Athens (5-3, 3-1) at Crandall (6-2, 3-1)

Athens used a second half surge to cruise past Mabank last week 56-17, it was the Hornets second district 9-4A DI win in a row.

Sophomore running back Nathan Sims carries the ball 18 times for 225 yards and three touchdowns against the Panthers, while Connor Clay, Chase Friedrich, and Rhe’Jhu Sherfield all tacked on one rushing touchdown a piece.

Crandall defeated Quinlan Ford last week 41-7, and the Pirates led 35-7 at halftime.

Crandall is undefeated this season when they score 18 or more points in a game and they are 5-0, while playing on the road.

So what’s at stake in this game?

The winner of this game will be the runner up of district 9-4A DI, while the loser will take third place. Midlothian Heritage is the district champion and defeated both of these teams soundly.

Crockett (7-2, 4-1) at #9 Franklin (7-1, 5-0)

Crockett has won their last three district 11-3A DI games by a total of 131-19, but the Bulldogs will have their hands full this week.

The Bulldogs will rely on standout junior Allen Horace Jr, to help the slow down the explosive Franklin offense. Horace holds four DI offers from Arkansas, Baylor, Oklahoma State, and Nebraska.

Franklin knocked off previously undefeated Diboll last week 34-20, Diboll was the first team to score on the Lions since Lorena defeated them the first week of September.

Franklin has outscored their district opponents 296-20. The last time that Crockett defeated Franklin was in 1949 (25-13), and the two tied in 1950 6-6.

So what’s at stake in this game?

Franklin needs a win to take the district 11-3A DI championship outright, but if they lose it will put them in a three way tie with Diboll and Crockett.

Crockett will take third place in district play if they lose, after being defeated by Diboll 39-28.

Kemp (7-2, 4-0) at Malakoff (7-1, 4-0)

Kemp is out scoring district 6-3A DI opponents 186-32. The Yellowjackets have relied on the growth of this senior class to establish a winning culture within their program.

Malakoff has outscored district 6-3A DI opponents 226-32. The Tigers only loss of the season came in week 4 against Grandview 28-7, but since that loss the least amount of points scored by their offense is 21 points.

Malakoff leads the all-time series between these two programs 27-8, and Kemp hasn’t defeated the Tigers since 2007 (35-7).

So what’s at stake in this game?

The winner of this game will be crowned district 6-3A D1 champions.

Tatum (6-2, 5-0) at Gladewater (8-1, 4-1)

Tatum had a rough start to the season going 0-2 out of the gate, but the Eagles have put things together and are now on a six game winning streak.

The Eagles are coming off a 52-21 victory over Mineola and hold the top spot in district 8-3A DI.

Gladewater has been one of the most improved teams across the state and the Bears can contribute that success to solid offensive line play and a great rushing attack.

The Bears currently sit in second place in district and they have won the last three games against Tatum by a combined score of 138-27.

So what’s at stake in this game?

The winner of this game will be crowned district 8-3A DI champions.