11 Texas high school football games to watch in 2023 regional semifinal playoff round

DJ Lagway takes on nationally ranked DeSoto and more top third round UIL postseason matchups

The Texas high school football playoffs have reached the regional semifinal round and a full third round slate is on tap Friday and Saturday.

The regional semifinals take place Friday and Saturday, the regional finals Nov. 30-Dec. 2, setting up state championship week: semifinals and finals Dec. 7-9 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

Texas high school football playoff brackets: 2023 UIL regional semifinal matchups, game times

SBLive has you covered all Thanksgiving week with regional semifinal previews, live coverage, highlights and more.

Here are 11 regional semifinal games to watch:

11 REGIONAL SEMIFINAL GAMES TO WATCH

Duncanville (10-1) vs. The Woodlands (9-3)

LSU commit Caden Durham runs in for a touchdown in the Panthers' lone loss to DeSoto / Robbie Rakestraw, SBLive Sports

3 p.m., Saturday, Memorial Stadium, Hutto | 6A DIVISION I

Duncanville has a roster with dozens of Division I commits and is the defending Class 6A Division I champion. The Panthers are ranked No. 5 in the Associated Press/Dave Campbell poll and have won three in a row since losing to DeSoto. The Woodlands are 9-1 since dropping the first two games to fellow regional semifinal qualifiers North Shore and Houston Lamar. The third loss is to another regional semifinalist in Willis.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Keelon Russell, QB, Duncanville

The SMU pledge is a three-star recruit who has thrown for 2,423 yards, 28 touchdowns and 2 INTs this year.

Dakorien Moore, WR, Duncanville

The junior should pass the 1,000-yard mark this week. He has 46 catches for 999 yards and 12 touchdowns — all three are team highs.

Quanell Farrakhan Jr., WR, The Woodlands

He’s a Swiss Army knife for the Highlanders. He has 12 carries and 5 touchdowns, 46 catches for 790 yards and 12 touchdowns and returned a punt for a score as well.

Mabrey Mettauer, QB, The Woodlands

The Wisconsin pledge returned to action for the first time since the loss to Willis on Oct. 28 due to an injury. He’s thrown for 2,263 yards, 28 touchdowns and no interceptions this year.

Cy-Fair (11-1) vs. Galena Park North Shore (12-0)

North Shore receiver Terrence Guillory II breaks loose for a touchdown reception in a win over Atascocita in October / Photo by Tom Dendy

2 p.m., Friday, NRG Stadium, Houston | 6A DIVISION I

This will be the third-ever meeting between the two schools and North Shore has won two of the meetings — the last in 2018. Cy-Fair has won 11 straight since losing the opener to Cypress Bridgeland by a point. Galena Park North Shore has been in the last two title games and the semifinals the year before that.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Trey Owens, QB, Cy-Fair

The Texas pledge has lived up to the billing that comes with being a recruit at such a key position for the Longhorns. Owens surpassed the 3,000-yard passing mark this season last week (3,093) and has thrown 42 touchdowns and 45 total scores when adding in rushes.

Landon Rink, DE/DL, Cy-Fair

The uncommitted recruit has been a monster on the line for the Bobcats. He has 24 1/2 tackles for loss, 62 total tackles — 20 more than anyone else on the team — and it tied with cornerback Je’Mario McGinty in pass breakups with 5.

Kaleb Bailey, QB, North Shore

As a freshman, he was the offensive MVP and led the team back to the title game last year. Already surpassed 40 touchdowns this season. He was injured in last week’s game, but 610 AM KILT reported Bailey practiced this week.

DeAndre Hardeman, RB, North Shore

The junior went over 1,400 yards this season after running for 217 yards and scoring three times in a 49-21 win over Clear Springs.

