Week 9 high school football things to watch: Paschal, Bowie look to make history
Can you believe its already week nine of the Texas high school football season? Playoff races are starting to get interesting, and some teams have already clinched spots in the 2024 postseason.
Here are three things to know ahead of the week nine slate.
Paschal looks to break lengthy playoff drought
Paschal, with a physical, effective offensive line and run game, led Saginaw 31-13 on Oct. 18 and had the district title in its sights. The Rough Riders are the sole undefeated team in District 4-5A D1 play, so a win would go a long way.
Ultimately it was not meant to be, as the Rough Riders surged from behind, scoring 26 unanswered points to secure a 39-31 victory. Despite the tough loss, there are plenty of opportunities left for Paschal to see success.
Paschal (5-2, 4-1) can clinch a playoff spot for the first time in over 28 years with a week nine win. The Panthers will face Wyatt on Oct. 24 at Clark Stadium, and kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
It’s been a long time coming for the Panthers, who have faced strict competition as a Class 6A school. The UIL realignment created an opportunity for head coach John Kilough and company, and Paschal capitalized.
On top of playing for a playoff spot, Paschal is still in the district title race. The loss to Saginaw is a bump in the road, but it does not eliminate them from contention.
Saginaw holds a tiebreaker over Paschal but can lose the district crown if it loses two of its three final games. The Rough Riders host Fort Worth North Side on Oct. 25 with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
Bowie, Haltom look to take control of District 8-6A
Bowie, following wins over Arlington and Arlington Martin in consecutive weeks, has the district race in the palm of its hands.
The Volunteers (4-3, 4-0) have another challenge: Haltom (4-3, 3-1). The Buffaloes shocked Arlington Martin last week and are very capable of defeating Bowie.
Haltom has a district loss to Arlington. A win over Bowie, however, will stampede the Buffaloes into first place in the district since they’ll have a tiebreaker over the Vols.
Bowie’s last district title came in 2012, while Haltom’s was in the 2018 season. In recent years, Martin, a program that hasn’t lost a district game in six seasons, has been a dominant force.
Consecutive losses for the Warriors have created rare opportunities for others at the top.
Bowie and Haltom are the title favorites, but Arlington, with one district loss, is still in the mix. The Colts will likely need to defeat Martin in the regular season finale to have a shot.
Richland looks to topple Aledo
Richland football took a massive blow when star running back Michael Turner went down with a season-ending MCL tear.
Despite the loss, the Royals still have the talent to compete with any team in District 3-5A D1.
On Oct. 11 Richland hit another roadblock, losing its perfect record to Denton Ryan. Now, Richland will face an even bigger challenge as a heavy underdog: Aledo.
The Bearcats are Class 5A D1 defending state champions and are title favorites again.
The Royals will have their work cut out for them, but with a good game plan and timely plays, they’ll have a fighting chance. Richland will face Aledo on Oct. 25 at Tim Buchanan Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
More games to watch
Justin Northwest vs. Trophy Club Nelson, 7 p.m. Oct. 25, Northwest ISD Stadium
Keller vs. Keller Timber Creek, 7 p.m. Oct. 25, Keller ISD
Red Oak vs. Burleson Centennial, 7 p.m. Oct. 25
Mansfield Summit vs. Colleyville Heritage, 7 p.m. Oct. 25, Mustang-Panther Stadium
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