Previews and predictions for the best Texas high school football area round playoff games of 2024

Alvarado (11-0) vs Frisco Panther Creek (10-1), 7 p.m. Thursday at Frisco’s Ford Center: If you like offense, the Ford Center is the place to be on Thursday night, as two of the state’s best offensive units, regardless of classification, will hit the field in this 4A Division I showdown. Panther Creek had some midseason hiccups but the Panthers are back to elite form after an impressive Week 11 win at Sulphur Springs and a dominant 49-14 win over Dallas Pinkston a week ago. WRs Cristian Trickett and Jalen Lott combined for 10 catches and 183 yards, scoring four touchdowns in the victory. Alvarado’s offense hasn’t been stopped all year, and the unbeaten Indians average just under 60 points per game. The offense is led by QB Cardea Collier, who is rewriting record books at the helm of the Indians' attack. He’s accounted for an incredible 64 touchdowns this year, but there are other weapons, too, as RB DeMarcus Belton has topped 2,000 yards of offense and WR Lance Sampson has 17 touchdown receptions. Alvarado’s strength of schedule is a concern, while Panther Creek is battle-tested from a brutal 7-4A Division I, but the Alvarado offense is a scary sight indoors. Last team with the ball wins it! Stepp’s Pick: Alvarado by 3

Glen Rose (9-2) vs Seminole (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Sweetwater’s Mustang Bowl: Glen Rose, who has won the regional title the past two years, hasn’t been discussed much in the Region I race this year. That lack of buzz is primarily due to the Tigers battling some early-season injuries. Cliff Watkins’ squad is back healthy and looking like a real contender after opening the playoffs with an impressive 48-6 win over Eagle Mountain. QB Canyon Evans is back, and he connected with TE Brodey Bowman for five touchdowns in a win last week. Seminole’s offense was cooking in a major way last week, as well, as the Indians blasted Levelland, 70-32. QB Wyatt Holmstrom ran for a pair of scores and threw three touchdown passes as SHS put up 10 touchdowns in the win. Defense will be the key in this one. Seminole was eliminated by Glen Rose a year ago in a close one, and while both teams look to be stronger on paper, we'll lean toward Glen Rose's playoff pedigree. Stepp’s Pick: Glen Rose by 7

Hamshire-Fannett (10-1) vs Sealy (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Shenandoah’s Woodforest Bank Stadium: Hamshire-Fannett quietly keeps racking up wins, and the Longhorns will look to get to the regional semifinals for the second time in three years as they look to slow down a Sealy offense that is clicking on all cylinders as of late. Hamshire-Fannett opened up the postseason last week with a convincing 49-14 win over La Marque. QB Ty Bryson spread the ball around to several WRs as H-F raced out to a 35-0 lead at halftime before emptying the bench and playing backups in the second half. Sealy pulled off a bit of an upset last week as the Tigers took down a Robinson team, 63-34, that spent a good portion of the season in the state rankings at the 4A Division II level. QB Kane Killough had a career night for SHS with 202 yards and five touchdowns passing and 118 yards and three scores on the ground. Both offenses are plenty explosive, but Hamshire-Fannett’s defense has been more consistent and will be the key to advancing. Stepp’s Pick: Hamshire-Fannett by 9

Paradise (9-2) vs Bushland (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Childress’ Fair Park Stadium: This is a playoff rematch as these two met up in the regional semifinals a year ago and Paradise scored a convincing 36-14 win. Paradise was hit hard by graduation and many didn’t think the Panthers would be back to this stage, but a host of new faces have stepped into expanded roles and got the job done. Last week, the Panthers opened up the playoffs in style with an easy 47-0 win over Clyde. QB Cayde Winters only threw eight passes, but he completed all of them with four going for touchdowns. The Paradise defense was sensational, as well, holding Clyde to just 162 yards of offense. Bushland rolled to an easy 70-6 win to open the playoffs over Kermit last week. The Falcons raced out to a 42-0 first-quarter lead and cruised. QB Quaid Ferris only threw four passes in the win - three going for touchdowns - and added a rushing touchdown. Expect a shootout in this one, as both offenses are explosive, but the experience edge in this one lies with Bushland. This is the year the Falcons may indeed break through with a regional crown. Stepp’s Pick: Bushland by 5

