Columbus (7-0, 1-0) at Hitchcock (6-1, 2-0):

This might be the biggest game of the year thus far in 3A-Division I as No. 1 Columbus visits Galveston County to take on No. 5 Hitchcock with the 12-3A Division I title likely on the line. Both teams have incredible offensive attacks and are led by elite QB play and skill talent.

Hitchcock’s defense has been more consistent this year, but Columbus has played a tougher schedule top to bottom.

Columbus’ big edge in this game is along the offensive line where that group has developed into one of the best units in the state. Columbus is led by TCU QB commit Adam Schobel and RB Grayson Rigdon, who has emerged as one of the best players in 3A after dominating six-man football the past three seasons. WR Braylon Fisher leads a strong group of pass catchers as well.

Last week the Cardinals rolled to a 56-38 win over Yoakum in one of the state’s most deceiving score-lines as Columbus led this game 56-14 late into the third quarter before Yoakum got plenty of window dressing done. Schobel threw five touchdown passes and added a touchdown run in the win, while Rigdon ran for two scores.

Hitchcock is led by Texas Tech QB commit Lloyd Jones, III and Texas A&M WR commit Kelshaun Johnson. What’s helped the Bulldogs take the next step in 2024 has been improved play on defense and a big part of that has been Nebraska DL commit Malcolm Simpson. However, no one has been able to slow this Columbus attack this year. 

This will be a shootout, but Columbus has a bit more firepower and will escape Hitchcock with a shootout win.

Stepp’s Pick: Columbus by 8