By Robert Morgan | Published Thursday, September 13, 2007
Just like the Paradise Panthers, last week I made a little improvement since the opening-day disaster. I went 5-2 in covering the winners to even my season mark at 6-6.
Just like the Paradise Panthers, last week I made a little improvement since the opening-day disaster. I went 5-2 in covering the winners to even my season mark at 6-6.
All seven of our area football teams showed some improvement. On the brighter side, Bridgeport proved it is a real contender this year by beating a good Mineral Wells team and Chico displayed an offense that we have not seen in years.
Northwest played like a team with just two starters back, and it only has two non-district games left to get better. Decatur has a long way to go before striking fear into any opponent.
Paradise, Boyd and Alvord played good enough to get the job done.
This week, however, things get a little rough for some of our teams as the season heats up with some big match-ups. I've got my game face on and my running shoes tied so here we go with a perfect week.
Bridgeport vs. Prosper
The Bulls didn't surprise anyone by beating a weak Breckenridge team. Last week, however, they were impressive in beating Mineral Wells and its potent veer offense.
The defense, which has been pushed around for three years, did all the pushing. It had two successful goal-line stands and forced four turnovers.
They will need that kind of success against a Prosper team that has a much better passing game. Is this secondary really good or has it not faced a good offense?
I think it's both, and the Bulls get to prove it Friday against a team that they were routed by a year ago.
Bridgeport by 7
Alvord vs. Windthorst
The Bulldogs surpassed my expectations last week by handling Petrolia in a defensive showdown. They will need the same kind of effort this week again the Trojans, a team that has owned Alvord latey.
This week will once again come down to defense for both groups as they're both struggling on offense. Windthorst, for the first time in seven years, has a quarterback that is not the son of head coach Bill Green. That has been the problem in starting the year as the Trojans are one step ahead of Alvord and one score better. Alvord needs more game time to get its offense on track.
Windthorst by 7
Chico vs. Archer City
I bet officials in Tolar are still cooling off the scoreboard after the Dragons scorched it last Friday night. Only one other Chico team has managed 41 points in the last seven years.
The downside is that Chico was unable to stop Tolar. That will be a problem all season when it comes to the second half of games.
I wish Pete Hart and staff could have saved a few of those touchdowns for this week because they will need them. However, the 15 Dragons on the roster will give Archer City all they can - it just won't be enough against a very good pack of Wildcats.
Archer City by 28
Paradise vs. Electra
The Panthers have a homecoming date with Electra this week, and it could not have come at a better time. Paradise, which survived double overtime to upset Henrietta last week, is still having offensive problems.
This should be the highest scoring non-district game for Paradise. The group, which has also been slowed with lingering injuries, has a chance to show off in front of a big home crowd, and the fans will not be disappointed.
Paradise by 17
Boyd vs. Whitewright
The Tigers ran wild over Boyd last year with 41 points. They have the same firepower this year and will be the toughest test so far for J.G. Cartwright and his crew.
The Yellowjackets, however, are playing better defense than last season and that could be enough to make up for offensive mistakes.
Boyd did not get much of a tune-up against a weak Bowie team last week. Whitewright, meanwhile, was idle on Friday and has had two weeks to prepare for the Yellowjackets.
The Tigers needed at least three weeks to get ready for payback.
Boyd by 7
Northwest vs. Arlington Martin
If the Texans thought last week was tough, wait until the Warriors are on the line of scrimmage. Unlike Burleson, Martin is a playoff contender with a solid ground game to wear down many defenses.
The only offensive bright spot last week for Northwest was Mr. Reliable, Drew Ashley. The Texans need a couple more like the senior tailback while the offense finds its touch.
In the meantime, Martin is going to touch Northwest with a second straight loss.
Martin by 21
Decatur vs. Sweetwater
Two state power teams are limping into the Sammy Baugh Classic with more questions than answers. The Eagles have an All-Points-Bulletin out on their offense, while the Mustangs have the same search going for their defense.
Those two collide Saturday in Sweetwater. The Mustangs were heavy favorites last year when the Eagles soared out of West Texas with a 41-26 upset.
With both teams struggling going into week three, I think Sweetwater has two edges - the revenge factor and they have played a strong non-district schedule.
Just how many times this week will they be reminded of last year's defeat? Hopefully not too much.
