If you like your football with a side of neighborhood bragging rights, emotional stakes, and the kind of intensity only high school playoffs can deliver, this week’s local matchups are made for you. Two games involving Canyon ISD programs headline the schedule, and both carry their own blend of history, redemption opportunities, and hard football truths.
West Plains (11–1) vs. Canyon (8–4)
7 p.m., Happy State Bank Stadium
In terms of local provincialism, this might be the most anticipated playoff game Happy State Bank Stadium has ever hosted. Anytime two Canyon ISD schools square off in November, the temperature rises—figuratively, if not literally. And with a regional semifinal spot on the line, this one feels even bigger.
These two met earlier this season on this very field. That district opener wasn’t close, with West Plains rolling to a 39–10 victory in Matt Lovorn’s first game as Canyon’s head coach. Back then, the Eagles were searching for their identity. They’ve come a long way since. Their offense has tightened up, their rhythm is better, and their confidence—at least entering the game—should be higher this time around.
Still, improvement only goes so far when you’re up against a proven contender. West Plains has been here before in their short history and continues to look like a program built for deep playoff runs. The Wolves play with maturity beyond their years, and their ability to impose physicality early is what separates them.
Canyon has the emotional factor, and that can matter—especially in rivalry-adjacent games like this. But emotion only keeps you in the fight; execution wins it. Unless Canyon can consistently string together scoring drives and match the Wolves in the trenches, the gap may look a lot like it did the first time.
Prediction: West Plains 45, Canyon 21
Randall (10–2) vs. Stephenville (12–0)
7 p.m., Grant Teaff Tiger Stadium, Snyder
If West Plains–Canyon is the week’s emotional showdown, Randall–Stephenville is the week’s reality check. This is a rematch from the same playoff round last season, when Stephenville cruised to a 47–7 win. And if we’re being honest, the Yellowjackets enter as favorites again—on paper, by a considerable margin.
But games are played on turf, not spreadsheets, and that gives Randall a fighting chance.
Defense has been the Raiders’ calling card all season. They hit, they swarm, and they rarely beat themselves. For Randall to stay in this game, that unit has to set the tone early. A couple of defensive stops, maybe a takeaway or two—something that slows the Yellowjackets long enough to build belief.
The offense has shown more pop since Braylon Preciado took over at quarterback, and the Raiders don’t necessarily need fireworks—they just need efficiency. What they absolutely can’t afford is a track meet. Stephenville thrives in those, and once their offense starts rolling downhill, it’s hard to stop.
Randall is tough. But Stephenville is tough and explosive, and that’s usually the difference in December football.
%20(1)%20(1)%20(1)%20(1)%20(1)%20(1)%20(1)%20(1)%20(1).jpg)
%20(1)%20(1)%20(1).png)
