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Why are the two biggest 5A games this week at separate venues? Plano vs. Skyline is at Mesquite Memorial at 2 p.m. while Arlington Bowie vs. Euless Trinity is at Texas Stadium at 4 p.m.

It would have been a great doubleheader. My understanding is that by the time Plano and Skyline finalized an agreement on Saturday, Texas Stadium was booked. That Plano was in Round Rock and Skyline in Waco probably had something to do with the delay. Some coaches don't like to play early or late, and that may have been all that was available at Texas Stadium. On the positive side, Skyline and Plano will have Memorial to themselves and won't have to be rushed out to make room for the next two teams.

Highland Park is playing two teams twice in the same season: Frisco and West Mesquite. Has this ever happened before?

Cedar Hill played Hebron and DeSoto last year in the regular season and playoffs. It's not unusual for teams from a strong district, such as Cedar Hill and DeSoto, to meet again in the playoffs. However, Cedar Hill met nondistrict foe Hebron in the second round, where the odds aren't as good for playoff rematch. Some teams, like Highland Park and Frisco, schedule nondistrict opponents they could potentially meet in bi-district. All three of 9-5A member Allen's nondistrict opponents were from 10-5A, including two-time foe Rowlett.

Do you think Plano's defense can shut down the Skyline run-centered offense?

I don't think it's possible to shut down Skyline QB Troy Stoudermire. "Contain" might be a better goal. Skyline's passing game has to be respected because it can be so explosive. The key may be Plano not allowing Skyline to have a short field.