Wichita Falls area bi-district playoff capsules
4A DIVISION II
Graham (7-3) vs. Godley (4-6)
When/Where: 7 p.m. Friday, Aledo
What to know: The Steers begin their regional title defense against a Wildcats’ team that lost four games by eight points or less and went through a coaching change in mid-September as Daniel Davis was named the interim. The Wildcats operate out of the spread and rely on Ian Mapes (1,093 rushing yards, 12 TDs) to move the ball plus have a big-play threat in 6-foot-3 receiver Brenen Hawkins. The Steers didn’t allow more than 17 points in any district win, although they needed strong second halves to pull away from multiple 3-4A Division II foes. Graham isn’t as offensively explosive as it was last year, but the Hunter Lanham/Chase Gilmore/Daniel Gilbertson trio is as dangerous a QB/RB/WR combination as there is in the area. Gilmore enters the playoffs with 1,501 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns. The winner faces either Lubbock Estacado or Fort Stockton in the area round.
Coach’s quote: “We’ve got to stay focused and keep doing what we’ve been doing. Our reminder is No. 4 Vernon beat No. 1 Glen Rose last year. The seeding doesn’t matter, you’ve got to come ready to play.” – Graham’s Kenny Davidson
Pigskinprep.com says: Graham by 27.
Iowa Park (5-5) vs. Hillsboro (5-5)
When/Where: 7 p.m. Friday, Bridgeport
What to know: The Hawks have won their past four games and they’re also 4-0 in bi-district matchups under Aubrey Sims, including a 35-21 decision over Hillsboro two years ago. This year’s Eagles just about broke even in the scoring department (243-240), but Glen Rose and Ferris overwhelmed them in district by a combined 75-3. Hillsboro’s defense is its biggest strength with safety Keke Lucas (102 tackles) and linebacker Demond Oliver (96) wreaking havoc. The Hawks have found a groove offensively after losing their district opener to Graham with Brendin Fallon (1,018 rushing yards) leading the way. In the four-game winning streak, quarterback Trent Green has completed 67 percent of his passes for 645 yards and seven scores. The winner faces either Levelland or Monahans in the area round.
Coach’s quote: “Defensively they swarm to the football. They have a bunch of kids who look like receivers playing all 11 positions. They’ve struggled a little bit offensively, but they have the weapons if they ever figure it out.” – Iowa Park’s Aubrey Sims
Pigskinprep.com says: Iowa Park by 12.
Vernon (4-6) vs. Ferris (6-3)
When/Where: 7 p.m. Friday, Springtown
What to know: The Lions are facing a Ferris team that has won six of its past seven games after an 0-2 start. That one loss was a 72-23 setback against 4-4A Division II champion Glen Rose. The Yellow Jackets haven’t had a winning season since 2013 and are a power running team that likes to play keepaway. Tailback Damian Edwards (1,321 yards, 18 TDs) is Ferris’ focal point, but the Yellow Jackets do have a deep threat in receiver Matthew Nunez (35-966-11). Vernon has been inconsistent in 2018 but has the linemen like seniors Truman Castleberry and Marc Rodriguez that can give teams problems in the trenches. Sophomore quarterback BT White has been a bright spot with 1,136 yards and 17 rushing touchdowns. The winner faces either Midland Greenwood or Perryton in the area round.
Coach’s quote: “I would have liked to go into it with a win, but I like where we’re at going into the playoffs. It’s hard to get a gauge on (Ferris) when watching them play their district teams.” – Vernon’s Matthew Hoover
Pigskinprep.com says: Ferris by 9.
3A DIVISION II
Holliday (9-1) vs. Dublin (8-2)
When/Where: 7 p.m. Friday, Graham
What to know: After facing predominantly running teams in district, Holliday’s stout defense gets its first spread passing test since non-district at Newton Field. Dublin started out 7-0 before suffering double-digit losses to Jacksboro and Comanche. Three of the Lions’ wins were by one point, including a 35-34 decision over Millsap last week. Quarterback Cy Wing has thrown for 2,108 yards and 20 touchdowns while only having been picked off once in 203 attempts. Jacob Stanley (61-1,181-15) is his go-to receiver, and Holliday’s objective will be to generate enough pressure with Tanner Bayard, Jake Turner and company to disrupt the Lions’ aerial attack. The Eagles’ starting defense hasn’t allowed a touchdown to anyone besides No. 2 Gunter and their running game is averaging 274 yards per outing, third only behind Hirschi and Jacksboro. Speaking of the Tigers, they gashed Dublin 468 yards on the ground three weeks ago. The winner faces either No. 6 Clifton or Rice in the area round.
