Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Kickoff: 7 PM
Location: Lowrey Field, Lubbock
Round: Class 4A Division I Regional Final (State Quarterfinals)
The Matchup
The Texas high school football playoffs have delivered the rematch fans across the state have been waiting for. The undefeated Stephenville Yellow Jackets (13-0) collide with the 12-1 Amarillo West Plains Wolves this Friday at Lowrey Field in Lubbock. This isn’t just a battle for a spot in the state semifinals; it’s a grudge match.
In 2024, the upstart Wolves stunned the Texas football world by knocking Stephenville out of the playoffs in this exact round with a thrilling 42-35 victory. One year later, Stephenville returns with a perfect record and a defense playing at a championship level, while West Plains looks to prove their dominance is the new standard in Region I.
Both teams arrive in Lubbock battle-tested and fresh off dominant victories. Stephenville dismantled Canyon Randall 51-6, while West Plains routed Canyon 35-3 to punch their ticket.
Offensive Breakdown: Precision vs. Power
Stephenville Yellow Jackets: Balanced Dominance
The Yellow Jackets’ offense has been a machine of efficiency this season, averaging over 45 points per game. The unit is led by junior quarterback Trot Jordan, who has been surgical in the postseason. Jordan isn’t just a game manager; he is a playmaker averaging over 235 passing yards per game. His ability to spread the ball to weapons like Brighton DeVivo and freshman phenom Caden Monk keeps defenses stretched thin.
However, the engine of this offense is junior running back Zyler McClendon. Averaging over 111 yards per game with more than 25 touchdowns on the season, McClendon provides the balance that makes Stephenville nearly impossible to defend. When defenses drop back to cover the pass, McClendon gouges them up the middle.
Common Opponent Comparison: Against Dumas, Stephenville won 55-7, while West Plains won 56-37. The offensive output was similar, but Stephenville’s efficiency kept the game out of reach much earlier.
Amarillo West Plains Wolves: Explosive Firepower
West Plains brings an offense that can score from anywhere on the field, evidenced by their jaw-dropping 85-point performance in the bi-district round against El Paso Irvin. The Wolves are led by senior quarterback Reid Macon, a veteran signal-caller who has thrown for over 2,000 yards this season. Macon is the picture of consistency, boasting a completion percentage that keeps the chains moving.
The Wolves’ true identity, however, lies in their ground game, spearheaded by junior running back Slade Russell. Russell is having a monster postseason, averaging nearly 167 rushing yards per game with 27+ total touchdowns. His ability to break tackles and finish runs in the end zone is the catalyst for the Wolves’ explosive attacks. When defenses crash the box to stop Russell, Macon looks for his favorite target, Kane White-Tinsley, to take the top off the defense.
Defensive Breakdown: The Iron Curtain vs. The Opportunists
Stephenville Defense
If there is a difference maker in this year’s matchup compared to last, it is the Stephenville defense. The unit is allowing just under 8 points per game and has been suffocating in the playoffs. They held a high-powered Canyon Randall offense to just 6 points last week.
Linebacker Hudson Butchee is the heart of the unit, averaging nearly 11 tackles per game. He flows to the ball with instinct and aggression that disrupts plays before they develop. Up front, defensive end C.J. Spellmeier (8.0 sacks) provides the pass rush needed to make quarterbacks uncomfortable. They have been elite against common opponents, holding Dumas and Lampasas to 7 points each, teams who scored significantly more against West Plains.
West Plains Defense
The Wolves’ defense is aggressive and opportunistic, allowing approximately 13 points per game. While they may give up some yardage, they excel at forcing turnovers and creating negative plays. Cash Lofton leads the team with over 10 tackles per game, playing a similar role to Butchee for Stephenville.
The secondary, led by two-way star Kane White-Tinsley (who has 5 interceptions), will be tested by Stephenville’s precision passing game. Their ability to bend but not break was on display last week against Canyon, holding them to a single field goal. To win, they must find a way to contain McClendon on first down and force Stephenville into obvious passing situations where their pass rush, led by Brycen Williams, can go to work.
Key Player Statistics to Watch
Stephenville Yellow Jackets
Trot Jordan (QB): ~2,800 Passing Yards, 30+ TDs, ~235 YPG.
Zyler McClendon (RB): ~1,400 Rushing Yards, 25+ TDs, 111 YPG.
Caden Monk (WR): 63+ Receiving YPG, explosive deep threat.
Hudson Butchee (LB): 10.8 Tackles per game, the defensive anchor.
C.J. Spellmeier (DE): 8.0
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