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One crazy weekend
October 26, 2008There is always at least one of the five district weekends that gets a little wild.
Sometimes, a couple of huge upsets happen in the district openers.
Or like last year -- when Petrolia surprised AC to help Windthorst get into the playoffs (or three years ago, when all three District 5-3A playoff spots were up for grabs in the same night) -- it happens the final weekend of the season.
The first two district weeks, we barely heard a peep. Not one outcome really surprised me. And then Friday night came.
I was at Holliday's 37-27 win against Bowie when word started spreading that Olney had pulled off a 21-14 stunner against Nocona.
Then I got back to the office and discovered Graham had run away from Brownwood. And Paducah topping Throckmorton should not be classified as an "upset" but it definitely caught my eye. The Greyhounds now are in a little trouble.
It didn't turn into an upset but Petrolia was beating Archer City for a half. Burkburnett gave up 47 points and still won. Wow.
Just lots of crazy outcomes that really messed up (or sorted out) some district races.
Some other thoughts from the weekend:
* Saw Holliday for the first time and came away really impressed. Tyler Cole is so fast. Tyler Jolly is so tough to bring down between the tackles. And the defense forces so many turnovers.
Two non-related game stories I have to tell real quick. One - I am writing my story in Coach Wolf's office afterward and a couple of coaches, including Wolf, are watching some of the video.
Wolf, who was real happy with the outcome, asked me how many rushing yards the Eagles had. I told him 395, but they would have cracked the 400-barrier if not for a 10-yard loss on a bad pitch late in the game.
You could see a little disappointment cross his face. It was one little mistake, but without that, they get to 400. I would not be surprised if he reminds his players of that this week before the big game against Henrietta.
Two - I have had great experiences at almost every place I have ever covered a game. Some places treat the media to pizza, sandwiches or maybe a Coke. Some don't do anything at all, and that does not bother me. I never expect anything when I go to games. As long as people are courteous and I have room to work, I am a happy camper.
That said, Holliday (I believe it is the Booster Club) really hooks you up. In the past, nice ladies have come to the people up in the press box and taken your order (hamburgers, BBQ sandwich, chips, etc).
Nothing probably will ever top Friday, though. The halftime grub consisted of steak fajitas worthy of any Mexican restaurant in town, with peppers, shredded cheese, hot sauce and guacamole on the side, plus chips.
And for dessert. A hot piece of apple pie, with caramel and nuts sprinkled on top. They also gave you a side of ice cream to eat with the pie, which was one of the best I have ever had. All I can say is WOW!
* Olney beat Nocona without throwing a pass. Think about that. In this day and age, to be able to run for 444 yards without even trying to throw. That is really impressive.
And Nocona is really in trouble. The Indians need to win out against Bowie and Nocona to make the playoff now. They have lost three of four games, and who knows how they will respond.
Coach McElroy told me earlier in the year that this squad was better that last year's playoff team. Well, now they better prove it. Another loss will mean a Bowie-Olney showdown the last weekend of the season for 5-2A's final playoff spot.
* Munday, a Class A state champion a year ago, is now on life support. The Moguls have to beat Archer City this week to have a chance at the playoffs, and even then it might not be enough.
* Was just talking to Burkburnett coach Bill Dalke and he said Tucker McDaniel, who was carted off on a stretcher, is going to be OK. They had to cut off his jersey when he got a concussion, so when the Bulldogs play at home in two weeks, McDaniel (if he plays) will be wearing another number.
* The 9-A playoff spots should be completed this week provided Seymour and Windthorst beat Petrolia and Electra, respectively.
And 5-3A's spots could be closed as well. Bridgeport is already in, Burkburnett will be if it takes down Iowa Park and Decatur gets in by beating Vernon. Also, Graham is still alive, although it probably needs to pull another upset against Abilene Wylie this week.
In a couple of days, I will dish out a complete breakdown of teams in, out and still alive.
Posted by at 11:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Comments
If Petrolia were to win out at worse they would finish in a tie for third. If Petrolia wins out and Windthorst also beats Seymour then Petrolia would be the third place finisher.
Munday needs to win out and Seymour or Windthorst to lose their remaining games in order to make the playoffs
