Super Centex high school football podcast

Week 1 of the playoffs in the books — what did we see? La Vega just steamrolls, University is on to the second round, China Spring's huge upset, Rosebud-Lott wins its first playoff game since 2013 and more. Trib sportswriters react to all the scores and look ahead to next week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are always lopsided matchups in bi-district, especially with 2-8 teams involved. But there are also some great matchups. Which game this week will be an absolute banger, do you think?In Class 6A and 5A, teams now get to host in the first round. Is that a good idea, or do you like having neutral-site playoff matchups? And should it expand down to 4A and below?Finally, we're going to brag on our photographers. Let's show some of our best photos and pit them head-to-head in a bracket game. We'll do an eight-photo bracket, so three rounds to declare our favorite.Music: http://purple-planet.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's officially playoff time — what happened with University? How good was that Crawford-Rosebud-Lott game? What else did we see around Central Texas in Week 11? Trib sportswriters react to all the scores and look ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've reached Week 11, the final week of the regular season. We have some games that matter, and ones that definitely don't. If you're one of those teams without a hope of making the playoffs, what are you trying to get out of this last game?Who are the hottest Centex teams, playing the best going into the postseason?Crawford vs. Rosebud-Lott is one of the most interesting games this week. Who do you like, and could either of these teams make a deep run?Let's talk realignment, with the UIL's Snapshot Day in the rear-view mirror now. What are you most interested to see going into February's realignment?--------Music: https://purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Instant reactions to high school football action including double-overtime in China Spring-Lorena, Robinson-Gatesville, Midway-Bryan and more.Full coverage at go.wacotrib.com/hs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another district title showdown is here with 8-0 Brenham, ranked No. 6 in the state, facing University at Waco ISD Stadium. Both are undefeated in district. Do these types of high-profile matchups help teams get ready for the playoffs?University's London Smith is just an athletic marvel who's going to excel at any position, playing any sport. Who are some other guys around Central Texas who are like that, past or present?Let's break down 3 interesting games to watch this week: Gatesville-Robinson, Frost-Mart and West-Grandview. Plus, we'll sneak in a little Fairfield-Westwood, too.Friday is Halloween. What's the spookiest Central Texas mascot, one you wouldn't want to see trick-or-treating at your door?--------Music: https://purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Instant reactions to high school football action including Bremond-Chilton, Gatesville-China Spring, La Vega-Robinson, Midway-Killeen and more. Full coverage at go.wacotrib.com/hs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

La Vega is shaping up to be the state-ranked team we all expected, and there's likely the district title on the line vs. rapidly improving Robinson. Can the Rockets spring an upset here, or are they good enough for it not to be much of an upset? The Chilton Pirates are back, and they've only given up 22 points all season. Meanwhile, Bremond and Tank Scott are on the other side. Who comes out on top in this state-ranked battle of unbeatens? State-ranked La Vega, Robinson and Gatesville look like playoff teams. Who are you penciling in for the fourth spot between Connally, China Spring and Lorena? Cadets-Leopards is a huge game this week with both teams 0-2. Who won the Super Centex fantasy league? It all came down to 1 point.--------Music: https://purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For homecoming week at Waco ISD Stadium, we're welcoming in Trib sportswriters past and present for a special homecoming edition of the Super Centex podcast.They include former assistant sports editor Jerry Hill; past high school writers Luke Gilliam, David G. Campbell, Jason Orts, Jim Barnes; plus current writers Chad Conine, Michael Haag and Trib sports editor Brice Cherry. (Note: We've tacked on our guests' introductions and "hey, where-have-you been" chat to the end of the podcast after the musical break — that way, we get straight into the football talk.)Among the questions:Have you ever climbed out of a locked football stadium? Let's hear your best postgame tales.Playoff games at Waco ISD Stadium have a long and illustrious history over the last 25 years, including a time as the epicenter of postseason football in Texas. What are your favorite WISD stories, or some from the old Paul Tyson Field? We talk Louis Fite, LaDainian Tomlinson, Jordan Parcus, Quan Cosby and more.Is there a high school football moment that still gives you goosebumps now, even all these years later?Who are some of the favorite characters you've encountered around the high school football scene in Central Texas?What did you love about covering high school football the most?