Blitz Picks - Week 3
BLITZ PICKS
WEEK 1: 58-69, 84%
WEEK 2: 58-74, 78.9%
SEASON: 116-143, 81.1%
Picks for week one were better than expected, but week two saw a bit of a dip.
Time to see the picks for week three, and best of luck to your team!
*The spread is from PigskinPrep.com for 11-man games and Pigskin Prep and sixmanfootball.com for six-man games.
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Big Country Blitz had nearly 1.8 million views on Facebook and Instagram last week!
TOP FIVE 11-MAN GAMES OF THE WEEK
Stamford leads series 1-0
Last meeting: Stamford 33, Lubbock Christian 6 in 2024
Time to look at the top five 11-man games of the week in the Big Country… starting with Stamford at Lubbock Christian.
The Bulldogs bounced back in a big way last week, knocking off tenth ranked De Leon to even its season record at 1-1. Now comes another test against a Lubbock Christian team that is off to a great start with wins over Wink and Sundown. Stamford took care of the Eagles 33-6 a year ago. I expect this one to be closer, but the Bulldogs are the pick to win it.
THE SPREAD: Lubbock Christian by 15
THE PICK: Stamford
Photo: Skyler Blanton
Photo: Terry Thompson
San Saba leads series 63-40-4
Last meeting: San Saba 20, Goldthwaite 12 in 2024
At number four, it’s the 108th edition of the Battle of the River between Goldthwaite and San Saba. Both teams come into the contest with 1-1 records as both have suffered losses to Junction. The Eagles lost 40-16 in week one, while the Armadillos fell 20-6 in week two. San Saba won this matchup 20-12 a year ago, look for the Eagles to get a little revenge and snap a three game losing streak in the series on Friday night.
THE SPREAD: Goldthwaite by 12
THE PICK: Goldthwaite
Photo: Clyde CISD
Series tied 1-1
Last meeting: Shallowater 54, Clyde 21 in 2024
Number three in week three is Clyde at Shallowater. The Bulldogs have looked good earning big-time wins over Cisco and Eastland over the first two weeks of the season, but the Mustangs will be their biggest challenge to date. Shallowater has played a pair of 4A teams so far this season, beating Monahans and falling to Seminole last week. The Mustangs won 54-21 in Clyde in 2024 and are the pick to win it again at home in 2025.
THE SPREAD: Shallowater by 26
THE PICK: Shallowater
Permian leads series 38-20-2
Last meeting: Permian 42, Abilene High 37 in 2024
Checking in as the Big Country Blitz second best game of the week is a classic Little Southwest Conference matchup between Odessa Permian and Abilene High. The 6A Panthers are 1-1 on the season, falling to Plano in week one but beating El Paso Eastlake 27-12 in week two. The Eagles have looked pretty good in wins over San Angelo Central and Cooper, and hope to avenge a 42-37 loss in a classic at Ratliff Stadium a year ago. The Shotwell Stadium home field advantage makes the Eagles the choice to make it past MoJo Friday night.
THE SPREAD: Abilene High by 14
THE PICK: Abilene High
Wall leads series 28-14
Last meeting: Wall 25, Jim Ned 24 in 2024
And our top game of the week is Wall at Jim Ned in a battle of state ranked squads. The Hawks are still number three in the state in 3A Division II, while the Indians are now ranked number ten in 3A Division I. These two have had some epic struggles over the years, including a 25-24 Wall win last season, a 17-14 Jim Ned victory in 2023, and even a 3-0 win by the Hawks in 2022. The Indian defense is top notch, but the Wall offense is very good this season and reason for picking the Hawks to win another close one.
THE SPREAD: Wall by 4
THE PICK: Wall
TOP FIVE 6-MAN GAMES OF THE WEEK
Gustine leads series 3-0
Last meeting: Gustine 78, Three Way 74 in 2020
Both teams enter the game with 2-0 records. The Braves have wins over Evant and Stephenville Faith, while the Tigers have beaten Paint Creek and Buckholts. This game is basically a toss up on both sixmanfootball.com and on pigskin prep. I’m going with Three Way in a game that goes down to the wire.
PIGSKINPREP: Three Way by 1
SIXMANFOOTBALL: Three Way by 3
THE PICK: Three Way
Photo: Kathryn Evans
Borden County leads series 1-0
Last meeting: Borden County 86, Benjamin 68 in 2024
At four, it’s Benjamin at Borden County. These two met in what turned out to be a shootout last season claimed by the Coyotes 86-68. Both teams are perfect to start 2025 and both are in the state rankings, Borden County at number nine in Division I and Benjamin at number seven in Division I. The Mustangs can score with anybody, but I’ll give the edge to the bigger school on defense in this one and pick Borden County to get the job done.
