Hamshire-Fannett faces tough defensive task against Silsbee

[KFDM COOP]

Hamshire-Fannett faces tough defensive task against Silsbee

AREA ROUNDUP

The Port Arthur News

SILSBEE — Hamshire-Fannett travels to District 21-3A frontrunner Silsbee in hopes of staying in the hunt for a state playoff spot.

While Silsbee is averaging over 50 points a game in league play, the Tigers have beaten 21-3A opponents Orangefield (48-0) and Bridge City (55-7). Neither has won a game in 2007.

Silsbee, 2-0 in district and 3-2 overall, is a tale of two teams. Early in the season, the Tigers ran the veer. But, after a series of turnovers, head coach Bobby McGallion junked his offense and installed an entirely different spreadoffense that utilizes Silsbeeís athletic ability more effectively.

With 6-2, 180-pound sophomore quarterback Jeremy Johnson throwing (729 yards, 10 TDs) and running the ball (359 yards rushing), Silsbee looks for the big play. With running back Chris Castle and receivers Mike Willis and Donovan Harris, the Tigers can score in a hurry.

Castle has 409 yards on the ground and a 9.1 rushing average.

Receivers Willis (11 catches for 259 yards, three TDs) and Harris (9 for 255 yards, four scores) average an impressive 23.6 and 28.3 yards per reception, respectively.

Hamshire-Fannett, which rolled over Hardin-Jefferson 35-6 last week, is 3-2, 1-1.

Warren (2-4, 0-1) at East Chambers (5-0, 1-0)

WINNIE — East Chambers seeks to keep its unbeaten streak alive tonight, hosting a slumping Warren Warrior team that has lost four straight games.

After winning its opening two contests, Warren has dropped four straight to teams that have a combined 18-4 record on the year.

“Operating out of a pro style of offense, they use the toss sweep and throw the ball about half the time," stated EC head coach Tony Valastro. “But I really think there is only one team that can stop us, and that’s our own self with turnovers.â€

Although turnovers haven’t been a problem for the Bucs, blue chip all-state safety Tramain Thomas, and cornerbacks Anthony Ortiz and Quentin Joseph lead Valastro’s talented defense that has yet to be scored upon in the first half in any of their five games.

Thomas has four interceptions, 49 total tackles, five tackles for losses and one sack. While Thomas is one of Southeast Texasí finest in the secondary, he has also rushed for 596 yards (8.5 avg.) and 10 touchdowns. Junior Donte Raymond isn’t far behind with 527 yards on the ground and five scores.

[HORNSFAN86]

This is a somewhat partisan article. I wonder why none of the HF Players or Stats were mentioned.

[Guest ECBucFan]

I noticed that too. Why did the PANews focus on Silsbee instead of HF? HF is in the PANews circulation area. I don't get it  ???

[WOS92]

Silsbee should win fairly easily, but it will be respectable. Unless HF can open the passing game up, they won't have enough to keep up. Their D is certainly solid enough, but not enough to stop a well-tuned and balanced offense with game-breaking players.

[Bucster]

Hamshire-Fannett faces tough defensive task against Silsbee

AREA ROUNDUP

The Port Arthur News

SILSBEE — Hamshire-Fannett travels to District 21-3A frontrunner Silsbee in hopes of staying in the hunt for a state playoff spot.

While Silsbee is averaging over 50 points a game in league play, the Tigers have beaten 21-3A opponents Orangefield (48-0) and Bridge City (55-7). Neither has won a game in 2007.

Silsbee, 2-0 in district and 3-2 overall, is a tale of two teams. Early in the season, the Tigers ran the veer. But, after a series of turnovers, head coach Bobby McGallion junked his offense and installed an entirely different spreadoffense that utilizes Silsbeeís athletic ability more effectively.

With 6-2, 180-pound sophomore quarterback Jeremy Johnson throwing (729 yards, 10 TDs) and running the ball (359 yards rushing), Silsbee looks for the big play. With running back Chris Castle and receivers Mike Willis and Donovan Harris, the Tigers can score in a hurry.

Castle has 409 yards on the ground and a 9.1 rushing average.

Receivers Willis (11 catches for 259 yards, three TDs) and Harris (9 for 255 yards, four scores) average an impressive 23.6 and 28.3 yards per reception, respectively.

Hamshire-Fannett, which rolled over Hardin-Jefferson 35-6 last week, is 3-2, 1-1.

Warren (2-4, 0-1) at East Chambers (5-0, 1-0)

WINNIE — East Chambers seeks to keep its unbeaten streak alive tonight, hosting a slumping Warren Warrior team that has lost four straight games.

After winning its opening two contests, Warren has dropped four straight to teams that have a combined 18-4 record on the year.

“Operating out of a pro style of offense, they use the toss sweep and throw the ball about half the time," stated EC head coach Tony Valastro. “But I really think there is only one team that can stop us, and that’s our own self with turnovers.â€

Although turnovers haven’t been a problem for the Bucs, blue chip all-state safety Tramain Thomas, and cornerbacks Anthony Ortiz and Quentin Joseph lead Valastro’s talented defense that has yet to be scored upon in the first half in any of their five games.

Thomas has four interceptions, 49 total tackles, five tackles for losses and one sack. While Thomas is one of Southeast Texasí finest in the secondary, he has also rushed for 596 yards (8.5 avg.) and 10 touchdowns. Junior Donte Raymond isn’t far behind with 527 yards on the ground and five scores.

Apparently this writer didn't see the EC vs. DV game last week. The Bucs had 4 or 5 turnovers in the first half!

Good luck to the Bucs and the Longhorns tonight.