Hays Rebels (6-0, 4-0) vs. Lehman Lobos (0-6, 0-4)
When: Friday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bob Shelton Stadium
Last week: Hays 48, Austin 47; Del Valle 62, Lehman 20
Last meeting (2017): Hays 55, Lehman 20
Two teams enter, but only one will capture bragging rights as Hays and Lehman face off for the 13th time Friday. This season’s matchup, however, might be one of the most intriguing yet. On one hand, Lehman, winless in its last 13 contests, is aiming to not only get back on the right track, but also end a dubious 12 game losing streak to the rival Rebels. They’ll do so with a variety of explosive skill positions players in QB/WR Bryant Lewis, WR Jake Cude, WR Daniel O’Neal and RB Keshawn Williams. They’ll take on a bend-but-don’t-break Rebel defense that’s had a penchant for late game heroics, but is prone to the big play. Meanwhile, Hays’, which is going through the program’s best start since 2005, counters with an offense that’s not shy in putting up points. Through six games, Hays’ offense has averaged close to 40 points per contest, with the team scoring 114 points in the last two games. Stopping Hays RBs Nash Danford, Xavier Green, Sam Scott and company might be a tall task for a Lobo defense that’s hemorrhaging yards and points. Lehman’s defense is giving up more than 50 points per contest this season, with Lake Travis and Del Valle each scoring 60 points on Lehman in the last two weeks. Emotion, however, might be a factor that plays a vital role in this contest. Is Hays focused and not looking ahead to looming battles against Westlake and Lake Travis? Will Friday’s game provide enough motivation for the Lobos to get over the hump? However it shakes out, expect excitement as Hays CISD’s marquee showdown hits the field.
Dripping Springs Tigers (5-1, 3-0) vs. Lanier Vikings (2-4, 1-2)
When: Friday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Tiger Stadium
Last week: Dripping Springs 52, LBJ 35; Crockett 61, Lanier 20
Last meeting (2011): Dripping Springs 48, Lanier 0
A critical road test against a resurgent Seguin program is now on the horizon for Dripping Springs. But first, the Tigers Friday must get past a Lanier program that still is in the midst of the playoff chase. Lanier, which has gone 2-2 in the last four games, brings a two-headed rush attack that’s amassed close to 1,000 yards on the season. Dripping Springs’ defense, which has struggled at times this season, will try to halt RB Khile Shores and Jaimron Monroe, who have combined for eight of Lanier’s 15 total touchdowns on offense. Throw in the occasional pass from QB Habraham Arellano and the Vikings bring a better-than-average attack. But the Tiger offense, averaging over 530 yards per contest, could be too much for Lanier’s defense to handle. So far through six games, Lanier has conceded an average of 42 points per game.
Wimberley Texans (2-4, 1-0) at Bandera Bulldogs (1-4-1, 0-1)
When: Friday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bulldog Stadium, Bandera
Last week: Wimberley 68, Eastside Memorial 0; Cuero 64, Bandera 7
Last meeting (2017): Wimberley 65, Llano 7
With a key district win in hand, and maybe even its groove back, Wimberley aims to keep the ball rolling against a woeful Bandera program. So far through six games, Bandera, whose lone win came against private school St. Anthony, has only scored 54 total points, with the most coming against Comfort in a non-district affair. Meanwhile, the Bulldog defense has struggled at keeping opponents out of the end zone. During its three game losing streak, Bandera has given up 111 points, including spotting Cuero 64 points last week. Those factors could bode well for a Wimberley offense that, while put up 68 points on Eastside Memorial, only accumulated 232 total yards. Friday could be a key warmup for the Texans as they ready for tests against Geronimo Navarro and Cuero over the next few weeks.