--------Music: https://purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Instant reactions to high school football action including Robinson-Connally, China Spring-La Vega, University-Belton, West-Mexia and more.Find full game coverage at go.wacotrib.com/hs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1. Which teams had a tough go in non-district play but seem poised to play spoiler in their districts going forward? Some of them may start with M — like Mexia, Marlin, McGregor.2. We've got several matchups of two 0-1 teams facing off this week. How big does it make these matchups for a bunch of teams trying to avoid starting out 0-2? We're looking at Gatesville-Lorena, Grandview-Groesbeck, Cameron-Troy, Marlin-Bruceville-Eddy, Temple and more.3. It's fantasy football time: We're drafting an all-Centex, all-offense team for one week only. Who are your picks for QB, RB and WR? We'll crown a champion next week.Scoring:Non-PPR1 point — for every 25 yards of rushing/receiving yardage1 point — for every 50 yards of passing yardage6 points — rushing/receiving TD3 points — passing TD2 points — rushing/receiving 2-point conversion1 point — passing 2-point conversion6 points — defense or special teams TDno other defensive stats--------Music: https://purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Instant reactions to high school football action including China Spring-Connally, Robinson-Lorena, La Vega-Gatesville, Midway-Temple and more. Find full game coverage at go.wacotrib.com/hs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The very best edition of the Super Centex Podcast:What will be the best game of the week as district play begins in earnest, and why?What's best play you've seen so far this year?Power rankings: Who is the pound-for-pound best team in Central Texas, i.e. who has the best shot to win state?What's the best high school football game you've ever seen?Music: https://www.purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chilton looks pretty unbeatable on both sides of the ball; is it absurd to wonder if Mart makes the playoffs? Axtell was tenacious, hard and fast as they stampeded Valley Mills. And Midway put up 66 points to get past Shoemaker. Plus we talk Thursday's really entertaining Lorena-Lampasas game, Dawson's big win over Bosqueville and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Week 2 of District 12-6A play, and Midway and Shoemaker both played 3-point games last week, though the Grey Wolves won while the Panthers fell. As they face off this week, do you expect another close one in 12-6A, and how much does Midway need this one?We're all looking forward to Bremond-Chilton in Week 9, a state-ranked clash coming up. But before we get there, can the underdog in Mart-Chilton — that's Mart, to be clear — pull the upset at home?Things can change, but at the halfway point of the season, who are your picks for the in-progress Super Centex Coach of the Year, Offensive POY and Defensive POY?We all pick every Centex football game every week, and sometimes we go out on a limb. Do you get nervous when everyone else goes the other way?------- Music: www.purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Instant reactions to some close 2A classics, a heartbreaking district opener for Midway and more as Trib sportswriters gather for their weekly late-night Super Centex After Dark session.Read full coverage at go.wacotrib.com/hs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four districts start play this week: Which one seems the most wide-open? Who makes the playoffs in 7-2A behind Axtell, Bosqueville, Valley Mills? Is 10-2A Bremond's to lose? Where will Midway fall in 12-6A?We have six Centex teams ranked in the DCTF rankings. But who deserves to be in the state's Top 10, but isn't? What about Gatesville or Fairfield?We've got five private-school six-man teams in Waco, and they're all pretty good. Should they play a round-robin every year, with a trophy to the winner?We know those offensive linemen don't get enough respect, so we're going to talk about them. Which group of big fellas is the best you've seen this year? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UPDATED - Full episode now available! Sorry for the technical difficulties.The #TribFridayNight crew looks at some great comeback wins like Robinson-Glen Rose and Midway-Mansfield, plus Bosqueville's triumph over Rosebud-Lott and more Centex action in Week 4. Read all about the games at go.wacotrib.com/hs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a while since one of our 6A or 5A teams made a deep playoff run — that's Midway, University, Waco High, Temple, Belton and Lake Belton. Midway was the last one to make the third round, in 2019. Is it harder to make a run in the big divisions? And do we have a team this year that could do it?The game of the week may very well be in Class 2A, as undefeated Bosqueville hosts undefeated Rosebud-Lott. Who do you like? What might we learn about these teams?Which individual player has impressed you most this season after 3 weeks?Let's talk nicknames: Which are the most memorable monikers you've heard in your sportswriting career?