Tiger fan here. Not here to flame the Crosby faithful. It is safe to say neither of us really know our opponent on Friday. I have posted on Smoaky.com that I am predicting a 21 point win by the Tigers. I see similar predictions by Crosby fans the other way. Let me tell you my impression of the Tigers. I have followed Texas High since 1998. I watched there run to the 5A state championship in 2002, followed by a state semi-finalist in 2003, and a regional finalist in 2004. This is the best team since 2006. The strength of the Tigers are their Defensive and Offensive lines. The defensive line has arguably the best set of defensive ends in the state. Clayton Smith #10 is a 6-5, 220#, 4* commitment to Oklahoma. His is rated the #2 outside linebacker in the nation and the #7 player in Texas. He has a motor and is an efficient tackler. His bookend DE is Derrick Brown is a 6-4, 220# junior. Rivals has him as a 3* and #59 in the 2022 class. The inside tackles seem to get a good push and can disrupt the passing plays and keep blockers from getting to the linebackers. Secondary is solid. They are hard to evaluate as the DL puts so much on the QB their passes are often hurried. The key for Crosby is holding the off field push our DL.
The offensive line is solid. They had their worst game against Lake Creek. However as the game wore on, they took control of the line. They have provided good protection on passes and opened holes on run plays. I think three are in excess of 300#, one 285#, and peewee is 265#. For the first two games, the Tigers rotated QBs. Then the coaching staff made McHenry #12, a junior, the stating QB and moved Cellers #5 to WR. McHenry has been completing approximately 65% of his passes and Cellers is his big play receiver. Cellers is an excellent athlete and has committed to Texas Tech in baseball. I think he has caught 15 TD passes. Other receivers run good routes and have good hands. On 3rd down watch for Clayton Smith to line up as WR with his 6-5 frame. Decision time ... do you double Cellers or Smith. Right now the running attack is led by our #3 running back - Witcher #13. Our #1 running back had a concussion approximately a month ago and has been seeing limited action.
I’m not saying anything your coaches won’t see. Hopefully this will help you in watching the game. It is my understanding the game will be live-streamed at texarkanagameday.com if Crosby doesn’t have a livestream.
