KILLEEN ELLISON at TEMPLE
7:30 p.m., Wildcat Stadium
Records: Ellison Eagles 3-2 overall, 1-1 in 12-5A; Temple Wildcats 1-4, 0-2
Last week: Ellison 27, Harker Heights 14; Copperas Cove 24, Temple 10
Last year: Temple 49, Ellison 42
Eagles to watch: Running back David Cobb (98 carries, 684 yards, seven touchdowns); RB Eric West (56 carries, 335 yards, two TDs); linebacker Devon Hocutt; defensive end Dominique Hosea; free safety Greg Green; cornerback Prezel Hardy
Wildcats to watch: RB Lache Seastrunk (77 carries, 463 yards, five TDs; eight receptions, 172 yards, TD); fullback/LB Derrick Davis (67 carries, 386 yards, two TDs); quarterback Jeviah Amos (18-of-36 passing, 316 yards, two TDs); FS Donovan Shumpert (team-high 73 tackles, three fumble recoveries); LB Steven Boggess; defensive lineman Nich Crosswhite
What it means: This isn't a must-win game for Temple - not mathematically, at least - but it's pretty close. A year ago coach Bryce Monsen's Wildcats entered their game at Ellison 0-2 in 12-5A, then clipped the Eagles in a shootout to spark a five-game winning streak that clinched a playoff berth. Temple has an opportunity to win out again, but that starts by beating an Ellison squad that's one of the Wildcats' chief competitors for a postseason spot. Moving to 2-1 would be a big boost for the Eagles' hopes of reaching the playoffs after missing out in 2008.
Outlook: Temple has averaged only 17 points per game, so it shouldn't expect to approach the 49 it hung on Ellison a year ago. Also, the Eagles have limited opponents to 19.4 points and 278.2 yards per game this season. And after containing district favorite Copperas Cove to 228 yards a week ago, the Wildcats - whose defense is paced by tackling machine Shumpert - shouldn't need to score close to 50 points.
One thing Temple does hope to see a repeat of against Ellison is a huge performance by speedy senior Seastrunk, who torched the Eagles for career-high totals of 291 rushing yards and four touchdowns - and the Wildcats needed all of that to prevail. Targeted by every defense he faces, Seastrunk hasn't yet broken through with that type of explosive game this season. And an Ellison defense led by Hosea, Hocutt and Green surely will be determined to atone for Seastrunk's '08 dismantling of the Eagles. The teams employ similar Wing-T offenses, so there shouldn't be many surprises.
COLLEGE STATION A&M CONSOLIDATED at BELTON
7:30 p.m., Tiger Field
Records: A&M Consolidated Tigers 3-2, 2-0; Belton Tigers 5-0, 2-0
Last week: A&M Consolidated 43, Bryan 33; Belton 38, Killeen Shoemaker 0
Last year: A&M Consolidated 39, Belton 22 (Consol later forfeited for using ineligible player)
A&M Consolidated players to watch: FB Clinton Banks (611 yards, 10 TDs); RB Chris Nutall (545 yards, eight TDs); RB Quinton White (155 yards, TD); QB Jacob Bronowsky (making first career start after promotion from JV); LB Nelson Devin (49 tackles); P Sheldon Sutphen (40.1-yard average)
Belton players to watch: QB/P David Ash (68-of-125, 988 yards, area-leading 15 TDs; four rushing TDs; 41-yard punting average); QB Jonathan Paysse (1-of-5, 2 yards; 129 rushing yards, TD); WR Jeff Lepak (16 catches, 211 yards, four TDs); WR Kevin Thornton (17 catches, 208 yards, two TDs); RB Kenny Shuler (248 yards, two TDs); LB Tyler Vail (42 tackles); DE Tim Bower (40 tackles, six sacks); DT Zac Sakaria (32 tackles, five sacks)
What it means: Belton eyes its first 6-0 start and seven-game winning streak since 1999. The Tigers have lost 10 straight games on the field to Consol dating to 1992.
