Preview and prediction for the best TXHSFB games of Week 4

Waco La Vega (1-2) at Brownwood (1-1): Two teams that started the season ranked come into this one reeling and looking for a win to get back on track. La Vega has dropped two straight to Celina and West Orange-Stark, and although those are strong teams, the Pirates aren’t accustomed to being in this position after falling to WOS, 35-27. The Pirates moved the ball well but turnovers doomed them in the defeat. Brownwood’s offense struggled some this summer on the 7-on-7 circuit and through two weeks of action it’s been a concern after the Lions got drilled at home by Glen Rose, 44-16. Through two games, Brownwood is averaging just 16.5 points, which won’t get it done against a potent La Vega attack led by RB Bryson Roland. Stepp’s Pick: Waco La Vega by 10

Franklin (2-0) vs Celina (3-0) at Waxahachie: Franklin takes a big step up in competition this week as the Lions will take on 4A-Division I powerhouse Celina in a neutral site battle of unbeaten teams. After a Week 2 bye, the Lions had no signs of rust last week as they took care of business with a 42-21 win over former district rival Lorena. RB Jayden Jackson led a punishing FHS rushing attack with 149 yards on the ground and three touchdowns on just 16 carries. Franklin rolled up 337 yards on the ground and returned the game’s opening kickoff for a touchdown to set the tone. Celina took on 3A-Division II powerhouse Gunter and the Bobcats had no trouble in a dominant 38-7 win. It was the first time in 25 years the two rivals played, and Celina's size and depth proved too much as the Bobcats rolled up 520 yards of offense. They were led by QB Bowe Bentley, who tallied 354 yards on the night and had a hand in four Celina touchdowns. Franklin’s Jackson is a load and will get yards against Celina, but the Bobcats' big offensive line and offensive balance will allow them to pull away in the second half. Stepp’s Pick: Celina by 18

Canyon West Plains (2-1) at Bushland (3-0): After a disappointing season-opening loss, West Plains has bounced back nicely with two straight wins, including last week’s dominant 38-7 win over Lubbock Estacado. It was a balanced effort for the Wolves, as QB Reid Macon threw for 262 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another score. WR Kane Tinsley-White had four receptions for 110 yards and a score, while RB Slade Russell chipped in 158 yards and a score on the ground. Bushland had no letdown from a big win over Canadian two weeks ago, as the Falcons took down private school power Midland Christian, 35-14. QB Quaid Ferris threw for 158 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He added 136 yards and two scores on the ground, and Bushland’s defense was stout after allowing a score on the opening drive. West Plains has the better depth and by Week 11 they may have developed into a better team than Bushland, but in Week 4, the veteran Falcons get the nod in what should be an entertaining game in the Texas Panhandle. Stepp’s Pick: Bushland by 7

Jacksboro (3-0) at Tuscola Jim Ned (1-2): Unbeaten Jacksboro will get a big test this week as they take on a tough-luck Jim Ned squad out of 3A Division I. The Indians come in at 1-2 but their two losses are by a combined eight points. Last week, Jim Ned fell in a 25-24 heartbreaker to Wall, in which they fell behind 17-0 before scoring 24 straight second-half points to take the lead. Then, a late Wall score and two-point conversion sent the Indians home with a heartbreaking loss. Jacksboro had no trouble last week rolling through Peaster with a 32-13 win. QB Wyatt Gavit ran for a score and threw two touchdown passes - one to Colorado State commit ATH Canon Valenzuela - as JHS overcame an early deficit while Peaster tried to play keep away from the dynamic Jacksboro attack. Jim Ned’s defense is underrated, but the offense is way too reliant on QB Gray Beasley. If he’s contained, Jim Ned is contained and that’s a bad mix against a versatile and explosive Jacksboro attack. Stepp’s Pick: Jacksboro by 9

