THE UNDEFEATEDS.. OUR TEN TEAMS LEFT AND THEIR CHANCES TO STAY THERE.
Well, it's over 70 teams I cover in the area, and we have ten teams left that are perfect, undefeated, or unblemished; you pick the word. So, let's break down our ten teams and see what's coming, and who is more likely than not to go to the postseason with a goose egg in the loss column.
6A
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5A
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4A
#1.ESTACADO MATADORS (6-0)
UNDEFEATED PREDICTION: YES
This team feels different, in a good kind of way. Our #1 ranked Big School is indeed the hottest team in the 806 with wins over Coronado, Hereford and Pampa on the way to their 6-0 record. With players like Papa Bluitt, Sederick Colbert and Keke Murray on defense and the Dobbins brothers along with TJ Steele on offense, the Matadors are loaded. Coach Cluley and his staff also do a great job of diagnosing their weaknesses and addressing them all week before games. That is honestly what the Matadors will have to do as I don't see a tough game for them until late November. This team will be one of the last teams standing when it's over and done with this season.
#2. CANYON EAGLES (6-0)
So.. Canyon is averaging 50 points a game, and averaging giving up 10... YIKES!! The Eagles have a good shot at going undefeated and have two of their critical three games in district at home. Their game against Dumas will be for the number one seed in the playoffs and also the team that wins will be the one that goes undefeated as well.
#3.DUMAS DEMONS (6-0)
Dumas has already had three teams on their schedule tell them they don't want to play them next year.. That's because they are beating folks down. Dumas arrived state-wide with their big win of WF Rider, in Rider! Can the Demons get a big district win when they visit Kimbrough Stadium on the 25th to play Canyon, who will probably be undefeated too? That game will determine a lot, including both teams' paths to the playoffs.
3A
#4 CANADIAN
UNDEDFEATED PREDICTION: YES
The number one team in 3A DII in the state. Probably the best team in the state in 3A as well. With their win over Grapevine Faith, the Wildcats proved they can hang with and beat any team in the state, period. McCook, Hufstedler, the Koetting’s and more are determined to get back top state and beat Newton this time around. I got a feeling they will.
#5 FRIONA (5-0)
What a start to the year for the Chieftains! 5-0 and ranked #10 in the state in 3A DII! Can they keep it up? They can get a two seed in their district I feel, I just don't see them beating Canadian. I don't think anyone can beat Canadian so that's not too bad! Shoot for 9-1 and get a great seed in the playoffs and go deep. It can be done!
#6 BUSHLAND (5-0)
UNDEFEATED PREDICTION: YES
Bushland has rolled so far this season and are a team that will go undefeated and grab the #1 seed in their district as well. I feel a shootout coming on Friday against Slaton, but after that, it should be an easy run on the way to a deep playoff run. Coach Thomas and his staff have experience going deep... Lookout for the 'FALCS!!
2A
#7 POST ANTELOPES (5-0)
UNDEFEATED PREDICTION: YES
The Antelopes' have cracked the top ten in 2A DI in the state at number ten and are looking to move up the rankings, but more importantly, make a deep run in the postseason. Taytem Thetford has been looking sensational and Ashton Jefferson has been lights out in the backfield. As Coach Pittman stated, the Antelopes have a lot of getting better to do; that's scary that they have room to get better, knowing they are damn good already. Strive for excellence and hot you in the mouth.. That'a the Antelope way.
#8 NEW DEAL LIONS (5-0)
The Lions are coming off a state appearance against Mason in the 2A DI title game. This season, players like Dylan Jerden have stepped up and carried the load while the young players get up to speed. Can New Deal beat Post? That game will determine the #1 and #2 seeds in their district and right now, I give Post a slight edge. New Deal can make a run, of course, so I can't wait to see how they pan out the rest of the way.
#9 SUDAN HORNETS (5-0)
UNDEFEATED PREDICTION: YES
Sudan... I remember last year when they started 9-0 and lost their final game to Farwell, and then lost in the first round too. Will this year be different? I think they go undefeated this season and hopefully for their great fanbase, they make it a few rounds deep. 2A DII is by far the toughest route to get to state..
#10 RALLS JACKRABBITS (5-0)
UNDEFEATED PREDICTION: YES
Ralls will go undefeated this year. So, can they make a run in the postseason? A new coach, and renewed attitude have the JackRabbits ready to roll. I think these guys will make a run to avenge their early playoff exit last season.
Stay tuned as I will update this story until the last team loses!