Outlook: This is Belton's biggest test thus far. The Tigers have grown leaps and bounds, but how far they have come will be answered tonight. Ash, who has been on crutches the entire week after suffering a high ankle sprain against Shoemaker, is a game-time decision. If he can't go, capable junior replacement Paysse will make his first career start.
Consol will give Belton a healthy dose of Nutall and Banks and will mix in some play-action passes, looking for a big play. Consol lost its second starting quarterback in as many games last week. Like Belton's Paysse, sophomore Jacob Bronowsky will make his first career start after beginning the season on the junior varsity. He didn't have a carry or a pass attempt while directing Consol's final three drives last week.
Consol's defense, which has been ravaged by injuries, has allowed 407.8 yards and 34 points per game. The unit has given up 14 scoring plays of 20 or more yards and six plays of 50 or more.
COPPERAS COVE at BRYAN
7:30 p.m., Merrill Green Stadium
Records: Copperas Cove Bulldawgs 5-0, 2-0; Bryan Vikings 2-3, 1-1
Last week: Copperas Cove 24, Temple 10; A&M Consolidated 43, Bryan 33
Last year: Copperas Cove 30, Bryan 10
Bulldawgs to watch: RB Brelan Chancellor (364 yards, three TDs; 183 receiving yards; 48.2 yards per kick return); RB Brandin Byrd (544 yards, nine TDs); DE Cooper Brock; LB Donnell Hawkins
Vikings to watch: QB Kesnick Taylor (24-of-48, 488 yards, five TDs); RB Nathanial Jones (462 yards, eight TDs); RB Chris Watson (386 yards, six TDs)
What it means: The Vikings are looking for their first win over the Bulldawgs since 1993 and trying to remain contenders in what should be a tough District 12-5A race.
Outlook: There is a lot of similarity between the Bulldawgs and Vikings in that both prefer to gain most of their yards on the ground with a combination of backs. The Vikings have amassed 1,332 rushing yards to just 504 in the air. The Bulldawgs have 1,285 on the ground and 608 in the air.
The teams feature the most elusive kick returners in the district. Chancellor has five returns, including a 101-yard touchdown sprint. The Vikings' Kevin Jefferson has a 62.7-yard average on three returns, with a 95-yard touchdown. The key could be the defenses. Cove allows 342.4 yards per game to Bryan's 424.4.
- District 25-4A -
MARBLE FALLS at KILLEEN
7:30 p.m., Leo Buckley Stadium
Records: Marble Falls Mustangs 4-1, 1-0; Killeen Kangaroos 4-2, 1-1
Last week: Marble Falls, idle; Killeen 48, Dripping Springs 42
Last year: Killeen 41, Marble Falls 35 (OT)
Mustangs to watch: QB Zed Woerner (63-of-99, 1,199 yards, 10 TDs; 193 rushing yards); WR Cooper Bowen (19 catches, 382 yards); WR David Morgan (15 catches, 315 yards)
Kangaroos to watch: QB Michael Cummings (72-of-138, 1,318 yards, 13 TDs; 451 rushing yards); RB Jaquail Haskins (486 yards, two TDs); WR Rodney Brown (24 catches, 489 yards)
What it means: This game could go a long way toward determining the second and third playoff spots from the district. The winner will pick up its first victory against a team with a winning record.
Outlook: Fans who like offense should enjoy this game. The Kangaroos average 411 yards per game and the Mustangs 376.
Sophomore quarterback Woerner, coach Cord Woerner's son, is on pace to surpass the numbers his brother Thor put up last season. The Mustangs returned almost all of their receivers from last year's squad and their experience has helped the younger Woerner, who hasn't thrown an interception. Also, the Mustangs' defense or special teams has scored a touchdown in all but one game.
Cummings has better all-around numbers and is always a threat to break free on a run if none of his receivers gets open.
