Week 11 Football Outlook

Cameron Yoemen - Off Week

The Yoemen took care of business on the road last week at Troy, 56-20.  It was somewhat of a struggle early on, but the game was put away in the second half.  Having your off week at the end of the season allows for two things.  For one, every team at this point in the season has their bumps and bruises, and this will give everyone an extra week to recuperate.  Additionally, Cameron already knows that they will be playing West in the bi-district round of the playoffs, so there are now two weeks to prepare for that game.  In the playoffs, consistently strong performances will be key for Cameron as you cannot have a bad or down week in region III.  If the Yoemen execute offensively, they will score points.  The defense will need to force teams to drive the field and limit big plays.  This Yoemen team has aspirations of getting back to state, and that is most certainly within reach as the talent and ability is there. 

Around Milam County

Oglesby (6-2/1-1) Vs. Buckholts (2-6/0-2)

For Buckholts to have any shot at the postseason, a win over a solid Oglesby team will be in order.  Buckholts fell to 0-2 in district play last week with a 70-6 loss to Calvert.  Oglesby also lost to Calvert, 62-14.  However, the Tigers took down Prairie Lea, 64-14, while Buckholts fell, 102-81. 

Josh’s Pick: Oglesby by 28+

Somerville Vs. (3-6/1-3) Milano (2-7/1-3)

For both of these teams, the season has come down to this game.  The winner will move on as the fourth seed in the playoffs while the loser’s season will come to an end.  Both of these teams have had similar results throughout district, with each picking up dominating wins over Bartlett and all the other games resulting in losses.  This should be a toss-up.

Josh’s Pick: Milano by 1.

Thorndale (4-5/3-1) Vs. Thrall (8-1/3-1)

For Thorndale, it’s very simple. A win versus Thrall and you will win at least a share of the district championship and will clinch the number one seed heading into the playoffs. Normangee will also have a good shot of finishing with one loss, but the Bulldogs have already won that head-to-head battle.  Thrall’s lone district loss did come at the hands of Normangee. 

Josh’s Pick: Thorndale by 3.

Around 10-3A

Troy (4-5/2-3) Vs. McGregor (4-5/2-3)

Both of these teams have identical records and the winner of this game will clinch the fourth and final playoff spot out of 10-3A.  Troy played Cameron and Franklin tough the first half and took Rockdale down to the wire.  McGregor also played Cameron tough for a half and battled Franklin and Rockdale tooth and nail.  McGregor should get the slight edge with home field advantage.

Josh’s Pick: McGregor by 14.

Rockdale (8-1/5-0) Vs. Jarrell (1-8/0-5)

It’s been a real struggle all year for Jarrell.  After falling short in a comeback attempt versus Academy (29-22), the Cougars have been outscored 214 to 29 in the past four district games.  Things don’t get any easier to close out the season as Rockdale is the district champions and will be the number one seed in the playoffs.  In a game like this, Rockdale will want to look sharp and avoid any injuries heading into next week’s playoff game.

Josh’s Pick: Rockdale by 28+

Little River Academy (4-5/1-4) Vs. Franklin (7-2-3-2)

Academy had one of their top performances of the year in last week’s 51-34 loss to McGregor.  The Bees were within a touchdown most of the game before McGregor created some late separation.  This week’s game will have no effect on playoff positioning.  Academy can no longer make the postseason and Franklin has locked in the number three seed.

Josh’s Pick: Franklin by 28+

Around the State

Eustace (4-5/1-5) Vs. West (4-5/4-2)

Entering district play, Eustace sat at 3-0 while West was 0-3.  Things haven't quite worked out for Eustace as the district schedule was considerably stronger.  The lone win full the Bulldogs came versus Palestine Westwood (36-20) which is winless in the district.  Though West will finish as the number three seed, they will not be a team to be taking lightly.  The Trojans had Teague down 10-0 until a very late comeback.

Josh’s Pick: West by 28+

Coldspring (4-4/4-1) Vs. Woodville (8-1/5-0)

The winner of the Cameron/West bi-district game has a very good chance of meeting the winner of this game in the area round of the playoffs.  With a win, Woodville will secure the district championship.  Coldspring was rolling as well until a surprising 40-35 loss to Buna a few weeks ago, so a win by the Trojans could throw the standings into a three-way tie.  Woodville is known to have good size on the lines.

Josh’s Pick: Woodville by 14.