Anna (11-0) vs. Stephenville (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Midlothian’s Midlothian ISD Stadium: This showdown feels more like a regional final type game than an area round playoff, but sometimes the bracket works out this way. Anna and their dynamic offense rolled on last week blasting past Frisco Panther Creek 62-24. QB Ethan Bullock led the charge for the Coyotes throwing for 373 yards and six touchdowns, while Jambres Dubar ran for 132 yards and three touchdowns in the win. QB Ryder Lambert passed for 218 yards and six touchdowns to lead Stephenville in a 56-20 win over Fort Worth Dunbar last week. The ‘Jackets rolled up a 42-0 halftime lead and then emptied the bench in the second half. If you like offense, this game is going to be right up your alley, both teams can score points in bunches, on paper Anna has the better defense, but this is going to be the first really big playoff game these players have played in, Stephenville has the tradition and big-game experience. Stepp’s Pick: Stephenville by 7

Corpus Christi Calallen (11-0) vs. San Antonio Davenport (10-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Victoria’s Memorial Stadium: Talk about opposites meeting up, tradition rich Corpus Christi Calallen takes on first-year varsity program San Antonio Davenport. Calallen opened the playoffs with an easy 30-6 win over Beeville Jones last week, as RB Luke Medina ran for 98 yards and two touchdowns while the Calallen defense didn’t allow a score until 1:04 left in the game. Davenport won their first playoff game in school history last week taking down Fredericksburg 36-6. RB Shastin Golden is the headliner for the Wolves but Davenport’s defense is beginning to round into form and that unit will keep them in this game. However, the experience in big games is on Calallen’s side and Davenport learns some valuable lessons this week as they look to continue to build their program. Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Calallen by 10

Waco Connally (9-2) vs. Hamshire-Fannett (8-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Willis’ Yates Stadium: This one is one of the most intriguing games on the slate in Class 4A as uber-talented Waco Connally takes on an underrated Hamshire-Fannett squad. Connally rolled last week in a 45-18 win over Giddings as RB Kiefer Sibley ran for four touchdowns to lead the Cadets in the lopsided victory. Hamshire-Fannett was expected to get a push last week from 9-1 Brookshire Royal, but the Longhorns made quick work of the Eagles in a 40-10 win. QB Donte Zeno was the difference for the Longhorns in the win as he ran for a pair of touchdowns and added a touchdown pass for Hamshire-Fannett. Connally’s loaded with playmakers with Sibley, QB Jelani McDonald a former Oklahoma State commit and potential five-star ATH Kobe Black. The question with Connally will be can the supporting cast do their part, if they can, this is a team to watch in Region III. Stepp’s Pick: Waco Connally by 7

Malakoff (10-1) vs. Winnsboro (10-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Tyler’s Rose Stadium: Things get rolling in a big way in a loaded 3A-Division I as two state ranked teams do battle in Tyler for the right to simply get out of the area round of the playoffs. Malakoff had no trouble in their playoff opener as the Tigers drilled Dallas Madison 62-0. Malakoff got three touchdown passes from Mike Jones and Jason Tennyson ran for three touchdowns as the Tigers raced out to a 34-0 lead after one quarter. Winnsboro has gone from a run based team to a much more wide open offense with the talent of QB Kyler Finney pacing the Red Raiders attack, WHS got pushed last week, but they were able to knock off Atlanta 28-14 in a hard-fought game. This one strikes me as a total toss-up two teams evenly matched, Malakoff’s got some playoff experience and savvy on their side and that proves to be key in what will be a close one. Stepp’s Pick: Malakoff by 3

Edna (10-1) vs. Universal City Randolph (9-2), 7 p.m. Thursday at Smithville’s Tiger Stadium: Edna will look to establish themselves as the team to beat in Region IV, but they’ll get a test this week against a tough Universal City Randolph squad. The Cowboys rolled past Lyford last week 52-0 and again the EHS defense was the story as in the last seven weeks Edna has allowed a TOTAL of 18 points. They’ve flat out dominated late in the season. Randolph got just their second playoff win since 2007 last week as the Ro-Hawks put together a solid performance in a 28-9 win over Hondo. Edna’s got the stout defense and the gamebreaker in QB Jaiden Clay and the Cowboys pull away in the second half. Stepp’s Pick: Edna by 10

Canadian (9-2) vs. Early (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Vernon's Lion Stadium: Canadian, the favorite in Region I in 3A-Division II looked the part on Thursday as they opened the playoffs in style blasting Lubbock Roosevelt 70-8. Canadian raced out to a 49-0 lead at halftime on the strength of four one-play touchdown drives. QB Camren Cavalier threw for 163 yards and two touchdowns and added 176 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Early was equally dominating last week as the Longhorns made quick work of Odessa Compass in a 62-0 win in which all of Early’s points came in the first half. Griffin Cheslock for for 140 yards and a touchdown, while QB Jackson Price threw for 141 yards and four touchdowns, all in the first half as Early played backups and JV players in the second half. Both teams are battle tested from good districts, but Canadian’s a little more balanced and they’ve got just a bit more talent across the board. Stepp’s Pick: Canadian by 13

