Week 8 is packed with big games that could see major district implications across the Texas Panhandle and South Plains on Thursday and Friday. See how the Press Pass Sports team of Lance Lahnert, Lee Passmore, Kale Steed and Craig Sperry having it playing out.
THURSDAY’S GAMES
CLASS 5A
DISTRICT 2-5A DIVISION I
Lubbock Monterey (4-2, 2-1) at Tascosa (3-3, 2-1), 7 p.m., Dick Bivins Stadium
Huge game when it comes to future playoff hopes for each of these teams. No doubt, Monterey playing some really good football the past three games with Jonah Reed back at QB. Tascosa is also finding a groove on offense with ever-improving Lineman at QB and running back Cameron Vellejo breaking out producing 216 all-purpose yards last week. If Rebs defense can defend Monterey’s short passing the W is theirs. … Tascosa 21, Monterey 17.
Caprock (1-5, 0-3) at Lubbock High (1-5, 0-3), , 7 p.m., Lowrey Field at Plains Capital Park, Lubbock
Look at those records. Two teams are desperate for a W and both truly believe this is the week. The Rock has to avoid turnovers and sustain drives and score more points than it has the past five weeks combined. Caprock QB KT Medlock has it in him to bounce back from last week. … Caprock 28, Lubbock High 24.
CLASS 4A
DISTRICT 2-4A DIVISION I
Dumas (1-5, 0-1) at Randall (6-0, 1-0), 7 p.m.
This is a game where the early district playoff picture will either contract or separate at the end of the evening. Randall is rolling along as one of 10 teams in the region still unbeaten and lived up to that after routing Pampa in last week’s district opener. Dumas, on the other hand, has a rather misleading record as the Demons have been plagued by injuries and gave defending district champ West Plains all it could handle in a 24-21 loss last week. They won’t back down, but Randall’s physical style on both sides of the ball figures to wear Dumas down over four quarters, as well as homefield advantage. … Randall 34, Dumas 21.
CLASS 1A
DISTRICT 1-1A DIVISION II
McLean (3-4, 1-0) at Lefors (3-3, 1-0), 7 p.m.
This is likely the defacto district title game. It’s been a wild ride all year long for the Tigers while the Pirates have quietly strung together a solid season. Injuries have impacted McLean this season but they are getting healthy and that will be the difference in this one. …McLean 68, Lefors 36.
Groom (1-4, 0-0) at Follett (3-4, 0-1), 7:30 p.m.
If the Panthers want any chance at a playoff spot, they have to win this game and hope to upset McLean later in the season. Injuries and thin numbers have created a tough situation for the Tigers but this crew will play hard regardless. …Follett 48, Groom 27.
NON-DISTRICT
Memphis (3-3) at Claude JV, 6 p.m.
Feasting on JV teams due to an outlaw schedule, the Cyclones can make it three straight wins on the season. …Memphis 56, Claude JV 20.
Silverton (4-2) at Hart (6-0), 8 p.m.
This should be a good one. The Owls are quietly racking up victories while the Longhorns sit on the edge of the top ten in Division II. Hart loves to run the ball with Yael Soltero but Silverton will have to stay disciplined against the pass. . …Hart 52, Silverton 46.
FRIDAY’S GAMES
DISTRICT 2-5A DIVISION I
Amarillo High (5-1, 3-0) at Abilene High (4-2, 3-0), 7 p.m., Shotwell Stadium, Abilene
The world of 2-5A DI might not say it out loud but I will. The winner of this game will go on to win the district title. These two have been on a collision course all year and it’s finally here. Amarillo High has its best ball-hawking defense in years and a versatile offense that can run it behind bruising Sy Richdarson, pass it with sophomore QB Callaway Skipworth and catch it with Deuce Patterson, Jeb Grammar and Landon Barker. Abilene loves explosive plays with QB Tristen Beal the catalyst. Look for a shootout. … Amarillo High 42, Abilene High 35.