------Music: www.purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trib sportswriters react to all the Week 3 action from Lorena-Franklin, West-McGregor, Crawford-Hamilton, Troy-Rogers and more.Read complete coverage at go.wacotrib.com/hs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a low-key great slate in Week 3, with lots of all-Centex matchups. Which games will reveal the most about those teams going forward?Is there an underdog you're riding this week, and why?It's the 25th anniversary of Waco ISD Stadium. From state title games to playoff magic, how important has this venue been for Waco and Central Texas?Brice recently unveiled the Super Centex All-Name Team. Who has the best moniker in Central Texas, past or present, and why?------Music: www.purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trib sportswriters react to all the Week 2 action from Robinson-Caldwell, China Spring-Bastrop, Connally-Lago Vista, Fairfield-Mexia, Temple-Round Rock and more. Read complete coverage at go.wacotrib.com/hs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let's hype up La Vega-Celina, a No. 3 vs. No. 1 clash — one of the top matchups in the state. The Pirates dominated Kennedale 41-3 in Week 1, but Celina is a different beast. What does La Vega need to do to spring the upset? And how beneficial are these kinds of tough nondistrict games in the long run?Now that we've had a moment, is there an outcome or a big stat performance from Week 1? China Spring RB Chrishon Gregory went off for 337 yards, Connally's Jamarion Vincent had a big game on both sides of the ball, plus some standouts from McGregor, Whitney and elsewhere.We saw a lot of new coaches debut last night — some won, like at Robinson and Gatesville, but many didn't like at Mart, Waco High and University. How important is getting that first win?Sportswriter talk: Where is your favorite spot to write, especially after you've gotten kicked out of the press box?------Music: www.purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trib sportswriters react to all the Week 1 action and talk about what they saw from Whitney-Mart, Robinson-West and more. Read complete coverage at go.wacotrib.com/hs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Trib team is back to preview Week 1 of the 2025 Waco and Central Texas football season:Who in Central Texas has the best shot to win state?Predict a surprise team: Who might emerge out of nowhere this year?Which Week 1 matchup are you most excited about?After all's said and done, how much can you tell from just one week? Can you confidently predict a team's fortunes based off it?It's a weird week with Baylor playing Auburn on Friday ('nuff said), but what are some other highlights you're excited about?Join sportswriters Brice Cherry, Michael Haag and Chad Conine as they sit down to take stock of the season ahead and gear up for all of this week's action.------Music: www.purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chad and DJ both got to see La Vega up close at The Pfield last week vs. Sealy in the regional final, a game it won 48-30. What impressed you guys most about the Pirates' performance?Wimberley is a tough, tough team. The Texans have scored 60 or more points in 3 of their 4 playoff games. Will this be the toughest test yet for La Vega's defense on Friday night in Georgetown?When you pull out a game like Hamilton did last week, 15-14 coming from behind vs. Axtell, how much does that boost a team's confidence? And how much will the No. 10 Bulldogs need that confidence this week vs. No. 1 Stamford?Our other 2A team still alive is Bremond, which actually finished out of the top 10 in the final regular season poll. Yet many of those ranked teams are not playing anymore. Have people underestimated the Tigers this year?----- Music: https://purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Great defense is just fun to watch, so of the seven Centex teams we have left in the playoffs — La Vega, Marlin, Hamilton, Axtell, Bremond, Abbott and Oglesby — who are some of your favorite guys to watch?The Hamilton Bulldogs face the Axtell Longhorns in an enticing Friday-night matchup this week in the region final. These two teams met in the playoffs two years ago with a 35-21 Bulldogs win, and undefeated Hamilton is now having its best season in school history, while Axtell is no slouch with a 12-1 record. So who do you like in the "red dead redemption" matchup?Our local six-man teams are just one game away from Jerryworld, with Abbott and Oglesby both playing for a trip to state. Who do you think is most likely to get there, the Panthers or the Tigers, and could we go two-for-two?Let's give some eulogies to the dearly departed on Thanksgiving week: Gatesville, Live Oak, Aquilla, Jonesboro, Iredell and Valor Prep. Which of those talented third-round teams will you remember most this season? ----- Music: https://purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They say it's tough to beat a team twice in a season, and the La Vega Pirates will test that theory as they face off with West Orange-Stark on Friday in Magnolia. We've talked about the Pirates being a sleeper team for Jerryworld — what is it about the Pirates that suggests they could knock off the Mustangs this time?We still have seven teams alive in the playoffs in Class 2A: Hamilton, Axtell, Crawford, Marlin, Bremond, Mart and Wortham. We know that one guy can make a lot of difference on a 2A team. So who would you say is the top difference maker among our seven local 2A teams playing this week?One of the ways we judge how good a game might be is whether it was easy for us to pick it in our weekly predictions, or whether it was a tough call. So with that in mind, what was the hardest game to pick this week and why?It's driving-long-distances-to-cover-sports season, but what's on the car stereo as you spend hours in the car each week? What's your go-to road trip song?