Seagoville and Crandall have taken different routes into district football play, but both varsity teams enter October positioned in the playoff race after convincing victories last week.
Seagoville has won three of its last four games and sits 3-2 overall and 2-1 in District 5-5A Division II.
Crandall overcame an 0-3 start by winning 2-0 district games by a combined 110 points, putting the Pirates among three unbeaten teams at the top of District 7-5A Division I.
Seagoville Moves to 3-2
Seagoville enters Friday’s road game against Samuell coming off consecutive district victories.
The Dragons defeated Thomas Jefferson 48-7 last Friday at Henry Field at Seagoville Stadium. The game was tied 7-7 after the first quarter before Seagoville scored 21 unanswered points in the second quarter and took a 28-7 lead into halftime.
The Dragons continued to pull away after the break, scoring 20 more points while keeping Jefferson off the scoreboard throughout the second half.
The victory followed an even more decisive performance Sept. 18, when Seagoville shut out Adamson 56-0.
That gives the Dragons a combined 104-7 advantage over their last two opponents.
District 5-5A Division II
Poteet and South Oak Cliff currently lead the district at 2-0. Seagoville follows at 2-1.
Hillcrest, Wilson, and Samuell entered the week at 1-1 in district competition, while Jefferson stands at 1-2. Molina and Adamson remain winless in district play.
That leaves Seagoville firmly involved in the race for one of the district’s four playoff spots, but much of the schedule remains.
Samuell Up Next
Seagoville travels to Samuell Friday, Oct. 2, for a 7:30 p.m. district game.
Samuell is 1-4 overall and 1-1 in district play after defeating Molina 55-7 last week. Despite its losing overall record, Samuell’s district victory makes Friday’s matchup important for both teams.
Seagoville’s schedule becomes significantly more difficult after Samuell.
The Dragons host defending state power South Oak Cliff on Thursday, Oct. 8, before traveling to Hillcrest Oct. 16. Seagoville then finishes the regular season against Wilson and Molina.
With five district games remaining, Seagoville’s position is promising but far from settled.
Crandall Rebounds From 0-3 Start
Few teams have experienced a sharper early-season turnaround than Crandall.
The Pirates lost their first three games to Braswell, Rowlett, and Terrell, falling to 0-3 before district competition began. Since then, Crandall has dominated.
The Pirates opened district play Sept. 17 by shutting out Sunset 50-0. They followed that performance Friday with a 66-6 victory over Bryan Adams at home.
Crandall led Adams 56-0 by halftime. The 66 points were Crandall’s highest scoring total of the season and the Pirates has outscored its first two district opponents, 116-6.
Ward Continues Producing
Junior running back Darrik Ward delivered another productive night against Adams, rushing for 123 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. It marked his third consecutive game with at least two rushing touchdowns.
Christian Ingram also surpassed 100 yards against Adams, finishing with 118 rushing yards as Crandall controlled the game on the ground.
The recent offensive production represents a major change from the first three weeks. Crandall scored 57 total points during its three-game losing streak before scoring 116 across its first two district victories.
Three Teams Share District Lead
Crandall is one of three teams currently unbeaten in District 7-5A Division I play. Crandall, Mesquite, and North Mesquite each stand at 2-0. Tyler and West Mesquite are 1-1, while Bryan Adams, Sunset, and W.T. White are each 0-2.
That makes Crandall’s next game especially important.
North Mesquite Visits Oct. 9
Crandall has an open week before hosting North Mesquite on Friday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m.
North Mesquite is 3-2 overall and 2-0 in district play. Because both teams enter the matchup unbeaten in district competition, the game will directly affect the top of the standings.
Crandall’s remaining schedule includes road games at Tyler and West Mesquite along with home games against Mesquite and W.T. White.
The Pirates therefore still have games remaining against every team currently sharing or sitting immediately behind them near the top of the standings.
October Will Shape Playoff Races
Both local programs have put themselves in meaningful positions entering October. Now the level of competition increases.
Seagoville faces Samuell before beginning a difficult stretch against South Oak Cliff, Hillcrest, and Wilson.
Crandall gets a week off before meeting unbeaten North Mesquite in a game that could begin separating the leaders in District 7-5A Division I.
