Welcome back y’all for another look at the Central Texas area teams remaining in the playoffs! Of course as exciting as it is to be getting near the state title game, I am always a little sadden that end is near for the high school football season. This playoff season has shown us some fantastic performance fro the area teams. Most of the showings have been so impressive, that I had completely forgot that the regional round was the first week of sans Class 6A football in the area. While I hope for a better showing in the state’s largest classification next year from the Austin area’s schools, there are three Austin area schools representing at Class 5A. Area teams in classes 4A, 3A, and 2A are abundant as well. Honestly, I think this is an excellent showing for the Central Texas area. Think about it, for sure there will be at least one school based in Austin (granted one out of Leander ISD) heading to the state-semi finals. Then in classes 4A and 3A there will be a Central Texas team in those semi-finals. The best part is that both 4A and 3A games are rematches! Imagine how bad the blood is between those two already, now a trip to the state semi-final on the line, it will be intense.
Just remember, do not overlook the lone area 2A game. I just have a really good feeling about that one and you consistent readers (again thanks for stopping by) know how I trust my gut. Before I begin funny story, well for me at least… I have friends from other states and countries, and they ask me why I care so much about high school football (actually I keep tabs on more than just football, check out my volleyball work). I usually try to explain to them that I played under the Friday night lights (Shout out to my hometown Donna Redskins!) and it really is as magical as the movies make it seem. Teammates are like brothers, and together you are the princes of the community when you make the varsity. I usually go on to explain that as a broadcaster covering games for five years in area, including this year’s Game of the Week stint, the school spirit is alive and well. Going to that night’s game is still the place to be, in some cases the only place to be, and the student sections here in the area really are great! I try to equate the goose bumps of a big game atmosphere with whatever big music show they plan on seeing that week. However, the last time one of my friends from across the pond asked me about my enthusiasm for the high school game, I simply told them because I am from Texas. There were no further question. Texas forever! Now, on to the preview…
5A Div. 2
12/5
Cedar Park vs. Kerville Tivy @ Alamo Stadium- San Antonio, 7:30
All those stories of the Black Rain defense appear to be true. In another dominating effort, Cedar Park demolished the Sharyland Rattlers 52-24 and Shary was playing some excellent football till CP. The Rattlers defeated Corpus Christi Calallen, 28-0 prior to its game against Cedar Park. Calallen has beat up on RGV teams for years. So when I saw that Shary shutout Calallen I was quite intrigued with what they could do in the regional round. Just in case you did not know, the San Antonio area jokingly refers to the third week as “Valley Week”. The knock is that while RGV teams are solid, on a player-by-player basis the San Antonio players are just bigger and more athletic (I did touch on this last week). Again, that is not a knock against the RGV teams, I will always claim that the RGV produces player-by-player the toughest teams. While Sharyland is the class of the Rio Grande Valley, I already knew that they had not had to face a team like Cedar Park before.
Cedar Park’s playoff run has been almost too easy. They finished out their regular season with lots of momentum. The first round was a feasting of Reagan by the Timberwovles. In the game against Boerne-Champion, which was one of most anticipated in the state, the Timberwolves were in total control of the highly touted Chargers. Against Sharlyland, besides the opening kickoff return by the Rattlers, the Timberwolves showed they were the superior team. It was not just the defense that ruled this game, the offensive showed up big as well. QB Amir Alzer had a terrific game, leading the team in rushing with 110 yards and broke two long TD’s run (24 and 54 yards respectively). It is always a total team effort when every facet of the game is dominated, but the star of the show was Thomas Hutchings. Stat Fact: Hutchings was predicted to be the anchor of the Black Rain defense, but with injuries plaguing the offense early in the season, the stud LB was moved to offense. The game against Shary showed off his true powers. On offense he ran wild for 109 yards and two touchdowns. That is impressive enough on its own, but then he lined up on defense and racked up 10 tackles. The kid is a beast!