Comanche (10-1) vs. Bells (9-2), 7 p.m. Thursday at Sprigtown’s Porcupine Stadium: This is a sneaky good matchup in the area round of the playoffs as Comanche, a 10-1 district champion takes on state ranked Bells, who has shown they can play with anyone in the state. Comanche’s offense again had a monster night last week in their lopsided 69-27 win over Henrietta. QB Layden Welch threw for 249 yards and five touchdowns and he added 65 yards on the ground and two touchdowns, while tough running Sawyer Wilkerson rushed for 295 yards and two touchdowns. Bells handled Blooming Grove 42-13 a week ago as the Panthers three-headed rushing monster of Grady Waldrip, Spencer Hinds and Brock Baker again had a huge night. Hinds ran for 111 yards and three touchdowns, Waldrip had 109 yards on the ground, while Baker totaled 13 carries for 64 yards and three scores as the Slot-T Panthers only attempted one pass on the night. This will be an absolute shootout, both offenses are dynamic, but the Bells defense is the key down the stretch in this one. Stepp’s Pick: Bells by 8

Stratford (11-0) vs. Cisco (9-2), 6 p.m. Friday at Woodrow’s Pirate Stadium: Unbeaten Stratford puts their 23-game winning streak on the line this week as they take on a really good Cisco squad that many believe is good enough to challenge for a state title. The Elks opened up the playoffs last Thursday with a dominant performance as they ripped past Sundown 49-8. Julio Lopez returned a kickoff and punt for a touchdown, while QB Brice Braden added 249 yards of total offense and three touchdowns. Cisco bounced back from their heartbreaking Week 11 loss to Hawley with a 55-0 rout of Reagan County. The Loboes defense allowed just 89 yards, while Hunter Long and Trent Huston combined for 263 yards rushing and four touchdowns. This is a pretty even matchup on paper, Stratford’s size up front and QB Braden is the difference maker in this one and the Elks show they are indeed a contender in Division I. Stepp’s Pick: Stratford by 4

Crawford (11-0) vs. Coleman (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Weatherford’s Kangaroo Stadium: Unbeaten Crawford is certainly the favorite in Region II, but they’ll get a big test this week against a veteran Coleman squad that is plenty dangerous. The Pirates rolled in their playoff opener last week making quick work of Kerens in a 66-7 win, RB Breck Chambers ran for 166 yards and three touchdowns and he caught a touchdown pass as well, all in the first half as he sat out the entire second half. Coleman rolled past Alvord 46-0 last week as the Bluecats defense forced five turnovers and allowed just 141 yards of offense. QB Jadin Jackson is a dynamic playmaker for CHS, but Coleman has made some offensive adjustments late in the year to be less reliant on Jackson and it has made them a better team. The question is has Coleman improved enough to handle a Crawford team that’s physical and brutally efficient? Stepp’s Pick: Crawford by 9

Cooper (11-0) vs. Corrigan-Camden (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Athens’ Bruce Field: Unbeaten Cooper has been a juggernaut in the regular season the last two years, but after an early exit in the playoffs a year ago there are questions about this team and their ability to compete for a regional title. Corrigan-Camden is a formidable foe as they’ve put together a ten-win season. Last week Cooper had their way with Hawkins in a 55-6 win, while Corrigan-Camden took down Garrison 28-7. Corrigan’s speed at the skill spots and their ability to stop the run are key in this showdown. Stepp’s Pick: Corrigan-Camden by 8

 

Quick Picks

Big Spring (6-5) vs. Wichita Falls (7-4), 8 p.m. Friday at Clyde’s Bulldog Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Wichita Falls by 13

Brownwood (9-2) vs. Canyon (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Midland’s Astound Broadband Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Brownwood by 11

Canyon Randall (8-3) vs. Lubbock Estacado (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Canyon’s Happy State Bank Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Canyon Randall by 10

Decatur (8-3) vs. Andrews (7-4), 4 p.m. Friday at Clyde’s Bulldog Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Decatur by 16

China Spring (10-1) vs. Kaufman (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Corsicana’s Tiger Stadium Stepp’s Pick: China Spring by 22

Lake Worth (9-2) vs. Dallas Carter (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Denton’s Apogee Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Lake Worth by 3

Celina (10-1) vs. Kennedale (8-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Bedford’s Pennington Field Stepp’s Pick: Celina by 10