Palestine Westwood (11-0) vs Columbus (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at College Station’s Tigerland Stadium: The state’s best QB matchup in the area playoffs isn’t in Class 6A or Class 5A, instead it lies in 3A Division I where sophomore sensation QB Kavian Bryant of Palestine Westwood leads his squad against TCU commit Adam Schobel of Columbus. Unbeaten Westwood got a big test last week, but the Panthers passed it by taking down Hardin, 42-33. WHS trailed 21-7 late in the second quarter and trailed 33-28 well into the fourth quarter before scoring 14 straight to secure a hard-fought win. Bryant ran for four scores and threw for another, but Hardin’s physical, ball-control style did cause the Panthers problems. Columbus isn’t a ball-control team, but the Cardinals are definitely physical in the trenches and that will be a challenge for WHS. The Cardinals ran out to a 48-0 halftime lead and cruised to a 48-13 win over Cameron Yoe last week. RB Grayson Rigdon returned for Columbus and gives the attack plenty of balance. Despite some key injuries up front, CHS has found young guys to step in and they are continuing to improve every week. Westwood will put points up, but the Columbus defense will find ways to get a couple of stops and pull away late. Stepp’s Pick: Columbus by 10

Gunter (9-2) vs Wichita Falls City View (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Fort Worth’s Eagle Mountain Knight Stadium: Gunter’s absolutely dominated 3A Division II the past eight years or so, and the Tigers entered the playoffs as the odds-on favorite for a third straight state title. They did nothing to make anyone question that after blowing past Cedar Hill TLC, 48-0, to open the playoffs. Gunter’s defense was lights out, holding Cedar Hill TLC to just 68 yards of offense, and Baylor commit Colin Peacock hauled in a touchdown pass from QB Preston Tarpley to lead the GHS attack. City View bounced back nicely from a Week 11 loss to Holliday, as the Mustangs rolled to an easy 53-0 win over Clifton. QB Malachi Williams and RB Kewshawn Perry make for a dynamic combo, and their speed will be Gunter’s biggest test in several weeks. Look for this one to be competitive for a half, but Gunter’s talent and depth wins the day. Stepp’s Pick: Gunter by 23

Poth (11-0) vs East Bernard (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Victoria’s Memorial Stadium: Two contenders for the Region IV title in 3A Division II will meet up in the area round of the playoffs and one top-10 team in the state will be moving on to basketball before Thanksgiving. Unbeaten Poth opened the playoffs in style with an easy 57-6 win over Hebbronville, as QB Major Luna tossed five touchdown passes and RB Kane Stover added a pair of rushing scores, as well. East Bernard’s defense held strong against a strong ground attack in a 35-7 win over Rogers last week. The defense will get a major test this week as Poth’s balance and size at WR on the outside will present problems. Poth, however, isn’t battle-tested like East Bernard is, and that comes from battling in maybe the toughest district in the state in 3A Division II. Meanwhile, Poth hasn’t been seriously tested in several weeks. In a close one, the lean is to East Bernard. Stepp’s Pick: East Bernard by 2

Stamford (11-0) vs Panhandle (10-1), 7 p.m. Thursday at Lubbock’s Patriot Stadium: The No. 1 team in the state in 2A Division I will get a major test this week as Stamford takes on a strong Panhandle squad that has designs of making history of its own. Stamford blasted Sonora, 45-8, last week, as the Bulldogs led 42-0 at half before putting in the young players in the second half. Christian Duran led the SHS effort with four touchdowns. Panhandle got a push last week from an underrated New Home squad, but the Panthers pulled away in the second half for a 42-21 victory. QB Broxton Robinson led the way with 114 yards rushing and five touchdowns, while RB Rush Waltersheid ran for 121 yards and a score to complement the bruising rushing of Robinson. Both offenses are elite at the 2A Division I level, but the key is Stamford’s array of playmakers. The defense will look to slow Robinson down, and I’m not sure Panhandle has the answers if Robinson is contained. Stepp’s Pick: Stamford by 12

