Canyon Randall (11-1) vs Stephenville (11-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Snyder’s Tiger Stadium: Canyon Randall will look to strike a blow for the Texas Panhandle in Snyder Friday night as the Raiders look to take down regional favorite Stephenville. Randall escaped a tough test from Andrews last week, but survived with a 42-36 win. RB Dylan Ray led the Randall offense with 191 yards on the ground and three touchdowns; QB Kaiden Miller also tossed a pair of touchdowns. Randall’s defense did struggle a bit slowing the Andrews Slot-T offense and they’ll have a challenge this week to contain the balanced Stephenville attack. Stephenville struggled for a half against Hereford, but the ‘Jackets pulled away in the second half with a 35-7 win. Texas Tech WR commit Tristan Gentry had a monster night with 14 receptions for 310 yards and a pair of scores. Stephenville scored 28 points in the fourth quarter. Stephenville’s defense kept them in it last week while the offense struggled and that defense is the big difference in this one. Stepp’s Pick: Stephenville by 16

Bay City (11-1) vs Corpus Christi Calallen (10-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Converse’s Rutledge Stadium: While there’s been chaos on the other side of the Region IV bracket, form has held on this side as the district champions from 15-4A Division I and 16-4A Division I will meet up with the winner getting the inside track to that regional crown. Bay City rolled to a 58-21 win over Canyon Lake last week as the Blackcats outscored Canyon Lake 31-7 in the second half. QB Alex Estrada was terrific through the air and added a touchdown on the ground in the win. Bay City also had a pair of defensive touchdowns in the win. Calallen has been impressive in the playoffs with back-to-back dominant wins over El Campo and last week taking down Somerset, 49-28. QB Sebastian Dennis ran for 223 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Wildcats and Calallen’s defense played lights out. They’ll be tested in a major way by the speed on the outside that Bay City brings to the table. If Calallen can control the pace they have a shot, but if Bay City gets the pace pushed, Calallen doesn’t have the firepower to keep pace. Stepp’s Pick: Bay City by 8

Texarkana Pleasant Grove (10-2) vs Carthage (11-1), 2 p.m. Friday at Longview’s Lobo Stadium: Pleasant Grove will look to get a little payback on Carthage this week after the Bulldogs eliminated the Hawks in an absolute classic on Thanksgiving weekend a year ago. Both teams were dominant in wins a week ago. Pleasant Grove rolled to a 63-7 win over Farmersville. RB Nick Bells ran for three scores, while RB Landen West ran for a score and had a touchdown receiving as well. Carthage blasted Krum 56-13 a week ago as the Bulldogs got 228 yards of offense and four touchdowns from RB KJ Edwards on just seven touches, while WR Keymian Henderson hauled in three touchdown passes from QB Jett Surratt. Pleasant Grove’s Wing-T offense in the past has given Carthage trouble, but the Hawks are in a more conventional spread offensive attack now; that plays into Carthage’s hands this week. Stepp’s Pick: Carthage by 12

Malakoff (12-0) vs Jefferson (12-0), 2 p.m. Friday at Tyler’s TMF Rose Stadium: It’s one of just three matchups of undefeated teams statewide this week as Malakoff puts the state’s longest winning streak (28 games) on the line against a strong Jefferson squad. Malakoff blasted upstart Maypearl 70-7 last week as the Tigers got a big first half from QB Mike Jones, who ran for two scores and threw for two scores. RB’s Jason Tennyson and Jerrion Hall each ran for two scores as MHS rolled up 56 first half points. Jefferson, who pushed past the area playoffs for the first time in 20 years, blasted Grandview, 62-18, as UNLV RB commit Kamran Williams ran for three touchdowns and QB Tihmyus Taylor tossed four touchdowns in the win. These have been the two top teams in East Texas in 3A-Division I, so this showdown will have plenty of eyes on it. Malakoff’s got the champions advantage, but this Jefferson squad seems different under first year head coach Ty Taylor. Total flip of the coin here, but Kamran Williams has a big night and Jefferson’s team speed proves to be the difference. Stepp’s Pick: Jefferson by 2

Franklin (9-2) vs Hitchcock (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at New Caney’s Randall Reed Stadium: Franklin, who has played in four consecutive state title games (winning two), will get a massive test this week as they tangle with a Hitchcock squad who is just a buzz-saw through 3A-Division I. Franklin was workman-like in their 31-14 win over Diboll, RB Jayden Jackson had a touchdown run and a blocked field goal return for a score in the win, FHS also had a defensive score as well. Hitchcock is working on a short week as they played Saturday and blew Teague’s doors off in a 56-14 win, it’ll be interesting to see how the Bulldogs on this short holiday week gear up for the Franklin Slot-T. Plenty of Hitchcock players got into the scoring act last week as they scored in all three phases, Terrel Allen ran for two scores and Texas A&M commit Kelshaun Johnson had a touchdown reception as well. The difference this year has been Hitchcock’s defense led by Nebraska commit DL Malcolm Simpson, can that group hold up against the pounding 230 lb RB Jayden Jackson can deliver? Stepp’s Pick: Franklin by 4

