High School football teams across the Texas Panhandle and South Plains continue with the district schedule going into Week 9 that sees a lot of games on Thursday due to the chance of rainy weather. 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
Amarillo High (5-2, 2-1) at Lubbock Coronado (0-8, 0-4), 7 p.m. Lowrey Field at Plains Capital Park, Lubbock
At this stage of the season, records don’t lie. … Amarillo High 48, Coronado 17.
District 2-5A Division II
Plainview (3-4, 1-2) at Palo Duro (6-1, 3-0), 7 p.m. Dick Bivins Stadium
How bout those Dons! What a season with a six-game winning streak and a pair of late-game drives to win games. Plainview QB four-starter Seth Mayberry can destroy dreams, but PD’s dream of a 2025 playoff berth lives. I believe. … PD 42, Plainview 34.
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Lubbock-Cooper (4-4, 1-3) at Wichita Falls Memorial (5-2, 1-2), 6 p.m. Memorial Stadium, Wichita Falls
My, my, my, my nobody thought these two teams would be in this position of the standings at this point of the season. Throw the kitchen sink at the other team is the theme of this one. … Cooper 24, Memorial 21.
Wichita Falls Legacy (2-5, 1-2) at Abilene Cooper (5-3, 3-1) 6 p.m. Shotwell Stadium, Abilene
Hey, Legacy is playing better this year and it’s good to see. But Cooper sees a possible playoff berth with a win. … Cooper 42, Legacy 21.
District 1-2A Division I
West Texas High (7-0, 2-0) at Sanford-Fritch (3-4, 0-2), 7 p.m.
Not many teams are playing with the confidence as the Comanches are coming off a massive win against Panhandle. Don’t expect a let down even on a short week. … WT High 48, Fritch 14.
District 5-2A Division II
Shamrock (2-5, 0-2) at Wellington (6-1, 2-0), 7 p.m.
The threat of severe weather Friday has moved this entire district to Thursday. The Irish have been playing better of late but the Skyrockets won’t overlook them with Wheeler on the horizon next week. … Wellington 49, Shamrock 15.
Wheeler (6-1, 2-0) at Clarendon (0-7, 0-2), 7 p.m.
The Mustangs remain undefeated in district with a major battle with Wellington looming next week. … Wheeler 42, Clarendon 7.
Quanah (3-4, 0-2) at Memphis (2-5, 0-2), 7 p.m.
Both teams are in major need of a win if they want to have any hopes of making the postseason. Give the Indians the slight edge on what could be a soggy night. … Quanah 29, Memphis 16.
District 1-1A Division I
Claude (6-2, 1-1) at Wildorado (0-7, 0-1), 7 p.m.
Battle of the Mustangs won’t be much of a battle. Claude is playing well and things haven’t gone well in Wildorado this year. … Claude 60, Wildorado 6.
District 2-1A Division I
Springlake-Earth (3-5, 1-1) at Happy (2-5, 1-0), 7 p.m.
A month ago, these two teams met in non-district action and the Wolverines dominated the Cowboys. That makes this prediction easy, right? Well, Happy made a change at quarterback and the team has been much better since then. The winner of this one is in great shape for a playoff berth so I expect this one to be much closer than the first time around. … Springlake-Earth 48, Happy 42.
District 1-1A Division II
Groom (2-5, 0-1) at Lefors (4-3, 0-1), 7:30 p.m.
This series has been dominated by the Tigers and the winner still clings to playoff hopes. Look for the scoreboard to go tilt in a high scoring affair but, in the end, the Pirate ship will be rocking. … Lefors 76, Groom 72.
District 2-1A Division II
Motley County (6-1, 0-0) at Hedley (1-6, 0-1)
There’s no sugar coating this one. These two teams are on opposite ends of the power rankings. … Motley County 66, Hedley 8.
FRIDAY’S GAMES
District 2-6A
Frenship (3-4, 1-1) at Odessa High (0-7, 0-2), 7 p.m., Ratliff Stadium, Odessa
Once again, records don’t lie at this stage of the season. … Frenship 42, Odessa High 14.
District 2-5A Division I
Abilene High (6-2, 4-0) at Tascosa (5-2, 3-0), 7 p.m. Dick Bivins Stadium
One of the top games of the night in the 806 with sole possession of first in 2-5A DI on the line. Abilene QB Brayden Henry can frustrate defenses with the best of them. But Tascosa has the best combo of complementary football going on in district right now with QB Coltyn Fulton operating the Rebs offense at a high level and that defense with 28 sacks and allowing 14.5 points per game. Won’t be easy. … Tascosa 28, Abilene 21.
Caprock (2-5, 1-2) at Lubbock High (1-6, 0-3), 7 p.m. Lowrey Field at Plains Capital Park. Lubbock
The Rock is coming off a big win over Coronado with Ernie Alvarado lighting it up running for 301 yards leading a 500-yard plus night of offense. Not since early September of 2022 has Caprock won back-to-back games. Caprock wins back-to-back games. … Caprock 32, Lubbock High 21.
