I got better again in Week 4, picking 68 of 90 games correctly for a 75.6% finish. Class 4A gave me a little trouble, and a few minor upsets kept things interesting. Now it’s on to Week 5 and a bigger slate of 93 games. District play begins this week for District 2-5A Division I, District 2-5A Division II and District 4-4A Division I, so the wins and losses carry even more weight for those teams. As always, I’m picking the team on the left, and I’ve highlighted my games of the week.
The Ville vs. West Plains (at Pirate Stadium, Lubbock Cooper): This could preview a state championship matchup. Before the last UIL realignment moved Stephenville from Region I to Region III, the Yellow Jackets beat West Plains 41-21 to claim the Region I title and advance to the Class 4A Division I state championship.
West Plains has been a contender since its program began in 2022. The Wolves reached the playoffs in their first season, advanced to the regional championship in 2023 and made the state semifinals in 2024, where they fell to eventual champion Celina by seven points. Last season ended with a regional championship loss to Stephenville. Coming off a one-point loss to Lubbock-Cooper Liberty, the Wolves will be eager for another shot at the Yellow Jackets. I expect them to make it a fight, but I’m sticking with The Ville. Stephenville over West Plains
Canyon vs. Sanger (at Lion Stadium, Vernon): The battle of the purple helmets comes to Vernon on Thursday night as the 3-1 Eagles face the 4-0 Indians. Sanger is undefeated and beat No. 8 Whitesboro in Class 3A Division I last week. Canyon’s only loss was a 28-27 nail-biter against Class 5A Division I Amarillo Tascosa.
The Eagles are averaging 43 points per game, nine more than the Indians, while allowing eight fewer points per game. Sanger has earned its perfect start, but Canyon’s offense gives the Eagles the edge in what should be a close one. Canyon over Sanger
#2 Idalou (3A-DII) @ #6 Shallowater (3A-DI): When the Big 12 put the Red Raiders on the Friday night schedule, Mustang and Wildcat fans had to hope it wouldn’t land on September 25. Well … here we are. Now two undefeated, top-10 teams with a rivalry dating back to 1980 are competing for the attention of football fans across the area. They’ve met 38 times in the past 45 years, with Idalou holding a 21-16-1 series edge.
Idalou has scored more points and allowed fewer through four games, but Shallowater has faced a tougher schedule. The Mustangs opened with three wins over ranked opponents: Childress, Seminole and Canadian. Both teams also beat Monahans, with Idalou winning 34-14 and Shallowater winning 35-21. The Wildcats may be favored by seven, but I still have some loyalty—and, well, they are green and gold. Shally over Idalou
#2 Whiteface @ #1 Borden Co.: The biggest six-man matchup of the week is in Gail. Both teams are 4-0, and both have ended every game so far under the 45-point mercy rule. Their recent history makes this one even better: Borden County won three straight meetings from 2020 through 2023, including a 65-50 bi-district playoff game. Whiteface answered with two wins in 2024—90-40 in district play and 76-36 in the regional championship—then won again last year, 58-46.
I’m not gonna lie: this is my toughest pick of the week. Whiteface has won the last three, but with this one in Gail, I’m giving the Coyotes the edge. Borden Co. over Whiteface