----- Music: https://purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The playoffs are finally here. And we get some really good matchups right out of the gate. What's the best local matchup this week in the first round?Gatesville coach Aaron Hunter is fond of calling running back Rayshon Smith "the most underrated player in Central Texas," but he's probably not the only one. Who else is flying under radar, probably unfairly?The playoffs are tons of fun, as we all know, with neutral-site games and traveling fanbases with high-stakes action every week. What's your favorite thing about the Texas high school football playoffs?----- Music: https://purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• It took long enough, but La Vega has finally made it into the state rankings at No. 10. Obviously there are stout teams in Class 4A Div. II like Carthage, West Orange-Stark and Bellville, some of whom are in the Pirates' region. So what does a path to Jerryworld look like for La Vega?• If it's Week 11, that means a lot of games have playoff implications, including West-Whitney, which is a longtime rivalry. Who you got in this one, and considering how tough this loaded district is, how far can the winner go in the postseason, even as a fourth-place team?• This is the end of the regular season, which means there is a lot of football left to be played. But before we turn the page to postseason action, what's your most memorable thing that's happened so far in Centex football?• New Midway quarterback Andrew McNair is nicknamed "Sunshine," which seems like a clear "Remember the Titans" reference. So let's come up with some movie-related nicknames for Centex players, and even give ourselves some nicknames, too.----- Music: https://purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• It's been quite a painful season in Central Texas, as the Super Centex All-Injury Team includes Cash Pullin, Carlos Talton and Donovan Jones of the Midway Panthers; London Smith and JD Bell of the University Trojans; Whitney's Jontae Johnson, China Spring's Matthew Battles, West's Coy Klish and Axtell's Levi Leathers. Of the guys on the shelf, is there one who's most indispensible and if one of these guys were to return, would he immediately impact his team's playoff chances? • Some pretty interesting district showdowns this week in La Vega-Connally, Fairfield-Palestine Westwood and University-Brenham — all of those game with clear underdogs, but those underdogs definitely have a puncher's chance. How close do you expect these game to be, and which underdog has the best shot? • Many times this season, Gatesville head coach Aaron Hunter has called star running back Rayshon Smith "the most underrated player in Central Texas." So let's appreciate Rayshon Smith for a few minutes, as he currently leads the area in rushing. • One prediction nobody saw coming is China Spring and Lorena being 3-13 coming into Week 10, both fighting for their playoff lives. So who wins this desperation matchup? ----- Music: https://purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• It's election time: That means stump speeches — but in this case, we're going to stump for the Super Centex awards. Yes, this is a bit premature — there's still a lot of football to play, including deep playoff runs on the horizon — but if the season ended today, who would get the nod for Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Coach of the Year?• The Game of the Week, or maybe Game of the Year, is La Vega at Robinson for (presumably) the district title. This promises to be an instant classic, but would any outcome in this game actually surprise you at this point?----- Music: https://purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• In the history of classic football rants, Dennis Green's reigns supreme: "They are who we thought they were! And we let them off the hook!" A lot of interesting scores came out of the first full week of district play last week. Who was who you thought they were? And were there any surprises?• In the 21st century, there has been no more consistently good Centex rivalry than China Spring-La Vega. The Pirates are clearly the district favorites. But is this a rivalry game "anything can happen" cliche? Or is that even a possibility?• Two years ago, University and Belton played an epic Week 11 matchup for the district title, won by the Tigers, 31-29. Last year, it was a 24-14 Belton win down south. So surely the Trojans are ready to break through and take revenge this week, right? And how badly do they need a bounce-back after that Rudder game?• Helmet stickers are earned, not given. And we don't want to overlook any Centex teams. Several teams are quietly putting together some great seasons. Who's flying under the radar? How about Fairfield, Clifton, Axtell, Bremond, Aquilla or someone else?