Three Games of interest for Week 8

As we head into Week 8 it’s slim pickings when it comes to finding games, as this marks the second-largest open week on the schedule with 13.4% of the state is idle according to Greg Tepper of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. Here is a look at three games this week to keep an eye on as the district standings continue to unfold.

Allen (5-1, 3-0) vs McKinney (5-1, 3-0)

While Allen hasn’t been the team of old that dominates the state, they’re still a force to be reckoned with. The Eagles are currently ranked No. 9 in Class 6A and sit atop the District 5 6A standings. Allen’s lone loss this season came in the opening week, as they fell to national power St. John Bosco (CA) 52-14.

Since that loss, Allen has found their groove as they’ve outscored their past five opponents 204-75. The Eagles have relied heavily on junior RB Kayvion Sibley, who has rushed for 809-yards and 9TD this season.

McKinney has almost an identical path to Allen this season, as their lone loss came in the opening week against Temple 17-10. The Lions have reeled off five consecutive victories since that time, and currently sit in third place in the District 5 6A standings.

The Lions are led offensively by junior four-star RB Bryan Jackson, who has rushed for 1,004-yards and 15TD this season. McKinney is currently averaging 43.5PPG, while allowing 24.2PPG.

History favors Allen in this series, as they’ve won 12-straight against McKinney, with the Lions last victory coming in 1999.

Location & Time:
7:00 p.m. Friday at Allen’s Eagle Stadium

Frisco Emerson (7-0, 3-0) vs Argyle (6-0, 2-0)

While Emerson might be the new kid on the block in the DFW area, they are off to an impressive start in their first season of varsity play, and currently sit in first place of the District 3 5A DII standings. The Mavericks have dominated opponents on both sides of the ball this season, as they are out scoring the opposition 300-144.

Argyle enters this game ranked No. 1 in the state in Class 5A DII, and will be looking to humble Emerson. The Eagles are currently averaging 41PPG and their defense has only allowed more than 20-points once this season to a very good Lucas Lovejoy (56-49) team in early September.

Location & Time:
7:00 p.m. Thursday at Frisco’s Toyota Center

Axtell (4-2, 2-1) vs Italy (4-3, 3-0)

Axtell enters this game in third place of the District 7 2A DI standings and winners of two straight after dropping their district opener to front runner Cayuga 30-7. The Longhorns are averaging 32.3PPG behind freshman QB and coach's son Coldyn Horn, who ran for 2TD and threw one in last week’s 35-20 win over Rio Vista.

Italy is currently riding a four game winning streak after starting the season 0-3, but the past two victories didn’t come easy for the Gladiators. Against quality competition this season Italy has struggled and theffense has struggled and they are allowing 31.8PPG while averaging 31.3PPG.

One key component in this game is that current Axtell head coach Craig Horn is the former coach at Italy and knows the Gladiators strengths and weaknesses very well.

Location & Time:
7:00 p.m. Friday at Axtell’s Ellison Field