Saturday, November 13, 2010

Final La Porte 42 South Houston 7 Postgame Analysis

La Porte got off to a rip-roaring start downing South Houston 42-7 in the first round of the 5A division 2 playoffs.

It was a night of scares and upsets around the Houston area(Undefeated The Woodlands lost, Clear Springs lost, North Shore squeaked by Deer Park 17-10), but La Porte avoided a let down and came out ready to make a statement.

The defense had little problem with the South Houston passing attack in the first half.  South Houston Senior UT commitment Corner back/Running back Leroy Scott started the game at running back and the Bulldogs were not fooled at all.  It will be hard for any team to run on La Porte in the playoffs this year.  It was a total team effort for the Bulldog defense. Sophomore Safety Keith Whitely picked up a interception and also made a unbelievable 78 yard punt return for a touchdown, the last 50 yards of the run were with only one shoe.  I have to say Whitely was making plays everywhere and has to be considered player of the game this week.  We have 2 more seasons to watch this young man and I believe big things are to come.  The second half featured the backup defense which did struggle a little bit at the point of attack.  This is understandable against South Houston's starters.  These underclassmen got some valuable experience and will get into the weight room this summer.  The team will only have more depth with them getting playing time, especially being in the playoffs.

On offense La Porte started with Junior QB Josh Vidales in the game.  You could tell Senior QB Jeremy McNeal really wanted to be in this game from the beginning, but with the start La Porte had with the punt return the Bulldogs decided to get Vidales some playing time.  Senior RB Anthony Webb made a big bang carrying the ball twice for 40 yards and a TD on the Bulldog's first offensive possession.  Webb ended up with 119 yards on 14 carries all in the first half.  The offensive line opened huge holes for Webb. Vidales struggled a little with his passes, but completed a touchdown to Senior TE Pierre Hernandez.  Midway through the 2nd quarter McNeal entered the game and was dominant going 5 for 5 for 65 yards and a 40 yard touchdown pass to Senior WR Justin Collins who got behind the highly recruited South Houston secondary on the first possession of the 3rd quarter.  That was it for the night for the starting offense.  Junior RB Tommy Banda had a 50 yard run where it looked like he was shot out of a cannon, although he fumbled at the end of it.  Freshman RB Hoza Scott had some tough yards to run down the clock in the fourth.

Overall a great and focused performance for La Porte.  They got to work on some passing against a good secondary and did not disappoint.

South Houston's Leroy Scott must have had 20 tackles on the night as it seemed he was making every stop for the Trojans.  He looks like he will be a great player for the University of Texas.

La Porte will face the winner of the Fort Bend Travis-Clear Creek game being played today at 1pm in Pasadena. Either team will be a great challenge for La Porte.

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