After a week away — car trouble — from the previews, here we are again. Week 8 is setting up to be arguably the biggest week of the season for a variety of reasons, namely that a lot of teams have everything on the line this week.
But, the marquee game isn't one with everything on the line. Fairfield comes into Palestine tonight in a battle of two teams who have yet to lose a district game. Fairfield comes in at 7-0 on the season, Palestine is 5-2, having won four-straight games.
Outside of the Dogwood Circle and the Fairfield area, this game isn't really getting much attention. It's understandable. In East Texas Class 3A alone, Van will take on Lindale and Carthage and Henderson will face off. Those are, arguably, four of the state's top-15 3A football teams, including a battle between last year's D-I and D-II state champions.
But, just because the attention won't be here doesn't mean this game isn't huge.
Fairfield (7-0, 2-0) at PALESTINE (5-2, 2-0)
This is a chance for both teams to prove whether they're really "for real" or not. Fairfield is 7-0, but it's a perfect record that comes with a bit of an asterisk. The Eagles seven opponents have a combined record of 12-37. They've only beaten one team (Class 2A Teague) which has a winning record, and have beaten two winless teams. On the other hand there's Palestine, who's schedule was a bit tougher. The Wildcats have played three teams (Pittsburg, Van and Athens) better than anyone on Fairfield's schedule. The Wildcats are 1-2 in those games, but the Pittsburg game was close. Both teams want to run the football, so don't be surprised if this one gets over with early.
My Pick: Palestine 37, Fairfield 30
Groesbeck (1-6, 0-2) at WESTWOOD (2-5, 0-2)
Aside from the above matchup, there may be no game on the schedule with more on the line than this one at Panther Stadium. The winner of this game keeps their player hopes alive, the loser is basically knocked out of postseason contention. Groesbeck can run the football, but makes critical errors and has a shaky defense. The same things can be said about the Panthers.
My Pick: Westwood 55, Groesbeck 42
Crockett (6-1, 2-0) at ELKHART (3-4, 0-2)
The fall has been hard and fast for Elkhart, who after a 3-1 start has lost its last three games. It doesn't get any easier this week, a week when the Elks would need to win to stay alive for the playoffs. Unfortunately, Crockett is coming to town, and may take the Elks once-high playoff hopes with it when the Bulldogs leave.
My Pick: Crockett 49, Elkhart 14
Joaquin (3-4, 1-1) at FRANKSTON (2-5, 1-1)
The Indians got a much-needed victory over West Rusk last week and welcome in high-powered Joaquin to Jeff and Opal Austin Stadium tonight. Between them, these two teams average more than 700 yards rushing per game, so expect plenty of defense. If Frankston's defense can repeat last week's performance even half-way, the Indians could secure their place as the second-best team in District 9-2A, Div. II.
My Pick: Frankston 48, Joaquin 42
CAYUGA (2-5, 0-2) at Cross Roads (2-5, 0-2)
After seven weeks, Cayuga is finally going to get a matchup that it prefers. For the first seven weeks of the season the Wildcats have been pitted against heavy, smash-mouthed football teams. Cross Roads will play more of a spread offense, which should benefit a small but fast Cayuga defense. Like plenty of other teams on this list, Cayuga really needs a win to stay alive in the playoff hunt.
My Pick: Cayuga 28, Cross Roads 17
Garrison (6-1, 2-0) at GRAPELAND (3-4, 2-0)
Think the quarterback position is overrated? Ask Grapeland fans what they think. Since the return of senior signal-caller Cameron Boyd from injury, the Sandies are 2-0 and have taken up a spot right alongside state-ranked Garrison atop the district standings. This week, the Sandies get a shot at the reigning champs, who travel to Grapeland in a battle of district leaders.
My Pick: Garrison 43, Grapeland 21
OAKWOOD (7-0, 2-0) at Coolidge (3-4, 1-0)
Before 2011 started, Oakwood's goal was the "Protect the Crown." So far, mission accomplished. The Panthers are a perfect 7-0 and look to make it eight when they travel to Coolidge tonight, the Panthers last trip of the season. The best thing about this season has been Oakwood's seamless transition offensively despite losing star running back Junior Edwards.
My Pick: Oakwood 74, Coolidge 27
There they are, my picks for tonight's games. What do you think, who gets the wins tonight?
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