The game will be on the big stage, Reliant Stadium, Saturday 12/3 at 1pm. Gates open at 11.
La Porte defeated Port Arthur Memorial in week nine of the regular season 24-20.
So far in the playoffs the story for the Bulldogs has been DEFENSE:
La Porte 35 Pasadena Memorial 7
La Porte 42 Fort Bend Bush 6
La Porte 9 Katy 7
For the Titans it has been more of an offensive explosion:
Port Arthur Memorial 56 South Houston 28
Port Arthur Memorial 38 Clear Springs 35
Port Arthur Memorial 24 Spring Branch Memorial 14
Senior Quarterback and Baylor commit Terrence Singleton leads the Titan offense with some impressive stats. 2184 yards passing and 20 touchdowns through the air and 1385 yards rushing with 19 scores on the ground. He makes the offense go and will be the main focus for the Bulldog defense this week. Senior Running Back and Arkansas Commit Nate Holmes has seen limited action since the first matchup in which he suffered an injury. Senior Running Back Kenneth Mayfield has filled in without missing a beat. Senior Wide Receiver Jajuan Seales gave the Bulldogs fits in the first matchup and will go over 1000 yards receiving this week if he gets 21 yards receiving.
The Titans defense is lead by a good linebacker corps with Senior Jereem Augustine. Senior Safety Jaylon Howard is a playmaker in the back. La Porte managed to run for 286 yards in the first meeting between the teams, however run defense has been a strength for Port Arthur Memorial.
La Porte's offense had a off week against the number one rated defense in the state last week. However in the weeks before were running the ball better than ever. Junior Running Back Keith Whitely has had a breakout season with 1400 yards and 13 touchdowns. Sophomore running backs Jonathan Lewis and Taejon Wearen have proven to be good playmakers and overall the trio work together to confuse opposing defenses. The young offensive line had their hands full against the Tigers, but have seen the Titans before and know what matchups to look for this week. Senior Quarterback Josh Vidales has shown poise and leadership ability. He has really turned it on in the playoffs.
The Bulldogs' Dark Side has dominated the last four weeks after a regular season of bend but not break defense. They have turned up the heat and are now imposing their will on opposing offenses. Katy had no answer to the pressure the front seven created. Senior Linebackers Chad Sutherland, Cameron Whilley and Chris Hickey along with Sophomore Hoza Scott have blossomed into one of the best units in the state. The defensive line has not been too shabby themselves with Juniors Corey Lee, Alex Jones and Mark Guzman and Seniors Blake Turlington and Tyrone Graves rotating. The secondary has been strong against the pass since giving up some yards against the Titans in week 9. Junior Cornerbacks Ellis Hutchinson and Malik Graves both have four interceptions on the season with Graves getting a big momentum changing pick against Katy. Senior Safety Aaron Nance-Garrett has been all over the field making plays and brings a highlight reel hit every week. Sophomore Safety Vic Holmes' speed has solidified the back end and he has shown a nose for the ball.
Keys to La Porte Victory:
-Control the clock and wear down the Port Arthur defense to open up the 4th quarter running game.
-Stop the Titans run game and force the pass. Singleton has ten interceptions on the season and can be forced into mistakes. Also keep a spy on Singleton's scrambling first down runs.
The winner this week will play the winner of region four, Cibolo Steele vs San Antonio Reagan.
The Bulldogs are two games away from the state championship game. If you've come out the last two weeks you know you can't miss this one! A couple of great performance and there is quite a buzz around the state about the La Porte Bulldogs.
Lets get Reliant Stadium rocking! How often do you get to see a game at a NFL stadium featuring the La Porte Bulldogs!?!
I will be there. Kids in tow.
ReplyDeleteGreat read! I think that the play of the senior qb is pretty underrated. His leadership and playmaking ability has been as impressive and clutch as any other other aspect of the Bulldogs' game. I am a big fan.
ReplyDeleteI am pumped!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to drive in to Houston for the game.
I'll be loaded in to a car with fellow LP alumni from the Austin area.
Go Bulldogs!
Wow, huge oversight on my part not putting Vidales in the article...
ReplyDeleteIt was late after a long day of work.
He has been a huge factor since the North Shore game.
Keith, if they do keep someone spying on Singleton, who do you think they would use? Either Hoza Scott, or one of the safeties? Scott would do a good job, but he is such a disruptive force rushing from the left, that I would hate to give that element up.
ReplyDeleteThey used Garrett as an extra in the box last week, but I don't think that will work this week as PAM had some open throws downfield in the first game.
ReplyDeleteLike you said I'm not sure it would be Scott. Whilley seems to be a better option to spy.
Then again I don't remember LP using a spy in the first matchup. The front 7 keeps containment really well, one of the best I've ever seen.