R4Editor
09-23-2009, 10:57 AM
Region 4, Week 4 Preview
This week, three districts in Region 4 start playing games for keeps. The games that will determine who is in, and who is out of the playoffs get started in D 29, 31, & 32. So, we’ll lead off this week’s write-up with a short preview about each district.
District 29
Bandera is the clear favorite in this district as it’s starting to look like the Bulldog’s QB, Mr. Hubble, may even be better then advertised. (He ran for 200+ yards last week vs. Wimberley, IN THE FIRST HALF!) Bandera is a lock for a playoff spot.
The other two spots will be taken up by Devine, Hondo, Pearsall, or possibly Lytle. For Crystal City and Carrizo Springs, it’s about playing spoiler and just trying to pick up a win or two in district play. We think Devine and Hondo are the favorites to earn a post season trip, but we can’t count out the Pearsall Mavericks, especially after their 4-0 pre-district start.
This week's games:
Hondo Owls (2-1) @ Lytle Pirates (2-1)
The winner stays in the playoff race and the loser probably doesn’t, it’s that simple. Hondo has played stiffer pre-district competition and we think they are a better team. But, Lytle knows the importance of this game and we think they keep it close for the first 3 quarters.
Hondo by 10
Bandera Bulldogs (3-1) @ Carrizo Springs Wildcats (1-3)
This is no contest as the Bulldogs dominate.
Bandera by 30
Devine Warhorses (3-1) @ Crystal City Javelinas (1-3)
The Warhorses win easily.
Devine by 27
Pearsall idle
District 31
Clearly the class of this district is Sinton and Ingleside, but we don’t get to see them play each other until October 30th. We think it’s going to be worth the wait.
The final playoff spot will be taken by Mathis, Robstown, West Oso, or Orange Grove. To tell you the truth, we haven’t a clue which of these teams will take that spot, but we know it’ll be a hard fought battle and we wouldn't be surprised at all to see some tie breakers come into play.
Aransas Pass and Falfurrias will struggle to win more than a game or two.
This weeks games:
Robstown (1-2) @ CC West Oso (1-2): THE game of the week in this district. The winner will have a leg up in the playoff hunt. Whoever loses this game, will probably miss the playoffs. Hard to pick against Oso at home.
Mathis (1-2) @ Aransas Pass (0-3): After opening with a win, Mathis has dropped their next 2 games by a combined 7 points. Mathis is too tough for the Panthers this week. Mathis by 14+
Falfurrias (0-3) @ Ingleside (3-0): Another easy win for the Ponies. Ingleside by 35+
Sinton (3-0) @ Orange Grove (1-2): It's easy to say the Pirates will win this game, but we see a possible upset in the making. Orange Grove has beaten the Pirates the last two times in Bulldog country and they are looking to keep that streak alive, but the Pirate defense might have something to say.
Pirates by 10.
District 32.
If ever a district was wide open, it’s this one. The Lyford Bulldogs (3-0) look to be playing the best football so far in pre-district, but the Raymondville Bearkats (2-1) and Port Isabel Tarpons(1-2) look to have played much tougher pre-district foes. Rio Hondo (0-3) the defending district champ, has also played a tough pre-district schedule, but has been blown out in their last two games. The Progreso Red Ants (2-1) have played a very soft pre-district and they along with the Zapata Hawks (0-3) look to be playing a spoiler role. The La Feria Lions (1-2) had quite the post-season run last year, losing to Cuero in the state quarters, but this year their lone pre-district win comes against 2A Santa Rosa and in their two loses, against tough opponents, they were hardly competitive. The Hidalgo Pirates (1-2) also only have one win that came against a very weak Falurrias team, although they did lose on a fluke play in week 0.
We think either Lyford or Raymondville will win this district. Port Isabel looks to be competing for a playoff spot and could contend for the championship if they start to play like many predicted pre-season. La Feria and Rio Hondo look to be rebuilding after strong ’08 seasons. Hidalgo, Progreso, and Zapata just don’t seem to have the players to contend for a playoff spot, but stranger things have happened.
