The final week of the high school football regular season is here with games that have major district and playoff implications across the Texas Panhandle and South Plains. 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 2-6A
Frenship (4-5, 2-2) at San Angelo Central (5-4, 2-2), 7 p.m., San Angelo Stadium, San Angelo
A seeding game here as both have secured playoff berths. Winner earns third seed. Both teams would love Mr. Mo going into the playoffs. Go with Central at home in a close one. … Central 38, Frenship 34.
District 2-5A Division I
Caprock (3-6, 2-3) at Lubbock Monterey (4-5, 2-3), 7 p.m. Plains CapitalPark-Lowrey Field, Lubbock
Simple here. Winner is in the playoffs. Loser is out. The Rock has the chance to earn its first playoff berth since 2021 and become the 11th team in the 63-year history of Caprock football to make the playoffs. Monterey definitely has the more consistent offense and the Horns short pass D has to be on point or this one is ALL Monterey. Caprock’s will to do anything to win will be the difference. Go with the Upset Special. … Caprock 28, Monterey 27.
District 2-5A Division II
Abilene Cooper (6-3, 4-1) at Palo Duro (8-1, 5-0) 7 p.m. Dick Bivins Stadium
The Dons win and the outright district championship gold ball trophy finds a home in Palo Duro’s trophy case for first time since 2001. Cooper is legit with an offense having cranked out 182 points – or 60.5 points per game – the past three weeks. PD didn’t lose a game in September. PD didn’t lose a game in October. It’s not about to start November with a loss. … Palo Duro 42, Cooper 32.
District 1-2A Division I
Highland Park (3-6, 1-3) at Sanford-Fritch (3-6, 0-4), 7 p.m.
A win for the Hornets and it’s a trip to the playoffs, however, if Fritch can win by 11 or more points on top of a Sunray loss, the Eagles are playoff bounds. It’s a lot of hurdles for Fritch, and Highland Park is going to want to take care of business. … Highland Park 35, Sanford-Fritch 26.
District 1-1A Division I
Booker (7-2, 3-0) at White Deer (6-3, 1-2), 7 p.m.
If you’re the Kiowas you want to accomplish two things in this game; stay healthy and keep winning. The Bucks have some weapons but not enough to hang in this one. … Booker 54, White Deer 12.
Boys Ranch (6-3, 1-2) at Wildorado (0-9, 0-3), 7 p.m.
Despite not making the playoffs, this has been a successful season for the Roughriders as they go from a winless season to a winning season and that caps off with seven wins as they score at will against the Mustangs. … Boys Ranch 72, Wildorado 8.
District 1-1A Division II
Miami (9-0, 2-0) at Groom (2-7, 0-2), 7 p.m.
What a season for the Warriors as they are on the precipice of an undefeated regular season. They should roll in this one as they get ready to try and make a deep march into the playoffs with a quick win against the Tigers. … Miami 60, Groom 6.
District 3-1A Division II
Lazbuddie (1-6, 0-2) at Amherst (4-4, 1-1), 7:30 p.m.
The road to the playoffs is simple for the Bulldogs. Take down the Longhorns and enter the playoffs as the second seed in the district. … Amherst 64, Lazbuddie 12.
TAPPS District I Division III
San Jacinto Christian Academy (5-4, 2-1) at Lubbock Kingdom Prep (6-3, 1-2)
One of the best games on the docket in this area, the Patriots are looking to head into the playoffs with a full head of steam. The Warriors are never easy to beat but a solid ground game and defense will propel San Jacinto to victory. … SJCA 36, Lubbock Kingdom Prep 32.
FRIDAY’S GAMES
Amarillo High (7-2, 4-1) vs. Tascosa (6-3, 4-1), 7 p.m. Dick Bivins Stadium
Finally, rivalry deluxe in Amarillo is here with the 69th meeting of these two city schools that first played in 1958 (AHS leads the series 42-23-3). And we have a name for this game: The El Paso Bowl. Not only does the winner get bragging rights over its fiercest rival for a year, the winner secures a HOME playoff game and DOES NOT head to El Paso for a bidistrict playoff. The loser packs their bags for El Paos. Both teams have played some great football this year. Both teams have had hiccups this year laying an egg for a half here and there. I’ve seen 43 of these games and this one is as tough to pick a winner as any. Have to go with the numbers: since 2016 Tascosa is 11-0 playing at Dick Bivins Stadium in November. … Tascosa 24, Amarillo High 21.
Lubbock Coronado (0-9, 0-5) vs. Lubbock High (1-8, 0-5), 7 p.m., Plains CapitalPark-Lowrey Field
Coronado has never had a winless football season since it started playing in 1966. Lubbock High has one winning season since 1966 AND … a win in this one. … Lubbock High 17, Coronado 14.
District 2-5A Division II
Wichita Falls Legacy (2-7, 1-4) vs. Wichita Falls Memorial (6-3, 2-3), 7 p.m. Memorial Stadium, Wichita Falls
Legacy is no world beater but better this year than in 2024. Memorial wins and its in the playoffs. That’s all the motivation needed. … Memorial, 38, Legacy 21.
