Games of the Week: Amarillo vs. Abilene and Graham vs. Mineral Wells
Well, Week 7 is in the books, and I finished with 88 correct picks out of 111 games, giving me a winning percentage of just over 79%. Not too bad, but there’s always room for improvement!
Of the 23 games I missed, 10 came from the 3A and 2A classifications. And I’ll admit, I thought Dimmitt and Friona would compete a whole lot better than they did. That’s high school football for you. Just when you think you’ve got something figured out, Friday night reminds you otherwise!
This week, I’ve got two games that deserve a little extra attention. Both feature undefeated district teams, and one could very well determine a district championship.
Let’s get into it!
GAME OF THE WEEK #1
Amarillo Sandies (3-0, 5-1) at Abilene Eagles (3-0, 4-2)
District 2-5A Division I
These two programs have quite a few similarities when you think about it.
Both are AHS. Both wear black and gold. Both sit out here in the western part of the great state of Texas. And most importantly, both are sitting at 3-0 in District 2-5A Division I.
Something has to give Friday night!
This matchup will most likely determine the district championship, and both teams have proven they belong in the conversation.
Abilene’s two losses have come against programs from the always-competitive Little Southwest Conference, District 2-6A. The Eagles fell to Odessa Permian 41-29 and San Angelo Central 28-23. Neither loss is anything to be ashamed of, especially considering the caliber of competition.
Meanwhile, Amarillo’s only blemish came against the No. 1-ranked Cleveland Storm out of Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The Sandies fell 35-28 in a game that showed they could compete with one of the region’s strongest programs.
So we’ve got two good football teams, both undefeated in district, both with something to prove, and a potential district title hanging in the balance.
I expect this one to be physical, competitive, and probably decided in the fourth quarter.
But I’ve got to go with the Sandies in this one.
After all, what do they say up at Amarillo High?
BLOW SAND BLOW!
HORTON’S PICK: AMARILLO OVER ABILENE
GAME OF THE WEEK #2
No. 9 Graham Steers (1-0, 6-0) at Mineral Wells Rams (1-0, 6-0)
District 4-4A Division II
Now here’s a matchup that has gotten my attention!
Two undefeated teams. Two programs off to 1-0 starts in district play. And one of them has been one of the bigger surprises of the season.
Mineral Wells comes into this contest at 6-0, and I don’t think too many people had the Rams sitting undefeated this far into October.
Give them credit. Winning six straight games is an accomplishment regardless of who is on your schedule.
However, here’s where I start looking a little deeper.
The Rams haven’t exactly played the toughest schedule, and they’re averaging around 35 points per game while allowing approximately 18 points.
Those aren’t bad numbers by any stretch of the imagination.
But then you look at Graham.
The No. 9-ranked Steers are also 6-0, but they’re putting up an impressive 50 points per game while allowing only 12.
That’s a pretty significant difference on both sides of the football.
Graham is scoring about 15 more points per contest and giving up six fewer than Mineral Wells. That’s the kind of balance that can make a team dangerous, especially when district championships and playoff positioning are on the line.
Now, I don’t expect Mineral Wells to just roll over. They’re undefeated for a reason, and playing at home with an opportunity to knock off a ranked opponent should have the Rams fired up.
But I keep coming back to Graham’s offensive firepower and defensive consistency.
And speaking of Rams and Steers…
I’m not sure ram tastes any better than beef, but I’ve got a feeling Mineral Wells might be getting cooked Friday night!
I do think it’ll be closer than some might expect, but the Steers should have enough to get the job done.
HORTON’S PICK: GRAHAM OVER MINERAL WELLS
Final Thoughts for Week 8
Last week reminded me that rankings, records, and even common opponents don’t always tell the whole story. That’s why they play the games on Friday nights instead of on paper.
I’m sitting at just over 79% from last week’s picks, and the goal is to keep that percentage climbing as we get deeper into district play.
We’ve reached the point in the season where every game matters a little more. District championships, playoff spots, and postseason positioning are beginning to take shape.
And you can bet there will be a few surprises along the way.
So here we go with Week 8 of Horton’s High School Football Picks!
Let’s see if I can get a few more right this week!
— Eric Horton | Horton’s High School Football Picks | TownTalk Media