Kerville-Tivy got to this point by trouncing Houston High 54-7 in the first round. Then they beat 25-5A East View 35-17. They jumped out to an early lead in that game and East View had problems closing out games this season. The tables were turned in the 50-30 win against Gregory Portland. The Antlers were down at the half, but then flipped the switch in the second half. They scored 21 in the 3rd and 20 in the 4th, and more importantly pitched a shutout in the 4th. If you do the math, that means Tivy outscored GP 41-7 in the second half alone. Resiliency goes a long way in the playoffs. While no coach wants to see his team have to dig themselves out of a hole, the fact they can do so should be comforting.
Tivy has a very potent offense and it is based around the passing game. The Antlers have a very good dual-threat QB in Cade Dyal. Only a junior, he has led the Antlers through the air throwing for 3,444 yards and 39 TD’s this season. To give you an idea of how good Dyal season has been, the single season passing records are held by Johnny “Football” Manziel. Johnny Football holds Tivy’s single season records for yards thrown and TD passes with 3,559 passing yards and 44 TD’s in 2010. Dyal’s favorite target is wideout Hutch White, who has 1,100 receiving yards off 75 receptions, and 15 TD’s catches. If there is a weak link in the Black Rain defense, it would the secondary. It is not because they are bad, they a top notch unit, they are just young.
Other than the passing game, Cedar Park should be the favorite and they have history on their side. They have defeated the Antlers in the past two seasons in the playoffs, in the second round 43-21 last year and 36-22 in 2012. If we are looking at a common opponent both teams beat East View. Cedar Park won in Georgetown that night 48-31. I was there calling the game for Game of the Week and that is the game where I started to believe in the Black Rain defense. East View’s offense was totally anemic in the second half and it is because the Black Rain fell hard. They stuffed the running game, and rendered the Patriots passing to short strikes. The offense just ran wild on East View’s defense. I think it was the first complete game played by CP against a good opponent and they have been in-stride ever since. Tivy also beat East View, but in the playoffs just a couple of weeks ago. The Antlers won 35-17. It was hard to find a recap of the last couple of Tivy games as everything is paid subscription (but I like you guys, so I would never charge for my writing, just follow me on Twitter @theSmashSimmons), but from what I found online is that the East View defense was able to hold that high powered offense in-check. Or I could simply say that CP beat Boerne-Champion and Tivy did not. Anyways, the Black Rain defense is far superior than what Tivy has seen thus far. Include a offense that is clicking, and Cedar Park looks prime to make a push for another state championship.
12/6
Hutto vs. Crosby @Bobcat Stadium- Texas State, 2:00pm
It seems that at this juncture in the playoffs that every team fits a stereotype. In the case of the Hutto Hippos they are this playoff’s Cardiac Kids (or the Hippo Heartattack, your choice). Every time it looks like Hutto is about to get bounced, they find that little something extra and manage to get the job done. It all started in the first round against College Station where down 17 points going into the 4th, they had to rally for the comeback victory. It took a Tyler Herrick five-yard touchdown run with 12 seconds remaining to secure the win. The win was the first playoff win since 2005, that is the year that current New York Jets WR, Jeremy Kerley, led the Hippos to the state finals. The defense stepped up in the comeback, as they shutout CS in the 4th. In fact, the defense has been on a tear as of late.
In their 21-16 victory over Angleton, Herrick and the offense was able to take a 14-point lead into the 4th. While Angleton made it close after a touchdown, the Hippos defense really dug in and Derek Camero made the tackle to stuff the Wildcats on 4th down to seal the victory. Angleton’s offense was all about the ground and pound, but Hutto held them to do a season-low 146 rushing yards. Even more impressive Angleton had three 1,000 yard rushers on their team and still couldn’t get it going. Throw in the fact that in their last two contests the Hippos defense held opponents to a combined 28 points, and you know the Hippos defense is hitting its peak at the right time.
As for Crosby, they are pretty good in their own right. It is safe to say they unlike the Hippos, the Cougars have strolled through the playoffs. Stat Fact: the Cougars have not trailed at the half in this playoff run. They are used to getting out to an early lead and keeping it. They will show a much more balanced attack than the run-heavy attacks of the Hippos last two opponents. While Crosby is missing the Division I talent they have had in years past, this year’s squad is more focused on team play and it is paying off. Against Brenham, they played another complete game. Their junior QB Tristian Cotton made all the right moves (I had to make the movie reference eventually, for you young bloods that read the column look here), he was 11 of 16, and had two TD’s passes. Carlos Grace led the running game with 178 yards rushing and two TD’s of his own in the victory.
