Tuesday, November 1, 2011

La Porte at Beaumont West Brook Preview

The last game of the regular season features the 8-1 La Porte Bulldogs against the 6-3 Beaumont West Brook Bruins.  The game will be played Saturday at Butch Thomas Stadium just west of Beaumont on I10.

La Porte has clinched the #1 seed from district 21-5A and will play the Pasadena High Eagles or South Houston Trojans in the first round.  La Porte took down previously undefeated Port Arthur Memorial for the district championship last week.

Beaumont West Brook has yet to clinch the playoffs, but are coming off a huge win over Channelview to put them in the drivers seat for the fourth playoff spot out of 21-5A.  The Bruins will know what they need to do to make the playoffs before the game starts Saturday.  If North Shore beats Channelview Friday night the Bruins are in.  If Channelview wins they are likely out unless they beat the Bulldogs.

The Bruins offense is lead by Seniors Quarterback Josh Stump (1321 yards passing and 14 touchdowns) and Running Back Percy Johnson (855 yards rushing and 9 touchdowns).  They like to run out of spread formations and Stump is very mobile and likes to run as well.  He is also the coaches son.

On defense the Bruins are lead by Senior Defensive End and University of Texas commit Caleb Bluiett.  Bluiett made the game saving play last week returning a pooch kickoff and setting up the game winning touchdown against Channelview.  The Bruins run the 3-4 defense and have very capable cover skills in the secondary.  They can be beat on the ground and that's just what they will see this week.

La Porte's offense has found a rhythm the last two weeks and have been dominating up front leading to big rushing days. Junior Keith Whitely (995 yards and 8 touchdowns) had his best game last week against a good Port Arthur front seven rushing for 203 yards and two scores including the game winner.  Sophomore's Jonathan Lewis and Taejon Wearen have also contributed to the rushing performance.   Senior Quarterback Josh Vidales has put on poised efforts the last two weeks leading the team to victory.

The Bulldogs "Dark Side" shut down the high powered Port Arthur Memorial offense in the fourth quarter last week and their stops made it possible for the two fourth quarter rushing touchdowns for Whitely.  Senior Linebackers Chad Sutherland and Cameron Whilley have shown great leadership through out the year and the defensive appears ready for a big run in the playoffs.

Due to already clinching the top spot in district we could see some new faces getting playing time this week for La Porte.

Keys to Victory:
-Play ball control offense
-Spy Stump on the roll-outs.  He likes to throw on the run outside the pocket as well as take off on his own.

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