Here are our top five high school football games to watch in West Texas in Week 5:
Miles (4-0) at Ozona (3-1)
These two offenses ran wild last year in a 70-68 win for Miles. The rematch will be back in Ozona, and it should be another high-scoring game. Miles’ offense hasn’t missed a beat with sophomore quarterback Liam Yancy, who has thrown for 810 yards and 11 touchdowns with four interceptions. The Bulldogs are averaging 39 points per game. Their top playmakers are running back Tevin Meade (671 rushing yards, 11 TDs) and wide receiver Cooper Ellison (20 catches, 529 yards, 7 TDs). Miles was shut out in the first half last week against Eldorado before rallying in the second half for a 21-14 win. The Bulldogs’ 4-0 start helped them jump into the state rankings this week at No. 8 in 2A Division II.
Ozona is scoring 41 points per game, led by running back Christian Villarreal, who has rushed 873 yards and 12 TDs while averaging 9.7 yards per carry. The Lions also have a dangerous passing attack with quarterback Hayden Fowler, who has thrown for 872 yards and 10 TDs with three INTs. Michael Daniels is his top target with 22 catches for 433 yards and 7 TDs. Ozona is coming off a 32-27 win over Harper.
With all of the offensive firepower on these two rosters, this is sure to be another highlight-filled game, though it seems impossible to reach last year’s crazy final score.
The pick: Ozona 42, Miles 41
Reagan County (4-0) at Iraan (4-0)
This is an intriguing matchup of undefeated teams that have yet to be tested. Reagan County’s 14-point win over Grape Creek is the closest game either of these teams has played. Neither of these teams had a winning record last year as Reagan County was 5-5 and Iraan was 4-6. However, Reagan County returned starting quarterback Kason Brown, who has received an offer from Division I Cornell, and Iraan advanced to the 7-on-7 state tournament for the first time during the summer, so there were certainly signs these teams were ready to take off this fall.
Reagan County is coming off a 50-14 win over McCamey in which Brown didn’t play. His twin brother, Jarrett, stepped in and threw for 316 yards and two TDs on 11-of-17 passing. He also had 15 carries for 97 rushing yards. Jarrett suffered a season-ending injury in Week 3 last year, and his return has been a huge boost for the Owls. Nick Franklin has been the team’s go-to receiver with 15 catches for 399 yards and three TDs.
Iraan is led by quarterback Prather Schneemann, who has 972 passing yards and 10 TDs with two INTs. Running back Tristan Griffin has been explosive with 708 rushing yards and six TDs while averaging 11.6 yards per carry.
For all the offensive numbers, both of these teams can play some defense. Reagan County is allowing about 10.3 points per game, while Iraan is allowing 7.5 points. This was a low-scoring game last year with Reagan County winning 22-14.
The pick: Reagan County 28, Iraan 24
Wall (3-1) at Sweetwater (2-2)
The Wall Hawks will travel to the Mustang Bowl to continue their difficult nondistrict schedule. Wall has acquitted itself well so far with wins over Mason, Jim Ned and Monahans, and a loss to Brownwood. The Hawks are coming off a 27-20 win over Monahans last week. Wall quarterback Landon York was efficient in leading the offense with 13-of-18 passing for 138 yards and three TDs. Thomas Leanos had 18 carries for 91 rushing yards. Wall has remained at No. 9 in the 3A Division II rankings since the season began.
Sweetwater dropped to 3A Division I this year with high hopes as the Mustangs began the season ranked No. 10 in the state. Sweetwater had also had a strong nondistrict slate with wins over Midland Greenwood and Lubbock Estacado, and losses to Idalou and Seminole. Running back Korda Moore leads the Mustangs’ offense with 397 yards and seven TDs.
This should be another close game for Wall, but the Hawks have proven to be up to the challenge.
The pick: Wall 24, Brownwood 21
Stanton (2-2) at Ballinger (3-1)
These teams are both off to encouraging starts after going a combined 1-19 last year. Ballinger’s perfect start was ended last week in a 20-0 loss to Brady. It is the first adversity the Bearcats have faced this year after rolling to three big wins. Ballinger’s defense is still allowing only nine points per game. Running back Aiden Pena was held below 100 yards last week for the first time this year as Brady limited him to 33 yards.
Though Ballinger dropped to 2A Division I this year, it’s worth noting that Stanton will be the fourth 3A team the Bearcats have faced this season. Stanton has posted wins over Crane and Forsan, while losing to Wink and Lubbock Roosevelt. The Buffaloes haven’t had a winning season since 2013, but new head coach Gary Griffin seems to have the program pointed in the right direction.
The pick: Stanton 21, Ballinger 14
Water Valley (2-2) at Rochelle (2-2)
This has the potential to be an exciting six-man battle. Water Valley showed what it was capable of last week in a 54-52 loss to a Buena Vista team now ranked No. 9 in the state in 1A Division I. Anthony Quintana had two interceptions and a fumble recovery to lead the Wildcats on defense, while Boston Wiese recorded 18 tackles. Landon Lacy was 10-of-17 passing for 172 yards and three TDs, and he added 54 yards and two TDs on the ground. The Wildcats were expected to be an immediate contender in their return to the six-man ranks this season, and they haven’t disappointed.
Rochelle broke into the 1A Division II state rankings a couple weeks ago at No. 10, but they’ve lost both games since then with a 85-40 setback against state power May and a 72-38 loss to undefeated Lometa. The Hornets returned every starter from last year’s seven-win team, and this is a season they’ve been building toward. They’ll try to right the ship at home. Win or lose, this should be a good test for both programs.
The pick: Water Valley 60, Rochelle 44
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