Alvarado (10-0) vs Sulphur Springs (10-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Prosper’s Children’s Health Stadium: Undefeated Alvarado faces their biggest test of the season by several factors this week as they take on a Sulphur Springs squad looking to avenge last year’s loss in the third round of the playoffs. There’s not much to be taken from last week’s games as both were totally lopsided affairs. Alvarado hammered Fort Worth Carter-Riverside, 77-0. RB DeMarcus Belton had a big first-half along with QB KJ Jenkins as the Indians raced out to a 49-0 halftime lead and cruised against an overmatched opponent. Sulphur Springs ripped through Dallas Kimball last week, 62-9. RB Jaxson Haire ran for two scores and had a touchdown catch, while sophomore WR Jaxon Virgel hauled in a pair of touchdown receptions to pace the Wildcats. The key in this game is Sulphur Springs up front; the Wildcats have a major size advantage over Alvarado and that edge in the trenches is enough to slow the Alvarado offense down. Stepp’s Pick: Sulphur Springs by 7
Fort Bend Crawford (10-1) vs Lindale (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Nacogdoches’ Dragon Stadium: The one team in Region III that has a chance to end the East Texas dominance is newcomer Fort Bend Crawford, playing in just their second varsity season. They’ll have their hands full this week, however, as they head to East Texas to take on a stout Lindale squad in a battle of 10-1 teams. Crawford avenged their first-round playoff loss to Houston Worthing a year ago with a dominant 50-7 victory. WR Alvin Mosley hauled in a pair of touchdown passes, while RB Dedrick Polk ran for three scores as well as the Chargers cruised. Lindale rolled to easy 63-21 win over Huffman-Hargrave at home as the Eagles were led by QB David Lindig, who threw a pair of touchdown passes and ran for two scores. RB’s Hank Thurman and A’Million Johnson both ran for two scores as well. Lindale’s defense stymied a good Huffman offense in much of the game as well. Lindale’s secondary will have some trouble with the explosive playmakers from Crawford, but Lindale’s defensive line will dominate and help their secondary out and Lindale’s playoff experience and pedigree will come to the forefront in the second half of a competitive game. Stepp’s Pick: Lindale by 10
Lubbock Liberty (10-1) vs Graham (8-3), 6 p.m. Friday at Abilene’s Shotwell Stadium: Newcomer Lubbock Liberty made their playoff debut in style last week as the Patriots demolished Monahans 49-0. QB Colton Bichard had a touchdown rushing and passing, while sophomore RB Kaiden Joseph added a touchdown on the ground. The Patriots defense was absolutely dominant and even added a score on defense as LB Lane Miller returned an interception for a score. Graham’s defense dominated last week as the Steers rolled to a 32-0 win over Godley. The Steers scored on their first five possessions of the game as QB Jace Gill ran for a score and threw for a score, he even added a field goal for good measure. Graham’s defense held Godley to just seven first downs and 176 total yards. Graham’s got the experience and playoff pedigree, but Liberty’s size in the trenches could be too much for a younger Graham squad. Stepp’s Pick: Lubbock Liberty by 8
Shallowater (8-3) vs Peaster (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Childress’ Fair Park Stadium: Two regional favorites in 3A-Division I Region I will hook up as Shallowater takes on Peaster in a battle of surging teams. Shallowater last week raced past Brownfield 60-0 as QB Cooper Martin and the Mustangs offense was clicking on all cylinders as they jumped out to a 46-0 halftime lead and put things on cruise control in the second half. Peaster’s defense continues their stellar play as the Greyhounds pitched a shutout in a 31-0 victory over Sweetwater. Leading 7-0 at the half, Peaster got the offense rolling in the second half as RB Hudson Salyers ran for two of his three scores in the second half. The key in this game will be Shallowater’s offense. If they can consistently move the ball especially in the passing game they have the shot at the upset. But can Shallowater’s offensive line hold up against that ferocious front from Peaster? Stepp’s Pick: Peaster by 12
Crystal City (10-1) vs Goliad (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Heroes Stadium: Surprising Crystal City is into the area playoffs for just the fourth time in school history and a win this week would put them into the regional semifinals for the first time since 1953. That task will be challenging this week as they deal with regional favorite Goliad. Last week CCHS took down Universal City Randolph 47-27 as the Javelinas outscored RHS 28-0 down the stretch after trailing 27-19 late. It was a game of runs as CCHS jumped out to a 19-0 lead, RHS scored the next 27 points, before the Javelinas scored the game’s final four touchdowns. Goliad dominated Bishop 49-7 last week as RB Lamont Franklin led a balanced attack with a touchdown run and a sensational tip-toe touchdown catch along the sidelines, while bruising RB’s Josh Valdez and Donovan Perry tallied three scores for the Tigers as well. Goliad’s size and physicality will wear Crystal City down late and end the Javelinas dream season. Stepp’s Pick: Goliad by 20
