Previews and predictions for the best Texas high school football area round playoff games of 2024

North Forney (8-3) vs Waxahachie (8-3), 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Allen’s Eagle Stadium: Up and coming North Forney has exceeded expectations under first-year head coach Marcus Shavers and the Falcons will look to punch a ticket to the third round of the playoffs for just the second time in school history. To do so, they’ll have to get past a battle tested Waxahachie squad whose three losses on the year are to Coppell, Duncanville and DeSoto, who have a combined record of 30-2. Last week, NFHS showed total balance in its offense for the first time this season as they rolled past Wylie, 63-21. QB Legend Bey had a big night throwing for 198 yards and four scores, while adding 147 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Waxahachie went on the road and rolled to an easy 44-7 win over Waco Midway a week ago as the Indians defense dominated the game to the tune of 173 total yards allowed. Sophomore QB Jerry Meyer III tossed three touchdown passes as the speedy Waxahachie offense spread the ball all over the field. The Indians are battle-tested, and their defense will be locked in on North Forney QB Legend Bey, forcing someone else to beat them. Stepp’s Pick: Waxahachie by 8

Austin Westlake (10-1) vs San Antonio Brennan (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Austin’s Burger Stadium: One of the best teams in the Austin area, (and maybe the best in the state) Westlake, tangles with one of the top teams from the Alamo City in Brennan in a fascinating referendum on the state of football in these two towns. Earlier in the year, Westlake dispatched of Cibolo Steele rather easily and can continue the Capital City’s trend of absolute dominance over the Alamo City. Last week, the Chaps rolled to a 46-17 victory over Cedar Park Vista Ridge as Baylor commit TE Brody Wilhelm led the way with 153 yards receiving and a pair of touchdowns. It wasn’t always easy for the Chaps, who only held a slim 18-10 halftime edge before pulling away in the second half. QB Rees Wise threw a pair of touchdown passes and added a touchdown on the ground in the victory. Brennan avenged its lone loss of the year last week by rolling past San Antonio Reagan, 28-7, to punch a ticket to the area playoffs. Brennan’s defense was absolutely dominant, holding Reagan to just TWO yards of offense for the game. The Bears allowed the game’s opening kickoff to be returned for a score, and that was it on the night. Reagan managed just a single first down on the night. QB Cayden Glass had nearly 200 yards of offense and ran for a score while throwing for another one. If Brennan wants to pull off the upset, they’ll need a similar defensive effort this week as Westlake’s offense is starting to round into form and looks quite dangerous as we head into December. The Chaps continue their absolute dominance over San Antonio in this one. Stepp’s Pick: Austin Westlake by 14

Wolfforth Frenship (10-1) vs Southlake Carroll (11-0), 6 p.m. Friday at Abilene’s Wildcat Stadium: After dropping their season opener in heartbreaking fashion to Byron Nelson, the Frenship Tigers have torn through West Texas with dominance that hasn’t been seen in several seasons. Last week, they continued their assault with a 77-21 rout of El Paso Montwood. FHS led 42-0 after one quarter, as QB Holden Phillips, the South Plains' leading passer, threw for four TDs and ran for another in limited action before relaxing on the sidelines by the second quarter. The Tigers' offense averages over 50 points per game, led by Texas Tech commit WR Leyton Stone and dynamic 2026 WR Chase Campbell. Carroll also had no trouble with an overmatched opponent as the Dragons ripped past Mansfield Legacy, 69-7. QB Angelo Renda continues to develop as a signal-caller and threw for 348 yards and four scores. Baylor commit RB Davis Penn added three rushing scores for the Dragons. These two teams have played in the area round two straight years, with Carroll winning 69-14 and 49-14. There’s no question Frenship is better in 2024 and the Tigers won’t be intimidated by the “mystique” of Carroll, but the question is if they can hold up in the trenches to make this one competitive. I think they hold up for a half, but Carroll leans on them late and pulls away. Stepp’s Pick: Southlake Carroll by 20

