Six victories will highlight season final for most
By Robert Morgan | Published Thursday, November 8, 2007
We waited all winter, spring and summer for the high school football season to begin. Now, just three months after the start of two-a-days, most Wise County athletes are lacing up for their final game of the season in less than 72 hours.
We waited all winter, spring and summer for the high school football season to begin. Now, just three months after the start of two-a-days, most Wise County athletes are lacing up for their final game of the season in less than 72 hours.
The playoff picture was cleared up last week - Paradise, Alvord, Northwest and Chico are out. Decatur, Bridgeport and Boyd are moving on.
My opinion of last week's action was almost perfect. I went 6-1 in covering the winners to move to 45-11 for the year.
The Eagles' second district loss in six years was the only game I missed last week. I think the Decatur defense missed the game too. If it misses this week then third place will be the placing for this bunch.
I know I love me some basketball, but I'm not ready for the football season to end yet. Unfortunately, it does for most of Wise County after Friday night but not before six of our seven teams go out winners on the scoreboard.
Bridgeport vs. Gainesville
This game could be the most lopsided outcome in Danny Henson's career. The Bulls, who statistically have the top-ranked offense in the district, will collide at home with the league's worst pass defense.
Those two do not mix well if you are a Leopard. Bridgeport will have a chance to rest players for the playoffs next week but that will not be enough to slow this high-octane offense.
To make matters worse for Gainesville, the Bulls must win this game to earn a share of the district championship for the second time in three years. If Decatur and Argyle were to lose, they would be the outright champs.
Not backing off this week.
Bridgeport by 41
Decatur vs. Bowie
The Eagles have only had to bounce back from a district loss one other time in the last six years. How will they regroup after getting run over on their home turf by an Argyle team that saw its quarterback get sacked nine times and held to 10 points by Bridgeport?
I don't think Bowie understands the frustration that is about to be unloaded on its football team. The Eagles have a whole lot of work to do before facing Wylie for a fourth time in three years next week, but securing a sixth straight district championship will be on the minds of all the boys in blue.
A loss to the Jackrabbits will crush all title hopes.
Decatur by 28
Boyd vs. Millsap
The Yellowjackets have to regroup after their worst loss since losing 42-0 to Fort Worth Christian in 2002. They were stung offensively, had few answers defensively and lost standout linebacker John Steele for the season.
That's about as tough as it gets for a 2A football team. Thankfully, Boyd faces a Bulldog team that has not found a way to win consistently since the year Boyd was hammered by FWC.
Millsap has improved this season by earning a couple of wins but it is far from the Yellowjackets level. The starters get a much-needed rest for the playoffs in the second half this week.
Boyd by 38
Chico vs. Olney
Another frustrating and trying season will come to an end for Chico this week. Unless the Dragons pull off the upset of the year by eliminating Olney from the playoffs, CHS is one game away from its first winless season in more than a decade.
That's what makes matters worse for the Dragons. The Cubs are in a must-win situation this week to earn a playoff spot, so they will be all business in the district finale.
The good news for Chico is that several of its younger players will gain more varsity experience as they look toward turning things around next season. The bad news, however, is that they have to survive an Olney team that could be the most talented in the district.
Olney by 41
Alvord vs. City View
For the first time in several years Alvord will not be fighting for a playoff spot in the last week. Instead, the team's handful of seniors will be playing for pride and to go out winners.
That will not be hard to do against City View. The Mustangs' offense simply can't handle coach Mike Chaney's stingy defense. That will be more than enough to give tailback Shane Watkins and the offense short fields for scoring drives.
Alvord by 45
Northwest vs. Keller Central
For a game between two teams at the bottom of the district standings, this finale has the makings to be a doozy. Keller Central's potent offense will meet a Northwest defense that has been impressive most of the year.
This game will come down to the Texans' ability to find the end zone after halftime. That was the difference in losses to Grapevine and Colleyville.
Will that change this week? I don't think tailback Drew Ashley and receiver Ricky Broxton will let that happen in their last high school football game.
Northwest by 14
Paradise vs. Eastland
Paradise coach Danny Neighbors may not know how to approach this week's game. His Panthers have not missed the playoffs since 2000, but Friday night his boys will suit up for the last time.
It was no secret that Paradise will have some rebuilding pains this season as several younger players were thrown into war. The loss of a talented senior class and injuries through the preseason slowed progress.
Last week's loss to Godley ended all postseason hopes. However, it will not take away from the Panthers' expectation to walk off the field one last time as winners.
Eastland is no match for Paradise, even in a down year.