George West (11-0) vs Lexington (9-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at El Campo’s Ricebird Stadium: Unbeaten George West enters this game as a bit of an unheralded underdog from South Texas, but they can make a statement this week by knocking off Lexington, who is led by one of the state’s top signal-callers in Iowa State commit Kase Evans. Last week GWHS and their punishing Slot-T offense blasted Karnes City 56-14. It was a balanced effort for the Longhorns as Kohen Blount had touchdown runs of 4 and 3 yards. Jaxson Alaniz threw a 24-yard TD pass to Kole Freeborn, and Spencer Lee ran for a pair of touchdowns to lead a 35-point first half barrage. Lexington got pushed to the brink by upstart Wallis Brazos last week, but the Eagles escaped with a 42-41 win. Evans had 298 yards of offense and accounted for two passing scores and a rushing score to lead LHS. RB A’Maury O’Bryant had 77 yards on the ground and two scores as well, but Lexington’s defense with a late two-point conversion stop was the difference in this back-and-forth affair. Lexington has the talent to possibly win this region, but something just doesn’t seem to be clicking, and I think they are ripe for an upset this week. The Slot-T keeps the offense off the field and the ‘Horns get a late stop to win a shootout. Stepp’s Pick: George West by 3
Cisco (10-1) vs Panhandle (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Post’s Redman Memorial Stadium: Two of the favorites in 2A-Division I meet up in a game that may be more worthy of a regional final than an area playoff as Cisco takes on Panhandle. This game is being played in Post, whom last week Panhandle pulled away from for a tough 35-18 victory. Trailing 18-12 after one back and forth quarter, Panhandle buckled down on defense pitching a shutout in the final three quarters. Army QB commit Broxton Robinson was the showstopper throwing for 282 yards and four touchdowns, while adding 132 yards rushing and another score. Cisco cruised in their playoff opener as the Loboes blew Christoval away 62-0. Cisco got a big game from QB Colby McIlroy, who passed for 110 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 82 yards and a touchdown. Cisco’s defense was lights out as well holding an overmatched Christoval bunch to just 78 yards of offense. This should be an absolute heavyweight fight. The teams on paper are evenly matched and play difficult schedules in tough districts. The difference is Panhandle has the best player on the field in Broxton Robinson and I don’t think he’s ready to end his high school career. Stepp’s Pick: Panhandle by 3
Wink (9-2) vs Gruver (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Floydada’s Tyer Stadium: Wink has been a perennial bridesmaid in Region I over the years as the Wildcats have consistently been in the mix but have been unable to break through. Often getting in the way has been a team from the Texas Panhandle and that’s the case this week as defending regional champion Gruver awaits. Last week, Wink had no such troubles with Sundown as Brian Gibson’s squad cruised to a 40-12 win. QB Layne Lusby tossed four touchdown passes to three different receivers on the night and RB Kemyd Faciane chipped in a long touchdown run as well. Gruver ripped through Lockney 67-7 last week as the Greyhounds led 55-0 at the half. GHS didn’t need a superhuman effort QB Briggs Satterfield who “only” had 122 yards and two scores, but the Gruver defense forced four turnovers and consistently set up the offense with short fields. Satterfield will be needed much more this week and he’s a guy who has led a team to the state semifinals. This will be a tight one, but Gruver has too much. Keep an eye on Wink as a contender in 2026. Stepp’s Pick: Gruver by 9
