The La Porte Bulldogs will open the 2012 season against the Clear Brook Wolverines at Bulldog Stadium in La Porte Friday night at 7pm.
The Bulldogs are starting a new season with 15 returning starters from last season's regional finalist squad. La Porte has picked up some pre-season accolades that have rarely been seen in the past including starting at #2 in the Houston area by the Houston Chronicle. Texashsfootball.com has ranked the Bulldogs #4 in the state to start the season and Friday Night Football Magazine has them #7.
The Wolverines start 2012 after going 4-6 in the regular season in 2011 and squeaking into the playoffs. Clear Brook hung with eventual state finalist Hightower for a half before going down in the first round. This year Clear Brook is trying to take another step up towards the top of district 24-5A.
Last week La Porte scrimmaged Pearland Dawson and looked very good in the process. Clear Brook faced Dawson's 24-4A district mate Santa Fe and struggled with turnovers, committing six in the scrimmage. Clear Brook will be trying to fix that problem in practice this week before going up against the turnover causing Bulldog Dark Side defense.
On offense the Wolverines feature the flexbone offense and will be trying to find room to run on La Porte. Senior Quarterback Dominique Holmes returns as the top play-maker from 2011 (594 yards rushing, 475 yards passing). Junior Running Back Derek Simmons will be carrying the load in the backfield. Clear Brook does not have a lot of experience coming back on the offensive line.
La Porte's offense will feature the flexbone as well with the three headed running back machine of Senior Keith Whitely, Junior Jonathan Lewis and Sophomore Britt Grant getting plenty of carries. Junior Quarterback Jordan Jackson will get his first varsity start after a impressive summer throwing the ball in 7 on 7. The real stars will be the offensive line with all five starters returning including 2-time all district Senior's Maurice Morris and Tony Briones.
On defense Clear Brook returns some experience in the secondary with Senior DB's Aaron Tellis and former running back Tim East. Senior 6'4" defensive end Osagie Aisueni leads the front line.
The Bulldog's Dark Side defense is looking to keep up the momentum of the last few seasons with four of the front seven returning, including Seniors Alex Jones, Corey Lee and Mark Guzman. Junior Linebacker Hoza Scott is the only returning linebacker, but don't expect a big drop off in play for the new corps with Junior Trevor Nelson changing positions to middle line backer. Both corner-backs, Senior's Malik Graves and Ellis Hutchinson return and had a great summer to improve their skills from last season. The starting safeties are Junior Victor Holmes and Senior Keith Whitely who plans to play both ways. Expect the defense to be aggressive and tough as always this season.
La Porte must put the pressure up front on the Clear Brook offense this week and win the time of possession war. The two running teams should make for a fast game.
Everyone should come out and see this exciting team. Also new press boxes on the visitor side as well as a second story on the home side bring the stadium a little more modern feel along with the makeover of the visitor side.
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