R4Editor
10-08-2009, 09:22 AM
Region IV Week 6 Preview
This is the week when everyone in region IV, and across the state for that matter, start playing for keeps. We’ll give a short synopsis of each district that begins district play this week, and as always cover every game played in Region IV.
District 25
In the older days of the NFL the NFC North was known as the black and blue division. District 25 is Region IV’s black and blue district. It’s clichés that say every game counts or every game is a playoff game, but in D25 its true. No team in this district has a breather. Which ever teams advance to the playoffs out of this district will not only be highly skilled, they will also be consistent, determined, and most likely favored to advance out of the region.
Bellville (4-1) v La Grange (5-0)
Can the stout Bellville defense hold down the dynamic offense of La Grange? They say defense wins championships. That plus home field advantage makes for an uphill battle for the Leps. Bellville pulls off a win in a squeaker in this D25 opener.
Columbus (4-1) v Smithville (4-1)
This is a very tight match up. Both teams have talent and speed. Both teams are out to prove something in district. Momentum is important and right now the Tigers have it. Smithville starts district play with a win.
Sealy (5-0) v Giddings (5-0)
Sealy has an explosive offense that can rack up the points fast. However, can their defense hold Giddings to less than 30 points? Probably not. Giddings wins in a high scoring thriller.
District 26.
Prior to district play starting in District 32 we wrote that 32 was a wide open district and any team could rise up and take the crown. Well, 26 is a bit like that also. Needville looks to be the favorite, but a case can be made for Stafford as they enter district play with a perfect record. Sweeny and Brookshire Royal both have talent and can beat any team on any night. Columbia and Wharton are the only teams giving up more yards than they gain, but both have played tough pre-district schedules. Thie district championship and playoff spots are up for grabs and we expect some surprises.
Stats thru week 5.
Team Offense YPG
Brookshire Royal 344.8
Sweeny 303.8
Needville 291.6
Stafford 280.0
West Columbia 279.0
Wharton 234.8
Team Defense YPG
Needville 197.8
Sweeny 236.0
Stafford 251.2
Wharton 282.0
Brookshire Royal 286.0
West Columbia 288.4
Brookshire Royal (1-4) vs. Wharton (0-5)
After extremely difficult non district schedules both the Falcon's and Tiger's will be glad to see a familiar foe. Brookshire and Wharton both want to start district play 1-0 but the lack of depth for Wharton could hurt their chances. Last year was a close game.
Prediction: Brookshire Royal
Needville (4-1) @ West Columbia (1-3)
This hidden rivalry is not known by those outside of District 26. Needville has had a strong start while West Columbia has grabbed only one win against (4A) Houston Kashmere. Needville's rushing attack will be difficult for the Neck's to stop. But the game is in Roughneck country and Columbia plays well at home.
Prediction: Needville
Stafford (4-0) @ Sweeny (3-2)
Stafford has played well all season and has a spotless 4-0 record. The new look Spartans like to run the ball. The Sweeny Bulldog's are coming off a good confidence building win against Houston Christian. Sweeny will try to iron out some of the kinks in their armor. This could very well be a close game. If Sweeny is able to wear down the Spartan defense the Bulldogs will win by double digits; if not it will be very close.
Prediction: Sweeny
District 27
Unlike the two previous districts the next two have clear favorites and in 27 it’s La Vernia. The Bears have played a very tough schedule and been competitive with the best in Region IV, holding a late lead @ Giddings and a half-time lead @ Cuero. We don’t think Marion can win a game in district this year. Luling is a much better team this year and we think the Eagles along with Poteet, SA Sam Houston, and Somerset fight it out for the last two playoff spots.
Poteet (3-1) @ LaVernia (3-2) Poteet has a good running game but not good enough to beat LaVernia. LaVernia should go unbeaten in district.
Somerset (4-1) @ Marion (1-4) Somerset can run and throw the ball, Marion can't do either of these. Somerset by at least 21 points.
Luling (1-4) @ Sam Houston (4-1) Our upset special this week. Last year this game was a shootout, should be same this year. Both teams came move the ball at will, neither can stop it. We will take Luling in a close one.
District 28
Cuero owns this district, no doubt about it. Right now they have the best offense by far, and their expected weakness this year, the defense, has turned out to be very good. Yoakum was supposed to challenge the Gobblers this year as the ‘dogs have a senior class that have been targeting this year since they started high school together. But they have yet to hit their stride. Against weak opposition they run it up and score at will, against better teams they have been for the most part, not very good. The Edna Cowboys are a much improved team and have one of the best all around athletes in the district in QB Kam Jones. But the high point of the season so far for Edna has been their defense, ranked 17th in 3A in points allowed. Gonzales has one win in pre-district, but unlike Edna the Apaches have a not so good defense, currently ranked 161 in 3A giving up 36 points a game. The Apaches will need to score a lot of points to win. Goliad is 0-5, but we think they are better than their record and we look for the Tigers to take a bite out of someone before district play is over. The Palacios Sharks will play hard, but they are simply out manned and will struggle to get a victory in district.