While all match-ups are pretty good at this point in the playoffs, this game looks to be very even. Hutto will be led by its superstar QB Tyler Herrick. The junior has people thinking about the magical 2005 season again. Look at the stats for Herrick, in the air he has 2,906 yards for 38 touchdowns, while on the ground he has amassed 764 yards with 13 touchdowns on 166 carries. Needless to say, but the team will go as far as the play of Herrick. He has some great weapons around him, the most impressive is Davion Davis. Davis has blinding speed and should be looking to make an impact in some regard in this contest. Crosby is different in the sense that their quarterback, Tristian Cotton is more of a game manager. He was erratic to start the season, but has been able to run the spread to perfection in the playoffs. He plays behind an experienced offensive line that can hold their blocks. The O-line is also is capable of opening up running lanes for Crosby three running backs. Last time I saw Hutto play against a spread defense it was Tagainst Temple with its Baylor commit QB, Chad President. The Hippos defense eventually shut him down in the second half, but could not complete the comeback. I prefer teams that have had to face adversity. As good as Crosby is, you have to like the Hippos chances. I think it will be another close one, so if you have a heart condition you might want to take your meds along to the game with you. But if Hutto’s defense continues its fantastic play, Herrick, Davis and the rest of the offense should secure the win.
5A Div. 1
12/6
LBJ vs. Vandergrift @ Gupton Stadium- Cedar Park, 2:00pm
Alright folks, I have to say that I think this is the best story in Central Texas. It certainly should be the biggest story in the high school football scene here in the city of Austin, but it has not garnered the press like I thought it would. Well, I am here to do my best to change that. You have to give it up for the LBJ Jaguars! Anyone who pays close attention Austin ISD football will tell you that the AISD schools are at a disadvantage when compared to their district counterparts. Georgetown, Round Rock, Leander, Eanes, and Lake Travis ISD all allocate funds that have improved their football programs, while the boosters for their respective schools are a big part of it too. Most pundits usually do not reserve high playoff hopes for AISD. As you can imagine, things are a tad tougher on the Eastside.
I know I mentioned it before, but back in the day, the best football in the city was played at Nelson Field. There was a bit of a revival this year, as both Reagan and LBJ made the playoffs. Given the nature of District 25-5A none of the Austin based 26-5A schools were expected to win their first round meetings. Those predictions were ringing true, Reagan was demolished by Cedar Park (who hasn’t been in the playoffs?). The Knights of McCallum put up a valiant effort, but the Vandy offense is just a juggernaut at the moment. Vista Ridge was to dispose of LBJ in similar fashion. To further the difficulty, LBJ were playing their game after the death of their teammate Jermaine Dillard. They were able to pullout an emotional victory against Vista Ridge. The result was met with surprise, but surely could not be replicated against Alamo Heights. LBJ once again proved the pundits wrong with a 20-13 victory over the Mules. It was not supposed to be like this for any AISD school, let alone LBJ. But they found themselves in the third round going against Victoria West and their playmaker QB Gamarquis Girdy.
The Jaguars were able to jump out to an early lead against VW, but the 2nd quarter saw Girdy take over. Girdy had damaged the Jags defense with 118 rushing yards in the first half. Then the tides turned in the 3rd. The Jags playmaker QB Avery Jackson, and the offense took over. The dual-threat Jackson was the definition of balance as he threw for a 134 yards and rushed for 164. The LBJ defense has made big plays during the playoffs, and stepped up to corral Girdy to just 73 yards rushing in the second half. Despite the terrific play by the Jags, they found themselves behind 35-28 with 5:14 to play. The Jags had another Cinderella moment in them. They drove 75 yards, even having to convert a 4th and 1 on the drive, to score on a Jackson to Terrell Davidson touchdown pass. Instead of kicking the extra point and tying the game at 35, Jags Head Coach, Andrew Jackson, decided to go for two.
