The Cooldown: Week Seven
Cover Photo via the Dallas Morning News/ Steve Nurenberg
It is officially go time. Most teams across the state have played six games and have just four left to make a mark this season. We are now in the portion of the season where the playoff picture takes shape. Now, let’s recap a few games from last weekend and look ahead to a few important matchups coming up this weekend.
The Colony defeats Brewer
The Colony took down Brewer on the road 43-36 by pitching a second half shutout and outscoring the Bears by 22 points after halftime. Carson Cox and Xavier Green captained the comeback effort, along with the defensive effort.
The Colony quarterback Carson Cox completed 12 of his 24 passes for 218 yards and three touchdowns and added 166 yards and two more scores on the ground. Kendrick McClodden was the other leading rusher for The Colony with 39 yards and a touchdown. Xavier Green caught nine passes for 215 yards and three scores to lead the receiving corps.
Brewer quarterback Jordan Clark completed seven of his 15 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown and also rushed for 112 yards and another score. Jaden Garrett led the rushing attack with 187 yards and three touchdowns and Jovon Sparkman added 48 yards on the ground. Cameron Carr led the receivers with a 53-yard touchdown reception.
The win keeps The Colony in the playoff hunt. The Cougars are 3-2 in District 3-5A DI and trail Aledo (5-0), Denton Ryan (4-1), Burleson Centennial (3-1) and Northwest (3-1) in the district standings. The Cougars still have Northwest on the schedule, and there will be more on that game below.
Frisco Lone Star takes down Frisco Centennial in Overtime
I try to write about as many different districts as possible throughout the year while also writing about the most intriguing and competitive games. If it seems like there’s been a lot of District 6-5A DI content this season, there has been. That district can’t seem to avoid wild finishes and one-score games. This time, Frisco Lone Star erased a three touchdown deficit to defeat Frisco Centennial 35-28 in overtime. The Rangers didn’t score until late in the third quarter and trailed 21-0 prior to that score. An explosive fourth quarter and a defensive stand in overtime ultimately clinched the game for Frisco Lone Star.
Frisco Lone Star quarterback Colin Blackstock completed 20 of his 26 passes for 294 yards and four total touchdowns. Bryson Jones led the receiving corps with nine receptions for 159 yards and two touchdowns, and Karece Hoyt caught four passes for 66 yards and a score. Davian Groce led the ground attack with 71 yards and a score on 18 carries.
Frisco Centennial quarterback Jace Patton completed 11 of his 26 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown. Harry Stewart rushed for 73 yards and two scores on 29 carries. Jacob Stover led the receiving corps with eight receptions for 100 yards and Tyler Hughes caught a 57-yard touchdown pass. Frisco Lone Star remained undefeated in District 6-5A DI with the win and Frisco Centennial dropped to 1-4 and further behind in the playoff race.
Cedar Hill beats Mansfield
Cedar Hill jumped on Mansfield early and never looked back in a 47-14 win. The Longhorns are tied with Waxahachie, Skyline and Mansfield Legacy for the final playoff spot as all four teams are currently 1-2 in District 11-6A. It should be noted that Waxahachie’s losses are against Duncanville and DeSoto. Mansfield is 2-1 in district play, but Cedar Hill will hold a tiebreaker between the two schools if it comes to it at the end of the season.
Cedar Hill quarterback Anthony Edwards completed 11 of his 16 passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for another score. Zhaiylen Scott led the rushing attack despite just two attempts, gaining 81 yards and a touchdown. Mark Brown rushed for 80 yards and a score on two attempts and Cededrick Castleberry rushed for 75 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries. Le’keldrick Bridges caught two passes for 38 yards and a score to lead the receivers along with Keione Bright, who caught three passes for 36 yards and a score.
Mansfield quarterback Braxton Van Cleave completed 13 of his 26 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns Tim Abraham caught four passes for 70 yards while Lincoln Ellington and Dylan Prescott each caught touchdown passes. Marquise Hubbard led the ground game with 104 yards on 15 carries, while James Johnson rushed for 90 yards on 12 carries.
Games to Watch
Thursday, October 12
Sachse (4-2) @ Garland (5-2)
Both of these teams are in line for a playoff spot in District 9-6A. Sachse is 4-0 in district play and Garland is 4-1. This should be a good game, but QB Brenden George and WR Kaliq Lockett will end up being too much for Garland to keep pace with. I am taking Sachse in this one.
Frisco Centennial (2-5) @ Frisco Wakeland (4-2)
The Thursday night Frisco ISD games have been must see so far this season. Frisco Centennial took Frisco Lone Star to overtime last weekend. Hopefully this game is as good as that one was, but I am taking Frisco Wakeland.
Friday, October 13
Allen (4-2) @ McKinney (6-0)
There are still three undefeated teams left in District 5-6A and two of them play one another on Friday night. Allen has found its rhythm after a rough start to the season, but plays McKinney, Denton Guyer and Prosper over its next three games. McKinney also has all three of those teams left on its schedule. How it all plays out is anyones guess, but I am taking McKinney on Friday night.
Northwest (5-1) @ The Colony (3-4)
Both of these teams can put up points in a hurry. The loser of this game will be on the outside of the playoff picture as the fifth team. The Colony has home field advantage, but I am picking Northwest in a close game.
Lancaster (2-4) @ Forney (5-1)
Lancaster’s tough schedule rolls on with one of the best 5A teams in the state. Forney is coming off a tough 13-7 loss to Longview and would love to bounce back against the Tigers. Lancaster got a 34-27 win over Tyler last week and would love to get a winning streak going. Fortunately for Lancaster, the schedule lightens to end the season. I am picking Forney in this one.
Jesuit (3-3) @ Richardson Berkner (4-3)
The District 7-6A playoff race is a mess. Much like District 6-5A DI, games have been competitive every week in this district. Richardson Berkner lost to Highland Park 28-13 last weekend, while Jesuit lost to the Scots in its last game 15-13. Berkner is 4-1 in district play and Jesuit is 2-2. This should be a great game and I am picking Jesuit.
Offensive Player of the Week
My Offensive Player of the Week is Frisco Lone Star receiver Bryson Jones! Frisco Lone Star’s come-from-behind overtime win over Frisco Centennial 35-28 was powered by Jones and Ranger QB Colin Blackstock! Jones caught nine passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning touchdown, in the win.
Defensive Player of the Week
My Defensive Player of the Week is South Grand Prairie linebacker Leo Morris! South Grand Prairie defeated Grand Prairie 31-14 in large part thanks to Morris’ performance. Morris finished with 16 tackles, two tackles-for-loss, a sack, an interception, a QB hurry and two pass break-ups in the win!
Cover Photo of the Cedar Hill Longhorns courtesy of the Dallas Morning News and Special Contributor Steve Nurenberg.