• Springs will win if … its offense can avoid turning the ball over. The Chargers have been scoring enough points but have missed out on chances to put opponents away by committing turnovers.
• Memorial will win if … its offensive scheme can cause enough confusion against the Springs defense. The Mavericks run a lot of tricky, motion-based plays that create a lot of mismatches. They have enough balance on that side of the ball to create problems and turn this into a shootout.
• GCDN prediction: Springs 36, Memorial 24
This has the makings of an entertaining offensive game. However, the Chargers defense has played great in the second half down the stretch this year. They’ll come through again with some big stops to put this game away.
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Dickinson (7-4) vs. La Porte (7-3)
• Kickoff: 2 p.m. at La Porte
• Radio: 1540 AM KGBC
• Dickinson will win … if it can run the ball and keep La Porte’s offense on the sideline. This game is the classic case of the best defense is a good offense. The Gators have a good defense, but it is out-sized by the Bulldogs. The less that unit is on the field, the better the chance for Dickinson.
• La Porte will win … if it plays its style of game. The Gators can’t keep up with the physical La Porte offense led by running backs Kendrick Perkins and Anthony Webb. They both rushed for more than 1,000 yards. The bruising defense also has the capability to shut down the Gators’ top threats — running back Corey Thomas and quarterback Clay Honeycutt.
• GCDN prediction: La Porte 35, Dickinson 21
La Porte’s offense is going to try to run right over the Dickinson defense. The Gators have a lot of pride and should put up a fight. However, the Bulldogs likely are going to be too strong in the end.
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Region III-4A
Friendswood (8-3) vs. Waltrip (6-5)
• Kickoff: 7 p.m. at Galena Park ISD Stadium
• Radio: 1540 AM KGBC
• Friendswood will win if … it can execute its game plan on offense. The Mustangs need to be aggressive and go right after a Waltrip team that didn’t even know it was playing in this game until Friday. Friendswood has too many weapons to not score on Waltrip early and often.
• Waltrip will win if … it throws plays at Friendswood that the Mustangs are unprepared for. If the Rams have any tricks on offense or defense, now is the time to use them, since Friendswood hasn’t seen much film on them to prepare.
• GCDN prediction: Friendswood 38, Waltrip 14
Getting a new opponent so late in the week causes a bit of hesitation. However, Friendswood’s offense is too talented and should take advantage of the fact that Waltrip has not prepared for it at all this week. The Mustangs should pull away for the big win.
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Region IV-2A
Hitchcock (5-4) vs. George West (11-0)
• Kickoff: 2 p.m. Saturday at El Campo Stadium
• Hitchcock will win if … it can turn this game into a shootout like last year. George West hasn’t been challenged very much this season. If the trio of quarterback Morris Tuck, running back Darius Dotson and receiver Devonte Provost can help Hitchcock light up the scoreboard, then it will have a chance.
• George West will win if … plays like it has all season. The Longhorns have outscored their opponents 427-94 this season. The most points they have given up is 22, and that came in the season-opener. It will be tough to stop their running game when it gets going as well.
• GCDN prediction: George West 42, Hitchcock 28
The Bulldogs have the offensive talent to keep this game close for a while. However, George West seems to be better than last year’s squad and probably will pull away from Hitchcock in the second half.
