Class 5A Division I
Regional semifinals
Tascosa (7-5) vs. Aledo (11-1), 1 p.m. Friday, Snyder High School Stadium, Snyder
Rebs were impressive in the 35-13 area round win over Saginaw last week. But, and it’s a big but, this is a whole nother world in defending state champs Aledo. That’s because Aledo can pour out the points having scored more than 50 in eight of its 11 wins and averaging 63 points in its last four wins. RB Raycine Guillory has been offered by nine SEC schools so getting him to the ground will be critical for Tascosa. The Rebs certainly won’t be intimidated by Aledo and do have the formula to win: be turnover free like last week and put their triple-option offense in the spotlight by cranking out three 7–8-minute offensive drives. … Aledo 55, Tascosa 35.
– Lance Lahnert
Last week: 2-0 (1.000)
Season: 46-8 (.851)
Class 4A Division I
Regional semifinals
Lampasas (10-2) vs. West Plains (9-3), 7 p.m. Friday, Mustang Bowl, Sweetwater
West Plains has been able to meet each challenge it’s faced thus far this season competing in 4A Division I, and the Wolves are coming a off a pair of lopsided victories to open the playoffs. They’re on the cusp of repeating last season’s playoff success. They’ll face a major challenge in Lampasas, who ran roughshod over another District 2-4A Division I foe Dumas 55-21 last week. Lampasas quarterback Reed Jerome threw six touchdowns and ran for another. This promises to be a high scoring game so late defensive stops could be key. West Plains will have the magic for one more week. … West Plains 35, Lampasas 34.
Randall (11-1) vs. Stephenville (11-1), 7 p.m. Friday, Tigers Stadium, Snyder
Randall survived a shootout of its own last week against Andrews and is rewarded with a game against one of the state’s more storied programs in Stephenville. Last week the Yellowjackets used a huge fourth quarter to beat Randall’s 2-4A DI rival Hereford. This should be the toughest test of the season so far for the Raiders, who have enough offense to hang with the Yellowjackets, at least early. Randall will need to make the stops when it counts and the Raiders will have to be as solid defensively as they’ve been all season. This one looks to be another shootout, but Stephenville has a bit more firepower. … Stephenville 38, Randall 28.
– Lee Passmore
Last Week: 4-0 (1.000)
Season: 46-18 (.719)
Class 3A Division II
Regional semifinals
Canadian (9-3) vs. Idalou (10-2), 2 p.m. Friday, Happy State Bank Stadium
These two teams are no strangers to each other meeting for the seventh time over the past two decades and the fourth time in the past five years. Canadian has owned the series of late including a 57-14 victory last season. Idalou is a veteran team behind QB Kutter Houchin and RB Gentry Pounds. Canadian counters with RB Slayden Dickinson, LB Wyatt Davis and an experienced coaching staff that knows how to win these types of games. … Canadian 27, Idalou 20.
– Kale Steed
Last Week: 4-1 (.800)
Season: 65-13 (.833)
Class 2A Division I
Regional semifinals
Sunray (12-0) vs. Post (12-0), 7 p.m. Friday, Patriots Stadium, Lubbock-Cooper Liberty
A lot of eyes will be on this matchup for multiple reasons. Sunray quarterback Armando Lujan needs 118 yards to become the new UIL passing leader. Both teams are unbeaten on the season and the winner most likely gets a showdown with Stamford next week. The Bold Gold boasts the best back on the South Plains in Ian Vergara (2,500 rushing yards) but the physical Bobcat defensive line has passed every test put in front of them. Post will also have to find a way to slowdown not just Lujan but his plethora of skill on the outside. … Sunray 48, Post 22.
Class 2A Division II
Regional semifinals
Gruver (12-0) vs. Tahoka (10-2), 7 p.m. Friday, Happy State Bank Stadium
The Greyhounds carried the momentum from the regular season and have taken into the postseason averaging 49 points a game in two playoff wins. Gruver is doing it behind a physical defense and an offense full of balance that makes the Greyhounds frustrating to figure out. The Bulldogs are having a Cinderella season, but that dream year comes to an end Friday. … Gruver 42, Tahoka 19.
– Kale Steed
Last Week: 6-1 (.857)
Season: 88-19 (.822)
Class 1A Division II
Regional championship
Follett (8-3) vs. Klondike (8-4), 6 p.m. Friday, Younger Field, Tulia
The Panthers are 13-point favorites in a matchup doesn’t have that kind of spread on paper. This should be a dog fight between two teams with strong front lines and potent rushing attacks. Since David Meeks returned from injury against Booker, Meeks has shown how dynamic he can be running the ball at will. Klondike’s Jared Quintanilla is a dual threat spread back and the Cougars can throw effectively when needed. This will be worth the price of admission and won’t be decided till the end. When in doubt go with the team that has the best player on the field. That’s Meeks. … Follett 48 Klondike 46.
– Craig Sperry
Last week: 2-1 (.667)
Season: 103-22 (.824)
