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ARLINGTON BOWIE (2-1, 0-0) vs. No. 5 ARLINGTON MARTIN (3-0, 0-0)
7 p.m. Saturday at Arlington‘s Cravens Field

When we saw them last: Bowie’s defense, which allowed only two touchdowns in its first two games, was gashed for 525 yards and seven touchdowns in a 47-14 loss to Dallas Skyline, No. 4 in the ESPNDallas.com Class 5A area rankings. Martin’s defense picked off three passes and returned one for a score in a 56-41 dusting of Flower Mound.

2010 result: Martin ended Bowie’s recent run of district dominance by outscoring the Volunteers 24-0 in the second half of a 38-14 victory. Martin cleared a mental hurdle and ignited a run to the 4-5A title.

What’s at stake: Although Arlington High might argue, the District 4-5A title could hang in the balance. The winner of this game has gone on to win or share the district title the last three seasons.

Key matchup: Martin running backs Cameron Williams and Kyle Hicks against the Bowie defensive front. Williams and Hicks have combined for 726 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. The Bowie defense surrendered 312 rushing yards and four touchdowns to Skyline.

Players to watch: Martin quarterback Brodie Lambert has completed 61 percent of his passes for 493 yards and five touchdowns. He’ll have to deal with talented Bowie linebacker Jaquirious Jackson. Offensively, Bowie quarterback Kolby Listenbee and running back Russell Hansbrough are the top threats.

Prediction: Martin 31, Bowie 20

SOUTH GARLAND vs. No. 5 ARLINGTON MARTIN
7:30 p.m. Friday at Arlington's Cravens Field

When we saw them last: South Garland dropped its home opener, 29-23, to Richardson Berkner on Thursday. Martin stormed past Plano West on the road, 45-7.

2010 result: South Garland piled up over 400 yards of offense, including 360 on the ground, in a 27-14 victory over Martin at Garland's Homer B. Johnson Stadium.

What’s at stake: South Garland wants to avoid an 0-2 start. Martin, on the other hand, is a team climbing in the rankings and needs to win to keep pace. The Warriors are No. 5 in the ESPNDallas.com Class 5A Top 10.

Key matchup: Martin's run defense against a ground-oriented South Garland attack. Colonels' ball carriers Ezekiel Spellman and Dequincy Anderson each went over 100 yards against Berkner and accounted for all three of the team's touchdowns. Martin’s defense allowed Plano West just 2.6 yards per rush last week and only 133 total yards.

Players to watch: South Garland quarterback Trey Porter needs to improve on his 1-for-14, two-interception passing performance against Berkner. Martin quarterback Brodie Lambert threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns and Kyle Hicks turned 16 offensive touches into 215 combined rushing and receiving yards against Plano West.

Prediction: Martin 35, South Garland 17.