A few district titles on the line this week. A few more will wait until Week 11. Just 6 weeks of games separate us from the titles being handed out. Weather has finally turned to Fall and it feels like football again.
This Week: (Season: 44-17)
Dallas Christian @ Plano John Paul II -- The Chargers had a rocky start with difficult opposition and weather. The district slate has gone swimmingly with DC winning by a combined 162-14. The offense clearly rounding into form for a possible post-season run. Replacing a 4-time champion at quarterback is never an easy task. This non-district interlude comes against the larger, but much less accomplished school. The Cardinals shockingly reached the 2019 State Championship Game falling 42-14 to Parish Episcopal. After winning 10 games that season JP2 has won just 13 games in the 6 seasons since. Former Cowboys safety George Teague has returned to the coaching position and a few wins have returned to the record for the Cardinals. John Paul II has scored a few points this year, averaging over 26 per game. They'll need that offense to keep pace with DC. The Chargers dominated a Covenant team last week that led the Cardinals at halftime of a weather halted game. The big thing in that one for JP2 was they only scored 9. To keep pace the Cardinals must score more than their season average. While improved this season, it won't be enough for them this week. DC wins comfortably, 38-21.
Tyler T.K. Gorman @ Dallas Covenant -- The Knights have lost their two biggest games in a stretch of 3 weeks. After finishing 2nd place in District 2 last season, it certainly appeared that Covenant would be right there again. However, Tyler All Saints took a 10 point decision at Covenant and then Dallas Christian routed them in the 2nd half, 45-7. If you need to get back in form, the Crusaders have been the team to find on the schedule. Last week's win over Shelton was the Crusaders first since September 5. It is a win that probably puts TKG in the playoffs. They've allowed at least 34 in every loss on the season. The Knights just haven't been able to pair a good offensive game with a good defensive game, allowing 30+ points too many times this season. They should have enough to put away the Crusaders this week but that's why they play the games. Knights win, 38-7.
Lubbock Christian @ Arlington Pantego Christian -- The Eagles may be the favorites in Division III, but its hard to put them over a 4-time defending champion. They've been the better squad this year though with a 7-1 mark. The offense has overpowered opponents, rolling up 65 and 57 in their last 2 district wins. They need just 24 points to eclipse 400 points on the season. The bracket probably puts the Eagles against Holy Cross in their semi, but they'll need to win the district first. The Panthers have once again notched a bushel of wins to start the season, but even better than 2024. A 6-0 start last year ended in a 55-0 2nd round exit to the eventual champions. Pantego has also scored substantially more than a season ago with 70 more points this season in 3 fewer games. They'll need every bit of that offense to keep up with the Eagles. The Panthers last outing was a 5-point win over a Lake Country squad that the Eagles rolled up 65 on the scoreboard against. The Panthers are on an upward trajectory, but I do not think they've quite entered the top tier of Division III. They're right in the mix though if they can find a win this week. Eagles run away with it, 44-22.
Fort Worth All Saints @ Fort Worth Christian -- The Saints won the 2024 Division II Championship as part of their current 21 game winning streak. Its hard to see anyone else winning the title this season. The Cardinals have their shot on the field at the always challenging environment of Barrow Field. Only a road loss to Midland Christian has blemished FWC this season. They're scored at least 35 points in all of their 7 wins and only a weather shortened game kept them under 45. The Saints offense has a few less points, but given the opponents its clear they are very good. Notably, All Saints routed the Midland Christian squad that dealt the Cardinals their only loss of the season. This is likely the Cardinals only shot at a top 2 finish and a Round 1 home game. 3rd place in District 1 also stand to meet All Saints in the quarters rather than the semis. So plenty on the line for FWC. The Saints struggled a bit on the road at Lubbock Trinity, so maybe a bit of a travel angle for the Cardinals favor. FWC should be in this one to the end, but All Saints has just made too many plays at the big moments lately to pick agasinst them. Saints with an impressive road win in a shootout, 42-35.
Lubbock Trinity Christian @ Fort Worth Southwest Christian -- The Eagles had an outstanding start to the season. They reached 5-0 and had a halftime lead against DC expunged by a thunderstorm. The district schedule has been unpleasant though. Road trips to Midland Christian and Fort Worth Christian saw a combined margin of 115-27 in favor of the opponents. They won a home game over Grapevine Faith in between and this is a home game again. With 5 teams making the playoffs in District 1, a playoff spot is guaranteed to the winner. The Lions have struggled in Division II as they are still looking for their first district win. They competed well in All Saints visit to the South Plains, losing by just 8. They disappointed in their game at FWC and were absolutely routed by Grapevine Faith. A season ago the Eagles won a rock fight in Lubbock, 7-0. These two should combine for more than 1 score this year, but it does look like an evenly match pair. So we lean home team in close games. Eagles win, 27-21.
The Woodlands Christian @ Houston Lutheran South -- The Warriors are 8-0 and may be an undefeated team that is even less talked about than Pantego. They won their two district game so far 42-10 and 50-14. The Pioneers appear to be the best opponent of those three though. LSA is already 3-0 on the district campaign, so the winner here takes the district crown. The only two losses for the Pioneers are very good SPC squads in John Cooper and St. John's. The Warriors look like the better team. They've scored 38 or more in all 8 games this year. Its clear the Second Baptist reign at the top of District 4 is over as they'll miss out on a 1st round the playoff game. LSA will compete in this one at home, but the Warriors firepower is too much as they claim a district title. The Woodlands Christian wins 42-28.
Quick Hits: (Season: 70-19)
Tyler All Saints over Dallas Shelton
Colleyville Covenant Christian over Fort Worth Lake Country Christian
Arlington Grace Prep over Tyler Grace Community
Midland Christian over Grapevine Faith Christian
Fort Bend Christian over Houston Second Baptist
Brownsville St. Joseph over San Antonio Christian
Argyle Liberty Christian over Dallas Bishop Lynch
Plano Prestonwood Christian over Addison Trinity Christian
San Antonio Antonian over Tomball Concordia Lutheran
Dallas St. Mark's over Episcopal School of Dallas
Houston Kinkaid over Houston St. John's
No comments:
Post a Comment