Waco Midway (6-1, 6-0) at Temple (8-0, 6-0):
The 12-6A title is on the line along with avoiding a trip to Longview in the first round as Waco Midway heads south on I-35 to visit undefeated Temple. Midway had no problems last week at home ripping Killeen Shoemaker 56-14 as backup RB Chase Palmer ran for 166 yards and four touchdowns, filling in for James Fulbright who had just three carries before sitting out after a minor leg injury. The Panthers will need all hands on deck this week going on the road to Temple.

The Wildcats had no trouble with Waco High in a 52-0 win last week led by Anthony Jackson who rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns and De’Jon Overton rushed for 90 yards and two scores to key Temple’s offense in the early victory. Temple’s been deadliest when the team has been balanced on offense as QB Jared Wiley and WR Quinten Johnson have been the Wildcats big play combination all year. Aside from a few breakout performances against subpar competition, Midway’s offense has struggled against good defensive teams and may not be able to keep up with the firepower that Temple brings to the table.
Stepp’s Pick: Temple by 11

Flower Mound (6-2, 5-0) at Coppell (6-2, 4-1):
Flower Mound made quite the impression last week blasting past Flower Mound Marcus 59-21 in what was the most lopsided result in the history of the rivalry. The Jaguars got a monster evening from RB Pierce Hudgens who ran for 297 yards and five touchdowns to lead an offense that put up 675 yards of offense in the win. The Jaguars can all but wrap up the District 6-6A title this week with a win on the road against Coppell.

The Cowboys have made a habit of winning close games in district play as three out of their four wins have been by a touchdown or less. Last week was not one of those games as Coppell rolled past Irving High 48-13 led by QB Drew Cerniglia who threw for 161 yards and four touchdowns. Coppell has had its share of struggles but the Cowboys have been clutch in big moments all year; while Flower Mound is as hot as any team in the DFW area right now. The Jaguars' offensive efficiency has been through the roof and that looks to continue this week as the Jags wrap up the district title.
Stepp’s Pick: Flower Mound by 5

Pflugerville Hendrickson (5-2, 4-2) at Round Rock (5-3, 4-2):
The Hawks broke out last week and showed no signs of rust from their bye week as they rolled past Cedar Park Vista Ridge, 47-7. RB Timieone Jackson led a balanced rushing attack with 129 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but Dre Conley, Donnie Newsome and Malachi Armstrong combined for 179 yards on 10 carries as the Hawks on the night averaged over 10 yards per rushing attempt.

The defense will have their hands full this week containing the Round Rock offense that put up 56 points last week, led by QB Ryan O'Keefe who 355 passing yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for 199 yards and two touchdowns. The problem for Round Rock is it scored 56 points and still lost by two touchdowns last week. Expect Pflugerville Hendrickson to try and exploit the Dragons' rushing attack which was gashed in a massive way last week in the loss to Round Rock Cedar Ridge.
Stepp’s Pick: Pflugerville Hendrickson by 9

El Paso Americas (5-3, 2-1) at El Paso Coronado (5-3, 1-2):
Americas had a massive win last week to get right in the thick of the 1-6A playoff race taking down El Paso Pebble Hills 39-21 behind 280 rushing yards and three touchdowns from sensational sophomore Aaron Dumas. The Trailblazers' back is nearing 2,000 yards rushing and could hold every rushing record at AHS.

After two tough losses to open district play, Coronado kept ots playoff hopes alive knocking off winless El Paso Socorro 48-20. The Thunderbirds will look to stack the box and try to force Americas to beat them through the air. Luckily for CHS, the run defense is a strength and the secondary is where the team has struggled. The key in this game will be turnovers and Coronado has struggled with that at times and that will lift the Trailblazers to a big district win as they move closer to a playoff spot.
Stepp’s Pick: El Paso Americas by 8

Klein Collins (8-1, 6-1) at The Woodlands (6-2, 6-0):
Klein Collins fans are hoping their surprise loss to Klein High two weeks ago was a much needed wakeup call before the playoffs. The Tigers got their running game going and then some last week as the Tigers blasted Conroe 54-7, behind a bruising rushing attack that featured three backs that ran for at least 65 yards. The Tigers will need that kind of efficient offensive attack this week to keep an explosive offense from The Woodlands off the field.

