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 II
El Paso Hanks (5-4) at Palo Duro (9-1), 6 p.m., Dick Bivins Stadium
How bout those Dons! What a season (first outright district championship since 2004). What a nine-game win streak (longest since 2001). What an offense (average 39. 9 points per game). What a chance to show their stuff to their fans with a home playoff game. Dons dream season continues winning their 11th playoff game in school history and first playoff win since 2014. … Palo Duro 45, EP Hanks 17.
Lubbock Cooper (6-4) at El Paso Del Valle (9-1), 6 p.m. MDT, Conquest Stadium, El Paso
Cooper’s record doesn’t look like much but that was no Cupcake City schedule it played owning a win over Tascosa and a 3-point loss to Palo Duro. Del Valle is two points away from being undefeated. Still, go with Cooper. … Cooper 31, Del Valle 28.
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Class 4A Division I
West Plains (9-1) vs. El Paso Irvin (5-5), 6 p.m. Wigwam Stadium, Seminole
It seems like this is the “real” season now for West Plains, as in their young history the Wolves have advanced at least one step further in the playoffs than they did the year before, culminating last year in a trip to the state semifinals. They likely won’t be satisfied with anything less this year and they’ve played like they’ve been on a mission since day one. West Plains has been as good as advertised offensively, and Slade Russell has led a rushing attack which opponents will have to take into consideration the rest of the way. The Wolves will have to clear some big obstacles to reach their goals, but will easily clear this first hurdle. … West Plains 49, Irvin 7.
Canyon (6-4) vs. El Paso Ysleta (10-0), 6 p.m. Mustangs Stadium, Denver City
Canyon had to settle for the No. 4 seed out of District 2-4A Division I after losing a defensive struggle to Canyon ISD rival Randall in the regular season finale. That could be a blessing in disguise which makes the Eagles tougher just in time for the playoffs. They would appear to face a tall task against unbeaten Ysleta to open the postseason, but Ysleta hasn’t played as tough a slate of opponents as Canyon has. That, and the fact that the Eagles have adapted to the midseason replacement of Todd Winfrey at head coach with that of Canyon alum Matt Lovorn will give Lovorn his first playoff win at Canyon. … Canyon 30, Ysleta 14.
Class 3A Division I
Shallowater (7-3) vs Brownfield (0-10), 7 p.m. Lubbock-Cooper Liberty’s Patriot Stadium, Woodrow
The Mustangs may as well have a bye week. Get the starters out early. … Shallowater 55, Brownfield 7.
Lamesa (5-5) vs Bushland (4-6), 7 p.m. Lubbock-Cooper’s Pirate Stadium, Woodrow
The Tornadoes are a team that can present problems behind gunslinger Daniel Ramos. With that said, Bushland is a playoff savvy team, and despite the season it has been, there isn’t a reason that the Falcons aren’t playing in the second round. … Bushland 52, Lamesa 27.
Dalhart (8-2) vs Kermit (3-7), 6 p.m. PlainsCapital-Park at Lowrey Field, Lubbock
There is a lot of statewide eyes coming to the Dalhart Golden Wolves in Region I. Dalhart is a team a lot of people like for a run but that can’t start without winning the first one. … Dalhart 48, Kermit 14.
Division II
Canadian (9-1) vs Muleshoe (3-7), 4 p.m. Happy State Bank Stadium
This is a rematch from a Week 4 meeting where the Wildcats beat up the Mules 65-28. Expect Muleshoe to put up a fight with the Wildcats moving on in the end. … Canadian 47, Muleshoe 15.
Idalou (7-3) vs Dimmitt (5-5), 6:30 p.m. Greg Sherwood Memorial Bulldogs Stadium, Plainview
Look out for Idalou. This is a team that is more than capable of making a run to December. … Idalou 53, Dimmitt 12.