Cuero (5-0) @ Yoakum (2-3) Yoakum hasn’t put up much of a fight against good opposition this year, and Cuero is much better than anyone they’ve seen so far. But, there’s an old saying that goes, familiarity breeds contempt, and these teams know each other. This should be a blowout win for the Gobblers, but we get the feeling the Bulldogs have been waiting for this game. The fact that they will play on a wet slow field, and most likely in the rain favors Yoakum. We’re not going to pick Yoakum to win, but we do think they come to play.
Cuero by 8
Gonzales (1-4) @ Edna (3-1)
Edna just might have a good football team this year. They have an offense that can grind it out, as evidenced last Friday by 225 yards rushing vs. a very good Refugio defense. And yet they have big play capability with 5 TD passes so far this year of 50+ yards. They’ve also been playing some good defense. The Apaches are a big play offense that can hurt you if on, and Ckody Burton can score any time he gets his hands on the ball.
Edna by 10
Goliad (0-5) @ Palacios (2-3)
The Sharks haven’t fared so well against size and Goliad brings some beef to this game. We think the Tigers control the clock and grind out a victory.
Goliad by 17
District 29
Bandera 2-0
Hondo 2-0
Pearsall 1-0
Devine 1-1
Lytle 0-1
Crystal City 0-2
Carrizo Spings 0-2
Bandera (5-1) @ Pearsall (5-0)
The GOTW in this tough district. Pearsall surprised a lot of folks by knocking off Devine last week, but not us as we picked them to win that game. And, guess what, we think they win again in a nail biter over favored Bandera.
Pearsall by 1
Lytle (2-3) @ Carrizo Springs (1-5)
Lytle wins in a close hard fought game.
Lytle by 6
Hondo (4-1) @ Crystal City (1-5)
The Hondo Owls are a good football team and they cruise past Crystal City. And they better because they end district play against Pearsall, Devine and Bandera in consecutive weeks.
District 31
Sinton 2-0
Mathis 2-0
Robstown 2-0
Ingleside 1-1
West Oso 1-1
Aransas Pass 0-2
Orange Grove 0-2
Falfurrias 0-2
Sinton (5-0; 2-0) @ Mathis (3-2; 2-0) Battle of the Pirates. Throw out everything that has happened up to this point. This is a rivalry game and Mathis is riding high after their huge upset over the Mustangs. Sinton has had some trouble stopping the run, but if their passing game is "on" and they can build an early lead, the SINTON Pirates will prevail. Sinton by 3
Robstown (3-2; 2-0) @ Aransas Pass (0-5; 0-2) It's gonna be a long season for the Panthers, but they have some young talent. Hope they can keep their spirits up. Cottonpickers by 3+ TDs.
Ingleside (4-1; 1-1) @ CC West Oso (2-3; 1-1) Ingleside suffered a set back last week, committing 4 turnovers and battling some injuries. Look for them to rebound against an up & down Bear team. Ingleside by 21.
Falfurrias (0-5; 0-2) @ (1-4; 0-2) One of these teams will get their first district win, unfortunately for Falfurrias, it will be Orange Grove. The Grove by 14.
District 32
Lyford 2-0
Hidalgo 2-0
Raymondville 1-1
La Feria 1-1
Rio Hondo 1-1
Zapata 1-1
Port Isabel 0-2
Progresso 0-2
Hidalgo (3-2) @ Raymondville (3-2)
Raymondville is supposed to win this game…right? They’re at home; they were a pre-district favorite, and even ranked by some publications. But, the Hidalgo Pirates apparently don’t listen to the experts and they will not be listening this week either.
Hidalgo by 3
La Feria (2-3) @ Zapata (1-4)
The La Feria Lions pulled out a big win last week @ Raymondville. We like the Lions to do it again this week.
La Feria by 2
Lyford (5-0) @ Port Isabel (1-4)
It’s been a disappointing season so far for the tarpons of Port Isabel. This is a must win if they hope to keep any playoff hopes alive, but Lyford is just too good for the tarpons this year.
Lyford by 9
Rio Hondo (1-4) @ Progresso (2-3)
Rio Hondo woke up last week and we think they’ll stay awake for a while now. Rio Hondo wins easy.
