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Breaking down: Canutillo vs. Frisco Emerson in Class 5A Division II football playoffs

felix f. chavez, el paso times
·2 min read

The Canutillo football team looks to win its third straight area round title in Class 5A Division II when it faces Frisco Emerson at 4 p.m. Friday at Lowrey Field at Plains Capital Park in Lubbock. Here is a breakdown of the matchup.

How Canutillo got here

The Eagles won the District 1-5A Division II championship with the key win being a 21-14 victory against second-place Chapin. Canutillo earned a spot in the area round with a 28-7 win against Amarillo Palo Duro. Canutillo has experienced success in recent years in the postseason and looks to use that to their advantage.

Canutillo's Ethan Villa (1) catches an interception at a Class 5A, Division II high school football playoff game against Amarillo Palo Duro at Canutillo High School in El Paso, Texas, on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.
Canutillo's Ethan Villa (1) catches an interception at a Class 5A, Division II high school football playoff game against Amarillo Palo Duro at Canutillo High School in El Paso, Texas, on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.

Canutillo strengths

The Eagles will look to control the clock on offense with their run game and the defense has been very good all season. Against Palo Duro, the Eagles intercepted five passes. On offense, quarterback Jeremiah Knox will help lead the way and on defense, lineman Alex Jordan, linebacker TJ Locklin and defensive Eduardo Carrillo are among the leaders.

How Frisco Emerson get here

The Mavericks are 9-2 overall and defeated Grapevine, 34-24, in the bi-district round. Frisco Emerson finished third in District 3-5A behind Argyle and Lake Dallas. The Mavericks lost 36-35 to Lake Dallas and 41-34 to Argyle.

Frisco Emerson strengths

Quarterback Michael Hawkins is committed to play for Oklahoma and is a dual threat for the Mavericks and the running backs are very good.

What Canutillo coach says

"Frisco Emerson has a lot of speed, they execute really well in what they do," Eagles coach Scott Brooks said. "Their quarterback is really good."

Caunutillo head football coach Scott Brooks and his team take the field before facing Amarillo Palo Duro in a Class 5A, Division II high school football playoff game at Canutillo High School in El Paso, Texas, on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.
Caunutillo head football coach Scott Brooks and his team take the field before facing Amarillo Palo Duro in a Class 5A, Division II high school football playoff game at Canutillo High School in El Paso, Texas, on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.

What to know: Canutillo vs. Frisco Emerson game capsule

When: 4 p.m. CST Friday

Where: Lowrey Field at Plains Capital Park

Records: Canutillo is 9-2; Frisco Emerson is 9-2

Last week: Canutillo defeated Amarillo Palo Duro, 28-7; Frisco Emerson defeated Grapevine, 34-24

Top Players: Canutillo: QB Jeremiah Knox (10 TD's passing, 13 TD's rushing), QB Mathew Gasca (10 TD's rushing), LB TJ Locklin (82 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions), DB Eduardo Carrillo (three interceptions last week vs. Amarillo Palo Duro), LB Jose Arzola (74 tackles). Frisco Emerson: QB Michael Hawkins (Oklahoma commit, 210 yards rushing against Grapevine), RB Kameron Lockhart (144 yards rushing vs. Grapevine), WR Kylen Evans

Prediction: The Eagles have been strong all season and will need to be at its best against a team that has very good speed. Canutillo 24, Frisco Emerson 21

More: Canutillo defeats Palo Duro Canutillo shuts down Palo Duro to claim another bi-district title

Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X (Formerly Twitter)

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: What to know: Canutillo vs. Frisco Emerson in 5A D-II football playoffs