Justin Northwest (6-1, 4-1) vs Trophy Club Nelson (5-2, 3-2):
It's a big district showdown in 4-6A as Northwest ISD rivals Northwest and Byron Nelson meet for the first time in several years. After cruising through their first six games, Northwest's unbeaten season came to a crashing halt last week with a 48-7 loss to Southlake Carroll. The Texans struggled to generate any offensive consistency against Carroll's stout defense, and their schedule remains tough down the stretch. Byron Nelson, meanwhile, has bounced back nicely from an 0-2 start in district play, winning their last three games, including last week’s 42-28 win over Haslet Eaton. QB Grant Bizjack tallied 302 total yards and threw three touchdown passes—one to Baylor commit Leo Almanza and two to junior TE Parker Almanza. While Northwest has gotten off to a strong start, they haven't beaten a team with a winning record. That lack of strength in their schedule, combined with a playoff-tested Byron Nelson squad at the 6A level, points to a Bobcats win and a major step toward securing a playoff spot.
Stepp’s Pick: Trophy Club Nelson by 7

Prosper (6-1, 5-0) at Allen (7-0, 5-0):
The 6-6A title is on the line in this one, as Prosper—who has beaten Allen in their last three meetings—looks to extend their winning streak. However, the challenge will be steep as they head to Eagle Stadium. Prosper was pushed last week but managed to escape McKinney with a hard-fought 29-17 win. RB Jacob Martinez led the way with 145 rushing yards and two touchdowns, working behind one of the state's best offensive lines. Allen, meanwhile, has quietly pieced together a strong season, giving their massive fanbase hope for a return to glory in 2024. Last week, AHS cruised past struggling Plano West 63-14, racking up 559 yards while seeing seven different players score touchdowns. Prosper’s offensive line poses a tough matchup for an Allen defense that isn't particularly big, but with the development of QB Brady Bricker, Allen looks poised to take the next step. At home, Lee Wiginton’s squad secures one of their biggest regular season wins in recent memory.
Stepp’s Pick: Allen by 2

Pearland (7-1, 6-0) at Alvin Shadow Creek (6-1, 5-0):
A probable district title is at stake in 23-6A as neighborhood rivals Pearland and Shadow Creek face off in a clash of contrasting styles—Pearland's physical, ground-and-pound approach versus Shadow Creek’s dynamic skill position players. In their last outing, Pearland dismantled Pasadena Memorial 52-3, with QB Jake Westmoreland throwing for two touchdowns and running for another as the Oilers spread the ball around. Pearland’s defense has been stellar in recent weeks, allowing just 10 points in their last two games. Shadow Creek, on the other hand, comes off a bye after trouncing Pasadena Memorial 52-0. Texas A&M commit DB Cobey Sellers had an interception return for a touchdown to lead the defense. QB Joseph Stewart accounted for four touchdowns—two passing, including one to Texas commit WR Chris Stewart, and two rushing in the win, but he suffered an injury and saw his senior season cut short, which is a huge blow for the Sharks. With two weeks to prepare, Shadow Creek should have their new signal caller ready to go, but going against Pearland in the first game could be a tall order. 
Stepp’s Pick: Pearland by 8

Austin Westlake (6-1, 3-0) at Lake Travis (7-0, 3-0):
The annual battle for Austin supremacy between Westlake and Lake Travis always garners statewide attention, and 2024 is no different. Westlake has dominated this rivalry in recent years, winning six of the last seven meetings, including both matchups last year. Since their home loss to Humble Atascocita, Westlake has won four straight, allowing just 23 total points in those games. Lake Travis, however, has leaned on its defense all season and turned in perhaps its best performance last week, routing Dripping Springs 49-14. QB Chaston Ditta, an East Carolina commit, led the way with two rushing touchdowns and two passing scores in the blowout win. At home, I think Lake Travis pulls off what some may consider a slight upset, with RB Van Hopping—who had two touchdown runs last week—providing the balance that tips the scale.
Stepp’s Pick: Lake Travis by 3