This week's games:
Hidalgo (1-2) @ Port Isabel (1-2)
The Tarpons want to play for the District title and they will be ready for the Pirates.
PI by 17
Lyford (3-0) @ La Feria (1-2)
Lyford is playing well and La Feria looks to be struggling a bit. On the RGV forums, posters are saying the ‘dogs blow out the Lions. We give La Feria a bit more credit as we think their staff knows which games count, but we still think Lyford wins.
Lyford by 6
Raymondville (2-1) @ Progreso (2-1)
We think the Red Ants have a great mascot and very appropriate for South Texas. But Raymondville has a much better football team and the Bearkats cruise.
Raymondville by 20
Rio Hondo (0-3) @ Zapata (0-3)
The Bobcats get their first W this week.
RH by 15
District 25
Bellville v Brookshire Royal: The Brahmas come out snorting fire and roll over Brookshire Royal in a rebound effort after losing a tough one to Navasota.
Giddings v Elgin: The Buffs tackle the 4A Wildcats at home and continue their run up of wins in pre district play. Buffs win this one.
La Grange v Goliad: Homecoming for the Leps and a struggling Goliad team spell trouble for the Tigers. La Grange by a lot.
Sealy at Houston Pius. Sealy may give up a boat load of points in this one and win by 3 tds. Defense?
Columbus @ Luling:
Covered in D27
Smithville is idle
District 26
Brookshire Royal (2-1) @ Bellville (2-1)
Covered in D25
Needville (3-1) vs. (2A) Tidehaven (2-2)
Needville will roll in this game and improve to 4-1.
Prediction: Needville
Stafford (4-0) @ (4A) Houston Reagan (1-2)
Stafford has been impressive thus far and should be 5-0 when district begins.
Prediction: Stafford
Sweeny (2-1) vs. (4A) Bay City (0-4)
Sweeny rebounded last week on the road while Bay City was unimpressive at home vs. Cuero. Sweeny lost 3 of 5 fumbles while Bay City had several miscues and only 4 first downs last week. This week the rivalry will make it close. The winner will have fewer turnovers.
Prediction: Sweeny
West Columbia (1-2) @ (4A) El Campo (3-1)
West Columbia played well vs Houston Kashmere to get their first win. El Campo is one of the most impressive teams in Region 4 for all classes. Don't look for W.C. to get number 2.
Prediction: El Campo
Wharton is Idle
District 27
Luling vs. Columbus
Luling ended its 15 game losing streak last week, but I don't think it will be enough momentum to beat Columbus.
Cardinals by 14.
Poteet vs. Navarro
Poteet has a great running game but Navarro has a better defense. Navarro in a close one.
Marion @ Yoakum
Covered in D28
LaVernia @ Cuero
Covered in D28
Sam Houston is idle
Somerset is idle a bye.
D28
Cuero (4-0) vs. La Vernia (3-1)
This is clearly the game of the week in the region. Matches two state ranked teams with Cuero in the top-10 of just about every poll you can find and in the top 5 of some and La Vernia ranked anywhere from 11th to 20th in the state. Last year the Bears put it to a very good Cuero team and you can bet the Gobblers will be looking to return the favor. What these teams have in common is they are both well coached, fundamentally sound football teams; they will not beat themselves. The Gobblers are more offensively explosive, but the Bears are physical and can control the tempo. A great high school football match-up between two teams that get it right the vast majority of the time. Gobblers have the home field edge and the advantage at QB as we think they have an elite field general in Tyler Arndt. He’s the difference in this game.
Cuero by 5
Goliad (0-4) @ La Grange (4-0)
Covered in D25
Marion (1-3) @ Yoakum (1-2)
The Bulldogs have too much power, speed and size for Marion.
Yoakum by 25
Palacios (2-2) @. 1A Shiner
We like Shiner because they brew very good beer in that town. But we think the Sharks are going to win the game.
Palacios by 4
Gonzales (0-4) @ 4A Kyle Lehman
The Lehman Lobos return most of their players from an ’08 campaign and that’s probably enough to defeat the winless Apaches.
