Canadian running back Hayze Hufstedler gets loose down the sideline against Spearman last Friday. [Alan Hale/ For Press Pass Sports]
Thursday’s games
Class 5A
El Paso Chapin (2-8) at Amarillo High (8-2), 6 p.m. Dick Bivins Stadium.
What a year for Amarillo High. After that opening loss to Frenship nobody thought a district champ was in the stars. The ride continues with the first playoff win in Coach Dunnam’s career. … Amarillo High 45, EP Chapin 14
— Lance Lahnert
Last week: 4-2 (.666)
Season: 40-14 (.740)
Class 4A-3A
Perryton (2-8) vs. Midland Greenwood (10-0), 8 p.m. Kimbrough Stadium.
There’s not a lot of respect being thrown Perryton’s way across the state. It doesn’t show it in the W-L, but Perryton has played a much tougher schedule. Expect a fight. … Greenwood 33, Perryton 17.
River Road (4-6) vs. Denver City (9-1), 7 p.m. PlainsCapital Park-Lowrey Field.
The Wildcats are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2016. We all know how good the ground game is, but can the defense slow down the Mustangs? … Denver City 38, River Road 20
Spearman (5-5) vs. Cisco (9-1), 6 p.m. Peoples Bank Stadium, Frenship.
The Lynx pulled on of the biggest stunners of last year’s first round, upsetting the Loboes. Can it happen again? Or will Cisco be out for revenge. … Cisco 42, Spearman 14.
Canadian (10-0) vs. Bangs (6-4) , 7 p.m. Memorial Stadium, Wichita Falls.
No one loves the postseason as much as the Wildcats. … Canadian 48, Bangs 8.
— Kale Steed
Last week: 8-1 (.888)
Season: 73-18 (.802)
Class 2A
Highland Park (5-5) vs. New Deal (9-1), 7 p.m. Bobcat Stadium, Dimmitt.
New Deal looks forward to another deep run after a state championship appearance last season—that run starts Thursday against the Hornets. … New Deal 42, Highland Park 20.
Sanford-Fritch (2-8) vs. Post (10-0), 7 p.m. Younger Field, Tulia
The Bold Gold have rolled through the regular season unscathed, and are a favorite in Region I. The Eagles have had to battle through injuries to get to where they are, but they won’t go down without taking a couple swings. … Post 48, Sanford-Fritch 20.
Bovina (4-6) vs. Wink (7-3), 7 p.m. Denver City
So far the Mustang have been able to play with most anyone on their schedule. Expect that to continue in one of the better bidistrict matchups. … Wink 34, Bovina 24.
Stratford (9-1) vs. New Home (4-6), 4 p.m. Kimbrough Stadium.
The loaded Elks send the Leopards to basketball season. … Stratford 56, New Home 6
Vega (7-3) vs Smyer (6-4), 7 p.m. Thursday, Greg Sherwood Memorial Bulldogs Stadium, Plainview.
Quarterback Carson Kirkland and the Longhorns are riding momentum after beating Clarendon last week. There isn’t a player on the field as good as the senior QB, and it will show in this win. … Vega 35, Smyer 20
Wheeler (8-2) vs. Archer City (7-3), 6 p.m. Leo Brittain Field at Lions Stadium, Vernon.
The Mustangs athleticism will be hard for the Wildcats to match. Especially trying to slow down running back Hesston Marshall.. … Wheeler 42, Archer City 30
Shamrock (4-6) vs. Windthorst (8-2) 7 p.m. Hawks Stadium, Iowa Park
It’s a tough opening round matchup for coach Jarrett Vickers and his Irish. Shamrock will need a fast start behind QB Shea Jernigan. … Windthorst 42, Shamrock 16
Wellington (9-1) vs. Electra (5-5), 7 p.m. Fair Park Stadium, Childress.
The Skyrockets have an intense focus after last years early exit in the playoffs. The Tigers are just standing in the way. … Wellington 63, Electra 12.
— Bo Dickinson
Last week: 8-1 (.888)
Season: 81-17(.826)