Full 6A bi-district playoff pairings listed below, along with notes from our staff on key games in their respective regions. Look for full previews of select games throughout the week.
Printable bracket (via THSCA.com)
CLASS 6A DIVISION I
Region I
Amarillo Tascosa (8-2) at El Paso El Dorado (7-3) Friday 8:30pm Socorro ISD Student Activity Center, El Paso
Arlington Bowie (6-4) vs. Odessa Permian (9-1) Friday 7:00pm Ratliff Stadium, Odessa
The last time these two teams met, it was a one sided affair with Arlington Bowie running away with the game. That was 2011 and this is 2015. Permian is a high scoring machine, who can hurt you with just about anyone they line up on offense. What’s scary is that their defense may be even better than the offense. Arlington Bowie also has weapons on offense and defense as well, but they are overmatched in this one and are facing a Permian team who is ready to right the wrongs they had last week. -Jeff Cerda
Plano East (7-3) vs. Denton Ryan (10-0) Friday 7:30pm Collins Stadium, Denton
Plano East is coming off of a turnaround season in which they flipped their win total from 1 to 7. Big wins over Dallas Jesuit and Lake Highlands propelled the Panthers into district 6-6A play in which they finished 4-3. Denton Ryan finished the regular season undefeated for the first time since 2011 courtesy of big wins over crosstown rival Denton Guyer and Rockwall. Expect this game to be a dogfight until the final whistle is blown. -Nick Harris
South Grand Prairie (6-4) vs. Euless Trinity (10-0) Friday 7:30pm Pennington Field, Bedford
Euless Trinity is ready to make a playoff run after being prematurely eliminated by Allen last season. The Trojans have been one of the best teams in the nation this year courtesy of a big win over former No. 1 De La Salle in Week 1. South Grand Prairie is coming out of one of the toughest districts in the state with a playoff berth and will look for a historic upset in round one. -Nick Harris
El Paso Montwood (6-3) at Amarillo (8-2) Friday 6:00pm Bivins Stadium, Amarillo
Midland (4-6) vs. Arlington Martin (8-2) Friday 7:30pm Maverick Stadium, Arlington
Arlington Martin is coming off of a strong season in which they knocked off formerly top-ranked DeSoto on ESPN in week one and finished with an 8-2 record. Midland will make the long trek back to Midland on Friday night in defeat. -Nick Harris
Trophy Club Byron Nelson (6-4) vs. Allen (10-0) Friday 7:30pm Eagle Stadium, Allen
This is probably the biggest no-doubter in Region 1 for week one. Allen wins big behind Seth Green. -Nick Harris
Coppell (6-4) vs. DeSoto (5-5) Friday 7:30pm Eagle Stadium, DeSoto
The DeSoto Eagles have limped to a mediocre 5-5 record after high preseason expectations were shot down early on by losses against Martin and IMG Academy. Coppell will look to avenge last year’s first round loss to DeSoto in a game that will feature two teams with mediocre records battling like powerhouses. -Nick Harris
Region II
Richardson Lake Highlands (4-6) vs. Dallas Skyline (8-2) Friday 7:30pm Forrester Field, Dallas
Skyline is looking to become the first team from Dallas ISD to win a state championship in over 40 years as they begin their quest against a scrappy Lake Highlands team. -Nick Harris
Belton (5-5) vs. Rowlett (8-2) Friday 7:30pm HBJ Stadium, Garland
The Tigers have specialized in second-half comebacks to make the playoffs. Rowlett needs to be wary of the upset. – John Hillman
Austin Bowie (8-2) vs. Round Rock Cedar Ridge Friday 7:30pm Reeves Athletic Complex, Round Rock
Humble Atascocita (9-1) vs. Klein Collins (9-1) Friday 7:00pm Memorial Stadium, Klein
Irving MacArthur (6-4) vs. North Mesquite (9-1) Friday 7:30pm Memorial Stadium, Mesquite
Sachse (7-3) vs. Killeen Shoemaker (8-2) Friday 7:30pm Buckley Stadium, Killeen
Shoemaker plays a 3-man defensive front with two D1 signees. Sachse’s offensive line had better be ready. – John Hillman
Round Rock (8-2) vs. Austin Westlake (9-1) Friday 7:00pm Chaparral Stadium, Austin
Great matchup early in the playoffs and a rematch after the Dragons bested the Chaps 16-14 in bi-district last year. Look for Westlake’s Ehlinger to get the offense started quickly with Todd Dodge’s spread attack as Round Rock counters with a ground and pound offense behind a big offensive line. – M. De Leon.
