UIL Football Playoffs: 5 Pineywoods Teams in Huge Matchups

Black Friday is coming up on November 28, but for several football teams in Deep East Texas, they'll be shopping for a regional semifinal championship in the UIL playoffs. Newton, San Augustine, Carthage, Joaquin, and Mt. Enterprise will all be involved in tough matchups on Friday.

Let's take a deep dive.

Newton Eagles (11-1) vs Troup Tigers (12-0), Friday, Crockett HS

• Since the start of district play, Newton has been scoring an average of 65 points per game. Troup's average margin of victory is 38 points per game.
• Common opponents: Newton and Troup both defeated Anderson-Shiro by 55 points. Newton defeated New Diana by 60 points, and Troup topped them by 38 points
• Both teams have high-power offenses, but Newton is explosive. Troup needs a game plan to keep the time of possession in their favor. That could give the Tigers a shot at pulling out a victory in a close game. If not, the Eagles may have another lopsided victory.
• Predicted Winner: Newton (winner takes on the winner of the Arp/Edgewood game for the Regional Championship)

Joaquin Rams (8-4) vs Elysian Fields Yellowjackets (11-1), Friday, 7 pm, Tatum

• Joaquin blistered #5 Honey Grove 41-8 in the area round, while Elysian Fields defeated Garrison 55-54 in overtime.
• Common opponents: Joaquin over Beckville 35-16, EF over Beckville 48-21. Joaquin over Tenaha 50-8, EF over Tenaha 41-0. Joaquin lost to Garrison 21-12, EF over Garrison 55-54.
• The Rams rushed for over 500 yards in their area-round victory over 5th-ranked Honey Grove. Elysian Fields has been strong all season, with their only loss coming to Waskom. Can the Yellowjackets contain Joaquin's ground attack? That should decide what should be a close game.
• Predicted Winner: Joaquin (winner takes on the winner of the San Augustine/Beckville game in the Regional Championship round)

San Augustine Wolves (9-3) vs Beckville Bearcats (9-3), Friday, 5 pm, Tyler

• In the area round, Beckville upset state-ranked Jewett Leon 21-20. San Augustine topped Waskom 36-24.
• Common opponents: Wolves defeat Joaquin 28-21, Beckville loses to Joaquin 35-16. Both teams defeated Waskom 36-24 and 45-34, respectively. San Augustine defeated Beckville 19-0 in week one of the season.
• In 2019, San Augustine made it all the way to the state semifinal game, but the Wolves haven't made the playoffs since until being crowned champions this year in one of the toughest 2A districts in the state. Beckville is no stranger to deep runs in the playoffs, and they've been making the plays to keep their playoff run alive. I think the Bearcats keep this game close, but...
• Predicted Winner: San Augustine (winner takes on the winner of the Joaquin/Elysian Fields game in the Regional Championship game)

Mount Enterprise Wildcats (12-0) vs Overton Mustangs (8-4), Nov 27, 1 pm - Henderson

• Area Round: Mount Enterprise defeated Chilton 58-30, Overton defeated Goldthwaite 47-13.
• District Foes: The Wildcats defeated the Mustangs 60-42 earlier this season. Mt. Enterprise claimed the District 11-2 championship, while Overton finished 4th, with losses to Lovelady and Grapeland.
• This game is sure to be another offensive shootout. I would expect both teams to once again combine for 100+ points. I wouldn't be overly shocked to see the Mustangs pull off the upset, but I think Kaegan Ash and company win the rematch.
• Predicted Winner: Mount Enterprise (winner takes on the Mart/Bremond winner in the regional championship)

Carthage Bulldogs (12-0) vs Pleasant Grove Hawks (11-1), Nov 28, 2:30 pm, McKinney

• Area Round: Carthage over Sanger 56-35, Pleasant Grove over Canton 48-7.
• Common Opponent: Carthage over Kilgore 21-10, Pleasant Grove lost to Kilgore 18-6.
• #1 Carthage takes on #2 Pleasant Grove. Could this be the year the Hawks finally take down Carthage in the playoffs? The Bulldogs have eliminated the Hawks in the playoffs for three consecutive years. These two teams are probably the best in Class 4A Division II, so it's a shame they're not meeting in the state title game.
• Predicted Winner: Carthage (winner advances to play the winner of the Athens/Sunnyvale game for the regional championship)