----- Music: https://purple-planet.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1. Quality games abound across the board this week as district play gets into full swing. Who can really elevate themselves as a contender if they were to win this week?2. Right now we have 8 public schools ranked in the statewide polls: Robinson, Hamilton, Mart, Abbott, Jonesboro, Aquilla, Oglesby and Iredell. But which unranked team do you think is likely to go deepest in the playoffs?3. Is there any district out there that's any more wide open than 13-2A D-I — Marlin, Crawford, Rosebud-Lott, Riesel, Bruceville-Eddy and Moody? Who's the favorite there, if anybody?4. In honor of the Gatesville press box spread, we ask: What's your favorite food to eat at a high school football game?----- Music: https://purple-planet.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brice Cherry, Chad Conine and DJ Ramirez are back for more #TribFridayNight football on the Super Centex podcast.• Last year, three of our “C” schools – China Spring (8-4), Crawford (6-5) and Chilton (13-2) – combined to go 27-11. This year they've struggled to a 2-12 start to the season, including an 0-5 mark for the Pirates. But they've all got good coaches and some promising players, plus tough nondistrict scheduling, and the season isn't over yet. Which of the three has the best chance to not just get in the playoffs, but maybe even win some games in the postseason? • It's a light week around Texas, with teams in six-team districts taking their bye weeks before district play begins. But there are still district games happening – in the likes of District 12-6A (Midway), District 7-2A Div. I (Axtell, Bosqueville and others) and District 10-2A Div. II (Mart, Bremond et al). Which of this week's games in those districts will have the most impact on the district championship race — or perhaps the playoff race when it's all said and done? • Chad wants to do a music-themed edition of the podcast in honor of the late, great singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson, who died last week. So here's a music-related question: If you could name the official musical artist of one of our Central Texas schools, who you would pick and why? And would that team have a particular theme song? ----- Music: https://purple-planet.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• It's district time already for a few local loops, including 12-6A (Midway, Temple et al), 7-2A (Axtell, Bosqueville, Dawson, Valley Mills, Itasca, Italy, Rio Vista) and also 10-2A (Mart, Bremond, Chilton, Wortham, Frost, Hubbard, Meridian, Goldthwaite). Which of these districts do you expect to be most competitive? • District play kicks off with a bang with No. 1 Mart facing No. 4 Bremond. This is seemingly the de facto district championship game between two state-ranked teams. Can the Tigers hope to win in Mart? • Robinson shocked the state last week with a 49-42 win over then-No. 2 Glen Rose. Are the now-ranked Rockets the favorite in a stacked district that includes La Vega, China Spring, Connally, Gatesville, Lorena? • We know how important O-line success is for teams, even if those guys don't get quite enough pub from newspapers and other media types. Who's the best overall best offensive line you've seen this year, or a specific O-lineman? ----- Music: https://purple-planet.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• We have eight Centex 11-man teams who are undefeated: Midway, University, Connally, Groesbeck, Troy, Hamilton, Axtell and Bosqueville. Survivor draft time: Who would you take to be 10-0 at the end of the regular season? • On the flip side, Crawford is in a very unusual 0-3 position, and the Pirates face Axtell this week, meaning 0-4 is a real possibility. Crawford has had 10 double-digit winning seasons since 2010 and are one of the area's most consistent programs. What's going on here? • Our first edition of StatsPlus came out this week. Does anybody among the Centex statistical leaders jump off the page at you? Who would you like to see play? • We had two new stadiums debut last week in Central Texas at Abbott and Live Oak. What do you think makes for a good Texas high school football stadium/venue? Do you have a favorite place to cover a game? ----- Music: https://purple-planet.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brice Cherry, Chad Conine and DJ Ramirez are back for more #TribFridayNight football on the Super Centex podcast. • We've got a dream Centex matchup Thursday with China Spring playing University at Waco ISD Stadium. These are two teams that don't often meet, which makes us wonder: What face-off would you like to see in a "fantasy" matchup?• Back to reality: Is China Spring capable of pulling off the upset? Or is it an upset? Debating the Trojans vs. the Cougars.• Let's talk stats: We cover all classifications of football, and know not all performances are not created equal — not all 200-yard rushing games are the same. How do you differentiate these things, say with a kid from a 6A school vs. a 2A school?• Brice loves fantasy football "punishments," even if nobody else does. So what would be a fun punishment for an 0-10 Central Texas team?----- Music: https://purple-planet.