High School football teams across the Texas Panhandle and South Plains are headed into the district portion of the season with Week 7 expected to see some very intriguing matchups. Check out how the Press Pass Sports team of Lance Lahnert, Lee Passmore, Craig Sperry and Kale Steed see things going.
THURSDAY’S GAMES
District 2-5A Division I
Caprock (1-4, 0-1) vs. Amarillo High (4-2, 1-1), 7 p.m., Dick Bivins Stadium
This is the 38th meeting between these two Amarillo city rivals first meeting back in 1963 (had a 23-year haitus in there for some reason). Caprock had a bye last week figuring out what happened in the district opening 42-7 loss to Abilene. And what happened to Amarillo High last week is a legit question as it led Abilene 21-0 before losing 24-21. AHS has too much offensive firepower in this one. … AHS 31, Caprock 14.
Abilene High (4-2, 2-0) at Lubbock Coronado (0-6, 0-2) 7 p.m., Lowrey Field at Plains Capital Park, Lubbock
These Mustangs continued to be corralled. … Abilene High 48, Coronado 7.
Dumas (4-1) at Randall (4-1), 7 p.m., Happy State Bank Stadium
This is a highly appropriate opener for the district between two teams who have district championship aspirations and the winner can realistically move forward with those. Randall has had an open week to stew over a 14-7 loss to Lubbock Estacado and being at home for the district opener will provide plenty of incentive. Dumas has a high-powered offense led by one of the area’s top quarterbacks in Colton Mills. This should be a fairly close one with the Raiders getting a big edge with homefield and defense. … Randall 31, Dumas 20.
FRIDAY’S GAMES
District 2-6A
Frenship (2-3, 0-0) at Midland High (1-4, 0-0), 7 p.m., Astound Broadband Stadium
2-6A opener between two teams not likely to win district but a likely playoff team by winning this game. … Frenship 28, Midland 21.
District 2-5A Division I
Lubbock High (1-4, 0-1) vs. Lubbock Monterey (3-3, 1-1), 7 p.m., Lowrey Field at Plains Capital Park, Lubbock
This is the 68th meeting of the “Silver Spurs” game between these Lubbock ISD rivals. Monterey has the edge in this one because of what’s happened so far this season. I like me some Bo Davis at running back for Lubbock. Just not enough. … Monterey 45, Lubbock 17.
District 2-5A, Division II
Abilene Wylie (4-2, 2-0) at Palo Duro (4-1, 1-0), 7 p.m., Dick Bivins Stadium
Palo Duro continues to open eyes with the impressive 42-point road win at Memorial last week. PD’s defense is stingier than Ebenezer Scrooge (young ones, google him) allowing 7.4 points per game. Wylie arrives in Bivins riding high off a district win over rival Abilene Cooper. Suddenly, the winner of this one may ride off and win the district crown. PD is bunged up a little. Won’t matter. I’m a believer. … Palo Duro 29, Wylie 14.
Lubbock Cooper (4-2, 1-1) at Abilene Cooper (3-3, 1-1), 7 p.m., Shotwell Stadium, Abilene
Intensity will ride all over this one as the loser kisses hopes of a district championship good-bye. … Lubbock Cooper 31, Abilene Cooper 30.
Plainview (3-2, 1-0) at Wichita Falls Legacy (1-5, 0-2) 7 p.m., Memorial Stadium, Wichita Falls
Plainview pulled off the shocker of 2025 in the 806 beating Lubbock Cooper to open district. The ‘Dogs had a week off to come out of the clouds and behind QB Seth Mayberry will go 2-0 in district. Legacy allows 42.8 points per game. … Plainview 42, Legacy 15.
Lance Lahnert
Last week: 5-1 (.833)
Season: 31-13 (.704)
District 2-4A Division I
Canyon (4-1) vs. West Plains (4-1), 7 p.m., Happy State Bank Stadium
Real drama could come with episode one of “CISD Place” at Happy State Bank Stadium, which could be overshadowed by off-field activities. In a rare occurrence, Canyon made a midseason coaching change, as Todd Winfrey was removed and replaced by offensive coordinator (and Canyon grad) Matt Lovorn. No doubt Lovorn is qualified for the task, having won a Class 2A state title as head coach at Stratford, but even under normal circumstances the Eagles would be hard-pressed to beat a West Plains team with state title ambitions. … West Plains 42, Canyon 21.
Hereford (1-4) at Pampa (1-4), 7 p.m.
Both teams have shown the ability to score this season, but will both have to step up their games defensively if they’re going to have a chance to compete for a playoff spot in this district. Hereford quarterback Kalub Ramirez and Pampa running back Max Neff are two of the best at their positions in this area, so it could come down to who makes a late stop to decide this one. Opening district at home could be just the spark which favors the Harvesters in the end. … Pampa 42, Hereford 41.
District 2-4A Division II
Lubbock-Cooper Liberty (5-1) at Perryton (3-3), 7 p.m.
