Stamford (11-0) vs Panhandle (10-1), 7 p.m. Thursday at Lubbock’s Patriot Stadium:
An unbelievable football weekend in the Hub City kicks off on Thursday night with a 2A-Division I showdown at Liberty High School. Stamford, the No. 1 team in the state in 2A-Division I, will get a major test this week as it 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 the half before putting in the young players for 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 compliment 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 gets contained.
Stepp’s Pick: Stamford by 12
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Sunray (11-0) vs Hawley (10-1), 8 p.m. Friday at Lubbock’s Patriot Stadium:
The City of Lubbock is the place to be for the area round of the UIL playoffs as Lubbock’s newest school will host a top 10 showdown in Class 2A-Division I. Sunray, unbeaten out of the Texas Panhandle, takes on Hawley (10-1) out of the Big Country region, and the Hub City is a perfect halfway point for this showdown. Sunray started out a little slow last week, but the Bobcats hit the jets in the second half with a dominant 41-0 win over Olton. QB Armando Lujan is the headliner for SHS, and for good reason, as he needs just 382 passing yards to set the UIL’s record for career passing yards. Lujan ran for two scores, threw for two scores and picked off a pass in the Sunray win. RB Arnold Mendoza ran for 78 yards and a score and hauled in two touchdown passes, while LB Luke Grajeda was a menace on the defensive side of the ball. Hawley bounced back from a regular season-ending loss to Stamford with a dominant 57-21 win over Ozona. RB Allyn Barker rushed for 195 yards and three touchdowns, while QB Keagan Ables threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns as the Bearcats offense was firing on all cylinders. Hawley, who won the state title 2022 in 2A-Division I, has several seniors who were part of that team, but this group doesn’t have the depth of skill talent that group had. Sunray’s defense and the elite play of QB Lujan powers the Bobcats into Thanksgiving weekend.
Stepp’s Pick: Sunray by 6
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Abilene (7-2, 5-0) at Lubbock Monterey (4-4, 3-1):
It’s a massive game in 2-5A Division I as district leader Abilene High heads to the Hub City looking to grab an outright district title. To do so they’ll have to get through a surging Lubbock Monterey bunch led by head coach Judd Thrash, who has eyes on a share of the district title and a possible home playoff game. Abilene’s offense has battled through injuries and remains one of the best in the state, but the Eagles struggled last week in a 31-29 win over Amarillo Tascosa. It appeared AHS was doomed after taking an intention safety to go down 29-25 with 24 seconds left. But the Rebels made one fatal mistake in kicking to UTEP commit Ryland Bradford, who returned the kick 70 yards for a TD to keep Abilene unbeaten in district play. The biggest concern for the Eagles going into this one is cleaning up the turnovers as AHS turned it over four times. They can’t do that this week as Monterey’s offense is firing on all cylinders. The Plainsmen have had two weeks to prep for this one as they enjoyed a Week 8 bye. In their last outing MHS went up to Amarillo and drilled aforementioned Tascosa, 58-28, behind a monster game from RB Kyree Baxter, who ran for 129 yards and four touchdowns; he added a 74-yard touchdown reception as well. Don’t look for Abilene High to play a subpar game two straight weeks and with as good as Monterey is playing. They’ll have the attention of Mike Fullen’s squad. Abilene escapes Plains Capital Park with a high-scoring, close win and a district title.
Stepp’s Pick: Abilene by 5
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Wichita Falls Memorial (5-2, 2-1) at Lubbock Cooper (7-1, 4-0):
Wichita Falls Memorial will look to bounce back after a heartbreaking 45-42 loss to Abilene Wylie last week, but they face a tough road test against state-ranked Lubbock Cooper. Memorial’s offense was potent, with RBs Kenji Johnson and Eric Powell combining for 250 rushing yards and five touchdowns, but their defense allowed 543 yards and struggled to contain Wylie’s ground attack. Lubbock Cooper escaped Amarillo with a 31-20 win over Palo Duro last week, led by RB Deuce Johnson, who ran for 175 yards and a score, and WR Michael Dever, who caught a touchdown pass. Cooper’s stout run defense is a bad matchup for Memorial, which thrives on the ground. If Memorial is to pull the upset, junior QB Joe Castles will need a big night, and the defense must tighten up.
