Leading off
Despite delays, cancellations, forfeits and plenty of uncertainty brought about by a coronavirus pandemic, the stakes this weekend will be high for area teams.
District championships, playoff berths and seeding will be up for grabs as schools in Class 4A through 1A square off.
While teams in 6A and 5A still have a few more weeks remaining in their regular season, the importance of their contests will also take on added significance.

Marquee game
Roosevelt vs. Johnson, 7:30 p.m. Friday at Comalander Stadium: Another week, another crucial showdown in District 28-6A. Johnson (5-0 overall, 4-0 in district) looks to continue to remain unblemished under new coach Mark Soto when it faces Roosevelt (4-1, 3-1).
The Jaguars surged past Churchill 48-14 last week, scoring the final 41 points. Roosevelt outlasted Brandeis 10-7 in a contest dominated by defense.
Johnson can strengthen its path to a second league title in four seasons. Coach Matt Carroll and his Rough Riders can created somewhat of a logjam at the top of the league standing with a win.

Notable games
Alamo Heights at Boerne Champion, 7:30 p.m. Friday: It seems as if these two teams have spent much of the past decade playing each other with first place in district as the prize.
Such will be the case when they square off in a battle of unbeaten teams in District 15-5A II. Alamo Heights (3-2 overall, 2-0 in district) lost two of its three non-district games under new coach Ron Rittimann, but has found its stride during league competition. The Mules blanked Medina Valley 30-0 a week ago.
A state semifinalist in 2019, Boerne Champion (4-1, 2-0) is coming off a 27-7 triumph over Kerrville Tivy, another rival. The Chargers have won three in a row in the series.

Reagan vs. Churchill, 7:30 p.m. Friday at Heroes Stadium: These heated rivals meet with their fortunes heading in opposite directions, but knowing this matchup could have both district title and playoff implications.
The Rattlers (4-1, 3-0) look to keep pace with Johnson atop the District 28-6A ledger. Churchill (3-2, 1-2) has lost three of its last three games and needs a win to remain in contention with Brandeis for what might the league’s final playoff berth.

Stevens vs. Harlan, 7:30 p.m. Friday at Gustafson Stadium: The Falcons (3-2, 3-1) look to remain in the thick of race for the District 29-6A crown. Harlan (1-3, 1-2), on the other hand, needs a win to enhance its postseason footing.

Warren vs. Taft, 7:30 p.m. Friday at Heroes Stadium: Fresh off its upset win vs. Brennan, Warren (4-1, 4-1) looks to sustain its momentum, especially with games vs. Harlan, O’Connor and Marshall on the horizon. Taft (2-2, 2-2) can use the contest as a boost going into season’s final stage.

Highlands vs. Kennedy, 2 p.m. Saturday at Alamo Stadium: The Owls are the last area team to take the field this season, but it is slated to make up for lost time in a hurry. Highlands will play all four of its District 13-5A I games in 21 days.

Tale of the tape
La Vernia WRs Daryl Dulak and Koy Carpenter vs. Pleasanton DBs Ashon Thompson and Marco Quinonez: Dulak and Carpenter have been the top targets for quarterback Gage Lowry (2,119 passing yards and 29 touchdowns), combining for 88 receptions for 1,373 yards and 20 touchdowns. Dulak (45 catches for 812 yards and 14 TDs) and Carpenter (43 receptions for 561 yards and six TDs) will look to test Thompson and Quinonez, who have combined for eight interceptions to lead Pleasanton’s secondary.
While Boerne and La Vernia (6-3, 2-1) have secured playoff berths out of District 14-4A I, Pleasanton (3-6, 1-2) is battling Somerset and Uvalde for one of the two final postseason spots.

terrence@terrencesports.com
Twitter: @sa_terrence1