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Bulldogs look to take out Falcons
Published November 1, 2007
Sweeny has dug itself into a deep hole but the Bulldogs still have a shot at the postseason — with a little help.
Sweeny (4-4 overall, 2-3 District 24-3A) can aid its cause with a win at Brookshire Royal on Friday and against Columbus in the regular season finale. But first are the Falcons (4-4, 2-3), a team in the same position as the Bulldogs.
“The only scenario for us to control is that we have to win out,” Sweeny head coach Tommy Zajicek said. “After that it gets pretty involved. The only thing we can control is what we do in the next two games.”
As the records indicate, both Sweeny and Royal are evenly matched. During District 24-3A action, the Bulldogs have been outscored 118-115 and Royal 98-86.
Of the 1,899 total offensive yards for the Falcons, half are by the ground and the other half through the air.
“They’ve got some passing numbers but they like to run the ball,” Zajicek said. “I mean, they will throw it, but they really like to run the ball.”
The Falcons have only one rusher in the top 15 in district, Alex Alexander, who has for 247 yards on 52 carries.
The Royal passing games is more prolific. Quarterback Eric Matthews ranks second in district with 833 yards on 53 completions. He’s thrown for eight touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Sweeny faced a passing offense against Stafford. The approach to Royal will be somewhat similar according to Zajicek. “We gave Stafford different looks, but the thing with this kind of spread is that they will hit you with those short ones before hitting you with the big things,” the coach said.
The Bulldog defense ranks fifth in district, giving up a total of 2,082 yards. They are averaging 260.3 yards per contest. Sweeny’s Jeremy Johnson and Aaron Rollins have three interceptions each.
“(Royal has) tremendous skill players a lot like Wharton, so if we miss a tackle they will go for six points,” Zajicek said. “We have to make sure on our tackles and don’t give up the big play.”
After losing a vast amount of experience and a number of skilled players from last season, Zajicek understood the start of 2007 was going to be the most difficult part to the year.
“Since that first week of district we’ve had a tough schedule with four or five potential playoff contenders,” Zajicek said. “At times we’ve played well throughout the game against Needville, Columbia and Sealy but were unable to finish. The thing with us is that we have to start fast.”
One of those playing well for Columbia is junior fullback Eddie Wright. The 5-foot-10, 190 pounder has back-to-back 100-yard games and has somewhat solidified the running game for the Bulldogs.
“This is Eddie’s first year on the varsity and he has grown into that position,” Zajicek said. “He knows he has to be a good blocker and is reading the cuts better to understand the linemen. The game is slowing down a bit and he is getting that valuable experience.”
Wright has run for 588 yards on 78 carries with 10 touchdowns.
In their only meeting since Royal jumped to 3A, the Bulldogs clobbered the Falcons last season, 40-14. Game time is 7:30 p.m. at Royal Stadium.
DIRECTIONS TO BROOKSHIRE-ROYAL: From Sweeny, proceed to Beltway 8 and go west. Take I-10 to San Antonio. Take Exit 732 toward FM 359 and turn right. Turn left on South Sreet, right on Bains Street, left on Morton Road and left on Durkin Road. The stadium will be ahead.
Joel Luna is the sports editor for The Facts. Contact him at (979) 237-0160.
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