Coach Jackson must be commended for the job he has done at LBJ. With the season on the line, Jackson decided on a play that was designed by him and his brother Manor Head Coach, Sadd Jackson. Andrew Jackson decided that “Miss Jackson” was the going to be the winning play call. Avery Jackson took the snap, handed it off to Zae Giles and then threw a strike to Terrell Davidson for the two-point conversation. One of the best games of the season ended on one of the best plays of the season!
I know I gushed on LBJ, but that is because we all know how good Vandegrfit is. While they barley got out of the “toughest district in Texas” (I called a lot of 25-5A football this year, it really was as good as advertised), they have been a force throughout the playoffs. They hung 63 on McCallum that chilly night at House Park, then trounced Lockhart 42-13. While I knew the offense was going to be ballistic, the defense made the real strides. Against Flour Bluff Corpus Christi, the Vipers defense looked legit yet again in the 49-27 win. Of course, it was the Vipers offense that stole the show. The dynamic duo of QB Jamie Hudson and RB Travis Brannan had a field day on the FB defense. The scary thing about the Vipers is that either player is capable of carrying the scoring load, and on this day it was Brannan. The kid ran wild for 294 yards and scored 3 TD’s. Jamie Hudson chipped in with two TD’s run his own. The QB had 153 passing yards and 92 rushing yards. Paxton Segina one of the Vipers weapons at wideouts benefited from Hudson’s perforamnce by making a TD reception. There was even an offensive lineman touchdown as Holton Greenfield recovered a Hudson fumble in the end zone. While Flour Bluff QB Cody Brewer threw for 303 yards, and Kevind DeWitt responsible for 166 of those yards, it was not enough to overcome Vandy.
There are very few things that I can be certain of in this game. Vandy will score points. Avery Jackson should give the Vipers defense problems, in a similar way that McCallum’s Sabain Cannon did. Those are the only things I am really expecting. The X-factor could be Jags two-way player Zae Giles. He will have to have a terrific game on offense to keep running lanes open for Jackson. On defense he will be in charge of keep that high powered Vandy offense in-check. Vandy will be relying on their offense to simply put up the points. There defense will have to do just enough to keep the Jags at bay. Granted, the Jags defense has struggled this season against dual-threat quarterbacks, and Hudson is more talented player than Vista Ridge’s Matt Snow.
I think it is safe to say that Vandy is the favorite in this one. Somehow, LBJ seems perfectly happy to shock the state every week. More importantly, every high school player and fan from the city of Austin should be cheering for LBJ. In this contest, LBJ is far more than just the pride of the Eastside, they are the pride of AISD. It is a tough task, but they have an athletic defense with great team speed. Out of all the variables that can determine the outcome of this game, I look for signs. I am superstitious fellow (as seen here) and I have a Stat Fact for you: Every playoff game LBJ has played in has been on a Saturday with a 2:00pm start time. Furthermore, they already have a win at Gupton Stadium in the playoffs. I know football coaches crave routine, and this is one of the advantages that Coach Jackson and his Jags need to take advantage of. Will the pride of AISD prevail over the offensive juggernaut that is Vandegrfit? I know that I am waiting to see and you should be too!
4A Div. 1
12/5
Liberty Hill vs. Burnet @ Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex- Round Rock, 7:30pm
If you have happened to listen to me broadcast through my career, you will notice that I make plenty of boxing references. I love the fight game and actually know how to box pretty well. In boxing they have a saying, “styles make fights” and this game between Burnet and Liberty Hill will make for an interesting clash of styles.
Liberty Hill Head Coach, Jerry Vance, is a master of the Wing-T offense. His squad has ran all over China Springs 51-22, and Gonzales 45-27. Against Rockport-Fulton the master was going against one of his former pupils Jay Seibert. Both teams ran the Wing-T in a game that Harold “Tubby” Raymond would of enjoyed (Don’t know who he is? Read about Tubby here and you can see he wrote the book). Although it was not the run that won them the game, yet it was the pass.
