Helmet images courtesy Texas High School Helmet Project (http://www.txhshelmetproject.com/)

This is one in a 20-part series of regional/divisional breakdowns. For the official UIL bracket, go here.

REGION III-3A

Division I

Overview

One of the two best teams among the seven here will be eliminated Saturday afternoon:

Best bidistrict matchup

• Gilmer (10-0) vs. Jasper (8-2), 3 p.m. Saturday @TMF Rose Stadium, Tyler

Best teams (not necessarily region finalists)

• Gilmer: Buckeyes have been the favorites since Week 0, Day 1.
• Jasper: Bulldogs' only losses have been to state's No. 1 and No. 2 teams.

Dark horse

• Navasota (8-2): Good defense, and a bidistrict bye.

Projected regional final

• Gilmer vs. Navasota: It would take a huge upset in the first two rounds to keep the Buckeyes out of this game, and another to keep them from the state semifinals. Those Jasper losses? No. 2 Carthage ... and No. 1 Gilmer. Navasota could keep things close for a while. Emphasis on could.
• CoachesAid.com pick: Gilmer.

Division II

Overview

The two best teams among the 14 here are in the bottom half of the bracket:

Best bidistrict matchup

• West Orange-Stark (8-2) vs. Coldspring (8-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday @Falcon Stadium, Huffman

Best teams (not necessarily region finalists)

• Carthage (10-0): Breezed through 19-4A by an average margin of 30.2 points.
• Cleveland (9-1): Traditional foundation: solid run game, solid defense.

Dark horse

• Caldwell (8-1): Familiar refrain: Beware the good team with a bidistrict bye.

Projected regional final

• Carthage vs. West Orange-Stark (8-2): The Bulldogs will have earned this spot, likely having to go through 8-2 Mexia and the Cleveland-Caldwell winner to get here. The Mustangs haven't lived up to early expectations, but everything starts fresh in the playoffs.
• CoachesAid.com pick: Carthage.