Marquee game

Steele vs. Judson, 7:30 p.m. Friday at Lehnhoff Stadium: The only teams still unbeaten in District 27-6A competition square off for the inside track to the league title. Steele has already secured a playoff berth, while Judson, for all intents and purposes, has as well. One more win by Judson would definitely lock up a postseason spot.

The Knights (5-2 overall, 5-0 in 27-6A) have won five in a row since opening the season with losses to Life Christian Academy from Virginia and Reagan, and could position themselves to claim their first district crown since 2016. Judson (4-1, 4-0) has won four straight, including one by forfeit, since falling to state-ranked DeSoto 37-0 in both teams’ season opener on Oct. 2.

Judson, which is playing a game for the first time in three weeks because of a scheduled bye and a postponement due to COVID-19 concerns, has won the last three meetings in this series, including last year’s thrilling 51-48 contest that was decided when the Rockets scored a touchdown with 56 seconds left and then batted away a fourth-down pass with eight seconds.

Steele won the first seven games in a series between two of the area’s dominant programs. 

Notable games

Brandeis vs. Madison, 7:30 p.m. Friday at Farris Stadium: A year ago, each of these teams won a district championship. This season, they’re both fighting just to make it into the playoffs out of District 28-6A. The winner boosts its chances, while the loser will need help.

Warren vs. O’Connor, 7:30 p.m. Friday at Gustafson Stadium: This encounter has serious playoff implications for District 29-6A, which, top to bottom, might be the area’s most competitive league. Brennan (5-1) sits in first, while Stevens, Warren and Harlan are tied for second at 4-2. O’Connor (3-2) is next, followed by Taft and Marshall, who both are 2-3.

Clemens at New Braunfels, 7:30 p.m. Friday: New Braunfels needs a win to stay alive for a postseason spot. Clemens could play spoiler in what has been a tough-luck District 27-6A campaign. Three of the Buffaloes’ league losses — Judson (34-28), Wagner (57-56 in overtime) and Steele (21-14) — have been by a combined 14 points. A year ago, when it captured the district crown, Clemens won all the close games, defeating Smithson Valley (15-7), Judson (34-30) and Steele (28-23) by a total of 17 points.

Boerne vs. Port Lavaca Calhoun, 7:30 p.m. Friday at Jourdanton: The Greyhounds have won five in a row, including last week’s 38-7 drubbing of Burnet in the opening round of the Class 4A Division I playoffs. They will face an opponent that has been on a hot streak offensively. Port Lavaca Calhoun has scored 77 and 74 points in two of its last three games.

Canyon Lake vs. Corpus Christi Calallen, 7:30 p.m. Friday at Pleasanton: The Hawks recorded the stunner of the area’s 4A Division I landscape, topping La Vernia 48-27 to continue a midseason surge that has produced four wins in five games. The setback was a 40-34 decision to Lampasas, ranked No. 2 in the state. Perennial power Corpus Christi Calallen is Canyon Lake’s next challenge. The Wildcats have won eight in a row after starting the season at 1-2, sandwiching losses to Cornerstone and Waco La Vega around a win vs. Jourdanton. 

Hondo vs. Wimberley, 7:30 p.m. Friday at Southwest Legacy: Quarterback Brandon J. Garcia (2,277 passing yards and 17 touchdowns) and running back Trey Dickens (1,211 yards and 21 TDs) lead the Owls vs. 2019 state finalist Wimberley in a Class 4A Division II clash.

S.A. Veterans Memorial at New Braunfels Canyon, 11:30 a.m. Saturday: The Patriots (3-4 overall, 1-3 in District 12-5A I) forfeited two league contests because of COVID-19 concerns and now seek to rebound and make a playoff push. Canyon (6-1, 3-1) is still alive to grab a share of the district crown and is in prime position to earn its first playoff berth since 2013.

terrence@terrencesports.com

Twitter: @sa_terrence1