The Playoff Picture for Concho Valley High Schools

SAN ANGELO, TX-- As the crisp fall air starts to hit (finally) and the days get shorter, eyes start to move toward the UIL State playoffs in Texas.

A total of 16 teams from the Concho Valley are currently fighting for playoff spots

If everyone else is doing it, why not take a peak at the potential first round matchups for teams in the area?

As a disclaimer, you must know that none of this is set in stone and won't be until the final week of the season.

6A: Division 2- W2 Central vs R1 El Paso Pebble Hills

This one could be one of two teams, Pebble Hills or EP Montwood. Both of those teams are undefeated and atop District 1. Both teams would be Division 2 classification, as would Central with Midland Lee looking as though they'll make it to the postseason. As things sit right now, it looks like Pebble Hills would face the Bobcats. Regardless of who Central plays, this could be one of the best bi-district round games Central has had in recent years.

3A: Division 1- W2 Wall vs F1 Slaton

Wall, with the way they're playing right now, should win their district with ease. Slaton may not even make the playoffs depending on results from District 1-3A D1. However, with district games against Littlefield (1-6) and Amarillo River Road (0-7) still on the horizon, Slaton should squeak into the playoffs. Their reward? Playing arguably one of the best teams in Texas.

F2 Grape Creek vs W1 Shallowater

If things hold up in District 2-3A D1, Tornillo should be winless in district play and Grape Creek should sneak in to the bi-district round. This matchup could be really one-sided if it were to happen. Shallowater has been dominant all year, but has felt the effects of losing their star receiver.

Division 2- W3 Sonora vs F4 Coleman

The Sonora Broncos have been on a tear all season. They still have to get past a Reagan County team that may have found its footing last week against TLCA. Both Sonora and Reagan County are 2-0 in district play and square off this week. Coleman would be another team to squeak by and make it to the playoffs. Right now, the Bluecats are 2-5 and 1-1 in district play.

R3 Reagan County vs T4 Tolar

Can Reagan County beat Sonora? Anything is possible. Will they? Probably not, putting them into second in District 3 with a possible 6-4 record. Tolar should also finish 6-4 but third in District 4, just ahead of Coleman. That could make this a pretty entertaining game.

F3 TLCA vs W4 Cisco

TLCA ought to make the playoffs, but with a 4-6 record. They would have to beat Ballinger this week in order to get a foot into the door of the postseason. Cisco has been impressive all year, holding Wall to their lowest points total all season at 21 and winning four of their five games since that loss. In that time, Cisco defeated a solid Comanche team that looks like they'll win their district. Also, the only losses Cisco has on their record have come to state ranked teams.

2A: Division 1- R3 Christoval vs T4 Post

Christoval has found their stride over the past couple of weeks behind Freshman QB Brayden Wilcox. After starting the season 0-4 with young Wilcox taking snaps, the Cougars have gone on a three-game win streak. Christoval goes on a long roadtrip this week to face Anthony (4-3, 1-1). Anthony will be a big test for Wilcox and the Cougars because the Wildcats have played solid football all season, and the fact that the road trip will be six hours one way.

W14 Mason vs F13 Moody

Mason has boasted arguably the best defense in Texas, giving up an average of 3.7 points per game. At 7-0, the Punchers could be destined for a date in Arlington come Christmas.

Division 2- W5 Menard vs F6 Winters

Who, outside of Menard, would have thought the Yellowjackets would be contending for a district title with powerhouse Iraan staring them in the face. Iraan is not the same team that made it to state last year, so Menard should be able to beat the Braves. Winters should be another team to sneak in the back door of the dance that is the Texas high school playoffs. Right now, the Blizzards are 2-5 overall and 1-1 in district play. Now, the Blizzards could hang on for the third spot since they defeated Miles, the team they're tied with and beat last week.

R5 Iraan vs T6 Miles

Again, Miles may fall to fourth in District 6. They have a tough schedule coming up with games against Albany and Cross Plains still on their plate. But this is the way it looks, for now. Iraan is still in contention for a district title, as well. But the Braves have to travel to Menard in two weeks and Menard could be a tough place to play.

F5 Irion County vs W6 Albany

Irion County could make the playoffs for the first time in 13 years. Right now they're sitting in fourth in District 5. Albany has been Albany, going undefeated through seven games this season. It wouldn't be bright to pick against Albany winning their district

1A: Division 1- W8 Veribest vs R7 Buena Vista

Veribest has really built on their success from last year's first ever playoff berth. The Falcons are in contention for their first ever district title this year. Here's where things get tricky, however: most six-man teams in the area open up district play this week. So we won't have a clearer playoff picture until after Friday night. 

R8 Paint Rock vs W7 Rankin

If Paint Rock were to make it to the playoffs, it would be directly correlated with their tough non-district schedule. But, as I said before, Paint Rock has yet to open up district play. They face Water Valley this Friday to begin District 8-1A play.

R9 Eden vs W10 Zephyr

Eden has seen growth throughout the season and they're poised to make it to the playoffs this year. But they, too, have yet to start district play.