Nederland (6-1, 4-0) at Port Neches-Groves (7-0, 4-0):

One of the state’s best rivalries gets renewed in the Golden Triangle with first place in 8-5A Division II on the line, so get your tickets now as there’s no doubt there will be a capacity crowd on hand.

Nederland has been a pleasant surprise under first year head coach Scott Rich. A big reason for the Bulldogs success has been their offense, which is averaging 48 points per game during district play. In last week’s 43-35 win over Montgomery Lake Creek, RB Hubert Thomas, III was sensational by ripping off four touchdowns on the ground and topping the 200 mark; his 90-yard touchdown run combined with an interception return for a touchdown proved to be key blows for Nederland who avenged a playoff loss to Lake Creek a year ago.

Top ranked PNG upped its winning streak to 22 games last week with a 37-0 shutout win over New Caney West Fork. It was the second straight lopsided result for the Indians after they had a pair of one score wins to open district play.

Texas OL commit Jackson Christian leads one of the best offensive line groups in the country and the Indians offense features balance with junior QB Connor Bailey, WR London Nunley and RB’s Tyson Henry and Blair Chatagnier. The defense for the Indians, which has been so good the last couple of years, has seen their share of struggles, but it appears they are rounding into form with consecutive strong performances.

This will be the final exam for that unit. If PNG wins this one, the district title can be clinched next week. At home in this atmosphere you’ve got to lean to the championship pedigree of Jeff Joseph’s squad.  

Stepp’s Pick: Port Neches-Groves by 11