Lehman by 14
Edna is idle
This week, three districts in Region 4 start playing games for keeps. The games that will determine who is in, and who is out of the playoffs get started in D 29, 31, & 32. So, we’ll lead off this week’s write-up with a short preview about each district.
District 29
Bandera is the clear favorite in this district as it’s starting to look like the Bulldog’s QB, Mr. Hubble, may even be better then advertised. (He ran for 200+ yards last week vs. Wimberley, IN THE FIRST HALF!) Bandera is a lock for a playoff spot.
The other two spots will be taken up by Devine, Hondo, Pearsall, or possibly Lytle. For Crystal City and Carrizo Springs, it’s about playing spoiler and just trying to pick up a win or two in district play. We think Devine and Hondo are the favorites to earn a post season trip, but we can’t count out the Pearsall Mavericks, especially after their 4-0 pre-district start.
This week's games:
Hondo Owls (2-1) @ Lytle Pirates (2-1)
The winner stays in the playoff race and the loser probably doesn’t, it’s that simple. Hondo has played stiffer pre-district competition and we think they are a better team. But, Lytle knows the importance of this game and we think they keep it close for the first 3 quarters.
Hondo by 10
Bandera Bulldogs (3-1) @ Carrizo Springs Wildcats (1-3)
This is no contest as the Bulldogs dominate.
Bandera by 30
Devine Warhorses (3-1) @ Crystal City Javelinas (1-3)
The Warhorses win easily.
Devine by 27
Pearsall idle
District 31
Clearly the class of this district is Sinton and Ingleside, but we don’t get to see them play each other until October 30th. We think it’s going to be worth the wait.
The final playoff spot will be taken by Mathis, Robstown, West Oso, or Orange Grove. To tell you the truth, we haven’t a clue which of these teams will take that spot, but we know it’ll be a hard fought battle and we wouldn't be surprised at all to see some tie breakers come into play.
Aransas Pass and Falfurrias will struggle to win more than a game or two.
This weeks games:
Robstown (1-2) @ CC West Oso (1-2): THE game of the week in this district. The winner will have a leg up in the playoff hunt. Whoever loses this game, will probably miss the playoffs. Hard to pick against Oso at home.
Mathis (1-2) @ Aransas Pass (0-3): After opening with a win, Mathis has dropped their next 2 games by a combined 7 points. Mathis is too tough for the Panthers this week. Mathis by 14+
Falfurrias (0-3) @ Ingleside (3-0): Another easy win for the Ponies. Ingleside by 35+
Sinton (3-0) @ Orange Grove (1-2): It's easy to say the Pirates will win this game, but we see a possible upset in the making. Orange Grove has beaten the Pirates the last two times in Bulldog country and they are looking to keep that streak alive, but the Pirate defense might have something to say.
Pirates by 10.
District 32.
If ever a district was wide open, it’s this one. The Lyford Bulldogs (3-0) look to be playing the best football so far in pre-district, but the Raymondville Bearkats (2-1) and Port Isabel Tarpons(1-2) look to have played much tougher pre-district foes. Rio Hondo (0-3) the defending district champ, has also played a tough pre-district schedule, but has been blown out in their last two games. The Progreso Red Ants (2-1) have played a very soft pre-district and they along with the Zapata Hawks (0-3) look to be playing a spoiler role. The La Feria Lions (1-2) had quite the post-season run last year, losing to Cuero in the state quarters, but this year their lone pre-district win comes against 2A Santa Rosa and in their two loses, against tough opponents, they were hardly competitive. The Hidalgo Pirates (1-2) also only have one win that came against a very weak Falurrias team, although they did lose on a fluke play in week 0.
We think either Lyford or Raymondville will win this district. Port Isabel looks to be competing for a playoff spot and could contend for the championship if they start to play like many predicted pre-season. La Feria and Rio Hondo look to be rebuilding after strong ’08 seasons. Hidalgo, Progreso, and Zapata just don’t seem to have the players to contend for a playoff spot, but stranger things have happened.
