Class 4A Division I
State quarterfinals
West Plains (10-3) vs. Stephenville (12-1), 7 p.m. Friday, Astound Broadband Stadium, Midland
Of all the games in Region I this week, there might not be a clearer contrast between opponents as far as tradition than this one, West Plains might be the ultimate upstart, as in only their third year as a program, the Wolves are making their second straight appearance in the fourth round. Stephenville, meanwhile, is one of the state’s football bluebloods who are expected to still be playing in December. Recent numbers indicate this should be a shootout, and those sorts of things usually favor Stephenville. This is the third straight week the Yellowjackets will face a District 2-4A Division I team. Call it a wild hunch, but this feels like third time’s a charm for the district. … West Plains 38, Stephenville 35.
– Lee Passmore
Last week: 2-0 (1.000)
Season: 48-18 (.727)
Class 3A Division II
State quarterfinals
Canadian (10-3) vs. Wall (12-1), 6 p.m. Friday, Patriots Stadium, Lubbock-Cooper Liberty
Canadian is making its unprecedented 12th appearance in a state quarterfinal in the past 13 years. The Wildcats may also have the mental edge after crashing through Wall the past two years. Canadian will definitely want to clean up mistakes during a rough second half against Idalou last week. The Hawks look like a completely different team under first-year head coach Craig Slaughter. Wall still runs it but is very capable of slinging it with QB Landon York (3,120 yards passing, 40 touchdowns). … Wall 35, Canadian 27.
– Kale Steed
Last Week: 1-0 (1.000)
Season: 66-13 (.835)
Class 2A Division II
State quarterfinals
Gruver (13-0) vs. Ropesville (12-1), 7 p.m. Friday, Happy State Bank Stadium
The Greyhounds are making their first state quarterfinal appearance since 2018 while the Eagles, not far removed from Six-Man, will play in a quarterfinal for the first time in school history. Ropesville is a very good defensive team but have the Eagles seen an offensive as balanced as Gruver. … Gruver 28, Ropesville 14.
– Kale Steed
Last Week: 1-1 (.500)
Season: 89-20 (.816)