Mount Enterprise (11-0) vs Chilton (10-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Kemp’s Yellow Jacket Stadium: Texas Tech commit Kaegan Ash has been one of the state’s best stories as he’s literally carrying MEHS to new heights in 2025. In last week’s 70-14 win over West Hardin, the senior ran for 345 yards and four scores, and he hauled in a 52-yard touchdown reception in what for him would be considered a “normal” night. This week the Wildcats maybe face their toughest test to date against a tough Chilton squad with plenty of team speed. Chilton’s defense in the regular season had allowed just 70 points total and 48 game in a loss to Bremond, but last week they were touched up in a big way in a surprisingly close 50-46 win over Clarksville. In fact, the Pirates needed a score with under a minute left to avoid the stunning upset. ATH Marneko Thomas led the charge with 170 yards rushing and three touchdowns, 54 yards passing and he broke up four passes in the secondary. Before last week I would have though the matchup between the Chilton defense and Mount Enterprise’s offense led by Ash was going to be must-see TV. But last week’s effort has me more than concerned. Stepp’s Pick: Mount Enterprise by 14
Quick Picks
Canyon (7-4) vs Brownwood (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Odessa’s Ratliff Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Brownwood by 4
Canyon West Plains (10-1) vs Lampasas (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Snyder’s Tiger Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Canyon West Plains by 28
Burnet (4-7) vs Canyon Randall (9-2), 3 p.m. Friday at Iowa Park’s Hawk Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Canyon Randall by 14
Stephenville (11-0) vs Dumas (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Vernon’s Lion Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Stephenville by 31
Springtown (11-0) vs Frisco Panther Creek (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at North Richland Hills’ Birdville Fine Arts/Athletic Complex Stepp’s Pick: Springtown by 3
Celina (11-0) vs Fort Worth Eastern Hills (6-5), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Bedford’s Pennington Field Stepp’s Pick: Celina by 45
Paris (7-4) vs Decatur (7-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Denison’s Munson Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Decatur by 7
Kilgore (10-1) vs Stafford (6-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Willis’ Yates Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Kilgore by 24
Bridge City (10-1) vs Navasota (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Baytown’s Stallworth Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Bridge City by 2
Houston Yates (11-0) vs Longview Pine Tree (7-4), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Crockett’s Driskell Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Longview Pine Tree by 18
Austin LBJ (9-2) vs Bay City (8-3), 2 p.m. Saturday at Brenham’s Cub Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Bay City by 3
San Antonio Davenport (11-0) vs Port Lavaca Calhoun (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Smithville’s Tiger Stadium Stepp’s Pick: San Antonio Davenport by 11
La Vernia (10-1) vs Somerset (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Farris Stadium Stepp’s Pick: La Vernia by 14
Corpus Christi Calallen (9-2) vs Canyon Lake (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Von Ormy’s Southwest Legacy Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Corpus Christi Calallen by 12
Midland Greenwood (11-0) vs Eagle Mountain (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Clyde’s Bulldog Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Midland Greenwood by 21
Brock (11-0) vs Lubbock Estacado (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at San Angelo’s San Angelo Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Brock by 27
Glen Rose (6-5) vs Seminole (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Sweetwater’s Mustang Bowl Stepp’s Pick: Seminole by 3
Krum (10-0) vs Athens (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Mesquite’s Hanby Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Athens by 6
Sunnyvale (10-1) vs Van (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Sulphur Springs’ Prim Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Sunnyvale by 10
Texarkana Pleasant Grove (10-1) vs Canton (10-1), 6:30 p.m. Friday at Texarkana’s Hawk Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Texarkana Pleasant Grove by 18
Carthage (11-0) vs Sanger (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Forney’s City Bank Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Carthage by 24
West Orange-Stark (8-3) vs Robinson (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Spring’s Planet Ford Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Robinson by 3
West Columbia (8-3) vs Sealy (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Iowa Colony’s Freedom Field Stepp’s Pick: Sealy by 15
China Spring (4-7) vs La Marque (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Magnolia’s Mustang Stadium Stepp’s Pick: La Marque by 2
Waco La Vega (9-2) vs Silsbee (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Jacksonville’s Tomato Bowl Stepp’s Pick: Waco La Vega by 9
