The La Porte Bulldogs move on to round 2 of the division 2 region 3 playoffs against the Bush Broncos. The game is Saturday at 1pm in Deer Park.
La Porte enters the game with a 10-1 record after 8 consecutive victories. The Bulldogs have improved every week and are playing their best football of the season. Last week La Porte took down Pasadena Memorial 35-7 in the first round of the playoffs.
Bush enters the game at 8-3 after a win last week against Clear Creek 29-21. It was the first playoff game in their school's history.
The only common opponent this season was Clements. La Porte beat them 31-0 in the first game of the season and Bush took them down 48-22.
Bush runs the spread offense and have three main play-makers. Senior Running Back Jalynn McCain is a big, strong back who runs tough inside. He has been the top focal point of the offense with 1250 yards and 15 touchdowns on the season. Sophomore Quarterback Ronald Monroe (1350 yards, 10 touchdowns with 7 interceptions) has a bright future ahead of him and at 6'3" 170lbs could blossom into one of the best in the area over the next two seasons. He has not been a big threat on the ground. Junior O'Shea Wilson is an explosive change of pace back and can get to the edge fast. The Broncos try to do most of their damage on the ground, but are able to throw as well.
On defense Bush has a very quick front seven in their 4-3 defense. Against Clear Creek they tracked down the outside running game with ease. Creek had all of their success up the middle. The Broncos have very skilled cornerbacks on the outside and rely on man to man coverage freeing up the safeties and linebackers to make plays.
La Porte's offense didn't show much last Friday against Pasadena Memorial. Five different players ran over 50 yards in the win against the Mavs. Senior Quarterback Josh Vidales had his best rushing game of the season with 74 yards and two scores. Junior Keith Whitely is the Bulldogs leading rusher and will be hitting the middle of the line all night this week.
On Defense the Bulldogs' "Dark Side" overall did not give up any points from the starters last week, but it was not their best performance of the season. I expect they will tighten up this week and attack the Broncos. Seniors Chad Sutherland, Cameron Whilley, Aaron Nance-Garrett, Blake Turlington and Chris Hickey will not close out their high school career without a fight.
Keys to La Porte Victory:
-Force the Broncos to put the ball in the air. Bush will make some mistakes and turn the ball over. The Bulldogs are a very opportune defense.
-Win the physical battle on both sides of the ball. Wear down Bush for the usual strong 4th quarter La Porte push.
-Field position and special teams. This should be an edge for La Porte with Vidales' punting and Junior Kicker Eric Medina.
La Porte will be the home team and I expect there will be a big crowd Saturday afternoon. If you have not seen the Bulldogs this season, please come out and see what you're missing! Lets pack the house!
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