SA O’Connor @ #15 SA Madison

28-5A took it on the chin from 26-5A last week, and O’Connor will attempt to salvage some bragging rights at Madison.  O’Connor lost a close game to Reagan last week (21-14).  Madison blasted Seguin 50-0.  The starters only need a couple quarters worth of action.  If this game is close, O’Connor could gain the advantage because they experienced a battle last week. 

In addition to seeing one of the state’s top players, Madison running back Devin Thomas, this game also features a match-up of two proven quarterbacks in Madison’s Bryan Ehrlich and Bruno Reno of O’Connor.  Ehrlich and Reno both had good games last week, and will obviously be need by their teams again this time around.

Like the Rockwall-Allen match-up, one may automatically assume this will be a shut out but they’ve also proven they can play on the lower registers of the scoreboard.  However, if the scoring turns fast and furious both of these teams have the ability to match the other.  This could really be a fun game to watch.

Madison is our favorite in this game, but no one should be surprised if this game is tightly contested.  This is a match-up of #5 (O’Connor) vs. #3 (Madison) in our Region 4 rankings.  OUR PICK- MADISON

Bryan @ Pflugerville

Natural geographic rivals Bryan and Pflugerville meet in a game pitting 13-5A (BHS) against 14-5A (PHS).  These two districts are set to meet in the bi-district playoffs.  Again, we are treated to a playoff preview in early September.  Each of these teams started well last week.  Bryan beat Cy Falls 33-22 and Pflugerville beat A&M Consolidated 21-16.

Bryan and Pflugerville are both talented running teams, and used their strength on the ground to help gain control in their first games.  It’ll be very interesting to watch this match-up play out in Week 1.  Bryan ‘s running game is led by tailbacks Montrell Washington and Stan McGruder.  The pair nearly went over 100 yards apiece against Cy Falls.  The Vikings also benefited from an opportunistic and active defense in game one, and need more of the same effort against a tough Pflugerville team.

The Pflugerville Panthers will hand off to a number of players, but Marcus Carruth and Greg Nwoko see the bulk of the carries.  Two-way player Zavier Gooden will also get the occasional touch.  The Panthers were able to outgain a typically strong A&M Consolidated running attack last week by rolling up 315 yards.

The clock will move very quickly in this one, and it’ll come down to who can best control the point of attack and best establish its ground attack.  Both of these teams feature ample speed and talent on defense as well.  They look very closely matched on paper.  Pflugerville gets a very slight nod at home.  OUR PICK- PFLUGERVILLE

Aldine Eisenhower @ #21 North Shore

Traditional Houston area powerhouses Eisenhower and North Shore meet at Galena Park ISD Stadium this Friday night in what should be an entertaining game.  Both of these teams were involved in dramatic opening games.  Ike fell just short against Humble (28-26) and North Shore erased a 17-point deficit to claim victory over Aldine (48-37). 

The Ike Eagles continue their attempts at resurgence in 2007 and have several talented returning players from last year’s 3-7 team.  Ike fielded a very young roster in 2006 and aim to benefit from that experience this season and next.  Junior QB Kenny Guiton and junior RB Curtis McGregor are two players who started as sophomores last year.  Junior all-purpose stand out Craig Loston does a little bit of everything.  Senior DT Roderick Davis and LB Darius Willis add veteran experience on defense, and they’ll need that strength up front against North Shore’s ground game.

As usual, North Shore’s got quality talent.  The plan of attack against the Eagle offense will begin up front with their experienced defensive line.  Senior DT Chase Entee leads the Mustangs along with junior Thaddeus Randle.  North Shore proved last week it has the ability to put points on the board.  Senior QB Jeremiah McGinty and junior RB DeAundre Jones are two players Ike must keep contained.  Also, senior WR-RB Matt Tolbert is one of Shore’s most experienced players. 

This has the look of an exciting and possibly high scoring game on paper based on the talent of each team coupled with what they did last week.  Ike played Humble, who resembles North Shore in many ways athletically, and North Shore played Ike rival Aldine.  So, both teams should come into this game well prepared for what they’ll encounter on the other side of the ball.  We like North Shore in this match-up, and we’ll find a little bit more about how far Eisenhower is progressing under the leadership of Darryl Phipps and his staff.  OUR PICK- NORTH SHORE