Frenship (3-3, 2-1) vs. Frenship Memorial (1-5, 0-3), 7 p.m., Peoples Bank Stadium, Wolfforth
Finally, it’s here. The inaugural varsity football clash of the two Frenship ISD high schools forever known as the Big Cat Classic. Memorial is ever-improving scoring 41 on Abilene High last week. Frenship High wants to send a message that big brother is still in the Frenship ISD. Have to go with the experience of Frenship in this one. But if Frenship coughs up early turnovers and gives Memorial hope it can win, the upset is possible. … Frenship 45, Memorial 21.
DISTRICT 2-5A DIVISION II
Abilene Wylie (4-2, 2-0) at Palo Duro (6-1, 3-0), 7 p.m., Dick Bivins Stadium
Lookie what we have here, winner takes over sole possession of first place and puts district-title destiny in its own hands. Palo Duro rides in with a six-game win streak having bulldozed its last five opponents by outscoring them 201-21 by HALFTIME. Wylie has been impressive as well, its only loss the past five games to Stephenville. The Dons are hungry to repeat as district champs. … Palo Duro 31, Wylie 14.
Abilene Cooper (4-3, 2-1) at Wichita Falls Legacy (4-2, 1-1), 7 p.m., Memorial Stadium, Wichita Falls
While this winner likely won’t go on and win the 2-5A DII title it will take a massive step toward a playoff berth. Cooper gets the edge since its only loss in five weeks is to powerful Palo Duro. … Cooper 35, Legacy 31.
Lubbock Coronado (1-6, 0-3) at Lubbock Cooper (0-6, 0-2), 7 p.m., Pirate Stadium at First United Park
Back in August nobody thought it would be Week 8 before Cooper picked up its first of 2026. But that’s the fact. … Cooper 38, Coronado 14.
– Lance Lahnert
Last week: 5-0 (1.000)
Season: 31-10 (.756)
CLASS 4A
DISTRICT 2-4A DIVISION I
West Plains (3-3, 1-0) vs. Canyon (5-1, 1-0), 7 p.m.
One night after Dumas and Randall clash, these two Canyon ISD programs will clash at Happy State Stadium to hang on to at least a share of the early district lead. It should be a physical, evenly matched game with both running games taking center stage offensively. West Plains can’t be considered an upstart anymore with 18 straight district wins and a top notch running back in Slade Russell. Canyon ran roughshod over Hereford with an overpowering line leading the way for Austin Turner. West Plains has been tough to bet against, but Canyon is due to end the streak. … Canyon 28, West Plains 23.
Hereford (2-4, 0-1) at Pampa (0-6, 0-1), 7 p.m.
Maybe it’s overly dramatic to say that the loser of this one can count on staying home for the playoffs, but it won’t get any easier the rest of the way. Both teams have lost at least four straight games and lost their district openers by a combined 89 points. Hereford has shown some offensive potential this season and has a top receiver in Brix Machen. Pampa has proven to be too young and beaten up injury-wise to stay in most games. The Harvesters are playing their district home opener and could get some juice from that, but the Herd has the edge personnel wise to get in the district column. … Hereford 35, Pampa 20.
DISTRICT 3-4A DIVISION II
Borger (2-5, 0-1) at Lubbock Estacado (7-0, 1-0), 7 p.m.
Borger drew the black bean to open district, as the Bulldogs went up against unbeaten Lubbock-Cooper Liberty in last week’s district opener and follow that up with a trip to unbeaten Estacado. On paper, that doesn’t add up to much of a chance for Borger to grab a first district win, and the Bulldogs have to go on the road to do that. Borger has put up points, but Estacado seems to be able to put up 40 points a ball game at the drop of a hat. All track meet scenarios would favor the Matadors, who have the overall personnel advantage just about everywhere. … Estacado 48, Borger 14.
Perryton (4-3, 0-1) at Levelland (4-2, 0-0), 7 p.m.
Perryton has looked good offensively most of the season with the passing combo of Cooper Schilling to Gordo Estrada and that continued in last week’s district opener against Estacado. Problem was, Estacado looked even better in routing the Rangers 64-35. Levelland drew the open week to start district so the Lobos will be eager to get things going at home. This one figures to be as much for playoff positioning as anything else, so there’s plenty of incentive here. Perryton has an edge in experience, though, and that will carry the Rangers. … Perryton 28, Levelland 26.