PIGSKINPREP: Borden County by 5
SIXMANFOOTBALL: Borden County by 14
THE PICK: Borden County
Photo: Maranda Hood
Robert Lee leads series 5-3-1
Last meeting: Ira 44, Robert Lee 38 in 2024
Number three is Ira at Robert Lee. The Bulldogs got their first win for head coach Jess Wall at Spur last week, while the Steers have a pair of easy wins so far this season over Loraine and Garden City. Ira has the weapons to make this a game in the second half, but expect the Steers to come out on top and avenge a 44-38 loss to the Bulldogs their last time together on the field.
PIGSKINPREP: Robert Lee by 13
SIXMANFOOTBALL: Robert Lee by 36
THE PICK: Robert Lee
Photo: SMcCowen Photography
Westbrook leads series 6-2
Last meeting: Westbrook 62, Rankin 28 in 2024
The second best Sixman game in the Big Country this week is Rankin at Westbrook. The Wildcats have been very good to start the season, beating Nazareth and Jonesboro by mercy rule over the first two weeks. Rankin is no slouch either, having beaten Happy and Irion County by a combined 96-0 to start the season. This will be the seventh meeting between the two teams since 2021, and the Wildcats are the pick to beat their familiar foes in a close contest.
PIGSKINPREP: Westbrook by 10
SIXMANFOOTBALL: Rankin by 4
THE PICK: Westbrook
Strawn leads series 39-35-3
Last meeting: Gordon 60, Strawn 14 in 2024
And at number one, one of the best Sixman rivalries in the state between Gordon and Strawn. The two will play at Art Briles Stadium in Stephenville Friday night as the Longhorns continue their road warrior 2025 season. There are few teams in the state that can hang with Gordon, but Strawn may be one that can. Gordon beat the Greyhounds 60-14 a year ago, and the pick is for the Longhorns to extend their winning streak to 33 Friday night.
PIGSKINPREP: Gordon by 13
SIXMANFOOTBALL: Gordon by 45
THE PICK: Gordon
THE REST OF THE SCHEDULE
Cooper (1-1) at San Angelo Central (0-2)
San Angelo Central leads series 28-22-1
Last meeting: San Angelo Centra 31, Cooper 27 in 2024
THE SPREAD: San Angelo Central by 1
THE PICK: Cooper
Lubbock Coronado (0-2) at Wylie (1-1)
Wylie leads series 1-0
Last meeting: Wylie 41, Coronado 12 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Wylie by 35
THE PICK: Wylie
Brownwood (0-2) at Glen Rose (0-2)
Brownwood leads series 3-2
Last meeting: Glen Rose 44, Brownwood 16 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Glen Rose by 3
THE PICK: Brownwood
#4 Stephenville (2-0) at Godley (0-2)
Stephenville leads series 1-0
Last meeting: Stephenville, Godley 0 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Stephenville by 28
THE PICK: Stephenville
Big Spring (1-1) at Borger (0-2)
Borger leads series 3-0
Last meeting: Borger 45, Big Spring 28 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Big Spring by 23
THE PICK: Big Spring
Photo: SMcCowen Photography
Snyder (0-2) at Lubbock High (0-2)
Lubbock leads series 6-0
Last meeting: Lubbock 27, Snyder 26 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Lubbock High by 2
THE PICK: Snyder
Whitesboro (2-0) at Graham (1-1)
Graham leads series 1-0
Last meeting: Graham 58, Whitesboro 0 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Graham by 19
THE PICK: Graham
#4 Brock (2-0) at Aubrey (0-2)
Brock leads series 1-0
Last meeting: Brock 38, Aubrey 13 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Brock by 26
THE PICK: Brock
Mineral Wells (1-1) at Fort Worth Eastern Hills (1-1)
Eastern Hills leads series 3-1
Last meeting: Mineral Wells 42, Eastern Hills 14 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Mineral Wells by 3
THE PICK: Mineral Wells
Photo: Calvin Best/Breckenridge ISD
Cisco (1-1) at Breckenridge (0-2)
Breckenridge leads series 32-18-4
Last meeting: Cisco 30, Breckenridge 20 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Cisco by 9
THE PICK: Cisco
Photo: Gary Stennett
Sweetwater (1-1) at Seminole (1-1)
