Hays Rebels (3-0, 1-0) at Bowie Bulldogs (3-1, 1-1)
When: Friday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Burger Stadium in Austin
Last week: Hays 35, Anderson 3; Bowie 37, Del Valle 20
Last meeting (2015): Bowie 38, Hays 17
An early season district battle with possible playoff implications takes place Friday when Hays and Bowie square off in Austin. While no playoff spots are at stake just yet, the winner could have the leg up on third place (and maybe a shot a higher seed) as the season rolls on. Hays will look to keep its undefeated season going by utilizing their time-consuming, efficient Slot-T attack led by QB Xavier Martinez and RBs Nash Danford, Xavier Green and Sam Scott, among others. They'll face a Bulldog defense that's limited opposition to 20 or fewer points in three of four games, and has kept opponents to an average of 200 rushing yards per contest. Meanwhile, what Hays' defense could face Friday is dependent on the health of Bowie QB Trinidad Sanders, who was out last week due to injury. Sanders' dual-threat capabilities could pose a challenge for a bend-but-don't-break Rebel defense that's allowed an average of 18 points per game so far. But even without Sanders in the backfield, expect Bowie to get production from RB Kyle Carter and WR Jayden York.
Wimberley Texans (1-3) vs. Austin Regents Knights (3-1)
When: Friday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Knights Field in Austin
Last week: Fredericksburg 46, Wimberley 20; SA Central Catholic 36, Regents 15
Last meeting: First ever
Attempts at trying to end a three-game losing streak Friday could be an uphill battle for Wimberley. Standing in their way is private school powerhouse Regents, which last week suffered the program's first loss in a regular season game since the 2015 campaign. In fact, Regents' defeat to Central Catholic is only the third loss suffered by the program in the past three years. To notch a win, Wimberley will have to rely on the arm and legs of QB Cooper McCollum, who scored three touchdowns in a loss to Fredericksburg. But can the Texans stay consistent, while also avoiding costly miscues and turnovers? McCollum has thrown an interception in each of the last two contests, including a pair that were returned for scores against Fredericksburg. Wimberley's defense, which has struggled this season, will have to hold dual threat Knights QB Wilson Long, who's collected nearly half of Regents' total offensive output this year. Helping Long is RBs Andrew Adams, Josh Montgomery and WR Jackson Mountain. With a bye week on the horizon next week, scoring an upset win could be a boost for the Texans.
Lehman Lobos (0-3, 0-1) vs. Westlake Chaparrals (3-1, 2-0)
When: Friday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bob Shelton Stadium
Last week: Lehman was idle; Westlake 57, Austin HIgh 0
Last meeting (2015): Westlake 66, Lehman 14
A daunting two-week stretch against frontrunners in 25-6A begins Friday for the Lobos as they host the red-hot Westlake Chaparrals. Over the course of the last two weeks, Westlake has outscored opponents 124-0, while only giving up only 110 total yards during that time. It's a tall task for a Lobo squad that's fresh off a bye week, but is still trying to put it all together. Leading the charge is QB Cayden Raymond, who's flanked by WRs Bryant Lewis, Jake Cude and Daniel O'Neal, along with RB Diego Romero. Can Lehman's offense stay on the field? Through three games, Lehman is 14 of 44 (33%) on third down conversions. Conversely, will the Lobos find a way to slow the torrid pace of Westlake's offense? Dual-threat QB Taylor Anderson has accumulated 811 all-purpose yards and 13 total touchdowns. Senior RB Tripp Graham provides backup with 572 yards and five rushing touchdowns.
Dripping Springs Tigers (3-1, 1-0) are idle this week
Next game: Oct. 5 vs. McCallum Knights at House Park