Klein Oak (6-4) vs. The Woodlands (9-1) Friday 7:00pm Woodforest Bank Stadium, Shenandoah
The Woodlands’ quarterback situation is a huge question mark going into the playoffs, but their defense is the main reason the Highlanders clinched their third straight district title. Can Klein Oak repeat last year’s upset and force The Woodlands into mistakes? – John Diaz
Region III
Aldine Nimitz (2-8) vs. Cypress Falls (8-2) Saturday 1:00pm Berry Center, Cypress
Houston Bellaire vs. Katy Cinco Ranch (9-1) Saturday 1:00pm Rhodes Stadium, Katy
For the third year in a row these teams meet, with Cinco Ranch coming out on top both previous times. The Cougars have a balanced offense led by Russell Morrison at the helm with SMU commit Corey Rau being his go-to target. Bellaire’s first-year head coach Herb Kunz should have his hands full with those two alone. – John Diaz
Pasadena Dobie (5-5) vs. Galena Park North Shore (7-3) Friday 7:00pm Galena Park ISD Stadium, Galena Park
Clear Springs (5-5) vs. Alief Taylor (8-2) Friday 7:00pm Crump Stadium, Alief
Cypress Fairbanks (6-4) vs. Aldine Eisenhower (7-3) Saturday 6:00pm Thorne Stadium, Aldine
Katy Morton Ranch (5-5) vs. Houston Lamar (9-1) Friday 7:00pm Delmar Stadium, Houston
Houston Lamar will look to get back to the state championship this year after losing a heartbreaker to Allen in 2012 at AT&T Stadium. -Nick Harris
Beaumont West Brook (6-4) vs. Pearland (10-0) Friday 7:00pm The Rig, Pearland
Pearland is coming off a huge last-minute win against district rival Manvel in Week 11 to finish 10-0. The Oilers will look to get back to the State Championship where they lost in 2013 to Allen. Beaumont West Brook is coming off of a mediocre season in which they found a playoff berth. Expect Pearland to win big. -Nick Harris
Alief Elsik (7-3) vs. Dickinson (9-1) Friday 7:00pm Vitanza Stadium, Dickinson
After a deep run into the playoffs a season ago, the Dickinson Gators will be looking to make an even deeper run behind their lethal offense. -Nick Harris
Region IV
San Antonio Churchill (6-4) at Converse Judson (9-1) Friday 7:30pm Rutledge Stadium, Converse
Churchill is in a transition year and some didn’t even predict them to make the playoffs. They’ll have a tough task in a stacked Judson team in the first round. If Churchill’s defense can limit Williams and Jackson, it could make for an interesting game against a team many expect to see back in the state semifinals. – M. De Leon
The Judson-Churchill rivalry dates back to the 80’s, but it hasn’t been much of a contest lately. This is the fourth straight year the Rockets face the Chargers in the playoffs with Judson also rolling an eight game win-streak against Churchill. Though Churchill is always dangerous, even in a down year, Julon Williams and the Judson offense should have no problem against the Charger defense. – John Diaz
San Antonio Southwest (3-7) vs. San Antonio O’Connor (7-3) Thursday 7:00pm Gustafson Stadium, San Antonio
LaJoya Juarez-Lincoln (4-6) vs. Laredo United (8-2) Friday 7:30pm United ISD Student Activity Center, Laredo
Los Fresnos (9-1) vs. Weslaco (8-2) Friday 7:30pm Lackey Stadium, Weslaco
Smithson Valley (7-3) vs. San Antonio Reagan (10-0) Friday 7:30pm Comalander Stadium, San Antonio
Kellen Mond and the rowdy Reagan Rattlers offense should be enough to get past Smithson Valley, but this one should definitely be a high scoring affair. – John Diaz
San Antonio Stevens (8-2) vs. San Antonio East Central (4-6) Friday 7:30pm Hornet Stadium, San Antonio
Laredo United South (6-4) vs. McAllen Memorial (10-0) Friday 7:30pm Memorial Stadium, McAllen
Edinburg Economedes (5-5) vs. Harlingen (8-2) Friday 7:30pm Boggus Stadium, Harlingen
CLASS 6A DIVISION II
Region I
Lubbock Monterey (5-5) vs. El Paso Americas (6-4) 5:00pm Socorro ISD Student Activity Center, El Paso
