Four rivalry games with playoff implications
Thursday, 6th October 2022 - 6:00AM

Garrett Ross

The first Texas high school football weekend in October is jam packed with key district matchups that have playoff implications on the line. As we head into Week 7, 206 programs have won more games this season than they did last season according to Greg Tepper from Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. Here is a look at some of this week’s games that could shakeup the district standings.

Richland Springs (4-0) vs Cherokee (5-0)

It’s been an interesting season for No. 2 Richland Springs, as head coach Jerry Burkhart was issued a three-year suspension in September from the UIL for recruiting players. The Coyotes wrapped up non-district play last Thursday with a commanding 74-30 victory over Coolidge and now shift their focus to District 16 1A DII play against rival Cherokee.

Richland Springs opened the season with mercy rule victories over High Island (56-0) and Austin Regents (50-0), and have outscored their opponents this season 180-30. The Coyotes have not lost a district game since October 26, 2001, when Panther Creek defeated them 62-36.

Cherokee enters this ranked No. 3 in the state with their final non-district victory coming over Sydney last week 50-0. The Indians have only allowed more than 19-points once this season (Bluff Dale 84-44), and have outscored their opponents 319-83.

These two programs have been battling it out against each other since 1921, with Richland Springs holding the overall series advantage 32-19. The Coyotes haven’t lost to Cherokee since 2000, when the Indians came away with a district win 48-36.

Location & Time:
7:30 p.m. Friday at Coyote Field in Richland Springs

Bellville (6-0, 2-0) vs Brookshire Royal (5-0, 1-0)

Bellville currently sits atop the District 10 4A DII standings with victories over La Marque (63-6) and Columbia (35-21). The sixth-ranked Brahmas have outscored their opponents this season 261-55, while the most points given up by their defense in a game this season was 21.

Despite losing superstar running back Richard Reece to Baylor last season, Bellville continues to rely on their rushing attack with duo Sam Hranicky (123 carries, 867 yards, 9 TDs) and D.D. Murray (41 carries, 384 yards, 7 TDs , 5 receptions, 55 yards, 2 TDs).

Brookshire Royal right behind Bellville in the district standings after defeating Sealy last week 13-10 to open up district play. The Falcons 13-points last week were the fewest put up by their offense this season, while averaging 29.8PPG and allowing 15.6PPG.

Royal likes to air things out with QB Ashton Robinson (71-128, 1031 yards, 11 TDs, 4 INT), whose favorite targets are Antonio Page (30 receptions, 338 yards, 4TD) and DaShawn Adams (14 receptions, 386 yards, 3TD).

Location & Time:
7:00 p.m. Friday at Bellville’s Brahma Stadium

Chilton (5-0) vs Bremond (5-0)

Chilton comes into this rivalry game ranked No. 3 in the state after coasting through their non-district schedule. Heading into this week’s District 13 2A DII opener, the Pirates have outscored their opponents 207-64.

Bremond is back to their winning ways and currently rank No. 8 in the state, while outscoring the opposition 260-92. The Tigers have only really been pushed once this season, as Holland (46-35) gave them all they could handle in mid September.

Chilton won the inaugural game between the two rivals 27-0 in 1935, but trail the overall series 32-18 with Bremond taking the past seven games since 2013.

Location & Time:
7:00 p.m. Friday at Chilton’s Featherston Field

Gilmer (4-0) vs Pleasant Grove (4-1)

Gilmer enters the District 7 4A DII opener ranked No. 2 in the state powered by an explosive offense that is averaging 43PPG. The battle tested Buckeyes were idle last week after getting pushed by Lindale 31-23 in their last outing.

Pleasant Grove has become one of the top programs in the state under head coach Josh Gibson and currently rank No. 4 in the state. The Hawks have outscored their non-district opponents 176-111 this season and enter district play on a three-game winning streak.

The two programs have been able to establish a nice rivalry since their first meeting back in 2014, which Gilmer won 50-7. Pleasant Grove had two opportunities to defeat the Buckeyes last season, but Gilmer dominated 48-12 in district play and 36-15 in the playoffs.

Location & Time:
7:30 p.m. Friday at Pleasant Grove’s Hawk Stadium
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