San Antonio Harlan (6-1, 4-1) at San Antonio Taft (5-2, 4-1):
Though neither team is likely to win the 28-6A district title, playoff positioning is on the line in this matchup, with a home playoff game potentially at stake. Last week, Harlan rolled past San Antonio Stevens 49-14, with six different players scoring rushing touchdowns, led by Aldric Trotter’s 136 yards and two scores. Taft, meanwhile, struggled in a 34-16 loss to San Antonio Sotomayor, allowing 393 rushing yards. The Raiders managed just 53 rushing yards on the day, averaging 2.2 yards per carry—numbers that won’t cut it against one of the top contenders in the district.
Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Harlan by 11

PSJA (5-2, 2-0) at Weslaco (5-2, 2-0):
Though three weeks remain in the regular season, it’s likely the 31-6A title will be decided Friday night when two Valley legacy programs clash. PSJA’s dynamic passing attack was on full display last week in a 42-7 win over Edinburg Economedes, with QB Myles Lopez throwing for 410 yards and four touchdowns, three of which went to WR Ryan Vallejo, who finished with 10 catches for 177 yards. Weslaco also rolled last week, beating Edinburg North 55-21, with QB Frankie Trevino rushing for five touchdowns and throwing for another. Both offenses can score in bunches, so the game will likely come down to which defense steps up. At home, Weslaco’s tradition of solid defensive play gives them the edge.
Stepp’s Pick: Weslaco by 7

Richland (7-1, 5-1) at Aledo (6-1, 5-0):
Richland bounced back from their loss to Denton Ryan with a dominant 51-14 win over Granbury, led by QB Drew Kates, who ran for two touchdowns and threw for two more. Four different players caught touchdown passes for the Royals. Aledo, coming off a bye, cruised past Granbury 56-7 two weeks ago. QB Gavin Beard threw for 263 yards and four touchdowns, while RB Raycine Guillory added 71 rushing yards and two scores. Aledo’s defense is elite at taking away what their opponents do best, and with Baylor commit RB Michael Turner out, Richland has become one-dimensional. That spells trouble for the Royals.
Stepp’s Pick: Aledo by 25

Carrollton Creekview (8-0, 6-0) at West Mesquite (7-0, 5-0):
If you predicted Creekview and West Mesquite would both be undefeated heading into Week 9, you might want to head to Las Vegas. Both teams, led by first-year head coaches, have defied preseason expectations. Creekview’s Dusty Ortiz has his team sitting at 8-0 after a 45-0 shutout of Dallas Adams. The Mustangs’ defense was the story, allowing just 26 total yards and forcing three turnovers. QB Cason Garcia threw for three touchdowns, while RB DeAndre Richardson added two rushing scores. West Mesquite, coming off a bye, handled Dallas Adams 48-0 two weeks ago, with RB Kamari Carter running for 106 yards and two scores. On film, West Mesquite’s team speed stands out, and that gives the Wranglers a big edge. Creekview keeps it close early, but West Mesquite pulls away in the second half.
Stepp’s Pick: West Mesquite by 17

Quick Picks

El Paso Franklin (5-3, 3-1) at El Paso Eastlake (4-3, 3-0)
Stepp’s Pick: El Paso Eastlake by 6

Bryan (3-4, 1-2) at Temple (5-2, 2-1)
Stepp’s Pick: Temple by 13

Cypress Ranch (5-2, 3-1) at Cypress Woods (7-0, 4-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Cypress Woods by 14

Katy (6-1, 5-0) vs Katy Paetow (6-1, 5-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Katy by 10

Cedar Park (5-2, 4-0) at Lake Belton (5-2, 3-1)
Stepp’s Pick: Cedar Park by 3

Lufkin (6-1, 3-0) at Port Arthur Memorial (6-2, 3-1)
Stepp’s Pick: Lufkin by 9

McAllen Memorial (6-1, 4-0) at Edinburg Vela (7-0, 4-0)
Stepp’s Pick: Edinburg Vela by 5

Mansfield Summit (4-3, 4-1) at Colleyville Heritage (5-2, 4-1)
Stepp’s Pick: Colleyville Heritage by 2

Iowa Colony (6-1, 3-1) at Fort Bend Marshall (6-1, 3-1)
Stepp’s Pick: Iowa Colony by 15

Last Week: 17-3 85.0%
Season: 108-32 77.1%