MarlinAluminOhio
12-13-2003, 07:25 PM
PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Marlin vs. Port Isabel
BRICE CHERRY Tribune-Herald staff writer
Marlin (10-4) vs. Port Isabel (10-3) 8 p.m., Alamodome in San Antonio
This matchup is the ultimate proof of it's not how you start, but how you finish.
Both Marlin and Port Isabel stumbled out of the gate this season, combining for a 5-7 record in their first 12 games. But in the 15 games since, they are 15-0.
The Bulldogs’ turnaround has been sparked by defense, as Marlin has surrendered only 45 points and less than 100 yards per game during its nine-game winning streak.
"It's an everyday thing to us," said Marlin safety D'Nerian Wrighter. "The offense may fumble or throw an interception and usually a defense will mope onto the field, but not us. Our defense sprints onto the field. Our defense motivates our team."
In the Fighting Tarpons, the Bulldog defense will face something they haven't seen much of: an option attack. Port Isabel, which is coming off a wild 63-61 quadruple-overtime win over Altair Rice Consolidated last week, is led by Misael "The Missile" Iracheta, a speedster who has rushed for 1,435 yards and 18 touchdowns. Quarterback Gabriel Alvarez (767 yards, 11 TDs) and running back Johnny Nieto (906 yards, 12 TDs) are also serious ball-carrying threats.
Port Isabel's defensive unit is also a strength, and it's living up to the program's vaunted "Seawall Defense" nickname by allowing a meager 168 yards per game.
The Bulldogs, who utilize a spread formation, will attack the Tarpons with speed. Junior tailback Tank Smith (969 rushing yards, 16 TDs) and senior receiver Red Richardson (2,171 all-purpose yards, 17 TDs) are serious playmakers, while sophomore quarterback Jeremy Sanders is an emerging star and a threat to both run and throw.
While Port Isabel has 21 district titles with a trip to the state semis in 1994, Marlin has a bit more experience, having reached this round just four years ago.
"I think the community and the school is more excited than we are," Marlin defensive end Mark Jimenez said. "You have to expect to be here. If you don't look forward to this, there's no reason in coming out."
BRICE CHERRY Tribune-Herald staff writer
Marlin (10-4) vs. Port Isabel (10-3) 8 p.m., Alamodome in San Antonio
This matchup is the ultimate proof of it's not how you start, but how you finish.
Both Marlin and Port Isabel stumbled out of the gate this season, combining for a 5-7 record in their first 12 games. But in the 15 games since, they are 15-0.
The Bulldogs’ turnaround has been sparked by defense, as Marlin has surrendered only 45 points and less than 100 yards per game during its nine-game winning streak.
"It's an everyday thing to us," said Marlin safety D'Nerian Wrighter. "The offense may fumble or throw an interception and usually a defense will mope onto the field, but not us. Our defense sprints onto the field. Our defense motivates our team."
In the Fighting Tarpons, the Bulldog defense will face something they haven't seen much of: an option attack. Port Isabel, which is coming off a wild 63-61 quadruple-overtime win over Altair Rice Consolidated last week, is led by Misael "The Missile" Iracheta, a speedster who has rushed for 1,435 yards and 18 touchdowns. Quarterback Gabriel Alvarez (767 yards, 11 TDs) and running back Johnny Nieto (906 yards, 12 TDs) are also serious ball-carrying threats.
Port Isabel's defensive unit is also a strength, and it's living up to the program's vaunted "Seawall Defense" nickname by allowing a meager 168 yards per game.
The Bulldogs, who utilize a spread formation, will attack the Tarpons with speed. Junior tailback Tank Smith (969 rushing yards, 16 TDs) and senior receiver Red Richardson (2,171 all-purpose yards, 17 TDs) are serious playmakers, while sophomore quarterback Jeremy Sanders is an emerging star and a threat to both run and throw.
While Port Isabel has 21 district titles with a trip to the state semis in 1994, Marlin has a bit more experience, having reached this round just four years ago.
"I think the community and the school is more excited than we are," Marlin defensive end Mark Jimenez said. "You have to expect to be here. If you don't look forward to this, there's no reason in coming out."