Wichita Falls Rider (10-2) vs Lubbock Cooper (11-1),

4 p.m. on Jan. 1 at Amarillo's Bivins Stadium

For the sixth time in the past three years, Wichita Falls Rider and Lubbock Cooper meet up, and for the third season in a row, a regional title is on the line.

Lubbock Cooper has won four of the five meetings between these two, including a win in the regular season in which the Pirates rallied from a 24-7 deficit to stun Rider, 25-24.

Lubbock Cooper got pushed last week by Grapevine, but the Pirates outstanding defense stood tall in a hard-fought 22-19 win. With Grapevine driving late, back to back sacks recorded by the Pirates defense ended hopes of a late Grapevine rally.

QB Cooper LaFebre ran for a score and threw for another touchdown; his touchdown run with 6:20 remaining proved to be the winning margin of victory.

Wichita Falls Rider got a tougher than anticipated test last week from district rival Canyon Randall at home, but the Raiders did just enough for a 28-7 victory.

With Virginia QB commit Jacob Rodriguez limited throwing the ball much of the day due to major wind (he did run for two scores), it was Nick Darcus and the Rider special teams that played key roles. Darcus had an 87-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, a 63-yard punt return to set up another touchdown and he finished the scoring off with a 38-yard touchdown run.

These two know each other very well so there will be no secrets in this one. Cooper’s strength is definitely on the defensive side of the ball, while Rider’s offense generates the headlines. This comes down to Rider’s defense or Cooper’s offense; which unit makes key plays down the stretch?

The edge this time is with Rider, whose defense has been playing outstanding in the playoffs. They’ll hold Cooper in check enough to give their offense time to get things in gear.

Stepp’s Pick: Wichita Falls Rider by 6