The La Porte Bulldogs and the Deer Park Deer renew their storied rivalry again this week. This season it is again a district contest after taking a two year hiatus where the teams were forced to play out of district. The Bulldogs lead the all time series 26-24-1, winning the 50th all time match-up last season 34-31 in an overtime thriller. La Porte enters the contest coming off of their bye week with a 5-1 record and 2-0 in 21-5A. Deer Park is 4-3 and last week beat Beaumont West Brook 58-28. The Bulldogs beat West Brook 52-7 the week before.
This season La Porte has a much more explosive offense. Senior Running Back Keith Whitely (782 yards, 5 tds) and Junior Jonathan Lewis (447 yards, 7 tds). have definitely picked up where they left off last season, they have been a dynamic 1-2 punch on the ground for the Bulldogs. Junior Quarterback Jordan Jackson (638 yards, 12 touchdowns) has provided a new wrinkle to the offense this season as he has shown the ability to throw deep with good accuracy. He has built a great connection with Senior Wide Receiver Jahvey Mark (244 yards, 4tds) who has really turned it up the last few weeks. The offensive line is rounding into shape and have dominated the last two games. La Porte hopes to have Senior Tackle Maurice Morris back this week.
La Porte's defense is rounding into shape after a thrashing of Beaumont West Brook last game. The Bulldogs are rounding into shape and have forced 12 turnovers on the season. Junior Safety Victor Holmes has three interceptions to lead the team and is an explosive playmaker when on offense or special teams. Junior Linebacker Hoza Scott is a game changing athlete and look for him to show up in the big game this week. Senior Alex Jones and Junior Trevor Nelson have locked down the two inside linebacker roles and have shown great improvement the last three games. On the defensive line Senior Nose Tackle Corey Lee has been in dominant form so far this season, lined up alongside Senior Mark Guzman and Junior Lane Albertson, the line has used their quickness to disrupt in the backfield. Senior Ellis Hutchinson and Junior John Nelson will have the tall task of keeping up with Deer Park's great receivers this week and will look forward to the challenge I'm sure.
Deer Park's offense has been dynamic this season. Junior Quarterback Connor Means (1058 yards, 14 tds) has filled the Deer hole at QB after losing a three year starter to graduation. Means is good on the ground as well, he's the teams 2nd leading rusher. He has explosive and experienced receivers to get the ball to in Seniors Eric Luna (333 yards, 3 tds) and Josh Rutherford (181 yards, 2 tds). Senior Running Back Noah Cano (791 yards, 11 tds) has provided the Deer the balanced offense they need.
The Deer defense has given up some points this season (28 per game), but will come to play in the rivalry game. Sophomore Eric Benavidez leads Deer Park with two interceptions. Senior Vincent Vega has plenty of experience playing against the Bulldogs and is a standout linebacker for Deer Park.
Keys to the game:
-The big matchup is La Porte's defense against Deer Park's offense. The Bulldogs front 7 must pressure up front against the running of Cano as well as pressuring Means, not giving the Deer a lot of time to find an open man and forcing them into a one-dimensional offense.
-On offense, La Porte must show ability to pass to open up the run. Last season Deer Park played with 8-9 players in the box. If the Bulldogs can force Deer Park to drop more into coverage, that will really open up the ground game.
-In La Porte vs Deer Park, whoever controls the line of scrimmage usually comes away with the victory. The big men up front will be very important to watch this week.
-La Porte must keep their composure. Physically and mentally tough football will get them a victory.
As of Wednesday morning most reserved seating was sold out. I expect the game will end up being a sell out, as usual. The atmosphere is sure to be amazing and expect a intense, emotional game for one of the best rivalries in Texas football.
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