DeSoto (11-0) vs. Willis (12-0)

DeSoto players celebrate a touchdown in an upset of then-top-ranked Duncanville in October.  / Photo by Robbie Rakestraw

7 pm Friday, Alamodome, San Antonio | 6A DIVISION II

DeSoto has won 10 or more games in the past four years seasons now. The Eagles won the Class 6A Division II title last year and will look to follow Austin Westlake as being a repeat champion. Willis has more wins than the past two years combined — 11 — and the most wins since at least 2004.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Keylan Abrams, DE/LB, DeSoto

The junior has been a force on the edge for the Eagles. He has recorded sacks in 6 of the team’s 11 games. He had 3 TFL last week against Wylie East, pushing his season total to 20 1/2 stops behind the line.

Marvin Duffey, RB, DeSoto

DJ Bailey plays a big role at quarterback, but the senior Duffey has been the featured back for most of this season. He has 135 carries this season — 98 more than last year — and has turned that into 1,206 yards and surpassed 100 yards in eight of the 11 games.

DJ Lagway, QB, Willis

Arguably the best gunslinger in the state and if he can get another few games he could reach 5,000-yard passing this season. He has 4,269 yards with 56 touchdowns passing — and 15 on the ground. He has 98 passing touchdowns in his career and more than 8,000 yards passing.

Brock Perry, LB, Willis

The 6-foot-1 senior has gone over 100 tackles for the second year in a row. The uncommitted prospect has 112 tackles, 15 TFL and 6 1/2 sacks in 11 games.

Trophy Club Byron Nelson (12-0) vs. Coppell (12-0)

Byron Nelson faces Guyer in the 2022 playoffs.  / Photo by Brian McLean

3:30 p.m., Saturday, Choctaw Stadium, Arlington | 6A DIVISION II

Byron Nelson has already posted the best season in school history with 12 wins — breaking last year’s mark of 11. Though, the school started the program in 2010. Coppell is in the regional semifinals for the first time since 2017 after a 42-23 win over Dallas Jesuit last weekend. This is the first meeting between the two schools.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Tucker James, RB, Byron Nelson

The junior is averaging 7.3 yards per carry and has scored 25 touchdowns for the Bobcats.

Tom Van Grote, QB, Byron Nelson

Losing Jake Wilson to Purdue left a hole for the offense but the senior has thrown for nearly 3,000 yards (2,924) and accounted for 39 total touchdowns — 34 in the air.

Edward Griffin, QB, Coppell

The junior has completed 74% of his passes this year and has a 38-2 touchdown to interception ratio. He could surpass 3,3000-yard passing this week, entering the game with 2,814.

Baron Tipton, WR, Coppell

The North Texas pledge has been a monster in the postseason. The senior had 8 catches for 275 yards and four touchdowns — including three last week — in two games. He is 34 yards away from a 1,000-yard season.

Aledo (12-0) vs. Red Oak (12-0)

Aledo players celebrate a state championship win over College Station in December 2022 / Photo by Brian McLean

7:30 p.m. Friday, Choctaw Stadium, Arlington | 5A DIVISION I

Aledo has been a standard for success in recent years, winning 11 state titles since 1998. The Bearkats carry a 26-game winning streak into this game. Red Oak has set a school record with 12 wins. Aledo won the last meeting, 34-14, in 2019.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Dahvon Keys, LB/RB, Aledo

The senior and LSU pledge had a big game on offense last week with 7 carries for 46 yards and three touchdowns — out of a Wildcat set at QB. On defense, he has 133 tackles, 18 1/2 TLF, 4 sacks and 3 interceptions this year.

Ray Guillory, ATH, Aledo

The sophomore has been a weapon at both running back and wide receiver. He has 983 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns and despite having only 10 catches, he has scored four times.

Chris Martinez, QB, Red Oak

He made the move from running back to quarterback after an injury to Reggie Moody. Martinez has 527 yards passing and 7 touchdowns, while his rushing number is 1,250 yards and 10 scores.

Mehki Williams, LB, Red Oak

The senior, who has an offer from Texas Southern, has 128 tackles in 12 games and his six sacks are second-best on the team.

