PNG @ La Porte

[Darth Texas]

One of the biggest matchups in the state. Let’s hear it. 

[Darth Texas]

I forgot to add a poll. If someone knows how to add that after starting the thread, feel free to add it. 

[weonlyrun28toss]

LP by 9

[jayhawk]

PNG

[WOSdrummer99]

6 hours ago, Darth Texas said:

I forgot to add a poll. If someone knows how to add that after starting the thread, feel free to add it. 

^^^ Poll added 

[1970]

It's a tossup. I attended the game in PN last season and it turned into a score fest. I forgot how many KO returns for TDs there were. But the defense and special teams for both seem to be improved this year, and perhaps offense as well.  I'll go with PNG, but with hopes that the OL gets it together a little better by game time. 

[OlDawg]

This game is hard to gauge. PN-G has been anticipating this game since early Spring, and are dying to hand La Porte their first loss at new Bulldog Stadium.

The Indians have shown solid play against a mediocre 6A Klein Oak, and an inferior Beaumont United. Micah Rhodes of Oak is overrated IMHO, and is a 5 star as much due to press & pedigree as his play on the field. Oak has only had 1 winning season (6-5) since 2020. BU is BU. Not much to say on that other than I hope their new staff can right the ship. Henry and Diaz have been solid runners for PN-G, and Bailey is looking like a lot more polished passer this year. The Indian's D is playing very well in limiting the running game, and Special Teams play looks to have improved.

The Bulldogs have been inconsistent against two solid 6A PO teams in Deer Park and Kingwood. But, have found a way to win both games. Deer Park may be younger this year. But, the Border Battle is unpredictable at best every year, and the Deer showed--IMHO--more pure talent than they had last year. They also played #13 6A state ranked Woodlands to a closer than expected 30-20 loss. They have a very talented, young QB this year, and--as always--are big everywhere. They have had the misfortune of having to play NS first round almost every year for a decade or more, and that's a losing proposition for most. Kingwood is a legitimate 6A PO team. In any district other than 23-6A, they'd be fighting for the DC. As it is, they'll be fighting with CE King again for that 4th spot, and it should be another fantastic game. They made it to the Regional Finals last year only to lose to district mate Summer Creek again. Their QB is a solid passer, and they have some very good receivers. Of course, they have the #1 ranked OL in the country for the class of 2027. Defensively, they are very stout. They were able to shut LP down for the most part in the 2nd half by stacking all 11 within 6-7 yards of the LOS, and LP's passing game was out of sync on a lot of the small passes to the flats and intermediates. LP was able to go over the top for a couple big pass plays. One set up the winning TD drive. LP's Special Teams were anything but special, and almost cost them the win. But, to give credit to Kingwood, they have a player (Wehby) who is not only an outstanding receiver, he's also a fantastic return man. He's one to watch going forward as he already has 2 returns for TD's in 2 games.

Both teams like to play a physical brand of football, control the clock, and minimize mistakes. Both teams are blessed with excellent coaching staffs, and solid players. I see this game as coming down to who can keep their D off the field the most, and play the cleanest. Any mistakes will be magnified. Unless something out of the ordinary happens, I see a lower scoring affair where every possession counts, and scores will be at a premium. PN-G will finally play a quality opponent, and LP will need to finally find consistency in all 3 phases of the game.

I like LP's OL and DL. The LB's are fairly equal. So far, LP's secondary has been a pleasant surprise. So, I give them a slight edge. PN-G looks to have the edge on Special Teams. Both teams have experienced QB's who can be on or off. Both teams have solid running games.

I look for LP to finally put it all together this week and play a complete game. They know the Indians are a quality program, and are state ranked again for a reason. They also know PN-G has been talking for a very long time about handing them their first loss at Bulldog.

I'm going with LP by 4 at home in a lower scoring affair. Something along the lines of 28-24.

Safe travels to the Indian fans, and let's hope for an injury free game.

 

[AggiesAreWe]

LP, 24-21

[outanup]

LaPorte......much better test for the Injuns this week.

[Darth Texas]

Does anyone have a link for tickets? I went to the La Porte website and all I can find is a link for season passes. I know for some schools they sometimes don’t drop until Monday. 

[OlDawg]

35 minutes ago, Darth Texas said:

Does anyone have a link for tickets? I went to the La Porte website and all I can find is a link for season passes. I know for some schools they sometimes don’t drop until Monday. 

Monday morning. You sure are excited for this one. 😆 

Get here early. Parking is horrible. Construction. Good Tex-Mex is El Ranchero, El Toro, or Casa Anita’s. El Toro is actually the same family ownership as Gringo’s, Bullritos, Johnny Tamales, and Jimmy Changas. King’s BBQ has an excellent stuffed potato. Then, there’s a new wing place I haven’t tried yet right at the corner of the stadium parking lot & Fairmont Pkwy. Of course, one of the best DQ’s around is right across from the stadium. Been there since I was a kid in the 60’s I think.

Don’t know about the concessions at Bulldog. Haven’t been to the stadium during a game yet. They used to be decent. Not sure if they still have Chick Fil A and turkey legs or not.

[OlDawg]

NOTE:

The parking lot for the strip center on the west side of the stadium is okay to park in, and is actually easier in/out—if you don’t mind the walk to the NE stadium entrance.

Just DO NOT park between the blue water bottle outlet shed & the DQ. YOU WILL BE TOWED. Stay south of the blue shed.

[OlDawg]

Tickets are on sale at 8 a.m. for those that can't wait any longer! 🤣

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• Yes, the seating is split. In the Border Battle sellout, they did move the bands and drill teams onto the track area where more seats could be sold.
• Yes, the stadium is also for UIL track competitions, UIL band contests, and other events.
• The stadium had to fit in the same footprint as old Bulldog, and allow for handicap seating, and UIL track--hence the seat amount.
• The cost of the stadium includes the entire complex with the Legacy Center--not just the stadium.
• The Border Battle ALWAYS sells out. It would sell out in a 20,000 seat stadium. La Porte AND Deer Park fans were turned away. Deer Park just likes to gripe about anything La Porte because they have an inferiority complex. They are the definition of football 'Karens.'
• Yes, parking is far from optimal since the stadium is on campus. There is also some current construction for other parts of the bond that was approved that is affecting some parking areas.
• I've only been to the stadium once--during a town pep rally--because of my wife's physical challenges. But, I will say, it is a very nice stadium, and big enough for most events without being overbuilt. I think y'all will enjoy it, and the team should enjoy the locker room area for visiting teams.

Hopefully, this answers some questions.

 

[Eagle91]

I'll take LaPorte by 11. 28-17

I don't believe the PNG offensive line play has created the running lanes it has in years past. They will have to play much better to win this game. It's still early and I expect PNG to be much better by season's end. I also feel like LaPorte will be able to move the football fairly well. It's very possible the score could go the other way. But at this time LaPorte has played the tougher schedule and may be further along.

[Mr. Buddy Garrity]

Png. But I'm picking LP in my pickems lol rivalry concerns lol 

[OlDawg]

For those that can't make the game in person:

LPSportsNET YouTube Channel is free.

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