If You're A Central Fan, Here's Who To Root For Friday Night

SAN ANGELO, TX — The Central Bobcats finally have a chance to rest and recover after nine straight weeks of football.  Although I am sure they wished it came a little earlier in the season, having their bye this week allows them to sit back and watch as the playoff picture becomes clearer. 

Central is 3-2 and, if the playoffs started right now, would head to the 6A Division I bracket along with Trinity.  But the playoffs do not start right now, and there is still a real chance Central does not make the cut.  So, with the Bobcats sitting this week out, who should you be rooting for Friday night?

Haltom (3-5, 1-3) at Bell (3-5, 1-3)

Both of these teams will need to win their remaining two games to even have a chance at making the playoffs.  Central is still able to control their fate, and will make the playoffs regardless of any other variables if they beat Haltom in the final game of the season.  That being said, a victory in that game is all but guaranteed.  Neither team has proven they should be considered a consistent threat, but  Haltom and Bell are the only two teams to give Trinity and Richland a district loss.  

If you are confident in Central's ability to pull off the road win in Haltom next week, then root for the Buffalos.  If you are a little nervous about that one, then pull for the Bell Blue Raiders to win this week and then lose to Weatherford.  Either way, one more loss would eliminate both Haltom and Bell.

Trinity (7-1, 3-1) at Abilene (3-6, 2-3)

This will be the Eagles final game of the season, and their last chance to make a final push in the district.  Sitting in fifth place, they will have to win to keep their hopes alive.  If Trinity beats them, and they most likely will, then it could set up a winner take all, district championship game against Richland.  As far as Central is concerned, Trinity needs to keep winning.  If the Trojans drop their final two, Richland would claim the title and Central, Trinity, Weatherford, Abilene, and Haltom could potentially be locked in a three-way tie at 3-3 for second place. 

In order to avoid that possible mess, Trinity needs to go ahead and claim their spot while eliminating Abilene entirely. 

Weatherford (6-2, 2-2) at Richland (3-5, 3-1)

Richland has had somewhat of a magical run the past four weeks.  Starting the season 0-4, the Rebels have won when they needed to most and are tied for first place in the district.  Weatherford, meanwhile, is sitting uncomfortably in fourth just above Abilene.  This might be the least important of Friday's games in relation to CHS.  Weatherford will likely beat Bell next week, which would make them 3-3 or 4-2.  Richland can, at worst, finish 3-3 and still make the playoffs. 

In all, the teams we will most likely see advance are the current top four.  Trinity and Richland are all but confirmed; they just need one more win to completely secure it.  Central and Weatherford both control their own destiny against teams with inferior records.  Haltom, Bell, and Abilene could all be knocked out, or they could make things a lot more complicated. 

Be sure to check here tonight for live score updates of these three games and more from across the state. 

San Angelo Live! and Cover1 will be heading to Fort Worth to cover #11 Arlington Martin vs. Paschal.  If Central makes the playoffs, there is a very high chance they will face the 7-1 Martin Warriors in the first round.  Be sure to come back for a recap of that game and a peak at what could await the Bobcats in November.