No. 1 AUSTIN LAKE TRAVIS at LAMPASAS
7:30 p.m., Badger Field
Records: Lake Travis Cavaliers 6-0, 2-0; Lampasas Badgers 1-4, 0-1
Last week: Lake Travis 57, Hutto 16; Pflugerville Hendrickson 55, Lampasas 23
Last year: Lake Travis 57, Lampasas 0
Cavaliers to watch: QB Michael Brewer (110-of-147, 1,966 yards, 19 TDs); RB Andy Erickson (461 yards, eight TDs; 650 receiving yards, six TDs; 51.2 yards per kick return); LB Quinton Crow (57 tackles)
Badgers to watch: RB Edward Hall (518 yards, five TDs); RB Brode Dubose (406 yards, six TDs); LB Rush Seaver (61 tackles)
What it means: The Cavaliers aim for their 37th straight win against a Lampasas team that has won once in its last 25 games.
Outlook: The Cavaliers are tough to beat primarily because they feature one of the state's best offenses, averaging 9.6 yards per play. They have passed for 2,182 yards and 21 touchdowns, with one interception. On the ground, they have racked up 1,166 yards. The offense more than makes up for a defense that gives up 311 yards and 15 points per game.
The Badgers' best chance is to keep the Cavaliers' offense off the field and hope for a low-scoring game. The Badgers' Slot-T offense has done a good job at eating up the clock and sustaining drives with its solid running game. If Lampasas is forced to pass, it will be in trouble. The Badgers have completed just five of 19 passes for 70 yards.
- District 7-3A -
GATESVILLE at WHITNEY
7:30 p.m., Baker Field
Records: Gatesville Hornets 4-1, 0-0; Whitney Wildcats 2-3, 0-0
Last week: Gatesville, idle; Whitney, idle
Last year: Gatesville 43, Whitney 0
Hornets to watch: QB Jake Truss (85-of-131, 1,144 yards, 15 TDs); WR Dominique Moore (17 catches, 269 yards); LB Jon McConville (40 tackles)
Wildcats to watch: QB Justin Bartley (41-of-74, 612 yards, four TDs); WR Colton Callaway (10 catches, 169 yards); WR Chris Gibson (nine catches, 173 yards)
What it means: The Hornets haven't lost a district opener since 2004 and have outscored the Wildcats 165-0 in the last three meetings.
Outlook: Gatesville coach Kyle Cooper likes to utilize a balanced offensive attack, but he knows that his passing game is what can get the Hornets back to the playoffs. Gatesville has 1,144 yards in the air to only 595 on the ground.
Truss' top receiver had been Ross Wallace, who had 35 catches for 456 yards before suffering a season-ending foot injury three weeks ago. The next week, Truss passed for 286 yards against Waco Connally by spreading the ball between Moore and Christian Santulan.
The Wildcats' spread offense, which has 936 yards passing and 436 rushing, may find it difficult to move the ball against the Hornets, who allow 114.6 passing yards per game.
- District 24-3A -
BRYAN RUDDER at ROCKDALE
7:30 p.m., Tiger Stadium
Records: Rudder Rangers 2-3, 0-2; Rockdale Tigers 6-0, 2-0
Last week: Caldwell 42, Rudder 6; Rockdale 9, Madisonville 7
Last year: Rockdale 49, Rudder 7
Rangers to watch: QB Kyle Danford; WR Michael Jones
Tigers to watch: RB Daniel Brooks (591 yards, eight TDs); RB Greg Chelf (412 yards, three TDs); DL Logan David (53 tackles); DB Tyler Wright (four interceptions)
What it means: The Rangers picked up their first win in school history earlier this year and are looking for their first district win.
Outlook: After looking like a much-improved team with wins over Brookshire Royal and Hearne, the Rangers have fallen back the last two weeks with losses to Navasota and Caldwell. Last week, Caldwell was up 14-0 before the Rangers ran an offensive play, and Rudder gained only 96 total yards.
In three of their six wins, the Tigers have been held under 10 points. In the other three, they scored more than 40. The Rangers have given up 83 points in their previous two games.