Shelbyville (9-2) vs Beckville (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Nacogdoches’ Dragon Stadium: Two teams that haven’t gotten much attention in deep East Texas hookup in what should be a high-scoring affair in Nacogdoches. Beckville opened up the playoffs in impressive fashion, as the Bearcats drilled Bogota Rivercrest, 56-28. QB Braxton Bullock had another big night for BHS, throwing for 207 yards and four scores while adding a rushing touchdown to pace Beckville. The BHS defense will have its hands full trying to contain Shelbyville QB D.J. Barnes, who has put up monster numbers for the Dragons on a weekly basis. SHS ripped past Jewett Leon, 62-7, last week as Barnes had a relatively quiet night, by his standards, with two touchdown runs and a touchdown pass in the win. Ronnie Williams ran for three scores, while Hunter Harvey had a pair of touchdown runs and an interception on defense. Beckville’s defense has been a bit more consistent this year, but Shelbyville won what most consider the best district in the state in 2A Division I. Stepp’s Pick: Shelbyville by 7

Wink (10-1) vs Stratford (7-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Lubbock’s Lowrey Field: Wink will look to knock off one of the Texas Panhandle’s small school powerhouses in Stratford, as the Wildcats try to make their case as a contender in Region I. Wink opened up the playoffs last week in impressive fashion with a 50-0 win over Sundown. RB Kemyd Faciane is a dynamic weapon for Wink and could be a difference maker for WHS. Stratford seems to be getting healthy at the right time after the Elks crushed Crosbyton, 69-8, last week. Sophomore QB Chase Lantelme had a big night all around, throwing for three scores, rushing for one score and adding an interception return for a score, as well. Stratford was almost perfectly balanced offensively for the night, as the Elks passed for 283 yards and ran for 278 yards in the win. Stratford getting healthy is bad news for the rest of Region I, and they have the best two-way player in the region in Bryce Braden. Stepp’s Pick: Stratford by 6

 

Quick Picks

Dumas (5-6) vs Lampasas (9-2), 6 p.m. Friday at Andrews’ Mustang Bowl Stepp’s Pick: Lampasas by 14

Canyon West Plains (8-3) vs Brownwood (6-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Snyder’s Tiger Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Canyon West Plains by 14

Andrews (5-6) vs Canyon Randall (10-1), 7 p.m. Thursday at Wolfforth’s Peoples Bank Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Canyon West Plains by 5

Stephenville (10-1) vs Hereford (8-3), 6 p.m. Thursday at Abilene’s Shotwell Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Stephenville by 25

Springtown (10-1) vs Sulphur Springs (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Prosper’s Children’s Health Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Sulphur Springs by 6

Celina (11-0) vs Kennedale (6-5), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Bedford’s Pennington Field Stepp’s Pick: Celina by 38

Aubrey (7-4) vs Decatur (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Denton’s Collins Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Aubrey by 2

Kilgore (9-2) vs Needville (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Houston’s Sheldon ISD Panther Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Kilgore by 21

Lindale (6-5) vs Navasota (6-5), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Waco’s Panther Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Lindale by 18

Houston Worthing (11-0) vs Tyler Chapel Hill (8-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Humble’s Turner Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Tyler Chapel Hill by 16

Stafford (7-4) vs Longview Pine Tree (10-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Athens’ Bruce Field Stepp’s Pick: Longview Pine Tree by 10

Austin LBJ (11-0) vs La Vernia (8-3), 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Seguin’s Matador Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Austin LBJ by 15

San Antonio Davenport (10-1) vs Port Lavaca Calhoun (6-5), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Bastrop’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Davenport by 13

Bay City (10-1) vs Canyon Lake (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Austin’s Veterans Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Bay City by 20

Corpus Christi Calallen (9-2) vs Somerset (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Portland’s Akins Wildcat Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Calallen by 6

