Heavyweight battles in 6A Regional Semis; predictions and galleries

Football fans, this will be a feast of incredible games this weekend as the Regional Semis have snuck up on us.

Let's take a look at the Games of the Week and throw out some "fearless" predictions.

Here we go.

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It's Katy vs North Shore... Again. Let's not rehash all of the times they've played in the past... that was the past.

General thoughts?

North Shore's offense is starting to ramp up as super-freak Zach Evans is revving his engine. The OL is solid and QB Dematrius Davis (Va Tech-commit) makes good decisions. The key on offense is if North Shore can loosen up the front seven of Katy, meaning plays downfield to Shadrach Banks (Texas A&M-commit) and crew. Banks didn't play in the first game, and the 'Stangs lost.

Katy's defense is nice. Ty Cana is a beast at MLB and teams up with wily senior Jaylen Phillips. They are really good. The secondary is on point with Bryan Massey (UTSA-commit). He runs the show in the back.

When Katy has the ball, it's all about WR Jordan Patrick -- a great HS football player who is as slippery as they come. Will Ron Hoff play? Most likely. Don't sleep on Katy's TEs and full-back. They make plays also. The OL wore out North Shore's defense in Week 1. Can they do it again?

Special teams and turnovers will play big roles in this game, but it's going to be man-on-man football in the trenches.

PREDICTION: North Shore wins when it counts and advances to Regional Finals.

THE GALLERY FROM KATY vs CY-FAIR by Bradley Collier and STRAKE JESUIT VS WEST BROOK by Andy Tolbert

Hmmmmm.

Atascocita faces a solid Tompkins squad this weekend. The Eagles ran the table after getting smashed by Katy in Week 2. Tompkins lost a tight battle against Katy on the KUBE 57 Game of the Week for the district title.

I really like Tompkins QB Jalen Milroe (Texas-commit) and their big WRs, but the Eagles are loaded all over the field. They are big up front and their LBs are fast and physical.

Atascocita wins the WR battle with four skills who can go get it. Brice Matthews is a solid QB and the OL does a good job protecting him.

Tompkins has been in two playoffs tough battles against Travis and Cy Falls, while Atascocita has cruised.

PREDICTION: Time runs out on Tompkins' historic season.

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In Region II, Klein Oak faces Rockwall, while The Woodlands faces Prosper.

Let's talk KO first, The Panthers face Rockwall, which won in a shootout against super-power Allen. Panther Dwight McGlothern is a special talent in all three phases (WR, DB, KR), but the Oak offense won't be able to keep up with the Rockwall scoring attack.

The Woodlands is a new team... QB Cody Howard (Baylor baseball-commit) is now the new signal-caller; RB Bryeton Gilford returns after suspension and move-in Brenden Lankford-Johnson has emerged as a big-time WR. Malik Johnson (Kansas-commit) is another playmaker for coach Jim Rapp, while the defense is bend-but-don't-break.

PREDICTIONS: Rockwall and The Woodlands

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Let's talk Class DI 6A Region III.

Cypress Creek faces Strake Jesuit as two high-powered offenses do battle. This will be explosive. Cougar Julian Uwadia can sling it around the yard to the likes of Eddie Jimmerson, Legend Grigsby and Cogan Derousselle, who can all stretch the field. Strake Jesuit took down 2018 state finalist West Brook with Dylan Campbell doing it all and scoring seven times out of the backfield. Cypress Creek has a bit more defense with Josh White (LSU) patrolling the middle of the field.

Humble plays Katy Taylor's big, strong offensive line. This is a tough one to call because the styles are so differing. VYPE goes with Taylor because the 'Stangs can ball-control with the best of them.

PREDICTION: Cy Creek makes a few more stops and Taylor pushes around Humble.

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Klein Collins and Westfield have always been a pair of power programs on the north side. The Tigers face Dallas Jesuit, who beat 2018 state champ Longview last weekend. Westfield plays Midway.

Collins plays great defense and loves to run the ball with Braelon Bridges (over 1,000 yards). However, the Tigers are too one-dimensional to slow down Dallas Jesuit.

Westfield is a rough-and-tumble squad, who can intimidate with their physical play. The Mustang defense is nasty with Peavy and a tough front seven. QB Cardale Williams, RB Kendal Taylor and WR Malachi Jones are the offensive headliners for Westfield. Can a sophomore QB lead Westfield to state?

PREDICTIONS: Dallas Jesuit and Westfield advance.