The Texas High School football is a month into the year and there are some very compelling games coming up Thursday and Friday across the Texas Panhandle and South Plains. Take a look at how the Press Pass Sports team of Lee Passmore, Craig Sperry and Kale Steed see it all come together.
THURSDAY’S GAMES
CLASS 4A
Lubbock-Cooper (0-3) at Canyon (2-1), 7 p.m., at Happy State Bank Stadium
This should be an interesting test for both teams as they move toward district play in separate classifications. Canyon has been rolling on both sides of the ball, after losing by a point to Tascosa, they had their most balanced offensive performance of the season in routing Caprock 37-7 last week. Class 5A Cooper is an uncharacteristic winless team but has played a tough schedule, losing 48-7 to powerhouse Stephenvillle last week. These two teams should have a much closer game, with home field giving the Eagles the edge. … Canyon 28, Cooper 23.
CLASS 2A
River Road (2-1) at Gruver (3-0), 7 p.m.
The Wildcats have shown improvement from a year ago, but the Greyhounds are on another level. … Gruver 48, River Road 7.
CLASS 1A
Newcastle (2-1) vs. Memphis (1-2), 7 p.m., at Crowell
A week after getting their first ever win at the Six-Man level, the Cyclones move way up in class with the Bobcats. Keyton Newland is one of many weapons Newcastle head coach Isaiah Archer has. … Newcastle 62, Memphis 6.
FRIDAY’S GAMES
Lubbock-Cooper Liberty (3-0) at West Plains (2-1), 4 p.m., at Happy State Bank Stadium
Whoever scheduled this game knew something was up since it has the spotlight with an afternoon kickoff as the first game of a rare doubleheader at Happy State Bank Stadium. These two upstart programs are having a summit meeting which might be the most anticipated game of the week. Both have put up big offensive numbers, so the HSBS scoreboard could be burned out before the second game. Having homefield advantage – and running back Slade Russell with three straight 200-yard games – gives the Wolves the edge. … West Plains 45, Liberty 35.
Palo Duro (2-1) at Dumas (1-2), 7 p.m.
These two former district rivals now in different classes meet up in a game both having a different sense of urgency than a week earlier. Palo Duro, which had been in a semifunk offensively for two games, broke out of it in a 41-14 win over Tascosa. Dumas, meanwhile, saw defensive struggles continue in a 40-35 home loss to Class 3A Bushland. The Demons are giving up almost 37 points a game. Palo Duro might not be the team to get well against defensively, and the Dons are making their final tune-up before district. … Palo Duro 42, Dumas 27.
Pampa (0-3) at Borger (0-3), 7 p.m.
Two more former district rivals who were protagonists in one of the Panhandle’s most storied gridiron rivalries are simply looking for any good news after recent struggles. Both have suffered lopsided losses in going winless through three weeks and desperately need to build some momentum before opening district play next month. Pride still can’t be underestimated in this game so it should be close, but Pampa has a little more depth, experience and talent and will overcome the hostile elements. … Pampa 20, Borger 18.
Hereford (2-1) at Seminole (1-2), 7 p.m.
Both teams are coming off decisive losses (Hereford to Plainview, Seminole to West Plains) and are looking to regain some momentum. Hereford got off to an excellent offensive start after two games but stumbled in a 34-17 loss at Plainview. Seminole has been unsurprisingly productive offensively but struggled on defense, meaning this should be a fairly high-scoring game. It will come down to who can make a key stop or two, and the Whitefaces have the edge in that regard. … Hereford 41, Seminole 31.
Lubbock Coronado (1-2) at Plainview (1-2), 7 p.m.
Another case of teams looking to find some identity before opening district, and the winner can at least claim a .500 record. Plainview has the momentum after beating Hereford last week, not to mention homefield advantage this week. Coronado needs some confidence to take into a tough District 2-5A Division II schedule starting next week. That could make for an interesting matchup, but the homestanding Bulldogs have a lot more in their favor. … Plainview 31, Coronado 21.
Perryton (2-1) at Vernon (1-2), 7 p.m.
This has to be one of the longest, if not the longest road trip in the area this week. The long bus ride in and of itself is a challenge for Perryton, which has won two straight and has recovered from quarterback Cooper Schilling’s knee injury scare. Perryton faces a challenge from Vernon’s stiff defense, which has given up just over 14 points a game. The Rangers might take awhile to get going, literally and figuratively, but they’ll go back home with a nice win. … Perryton 21, Vernon 15.
Big Spring (0-3) at Lubbock Estacado (3-0), 7 p.m.
On paper, this looks like a mismatch. Estacado has been rolling along as expected on both sides of the ball, averaging over 53 points a game. The Matadors are facing a Big Spring team which is giving up 38 points a game. Mitigating that, though, is the fact Big Spring is averaging over 25 points a game and Estacado did give up 50 in beating Sweetwater two weeks ago. No matter, though, the Matadors have the better defense. … Estacado 48, Big Spring 21.
