Week 8 Football Outlooks

Rockdale (4-2/2-0) Vs. Cameron Yoe (2-5/1-2)

In this game you can pretty much throw out the records as anything can, and probably will happen. Last season, the two teams combined for 134 points in the Tigers’ 80-54 win. I don’t expect to see a repeat of that, but there still could be plenty of fireworks come Friday night. Cameron is coming off of a 55-0 win over Jarrell. Though there is really not much to take out of a game of that nature since Jarrell will more than likely finish winless, I do believe the positive energy gained from the win should help build confidence in the locker room. For Cameron to pull this out, there are a few things that will need to happen. On offense, it’s all about execution and winning the turnover battle. 3+ turnovers will be hard to overcome this week. On defense, forcing Rockdale to sustain drives is a must as the big play ability along with speed will be there. This is the same message that has been reiterated by Brashear.

Josh’s Pick: Cameron Yoe by 7.

Around Milam County

Granger (3-3/1-0) Vs. Milano (6-0/1-0)

As expected, Milano had no problems with Bartlett in their district opener, cruising to a 52-0 victory to remain undefeated on the season. Kyle King has now surpassed the 1,000 yard mark in passing and the team as a whole has rushed for another 1,000 yards. Those numbers should continue to rise steadily this week with Granger coming to town. The Lions did win their district opener over Somerville (19-14), but we should see the Eagles continue to flex their muscles.

Josh’s Pick: Milano by 28.

Thorndale (2-4/1-0) Vs. Moody (2-4/0-1)

The Bulldogs took a big step in the right direction this past week by taking down Normangee in their district opener, 47-26. Another step to getting back in the playoffs can be taken this week by beating Moody. The Bearcats lost to Rosebud-Lott (33-13) last week, and after this game Thorndale will close out with the Holland, Rosebud-Lott and Thrall - potentially the three toughest opponents in the district.

Josh’s Pick: Thorndale by 14.

Buckholts (4-2) Vs. Round Rock Concordia (2-4)

The Badgers will look to capture their third straight win for the first time since 2013 this Friday night in Round Rock. Concordia has only been playing football for a few years and the Badgers won this game by a couple of scores last season. Concordia has played a tough schedule, which includes perennial power Richland Springs, but I’m taking Buckholts to win yet again this week.

Josh’s Pick: Buckholts by 28.

Around 10-3A

Jarrell (0-7/0-2) Vs. McGregor (3-3/1-1)

It’s simply going to be a long few weeks for Jarrell as they have to close the season out with McGregor, Franklin and Rockdale. The Cougars are just simply way down this season and would be doing good in these games by trying to put some sort of points on the board after being shutout the past two weeks, 115-0. For McGregor, just don’t get anyone hurt.

Josh’s Pick: McGregor by 28+

Academy (3-3/1-1) Vs. Troy (2-5/1-1)

Academy actually has the better record heading into this big rivalry game, but I believe the Trojans are more battle tested. I personally saw Academy to open the season, and just based on personnel, I felt like they were a little down from last season’s 4-6 team that did not make the playoffs. Playing Jarrell to a 20-14 final would back that up. Troy beat that same Cougar team by 60, so I’m taking them this week.

Josh’s Pick: Troy by 21.

Around the State

China Spring (5-1/1-0) Vs. La Vega (6-0/1-0)

This matchup has produced some excellent ball games over the past few years, including back-to-back state quarterfinal games to decide the region. That could be more up in the air in 2017, but this should be a quality game. From what I saw from China Spring, the offense is just not quite the same as it has been the past few seasons. La Vega had not given up more than 21 points in any of the four previous meetings, and I don’t expect that number to be exceeded in this game.

Josh’s Pick: La Vega by 14.