Friday’s games 

Class 4A 
Division II

West Plains (11-1) vs. Monahans (12-0), 7 p.m. First United Park, Lubbock-Cooper
The last team to historically start playing varsity football in the Panhandle is now the last team in the Panhandle in Class 4A and 5A to still be playing. West Plains has to be considered a model program in terms of the instant success the Wolves have enjoyed. They broke open a tight game against Graham with a big third quarter last week, and Monahans provides at least as stern a test this week. West Plains has answered every challenge in winning 11 straight games, and an offense led by Reid Macon and Jordi Hernandez will do so again. … West Plains 31, Monahans 21

– Lee Passmore
Last week: 3-1 (.750)
Season: 53-12 (.815)

Class 3A
Division I 

Paradise (11-1) vs. Bushland (11-1), 6 p.m. Leo Brittain Field at Lions Stadium, Vernon
Going by scores and scores alone, both have convincing victories over both Whitesboro and Dalhart but a lot more factors play into just basing a team on score comparison. This is an evenly matched game and the biggest test for the Falcons since an early season matchup with Canadian. The key for Bushland is a fast start on offense and another great showing from the defensive line. … Bushland 35, Paradise 28 

Division II

Canadian (12-0) vs. Idalou (8-4), 2 p.m. Dick Bivins Stadium
Here’s a rekindling of a great playoff rivalry that dates back quite a while. Idalou has shined in its moments including back-to-back wins over Canadian in 2005-2006. Canadian won a classic “Fog Bowl” matchup in this round on the way to the program’s first state title in 2007. These two even had an overtime thriller in a bi-district game two years ago that Canadian won. So, how will this one go? It’s going to be cold so expect both to want to focus on the run attack. Canadian prevails. … Canadian 45, Idalou 13 

– Kale Steed
Last week: 5-0 (1.000)
Season: 62-11 (.849)

Class 2A
Division I 

Stratford (12-0) vs. New Deal (9-3), 6 p.m. Dick Bivins Stadium
Cold temperatures in November and Stratford in the playoffs? Give me the Elks in that situation. I don’t see the Lions handling the physicality Stratford brings to the table. … Stratford 42, New Deal 16 

Division II

Gruver (10-2) vs. Clarendon (9-3), 2 p.m. Bulldogs Stadium, Borger
What a pair of regional matchups in Division II. Let’s start with the matinee affair. The major questions coming in for Gruver is find a way to slow down all world QB Lyric Smith and keep him away from the ball on defense. Now, for Clarendon. How do the Broncos stop QB Briggs Satterfield and a solid run game? This should be a dandy. … Gruver 29, Clarendon 23 

Wellington (9-3) vs. Sunray (10-2), 6 p.m. Happy State Bank Stadium
Wellington is making its 13th straight appearance on Thanksgiving weekend while Sunray makes its first appearance in the third round for the first time in 12 years. The Bobcats are coming off a near flawless performance against New Home and will hope to carry that momentum. The Skyrockets are the savvy veterans, but will they have enough offensively to keep Sunray honest. … Sunray 34, Wellington 23

– Kale Steed
Last week: 5-1 (.833)
Season: 81-13 (.861)

Class 1A
Division I

Miami (12-0) vs Happy (11-1), 6:30 p.m. Panthers Stadium, Panhandle
The Region I Division I title comes down to this. The talk of the town and the only undefeated Six-Man team in Miami versus the blue blood Cowboys who are in this spot for the ninth time in 11 years. Happy will need to control Haiden Thompson, the Warriors all-everything star, who will look to expose a suspect Cowboys pass defense while using his legs to get big chunks on the run. For Miami, the defense will need to stand stout against a punishing running attack that has led the Cowboys to this point.  Miami gained a lot of experience last week and seems to be a team of destiny, but this will be their biggest test to date. In a tightly contested game, I’ll go with the blue blood by the thinnest of margins. …Happy 46, Miami 42

– Craig Sperry
Last Week: 0-3 (.000)
Season: 78-15 (.839)