Rockdale has gained 1,448 yards on the ground and 628 in the air. When the Tigers do pass, they like to spread it around. Quarterback Joe Sanders (36-of-79) has hit 13 receivers, with the most completions going to Justin Elliot (seven catches, 100 yards).
- District 16-2A -
BRUCEVILLE-EDDY at HICO
7:30 p.m., Tiger Stadium
Records: Bruceville-Eddy Eagles 1-4, 0-2; Hico Tigers 4-1, 1-1
Last week: McGregor 38, Bruceville-Eddy 12; Hico 42, Moody 0
Last year: Hico 34, Bruceville-Eddy 20
Eagles to watch: RB Logan Pratt (412 yards, two TDs); QB Sheldon Walker (58-101, 614 yards, four TDs, five interceptions); WR Sul Ross (17 catches, 213 yards, two TDs); WR Mark Alvear (16 catches, 149 yards, two TDs); LB Jake King; SS Tanner Smith; LB Jordan Hawkins; LB Justin Hawkins
Tigers to watch: QB Sonny Morrow; WR Drew Polk; RB Dylon Turner; SS Seth Hankins; DE Tony Turrubiartes
What it means: The Eagles are aiming to end a 12-game district losing streak.
Outlook: The Tigers bring in an impressive record but didn't face much competition in non-district. One of their strongest performances came in a loss to McGregor two weeks ago, falling 24-14. To hang with what looks to be an improved but relatively untested Hico team, Bruceville-Eddy needs to have success moving the football. Walker has weapons in Alvear, Ross Edwards and Pratt, but the Eagles' offense still ranks among the bottom of the area. That doesn't bode well against a Tigers defense that has allowed 52 points in five games.
MOODY at CLIFTON
7:30 p.m., Cub Stadium
Records: Moody Bearcats 2-3, 0-2; Clifton Cubs 2-3, 0-2
Last week: Hico 42, Moody 0; Hamilton 25, Clifton 21
Last year: Clifton 35, Moody 8
Bearcats to watch: RB Tony Recio (93 yards; three catches, 25 yards); RB Joe Owen (49 yards); WR Stetson Jaske (four catches, 33 yards); WR Johnny Miller (three catches, 43 yards); LB Jared McNamara; DL Jonathan Alejandro
Cubs to watch: QB Dalton Vannatta; RB Dylan Brownsworth; WR Courtlin Dutschmann; WR Brad Maddux
Outlook: The Bearcats could struggle without two-way starters RB/DB Walter Hammond and QB/DB Nate Wilburn, who are no longer with the team. Moody's defense, which is allowing 33 points per game in district play, will have its hands full against dual threat Vannatta. He's been especially dangerous on the ground, and stopping the run hasn't been the Bearcats' specialty.
HAMILTON at TROY
7:30 p.m., Trojan Field
Records: Hamilton Bulldogs 2-3, 2-0; Troy Trojans 4-1, 2-0
Last week: Hamilton 25, Clifton 21; Troy 34, Crawford 28
Last year: Troy 35, Hamilton 14
Bulldogs to watch: QB Keaton Muxworthy; RB/LB Truman Baize; RB Jackson Beshears; FB B.J. Bivins; RB Payden Nolen
Trojans to watch: RB Cyrus McKenzie (429 yards, seven TDs); RB Roy Freeman (373 yards, three TDs); RB/LB Trey Collier (289 yards, TD); LB Justin Gregory (46 tackles, three fumble recoveries); LB Luke Randolph (45 tackles, two sacks); DE Andrew Taylor (26 tackles, four sacks); NG Jerek Foster (24 tackles, four sacks); CB Roy Freeman (18 tackles, four interceptions)
Outlook: Coming off last week's hard-fought win over Crawford, the Trojans have to guard themselves against a letdown. That shouldn't be a problem against a Hamilton team that is unbeaten in district play after wins over Moody and Clifton. If the Trojans have success running the football as usual, they should have a perfect district mark heading into a Week 10 showdown with McGregor.