Arlington (5-5) vs. San Angelo Central (9-1) Friday 7:00pm San Angelo Stadium, San Angelo
San Angelo Central is coming off of a huge upset win in Odessa against the Permian Panthers to win the district. They will look to keep the momentum throughout the playoffs starting with Arlington. – Nick Harris
San Angelo Central benefits from being at home. Since 2013 Central has posted an impressive 15-1 record at San Angelo Stadium and average forcing three turnovers per game. – Daniel Ormsby
Lewisville Hebron (4-6) vs. Denton Guyer (7-3) Friday 7:30pm Apogee Stadium, Denton
Guyer’s first year in 6A D2 will place them against a surprising Hebron team that has raised some eyebrows despite having a 4-6 record. Guyer’s Shawn Robinson will dominate and Guyer will move on. -Nick Harris
Cedar Hill (9-1) vs. Southlake Carroll (8-2) Friday 7:30pm Dragon Stadium, Southlake
The defending 6A D2 state champion Cedar Hill Longhorns find themselves in a tough first round matchup against perennial powerhouse Southlake Carroll. One of these teams will prematurely exit the playoffs this Friday night in Southlake as junior Longhorn QB Avery Davis will look to get Cedar Hill into the state championship for a shot at a three-peat.
El Paso Eastwood (8-2) vs. Wolfforth Frenship (7-3) Friday 7:00pm Peoples Bank Stadium, Wolfforth
Abilene (7-3) vs. Arlington Lamar (9-1) Friday 7:30pm Cravens Field, Arlington
Abilene High comes in with the #2 rushing attack in 3-6A. They also come in with the second most forced turnovers in the district. Only one loss came on the road, and Abilene is averaging 38 points per game on the road. – Daniel Ormsby
Keller Fossil Ridge (5-5) vs. Flower Mound Marcus (9-1) Friday 7:30pm Marauder Stadium, Flower Mound
The Marcus Marauders have been a surprise team to all this season by coming out of the regular season with only a 10-point loss to Allen. Five-star recruit TE Kaden Smith has led the charge for the Marauders as they will look to make a deep playoff run on the division 2 side. -Nick Harris
Colleyville Heritage (5-5) vs. Mansfield (8-2) Friday 7:30pm Newsom Stadium, Mansfield
Region II
Mesquite Horn (6-4) vs. Dallas Jesuit (9-1) Friday 7:30pm Haggar Stadium, Dallas
Copperas Cove (3-7) vs. Rockwall (7-3) Friday Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium, Rockwall
The Bulldawgs have limped into the playoffs, and Rockwall is the real deal. – John Hillman
Austin High (7-3) vs. Pflugerville Hendrickson (8-2) Friday 7:30pm Hawk Stadium, Pflugerville
The Woodlands College Park (3-7) vs. Spring (9-1) Friday 7:00pm George Stadium, Spring
Irving Nimitz (6-4) vs. Highland Park (9-1) Friday 7:30pm Highlander Stadium, University Park
Garland (6-4) vs. Waco Midway (7-3) Friday 7:30pm Panther Stadium, Waco
The Panthers are riding a 7-game winning streak and should extend it to eight. – John Hillman
Pflugerville (3-7) vs. Lake Travis (10-0) Friday 7:00pm Cavalier Stadium, Lake Travis
This game could and probably will be over by the end of the first quarter. Pflugerville is overmatched in this game and Lake Travis should cruise into the next round. -Jeff Cerda
Spring Westfield (8-2) vs. Humble Kingwood (6-4) Friday 7:00pm Turner Stadium, Humble
Region III
Houston Memorial (5-5) vs. Cypress Ranch (9-1) Friday 7:00pm Berry Center, Cypress
Cypress Ranch is looking to get back to the state championship this year behind QB Collin Rock. A win against Memorial will most likely place them against Katy in a pivotal round two clash between two Houston-area powerhouses. -Nick Harris
Houston Westside (4-6) vs. Katy (10-0) Friday 7:00pm Rhodes Stadium, Katy
The Katy Tigers have given up 18 points all year long. Eighteen. Not to mention Kyle Porter and Paddy Fisher could be back in pads for the playoffs this week. The Westside Wolves never stood a chance. – John Diaz
