The playoff picture is becoming clearer in District 9-5A Division I football as the season approaches its conclusion. With just one week left in the regular season, Port Arthur Memorial has already clinched the district title with an impressive record of 10-0 overall and 6-0 in district play. However, the battle for the remaining three playoff berths is heating up, as five teams are tightly packed within a game of each other.
Galveston Ball currently sits at the bottom of the standings with a record of 2-7 and has been knocked out of playoff contention. In contrast, Barbers Hill and Lufkin are tied for second place, both holding a record of 6-3 and 3-2 in district play. Notably, Barbers Hill defeated Lufkin in their initial matchup this season.
Beaumont West Brook, Baytown Sterling, and Beaumont United are in a three-way tie for fourth place, each posting a record of 5-4 and 2-3 in district games. The tiebreaking rules for the district dictate that head-to-head results will determine playoff spots for two teams, while three or more teams will use their records against each other, followed by point differentials. A maximum of 18 points can be used in these tiebreakers.
This week”s matchups include:
- Galveston Ball at Lufkin on Friday: Lufkin”s offense came alive last week, securing a 31-16 victory over Beaumont United, amassing 470 total yards, with 363 yards on the ground. Running back Kenneth Waters was a standout, rushing for 247 yards and four touchdowns. Meanwhile, Galveston Ball lost to Beaumont West Brook 37-18, remaining winless in district play.
- Beaumont United at Baytown Sterling: Beaumont United struggled against Lufkin”s running game last week, suffering a 31-16 defeat. Raphael Deshotel, the Timberwolves” quarterback, had a rough outing, completing only 13 of 25 passes for 175 yards. Baytown Sterling is looking to rebound after three consecutive losses, including a 63-13 defeat to Port Arthur Memorial.
- Barbers Hill at Beaumont West Brook: Barbers Hill took a bye week, while Beaumont West Brook bounced back from two losses to keep their playoff hopes alive. Quarterback Tam Anderson led the Bruins with two touchdown passes and a rushing score in their win over Galveston Ball.
Lastly, Port Arthur Memorial will take a break this week to prepare for their first playoff game at home. The top two teams in District 9-5A will enjoy home-field advantage in the opening round of the Class 5A Division I playoffs, facing off against teams from District 10-5A.
The standings in District 10-5A currently feature Madison at the top with an 8-1 record, followed by Westbury at 9-1. Other teams include Waltrip, Sterling, Galena Park, Spring Woods, Milby, Sharpstown, and Austin.
This week”s games in District 10-5A include Milby at Spring Woods and Austin at Galena Park on Thursday, followed by Madison at Sharpstown and Sterling at Waltrip on Friday.
