Allen vs. Skyline
3 p.m. Saturday, Mesquite Memorial Stadium, KHYI-FM (95.3):
Both programs are synonymous with football success – a combined 147-18 over the last six seasons – but between the two, they share only one state title (Allen, 2008). Skyline (12-1) hasn’t been the juggernaut that was expected after returning quarterback Devante Kincade (Ole Miss), receiver Ra’Shaad Samples (Oklahoma State) and several members from a talented defense, including tackle Kerrick Huggins (Texas A&M). In its last two playoff wins over Mesquite Horn and Spring Westfield, Skyline has allowed more yards and first downs than it has gained. Allen (12-1) has been rolling, thanks to great line play and the development of sophomore quarterback Kyler Murray. With Murray’s big-play ability in the mix, Allen has rushed for 288 yards per game this season. Skyline’s last foray against an electrifying sophomore QB didn’t go so well. Tony James scored three rushing touchdowns, helping Arlington Bowie amass 426 yards on the ground in a 38-36 upset win in September.
Allen 42, Skyline 34
DeSoto vs. Southlake Carroll
2 p.m. Saturday, SMU's Ford Stadium, KWRD-FM (100.7): All eyes will be on the offensive skill players in this 5A Division I Region I final; the backfield duo of Desmon White and Dontre Wilson for DeSoto (13-0) and do-everything quarterback Kenny Hill for Southlake Carroll (12-1) are all tremendous talents. But this game will probably be decided by which team can figure out how to stop those standouts. Young, a middle linebacker in DeSoto's 3-4 scheme, might be an answer on how to stop Hill – at least when he's churning out tough yards between the tackles. During the regular season, Young accounted for 130 tackles, three forced fumbles and four interceptions. DeSoto coach Claude Mathis said the 5-11, 220-pound senior is the unquestioned leader on his defense. Defensive coordinator Kendrick Brown said Young has FBS-level offers, but if he were a few inches taller, SEC programs like LSU would be calling. DeSoto 35, Southlake Carroll 34
Mesquite Poteet vs. Lancaster
7:30 p.m. Friday, Allen Eagle Stadium, KEOM-FM (88.5), KXEZ-FM (92.1): These teams are familiar with each other, playing in the same district from 2008 to 2011. Poteet (11-2) is trying to make the state semifinals for the second time in coach Randy Jackson's three-year tenure. This is the first time Lancaster (12-1) has advanced to the state quarterfinals. Lancaster 35, Mesquite Poteet 31
Frisco Centennial vs. Tyler John Tyler
7:30 p.m. Friday, Ennis' Lion Memorial Stadium: Frisco Centennial (12-1) is the first school from Frisco ISD to make the state quarterfinals since Frisco in 1973. Greg Ward, the senior quarterback for John Tyler (12-1), threw his first interception of the season against Frisco last week. Ward has 36 touchdown passes in 2012. Tyler John Tyler 48, Frisco Centennial 38
Nocona vs. Corsicana Mildred
7:30 p.m. Friday, Aledo's Bearcat Stadium: Nocona (12-0) is led by senior running back Tate Fenoglio, who has rushed for 1,962 yards and 20 TDs. Jeremy Ballard had three interceptions last week for Mildred (11-1) in its 44-14 win over Clarksville, bringing his season total to 11. Corsicana Mildred 45, Nocona 35
Frisco Legacy Chr. vs. Shiner St. Paul
7:30 p.m. Friday, Waco's Floyd Casey Stadium: Ovie Urevbu has rushed for 2,273 yards and 29 scores for Frisco Legacy Christian (11-2), which upset Colleyville Covenant last week, 21-16. The Shiner St. Paul backfield tandem of Dakota Kresta and Adam Hollenbach accounted for six TDs last week. Frisco Legacy Christian 28, Shiner St. Paul 20
Cedar Hill vs. Waco Midway
2 p.m. Saturday, Midlothian MISD Multi-Purpose Stadium: The dynamic duo of running back Laquvionte Gonzalez and receiver Quincy Adeboyejo, both Texas A&M pledges, have scored 39 touchdowns for Cedar Hill (9-4). In its first year up from 4A, Midway (13-0) is off to its best start in school history. Cedar Hill 31, Waco Midway 28
Plano West vs. Austin Westlake
2 p.m. Saturday, Waco ISD Stadium: Sophomore Sotonye Jamabo has rushed for 13 touchdowns in the playoffs, propelling Plano West (9-4) to the quarterfinals for the first time. The defense for Austin Westlake (9-4) is small – no starter weighs more than 210 pounds – but stingy, allowing 63 points over its last nine games. Austin Westlake 34, Plano West 24
Birdville vs. Denton Guyer
2 p.m. Saturday, Southlake's Dragon Stadium, tape-delayed on Ch. 21 at 7 p.m.: Birdville (13-0) has a 2,700-yard passer (Justin Martin), a 1,400-yard rusher (Xavier Turner) and two receivers with 10 or more TD catches (Samuel Northey and Collin Basinger). And yet, Denton Guyer (11-2) is the favorite, behind junior quarterback and Texas pledge Jerrod Heard. Denton Guyer 49, Birdville 28
Fort Worth Nolan vs. TCA-Addison
3 p.m. Saturday, Waco's Floyd Casey Stadium: Fort Worth Nolan (11-2) is back in the TAPPS Division I final for the fifth straight season, looking to win its fourth title during that span. Daniel Davidson, the quarterback for TCA-Addison (11-2), leads all Dallas-Fort Worth-area QBs in completions, attempts and yards. Fort Worth Nolan 28, TCA-Addison 21
Last week: 11-1; Season: 120-48
