Week 7 Football Outlooks

Cameron Yoe (1-5) Vs. Jarrell (0-6)

Seeing Jarrell at 0-6 is really not a surprise. The surprise comes from the fact that the record for these two teams is a combined 1-11 as Cameron has now lost five games in a row, including back-to-back games in 10-3A. Miscues played a big role in the latest loss to Franklin last Friday night. That included multiple turnovers on offense and missed tackles and numerous explosive plays given up on defense. The special teams also struggled by going 0-4 on field goal and extra point attempts, while the return team was stopped inside the 10 on two occasions. I will say that I am continually impressed with the play of Iverson Westbrook on offense and Nico Vargas on defense. They are aggressive players that are making plays for their team. This will be a good confidence building week for Cameron. Jarrell is just simply having one of the worst seasons you could imagine.

Josh’s Pick: Cameron Yoe by 28+

Around Milam County

Fayette County HSCH (1-4) Vs. Buckholts (3-2)

Buckholts moved their record back over .500 last week with a dominating 46-0 shutout win over Round Rock Christian. This week, the Badgers will look to avenge another 2016 loss (79-62) loss to Fayette County Home School out of La Grange. All signs point to this being another easy victory for Buckholts.

Josh’s Pick: Buckholts by 21.

Bartlett (1-4) Vs. Milano (5-0)

The Milano Eagles will look to remain undefeated and pick up their first win in the opening round of 13-2A DII this Friday. Bartlett is a tradition rich program that won three state titles back in the 90s. Those days are now far in the rearview mirror as the Bulldogs have only won a handful of games the past four seasons. This is not the game to turn things around as the Eagles are going to be favorites to win this district and potentially the regional title.

Josh’s Pick: Milano by 28+

Normangee (2-3) Vs. Thorndale (1-4)

Thorndale will also play their district opener at home this Friday night by hosting Normangee. The Bulldogs have won just one game, but the non-district schedule was very challenging and should prove to have this team more prepared for this district. Normangee has won a few games but the competition has not been at the same level.

Josh’s Pick: Thorndale by 10.

Around 10-3A

McGregor (3-2/1-0) Vs. Franklin (4-2/2-0)

This will be the game to watch this week in the district. Both McGregor and Franklin pulled off upset wins over Cameron and are now in position to finish higher up in the district. If the winner of this game can defeat Rockdale, they will more than likely be the district champion. I would

say that Franklin should be the favorite here. Both beat Cameron by similar scores, but the Lions are simply the more complete team.

Josh’s Pick: Franklin by 10.

Troy (2-4/1-1) Vs. Rockdale (3-2/1-0)

Both Troy and Rockdale easily cruised to victories last week to set up this showdown. The biggest key in this game will be how well Troy can contain the passing game and speed that the Tigers are going to present. The Trojans usually have a decent defensive front but tend to give up big plays in the secondary.

Josh’s Pick: Rockdale by 14.

Around the State

Grandview (5-0/2-0) Vs. Kemp (5-0/2-0)

The biggest game in 3A division one this week will come out of north Texas when Grandview travels to Kemp in a battle of unbeatens. Grandview is a program that has been consistent the past several years, and are doing well with the loss of star quarterback Zach Smith (Baylor). Kemp is a program that does not have much tradition and is nearly 200 games under .500 all-time, but could be on track to have the program's best season ever. These are potentially both top 10 teams.

Josh’s Pick: Grandview by 7.