Wichita Falls Memorial (1-0) at Wolfforth Frenship (0-1)
In their first ever varsity football game, the Memorial Mavericks looked sharp as they blew past Fort Worth Wyatt at home with a 47-20 victory. The Mavs' rushing duo of Kenji Johnson and Eric Powell was as advertised as they combined for 283 yards on the ground with five touchdowns. Johnson also hauled in a touchdown pass from junior signal-caller Joe Castles, who finished with 187 yards through the air. Frenship took Class 6A Byron Nelson to the mat last week, but the Tigers came up just a bit short in a heartbreaking 48-46 loss. As is the case much of the time, there’s no question Frenship will put points up, but can they get enough stops against the better 6A teams to be a viable threat out of West Texas in the postseason? Memorial is a dangerous 5A-Division II team coming to town, but FHS has a bit too much firepower in this showdown.
Stepp’s Pick: Wolfforth Frenship by 13

Coppell (1-0) at Waxahachie (1-0)
This is a sneaky good matchup of a pair of DFW 6A teams who are no longer up and coming, but looking to take the next step into the top tier of teams across the state. Coppell took care of business last week with a solid 31-10 win over Sachse. Baylor commit QB Edward Griffin only threw for 102 yards and a touchdown, but he showed the ability to get it done on the ground with 149 yards and two scores. The defense was lights out, eliminating Sachse’s ability to run the football and holding an explosive passing attack to just one score. Waxahachie had its way with Ennis in the opener as the Indians took care of business, 42-14. Sophomore QB Jerry Meyer III showed he was ready for the bright lights of TXHSFB by throwing for 268 yards and a score. RB Wade Lemons showed why he’s one of the state’s most underrated backs with 137 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. WHS amassed 520 yards of offense on the night, but handling the Coppell defense is going to be a tall task for a talented, but young Waxahachie squad. This is one that will come down to the wire, but I’m taking the senior leadership and experience for Coppell on the road.
Stepp’s Pick: Coppell by 4

Forney (1-0) at A&M Consolidated (1-0)
Forney got pushed last week against Lake Highlands in surprising fashion, but the Jackrabbits held on for a 34-30 win despite star running back Javian Osbourne being held to just 13 yards rushing. QB Nelson Peterson picked up the slack for the Forney offense as he threw for 356 yards and four touchdowns to lead the offense. This week, Forney takes a lengthy road trip into the Brazos Valley where it'll take on a strong 5A team in A&M Consolidated, who defeated Lake Belton, 33-21. WR Camron Vines returned the game’s opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown and added a touchdown reception in the second half to lead the Tigers. Expect Forney to make a concerted effort to get Osborne rolling this week, but A&M Consolidated is a state title contending team in 5A-Division I. The long road trip is a factor as well, so take the Tigers to close non-district with a big win.
Stepp’s Pick: A&M Consolidated by 6

Fort Bend Hightower (1-0) at Spring Westfield (1-0)
Two teams who came into the year with plenty of questions enter Week 2 fresh off solid season-opening wins over good programs, so at least a few of those questions have been answered. In a defensive slugfest, Hightower outlasted Clear Falls,19-14, as QB Emmanuel Fisher accounted for a touchdown on the ground and through the air. Hightower’s defense was on top of its game as they pitched a shutout for three quarters. In their first game under new head coach Desmar Black, Westfield won an exciting matchup with Sheldon C.E. King, 34-28, as QB Miles Dent and some timely special teams plays keyed the Mustangs in the win. Hightower’s defense is the key this week. If that unit can play up to its paper, Hightower should improve to 2-0.
Stepp’s Pick: Fort Bend Hightower by 7

