The Galveston County Daily News

Dickinson (5-3, 3-2) at Ball High (5-3, 4-1)

• Kickoff: 7 p.m. at Kermit Courville Stadium

• Radio: 1540 AM KGBC

• Last year’s result: Ball 24, Dickinson 17

• Key to the game: Both teams have struggled in the first half this season. It’s been costly for Dickinson, which lost road games to Creek and Brazoswood because of slow starts. Whichever offense can get going first will have the advantage in this contest.

• Buckley’s prediction: Ball 17, Dickinson 14

This has the makings of a low-scoring contest that’s decided in the fourth quarter. Ball has the better kicker and the better defense, which should give it enough in the end for the playoff-clinching victory.

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Clear Creek (4-4, 3-2) at Alvin (1-7, 0-5)

• Kickoff: 7 p.m. at Alvin Memorial Stadium

• Last year’s result: Creek 35, Alvin 13

• Key to the game: The Creek defense has been brutal in recent weeks, allowing 40-plus points in three straight games. The Wildcats need that streak to come to an end, otherwise their playoff chances will take a hit.

• Buckley’s prediction: Creek 35, Alvin 21

This is the perfect game for Creek to get back on track and rebuild some lost confidence. It’s also a great chance for quarterback Jarryd Garza to put up big numbers in his pursuit of the 24-5A single-season passing record.

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Clear Springs (6-2, 4-1) vs. Clear Brook (3-5, 2-3)

• Kickoff: 7 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium

• Last year’s result: Brook 54, Springs 25

• Key to the game: Brook’s offense can be tricky to stop at times, especially fullback Brandon Ellison, the district’s leading rusher. The Springs defenders have to stay with their assignments and avoid getting tricked by the Wolverines’ option attack.

• Buckley’s prediction: Springs 38, Brook 20

Brook’s offense should help it stay in the game in the first half. However, Springs’ passing attack will be too strong in the end, resulting in a second-half blowout.

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Friendswood (5-3, 3-2) at Brazosport (3-4, 1-4)

• Kickoff: 7 p.m. at Hooper Field

• Last year’s result: Friendswood 49, Brazosport 28

• Key to the game: The Mustangs have the weapons to easily win this contest. They have to jump on Brazosport early and not let off the gas. A second-half letdown and the Exporters can get back in the game as they have throughout the season.

• Buckley’s prediction: Friendswood 24, Brazosport 14

The Mustangs catch a bit of a break, as Brazosport will be without star running back Gary Bivens. The Exporters’ defense may be able to keep it close for a bit, but Friendswood has too many weapons.

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Manvel (3-5, 1-4) at La Marque (4-4, 2-3)

• Kickoff: 7 p.m. at Etheredge Stadium

• Radio: HD 9573 KIKK

• Internet: www.kikk.com

• Last year’s result: Manvel 33, La Marque 16

• Key to the game: La Marque showed last week how dangerous it can be with big plays. The Cougars need to have a couple of big touchdown runs or receptions again to claim this must-win contest.

• Buckley’s prediction: La Marque 26, Manvel 21

The Cougars got a lot of confidence last week in their win over Santa Fe. Meanwhile, Manvel lost a heartbreaker to Friendswood and is all but out of the playoff chase. Frankly, this game means more to La Marque, and if it plays with emotion, it should come away with the win.

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Santa Fe (6-2, 3-2) at Angleton (8-0, 6-0)

• Kickoff: 7 p.m. at Wildcat Stadium

• Radio: 1480 AM KLVL

• Last year’s result: Angleton 35, Santa Fe 13

• Key to the game: The only way to stop Angleton is to contain its speed. That is easier said than done, as its eight opponents this season can attest to.

• Buckley’s prediction: Angleton 35, Santa Fe 17

Santa Fe showed last week it is going to struggle at times containing real athletic teams. Angleton is as athletic as it comes, which is not good news for the Indians and their suddenly sinking playoff chances.

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Texas City (3-5, 2-3) at Dawson (6-2, 3-2)

• Kickoff: 7 p.m. at The Rig

• Last year’s result: Texas City 28, Dawson 23

• Key to the game: Dawson’s offense is built entirely around quarterback Darian Lazard, one of the best athletes in the district. He’s rushed for 644 yards and passed for 1,182, along with 15 total touchdowns. If the Stings want to score the upset, they have to shut down Lazard.

• Buckley’s prediction: Dawson 28, Texas City 20

Texas City has kept every game close this season, including last week against region power Angleton. It will be the same case again tonight. However, Lazard is a big-play threat and should come up with one late in this contest.

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Industrial (6-1, 3-0) at Hitchcock (3-3, 3-0)

• Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium

• Last year’s result: Industrial 42, Hitchcock 35

• Key to the game: The Hitchcock defense has been improving since the district schedule began. This will be its biggest test of the season, though, against an Industrial offense with a dominant running attack.

• Buckley’s prediction: Industrial 40, Hitchcock 35

The district title is likely at stake in this contest. Hitchcock has enough offense to score against a stingy Industrial defense. However, the Cobras run game has been tough to stop this year, and likely will take control in the second half.

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Beaumont Legacy at O’Connell (3-3, 1-1)

• Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. at Weis Middle School

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Katy Pope John XXIII (2-6, 0-2) at Bay Area Christian (3-5, 2-1)

• Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.