Childress (7-3) vs Littlefield (8-2), 7:30 p.m. Happy State Bank Stadium
Here’s one of the better first round matchups on the bi-district schedule. The Wildcats had two weeks to prepare coming off a bye week, while the Bobcats are licking their wounds from a loss to Canadian. Give me the Bobcats in a good one. … Childress 35, Littlefield 21.
Class 2A Division I
New Home (8-2) vs Highland Park (4-6), 7 p.m. Tyer Stadium, Floydada
Expect the Hornets to not go down without some buzz, but the Leopards have too much bite. … New Home 42, Highland Park 14.
Division II
Stratford (7-2) vs Morton (2-7), 7 p.m. Whiteface Stadium, Hereford
The Elks are playing really good football and will carry that on in the first round of the playoffs. … Stratford 54, Morton 12.
Gruver (8-2) vs Lockney (4-6), 7 p.m. Wildcats Stadium, River Road
It seems like the Greyhounds turned a corner a few weeks ago. Let’s see how the defending regional champs carry that momentum. … Gruver 56, Lockney 15.
Wheeler (9-1) vs Electra (5-5), 7 p.m. Fair Park Stadium, Childress
The Mustangs defense is legit and will carry them to a big win. … Wheeler 45, Electra 6.
Wellington (8-2) vs Haskell (6-4), 7 p.m. Bulldogs Stadium, Burkburnett
Not many teams have the experience like the Skyrockets heading into the postseason. That experience is huge. … Wellington 38, Haskell 20.
Class 1A Division I
Valley (4-6) vs. Northside (8-1), 6 p.m. Wildcats Stadium, Crowell
After starting the season 0-6, the Patriots are rolling into the playoffs behind Carson Tucker and Damian Valdes. To take down the Indians, that duo will have to stop the speedy Rance Teague. It’s been a magical season for Northside and that continues as they upset the district champion. … Northside 54, Valley 46.
Division II
Miami (9-0) vs. Paducah (8-1), 7:30 p.m. Mustangs Stadium, Claude
Two weeks ago, this looked like a classic matchup but this game has lost some luster when Dragons’ standout Darren Mackey went down with a season ending injury. The Warriors are rolling with a punishing ground game and complimentary passing attack. The defense will have to slow Paducah’s Ethan Garibaldi but Kris Gorecki will dominate up front and be an impact. … Miami 54, Paducah 32.
FRIDAY’S BI-DISTRICT GAMES
Class 6A Division II
Frenship (4-6) at El Paso Eastwood (9-1), 7 p.m. Trooper Stadium, El Paso
Frenship limps into the playoffs injured, on a two-game losing streak and stinging from giving up 52 last to San Angelo Central. Eastwood as won nine in a row. Frenship will play gritty but lack of depth will be too much to overcome. … Eastwood 31, Frenship 21.
Class 5A Division I
El Paso Parkland (3-7) at Tascosa (6-4), 6 p.m. Dick Bivins Stadium
Tascosa was hit by a truck last week what all that went on and those 63 points given up to Amarillo High. The rebound is real as Tascosa dominates on both sides of the ball and runs its bi-district record to 11-0 since 2013 under coach Ken Plunk. … Tascosa 55, Parkland 14.
Amarillo High (2-8) at El Paso El Dorado (9-1), 7:30p.m. Socorro’s Student Activities Complex, El Paso
A ton of eyes will be on this one as El Dorado is playing arguably the best No. 4 seed in all of the DI bracket. The Sandies put on quite the offensive and defensive show last week in pounding Tascosa 63-21. Yes, a long, long, long bus ride can derail most teams. Right now, AHS is not most teams. … Amarillo High 42, El Dorado 31.
Lubbock Monterey (6-4) at El Paso Americas (6-4), 7 p.m. Americas High Football Field, El Paso
Monterey just gets better and better under first-year head coach Jason Sims. Needs to find a few late stops to get this one done. Plus, 2-5 DI has the Plainsmen prepped to handle this one. … Monterey 42, Americas 35.
