Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Playoffs Round 1 La Porte vs Pasadena Memorial 2012

The La Porte Bulldogs, fresh off another district championship, will take on the Pasadena Memorial Mavericks in round one of the 5a division two playoffs.  The game will be played Saturday November 17 at 1pm in Deer Park. These two teams faced each other last season in round one of the playoffs with La Porte winning 35-7.

La Porte (9-1) enters the playoffs having won seven consecutive games, including the last two over state ranked opponents North Shore (27-10) and Port Arthur Memorial (37-33).  The Bulldogs swept district 21-5a.

Pasadena Memorial (8-2) has improved greatly this season and their only losses in the regular season were to Manvel (35-14) and Pearland (42-16) in district 22-5a play.

La Porte's offense is coming off a great rushing performance.  Senior Running Back Keith Whitely's status is uncertain this week after an injury last week and he leads the team in rushing with 1347 yards and nine touchdowns.  Junior Running Back Jonathan Lewis (1,091 total yards, 17 touchdowns) had a breakout performance last week against Port Arthur with over 200 yards rushing and three touchdowns.  Junior Quarterback Jordan Jackson has 18 touchdown passes on the season and will continue to try and find Senior Receiver Jahvey Mark (314 yards, 6 touchdowns).  The offensive line has been playing very well the last half of the season and will look to continue to dominate up front.

Pasadena Memorial's offense is lead by Junior Running Back Reggie Turner (1590 yards, 19 total touchdowns).  He has been a very explosive playmaker out of the backfield.  Senior Quarterback Jordan Wyatt (645 yards passing, 7 touchdowns; 681 yards rushing, 9 touchdowns) has been more of a threat running than passing.  The question mark this week will be how the Maverick line holds the Bulldog front seven back from penetrating into the backfield.  Memorial averages over eight yards per carry on the season.

La Porte's defense had a tough matchup last week against Port Arthur Memorial.  Junior Defensive Back Victor Holmes had his fourth interception of the year, returning it for a touchdown.  Junior Linebacker Hoza Scott made some plays in more of a coverage role.  The Bulldogs will be looking to slow down Turner this week with the front seven playing a major role. Seniors Alex Jones and Corey Lee will look to plug up the middle of the Maverick's line.

Last week against Alvin, the Mavericks defended the run well, but showed some weakness against the pass. They will have a tough time slowing down La Porte's offense this week.  Senior Defensive Back Adrian Boutte is a team leader for the defense and has two interceptions on the season.  The Mavericks will need some turnovers to keep La Porte's offense off the field.

Keys to the game:
-La Porte must control the ball on the ground and through the air.  Avoid turnovers.
-Bulldogs defense needs to keep an eye on Turner every play and watch the QB keeper.

La Porte fans will be on the visitor side Saturday at Deer Park.  The Bulldogs need a loud crowd as they had last week in Port Arthur!

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