their first loss. The Porcupines can start to build some momentum as the playoffs approach with another solid performance at Wichita Falls Hirschi. The Huskies need at least one win in their final two games to stay in playoff contention in a balanced District 4-4A-I. Springtown quarterback Camden Chesney has thrown 20 touchdown passes.

Bridgeland vs Cy Lakes, TexanLive.com, 6:30pm

It’s a key District 14-6A meeting as Bridgeland (4-2 in district) and Cy Lakes (4-3 in district are in a battle for the district’s final playoff spot. Cy Lakes wraps up its regular season and needs a win to have a shot at post-season football. Bridgeland quarterback Conner Weigman, a sophomore, has emerged as a team leader with 20 TD passes. Cy Lakes brings a powerful offense into the game, averaging 500 yards, led by quarterback Sofian Massoud, who’s generated more than 3,000 yards of offense and 34 touchdowns.

Strake Jesuit vs George Ranch, TexanLive.com, 7pm

Another game with playoff implications in District 23-6A. The teams are tied for second place behind Pearland Dawson. If the current standings hold, the winner is in line to be the district’s top seed in the Division II bracket. Dylan Campbell leads Strake Jesuit’s run-based attack with 1,235 yards and 16 touchdowns. Hymond Drinkard leads George Ranch’s offense, but in district play, the Longhorns have relied on their defense, having allowed no more than 13 points in any of their wins.

Shadow Creek at Fort Bend Hightower

The Sharks, still unbeaten and ranked No. 2 in the 5A, D1 rankings, smell blood. That’s not new, though, because each week – save last week’s 24-17 win over Richmond Foster – has been a feeding frenzy. Fort Bend Hightower, no slouch at  5-3, 4-1 in District 10-5A-1, look to bounce back from last week’s loss to Friendswood. Kyron Drones continues to lead a balanced Sharks offense with 22 touchdown passes. Ronald Carroll and Ro’derrick Johnson will try to control the clock with their rushing attack for Hightower.

Austin McCallum at Austin Crockett

McCallum has made three straight playoff appearances, and after a slow start in District 12-5A-1, the Knights need to finish strong to make it four in a row. McCallum has won two of three after opening district play against two of the three top teams. Crockett has found the going rough as well, and at 1-4 in district play, the Cougars would like nothing more than to spoil McCallum’s hopes. Crockett’s Andrew Jones has been a load rushing the ball. McCallum’s Alvino Carbajal anchors a defense that has allowed just six points in the Knights’ three wins.

Spring Westfield at Aldine Nimitz

Westfield, ranked ninth in 6A, has made it through its toughest District 16-6A games and travels to face Nimitz, winless in district play. The Mustangs’ calling card has been defense. The team has posted four shutouts and has surrendered just 48 points in eight games. Jaden Perkins is a defensive stalwart with three interceptions. Nimitz averages just 13 points per game.

Los Fresnos at Brownsville Hanna

With two games remaining, the playoff picture in District 32-6A remains very much undecided. Harlingen and San Benito top the standings, and the other four teams are all 1-2 in district play. That includes Los Fresnos and Brownsville Hanna. Los Fresnos desperately wants to get back into the postseason after missing out for the first time since 2004 last year. Four of Hanna’s games have been decided by five points or fewer. Hanna’s Brandon Esteves is a defensive force with 18 tackles behind the line of scrimmage.