- District 20-2A -
FRANKLIN at ROSEBUD-LOTT
7:30 p.m., Cougar Field, Travis
Records: Franklin Lions 3-2, 0-0; Rosebud-Lott Cougars 2-3, 0-0
Last week: Franklin, idle; Rosebud-Lott, idle
Last year: Franklin 35, Rosebud-Lott 14
Lions to watch: RB Darius Floyd; RB Scott Sanders; RB Randall Rutledge
Cougars to watch: QB Ernesto Flores (38-of-80, 403 yards, four TDs, four interceptions; 360 rushing yards, five TDs); RB DeAndre Thompson (490 yards, eight TDs); WR Riley Edwards (three catches, 76 yards); WR Shawn Bell (eight catches, 40 yards); WR Adam Portillo (seven catches, 90 yards)
Outlook: Defense has been the Lions' strength so far as they've allowed a district-low 18 points per game. Rosebud-Lott's offense has been anything but consistent. After scoring 48 points in a win over Florence, the Cougars followed with 14 points against Riesel. Rosebud-Lott might need one of its best offensive games of the season to win tonight.
- District 25-2A -
LAGO VISTA at ACADEMY
7:30 p.m., John Glover Stadium
Records: Lago Vista Vikings 3-1, 1-0; Academy Bumblebees 4-2, 1-1
Last week: Lago Vista, idle; Lexington 34, Academy 14
Last year: Lago Vista 34, Academy 29
Vikings to watch: RB Jason Cormier (739 yards, nine TDs); RB Brady Land; RB JeMarcus Johnson
Bumblebees to watch: QB Kyle Kuban (40-of-70, 560 yards, seven TDs, four interceptions; area-best 748 rushing yards, nine TDs); RB Layton Willis (437 yards, six TDs); RB/DB Matt Brenek (55 yards; nine catches, 100 yards; team-high 55 tackles, two interceptions); FB/LB Tyler Moon (138 yards, two TDs; 34 tackles); LB James Ash (44 tackles); LB Levi Mitcham (37 tackles); DL Tyler Lisenbe (36 tackles); DL Dillon Gilmore (34 tackles); DB Brock Griffin (34 tackles)
What it means: This is a must-win for the Bumblebees' district title hopes. A second loss all but knocks them out of the race for the 25-2A crown and could damage their playoff hopes.
Outlook: Academy's been its own worst enemy against two of the best teams it's faced all season. Against Austin St. Michael's and Lexington, the Bees totaled five fumbles and three interceptions. Anything close to a repeat of those performances and they'll have a rocky road to a second straight playoff appearance. Aside from cutting down on those mistakes, Academy must find a way to stop the Vikings' high-scoring, run-heavy offense. Lago Vista, which averages 39 points and 359 rushing yards per game, will be a stiff test for the Bees' defense.
JARRELL at ROGERS
7:30 p.m., Merk Field
Records: Jarrell Cougars 0-5, 0-2; Rogers Eagles 4-1, 1-0
Last week: Salado 35, Jarrell 16; Rogers 55, Florence 7
Last year: Rogers 56, Jarrell 0
Cougars to watch: QB Aaron Burns (14-of-32, 216 yards, two TDs, six interceptions); QB Dwight Culp (13-of-38, 234 yards, two TDs); RB/LB Stephen Taylor (213 yards; 30 tackles); RB/LB Clayton Kovar (149 yards, TD; 49 tackles); WR Daniel Tucker (18 catches, 366 yards, three TDs); LB Humberto Bravo (37 tackles)
Eagles to watch: TB E.J. Larkin (705 yards, eight TDs); FB Chance Marek (547 yards, area-best 11 TDs); HB Ryan Pierce (379 yards, two TDs); QB/RB Ryan Fares (11-of-21, 211 yards, five TDs, one interception; 34 tackles); LB Jacolby Brown (35 tackles); LB Tyler Welsh (34 tackles); LB Cody Weir (33 tackles); CB J.C. Garcia (21 tackles, two interceptions); CB Travis Perkins (two interceptions)
Outlook: The only thing in doubt might be Rogers' margin of victory. Behind six first-half touchdowns by Marek, the Eagles rolled past Florence in their district opener by racking up 421 rushing yards. Rogers could put up those kind of numbers against Jarrell, which has a defense that ranks last in the area and allows 330 rushing yards per game. The road gets tougher from here for the Eagles, starting with next week's game at Lexington.