Cibolo Steele (10-1) vs PSJA (9-2), 7 p.m. Thursday at San Antonio’s Heroes Stadium: Cibolo Steele, the top team in the San Antonio area, will look to eliminate what some believe is the top 6A squad in the Rio Grande Valley in PSJA High. Steele opened the playoffs in style last week with a dominant 56-14 win over Laredo Alexander. QB Chad Warner, a UTEP commit, completed 10 of 11 passes for 258 yards and five touchdowns in the win. WR Royal Capell, an Oklahoma State commit, had 132 receiving yards and three scores to lead an explosive group of Steele pass-catchers. PSJA rolled to a 55-28 win over Harlingen last week, as WR Caleb Salas had 10 catches for 209 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while QB Myles Lopez tossed five touchdown passes for the Bears. PSJA has the passing game to test a young Steele secondary, but the Bears don’t have the playmakers to keep pace with an explosive Steele offense that also has the ability to get physical and run the football. Stepp’s Pick: Cibolo Steele by 22

West Mesquite (11-0) vs Midlothian (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Dallas’ Wildcat-Ram Stadium: Surprising West Mesquite will look to keep its dream season alive this week against a Midlothian team that’s quietly put together an outstanding season. West Mesquite’s lack of playoff experience was a concern, but the Wranglers looked poised and ready in last week’s 28-14 win over McKinney North. West’s defense was the key last week holding McKinney North in that game, as North managed just 223 yards of offense, while the Wranglers' offense was efficient and took care of the football. Midlothian got a big test last week from Lake Belton, but the Panthers survived for a 35-30 win. QB Beau Wendel threw for 119 yards and a score and added 111 yards on the ground with a score. Freshmen WR Brendyn Jackson had 119 receiving yards and a touchdown for MHS. Midlothian’s battle-tested and has been through playoff wars, but this is West’s first go at this. On just one week of prep, Midlothian’s option offense is a real challenge to prepare for on short notice. Stepp’s Pick: Midlothian by 7

San Antonio Pieper (11-0) vs Corpus Christi Flour Bluff (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Warrior Coliseum: Because of Flour Bluff’s overtime loss in Week 11 to Corpus Christi Vets, we get this showdown between two of Region IV’s top teams in the area playoffs. Pieper opened the playoffs in emphatic fashion with a 63-0 drubbing of San Antonio Southwest Legacy. Pieper executed four successful onside kicks and the defense simply dominated against an overmatched opponent. This week will be much more challenging, as Flour Bluff presents some challenges due to their offensive skill talent. FBHS went on the road last week and took care of McAllen Memorial, 35-10, as QB Jayden Paluseo (UTRGV commit) tossed four touchdown passes - two to Vanderbilt commit Cameran Dickson and two to Andre Mimms. Pieper’s offense, led by QB Cayden Keeth and UIW commit WR Isaiah Champagne, is as dynamic as anyone, so expect a lot of points. Pieper’s at home and has a far superior strength of schedule, and that experience combined with a deep playoff run a year ago should prove to be the key. Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Pieper by 10

South Oak Cliff (9-2) vs Huntsville (8-3), 3 p.m. Saturday at Waco’s Waco ISD Stadium: The gauntlet that is the race in 5A Division II Region II heats up this week in a big way, as South Oak Cliff, one of the favorites for the 5A Division II state title gets a major test this week against an explosive Huntsville squad. SOC had no trouble getting up to playoff speed last week, as the Golden Bears rolled past Terrell, 52-14. The SOC rushing trio of Levon Morton, Mikail Trotter and Damond Williams combined for 258 yards on the ground and six touchdowns. SOC’s defense totally shut down Terrell’s Wing-T offense, but the test this week is tougher with an explosive Huntsville attack. The Hornets dominated Whitehouse, 45-0, last week, as freshman QB Zay Adolphe has been sensational since taking over at QB in last week’s win and throwing for three touchdowns while adding a rushing score. RB Traeshawn Brown ran for two scores, while WR Savion Conteh hauled in two scores to lead the explosive Hornets attack. Huntsville is fully capable of pulling the upset in this one, but can the Hornets make the key plays late against a playoff tested SOC squad that knows how to win these games in the playoffs? The other matchup to watch is how the freshman QB handles SOC’s defense and the multiple looks the Golden Bears will throw his way. Stepp’s Pick: South Oak Cliff by 11

