Week 9 Football Outlooks

Cameron Yoe (2-6/1-3) Vs. Academy (3-4/1-2)

If you would have told me at the beginning of the season that Academy would have had more wins than Cameron at this point of the season, I would have said there would be no way. That is the reality now as Cameron is in a must-win situation with regards to the playoffs. In last week’s loss to Rockdale, things just simply got totally away for the Yoemen. After more of a gritty, defensive battle in the first two quarters, the floodgates opened. The 51 second half points scored by the Tigers was actually more than they scored in the first (35) or second half (45) of last years’ 80-54 loss. All you really have to know about Academy is that they played Jarrell to a 20-14 final. That may come across as a bit harsh, but I had a chance to watch the Bees in their season opener with Rogers, and I felt that their offense was down. All further results have validated those initial assumptions. Whether this turns out to be a 28 point game or 50 point game, there is only so much you can take out of this particular contest.

Josh’s Pick: Cameron Yoe by 28+

Around Milam County

Milano (7-0/2-0) Vs. Burton (6-1/2-0)

The district championship is going to be up for grabs in this game. From a shocking win over three-time defending state champion Bremond, to the two most recent dominating district wins over Bartlett and Granger, the Eagles have just simply been one of the most impressive teams in the state for 2A DII. Burton is no team to sleep on. These guys did have a very surprising opening loss to Holland (27-20), but have since righted the ship with six straight wins. This game should be close for a while, but I expect Milano to pull away in the second half.

Josh’s Pick: Milano by 17.

Holland (5-2/1-1) Vs. Thorndale (2-4/1-1)

Thorndale suffered what was by far their worst loss of the season this past week to Moody, 21-6. A win in that game would have given the Bulldogs a big boost for a playoff spot, but now I believe they are going to have to pull an upset somewhere. That would start with Holland this week. The Hornets have been up and down throughout the season, but have nice wins over Burton and most recently Rosebud-Lott.

Josh’s Pick: Holland by 14.

Prairie Lea (0-6) Vs. Buckholts (5-2)

The Badgers continue to roll after doubling up Round Rock Concordia this past week, 60-30. Buckholts has been impressive in non-district and I expect that to translate into a playoff spot in 2017. That starts with a must win over Prairie Lea - a team they gave up 102 points to last season. The Badgers turn the tables.

Josh’s Pick: Buckholts by 21.

Around 10-3A

McGregor (4-3/2-1) Vs. Rockdale (5-2/3-0)

This is the big game in 10-3A this week as Rockdale looks to stay undefeated in the district while McGregor plans to stay in contention for the number one seed. At the end of the day, I believe the big playmakers from Rockdale are going to be the difference in this game. McGregor’s defense has proven to be stingy, but dynamic playmakers are hard to contain, and Rockdale has a few of them in QB Torry Locklin and WR/RB JaQuayln Crawford.

Josh’s Pick: Rockdale by 14.

Franklin (5-2/3-0) Vs. Jarrell (0-8/0-4)

Though Jarrell lost 42-10 last week to McGregor, I actually feel that was a win for the Cougars. That may sound bad, but Jarrell is way down and scoring points is a plus, regardless of how or when you get them. That will hold true this week when Franklin travels to town. Jarrell will simply not be physical enough up front to stop much of anything the Lions are going to run or throw at them.

Josh’s Pick: Franklin by 28+

Around the State

West (6-1/4-0) Vs. Malakoff (7-0/4-0)

Cameron’s best bet at the playoffs is going to be the fourth place seed, meaning they will get the number one seed out of 9-3A in the first round of the playoffs. The winner of this game should more than likely be that team. Lately, that has come down to Teague and Malakoff, but the Lions have already lost to West this season. I saw West when they beat an injury plagued Rockdale team to open the season, and I felt that they could be improved a touch from last year’s team. However, Malakoff was on another level last season and will still probably be a comfortable favorite this year.

Josh’s Pick: Malakoff by 17.