Canadian (2-1) at Randall (3-0), 8 p.m.
Maybe it’s appropriate that this game will finish the night in the Panhandle as it’s as intriguing a matchup as you’ll find this week. Randall has been especially rolling on offense, averaging almost 45 points a game. Class 3A Canadian always seems to punch above its weight, but might be shorthanded without quarterback Weston Mitchell, although the Wildcats almost beat Shallowater last week. Homefield and more depth benefits the Raiders here. … Randall 35, Canadian 23.
– Lee Passmore
Last week: 5-2 (.714)
Season: 17-7 (.708)
CLASS 3A
Idalou (3-0) at Fort Stockton (0-3), 7 p.m.
No looking ahead to Shallowater for Idalou. This is a business trip. … Idalou 49, Fort Stockton 7.
Monahans (2-1) at Shallowater (3-0), 7 p.m.
Same goes for Shallowater. The Mustangs focus needs to be on Monahans before a showdown with Idalou next week. … Shallowater 40, Monahans 14.
Liberal, Kan. (2-0) at Dalhart (2-1), 7 p.m.
The Golden Wolves want nothing more than to return home and get back in the win column. I don’t think it will be easy. Liberal is a solid opponent coming down the Yellow Brick Road. … Dalhart 30, Liberal 23.
Lubbock Christian (3-0) at Bushland (1-2), 7 p.m.
Bushland has found a QB in Parker Hall and seem to have momentum going. The Eagles are no joke as a defending TAPPS Class 3A state champion. This should be a good one. … Bushland 36, LCHS 27.
Friona (2-1) at Sanford-Fritch (2-1), 7 p.m.
Here’s a very underrated battle between two teams that seem to be much improved from last season. Both love to run the football, so the question becomes, which team will do it better and come away with the win. … Friona 32, Fritch 26.
Dimmitt (3-0) at Morton (0-3), 7 p.m.
How bout the Dimmitt Bobcats. The jury is still out on just how good they are until they get a bigger test, but so far, so good. A win against the Indians and it’s the first 4-0 start since 2012 for Dimmitt. … Dimmitt 45, Morton 14.
Childress (1-2) at Holliday (0-3), 7 p.m.
Could this be a potential playoff preview? The Eagles move in from Region I and though the record doesn’t show it, head coach Kyle Atwood’s team is talented. On paper, this is pretty even. … Childress 28, Holliday 22.
– Kale Steed
Last week: 6-1(.857)
Season: 16-6 (.727)
CLASS 2A
Muleshoe (0-3) at Farwell (0-3), 7 p.m.
It’s hard to believe both teams are looking for their first win of the year heading into this game, but here we are. Expect a shootout. … Muleshoe 49, Farwell 38.
Abernathy (0-3) at Coahoma (2-1), 7 p.m.
The Antelopes are due for a W. The Bulldogs don’t want to let that happen. I’m afraid Abernathy has to wait another week. … Coahoma 35, Abernathy 27.
Spearman (1-2) at Stratford (2-1), 7 p.m.
A potential show stealer is going on at E.L. Sam Bass Stadium. Two physical football teams that are still looking to prove themselves. Both teams need this for momentum with district just a few weeks away. … Stratford 35, Spearman 29.
Panhandle (2-1) at Ropes (2-0), 7 p.m.
What a showdown on the South Plains. No doubt this is the game of the night on a statewide radar across the small school level. Panhandle has figured it out the past couple of weeks and are the bigger team. The Eagles don’t quite have the depth but make up for it in the skill. Take my money. … Ropes 35, Panhandle 34.
Highland Park (0-3) at Quanah (1-2), 7 p.m.
The Hornets go on the road and get their first W of the season. … Highland Park 22, Quanah 20.
Guymon, Okla. (1-2) at Sunray (0-3), 7 p.m.
Let’s give the edge to the Bobcats at home. … Sunray 26, Guymon 21.
Olton (3-0) at Lockney (2-1), 7 p.m.
Look out for Olton. The Mustangs are firing on all cylinders at the moment. … Olton 49, Lockney 15.
Brownfield (1-2) at Tulia (2-1), 7 p.m.
The Hornets are buzzing and will make it three straight wins. … Tulia 34, Brownfield 17.
New Deal (3-0) at Seagraves (3-0), 7 p.m.
Here’s another great one to watch for in a battle of unbeatens. The Lions have made this sports writer look foolish, so this week I’m riding with coach Matt Hill’s team. … New Deal 28, Seagraves 26.
West Texas High (3-0) at Wheeler (3-0), 7 p.m.
This will be the best test for both teams through the first month of the season and there are a lot of stakes on the line. WT High is riding a 13-game regular season win streak while the Mustangs are looking for their first 4-0 start since 2009. Expect good defense and gritty football. … WT High 28, Wheeler 14.
Vega (3-0) at Sudan (1-2), 7 p.m.
Vega needs to start faster than it did against Shamrock last week. If Longhorn running back Omar Segovia can get going early, Vega can move on to 4-0 for the first time since 2012. … Vega 33, Sudan 22.