RH by 17
This is the week when everyone in region IV, and across the state for that matter, start playing for keeps. We’ll give a short synopsis of each district that begins district play this week, and as always cover every game played in Region IV.
District 25
In the older days of the NFL the NFC North was known as the black and blue division. District 25 is Region IV’s black and blue district. It’s clichés that say every game counts or every game is a playoff game, but in D25 its true. No team in this district has a breather. Which ever teams advance to the playoffs out of this district will not only be highly skilled, they will also be consistent, determined, and most likely favored to advance out of the region.
Bellville (4-1) v La Grange (5-0)
Can the stout Bellville defense hold down the dynamic offense of La Grange? They say defense wins championships. That plus home field advantage makes for an uphill battle for the Leps. Bellville pulls off a win in a squeaker in this D25 opener.
Columbus (4-1) v Smithville (4-1)
This is a very tight match up. Both teams have talent and speed. Both teams are out to prove something in district. Momentum is important and right now the Tigers have it. Smithville starts district play with a win.
Sealy (5-0) v Giddings (5-0)
Sealy has an explosive offense that can rack up the points fast. However, can their defense hold Giddings to less than 30 points? Probably not. Giddings wins in a high scoring thriller.
District 26.
Prior to district play starting in District 32 we wrote that 32 was a wide open district and any team could rise up and take the crown. Well, 26 is a bit like that also. Needville looks to be the favorite, but a case can be made for Stafford as they enter district play with a perfect record. Sweeny and Brookshire Royal both have talent and can beat any team on any night. Columbia and Wharton are the only teams giving up more yards than they gain, but both have played tough pre-district schedules. Thie district championship and playoff spots are up for grabs and we expect some surprises.
Stats thru week 5.
Team Offense YPG
Brookshire Royal 344.8
Sweeny 303.8
Needville 291.6
Stafford 280.0
West Columbia 279.0
Wharton 234.8
Team Defense YPG
Needville 197.8
Sweeny 236.0
Stafford 251.2
Wharton 282.0
Brookshire Royal 286.0
West Columbia 288.4
Brookshire Royal (1-4) vs. Wharton (0-5)
After extremely difficult non district schedules both the Falcon's and Tiger's will be glad to see a familiar foe. Brookshire and Wharton both want to start district play 1-0 but the lack of depth for Wharton could hurt their chances. Last year was a close game.
Prediction: Brookshire Royal
Needville (4-1) @ West Columbia (1-3)
This hidden rivalry is not known by those outside of District 26. Needville has had a strong start while West Columbia has grabbed only one win against (4A) Houston Kashmere. Needville's rushing attack will be difficult for the Neck's to stop. But the game is in Roughneck country and Columbia plays well at home.
Prediction: Needville
Stafford (4-0) @ Sweeny (3-2)
Stafford has played well all season and has a spotless 4-0 record. The new look Spartans like to run the ball. The Sweeny Bulldog's are coming off a good confidence building win against Houston Christian. Sweeny will try to iron out some of the kinks in their armor. This could very well be a close game. If Sweeny is able to wear down the Spartan defense the Bulldogs will win by double digits; if not it will be very close.
Prediction: Sweeny
District 27
Unlike the two previous districts the next two have clear favorites and in 27 it’s La Vernia. The Bears have played a very tough schedule and been competitive with the best in Region IV, holding a late lead @ Giddings and a half-time lead @ Cuero. We don’t think Marion can win a game in district this year. Luling is a much better team this year and we think the Eagles along with Poteet, SA Sam Houston, and Somerset fight it out for the last two playoff spots.
Poteet (3-1) @ LaVernia (3-2) Poteet has a good running game but not good enough to beat LaVernia. LaVernia should go unbeaten in district.
Somerset (4-1) @ Marion (1-4) Somerset can run and throw the ball, Marion can't do either of these. Somerset by at least 21 points.
Luling (1-4) @ Sam Houston (4-1) Our upset special this week. Last year this game was a shootout, should be same this year. Both teams came move the ball at will, neither can stop it. We will take Luling in a close one.
District 28
Cuero owns this district, no doubt about it. Right now they have the best offense by far, and their expected weakness this year, the defense, has turned out to be very good. Yoakum was supposed to challenge the Gobblers this year as the ‘dogs have a senior class that have been targeting this year since they started high school together. But they have yet to hit their stride. Against weak opposition they run it up and score at will, against better teams they have been for the most part, not very good. The Edna Cowboys are a much improved team and have one of the best all around athletes in the district in QB Kam Jones. But the high point of the season so far for Edna has been their defense, ranked 17th in 3A in points allowed. Gonzales has one win in pre-district, but unlike Edna the Apaches have a not so good defense, currently ranked 161 in 3A giving up 36 points a game. The Apaches will need to score a lot of points to win. Goliad is 0-5, but we think they are better than their record and we look for the Tigers to take a bite out of someone before district play is over. The Palacios Sharks will play hard, but they are simply out manned and will struggle to get a victory in district.