Granted, Caleb Guerin scored on two TD’s runs to help give the Panthers the 17-7 lead at the half. RF came storming back in the third and took the led way into the fourth. The situation was dire for the Panthers. The Panthers only attempted two passes the entire game, but the 49-yard touchdown pass from Nick Hernandez to Garrett Wright put them ahead with just 38 seconds to play. The problem with the Wing-T is that it is not exactly a quick strike offense. With such little time left in the game, RF QB, Anthony Resendez was sacked and stripped while trying to extend a play. Colton Cunningham took advantage of the gift with a scoop and score, which secured the game for Liberty Hill 31-21.
Whereas the Panthers love to run the ball, Burnet has QB Austin Moore and air-it-out attack that would make Don Coryell smile (for you young bloods who do understand his significance to the game, look here). Burnet rolled right pass the opposition in the first two playoff games, but like Liberty Hill the Bulldogs needed some late game heroics to squeak by Waco Robinson 38-35. It was rematch of a regular season game in were the Bulldogs easily beat Robinson, but life in the playoffs is always different. The one thing that was not different was Austin Moore spreading the ball around for 276 yards passing and one touchdown. The first half saw the Burnet control the ball, with Eric Walker having 101 yards on the ground and Joel Johnson 100 yards receiving. Robinson would just not go away. The second half saw both teams score early, but battle to a stalemate in the 4th. Waco Robinson had a chance to tie the game in late in the 4th, but freshman kicker, Adrian Ceballos, missed theh 26-yard field goal try. Burnet was able to run out the clock to seal the victory.
It looks like defense will be the deciding factor. Liberty Hill’s offense is perfect at wearing out defenses with their ground game. In return, it helps rest their own defense. We know that Burnet will score points, but I think Liberty Hill will be the one hanging on for the win. It should be close and exciting!
4A Div. 2
12/5
La Grange vs. West Orange-Stark @ Moorehead Stadium- Conroe, 7:30pm
I have a tendency to not mention La Grange in great length. They are a little far away from Austin. I have some sources that give me some nice updates on the volleyball and football teams out there. During the regular season I kept up with the Leopards, partly because the cute girl in the office is from La Grange, and because La Grange is excellent team. They have not lost a game all season and I was shocked to hear they were behind 21-7 at one point against Hardin-Jefferson.
The Leopards have been as consistent as their ground game. La Grange has been the beneficiary of outstanding play from super sophomore RB, J.K. Dobbins. He has been the workhorse for the Leopards, and this game was no exception. Like one of my favorite sitcom characters of all time, Al Bundy, he scored four touchdowns in this single game. Dobbins’ third score made the score 21-20 and the Leopards took the lead for good with their version of the “Miss Jackson”. While the HJ kept it close another Dobbins score along with a TD from Bralon Hutchinson, ultimately gave La Grange the 36-28 victory.
As for West Orange-Stark, well they just continue to roll in the playoffs. They shutout their first opponent Scarborough 68-0. Then they had a tussle with Giddings which then won 35-14. Granted Giddings kept it close for three quarters (also the only common opponent for these two, as La Grange also struggled with the Buffs in their 56-39 win). The game against La Marque went off without a hitch, well sorta. QB Jackson Dallas did struggle with two interceptions. But the outstanding play of Deionte Thompson helped the Mustangs overcome their early struggles. Thompson score a rushing touchdown and had a huge punt return in the contest. Ultimately WOS defense held the backfield of La Marque, which had two 1,000-yard rushers, to only 70 yards. West Orange-Stark made it look too easy in their 34-0 victory.
If you were looking for stars to put on the marquee, it would be J.K. Dobbins for La Grange and the one of the best safeties in the nation (yes, I said nation, he is committed to Alabama) Deionte Thompson. I know Dobbins is very good, but the performance from the Mustangs defense on La Marque was scary good. La Grange is having a special season though. Sometimes teams need to win a tight one to get them refocused. Deionte Thompson is the key though. If La Grange keeps him from making big plays they win this game.
