TRN Top 10

Each week the TRN will rank the top 10 teams in the area. These rankings are more relative to where a team ranks in its respective district and region. However, unlike in football, it's more likely teams play each other regardless of classification so potential head-to-head matchups are weighed more significantly. Record is in parenthesis. 

1. Iowa Park (13-1) — The Hawks are now ranked No. 10 in the state and playing like it. They look like the elite of the Wichita Falls area. District 6-4A should provide some challenges, though.

2. Burkburnett (12-3) — Scot Green's return to the coaching ranks has been impressive. He's got the Bulldogs playing well and looking like a threat to Iowa Park and in the postseason.

3. Graham (13-6-1) — The Steers shouldn't be discounted in the 6-4A race. They open district play against Burk on Friday. This district race is probably the most intriguing baseball story in the area.

4. Archer City (7-5-2) — The Wildcats got a big 4-0 win against Windthorst and look like the early favorites in District 9-2A. 

5. Holliday (8-6) — The Eagles are off to a good start in District 8-3A play and are always regarded as a favorite to win it. The schedule is about to get harder with Henrietta and Jacksboro looming.

6. Seymour (9-3-1) — The Panthers are undefeated in District 9-2A, but have a big game with Windthorst on tap Tuesday.

7. Windthorst (11-7-1) — The Trojans were the 9-2A favorite coming into the season, but the early hiccup against Archer City has set them back slightly. 

8. Jacksboro (7-8-1) — The Tigers are putting runs on the board since District 8-3A play started, averaging 13.6 per game. That's got them on top of the standings early. Doing it against Holliday next week would certainly be a statement.

9. Rider (6-11) — The Raiders may be coming together at the right time. They've won their last two and the pitching trio of Logan Wissinger, Preston Lacy and Maverick Folmar is looking formidable. 

10. Vernon (7-6-2) — The top three teams in District 6-4A are strong, but Vernon can be a threat when playing well. 

Friday's Games to Watch

Softball

Rider at Braswell — The Lady Raiders are currently tied for fourth in the district. Braswell is in second. It could be a statement for Rider to name itself as a true playoff contender.

Burkburnett at Graham — Vernon went to state last season, but both of these teams have the potential to reach Austin, too. Both games last season were great.

City View at Paradise — City View has struggled fielding the ball lately and it's led to back-to-back losses. The Lady Mustangs are very good in the other two phases, though. Paradise is undefeated in 8-3A.

Baseball

Burkburnett at Graham — These aren't just two of the top teams in District 6-4A, but also in the area. A fun district race gets started with a compelling matchup. 

Jacksboro at Bowie — Bowie represents a slightly tougher matchup than what the Tigers have faced in District 8-3A thus far. Can they keep their offense rolling?

Quanah at Archer City — Quanah feels like a dark horse in District 9-2A — a team the Wildcats shouldn't overlook.