cal81

PNG played 5th string running back, some freshmen and starters were pulled in 2Q. sloppy on extra points only.

PN-G is focused on the team they play each week. Given the results of the season so far, looking ahead is not an issue with this team. Credit to the coaching staff for game planning each week, The players appear to almost always be in the correct position to make plays, and then execute them. No matter who the opponent is, the Indians line up each play, execute to the best of their ability, and then move on to the next play. When the current game is over, study of that game is done, lessons are learned and the coaches implement what is necessary. If we are ahead by about 28 points in the game, substitutions take place. If not, the starters stay in until the coach deems it time to rotate in more players. There have been some games this season where we could have put up 70 points and not just 45. It's 11 on 11 and you go 100% each play and see what happens, no matter the opponent. Looking ahead and not focused on the current week's game may happen to some teams, but I don't think it significantly effects Coach Joseph's teams.

Since this is the Dayton at Ned thread, Ned just gave up 61 points and lost. Looks like room for improvement.

Next man up. No excuses.

Each year teams tend to take on their own identity. There are several factors that help make that team (returning starters, experience, depth, health, strength of schedule, etc.) To compare apples to apples, the 2022 PN-G team through 5 games was 3-2, and this year's team is 5-0, so it could be argued that it could be the more complete team. We shall see. A state finalist in 2022 and state championship in 2023 would take a "pretty complete team". I believe early indications are the 2025 Indians have as good a chance at getting to the title game as both of those teams.

You think West Fork, Nederland or Dayton can beat PN-G? The Indians will take care of business and head to the playoffs 10-0.

Talk about consistency...PN-G has been solid all season. Well coached, well prepared and then the players executing at a high level. This team has its own identity and is playing to its strengths. The offense can obviously score in multiple ways. The defense is creating opportunities with great effort and then capitalizing on those (pick 6, fumbles recoveries, stopping the offense on 3rd and 4th downs and making them punt...). The kicking game has shown some different kind of kick-offs, some fake field goal attempts, and just making some field goals and extra points at a high percentage. Just like was said before the season started, this offense may look a little different, and it does, in a good way. Lots of kids getting playing time, starters getting some rest and some new players beginning to emerge and make big plays. Let's stick to the process and continue to get better each week. I definitely see this team playing in December, and not just on the first weekend in December...

Dayton 31 - 13

Z

I'd worry about winning this game before you start talking about backups going in.

Silsbee and WOS are good 4A playoff teams but there are plenty of 5A and 6A opponents for non-district over in the Houston area. I just thought Nederland was trying to take it up another level or two. I'm not sure the non-district schedule challenges or prepares them for a pretty good District in 8-5A.

Nederland at #6 in the district looks about right.

Weak non-district schedule. Let's see how they do against much stronger teams in their district.

Nederland could easily be 0-3 right now. The 2 wins were squeakers against 4A teams.

I've missed less than 10 games in 47 years

On a related subject, I believe that Derek Gholke could have been the first freshman to start a varsity game at PN-G in the early 2000s. That first start was actually against Nederland, and Gholke started at middle linebacker and had an interception with a nice return early in that game. Derek was later moved to running back. Does that last name sound familiar?

It won't be anything like 2021. Way different players, coaches and mindset. PN-G 42 TH 41

The last couple of non-district schedules seemed to be effective...

We won't be surprised. Our team has been steady all season. Our coaches have prepared the team well each week and the plan has been executed. Just like last year, they will probably break off a run or two. But that will be it. That average of giving up 14 points a game is spot on. I don't see them scoring more than 17 at best. We will score at least 31, and I'm thinking probably hit the 40s again. We have great depth, are in good condition, and have many weapons. We have a couple of players that are not 100% healthy, but it hasn't slowed us down too much. Adrenaline has a way of getting you through some moments when you don't feel your best.

PN-G 38 LH 14

2 interceptions on the season that I can remember. They did not cause us any harm. High percentage throws with a negative outcome. He has taken very good care of the ball. One sack with a fumble against a very good defense. Minimal mistakes, especially for a sophomore. He has done an outstanding job at QB this season!

Their line and back is average compared to what we have already beaten. PN-G 35 Huntsville 14

PN-G 35 Lake Creek 21. Other than 24 by Memorial in week one, 20 points is the most any team has scored against our starting defense this season. WOS 20 Ned 9 Fort Bend Willowridge 20 TX City 16

I like this even better!