Bordertown

Did not expect this game to be a track meet! Will make trip back to MP shorter.

I doubt there are any Lake Creek fans here, but safe travels to Grim.

Being a city where 60% live in Texas and 40% live in Arkansas, the flow of population being the states resembles the South Texas border. While my friends in Arkansas would disagree, the Texas schools are superior. Arkansas side families find ways to get into Texas schools, such as “aunty” living in Texas is the legal guardian. The rise of Pleasant Grove in the last dozen years, along with the strength of the Tiger program, has seen the “aunties” harbor some good athletes. While the Texas High v Arkansas High rivalry appears to be dead, Arkansas High has not picked up either Pleasant Grove (also an ugly result) or Liberty Eylau.

Think the series ended around 2018. Arkansas High enrollment dropped to a 4A2 and the games were no longer competitive. Think Texas High had won about 17 of the last 20 outings. It was by mutual agreement, but one side wanted to end it more. It was quite a rivalry game in its hay day. As the school names infer, it was more of a state v state rivalry. Sadly, census numbers sometimes come to a natural conclusion.

I will take the under ….. 56-14

Believe the bus ride is worth 7 point advantage. I would expect a larger spread.

Going into the season, the Texas defense was thought to be the strength of the team. They had their ups and downs early in the season against above average teams. From the Marshall game on, they have been dominate. The question mark was our QB and OL. It was known the QB was an athlete, but played WR up until this year. He has been a pleasant surprise completing 2/3 of his passes for 2000+ yards. While it has not been necessary to date, he can be dangerous with his legs. OL seems to have gelled after a suspect early season, but may be the weakest link on the team. If Lake Creek cannot play defense, it will be a long night. Tiger offense averages 400+ ypg which is basically 50/50 run and pass.

I would agree with your leans. Both MP & Marshall have good defenses. MP’s offense seems to have figured it out in their last three games (against lesser competition). I expect those two games to be highly contested. Lack of defense is not a good recipe against a balanced offense.

Help a Smoaky.com member understand what to expect from Lake Creek in Round 1. From what I can tell from their stats, they have an athlete at QB who accounts for 75% of their offense. He seems to be a good runner (leads their team) and a so so passer. How is their defense? Will be interesting to see how District 7 & 8 match up. I think the #1s out of each district should be heavy favorites, but the 2s v 3s to be interesting matchups.

Should be no problem for PNG. Texas High dominated them last Friday 50-0 (36-0 at half) and held them to 72 yards offense. They supposedly have a very good WR.

Per 247 Sports he had 8 D-1 offers including Indiana & Houston.

#4 Johnson was the RB and is a SFA commit. #3 Ball (JR) is the Oregon commit. He played WR.

Congrats PNG. Best of luck against SOC.

Safe travels. I will return post game to extend congratulations or accept congratulations. Hoping for a hard fought clean game by both teams.

1. Correct 32 tds … Tigers are averaging 49.4 points a game. Lowest offensive output was 37 points in the first game against Tyler Legacy. 2. Potter is a pro style QB. He is a big young man 6’4”. Not sure if his weight, but would guess 225+. He is not a statute and can run if needed. But so far he has had the protection and other players to run the ball.

Interesting matchup this Friday. Both teams have very good offensive and defensive lines, which will make this game interesting. Having watched Texas High all season, they have a wide open offense with very good skill players. If you look at their stats they run the ball 57% of the time and pass 43% of the time. Personally, that is a bit deceiving, as most of their games have seen reserves running the ball in the 4th quarter. I would estimate the primary offense is 50/50. Through 12 games they have run for 3,224 yds (48tds) and passed for 2,894 yds (32 yds). Potter, the Tiger QB, has been very efficient with a 69% completion rate and 1 interception (which came from a tipped pass). The passing is distributed primarily to 4 receivers…. Ball (865), Wrightner (811), Montgomery (532), & Pilgreen (392). The rushing comes from 3 running backs … Johnson (1,432), Ball (768) & Moore (716). The Tiger defense is solid and very quick. Hope #15 is healthy enough to play. He is a test for any defense. I was concerned about the Nederland RB, but felt Texas High did a good job containing him. I wish this game was in the afternoon, as Nachitoches is having their Festival of Lights and their will not be any rooms in the inns and restaurants will be full so plan accordingly. PNG are state champions until someone knocks them off, so I extend the Indians the respect they deserve. Pulling for the Tigers.

How is the Nederland QB that was injured late in the game?

Best of luck going forward Bulldogs … keep the faith in these young men!

At half, the #1 & #2 teams from both districts are winning. Marshall is a talented team that is extremely underrated.

Not the game I expected as a Tiger fan. There was great respect for District 8 and its top 5 teams coming from Texas High. Not surprised we have a lead, but how the Tiger defense has contained the Bulldog running game. As I mentioned in an earlier post, a neutral coach witnessing Texas High for the first time stated “Texas High has athletes all over the field”. We will see if Nederland can throw the ball. The clock is not their friend running the ball. Thomas is a talented back.

Barry Norton does not currently coach at T-High. He is the Athletic Director at Birdville ISD in DFW Metroplex.

Safe travels … plenty of hotels for your overnight stays.

Intriguing matchup. I might be a District 7 Homer, but believe Marshall will be the victor.

Huntsville , Patrick Mahomes has moved on.

Be surprised if the outcome of this game is anyone other than PNG.