Silsbee (4-1) at Hamshire-Fannett (4-1):

We get a banger to open district play in the Golden Triangle as two of the top contenders in 9-4A Division II get after it.

The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for Silsbee, who, towards the end of the non-district slate, looked more like a MASH unit with all the players who were out. It showed as they were trounced by a strong Hitchcock squad, 42-10, at home in their last outing. Three first half turnovers put the Tigers in a 28-10 halftime hole and the offense just couldn’t generate much in the second half.

After playing on Saturday in Week 4, a short week didn’t impact Hamshire-Fannett in their last outing as the Longhorns rolled to a 34-14 win over Stafford. QB Ty Bryson and the ‘Horns offense continues to put up big numbers, while quietly once again they are playing stout defense. DB Maliki Adams picked off three Stafford passes, including a pick six to lead the Longhorns.

One big note for Hamshire-Fannett is the status of RB Chris Augustine, he didn’t play last week and his status for this week is in doubt as well.

Hamshire-Fannett at home should have enough offense with WR’s Braxton Starnes and Cedric Larnette, but don’t be surprised if this ends up being a low scoring slugfest.

Stepp’s Pick: Hamshire-Fannett by 6