3A Div. 1
12/5
Cameron Yoe vs. Rockdale @ Birkelbach Field-Georgetown ISD Athletic Complex- Georgetown, 7:30pm
Okay, I owe our readers from both Cameron Yoe and Rockdale an apology. I totally spaced last week and forgot to touch on their respective playoff games. But it seems that the universe has corrected itself this week by pitting both teams against each other. The best part about this match-up is that this is a rematch from the regular season. Rockdale did win the Battle of the Bell 34-27, but it looks like things will much different this week.
Cameron Yoe is starting to round into form. The last time they lost a game was to Rockdale. To close out the regular season they trounced the Little River Academy Bumblebees (I wanted a excuse to say their name) who did beat Rockdale. The Yoemen have been just laying on the points in the playoffs, and have held the lead at the half in every game. Yoe’s most impressive feat is the way they close out games. In the playoffs they have score at least two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. In their 54-21 win over East Bernard, it was two Smiths and a stout defensive showing that led the way. Traion Smith ran for over 200 yards and had four touchdowns on the night in the route. Sicory Smith had a 45-yard TD reception and a 75-yard kickoff return for a score. The defense did its part by forcing four turnovers. Anyone who follows Texas high school football knows the pedigree of Cameron Yoe, and just like it usually does, the Yoemen are looking poised to play for a state title.
Standing in the way of the Yoemen are the Rockdale Tigers. Despite the close scoreline, the Tigers led the whole way in their 27-20 win over Kirbyville. QB Dylan McCartney has a brilliant performance against Kirbyville. He threw a couple of TD’s passes, and was a perfect seven-for-seven for 107 yards passing. Obviously, Rockdale prefers the ground based attack. Tro’Maine Miles, Davion Ford, and Dailynn Ramey lead the running game. Both Miles and Ford had scoring runs, while Ramey led Rockdale with 133-yards rushing off of 24 carries. Pearce Loth was the deep threat with seven catches and 92 yards receiving.
The game did come at a cost. QB McCartney injured his knee and left the game. From what I found online, reports claimed it to be serious. Further research led me to find that McCartney had injured his knee in a scrimmage back in August. Tough to say if it is the same knee, but I noticed it has been an issue before the season even really started. Miles replaced McCartney and went 8 for 19 with a 80 yards of passing.
I am have not been able to find any information if McCartney is available to play, if he will play, or if he is out. I even went to talk to the KVUE sports guys (follow them on Twitter @MikeB_KVUE, @MattM_KVUE, @ShawnC_KVUE) but apparently Rockdale is keeping their cards close. This injury has to sway the game in favor of Cameron Yoe. The Battle of the Bell was close win for Rockdale 34-27. However, Yoe’s defense has been playing much better since that game. Take away the big 3rd quarter for Rockdale and Cameron Yoe probably wins that game. I am sure that Miles is a capable replacement, but given the stakes of the game the nerves have to be present. I am not sure if one week of practice to play against a tough defense will be enough for Rockdale. Either way, I know I will be keeping tabs on this affair.
3A Div.2
12/5
Blanco vs. Odem @ Comalander Stadium- San Antonio, 7:30pm
When we start getting into the smaller division schools, this is where I start having trouble finding game recaps no matter how far along in the playoffs we get. I know that Blanco is one of the best teams in the state. They hold a perfect record, and before the game against East Bernard, were just breezing by the competition. Odem was also enjoying a rather easy stretch before last week against Van Vleck.
Stat Fact: the Blanco Panthers 14-7 win over East Bernard was their tightest margin of victory since late September, a 8-6 squeaker over Rudolph. We talked about the Panthers strong defensive unit last week, and once again they stepped up in a tight one. Blanco had some help as East Bernard shanked a punt to give Blanco great field position for their first score off a Colton Elrod run. East Bernard was able to get a big play with a 74-yard pass completion for a score right be the end of the first half. In the second half, both teams slugged it out till the 4th. Colton Elrod set up the next score with another big run. Blanco’s QB sneaked it in for the 14-7 with 6:58 remaining. East Bernard was driving in the 4th until a Panthers interception sealed the win for Blanco.
