High School Football Previews
Published 6:00 am Thursday, November 23, 2023
- Winnsboro wide reciver Will Wilcox (11) spins away from the initial defender and sidestepped two others while dragging a couple into the end zone on a 15-yard reception during the Red Raiders’ 73-28 victory over Teague on Friday in a Class 3A Division I area playoff victory at Homer Norville Field in Kaufman.
Chapel Hill (10-2) vs. Iowa Colony (12-0)
When/Where: 7 p.m. Friday/Woodforest Bank Stadium, 19115 David Memorial Drive, Shenandoah, 77385
Notable
Chapel Hill: QB Demetrius Brisbon (110 of 171, 1,664 yards, 23 TDs, 5 INT; 98 carries, 1,194 yards, 8 TDs) … RB Rickey Stewart (176 carries, 2,229 yards, 34 TDs) … WR Cameron Kelley (30 catches, 638 yards, 9 TDs) … LB Da’Veon Ross (134 tackles, 9 TFL, 3.5 sacks) … LB Trevor Brooks (94 tackles, 26 TFL, 10 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR)
Iowa Colony: QB Carson White, Fr. (87 of 145, 1,375 yards, 15 TDs, 3 INT; 87 carries, 553 yards, 11 TDs) … RB Aaron Tenner (99 carries, 904 yards, 6 TDs) … ATH Jacody Miles (48 carries, 267 yards, 2 TDs; 29 catches, 524 yards, 4 TDs) … LB Haydon Caston (102 tackles, 13 TFL, 4 sacks, 4 INT, 2 FF, 1 FR) … DB Jarvis Solomon (10 INT)
Did you know: Chapel Hill has played in the state semifinals in each of the past two seasons and has 12 playoff victories since 2020 … Chapel Hill is averaging 47.1 points per game, and Iowa Colony is averaging 42.8 points … Iowa Colony is in its second year as a program and went 2-8 last season … The Pioneers don’t have a senior on their roster … Iowa Colony has intercepted 31 passes this season, including four last week … Chapel Hill has eclipsed the 50-point mark six times this season. Iowa Colony has only scored 50 points two times this season, but is holding opponents to 17.3 points per game.
Last week: Chapel Hill 54, El Campo 18; Iowa Colony 45, Lindale 22
Up next: The winner will face either Kilgore or Needville.
Kilgore (11-1) vs. Needville (9-2)
When/Where: 2:30 p.m. Friday/Randall Reed Stadium, 21360 Valley Ranch Parkway, New Caney 77357
Notable
Kilgore: OL Rashaud Brown … OL Braquan Moye … OL Emanual Young … OL Parker Alums … OL Braydon Nelson … Derrick Williams (124 of 186, 1,972 yards, 18 TD, 6 interceptions; 92 carries, 876 yards, 15 TD) … Matthew Hardy (71 carries, 451 yards, 7 TD) … Jayden Sanders (19 catches, 566 yards, 6 TD; 3 interceptions) … P.J. Wylie (30 catches, 551 yards, 8 TD; 76 tackles, 7 TFL)
Needville: Keilan Sweeny (79 of 153, 1,261 yards, 19 Td, 4 interceptions; 157 carries, 1,349 yards, 15 TD) … Da’Shawn Burton (308 carries, 2,347 yards, 35 TD) … Jamarkus Jack (40 catches, 467 yards, 5 TD) … Hunter Brewster (120 takcles) … Braydn Gilliam (6 interceptions)
Did you know: Kilgore is in the playoffs for the 13th year in a row and the 16th time in the last 17 seasons, and the Bulldogs have reached at the third round of the playoffs in each of the last four seasons … Needville finished 4-6 in 2022
Last week: Kilgore 37, Bay City 28; Needville 52, Lumberton 28
Up next: The winner faces either Chapel Hill or Iowa Colony
Gilmer (9-3) vs. Aubrey (8-3)
When/Where: 4 p.m. Friday/Memorial Stadium, 1606 Highway 24, Commerce 75428
Notable
Gilmer: OL Sean Wallace … OL Spencer Murphy … OL Jarom Pilcher … OL Lucas Cano … OL Felipe Rocha … Cadon Tennison (125 of 217, 1,952 yards, 19 TD, 3 interceptions; 54 carries, 315 yards, 3 TD) … Will Henderson (205 carries, 2,020 yards, 28 TD; 21 catches, 284 yards, 2 TD) … Dhrvay Smith (54 carries, 581 yards, 12 TD) … Ta’Erik Tate (49 catches, 941 yards, 11 TD) … Brendan Webb (41 catches, 638 yards, 8 TD; 4 interceptions) …
Aubrey: Colton Miller … Tyler Brown … Hank Nokes … Xavier McCoy … Alex Osterman … Randall Szostek … Brock Temple
Did you know: This is the first meeting between Gilmer and Aubrey … Gilmer has not been shut out since losing 14-0 to Pleasant Grove in 2018 – a streak of 73 straight games … Gilmer is in the playoffs for the 23rd straight year, and this is the 17th year in a row the Buckeyes have reached at least the third round … Aubrey is in the playoffs for the ninth year in a row … Gilmer’s 626 points scored is the third most in Class 4A Division II and Aubrey’s 171 points allowed is the 11th fewest in 4A Division II (Joe Dodd contributed historical information for this preview)
