Here's a look at the best high school football games in the Lubbock area in Week 8.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Bushland (5-2, 1-0) at Shallowater (5-1, 0-0)
7 p.m. Friday, Todd Field
History says the district title is on the line Friday.
Since the UIL paired Bushland and Shallowater together in the same district in 2022, the winner of their matchup has gone on to finish first. The past two years, that's been the Mustangs — but it's been tight.
Shallowater edged the Falcons 28-26 on the road last season, and the Mustangs won 21-20 in 2024. The lone Bushland victory as district foes was 35-3 in 2023.
Dalhart (6-1, 1-0) will have its say, but Friday will be a huge piece to the district puzzle.
The Falcons have won five in a row and scored at least 62 in four straight. Bushland opened District 1-3A Division I play with a 70-14
romp of Denver City last week. Shallowater was off.
The Mustangs beat Plainview 34-10 before their open week to bounce back from their only loss. Idalou, ranked No. 1 in 3A D-II, topped Shallowater 46-35.
The Mustangs have scored at least 31 points in every game, so fans could be in store for a high-scoring affair. Bushland is third in 3A D-I at 52.9 points per game.
Week 8 games to watch for Lubbock area
Monterey (3-3, 2-1) at Amarillo Tascosa (3-3, 2-1)
7 p.m. Thursday, Dick Bivins Stadium
Last week: Amarillo High 24, Monterey 14; Tascosa 64, Lubbock High 21
Each team has a loss to Amarillo High. This one could decide playoff seeding.
Perryton (4-3, 0-1) at Levelland (4-2, 0-0)
7 p.m. Friday, Lobo Stadium
Last week: Estacado 64, Perryton 35; Levelland, open
The Lobos will try for their first three-game winning streak of the year.
New Home (4-3, 1-0) at New Deal (5-2, 0-1)
7 p.m. Friday, Noland Stadium
Last week: New Home 14, Sundown 0; Abernathy 22, New Deal 15
The Lions were upset in the district opener. They can't afford an 0-2 start if they want to finish in the league's top two.
Sudan (3-3, 1-0) at Seagraves (5-1, 1-0)
7 p.m. Friday, Eagle Field
Last week: Sudan 47, Smyer 0; Seagraves 51, Morton 11
The winner here is in the driver's seat for the No. 2 seed in district behind state-ranked Ropes.
Brownfield (1-6, 0-1) at Denver City (2-5, 0-1)
7 p.m. Friday, Mustang Stadium
Last week: Dalhart 48, Brownfield 6; Bushland 70, Denver City 14
This is all but an elimination game in the playoff race.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Game of the Week | District heavyweights Bushland, Shallowater meet