Coach’s quote: “They’ve made plays. The quarterback extends plays really well. That’s what they hang their hat on. He escapes pressure and what they do well is what I call the scramble drill.” – Holliday’s Frank Johnson
Pigskinprep.com says: Holliday by 20.
Jacksboro (6-4) vs. Henrietta (5-5)
When/Where: 7 p.m. Friday, Bowie
What to know: This rare all-area matchup features two teams that started out slow in 2018 as they both had to replace several key players from the season before. Brannon Rodgers’ Tigers have the same offensive identity as during last year’s 11-win season, but they’ve relied on several new ballcarriers to get the job done. Ethan Fudge has the most carries (93) and yards (578). Henrietta’s undersized defense can’t afford to get worn down, but the Bearcats are used to seeing power running teams, having played Holliday and Gunter already. Mason Marchman (846 rushing yards, 12 TDs) makes the Bearcats go, and their ability to throw the ball with quarterback Jonah Lyde could be crucial against a Tiger defense that’s better against the run. Jacksboro’s offense averages almost twice as many points as Henrietta’s did (34.5-18.3). The winner faces either Buffalo or Hamilton in the area round.
Coach’s quote: “We know they’re going to line up and try to run over us, and we have to see how we handle it.” – Henrietta’s Byron West
Pigskinprep.com says: Jacksboro by 21.
Nocona (4-6) vs. Comanche (7-3)
When/Where: 7 p.m. Friday, Mineral Wells
What to know: This all-Indian matchup features teams who’d have different seasons as Comanche had the 6-3A Division II title wrapped up before last week’s finale and Nocona needed to beat City View to get to this point. But there are similarities between the two sides as both are physical up front and prefer to run the ball. Comanche has several guys who carry the ball, but senior Kade Mercer (1,199 rushing yards, 15 TDs) is the best of the bunch. Comanche’s defense has also been stout, blanking Clyde and De Leon early on and holding Jacksboro to 14 points. Tyler Richards leads Nocona in rushing with 556 yards and five TDs, and it’ll be important for the underdogs to stretch the field vertically against a stout Comanche front. The winner faces either Edgewood or Rogers in the area round.
Coach’s quote: “We’ll have to play well to play with them, there’s no doubt. I do think it’s a good matchup for us. Where we struggle is tackling people in space and the spread teams. With what they do, that’s what we play against the best.” – Nocona’s Brad Keck
Pigskinprep.com says: Comanche by 27.
2A DIVISION I
Seymour (9-1) vs. Ozona (2-7)
When/Where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Brownwood
What to know: The Panthers won’t be overlooking Ozona, not after losing as a district champ in this round a year ago. The Lions beat Forsan to finish fourth in 3-2A Division I, but played a demanding schedule that included Iraan, Crane, Sonora and then Hawley and Stamford in district. Both teams lost to Hawley, but Seymour’s outcome (14-12) was much closer than Ozona (35-12). The Lions’ strength is in the trenches and they’ve got a running back in Abraham Rodriguez (995 yards, 12 TDs) who has big-play ability. Seymour’s defense, led by Heath Martinez (20 sacks) plus linebackers Caden Gilbreath and Jake Carter, has yet to allow more than 14 points in a game. Considering the Lions average 18.2, it’s hard to see Cade Holden and company needing to light up the scoreboard to advance. The winner faces either Stinnett West Texas or Floydada in the area round.
Coach’s quote: “I think we can move the ball against anyone and play defense against anyone. That’s what we’ve proven all year. We’ve topped some really good teams and are two points away from being 10-0.” – Seymour’s Hugh Farmer
Pigskinprep.com says: Seymour by 16.