Class 4A Division I
Randall (8-2) vs. El Paso Austin (7-3), 6 p.m. Wildcats Stadium, Wink
Randall clinched the No. 2 seed from 2-4A DI by beating Canyon last week, as the Raiders did it the same way they’ve done it most of the season, through their defense. Austin will present a physical challenge for Randall, as the Panthers are a run-heavy team averaging 367.5 yards a game on the ground. Randall’s defensive front seven has proven up to such tasks all season, and should the Raiders succeed against Austin, the Panthers don’t appear to have a passing game to compensate. Regardless, the Raiders should have more than enough offense to get by, regardless of who’s playing quarterback. … Randall 42, Austin 7.
Dumas (7-3) vs. El Paso Riverside (8-2), 7 p.m. Friday, Wigwam Stadium, Seminole
Dumas has shown its offensive potential for much of the season and throughout most of 2-4A DI play the Demons have played well defensively. Junior quarterback Colton Mills is now a playoff veteran and that counts for something this time of year. Mills will be countered by Riverside’s dual threat at quarterback Carlos Rojas, who’s accounted for 3,370 yards of offense and a staggering 51 touchdowns this season. Mills, however, has more of a supporting cast and that’s important when the yards get tough to obtain. It’s also what’s going to lift the Demons into the next round. … Dumas 41, Riverside 24.
Division II
Lubbock-Cooper Liberty (9-1) vs. Monahans (1-9), 2 p.m. Mustang Bowl, Andrews
This is s first round playoff rarity, as it’s a rematch from the regular season. In that meeting at Lubbock in week three, Liberty roared to a 66-7 win. That margin and the records of the two teams could foreshadow a similar result this time, although it shouldn’t be as lopsided. Monahans does have the advantage of a shorter road trip for an afternoon game and might have a shot by keeping the game close early if Liberty comes off the bus feeling a little slow. Otherwise, the Patriots have too much offensive firepower to deal with and will score their first playoff win ever. … Liberty 51, Monahans 14.
Perryton (4-6) vs. Midland Greenwood (10-0), 5 p.m. Greg Sherwood Memorial Bulldogs Stadium, Plainview
Another game which on paper looks like a huge mismatch if the records are any indication. Perryton needed a win at winless Borger last week to sew up the fourth and final playoff spot from District 2-4A Division II. Greenwood is a perennial contender who has beaten opponents by an average of 33 points a game to go undefeated. Quarterback Cooper Schilling and wide receiver-defensive back Gordo Estrada are good enough playmakers to give Perryton a fighting chance early in the game. Greenwood, though, appears too solid from top to bottom. … Greenwood 49, Perryton 19.
Lubbock Estacado (7-3) vs. Fort Stockton (6-4), 7 p.m. Mustang Bowl, Andrews
Estacado drew the open date in the last week of the season in 2-4A DII so the Matadors had to wait to discover they’re the No. 2 seed from the district. A week off before the playoffs could lead to some concern about rust and losing a competitive edge. Cedric Ross is a dangerous dual threat running and receiving and Estacado will naturally rely heavily on him. Fort Stockton has had an up and down season so the Panthers aren’t predictable in terms of consistency. Estacado’s overall edge in terms of athletes will help the Matadors advance. … Estacado 35, Fort Stockton 20.
Class 3A Division I
Denver City (5-5) vs River Road (1-9), 7 p.m. Peoples Bank Stadium, Wolfforth
The Wildcats defense can hang, however, the Mustangs will eventually take over and pull away for the win. … Denver City 35, River Road 13.
Division II
Slaton (8-2) vs Friona (3-7), 7 p.m. Wildcats Stadium, Littlefield
The Tigers better be on their toes. Since the return of running back Aaron Rosales, the Chieftains are playing pretty good football. … Slaton 28, Friona 21.