LEXINGTON at SALADO
7:30 p.m., Eagle Stadium
Records: Lexington Eagles 3-3, 1-1; Salado Eagles 2-4, 2-0
Last week: Lexington 34, Academy 14; Salado 35, Jarrell 16
Last year: Salado 26, Lexington 10
Lexington players to watch: QB Josh Murray (42-of-68, 217 yards; 244 rushing yards, three TDs); RB/DB Xavier Ward (251 yards, five TDs); WR Clint Hutson (22 catches, 260 yards, TD; 193 yards rushing, two TDs); LB Chance Sherrill; LB Chace Sherrill
Salado players to watch: RB Austin Silva (645 yards, seven TDs); RB Cole Calder (264 yards, three TDs); TE/DE Caleb Little; LB Clint Scarborough; LB Cole Calder; DB Joey Davilla
What it means: Salado can remain in the district title picture halfway through 25-2A play with a win tonight. Lexington's road to a playoff bid gets much tougher with a loss, already having fallen to playoff contender Lago Vista.
Outlook: Salado dusted off the "Wildcat" formation and used a run-heavy attack to pound Jarrell last week. Having that kind of success against a speedy Lexington team won't be as easy. Lexington has speed on both sides of the ball and boasts arguably the district's fastest player in Hutson, the state 2A 110-meter hurdle champion. Allowing any of Lexington's speedy Eagles to get open in space could make for a long night.
- District 26-A -
BARTLETT at THORNDALE
8 p.m., Bulldog Stadium
Records: Bartlett Bulldogs 3-1, 0-0; Thorndale Bulldogs 3-2, 0-0
Last week: Bartlett, idle; Thorndale, idle
Last year: Bartlett 7, Thorndale 0
Bartlett players to watch: RB Eric Walker (421 yards, three TDs; eight catches, 123 yards, two TDs); QB Gabriel Gadison (24-of-43, 253 yards, two TDs, one interception; 371 rushing yards, seven TDs); WR Roman Perez (eight catches, 65 yards); WR Leonard Hinojosa (five catches, 38 yards)
Thorndale players to watch: QB Paxton Jordan; RB Shea Maupin; RB/WR Tyler Morton; RB McKendrick Steven
What it means: The winner of this matchup between district title favorites gains the upper hand.
Outlook: It's pretty simple: If Bartlett has any chance of getting off on the right foot in 26-A, the Bulldogs need big games from Walker and Gadison. The power running of Walker and the speed and strong arm of Gadison have been tough for most opponents to slow down. Bartlett's rushing attack should be successful against a Thorndale defense that's allowed just under 200 rushing yards per game and 5 yards per carry.
MILANO at GRANGER
8 p.m., Lions Stadium
Records: Milano Eagles 4-0, 0-0; Granger Lions 0-5, 0-0
Last week: Milano, idle; Bremond 26, Granger 18
Last year: Granger 50, Milano 7
Eagles to watch: QB/RB/LB Matthew Jentsch (719 rushing yards, nine TDs; 50 tackles); QB/RB Thomas Sanders (269 rushing yards, two TDs); RB Sam Walker (317 yards, four TDs); DB Andrew Evans (26 tackles, three interceptions); LB Chris Juhl (23 tackles)
Lions to watch: QB Juan Torres (9-of-33, 135 yards, two TDs, two interceptions); RB Andrew Aleman (230 yards, four TDs); RB Jaron Davis (215 yards); RB Joel Sifuentes (111 yards, two TDs)
What it means: The Lions are aiming to snap a nine-game losing streak, the second longest in the area.