Last week: Gilmer 41, Sunnyvale 38; Aubrey 35, Van 14
Up next: The winner faces either Carthage or Texarkana Pleasant Grove
Carthage (12-0) vs. Texarkana Pleasant Grove (12-0)
When/Where: 2 p.m. Friday/Pirate Stadium, 3737 West Loop 281, Longview 75604
Notable
Carthage: OL Kash Courtney … OL Colt Hodges … OL Brandon Allison … OL Johnny Lewis … OL Dominic Gates … Jett Surratt (230 of 330, 3,395 yards, 41 touchdowns, 8 interceptions) … K.J. Edwards (123 carries, 1,201 yards, 21 TD) … Benny Smith (66 carries, 526 yards, 6 TD) … Bradan Manning (63 catches, 1,045 yards, 14 TD) … Mikel Fields (48 catches, 946 yards, 13 TD) …
Pleasant Grove: OL Joseph Bailey … OL Darrell Smith … OL Kaden Allen … Ol Caleb Hackleman … OL Cade Martin … Akkhari Johnson (127 of 197, 2,125 yards, 31 TD, 6 interceptions; 97 carries, 749 yards, 16 TD) … Jaylen Boardley (76 carries, 832 yards, 11 TD) … Nick Bell (86 carries, 708 yards, 8 TD) …
Did you know: Carthage and Pleasant Grove have met twice in the playoffs, with Carthage winning both meetings and going on to win state championships. The teams met in the fourth round a year ago, and Carthage won 45-14. The Bulldogs and Hawks also met in the first round back in 2010, a 42-0 Carthage victory … Carthage has passed for 3,435 yards and 41 touchdowns and rushed for 2,154 yards and 29 touchdowns. Defensively, the Bulldogs have recorded 28 sacks, 94 tackles for loss, 15 interceptions and six fumble recoveries … Pleasant Grove has passed for 2,307 yards and 34 touchdowns and rushed for 3,367 yards and 49 scores. Defensively, the Hawks have 25 sacks, 24 interceptions and 13 fumble recoveries …
Last week: Carthage 49, Van Alstyne 7; Pleasant Grove 63, Caddo Mills 10
Up next: The winner faces either Gilmer or Aubrey
Winnsboro (12-0) vs. Whitney (11-1)
When/Where: 1 p.m. Friday/Homer Norville Field, 3205 South Houston, Kaufman, 75142
Notable
Winnsboro: QB Kyler Finney … RB Tyson Johnson … WR Camden Capehart … WR Will Wilcox
Whitney: RB Jontae Johnson … DB Jairdyn Anderson … ATH David Haynes III … QB Mason Seely
Did you know: Winnsboro is averaging 53.4 points per game, and Whitney is averaging 52.4 points per game … Winnsboro has double digit wins for the second straight year, something it previously accomplished in 2007-08 … Whitney is in its second year under David Haynes Jr., who replaced former Winnsboro assistant Mark Byrd … Whitney’s only loss this season was to Grandview, 40-32. Winnsboro’s last loss was in the 2022 playoffs to Malakoff. A combination of those four teams will meet next week in the regional finals.
Last week: Winnsboro 73, Teague 28; Whitney 50, Tatum 14
Up next: The winner will face either Malakoff or Grandview.
Malakoff (11-0) vs. Grandview (11-1)
When/Where: 2 p.m. Friday/E.H. Hanby Stadium, 410 East Davis, Mesquite, 75149
Notable
Malakoff: QB Mike Jones (137 of 198, 2,176 yards, 27 TDs, 1 INT; 59 carries, 462 yards, 9 TDs) … RB Jerrion Hall (114 carries, 1,137 yards, 24 TDs) … RB Bubba Hicks (82 carries, 753 yards, 16 TDs) … WR Chauncey Hogg … James Studley (66 tackles, 9 TFL, 1 sack, 2 FR)
Grandview: TE/LB Carter Collins … RB/LB Casey Cannon … OL Daniel Lehnhardt … QB Ryder Hayes
Did you know: Jamie Driskell is in his 15th year as head coach at Malakoff, compiling a record of 154-35 with 15 playoff appearances and nine district championships … Grandview’s only loss this season was to Malakoff, 51-21, on Sept. 1 … Malakoff and Grandview have met nine times in the past five seasons, including the 2018 Class 3A Division I state championship game, which Grandview won. Grandview won the first four meetings, including 31-24 in overtime in the 2020 regular season, before Malakoff eliminated the Zebras 24-21 in the Class 3A Division I Region II semifinals in 2021. Grandview won last year’s regular season meeting 21-17, but Malakoff eliminated Grandview 29-17 in the state quarterfinals.