Salado (8-3) vs Rockport-Fulton (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Gustafson Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Salado by 13
Gonzales (7-4) vs Cuero (10-1), 7 p.m. Friday at Yoakum’s Bulldog Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Cuero by 14
Sinton (10-1) vs Jarrell (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Comalander Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Sinton by 4
Robstown (7-4) vs Wimberley (7-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Beeville’s Veterans Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Wimberley by 33
Denver City (6-5) vs Vernon (8-2), 7 p.m. Thursday at Canyon’s Happy State Bank Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Vernon by 27
Tuscola Jim Ned (10-1) vs Bushland (5-6), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Lubbock’s Lowrey Field Stepp’s Pick: Tuscola Jim Ned by 17
Paradise (10-1) vs Dalhart (9-2), 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Childress’ Fair Park Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Paradise by 14
Whitney (9-2) vs Winnsboro (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Rockwall’s Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Winnsboro by 6
Pottsboro (10-1) vs Malakoff (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Greenville’s Ford Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Malakoff by 7
Commerce (8-2) vs Pilot Point (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at McKinney’s Poe Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Commerce by 3
Gladewater (10-1) vs Grandview (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Kaufman’s Norville Field Stepp’s Pick: Gladewater by 5
Hardin (11-0) vs Hitchcock (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at La Porte’s Bulldog Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Hardin by 7
Franklin (8-2) vs Orangefield (9-2), 7 p.m. Thursday at Shenandoah’s Woodforest Bank Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Franklin by 22
Columbus (9-2) vs Palestine Westwood (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Caldwell’s Hornet Field Stepp’s Pick: Columbus by 16
Llano (10-1) vs London (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Converse’s Rutledge Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Llano by 15
Edna (8-3) vs Marion (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Cuero’s Gobbler Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Edna by 17
Orange Grove (9-2) vs Ingram Moore (7-4), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Schertz’s Lehnhoff Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Orange Grove by 2
Canadian (10-1) vs Coahoma (9-2), 6 p.m. Friday at Plainview’s Sherwood Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Canadian by 21
Idalou (8-3) vs San Angelo Grape Creek (7-4), 6:30 p.m. Friday at Colorado City’s Wolf Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Idalou by 27
Merkel (7-4) vs Slaton (9-2), 7 p.m. Thursday at Sweetwater’s Mustang Bowl Stepp’s Pick: Slaton by 13
Wall (11-0) vs Childress (8-3), 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Snyder’s Tiger Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Wall by 24
Holliday (7-4) vs Leonard (7-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Denton’s Collins Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Holliday by 2
Jacksboro (7-4) vs Blue Ridge (6-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Denton’s Collins Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Jacksboro by 4
Gunter (10-1) vs Wichita Falls City View (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Denton’s DATCU Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Gunter by 22
Callisburg (6-5) vs Henrietta (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Coppell’s Cowboy Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Henrietta by 9
Edgewood (9-2) vs Woodville (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Rusk’s Eagle Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Woodville by 10
Daingerfield (8-3) vs Arp (10-1), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Marshall’s Maverick Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Daingerfield by 8
Troup (11-0) vs Hooks (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Emory’s Wildcat Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Troup by 14
Newton (10-1) vs De Kalb (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Tatum’s Eagle Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Newton by 21
Blanco (9-2) vs Cotulla (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at San Antonio’s Edgewood Veterans Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Blanco by 26