The Highlanders had the week off last week after knocking off Conroe 45-13 behind four rushing touchdowns from Breyton Gilford. The Woodlands will have to execute at a high level to offset the Tigers' defense and their big edge in the speed department.
Stepp’s Pick: Klein Collins by 6

San Antonio Brennan (6-2, 6-1) vs. San Antonio O’Connor (8-0, 7-0):
Unbeaten San Antonio O’Connor can wrap up the District 28-6A title with a win over a very tough Brennan squad that has won five straight. The Bears knocked off San Antonio Stevens 33-17 last week to end the Falcons' slim playoff hopes and it was a balanced offensive performance that carried the day as the Brennan offense spread the ball around to its multiple playmakers.

O’Connor rolled past San Antonio Clark with a big second effort on Saturday night, 42-14. The Panthers got 129 yards of offense and a touchdown from Zion Taylor and RB Jordan Maye ran for three short touchdowns while O’Connor’s defense continued to be a dominant unit. That defense has been the big key for San Antonio O’Connor continuing its run of strong play. This is a team that’s won 21 of their last 22 games and that hot streak continues this week.
Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio O’Connor by 4

Weslaco (7-1, 3-1) vs. Weslaco East (5-2, 4-0):
One of the state’s best rivalry names in renewed in Weslaco as the Tinaco Bowl has major playoff implications in District 31-6A. Weslaco clinched a playoff spot last week with a dominant 33-7 win over Edinburg as QB Jacob Cavazos ran for 135 yards and a touchdown, while also throwing a pair of touchdown passes to pace the Panthers. It was a similar effort for Weslaco East a week ago as the Wildcats had no trouble with Edinburg Economedes in a 31-6 victory.

The Wildcat defense was stellar in the win holding the Economedes offense out of the end zone until late in the game when a fumble on their own one-yard line allowed Economedes to get on the board. This game will be a physical and intense affair, it always is and both defenses are among the best in the Valley. The key will be which offense can consistently string drives together and Weslaco looks to be the better attack, they’ve got more balance and the experience at QB with Cavazos.
Stepp’s Pick: Weslaco by 3

Denton Ryan (8-0, 5-0) at Grapevine (7-1, 4-1):
Denton Ryan can put itself in position to win an outright district title with a win this week over a Grapevine squad fresh off a big win over arch rival Colleyville Heritage. While Grapevine needs this win to keep its hopes alive for a share of the 4-5A Division I crown. Ryan last week had no trouble with an overmatched Carrollton Turner in a 69-0 win. Sophomore Billy Bowman, Jr. returned the game’s opening kickoff for a touchdown and from there, it was total domination as the Raiders topped 400 yards of offense, while RL Turner only amassed 62 yards of offense.

Grapevine drilled Colleyville Heritage 59-20 last week behind a pair of defensive touchdowns from LB Timothy Drysdale and a balanced offensive effort. Grapevine’s got the type offense that can test a very aggressive Denton Ryan defense. The key for the Mustangs is avoiding turnovers, Denton Ryan has made teams pay dearly for mistakes and if Grapevine can avoid the turnovers they are good enough to pull the upset. But until someone proves it, Ryan is still getting the nod in this matchup.
Stepp’s Pick: Denton Ryan by 12

Tyler John Tyler (5-2, 4-0) at Mesquite Poteet (7-1, 4-0):
Another district title is likely on the line this week as the 7-5A Division I crown will be decided as John Tyler heads west to Mesquite to take on a strong Mesquite Poteet squad. John Tyler held serve at home against McKinney North last week taking down the Bulldogs 28-25 behind 200 rushing yards and a touchdown on just 13 carries from Roderick Hawkins. It was a key defensive play with just under four minutes left that proved to be the difference as the Lions forced a McKinney North fumble deep in its red zone and that big defensive play kept the Lions unbeaten in district play.

