Week 4 Football Outlooks

Cameron Yoe (1-2) Vs. Bay City (2-0)

The big positive from week three is the fact that the Yoe defense managed to hold China Spring to just three touchdowns while being on the field more than you would have liked.  The Cougars did break off a few big plays, but for the most part Cameron did a solid job up front in the run game.  The Yoemen simply had too many miscues on offense to beat a quality team on the road.  I believe this may be the game where we start seeing the offense get into somewhat of a groove.  On a scale of 1 to 10, my concern level right now is a low 3.  Another struggle this week would be surprising.  Bay City is 2-0, but this should be a game Cameron wins, and wins somewhat comfortably.  

Josh’s Pick: Cameron Yoe by 21. 

Around Milam County

Buckholts (1-1) Vs. Bryan Allen Academy (2-1)

Buckholts’ 53-6 win over McDade was its largest since a 59-12 victory over Prairie Lea in 2015.  I believe these are the types of wins the Badgers need in order to gain some confidence heading into a district where they are not favored to make the playoffs.  The last time these two teams played, it was 62-14 blowout victory in favor of the team from Brazos County.  Allen Academy had to cancel their 2016 season due to not having enough players. 

Josh’s Pick: Allen Academy by 3.  

Milano (3-0) Vs. Iola (1-2)

It’s probably a pretty good bet that not many people had the Milano Eagles starting out this season with a 3-0 record.  The Eagles began things with solid wins over Thorndale and Thrall, but had a much bigger task ahead of them with Bremond - the three time defending state champs - in week 3.  Also, don’t forget about the 49-game winning streak the Tigers had going.   With the game tied at 21-21 late in the fourth, Eagle QB Kyle King connected with Devonte Jones for a 37-yard score to keep Milano undefeated while ending the state’s longest winning streak.  Next up is Iola, a team that lost to Bremond in week 2.  The winning streak continues. 

Josh’s Pick: Milano by 17. 

Thorndale (1-2) Vs. Hamilton (2-0)

Regardless of the opponent, anytime you can pick up a win over a school that is much larger than you, it’s a positive.  The Bulldogs, with an enrollment of 199, shutout Jarrell, with 392 students, 31-0 in week three.  That was Thorndale’s first shutout since a 42-0 rout of Rosebud-Lott to begin district play in 2014.  The Bulldogs lost to Hamilton a year ago, 28-21.  I expect this one to be just as competitive. 

Josh’s Pick: Hamilton by 3. 

Around 10-3A

Franklin (2-1) Vs. Connally (0-3)

Franklin’s tough non-district slate will end this week with a road trip to Waco to take on the Cadets.  The past several years Connally seems to be hit or miss with regards to the strength of their teams.  This may be a down year as only 38 points have been scored in 12 quarters thus far.  Franklin was down by two scores last week to Lorena, but made a late push for a quality win.  I believe the slot-t attack will be too much for Connally to handle this week. 

Josh’s Pick: Franklin by 14. 

China Spring (2-1) Vs. Troy (1-2)

After losing 56-14 last season, Troy nearly pulled off an upset over Robinson on Friday night.  The Trojans held a 28-21 lead in the fourth, but the Rockets struck with a 54-yard pass play to force the overtime session before escaping, 34-28.  I would consider this loss more positive than the previous week’s 19-14 win over a struggling Marlin team.  China Spring is most certainly not the same team they were a year ago, but the Cougars should be the heavy favorites to pull out this one. 

Josh’s Pick: China Spring by 28+