Week 8 is packed with games that have major playoff 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
Frenship (4-3, 3-1) at Amarillo High (6-1, 4-0), 7 p.m., Dick Bivins Stadium
The Sandies remain the hottest team in 2-5A DI getting the road win at pre-season district favorite Abilene High last week. The Sandies are playing complimentary football, meaning not one phase of their game is carrying all the load. Frenship is still Frenship, a team 12 months removed from 6A football. The Tigers are a two-point conversion from being undefeated in district and sitting in Cloud 9 coming off a 69-0 win over little brother Frenship Memorial. Won’t be easy. But AHS secures a playoff berth in front of its home fans with the better defense. … AHS 28, Frenship 21.
District 2-5A DIVISION II
Wichita Falls Legacy (4-3, 1-2) at Lubbock Coronado (1-7, 0-3), 7 p.m., Lowrey Field at Plains Capital Park, Lubbock
Legacy is much improved from the past two seasons when it won a total of two games and last week went toe-to-toe with a good Abilene Cooper team before falling 41-35. Coronado has been outscored 122-13 in its last three district games. … Legacy 49, Coronado 10.
CLASS 2A
DISTRICT 1-2A DIVISION I
Bovina (3-4, 0-2) at Stratford (4-2, 0-1), 7 p.m.
The Elks have had a week off to regroup following a tough loss to Gruver in a thrilling district opener. Stratford is strong and will bounce back in a big way. … Stratford 46, Bovina 8.
Vega (4-2, 0-1) at Gruver (2-0, 8-0), 7 p.m.
The Greyhounds keep their foots on the pedal while clinching a Class 2A Division II playoff spot in the process against an outmatched Longhorn team. … Gruver 52, Vega 13.
CLASS 1A
DISTRICT 1-1A DIVISION I
White Deer (7-0, 1-0) at Wildorado (3-4, 0-2), 7 p.m.
At the start of the year, the discussion was about who wouldn’t make the playoffs, Boys Ranch, Claude or Booker. Now that the Bucks have beaten Booker, you put White Deer in that conversation. This game will be a tune up for the last two games of the year that will mean everything for the undefeated Bucks. …White Deer 60, Wildorado 15.
NON-DISTRICT
Plainview Classical (0-9) at Holy Cross Catholic Academy (3-3), 7 p.m., at Glenwood Park
Look for the Mustangs to run wild and get above the .500 mark. …Holy Cross Catholic Academy 54, Plainview Classical 6.
FRIDAY’S GAMES
CLASS 5A
DISTRICT 2-5A DIVISION I
Caprock (1-6, 0-4) vs. Tascosa (4-3, 3-1), 7 p.m., Dick Bivins Stadium
This city rivalry first played out in 1963 and Tascosa owns a 26-10-1 lead in the series, including winning the last 14 in a row. Caprock is stinging from losing a 28-0 lead to Lubbock High last week eventually falling 42-28. Meanwhile, Tascosa arguably played its best game in two years last week dismantling a good Monterey ballclub 54-14. Rebs senior QB Brayden Lineman ran for 196 yards and threw for 111 yards against Monterey. The numbers favor Tascosa – in a big way. … Tascosa 48, Caprock 14.
Abilene High (4-3, 3-1) at Lubbock Monterey (4-3, 2-2) 7 p.m., Lowrey Field at Plains Capital Park, Lubbock
Interesting one here. Abilene was knocked off its district unbeaten perch by Amarillo High last week. Then Monterey lost in an unexpected way to Tascosa, 54-14. Winner of this one is pretty much headed to the playoffs if the wheels don’t fall off closing out district. Against Tascosa, Monterey never was able to find its bread-n-butter (short and mid-range passing game). If that happens again, even at home, it’s Abilene’s night. … Abilene High 21, Monterey 17.
Lubbock High (2-5, 1-3) at Frenship Memorial (1-6, 0-4), 7 p.m., Peoples Bank Stadium, Wolfforth
Lubbock High enters this one with a win under its belt last week scoring 42 against Caprock. Frenship High welcomed Memorial to the FISD varsity football rivalry to the tune of 69-0. Look for a tight one if a rash of turnovers doesn’t find one of these two teams. Go with the Westerners playing a clean game. … Lubbock High 28, Memorial 24.