2A DIVISION II
Windthorst (6-4) vs. Memphis (4-6)
When/Where: 7 p.m. Thursday, Vernon
What to know: The battle-tested Trojans enter this matchup coming off a loss to Muenster, but they re about as battle-tested as they come. The Cyclones placed fourth in 5-2A Division II and were outscored by Wellington, Wheeler and Quanah by a combined 120-14. Memphis lineman Broadrick Logan (6-0, 270) is a next-level prospect who Windthorst will have to account for on both sides of the ball. The Cyclones prefer the power running game anyway, but they have been without quarterback Genaro Luna the past couple weeks. That means Cruz Torres and Cutter O’Neal will take the snaps. The Cyclones average only 14.4 points per game, so if they can’t slow down Windthorst’s up-tempo attack led by Hunter Wolf (2,546 yards, 26 TDs) early on at Lion Stadium, it could prove to be an uphill battle for the Cyclones. The winner faces either Hamlin or Miles in the area round.
Coach’s quote: “I was pleased with what we did against (Muenster). I didn’t think they wore us out or anything. I think it inspired the kids and gave them some confidence.” – Windthorst’s Chris Tackett
Pigskinprep.com says: Windthorst by 25.
Archer City (8-2) vs. Wheeler (7-3)
When/Where: 7 p.m. Friday, Quanah
What to know: The Wildcats are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2010, and Shad Hanna’s squad gets a stout opponent right off the bat. Wheeler lost close games to Lubbock Trinity and Clarendon in non-district and then fell to No. 2 Wellington 42-8 last week. The Mustangs have won every other game by multiple touchdowns with junior quarterback Gustavo Andrade (1,-14 pasing yards, 12 TDs) and sophomore tailback Hesston Marshall (737 yards, 10 TDs) back from last year’s 6-6 squad. Archer City has multiple offensive weapons around sophomore quarterback Carter Hilbers, but the Wildcats’ calling card has been their defense led by Coltin Knobloch. They’ve forced 38 turnovers and scored seven defensive touchdowns. Both teams beat Quanah with Wheeler taking the Indians down 41-12 and Archer City claiming a 27-6 decision in non-district. The winner advances to face either Eldorado or Haskell in the area round.
Coach’s quote: “I think we match up well. It’s a good game that could go either way. They present some challenges for us. Our kids are ready to play. I’m pleased with where we’re at and excited to be getting for this opportunity.” – Archer City’s Shad Hanna
Pigskinprep.com says: Wheeler by 5.
Quanah (6-4) vs. Santo (9-1)
When/Where: 7 p.m. Friday, Clyde
What to know: The Indians are back in the postseason after a one-year hiatus, and first-year coach Matt Garvin’s squad faces a difficult challenge right off the bat. This bi-district matchups features two different offensive philosophies as Quanah will try to spread teams out while the Wildcats’ veer attack will run right at teams over and over. Clayton Laughery has been the Indians’ offensive catalyst – he’s the area’s only quarterback who has rushed and passed for 1,000 yards in 2018. But yards have been hard to come by against Santo, which is holding opponents to 7.8 points per game and brings plenty of pressure at opposing quarterbacks. The Indians haven’t faced many teams that line up and run right at you like Grant Nemeth and company will. How the Indians’ defense, led by Ryan Alaniz, reacts to that will determine their fate. The winner faces either Albany or Rocksprings in the area round.
Coach’s quote: “They’re big and strong up front. We’ll have to deal with their interior line. We’re pretty big and strong, too. We’re going to have to be ready to go at it for four quarters.” – Quanah’s Matt Garvin
Pigskinprep.com says: Santo by 13.
Electra (3-7) vs. Wellington (10-0)
When/Where: 6 p.m. Thursday, Seymour
What to know: There may not be a bigger underdog in the state this week than the Tigers, who face a legitimate title threat in the No. 2 Skyrockets. Wellington, which boasts Texas Tech commit Trevor Roberson (6-11, 360), has outscored its opponents 480-70. Jo Jo McKnight (1,538 passing yards, 26 TDs) has thrived taking over at quarterback and is a dual threat with a quick release. Running back Jailen Dixon has enjoyed a breakout sophomore season for the Tigers, gaining 912 yards and 10 TDs on the ground. But Wellington is a couple notches above the other three 6-2A Division II playoff teams, who beat Electra by an average of 41.7 points. The winner faces either Christoval or Cross Plains in the area round.
Coach’s quote: “It was a chore just getting here. Hopefully we can have a little bit of success, move the ball and try to score some touchdowns.” – Electra’s Brian Ramsey
Pigskinprep.com says: Wellington by 68.