Folks, the first half of the Texas UIL Playoffs is finished and we have eight teams from the 806 left in the dance; that's way more teams in the last six years of my coverage and I am very excited for the possibilities. I'm going to say this, and stand by it: We have great shots to win state in every classification from 2A-6A. Lastly, Post will win a state championship this year. So, with that said, let's look at all seven games involving our 806 teams!
6ADII
TASCOSA VS DENTON GUYER
SATURDAY 11:00AM, THE STAR FRISCO TEXAS
Tascosa just keeps knocking off Metroplex teams in the playoffs, and Joseph Plunk keeps playing historically and putting up massive numbers in the process. Plunk scored six rushing touchdowns against Flower Mound Marcus Saturday and the Rebels' defense slowed down a powerful offense en route to a 49-16 win to advance to the State Quarterfinals against Denton Guyer this Saturday at the Star in Frisco, Texas. Now, this is a virtual home game for Guyer, but the Rebels play their best games on the road. This will be a game that most-likely will come down to the last possession.
5ADII
LUBBOCK-COOPER VS WF RIDER
FRIDAY 7PM ABILENE WYLIE HS
This game was one we all saw coming since August. The Raiders knocked off Lubbock-Cooper last year in the State Quarters and look to do so again, even though the Pirates dominated Rider earlier this season in district play. What's different from last season coming into this year's big contest? To me, it's the mindset of the Pirates. They are severely locked in this season and are doing what's required in the film room and in practice to succeed in these types of moments. Nehemiah Martinez and the entire offensive unit has turned it up a notch so don't be surprised if the Pirates cruise to another victory and see Aledo in the State Semifinal.
4ADI
DUMAS VS SPRINGTOWN
FRIDAY 6PM GRANDE COMMUNICATIONS STADIUM
MIDLAND, TX
Fear the Fork! How about Dumas' run in this year's playoffs? Undefeated at 13-0 so far and they aren't done yet! How big was it for the Demons to knock off Decatur Friday in a great effort from both sides of the ball! Ah Lee Yart also came up clutch as well for the Demons on his game-winning 27-yard field goal! Next up for the Demons is Springtown's Porcupines on Friday at Grande! They both have beaten Hereford and Hirschi. Also, Dumas beat Decatur while Springtown lost by a touchdown to the Eagles. Dumas' secondary will be tested often, but Suggs and the rest of the fellas playing in the backend will be ready. Dumas should pull this one out in the fourth quarter again.
3A DII
CANADAIN VS ABERNATHY
FRIDAY 7PM BUFFALO PARK, WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
Crazy to think we all knew this was coming since the Summer. Abernathy and Bryson Daily against Grant McCook and the Canadian Wildcats at West Texas' new stadium at Buffalo Park on Friday at 7:00pm. Last year, the Wildcats slowed down the Antelopes en route to a 17-7 win. This year may be different as Bryson has gotten better along with Miles Keith, DeAnda, Clarkson, Hoel and more who are ready to help and contribute to Coach Darrell Daily's attack. This game, to me, will determine who WINS a state title in 3A DII as this is the game of the year in that classification.
2A DI
POST VS HAWLEY
FRIDAY 7PM MUSTANG BOWL, SWEETWATER, TEXAS
Post really showed their moxy in a 48-14 domination of West Texas Friday and made a statement to the rest of 2A DI as well. Ashton Jefferson, running behind that unbelievable line, has flourished and looked unstoppable at times. Post can attack you in so many ways and are always changing their looks on defense so their opponents can't get used to one look. Hawley survived Sundown Friday and will be a tough test for the Antelopes, even though Post will win by at least 17 points to advance and meet up with San Saba; probably in Abilene next weekend for a shot at Jerry's World
2ADII
STRATFORD VS WINK
FRIDAY, 7PM JONES AT&T STADIUM (TEXAS TECH)
LUBBOCK, TX
Stratford is still rolling and looking great after another win over a district opponent in the playoffs as they defeated Gruver, 25-6 on Friday. Iuden Romero is really coming into his own and making a lasting impression on the entire state! I expect a 20-point win for Stratford and another dominating rushing attack too.
2A DII
WELLINGTON VS HAMLIN
FRIDAY 7PM LIONS STADIUM
VERNON TX
Wellington should have payback on their mind as the Pied Pipers knocked them out of the playoffs in one of the biggest stunners of the year in last year's playoffs. John Holcomb and rest of Coach Proffitt's team should be locked in and ready to advance and take on, of all teams, Stratford.. for a chance at their first title since 2013....
Jason Pearson
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