Week 9 saw some marquee games that were impactful toward the playoff season. This week also highlighted some incredible performances across the Texas Panhandle and South Plains. Take a look at some of those individuals that stood out.
Slade Russell, West Plains, RB, Jr.
The talented junior took his game to another level during West Plains dominant 62-13 thumping against Randall in a District 2-4A Division I game Friday. Russell ran through, over and right by the Raiders defense throughout the contest, carrying the ball 21 times for 184 yards with a pair of touchdowns. Russell also showed his versatility catching three passes for 37 yards and another score.
Jude Dunivan, Amarillo High, RB, Sr.
Dunivan put up video game numbers during the Sandies 79-6 trouncing of Lubbock Coronado in a District 2-5A Division I game Thursday. The Mustangs defense had no answer for the speedy senior as Dunivan broke loose for 226 yards rushing on only eight carries with four touchdowns. Dunivan also piled up 117 yards on two receptions with two more scores.
The rest of this story is only for subscribers.
Braden Dunkerson, Frenship, RB, Sr.
Behind Dunkerson, the Frenship Tigers found themselves back in the win column getting a 41-6 convincing win at Odessa High. Dunkerson was called on time and time again and delivered toting the rock 24 times for 196 yards with a total of five touchdowns.
Rylan Brown, Shallowater, RB, Sr.
The Shallowater speedster set the tone of Shallowater’s 28-26 win at Bushland returning the opening kickoff 80-plus yards to the house giving the Mustangs an early lead. Following that key play, Brown led the Mustangs ground attack galloping for 162 yards on only 13 carries.
Chamayne Johnson, Lubbock-Cooper, RB, Sr.
The Lubbock-Cooper Pirates are still in the hunt for a playoff spot following a wild 49-42 win at Wichita Falls Memorial on Thursday night. Johnson did everything he could to make that victory happen chewing up the Mavericks defense for 165 yards rushing on 29 carries with four scores.
Kyron Brown, Palo Duro, WR-DL, Jr.
The dynamic Brown is known more for his skill on the offensive side of the football, but during a 55-25 win against Plainview, it was Brown’s defense doing the talking. The junior edge rusher was an absolute menace for the Bulldog offensive line, getting to quarterback Seth Mayberry for three sacks including a strip sack where Brown returned it 65-yards for a touchdown.
Hudson Holland, Stratford, LB, Jr.
Led by Holland and a strong defensive showing, Stratford able to stay hot by blasting Bovina on the road 56-12. Holland was all over the field at his linebacker position finishing the game with a total of 19 tackles and added an interception.
Austin Turner, Canyon, RB, Jr.
Canyon’s bruising running back helped keep the Eagles playoff hopes alive during a 41-6 road win at Pampa. Turner, behind a very physical offensive line, ran through the Harvester defense, stacking up 165 yards rushing on 19 carries with three trips to the endzone.
Noah Cantu, Wellington, RB, Sr.
The Wellington Skyrockets are playoff bound and remained unbeaten in District getting a 67-7 victory against Shamrock. Cantu made play after play in the win scoring five touchdowns on 67 yards rushing with only nine carries.
Gordo Estrada, Perryton, WR, Jr.
Despite a tough 53-43 home loss to Levelland, it doesn’t take away the performance that Estrada had at wide receiver. Estrada torched the Levelland secondary on multiple occasions, hauling in a career-high 19 catches for an eye-popping 297 yards receiving with three touchdowns.