DISTRICT 2-5A DIVISION II
Palo Duro (7-1, 4-0) at Wichita Falls Memorial (3-4, 1-2), 7 p.m., Memorial Stadium, Wichita Falls
How bout those Dons? Palo Duro has been as impressive during district as any team in Texas allowing those four opponents 10,9,7 and 0 points. On offense, QB Reese II, RB Johnson V, WR Cantley, WR Brown, WR Mims Jr. and a legit O-Line have combined for an explosion every time out averaging just under 50 points in those four district games. Memorial has played some good ball this year and QB Cole Birkhead is a gunslinger throwing for 2,021 yards and 26 TDs. PD won’t be denied the prize awaiting a W and that’s a playoff berth along with the precious No. 1 seed in 2-5A DII. The beat goes on. … Palo Duro 42, Memorial 10.
Lubbock Cooper (1-6, 1-2) at Abilene Wylie (4-3, 2-1), 7 p.m., Shotwell Stadium, Abilene
Nice to see Cooper get off the schneid last week with the convincing win over Coronado. But beating a ticked-off Wylie team coming off a loss and seeking a high playoff seed for the playoffs is a tall order. … Wylie 35, Cooper 21.
– Lance Lahnert
Last week: 6-1 (.851)
Season: 37-11 (.770)
CLASS 4A
DISTRICT 2-4A DIVISION I
Randall (6-1, 1-1) vs. Canyon (5-2, 1-1) , 7 p.m.
It’s an unusual situation for these Canyon ISD schools, who share the rare distinction of both entering this rivalry game coming off a loss, and both at Happy State Bank Stadium where they’ll renew their feud. Randall saw its unbeaten season come to an end with a 28-19 loss to Dumas last Thursday in which the Raiders gave up 18 consecutive points in the second half to seal their fate. Canyon’s loss to another CiSD team was even more heartbreaking, as the Eagles fell to West Plains 18-16 Friday on a last-second field goal. Could there be a similar thrilling ending in this one? Don’t be surprised, and Canyon has the slightest of edges. … Canyon 21, Randall 20.
West Plains (4-3, 2-0) at Hereford (3-4, 1-1), 7 p.m.
The motivations for these two teams are quite different, even if the goal is the same. West Plains will reach an impressive milestone of 20 consecutive district victories with a win and remain alone atop the district. Hereford is trying to keep pace in the playoff hunt, and with a win, the Whitefaces will be tied for the district lead and make the last two weeks of the regular season extremely interesting. The Herd has homefield advantage, and there’s a chance the Wolves and Slade Russell could face an emotional letdown after their thrilling win over Canyon. Don’t count on it, though. … West Plains 28, Hereford 17.
Pampa (0-7, 0-2) at Dumas (2-5, 1-1), 7 p.m.
There’s a definite sense of urgency at work here. Pampa just wants to get in the win column, and while a loss won’t eliminate the Harvesters from playoff contention, they’ll likely have no margin for error over the last two weeks. Dumas is coming off a high of winning at Randall with a big second half, and the Demons have as much momentum as anyone in the district even though they’ve been depleted by injuries. The biggest thing they might have to guard against is overconfidence. At the end of the evening, Dumas will remain in no worse than a tie for second in district. … Dumas 42, Pampa 15.
DISTRICT 3-4A DIVISION II
Lubbock Estacado (8-0, 2-0) at Lubbock-Cooper Liberty (7-0, 1-0), 7 p.m.
It’s not overhyping it to call this the game of the year for the South Plains and Panhandle. There are nine unbeaten teams in the area, and two of them are meeting this week in Lubbock. The stakes here should be painfully obvious, as the winner figures to be the prohibitive favorite to win the district with two weeks remaining in the regular season. Both teams will present the other with the toughest test they’ve seen this season and you have to nitpick to find weaknesses. If somebody does have an edge, though, Liberty appears to be slightly better defensively. … Liberty 26, Estacado 24.
Levelland (5-2, 1-0) at Borger (2-6, 0-2), 7 p.m.