Tyler Chapel Hill (9-2) vs. Bay City (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Humble’s Turner Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Tyler Chapel Hill by 17

Lumberton (10-1) vs. Stafford (7-4), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Beaumont’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Lumberton by 18

Brazosport (6-5) vs. Lindale (7-4), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Georgetown’s Georgetown ISD Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Lindale by 11

El Campo (9-2) vs. Kilgore (8-3), 1 p.m. Friday at Porter’s Randall Reed Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Kilgore by 5

Canyon Lake (7-3) vs. Port Lavaca Calhoun (4-7), 7 p.m. Thursday at Floresville’s Eschenburg Field Stepp’s Pick: Canyon Lake by 14

Boerne (11-0) vs. Pleasanton (6-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Alamo Heights’ Orem Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Boerne by 24

La Vernia (9-2) vs. Somerset (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Heroes Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Somerset by 6

Monahans (8-3) vs. Ferris (5-6), 7 p.m. Friday at Roscoe’s Plowboy Field Stepp’s Pick: Monahans by 3

Seminole (10-1) vs. Godley (6-5), 7 p.m. Thursday at Abilene’s Moore Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Seminole by 10

Wichita Falls Hirschi (8-2) vs. Canyon West Plains (7-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Childress’ Fair Park Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Wichita Falls Hirschi by 14

Glen Rose (10-1) vs. Fort Stockton (10-1), 7 p.m. Thursday at San Angelo’s San Angelo Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Glen Rose by 21

Aubrey (9-2) vs. Center (8-3), 6 p.m. Saturday at Tyler’s Rose Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Aubrey by 8

Caddo Mills (8-3) vs. Texarkana Pleasant Grove (9-2), 7 p.m. Saturday at Frisco’s Ford Center Stepp’s Pick: Texarkana Pleasant Grove by 18

Gilmer (10-0) vs. Gainesville (5-6), 7 p.m. Friday at Mesquite’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Gilmer by 28

Carthage (11-0) vs. Van Alstyne (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Texarkana’s Tiger Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Carthage by 35

Silsbee (11-0) vs. Smithville (5-6), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Waller’s Waller ISD Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Silsbee by 21

Bellville (11-0) vs. Madisonville (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Navasota’s Rattler Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Bellville by 15

Cuero (10-1) vs. Sealy (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Cuero’s Gobbler Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Cuero by 17

Wimberley (11-0) vs. Orange Grove (7-4), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Von Ormy’s Southwest Legacy Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Wimberley by 38

Jarrell (5-6) vs. Port Isabel (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Odem’s Owl Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Port Isabel by 2

Sinton (8-3) vs. Lago Vista (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Seguin’s Matador Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Sinton by 3

Bishop (6-5) vs. Geronimo Navarro (7-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Jourdanton’s Indian Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Geronimo Navarro by 41

Dalhart (5-5) vs. Whitesboro (9-1), 6 p.m. Friday at Childress’ Fair Park Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Whitesboro by 27

Shallowater (10-1) vs. Paradise (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Colorado City’s Wolf Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Shallowater by 2

Tuscola Jim Ned (8-3) vs. Bushland (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Lubbock’s Lowery Field Stepp’s Pick: Bushland by 15

Brock (7-4) vs. Muleshoe (8-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Sweetwater’s Mustang Bowl Stepp’s Pick: Brock by 19

Pottsboro (10-1) vs. Whitney (8-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Mesquite’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Pottsboro by 20

Mineola (6-5) vs. Grandview (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Mesquite’s Hanby Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Grandview by 17

West (10-1) vs. Mount Vernon (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Forney’s City Bank Stadium Stepp’s Pick: West by 3

Diboll (8-3) vs. Columbus (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Huffman’s Falcon Field Stepp’s Pick: Columbus by 22

Orangefield (9-2) vs. Cameron Yoe (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Iowa Colony’s Freedom Field Stepp’s Pick: Cameron Yoe by 6

Franklin (11-0) vs. Anahuac (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Waller’s Waller ISD Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Franklin by 28

Hitchcock (10-1) vs. Woodville (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Anahuac’s White Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Hitchcock by 14

Llano (11-0) vs. Goliad (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Warrior Coliseum Stepp’s Pick: Llano by 13

Jourdanton (10-1) vs. Vanderbilt Industrial (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Corpus Christi’s Hornet Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Jourdanton by 3

London (5-5) vs. Blanco (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Comalander Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Blanco by 7

Crane (8-3) vs. Idalou (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Denver City’s Mustang Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Idalou by 21

Wall (10-1) vs. Childress (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Breckenridge’s Buckaroo Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Wall by 10

Spearman (4-7) vs. Alpine (5-6), 6 p.m. Friday at Post’s Redman Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Spearman by 10