Poth (12-0) vs Lexington (11-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Bastrop’s Memorial Stadium: It’s another big time matchup in Region IV in 3A-Division II as unbeaten Poth takes on high-flying Lexington. The Pirates won an absolute defensive slugfest slipping past East Bernard 15-13 in a throwback type game where the Pirates jumped out to 12-0 first quarter lead and held on late for the two-point win, as the Pirates defense made a critical two-point conversion stop late. Poth QB Major Luna and ATH Jacob Silansky are two key players to watch for the Pirates. Lexington after getting pushed in their playoff opener was absolutely dominant last week in a 76-0 rout of George West, it was the most points the Eagles had ever scored in a playoff game. QB Kase Evans led the way throwing for 257 yards and four touchdowns. He spread the ball around as four different players caught four passes or more, led by Cade Patschke's seven receptions for 92 yards and a score, while Weston Bayer hauled in two touchdown passes. Lexington has the offensive firepower edge, but Poth has the better defense and if they get into a shootout they have the pieces to keep up. Stepp’s Pick: Poth by 5

Sunray (12-0) vs Post (12-0), 7 p.m. Friday at Lubbock’s Patriot Stadium: The third of the battle of unbeatens in the state this week features powerful Sunray taking on surprising Post who after making the state title game in 2019 and 2020 fell on hard times the past three seasons, but the Antelopes have bounced back in 2024 behind a dynamic offense and some late game heroics. In last week’s 42-35 overtime win over Anson, the Bold Gold rallied from a 14-point fourth quarter deficit as RB Ian Vergara ran for a pair of touchdowns as he finished with 196 yards rushing on the night. WR Keyandre Jefferson had a big night with a pair of touchdown receptions as well. Sunray knocked off a strong Hawley squad 49-40 in a game where the final score didn’t reflect Sunray’s dominance as the Bobcats led 49-16 before a wild sequence in the game’s final five minutes or so. QB Armando Lujan led the charge with 265 yards through the air and four touchdowns, he also added a pair of touchdowns rushing as well. Sunray’s defense was outstanding as well as they put up ten sacks in the victory. This has been a great run for Post to put them back in the discussion in Region I, but Sunray’s senior class is battle tested and they are too much for Post. Stepp’s Pick: Sunray by 11

Ganado (11-1) vs Refugio (11-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Port Lavaca’s Sandcrab Stadium: A year ago, Ganado pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the TXHSFB playoffs as the Indians avenged a 23-point regular season loss to Refugio with a dominant 41-12 win in the regional finals, in what would ultimately be head coach Jason Herring’s final game leading the Bobcats. UIL Realignment put these two in different districts, so Refugio has had to wait nearly a year for a shot at revenge. Both teams have dominated in the playoffs and have similar resumes, so on paper this is a total toss-up, despite both games last year being lopsided. Ganado last week blasted Crawford 59-0 as Logan Bures ran for three touchdowns and returned a blocked punt for a score, while QB Bryce Ullman threw three touchdown passes and ran for another score as Ganado led 49-0 at the half and played mostly young guys in the second half. Refugio was equally dominant as the Bobcats rolled past Thorndale 51-14, RHS raced out to a 44-7 halftime lead as RB Jordan King ran for three scores in the win to lead a balanced Refugio attack. Refugio will be sky-high going into this one, so expect a quick start, if Ganado weathers that early storm, the experience and talent the Indians bring to the table should push them past Refugio and into a regional final. Stepp’s Pick: Ganado by 10

Albany (9-2) vs Muenster (10-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Wichita Falls’ Memorial Stadium: A year ago Albany took home their second straight 2A-Division II state title and on that playoff run the Lions got their biggest test from a young and upstart Muenster squad that pushed Albany to the brink in a 19-14 defeat. The roles are a bit reversed this year Albany is the young team in the underdog role, while Muenster has the veteran leadership in the role of regional favorite. Albany after a slow start to the season is playing their best football of the year and last week’s 48-14 win over Archer City may have been their most impressive performance in 2024. QB Chip Chambers tossed three touchdown passes while RB Branson Beal ran for a pair of scores and he hauled in a touchdown pass from Chambers as well. Albany’s 28-point second quarter was the key to blowing this game open. Muenster blasted past Wheeler 60-15 as QB Casen Carney had a big night and Muenster’s defense shut down a potent Wheeler ground game. Albany’s two losses are two a pair of 2A-D1 powers, while Muenster’s two losses are close losses to 3A-Division II Holliday (who is still alive in the playoffs) and 3A-Division I Pottsboro who made the postseason and lost in the first round. Strength of schedule and quality, competitive losses edge goes to Muenster as they avenge last year’s close playoff loss. Stepp’s Pick: Muenster by 7

