Veterans Memorial v. Miller predictions plus more on Week 9 Corpus Christi high school football
The game of the year in District 14-5A Division I kicks off the week as playoff spots and seeding are beginning to be decided. Calallen and Tuloso-Midway also clash in what is shaping up to be an interesting battle in northwest Corpus Christi.
DISTRICT 14-5A DIVISION I
Miller vs. Veterans Memorial
When: 7:05 p.m. Thursday
Where: Buc Stadium
Records: Veterans Memorial 6-1, 4-0; Miller 7-0, 4-0
Last week: Veterans Memorial 77, Carroll 21; Miller 49, Moody 10
Broadcast: TV — KRIS 6. Radio — 94.7 KBSO-FM; 1440 KEYS-AM; 98.7 KEYS-FM. Streaming — CCISDSportsNetwork.com; MICSportsNetwork.com
Live coverage: Quinton Martinez on X (@qmartinez); Rey Castillo on X (@reycastillo361)
Players to watch: Veterans Memorial — QB Billy White III, WR-DB Christian Sabsook, WR-DB Luke Johnson; Miller — QB Trevor Long, Ath Jaedyn Brown, RB Broderick Taylor
Predictions
Quinton Martinez: For all the athletes this game features at receiver and defensive back, whoever can get the running game on track may have the advantage. Miller 34, Veterans Memorial 22
Rey Castillo: The biggest game of the regular season is here. Veterans Memorial has had the edge in recent years, but I think the Bucs break through this time. Miller 35, Veterans Memorial 28
Len Hayward: Is this Miller's year? Miller 30, Veterans Memorial 29
Victoria West at Carroll
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Cabaniss Multipurpose Stadium
Records: Victoria West 3-4, 3-1; Carroll 4-3, 2-2
Last week: Victoria West 66, Ray 10; Veterans Memorial 77, Carroll 21
Broadcast: Streaming — CCISDSportsNetwork.com
Players to watch: Carroll — QB Matthew Rodriguez, RB Robert Muhammad, WR JC Salyer; Victoria West — QB Camden Repper, RB-LB Kamauri Montgomery, WR Jeret Swanson
Predictions
Quinton Martinez: Victoria West too explosive for Carroll. Victoria West 40, Carroll 21
Rey Castillo: Warriors are playing well as of late and it should carry into this matchup. Victoria West 34, Carroll 24
Len Hayward: The Tigers need another win to stay in the playoff chase but will have a tough time keeping up. Victoria West 42, Carroll 28
Ray vs. King
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Buc Stadium
Records: Ray 1-6, 0-4; King 0-7, 0-4
Last week: Victoria West 66, Ray 10; Victoria East 57, King 0
Broadcast: Radio — 94.7 KBSO-FM; Streaming — CCISDSportsNetwork.com
Players to watch: Ray — RB Brandon Chapa, RB Ruben Garza, WR Bodie Lesly; King — QB James Mailes, WR Daniel Smith; Ath Caleb Lopez
Predictions
Quinton Martinez: Ray uses experience to pick up much-needed win. Ray 27, King 14
Rey Castillo: The Texans return to the win column. Ray 28, King 14
Len Hayward: Somebody will finally get a district win. Ray 27, King 13
Moody at Victoria East
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Memorial Stadium, 1110 Sam Houston, Victoria
Records: Moody 1-6, 0-4; East 4-3, 3-1
Last week: Miller 49, Moody 10; Victoria East 57, King 0
Players to watch: Moody — Ath Adrian Luna, RB Jacorey Perry, TE-DL Jimmy Rodriguez; Victoria East — Ath Nijahrell Prater, QB Kason Kolle, WR Bryson Ortega;
Predictions
Quinton Martinez: Moody will try to play ball control, but East has one of the most explosive players in the district. Victoria East 49, Moody 7
Rey Castillo: The Trojans could have a hard time stopping the Titans' offense in this one. Victoria East 42, Moody 10
Len Hayward: Victoria East is looking to continue its recent roll. Victoria East 40, Moody 7
DISTRICT 15-5A DIVISION II
Gregory-Portland at Mercedes
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Tiger Stadium, Tiger Ln., Mercedes
Records: Gregory-Portland 6-1, 2-0; Mercedes 2-5, 1-1
Last week: Gregory-Portland 43, Edcouch-Elsa 13; Flour Bluff 55, Mercedes 14
Broadcast: Radio — 1440 KEYS-AM; 98.7 KEYS-FM. Streaming — MICSportsNetwork.com
Players to watch: Gregory-Portland — QB Reed Dooms, RB Cody Adame, TE-LB Brodie Mitchell
Predictions
Quinton Martinez: Gregory-Portland pulls away in the second half. Gregory-Portland 49, Mercedes 14
Rey Castillo: The Wildcats roll to another district win. Gregory-Portland 42, Mercedes 10
Len Hayward: Mercedes loaded up its non-district schedule for games like this but it won't be enough. Gregory-Portland 42, Mercedes 14
Flour Bluff at Pharr Valley View
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Valley View ISD Tiger Stadium, Hidalgo
Records: Flour Bluff 4-2, 2-0; Valley View 2-5, 1-1
Last week: Valley View 21, Brownsville Porter 0; Flour Bluff 55, Mercedes 14
Broadcast: Streaming — Flour Bluff Sports Information on YouTube
Players to watch: Flour Bluff — QB Jayden Paluseo, WR-DB Cameran Dickson, WR-DB Jayden Johnson
Predictions
Quinton Martinez: Flour Bluff keeps tracking toward a showdown with Gregory-Portland to cap the regular season. Flour Bluff 48, Pharr Valley View 13
Rey Castillo: This should be another dominant win for the Hornets. Flour Bluff 56, Pharr Valley View 7
Len Hayward: The new superintendent's crew will get the job done on Friday. Flour Bluff 52, Pharr Valley View 7
DISTRICT 16-4A DIVISION I
Alice at Hidalgo
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: La Feria Lion Stadium
Records: Alice 5-1, 3-0; Hidalgo 0-7, 0-3
Last Week: Alice 21, Calallen 7; La Feria 35, Hidalgo 7
Players to watch: Alice, QB Lucian Cruz, WR Matthew Carrillo, RB Roel Gonzalez, WR Justin Arellano.
