High school football players to watch in Friday’s bi-district playoff action
The Texas high school football playoffs are here.
Check out some of the top players to watch in Friday’s bi-district round action:
Class 6A players to watch
When Arlington Bowie (8-2) took down South Grand Prairie to win consecutive district championships, quarterback Jayden Bibbs looked calm, cool and collected.
He has performed under pressure the entire season, passing for 2,639 yards and 28 touchdowns. He is a traditional quarterback who operates well in the pocket, getting the ball to his weapons.
Bibbs will aim to continue a strong season against Berkner (6-3) at 7 p.m. Friday at Choctaw Stadium. In 2024, Bowie lost in the area round. The Vols will now look to take their first step toward surpassing that mark.
Another quarterback to watch is Mansfield Lake Ridge junior Deshawn Edwards, who has passed for 1,904 yards and 19 touchdowns and rushed for 1,135 yards and 18 TDs this season. Lake Ridge (8-2) will compete in one of the more interesting first-round matchups against Euless Trinity (8-2) at 7 p.m. Friday at Newsom Stadium.
The Eagles and Trojans have proven themselves to be top squads in their districts, but were outclassed by North Crowley and Southlake Carroll, respectively. They’ve faced much different competition, which makes their game hard to predict.
Edwards could be a game-changer with his dual-threat abilities. The Trojans’ offense will be hard to stop, so the Eagles and Edwards will need to match their pace.
A top underclassmen to keep an eye on is Byron Nelson’s Nolan Hawkins. The sophomore receiver has tallied 859 receiving yards and 11 TDs.
With a Bobcat squad that has the potential to make a deep run, keep an eye on Hawkins to make plays with throws from quarterback Parker Almanza, a Baylor pledge and versatile athlete.
Byron Nelson (8-2) will take on Mansfield (5-5) at 7 p.m. Friday at Northwest ISD Stadium.
Class 5A players to watch
Richland junior Jayshon Gibson has established himself as one of the top running backs in the Fort Worth area. He has rushed for 1,773 yards and 28 touchdowns and also has 272 receiving yards with three TDs. He has offers from Baylor, SMU, TCU, and Texas Tech.
He could have another big performance in the bi-district round against Fort Worth Wyatt (8-2) at 7 p.m. Friday at Clark Stadium. The Royals (7-3), despite losses to Aledo and Ryan, can still make a deep run this year.
One more productive running back to watch is Arlington Heights’ Carson James. He has carried a big workload all season, averaging 179.8 yards per game while scoring 32 touchdowns.
Heights (9-1) will take on Brewer (7-3) at 7 p.m. Friday at Farrington Field.
One key to victory for Brewer is handling James’ physicality, which has been an issue for Arlington Heights’ opponents this season.
In Class 5A Division II, one standout to watch is Timberview’s Chance Collins, a two-way Texas A&M pledge. He has thrived at receiver and defensive back for the Wolves (7-3), who will face Anna (8-2) at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Anderson Stadium.
Class 4A players to watch
After the program’s inaugural season in 2024, Eagle Mountain made massive improvements under head coach Jeremy Mullins.
Now, the Knights are looking to win a playoff game for the first time in program history. Leading the charge is running back Terry Starks, who tops the team in rushing yards and touchdowns.
Eagle Mountain (7-3) will face Benbrook (6-4) at 7 p.m. Friday at Birdville FA/AC. In a non-district contest, the Knights won 46-15 as Benbrook struggled to protect the football. In the rematch, Benbrook has the potential to come out victorious.
Benbrook linebacker Desmond Chambers is a key defender to watch. He has 73 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble this season.
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