– Lee Passmore
Last week: 5-0 (1.000)
Season: 39-12 (.765)
CLASS 3A
DISTRICT 1-3A DIVISION I
Bushland (5-2, 1-0) at Shallowater (5-1, 0-0), 7 p.m.
This has become a great rivalry since the two teams have become district foes, and this game has lived up to the billing the past couple of years. The Mustangs have won the past two meetings by a combined three points including a 28-26 win at Bushland last season. Both offenses can flat out score, so expect another exciting contest at Todd Field. … Bushland 38, Shallowater 35.
Brownfield (2-5, 0-1) at Denver City (1-6, 0-1), 7 p.m.
The winner most likely locks up the fourth and final playoff spot while the loser can look forward to basketball season soon. The Mustangs aren’t ready to hang the pads up quite yet. … Denver City 30, Brownfield 14.
DISTRICT 1-3A DIVISION II
Friona (5-2, 0-1) at River Road (2-4, 0-0), 7 p.m.
The Wildcats are fresh off a bye week and hopeful to make a run at the playoffs since dropping into Division II. After a strong start to the year, the Chieftains were brought back to earth last week against Canadian and would like to start a new win streak. … Friona 36, River Road 16.
Dimmitt (5-2, 0-1) at Canadian (4-3, 1-0), 7 p.m.
Canadian can’t overlook a showdown at Childress next week with the talent the Bobcat possess in the backfield. With that said, the Wildcat offense will be tough for Dimmitt to slowdown. … Canadian 42, Dimmitt 14.
DISTRICT 2-3A DIVISION II
Lubbock Roosevelt (2-5, 0-1) at Slaton (3-3, 0-0), 7 p.m.
The Tigers talent is legit and that will be on display against the Eagles. … Slaton 45, Roosevelt 13.
Littlefield (6-1, 1-0) at Idalou (7-0, 1-0), 7 p.m.
Both teams have very good offenses. The biggest difference comes to the Littlefield defense and trying to make stops to get Idalou off the field. … Idalou 48, Littlefield 21.
– Kale Steed
Last week: 6-0 (1.000)
Season: 36-11 (.765)
CLASS 2A
DISTRICT 1-2A DIVISION I
Spearman (4-3, 1-0) at Panhandle (3-4, 1-0), 7 p.m.
Here’s another massive game on a long list of Week 8 showdowns. Don’t expect the 67-12 blowout the Panthers put on the Lynx a year ago. I still think Panhandle has the edge because of the skill factor, but the Lynx will have something to prove. … Panhandle 35, Spearman 26.
Sunray (0-7, 0-1) at Sanford-Fritch (2-4, 0-0), 7 p.m.
It’s been a frustrating season so far for both teams. A win could change that for this week and keep the winner in the playoff hunt. … Sanford-Fritch 33, Sunray 20.
DISTRICT 2-2A DIVISION I
Farwell (2-5, 1-0) at Tulia (4-3, 1-0), 7 p.m.
This is the most wide-open district in West Texas. A week ago not many figured this would be a marquee showdown for the outright district lead, but after two major victories by the Steers and the Hornets here we are. The Hornets offense can be explosive, however, the Steers physicality could be a problem. … Tulia 37, Farwell 30.
Olton (6-1, 0-1) at Floydada (4-2, 1-0), 7 p.m.
After a red-hot start to the year, the Mustangs all of sudden have ran into some adversity following a loss to Tulia in the district opener. Meanwhile, veteran head coach Jeff Smith isn’t getting the credit for the turnaround job he’s doing in Floydada. Give me the Whirlwinds at home in a close one. … Floydada 27, Olton 23.
DISTRICT 3-2A DIVISION I
Abernathy (1-6, 1-0) at Post (5-1, 0-0), 7 p.m.
Abernathy has confidence after finally breaking into the win column last week but can they sustain it against a very good Bold Good Antelopes team of Post. … Post 42, Abernathy 20.
New Home (4-3, 1-0) at New Deal (5-2, 0-1), 7 p.m.