Poteet rolled past crosstown rival West Mesquite 41-19 last week as junior RB Seth McGown ran for 237 yards and two scores and Jalen Hodo’s 90-yard interception return late in the third quarter to make the score 34-13 but this game to bed. The Pirate offense has playmakers galore with McGowan who is one of the top running backs in the junior class in the country and a dynamic group of receivers led by Cam Lampkin (Utah State commit), speedy Louis Moore, 6-foot-5 sophomore Devon Martin and 6-foot-5 junior Tristan Golightly, the three players not verbally committed will all likely receive FBS offers at some point. John Tyler’s offense hasn’t been real efficient throwing the ball most of the year and the team has relied heavily on the run and against a strong Poteet secondary keeping things on the ground may be the way to go in this matchup. While the Poteet strength on offense is spreading the ball around to their big and physical receivers and once they’ve sufficiently spread the defense out, the 200-plus-pound McGowan can hurt you up the middle. I expect a shootout in this one. Both offenses have a ton of big play capability, but the edge here is to Mesquite Poteet because the team has a bit more balance on offense and I expect them to load up against the run and try to force the Lions to make plays consistently in the passing game.
Stepp’s Pick: Mesquite Poteet by 10

Whitehouse (6-2, 4-1) at Marshall (6-2, 5-0):
A win at home for Marshall can secure the Mavericks an outright district title in District 9-5A Division II in head coach Claude Mathis’ second season at the helm. Marshall’s offense has been outstanding all year, led by the trio of QB J.J. Green and WR’s Dakendrick Bender and Tahj Washington. All three contributed in their easy 40-0 shutout win over Nacogdoches last week, but it’s Marshall’s defense that’s been the story the last two weeks as the Mavericks haven’t allowed a point in the last two games. The Mavs' defense will see a big test this week as Whitehouse features an explosive offense that when operating at peak performance, is as efficient as any in East Texas.

The Wildcats needed every bit of that offense last week as they had to hold off a tremendous effort from Longview Pine Tree in a 45-43 win. QB Flint Herrington threw for 333 yards and three touchdowns while Cooper Clemons’ field goal with under a minute left proved to be the game-winner. Once again, look for Marshall’s defense to be the key in this one. The Maverick offense will put points up against Whitehouse, but I expect the Marshall defense to come out with a very physical edge, take the fight to Whitehouse and wrap up the district title at home.
Stepp’s Pick: Marshall by 14

Crosby (6-2, 3-2) at Nederland (8-0, 5-0):
After starting the season out 5-0, the Crosby Cougars have stumbled in a major way. Negative news about the district's financial situation, coaches being non-renewed and three straight losses have cast a dark cloud over the program. The only thing the Cougars can do to bring themselves out of this massive hole and get into the playoffs now is win their final two games.

It starts this week against unbeaten Nederland who quietly has put together a fantastic season with an 8-0 start, and Crosby got some good news this week as it gained a win off the field with Port Neches-Groves forfeiting its win over the Cougars a couple of weeks ago. The Bulldogs rolled past Vidor 41-21 a week ago as versatile ATH Blaysin Fernandez and bruising RB Armani Douglas led the way for NHS who took a while to get going, but overwhelmed Vidor and the Slot-T offense in the second half. Crosby’s in a bad way right now and Nederland would love nothing more than to close the book on the Cougars season and surprising collapse down the stretch.
Stepp’s Pick: Nederland by 15

Hereford (6-2, 1-0) at Canyon (7-1, 0-1):
Despite losing QB Dodge DeLozier to a season ending injury, the tough-minded Hereford Whitefaces continue to play good football and started District 3-4A Division I play off on a good note last week with a hard fought 28-21 win over an explosive Pampa squad. RB Seth Dixon showed that he’s more than capable of carrying the load for the Herd has toted the mail 31 times last week for 156 yards and four touchdowns in the win. Hereford’s defense has another big test this week against what should be an angry Canyon squad that’s smarting over seeing its unbeaten season come to an abrupt end last week on the road in a 35-28 loss to Dumas.

