5A Semi-final Predictions

In my opinion, Division 5A is the best one to watch in the state of Texas. I've had the chance to attend several 5A games this season, such as Lovejoy vs. Forney, Wichita Falls vs. Rider, and Aledo. All of these teams made deep runs in the playoffs. It amazes me how deep they are, yet the two teams from last year have the same chance to win it again. I'm not discrediting these teams, but is there a possibility that one of them can be dethroned this weekend? Let's examine these teams and see which ones could potentially be upset.

South Oak Cliff vs. Frisco Emerson: The Bears are one game away from making the state championship for the third time in three years. South Oak Cliff has only suffered two losses from Duncanville and DeSoto, the two best teams in the state. The Bears have cruised through every game, with their only close match being against Melissa in the playoffs, which they won 38 to 30. Despite losing a lot of talent last year, they still came out with a loaded roster and are as talented as ever. You can't doubt a team that beat Lovejoy 42 to 0. South Oak Cliff has one of the best defenses in 5A, with sophomore Jamarion Phillips recording 13 tackles, three sacks, and five tackles for loss in last week's win over Lovejoy.

Frisco Emerson is the new kid on the block. It's only year two for the Mavericks, and it couldn't have gone better. Although they lost the last two games in their district, putting them in third place, the Mavericks are in the state semifinal in their second year of existence. They have playmakers all over the field, with wide receiver Colin Evans posing a significant threat on offense. Their quarterback, Michael Hawkins, was ranked by 24/7 Sports as the 21st-best quarterback in the nation in the class of 2024. This season, he threw for 2,870 yards and 40 touchdowns and ran for 1,095 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was unstoppable in the regional final versus Midlothian Heritage.

Predictions: SOC 41 - Emerson 35

Aledo vs. Forney: This game has the potential to be a good one. Aledo is 14-0 and aims to win their second consecutive state championship. The Bearcats have given up a little since they played Guyer at the start of the season. Hauss Hejny is playing out of his mind; however, Forney will not be an easy win for the Bearcats. The Jackrabbits' defense will come into play. The Jackrabbits also have a powerful sophomore running back, Javian Osborne, who already has offers from Washington, Texas, USC, and Oklahoma, among others. He has scored several clutch touchdowns in the last couple of games, including a scoring run during overtime to help Forney secure the 43 to 41 win and a spot in the state semifinals for the first time since 2002.

Prediction: Aledo wins 28-17