With just two weeks remaining in the Texas high school football regular season, things are really beginning to take shape! District championship races are heating up, playoff spots are being secured, and every game seems to carry a little more weight as teams fight to keep their seasons alive.
Last week, I finished with 105 correct picks out of 117 games, giving me a winning percentage of nearly 90%! Not too shabby as we head down the home stretch!
This week, I’m featuring FOUR Games of the Week, and each one has the potential to be a great matchup with plenty on the line.
However, there is one game I will NOT be picking this week, and that’s the Terry County showdown between the Meadow Broncos and Wellman-Union Wildcats. With the District 4-1A Division II championship on the line, I’m staying neutral on this one! Both programs represent Terry County, and I wish both teams the very best Friday night.
As for the rest of the games, I’ve made my picks, and I’m sticking with them! It’s Week 10, and the stakes are getting higher. Let’s see how things shake out under those Friday night lights!
Games of the week
Shallowater Mustangs vs. Dalhart Golden Wolves
This Week 10 showdown has all the makings of a heavyweight battle as the Shallowater Mustangs (7-1) host the Dalhart Golden Wolves (7-1) with first place in District 1-3A Division I on the line. Both teams are playing outstanding football, with Shallowater riding a three-game winning streak and Dalhart having won five straight. The Mustangs are coming off a dominating 63-0 shutout of Brownfield, while the Golden Wolves dismantled Denver City 52-6. Shallowater has been impressive on both sides of the ball, and quarterback Logan Winn has proven he can make defenses pay, throwing four touchdown passes last week. Dalhart, however, is no pushover. The Golden Wolves have been rolling through their recent opponents and will certainly challenge the Mustangs. I expect this to be one of the better games in West Texas on Friday night, with both teams bringing plenty of physicality and offensive firepower. However, I believe Shallowater’s challenging non-district schedule, which included wins over Canadian, Seminole, and Monahans, has prepared the Mustangs for this moment. Give me Shally at home in what could be a four-quarter battle. My pick: Shallowater Mustangs!
Graham Steers at Brock Eagles
One of the biggest showdowns in Texas high school football this Friday night takes place in Brock, where the undefeated Graham Steers (8-0) travel to take on the Brock Eagles (7-1) in a battle for the District 4-4A Division II championship. Both teams enter the contest unbeaten in district play at 3-0, and both have been absolutely dominating their opponents. Graham is coming off a 70-0 dismantling of Burkburnett, while Brock shut out Iowa Park 59-0. The Steers have been impressive all season, averaging more than 50 points per game while allowing fewer than 10, and quarterback Cooper Corley has been a nightmare for opposing defenses with his ability to beat teams through the air and on the ground. However, Brock has been equally explosive, averaging 56 points per contest behind quarterback Holt Frazier and running back Bryer McDonald. The Eagles’ only loss came against a talented Class 5A Division II Anna squad, and their challenging non-district schedule has prepared them for games just like this one. Something else worth mentioning is that Brock has won the last two meetings between these programs, including a 28-7 victory last season. I expect Graham to give the Eagles everything they can handle, but Brock’s team speed, physical defense, and home-field advantage could make the difference. This one has all the makings of a playoff atmosphere, and I believe the Eagles will make the big plays when they matter most. Give me Brock to hand Graham its first loss of the season and claim the district championship. My pick: Brock Eagles!
Ballinger Bearcats at Sonora Broncos
One of the biggest matchups in Class 2A Division I this Friday night will take place in Sonora as the Ballinger Bearcats (7-1) travel to face the Sonora Broncos (7-1) in a showdown with major District 4-2A Division I championship implications. Both teams enter the contest undefeated in district play at 4-0, and both have shown they can put plenty of points on the scoreboard. Ballinger is coming off an impressive 61-28 victory over Christoval, while Sonora survived a 52-44 shootout against Reagan County. The Broncos have one of the more explosive passing attacks in West Texas, led by quarterback Aaron Segura, who has thrown for nearly 3,000 yards and 32 touchdowns this season. However, the Bearcats bring a more balanced offensive attack behind quarterback Wyatt Clemens and a strong rushing combination featuring Malachi Bentley and Trey Lopez. What impresses me most about Ballinger is its toughness and ability to battle through adversity. The Bearcats have already demonstrated they can come from behind and win close games, something that could prove valuable Friday night. Sonora has the home-field advantage and has won 11 of the last 12 meetings between these programs, but I believe this Ballinger squad has the offensive balance and determination to change that trend. I expect a high-scoring, back-and-forth contest that could come down to the final possession. Give me the Bearcats to pull off a big road victory and take a major step toward the district championship. My pick: Ballinger Bearcats!
Grady Wildcats at Rankin Red Devils
One of the most intriguing six-man football matchups in West Texas this Friday night takes place in Rankin, where the undefeated Grady Wildcats (9-0) travel to face the Rankin Red Devils (6-2) in a huge District 6-1A Division I showdown. Grady has been one of the biggest surprises in six-man football this season, putting together a perfect record and clinching its first playoff berth since 2018. The Wildcats are coming off an impressive 75-28 victory over Garden City and have been outstanding defensively, allowing fewer than 12 points per game. However, Rankin is no stranger to big games. The Red Devils were state runners-up last season and have won four straight, including a convincing 69-38 victory over Garden City. What makes this matchup even more interesting is that Rankin has dominated the series, winning six consecutive meetings against Grady, including a 60-12 victory last season. The Wildcats certainly have the momentum and confidence to make this a battle, but I believe Rankin’s experience in high-pressure situations and its challenging non-district schedule, which included games against Borden County, Water Valley, and Westbrook, give the Red Devils an advantage. Grady’s undefeated season is impressive, but Rankin has been tested against some of the best programs in six-man football. I expect plenty of offensive fireworks and a hard-fought contest, but I believe the Red Devils will make the necessary stops when it matters most. Give me Rankin at home to hand Grady its first loss of the season and take a major step toward the district championship. My pick: Rankin Red Devils!
Here are all the picks