The Eagles got another big night from Air Force commit QB Lawton Rikel who accounted for three total touchdowns. The dual-threat signal caller without question is one of the state’s more underrated players but it was the run defense and special teams that proved to let Canyon down in the loss. Look for Hereford to try and exploit that edge with the tough running Dixon, Hereford must control the tempo and keep Canyon’s offense off the field. That will keep this one close, but at home, Canyon’s defense finds a way to slow the Hereford attack down and has enough firepower to put this one to bed down the stretch.
Stepp’s Pick: Canyon by 8

Wichita Falls Hirschi (6-2, 2-1) at Springtown (7-1, 3-0):
The District 4-4A Division I title will likely be decided on Friday night in Springtown as Wichita Falls Hirschi visits the surging Porcupines of Springtown. Last week, Hirschi got a complete effort in a 56-14 rout of Burkburnett as TCU commit RB  Daimarqua Foster ran for 236 yards and four touchdowns, while the Huskies' defense forced four turnovers in the win. They’ll need a similar defensive effort this week against a Springtown attack that has thrown up huge numbers all year, including last week when it scored a 72-20 blowout win over Gainesville.

RB Cameron Rickett continued his monster junior season scoring six touchdowns including four first half scoring runs. Springtown is going to try and limit Foster as much it can and try to force Hirschi to take to the air, especially if it can win first and second down and force the Huskies into third and long. If Springtown can make that happen, it has a great chance to get the inside track on the district title.
Stepp’s Pick: Springtown by 6

Geronimo Navarro (6-1, 3-0) at Cuero (7-1, 3-0):
Don’t be surprised if these two programs, who know each other quite well, end up playing twice this year as both Navarro and Cuero are among the contenders in Region IV. These two have met in the playoffs the past five seasons, with Cuero taking the win in four of those five games. Navarro and its Slot-T offense will churn out yards and control the tempo and that is a must going against a Cuero squad that is playing their best football of the season.

Cuero has scored at least 48 points in five straight games as the Gobblers who battled through injuries early in the year appear to be hitting their stride. Obviously Texas verbal commit Jordan Whittington is the catalyst and when he’s going strong, the Gobblers are probably the favorite to win the 4A-Division II state title.
Stepp’s Pick: Cuero by 13

Orange Grove (4-4, 2-1) at Rockport-Fulton (4-4, 3-0):
Orange Grove bounced back nicely from its upset loss to Ingleside last week with a dominant 50-0 win over Robstown to get itself back above .500 in district play. The Bulldogs can take a big step towards a possible playoff appearance this week if they can upset the district leader, Rockport-Fulton. QB Coleman King led the way for OGHS with 300 passing yards and four touchdowns.

Rockport-Fulton rolled past Ingleside 32-7 behind a strong game from Chase Rios who ran for 121 yards and three touchdowns on just nine carries. Rios also chipped in an interception on the defensive side of the ball as well. Orange Grove’s rushing defense has struggled at times and going against the Slot-T offense of Rockport could be a very unfavorable matchup.
Stepp’s Pick: Rockport-Fulton by 14

Franklin (6-1, 4-0) at Diboll (8-0, 4-0):
Maybe the best game in the state no one is talking about features bruising Franklin looking to send a message against Class 4A drop down, the undefeated speedy Diboll Lumberjacks. Franklin has been an absolute buzzsaw since its loss to Lorena in Week 2. The Lions have pitched shutouts in five straight games. In fact, the last two weeks Franklin has topped the 70 point mark and although Jared Pedraza gets a lot of the headlines, this is a loaded Franklin squad that has playmakers all over the field and can beat you in many different ways.