Midlothian Heritage (12-0) vs. Dallas South Oak Cliff (10-2)

Senior receiver Davion Ennis gains ground in a loss to DeSoto in September.  / Photo by Robbie Rakestraw

7 p.m., Friday, Memorial Stadium, Mesquite | 5A DIVISION I

The two-time defending state champion South Oak Cliff will look to become the first three-peat champion at this division since Aledo from 2018-2020. Heritage has won 11 games or more five times since 2016 — two years after the school opened. South Oak Cliff won this showdown last year, 33-27, snapping the Jaguars’ 11-game winning streak.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Stetson Sarratt, WR, Midlothian Heritage

The 6-foot senior is averaging about 80 yards per game with 952 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has multiple touchdowns in six of the team’s 12 games.

Temerrick Johnson, LB, Midlothian Heritage

The senior, who is headed to Oklahoma State, has 50 tackles, 17 1/2 TFL and a team-high eight sacks.

Danny Green Jr., RB, South Oak Cliff

The junior had three touchdowns last week in a 38-30 win over Melissa. He has 902 yards on the season and has been part of a 1-2 punch with senior Khalil Ewell, who had 1,036 yards.

Jayden Shelton, LB, South Oak Cliff

The three-star recruit has 19 offers to play at the next level. He’s moved into a starting role this year for a defense that replaced 10 starters from last year’s title team. He leads the Bears with 83 tackles.

Port Neches-Groves (11-1) vs. Montgomery Lake Creek (12-0)

Port Neches Groves battles South Oak Cliff in the 2022 Class 5A Division II title / Photo by Tommy Hays

4 p.m. Friday, Sheldon ISD Panther Stadium, Houston | 5A DIVISION II

Port Neches-Groves reached the finals last year before falling to South Oak Cliff - the Indians’ first title berth since 1999. Port Neches-Groves first played football in 1925 and this will be the first meeting against a relative newcomer to the sport in Montgomery Lake Creek, which opened in 2018. Lake Creek is 12-0 for the second year in a row.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Stetson Sarratt, WR, Midlothian Heritage

The 6-foot senior is averaging about 80 yards per game with 952 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has multiple touchdowns in six of the team’s 12 games.

Temerrick Johnson, LB, Midlothian Heritage

The senior, who is headed to Oklahoma State, has 50 tackles, 17 1/2 TFL and a team-high eight sacks.

Danny Green Jr., RB, South Oak Cliff

The junior had three touchdowns last week in a 38-30 win over Melissa. He has 902 yards on the season and has been part of a 1-2 punch with senior Khalil Ewell, who had 1,036 yards.

Jayden Shelton, LB, South Oak Cliff

The three-star recruit has 19 offers to play at the next level. He’s moved into a starting role this year for a defense that replaced 10 starters from last year’s title team. He leads the Bears with 83 tackles.

Frisco Panther Creek (11-1) vs. Anna (11-1)

Frisco Panther Creek senior running back Charles Bell evades a defender in a win over Dallas Carter in October / Photo by Robbie Rakestraw

7:30 p.m., Friday, Ford Center, Frisco | 5A DIVISION II

Anna enters this game as the top-ranked team left in Class 4A Division I after Boerne was upset last week. Anna has won nine in a row and is facing Frisco Panther Creek for the second year in a row. Last year, the first-year Frisco school lost to Anna, 62-24, in the opening round of the playoffs. This year, the Panthers have nine in a row as well and the only loss came to Frisco Emerson — still alive in the 5A Division II playoffs.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Braxton Roberts, QB, Panther Creek

The senior has completed 70% of his passes this fall. He’s thrown for 3,386 yards with 36 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Cristian Trickett, WR, Panther Creek

He started his high school career at Frisco Lone Star before the expansion and addition of Panther Creek. The 6-foot junior had 55 catches for 1,318 yards and 22 scores.

CJ Miller, LB, Anna

He’s a dual-sport athlete who is also an all-state wrestler. At 6-0, 225 pounds, the senior had 148 tackles, 17 TFL and 7 sacks for the Coyotes.

Ziondre Williams, QB, Anna

The sophomore and first-year starter has thrown for 2,082 yards and 30 touchdowns, while also leading the team in rushing yards (654) and six more scores on the ground. He’s drawn interest from multiple Big 12 schools.