Broadcast: Radio — 92.1 KOPY-FM (Alice)
Predictions
Quinton Martinez: Coming off their biggest win in several seasons, there is no letdown here for the Coyotes. Alice 55, Hidalgo 7
Len Hayward: The Coyotes will continue their roll and clinch a playoff spot. Alice 42, Hidalgo 7
Rey Castillo: The Coyotes keep the train rolling on the road against the Lions. Alice 42, Hidalgo 10
Tuloso-Midway at Calallen
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Phil Danaher Stadium
Records: Tuloso-Midway 6-1, 2-1; Calallen 5-2, 3-1
Last Week: Tuloso-Midway was open; Alice 21, Calallen 7
Players to watch: Tuloso-Midway, QB Braycen Beazell, RB Damian Figueroa, LB Alex Olivarez, Jeremiah Garza, Adrian Reyes. Calallen, RB Luke Medina, LB Jude Hernandez, OL Brady Buchanan; QB Sebastian Dennis
Broadcast: Radio — catsiradio.com, KKTX-AM 1360
Predictions
Quinton Martinez: Two teams looking to bounce back from losses to Alice clash in a neighborhood rivalry. It's hard to imagine the Wildcats dropping two straight. Calallen 23, Tuloso-Midway 14
Len Hayward: Hmm ... Calallen coming off a loss to a rival and plays another rival. The Wildcats are primed for a win. Calallen 30, Tuloso-Midway 20
Rey Castillo: Tuloso-Midway will be rested and prepared, but the Wildcats will find a way to bounce back at home after last week's loss to Alice. Calallen 24, Tuloso-Midway 17
DISTRICT 14-5A DIVISION I
Beeville at Port Lavaca Calhoun
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Sandcrab Stadium, Port Lavaca
Records: Beeville 6-1, 2-0; Port Lavaca Calhoun 4-3, 2-0
Last Week: Beeville 50, Rockport-Fulton 17; Port Lavaca Calhoun 35, Pleasanton 19
Players to watch: Beeville, RB/DB Darion Perez; RB/DB Davyn Perez; LB/K Edward Brako; RB/LB Ryne Espinosa; WR Landon Briones; LB Seth Gutierrez DB Joshua Arroyos
Predictions
Quinton Martinez: The Trojans have a chance at a district title, and this will be a key step. Beeville 27, Port Lavaca Calhoun 20
Len Hayward: Don't be late for this game, you might miss it because defense and running games will prevail. Port Lavaca Calhoun 21, Beeville 14
Rey Castillo: This game could be close early, but the Trojans will find a way in the second half. Beeville 28, Port Lavaca Calhoun 21
Floresville at Rockport-Fulton
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Pirate Stadium, Rockport
Records: Floresville 2-5, 0-2; Rockport-Fulton 1-6, 1-1
Last Week: La Vernia 63, Floresville 28; Beeville 50, Rockport-Fulton 17
Players to watch: Rockport-Fulton, RB Traey Alvarado, QB Sean Howell, Devan Phillips
Predictions
Quinton Martinez: This could be a doozy and a game that could decide if the Pirates get back into the postseason. Floresville 27, Rockport-Fulton 21
Len Hayward: A key game for both teams but give the edge to the Pirates. Rockport-Fulton 31, Floresville 27
Rey Castillo: This is a game the Pirates can win to even their district record. Rockport-Fulton 28, Floresville 14
DISTRICT 15-4A DIVISION II
Ingleside at Robstown
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Robstown's Cotton Picker Stadium
Records: Ingleside 7-0, 1-0; Robstown 3-5, 1-1
Last Week: Ingleside was open; Robstown 34, West Oso 13
Players to watch: Ingleside, RB Nathan Ambrose; WR-DB Jaydon Smith; QB Aidan Jakobsohn; OL-DL Wade Johnson; WR-DB Jordan Smith. Robstown, QB Derek Silva; WR Joe Luna; RB Edward Diaz, RB Isaiah Gutierrez, LB Kasey Soto
Predictions
Quinton Martinez: Can Robstown carry over the momentum from last week's important win? Ingleside is just too much. Ingleside 49, Robstown 20
Len Hayward: Ingleside has had a week off as it gets ready for the stretch run. Ingleside 49, Robstown 14
Rey Castillo: Robstown is playing with momentum, but the Mustangs are playing on another level. Ingleside 42, Robstown 17
West Oso at Orange Grove
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Orange Grove's Bulldog Stadium
Records: West Oso 1-7, 0-2; Orange Grove 4-3, 0-1
Last Week: Robstown 34, West Oso 13; Sinton 62, Orange Grove 33
Players to watch: West Oso, WR Josh Williams; WR Dashawn Trimble; QB Devin Martinez. Orange Grove, QB Logan Rodriguez; TE-DE Jaden Hubble, FB-LB Seth Barnes, RB-LB Diego Garza, OL-DL Will Klatt, WR-DB Jack Atkinson, WR Michael Saenz, WR Gregg Carrillo.
