Bi-District Football Outlooks

Teague (8-2) Vs. Cameron Yoe (4-6) - @ Robinson - Thursday - 7:00

It’s not a surprise that these two teams are meeting in the playoffs for the fourth straight year, it’s that it’s coming in the opening round. After losing to West by a couple of touchdowns, it seemed as a long shot for the Lions to win the district championship with Malakoff still on the schedule. Teague not only won, but did so by 21 points to jump all the way from 3rd to 1st in the district. Based on what this team had returning, I did have them pegged to win this district in the preseason. This squad’s main strength is the big, physical lineman up front, which is something that has not changed the past three years. The Lions are run-heavy, but do have a more capable passing quarterback this season, and some next level receivers to throw the ball to. With that said, I believe Cameron will need to force the quarterback to beat them in this game, whether it be with his legs or arm. This will be a very tough challenge for the Yoe offense, as I believe Teague is more solid on the defensive end. It may be tough to generate much yardage at the line of scrimmage, so down field passing could be a critical point at the end of the night.

Josh’s Pick: Cameron Yoe by 3.

Around Milam County

Buckholts (7-3) Vs. Milford (10-0) - @ Valley Mills - Friday - 7:30

The Badgers took care of business in a big way last week, cruising by Oglesby (68-22) to clinch the second seed in the playoffs. Awaiting in the wings is a very tough opponent in Milford, which has finished the regular season undefeated. Milford was 10-2 a season ago and played Richland Springs to their second closest result in their state title run. In 2017, Milford has defeated Jonesboro, a team that was in the other 6-man state final game a year ago versus Borden County.

Josh’s Pick: Milford by 28+

Thorndale (4-6) Vs. Junction (3-7) - @ Marble Falls - Friday - 7:30

There was not a more impressive victory in Milam County last week than Thorndale’s shocking blowout of Thrall, 48-18. Yes, Thrall really had nothing to play for with the number one seed wrapped up, but this is a big confidence boost for the Bulldogs, which are now the number three seed. That is a very big deal as a fourth place finish would have meant a date with undefeated Mason in bi-district. Instead, waiting is Junction, which has won only three games all year and lost by 49 points to Mason.

Josh’s Pick: Thorndale by 17.

Milano (9-1) Vs. D’Hanis (4-6) - @ Kenedy - Friday - 7:30

The most impressive team in Milam County from the beginning to the end of the regular season has been Milano. Now, the Eagles have a shot to prove themselves when the games matter the most, starting with D’Hanis in the opening round. This is a rematch from last year’s bi-district game, which then 4th seed Milano won, 30-26. Everything leads me to believe that Milano is better than they were a year ago and D’Hanis may be a step behind.

Josh’s Pick: Milano by 21.

Around 10-3A

Franklin (8-2) Vs. Groesbeck (6-4) - @ Groesbeck - Thursday - 7:00

With no real solid neutral locations for this matchup, the teams decided to flip home for home, and Groesbeck was the victor. Groesbeck is actually my personal favorite in terms of small school stadiums around Central Texas. What Franklin cannot do is take this fourth seed very lightly. The Goats did fall hard to Malakoff (49-14), but played higher seeds West (21-19) and Teague (22-20) extremely close ball games.

Josh’s Pick: Franklin by 10.

Rockdale (7-3) Vs. Malakoff (9-1) @ Crockett - Friday - 7:30

This is one of the top opening round matchups across the state, and should be a fun one to watch. My plan is to travel to Crockett on Friday night with Cameron playing on Thursday. Malakoff’s lone slip up to Teague (35-14) not only cost them a district championship, but slid them all the way to third in the standings. This was probably not the team the Tigers were expecting the play in the opening round, but I do give Coach Miller and crew a better chance of winning this game in 2017 as opposed to 2016.

Josh’s Pick: Rockdale by 1.

McGregor (6-4) Vs. West (8-2) - @ Waco ISD - Thursday - 7:30

If there is a game that I believe 10-3A is going to have a hard time winning, it will be this one. Typically 2 vs. 3 matchups tend to go either way, but I think West is playing some of their best football in program history. The Trojans lost to Malakoff, but did defeat district champ Teague by two touchdowns. McGregor appears to be improved, and if this defense can keep the game in the 20s, they will have a shot to win.

Josh’s Pick: West by 17.

Around the State

East Chambers (6-3) Vs. Buna (6-2) - @ Lumberton - Friday - 7:30

Whomever wins the Teague/Cameron game, will get the winner of this game in the second round. This one is very tough to call and probably could go either way. Though East Chambers is never a state title contender, they always seem to find themselves in the second or third round of the playoffs. Buna also has been in the playoffs the last three seasons since moving down from 4A. The Teague/Cameron winner will be a heavy favorite in this area round game.

Josh’s Pick: East Chambers by 1.