Lance Lahnert
Last week: 5-1 (.833)
Season: 37-14 (.725)
District 2-4A Division I
West Plains (6-1, 2-0) vs. Randall (6-1, 2-0), 7 p.m., Happy State Bank Stadium
The most anticipated district game of the season between the Canyon ISD rivals will most likely determine the district champion and No. 1 playoff seed, and possible clinching a playoff berth for the winner. West Plains has been as good as advertised after last year’s state semifinal run, but the Wolves will run up against a Randall defense which has already pitched three shutouts this season. Don’t look for a wild shootout in this one. The Raiders will stay competitive with their defense, but West Plains won’t be held down for long. … West Plains 28, Randall 19.
Canyon (4-3, 0-2) at Pampa (1-6, 0-2), 7 p.m.
It’s not stretching it to say this is a must-win, if not quite an elimination game for both teams. The winner will still have something to play for in the next two weeks while the loser can start thinking about basketball. In two district games under new coach Matt Lovorn, Canyon has been competitive, while Pampa has struggled in two losses. Brox Hacker has established himself at quarterback for the Eagles, and his improvement each week will show in a road victory for Canyon. … Canyon 30, Pampa 13.
Hereford (2-5, 1-1) at Dumas (5-2, 1-1), 7 p.m.
The winner of this one will be tied for second in district and be in solid position to clinch a playoff spot in the next two weeks. This figured to be a top-notch quarterback matchup between Colton Mills of Dumas and Hereford’s Kalub Ramirez, but Ramirez injured his ankle last week against Randall and looks questionable. Dumas has been a more consistent team this season, especially on defense, so the Demons will have a decided edge regardless of the opposing quarterback. … Dumas 28, Hereford 14.
District 2-4A Division II
Levelland (4-3, 0-1) at Perryton (3-5, 0-2), 7 p.m.
Both teams desperately need a win to stay alive in the playoff hunt, and the loser will be in dire straits. Perryton lost a shootout with district leader Lubbock Estacado last week and the Rangers have shown they can score points all season. Levelland had the district’s open week last week and had extra time to prepare. This has the hallmarks of a potential shootout, but the sense of urgency and homefield advantage should give Perryton the edge. … Perryton 35, Levelland 28.
Lubbock Estacado (6-2, 2-0) at Borger (0-7, 0-1), 7 p.m.
These teams are at opposite ends of the district spectrum, as Estacado has lived up to the hype as the district leader and Borger is looking for any good news after going winless for almost two months. The danger for Estacado is looking past the Bulldogs to next week’s showdown with Lubbock-Cooper Liberty which will likely decide the district championship. Borger might stay in the game if it can slow down Cedric Ross, but that’s the only hope. … Estacado 52, Borger 14.
Lee Passmore
Last week: 5-0 (1.000)
Season: 36-11 (.766)
District 1-3A Division I
Shallowater (4-3, 0-0) at Bushland (3-4, 0-0), 7 p.m.
There’s never a better way to open district than with this battle between two great programs that have become rivals over the years. Both teams saw their ups and downs during the non-district schedule, but both have looked improved of late. This will be another solid battle in a chapter of good ones. … Shallowater 35, Bushland 24.
Dalhart (6-1, 0-0) at River Road (1-6, 0-0), 7 p.m.
The Golden Wolves have district championship aspirations in mind, but you can’t claim the crown without winning the first one. … Dalhart 49, River Road 14.
District 1-3A Division II
Dimmitt (5-2, 1-0) at Childress (6-2, 2-0), 7 p.m.
In this battle of Bobcats, Dimmitt is wanting to prove their for real after a strong start. Childress has been hot of late and wants to take care of business and clinch a playoff berth. … Childress 54, Dimmitt 26.
Canadian (6-1, 1-0) at Tulia (2-6, 0-2), 7 p.m.
The Wildcats march on with another W. … Canadian 50, Tulia 14.
District 2-3A Division II
Littlefield (7-1, 1-1) at Idalou (4-3, 1-0), 7 p.m.
The quarterback matchup between Littlefield’s Sammy Saenz and Idalou’s Kamdon Lutrick is worth the price of admission. The question will be, is if Littlefield will have more than just Saenz to keep pace with Idalou. … Idalou 42, Littlefield 26.
Slaton (6-1, 1-0) at Muleshoe (3-5, 1-1), 7 p.m.
There is no question the Mules can rack up the points but it’s the defense that has been the question mark. Muleshoe has to get stops to stay in this ball game. … Slaton 54, Muleshoe 35.
Kale Steed
Last week: 4-1 (.800)
Season: 50-11 (.819)
District 1-2A Division I
Sunray (0-7, 0-2) at Panhandle (5-2, 1-1), 7 p.m.