Humble Atascocita (1-0) at Katy (1-0)
One of the better annual non-district games of the year in the Houston area is the grudge match between Atascocita and Katy. Atascocita rolled past Houston Lamar 35-7 last week as the backfield duo of Cordae Mack and Tory Blaylock ripped through an overmatched Lamar squad hit hard by graduation. Katy needed every bit of their offensive firepower last week as the Tigers slipped past Dickinson, 41-37, on the strength of touchdown run from Tremayne Hill with 1:40 left in the game. Hill finished the night with four rushing touchdowns and 123 yards on the ground. Katy also showed the ability to throw the ball when needed, as QB Gunner Nelson threw for 194 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Atascocita’s team speed is a giant matchup concern for a Katy defense that had their struggles a week ago against Dickinson.
Stepp’s Pick: Humble Atascocita by 6

Abilene (1-0) vs Abilene Cooper (0-1)
It’s the crosstown showdown in Abilene, as Abilene High will look to extend its dominance over Abilene Cooper. Abilene High’s offense was cooking with grease last week as the Eagles ripped past San Angelo Central, 60-36. WR Ryland Bradford had a monster night as he hauled in three touchdown passes and added a touchdown on the ground, while speedy QB Brayden Henry threw three touchdown passes and even caught a touchdown pass. Abilene Cooper’s defense struggled last week in a 41-34 loss to Azle. The Cougars allowed nearly 500 yards of offense in the defeat and that’s a concern entering a matchup against the high-powered attack of Abilene High. It’s a rivalry game, so expect Cooper to keep it close, but Abilene High is just too potent on offense.
Stepp’s Pick: Abilene by 10

Colleyville Heritage (1-0) at Richland (1-0)
Northeast Tarrant County football is more than just Southlake Carroll these days as two state ranked 5A teams in Colleyville Heritage and Richland meet up in what should be a fascinating matchup. Colleyville Heritage rallied last week to take down Red Oak by a field goal, as the Panthers got 202 receiving yards and two touchdowns from WR Braden Blueitt and the defense forced three fourth-quarter turnovers to flip the game. Richland rolled past Birdville ISD rival Haltom 38-17, as Baylor commit RB Michael Turner ran for two scores and QB Drew Kates tallied 246 yards of offense and two passing touchdowns. Even more encouraging was Richland’s defense, which allowed just three points in the first three quarters. This is a coin flip game. I’ve been high on Colleyville Heritage much of the offseason, so we’ll stick with the Panthers in another close one.
Stepp’s Pick: Colleyville Heritage by 3

Georgetown (1-0) at Belton (0-1)
Georgetown is a team many in Central Texas thought could be a sleeper, and the Eagles did nothing to make them think otherwise as they blasted Victoria East, 54-14. In the first four minutes of the game, Georgetown raced out to a 30-0 lead and hit cruise control from there. QB Kaleb McDougle tossed five touchdown passes and RB Jett Walker added two long touchdown runs before Georgetown played their backup players for most of the second half. Belton’s offense was simply unable to get going last Thursday, as they opened the season with a disappointing 14-0 loss to Pflugerville Hendrickson. There wasn’t much to write home about for Belton’s offense, but the defense put together a strong showing, DL Damien Tiumalu led that unit with 11 tackles and three sacks. Unfortunately, unless Belton’s offense does a total 180, this Georgetown team is far too dynamic and explosive for Belton’s struggling offense.
Stepp’s Pick: Georgetown by 17

Quick Picks
Cedar Hill (1-0) at Allen (1-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Cedar Hill by 2
Rockwall (1-0) at Lake Travis (1-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Lake Travis by 14
Willis (1-0) at Klein Collins (0-1)
Stepp’s Pick: Klein Collins by 6
Round Rock (1-0) at Temple (1-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Round Rock by 3
San Antonio Brennan (0-1) at Smithson Valley (1-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Smithson Valley by 17
Harlingen (1-0) vs Harlingen South (1-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Harlingen by 11
New Braunfels (1-0) at New Braunfels Canyon (0-1)
Stepp’s Pick: New Braunfels by 13
Victoria East (0-1) vs Victoria West (1-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Victoria West by 10
Midlothian Heritage (0-1) at Argyle (0-1)
Stepp’s Pick: Argyle by 14
San Antonio Davenport (1-0) at Kerrville Tivy (1-0)
Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Davenport by 7