Brenham (10-1) vs Liberty Hill (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Pflugerville’s The Pfield: Brenham appears to be back to playing elite football and will look to take down a Liberty Hill squad that’s advanced to the state semifinals in four straight seasons. The Cubs looked sharp last week in a dominant 38-0 win over Texas City. Sophomore RB Jacoby Dixon led the way with two touchdown runs after battling through an injury early in the game. Brenham’s defense, which at times has struggled this year, put together maybe its best effort of the season in the win. The challenge this week is large, as slowing down Liberty Hill’s offensive machine has been a challenge for countless defenses over the years. After dropping their season finale to Bastrop, the Panthers bounced back nicely in a 69-26 win over San Antonio Sam Houston last week. Liberty Hill has the pedigree and it’s hard to imagine this team, despite the challenges, being eliminated early in the playoffs. So in a shootout, LHHS finds a way with that vaunted Slot-T attack. Stepp’s Pick: Liberty Hill by 3

Quick Picks

Odessa Permian (8-3) vs North Crowley (11-0), 7 p.m. Friday at Fort Worth’s Crowley ISD Stadium Stepp’s Pick: North Crowley by 38

Coppell (11-0) vs Richardson Lake Highlands (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Plano’s Clark Field Stepp’s Pick: Coppell by 13

Midland Legacy (6-5) vs Euless Trinity (10-1), 2 p.m. Saturday at Midland’s Astound Broadband Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Euless Trinity by 18

Allen (11-0) vs Richardson (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at McKinney’s McKinney ISD Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Allen by 21

Rockwall (6-5) vs Duncanville (10-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Allen’s Eagle Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Duncanville by 29

The Woodlands (10-1) vs Cypress Ranch (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Cypress’ Cy-Fair FCU Stadium Stepp’s Pick: The Woodlands by 10

Conroe (9-2) vs Cypress Bridgeland (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Tomball’s Tomball ISD Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Bridgeland by 14

Cypress Falls (9-2) vs Katy (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Houston’s Tully Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Katy by 16

Houston Lamar (8-3) vs Fulshear (11-0), 7 p.m. Friday at Katy’s Rhodes Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Fulshear by 16

Pearland (9-2) vs Humble Atascocita (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Humble’s Turner Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Humble Atascocita by 12

Lake Travis (10-1) vs San Antonio Johnson (10-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at San Marcos’ Toyota Rattler Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Lake Travis by 19

San Antonio East Central (8-3) vs Weslaco (8-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Laredo’s Shirley Field Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio East Central by 21

Buda Johnson (7-4) vs Los Fresnos (10-1), 3 p.m. Saturday at San Antonio’s Alamodome Stepp’s Pick: Buda Johnson by 18

Midland (8-3) vs Crowley (7-4), 6 p.m. Saturday at Abilene’s Shotwell Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Crowley by 6

Denton Guyer (8-3) vs Richardson Pearce (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Southlake’s Dragon Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Denton Guyer by 9

Lewisville Hebron (7-4) vs Arlington Bowie (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Grapevine’s Mustang-Panther Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Lewisville Hebron by 10

Wylie East (10-1) vs DeSoto (9-2), 7 p.m. Thursday at McKinney’s McKinney ISD Stadium Stepp’s Pick: DeSoto by 17

Willis (11-0) vs Tomball (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Spring’s Planet Ford Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Willis by 10

Longview (9-2) vs Lancaster (5-6), 7 p.m. Friday at Dallas’ Kincaide Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Longview by 4

The Woodlands College Park (7-4) vs Klein Collins (6-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Houston’s Thorne Stadium Stepp’s Pick: The Woodlands College Park by 2

Houston Stratford (8-3) vs Katy Jordan (10-1), 6:30 p.m. Friday at Katy’s Legacy Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Katy Jordan by 3

Manvel (6-5) vs Humble Summer Creek (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Iowa Colony’s Freedom Field Stepp’s Pick: Humble Summer Creek by 24

Houston Heights (8-3) vs Houston Strake Jesuit (8-3), 1 p.m. Saturday at Houston’s Delmar Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Houston Heights by 2