Cuero (5-0) @ Yoakum (2-3) Yoakum hasn’t put up much of a fight against good opposition this year, and Cuero is much better than anyone they’ve seen so far. But, there’s an old saying that goes, familiarity breeds contempt, and these teams know each other. This should be a blowout win for the Gobblers, but we get the feeling the Bulldogs have been waiting for this game. The fact that they will play on a wet slow field, and most likely in the rain favors Yoakum. We’re not going to pick Yoakum to win, but we do think they come to play.
Cuero by 8
Gonzales (1-4) @ Edna (3-1)
Edna just might have a good football team this year. They have an offense that can grind it out, as evidenced last Friday by 225 yards rushing vs. a very good Refugio defense. And yet they have big play capability with 5 TD passes so far this year of 50+ yards. They’ve also been playing some good defense. The Apaches are a big play offense that can hurt you if on, and Ckody Burton can score any time he gets his hands on the ball.
Edna by 10
Goliad (0-5) @ Palacios (2-3)
The Sharks haven’t fared so well against size and Goliad brings some beef to this game. We think the Tigers control the clock and grind out a victory.
Goliad by 17
District 29
Bandera 2-0
Hondo 2-0
Pearsall 1-0
Devine 1-1
Lytle 0-1
Crystal City 0-2
Carrizo Spings 0-2
Bandera (5-1) @ Pearsall (5-0)
The GOTW in this tough district. Pearsall surprised a lot of folks by knocking off Devine last week, but not us as we picked them to win that game. And, guess what, we think they win again in a nail biter over favored Bandera.
Pearsall by 1
Lytle (2-3) @ Carrizo Springs (1-5)
Lytle wins in a close hard fought game.
Lytle by 6
Hondo (4-1) @ Crystal City (1-5)
The Hondo Owls are a good football team and they cruise past Crystal City. And they better because they end district play against Pearsall, Devine and Bandera in consecutive weeks.
District 31
Sinton 2-0
Mathis 2-0
Robstown 2-0
Ingleside 1-1
West Oso 1-1
Aransas Pass 0-2
Orange Grove 0-2
Falfurrias 0-2
Sinton (5-0; 2-0) @ Mathis (3-2; 2-0) Battle of the Pirates. Throw out everything that has happened up to this point. This is a rivalry game and Mathis is riding high after their huge upset over the Mustangs. Sinton has had some trouble stopping the run, but if their passing game is "on" and they can build an early lead, the SINTON Pirates will prevail. Sinton by 3
Robstown (3-2; 2-0) @ Aransas Pass (0-5; 0-2) It's gonna be a long season for the Panthers, but they have some young talent. Hope they can keep their spirits up. Cottonpickers by 3+ TDs.
Ingleside (4-1; 1-1) @ CC West Oso (2-3; 1-1) Ingleside suffered a set back last week, committing 4 turnovers and battling some injuries. Look for them to rebound against an up & down Bear team. Ingleside by 21.
Falfurrias (0-5; 0-2) @ (1-4; 0-2) One of these teams will get their first district win, unfortunately for Falfurrias, it will be Orange Grove. The Grove by 14.
District 32
Lyford 2-0
Hidalgo 2-0
Raymondville 1-1
La Feria 1-1
Rio Hondo 1-1
Zapata 1-1
Port Isabel 0-2
Progresso 0-2
Hidalgo (3-2) @ Raymondville (3-2)
Raymondville is supposed to win this game…right? They’re at home; they were a pre-district favorite, and even ranked by some publications. But, the Hidalgo Pirates apparently don’t listen to the experts and they will not be listening this week either.
Hidalgo by 3
La Feria (2-3) @ Zapata (1-4)
The La Feria Lions pulled out a big win last week @ Raymondville. We like the Lions to do it again this week.
La Feria by 2
Lyford (5-0) @ Port Isabel (1-4)
It’s been a disappointing season so far for the tarpons of Port Isabel. This is a must win if they hope to keep any playoff hopes alive, but Lyford is just too good for the tarpons this year.
Lyford by 9
Rio Hondo (1-4) @ Progresso (2-3)
Rio Hondo woke up last week and we think they’ll stay awake for a while now. Rio Hondo wins easy.
RH by 17