Week 9 Football Outlook

Little River Academy (4-3/1-2) Vs. Cameron Yoe (6-2/3-1)

Everything that could have possibly gone wrong in last week's 80-54 loss to rival Rockdale ended up happening.  The Yoemen committed over 100 yards in penalties, had critical turnovers, had special teams mishaps and had a hard time containing the speed of Rockdale defensively.  This is a very critical stretch for the Yoemen.  Improvements are expected as this team has the capability of putting it together to finish off the regular season strong and have another deep run in the playoffs.  Academy was overwhelmed by Rockdale, but did have a two-touchdown lead on Troy before the Trojans made a run late to win.  The Cameron defensive front will need to have a good game as Academy operates out of the I-formation and is going to try and pound the rock most of the night. 

Josh's Pick: Cameron Yoe by 28+. 

Around Milam County

Buckholts (2-4) Vs. Prairie Lea (6-1)

It seems like most teams in the state of Texas have been in the midst of their district races for weeks now.  For Buckholts and the other three teams in 16-1A DII, it all begins now with just a few weeks left in the regular season.  This district is going to be a challenge for the Badgers, as the three other opponents are a combined 18-2 on the season.  Prairie Lea has played two common opponents to Buckholts.  Prairie Lea defeated Fayette County, 56-33, while Buckholts fell, 79-62.  Prairie Lea also defeated Temple Holy Trinity, 48-24, while Buckholts fell, 71-26.  

Josh's Pick: Prairie Lea by 28

Thorndale (3-4/1-1) Vs. Holland (4-3/1-1)

Thorndale easily had their most impressive performance of the year in last week’s 49-28 win over the Moody Bearcats.  Moody had just defeated Rosebud-Lott the previous week, 49-22.  Next up is Holland, which is also 1-1.  The Hornets fell to Thrall (34-14) but did rebound with a 33-0 shutout win over Rosebud-Lott.

Josh's Pick: Holland by 14. 

Burton (6-1/2-0) Vs. Milano (2-5/1-1)

Milano battled with Granger last week, but fell, 46-25.  QB Kyle King had accounted for 8 touchdowns on the season, and added on two more in last week's loss.  The junior will need to have another big game this week versus Burton.  The Panthers only loss on the season was to Wallis Brazos (46-36), and in two district wins the scoring advantage is up to 114-24.  

Josh's Pick: Burton by 24. 

Around 10-3A

Rockdale (6-1/3-0) Vs. McGregor (3-4/1-2)

Coming off the big win over Cameron last week, Rockdale is in no position to have a let down.  The next two weeks the Tigers will take on McGregor and Franklin, which have proven to be worthy opponents.  McGregor was up by two touchdowns on Franklin before falling late.  What will probably be the difference in this game is the speed from WR Crawford, RB Ford, and QB Franklin at the skill positions. 

Josh's Pick: Rockdale by 14. 

Jarrell (1-7/0-4) Vs. Franklin (6-1/2-1)

The Franklin Lions have had two back-to-back thrillers versus Cameron and McGregor.  This week may not have as many fireworks.  Jarrell has really struggled to compete in the district, going 0-4 with three blowout loses.  Franklin's slot-t ground attack should rack up plenty or yardage and points. 

Josh's Pick: Franklin by 28+

Around the State

Groesbeck (3-4/2-2) Vs. Teague (6-1/4-0)

10-3A fans will need to start paying close attention to the results from 9-3A as these two districts will meet in the bi-district round.  At this point, I do project Cameron to finish somewhere 1-3, depending on how Rockdale finishes in their next two games.  This Groesbeck and Teague came should be close.  The Goats nearly beat West last week.  West was also leading Teague late by 10 before losing.  

Josh's Pick: Teague by 10. 

Malakoff (7-0/4-0) Vs. West (3-4/3-1)

After starting the season 0-3, West is now in good position for a playoff spot at 3-1.  However, they will now see the most impressive team in region III as Malakoff comes to town.  The Tigers have been very thorough in their wins, scoring 40 or more in each ball game.  The biggest question here is can West slow down this potent offense?

Josh's Pick: Malakoff by 24.