Full 4A area 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 4A DIVISION I
Region I
Pampa (8-3) vs. Mineral Wells (9-2) Friday 7:00pm Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock
Andrews (10-1) vs. Brownwood (9-2) Friday 7:30pm San Angelo Stadium, San Angelo
Abilene Wylie (9-2) vs. Borger (5-6) TBD
Stephenville (4-6) vs. Levelland (6-4-1) Friday 7:30pm Mustang Bowl, Sweetwater
Stephenville pulled off a big upset last week against a Decatur team that lost just one game all season prior to last week’s 49-28 loss. They’ll look for another upset win on Friday against a Levelland team whose record is a bit deceiving. The Lobos may be known for their offense behind QB Gerber who threw for 6 TDs and ran for one, but their defense proved plenty last week. – Michael De Leon
Region II
Kennedale (11-0) vs. Athens (8-3) Friday 7:30pm Lion Memorial Stadium, Ennis
Argyle (10-1) vs. Pittsburg (10-1) Friday 7:30pm Royse City ISD Stadium, Royse City
While these teams seem identical in many ways, including records and offense, Argyle has got to be the favorite. Pittsburg has the offense, led by QB Baca, to contend with Argyle’s offense, but defense is another thing altogether. Could be close, but look for Argyle to move on unless they make uncharacteristic mistakes. – Michael De Leon.
Texarkana Liberty-Eylau (10-1) vs. Sanger (10-1) Thursday 7:00pm Royse City ISD Stadium, Royse City
Kaufman (10-1) vs. Alvarado (9-2) Friday 7:30pm Gopher-Warrior Bowl, Grand Prairie
Region III
Kilgore (8-3) vs. El Campo (8-3) Friday Time 7:30pm Texan Drive Stadium, New Caney
Silsbee (9-2) vs. Sealy (6-5) Friday 7:30pm Woodforest Bank Stadium, Shenandoah
Navasota (11-0) vs. Jasper (7-4) Friday 7:00pm Moorehead Stadium, Conroe
Navasota senior Tren’Davian Dickson needs one more touchdown catch to break Jordan Shipley’s state record of 73. Their defense played pretty laxed the entire second half last week, but being up 42-0 going into halftime will do that to you. Jasper should be in for a long night. – John Diaz
Stafford (11-0) vs. Carthage (8-3) Friday 7:00pm Turner Stadium, Humble
Stafford has never advanced to the third round of the playoffs, but they look to change that this week against Carthage. They have an experience roster of juniors and seniors, but face a Carthage team that performs its best under pressure. If Stafford wants to advance, they need to jump on Carthage early and often. – John Diaz
Region IV
Waco LaVega (11-0) vs. Rockport-Fulton (7-3) Friday 7:30pm Rhodes Stadium, Katy
The Pirates burn teams with their speed and their running game wears down the defense. A mistake-free La Vega will be tough to stop. – John Hillman
Liberty Hill (9-2) vs. Gonzales (5-6) Friday 7:30pm Hawk Stadium, Fischer
LaVernia (7-4) vs. Gatesville (5-6) Friday 7:30pm Shelton Stadium, Buna
The Hornets looked impressive beating Taylor in bi-district action. How long this Cinderella can dance at the playoff ball remains to be seen,. But Gatesville has already faced stiff competition in district from China Spring and La Vega and now the Hornets know what it takes to win. – John Hillman
LaFeria (8-2) vs. China Spring (10-1) Saturday 3:00pm Rutledge Stadium, Converse
The Cougars appear to be hitting their stride and would relish the opportunity to face district rival La Vega again in the playoffs.- John Hillman
CLASS 4A DIVISION II
Region I
Iowa Park (7-4) vs. Krum (5-6) TBD
Sweetwater (11-0) vs. Aubrey (7-4) Friday 7:30pm Pirate Stadium, Granbury
Celina (11-0) vs. Monahans (7-4) Friday 7:00pm Shotwell Stadium, Abilene
Anna (3-8) vs. Perryton (6-5) Friday 7:00pm Bulldog Stadium, Cache, OK
Region II
Gilmer (11-0) vs. Mexia (7-4) Friday 7:30pm Memorial Stadium, Mesquite
Gilmer is likely the favorite as the Buckeyes have not missed a beat record-wise in the post-Traylor era, but Gilmer did have a close game last week, and that may be enough motivation for a talented Mexia team. If Gilmer can limit turnovers, their defense will take care of the rest. – Michael De Leon
Center (9-2) vs. Fairfield (8-3) Friday 7:30pm Lobo Stadium, Longview
The Eagles will give the ball to Charles Oliver at every opportunity. How well Fairfield performs depends largely on his performance. – John Hillman
Lorena (8-3) vs. Canton (6-5) Friday 7:30pm Newsom Stadium, Mansfield
The Leopolds surprised everyone by going undefeated in district and collecting an impressive opening playoff win. The streak should continue against Canton. – John Hillman
Coldspring (7-4) vs. Atlanta (7-4) Saturday 2:00pm Bruce Field, Athens
Region III
West Orange-Stark (10-1) vs. Wharton (8-3) Friday 7:30pm Maddry Stadium, Channelview
West Orange-Stark not only won 63-0 last week, but the “Chain Gang” held Scarborough to -40 yards of offense. I repeat, negative 40 yards of offense. Wharton’s in for some trouble. – John Diaz
LaMarque (9-2) vs. Caldwell (7-4) Friday 7:30pm Falcon Stadium, Huffman
Giddings (11-0) vs. Orangefield (6-5) Friday 7:30pm The Rig, Pearland
Bellville (9-2) vs. Hamshire-Fannett (8-3) Friday 7:30pm Memorial Stadium, Klein
Region IV
Geronimo Navarro (10-0) vs. Yoakum (6-5) Friday 7:30pm Memorial Stadium, Bastrop
Devine (10-1) vs. Cuero (6-5) Friday 7:30pm Heroes Stadium, San Antonio
Sinton (10-0) vs. Llano (4-7) Friday 7:30pm Veterans Memorial Stadium, San Antonio
Orange Grove (10-0) vs. Wimberley (4-7) Saturday TBD Memorial Stadium, Victoria
An overmatched Wimberley team is going to have more than it can handle in a Bulldog team that has not lost a game all season. – Michael De Leon
