Thursday’s games
Class 4A
Division I
Canyon (8-2) vs. Wichita Falls (2-8), 7 p.m. Fair Park Stadium, Childress
Canyon has taken on an identity as a physical team which likes to run the football, and there’s no reason to believe the Eagles will stray from that formula in the playoffs. They averaged 41 points a game in earning the No. 1 seed from District 3-4A Division I. That, and a stout defense should make them a big favorite here. Wichita Falls might get an emotional boost since this is the last year the school will exist due to a consolidation in the district. That won’t be enough. … Canyon 40, Wichita Falls 13
Dumas (4-6) at Decatur (6-4), 7 p.m. Tiger Stadium, Snyder
Dumas has found something offensively the last three weeks, mainly due to emergence of freshman sensation Colton Mills at quarterback, as the Demons have scored at least 42 points each of the last three weeks. Defense, though, is another story, and they’ll be severely tested by Decatur’s traditionally prolific passing attack. This could be an extremely entertaining game with lots of points. In the end, though, most of them will belong to Decatur. … Decatur 45, Dumas 28
Division II
West Plains (9-1) vs. Clint (4-6), 7 p.m. Wigwam Stadium, Seminole
West Plains is no longer a mere curiosity, entering the playoffs with a nine-game winning streak and a playoff berth in the first season last year, making the Wolves a feel-good story in their maiden voyage. Difference now is that there are expectations, and they won’t sneak up on anybody. That probably won’t be a factor this week, though, as West Plains is a prohibitive favorite for a reason. Guys like Reid Macon and Jordi Hernandez are veterans now, and it will show. … West Plains 42, Clint 7
Borger (4-6) vs. Monahans (10-0), 7 p.m. Peoples Bank Stadium, Wolfforth
Borger, on the other hand, carries no such burdens into this week, as the Bulldogs have returned to the playoffs in their first season under coach Dane Hamrick. Monahans likely presents them with their toughest test to date, returning a lot of talent from a team which reached the region finals last season. Maybe a short week and facing the unknown could work in Borger’s favor. It won’t be enough to keep Monahans from advancing. … Monahans 34, Borger 7
CLASS 3A
Division I
Bushland (9-1) vs. Brownfield (5-5), 7 p.m. Greg Sherwood Memorial Bulldogs Stadium, Plainview
Don’t expect for the Falcon to have any hiccups in the opening round. … Bushland 58, Brownfield 7
Dalhart (7-3) vs. Denver City (6-4), 8 p.m. PlainsCapital Park Lowrey Field, Lubbock
Denver City was the 1-3A Division I champion but it will be hard for the Mustangs to matchup with the physicality the Golden Wolves present. … Dalhart 28, Denver City 14
Division II
Canadian (10-0) vs. Littlefield (6-4), 7 p.m. Dick Bivins Stadium
Look for Canadian to put this contest to bed in a hurry and get ready for the area round. … Canadian 48, Littlefield 8
CLASS 2A
Division I
Stratford (10-0) vs. Sundown (3-7), 7 p.m. Happy State Bank Stadium
The Elks will blister the Roughnecks behind a powerful run game and an intense defense. Look for Stratford to be around for the long haul. … Stratford 52, Sundown 7
West Texas High (5-5) vs. New Deal (7-3), 7 p.m. Wildcats Stadium, River Road
The Comanches will show grit but in the end the Lions prevail. … New Deal 38, WT High 19
Division II
Wellington (7-3) vs. Vega (2-7), 6 p.m. Harvesters Field, Pampa
This is a rematch of last year’s third round. This time around the Skyrockets just have too much firepower for a Longhorn team that has struggled all year. … Wellington 44, Vega 6
Class 1A
Division II
Whitharral (9-1) vs Groom (5-5), 7 p.m. Owls Stadium, Silverton
If you just looked at the names and not the records, you would think you were about to watch a classic battle. However, this Tigers team just doesn’t have the firepower of previous years and the Panthers are ranked No. 4 for a reason. … Whitharral 62, Groom 16
Friday’s games
Class 5A
Division I