Midland Greenwood (10-1) vs Benbrook (10-1), 7 p.m. Thursday at Abilene’s Sandifer Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Midland Greenwood by 10

Lubbock Estacado (7-4) vs Brock (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Clyde’s Bulldog Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Brock by 17

Graham (10-1) vs Monahans (6-5), 7 p.m. Thursday at Sweetwater’s Mustang Bowl Stepp’s Pick: Graham by 35

Van Alstyne (8-3) vs Van (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Mesquite’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Van by 13

Sunnyvale (7-4) vs Gilmer (8-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Sulphur Springs’ Prim Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Gilmer by 7

Texarkana Pleasant Grove (9-2) vs Farmersville (8-3), 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Texarkana’s Hawk Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Texarkana Pleasant Grove by 21

Carthage (10-1) vs Krum (9-2), 7 p.m. Thursday at Melissa’s Kenny Deel Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Carthage by 24

West Columbia (8-3) vs Gatesville (6-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Smithville’s Tiger Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Gatesville by 3

Bellville (8-3) vs Silsbee (8-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Klein’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Bellville by 21

Waco La Vega (8-3) vs West Orange-Stark (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday. at Magnolia’s Bulldog Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Waco La Vega by 3

Wimberley (9-2) vs Rockport-Fulton (7-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Corpus Christi’s Warrior Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Wimberley by 30

Geronimo Navarro (5-6) vs Cuero (8-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Floresville’s Eschenberg Field Stepp’s Pick: Cuero by 12

Sinton (11-0) vs Salado (7-4), 2 p.m. Saturday at San Antonio’s Comalander Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Sinton by 11

Port Isabel (8-2) vs Lago Vista (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Kingsville’s Javelina Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Lago Vista by 10

Shallowater (9-2) vs Peaster (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at San Angelo’s San Angelo Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Shallowater by 9

Amarillo River Road (5-6) vs Vernon (8-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Lubbock’s Lowrey Field Stepp’s Pick: Vernon by 14

Tuscola Jim Ned (8-3) vs Dalhart (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Lubbock’s Pirate Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Tuscola Jim Ned by 17

Pilot Point (3-8) vs Texarkana Liberty-Eylau (9-2), 7 p.m. Thursday at Tyler’s TMF Rose Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Texarkana Liberty-Eylau by 27

Palmer (9-2) vs Winnsboro (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Royse City’s Royse City ISD Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Winnsboro by 13

Malakoff (11-0) vs Maypearl (7-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Ennis’ Lion Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Malakoff by 24

Jefferson (11-0) vs Grandview (7-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Athens’ Bruce Field Stepp’s Pick: Jefferson by 12

Fairfield (7-4) vs Yoakum (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Temple’s Wildcat Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Yoakum by 8

Franklin (8-2) vs Diboll (5-6), 7 p.m. Thursday at Tomball’s Tomball ISD Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Franklin by 27

Hitchcock (9-1) vs Teague (8-3), 3 p.m. Saturday at New Caney’s Randall Reed Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Hitchcock by 18

Llano (10-1) vs Orange Grove (8-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Schertz’s Lehnhoff Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Llano by 14

Marion (5-6) vs Goliad (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Seguin’s Matador Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Goliad by 22

Edna (11-0) vs San Antonio Cole (7-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at San Marcos’ Toyota Rattler Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Edna by 27

Rio Hondo (9-2) vs Universal City Randolph (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Corpus Christi’s Warrior Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Universal City Randolph by 20

Canadian (8-3) vs Coahoma (7-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Plainview’s Sherwood Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Canadian by 33

Idalou (9-2) vs Stanton (6-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Denver City’s Mustang Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Idalou by 28

Crane (6-5) vs Littlefield (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Lamesa’s Tornado Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Littlefield by 19

Wall (10-1) vs Childress (6-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Slaton’s Tiger Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Wall by 21

Tolar (10-1) vs Bells (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Fort Worth’s Ranger Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Tolar by 10

Holliday (9-2) vs Blue Ridge (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Springtown’s Porcupine Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Holliday by 13

Scurry-Rosser (10-1) vs Jacksboro (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Joshua’s Owl Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Jacksboro by 12

