The UIL Texas High School Football playoffs get going across state on Thursday through Saturday. Here’s how Lance Lahnert, Lee Passmore, Kale Steed and Craig Sperry, see matchups involving teams across the Texas Panhandle and South Plains playing out.
THURSDAY’S BI-DISTRICT GAMES
CLASS 5A
DIVISION I
Tascosa (6-4) vs. El Paso Americas (5-5), 7:30 p.m. Socorro SAC Stadium, El Paso
A hefty road trip for the Rebs making the 435-mile one way trip to El Paso. Tascosa can handle it. Although Americas has won three in a row averaging 58 points a game during that stretch, Tascosa under Coach Ken Plunk doesn’t lose bidistrict games having won 11 in a row it has played in. Tascosa’s Flexbone offense will give Americas fits and will score points in this one. … Tascosa 48, Americas 28.
DIVISION II
El Paso Burges (3-7) at Palo Duro (9-1), 7 p.m. Dick Bivins Stadium
A well-earned home, sweet, home playoff game for the district champ Dons. Burges ventures out of El Paso to play a game for the first time this season and faces quite the challenge. Burges enters the playoffs having lost three of its last four games. The Dons have won nine in a row and start their 2026 playoff run in impressive fashion. The playoff train ride is just starting for these Dons. … Palo Duro 55, Burges 13.
CLASS 4A
DIVISION I
Randall (9-1) vs. El Paso Austin (7-3), 6 p.m. Yellowjackets Stadium, Kermit
After last week’s shakeout was done, Randall emerged as the No. 1 seed from District 2-4A Division I. The Raiders will score their second straight 10-win season if they get out of this one with a win, and they have some offensive momentum with 84 points over their last two games. Drayden Ray has been one of the most consistent running backs in the area this season and wide receiver Phoenix Sherwood might be the most dangerous playmaker in the Panhandle. It’s rare for El Paso schools to get out of their city bubble during the regular season, and it’s a safe bet that Austin hasn’t seen many weapons of that caliber this year, so the Raiders should roll. … Randall 45, Austin 14.
West Plains (6-4) vs. El Paso Ysleta (7-3), 6 p.m. Astound Broadband Stadium, Midland
For the first time in four seasons, West Plains won’t enter the playoffs as a No. 1 seed, as the Wolves had to settle for No. 2 instead out of 2-4A DI. That doesn’t mean they should be discounted. They won some close games early in district play and taken care of business against the teams they had to, except for a loss to Randall. Slade Russell is always a threat to run for over 200 yards. Quarterback Rodrigo Martinez carries Ysleta offensively as he’s accounted for over 3,000 yards of offense and 35 touchdowns this season. The Indians also have three receivers with over 500 yards. They’ll have a tough time slowing down Russell, though. … West Plains 41, Ysleta 19.
Canyon (7-3) vs. El Paso Riverside (8-2), 6 p.m. Mustang Bowl, Andrews
Canyon has been playoff tested, as last week’s hair-raising 33-31 win over Dumas proved. The Eagles emerged from that game with the No. 3 seed from 2-4A DI and with a confidence boost going into the playoffs. They’ve gotten good production from seniors quarterback Brox Hacker and running back Austin Turner, which could be needed against Riverside. Canyon will need to find a way to contain Riverside quarterback Carlos Rojas, who’s thrown 11 touchdowns but does most of his damage running the ball, with 2,200 yards (averaging 14 yards a carry) and 26 touchdowns. But he doesn’t have much help. … Canyon 42, Riverside 17.
DIVISION II
Perryton (5-5) vs. Brock (9-1), 5 p.m. PlainsCapitol Park-Lowrey Field, Lubbock
It’s easy to wonder what Perryton did to anger the football gods. After the Rangers clinched a playoff spot two weeks ago, they got to face District -4A Division II champion and undefeated Lubbock-Cooper Liberty on the road and suffered a 73-12 thumping. Their reward this week? Opening the playoffs against comparably talented Brock. With quarterback Cooper Schilling and receiver Gordo Estrada, Perryton has one of the better pass-catch combos in the area. They’ll have to be at the top of their game to have any chance against Brock. Even more so, the defense will have to step up big. That could be a problem. … Brock 49, Perryton 20.
