LeeH

If PA shows up ready to play, they can take this game.  No matter what, I don't see this being a blowout.  Whoever wins will do so in a close one.  Then again, I could be wrong.

I wasn't at the game last night, but I live close enough to the stadium to hear the crowd noise.  I was sitting on my front porch listening to the radio and the crowd.  Anyway, I'm a long time fan of La Porte football, though I'm a Port Arthur native.  My primary support always went to Port Arthur Jefferson until the consolidation.  (I only mention that in the interest of full disclosure!) First of all, I'm happy for a win against Deer Park.  However, giving up over 300 yards in the air is horrible.  La Porte's run defense is stellar and is usually their strong point.  But in a way, I'd almost rather see them give up a few more rushing yards a game and less passing yards.  Overall, La Porte's offense struggled which they shouldn't have.  Deer Park has given up over 300 yards total offense in every game this season, yet they held La Porte to around 200 or so.  But, they scored in overtime when it counted.  So they definitely get full credit for that. I just wish that La Porte would open up a little bit and start throwing the ball.  Their offense is one dimensional.  The only question is who will be running it since they do spread the carries around.  However, I understand why they aren't throwing that much this season.  It just would be nice to see them throw more than 3 or 4 passes a game.  I know some folks were upset with the decision to kneel the ball there with a minute or so left and just take it to overtime, but I support that decision.  No sense risking an interception by throwing it downfield.  And with La Porte's inability to stop the pass, Deer Park could have hit a long one and put themselves in field goal position with a few seconds left on the clock. But in a rivalry game like this, all records and stats go out the window when the game starts.  Full kudos to La Porte for pulling out the win.  And as much as I HATE to say this, I have to give props to Deer Park for not giving up and fighting their way back into the game.  They should be proud of their performance (other than the costly turnovers, of course).