BGC Week 7 Preview: New Braunfels vs. Steele headlines Friday’s schedule

Week 7 of KSAT 12?s Big Game Coverage (BGC) officially kicks off district play in the always-competitive 27-6A, where the Steele Knights — the No. 1 team in KSAT 12?s Top 12 — will take on New Braunfels with the hopes of keeping their undefeated record intact. The remaining four teams of the district squares off as well, and all three games will be available to stream live on the BGC App Friday night. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the best games to watch:

BGC Game of the Week: New Braunfels vs. No. 1 Steele, Lehnhoff Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

Since 2006, the Knights and Unicorns have met on the football field 12 different times. Steele has won the last 10 meetings, including a 35-21 victory in 2021 that featured a 21-point 4th-quarter and a 22-21 win in 2020 that was decided on a walk-off touchdown run from Wyatt Begeal.

New Braunfels has their work cut out for them if they’re going to get their first win in this series since 2007, but they have proven they’re up to the task. In Week 1, the Unicorns upended traditional power Denton Ryan 34-33, and they also played tough in a 49-42 loss to Pflugerville Weiss in Week 4. Quarterback Leighton Adams controls an offense that has scored at least 31 points in every game they’ve played this season. Wide receivers Lance Beeghley, Vantz Mills and Landon Marsh all have big play potential while running back Tyree Johnson provides necessary balance.

Meanwhile, Steele’s undefeated 5-0 record is no joke. The Knights have earned that mark in close victories over Brennan, Lake Travis and Midland Legacy and blowout wins over Hutto and Fort Bend Christian Academy. Dynamic running back Jaydon Bailey is averaging more than 150 rushing yards per game and has scored 10 touchdowns, while quarterback Chad Warner has spread the ball around to wide receiver Royal Capell, Joe Perez and Edmarrion Contreras. Their offense has scored at least 35 points in every game this season.

Expect a wild shootout Friday night at Lehnhoff with a 1-0 record in District 27-6A on the line.

(KSAT)

East Central vs. Judson, Rutledge Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

Tough non-district schedules have shaped these two squads’ seasons so far, and both have a prime opportunity for a fresh start in 27-6A tonight.

East Central’s offense has found some rhythm in recent weeks. The Hornets put 27 or more points on the board twice this season in wins over Roosevelt and Del Rio. Quarterback Austin Vivier headlines EC’s rushing attack with roughly 70 yards on the ground per game. On the other side of the ledger, Judson found its offensive spark in Week 5 thanks to running back Nathaniel Stanley in a 60-50 victory over Midland Legacy. That win snapped a three-game losing streak against quality opponents in which the Rockets averaged only 17 points per game.

Last year, the Hornets stunned the Rockets on Caden Bosanko’s incredible touchdown pass to Jack Stewart with two seconds left in regulation in an historic 30-28 victory. This year, both teams return to the gridiron with matching 2-3 records and a chance to get a leg up on the rest of the district competition.

(KSAT)

Houston St. Thomas vs. Central Catholic, Bob Benson Stadium, 7 p.m.

Following a season-opening loss to Austin Regents at home, the Buttons have reeled off three straight dominant victories over Memorial, Floresville and Boerne Geneva. Quarterback Ryan Perez has kept all of his receivers happy, throwing multiple touchdown passes to Braeden Flowers, Gary Mejia and Michael Mayhugh.

Houston St. Thomas will be the Buttons’ toughest test yet. The Eagles are undefeated this season and have scored 35 points or more in all five of their wins. Last year, the Buttons defeated Houston St. Thomas 35-31 in one of the games of the year. This year, the rematch opens up district play.