CLASS 3A
DIVISION I
Shallowater (9-1) vs. Odessa Compass (3-7), 6 p.m. Grant Taeff Tiger Stadium, Snyder
Look for the Mustangs to open up the playoffs with a statement. … Shallowater 48, Compass 14.
Dalhart (7-3) vs. Sweetwater (7-3), 7 p.m. Peoples Bank Stadium, Wolfforth
The Golden Wolves want to wash last week away and start new. It won’t be easy facing a talented Sweetwater team. If Dalhart can look like they have in previous weeks, the Golden Wolves will have a chance. … Sweetwater 34, Dalhart 27.
DIVISION II
Muleshoe (2-8) vs. Canadian (7-3), 4 p.m. Happy State Bank Stadium
This is a rematch from last year’s bi-district matchup where the Wildcats put it on the Mules. Canadian has massive expectations once again and the Muleshoe defense has had its issues. … Canadian 55, Muleshoe 13.
CLASS 2A
DIVISION I
Panhandle (6-4) vs. Floydada (5-5), 7 p.m. Wildcats Stadium, River Road
The Panthers quest at deep playoff run begins with a familiar foe in Floydada head coach Jeff Smith and his Whirlwinds. … Panhandle 48, Floydada 13.
Highland Park (4-6) vs. Olton (9-1), 7 p.m. Whiteface Stadium, Hereford
When you look at the records it’s easy to say the Mustangs are the favorite. The Hornets have had the better schedule and have a really good offense. This could be one of the better games in the first round. … Olton 36, Highland Park 27.
DIVISION II
Gruver (10-0) vs. Plains (5-5), 7 p.m. Mustangs Stadium, Bovina
The Greyhounds have their eyes focused and won’t miss a beat. This won’t last long. … Gruver 56, Plains 7.
West Texas High (6-4) vs. Sudan (6-4), 7:30 p.m. Happy State Bank Stadium
Here’s another game that could be a solid first round to watch if you’re a fan of high school football. On paper, both are evenly matched. The Comanches have the experience of late making a run to the state semifinals last year. … WT High 35, Sudan 21.
Vega (5-4) vs. Ropes (10-0), 6 p.m. Bobcats Stadium, Dimmitt
The Ropes Eagles are a darling around the South Plains and are many’s pick to win the region. There is a potential matchup with Gruver in two weeks that fans can’t wait to see. … Ropes 52, Vega 8.
Wellington (8-1) vs. Munday (7-3), 7 p.m. Fair Park Stadium, Childress
Talk about a blast from the past. These two teams met up on this same field during the state semifinals in 2011 and 2012 in the midst of the Moguls dynasty. Fast forward to today, and it’s the Skyrockets the massive favorite. … Wellington 47, Munday 15.
Wheeler (8-1) vs. Seymour (6-4), 7 p.m. Leo Brittain Field, Lions Stadium, Vernon
The Panthers have the talent behind QB Keaton Anderson, but that Mustang defense is very good and the run attack prevails in the end. … Wheeler 46, Seymour 12.
FRIDAY’S BI-DISTRICT GAMES
DIVISION I
El Paso Bel Air (4-6) at Amarillo High (9-1), 6 p.m., Dick Bivins Stadium
What a year AHS has put together winning district without a blemish and playing its best defense in years. Add those factors and a motivating bi-district memory from last year when AHS scored 76 points and lost in El Paso, this will be a Sandie team wanting to send a message. Bel Air QB Angel Dominguez is dangerous and a touchdown-scoring machine having thrown for 1,830 yards and 22 TDs along with running for 1,026 yards and 15 TDs. But AHS won’t mess around in this one and make this Friday the 13th one to remember. … AHS 48, Bel Air 14.
