Can Wise teams deliver another thrilling Friday night of games?
By Robert Morgan | Published Thursday, October 18, 2007
It's not very often that a sports dude gets to work through a Friday night as exciting as I did last week. From an overtime Battle of Big Sandy thriller, to Alvord's resurgence against Jacksboro, to Paradise's stunning beating by Cisco, there were a lot of jaw-dropping performances.
It's not very often that a sports dude gets to work through a Friday night as exciting as I did last week. From an overtime Battle of Big Sandy thriller, to Alvord's resurgence against Jacksboro, to Paradise's stunning beating by Cisco, there were a lot of jaw-dropping performances.
Despite all the shocking results, it was not enough to keep me from delivering yet another stellar week in covering the winners. Alvord's upset win was the only blemish on my record as I went 5-1 for the week and now stand at a respectable 28-8 for the year.
The next few weeks will be pivotal for our seven teams as they seek to stay in the playoff hunt or fall completely out. I only see three teams making it this year, but I hope I'm wrong.
Alvord vs. Chico
Just when I had given up on the Bulldogs finding their offensive pulse, they throw me a bone last week with an impressive win over Jacksboro. Tailback Shane Watkins proved why he is one of the best in the county.
The offensive boost is not good news for Chico. The Dragons have kept games close over the last three weeks with the help of a couple of junior varsity players who have been promoted to the depleted varsity team.
Two weeks ago I had this chalked up as the first Chico win. However, the loss of quarterback Klent Selz and the improvement of Alvord's scoring machine have convinced me otherwise.
Chico has not beaten the Bulldogs since winning 18-0 in 1999. That streak will likely continue another year.
Two very good defenses meet in Chico, but the team with depth prevails.
Alvord by 14
Bridgeport vs. Bowie
You could hear a pin drop on the Bridgeport side of Eagle Stadium when the Eagles scored the winning touchdown last Friday night. It was as if the life had been drained from the west side of the creek.
I think it was the Bull faithful just taking a deep breath for the long run of football to follow. There should be no panic as Bridgeport will likely be the last team playing this season.
The Bulls will take every bit of frustration out on Bowie this week. They are a scoring machine that could likely win the rest of their games before the playoffs.
The Jackrabbits are struggling and will be lucky to get out of Wise County without a whipping.
Bridgeport by 28
Decatur vs. Sanger
The one thing I have learned while watching Decatur beat Bridgeport every year since 2002 is that they are not good with encore performances. The Eagles generally struggle the week after the most intense game of the season for the boys in blue.
Sanger, which took second place last year in district play, is struggling in all phases of the game. That was expected with just two starters back from a year ago and nearly all the speed on offense.
This game scares me more than the Argyle matchup in three more weeks. An upset would not be all that surprising, but I'm a fan of Justin Unger and his ability to get his troops' attention.
Decatur by 24
Boyd vs. Godley
The Yellowjackets finally got to put two blowout losses to 3A teams behind them by crushing a bad 2A team in Eastland. It was the kind of game coach J.G. Cartwright's boys needed to get back on track.
Now it is down to business. This contest is likely a free playoff game for Boyd as it features the two teams I believe will make the playoffs behind Cisco.
Godley has more speed, Boyd has a few more weapons and both run the ball well. The difference will come down to defense. The Yellowjackets struggle against the pass, but they are stingy against the run.
That's the difference.
Boyd by 14
Paradise vs. Millsap
The Panthers can only get better after last week's thrashing by defending district champion Cisco. They were unable to move the ball and had trouble stropping the Loboes from finding the end zone.
This week is much different. The Bulldogs are on their way to a fourth straight last-place finish. They have only scored one touchdown against Paradise in four years.
This will not be the same blowout it has been in the past. However, there will be nothing close about the outcome as Paradise salvages its pride.
Paradise by 38
Northwest vs. Southlake
These two teams are headed in different directions. The Texans' sophomore year in Class 5A has been nothing like the first.
The Dragons, meanwhile, have not changed a bit. The same players are still there and doing the same thing - scoring in bunches.
If football was a game of two quarters, Northwest would be 3-0 in district play. Unfortunately for the Texans, there are four and they are 0-3 because of it. It's been hard to maintain a lead this season, but this week it will be much tougher to even get a lead.
