Super Centex high school football podcast

• Hamilton is back in the state semifinals for the second straight year after an impressive rematch win over the banged-up Axtell Longhorns last week, 24-3. They face the West Texas Comanches this week, a Panhandle team which hasn't played many close games this year. Do you think the Bulldogs can lean into that underdog role again and spring the upset?
• Coaching changes are happening, and there's a bit of a surprise with Tyler Beat...

• It's round 4 in the UIL playoffs. Once you're past Thanksgiving, the matchups are much more hotly contested with nothing but really good teams left. What matters most for these teams when you're talking about these matchups? 
• Bremond vs. Mount Enterprise has one of the best athletes in Texas history, the Wildcats' Kaegen Ash, who's chasing Kenneth Hall's all-time rushing record. Do you think the Tigers' tough defense will s...

• Which team should be most thankful they're still playing in the 3rd round of the playoffs? Or, if you prefer, who's the most surprising team left in the playoffs as we reach the third round?
• The toughest game to pick this week may have been Whitney (10-2) vs. Pottsboro (11-1). How do you see this one coming out?
• La Vega has been impressive all year. Is there anything the Pirates need to worry about vs. La Marque?
• Let's talk turkey...

• Who had the most impressive bi-district win? China Spring over Bellville, certainly, is an obvious one, but were there others?
• We've got a lot of matchups between accomplished teams in round 2, teams with 9-2 and 10-1 type records. Which game was the toughest to pick this week? 
• We do a lot of predicting each week. But let's try to make one BOLD prediction for round 2 — doesn't have to be a result, could be a statistical per...

• There are always lopsided matchups in bi-district, especially with 2-8 teams involved. But there are also some great matchups. Which game this week will be an absolute banger, do you think?
• In Class 6A and 5A, teams now get to host in the first round. Is that a good idea, or do you like having neutral-site playoff matchups? And should it expand down to 4A and below?
• Finally, we're going to brag on our photographers. Let's show so...

• We've reached Week 11, the final week of the regular season. We have some games that matter, and ones that definitely don't. If you're one of those teams without a hope of making the playoffs, what are you trying to get out of this last game?
• Who are the hottest Centex teams, playing the best going into the postseason?
• Crawford vs. Rosebud-Lott is one of the most interesting games this week. Who do you like, and could either of t...

• Another district title showdown is here with 8-0 Brenham, ranked No. 6 in the state, facing University at Waco ISD Stadium. Both are undefeated in district. Do these types of high-profile matchups help teams get ready for the playoffs?
• University's London Smith is just an athletic marvel who's going to excel at any position, playing any sport. Who are some other guys around Central Texas who are like that, past or present?
• Let's ...

• La Vega is shaping up to be the state-ranked team we all expected, and there's likely the district title on the line vs. rapidly improving Robinson. Can the Rockets spring an upset here, or are they good enough for it not to be much of an upset? 
• The Chilton Pirates are back, and they've only given up 22 points all season. Meanwhile, Bremond and Tank Scott are on the other side. Who comes out on top in this state-ranked bat...

For homecoming week at Waco ISD Stadium, we're welcoming in Trib sportswriters past and present for a special homecoming edition of the Super Centex podcast.

They include former assistant sports editor Jerry Hill; past high school writers Luke Gilliam, David G. Campbell, Jason Orts, Jim Barnes; plus current writers Chad Conine, Michael Haag and Trib sports editor Brice Cherry. (Note: We've tacked on our guests' introductions and...

1. Which teams had a tough go in non-district play but seem poised to play spoiler in their districts going forward? Some of them may start with M — like Mexia, Marlin, McGregor.

2. We've got several matchups of two 0-1 teams facing off this week. How big does it make these matchups for a bunch of teams trying to avoid starting out 0-2? We're looking at Gatesville-Lorena, Grandview-Groesbeck, Cameron-Troy, Marlin-Bruceville-Eddy...