The UIL Texas High School Football enter a big Thanksgiving weekend with the regional semifinal round taking place Friday. Here’s how Lee Passmore, Kale Steed and Craig Sperry, see matchups involving teams across the Texas Panhandle and South Plains playing out.
FRIDAY’S REGIONAL SEMIFINAL GAMES
Class 4A Division I
West Plains (11-1) vs. Canyon (8-4), 7 p.m., Happy State Bank Stadium
In terms of local provincialism, this is probably the most anticipated playoff game in this stadium’s history, as two Canyon ISD teams will clash with the winner advancing and the loser thinking full-time about basketball. It’s a rematch from District 2-4A Division I, where on this same field, the two teams opened district with West Plains rolling to a 39-10 win over the Eagles in Matt Lovorn’s first game as Canyon head coach. A similar result cold be expected this time, but Canyon has improved, particularly on offense, and an emotional component could keep the Eagles close. The Wolves have been this far before in their young history, though, and know what it’s like to go farther. … West Plains 38, Canyon 14.
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Randall (10-2) vs. Stephenville (12-0), 7 p.m, Grant Teaff Tiger Stadium, Snyder
Speaking of rematches, this one is from the same round last season, which Stephenville won 47-7. Again, odds point to Stephenville being favored by a similar margin this time. Games aren’t played on paper, though, and that works in Randall’s favor. Defense has been the bedrock for the Raiders this season, and they’ll certainly be challenged there by Stephenville. While the offense has shown a renewed spark with quarterback Braylon Preciado, the best chance for Randall to have any hope is for the defense to get some early stops and build some confidence. If it turns into a track meet, though, the Raiders could be in trouble. They’re tough, but the Yellowjackets are a different breed. … Stephenville 42, Randall 17.
Class 3A Division II
Canadian (11-1) vs. Idalou (9-3), 2 p.m. Friday, Dick Bivins Stadium
This has become a great playoff rivalry between two teams with have great traditions. This is also the fourth meeting in the last five years with Canadian owning all those matchups. Both teams have strong run games, solid pass games and excellent defenses. This should be another great chapter added to the history. … Idalou 30, Canadian 28.
Class 2A Division I
West Texas High (12-0) vs. New Home (10-2), 2 p.m., Tyer Stadium, Floydada
The Comanches have played their best with their backs against the wall. Expect WT High to play that way again once more and try to keep an unbeaten season going. The Leopards put together a furious rally last week, and are no stranger to these elements. The quarterback play between WT High’s Cayde Winters and New Home’s Brayson Beck will make the difference. … WT High 34, New Home 26.
Spearman (8-4) vs. Cisco (11-1), 2 p.m., First United Pirates Stadium, Lubbock-Cooper High School, Woodrow
The Lynx have been rolling since the playoffs have begun and look like a completely new team. This will be their toughest test to date, taking on a very good district champion in Cisco. … Cisco 35, Spearman 27.
Class 2A Division II
Gruver (10-2) vs. Ropes (11-1), 2 p.m., Happy State Bank Stadium
When the playoffs first started, a lot of experts had Ropes winning the region. However, the reigning regional champion Greyhounds aren’t ready to go home quite yet. The Greyhounds won this battle a year ago, and both teams have key players that have been there done that. QB Briggs Satterfield comes through for Gruver when it counts. … Gruver 28, Ropes 27.
Stratford (10-2) vs. Bovina (5-5), 6 p.m., Dick Bivins Stadium
This is a District 1-2A Division I rematch from just a few weeks ago where the Elks rolled by the Mustangs 56-12. The Mustangs have been on fire ever since, winning three straight and becoming a huge state-wide surprise as the postseason rolls on. Running back Angel Lara will be a major factor for Bovina, but is he enough to take down a powerful Stratford squad with talent across the board. … Stratford 35, Bovina 19.
Class 1A Division II
State quarterfinals
Miami (12-0) vs. Klondike (12-0), 6:30 p.m., Mitchell Zimmerman Field, Lockney
After winning an instant classic last week against Sands, the Warriors draw the Mustangs district mates in Klondike. The Cougars are locked and loaded and heavy favorites in this game but injuries took a toll last week. This could impact the game and Miami has already proven what happens if you doubt them. To get a win the Warriors will have to slow down the Cougars who are one of the fastest teams in the state. If Miami can run the ball effectively behind Kris Gorecki and shorten the game they will have a chance but the Cougars may be the best team in Division II. … Klondike 60, Miami 36.