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THE CRYSTAL BALL: Who advances in 5A, 4A, 3A TXHSFB playoffs?
Thanksgiving week is a monumental time in Texas high school football, as only the top teams get to continue their playoff journey. Here's a look at some key matchups in Classes 5A, 4A, and 3A, with insights and predictions:
Randle vs. Brenham (5A Regional Semifinal)
Randle, under HC Brian Randle, is a juggernaut this season with a 12-0 record, including dominant playoff wins. Facing Brenham (11-1), fresh off a tight win over Liberty Hill, presents their toughest test yet.
Keys to Victory:
- Randle: The Lions rely on their dynamic backfield with QB Keilan Sweeny and 5-star RB Landen Williams-Callis, who averages nearly 143 yards per game. Defensively, Texas A&M commit Chase Sims and DB Sh’Rhod Revis are key to containing Brenham’s ground game.
- Brenham: RB Jacoby “Man Child” Dixon, averaging 187 yards per game, must shoulder the offensive load against a fierce Randle defense.
Prediction: Randle’s defensive dominance and Callis’ big game propel the Lions to a 14-point win.
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FB Marshall vs. Iowa Colony (5A Regional Semifinal)
Iowa Colony (22-2 over two years) meets a familiar foe in FB Marshall, a rematch from earlier this season where the Pioneers triumphed.
Keys to Victory:
- Iowa Colony: Sophomore QB Carson White must distribute the ball effectively to playmakers like Jayden Warren. RB Aaron Tenner adds explosiveness on the ground, while Baylor commit Chris Johnson anchors the defensive line.
- Marshall: QB KK Johnson will look to his standout WRs Ja’kayden Ferguson and Andre Feast for big plays. Defensively, Texas commit Caleb Chester leads a secondary tasked with containing Iowa Colony’s versatile offense.
Prediction: Iowa Colony edges out Marshall late to move to the Regional Final.
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Bay City vs. Calallen (4A Regional Semifinal)
Bay City hadn’t won a district championship in almost two decades until this year where the Blackcats won the district out right. Posting an 11-1 record on the year, the Blackcats are on a mission to make it to Jerry’s world as one of the most slept on teams in 4A texas high school football. They play Calallen this week, and will need a big game from Sr. QB Alex Estrada who has thrown for 3,155 yards this year. Expect Estrada to get the ball to big play threat Sr. WR Xylan Williams to help open up the run game with Sr. RB Jada Andrews.
Prediction: Bay City continues its dream season, beating Calallen by 17.
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Other Predictions in 5A, 4A, and 3A:
- Angleton vs. College Station: Angleton wins a high-scoring thriller.
- A&M Consolidated vs. La Porte: Consolidated remains unbeaten with a narrow victory.
- Chapel Hill vs. Stafford: Chapel Hill’s potent rushing attack overwhelms Stafford.
- Hitchcock vs. Franklin: Hitchcock stuns Franklin in an upset.
- Columbus vs. Yoakum: Columbus powers through for a rematch with Hitchcock.
These games highlight the best of Texas high school football, with Thanksgiving week showcasing the grit and skill of the state’s top programs. Stay tuned as teams fight for a spot in the Regional Finals and beyond!
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Columbus, Hitchcock will battle for DISTRICT 12-3A-DI title; Halletsville, Yoakum not far behind
PRESEASON PREDICTIONS
Columbus Cardinals
Hitchcock Bulldogs
Hallettsville Brahmas
Yoakum Bulldogs
Hempstead Bobcats
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VYPE's PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Adam Schobel, Columbus
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Lloyd Jones III, Hitchcock
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: John Schobel, Columbus
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Keenan Wilson, Hempstead
ON THE CUSP: Yoakum Bulldogs
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After going undefeated throughout all of the 2023 regular season, Columbus proceeded to advance three rounds deep into the 2023 playoffs, ending up with a record of 12-1. Fortunately for coach Matt Schobel and company, the Cards bring back a plethora of returning stars to build on that impressive performance. All-state quarterback Adam Schobel (TCU-commit) is back to command the offense, which will have some key pieces missing, but district first-teamers Braylon Fisher (So. WR/DB) and Anthony Shorter (Sr. TE/DE) should be skilled weapons for him to utilize. On the defensive side, Adam’s brother, John Schobel (Sr. DE/TE) is also committed to TCU, and is coming off a year inwhich he was named the district’s Defensive MVP. He will be joined by Brody Vinklarek (Jr. LB/RB), Camdon Pitchford (Sr. DB/WR) and Rylan Carruthers (Sr. LB), just to name a few.
Hitchcock went 9-2 last season, which featured the team’s third-straight trip to the playoffs. The Bulldogs will look to make it four in a row, under the direction of head coach Craig Smith, and they have the unquestionable talent to back it. Co-District Offensive MVP Lloyd Jones III (Texas Tech-commit) returns as the signal-caller, with first-team wideout Kelshaun Johnson (Texas A&M) serving as his primary target. Senior WR/DB Chase Bruton also possesses numerous D1 college offers, and will be a force on both sides of the ball, alongside Jared Dotson (Sr. RB/LB) and Albert Ruben (Sr. OL/DL). Meanwhile, expect first-teamer Terrell Allen (Sr. LB) and Newcomer of the Year Corey Hardy (Jr. DL) to bolster a formidable Hitchcock defense. Move-in Malcom Simpson (Nebraska-commit) will also be a huge addition.
Hallettsville isn’t far removed from their State appearance in 2020, in which they swept the district prior to reaching the big game. Most recently, the Brahmas went 7-4 to finish third overall, which should have them fired up for another run at the title. Coach Levi Montgomery will turn to the recognized talents of Jorian Wilson (Sr. QB/TexasA&M Baseball-commit), Aiden Drozd (Sr. OL/DL), Carter Blaha (Sr. LB), Brody Psencik (Sr. OL/DL) and Mycole Pegoda (Jr. ATH) to see that goal come to fruition.
Despite going through a series of ups and downs over the past few seasons, Yoakum still manages to find ways to punch their ticket to the playoffs, and this year should be no different. X’zavier Barnett (Jr. WR) is coming off an impressive Fall performance that saw him earn first-team, all-district honors. Additionally, Jamar Hopkins (Sr. WR), Trae Cuellar (Sr. RB/LB) and Oliver Ortiz (Jr. OL/DL) will be ones to watch on offense. Defensively, Ryder Harris (Sr. DL/FB) should be a key figure to keep an eye out for.
Hempstead finished at the bottom of last year’s district standings, and it’s likely that more of the same will be seen in 2024, given the competitive nature of this particular division. However, that doesn’t mean this campaign will be without its bright spots. First-team selections Jamarion Mickle (Jr. WR/DB)and Jimmie Toliver (Jr. WR/DB) both make their return, alongside Keenan Wilson (So.ATH/DB), Lane Demuth (Sr.QB/LB), Dylan Garfield (So.DB/WR) and J’Leon Watts (Jr.WR/LB).