High School Football: What to Watch for in Week 4

In week three, Concho Valley teams had a 14-11 record combined. This week, teams in the area will be tested once again when the lights come on and the toe meets leather.

Here are the games you need to look out for this week:

Stanton (0-3) at Christoval (0-3), Friday 7:30 p.m.:

Both teams have struggled through the early part of the 2017 season. Christoval was, in my opinion, going to be a surprise team in 2017. They've been surprising, but not for the reason I thought. Senior quarterback/linebacker Seth Wilkins was always going to be a key component to this Christoval unit, but he's been out injured this season. His absence has been significantly apparent for a Christoval offense that hasn't broken the 20 point mark since their 33-26 loss to Irion County, the same game Wilkins went down. Sophomore quarterback Brayden Wilcox has stepped in for the Cougars. Considering that Wilcox is an underclassmen thrust into the spotlight of Small Town, Texas (a la the fictional Matt Saracen), he hasn't done bad by any means and has progressed well through three games. Wilcox is averaging 136 total yards per game on a team that averages 246.3 yards per game on offense.

This game, despite the two teams' records, should shake out to be a good one. Christoval and Stanton are evenly matched when it comes to scoring. The Cougars hold a one point advantage over Stanton, scoring 17 points per game on average. This is the week I feel the Cougars get everything figured out and get off their four game schneid.

Prediction: Christoval 20, Stanton 13

Sonora (3-0) at Jim Ned (3-0), Friday 7:30 p.m.

This is a game with two of the more storied teams in west Texas high school football lore. Both teams are undefeated and are posting eye popping numbers early on. Sonora's numbers look especially gaudy at 51 points per game and an average of 502 total yards per game. The Broncos defense has played well, too, allowing just 18.6 points per game. However, Jim Ned's defense has been slightly better, with an 11.3 points allowed average so far this year. But Jim Ned hasn't faced a stacked squad like Sonora yet. Sonora's senior quarterback, and Mr. Texas Football nominee, Kaden Cordell has been throwing the ball around the yard a lot this season with 790 yards passing and nine passing touchdowns. Cordell also has two touchdowns on the ground this season for Sonora.

Jim Ned may be outclassed in this game, but I wouldn't be surprised if this game was a close one

Prediction: Sonora 49, Jim Ned 28

#9 Iraan (3-0) at #4 Mason (3-0), Friday 7:30

The Puncherdome in Mason will have a playoff atmosphere to it when this top-ten matchup gets going. Both teams, much like Sonora and Jim Ned, have been historically two of the top teams in 2A. Mason returns district Offensive Player of the Year Otto Wofford in 2017 and he's been a massive reason Mason is averaging over 40 points per game. Iraan also returns a key piece to their high powered offense, which is also averaging over 40 points, in running back Kyle O'Bannon. Defense will be the defining factor in this game and Mason has a stout one. The Punchers are allowing a mind-boggling 4.3 points per game with one shutout to their name this year. Iraan is averaging 22 points allowed.

This one should go the way of the Punchers. But big games tend to bring out the best in athletes so this could be a barn burner.

Prediction: Mason 31, Iraan 28

Our LIVE! football coverage begins tonight as the Central Bobcats will take on the Shoemaker Grey Wolves in Killeen at 7:00 p.m. We'll also have LIVE! updates on Friday from Wall at Eastland, Midland Greenwood at Lake View, and Colorado City at TLCA.