This one actually will have as much to say about district playoff positioning as Estacado-Liberty. If Levelland wins, the Lobos will clinch a playoff spot and if that happens and Liberty wins, three of the four postseason spots from the district will be determined. Borger might be getting a “break” at home after opening district with Estacado and Liberty, who beat the Bulldogs by a combined 130-6 margin. This one will be a lot more competitive and Borger enjoys homefield advantage. Levelland, though, is improved as well and sees that playoff spot in sight. … Levelland 33, Borger 21.
– Lee Passmore
Last week: 2-3 (.400)
Season: 41-15 (.732)
CLASS 3A
DISTRICT 1-3A DIVISION I
Shallowater (6-1, 1-0) at Brownfield (1-7, 0-2), 7 p.m.
This will be a quick night of work for the Mustangs. … Shallowater 55, Brownfield 7.
Denver City (3-5, 0-1) at Dalhart (6-1, 1-0), 7 p.m.
The Golden Wolves are fresh off a bye week and are looking to clinch a playoff spot and earn a fifth straight victory. … Dalhart 48, Denver City 16.
DISTRICT 1-3A DIVISION II
Canadian (5-3, 2-0) at Childress (4-3, 1-0), 7 p.m.
This is a matchup that’s always circled on the calendar in August every year. Canadian has dominated this rivalry of winning 16 of the last 17 matchups. The Wildcats are also riding a 22-game district win streak into Fair Park Stadium. The Bobcats are a talented team and keep it close with Canadian pulling it out in the end. … Canadian 35, Childress 28.
River Road (2-5, 0-1) at Dimmitt (5-3, 0-2), 7 p.m.
The Bobcats have been slumping of late dropping their last three games. With their backs against the wall, Dimmitt needs a win to keep its playoff hopes alive. … Dimmitt 38, River Road 21.
DISTRICT 2-3A DIVISION II
Idalou (8-0, 2-0) at Muleshoe (1-6, 0-2), 7 p.m.
Muleshoe simply doesn’t have the horses to keep up with the powerful Wildcats, who are getting better by the week. … Idalou 53, Muleshoe 14.
Slaton (4-3, 1-0) at Littlefield (6-2, 1-1), 7 p.m.
Here’s a sneaky good game with possibly the No. 2-seed on the line out of the district. … Slaton 42, Littlefield 35.
– Kale Steed
Last week: 5-1 (.833)
Season: 41-12 (.773)
CLASS 2A
DISTRICT 1-2A DIVISION I
Panhandle (4-4, 2-0) at Highland Park (2-5, 0-1), 7 p.m.
A win inches the Panthers closer to an outright league title. … Panhandle 50, Highland Park 12.
Sanford-Fritch (3-4, 1-0) at Spearman (4-4, 1-1), 7 p.m.
The Eagles are playing with confidence after snapping a 19-game district losing skid last week against Sunray. This will be a much tougher test against a solid Lynx teams wanting to regain momentum off a loss to Panhandle. Both teams have strong offenses, so it’s up to the defenses to step up. … Spearman 48, Sanford-Fritch 28.
DISTRICT 2-2A DIVISION I
Tulia (5-3, 2-0) at Hale Center (4-3, 0-1), 7 p.m.
Tulia has been playing with confidence since the start of the district schedule. QB Jacob Trevino has led an explosive offense but the Owls present a real challenge behind a strong defense. … Tulia 34, Hale Center 26.
Floydada (4-3, 0-1) at Farwell (2-5, 1-1), 7 p.m.
On paper, this is a pretty even matchup. Give me the Steers close at home. … Farwell 26, Floydada 16.
DISTRICT 3-2A DIVISION I
Post (6-1, 1-0) at New Home (5-3, 2-0), 7 p.m.
This has the makings of a de facto district title game. The Leopards have looked good in district while the Antelopes are a lot of people’s pick in Region I. … Post 40, New Home 28.
New Deal (5-3, 0-2) at Sundown (0-7, 0-1), 7 p.m.
The Lions need to get out of a recent funk and put themselves back in the playoff picture. … New Deal 28, Sundown 21.
DISTRICT 5-2A DIVISION II
Clarendon (3-4, 1-1) at Wellington (5-1, 1-0), 7 p.m.