Another shootout looks likely as both teams can light up the scoreboard. Both are also coming off losses to close their nondistrict schedules last week, so getting back confidence was probably job one this week in practice. The big difference is that Liberty has played much better defensively. That will be the key in such an offensive-heavy district, and the upstart Patriots will benefit from that heavily in this one. … Liberty 49, Perryton 34.
Lubbock Estacado (4-2) at Levelland (4-2), 7 p.m.
An intriguing district opener in which Estacado will assert its status as the district favorite or Levelland will prove it’s for real. Estacado closed pre-district play with solid wins over Randall and Andrews and has the district’s most dynamic offensive player in running back Cedric Ross. Levelland is averaging over 33 points a game. There will be a lot of points scored, but most of them will be by the Matadors. … Estacado 38, Levelland 22.
Lee Passmore
Last week: 4-2 (.667)
Season: 27-10 (.730)
Class 3A Non-district
Bushland (2-4) at Andrews (2-4), 7 p.m.
The Falcons are on a mission to carry on the momentum from a win at Perryton last week and soar into district with some steam. … Bushland 30, Andrews 21.
Dalhart (5-1) at Denver City (2-4), 7 p.m.
The Golden Wolves are looking to close out the non-district schedule with a fifth straight victory. … Dalhart 42, Denver City 20.
Pecos (3-3) at Shallowater (3-3), 7 p.m.
Not many teams looked as good as Shallowater last week in a blowout win against Canadian. Look for the Mustangs repeat that performance once more at home against the Eagles. … Shallowater 52, Pecos 18.
Lamesa (2-4) at River Road (1-4), 7 p.m.
These two teams had some battles last year with the Wildcats winning two thrillers. River Road can matchup with the Tornadoes up front but will need to get some offense going because Lamesa QB Daniel Ramos can sling it. … Lamesa 35, River Road 22.
District 1-3A Division II
Tulia (2-4, 0-0) at Dimmitt (4-2, 0-0), 7 p.m.
The winner of this game puts themselves in good position to battle for a playoff berth. The Bobcats have been a surprise team so far and the run game will be the difference. … Dimmitt 39, Tulia 23.
Childress (4-2, 0-0) at Friona (1-5), 7 p.m.
Childress found its offense last week at Stratford behind a heavy dose of RB Lucian Davis. As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. … Childress 45, Friona 16.
District 2-3A Division II
Lubbock Roosevelt (2-4, 0-0) at Muleshoe (2-4, 0-0), 7 p.m.
It maybe a district opener but this game has major implications if one of these teams in the playoff picture down the road. Let’s go with the Muleshoe to snap a four-game skid. … Muleshoe 34, Roosevelt 27.
Littlefield (6-0, 0-0) at Slaton (5-1, 0-0), 7 p.m.
What a way to kickoff district play. The upstart Wildcats visiting a Tiger team that has been as good as advertised. This should be a dandy. … Littlefield 27, Slaton 22.
Kale Steed
Last week: 5-1 (.833)
Season: 38-8 (.826)
District 1-2A Division I
Sanford-Fritch (3-2, 0-0) at Panhandle (5-0, 0-0), 7 p.m.
The Panthers open league play with in grand fashion. … Panhandle 54, Fritch 14.
West Texas High (5-0, 0-0) at Highland Park (2-3, 0-0), 7 p.m.
Expect the Hornets to get a heavy dose of QB Cayde Winters. The Comanches stay unbeaten. … WT High 48, Highland Park 13.
Spearman (3-2, 0-0) at Sunray (0-5, 0-0), 7 p.m.
Tip of the cap to the Sunray community and the Texas Panhandle for stepping up and showing sincere pride that allowed the Bobcats to play their first home game in 2025 following a devastating wind storm that devastated City of Sunray, the school and the stadium. The fact the Bobcats are hosting is a win in itself, so there won’t be a pick for this game.
District 2-2A Division I
Abernathy (3-2, 0-0) at New Home (4-1, 0-0), 7 p.m.
This is one of the better district openers on the South Plains. The Leopards have been rolling while the Antelopes have seem to figure it out as well. … New Home 36, Abernathy 21.
New Deal (2-2, 0-0) at Post (4-1, 0-0), 7 p.m.
The Lions head south for a big-time matchup with the district favorite Bold Gold. New Deal can hang in this game, but the Antelopes run away in the end. … Post 40, New Deal 20.
District 1-2A Division II
Farwell (4-1, 0-0) at Bovina (2-3, 0-0), 7 p.m.
This is the 81st meeting between two towns separated by 11 miles on Highway 60. The Mustangs will need to rely heavily on standout Angel Lara, but in the end the Steers are just overpowering. … Farwell 42, Bovina 14.
Gruver (4-1, 0-0) at Stratford (3-2, 0-0), 7 p.m.
