State Quarterfinal Playoff Outlooks

Teague (11-2) Vs. Rockdale (10-3) - Friday - 7:30 - Waco ISD Stadium

Teague has knocked out both Cameron (bi-district) and Franklin (regional semifinal) in the 2017 playoffs, and now they are going for number three in 10-3A this Friday night with the Rockdale Tigers. Out of the three teams, I do believe Rockdale provides the biggest threat. Cameron simply degressed throughout the season and was not ready for a team of Teague’s caliber, and I believe the Lions’ size up front makes it difficult for teams that like to run tight sets and pound the rock, much like Franklin. Rockdale has an outstanding runner in quarterback Torry Locklin, but I do believe they present multiple solid threats in the passing game, including receivers Tyler Lehmkuhl and JaQuayln Crawford. Perhaps even more important is how well Rockdale can disrupt things up front and force the Lions to throw the ball. If you can keep Lions running-back Tayvis Coleman in check and force the quarterback to beat you, then you are going to have a good chance. It not, it’s the other way around.

Josh’s Pick: Teague by 7.

Brock (11-2) Vs. Comanche (12-1) - Friday - 7:30 - Abilene’s Shotwell Stadium

In terms up “upsets”, Brock probably garnered the biggest of the third round with their 29-10 win over Wall. Wall had been pegged by many “experts” as the favorites to win the state championship based on what was an undefeated record. I was not quite as high on Wall as they had a similar showing all the way to the state semifinals last season before getting totally blown out by Mineola in that game. Brock will now draw Comanche, which is quietly at 12-1 and having one of their best seasons in program history. Comanche’s draw up to this point has been favorable, and I think it will show in this game.

Josh’s pick: Brock by 17.

Grandview (12-1) Vs. Kemp (12-1) - Friday - 7:30 - Midlothian ISD Stadium

It’s evident that with these two teams in the quarterfinals, 6-3A was better than the rest as Grandview was your district champion and Kemp was runner-up. In the first matchup between these two, Grandview pulled away in a big way in the second half in a 50-23 win. I somewhat expect this one to play out in similar fashion, with it potentially being close early before the Zebras pull away down the stretch.

Josh’s Pick: Grandview by 17.

Yoakum (12-1) Vs. Goliad (11-1) - Saturday - 6:00 - DKR Memorial Stadium

I was the only person in the state to not have Cameron as the preseason number one team in the state, and now it’s paying off. Yoakum was my top dog before the season kicked off in August, and for the most part these guys have lived up to that ranking with just one loss to 4A DII power Cuero. Goliad is very dangerous and proved that with their impressive 37-14 win over Hallettsville in area round of the playoffs. Yoakum had beaten Hallettsville by just 3 in their matchup. This one should go down to the wire.

Josh’s Pick: Yoakum by 3.

Salado (12-1) Vs. West Orange-Stark (11-0) - Friday - 7:00 - Katy High School

It took overtime, but Salado managed to get by Bellville last week in the regional semifinals, 13-10. To be able to defeat the undefeated and two-time defending state champs, this defense must have a similar effort. I said Madisonville would have to hold WO-S in the 20s to have a chance to beat them, and they had the opportunity in a 28-26 loss. I will double down on that this week for Salado, but the offense will need to generate more than 7 points in four quarters to have a chance.

Josh’s Pick: West-Orange-Stark by 14.

La Vega (13-0) Vs. Liberty Hill (10-2) - Friday - 7:30 - Killeen’s Buckley Stadium

Another year and another all 13-4A DI final in the region IV bracket. The last two years it has been La Vega and China Spring, but Liberty Hill is now in the mix after picking up a come-from-behind victory over the Cougars last week, 33-28. For La Vega, there has been games where they have scored a lot of points and others where they haven’t, but the defense has never given up much and I believe that will be the difference in this one.

Josh’s Pick: La Vega by 14.