District play kicks off this week for most teams in the South Plains. Here’s a look at the best high school football games in the Lubbock area in Week 7.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Littlefield (6-0) at Slaton (5-1)
7 p.m. Friday, Blake J. Boyd Memorial Stadium
Littlefield and Slaton both have pretty records, but no win will look better than one this week.
The five-team District 2-3A Division II gets things going Friday with a matchup sure to have playoff implications. With how close these teams are record-wise, the result could determine seeding — whether that’s at the top or second place.
The Wildcats are unblemished and just handed Coahoma its first loss with a 35-21 decision. Littlefield has gotten it done with quarterback Sammy Saenz, who stepped into the starting role after a Week 1 injury. The Wildcats defense has been solid, allowing 24.2 points per game, despite giving up 47 in the opener.
Slaton enters after a 21-15 win over Dimmitt. The Bobcats (4-2) are one of two of the Tigers’ non-district opponents with a winning record. The other was rival Post, which won 28-27 in overtime after stopping Slaton’s two-point conversion attempt.
The Tigers spread the ball out of their base Slot-I, and quarterback Jacob Lopez provides balance. Slaton has also been stout defensively, allowing 15.8 points per game.
Littlefield beat Slaton 55-36 last season en route to the district’s No. 2 seed. The result played into the seeding tiebreaker after the two tied with Muleshoe at 2-2. Expect this year’s matchup to be just as consequential.
Week 7 games to watch for Lubbock area
Abernathy (3-2) at New Home (4-1)
7 p.m. Friday, Leopard Field
Last week: Both teams open
This is another district opener with huge implications. These were the second- and third-place teams a year ago.
Lubbock-Cooper (4-2, 1-1) at Abilene Cooper (3-3, 1-1)
7 p.m. Friday, Shotwell Stadium
Last week: Lubbock-Cooper 49, Wichita Falls Legacy 26; Abilene Wylie 29, Abilene Cooper 22
District 2-5A D-II has been a wild ride through two weeks. This is another big one in the playoff race.
Estacado (4-2) at Levelland (4-2)
7 p.m. Friday, Lobo Stadium
Last week: Estacado 28, Andrews 20; Levelland 41, Snyder 14
The Lobos had Estacado on the ropes last year. Can they pull the upset at home?
Frenship (2-3) at Midland High (1-4)
7 p.m. Friday, Astound Broadband Stadium
Last week: Both teams open
The Tigers can quiet any early-season concern if they take their district opener.
Sundown (1-4) at Smyer (1-4)
7 p.m. Friday, Bobcat Stadium
Last week: Both teams open
With what lies ahead, this could very well be an elimination game.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Slaton football hosts Littlefield in pivotal district opener in Game of the Week
Reporting by Stephen Garcia, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