Sweetwater leads series 6-3
Last meeting: Seminole 44, Sweetwater 7 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Seminole by 25
THE PICK: Seminole
Eastland (0-2) at Comanche (0-2)
Eastland leads series 30-29
Last meeting: Comanche 36, Eastland 14 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Comanche by 19
THE PICK: Comanche
Photo: Eli Humber/Shots By Eli
Hawley (1-1) at Merkel (2-0)
Merkel leads series 10-7
Last meeting: Hawley 47, Merkel 6 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Hawley by 30
THE PICK: Hawley
Kermit (0-2) at Coahoma (2-0)
Series tied 4-4-1
Last meeting: Coahoma 49, Kermit 21 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Coahoma by by 41
THE PICK: Coahoma
Grape Creek (1-1) at Bangs (0-2)
Bangs leads series 9-2
Last meeting: Grape Creek 38, Bangs 27 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Grape Creek by 21
THE PICK: Grape Creek
Forsan (0-2) at Stanton (0-2)
Stanton leads series 19-13
Last meeting: Stanton 37, Forsan 36 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Stanton by 24
THE PICK: Stanton
Ozona (2-0) at Brady (2-0)
Series tied 4-4
Last meeting: Brady 47, Ozona 45 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Brady by 6
THE PICK: Brady
Anson (2-0) at Dublin (0-2)
Anson leads series 4-2
Last meeting: Anson 49, Dublin 28 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Anson by 41
THE PICK: Anson
#10 Junction (2-0) at Early (1-1)
Junction leads series 5-2
Last meeting: Junction 49, Early 12 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Junction by 45
THE PICK: Junction
Tolar (1-1) at Millsap (1-1)
Tolar leads series 9-4-1
Last meeting: Tolar 49, Millsap 14 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Tolar by 13
THE PICK: Tolar
Colorado City (0-2) at Tahoka (1-1)
Tahoka leads series 2-0
Last meeting: Tahoka 48, Colorado City 19 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Tahoka by 30
THE PICK: Tahoka
Odessa Compass (2-0) over Reagan Co. (1-1)
Sonora (1-1) over Eldorado (1-1)
TLCA San Angelo (0-2) at Ballinger (1-1)
Ballinger leads series 4-2
Last meeting: Ballinger 61, TLCA San Angelo 6 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Ballinger by 16
THE PICK: Ballinger
Photo: Colemantoday.com
Mason (0-2) at Coleman (1-1)
Mason leads series 8-3-1
Last meeting: Mason 53, Coleman 6 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Mason by 16
THE PICK: Mason
Photo: Cross Plains School Yearbook
Hico (1-1) at Cross Plains (1-1)
Hico leads series 4-3
Last meeting: Hico 42, Cross Plains 14 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Cross Plains by 7
THE PICK: Hico
De Leon (1-1) at Valley Mills (2-0)
Series tied 6-6
Last meeting: De Leon 52, Valley Mills 27 in 2024
THE SPREAD: De Leon by 12
THE PICK: De Leon
Hamilton (2-0) at Crawford (2-0)
Crawford leads series 16-5
Last meeting: Hamilton 38, Crawford 22 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Crawford by 3
THE PICK: Hamilton
Haskell gets forfeit victory over TCLA Abilene
Chico (1-0) at Munday (2-0)
Munday leads series 1-0
Last meeting: Munda 28, Chico 10 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Munday by 12
THE PICK: Munday
Photo: Gary Ford
Hamlin (1-1) at Crosbyton (0-2)
Hamlin leads series 5-2
Last meeting: Hamlin 48, Crosbyton 20 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Hamlin by 25
THE PICK: Hamlin
Roscoe (0-2) vs. Era (2-0) - at Mineral Wells
First meeting in series
THE SPREAD: Era by 5
THE PICK: Roscoe
Photo: Eli Humber/Shots By Eli
#4 Albany (2-0) at Seymour (1-1)
Albany leads series 10-5
Last meeting: Albany 35, Seymour 7 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Albany by 43
THE PICK: Albany
Miles (1-1) at Johnson City (1-1)
Miles leads series 1-0
Last meeting: MIles 46, Johnson City 8 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Johnson City by 7
THE PICK: Johnson City