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brice Cherry, Chad Conine and DJ Ramirez react to the opening-week action of 2024 on #TribFridayNight football on the Super Centex podcast. • Mart, China Spring and Lorena all lost in Week 1. All three of these local programs are accustomed to deep playoff runs. Which of these 0-1 teams do you think is likely to go the deepest in 2024? • It was a good start for first-year head coaches in Week 1, including at Midway's Joe Gillespie, Bosqueville's Reggie Patrick, Live Oak's Matt Hurst, Abbott's Kyle Crawford and Bruceville-Eddy's Marcial Chapa III. Who do you think has the best chance for long-term success? • Another Week 1 game that wasn't a surprise was Axtell stampeding Milano 52-0 in the opener. Coming off a 10-1 season, how good is this team, and should the Longhorns be ranked in the top 10 statewide? • Let's talk mascots: Which ones would you like to see face off? ----- Music: https://purple-planet.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brice Cherry, Chad Conine and DJ Ramirez are back for another action-packed season of #TribFridayNight football on the Super Centex podcast. 1. What questions do you have that you might learn the answers to in Week 1? 2. With a high-profile top 10-type matchup, China Spring-Franklin is one Week 1 highlight of two heavyweight teams who were denied 3-peats last year. Who is better equipped to go 1-0? 3. What other Week 1 games intrigue you as Centex teams kickoff? How about some all-local matchups like Mart-Whitney or Oglesby-Abbott? 4. Who's your ride-or-die team for 2024? ----- Music: https://purple-planet.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1. We blinked, and here it is. We have two undefeated teams playing for state championships this week in Mart and Oglesby. Yet both are underdogs. Let's start with No. 2 Mart first, who will face No. 1 Albany again, just like last year. It was 41-21 Albany last year, viewed as a big upset. Will payback be the factor that pushes Mart over the hump? 2. Neither team has played a lot of close games this year, with the Panthers having to rally in the second half in their last two playoff games. So, if this does turn into a close game, does that favor one team over the other, since they haven't had much experience with that? 3. Oglesby is 13-0 and in their first title game in school history. The Tigers have scored at least 60 points in their last six games, and yet they're a 41-point underdog to No. 1 Benjamin. When you're doing something for the very first time, how do you avoid that "we're just happy to be here" feeling? 4. We are a little less than two months away from the UIL realignment announcement for the 2024-26 school year, and the cutoffs were announced last week. After a four-year run in Class 3A, Lorena will be moving back up to 4A, Division IIand, guess what, China Spring and La Vega also drop down to 4A Division II. One plausible projection out there has it aligned as China Spring, La Vega, Robinson, Connally, Gatesville, Lorena and Hillsboro. -----  Music: http://www.purple-planet.com Support the show: https://wacotrib.com/sports/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. We asked Santa for an all-Centex matchup in the state semifinals, and we got it under the tree as Mart and Chilton face off in the state semifinals, just the fourth all-time among Central Texas teams. How special does this one have a chance to be? 2. Fill in the blank: Chilton wins if ... 3. Fill in the blank: Mart wins if ... 4. Oglesby is playing for a six-man state title for the first time in school history, but they're a 41-point underdog to defending state champ Benjamin, despite being undefeated and coming off a win over traditional power Richland Springs last week. What do the Tigers need to do to ensure the Jerryworld stage is not too big for them? 5. We had three teams bow out in the fourth round last week in Lorena, Marlin and Jonesboro. When you look back at these deep playoff runs, what will you remember most about the 2023 editions of the Leopards, Bulldogs and Eagles? -----  Music: http://www.purple-planet.com Support the show: https://wacotrib.com/sports/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. There were no food comas after Thanksgiving for our Centex teams, as six local schools won going away in round 3 of the playoffs. But they won't all be advancing to the state championship game, presumably, so which local team has the earliest expiration date — i.e., who has has the toughest game in round 4? 2. The Lorena-Franklin rematch is one of the most enticing games in the state this week. The cliche is that it's hard to beat a team twice. What do the Leopards need to do to make it happen? 3. If Mart and Chilton both win this week, we'll get an all-Centex game in the state semifinals. It happens fairly often in the regional final around here, but how cool would that be? It would guarantee us at least one team at Jerryworld, too, obviously. 