Odem was in a back-and-forth game against Van Vleck that was not decided till there was less than a minute to play. Let me just skip it to the forth quarter where the game was Van Vleck’s for the taking. They were up 36-33, with a 1:29 remaining after a 68-yard TD run by the VV QB. But similar to the Blanco game, a short kick from VV would end up costing them. The kickoff after the score was short enough for Odem to start their drive on their own 48-yardline. In three plays the Owls were able to score when Michael Everett completed a 10-yard TD pass to Dylan Ceballos with 41 seconds remaining in the game for the 40-36 win.
I like the gumption shown by Odem to come back from such a momentum switching play. It shows that they do not get frazzled easily. While I mentioned Colton Elrod, his brother Aikman (Yes, he is named after the former Cowboys QB. Apparently it has to be mentioned in every article about him) and the rest of the defense are very good at what they do. They hit people, real hard. They make big plays in big situations. I am more of a fan of puns than cliches, but defense does win championships. I think Blanco will handle Odem in another tight one.
2A Div. 1
12/5
Mason vs. Refugio @ Heroes Stadium- San Antonio, 7:30pm
I am telling y’all right now, this should be the most anticipated game in the state tonight! I know, I know, it is the smallest 11-man classification in the state. But good things do come in small packages. If I could be anywhere tonight, it would be in the Alamo City for this contest! This game can go in so many directions.
Mason is having a fantastic year reaching the state quarterfinals for the first time since 2011, the year they won the old 1A State Championship. The Punchers come into the contest with a perfect record and just leaving teams in their wake. In the playoffs they easily dispatched Shiner (impressive given how good Shiner is) and shutout Three Rivers 42-0 last week.
Refugio is the probably the favorite in this match-up and rightfully so. They are the number one team in the state in Class 2A. They have the pedigree of a top tier program, and they have the results that prove they are good. The Bobcats steamrolled through the playoffs so far. First they blanked a Johnson City squad that was shocking everyone. Last week, they totally manhandled Thorndale 56-19. Refugio has reached the state quarterfinals eight-consecutive times. They are attempting to advance to the semifinals for the fifth time in six years
The biggest storyline going in will be the Mason defense going against the Refugio offense. Stat Facts: Refugio’s offense has put up an astonishing 615 points this season. They run one of the most efficient spread offenses in the state. On the other hand, Mason has one of the stingiest defenses in the state. The Punchers tend to land the knockout blow early in their games. Stat Fact: the Punchers defense has only given up 94 points all season, 22 of those coming from Shiner (whom both teams have beaten this year).
Offensively the Punchers like to keep it on the ground. Seth Hudson leads Mason’s rushing attack with 1,119 yards and 19 touchdowns. QB Miguel Castillo apparently started his athletic career as a wide receiver is the perfect signal caller for the Punchers. He has rushed for 972 yards and 20 TD’s while passing for 733 yards and eight TD’s. Luis Castillo does his part in the running game contributing 922 yards and 15 touchdowns on the season.
Refugio is program that simply reloads every year. You can not begin to imagine how difficult it should be for QB Jaylon Mascorro. He is only replacing one of the most prolific passers in Texas high school football history, Travis Quintanilla (broke 6 state records in career yards and touchdowns, holds the single game passing TD’s record with 10). That is tough task for anybody to follow, yet Mascorro done so rather impressively with his 3,351 passing yards and 38 TD’s. On the ground he has rushed for 794 yards and six touchdowns. His favorite target is WR Tyler Castellano, he has 49 receptions for 1,052 yards and 13 touchdowns on the season.
While this game has all the makings of a Texas high school football classic, there is one key cog missing for Refugio. Isaiah Perez, has rush for 1,366 yards and 31 TD’s, was injured in the victory over Thorndale. From reports I found they claim it is an ACL injury and will more than likely not play. Even if Refugio is left one-dimensional they are still very dangerous, and Mascorro as shown he can run. However, maybe the loss of Perez may be exactly what the Mason defense needs to keep the prolific offense in check. Mason has an offense which can control the ball and would like nothing more than a close game. I do not know what to expect, but you should be checking for updates on this game constantly!
