After the majority of the local squads got the weekend off last weekend, everyone returns to the field tonight. Everyone also begins their quest for a district title.
All seven local squads begin district play tonight, headlined by the resurgent Palestine Wildcats taking on visiting Groesbeck.
But, there are plenty of intriguing matchups already in the first week of district, plenty of which could alter the playoff landscape.
That's right, games played tonight could easily be looked upon in four weeks as deciding factors in the playoff races.
Excited yet?
Groesbeck (1-4) at PALESTINE (3-2)
Fresh off their two victories to close out non-district play — including a thrilling win over Athens — the Wildcats' confidence may be at a season-high. No disrespect intended, but Groesbeck will probably only help that. The Goats are struggling through a rebuilding year and have move away from their pass-happy offense from a year ago in favor of the triple-option. In reality, Palestine should be able to get some back-ups some significant time tonight.
My Pick: Palestine 54, Groesbeck 10
WESTWOOD (2-3) at Madisonville (1-4)
This game might be the Game of the Week and could easily decide who snags District 20-3A's final playoff spot. The Panthers are coming off a win over Rusk and Madisonville has played the toughest schedule of any of 20-3A's teams. Westwood seems to have things moving in the right direction, and a win tonight would only steer them straighter.
My Pick: Westwood 41, Madisonville 30
Trinity (2-3) at ELKHART (3-2)
The Elks are looking to forget the drubbing the team took at the hands of Mildred before the bye, and what better way to do that than to welcome in District 11-2A's worst team. Elkhart won this game on the road last year and the Elks are a better team this year. Translation: Elkhart should open up district with an easy W.
My Pick: Elkhart 42, Trinity 13
FRANKSTON (1-4) at Arp (3-2)
Neither Frankston nor Arp probably have the overall records they envisioned they'd have heading into this matchup preseason. Never the less, these are still the best two teams in District 9-2A DII hands down, and this one could basically decide the district title. Both have played tough schedules to date, but Arps is probably tougher. And, the game is in Arp.
My Pick: Arp 37, Frankston 30
CAYUGA (2-3) at Riesel (3-2)
Much like the Westwood/Madisonville game could this year, the Cayuga/Riesel game last season decided District 8-A's third-place team during the district's first week of play. That could easily be the case again, although neither is out of is with Kerens suffering through rebuilding this season. Riesel plays its standard smash-mouth football, something that has given Cayuga trouble so far this season. But, Cayuga's offense seems to finally be rolling. This one could be interesting.
My Pick: Riesel 20, Cayuga 17
Shelbyville (3-2) at GRAPELAND (1-4)
The records heading into this one are slightly deceiving. On one hand, there's Shelbyville which boasts a 3-2 mark, all three coming in the last three weeks. That being said, they've come against teams that are a combined 3-11. On the other hand there's Grapeland, who is 1-4 but have played the better part of the past three games without QB Cameron Boyd, among others. Boyd is back, expect him to bring a win with him.
My Pick: Grapeland 29, Shelbyville 20
OAKWOOD (5-0) at Apple Springs (3-2-1)
That's right, a tie. Apple Springs has tied this season (20-20 against Karnack). Game result oddities aside, Oakwood begins its journey to "Defend the crown" on the road against an Apple Springs team that is used to winning titles. After the Panthers narrow escape against Trinidad (80-73) last week, expect Oakwood to come in a bit more focused for this one.
My Pick: Oakwood 64, Apple Springs 40
What do you think, who's gonna win tonight?
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