Metroplex - Week 2 Predictions

Now that we're a couple of weeks in to the season, things are starting to become a little more clear as we start to see some separation between the contenders and the pretenders. With that in mind, here's a look at five of the weekend's biggest games.

Plano (2-0) at Hebron (0-2)
The Hebron Hawks are looking at the very real possibility of starting the season 0-3 for the first time since 2001 (the school's first year of varsity play). Plano on the other hand, has started slowly in their first two games but played well in the second half in wins over MacArthur and Desoto.

The Plano defense struggled with the speed of Desoto in last week's win but key interceptions by LeRon Kelly helped lift the Panthers to a 28-20 win. Hebron is notoriously strong at home but a loss to Wylie to open the season has taken away a little bit of the mystique. Don't be surprised if Hebron makes this one close but we like Plano to win this one.

Our pick:
Plano 31 Hebron 21

Euless Trinity (1-0) at Cedar Hill (2-0)
Our advice for this one - get there early. A sellout crowd is expected for a matchup between these 2 recent state champions and for good reason as both have looked impressive thus far.

Trinity had little trouble with Louisiana powerhouse John Curtis in the season opener but coming off of a bye week, may have a little rust to shake off.  The Cedar Hill offense has averaged 36 points in wins over Cincinnati LaSalle (38-14) and Wichita Falls Rider (34-27). Junior tailback Ben Malena is averaging 8.4 yards per carry and has scored 4 touchdowns.

Sophomore quarterback Driphus Jackson has shown well thus far completing 60% of his passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Head coach Joey McGuire is excited about the opportunity to play the state's top ranked team. "We're very talented but we're young. Playing teams like Trinity will help get us ready for what we'll see in the playoffs and this game should help us grow up if nothing else" he said. 

Indeed it will but we like the Trojans in a hard fought game.

Our pick:
Trinity 31 - Cedar Hill 21

Skyline (1-0) at Bowie (2-0)
You won't find a game with more speed on the field than this one, with the key matchup being the potent Bowie offense against the fast and physical Skyline defense. Skyline held Kimball to a paltry 73 yards of total offense and got a big game from quarterback Javia Hall who threw for 207 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Bowie on the other hand has been scary good. They had wins over Trotwood Madison (48-0) and South Garland (35-6) on ice by halftime. Head coach Kenny Perry has to be pleased his team's performance on both sides of the ball but the Raiders will be a stiffer test. Look for another big game from Christian Matthews and company as Skyline keeps it close for a little while but too much firepower from Bowie in the end.

Our Pick:
Bowie 24 - Skyline 10

Mesquite (2-0) at Naaman Forest (2-0)
Mesquite faces another strong test after wins over Lake Highlands (38-28) and Hebron (23-14). Quarterback Luke Halpin has a talented trio of receivers in OU commit Marcus Trice, Darien McNealy and Brad Smithey. The Naaman Forest defense will have its hands full trying to slow down an aerial attack that is averaging 300 yards passing a game. With Texas Tech commit Melvin Bullit leading the Naaman Forest secondary, the Rangers appear to have the talent to do just that.

On the other hand, the Mesquite defense will be facing the area's best 1-2 punch at running back as Jonathon Miller, (another OU commit) and DeMario Broadnax have been unstoppable. They have both gone well over 100 yards in wins over Whitehouse (55-32) and Lewisville (35-7). This is the most evenly matched game of the night and should be a high scoring affair.

Our pick:
Naaman Forest 38 - Mesquite 31

Garland (2-0) at Lake Highlands (1-1)
It's a new era in Garland as head coach Jeff Jordan has scrapped the wing-t offense for the spread. The early returns are good as the Owls have averaged 360 yards a game of total offense in wins over Kimball (37-6) and Duncanville (23-20). Quarterback Jared Barnett had a break-out game last week against Duncanville, throwing for 296 yards and 2 touchdowns, including the game winner to Adrian Phillips.

Coach Jordan is pleased with the way his kids have responded to the new offense. "After winning our first two games, everyone is starting to buy in to the new system. We're still running the ball but now we have a different dimension that teams will have to account for" he said.

After a 3-7 season a year ago, it looks like the offseason changes will make Garland a contender once again.

Our Pick:
Garland 31 - Lake Highlands 17

Talk about these and other games in the forums.

Date of Article: Thu Sep 11, 2008 11:37 am

Related Content:
- Carrollton Hebron  - Cedar Hill  - Dallas Skyline  - Euless Trinity  - Garland  - Garland Naaman Forest  - Mesquite  - Plano