SAN ANGELO, TX — Here are our top five high school football games to watch in West Texas in Week 10:
Brady at Tolar
Before the season started, this would have seemed like an unlikely matchup of 7-1 teams. Tolar was a state finalist from last year, while Brady was a 3-win team. Yet the Bulldogs have been one of the biggest surprises in the Concho Valley this fall with their rapid improvement. Their only loss was against Mason (ranked No. 7 in 2A Division I). They’ve won six in a row and now find themselves in a district-title game as both teams enter with 3-0 records in District 5-3A D-II.
Tolar is riding a seven-game winning streak after losing its season opener to Peaster. The Rattlers are led by sophomore quarterback Briton Rice, who has thrown for 1,401 yards and 15 TDs on 66% passing. Senior running back Peyton Brown has 710 rushing yards and 10 TDs. Brady will counter with its 1-2 punch at running back. Johnny Menefield has 944 rushing yards and 14 TDs. Ashton Taylor has 900 yards and 10 TDs.
As well as Brady has played, Tolar has to be considered the team to beat until proven otherwise.
The pick: Tolar 38, Brady 28
Robert Lee at Veribest
This game will determine the second and final playoff spot out of District 8-1A Division I. Both teams suffered their only district loss against Water Valley. Robert Lee lost 62-50, while Veribest fell 53-22. This matchup decided the district’s runner-up last year as well, with Robert Lee earning an 80-54 win.
Both of these teams have been among the best six-man squads in our area. Robert Lee is 6-3 overall and 2-1 in district. Veribest is 6-2, 1-1. This game will also feature two of the Concho Valley’s best six-man players — Brenner Sherwood from Robert Lee, and Bryce Martin from Veribest.
With the talent on the field and a playoff spot at stake, this should be a competitive game until the end.
The pick: Robert Lee 54, Veribest 46
Richland Springs at Rochelle
This game will be for the District 15-1A Division II title. To say Richland Springs is the favorite would be an understatement. The Coyotes are ranked No. 2 in the state and hoping to bring home the program’s 10th state title. They’re off to an 8-0 start and have won every game by 45 points or more. Rochelle hasn’t beaten its longtime rival since 1992.
The Hornets entered this season ranked No. 11 with all six starters returning, including all-state spread back Merek Howell. If ever they had a chance to take down Richland Springs, this seemed like the year. They’ve struggled, however, to a 4-3 overall record. With lopsided losses to May, Water Valley and Lometa, it seems like Rochelle just isn’t ready to win a game like this yet. Richland Springs won 56-24 last year and should take care of business again.
The pick: Richland Springs 68, Rochelle 32
Forsan at Ozona
The Ozona Lions can go a long way toward locking up second place in District 3-2A Division I with a win over Forsan. Ozona is 6-2 overall and 2-1 in district after last week’s 53-20 win over Colorado City. With Christian Villarreal sidelined due to an injury, Michael Daniels stepped up and produced one of the top performances in the state. He had 15 carries for 148 yards and two touchdowns, along with nine catches for 164 yards and four TDs. He also had 14 tackles on defense. He is one of 10 nominees for Mr. Texas Football Player of the Week.
Forsan, despite beginning the year with six straight losses, has won its last two games to keep itself in the district race. A win over Ozona would actually give the Buffaloes a chance to claim a share of the district title next week against Reagan County. These two teams tied for the district title last year with Sonora, but Ozona beat Forsan 28-14. We think the Lions find a way again.
The pick: Ozona 36, Forsan 22
Coleman at Ballinger
While Hamilton and De Leon are on a collision course for the District 5-2A Division I title, the battle for third place appears to be wide open. Ballinger and Coleman could each take a significant step toward the No. 3 seed in district with a win in this matchup. Coleman walloped Ballinger 40-0 last year, but these are two different teams. Ballinger is 4-4 after last year’s winless season, and Coleman has struggled to a 1-7 record after going 9-3 last year. The Bluecats may have saved their season, however, with a 14-6 win over Hico last week. Both of these teams are tied with Hico with 1-2 district records.
The pick: Ballinger 21, Coleman 20
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