Monday, October 24, 2011

Week 9 La Porte Vs Port Arthur Memorial Preview

The big games keep coming for the La Porte Bulldogs this week.  A week after dispatching North Shore and gaining control of their own destiny in the district title race the Bulldogs will face the Port Arthur Memorial Titans at Bulldogs Stadium in La Porte Friday at 7pm.

La Porte carries a 7-1 overall record heading into this week and have clinched a playoff spot with a 3-0 record in district play.  The Bulldogs have victories over the Titans the last 4 times they've played.

Port Arthur Memorial have fought their way to a 8-0 record on the season after dispatching crosstown rival Beaumont West Brook last week 32-27.  They will try to finally break through and get past the Bulldogs.

Both teams have played common opponents and beaten North Shore and Channelview this season.  The Bulldogs took down North Shore 38-30 last week and Memorial beat them a couple weeks ago 14-7.  La Porte beat Channelview 35-21 while Port Arthur held on to victory 47-44 over the Falcons.

Port Arthur Memorial features one of the most explosive offenses in the state averaging 42.5 points per game.  Senior Quarterback and Baylor commitment Terrence Singleton guides the offense with 1500 yards passing to go with 800 yards rushing and 26 total touchdowns.  The dual threat is hard to slow down.  Senior Running Back and Arkansas Recruit Nathan Holmes (1024 yards rushing, 15 touchdowns) leads the Titans in rushing and some scout services have him in the top 30 national recruits at running back.  Senior Jhajuan Seales leads Port Arthur in receiving with 670 yards on 30 catches with 9 touchdowns. Senior Offensive Lineman Tre-Von Armstead is also committed to Baylor.

The Titans defense has improved greatly improved this season and it shows on the scoreboard.  The defense gives up a little over 17 points per game.  Senior Defensive Back Jaylon Howard leads the team with 3 interceptions and is a explosive play-maker.  Senior Jereem Augustine leads a good group of linebackers.  The Titans have been solid against the run this season and have struggled at times against the pass.

La Porte is averaging 28 points per game on offense and have come through at the right times to win games this season.  Junior Running Back Keith Whitely leads the team with almost 800 yards rushing and 6 touchdowns.

The Darkside defense came out with purpose last week and enabled the Bulldogs to pull off the upset over North Shore by causing four turnovers.  Sophomore Linebacker Hoza Scott scored two defensive touchdowns in the victory.  This week will be even more challenging against the potent Titan offense.

Keys To Victory:
-The Bulldogs defense must force the Titans offense to be one dimensional.  Taking the running game away will let La Porte take control of the clock and wear down Port Arthur's defense in the second half.
-On offense La Porte will need to loosen up the Titans defense with some deep passes as they did last week against North Shore.  This provides a better chance for the running game to be effective.
-Win the line battle on both sides.  Last week La Porte held their own against the powerful lines of North Shore and came out with the better play up front in the end.  This week that trend must continue.
-Win the turnover battle.

The winner of this game will be the District 21-5A Champion!!  The players need a LOUD full house crowd to cheer them on and give them a home-field advantage.  Come out this Friday as the Bulldogs go for their first district championship in a long time!

No comments:

Post a Comment