The Cooldown- Week 12
The playoffs are rolling on this week for the small schools and two area powerhouses impressed in wins last weekend. The playoff picture is just starting to take shape for the big schools while the small schools move on to the second round. Let’s recap last weekend and preview the best games in the area this upcoming weekend.
Duncanville takes down Cedar Hill
I know Cedar Hill fans are probably still upset over the incomplete "pass" call that went in Duncanville’s favor. I think there’s a legitimate gripe there. However, when QB1 praises the opposing defense after the game, that tells me all I need to know. This Duncanville team is for real. The Panthers are once again are the favorites to represent DFW at the 6A DI Championship Game. Cedar Hill is one of the favorites to make a run to the 6A DII Championship Game and I think they’ll do it.
The Panthers defeated the Longhorns 28-14 behind two passing touchdowns from Grayson James and three total touchdowns from Malachi Medlock. Kaidon Salter scored both of Cedar Hill’s touchdowns, one on the ground and one through the air on a 4th and 10 pass to Jayden Moore. Aside from those two plays, the Duncanville defense was able to limit him for much of the night. This was a great win for Duncanville, and I think we could see both of these teams playing for a state title in January.
Allen defeats Denton Guyer
I was at this game and the way in which Allen’s offense was able to get whatever it wanted in the running game against Guyer’s defense was impressive. The offensive line was able to move the Guyer defensive line effectively and the Eagles jumped out to a big halftime lead. Allen scored all of its touchdowns on the ground. Jordan Johnson and Jaylen Jenkins both scored two touchdowns on the ground, and quarterbacks General Booty and Jake Wolff each scored two touchdowns on the ground as well. Eli Stowers still had a good night, finishing with 260 passing yards and 131 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. BJ Phillips scored the Wildcats other three touchdowns on the ground. Allen routed Guyer 56-38 to silence the doubters once again. Allen is in control and on its way to another district championship, but still has Prosper on the schedule.
Player of the Week
My player of the week is Flower Mound quarterback Nick Evers. Flower Mound needed a win to stay alive in the playoff hunt following a string of losses. Evers delivered in a big win over Plano East. Evers finished with five total touchdowns and more than 450 total yards to propel the Jaguars past Plano East 63-21. The job is far from over though. Flower Mound is just 1-3 in district play, though the three losses came to three of the best teams in the district. If Evers can follow up this performance with big games against Plano West and Plano, Flower Mound could set itself up for a win and you’re in situation in the season finale against Coppell. If the Jaguars win out- they would finish 4-3 in district play. Flower Mound will need to win out and might need help from other teams as well. Anything less than that and the season is over for Flower Mound.
Team of the Week
My team of the week is the Duncanville Panthers. Cedar Hill was fresh off an emotional win over a great DeSoto team the Longhorns have been playing really good football. Duncanville brought a high-powered offense to a grinding halt in a 28-14 win. The Panthers proved they have one of the best defense’s in the entire state. Duncanville has relied on a high-powered offense in the past, but the defense seems to be the strength of this team this year.
Games to Watch
Thursday, November 19
Stephenville @ Argyle
Argyle rolled over North Dallas in the opening round of the playoffs and will have more of a test in the second round. The Eagles should win this one by a few touchdowns, but Stephenville is capable of putting up some points. I expect this to be a fairly high scoring game with Argyle notching another playoff win.
Keller Timber Creek @ Keller Central
This game is crucial in the race for the fourth playoff spot in District 4-6A. We know Southlake Carroll and Eaton will take the top two spots in this district. Byron Nelson is 2-2 and has a leg up on the rest of the teams in this district for a playoff spot. Timber Creek is 1-1 in district play and Central is 1-2 in district play. Timber Creek really needs a win in this one with Eaton and Southlake Carroll left on the schedule. Central would be in a really good place with a win this weekend and the top two teams out of the way.
Frisco Reedy @ Frisco Wakeland
This is another game with big playoff implications. Frisco Reedy is 3-1 in district play while Frisco Wakeland is 3-3. Wakeland needs a win to keep its playoff hopes alive. Wakeland and Reedy join The Colony and Frisco Independence as teams with three wins in district play. These four teams will be competing for the last two playoff spots behind Frisco Lone Star and Denton Ryan. Wakeland still has Denton on the schedule while Reedy still has games against Frisco Centennial and The Colony. This district race is tight and should have a thrilling finish.
Friday, November 20
Aledo @ Mansfield Timberview
Let’s try this again! These two were set to square off a few weeks ago before the game had to be canceled. The wait has been well worth it. Mansfield Timberview is 3-0 in district play and 7-0 on the season and is a serious threat to Aledo in district play. The winner of this game will take the district crown. Aledo is 2-0 in district play and 4-1 on the season. Both should go on deep playoff runs but there’s a lot of pride at stake for Aledo in this one. It should be a great game but I am picking Aledo in a close one.
Lewisville @ Coppell
Lewisville and Coppell join Hebron with 2-1 district records behind 4-0 Flower Mound Marcus. Those four teams are the current four in the playoffs- but there’s a long way to go before anything is finalized. Plano West is 2-2 and Flower Mound has some momentum with a 1-3 record looking to make up some ground in the standings. I think Lewisville will win this one in a shootout, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Coppell won this one. I’ll be keeping my eyes on this game for sure.
Northwest Eaton @ Southlake Carroll
This will be a measuring stick game for Eaton. The Eagles won’t win this one but should look to be competitive. This game should finalize the top two seeds in District 4-6A, and I have Southlake Carroll by a few touchdowns.
Lovejoy @ Frisco
We have a battle of two undefeated teams! This one will be for the District 7-5A DII Championship! Lovejoy is 4-0 in district play and 7-0 on the season. Frisco is 4-0 in district play and 6-0 on the season. This should be a great game between two talented teams, but I am taking Frisco over Lovejoy this weekend.
Frisco Independence @ The Colony
I mentioned the playoff race in this district above but these two teams both have three district wins. Independence is 3-1 while The Colony is 3-2. A win for Independence could vault the Knights to the top of the second tier of teams in this district. Frisco Lone Star and Denton Ryan are clearly the top two teams. Independence has looked like the third best team. A win this weekend would help the Knights secure a playoff spot. The Colony needs a win to keep its playoff hopes alive with four teams competing for two spots.
Melissa @ Kennedale
This might be the best playoff game in the area this weekend. Melissa sits at 10-1 on the season with the lone loss coming to Argyle. The Cardinals beat Dallas Carter handily in the opening round. Kennedale is 10-0 and nearly shutout Brownwood in the opening round of the playoffs. I am excited for this one and I am taking Kennedale in a close one.
Keller Fossil Ridge @ Keller
The loser of this game likely eliminates itself from playoff contention. Both teams are 0-3 in district play and would just about need to win out in order to make the playoffs. Fossil Ridge still has Southlake Carroll on the schedule and its highly unlikely the Panthers make the playoffs even with a win over Keller. The Indians can keep their playoff hopes alive with a win but will likely need help from other teams. Keller will need to beat Fossil Ridge and Byron Nelson to have a chance and will also need Central to lose out. Otherwise, the likely four playoff teams are Southlake Carroll, Eaton, Byron Nelson and Central.