Canadian has made six straight trips to the state semifinals dating back to 2014. [John Moore/ Press Pass Sports]
Class 3A
Division I
District 2-3A
1. Bushland: Expect nothing to change with new head coach Josh Reynolds at the helm. The Falcons will be as high-flying as ever with new quarterback Coleman Junell running the offense.
2. Dalhart: The Golden Wolves are perfect fit in Class 3A Division I. They are extremely well coached, have the physicality, and have the skill to be a dangerous team during district play.
3. River Road: Wildcats captain and four-year starting quarterback Lance Welps along with 15 returners are primed for a playoff run.
4. Littlefield: As always the Wildcats will play hard-nose defense and ground it out offense to try and wear teams down by the fourth quarter.
5. Muleshoe: New head coach Jason Richardson hopes to revive a once great program that’s had struggles over the past two seasons.
Best game
Dalhart at Bushland, 7 p.m. Oct. 23
Despite Dalhart dropping down from Class 4A Division II, Bushland is the heavy district favorite. Dalhart will need to avoid letting the Falcons get off to a fast start, and play with some edge.
Division II
District 3-3A
1. Canadian: The small school blue blood has won 38 straight district games and six straight district championships dating back to 2013.
Will the win streak continue is the question.
2. Childress: Coach Jason Sims has brought a winning culture back to Childress. With a veteran team returning, expect the Bobcats to be in the district mix once again.
3. Spearman: The Lynx are loaded at the skill that includes Division I prospect Brenen Thompson. Matchups will be scary for any opponent they face.
4. Friona: The Chieftains were a surprise team in 2019 but with junior running back Jacob Bautista and a plethora of starters returning the target is a little bigger this season.
5. Tulia: Former Perryton coach Steven Coursey takes over the Hornets program ready to make his mark. Can he get Tulia to fight for a playoff spot in year one is the question.
6. Highland Park: It’s a tough jump for the Hornets, who come up from Class 2A Division I. Early season confidence can go a long way if Highland Park can nab a couple of early season W’s.
7. Dimmitt: Bobcats defensive coordinator Jason Burklow takes over as head coach hopes of turning around a program that struggled the past few seasons.
Best game
Canadian at Childress, 7 p.m. Nov. 6.
The two rivals have had some classic battles over the past few years whether it’s for a district title or meeting deep in the postseason. Last year the Wildcats used a big second quarter to down the Bobcats 41-14.