Quick Picks

Lampasas (10-2) vs Canyon West Plains (9-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Sweetwater’s Mustang Bowl Stepp’s Pick: Lampasas by 6

Celina (12-0) vs Aubrey (8-4), 3 p.m. Friday at Denton’s Collins Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Celina by 27

Kilgore (10-2) vs Navasota (7-5), 2 p.m. Friday at Corsicana’s Tiger Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Kilgore by 15

Tyler Chapel Hill (9-3) vs Stafford (8-4), 2 p.m. Friday at New Caney’s Randall Reed Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Tyler Chapel Hill by 21

La Vernia (9-3) vs Port Lavaca Calhoun (7-5), 2 p.m. Friday at Katy’s Legacy Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Port Lavaca Calhoun by 7

Benbrook (11-1) vs Brock (11-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Godley’s Wildcat Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Brock by 28

Graham (11-1) vs Glen Rose (10-2), 5 p.m. Friday at Mineral Wells’ Ram Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Glen Rose by 2

Van (9-3) vs Sunnyvale (8-4), 2 p.m. Friday at Mesquite’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Van by 9

Sealy (9-3) vs Gatesville (7-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Bryan’s Green Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Sealy by 5

Silsbee (9-3) vs Waco La Vega (9-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Spring’s Planet Ford Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Waco La Vega by 10

Wimberley (10-2) vs Cuero (9-3), 7 p.m. Friday at San Marcos’ Bobcat Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Cuero by 1

Sinton (12-0) vs Lago Vista (9-3), 7 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Heroes Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Sinton by 8

Shallowater (10-2) vs Vernon (9-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Abilene’s Sandifer Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Shallowater by 14

Tuscola Jim Ned (9-3) vs Paradise (10-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Springtown’s Porcupine Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Tuscola Jim Ned by 3

Texarkana Liberty-Eylau (10-2) vs Winnsboro (10-2), 2 p.m. Friday at Mount Pleasant’s Parker Field Stepp’s Pick: Texarkana Liberty-Eylau by 6

Columbus (11-1) vs Yoakum (8-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Katy’s Legacy Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Columbus by 16

Llano (11-1) vs Goliad (10-2), 6 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Farris Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Goliad by 8

Edna (12-0) vs Universal City Randolph (10-2), 7 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Comalander Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Edna by 19

Canadian (9-3) vs Idalou (10-2), 2 p.m. Friday at Canyon’s Happy State Bank Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Canadian by 3

Littlefield (8-4) vs Wall (11-1), 1 p.m. Friday at Sweetwater’s Mustang Bowl Stepp’s Pick: Wall by 17

Tolar (11-1) vs Holliday (10-2), 12 p.m. Friday at Mineral Wells’ Ram Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Holliday by 11

Gunter (10-2) vs Jacksboro (9-3), 2 p.m. Friday at Bedford’s Pennington Field Stepp’s Pick: Gunter by 15

Woodville (10-2) vs DeKalb (11-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Henderson’s Lion Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Woodville by 10

Daingerfield (7-5) vs Newton (9-3), 1 p.m. Friday at Natchitoches, LA’s Turpin Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Newton by 12

Van Vleck (6-6) vs Tidehaven (10-2), 1 p.m. Friday at Bay City’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Tidehaven by 3

Cisco (8-4) vs Stamford (12-0), 2 p.m. Friday at Abilene’s Shotwell Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Stamford by 21

Hamilton (12-0) vs Kerens (7-5), 2 p.m. Friday at Weatherford’s Kangaroo Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Hamilton by 11

Axtell (11-1) vs Mildred (12-0), 3 p.m. Friday at Robinson’s Rocket Field Stepp’s Pick: Axtell by 2

Shelbyville (10-2) vs Joaquin (8-4), 1 p.m. Friday at Henderson’s Lion Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Shelbyville by 7

Honey Grove (11-1) vs Waskom (10-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Mount Pleasant’s Parker Field Stepp’s Pick: Honey Grove by 3

Marlin (9-3) vs Mason (11-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Cedar Park’s Gupton Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Mason by 7

Gruver (12-0) vs Tahoka (10-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Canyon’s Happy State Bank Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Gruver by 17

Ropesville (11-1) vs Wink (11-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Big Spring’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Wink by 13

Collinsville (11-1) vs Windthorst (11-1), 1 p.m. Friday at Springtown’s Porcupine Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Windthorst by 4

Grapeland (9-3) vs Overton (10-2), 6 p.m. Friday at Athens’ Bruce Field Stepp’s Pick: Grapeland by 3

Bremond (10-2) vs Mount Enterprise (9-3), 2 p.m. Friday at Crockett’s Driskell Stadium  Stepp’s Pick: Bremond by 7

Somerville (11-1) vs Junction (11-1), 6 p.m. Friday at Pflugerville’s The Pfield Stepp’s Pick: Junction by 8

Shiner (9-3) vs Granger (9-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Smithville’s Tiger Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Shiner by 16

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Playoff Record: 79-17 82.03

Season: 208-68 75.4%