Predictions
Quinton Martinez: Behind a stout passing game, Orange Grove pulls away from the Bears. Orange Grove 49, West Oso 14
Len Hayward: The Bulldogs have just too much offense for the Bears in this one. Orange Grove 42, West Oso 14
Rey Castillo: Orange Grove's offense will be too much for the Bears. Bulldogs bounce back. Orange Grove 42, West Oso 10
DISTRICT 16-4A DIVISION II
Port Isabel at Bishop
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Bishop's Ed Gorny Stadium
Records: Port Isabel 4-2, 1-0; Bishop 2-5, 0-1
Last Week: La Grulla 13, Bishop 2; Port Isabel 37, Raymondville 7
Players to watch: Bishop, QB C.J. Ruiz, WR-DB Nicholas Zimmerman, LB Noah Jasso
Predictions
Quinton Martinez: Port Isabel has too much offensive firepower for the Badgers. Port Isabel 27, Bishop 7
Len Hayward: Port Isabel hits a struggling Bishop squad at the right time. Port Isabel 28, Bishop 10
Rey Castillo: This game could be key in determining who will win the district title. Port Isabel 24, Bishop 14
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Three Area Games to Watch
Vanderbilt Industrial at London
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Pirate Stadium, London High School
Records: London 5-2, 2-1 in 15-3A D-I; Vanderbilt Industrial 4-3, 2-2 in 15-3A D-I
Last Week: London 33, Palacios 22; Edna 56, Vanderbilt Industrial 35
Top Players to Watch: London, QB Alexander Manning (937 yards, 11 TD passing); LB Andrew Rendon (66 tackles); Jake Le (62 tackles)
Predictions
Len Hayward: The Pirates need a win to stay in the playoff chase, but it’s going to be tough this week. Vanderbilt Industrial 34, London 27
Quinton Martinez: London has one of the district heavyweights on its home turf, is that enough to help the Pirates spring the upset? Vanderbilt Industrial 27, London 21
Rey Castillo: The Pirates will need to bring their A-game in this one. I say they pass. London 28, Vanderbilt Industrial 24
Taft at Hebbronville
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Gruy Stadium, Hebbronville
Records: Hebbronville 3-4, 2-1 in 16-3A D-II; Taft 3-4, 2-1 in 16-3A D-II
Last Week: Odem 29, Hebbronville 27; Taft 48, Monte Alto 0
Top Players to Watch: Taft, QB JJ Acosta (1,318 yards, 14 TD passing), WR Enrique Rodriguez (496 yards, 6 TD receiving); WR Andrew Martinez (399 yards, TD receiving). Hebbronville, RB Eden Perez (715 yards, 10 TD rushing); Rene Ramirez (477 yards, 5 TD rushing)
Predictions
Len Hayward: Hebbronville’s running game should make a difference. Hebbronville 27, Taft 21
Quinton Martinez: Can Hebbronville bounce back after a tough loss to Odem? Taft 27, Hebbronville 21
Rey Castillo: This game could be close. Longhorns hold on for a key district win. Hebbronville 24, Taft 21
Refugio at Shiner
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Comanche Stadium, Shiner
Records: Refugio 6-1, 3-0 in 15-2A D-I; Shiner 3-5, 3-1 in 15-2A D-I
Last Week: Refugio was open; Shiner 46, Skidmore-Tynan 14
Top Players to Watch: Refugio, QB Kelan Brown (1,040 yards, 13 TD passing); RB-LB Jordan King (729, 18 TD rushing); WR-DB Ernest Campbell (436 yards, 4 TD receiving.
Predictions
Len Hayward: Shiner is not the Shiner of the past few years but will give the Bobcats a game … for a while. Refugio 62, Shiner 28
Quinton Martinez: It's unusual to overlook Refugio-Shiner week this year after the classics of recent history, but the Bobcats are in a different class in 2023. Refugio 51, Shiner 20
Rey Castillo: This game won't be close like years past. Refugio 56, Shiner 21
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Week 9 Corpus Christi area high school football previews predictions
