The Thursday night must-see Texas high school football games for Week 9

Photo by Andy Tolbert

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Denton Guyer (4-3, 3-1) at Haslet Eaton (5-2, 2-2)

Two teams that currently sit in playoff spots will battle it out in a game that will go a long way toward determining the top of the District 5-6A standings. The Wildcats’ record is a bit deceiving as they have lost to perennial powerhouses Southlake Carroll, Aledo and Cedar Hill. They'll utilize several offensive formations but like to get the ball in the hands of bruiser feature back Kaedric Cobbs (658 rushing yards, 6 TDs). Speedy receiver Seth Meador (428 receiving yards, 6 TDs) has established himself as quarterback Eli Stowers’ favorite target. Oklahoma State commit Grant Mahon anchors a strong Wildcat defensive line that could cause problems for the Eagles.

Eaton’s rush heavy offense has utilized a two-quarterback system to lead their spread offense with DJ Blount and Kobe Freeman splitting time. The quarterbacks have handed the ball off to Dawson Pell (819 yards, 7 TDs) plenty, and the speedy back has shown the ability to burn opposing defenses. Eaton has one of the best linebackers in the district in Nick Cerniauskas, a guy who has a great combination of strength and speed. Eaton’s 4-3 defense was stout last week — holding Keller Central to a season-low seven points.

Amarillo (5-2, 2-1) vs Amarillo Caprock (4-3, 2-1)

Two teams that are tied for third in District 2-5A clash in a game that has major playoff implications. Beau Barker (1,015 passing yards, 12 TD), who converted to quarterback after playing receiver last season, has been a great pocket passer and threw for 283 yards and four touchdowns in last week’s 35-7 win over Palo Duro. Speedy slot receiver Davin Lemmons (553 receiving yards, 7 TDs) has emerged as the new quarterback’s favorite target and the two have shown great chemistry. Linebacker Corbin Langham (122 total tackles, 17.4 tackles per game average) is having a monster season as the anchor of the Sandies 3-4 defense, making a case for all-state honors.

After notching 63 points on Lubbock in week seven, the Caprock offense was stalled last week and the Longhorns fell to Abilene Cooper 28-12. Junior Tarik Williams (616 passing yards, 6 TD) has been the signal-caller for the Longhorns for the last four games and has leaned on his speed to get him out of some sticky situations. Receiver T.J. Deleon (526 receiving yards, TD) is a physical receiver who uses his size to make catches over opposing defensive backs. The Longhorns will look to senior middle linebacker Hector Munguia (77 tackles, 3.5 sacks) to neutralize Amarillo’s running game.

Katy Tompkins (7-1, 3-1)  vs Katy Taylor (5-3, 3-1)

This battle could very well be the most intriguing matchup of the night as a win would all but clinch a playoff spot for the winner. Morton Ranch was almost able to upset Tompkins last week but an overtime touchdown and an interception clinched the Falcons seventh win of the season. Tompkins — who finished last season (0-9) — has shown drastic improvement in their multiple scheme offense this season. Sophomore quarterback Jalen Milroe (856 passing yards, 7 TD) has been a key cog in the turnaround and having one of the best backs in the area, RJ Smith (1,432 rushing yards 18 TD), has certainly helped him settle in.

Katy Taylor has quite a rushing attack of their own as running backs Brandon Campbell, Julius Loughbridge and Casey Shorter combined for 332 rushing yards and all four of the Mustangs’ touchdowns in last week’s 28-21 win over Mayde Creek. The strength of Taylor, however, is on the opposite side of the ball with playmakers scattered across their 4-2-5 defense. The Mustangs held an Atascocita team that is averaging 46 points a game to just 16 points in week one. Texas A&M commit defensive end Braedon Mowry (8 sacks, 17 QB hurries) is a force in the trenches and has had success rattling opposing quarterbacks.

Others Worth Your Time

Corpus Christi Miller (6-1, 4-1) vs. Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial (7-0, 5-0)

Two District 15-5A heavyweights collide in what may decide who wins the district. The Vets Memorial defense will face their toughest test all season, attempting to stall Miller’s offense which has averaged 40 points a game in district play.

Eagle Pass (7-1, 4-1) at Laredo Alexander (6-1, 3-0)

Eagle Pass has a chance to gain some ground on Alexander who currently leads District 29-6A standings. To do that, the Eagles will need to penetrate Alexander’s stout defense that has only allowed 22 points in their three district games.

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