Columbus (3-0) at Madisonville (2-1): Through three weeks of the season there may not be a team in Texas that’s been as dominant as Columbus. The Cardinals have beaten three straight 4A opponents while averaging 63 points per game, and the average margin of victory is just shy of 41 points per game. That's staggering dominance for CHS, but after a 60-21 win over Needville last week, things don’t get easier as they tangle with a tough Madisonville squad. Despite a 29-28 loss to Malakoff last week, Madisonville remained in the 4A-Division II state rankings. TCU commit QB Adam Schobel has a bevy of weapons to work with, including RB Grayson Rigdon and WR Braylon Fisher, and they operate behind a veteran group on the offensive line. Madisonville gave the top-ranked team in 3A Division I, Malakoff, all they wanted last week, but the Mustangs fell just short allowing a late touchdown and two-point conversion in a 29-28 defeat. MHS led Malakoff 21-7 in the third, as RB Phillip Green had another big night with 194 yards and two score on the ground. As if that wasn't enough, he also hauled in a 39-yard touchdown reception. Madisonville will need to give Columbus a heavy dose of Green to keep the dynamic Cardinals' offense off the field. Madisonville led for most of the game last week, and there’s a good chance they hold a lead for much of the night against Columbus, but in the end, the Cardinals boast way too much firepower and Schobel and company make plays down the stretch. Stepp’s Pick: Columbus by 5

Muleshoe (3-0) at Canadian (2-1): Muleshoe is off to a hot start behind a dynamic offense and will get a chance to measure up with the best in 3A Division II this week with a trip to Canadian. After putting up huge numbers the first two weeks of the season, the Mules got into a dogfight last week as they knocked off New Home, 22-13. RB Josue Sigala led the way with 131 yards on the ground and he had a 73-yard punt return for a touchdown. After falling to Bushland, Canadian went on the road and got a huge 35-28 win in Dumas. RB Slayden Dickinson had a breakout performance with 201 yards and two touchdowns on the ground for Canadian. QB Clay Kendall threw for 227 yards with three touchdowns and added 76 yards on the ground to give the Wildcats plenty of balance. Muleshoe will put up points and have elite team speed across the board, but the Wildcats rarely lose in Canadian, so I’m taking them in a shootout. Stepp’s Pick: Canadian by 10

DeLeon (2-1) at Hawley (3-0): DeLeon bounced back nicely from a loss to Stamford with a dominant 52-20 win over Valley View. RB Lane Couch ran for 204 yards and two touchdowns, while QB Heston Jobe threw for 159 yards and three touchdowns while adding 130 rushing yards and two more scores. Hawley’s defense has been the story early on, as Mitch Ables’ squad has allowed just 27 points through three games, including a 47-6 blowout of 3A Merkel last week. Hawley led, 40-0, at the half and played backups with a running clock in the second half. DeLeon is a dynamic running offense, but that plays right into Hawley’s strength in this showdown. Stepp’s Pick: Hawley by 12

Ganado (2-1) at Tidehaven (2-1): Ganado dropped from the top of the state rankings last week as the Indians fell to East Bernard, 33-21, but the struggle for Ganado wasn’t limited to just last week’s loss after the Indians struggled with Van Vleck and Boling. They’ll be in for another major test this week, as they tangle with Tidehaven, who bounced back from their loss in Week 2 with a solid 29-19 win over Hallettsville. The Tigers' physicality and depth will be a tough matchup for Ganado, who is running the gauntlet in the non-district slate. Tidehaven wears Ganado down in the second half. Stepp’s Pick: Tidehaven by 14

Quick Picks

Waco Connally (3-0) at Alvarado (3-0) Stepp’s Pick: Alvarado by 14

El Campo (2-1) at Needville (2-1) Stepp’s Pick: El Campo by 5

Mineral Wells (3-0) vs Quinlan Ford at Choctaw Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Mineral Wells by 8

Sealy (3-0) at Bay City (2-1) Stepp’s Pick: Sealy by 1

Bellville (2-1) at Hitchcock (2-1) Stepp’s Pick: Bellville by 13

Malakoff (3-0) at Grandview (1-2) Stepp’s Pick: Malakoff by 18

Bandera (2-1) at San Antonio Cole (2-1) Stepp’s Pick: Bandera by 16

Sunray (3-0) at Childress (2-1) Stepp’s Pick: Sunray by 7

Honey Grove (2-1) at Blue Ridge (3-0) Stepp’s Pick: Honey Grove by 10

Pottsboro (3-0) at Muenster (2-1) Stepp’s Pick: Pottsboro by 6

Last Week: 16-4 80.0%

Season: 43-17 71.7%