The Skyrockets are the clear favorite but can’t look over the Broncos with a big game at Wheeler next week. Expect Wellington to be focused and take care of business against a scrappy Clarendon team. … Wellington 42, Clarendon 20.
Quanah (3-4, 0-1) at Shamrock (1-6, 0-2), 7 p.m.
The winner keeps themselves in the playoff hunt. … Quanah 36, Shamrock 20.
– Kale Steed
Last week: 8-2 (.800)
Season: 77-16 (.827)
CLASS 1A
DISTRICT 1-1A DIVISION I
Claude (4-4, 2-0) at Boys Ranch (6-0, 1-0), 7 p.m.
A huge game with big playoff implications as the winner gets the inside track to a district title. The Mustangs will need to ground and pound the defense to control the clock and keep that lethal Roughriders offense on the sidelines. This game will likely go the distance and Boys Ranch appears to have more fire power. …Boys Ranch 72, Claude 66.
DISTRICT 2-1A DIVISION I
Nazareth (5-2, 0-0) at Whitharral (2-5, 0-0), 7 p.m.
The winner of this game is sitting in good shape for the second spot in this district. Both teams are talented at the skill positions but the Swifts have a little more juice to take this one late. …Nazareth 60, Whitharral 46.
Whiteface (6-1, 0-0) at Springlake-Earth (2-5, 0-0), 7 p.m.
It’s been a rough year for the Wolverines and the last thing they want to see is the Antelopes bounding into town. Whiteface is big, fast and talented as the home team finds out. …Whiteface 66, Springlake-Earth 13.
DISTRICT 3-1A DIVISION I
Silverton (4-3, 0-0) at Kress (1-6, 0-0), 7 p.m.
This is a matchup of one team, Silverton that has exceeded preseason expectations and one, Kress, that hasn’t played to its ability. Look for the Owls to soar. …Silverton 52, Kress 16.
Petersburg (2-5, 0-0) at Happy (4-3, 0-0), 7 p.m.
In 2019, this same set up existed. Happy was playing well and were heavy favorites to beat the Buffaloes but a cold, blustery night saw Petersburg take the punch to the Cowboys for a win Don’t think head coach Stacy Perryman has forgotten that so he will have his squad ready to play. …Happy 56, Petersburg 20.
DISTRICT 1-1A DIVISION II
Lefors (3-4, 1-1) at Groom (2-4, 1-0) 7:30 p.m.
What an intriguing matchup. The winner likely grabs the second spot in the playoffs and the loser is probably getting ready for basketball. Groom has owned this series but the Pirates won this game last year, snapping a six-game losing streak to the Tigers. If Groom stays healthy during the game, you have to go with the home squad in a shootout. …Groom 84, Lefors 76.
DISTRICT 2-1A DIVISION II
Chillicothe (3-4, 1-1) at Paducah (5-2, 1-1) 7:30 p.m.
After getting upset on the road last week, the Dragons will take out some frustration against the Eagles. …Paducah 72, Chillicothe 20.
Valley (5-2, 2-0) at Motley County (7-0, 2-0) 7:30 p.m.
A massive matchup as the No. 3-ranked Patriots visit the No. 2-ranked Matadors. For Valley to win, it will have to shut down Culley Lawrence. That’s a really tough task but they did a great job on Ethan Garibaldi last week so I think they are up for the upset special of the week. …Valley 48, Motley County 46.
DISTRICT 3-1A DIVISION II
Lazbuddie (4-3, 2-0) at Anton (6-0, 1-0) 7:30 p.m.
This is likely the biggest game that the Longhorns have played since their last playoff appearance in 2014. The Bulldogs, who have struggled since 2021, are feeling good and looking for a spot in the playoffs. As well as Lazbuddie has played lately, Anton is playing at another level. …Anton 54, Lazbuddie 22.
NON-DISTRICT
Memphis (4-3) at San Jacinto Christian Academy (3-5), 7 p.m.
An interesting matchup for the Patriots on Homecoming. The Cyclones have won three straight against JV teams, so it’s a step up in competition. San Jac stopped a five-game losing streak last week with a thrilling win by two. This one will be close but I’ll have to go with the road team in a mild upset. …Memphis 44, San Jacinto Christian Academy 40.
