Week 4 Football Outlook

Bay City (2-1) Vs. Cameron Yoe (2-1)

Bay City was improved in 2015, and through the first three games of 2016, it appears that this team has taken another step forward.  Coach Florez will have his team ready to play coming back to Yoe Field. Speed and athleticism is something that the Black Cats have used to exploit other teams this season.  For Cameron, it’s all about putting last week’s tough loss to China Spring behind them.  The Yoemen had too many mistakes against a team that should compete for a 4A DI state championship in December.  It’s always important to head into district play on a high note.  I fully expect the Yoemen to come out energized and I feel we will see a complete performance in all phases of the game this week as we close out the non-district schedule.  

Josh’s Pick: Cameron Yoe by 28.

Around Milam County

Iola (1-2) Vs. Milano (0-3)

After beginning the season 0-2, Iola picked up a much needed 7-point win over Anderson-Shiro last week.  Iola defeat that same Anderson-Shiro team a season ago, 27-22.  Milano has undeniably struggled to open 2016, going 0-3 while getting outscored 67-7 in their last two contests.  Iola won this game last season, 35-8.

Josh’s Pick: Iola by 14.

Hamilton (2-1) Vs. Thorndale (1-2)

After suffering a bad 67-7 loss to Lexington last week, Thorndale had the opportunity to rebound with a struggling Jarrell team which had lost their first two games.  That was not the case as the Cougars picked up their first win of the year, 42-19.  This week’s game with Hamilton (2-1) should be more competitive.  Hamilton lost their first game of the year to Moody in week three, 38-31.

Josh’s Pick: Hamilton by 10.  

Bryan Allen Academy Vs. Buckholts (1-2)

After suffering a tough 45-0 loss to Central Texas Christian last season, the Badgers flipped the script in 2016 with a huge 51-19 victory.  Next up is Bryan Allen Academy.  Not much is known about the Rams expect that they defeated the Badgers last season, 62-14.

Josh’s Pick: Allen Academy by 14.  

Around 10-3A

Marlin (2-1) Vs. McGregor (1-2)

Cameron will draw McGregor in the first week of district action.  The Bulldogs have somewhat struggled through three games but have played a tough schedule with losses to highly ranked 2A and 3A teams.  Up next is the always tough Marlin Bulldogs.  To draw a comparison, Troy was able to take down Marlin in week two, 34-7.

Josh’s Pick: McGregor by 24.

Waco Connally (3-0) Vs. Franklin (3-0)
Before the season started, most probably would have felt Connally was not going to be towards the top of the list of tougher opponents for the Lions.  That may not be the case as the Cadets are 3-0 and Navasota, Lorena and Caldwell are a combined 1-8.  Connally has good size and speed traditionally, so this should be a stiff test for the Lions on both sides of the ball.

Josh’s Pick: Franklin by 10.  

Little River Academy (3-0) Vs. Comanche (1-2)

Academy is off to one of their best starts in quite some time.  The Bees picked up their most impressive victory of the season last week over Goldthwaite (21-14).  Goldthwaite had been ranked inside the top ten of some 2A polls.  Comanche is generally a tough opponent.  The Indians knocked off West last year in district and gave Rockdale a game in the bi-district round of the playoffs.

Josh’s Pick: Academy by 3.

Around the State

La Marque (3-0) Vs. Columbia (2-1)

La Marque is supposed to be that sleeper team in region III this season.  The Cougars have been above average in 4A the past few years and have a total of five state championships to their name.  Columbia is not noted as being the strongest of 4A teams, but any time you can play up and win, it’s a plus.  

Josh’s Pick: La Marque by 7.

Eastland (2-1) Vs. Wall (2-1)

The big question this year is if Brock will have any competition out of region I.  If there is a team that could stand in their way, it should be Wall.  The Hawks will be taking on a fairly strong Eastland team in week four.  This same Eastland team fell by five to Clyde - another team in 3A DI that could compete with Brock.

Josh’s Pick: Wall by 6.