The Estacado Matadors (8-1) and the Levelland Lobos (6-3) meet in the final game of the 2026 "Thursday Night Throwdown," with the winner taking the No. 2 spot in 4AD2-District 3. Both teams will open the playoffs against Graham or Mineral Wells. The game starts at 7 p.m. at PlainsCapital Park.
Estacado receiver Eric Ward and Levelland receiver Lyle Leong both played for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Leong from 2006 to 2010 and Ward from 2009 to 2013. The two remain friends, but they set that aside for this game.
Ward said weeks ago that the Matadors would play their usual style of football. "Just go out there and play together and play disciplined, tough football," he said. Leong, interviewed this summer for Pete's Pigskin Preview, said the Lobos are in a good position. "Every week, you better bring it," he said. "I wouldn't want to be in any other district playing any other team."