Every week, Texas high school football fans look to Dr. Pick ’Em for his seasoned analysis of upcoming contests. This week’s selections cover a range of matchups, from the competitive NFC East showdown to local district battles that could shape playoff positioning.
North Texas Showdown: Texas High vs. Terrell
Texas High (1-2) travels to Terrell (2-1) with an eight‑point line favoring the home team. Dr. Pick ’Em notes that Texas High can generate big plays in bursts but has shown defensive inconsistency. Terrell, comfortable on its own turf, aims to control the tempo and keep the game close. The prediction: Texas High 27, Terrell 17.
East Texas Clash: Paris vs. Pleasant Grove
Paris (0-3) visits No. 4 Pleasant Grove (3-0) with a steep 24‑point spread. Pleasant Grove’s depth, speed, and disciplined execution make it the clear favorite, according to Dr. Pick ’Em. He expects the home team to dominate early and turn the contest into a teaching moment for the visitors. Predicted score: Pleasant Grove 42, Paris 10.
District Battle: Jefferson vs. Liberty‑Eylau
No. 7 Jefferson (2-1) heads to Liberty‑Eylau (1-2) with a six‑point line. Both programs have endured tough pre‑district schedules and performed admirably. Liberty‑Eylau recently moved up a size class and gave No. 4 Pleasant Grove a close game. Jefferson, a 3A‑2 school, previously challenged last year’s 3A‑1 semifinalist. Dr. Pick ’Em expects a late‑game decision, projecting Jefferson 24, Liberty‑Eylau 21.
Northwest Rivalry: Arkansas High vs. Siloam Springs
Arkansas High (0-2) meets Siloam Springs (0-2) in a game without an official line. Dr. Pick ’Em points to Siloam Springs’ home routine and cleaner situational play as a slight edge, but emphasizes fundamentals—tackling, penalties, and turnovers—as the deciding factors. Predicted outcome: Siloam Springs 31, Arkansas High 17.
East Central Contest: Sabine vs. Redwater
Sabine (1-2) travels to Redwater (3-0) with a 23‑point spread favoring the visitors. Redwater’s depth and ability to rotate fresh defenders give it a clear advantage, according to Dr. Pick ’Em. Sabine will need a turnover or short field to stay competitive. Projected score: Redwater 45, Sabine 14.
Mid‑East Duel: Winnsboro vs. Hooks
Winnsboro (3-0) visits Hooks (1-2) with a one‑point line, essentially a toss‑up. Dr. Pick ’Em expects a tight, entertaining game decided by special‑teams play and late‑game execution. If Winnsboro protects the ball and converts third downs, it should edge out Hooks. Predicted result: Winnsboro 27, Hooks 24.
Southwest Showdown: Atlanta vs. Daingerfield
Atlanta (2-1) hosts Daingerfield (0-3) with a seven‑point line. Dr. Pick ’Em believes Atlanta’s structured approach and home‑field advantage will control tempo, while Daingerfield’s athleticism may keep it close if it avoids penalties. Expected score: Atlanta 28, Daingerfield 20.
Oklahoma‑Texas Border Game: Idabel vs. De Kalb
Idabel (1-1) travels to De Kalb (1-2) in a regional toss‑up. Dr. Pick ’Em notes De Kalb’s supportive home crowd and familiarity with local opponents, but Idabel possesses the pieces to pull an upset by winning the field‑position battle. Predicted outcome: De Kalb 24, Idabel 21.
Northwest Texas: Mineral Springs vs. Queen City
Mineral Springs (1-2) visits Queen City (2-1) in a game without a line. Dr. Pick ’Em highlights Queen City’s roster depth and growing confidence, expecting the home team to dominate the trenches and wear down the visitors. Projected score: Queen City 30, Mineral Springs 16.
Southwest Texas: Hughes Springs vs. Paul Pewitt
Hughes Springs (1-2) travels to Paul Pewitt (2-1) with a 21‑point spread favoring the visitors. Dr. Pick ’Em predicts Paul Pewitt will dominate the line of scrimmage, run early, and force Hughes Springs to play from behind, leading to a larger margin as mistakes accumulate. Expected result: Paul Pewitt 35, Hughes Springs 14.
College Spotlight: Texas Tech vs. Houston
In the Big 12, No. 22 Houston (2‑0) meets No. 13 Texas Tech (2‑0) with a three‑point line favoring Texas Tech. Dr. Pick ’Em notes Texas Tech’s steady, efficient offense against Houston’s stingy defense. He anticipates a close contest where Texas Tech’s consistency edges out Houston’s late‑game stops. Predicted score: Texas Tech 28, Houston 24.
Conference USA: SMU vs. Louisville
No. 16 SMU (2‑0) travels to No. 23 Louisville (1‑1) with a 2.5‑point line favoring Louisville. Dr. Pick ’Em points to SMU’s explosive passing attack, while Louisville must protect the ball and avoid short fields at home. If Louisville wins the turnover battle, it can control the fourth quarter. Projected outcome: SMU 31, Louisville 27.
SEC Early‑Season Test: Florida vs. Auburn
Florida (2‑0) visits Auburn (2‑0) with a one‑point line. Dr. Pick ’Em observes that both first‑year SEC coaches are still feeling things out. Florida’s balanced attack should outlast Auburn if the Gators protect the football and convert third downs, though their secondary remains suspect. Expected result: Florida 24, Auburn 20.
SEC Power Play: Alabama vs. Florida State
No. 10 Alabama (2‑0) hosts Florida State (1‑1) with a 20.5‑point spread. Dr. Pick ’Em notes that Alabama’s defense under Kalen DeBoer remains formidable, while Florida State’s third‑down conversion ability will be tested. He predicts a dominant Alabama performance. Projected score: Alabama 47, Florida State 3.
SEC Rivalry: LSU vs. Ole Miss
No. 7 LSU (2‑0) travels to No. 8 Ole Miss (2‑0) with a three‑point line favoring LSU. Dr. Pick ’Em expects a hostile environment for Ole Miss, with LSU’s defense needing to slow the Rebels’ offense and avoid quick turnovers. Predicted outcome: Ole Miss 34, LSU 28.
SEC Showdown: Georgia vs. Arkansas
No. 2 Georgia (2‑0) visits Arkansas (1‑1) with a 21.5‑point line. Dr. Pick ’Em highlights Georgia’s depth and discipline as likely to overwhelm Arkansas unless the Razorbacks can flip field position early. Expected result: Georgia 41, Arkansas 14.
SEC Clash: Texas A&M vs. Kentucky
No. 9 Texas A&M (2‑0) hosts Kentucky (1‑1) with a 17.5‑point line. Dr. Pick ’Em describes the matchup as an old‑time SEC slugfest, with Texas A&M’s home advantage and balanced attack giving it the edge. Kentucky can stay competitive with big plays, but A&M’s tempo and physicality should carry the day. Projected score: Texas A&M 38, Kentucky 20.
Dr. Pick ’Em’s weekly picks provide a useful guide for fans planning their game‑day outings, betting considerations, or simply tracking the progress of Texas high school and college football. As the season unfolds, his emphasis on fundamentals—turnover battles, special‑teams execution, and disciplined play—remains a consistent theme across all levels of competition.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.