On paper, this is a very even matchup and very hard to predict. These teams have been hard to figure out and weren’t on their A-games last week. The Lions use home-field to rebound at home against the Leopards. … New Deal 22, New Home 20.
DISTRICT 1-2A DIVISION I
Gruver (7-0, 1-0) at Bovina (3-3, 0-1), 7 p.m.
The Greyhounds keep on rolling and stay unbeaten. … Gruver 48, Bovina 14.
West Texas High (5-2, 1-0) at Vega (5-1, 0-0), 7 p.m.
If it wasn’t for a slate for of loaded games at the higher level this contest would probably draw much more attention. The Longhorns have quietly put together a solid season while the Comanches opened district by holding off Bovina last week. It maybe premature to say this, but the winner has a fast track to the No. 3-spot in the league race come playoff time. … WT High 38, Vega 28.
DISTRICT 5-2A
Shamrock (1-5, 0-1) at Clarendon (2-4, 0-1), 7 p.m.
The Broncos keep their postseason hopes alive with a home win against the struggling Irish. … Clarendon 36, Shamrock 16.
Wheeler (6-0, 1-0) at Quanah (3-3, 0-0), 7 p.m.
The Indians are a much better team than years past but defense travels and the Wheeler has that. … Wheeler 30, Quanah 12.
– Kale Steed
Last week: 7-3 (.700)
Season: 69-14 (.841)
CLASS 1A
DISTRICT 1-1A DIVISION II
Booker (4-3, 0-1) at White Deer (6-0, 0-0), 7 p.m.
Last week was a whirlwind for the Kiowas and didn’t end well against Claude. Can they recover fast enough to knock the Bucks off the perch of the undefeated? This should be a competitive game with home field advantage being the difference. …White Deer 46, Booker 38.
Wildorado (3-3, 0-1) at Claude (2-4, 1-0), 7 p.m.
Sometimes it just takes one game to get right and it looks like that could be the case for Claude. Expect Trapper Godfrey to run wild at home as the battle of the Mustangs goes to Claude. …Claude 66, Wildorado 24.
DISTRICT 2-1A DIVISION II
Motley County (6-0, 1-0) at Crowell (3-3, 0-1), 7:30 p.m.
The Wildcats aren’t a bad team but the Matadors are just at a different level and that will be on full display Friday night. …Motley County 54, Crowell 8.
Paducah (5-1, 1-0) at Valley (4-2, 1-0), 7:30 p.m.
One of the top games in the state pits the Dragons Ethan Garibaldi against a Patriots defense led by Damian Valdes. Both players are all-staters but these two teams have more talent than those two stars. If Valley can get Cole Walden in open space, he’s tough to catch and could be the difference. However, Valley’s defense is going to find out how tough Garibaldi is to stop as this one is decided late. …Paducah 52, Valley 48.
Guthrie (2-4, 0-1) at Chillicothe (2-4, 0-1), 7:30 p.m.
Two teams battle it out in a district game that is all about pride as the top of the district is elite. The Jaguars will roar in this one. …Guthrie 62, Chillicothe 42.
DISTRICT 3-1A DIVISION II
Lorenzo (0-6, 0-1) at Lazbuddie (3-3, 1-0), 7:30 p.m.
Don’t look now but the Longhorns are eyeing a playoff spot. It’s been a tough season for the Hornets that doesn’t get better as Lazbuddie moves above .500 on the season. …Lazbuddie 48, Lorenzo 34.
Anton (5-0, 0-0) at Amherst (1-4, 0-1), 7:30 p.m.
The big question is whether Amherst has enough healthy players to get this game in. If they do, it will be a long night for the home team as the battle of the Bulldogs goes to the undefeated road team. … Anton 52, Amherst 6.
NON-DISTRICT
Holy Cross Catholic Academy (3-2) at Midland Texas Leadership Charter (4-2), 6 p.m.
It’s an exciting time at Holy Cross as Bryan Welp’s squad is playing well and opening eyes with their play. This is a tough matchup with a long road trip making the difference. …Midland Texas Leadership Charter 44, Holy Cross Catholic Academy 36.