El Paso El Dorado (6-4) at Frenship (6-4), 6 p.m., People Bank Stadium, Wolfforth
Frenship rides serious momentum into this one with the 35-21 win over Abilene High and going 5-1 in its last six games. El Dorado loves a shootout with dual threat QB Brycen Booth the catalyst running for 1,135 yards and throwing for 2,448 yards this year. Go with Frenship at home. … Frenship 42, El Dorado 31.
– Lance Lahnert
Last week: 4-3 (.571)
Season: 53-16 (.768)
CLASS 4A
DIVISION I
Dumas (4-6) vs. El Paso Andress (10-0), 6 p.m., Friday, Mustangs Stadium, Denver City
A glance at the records would indicate a typical first round mismatch, but people who follow Dumas know better. The Demons had to settle for the No. 4 seed from 2-4A DI after last week’s tough loss to Canyon. They’ve been plagued by injuries all season, missing up to nine starters at a time, so it’s tempting to ask what might have been had they stayed healthy. Quarterback Jamari Milton led Andress to a perfect regular season by throwing for over 2,000 yards and 27 touchdowns, with two receivers catching at least 10 scores apiece. Dumas counters with a four-year starting quarterback in Colton Mills, who’s been here before. … Dumas 34, Andress 19.
DIVISION II
Lubbock-Cooper Liberty (10-0) vs. Burkburnett (6-4), 6 p.m., Anthony Field at Wildcats Stadium, Abilene Christian University
Other than a one-point win over West Plains, Liberty has barely been challenged this season. That could be a question mark for the Patriots as the playoffs progress. Liberty has faced more imposing opponents than Burkburnett this season, though, and gotten through things just fine. Their biggest obstacle early in the postseason might be battling overconfidence and looking ahead too far. … Liberty 45, Burkburnett 13.
– Lee Passmore
Last week: 4-1 (.800)
Season: 53-18 (.746)
CLASS 3A
DIVISION I
Bushland (7-3) vs. Jim Ned (3-7), 7 p.m. Friday, PlainsCapital Park – Lowrey Field, Lubbock
These two teams are no strangers to each other meeting several times over the years. The Indians aren’t as talented as in years past while the Falcons have been playing good football heading into the playoffs. … Bushland 40, Jim Ned 21.
DIVISION II
Childress (6-4) vs. Littlefield (7-3), 7 p.m. Friday, Tyer Stadium, Floydada
This is a rematch from last year’s district round where the Bobcats put it on a beat up Littlefield team. This time around, it’s a much more even matchup. Both teams mirror each other. Expect a fun one. … Childress 35, Littlefield 20.
Friona (7-3) vs. Slaton (6-4), 7 p.m. Friday, Greg Sherwood Memorial Bulldog Stadium, Plainview
The Chieftains made major strides this year and are great at running the ball. The only problem is, so are the Tigers, and Slaton has the horses in the backfield. … Slaton 42, Friona 27.
Dimmitt (6-4) vs. Idalou (10-0), 6 p.m. Friday, Lobos Stadium, Levelland
The Bobcats had another solid year under veteran coach Jimmy Arias, but the road more than likely comes to an end facing a Wildcat team with massive expectations towards Arlington. … Idalou 53, Dimmitt 15.
– Kale Steed
Last week: 6-0 (1.000)
Season: 59-13 (.819)
CLASS 2A
DIVISION I
Spearman (6-4) vs. Farwell (3-7), 4 p.m. Friday, Happy State Bank Stadium
The Lynx love playing at Happy State and are a difficult team to beat in the playoffs. … Spearman 38, Farwell 22.
Sanford-Fritch (3-7) vs. Tulia (7-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday, Happy State Bank Stadium
Tulia has been a Cinderella story capturing their first league title since 1992 while the Eagles are making a first playoff appearance since 2021. Let’s take the Hornets to get their first postseason win since 2018. … Tulia 45, Fritch 21.
