SAN ANGELO, TX — Here are our top five high school football games to watch in West Texas in Week 9:
Holland at Mason
The Mason Punchers haven’t lost a district game since 2010, but that streak will be put to the test Friday when they host district newcomer Holland. Both of these teams are 6-1 overall and 2-0 in district. Holland is 75-20 since 2017, which illustrates what a successful program this has been in recent years. Mason is 77-15 over that same stretch. Holland has been dominant this season with five wins by 28 points or more. The Hornets’ only close games were a 32-21 win over Burton and a 34-22 loss to Granger.
Mason hasn’t lost since a 28-6 season-opening setback against Wall. The Punchers are ranked No. 8 in Class 2A Division I. They’ve allowed less than 11 points per game during their six-game winning streak. Running back Sutten Silerio has rushed for 1,088 yards and 19 touchdowns to lead the Punchers’ offense.
The pick: Mason 28, Holland 24
Water Valley at Robert Lee
This game could very well decide the title in District 8-1A Division I. Water Valley (5-2 overall, 1-0 in district) and Robert Lee (6-2, 2-0) were the two favorites heading into the season, and both have lived up to expectations.
Water Valley cleared its first significant hurdle toward the district title last week with a 53-22 win over Veribest. The Wildcats are back in six-man after a two-year break, and they’re already looking like a team ready to make a playoff run. Quarterback Landon Lacy and running back Anthony Quintana have led the offense, which Boston Wiese has anchored the defense.
Robert Lee (6-2, 2-0) was the runner-up in this district last year, and the Steers took down defending district champ Irion County 61-12 two weeks ago. Now they have a new juggernaut in their way. Robert Lee spread back Brenner Sherwood has put up huge numbers and can take over a game by himself. If Robert Lee loses this game, the Steers could end up in a do-or-die matchup with Veribest for the district’s second and final playoff spot.
The pick: Water Valley 62, Robert Lee 44
Hamlin at Miles
This is a matchup of teams that are 5-2 overall and 1-1 in district. Miles bounced back from a district-opening loss to Albany by walloping Cross Plains 48-0 last week. Jaylen Torres had 10 carries for 111 yards and three TDs, while Cooper Ellison had four catches for 121 yards and two TDs.
Hamlin won its district opener 27-0 against Winters but lost 29-18 to Roscoe last week. Miles overwhelmed Hamlin 63-8 in this game last year, but the Pied Pipers have made some serious strides this year. They had five wins in a row before last week’s loss, and their other setback was 34-21 against a solid Anson team.
The pick: Miles 34, Hamlin 28
Reagan County at Sonora
Reagan County (6-1 overall, 2-0 in district) is in the driver’s seat for the District 3-2A Division I title, but the Owls don’t just have one defending champ to go through. They have to get past three of them. Sonora (4-3, 1-1) tied with Ozona and Forsan for last year’s district title. Reagan County has already defeated Ozona 44-28 and now sets its sights on Sonora. The Broncos are coming off a 30-6 loss to Ozona, and they need a win over Reagan County to save their chances of sharing the district title again.
Both of these teams have undergone quarterback changes since the season began. Aaron Segura has taken the reins of Sonora’s offense and opened up the Broncos’ passing attack, while Jarrett Brown has been running Reagan County’s offense, giving the Owls more of a running threat. His brother, Kason, who has received five NCAA Division I offers, has moved from QB to wide receiver.
The pick: Reagan County 36, Sonora 26
Blackwell at Bronte
This game could be a competitive, high-scoring battle. Bronte is sitting at 1-0 in district after a 62-61 win over Loraine. Blackwell lost to Loraine 86-84 last week to fall to 1-1 in district, so that indicates how close this matchup could be. The district title and playoff spots are very much still up in the air in District 6-1A Division II, and this could be a season-saving win for both teams.
The pick: Bronte 68, Blackwell 62
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