Photo: Dency McClure Photography
Sterling City (0-2) at Winters (0-2)
Sterling City leads series 2-1
Last meeting: Sterling City 45, Winters 0 in 2024
THE SPREAD: Sterling City by 10
THE PICK: Sterling City
Abilene Christian (1-1) at Knox City (0-2)
Knox City leads series 1-0
Last meeting: Knox City 62, Abilene Christian 20 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Abilene Christian by 29
6MFB: Abilene Christian by 42
THE PICK: Abilene Christian
Photo: Dency McClure/Texas 1A Fan
#10 Newcastle (2-0) at Gold-Burg (0-2)
Newcastle leads series 13-0
Last meeting: Newcastle 72, Gold-Burg 36 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Newcastle by 45
6MFB: Newcastle by 45
THE PICK: Newcastle
Bryson (1-1) at Throckmorton (0-2)
Throckmorton leads series 17-9-1
Last meeting: Bryson 54, Throckmorton 6 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Bryson by 42
6MFB: Bryson by 45
THE PICK: Bryson
Photo: Sasha Duck/Texas 1A Fan
Rising Star (2-0) at Perrin-Whitt (1-1)
Perrin-Whitt leads series 1-0
Last meeting: Perrin-Whitt 70, Rising Star 22 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Perrin-Whitt by 27
6MFB: Perrin-Whitt by 16
THE PICK: Perrin-Whitt
Harrold (2-0) at Northside (1-0)
Harrold leads series 42-24
Last meeting: Northside 71, Harrold 26 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Harrold by 26
6MFB: Northside by 12
THE PICK: Northside
Blackwell (0-2) at Roby (1-1)
Roby leads series 3-0
Last meeting: Roby 34, Blackwell 32 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Blackwell by 16
6MFB: Roby by 20
THE PICK: Blackwell
Rotan (1-1) at Rule (0-1)
Series tied 2-2
Last Meeting: Rotan 34, Rule 36 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Rule by 6
6MFB: Rotan by 45
THE PICK: Rotan
Hermleigh (1-1) at Loraine (0-2)
Loraine leads series 28-20-3
Last meeting: Hermleigh 62, Loraine 12 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Hermleigh by 29
6MFB: Hermleigh by 45
THE PICK: Hermleigh
Photo: Sasha Duck/Texas 1A Fan
Highland (1-1) at Baird (0-2)
Baird leads series 1-0
Last meeting: Baird 52, Highland 30 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Baird by 7
6MFB: Highland by 3
THE PICK: Highland
#2 Water Valley (2-0) at Panther Creek (2-0)
Water Valley leads series 3-2
Last meeting: Water Valley 65, Panther Creek 0 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Water Valley by 45
6MFB: Water Valley by 45
THE PICK: Water Valley
Bronte (2-0) at Veribest (0-2)
Veribest leads series 4-1
Last meeting: Veribest 52, Bronte 6 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Bronte by 9
6MFB: Bronte by 27
THE PICK: Bronte
Irion County (0-2) over Midland Holy Cross (1-1)
Paint Rock (1-1) over Olfen (0-2)
Photo: Derrick Stuckly/Brownwoodnews.com
Gorman (1-1) at Zephyr (2-0)
Zephyr leads series 4-1
Last meeting: Zephyr 51, Gorman 20 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Zephyr by 45
6MFB: Zephyr by 38
THE PICK: Zephyr
Photo: Bobbie Brown/Texas 1A Fan
Santa Anna (0-2) at Ranger (2-0)
Ranger leads series 7-3
Last meeting: Santa Anna 69, Ranger 24 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Ranger by 8
6MFB: Santa Anna by 5
THE PICK: Ranger
Kopperl (1-1) over Lingleville (0-2)
Photo: Johnna Reynolds/Texas 1A Fan
#3 May (1-1) at Rochelle (0-2)
May leads series 13-10-3
Last meeting: May 85, Rochell 40 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: May by 32
6MFB: May by 45
THE PICK: May
Menard (2-0) over Rocksprings (2-0)
Lometa (2-0) over Eden (2-0)
Priddy (1-1) at Trent (1-1)
Trent leads series 1-0
Last meeting: Trent 43, Priddy 34 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Trent by 26
6MFB: Trent by 45
THE PICK: Trent
Moran (0-2) at Brookesmith (1-1)
Brookesmith leads series 5-2
Last meeting: Brookesmith 55, Moran 6 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Brookesmith by 31
6MFB: Brookesmith by 45
THE PICK: Brookesmith
