Every Friday night across Texas, high school football brings families together, reinforces community pride, and showcases the talent that fuels our state’s storied gridiron tradition. This week, local analyst known as Dr. Pick ’Em—himself a math teacher who loves the sport—has released his projected scores for a slate of games that matter to parents, coaches, and fans alike.
East Texas Showdown: Texas High vs. Whitehouse
Texas High (3‑3, 2‑1) has steadied after a rocky start, relying on cleaner execution and a defense that’s learning to close out halves. Whitehouse (4‑2, 3‑0) remains unbeaten in district play, thanks to disciplined drives and a knack for avoiding self‑inflicted mistakes. Dr. Pick ’Em predicts a modest Whitehouse victory, 31‑24.
Mid‑South Battle: White Hall vs. Arkansas High
Both teams sit on the margins of success. White Hall (2‑4, 2‑1) has shown flashes of good football but lacks consistency, while Arkansas High (2‑4, 1‑2) can pull off a win if the Razorbacks protect the ball and finish red‑zone trips. The forecast favors White Hall, 27‑20.
Southwest Clash: Center vs. Pleasant Grove
Center (0‑6, 0‑1) is winless but scrappy; Pleasant Grove (5‑1, 0‑1) is ranked for a reason—physical, fast, and capable of turning routine plays into big gains. Dr. Pick ’Em expects Pleasant Grove to dominate, 45‑7.
Northwest Duel: Sabine vs. Liberty‑Eylau
Sabine (2‑4, 0‑1) can move the ball, yet Liberty‑Eylau (2‑4, 1‑0) at home is a different animal—confident, athletic, and beginning to trust its rhythm. The prediction: Liberty‑Eylau 34, Sabine 20.
District 4 Contest: Queen City vs. Hooks
Queen City (3‑4, 0‑3) possesses enough offense to keep things interesting, but Hooks (3‑3, 2‑0) boasts an undefeated district start built on disciplined line play and steady situational football. Dr. Pick ’Em gives Hooks a 28‑21 win.
East Central Matchup: New Boston vs. Daingerfield
New Boston (3‑4, 2‑1) is streaky but dangerous; Daingerfield (1‑5, 1‑1) has athletic talent but hasn’t yet put together a full night. The forecast favors New Boston, 26‑22.
North Texas Test: DeKalb vs. Hughes Springs
DeKalb (4‑2, 2‑0) is rolling and comfortable in its identity, while Hughes Springs (2‑5, 1‑2) is improving but still uneven. Dr. Pick ’Em predicts DeKalb 30, Hughes Springs 16.
Southwest Classic: Atlanta vs. White Oak
Atlanta (4‑2, 1‑0) has found rhythm and confidence; White Oak (0‑6, 0‑1) is winless and struggling to finish drives. The Rabbits should win comfortably, 38‑14.
East Texas Rebound: Paul Pewitt vs. Elysian Fields
Paul Pewitt (6‑1, 3‑0) is chasing a seventh straight win with confidence and clarity. Elysian Fields (0‑6, 0‑2) is rebuilding. The projection: Pewitt 42, Elysian Fields 12.
Northwest Showdown: Fountain Lake vs. Genoa Central
Fountain Lake (5‑1, 2‑1) reflects discipline and balance; Genoa Central (3‑3, 0‑3) has enough speed to stay competitive, but the Cobras’ consistency should carry the night. Predicted score: Fountain Lake 35, Genoa Central 20.
College Spotlight: Texas vs. Florida
In the SEC‑Big 12 crossover, Texas (4‑1, 1‑1) is a touchdown favorite over Florida (4‑2, 2‑2). The Longhorns’ front seven and disciplined offense give them the edge. Dr. Pick ’Em projects Texas 34, Florida 17.
SEC Battle: Vanderbilt vs. Arkansas
Vanderbilt (3‑3, 0‑3) is a 6½‑point favorite. Arkansas (2‑4, 0‑3) has struggled to finish drives, while the Commodores have been steadier at home. Predicted: Vanderbilt 28, Arkansas 20.
SEC Thriller: Missouri vs. Ole Miss
Missouri (5‑1, 2‑1) is fundamentally solid—disciplined fronts, clean tackling, and a schedule‑on‑track offense. Ole Miss (4‑1, 2‑1) brings explosiveness but can drift. The upset is possible, but Dr. Pick ’Em gives Missouri a narrow win, 27‑24.
SEC Showdown: Mississippi State vs. LSU
Mississippi State (4‑1, 2‑1) has a quantitative edge in third‑down defense, explosive‑play prevention, and turnover margin. LSU (4‑2, 1‑2) is vulnerable in those areas. The forecast: Mississippi State 27, LSU 24.
Big 12 Clash: SMU vs. Virginia
SMU (4‑1, 2‑1) is favored by more than a touchdown, boasting a crisp, balanced offense. Virginia (4‑2, 2‑1) has enough defense to make it uncomfortable, but if the Mustangs avoid turnovers they should control the game. Predicted: SMU 31, Virginia 20.
Revivalry: Baylor vs. TCU
Baylor (4‑1, 2‑0) is a solid favorite in the Revivalry, with quarterback DJ Lagway gaining comfort and the defense proving decisive in close games. TCU (2‑3, 0‑2) has struggled to finish drives. The projection: Baylor 27, TCU 17.
Southwest Showdown: Texas Tech vs. Arizona State
Texas Tech (5‑0, 2‑0) is a double‑digit favorite, undefeated, explosive, and confident. Arizona State (3‑2, 1‑1) has improved but cannot match Tech’s depth and tempo. Predicted: Texas Tech 38, Arizona State 24.
College Classic: Texas A&M vs. The Citadel
Texas A&M (3‑3, 1‑3) is a massive favorite, with a clear talent advantage. The Citadel (2‑4) can keep the game short with pace and possession, but the Aggies should control the trenches and the scoreboard. Projected: Texas A&M 42, The Citadel 14.
Dr. Pick ’Em’s selections reflect a blend of statistical analysis, recent performance trends, and an eye for the intangibles that often decide high‑school and college football outcomes. Fans can use these picks as a guide for their own brackets, betting pools, or simply to enjoy the excitement of Friday night lights across the Lone Star State.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
