Game of the Week: Monterey hosts Amarillo High to kick off district play

The first district games of the season kick off this week. Here's a look at the best matchups the Lubbock area has to offer in Week 5.

GAME OF THE WEEK

Amarillo High (1-2, 0-0) at Monterey (1-3, 0-0)

7 p.m. Friday, Lowrey Field

The overall records aren't pretty, but both teams get a fresh slate in what should be a critical contest for playoff positioning.

Last year, this was a Week 11 matchup that determined the final postseason berths. Amarillo High came away with a 61-28 victory to end Monterey's season. Plainsmen coach Judd Thrash said in the summer the 2023 finale served as motivation for his squad.

Monterey has shown glimpses of positive play but has been unable to capitalize late in most games. That includes a 57-49 loss at Odessa High last week. The Plainsmen also suffered a 29-28 setback at Abilene Wylie in Week 2 when a last-second field goal attempt went haywire.

In between Monterey won its lone home game 36-14 over El Paso Franklin.

Amarillo has also had its share of close contests go awry. The Golden Sandstorm fell 20-14 to surprising Amarillo Palo Duro on Friday, one week after a 49-42 loss against Midland High. Amarillo's lone win is 48-45 over San Angelo Central.

Five teams in District 2-5A Division I enter the week with one win. That shows how tight the playoff race should be, especially for second place behind favorite Abilene High. It'd be no shock if Amarillo-Monterey became a tiebreaker for seeding when it's all said and done.

Week 5 games to watch for Lubbock area

Idalou (4-0) at Shallowater (2-2)

7 p.m. Friday, Todd Field

Last week: Idalou 63, Odessa Compass 0; Midland Greenwood 35, Shallowater 24

The Wildcats are unscathed and the Mustangs have only lost to Class 4A teams. Something's got to give.

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New Deal (3-1) at Lubbock Christian (3-1)

7 p.m. Friday, Masked Rider Capital Field

Last week: New Deal 28, Sundown 21; Lubbock Christian 36, Wellington 34

The Lions get one more non-district test against an Eagles squad coming off an impressive win.

Clyde (2-2) at Muleshoe (3-1)

7 p.m. Friday, Benny Douglas Stadium

Last week: Clyde 46, Snyder 13; Canadian 74, Muleshoe 67

Even in a loss, the Mules proved themselves last week.

Plainview (2-2, 0-0) at Lubbock-Cooper (3-1, 0-0)

7 p.m. Thursday, Pirate Stadium

Last week: Plainview 35, Dumas 28; Frenship 51, Lubbock-Cooper 42

These two are in the same district again and will open the league schedule.

Fort Stockton (4-0) at Lubbock-Cooper Liberty (0-4)

7 p.m. Friday, Patriot Stadium

Last week: Fort Stockton 41, Crane 20; Seminole 62, Liberty 15

The Patriots will open their own stadium and, despite the records, have a chance to win.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Game of the Week: Monterey hosts Amarillo High to kick off district play