Plainview (3-6, 1-4) at Abilene Wylie (4-5, 2-3), 7 p.m. Hugh Sandifer Stadium, Abilene
Wylie has to win to keep its playoff chances alive. After Plainview opened the eyes of the 2-5A DII world with that district-opening win over Lubbock Cooper it hasn’t won. … Wylie 28, Plainview 17.
Lance Lahnert
Last week: 7-0 (1.000)
Season: 50-15 (.769)
District 2-4A Division I
Canyon (6-3, 2-2) vs. Randall (7-2, 3-1), 7 p.m. Happy State Bank Stadium
The district’s most heated traditional rivalry is naturally the most significant game of the week in terms of playoff seedings. Both Canyon ISD schools have clinched playoff berths and are jockeying for better seeding. Randall will get the No. 2 seed with a victory, and Canyon has a crack at the second seed with a win, although it would likely have to be by 11 points or more. Emotions can never be discounted in a game between these rivals, both of whom have some incentive. Randall has been more consistent this season, so the Raiders get the edge. … Randall 28, Canyon 23.
Pampa (1-8, 0-4) at Dumas (6-3, 2-2), 7 p.m.
The motivations for these two teams are about as far apart as it gets. Dumas has already clinched a playoff spot and will get the No. 3 seed with a win and if Randall beats Canyon. Pampa is merely looking for a win to avoid a second straight season without a district victory. Dumas faces the challenge of having to bounce back after being dominated in the second half of a loss at West Plains, but the Demons have had an extra day to prepare for this one. They have plenty of incentive to stay sharp on both sides of the ball. … Dumas 41, Pampa 14.
West Plains (8-1, 4-0) at Hereford (2-7, 1-3), 7 p.m.
Another case of teams entering the regular season finale from opposite directions. West Plains has already clinched the district’s No. 1 playoff seed and is playing for a second straight unbeaten district championship. Hereford is eliminated from playoff consideration, as the Whitefaces lose all possible tiebreakers with Canyon and Dumas. West Plains coach Adam Cummings will likely be tempted to rest some starters if the Wolves get a comfortable lead in the second half. Odds are they will. … West Plains 45, Hereford 14.
District 2-4A Division II
Perryton (3-6, 0-3) at Borger (0-9. 0-3), 7 p.m.
This is the district’s win or go home game, with the winner claiming the district’s fourth and final playoff spot and the loser hanging it up until next year. Perryton has had an extra week to prepare as the Rangers have suffered some frustrating losses after entering the season with high hopes. Borger is looking for its first win of any kind and beating Perryton at home would completely salvage the season for the Bulldogs. Perryton quarterback Cooper Schilling leads too strong a passing game for that to happen. … Perryton 40, Borger 13.
Levelland (6-3, 2-1) at Lubbock-Cooper Liberty (8-1, 3-0), 7 p.m.
A district championship and No. 1 playoff seed is on the line. For Liberty it’s simple, as the Patriots will get the No. 1 seed and outright district championship with a win. Levelland faces a taller order to win a title and a top seed, as not only do the Lobos need to win, they need to do it by 17 points or more to get that seed. A loss, and they’re the No. 3 seed. In just two seasons, Liberty’s trajectory has mirrored that of West Plains in just four seasons, and it continues upward here. … Liberty 45, Levelland 21.
Lee Passmore
Last week: 5-0 (1.000)
Season: 45-12 (.789)
District 1-3A Division I
Shallowater (6-3, 2-0) at Dalhart (8-1, 2-0), 7 p.m.
The Golden Wolves are looking for their first outright district title in 45 years. To do that, Dalhart must beat tradition-rich Shallowater, which is always a tough thing to do. The Golden Wolves seem to have an edge to them this year and will be motivated at home. … Dalhart 38, Shallowater 27.
Bushland (3-6, 0-2) at River Road (1-8, 0-2), 7 p.m.
Bushland is in unfamiliar territory fighting for a third-place spot instead of a district title. A win could help spark some needed momentum heading into the postseason for the Falcons. … Bushland 42, River Road 8.
District 1-3A Division II
Childress (7-2, 3-0) at Canadian (8-1, 3-0), 7 p.m.
It’s become a yearly tradition. The Bobcats and Wildcats fighting it out for the league championship. Expect another good one in this intense rivalry. … Canadian 35, Childress 21.
Friona (2-7, 1-2) at Dimmitt (5-4, 1-2), 7 p.m.
With Aaron Rosales back in the lineup, the Chieftains have found new life. Dimmitt has struggled of late, but we know that can flat score at any moment with QB Kaden Carpio. The winner gets third place out of the district. … Dimmitt 48, Friona 41.
District 2-3A Division II
Slaton (7-2, 2-1) at Lubbock Roosevelt (2-7, 0-3), 7 p.m.
The Tigers are locked in as the No. 2-seed and just want to get out of this matchup healthy heading into the playoffs. … Slaton 34, Roosevelt 18.