Outlook: Granger missed a chance to earn its first win by giving up 12 points in the final 2:31 last week. To snap a growing losing streak, the Lions have to slow down the Eagles' strong run game. Milano averages 7.5 yards per carry and 333 per game. The Eagles' top three ball carriers - Jentsch, Sanders and Walker - have been tough to stop. If Granger gets off to another slow start as it's done all season, Milano should run away with it.
HOLLAND at THRALL
8 p.m., Tiger Stadium
Records: Holland Hornets 2-3, 0-0; Thrall Tigers 2-3, 0-0
Last week: Holland, idle; Thrall 37, Iola 16
Last year: Thrall 10, Holland 6
Hornets to watch: RB/DB Chance Brantner (574 yards, four TDs; two interceptions); QB Mike Cockerill (36-of-92, 408 yards, four TDs, three interceptions; 265 rushing yards, three TDs); WR Sam Goodnight (13 catches, 213 yards, two TDs); WR/DB Gabe Camacho (14 catches, 120 yards, two TDs; 26 tackles); DB Colby Bane (44 tackles); DB Sam Cortez (45 tackles); DE Blair Severson (29 tackles)
Tigers to watch: QB Tucker Lovelace; RB Hayden Caffey; RB Michael Wells; WR Bill Dodson
What it means: Going against a Thrall team likely to be in contention for the final playoff spot, this is a must-win for the Hornets.
Outlook: There should be plenty of offense in a matchup of teams that have struggled to stop the run. Thrall has allowed more than 1,110 rushing yards in five games, and Holland has given up 1,367. That should mean a big night for Brantner, the area's eighth-leading rusher. Whether that translates into a win depends on the Hornets' young defense.
- TAPPS District 3-Six-Man -
MARBLE FALLS FAITH at HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC
7:30 p.m., Gandy Field
Records: Faith Flames 2-4, 0-0; Holy Trinity Celtics 3-3, 0-3
Last week: Bulverde Bracken Christian 33, Faith 6; Central Texas Christian 44, Holy Trinity 30
Last year: Faith 48, Holy Trinity 0
Flames to watch: QB Travis Roeder; RB Ryan Roberts; RB Jason Byrd; WR Adrian Byrd; WR Zach McNally
Celtics to watch: QB Jacob Daheim (87-of-163, 938 yards, area-leading 15 TDs); WR Chris Watson (16 catches, 310 yards, seven TDs); WR Carlos Frederique (20 catches, 196 yards, two TDs); WR Cody Hannon (17 catches, 102 yards); RB Christian Wiedenfield (335 yards, three TDs)
What it means: Holy Trinity must win to avoid a winless district season.
Outlook: The Celtics' hopes of a playoff berth were essentially ended with last week's loss to rival CTCS. Daheim threw for 237 yards last week but his final attempt was picked off and returned for a touchdown. Faith's defense has allowed only 33 points the last two weeks, including a 49-0 shutout of Prairie Lea. According to sixmanfootball.com, Holy Trinity is favored by eight points.
- Non-District -
BUCKHOLTS at WAXAHACHIE ADVANTAGE
7:30 p.m., Meadowcreek Park, DeSoto
Records: Buckholts Badgers 0-6; Advantage Eagles 0-6
Last week: Richland Springs 70, Buckholts 6; Calvert 1, Advantage 0 (forfeit)
Badgers to watch (stats from last two games): QB/RB/LB William Watson (five completions for 155 yards; 170 rushing yards, TD); FB Jesus Reyes (three catches, 60 yards, TD); RB/QB Dustin Barker (175 rushing yards, three TDs; 80 passing yards, TD); E Paul Shelton (two catches, 105 yards)
What it means: This is Buckholts' best opportunity to get its first win.
Outlook: The Badgers are coming off a 70-6 loss to Richland Springs. Advantage forfeited its game against Calvert last week when the school canceled classes because of the flu. In their other five games, the Eagles were outscored by an average of 64-15. According to sixmanfootball.com, Buckholts is favored by 45 points.
