Friday, Nov. 14, 2008

Playoffs Signal Beginning of the End

The Lonnquist Notes

There’s always a feeling of sorrow for me when the high school football playoffs start because it means we’re getting closer to the end of the best season in Texas.

It seemed not so long ago that my colleagues and I were feverishly working against deadline to get the preview section completed.

But don’t misunderstand; the playoffs take the caliber of play to a higher level and you get incredible subplots and theatre.

What makes the 2008 bi-district round appetizing is that teams we’ve covered all season long are now facing each other with a quartet of games that starts at 10 a.m. Saturday at Texas Stadium.

Now, it’s time for me to put it out there and offer insight and predictions so here we go:

Carroll (7-2) vs. Colleyville Heritage (9-1), 10 a.m. (Division II) — The last several times these teams have met, Carroll has pretty much had its way. The point differential was 26 or more. The Panthers are 0-9 lifetime against the Dragons.

Oh, but these kids know each other. Colleyville Heritage is coming off the greatest regular season in history and Carroll didn’t have a typical Carroll season. The Dragons are using backup quarterback David Piland who has performed well, however, tradition is on their side.

If the Panthers’ offensive line can hold up and keep the likes of Braydon Burnett away from Steven Hill, that’s good news for Colleyville Heritage.

Prediction: Colleyville Heritage 35, Carroll 28.

L.D. Bell (7-3) vs. Hebron (7-3), (Approx. 1 p.m. Division II) — Bell coach Gary Olivo flips a mean coin. The Blue Raiders needed a favorable flip to get into the postseason but he should feel good about the progress his program has made. The Blue Raiders defeated everybody they should have defeated and probably lost to the teams they should have lost to.

Now, they get a serious challenge against the District 6-5A champions who have won seven consecutive games. Hawks quarterback Dustin Iwuji has thrown for 1,704 yards and rushed for 1,084 yards and running back Darius Staten is at 1,003 yards.

Mix that with a very physical Hebron defense directed by former Carroll great Dane Johnson and this could get really nasty. L.D. Bell needs some breaks.

Prediction: Hebron 38, L.D. Bell 17

Marcus (5-5) vs. Euless Trinity (10-0) (Approx. 4 p.m. Division I) — Great expectations for the Marauders met inconsistency on both sides of the ball this year. The Trojans, who have won 26 consecutive games, just did what they do best by absolutely punishing people by rushing for 2,306 yards.

The Trojans weren’t untouchable, however, as Colleyville Heritage and L.D. Bell did score 20 or more points against them.

But the Trojans know how to exploit people. You can expect them to put about eight in the box to limit Marcus all-everything running back Stephen Hopkins and force Marcus quarterback Brad L’Huillier to make plays.

Prediction: Euless Trinity 30, Marcus 16