Pearland Dawson (7-3) vs. LaPorte (8-2) Friday 7:00pm Bulldog Stadium, LaPorte
Friendswood (6-4) vs. Fort Bend Hightower (10-0) Thursday 7:00pm Hall Stadium, Missouri City
The state championships are back in Houston for the first time since 2008 when Fort Bend Hightower lost a hard-fought game to an Allen team who won their first of four state championships across a seven year period. After a 10-0 regular season, look for Hightower to make a deep run into the playoffs, starting with a mediocre Friendswood team who is looking to raise some eyebrows this week. -Nick Harris
Cypress Creek (6-4) vs. Aldine Davis (6-4) Friday 7:00pm Thorne Stadium, Aldine
Houston Strake Jesuit (6-4) vs. Houston Reagan (9-1) Saturday 7:00pm Delmar Stadium, Houston
Channelview (7-3) vs. Manvel (8-2) Friday 7:00pm Memorial Stadium, Alvin
QB D’Eriq King and the Manvel Mavericks will look to rebound from a heartbreaking loss to Pearland last week and make a deep run in the playoffs, starting with a Channelview team who is on the rise and may be putting the Mavericks on upset alert. -Nick Harris
While Manvel’s season may have been bookended by tough losses, they went on a tear through most of the season. Manvel is stacked with talented, but Channelview will be looking for the upset as they get a taste of the playoffs after missing out last year. Regardless, expect a great show from two of the top quarterbacks in the state. – M. De Leon
Fort Bend Travis (6-4) vs. Clear Creek (10-0) Friday 7:00pm Veterans Memorial Stadium, League City
Region IV
San Antonio MacArthur (6-4) vs. Cibolo Steele (10-0) Friday 7:30pm Lehnhoff Stadium, Schertz
The Knights kept their core together and ran through the 2015 season unscathed. But Steele shouldn’t look past their first round opponent based on record alone. It’s been a transition year with sophomore QB Vitt stepping into a starting role, but he’s done well, and Steele’s vaunted defense will have to contend with Dai’Jon Williams as well. – M. De Leon
Cruel first matchup for the Brahmas having to travel to Cibolo and take on Steele. Daijon Williams is the rock for MacArthur’s offense, but he might be running for his life against Steele defensive end Mark Jackson Jr. – John Diaz
Corpus Christi King (8-2) vs. San Antonio Brennan (8-2) Thursday 7:00pm Farris Stadium, San Antonio
Even after losing several key seniors last year, Stephen Basore’s team was able to have a successful year with several players in key new roles. After two early non-district losses, the Bears bounced back to sweep district and become district champions. Their run game, featuring a pair of mobile quarterbacks and ability to utilize three big play running backs should pose a challenge, but King returned many of their offensive starters, lead by QB Manuel. King also likes to run behind two feature backs, and they will also look to senior TE Hernandez to get them down the field. – M. De Leon.
LaJoya Palmview (4-6) vs. Del Rio (7-3) Saturday 2:00pm Levermann Stadium, Del Rio
Brownsville Veterans Memorial (7-3) vs. Weslaco East (7-2) Thursday 7:00pm Lackey Stadium, Weslaco
Schertz Clemens (8-2) vs. San Antonio Johnson (7-3) Friday 7:30pm Heroes Stadium, San Antonio
Two fun quarterbacks to watch in this one with Johnson’s Josh Theissen going against Clemens’ Frank Harris. Too close to call, but Johnson has the more complete team between the two squads. – John Diaz
San Antonio Brandeis (6-4) vs. Corpus Christi Carroll (7-3) Friday 7:30pm Buccaneer Stadium, Corpus Christi
Behind first year head coach Jeff Fleener, the Brandeis Broncos are looking to make a deep run into the playoffs behind a rejuvenated offense. -Nick Harris
Laredo Alexander (4-6) vs. McAllen (5-5) Saturday 4:00pm Memorial Stadium, McAllen
PSJA North (5-5) vs. San Benito (8-2) Friday 7:30pm Morrow Stadium, San Benito