Tidehaven (11-0) vs Stockdale (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Taft’s Greyhound Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Tidehaven by 22
Poth (10-1) vs East Bernard (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Victoria’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Poth by 5
Stinnett West Texas (11-0) vs Hawley (8-3), 6 p.m. Thursday at Lubbock’s Lowrey Field Stepp’s Pick: Stinnett West Texas by 12
New Home (9-2) vs Stamford (7-4), 7 p.m. Thursday at Colorado City’s Wolf Stadium Stepp’s Pick: New Home by 7
Anson (8-3) vs Spearman (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Abernathy’s Antelope Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Spearman by 3
Hamilton (9-2) vs Mildred (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Robinson’s Rocket Field Stepp’s Pick: Hamilton by 7
Alvord (9-2) vs Price Carlisle (6-5), 7 p.m. Friday at Ennis’ Lion Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Alvord by 6
Axtell (9-1) vs Tom Bean (9-2), 7 p.m. Thursday at Kaufman’s Norville Field Stepp’s Pick: Axtell by 3
Frankston (11-0) vs De Leon (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Granbury’s Pirate Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Frankston by 11
Honey Grove (10-1) vs Joaquin (7-4), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Ore City’s Rebel Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Honey Grove by 8
Elysian Fields (10-1) vs Garrison (8-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Henderson’s Lion Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Elysian Fields by 2
San Augustine (8-3) vs Waskom (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Henderson’s Lion Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Waskom by 10
Jewett Leon (11-0) vs Beckville (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Tyler’s TMF Rose Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Beckville by 9
Crawford (10-1) vs Kenedy (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Bastrop’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Crawford by 14
Mason (8-3) vs Schulenburg (6-5), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Cedar Park’s Gupton Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Mason by 17
Ganado (10-1) vs Thorndale (8-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Bastrop’s Memorial Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Ganado by 15
Refugio (10-0) vs Rosebud-Lott (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at New Braunfels’ Cougar Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Refugio by 17
Stratford (8-2) vs Tahoka (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Tulia’s Younger Field Stepp’s Pick: Stratford by 28
Bovina (4-5) vs Seagraves (7-3), 7 p.m. Thursday at Littlefield’s Wildcat Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Seagraves by 3
Ropesville Ropes (10-1) vs Farwell (7-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Littlefield’s Wildcat Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Ropes by 9
Wheeler (10-1) vs Collinsville (9-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday at Iowa Park’s Hawk Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Collinsville by 12
Windthorst (9-2) vs Lindsay (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Weatherford’s Kangaroo Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Windthorst by 3
Albany (9-2) vs Quanah (6-5), 6 p.m. Friday at Holliday’s Eagle Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Albany by 21
Muenster (9-2) vs Wellington (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Burkburnett’s Bulldog Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Muenster by 23
Mart (6-5) vs Lovelady (9-2), 7 p.m. Friday at Palestine’s Wildcat Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Lovelady by 10
Bremond (11-0) vs Grapeland (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Madisonville’s Mustang Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Bremond by 14
Overton (7-4) vs Goldthwaite (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Groesbeck’s Groesbeck Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Overton by 2
Granger (11-0) vs Yorktown (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Giddings Buffalo Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Granger by 11
Junction (11-0) vs Falls City (7-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Bandera’s Bulldog Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Junction by 9
Shiner (11-0) vs Brackettville (6-4), 7 p.m. Friday at Pleasanton’s Eagle Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Shiner by 31
La Villa (10-1) vs Iola (8-3), 7 p.m. Friday at Port Lavaca’s Sandcrab Stadium Stepp’s Pick: Iola by 15
Week 11 Record: 16-4
Week 11 Win %: 80.0%
Playoff Record: 0-0
Playoff Win %: 0-0
Season Record: 150-50
Season Win %: 75.0%