Holliday (11-0) vs. Scurry-Rosser (8-2), 7 p.m. Thursday at Weatherford’s Kangaroo Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Holliday by 20

Palmer (10-0) vs. Callisburg (7-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at North Richland Hills’ Birdville Fine Arts/Athletics Complex Stepp’s Pick: Palmer by 7

Gunter (10-0) vs. Jacksboro (8-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Grapevine’s Mustang-Panther Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Gunter by 27

West Rusk (9-2) vs. Waskom (6-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Tatum’s Eagle Stadium Stepp’s Pick: West Rusk by 10

Hooks (9-2) vs. Gilmer Harmony (6-5), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Mount Pleasant’s Parker Field Stepp’s Pick: Hooks by 12

Daingerfield (9-2) vs. De Kalb (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Sulphur Springs’ Prim Stadium Stepp’s Pick: DeKalb by 1

Newton (10-1) vs. New Boston (6-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Henderson’s Lion Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Newton by 21

Wallis Brazos (8-3) vs. Hebbronville (6-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Portland’s Akins Wildcat Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Wallis Brazos by 19

Tidehaven (9-2) vs. Nixon-Smiley (7-4), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Altair’s Rice Raider Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Tidehaven by 16

Poth (10-1) vs. Boling (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Yoakum’s Bulldog Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Poth by 6

Taft (9-2) vs. Rogers (8-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Schertz’s Lehnhoff Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Rogers by 20

New Deal (8-3) vs. Forsan (9-2), 7 p.m. Thursday at Denver City’s Mustang Stadium Stepp’s Pick: New Deal by 9

Sonora (9-2) vs. Farwell (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Big Spring’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Farwell by 7

Hawley (11-0) vs. Panhandle (9-2), 3 p.m. Friday at Lubbock’s Lowery Field Stepp’s Pick: Hawley by 13

Tolar (11-0) vs. Marlin (7-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Fort Worth’s Crowley ISD Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Tolar by 8

Hamilton (6-5) vs. Axtell (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Hewitt’s Panther Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Axtell by 10

Riesel (6-5) vs. Bangs (7-4), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Burleson’s Burleson Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Riesel by 9

Beckville (10-1) vs. Joaquin (8-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Nacogdoches’ Bryce Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Beckville by 3

Timpson (11-0) vs. Frankston (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Rusk’s Eagle Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Timpson by 28

Centerville (9-2) vs. Honey Grove (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Van’s Vandal Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Centerville by 27

Flatonia (10-1) vs. Three Rivers (9-2), 7 p.m. Thursday at Marion’s Veterans Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Flatonia by 14

Mason (9-2) vs. Shiner (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Hutto’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Shiner by 17

Refugio (10-1) vs. Holland (6-5), 7 p.m. Thursday at San Antonio’s Heroes Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Refugio by 31

Ganado (8-3) vs. Thorndale (9-2), 7 p.m. Thursday at Bastrop’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Ganado by 10

Vega (7-4) vs. Seagraves (6-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Plainview’s Sherwood Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Vega by 17

Wellington (10-1) vs. Sudan (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Amarillo’s Bivins Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Wellington by 27

Ralls (9-2) vs. Clarendon (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Tulia’s Younger Field Stepp’s Pick: Clarendon by 13

New Home (10-1) vs. Sunray (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Hereford’s Whiteface Stadium Stepp’s Pick: New Home by 6

Wink (11-0) vs. Santo (10-1), 7 p.m. Thursday at Colorado City’s Wolf Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Wink by 7

Albany (9-2) vs. Muenster (6-5), 7 p.m. Thursday at Graham’s Newton Field Stepp’s Pick: Albany by 10

Windthorst (7-4) vs. Sterling City (7-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Clyde’s Bulldog Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Windthorst by 20

Collinsville (10-1) vs. McCamey (9-2), 6 p.m. Friday at Brownwood’s Gordon Wood Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Collinsville by 14

Simms Bowie (8-2) vs. Deweyville (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Center’s Roughrider Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Simms Bowie by 8

Mart (11-0) vs. Cushing (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Madisonville’s Mustang Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Mart by 44

Price Carlisle (10-1) vs. Wortham (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Palestine’s Wildcat Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Price Carlisle by 16

Lovelady (10-0) vs. Maud (9-2), 7:00 p.m. Friday at Arp’s Herrington Tiger Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Lovelady by 22

Chilton (11-0) vs. Brackettville (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Fredericksburg’s Battlin’ Billie Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Chilton by 30

Burton (10-0) vs. Rocksprings (6-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Johnson City’s Eagle Field Stepp’s Pick: Burton by 29

Sabinal (11-0) vs. Falls City (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Jourdanton’s Indian Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Falls City by 14

Granger (9-2) vs. D’Hanis (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Floresville’s Eschenburg Field Stepp’s Pick: Granger by 21