Last week: Malakoff 66, Mount Vernon 21; Grandview 56, Pottsboro 42
Up next: The winner will face either Winnsboro or Whitney.
West Rusk (10-2) vs. Daingerfield (9-3)
When/Where: 6 p.m. Friday/Bobcat Stadium, #1 Bobcat Lane, Hallsville 75650
Notable
West Rusk: OL Kason Reed … OL Travion Anthony … OL Craver Green … OL Christian Ludes … OL Chris Martinez … OL Adam Jaimes … Xander Mason (67 of 120, 1,018 yards, 13 TD, 6 interceptions) … Cole Jackson (173 carries, 1,185 yards, 15 TD; 101 tackles; 3 interceptions; 3 fumble recoveries) … Noah Murphy (162 carries, 1,206 yards, 17 TD) …
Daingerfield: OL Lathan Hudson … OL Devin Gholston … OL Nick Wallace … OL MarKell Reeves … OL Marlon Hayes … Chase Johnson (110 of 171, 2,248 yards, 27 TD, 5 interceptions; 62 carries, 649 yards, 13 TD) … Ashton Williams (92 carries, 1,027 yards, 10 TD) … Braden Lewis (86 carries, 659 yards, 4 TD; 4 sacks) … Aeryn Hampton (41 carries, 299 yards, 5 TD; 28 catches, 642 yards, 3 TD) …
Did you know: West Rusk and Daingerfield have met twice in the playoffs, with Daingerfield winning both times. The Tigers notched a 43-7 second-round win in 2008 and a 50-28 third-round win in 2021
Last week: West Rusk 50, New Diana 35; Daingerfield 33, Hooks 6
Up next: The winner plays either Harmony or Newton
Harmony (10-2) vs. Newton (10-0)
When/Where: 6 p.m. Friday, Abe Martin Stadium, Lufkin
Notable
Harmony: OL/DL Braxton Baker (58 tackles, 2 sacks) … OL Jerry Sullivan … OL Konner Ellison … OL Casen Cox … OL Eli Pool … TE Jake Shannon … TE Weston Seahorn (11 catches, 102 yards; 78 tackles, 2 sacks) … Boston Seahorn (108 of 182, 1,863 yards, 27 TD, 3 interceptions; 74 carries, 563 yards, 7 TD) … Tyson Jenkins (281 passing yards, 3 TD; 220 rushing yards, 3 TD; 31 catches, 676 yards, 15 TD; 3 interceptions) … Evan Webber (145 carries, 1,383 yards, 23 TD) … Will Young (35 catches, 562 yards, 4 TD) … Jake Shannon (72 tackles, 8 TFL)
Newton: Railyn Adams … Hieko Malone (220 rushing yards, 3 TD; 87 passing yards vs. New Boston) … K.J. Porter … Rchon Washington … Emmanul Hernandez
Did you know: Harmony knocked Newton out of the playoffs a year ago with a 36-22 win at SFA’s Homer Bryce Stadium in Nacogdoches, clinching the first state semifinal berth for Harmony … QB Boston Seahorn passed for 209 yards and a TD and rushed for 138 yards and four touchdowns in the win. His TD pass went to Tyson Jenkins, who caught five passes for 119 yards
Last week: Harmony 48, Arp 21; Newton 69, New Boston 7
Up next: The winner faces ither West Rusk or Daingerfield
Longview (11-1) vs. Lancaster (7-5)
When/Where: 7 p.m. Friday, City Bank Stadium, 9067 Farm-to-Market 741, Forney 75126
Notable
Longview: Taylor Tatum (1,463 rushing yards, 138 receiving yards, 31 passing yards, 20 rushing TDs, 1 receiving TD, 1 passing TD) … Andrew Tutt (1,258 passing yards, 185 rushing yards, 15 passing TDs, 3 rushing TDs) … Kelvin Washington (640 rushing yards, 361 receiving yards, 12 rushing TDs, 4 receiving TDs) … DK Reese (549 receiving yards, 17 rushing yards, 9 receiving TDs, 1 rushing TD) …
Lancaster: Kewan Lacy (1,272 rushing yards, 220 receiving yards, 46 passing yards, 18 rushing TDs, 2 receiving TDs, 1 passing TD) … Carter Jones (1,436 passing yards and 15 passing TDs) … Ti’Erick Martin (536 receiving yards, 15 rushing yards, 5 receiving TDs) … Mar’kel Porter (425 rushing yards, 77 receiving yards, 5 rushing TDs) …
Did you know: Longview and Lancaster will meet on the gridiron for the sixth time during Friday’s Class 5A Division I Region II semifinal matchup … The Lobos own a 5-0 all-time series record against the Tigers since 2008, and a 3-0 UIL postseason edge (2008 Class 4A Division I area round, 2020 Class 5A Division I area round, and 2021 Class 5A Division I area round) …
Last Week: Longview 52, Frisco Reedy 14; Lancaster 35, Frisco Wakeland 19
Up next: The winner faces either Forney or North Richland Hills Richland