Stepp’s Pick: Lubbock Cooper by 11
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Wolfforth Frenship (2-1) at Lubbock Cooper (3-0)
It’s pretty clear through the first three weeks of the season that the two top teams in Lubbock are Frenship and Cooper, and these two will have the chance to settle the battle for the Hub City in front of what should be a raucous atmosphere. Frenship’s offense through three weeks has been absolutely sensational as the Tigers come in averaging nearly 61 points per game after they romped past Wichita Falls Legacy 70-7 a week ago. QB Holden Phillips is putting up monster numbers with WR’s Chase Campbell and Leyton Stone leading the charge. Speaking of WRs, Lubbock Cooper has a pretty dynamic playmaker of its own in Texas Tech WR commit Michael Dever. He hauled in a pair of touchdowns last week as the Pirates pulled away from Amarillo Tascosa, 27-7. After allowing 43 points in the season opening win over Lovejoy, the Pirates defense has been stout the last two weeks allowing just 24 points. Cooper will need a similar defensive effort this week if it wants to pull off the upset against a much larger school. The problem is Frenship’s just got a bit too much firepower and depth. The Tigers win a shootout.
Stepp’s Pick: Wolfforth Frenship by 10
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Tuscola Jim Ned at Lubbock Estacado, August 30:
Powerful Jim Ned out of the Big Country heads up to the Hub City where the Indians step up in classification to take on Class 4A Lubbock Estacado at beautiful Lowrey Field. It’s also a battle of first time head coaches. Jim Ned's Johnathan McClure was promoted to head coach back in early March, while former Texas Tech star Eric Ward returns to Lubbock to lead the Matadors after spending time at Wichita Falls City View as an assistant coach. Jim Ned will be led by an experienced defense that returns seven starters, including DL Carter Lange, who is a menace up front. JNHS has more questions on offense, but getting back QB Gray Beasley from an injury should be a big boost for the Indians attack. Coach Ward takes over a team that loses nine defensive starters. so the Matadors will look to a lot of new faces to step into key roles at the varsity level. RB/LB Bobby Ross, Jr. is a four-year starter who is a dynamo on both sides of the ball; he ran for 22 touchdowns a year ago. Speedy ATH Cedric Ross is capable of taking the top off a defense and is a threat in the return game as well. Estacado does have a big question mark at the QB spot. It’ll be strength on strength with the Estacado offense going against the veteran Jim Ned defense. The key early on is Estacado’s big play ability and that helps the Mats pull away late.
Stepp’s Pick: Lubbock Estacado by 6
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Traveling in for the game? We've got you covered!
Welcome to Lubbock, where the charm of West Texas meets vibrant city life. Known for its rich history, thriving arts scene, exciting sports culture, and world-class dining, Lubbock is the perfect destination for groups, as you'll find plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Getting Here
Centrally located in the United States and surrounded by five major highways, regional travel to Lubbock is made easy. For out-of-state visitors, a large selection of flights to and from the Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport provides ease of access. Plus, getting anywhere in the city is a short drive away with an average commute of 15 minutes.
Things to Do
Lubbock's culinary landscape is diverse and delicious, ideal for groups of all sizes looking for a bite. Enjoy award-winning Texas BBQ at Evie Mae’s, farm-to-table delicacies at our array of forward-thinking restaurants or classics like fried chicken at Dirk’s.
Visitors can also immerse themselves in Lubbock’s vibrant arts scene by visiting the Cultural District or strolling through the monthly First Friday Art Trail.
History-buffs will fall in love with spots such as the Buddy Holly Center, National Ranching Heritage Center and Silent Wings Museum, which offer fascinating insights into the city’s cultural and historical significance.
Don’t forget our group-friendly options like Dave & Buster’s, Main Event and Adventure Park and access to Texas Tech University sporting events for those hoping to catch a game.
Can't-Miss Experiences
Lubbock offers unique experiences that set it apart from other destinations. Walk in Buddy Holly’s footsteps at the Buddy Holly Center and pay homage to this rock 'n' roll legend. Enjoy a Broadway show at the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences. Or opt for a grown-ups night out with one of Visit Lubbock’s free interactive experiences.
With the Lubbock Chilton Trail, taste the city’s signature cocktail around the city one sip at a time. It’s crisp, lemony and refreshing! Visitors interested in the wine scene can explore Texas’ leading grape growing region. From tastings to tours, the Texas High Plains Wine Trail offers the best of wine country.
Where to Stay
Lubbock offers a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler, with plenty of group-friendly options. Stay in the heart of the city with convenient access to all the best attractions, and choose from boutique hotels and well known flagships in Lubbock. Regardless of your preference, West Texas knows good hospitality.
