Canyon football meets Randall for our Game of the Week

Here's a look at the best Week 9 high school football games in the Texas Panhandle.

Game of the Week

Canyon (5-2, 1-1) vs Randall (6-1, 1-1)

7 p.m. Friday, Happy State Bank Stadium

The Raiders and Eagles are each looking to bounce back after dropping District 2-4A Division I contests in Week 8.

Canyon was defeated 18-16 by West Plains, while Randall fell 28-19 at the hands of Dumas. Behind the Wolves, who sit atop the league after a 2-0 start, Randall, Canyon and Hereford are each 1-1 in district play, meaning the Raiders and Eagles' matchup will have a significant impact on playoff seeding.

Led by a strong group of skill position players that includes sophomore quarterback Hendrix Funk, senior running back Drayden Ray and wide receiver duo Phoenix Sherwood and Kobe Baccas, the Raiders scored at least 35 points in each of the team's first six games.

Similarly, Canyon's two losses this season have come by a combined three points, with the Eagles scoring at least 37 points in each of the team's victories.

Head coach Matt Lovorn's team is led by senior signal caller Brox Hacker, star running back Austin Turner and two-way standout Will Kilgore. Under the tutelage of first-year offensive coordinator Jon Murphy, who was previously the head coach at Stratford, Canyon's offense has averaged 39.7 points per game this year.

Friday's contest at Happy State Bank Stadium should feature a showdown between two talented quarterbacks and high-powered offenses.

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Other games to watch in the Texas Panhandle

Canadian (5-3, 2-0) at Childress (4-3, 1-0)

7 p.m. Friday, Fair Park Stadium

Last week: Canadian 70, Dimmitt 31

The Wildcats won their first two District 1-3A Division II games by a combined score of 119-38 and will meet a Bobcats team that has won four of its last five contests in Week 9.

Hale Center (4-3, 0-1) at Tulia (5-3, 2-0)

7 p.m. Friday, Younger Field

Last week: Tulia 49, Farwell 28

The Hornets look to remain unbeaten in District 2-2A Division I play against an Owls' squad that is looking to get back on track after losing its last two games.

Vega (4-2, 0-1) at Gruver (8-0, 2-0)

7 p.m. Thursday, Greyhound Stadium

Last week: West Texas 61, Vega 26; Gruver 55, Bovina 0

The Longhorns look to pick up their first win in District 1-2A Division II competition on the road against a Gruver team averaging 43.5 points per game.