Week 5: Friendswood Mustangs @ La Porte Bulldogs, Bulldog Stadium, 9/26, 7 p.m.

[OlDawg]

First District game for both squads. Friendswood comes in at 2-1 and averaging almost 37 ppg while only giving up 16 ppg. After losing their first game against Fort Bend Marshall, they've reeled off two very impressive wins over Willowridge and Galveston Ball. Friendswood is ranked #9 in GHA by Vype.

La Porte also comes in at 2-1 after a tough loss to an excellent PN-G squad at home for their first loss at Bulldog. La Porte is averaging 30 ppg while giving up 31 ppg. The Bulldogs are ranked #4 in GHA by Vype.

Both teams are expected to compete for a PO spot out of 11-5A D1, and this game could have seeding implications right out of the gate. Friendswood always plays LP tough. This game should be no different. 

Who do you have taking this matchup?

[AggiesAreWe]

LP, 31-21

[easttexiasbias]

La Porte 41 

Friendswood 13

[OlDawg]

1 hour ago, easttexiasbias said:

La Porte 41 

Friendswood 13

Bold! Any thoughts on QB starter?

[1989NDN]

Play the Soph QB, feed the ball to Sean Simon, eliminate turnovers, cut down on the offsides penalties (stop guessing the snap count) and continue playing physical football in the trenches.  LP will get on a roll and win a lot of games.  You have a good OL and physical DL/LBs.  Run the ball and play good defense.  Play to those strengths.  

[1970]

17 minutes ago, 1989NDN said:

Play the Soph QB, feed the ball to Sean Simon, eliminate turnovers, cut down on the offsides penalties (stop guessing the snap count) and continue playing physical football in the trenches.  LP will get on a roll and win a lot of games.  You have a good OL and physical DL/LBs.  Run the ball and play good defense.  Play to those strengths.  

This, with emphasis on feed the ball to Simon. 

[Austin1985]

Going with The Port

[OlDawg]

12 minutes ago, 1970 said:

This, with emphasis on feed the ball to Simon. 

He’s definitely special. That’s why I said there’s no comparison between him and the Klein Oak RB. Simon’s on another level. LP turning more to the passing game—and y’all’s solid D—is what held him to ONLY 146 & 2 TD’s.

[purple reign]

Don't underestimate Friendswood. They have been impressive so far. In their only loss to FB Marshall, they outgained Marshall and the only reason they lost was they had a fumble and a blocked punt returned for TDs. They beat Ball by more points than Manvel did. Their game against Willowridge they were leading 48-7 at the half. Their forte seems to be run defense. They held Marshall to 21 carries for 50 yds (2.4 y/c) and Ball to 49 yds on 22 carries (2.2 y/c). La Porte should win, but it won't be easy.

[AggiesAreWe]

DCTF has LP as an 11 point favorite.

[OlDawg]

2 hours ago, AggiesAreWe said:

DCTF has LP as an 11 point favorite.

I’d say, unless some changes were made during the bye week, this is very optimistic.

In fact, unless some changes were made during the bye week, LP has a very real chance of looking at 3rd seed at best.

[purple reign]

1 hour ago, OlDawg said:

I’d say, unless some changes were made during the bye week, this is very optimistic.

In fact, unless some changes were made during the bye week, LP has a very real chance of looking at 3rd seed at best.

The week of rest may help after a tough 3 weeks of tough games.

[Darth Texas]

LP’s defense had question marks this time last year, and they went undefeated from week 4 to the quarterfinals. And I don’t think many teams will have an answer for the Simon and Ruffin  1-2 punch. LP wins by 14. 

[easttexiasbias]

I just think Simon and Ruffin are to much to handle for most teams.  The qb situation is a tough one for me.  I lean towards playing Wells but I think you have to find a way to get Saenz involved as well.  

[OlDawg]

2 hours ago, easttexiasbias said:

I just think Simon and Ruffin are to much to handle for most teams.  The qb situation is a tough one for me.  I lean towards playing Wells but I think you have to find a way to get Saenz involved as well.  

I agree all the way around. Although, Ruffin--as fantastic as he is paired with Simon--is also a really major cog in the D. I worry if he's used too much on O, the D suffers from the plays he needs to rest. Tough balancing act. But, I think that can be managed by the staff pretty well. It also gives playing time/experience to his B/U at the LB position. The QB situation, I've said since prior to the season, Wells brings the dynamic to the O that Saenz doesn't. But, Saenz has led this team through the whole building process, and played to his capabilities at the QB spot. I just think it's time to ride with the QB that can take the team to the next step. There's got to be a place Saenz can contribute. If he was a capable punter, it would be nice to have a QB punting. Teams would never be sure if a fake was coming, and it could be a great weapon. I have no idea how his receiving skills are. But, having him line up for possible double passes would be an awesome play to have in the playbook as well.

Barnes and Sandolph graciously made way for Simon last year, knowing it would cut into their carries. They did it for the team. I think Saenz is the same type player, and the team has the same mentality. It never hurts to have two capable QB's in case of injury.

[OlDawg]

11 hours ago, purple reign said:

The week of rest may help after a tough 3 weeks of tough games.

I think they needed the rest and regroup time. Retool/rethink a few things for the 'real season.' It was a very solid predistrict against 3 quality teams. I think it really helps when they schedule challenging opponents. Friendswood looks a lot better than last year, and they always play LP tight. This game will be a tough matchup.