Class 2A Division I
West Texas High (10-0) vs Abernathy (5-4), 6 p.m. Whiteface Stadium, Hereford
Let’s see how the Comanches handle being a heavy favorite. Since that huge win over Panhandle, WT High hasn’t looked the same, but a playoff reset maybe just what they needed. … WT High 40, Abernathy 24.
New Deal (6-3) vs Spearman (6-4), 4 p.m. Happy State Bank Stadium
Here’s a show stealing first round matchup. A very sneaky Spearman team battling a much-improved Lions squad. Both teams love to run it, and have very good QB play. … Spearman 34, New Deal 26.
Panhandle (8-2) vs Post (8-2), 6 p.m. Younger Field, Tulia
The Bold Gold were Cinderella last year making a run to the regional quarterfinal. Post is stilla quality team, but the Panthers are playing at another level the last couple of weeks. … Panhandle 42, Post 22.
Division II
Hale Center (9-1) vs Bovina (3-5), 7 p.m. Happy State Bank Stadium
Look for the defense to be the difference for the Owls. … Hale Center 41, Bovina 8.
Sudan (8-2) vs Farwell (6-3), 7 p.m. Bobcats Stadium, Dimmitt
Sudan is certainly no slouch while the Steers have stumbled the past couple of weeks. Let’s still go with Farwell in a close one. … Farwell 35, Sudan 30.
Windthorst (8-2) vs Clarendon (2-8), 7 p.m. Leo Brittain Field at Lions Stadium, Vernon
Kudos to Clarendon for battling to get into the playoffs, but the Trojans are dang good. … Windthorst 49, Clarendon 7.
Class 1A Division I
Booker (8-2) vs. Springlake-Earth (7-3), 7 p.m. Roughriders Stadium, Boys Ranch
A great matchup of dual-threat spread backs in the Kiowas super freshman Axel Valdivia and the Wolverines seasoned veteran Froylin Agundiz. Valdivia isn’t the lone threat for Booker as Reydn Rosales can impact the offense with his speed. Agundiz will look for Bryan Longoria and Robert Flores to exploit the Kiowas defense underneath. … Booker 58, Springlake-Earth 46.
Nazareth (7-3) vs. Claude (8-2), 7 p.m. Longhorns Stadium, Lockney
What a matchup this will be. Both teams can run effectively and have solid passing games. It’s the Pohlmeier boys, Cameron and Lincoln of Nazareth, versus the Mustangs thunder and lightning combination of Trapper Godfrey and Thomas Slack. Flip a coin for the winner of this one and our coin says. …Nazareth 46, Claude 44.
Petersburg (4-6) vs. Newcastle (7-2), 7 p.m. Greyhounds Stadium, Knox City
The Buffaloes reward for making the playoffs is a matchup with the No. 8 Bobcats. Newcastle’s offense, led by London Martinez and Mikey Soito, is dangerous and Petersburg won’t be able to slow them down. … Newcastle 52, Petersburg 6.
Division II
Follett (4-6) vs. Motley County (9-1), 7:30 p.m. Bucks Stadium, White Deer
Injuries are stacking up for the Panthers which isn’t good news facing the No. 7 Matadors. This one could get out of hand in a hurry as Paul Johannes will run wild. … Motley County 62, Follett 12.
Whitharral (9-0) vs. Sands (6-4), 7 p.m. Eagles Stadium, Lubbock Christian High School
It’s not often you get a top 10 matchup in the bi-district round but here we are. The Panthers are ranked sixth and use a ton of speed to rack up points in a hurry while the ninth-ranked Mustangs are powered by the running of Gordo Soliz. Sands schedule has tested them all year and will make a difference in this game. … Sands 48, Whitharral 46.
TAPPS Division III
Area round
San Jacinto Christian Academy (5-5) at Greenville Christian (7-3), 2 p.m. Saturday
The Patriots have a strong running attack which tends to travel but the worry is which team for San Jacinto shows up on Saturday. They have been up and down all season and the travel works against the Patriots. … Greenville Christian, 52 SJCA 46.