4. It's that time of year where coaching changes start bubbling up frequently. This week, it was Clint Zander at Bosqueville, who has spent the last 15 years with a successful run leading the Bulldogs in many sports, though the football team has fallen off in recent years. We talk about whether Bosqueville is poised for success, and about local small-school programs generally in Central Texas. -----  Music: http://www.purple-planet.com Support the show: https://wacotrib.com/sports/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. It is Turkey Week, and let us give thanks because we have some tasty matchups. Every Central Texas team out there has a 9-3 record — all in the same gravy boat. So which of these Round 3 face-offs has the potential to produce the best game? Lorena-Columbus, Whitney-Winnsboro or Chilton-Granger? 2. There's one all-Centex matchup on the slate, with Oglesby vs. Iredell in the regional final in six-man 1A Div. II. Who would you take in this fight of Tigers and Dragons? 3. We have a real shot at three all-Centex matchups next week in the state quarterfinals (and semifinals in six-man): a Lorena-Franklin rematch, a Bremond-Chilton rematch or a slugfest in Jonesboro-Abbott. Which of those is most likely to happen, and which would you most like to see? 4. Let's pour one out for China Spring: The Cougars' 13-game win streak ends at the hands of Anna to thwart the title 3-peat. Let's reflect on how impressive this run has been, and do you feel like the Cougars will still be one of those elite Class 4A programs going forward? -----  Music: http://www.purple-planet.com Support the show: https://wacotrib.com/sports/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. As we get to better matchups here in the second round of the playoffs, eight of our Centex teams are playing teams with 10 or more wins this week. But which Centex team with a single-digit win total has the best chance to knock off a double-digit win total team? (That's China Spring at 8-3, La Vega at 7-4, Gatesville at 7-4 or Teague at 8-3.) 2. Flipping this around, we have several Centex teams still alive with double-digit win totals. Which 10-plus win team has the toughest game in round 2 and might get upset? (Your options include Belton, Whitney, Mart, Chilton, Abbott, Jonesboro, Oglesby or Iredell.) 3. We do have one team playing for a state title this week in the TCAF six-man ranks. DJ went to Methodist Children's Home this week to write a feature and gives us the inside scoop on what makes the Bulldogs and head coach Matt Rodgers tick. 4. DJ got a little giddy last week watching Teague-West, so that prompts us to ask: What's your favorite thing about high school football or football in general? Like a play, a player a tradition, a game, or what aspect of the game? -----  Music: http://www.purple-planet.com Support the show: https://wacotrib.com/sports/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. A whopping 43 teams made the playoffs in Central Texas, and there's certainly a case to be made that too many teams do — nobody wants to watch a 9-1 team play a 2-8 team, after all. But enough negativity: What first-round matchup has you intrigued among our Centex teams? How about West-Teague, La Vega-Dunbar, Midway-Waxahachie, Axtell-Valley Mills or Gatesville Gonzales?  2. Football's a physical game, and we've seen some injuries in recent weeks to big-time playmakers like Connally's Kiefer Sibley and University's Cade Bynnom. That has us wondering: Who is the most indispensable player in Central Texas? Who matters most to their team, and that team couldn't afford to lose him? 3. Fun fact time: Here are some nuggets about our playoff teams that might be interesting — Connally players' futures, the coaching fraternity in Central Texas, and shout-outs to Kopperl and Penelope breaking playoff droughts with first-year head coaches. -----  Music: http://www.purple-planet.com Support the show: https://wacotrib.com/sports/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. We've reached Week 11 of the regular season, and it's time to talk playoffs. So let's go trick-or-treating: What's one Centex team that we expect to make a sweet run, and one team that could be sneaky trouble for its opponents? 2. Let's do the monster mash: What monster stat line impressed you the most this season? 3. If one of our Centex mascots showed up on your front porch on Halloween, which which would be the scariest?  4. A real trick-or-treat question: What candy classic do you want to see in your bag? -----  Music: http://www.purple-planet.com Support the show: https://wacotrib.com/sports/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. It's Week 10, which means we have some showdowns for district championships, not least among them Pflugerville Weiss at Midway, Madisonville at Connally and Whitney at Grandview. Let's rank those in terms of most likely to win on Friday night. Is Connally an underdog? Is Midway the biggest longshot?  2. Lorena can clinch an outright district championship on Friday after last week's epic 52-49 toppling of No. 1 Franklin last week. So let's talk about Braylon Henry: He started out 2022 at linebacker, moved to safety and picked up some accolades, but now is shining as running back with 17 TDs and several 200-yard games in his last six contests. Henry seems to be one of those guys, wherever you put him, he's going to make an impact. But which other Centex players might fit into that category?  