This week's games:
Hidalgo (1-2) @ Port Isabel (1-2)
The Tarpons want to play for the District title and they will be ready for the Pirates.
PI by 17
Lyford (3-0) @ La Feria (1-2)
Lyford is playing well and La Feria looks to be struggling a bit. On the RGV forums, posters are saying the ‘dogs blow out the Lions. We give La Feria a bit more credit as we think their staff knows which games count, but we still think Lyford wins.
Lyford by 6
Raymondville (2-1) @ Progreso (2-1)
We think the Red Ants have a great mascot and very appropriate for South Texas. But Raymondville has a much better football team and the Bearkats cruise.
Raymondville by 20
Rio Hondo (0-3) @ Zapata (0-3)
The Bobcats get their first W this week.
RH by 15
District 25
Bellville v Brookshire Royal: The Brahmas come out snorting fire and roll over Brookshire Royal in a rebound effort after losing a tough one to Navasota.
Giddings v Elgin: The Buffs tackle the 4A Wildcats at home and continue their run up of wins in pre district play. Buffs win this one.
La Grange v Goliad: Homecoming for the Leps and a struggling Goliad team spell trouble for the Tigers. La Grange by a lot.
Sealy at Houston Pius. Sealy may give up a boat load of points in this one and win by 3 tds. Defense?
Columbus @ Luling:
Covered in D27
Smithville is idle
District 26
Brookshire Royal (2-1) @ Bellville (2-1)
Covered in D25
Needville (3-1) vs. (2A) Tidehaven (2-2)
Needville will roll in this game and improve to 4-1.
Prediction: Needville
Stafford (4-0) @ (4A) Houston Reagan (1-2)
Stafford has been impressive thus far and should be 5-0 when district begins.
Prediction: Stafford
Sweeny (2-1) vs. (4A) Bay City (0-4)
Sweeny rebounded last week on the road while Bay City was unimpressive at home vs. Cuero. Sweeny lost 3 of 5 fumbles while Bay City had several miscues and only 4 first downs last week. This week the rivalry will make it close. The winner will have fewer turnovers.
Prediction: Sweeny
West Columbia (1-2) @ (4A) El Campo (3-1)
West Columbia played well vs Houston Kashmere to get their first win. El Campo is one of the most impressive teams in Region 4 for all classes. Don't look for W.C. to get number 2.
Prediction: El Campo
Wharton is Idle
District 27
Luling vs. Columbus
Luling ended its 15 game losing streak last week, but I don't think it will be enough momentum to beat Columbus.
Cardinals by 14.
Poteet vs. Navarro
Poteet has a great running game but Navarro has a better defense. Navarro in a close one.
Marion @ Yoakum
Covered in D28
LaVernia @ Cuero
Covered in D28
Sam Houston is idle
Somerset is idle a bye.
D28
Cuero (4-0) vs. La Vernia (3-1)
This is clearly the game of the week in the region. Matches two state ranked teams with Cuero in the top-10 of just about every poll you can find and in the top 5 of some and La Vernia ranked anywhere from 11th to 20th in the state. Last year the Bears put it to a very good Cuero team and you can bet the Gobblers will be looking to return the favor. What these teams have in common is they are both well coached, fundamentally sound football teams; they will not beat themselves. The Gobblers are more offensively explosive, but the Bears are physical and can control the tempo. A great high school football match-up between two teams that get it right the vast majority of the time. Gobblers have the home field edge and the advantage at QB as we think they have an elite field general in Tyler Arndt. He’s the difference in this game.
Cuero by 5
Goliad (0-4) @ La Grange (4-0)
Covered in D25
Marion (1-3) @ Yoakum (1-2)
The Bulldogs have too much power, speed and size for Marion.
Yoakum by 25
Palacios (2-2) @. 1A Shiner
We like Shiner because they brew very good beer in that town. But we think the Sharks are going to win the game.
Palacios by 4
Gonzales (0-4) @ 4A Kyle Lehman
The Lehman Lobos return most of their players from an ’08 campaign and that’s probably enough to defeat the winless Apaches.
Lehman by 14
Edna is idle