Three Games to watch in Week 4

It’s been an exciting start to the Texas high school football season, with plenty of upsets and storylines over the first three weeks of action. As we get set to begin week four, here are three games of interest to keep an eye on.

China Spring (3-0) @ Connally (3-0)

China Spring appears to have not missed a beat from last season’s state championship run, despite losing key playmakers and their head coach. The Cougars are currently ranked No. 2 in Class 4A DI, with their first three victories coming against Lorena, Melissa, and Mexia.

The Cougars are currently averaging 47.3PPG, while allowing just 22.6PPG. Last week China Spring got big performances out of QB Cash McCollum (13 of 17, 336 yards, 5 TDs), WR Tre Hafford (9 receptions, 224 yards, 3 TDs), and RB Miles Reed (9 carries, 83 yards, 3 TDs).

Connally comes into this game with revenge on their mind, as China Spring beat the Cadets soundly last season 48-7. The Cadets have proven to be one of the best teams in the Super Centex region this season, behind impressive victories over Mexia, La Vega, and Cameron Yoe.

Behind a host of talent headlined by Oklahoma State commit Jelani McDonald, Connally has earned the ranking of No. 11 in 4A DII. The Cadets are averaging 48.3PPG, while allowing 31.3PPG.

These two state-ranked powers will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at Mac Peoples Stadium in Lacy-Lakeview.

South Oak Cliff (0-3) vs Parish Episcopal (3-0)

If you’re looking for a game full of guys who will be playing on Saturday’s soon, then look no further than this battle of defending state champion public vs private school juggernauts out of Dallas.

Don’t let SOC’s 0-3 record fool you, the defending Class 5A DI champs have fallen to Duncanville, Lancaster, and Desoto. While their defense is lights out, the Golden Bears’ offense appears to be what’s holding them back.

SOC is only averaging 12PPG, with their two best playmakers at WR, Jamyri Cauley and Randy Reece have combined for just 19 catches for 177 yards this season. The defense has been able to keep some of the best offenses in the state to just 28.6PPG, with four-star Texas commit Malik Muhammad making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.

Parish Episcopal comes into this game with impressive victories over Aledo (Who fell to SOC in the state championship), Bellaire Episcopal, and Austin LBJ (2021 4A Division I state runner-up).

The Panthers offense is led by sophomore quarterback Saywer Anderson, who currently holds 14 offers from around the country. Anderson has thrown for 644 yards and nine touchdowns this season, while the Episcopal offense has averaged 30.6PPG.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. on Friday at Gloria Snyder Stadium in Dallas.

Temple (2-1) vs Arlington Martin (2-1)

Both of these programs are coming off their first loss of this season, as Temple fell to Class 5A No. 5 College Station 45-35, while Martin fell to Class 6A No. 9 Allen 27-16.

The loss to College Station knocked Temple out of the Top-25 rankings, as they currently sit at No. 22 according to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. The Wildcats’ defense gave up two touchdowns to the Cougars as they converted on fourth down on back-to-back drives leaving them down 17-7 heading into halftime.

Temple’s offense put up the most points of the season (35) despite the loss, but struggled mightily with their rushing attack. Defensively, the Wildcats had only allowed a total of 47-points against McKinney and Willis, but College Station torched them.

Arlington Martin was held to a season low 208-yards in their loss against Allen, which was solidified by a blunder fake punt that led to the winning touchdown. The Warriors defense allowed Allen RB Kavion Sibley to rush for 146-yards and one touchdown in the victory.

Despite the loss to Allen, Martin has claimed victories over perennial powers Lake Travis and Cedar Hill this season.

Temple and Martin will kickoff at 7:00 p.m. on Friday at Temple’s Wildcat Stadium.