Tascosa (4-6) at El Paso Del Valle (9-1), 7 p.m. CDT, Conquest Stadium
Tascosa arrives in El Paso as the No. 4 seed and not having had the type of season the Rebs have spoiled us with the past decade. But Del Valle lost its stud running back three weeks ago and despite being the No. 1 seed out of District 1-5A played its best ball earlier in the year. Upset special as Tascosa is playing its best ball of the year and makes it six straight bi-district wins in a row. … Tascosa 28, Del Valle 24
Amarillo High (5-5) at El Paso Bel Air (8-2), 7 p.m. CDT, Highlander Stadium
Amarillo High has had a crazy ride of a season and enters the as the No 3 seed out 2-5A. Bel Air is legit and true to its name airing out every chance it gets. But Bel Air has lost two of its last four and one those by 25 points. AHS gets it done behind its secondary play and the running of Pius Vokes. … Amarillo High 35, Bel Air 31
Division II
Palo Duro (4-5) at Canutillo (8-2), 3 p.m. CDT, Lowenberg Stadium
This is a repeat from last year’s bi-district game won by Canutillo 28-0. Once again, it’s No. 4 seed PD trying to go on the road and pull off the upset of a No. 1 seed. Bottom line, PD is a better team than last year and Canutillo isn’t quite as good this year as last year. Heck, I so want PD to produce the biggest win in Coach Mims three years and secure its first playoff victory since 2014. But Canutillo’s only losses were to the two best teams in El Paso in Pebble Hills and Del Valle. … Canutillo 38, Palo Duro 21
– Lance Lahnert
Last week: 5-1 (.833)
Season: 40-9 (.816)
CLASS 4A
Division I
Randall (6-4) vs. Burkburnett (3-7), 7 p.m. Fair Park Stadium, Childress
For better or worse, Randall drew the open week during the final week of the regular season, and the Raiders knew they’d win at least a share of the District 3-4A Division I crown after a thrilling overtime win over Hereford two weeks ago. They had to settle for the No. 2 seed, but that shouldn’t be a deterrent for Randall, which has a habit of winning in bi-district each trip to the playoffs. That won’t change for the Raiders in their first season under Dan Sherwood. … Randall 34, Burkburnett 14
Hereford (7-3) vs. Springtown (7-3), 7 p.m. Tiger Stadium, Snyder
On paper, this looks like that rare competitive bi-district matchup between teams with strong records. Hereford’s been a feel-good story, becoming a genuine playoff team a year after mustering only a single victory. The Whitefaces scored an emotional shootout win over Dumas to end the regular season and clinch the 3-4A D-I No. 1 seed. Kalub Ramirez, Brylyn Lopez and Nick Torres lead a prolific offense which will make things interesting, but not enough for a win. … Springtown 35, Hereford 28
Division II
Perryton (3-7) vs. Fort Stockton (9-1), 7 p.m. First United Bank Stadium, Wolfforth
This is a rematch from last year’s bi-district round, with these teams even carrying in the same regular season records. Despite that, Fort Stockton only beat Perryton by a 20-14 count. Perryton, though, has found some offensive firepower by moving Julian Cervantes from quarterback to all-purpose back/receiver and Cooper Schilling has thrived at quarterback. Last year’s near win will become a victory this year in a mild upset. … Perryton 27, Fort Stockton 26
– Lee Passmore
Last week: 3-1 (.750)
Season: 42-11 (.792)
Class 3A
Division I
Muleshoe (8-2) vs. Lamesa (2-8), 8 p.m. Wildcats Stadium, Littlefield
This is a rematch from a Week 2 matchup that Muleshoe won handily 48-6. Let’s just go ahead and say history is going to repeat itself 10 weeks later. … Muleshoe 48, Lamesa 6
Division II
Childress (7-3) vs. Abernathy (5-5), 7 p.m. Tyer Stadium, Floydada
Here’s a rematch from the season opener where the Bobcats fended off the Antelopes in a defensive slugfest 14-7. These two teams have come a long way since that contest. I like Childress to win once again and advance. … Childress 27, Abernathy 14
Friona (5-5) vs. Lubbock Roosevelt (7-3) 7 p.m. Younger Field, Tulia
