Top 5 high school football games to watch in West Texas in Week 5
Here are our top high school football games to watch in West Texas in Week 5 of the 2022 season:
Garden City (3-1) at Westbrook (4-0)
The Garden City Bearkats tumbled from No. 4 to No. 9 in the Class 1A Division I state rankings after last week's 63-34 loss to No. 3 May. It would seem reasonable they'd have an easier opponent this week, but instead they have another formidable road trip waiting at No. 1 Westbrook, the defending state champion. Westbrook returned all but one of its starters from last season, and the Wildcats are riding a 13-game winning streak. The last team to beat them, however, was Garden City, which claimed a 56-44 win at home last year. Westbrook was nearly tripped up two weeks ago but survived 59-58 against No. 5 Rankin. Garden City also returned five starters from last year's team that went 7-4, and the Bearkats have looked like one of the state's best teams -- except for a first quarter last week that saw May jump out to a 37-14 lead. Garden City can't afford another start like that again this week.
The pick: Westbrook 52, Garden City 42
Ozona (1-3) at Miles (4-0)
The Miles Bulldogs have looked extremely impressive through four weeks, averaging over 55 points per game. Their defense is allowing 8.3 points per game. Can Ozona hope to slow Miles' offense down? The Lions' defense has allowed over 34 points per game, so those numbers don't inspire confidence. However, Ozona is coming off its first win of the season last week -- and first strong defensive showing -- with a 34-2 rout of Grape Creek. The Lions have also shown they have the offensive firepower needed if this game turns into a shootout. They put up plenty of points in losses to San Angelo TLCA (42-36) and No. 5-ranked Wink (51-38). Keeping up with Miles' offense, led by quarterback Hayven Book, is a tough ask. The Bulldogs won the Division III 7-on-7 state title over the summer, and they haven't seemed to miss a beat this fall.
The pick: Miles 35, Ozona 28
Christoval (2-2) at Brady (1-3)
The Brady Bulldogs picked up their first win of the season last week at Dublin and scored 62 points. That's the good news. The bad news is the Bulldogs' defense allowed 42 points, continuing a trend in which they've given up 43.5 points per game this year. Brady will hope to get things under control against Christoval, which is averaging 17 points per game. The Cougars are coming off a 50-12 loss last week to Mason, though those 12 points are actually the most Mason has allowed this season. Mason beat Brady 27-7 in Week 2. Christoval had hung its hat on defense before last week, allowing an average of eight points its first three games. The Cougars' defense will have to corral Brady's playmakers and keep the score manageable if they want to pull off a win.
The pick: Brady 31, Christoval 24
Grape Creek (0-4) at Junction (0-4)
This game represents the last chance for these winless teams to grab some momentum before their bye week and the start of district play Oct. 7. Junction has had the more encouraging showing so far as its opponents have a combined record of 14-2. Junction hasn't been overwhelmed -- losing by an average of about 16 points per game -- but an offense that is averaging 10 points makes it difficult to win. Grape Creek's offense has struggled even more with an average of 6.5 points. Grape Creek's defense is allowing 37.5 points per contest. This game won't count toward either team's playoff hopes, but it could give the winner an important boost of confidence.
The pick: Junction 20, Grape Creek 12
Richland Springs (3-0) vs. Coolidge (1-3)
This is an interesting matchup between two strong six-man programs that will take place in Jonesboro. Richland Springs, ranked No. 2 in the state in Class 1A Division II, reached the state semifinals last season. Coolidge advanced to the 1A D-I state quarterfinals last year. Richland Springs is coming off a bye week, and the Coyotes have another one ahead of them after this week. Their next game will be their district opener against No. 3 Cherokee on Oct. 7 in Richland Springs. Coolidge is coming off a 68-22 loss last week to Oakwood, which is ranked No. 6 in 1A D-II. The Yellow Jackets may not be able to keep pace with Richland Springs -- which has won all three of its games by the 45-point mercy rule -- but Coolidge could provide the toughest challenge the Coyotes have seen this season.
The pick: Richland Springs 76, Coolidge 30
This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: Top 5 high school football games to watch in West Texas in Week 5
