Two weeks remain in the 2022 high school football season, and Week 10′s matchups will prove pivotal for playoff positioning. There is no better example than our Big Game Coverage (BGC) Game of the Week, which shines a spotlight on two squads boasting undefeated records in 14-4A Division I:
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GAME OF THE WEEK: Boerne vs. Somerset, Bulldog Stadium, 7 p.m.
A district title is on the line Friday night in Somerset, as two teams with very different offensive philosophies square off.
The Greyhounds head into Bulldog Stadium as the top-ranked Sub-5A team in KSAT 12′s Top 12 and have not been truly tested since a 45-34 victory over Antonian in Week 3. Since that showdown in early September, Boerne has won all five of their games by a combined margin of 239-48. Quarterback Jaxon Baize calls the shots for a red-hot aerial assault that has accounted for 29 touchdowns and more than 1,800 passing yards. Wide receiver Braden Baize has caught nine of those TDs, headlining a deep and versatile receiving corps. The Greyhounds are 8-0 for a reason: they play fast and jump out to big leads, but have also proven they’re capable of winning close games. Their season-opening comeback victory against Corpus Christi Flour Bluff is a prime example.
Somerset enjoys home-field advantage for their biggest game of the season. The Bulldogs are rolling after posting a 70-0 win over Memorial last week. It’s their third straight win since a 45-27 setback against Antonian in Week 5. That loss is the only blemish on their 7-1 season. Over the course of the season, the Bulldogs have proven that they are more than capable of playing any style of game. Running backs Josiah Lugo and Jacob Alcorta headline an impressive rushing attack that has accounted for more than 1,500 yards and 28 total touchdowns this season. Their defense has been just as strong, limiting opponents to 14 points or less in six of their eight games.
Will Boerne’s passing attack prove too much to handle? Or will Somerset hand the Greyhounds their first loss of the season? Expect a great game Friday night.
No. 1 Steele vs. Judson, Rutledge Stadium, 7:30 p.m.
District 27-6A supremacy is up for grabs in a clash of two perennial powerhouses.
At this point in the season, Steele needs no introduction. The Knight are the top-ranked team in KSAT 12′s Top 12 with a perfect 8-0 overall record, and are widely considered one of the best teams in the state. Running back Jaydon Bailey has been an absolute stud, leading a dangerous ground game that serves as the foundation of the Knights’ high-powered offense. Quarterback Chad Warner keeps defenses honest with a lethal and efficient passing game that utilizes the multi-faceted talents of receivers Royal Capell and Joe Perez.
The pressure falls on Judson to see if they can break through Steele’s vaunted defense. The Rockets offense found its rhythm in a dominant 55-35 victory over San Marcos last week. Elijah Favela has taken over the quarterback position, spreading the ball around effectively to wideouts Jeremiah Dunn and Oklahoma recruit Anthony Evans. If they don’t burn you, Nathaniel Stanley will. The dynamic running back has scored 18 total touchdowns this season including 14 on the ground.
These two programs are no stranger to big games. Last year, Steele prevailed in an incredible back-and-forth battle 35-30 thanks in large part to a 66-yard fumble return touchdown from senior Josh Fahrner. Whoever wins this matchup has the inside track to the district title.
Sam Houston vs. Highlands, Alamo Stadium, 7 p.m.
A playoff berth is likely on the line tonight at the Rockpile, as a pair of 4-3 teams in District 14-5A Division II go head-to-head.
The Hurricanes are riding high after a thrilling overtime victory over Brackenridge last week. The win marked their third in the last four games, and all four contests were decided by a combined eight points. Meanwhile, Highlands is looking to rebound after a tough one-point loss to Lanier. The Owls have split their last four games, and two of those matchups were decided by one possession.
It seems like every week, a game from 14-5A-II comes down to the wire. The winner here improves to 5-3 in district and likely takes control of the fourth and final playoff spot with one game left in the regular season. This is definitely one to watch.