The Chieftains have become a much different team in the second half of the season behind the outstanding play of the Seaman twins at QB and RB. To move on to the area round, Friona will need that dynamic duo to show up in a big way. … Friona 34, Roosevelt 30
Spearman (4-6) vs. Idalou (6-4), 4 p.m. Happy State Bank Stadium
A year ago on the very same field at the very same time, the four-seeded Lynx stunned District 4-3A champion Abernathy. Can lighting strike twice? Yes it can. Let’s go Spearman with the upset. … Spearman 26, Idalou 23
– Kale Steed
Last week:4-1 (.800)
Season: 52-9 (.825)
CLASS 2A
Division I
Panhandle (9-1) vs. Tahoka (4-6), 7:30 p.m. Happy State Bank Stadium
The Panthers are on a mission this playoff season playing with a massive chip on their shoulder to prove they are for real. … Panhandle 56, Tahoka 13
Farwell (7-3) vs Olton (7-3), 4 p.m. Wildcats Stadium, Littlefield
A year ago, the Steers KO’d the Mustangs in this very same round 41-23. If Corey Stancell gets going early, it could be another long night for the Mustangs. … Farwell 35, Olton 23
Division II
Clarendon (7-3) vs. Boys Ranch (2-8), 7 p.m. Dick Bivins Stadium
Clarendon head coach Aaron Wampler faces his former team after helping the Roughriders to only their second playoff appearance in school history last year. While this could be a little emotional for Wampler, he’ll be focused on keeping his Broncos red hot with an eighth straight W. … Clarendon 48, Boys Ranch 9
Sunray (8-2) vs. Wheeler (4-6), 7 p.m. Rangers Stadium, Perryton
The most important thing for Sunray is looking good in this win and coming out healthy before a massive showdown with New Home in the area round. … Sunray 42, Wheeler 12
Gruver (8-2) vs. Shamrock (5-5), 7 p.m. Bulldogs Stadium, Borger
After a strong run through district, the Greyhounds are ready to show they’re for real with a statement win to open the postseason. … Gruver 45, Shamrock 14
– Kale Steed
Last week: 8-1 (.888)
Season: 68-12 (.850)
Class 1A
Division I
Valley (5-5) vs Springlake-Earth (7-3), 6 p.m. Buffaloes Stadium, Petersburg
Three weeks ago, the Wolverines would have been heavy favorites in this one but after they took Knox City to the wire you have to look at Valley as a serious bet to pull an upset. The Wolverines don’t have a player that can match up with Tucker Schlueter, but their speed will be a tough matchup for the Patriots. In a tight one, I’ll go. …Springlake-Earth 48, Valley 42
Happy (9-1) vs Follett (7-3), 6 p.m. Bucks Stadium, White Deer
This might be the best game on the docket in any classification in our area. Happy took down Follett 46-42 in week two after getting up big and holding off a furious rally from the Panthers. Follett will look to exploit the Cowboys pass defense while Happy will want to impose their will at the line of scrimmage. In another tight one the Cowboys experience will be the difference…Happy 54 Follett 48
Miami (10-0) vs Nazareth (4-6), 8 p.m. Bucks Stadium, White Deer
On paper this doesn’t look like much of a matchup and Miami already owns a 48-0 regular season win over the Swifts. Despite that, Tyler Goodwin’s squad understands how to draw the game out and make the most of limited opportunities. This one will last longer than you would think but the Warriors talent will win out. …Miami 52, Nazareth 26
Division II
Silverton (8-2) vs Amherst (9-1), 8 p.m. Buffaloes, Stadium Petersburg
This might be the marquee matchup in the state in Division II. The Bulldogs lone loss came last week to No. 4 Whitharral in a tight one. For the Owls, they haven’t played in almost a month after having a bye in Week 10 and getting a forfeit in Week 11. Silverton led Whitharral for three quarters earlier in the season so they know they can play with the Bulldogs, but can they overcome any rustiness quick enough to counter punch Amherst? Look for a mild upset as Sawyer Francis proves to be the difference. …Silverton 44 Amherst 40
– Craig Sperry
Last week:7-0 (1.000)
Season: 73-12 (.859)