3. DJ recently spotlighted Hispanic kickers for Hispanic Heritage Month, and a good kicker is a real luxury at the high school level — we certainly have several superlative ones around Central Texas. Who's the best kicker you've seen this season around the area?  4. Do you know who the highest-ranked team in Central Texas is? It's Methodist Home, if you go by the sixmanfootball.com rankings in TCAF. Let's give some love to Coach Matt Rodgers' Bulldogs and do-it-all star Londen Bickham, who has some eye-popping numbers.  -----  Music: http://www.purple-planet.com Support the show: https://wacotrib.com/sports/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Special guest David G. Campbell, former sportswriter with the Trib and The Eagle in Bryan, joins Trib sportswriter DJ Ramirez, non-Trib sportswriter Chad Conine and Trib sports editor Brice Cherry are back to talk some Centex football as we head into Week 9.  1. He's cash money: China Spring QB Cash McCollum now has a Centex-leading 2,300 yards passing, 35 TDs and just two picks on the season after last week's seven-TD effort against La Vega in an incredible 52-49 win, where he passed Shawn Bell on the all-time list. Only one player has won Super Centex Offensive Player of the Year twice: Lorena and Texas football legend John Henry. What's the likelihood Cash can be the second? 2. Speaking of legendary names, another big one is Mart's Quan Cosby, who's the only player to win the Super Centex Offensive/Defensive Player of the Year double — he was just that good. Dave, where does he rank among the players you've covered over the years? 3. Yet another storied name in Central Texas is David Haynes, where senior and junior did big things in the 1980s and 2000s, and now third generation Trey is leading the Whitney Wildcats as our reigning Super Centex Defensive Player of the Year. These are high times for undefeated Whitney: Can the Wildcats beat Grandview for the district crown, and just how far can Whitney go in the postseason? 4. Let's circle back to some Class 6A football, where Midway dusted Copperas Cove with ease last week, getting to 3-1 in district play, and now head to Merrill Green Stadium this week to face the Bryan Vikings, featuring the Voice of the Vikings, one David G. Campbell. At 2-1 in 12-6A play, Bryan has, like Midway, been better in district than non-district, beating Cove in overtime but struggling against Weiss last week. How does this one shake out? -----  Music: http://www.purple-planet.com Support the show: https://wacotrib.com/sports/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. It's October, so that means we've reached some games of real consequence in the high school football scene, including some district-deciding clashes this week. On top of that list in China Spring at La Vega, the latest chapter in the storied history. China Spring is explosive, as both we and Alvarado know (after the Cougars put up 50 in a quarter against the Indians last week), but let's not sleep on La Vega, which dusted a good Waxahachie Life square 56-20 in Week 7. What are the odds of a Pirates upset in this one, and would it even really be that much of an upset? 2. The other game that sets up a district title game is Marlin at Riesel, the Indians being undefeated on the year and a plausible top-10 team. This feels a little bit like a toss-up, so we'll make the argument for each team to win this one. 3. Live Oak coach Brice Helton has announced his squad will be moving up from six-man to 11-man football next year. How tough a transition will that be for the Falcons, and which other growing schools in Central Texas can you see maybe moving up and being successful, regardless of classification? How about China Spring as a 5A team? 4. We cover some 70-odd schools around the area, so we inevitably give some good teams less attention than they deserve. So here's the shout-out segment: Which team is "quietly" doing big things and needs some podcast love? -----  Music: http://www.purple-planet.com Support the show: https://wacotrib.com/sports/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Maybe there aren't any huge marquee matchups this week, but there are some low-key ones that are definitely intriguing. Let's start with Connally hosting Gatesville, which opens district play for these teams. They've been heading in opposite directions, with the Cadets now 3-3 after a 3-0 start; meanwhile, the Hornets have won three in a row and have given up fewer points than anyone else in 11-4A. So, is Connally still the favorite in the district? And can the Cadets hold off Gatesville on Friday?  2. Down in Temple, Midway and Temple both have the same losing record (1-5) heading into their meeting, which is unprecedented. This is the eighth meeting between the pair in the all-time series, which only dates to 2012. One strange development is that Shane Anderson won't be coaching the Panthers due to a "personal situation." Who do you feel likely gets win No. 2 on Friday?  3. Beyond those games, what other games stand out in Week 7? How about Belton-Rouse, Chilton-Bremond, Crawford-Marlin, China Spring-Alvarado, Itasca-Italy or Teague-Malakoff?  4. We're getting into October and pretty much everyone is in district play. So it's time to project: Which local team is most likely to separate itself as the class team of its district? (Mart is NOT an acceptable answer, because it's too obvious.)  -----  Music: http://www.purple-planet.com Support the show: https://wacotrib.com/sports/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.