Diboll took care of its end of the bargain last week and routed Palestine Westwood, 69-0. DHS jumped out to a quick 21-0 lead and never looked back and even the defense got in on the act scoring twice as well. Franklin’s been an absolute machine and that offense just puts up massive numbers and you combine that with a suffocating and physical defense, you have the makings of a state title team. Diboll’s only chance will be to try and use its speed to win early downs, and maybe try to turn Franklin over if the team gets forced into passing situations.
Stepp’s Pick: Franklin by 15

Goliad (7-1, 3-0) at Edna (7-1, 2-1):
We’ve got a massive game for the second straight week in 14-3A Division I as this week, pre-season favorite Goliad visits Edna who suffered its first loss of the season last week at Yoakum. Goliad rolled past Hallettsville last week with an easy 41-2 win as Shaun Justice ran for three touchdowns, while bruising RB Logan Bland in his second game back from an injury looked close to his early season form. QB Cameron Morris filled in nicely for his cousin, injured starter Rocky Morris, giving the Tigers continued balance.

Edna lost a heartbreaker to Yoakum last week, falling 21-17 after holding a lead for the majority of the game. The Cowboys' ground attack was solid with Dayton McCoy (12 carries for 131 yards and one touchdown) and Kenny Haynes (18 carries for 94 yards and one touchdown) helping the Cowboys out to a quick 14-0 lead but the offense stalled out in the second half scoring just three points. Edna’s offense isn’t real explosive and if Goliad gets off to a fast start and speeds the pace of this game up, that will be bad news for the Cowboys.
Stepp’s Pick: Goliad by 11

Gruver (7-1, 2-0) at Clarendon (6-1, 1-1):
This matchup lost a bit of its luster after Clarendon opened district play with a blowout loss at the hands of Stratford to open district play, but the Broncos can get right back in the thick of things this week with a win at home against Gruver.

Gruver rolled past Vega 32-7 last week as Jaylin Conyers and Conner Haynes each found the end zone twice. The Greyhounds have won their last five games by double digits and are hitting their stride at the right time. Clarendon seems to be a team trending in the wrong direction, the Broncos barely escaped struggling Booker with a 21-19 win. This one has the potential to go south for CHS quickly.
Stepp’s Pick: Gruver by 18

Dublin (7-1, 2-1) at Comanche (5-3, 3-0):
Dublin last week saw its seven-game winning streak snapped at the hands of Jacksboro and their Wing-T offense in a 42-29 loss. The Lion defense was gashed for 468 yards rushing and this week get another Wing-T squad in a Comanche squad that has some youth and struggled early but is starting to find itself as the season progresses.

Last week, the Indians blasted Rio Vista, 49-7, as QB Trendon Morin threw a touchdown pass and ran for two others to pace the Comanche attack. Unless Dublin makes some major improvement on slowing the running game, we could see a similar result to last week as Comanche’s not going to do anything pretty, it will just line up and go right at the smaller Lions.
Stepp’s Pick: Comanche by 9

Cross Plains (6-2, 2-1) at Hamlin (8-0, 3-0):
The Cross Plains defense has been among the best in the Big Country all year and proved it again last week holding a good Albany offense in check in an 18-10 loss. The problem for the Buffaloes is their offense has been a bit inconsistent, which is to be expected as CPHS has moved to a more wide open spread attack so they’ve had moments of brilliance but also they’ve seen struggles.

They’ll need 48 minutes of brilliance this week to keep up with the unbeaten Pied Pipers of Hamlin who are averaging over 45 points per game. Last week Hamlin rolled past Baird 62-0 and in its three district wins HHS has outscored opponents 160-28. Expect Cross Plains’ outstanding defense to keep the team in it for a while, but Hamlin is really good on the defensive side of the ball as well and eventually the explosive Pipers attack will break through.
Stepp’s Pick: Hamlin by 15

Quick Picks:
Prosper (7-1, 4-1) at Allen (8-0, 5-0)
Stepp's Pick: Allen by 27

Laredo United (6-2, 4-0) vs. Laredo United South (2-7, 1-4)
Stepp’s Pick: Laredo United by 28

Lancaster (5-2, 5-0) at Highland Park (8-0, 5-0) 
Stepp’s Pick: Highland Park by 10

