For the sixth straight season under Coach Cornel Thompson, the West Orange-Stark Mustangs have advanced to the Quarterfinals of the state playoffs. The opponent this week is Giddings. The Buffaloes’ offense, Thompson indicates, is a run oriented Spread. They prefer to run the football and will only throw it if they are forced to so. Thompson analyzes, “A Spread team that runs first is what they are.”
The coach compares the Giddings’ offensive line to that of Robinson. The Buffaloes’ linemen are big in size with most of them in the 280 to 300 pound range. Chabastin Taylor doubles as the quarterback in the Wildcat, but will see time at wide receiver. Also expected to get the football a lot is Jason James who is a three-year starter at wide receiver and tailback. Thompson indicates the Mustangs need to be aware where James is on the field. The Buffaloes’ quarterback when they are not in the Wildcat is Rustin Grimm.
Coach Thompson evaluates the Giddings’ defense. The Buffaloes are based out of a four-man front. Their two ends are both pressure points for opposing offenses. Alex Orocio has started three years for Giddings and played against West Orange-Stark in the playoffs two seasons ago. Richard Rogers is the other end and is quite active. The secondary is manned by many of the skilled players on offense. Thompson states, “They are athletic, they’re really athletic and can run.”
Just like every week Thompson wants the Mustangs to win at least two thirds of the offensive, defensive, and kicking phases of the game with the Buffaloes. On defense West Orange-Stark has to stone the Giddings’ running game and make them throw the ball. Offensively, the Mustangs need to take advantage of all the opportunities presented them to score. The kicking game was a little better last week against Bellville according to Coach Thompson as far as extra points and the kick coverage has been good. “We’ve got to win two of the three,” Thompson concludes.
Coach Thompson has good news, possible good news, and some bad news as far as Mustangs that will be available for this week’s game. First, the good news is Blake Robinson should be back this week from a deep thigh bruise. Justin Brown is at the doctor this week and should hear whether he will be available this week or next from his broken arm. Thompson shares that Demorris Thibodeaux will be out for the remainder of the playoffs because of a broken collarbone.
The West Orange-Stark Mustangs play the Giddings Buffaloes for the second time out of three years in the postseason. The game will be carried live from Texan Drive Stadium in New Caney Friday night at 7:30 on KOGT. A rebroadcast of the game can be heard Saturday at 7:00 AM.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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