The Panthers are wanting to put last week’s loss behind them and start a new win streak. … Panhandle 52, Sunray 8.
Spearman (5-2, 2-0) at Highland Park (3-4, 1-1), 7 p.m.
The Lynx are hot winners of five straight and want to keep that way. The Hornets are buzzing with momentum after a road win last week. Give me Spearman down the stretch. … Spearman 40, Highland Park 20.
District 2-2A Division I
Olton (3-4, 1-1) at New Deal (4-2, 2-0), 7 p.m.
New Deal quarterback Dallas Sumner suffered an injury last week and is expected to miss this contest. That makes things a little more interesting. The Lions will have to rely heavily on the ground game behind Jonas Rodriguez. … New Deal 27, Olton 21.
New Home (6-1, 2-0) at Post (5-2, 1-1), 7 p.m.
This was a game circled on the state’s calendar back in August and still has that potential to live up to that hype. The Bold Gold will be motivated at home in an underdog role, but the Leopards are coming to town with nothing but a victory in mind. … New Home 39, Post 23.
Abernathy (3-3, 0-2) at Floydada (0-7, 0-2), 7 p.m.
It’s been a frustrating few weeks for the Antelopes, who are decimated by injuries. That frustration will get a little relief against the Whirlwinds with a W. … Abernathy 35, Floydada 7.
District 1-2A Division II
Gruver (6-2, 1-1) at Vega (3-4, 0-1), 7 p.m.
The Greyhounds speed is the difference. … Gruver 47, Vega 16.
Stratford (4-2, 1-0) at Bovina (2-4, 0-2), 7 p.m.
The Elks take another step towards the playoffs with a victory. … Stratford 45, Bovina 13.
District 2-2A Division II
Hale Center (6-1, 2-0) at Sudan (6-1, 2-0), 7 p.m.
This is the district title game and what a showdown it is. The Owls youthful offense has taken strides and will rely on a defense that has pitched six shutouts this year. … Hale Center 29, Sudan 27.
Kale Steed
Last week: 10-1 (.909)
Season: 65-20 (.764)
District 1-1A Division I
Booker (5-2, 1-0) at Boys Ranch (6-2, 1-1), 7 p.m.
The implications of this game are massive. If the Kiowas wins, they likely grab a playoff spot unless they stumble against White Deer. If Boys Ranch wins, then you have to look at the scoreboard because the margin of victory will be big. A Roughriders win could set up a potential three-way tie at the end of the season where the that margin of victory will determine a playoff berth. … Booker 68, Boys Ranch 52.
District 2-1A Division I
Hart (6-1, 0-1) at Nazareth (5-3, 2-0), 7 p.m.
Two towns separated by 11 miles are meeting for the 49th time and the Swifts have absolutely owned this matchup. Nazareth has won 21 straight games against the Longhorns as you have to go back to 1995 to find a Hart win. The Longhorns have one of their best teams in years but it won’t be enough to stop the Swifts. … Nazareth 60, Hart 28.
District 5-1A Division I
Silverton (2-6, 1-1) at Valley (1-6, 1-0), 7:30 p.m.
What does Richard Nixon have to do with this game? Well, Nixon was the President the last time Silverton beat Valley. The two teams have met 21 times since then with the Patriots coming out on top every time. The Owls are playing better down the stretch but it’s still not enough to come out on top. … Valley 56, Silverton 18.
Petersburg (3-5, 2-0) at Spur (0-7, 0-1), 7:30 p.m.
After picking up a big road win last week, the Buffaloes are zeroing in on a playoff spot. A win over the Bulldogs would likely set up a district title game with Valley in the final week of the season. … Petersburg 48, Spur 22.
District 1-1A Division II
Miami (7-0, 0-0) at Follett (4-4, 2-0), 7:30 p.m.
The best game of the week is the 73rd meeting between these two teams. Follett has dominated the Warriors and Miami hasn’t won in Follett since 1998. However, this time may be different. If the Warriors can keep Wyatt Terrell in check and run the ball effectively, it will be a happy bus ride home. … Miami 54, Follett 46.
District 3-1A Division II
Anton (3-4, 1-0) at Amherst (2-4, 0-1)
A game that will decide the second-place team in this district. Both squads had rough starts to the year but that doesn’t matter now. Brian Duncan’s squad had shown improvement but, in the battle of the Bulldogs, you have to go with the home team. … Amherst 72, Anton 42.
TAPPS District I Division III
San Jacinto Christian Academy (4-3, 1-0) at Lubbock Christ the King (6-0, 1-0), 4 p.m.
Another great matchup with the Patriots looking to pull the upset over the Lions. San Jacinto will need to run the ball and control the clock to have a chance but CTK is playing really good football down the stretch. … Lubbock Christ the King 56, San Jacinto Christian Academy 28.