Local high‑school football fans have a new resource for the upcoming weekend: Dr. Pick’Em’s weekly picks. After a challenging week that left him with a 103‑42 record, the seasoned analyst dropped his latest “greasy hamburger bag” of selections, covering games from Hallsville to the Texas‑A&M showdown.
High School Match‑ups
Hallsville (4‑3, 3‑1) at Texas High (4‑3, 3‑1)
Texas High has turned its season around with three straight victories by four scores or more, including a 47‑14 road win over Whitehouse. Hallsville’s defense, led by KT Muckelroy, keeps games close, but the Bobcats have averaged just 18 points against winning teams. Pick: Texas High 35, Hallsville 18.
Hot Springs (2‑5, 2‑2) at Arkansas High (3‑4, 2‑2)
Hot Springs has found late‑game resolve, winning two straight by three points each and forcing five turnovers in those games. Arkansas High remains competitive but inconsistent. Pick: Hot Springs 27, Arkansas High 23.
Pleasant Grove (6‑1, 1‑1) at Carthage (6‑0, 2‑0)
Pleasant Grove averages 41.8 points per game, yet the Hawks have allowed 30‑plus points twice, including a loss to Gilmer that dropped them into a four‑way tie for second. Carthage, coached by Scott Suratt, boasts a stout defense, allowing 14 or fewer points in four of six games. Junior quarterback Jacob Dixon is among the top 4A QBs in the state. Pick: Carthage 38, Pleasant Grove 21.
Liberty‑Eylau (3‑4, 2‑0) at Atlanta (5‑2, 2‑0)
Liberty‑Eylau has scored 30‑plus in both district wins. Atlanta’s win over Tatum showed the Rabbits’ defensive ceiling, holding the Eagles to a season‑low 15 points. Atlanta has scored 28‑plus in five of seven district games and turned the ball over only three times. Both teams should make the playoffs, but the Rabbits are expected to make more noise. Pick: Atlanta 34, Liberty‑Eylau 20.
Hooks (4‑3, 3‑0) at DeKalb (5‑2, 3‑0)
Hooks averages 36.7 points in district play and has produced nine takeaways in the last three weeks. Quarterback Kavon Stiger’s mobility has transformed the offense. DeKalb has won four straight but struggled against Redwater and a standout quarterback, Braelan Morgan. Pick: Hooks 30, DeKalb 26.
Hughes Springs (2‑6, 1‑3) at Redwater (4‑3, 1‑2)
Redwater’s season has been heartbreaking, with three one‑point losses (29‑28 to Sabine, 29‑28 to New Boston, 36‑35 to DeKalb). Despite a 259‑176 point differential, the Dragons sit fourth in the district and must win two of their final three to reach the playoffs. Dr. Pick’Em believes they will. Pick: Redwater 28, Hughes Springs 18.
Daingerfield (1‑6, 1‑2) at Queen City (3‑5, 0‑4)
Daingerfield has athletic talent, while Queen City’s rebuild under Kevin Reaves has produced a disciplined offense capable of controlling the clock. Pick: Queen City 24, Daingerfield 20.
Paul Pewitt (7‑1, 4‑0) at Harleton (2‑6, 2‑2)
Pewitt has scored 40‑plus in six games and averages 280 rushing yards. The Brahmas have allowed 20 or fewer points in five wins and can clinch the 11‑2A‑1 title with a road victory. Harleton has improved but has allowed 34‑plus points six times. Pick: Paul Pewitt 41, Harleton 14.
Maud (3‑4, 1‑1) at Linden‑Kildare (3‑4, 0‑2)
Maud has steadied itself, winning two of the last three, including a 46‑34 win over a strong Big Sandy team. The Cardinals sit in a four‑way tie for second, one game behind Clarksville. Linden‑Kildare’s disciplined defense has been noticeably stronger at home. Pick: Maud 30, Linden‑Kildare 26.
Fouke (2‑5, 0‑4) at Genoa Central (3‑4, 0‑4)
Fouke has been competitive in stretches, losing two games by single digits. Genoa Central’s defense has surrendered 40‑plus points in three of the last four after a strong start. Both teams seek a first conference win; Fouke’s recent form is steadier. Pick: Fouke 22, Genoa Central 20.
College Football Picks
No. 18 LSU (5‑2, 2‑2) at Auburn (4‑2, 2‑2)
LSU brings a more explosive offense and steadier quarterback play, while Auburn’s defense remains stubborn at home. Red‑zone efficiency will be the key factor. Pick: LSU 27, Auburn 20.
Texas A&M (4‑3, 1‑3) at No. 13 Alabama (5‑2, 3‑2)
Alabama’s trench play and late‑game poise give them an edge. Texas A&M must generate turnovers to flip the contest; Alabama rarely obliges. Pick: Alabama 28, Texas A&M 17.
No. 7 Ole Miss (5‑1, 3‑1) at No. 19 Texas (4‑2, 1‑2)
Ole Miss boasts a more consistent offense and explosive‑play profile. Texas can win if it controls tempo and keeps the Rebels off schedule, but Ole Miss’s quarterback play and perimeter speed give them the advantage. Pick: Ole Miss 31, Texas 27.
No. 14 Houston (6‑1, 3‑1) at No. 10 Utah (6‑0, 3‑0)
Utah remains undefeated thanks to physical, disciplined, and brutally efficient home defense. Houston has the firepower to keep it close, but Utah’s defense is the most complete unit in the matchup. Pick: Utah 30, Houston 24.
Baylor (4‑2, 2‑1) at Kansas (2‑4, 0‑3)
Kansas shows defensive vulnerability that Baylor can exploit. The Bears’ balanced run game gives them a steadier path, while Kansas would need a turnover‑heavy game to stay competitive. Pick: Baylor 27, Kansas 21.
California (3‑4, 2‑2) at No. 23 SMU (5‑1, 3‑1)
SMU is cleaner, faster, and more balanced. California can grind but lacks the scoring windows to keep pace with the Ponies’ tempo and quarterback efficiency. Pick: SMU 34, California 23.
Pro Football Picks
Steelers (4‑2) vs. Saints (2‑4) – Paris
The Steelers arrive in Paris dealing with protests, travel disruption, and a compressed prep week, but they bring a steadier roster and a stronger defense. The Saints landed early and settled in, yet turnover issues and inconsistent quarterback play remain. Pick: Steelers 24, Saints 17.
Giants (3‑2‑1) at Texans (2‑4)
The Giants now turn to J.J. McCarthy to bring stability at quarterback. Houston returns from a massive Wembley win and has momentum, but the Texans remain winless at home. New York’s defense should keep the game close. Pick: Texans 23, Giants 20.
Cowboys (2‑4) at Eagles (2‑4) – Monday Night
With quarterback Jalen Hurts sidelined, Philadelphia will lean on its run game to stay in phase. The Eagles’ secondary remains a concern, but both teams have opportunities to prove themselves. Pick: Eagles 21, Cowboys 17.
Dr. Pick’Em’s selections reflect a blend of statistical analysis, recent performance trends, and on‑field intuition. Fans are encouraged to use these picks as a guide while enjoying the excitement of Texas high‑school and college football this weekend.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.