Many high school football teams across the metroplex have bye weeks this week, but these games set for Friday command attention.
Highland Park (3-1, 1-1 District 7-6A) at Dallas Jesuit (3-2, 2-1), 7 p.m., Gerald J. Ford Stadium (SMU)
Highland Park responded to its first loss of the season with a 63-3 victory over Irving before heading into its bye week. Following the bye, the Scots will play a critical district game against Dallas Jesuit, with the winner gaining significant traction in the district race. Quarterbacks Charlie Peters (Jesuit) and Warren Peck (Highland Park) have been terrific this season, and they’ll have to do it again on a big stage.
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Lewisville (3-1, 1-0 District 6-6A) at Coppell (3-0,1-0), 7 p.m.
Lewisville started the season ranked among the state’s top 6A teams before losing at Highland Park. The Farmers are now 3-1 and find themselves fighting for first place in the district while outscoring their opponents by a collective 103 points. On the other hand, Coppell is 3-0 and looking to continue its dominance by staying in first place.
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Mesquite Horn (3-2, 0-1 District 10-6A) at Rockwall (4-1, 1-0), 7 p.m.
Horn was off to a 3-1 start but could not complete a late comeback against North Forney in its district opener last week. The Jaguars get another chance against No.22 Rockwall this week. Rockwall has spent most of the season ranked in the state’s top 25, losing only in an unbelievable comeback to Jesuit, and is tied for first place in the district.
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Wylie East (3-1, 1-1 District 9-6A) at Garland (4-1, 3-0), 7 p.m.
Garland leads District 9-6A, while Wylie East can put itself in the race with a win over the Owls. Garland has won four in a row after a crushing 38-2 loss to start the season, and Wylie East will be motivated after suffering its first loss of the season.
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Royse City (2-2, 0-0 District 10-6A) at North Forney (5-0, 1-0), 7 p.m.
Royse City has yet to play a district game and could use a good start. The Bulldogs have lost two in a row but have an opportunity to rejuvenate themselves, as a win would move them into the district conversation and remove North Forney from first place. However, it will be quite the challenge as North Forney has been on a roll to start the year.
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Aledo (5-0, 3-0 District 3-5A Division I) at The Colony (2-3, 2-1), 7 p.m.
This game might not end up being close, but The Colony can put itself in the district hunt if it can upset defending state champ Aledo. The Colony has three losses to ranked opponents and is coming off an impressive win over Denton Ryan. Meanwhile, Aledo remains unbeaten after a 70-0 rout of Saginaw and has only faced one opponent that has been any kind of challenge.
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Midlothian (4-1, 3-0 District 4-5A Division I) at Killeen (4-0, 2-0), 7 p.m.
Midlothian and Killeen enter the week tied with Red Oak for first place in the district. After a loss to Arlington Seguin, Midlothian has easily won its last four games, while Killeen has faced few difficulties on the field. Who will remain at the top after Friday’s matchup?
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Argyle Liberty Christian (4-0) at Frisco Legacy Christian (5-0), 7 p.m.
Argyle Liberty comes into this game in first place in TAPPS 1-II, while Legacy leads TAPPS 2-II. Both teams are among the highest-scoring private school teams in the area and should provide a highly entertaining game.
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Fort Worth Christian (4-1) at Dallas Christian (4-1), 7:30 p.m.
Fort Worth Christian is second in TAPPS 1-II, with its only loss coming to Lake County Christian. Dallas Christian is the defending state champ, leads TAPPS 2-III, and has yet to lose to a team based in Texas this season. This is another matchup for high-scoring teams, but Dallas Christian’s experience could be advantageous.
