Thursday marks the beginning of the third week of high school football season across Dallas-Fort Worth. Here are some games worth monitoring this weekend.
Dallas Jesuit (1-1) at Richardson Pearce (2-0), 7 p.m., Thursday
This is a significant game to kick off District 7-6A. Richardson Pearce and Highland Park are the only two remaining unbeatens in the district, while Jesuit completed one of its most thrilling comebacks ever to improve to 1-1. While it is still early in the season, the winner gets an edge in district play.
***
Frisco Reedy (2-0) at Frisco Lone Star (1-1), Toyota Stadium, 7 p.m., Thursday
A crucial battle begins in District 6-5A Division I. Reedy has become one of the area’s top 5A Division I teams, ranking sixth in the state. The Lions have opened the season with wins against Azle and Denison, while Lone Star is coming off a 42-7 win over Burleson.
***
Flower Mound (2-0) at McKinney (2-0), 7 p.m., Friday
A duel of unbeatens will take place in McKinney. Flower Mound has started the season with wins over Keller Fossil Ridge and Lake Highlands, and McKinney has worked its way up to the 16th ranking in 6A. Flower Mound and McKinney play in different districts, but this could be a pivotal 6A game.
***
North Crowley (2-0) at Lucas Lovejoy (2-0), 7 p.m., Friday
This is another matchup of two unbeatens. No.12-ranked North Crowley has scored 69 points in each of its first two games while allowing just 27. Meanwhile, Lovejoy is fresh off two convincing wins over opponents that started the season ranked among the top 5A teams in the state. Can the 5A team (Lovejoy) continue its run against a 6A opponent?
***
Prosper (2-0) at Rockwall (1-1), 7 p.m., Friday
Prosper survived a close call against Euless Trinity to start the season and followed it with a 49-13 blowout over Sachse. The Eagles are now ranked No.9 in the state but face their biggest challenge yet in Rockwall. The Rockwall Yellowjackets fell out of the state rankings after a one-point loss to Dallas Jesuit, surrendering a double-digit lead in the second half. That alone should be enough motivation to make this one of the top games.
***
Dallas Christian (1-1) at Tolar (2-0) 7:30 p.m., Friday
Here, we have a matchup of the third-ranked team in 2A Division I and a top-five private school team. Tolar has coasted to two blowout victories, while Dallas Christian shut out Bishop Dunne in its season-opener but lost a road game in Louisiana last weekend.
***
Denton Guyer (1-1) at Lancaster (1-1), 7:30 p.m., Friday
Denton Guyer’s brutal schedule continues as the Wildcats take on Lancaster. Guyer currently ranks 11th in the state, coming off a loss to Aledo, the No.1 team in 5A Division I. This week, the Wildcats face a Lancaster team that began the season ranked No.4 in 5A Division I but needs a win to get back on track.
***
Royce City (2-0) at Melissa (2-0), 7:30 p.m., Friday
Melissa and Royce City square off in a non-district affair. Melissa has dominated its competition so far, scoring over 50 points in both games and blowing out defending back-to-back state champ China Spring. This week, the Cardinals will step up a level against an unbeaten 6A Royce City Bulldogs team.
***
Southlake Carroll (2-0) at Cedar Hill (1-1), 7:30 p.m., Friday
Powerhouse Southlake Carroll is on a roll to start the season again, averaging 63.5 points through its first two games. Meanwhile, Cedar Hill is more difficult to figure out, losing by 35 to Rockwall yet blowing out Arlington Martin last week.
***
DeSoto (1-0) at South Oak Cliff (1-1), 6 p.m., Saturday
This game features the defending 6A Division II state champ (DeSoto) and the back-to-back 5A Division II state champ (South Oak Cliff). DeSoto dominated Allen 39-7 in its only game so far this season and ranks third in the statewide 6A rankings. South Oak Cliff rebounded from a tough loss to Duncanville with a three-touchdown win over Lancaster and holds the No.2 spot in 5A Division II.