Grand Saline (11-0) vs Woodville (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Rusk’s Eagle Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Woodville by 3

DeKalb (10-1) vs Troup (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Longview’s Pirate Stadium Stepp’s Pick: DeKalb by 12

New Diana (11-0) vs Daingerfield (6-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Pittsburg’s Pirate Stadium Stepp’s Pick: New Diana by 5

Newton (8-3) vs Edgewood (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Henderson’s Lion Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Newton by 14

Van Vleck (5-6) vs Cotulla (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Odem’s Owl Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Van Vleck by 16

Tidehaven (9-2) vs Dilley (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Mathis’ Pirate Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Tidehaven by 28

George West (9-2) vs Lexington (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Hallettsville’s Brahmas Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Lexington by 22

Sunray (11-0) vs Hawley (10-1), 8 p.m. Friday at Lubbock’s Patriot Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Sunray by 6

Post (11-0) vs Anson (8-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Snyder’s Tiger Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Post by 7

Cisco (7-4) vs Abernathy (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Colorado City’s Wolf Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Abernathy by 6

Hamilton (11-0) vs Frankston (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Waxahachie’s Lumpkins Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Hamilton by 5

Tioga (9-2) vs Kerens (6-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Royse City’s Royse City ISD Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Tioga by 21

Axtell (10-1) vs Coleman (4-7), 7 p.m. Friday at Weatherford’s Kangaroo Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Axtell by 16

Mildred (11-0) vs DeLeon (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Burleson’s Burleson Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Mildred by 8

Honey Grove (10-1) vs Hearne (5-6), 7 p.m. Friday at Tyler’s TMF Rose Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Honey Grove by 22

Waskom (9-2) vs Garrison (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Carthage’s Bulldog Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Waskom by 4

Joaquin (7-4) vs Cooper (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Bullard’s Panther Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Joaquin by 3

Marlin (8-3) vs Schulenburg (8-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Hutto’s Hutto Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Marlin by 17

Mason (10-1) vs Weimar (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Georgetown’s Georgetown ISD Athletic Complex Stepp’s Pick: Mason by 21

Ganado (10-1) vs Crawford (3-8), 7 p.m. Friday at Rockdale’s Tiger Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Ganado by 34

Refugio (10-1) vs Thorndale (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at La Grange’s Leopard Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Refugio by 29

Gruver (11-0) vs Iraan (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Levelland’s Lobo Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Gruver by 18

Hale Center (10-1) vs Tahoka (9-2), 4 p.m. Friday at Lubbock’s Patriot Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Tahoka by 3

Ropesville (10-1) vs Farwell (5-6), 7 p.m. Friday at Sundown’s Slaughter Field Stepp’s Pick: Ropesville by 4

Wellington (9-2) vs Collinsville (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Iowa Park’s Hawk Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Wellington by 3

Windthorst (10-1) vs Lindsay (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Boyd’s Yellow Jacket Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Windthorst by 17

Albany (8-2) vs Archer City (8-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Graham’s Newton Field Stepp’s Pick: Albany 8

Muenster (9-2) vs Wheeler (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday Burkburnett’s Bulldog Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Muenster by 23

Goldthwaite (7-4) vs Grapeland (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Waco’s Waco ISD Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Grapeland by 7

Mart (9-2) vs Overton (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Kemp’s Yellow Jacket Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Mart by 6

Lovelady (9-2) vs Bremond (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Madisonville’s Mustang Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Lovelady by 9

Mount Enterprise (8-3) vs Wortham (8-3) 7 p.m. Friday at Palestine’s Wildcat Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Mount Enterprise by 13

Somerville (10-1) vs Ben Bolt (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Palacios’ Shark Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Somerville by 28

Junction (10-1) vs Falls City (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Hondo’s Barry Field Stepp’s Pick: Junction by 3

Shiner (8-3) vs Brackettville (7-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Jourdanton’s Indian Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Shiner by 27

La Villa (7-3) vs Granger (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Kenedy’s Lion Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Granger by 18

Last Week: 0-0 0.0%

Season: 129-51 71.7%