Texarkana Pleasant Grove (12-0) vs. Carthage (12-0)

Carthage lines up on offense early in the 2023 season in its chase for a 10th state title / Photo by Robbie Rakestraw

2 p.m. Friday, Pirate Stadium, Longview | 4A DIVISION II

The showdown pits the No. 1-ranked team in Carthage against the No. 3-ranked Texarkana Pleasant Grove squad. Carthage has won 28 in a row heading into this game and is seeking state title No. 10. In that streak was a 45-14 win by the Bulldogs over the Hawks last year on Dec. 1.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ahkari Johnson, ATH, Pleasant Grove

The Arkansas commit on defense — cornerback — plays a big role on offense as well for the Hawks. In last week’s 63-10 win over Caddo Mills, he had four touchdown passes and ran for two more.

Kaden McFadden, RB/LB, Pleasant Grove

He had an interception that led to a score and also added a 51-yard touchdown run last week. The senior is a three-star recruit who committed to Duke.

Jett Surratt, QB, Carthage

The sophomore is nearing 3,000 yards passing (2,629) with 29 touchdowns. He eld offers from Texas Tech, UTSA and Houston before he even started a game.

Bradan Manning, WR, Carthage

The 6-foot-3 senior has been a go-to target for Surratt, leading the team in catches (45) and yards (762) and second in touchdown catches with 8.

Silsbee (12-0) vs. Bellville (12-0)

Silsbee battles Cuero in the Class 4A Division II title in 2022 / Photo by Tom Dendy

7:30 p.m. Friday, Planet Ford Stadium, Spring | 4A DIVISION II

Silsbee is the No. 2-ranked team and Bellville is No. 6, one of three top-10 showdowns in 4A-DII this week. Bellville is a run-first offense that is 78 yards away from having 5,000 as a team. Silsbee has passed for more than 3,000 yards and ran for 2,000 and had to rally from a second-half deficit to beat Sealy, 35-22, last week.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mikey Moshier, QB, Silsbee

The junior has thrown for 3,087 yards with 34 touchdowns and 3 picks -- a QB rating of 140.9 — in his first season after transferring from Antonian College Prep.

Ashton Cartwright, WR, Silsbee

The 6-foot senior had eight catches for 180 yards and 3 scores last week — pushing him over the 1,000-yard mark in receiving yards this season.

DD Murray, RB, Bellville

He’s the top rushing on an offense with three 1,000-yard backs. He averages 11.8 yards per carry with 1,608 yards and 30 touchdowns this fall.

Connor Gaines, LB, Bellville

The senior averages 10 tackles per game — 105 — and had one interception for a defensive unit averaging 1 INT per game.

Cooper (11-1) vs. Garrison (11-1)

1:30 p.m. Friday, Rose Stadium, Tyler | 2A DIVISION I

The Cooper Bulldogs carry a 10-game winning streak into this game and will look to return to the semifinals this year. Cooper is ranked No. 5 in the AP/Dave Campbell poll and the only loss was a 3A team — Hooks. Garrison — also the Bulldogs — have only lost to No. 1-ranked Timpson —35-26 on Nov. 3. Since then, Garrison has outscored foes 100-28.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Canon Ingram, QB, Cooper

He’s very successful when he passes, but it doesn’t happen a lot — 17 completions out of 32 attempts —but has 12 touchdown passes. He’s also ran for 1,306 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Zachary Harper, LB, Cooper

The junior has racked up 119 tackles through 12 games, which includes 90 assists on tackles. 

Omarion Rasberry, RB, Garrison

The Lamar pledge is putting up 12.7 yards per carry for the Bulldogs. He has 10 games where he’s run for 100 yards or more and has scored 23 touchdowns. He’s at 1,586 yards on the ground and 1,699 all-purpose yards.

Antonio Yarbrough, CB, Garrison

Garrison’s defense had racked up 17 INTs this year and the junior has five of them. He’s picked up 63 tackles, added two sacks, broke up four passes and blocked one punt.

-- Cody Thorn | @sblivetx

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