By james art Don’t blink. There are three weeks left in the regular season, and the final district openers begin Friday. High school football is in full force in the Lubbock area. Here are the top matchups from Week 9.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Bushland (7-0, 0-0) at Shallowater (5-2, 0-0)
7pm Friday, Todd Field
These teams knew they were playoff contenders from the get-go, but this is more than that.
The District 1-3A Division I title could be decided on Friday. Dalhart is no failure, but Bushland and Shallowater come in with their own impressive resumes.
The Falcons are unscathed and ranked No. 3 in the state. Five non-district opponents were Class 4A, with the others being Midland Christian and Canadian.
Bushland is averaging 43.3 points per game, but its defense may be even more impressive. The Falcons have held opponents to 15 points or less five times. The shutouts came in a 42-21 win over the Canadiens and a 48-42 overtime win over Dumas. Bushland is allowing 18.6 points per game on the season.
Shallowater followed a similar path. The Mustangs faced four 4A teams, including 4A Division II No. 5 Seminoles. Seminole and Midland District teammate Greenwood — a combined 13-1 — accounted for Shallowater’s two losses.
The Mustangs are allowing 19.6 points per game. A solid running game with multiple ball carriers complements the stout defense.
The teams share a rival in Canada, which Shallowater beat 49-27 three weeks ago.
Bushland and Shallowater have split the last two meetings, with each team winning on the road. The Falcons took a 35-3 decision last season.
Week 9 games for the Lubbock area
Post (7-0, 2-0) at New Home (3-4, 1-1)
7pm Friday, Leopard Field
Last week: Post 48, Olton 6; New Home 40, Floydada 7
The Antelopes continue to impress, but this might be their toughest opponent yet. The Leopards know a loss will likely put them out of the district title race, so the intensity should be overflowing.
Wichita Falls Memorial (5-2, 2-1) at Lubbock-Cooper (7-1, 4-0)
19:00 Friday, Pirate Stadium.
Last week: Abilene Wylie 45, Wichita Falls Memorial 42; Lubbock-Cooper 31, Amarillo Palo Duro 20
It’s not the same as the Wichita Falls Rider rivalry, but it’s still an important matchup. Those two are worst in the top three in the area.
Sudan (4-3, 1-1) at Hale Center (6-1, 2-0)
19:00 Friday, Buhal Stadium.
Last week: Lockney 57, Sudan 42; Hale Center 39, Crosbyton 8
The Hornets are talented enough to rebound and throw a wrench in the district race. This will be the Owls’ toughest test since Week 1.
New Deal (3-4, 0-2) at Alton (4-3, 1-1)
19:00 Friday, Memorial Stadium
Last week: Abernathy 38, New Deal 0; Post 48, Olton 6
Losing three in a row, the Lions are running out of time to turn things around. In all likelihood, this game will decide the fourth place in the playoffs.
Denver City (0-7, 0-0) at Brownfield (0-7, 0-0)
7pm Friday, Cub Stadium
Last week: Both teams open
Forget the records. Both teams are headed to the playoffs and the winner here could be the favorite to win the district championship.