A light week in terms of the number of games is on the docket, yet the excitement around each contest gives Week 6 a full-slate feel.
Two of the games are at Leo Buckley Stadium and both are homecoming for hosts Harker Heights and Killeen. Meanwhile, Shoemaker goes on the road, and both Chaparral and Ellison are idle after picking up wins last week.
The Bobcats (2-3, 1-0 District 12-6A) couldn’t have asked for a better night at Bryan in the District 12-6A opener last Friday when they notched their first district win, 27-21, as a Class 6A program that also served as their second consecutive victory overall.
Chaparral is back in action Oct. 8 against Copperas Cove in Joseph L. Searles III Stadium.
The Eagles (2-3) also had a favorable evening, topping Pflugerville, 28-13, to close out their non-district schedule.
Ellison opens District 8-5A-II on Oct. 9 against Waco at Leo Buckley Stadium.
As for this week, a trio of matchups will usher in the month of October the right way –– weather permitting, of course.
Week 6 matchups
District 12-6A
Lake Belton (3-2, 0-1) at Harker Heights (2-2, 0-0)
7 p.m. Thursday, Leo Buckley Stadium
Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/mr4xmnva
The Knights have stewed for two weeks after a tough road loss at Dripping Springs that zippered up their non-district run. It was an ideal span of time that allowed them to regroup and focus on the pertinent tasks at hand.
“Our kids had an outstanding week of work during the bye week. The focus has been us vs. us and continuing to get Harker Heights better. When Harker Heights doesn't beat Harker Heights, we play high level championship football,” Knights head coach Mark Humble said.
Humble said that his team’s difficult non-district schedule –– versus teams with a combined record of 17-3 heading into the week –– prepared the four-time defending district champion Knights for their key six-game 12-6A gauntlet, which begins against the visiting Broncos.
“Our team had an excellent week of work. Our players and coaches are excited about the most important season –– district play –– and opening up at The Buck,” he said. “I am super proud of where our team is and where it is going. We have a special group.”
Lake Belton is coming off a 58-22 loss to Waco Midway in its district opener. The Broncos defeated Cedar Park Vista Ridge, Round Rock McNeil and Ellison for their three victories.
District 12-5A-I
Leander Glenn (1-4, 0-3) at Killeen (3-1, 2-0)
7 p.m. Friday, Leo Buckley Stadium
Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/3vecvtjs
The Roos used a three-headed rushing attack and a ball-hawking secondary to outlast Pflugerville Connally, 61-53, last week, pushing their league record to 2-0 and extending their winning streak to three.
Running back Amari Paige spearheaded an offense that churned out 542 yards rushing with 222 yards and four touchdowns on 20 carries. Elijah Sandiego added 169 yards and a TD and Jataveion Harris had 109 yards and a score.
CJ Robertson hauled in two catches, both TDs, for 109 yards.
Defensively, Khalil Cole picked off three Connally passes, while Deshaun Reid and Bobby Sapp each had one interception. Vincent Moody collected five tackles for losses, including three sacks.
Killeen can keep itself at the top of the district standings this week with a win over visiting Glenn, which is scoring a tick under 14 points per game while allowing 43.
Shoemaker (2-2, 0-2) at A&M Consolidated (3-2, 2-1)
7 p.m. Friday, Tigerland Stadium
Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/3zuhw6j5
Reshard Hicks Jr. completed 16 of 28 passes for 242 yards and three touchdowns last week, but visiting Pflugerville Weiss scored the final 14 points in a 42-28 Grey Wolves loss.
Tano Wooten caught two TD passes and finished with eight receptions for 112 yards, and Derek Burke also caught a TD. Linebacker Avion Lucas piled up 21 tackles, and defensive back Devin Hartsfield had 14. Branden Cruz corralled an interception.
Shoemaker now braces for its longest district road trip.
The Tigers had their three-game winning streak snapped last week by rival College Station, 45-27, the lowest-scoring game so far this season for the Tigers, who average about 44 points an outing.
