Allen @ Plano
September 23th, 2011 (7:30pm)
Clark Stadium

State number one Allen (3-0) starts its journey to the playoffs against rivals Plano (3-0).  The 8-5A district race could be the most significant in the state this year.  Allen’s Division 1 or Division 2 fate may not be decided until Week 10.  The first district game is critical to both teams’ hopes of starting well.  Plano, despite being undefeated so far, is an unknown and can prove itself worthy of respect with a strong showing this week.  The Wildcats’ balanced attack, led by junior QB Richard Lagow and senior RB Kevin Merrill, must find a way to move the sticks consistently against a tough Allen defense.  The Eagles have proven to be very strong against the run so far, but they haven’t been properly tested by a balanced offense.  Allen is several levels beyond any of Plano’s first three opponents, and the Wildcats will know exactly where they stand after this weekend.  The possible return of RB Jonathan Williams to Allen’s line-up would be a significant boost to an already stacked Eagle team.  In his absence, senior QB Alec Morris and the rest of the Allen offense have shown they can step up and be bigger than one or two individuals.

Admin Picks: kt2000 – Allen, ktchamp97- Allen, jc84chill – Allen

Belton @ Copperas Cove
September 23rd, 2011 (7:30pm)
Bulldawg Stadium

Rivals Belton and Copperas Cove lock horns after an open week with the 12-5A district race on the line.  Reality should quickly settle in that practice games are over, and the district championship might not be the only thing on the line this week.  Depending on how the district race pans out, playoff seeding could also be at stake.  Belton and Cove both project to Division 2.  Belton’s undefeated start will be put to the test on the road.  The Tigers have beaten two 4A opponents and an 0-4 Austin High team so far.  Cove dropped its opening game at Southlake Carroll, but rebounded with wins over Waco (4A) and Nuevo Leon (Mex.).  The Dawgs have one of the state’s most exciting talents in senior QB Orlando Thomas.  Belton’s balanced offense, led by junior QB Peter Shelburne and senior RB Donavan Williams, should challenge a Cove defense that’s given up some points so far this year (34.5 papg vs. Texas opponents).  Cove won last year’s meeting 41-21.  The Dawgs are favored at home due to their recent dominance of the series, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Belton make a fight of it.

Admin Picks: kt2000 – Copperas Cove, ktchamp97- Copperas Cove, jc84chill – Copperas Cove

Deer Park @ La Porte
September 23rd, 2011 (7:00pm)
Bulldog Stadium

One school towns are a rare sight in Class 5A, but the Deer Park-La Porte rivalry ensures good old-fashioned tradition stays alive.  Less than nine miles separate the town centers, but the communities mesh in between and share common bonds due to the local refinery industry.  The two programs will meet for the 51^st time at La Porte’s Bulldog Stadium in a high stakes non-district battle ahead of an open week.  La Porte is 3-1 (only losing to 3-0 Klein Forest) and Deer Park won all four of its opening games.  La Porte has one of the state’s top scoring defenses (10.5 papg).  Senior LB Chad Sutherland and sophomore LB Hoza Scott are two of the most talented defenders in the region.  The Deer allow nearly twice La Porte’s average on defense (21.5), but will be hoping La Porte’s offensive struggles cancel out the difference.   Deer Park’s found a nice balance on offense so far this year with senior QB Austin Rainer and RB Demetrius Banks.  They’ll need every bit of that balance to move the chains on a tenacious Bulldog defense.  Deer Park holds bragging rights after last year’s dramatic 21-19 win, and this year’s meeting figures to be just as evenly matched.

Admin Picks: kt2000 – La Porte, ktchamp97- La Porte, jc84chill – La Porte