Hale Center (2-1) at Smyer (0-3), 7 p.m.
The Owls bounce back from a tough loss to Wheeler. … Hale Center 45, Smyer 8.
Ralls (1-1) at Clarendon (1-2), 7 p.m.
Let’s make it two W’s in a row for the Broncos. … Clarendon 40, Ralls 19.
Wellington (3-0) at Lubbock Trinity (1-2), 7 p.m.
The Skyrockets pass a tough test. … Wellington 33, Trinity 16.
Seymour (1-2) at Shamrock (1-2), 7 p.m.
Seymour quarterback Keaton Anderson and the Panthers aren’t a bad team. This will be a good one. … Seymour 35, Shamrock 28.
– Kale Steed
Last week: 12-2 (.857)
Season: 32-5 (.864)
CLASS 1A
Follett (3-0) at Booker (2-1), 7 p.m.
If you look at the records of these two squads, you would anticipate a very tight contest once again in the battle of Lipscomb County. Records, however, are deceiving as the Kiowas make it two in a row in this fierce rivalry game. … Booker 56, Follett 12.
Groom (0-3) at Claude (1-2), 7 p.m.
After falling to Hermleigh last week, the Mustangs will be looking to exact some punishment on the Tigers. Groom is gritty but that won’t be enough to slow down Trapper Godfrey and company. … Claude 62, Groom 18.
Wildorado (3-0) at Happy (0-3), 7 p.m.
Another game where the records tell you to go with the undefeated Mustangs. A deep dive into schedules reveals a different story. It’s homecoming weekend at the Cowboy Corral and Luke Dempsey and his Cowboys will celebrate with their first win of the season. … Happy 56, Wildorado 16.
Miami (0-2) at White Deer (3-0), 7 p.m.
For the second year in a row, the Bucks enter this contest undefeated. Last year, White Deer dropped a hard-fought battle to the Warriors 30-14. This year, take the house, Kaleb House, for the win. … White Deer 54, Miami 6.
Springlake-Earth (1-2) at Anton (2-0), 7 p.m.
The last time the Bulldogs were 2-0 to start the season was 2021 so head coach Tell Rutledge would love to keep that going. A bigger and stronger Wolverines team will make it difficult to win a third in a row. … Springlake-Earth 48, Anton 20.
Kress (1-2) at Valley (1-2), 7 p.m.
It’s hard to believe but these two squads haven’t played each other since 2013 and the Kangaroos haven’t beaten the Patriots since both were in the 11-man ranks in 1997. Valley has won all eight meetings at the Six-man level. Let’s make it nine straight after Friday. … Valley 60, Kress 13.
Lefors (0-3) at Amarillo FFC (1-1), 7 p.m.
Expectations were high heading into the season for the Pirates but a tough schedule has led to a winless start. Don’t expect Brendan Fisk’s squad to make the trip west in a very good mood and the Lions will bear the brunt of unleashed frustration. … Lefors 66, Amarillo FFC 13.
McLean (2-1) at Boys Ranch (3-0), 7 p.m.
How close this game is may very well depend on how healthy the Tigers are. A wounded McLean squad is walking into a potential nightmare as the Roughriders are making experts take notice. Unless the visitors get healthy fast, too much speed and depth will keep Boys Ranch undefeated. … Boys Ranch 72, McLean 36.
Amarillo PCHEA (0-3) at San Jacinto Christian Academy (2-2), 7 p.m.
The last two weeks have been rough for the Patriots. This is the second time these two squads have met this year with San Jacinto taking the first contest, 64-32. Look for more of the same in this one. … SJCA 60, PCHEA 46.
Petersburg (1-2) at O’Donnell (1-2), 7:30
This one could be closer than the 29-point spread the Eagles are favored by. Getting a win at O’Donnell will require the Buffaloes to run the ball early and often with success and limiting the number of times Fernando Baeza’s squad has it. … O’Donnell 46, Petersburg 28.
Hermleigh (3-0) at Nazareth (2-1), 7:30 p.m.
Get your popcorn out for this one. The high-flying Cardinals come to town and Hayden Simpson is the name to know. Limiting his output will be key for the Swifts but they do matchup well at the skill positions. If you like offense, and plenty of it, then this is the game to be at. Nazareth is tough to top at home and that is the difference in this one. … Nazareth 78, Hermleigh 74.
Meadow (3-0) at Hart (3-0), 7:30 p.m.
Eleven miles separate this game from the Hermleigh/Nazareth matchup and this one could be just as good. The Longhorns are treating to enter the top ten in Division II while the Broncos are making believers of those who overlooked them. Liam Marin’s ability to throw and run may be the difference in this one. … Hart 54, Meadow 44.
Silverton (2-1) at Amherst (1-2), 7:30 p.m.
This season looks to be a rough one for the Bulldogs and the Owls are may surprise folks at district time. Look for this one to get out of hand early. … Silverton 60, Amherst 13.