Woodson (0-2) at Guthrie (1-1)
Series tied 5-5
Last meeting: Woodson 82, Guthrie 47 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Guthrie by 21
6MFB: Guthrie by 45
THE PICK: Guthrie
Photo: Sasha Duck/Texas 1A Fan
Spur (0-2) at Aspermont (2-0)
Spur leads series 21-15
Last meeting: Spur 72, Aspermont 32 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Aspermont by 31
6MFB: Aspermont by 45
THE PICK: Aspermont
Photo: SMcCowen Sports Photography
#1 Jayton (2-0) at Valley (0-2)
Series tied 3-3
Last meeting: Jayton 61, Valley 0 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Jayton by 45
6MFB: Jayton by 45
THE PICK: Jayton
Lohn (1-1) at Paint Creek (1-1)
Paint Creek leads series 4-0
Last meeting: Jayton 61, Valley 0 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Paint Creek by 30
6MFB: Paint Creek by 14
THE PICK: Paint Creek
Covington (0-2) at Bluff Dale (1-1)
Bluff Dale leads series 1-0
Last meeting: Bluff Dale 57, Covington 43 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Bluff Dale by 40
6MFB: Covington by 7
THE PICK: Bluff Dale
Photo: Southern Sass
Blanket (1-1) at Evant (1-1)
Blanket leads series 18-16-1
Last meeting: Blanket 54, Evant 0 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Blanket by 16
6MFB: Blanket by 45
THE PICK: Blanket
Sidney (1-1) at Stephenville Faith (1-1)
Sidney leads series 1-0
Last meeting: Sidney 58, Faith 12 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Faith by 1
6MFB: Sidney by 20
THE PICK: Sidney
Buckholts (1-1) at Mullin (0-2)
Mullin leads series 5-1
Last meeting: Mullin 50, Buckholts 0 in 1999
PIGSKIN PREP: Buckholts by 19
6MFB: Mullin by 1
THE PICK: Mullin
Nueces Canyon (1-1) at #3 Richland Springs (1-1)
Richland Springs leads series 2-0
Last Meeting: Richland Springs 57, Nueces Canyon 0 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Richland Springs by 45
6MFB: Richland Springs by 45
THE PICK: Richland Springs
Round Rock Christian (0-2) at #5 Cherokee (1-0)
Cherokee leads series 1-0
Last meeting: Cherokee 46, RR Christian 0 in 2024
PIGSKIN PREP: Cherokee by 45
6MFB: Cherokee by 45
THE PICK: Cherokee
COLLEGE
#13 ACU (1-1) at TCU (1-0) - SATURDAY, 7 P.M.
TCU leads series 2-0
Last meeting: TCU 62, ACU 0 in 1930
The Wildcats hit the road for their second game against FBC comptition, and they won’t have to travel far this time. Fort Worth is the destination for a battle with TCU, the first meeting between the two in 95 years.
ACU is feeling good after taking down Stephen F. Austin at home last week, but will have to summon an effort like they put forth in Lubbock last season against Texas Tech to come away with a win.
TCU was off last week after whipping Bill Belichick and North Carolina 48-14 on the road on Labor Day.
THE PICK: TCU
McMURRY (0-1) AT #6 HARDIN-SIMMONS (1-0) - SATURDAY, 6 P.M.
HSU leads series 34-4
Last Meeting: HSU 17, McMurry 12 in 2024
The Cowboys aim for their 11th win in a row in the series, but the War Hawks have played them very closely three of the past four years. HSU won by three in 2021, three in 2023, and five last season.
McMurry is coming off a disappointing season opening loss at home to Southwestern Saturday, while the Cowboys escaped with a 37-30 win at Chapman to kick off the season.
THE PICK: Hardin-Simmons
HOWARD PAYNE (1-0) AT TEXAS LUTHERAN (0-1) - SATURDAY, 6 P.M.
Howard Payne leads series 25-20-1
Last meeting: HPU 31, TLU 27 in 2023
The Yellow Jackets hit the road for the first time under Coby Gipson, looking to take down SCAC preseason favorite Texas Lutheran.
The Bulldogs are coming off a season opening 26-14 loss to Trinity, while HPU hopes to build off a 20-13 victory over Pacific.
THE PICK: Texas Lutheran
Cisco College (1-0) is off this week, and will resume play at Trinity Valley on Sept. 20 to being SWJCFC play.
Cisco is receiving votes in the national junior college polls after beating Coffeyville on the road in weekone.