Muleshoe (3-6, 1-2) at Idalou (6-3, 3-0), 7 p.m.
With Idalou as the district’s top seed and Muleshoe the No. 4-seed, the goal here is to get this game done and move on to bi-district. … Idalou 42, Muleshoe 20.
Kale Steed
Last week: 5-1 (.833)
Season: 61-12 (.835)
District 1-2A Division I
Sunray (1-8, 1-3) at West Texas High (9-0, 4-0), 7 p.m.
The Comanches can finish the regular season a perfect 10-0 for the first time since 1989 with a W. … West Texas High 45, Sunray 13.
Spearman (6-3, 3-1) at Panhandle (7-2, 3-1), 7 p.m.
This game is for outright second place in the district. The Lynx showed a lot last week despite a loss to West Texas High. The Panthers are another tough test and a very physical team. … Panhandle 42, Spearman 19.
District 2-2A Division I
Abernathy (5-3, 2-2) at Post (7-2, 3-1), 7 p.m.
Abernathy is getting healthy at the right time heading into the postseason. The winner of this one will be the No. 3-seed out of the district. … Post 34, Abernathy 26.
Floydada (0-9, 0-4) at New Deal (5-3, 3-1), 7 p.m.
The Lions are looking for a quick night of work before the playoffs arrive. … New Deal 48, Floydada 7.
New Home (7-2, 3-1) at Olton (3-6, 1-3), 7 p.m.
A win for the Leopards and its the outright No. 1-seed out of the district. … New Home 38, Olton 14.
District 1-2A Division II
Stratford (6-2, 3-0) at Farwell (6-2, 2-1), 7 p.m.
The Elks are the outright district champs and No. 1-seed with a win. … Stratford 33, Farwell 14.
Vega (3-6, 0-3) at Bovina (2-5, 0-3), 7 p.m.
The scenario is simple. The winner heads to the playoffs, the loser heads to basketball practice. … Vega 29, Bovina 26.
District 2-2A Division II
Morton (2-6, 2-2) at Hale Center (8-1, 4-0), 7 p.m.
Hale Center has looked great throughout district and may be a tough out in the playoffs. … Hale Center 42, Morton 8.
District 5-2A Division II
Wheeler (8-1, 4-0) at Shamrock (2-7, 2-2), 7 p.m.
Add another chapter to the Battle of Wheeler County. The Mustangs are playing at a different level at the moment. … Wheeler 48, Shamrock 7.
Quanah (5-4, 2-2) at Clarendon (1-8, 1-3), 7 p.m.
The Broncos are fighting for their playoff lives. A win and on top of a Shamrock loss, and Clarendon is in but the Indians are a very physical football team. .. .Quanah 37, Clarendon 22.
Memphis (2-7, 0-4) at Wellington (7-2, 3-1), 7 p.m.
Wellington rebounds following a tough loss at Wheeler last week. … Wellington 50, Memphis 8.
Kale Steed
Last week: 10-2 (.833)
Season: 75-22 (.773)
District 2-1A Division I
Nazareth (6-3, 3-0) at Happy (2-7, 1-2), 7 p.m.
It’s been a down season in Happy but nothing would send them into the offseason on a better note then taking down their bitter rivals. The Cowboys will play hard but there’s just too much talent on the Swifts roster. … Nazareth 58, Happy 22.
Hart (7-2, 1-2) at Kress (4-5, 0-3), 7 p.m.
It’s been a solid season for the Longhorns while things have fizzled for the Kangaroos after a promising start. Hart has given the two best teams in this district all they could handle so they will be too much for the home team with Bubba Worsham stacking up big numbers again this week. … Hart 78, Kress 36.
District 5-1A Division I
Petersburg (4-5, 3-0) at Valley (3-6, 3-0), 7:30 p.m.
A battle for the district title as both squads started out the year shaky but have righted things as they get ready to head into playoff action. The strength of schedule tells you the Patriots are heavy favorites but the Buffaloes won’t go down easy. … Valley 58, Petersburg 24.
District 2-1A Division II
Motley County (8-1, 2-0) at McLean (3-6, 1-1), 7 p.m.
There’s still hope for a Tiger playoff berth but that will require a major upset to get there. Stran Henderson ran for over 300 yards in this game last year and it wasn’t enough. Despite a strong effort, the Matadors will celebrate on the bus ride home. … Motley County 64, McLean 42.
Hedley (1-7, 0-2) at Paducah (7-1, 1-1), 7 p.m.
You have to feel for the Dragons after losing two starters for the season to injuries last week in their nail-biting loss to Motley County. All Paducah wants to do in this one is get a win and get back home unscathed. … Paducah 54, Hedley 6.
TAPPS District I Division III
Holy Cross Catholic Academy (0-6, 0-3) at Lubbock Christ the King (8-0, 3-0), 7:30 p.m.
Unfortunately, this is a mismatch on the field as the Golden Lions will head to the playoffs roaring. … Christ the King 60, HCCA 6.
