Friday’s state quarterfinal games
Class 4A
Division II
West Plains (12-1) vs. Glen Rose (9-4), 6 p.m. Memorial Stadium, Wichita Falls
West Plains has cleared two huge hurdles in beating Graham and previously undefeated Monahans to reach the state quarterfinals in only its second year of existence. It’s tempting to say the Wolves are playing with house money now, but the expectations are getting higher each week and they’re meeting them with little trouble. Sophomore quarterback Reid Macon has looked like a veteran leading a prolific offense and the defense has made key stops in the postseason when necessary. That formula will get West Plains by for one more week, as more history will be made. … West Plains 42, Glen Rose 24
– Lee Passmore
Last week: 1-0 (1.000)
Season: 54-12 (.818)
Class 3A
Division II
Canadian (13-0) vs. Wall (11-2), 6 p.m. Friday, First United Park, Lubbock-Cooper High School
Here’s a rematch from last year’s state quarterfinal where the Wildcats jumped all over the Hawks on the way back to the state semifinals. Canadian is no stranger to this round making its ninth trip in 10 years, but the Hawks also has a rich history. Expect this to be the Wildcats toughest test to date but Canadian still marches on. … Canadian 35, Wall 14
– Kale Steed
Last week: 1-1 (.500)
Season: 63-12 (.840)
Class 2A
Division I
Stratford (13-0) vs. Hawley (11-2), 6 p.m. Friday, Plains-Capital Park at Lowrey Field, Lubbock
This is a matchup that’s been circled since the beginning of the postseason. The defending state champion Bearcats riding a 10-game playoff win streak that boasts two electric wide receivers in Diontay Ramon and Chandlin Myers going against a physical Elks team that loves to punish opponents behind two-way star Bryce Braden and his amazing cast. This should be a four-quarter war. … Stratford 27, Hawley 22
Class 2A
Division II
Sunray (11-2) vs. Clarendon (10-3), 7 p.m. Friday, Happy State Bank Stadium, Canyon
No matter what happens the Texas Panhandle is guaranteed a team in next week’s state semifinals. The Broncos have been on fire winners of 10-straight behind one of the most electric players in the Amarillo-area, Lyric Smith. But will he be enough to stop a physical Bobcat team that can beat you in multiple ways. This will be another good one. … Sunray 38, Clarendon 22
– Kale Steed
Last week: 2-1 (.666)
Season: 83-14 (.855)
Class 1A
Division I
State semifinals
Happy (12-1) vs Westbrook (12-1), 6:30 p.m. Lena Stephens Field, Lubbock Christian High School
Here we go again. This is the third straight year these two teams have met at this point in the playoffs with the Wildcats winning both years and grabbing a state title in the process. This marks the fifth trip to the semis for the Cowboys and they have yet to break through. To be the first team to break the glass on a championship trip, Happy must play mistake free football and control the clock. Westbrook has a well-oiled offense that isn’t fancy but highly effective. If the Cowboys can be efficient on offense and not allow the Wildcats to run wild, they have a chance. However, to be the man you have to beat the man and Happy will see a third straight try end in misery, again. …Westbrook 46, Happy 24
– Craig Sperry
Last Week: 1-0 (1.000)
Season: 79-15 (.840)