Another added chapter to a great rivalry between two great sports towns. The Greyhounds got the better of the Elks a year ago and head into the E.L. Sam Bass Stadium as the favorite this year. Can Stratford make some noise and play the spoiler. … Gruver 34, Stratford 26.
District 2-2A Division II
Hale Center (4-1, 0-0) at Ralls (1-3, 0-0), 7 p.m.
The Owls cruise to another W. … Hale Center 48, Ralls 7.
District 5-2A Division II
Quanah (3-2, 0-0) at Wheeler (4-1, 0-0), 7 p.m.
The Mustangs open district hosting a much-improved Indians team, however, Wheeler is still the favorite. … Wheeler 30, Quanah 14.
Wellington (4-1, 0-0) at Clarendon (0-5, 0-0), 7 p.m.
The Skyrockets begin district play with a lopsided victory. … Wellington 55, Clarendon 12.
Shamrock (0-5, 0-0) at Memphis (2-3, 0-0), 7 p.m.
Expect a very competitive matchup with the winner keeping themselves in the playoff race. … Memphis 22, Shamrock 20.
Kale Steed
Last week: 2-1 (.666)
Season: 47-17 (.734)
District 1-1A Division I
Claude (5-1, 0-0) at Booker (4-2, 0-0), 7 p.m.
There’s no easing into district action for either team. The Mustangs will look to run right at the Kiowas, control the clock and get a physical win on the road. Booker will need to find ways to use their speed to find the edges and get enough defensive stops to outscore Claude. Toss a coin to decide the winner in this one. … Claude 48, Booker 46.
White Deer (5-1, 0-0) at Boys Ranch (5-1, 0-0), 7 p.m.
Hopes are high for the Roughriders as they feel they have what it takes to grab a playoff spot. To do that, they will need Isaac Acosta to connect on big plays down the field while the defense will have to figure out a way to slow down Foster Black. Another tight game in this district but the Bucks find a way to control enough clock to win. … White Deer 60, Boys Ranch 54.
District 2-1A Division I
Kress (4-2, 0-0) at Nazareth (3-3, 0-0), 7 p.m.
Is this the year the Kangaroos finally get a win over the Swifts? Nazareth is 8-0 over Kress since dropping to Six-Man but a seasoned Roos roster would like to pull the upset. However, the Swifts play well at home and the Pohlmeier boys are the difference in this one. … Nazareth 52, Kress 22.
Springlake-Earth (2-4, 0-0) at Hart (5-0, 0-0), 7 p.m.
This may be the biggest game at Hart since 2015 when they were 5-2 headed into district and dropped a tight one to White Deer. The Longhorns defense will have to figure out a way to slow down Froylan Agundiz while controlling the clock with the run game. Look for a tight one early before the Wolverines pull away. … Springlake-Earth 66, Hart 32.
District 5-1A Division I
Silverton (1-5, 0-0) at Spur (0-6, 0-0), 7 p.m.
It may be hard to believe but this game will go a long way in deciding who may take a spot in the playoffs in this district. A tough start to the year got better last week for the Owls as they found the win column and possibly some momentum. If Silverton limits mistakes they can walk away a winner. … Silverton 42, Spur 38.
Lorenzo (2-4, 0-0) at Petersburg (1-5, 0-0), 7 p.m.
Another big game in this district as both playoff spots are wide open. The Hornets have lost several tight games while the Buffaloes have struggled. If Lorenzo can hit some big pass plays, I like their chances. … Lorenzo 60, Petersburg 54.
District 1-1A Division II
Lefors (4-2, 0-0) at Follett (2-4, 0-0)
This is a game where, if you are strictly looking at the records, you would miss the mark on the better team. Wyatt Terrell will run wild at home in forcing the Pirates to walk the plank. … Follett 66, Lefors 8.
District 2-1A Division II
McLean (1-5, 0-0) at Hedley (0-5, 0-0)
The Tigers have had quite the week with the school announcing head football coach David Donnell is no longer with the district. Head boys basketball coach Eric Alston has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the year, and his first mission is to get the Tigers a W. … McLean 72, Hedley 13.
District 3-1A Division II
Whitharral (6-0, 0-0) at Lazbuddie (1-4, 0-0), 7:30 p.m.
We could sugar coat this but this is simply a major mismatch of epic proportions. The Panthers are a legit top ten team. … Whitharral 60, Lazbuddie 6.
TAPPS District I Division III
Midland Holy Cross (2-4, 0-0) at San Jacinto Christian Academy (3-3, 0-0), 7:30 p.m.
A season that started off with lots of promise has found a rough road of late. Still, the Patriots have some talent and will want to start off district play on a good note. … San Jacinto Christian Academy 54, Midland Holy Cross 44.
Non-district
Amarillo PCHEA (3-3) at Miami (6-0), 7:30 p.m.
Miami is getting healthy which gives them some needed depth as they get ready for district action starting in two weeks. They’ve earned their ranking as the number nine team in the state and PCHEA will find out why. … Miami 72, Amarillo PCHEA 8.