Abernathy (2-8) vs. Forsan (8-2), 7 p.m. Friday, Wigwam Stadium, Friday
The Antelopes can play with about anyone put in front of them. It’s can they get the job done in the end that is the question. … Forsan 34, Abernathy 28.
New Deal (6-4) vs. Sonora (8-2), 6:30 p.m. Friday, Wolves Stadium, Colorado City
This is not a typical district champion vs. a No. 4-seed. The Lions are dangerous and are very physical. I’m calling upset. … New Deal 28, Sonora 23.
DIVISION II
Stratford (6-2) vs. Seagraves (7-3), 7 p.m. Friday, Whiteface Stadium, Hereford
All season the Stratford Elks have been overlooked and they probably like it that way. I can guarantee they won’t take the Eagles likely even with a huge matchup with Wink on the horizon for next week. … Stratford 46, Seagraves 12.
Clarendon (4-5) vs. Haskell (7-3), 7 p.m. Friday, Fair Park Stadium, Childress
It’s been a good first year for the Broncos under head coach Brenton Whitaker. Even if they don’t get this win, the future looks promising. … Haskell 41, Clarendon 22.
– Kale Steed
Last week: 8-2 (.800)
Season: 102-21 (.829)
CLASS 1A
DIVISION I
Boys Ranch (9-0) vs. Nazareth (7-3), 7 p.m. Tigers Stadium, Groom
What a great matchup to start playoff action. It’s been an incredible season for the Roughriders but they aren’t satisfied with a district title. Boys Ranch is looking to make a deep playoff run but this is a tough contest. The Swifts have a talented backfield and have found consistency in their play. …Nazareth 52, Boys Ranch 44.
Happy (7-3) vs. Hermleigh (9-1), 6:30 p.m. Buffaloes Stadium, Petersburg
After a rough start to the year, the Cowboys are firing on all cylinders with a punishing ground game and opportunistic passing attack. The Cardinals are a talented run and gun team with Hayden Simpson a weapon that every defense has to deal with. For the second week in a row, the Cowboys must figure out a way to stop a high-flying passing attack but this one has more talent. …Hermleigh 72, Happy 56.
Kress (3-7) at Jayton (9-1), 7 p.m. Jaybird Stadium
It looked like a lost season for the Kangaroos but they righted the ship and surprised many by grabbing a playoff berth. Their reward? The two-time Division II state champions. The Jaybirds aren’t as talented as those teams but the difference isn’t that great. …Jayton 60, Kress 14.
Whiteface (9-1) at Claude (5-5), 7:30 p.m. Mustang Stadium
The Mustangs reward for a big win against White Deer to seal a playoff berth? Just a big and talented Antelopes squad that has dreams of a state title. Claude would have a shot to win against many of the teams in the region but not this one. …Whiteface 66, Claude 20.
DIVISION II
McLean (6-4) vs. Valley (7-3), 6:30 p.m. Cyclones Stadium, Memphis
The 18-wheelers love to honk at the teams during games at Cyclones Stadium but they may want to stop and check this one out. Both teams are playing well to end the season and the winner will have a shot to take a regional title. The Patriots experience from last year’s run in the playoffs is the difference. …Valley 48, McLean 44.
Hart (9-1) vs. Meadow (6-4), 7 p.m. Wolverines Stadium, Springlake-Earth
Two weeks ago, all looked lost for the Longhorns as they were upset by Lazbuddie. A week later they hammer Anton for a district title and now they are looking to get a playoff win. Yael Soltero will be the best player on the field and that’s the deciding factor in this one. …Hart 60, Meadow 48.
Motley County (9-1) vs. Lefors (5-4), 7:30 p.m. Owls Stadium, Lefors
The last time the Pirates made the playoffs was 2019 and their opponent is the same one they get in this contest. Motley County is a perennial power as head coach Brendan Fisk knows and the coach on the other sideline is one he knows well as he played under the Matadors head man, Mike Bigham. It’s great to see Lefors in postseason action but the results are likely to look much like their last playoff game. …Motley County 54, Lefors 13.
