As we enter Week 3 of District 9-4A play, there is still time for teams to get into the mix for a playoff berth. However, with two teams undefeated atop the standings, the time is now for everyone else to take it up a notch—or be left in the dust and out of the postseason.
Check out the District 9-4A breakdown.
Centennial (2-0) Vs. Liberty (1-1)—7:00 PM Toyota Stadium
In order to push their record to 3-0, the Titans will look to QB Kelly Cordova (92/154, 1376 yds, 16 TDs) and WR Devin McCord (33/475 yds, 5 TDs) to continue their aerial supremacy. Their running game is spear-headed by Kamari Burnett (372 yards, 4 TDs) who has a slim lead over Cordova (346 yards, 5 TDs) in the rushing category.
In just the second week of district play, the RedHawks matched last season’s win total, as they nipped Little Elm, 22-18. Liberty will have their hands full trying to contain the Titans, which may have the most versatile offense in the district.
In order for the RedHawks to pull off the upset, they’ll need to not only stop Cordova and company, but have big games from QB Connor Robison (51/115, 479 yds, 3 TDs), RB Chris McPhaul (259 yds, TD) and WR Rodray Perkins (24/331 yds, 2 TDs).
Frisco High (1-1) @ Little Elm (0-2)—7:00 PM Lobos Stadium
Don’t let their record fool you; talent-wise the Raccoons are an easy pick for a playoff spot. Their lone loss came just because, well, somebody had to play district buzz-saw The Colony last week.
For the Lobos to get off the district snide, they will have to force ‘Coons QB Jake Battaglia out of the pocket and into tricky tosses. Although Battaglia can run (102 yds, 5 TD) he is at his best when he can get the ball to WR Dayton Bush (7/183 yds, 3TDs). The problem with containing Battaglia is that you risk letting RB Max Steitle (657 yds, 4 TD) run rampant—something is quite capable of.
Heritage (1-1) @ The Colony (2-0)—7:00 PM Cougar Stadium
With RB Sean Jones (345 yds, TD), QB Malik Walker (104/182, 1,126 yds, 14 TDs) and WR Keaton White (409 yds, 7 TDs) Heritage presents a balanced attack that can damage a defense in many ways.
Last week, Wakeland was able to limit their offense to 274 total yards en route to a 5-point win. The Coyotes’ defense was punished by Wakeland’s Brent Altieri, to the tune of 210 yards and two TDs. As good as Altieri is, The Colony’s Bryan Hammond is even better.
If Heritage’s defense isn’t able to minimize the damage caused by Hammond, they could be in for a long night, and the Cougars will be well on their way to a 3-0 district start.
Wakeland (1-1) Vs. Prosper (0-2)—7:00 PM Frisco ISD Memorial Stadium
The Wolverine’s offense is predicated by the success of RBs Brent Altieri (469 yds, 4 TDs) and Alex Marr (406 yds, 8 TDs). When those two have their way it opens a passing lane for QB Jackson Lamb (52/93, 681 yds, 5 TDs) to take advantage of a deep and talented WR core.
Look for Wakeland to implement the same defensive plan against Prosper as they did a week ago against Heritage; they’re number one priority will be to neutralize RB Marquez Houston (518 yards, 6 TDs) and to keep pressure on QB Chase Dawkins (76/129, 891 yds, 8 TDs).
3A
Frisco Lone Star (5-1) @ Aubrey (1-5)—Aubrey
District 10-3A kicks off with two teams seemingly headed in the opposite direction.
Aubrey hasn’t won a game since way back in Week 1. Frisco Lone Star has looked especially sharp of late and has the potential to be a matchup nightmare. Aubrey is a run-first offense, and RB Daniel Longhenry (516 yds, TD) is a fine athlete, but outside of him the Chaparrals have few playmakers.
QB Chase Moake (59/91, 915 yds, 10 TDs) is having an outstanding season. Any game plan to stop the Rangers has to start with Moake. What makes the Rangers so good is that they have a near limitless supply of weapons. WRs Jordan Jones and Austin De Leon have combined for 8 TDs and nearly 900 yards. RB Ramon Harris (730 yds, 10 TDs) is one of 3A’s premier rushers.
Barring a huge upset, look for Lone Star to win big.
TAPPS/Private
Legacy Christian (5-1) @ Flower Mound Coram Deo Academy (2-3)
District DIII-2 TAPPS starts off this week as well. After starting off 2-0, FM Coram Deo Academy has lost three straight. If they seek to start anew in district, then they had better find a way to stop all-purpose QB Ryan Davis (1,033 total yards of offense with 14 TDs).
But Davis is far from a one-man show. Three RBs having over 200 yards rushing—Chase Eisenmann (226 yds, 4 TDs), C.J. Encalade (221 yds, 2 TDs), and Thomas Dreger (217 yds, TD). And let’s not forget about standout WR Christian Gregory (303 yds, 5 TDs).
Could be a long night for FM Coram Deo Academy.
Can’t make it to the games this week? No problem, Lifestyle Frisco has got you covered. Follow @TMurrayHowell for scoring updates and check back on Monday for a re-cap of all of this week’s hard-hitting action.
