(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy. Sunray advanced to the state semifinals of the Class 2A Division I playoffs last season)
District football games are right around the corner for Amarillo-area high schools, marking the most important stretch of the regular season. Here are the region's best Week 5 matchups.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Canadian Wildcats (3-1, 0-0) at Sunray Bobcats (4-0, 0-0)
7 p.m. Friday, Bobcat Stadium
Fresh off a 21-7 victory over Childress in Week 4, Sunray football is looking to head into district play unbeaten, but will have to face a tough Canadian squad that reached the Class 3A Division II state semifinals in 2023.
The Wildcats' star quarterback from last year's team, and 2023 Amarillo Globe-News Player of the Year Camren Cavalier graduated , however, and senior Clay Kendall has taken over as the team's starting signal caller. Kendall has commanded Andy Cavalier's offense well during his first year as a starter, with Canadian topping 30 points in all three of its wins, including a 74-67 shootout against Muleshoe last week.
The Wildcats' only loss came at the hands of the Bushland Falcons, who also boast a 4-0 record.
On the other sideline, the Bobcats are led by star quarterback Armando Lujan, who is one of the top signal callers in the area.
As a junior, Lujan threw for more than 4,200 yards, rushed for more than 1,000 yards and scored 82 total touchdowns to help lead Sunray to the state semifinals before falling to Albany. This season, the Bobcats are off to a great start and could return to the postseason with a strong performance in district play.
Sunray has defeated three of its first four opponents by two scores, including a 39-0 victory over Abernathy, but will need to continue its success when District 1-2A Division I play begins on Oct. 11 against Spearman.
A win over the Wildcats would help Lujan and Sunray continue to build momentum heading into their district slate. To pick up a victory, however, the Bobcats will have to outscore a Canadian offense that has racked up 148 points in four games.
More: High school volleyball top performers: West Plains stays undefeated in 4-4A, results, more
More: Cast your vote! Who should be the Happy State Bank High School Athlete of the Week?
More: Unbeaten Randall football hopes to slow down speedy Estacado offense in Class 4A showdown
Week 5 games to watch for Amarillo area
Dalhart (3-1) at Borger (1-3)
7 p.m. Friday, Bulldog Stadium
Last week: Dalhart 36, Friona 0; Pampa 16, Borger 13
The Wolves have looked strong to start their 2024 campaign, but will face a Class 4A opponent on the road Friday. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, need to pick up a win before district play to rebuild some confidence ahead of the season's most important contests.
Bushland (4-0) at Dumas (2-2)
7 p.m. Friday, Demon Stadium
Last week: Bushland 28, West Plains 15; Plainview 35, Dumas 28
The Falcons look like one of the area's most formidable squads four weeks into the season and will hit the road to play against a Class 4A opponent. The Demons will try to get back on track after a loss to the Bulldogs, but will have to do so against a high-powered Bushland offense.
Wellington (3-1) at Panhandle (4-0)
7 p.m. Friday, Panther Stadium
Last week: Lubbock Christian 36, Wellington 34; Panhandle 51, River Road 7
The Skyrockets will look to rebound on the road against the Panthers following their first loss of the season in Week 4. Panhandle has been dominant this season, however, and should be another tough test for Wellington.
West Texas (3-1) at River Road (2-1)
7 p.m. Friday, Wildcat Stadium
Last week: West Texas 68, Tulia 22; Panhandle 51, River Road 7
The Wildcats got off to a quick start this season, but were stopped in their tracks last week by Panhandle. This week, River Road aims to get in the win column when it welcomes the Comanches, who were on the opposite end of a blowout in Week 4.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Top QBs battle as Sunray football's Armando Lujan and Canadian's Clay Kendall face off
Local News
Comments / 0