SAN ANGELO, TX — Here are our top five high school football games to watch in West Texas in Week 7:
Miles (4-1) at Albany (3-2)
This is an intriguing game that could ultimately decide the title in District 7-2A Division II. But the fact is Albany is the back-to-back defending state champion, and Miles has never been within 30 points of the Lions in eight previous meetings. Even last year, when Miles had an 8-4 season, the Bulldogs were overwhelmed 41-0. Could this year finally be different? Albany looks at least somewhat vulnerable after losses to Stamford (50-6) and Hawley (21-0) to start the year. The Lions have bounced back with three straight wins, including a 27-17 win over Anson last week.
Miles began this season with four consecutive wins before a 34-28 loss to Ozona. The Bulldogs have one of the best offenses in the area and perhaps the best wide receiver in the Concho Valley in Cooper Ellison. An injury to speedy running back Tevin Meade could hamper Miles’ attack, however. It seems like the Bulldogs have made some strides in closing the gap with Albany, but a win on Friday is probably a little too much to ask for.
The pick: Albany 35, Miles 21
Ozona (4-1) at Reagan County (4-1)
There will be a lot of offensive firepower on the field in this matchup in Big Lake to kick off District 3-2A Division I play Thursday. Ozona is led by running back Christian Villarreal, who has already surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark halfway through the regular season with 1,065 yards and 14 TDs. He’s averaging a ridiculous 9.4 yards per carry. Hudson Fowler has thrown for 1,105 yards and 13 TDs. His top target is Michael Daniels, who has 26 catches for 463 yards and seven TDs.
Reagan County is led by the Brown brothers, wherever they’re playing. Kason Brown has received three offers from NCAA Division I colleges. He began the season at quarterback but moved to wide receiver in the team’s most recent game. He had nine catches for 115 yards with his twin brother, Jarrett, at QB. Jarrett has been extremely efficient when called upon the last two games, completing 71 percent of his passes. He is 30-of-42 passing for 499 yards and three TDs. He also has a team-leading 53 carries for 345 yards. Reagan County’s top wideout is Nick Franklin with 18 catches for 439 yards and three TDs.
A win in this game could go a long way toward determining the winner of this district down the road. Ozona beat Reagan County 40-31 last year, and we think the Lions will find a way again.
The pick: Ozona 35, Reagan County 30
Thorndale (4-1) at Mason (4-1)
The Mason Punchers haven’t lost a district game since 2010. After the last realignment, they now have some new obstacles on the way to a 14th straight district title. First up is Thornale, which is off to a 4-1 start like Mason. However, Thorndale’s wins are against teams that are a combined 4-18, so the strength of schedule hasn’t been strong. The Bulldogs also went 0-10 last year, so they’re likely not ready to challenge a team like Mason just. However, Thorndale has posted eight or more wins seven times since 2012, so this has been a strong program.
Mason is ranked No. 9 in the state in Class 2A Division I. The Punchers haven’t lost since their season opener against Wall. Mason handed Brady and Junction each their only loss so far. Sutten Silerio leads Mason’s offense with 732 rushing yards and 11 TDs, averaging a staggering 10.9 yards per carry. Mason’s defense is allowing 15.6 points per game.
The pick: Mason 34, Thorndale 17
Forsan (0-5) at Sonora (3-2)
Before the season, this matchup looked like the title game in District 3-2A Division I. That may still be the case, but both of these teams stumbled out of the gates, and this district race looks wide open. Forsan, in particular, has had a surprisingly bad start. The Buffaloes were the preseason favorite in this district, according to Texas Football, but they have yet to win a game. Their nondistrict schedule was strong with a combined record of 21-4, so perhaps those tests will prepare them for a district-title run after all. While the first three losses were by six points or less, however, the last two have been by 40 points or more.
Sonora lost its first two games, but the Broncos have bounced back with three wins, all of them by at least 26 points. Sophomore quarterback Aaron Segura has taken the reins of the offense, and he has playmakers all around him. Forsan’s 24-22 win over Sonora last year prevented the Broncos from having a perfect regular season. Here’s betting the Broncos avenge that loss.
The pick: Sonora 40, Forsan 28
Irion County (2-4) at Robert Lee (4-2)
The Irion County Hornets are the defending champs in District 8-1A Division I, but it will be a dogfight just to get back in the playoffs out of this district. Before they take on district favorite Water Valley or 5-1 Veribest, they’ll first have to deal with an up-and-coming Robert Lee team. The Steers, led by standout spread back Brenner Sherwood, are on a three-game winning streak, and both of their losses were by eight points or less. Robert Lee wasn’t far off from Irion County last year in a 56-36 loss, and the Steers may be ready to overtake them this time.
Irion County has struggled more than expected, though there was an anticipated drop after losing some talented seniors. The Hornets still have a dynamic duo with Parker Posey and Colton Lawdermilk that gives them a chance. Irion County did beat a Garden City team (44-40) that Robert Lee lost to (68-60), so that suggests this could be a close game.
The pick: Robert Lee 50, Irion County 42
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