Fort Bend Elkins (7-4) vs Humble Kingwood (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Webster’s Challenger-Columbia Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Humble Kingwood by 7

Austin Vandegrift (10-1) vs San Antonio Sotomayor (7-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at San Antonio’s Alamodome Stepp’s Pick: Austin Vandegrift by 15

Dripping Springs (8-3) vs San Antonio Harlan (10-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at New Braunfels’ Cougar Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Dripping Springs by 11

New Braunfels Canyon (7-4) vs Brownsville Veterans Memorial (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Heroes Stadium Stepp’s Pick: New Braunfels Canyon by 16

Amarillo (6-4) vs Richland (9-2), 6 p.m. Saturday at Wichita Falls’ Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Richland by 9

Lubbock Monterey (7-4) vs Denton Ryan (10-1), 3 p.m. Saturday at Abilene’s Wildcat Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Denton Ryan by 17

Aledo (10-1) vs Abilene (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Mansfield’s Newsom Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Aledo by 23

Saginaw (11-0) vs Amarillo Tascosa (6-5), 6 p.m. Friday at Wichita Falls’ Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Saginaw by 3

Frisco Lone Star (10-1) vs Red Oak (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Frisco’s Ford Center Stepp’s Pick: Frisco Lone Star by 10

Highland Park (10-1) vs Frisco Wakeland (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Murphy’s Kimbrough Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Highland Park by 17

Georgetown (10-1) vs Frisco Reedy (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Corsicana’s Tiger Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Georgetown by 3

Port Arthur Memorial (8-3) vs Angleton (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Cypress’ Pridgeon Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Angleton by 3

La Porte (8-3) vs Barbers Hill (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Houston’s Galena Park ISD Stadium Stepp’s Pick: La Porte by 6

College Station A&M Consolidated (11-0) vs Galveston Ball (9-2), 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Katy’s Legacy Stadium Stepp’s Pick: College Station A&M Consolidated by 21

San Antonio Southwest (11-0) vs Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Corpus Christi’s Cabaniss Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial by 15

PSJA North (10-1) vs New Braunfels (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Corpus Christi’s Danaher Stadium Stepp’s Pick: PSJA North by 3

Edinburg Vela (11-0) vs Smithson Valley (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Edinburg’s Flores Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Smithson Valley by 18

El Paso Del Valle (10-0) vs Lovejoy (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Midland’s Astound Broadband Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Lovejoy by 19

Abilene Wylie (9-1) vs Anna (8-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Godley’s Wildcat Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Anna by 5

Argyle (10-1) vs Wichita Falls Memorial (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Mineral Wells’ Ram Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Argyle by 15

Prosper Walnut Grove (10-1) vs Lubbock Cooper (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Abilene’s Shotwell Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Lubbock Cooper by 3

Midlothian Heritage (8-3) vs Marshall (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Jacksonville’s Tomato Bowl Stepp’s Pick: Marshall by 5

Texarkana Texas (11-0) vs Crandall (10-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Longview’s Lobo Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Texarkana Texas High by 14

Port Neches-Groves (10-1) vs Kaufman (7-4), 6 p.m. Thursday at New Caney’s Randall Reed Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Port Neches-Groves by 21

Richmond Randle (11-0) vs Elgin (6-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Bryan’s Green Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Richmond Randle by 28

Bastrop (9-2) vs Fort Bend Marshall (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Waller’s Waller ISD Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Fort Bend Marshall by 3

Pflugerville (8-3) vs Iowa Colony (10-1), 2 p.m. Saturday at Waller’s Waller ISD Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Iowa Colony by 17

Alamo Heights (11-0) vs Mercedes (8-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Corpus Christi’s Buccaneer Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Alamo Heights by 23

Corpus Christi Miller (9-2) vs Mission Sharyland Pioneer (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Corpus Christi’s Buccaneer Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Miller by 21

Alice (8-3) vs Victoria West (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Beeville’s Veterans Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Victoria West by 7

Edcouch-Elsa (9-2) vs Boerne (8-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Laredo’s Shirley Field Stepp’s Pick: Boerne by 31

Playoff Record: 0-0 .0%

Season: 136-44 75.6%