Columbus (12-1) vs Franklin (10-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Cedar Park’s Gupton Stadium:

Columbus, who spent a good part of the regular season as the No. 1 team in the state in 3A-Division I, will look to take down Franklin, who has played in an impressive four consecutive state championship games.

Columbus rolled past district rival Yoakum 56-42 in a game that probably did not indicate the Cardinals dominance as they led 56-28 midway through the fourth quarter before Yoakum added a pair of late scores. TCU QB commit Adam Schobel tossed four touchdown passes and ran for a score, while North Carolina State RB commit Grayson Rigdon ran for a score before leaving the game with an injury; reports indicate the injury wasn’t too serious, so expect Rigdon to play this week.

Franklin took down a strong Hitchcock squad 35-21 a week ago as the Lions defense contained the explosive Hitchcock attack and the offense controlled the game with their efficient ground attack. RB Jayden Jackson ran for three scores and Landon LeBouf’s 83-yard kickoff return touchdown proved to be the keys for Franklin.

On paper, Columbus should win this game. The Cardinals have a personnel edge, but Franklin’s style and playoff pedigree carries a lot of weight in these types of games and I’m taking the Lions to keep the run alive. These two played a classic in 2022 and we could be in for another one.

Stepp’s Pick: Franklin by 6