Week 9 Football Outlooks

Rockdale (5-2/2-1) Vs. Cameron Yoe (6-1/3-0)

Thankfully Cameron has implemented their run-heavy “Bubba” package this season as it was needed in last week’s win over Academy. The conditions on the field were about as bad as you could have expected and operating out of the spread was not going to work on this night. I can see why Academy wanted to play in the mud, as it neutralized Cameron’s speed and agility, which is something that Academy is still lacking.

Rockdale is coming off of a surprising 21-17 loss to Troy at home last week. Rockdale did have their opportunities to win that game, but not finishing off drives and making a mistake here or there proved to be costly.

As far at the Battle of the Bell goes, I firmly believe the pressure is on Cameron to win this game. The games the last two years have been a disappointment to everyone involved with the Yoe program as you do not get used to losing to Rockdale, and I believe there is going to be that sense of urgency to get that changed in 2018.

Cameron will enter this game as the favorites, but this is a rivalry game, and as you know anything can, and probably will happen on Friday night.

Josh’s Pick: Cameron Yoe by 14.

Marlin (0-7/0-3) Vs. Milano (2-4/1-2)

Though Marlin is still winless on the season, positive steps were made last week when they scored three touchdowns in a 28-21 loss to Thrall. In their previous 6 games, the Bulldogs had only scored 6 total points combined. Milano did suffer a tough 35-14 loss to rival Thorndale last week, but a win in this game would essentially mean that Eagles are going to be back in the postseason.

Josh’s Pick: Milano by 10.

Thorndale (5-1/3-1) Vs. Hearne (2-4/2-1)

This is is a critical game out of D13 as it should more than likely decide who is the second and third seed out of the district. Holland has already beaten each of these teams and should be the number one seed unless there is some sort of late season collapse. If this game is decided by more than one touchdown either way, it would be a surprise to me.

Josh’s Pick: Thorndale by 3.

Academy (3-5/2-2) Vs. Jarrell (3-4/1-2)

This is also a huge game out of 10-3A, as the winner will more than likely be the fourth seed in the playoffs while the loser will be sitting at home. Though Cameron had a much easier time with Jarrell, a lot of that had to do with the weather and field conditions. Had Cameron played Academy on turf in dry conditions, I feel the score could have been much worse. With that said, I do believe Academy has the more complete team and will pull this one out late.

Josh’s Pick: Academy by 7.

Manor New Tech (1-6/0-3) Vs. Troy (6-2/3-1)

Troy must be full of confidence after their upset win over Rockdale last week. Simply put, it will not matter how good or bad the Trojans execute this week as the game is going to be in hand by the half. If Manor New Tech can keep any district game to within about 28 points, that would be considered a win.

Josh’s Pick: Troy by 28+

Teague (3-4/2-1) Vs. Whitney (5-2/3-0)

Both of these teams could be in the playoffs, but where they will end up is a mystery right now. Whitney has been the big surprise team out of the district as they upset first place West last week, 13-7. At this point, I would say West still has the inside track at the number one seed, but it will not be all that easy to get there. If you’re a Yoe fan, you want Teague to win this game. That makes it easier for West to obtain that number one seed and a potential third round playoff matchup. Grandview is the one team out of this district I would want to avoid as long as possible.

Josh’s Pick: Teague by 3.