Lovejoy (7-1, 5-1) at Denison (5-3, 4-2)
Stepp’s Pick: Denison by 2

Port Neches-Groves (6-2, 5-0) at Barbers Hill (6-2, 4-1)
Stepp’s Pick: Port Neches-Groves by 11

Manvel (6-2, 5-1) at Fort Bend Willowridge (6-2, 5-1) 
Stepp’s Pick: Manvel by 20

Carthage (8-0, 3-0) at Henderson (6-2, 3-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Carthage by 16

LaVernia (8-0, 2-0) at Boerne (7-1, 2-0)
Stepp’s Pick: LaVernia by 1

Madisonville (5-4, 3-2) at Lorena (7-1, 3-1)
Stepp’s Pick: Lorena by 7

Breckenridge (3-5, 1-2) at Wall (5-2, 3-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Wall by 18

Childress (7-1, 2-1) at Spearman (6-2, 2-1)
Stepp’s Pick: Childress by 17

Buffalo (8-0, 5-0) at Edgewood (7-0, 5-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Buffalo by 7

Newton (7-0, 3-0) at Corrigan-Camden (7-1, 3-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Newton by 35

Iraan (8-0, 1-0) at McCamey (5-3, 1-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Iraan by 12

Stinnett West Texas (6-2, 3-0) at Panhandle (6-2, 3-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Panhandle by 4

LaVilla (5-3, 3-0) at Woodsboro (8-0, 3-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Woodsboro by 24

Leman Saunders' Six-Man Preview

Each week, six-man insider Leman Saunders will highlight the must-see action in Class 1A. Get in touch with him on Twitter @lemansaunders.

Milford (6-1) at Coolidge (6-0)
A game that's been circled all season, both schools have been state-ranked since the beginning of two-a-days. Coolidge has allowed just 69 points all season, 30 of which game in one game against Avalon. The Yellowjackets' defensive mainstays have been Colton Carter (71 tackles, 3 FR) and Skyler Hayes (59 tackles, 7 INTs). Milford's high-octane offense features all-state ATH Ta'Ron Smith (1,150 yards, 29 TDs passing; 660 yards, 8 TDs rushing). Coolidge has the home-field edge, but can they keep up with Milford offensively?
Leman's pick: Milford by 12

Follett (6-2) at Groom (7-1)
A district championship is likely on the line here in District 1-1A DII. Both squads have improved each week, which should make this one a battle. QB Christian Barber will lead the Follett attack, while RB Corbin Ruthardt is the name to know for Groom. Expect a classic.
Leman's pick: Follett by 4

Grandfalls-Royalty (6-2) at Buena Vista (4-4)
The top two teams in District 5-1A DII square off here, and the winner clinches a playoff spot and has the inside track to the district title. RB Kendrick Tarin is a force for Buena Vista, while Grandfalls SB Oscar Huertes has a big game last week, notching 471 yards of total offense, and could be difficult for Buena Vista to contain.
Leman's pick: Grandfalls-Royalty by 8

Whitharral (8-0-1) at Anton (7-1)
This game is for the District 3-1A DII title, where the Whitharral bend-don't-break defense will be tested against a solid Anton squad. Whitharrall features QB Chris Albus, RB Kody Gonzales and DB Tyler Swanger, while Anton will counter with RB Elijah Alafa and QB/LB Tristian Hodges. Anton's speed may be a little too much.
Leman's pick: Anton by 7

Veribest (4-5) at Eden (4-3)
A must-win game for both schools — the winner feels good about their playoff chances, while the loser is likely on the outside looking in. Veribest will need a big performance from RB Isaac Oviedo, while Eden will lean on the arm of QB/SB Hunter Rodgers. The Veribest secondary is in for a big test, but this should be a back-and-forth game.
Leman's pick: Eden by 14

QUICK PICKS
Blum over Abbott
Aquilla over Gholson
Ira over Aspermont
Richland Springs over Cherokee
Morton over Wellman-Union
Zephyr over Jonesboro