Orangefield (5-5, 2-2) will face the Bellville Brahmas (8-2, 4-0) in the opening round of the playoffs. The Brahmas run the same Slot T as do the Bobcats and will get into the Spread on occasion. In either formation Bellville wants to run the football.
Head Coach Josh Smalley says Bellville is led by their outstanding running back Mac Briscoe. He has followed up his almost 1900-yard season last year with 1,804 yards this campaign including 24 touchdowns in ten games. He’s coming into the playoffs with five straight games of 200 yards or more. Quarterback Conner McIntyre does not throw the ball much, but has been fairly efficient passing for six touchdowns and over 500 yards. Smalley points out, “Our number one focus will be trying to stop the run and trying to stop Briscoe.”
The Brahmas advanced to the fourth round of the playoffs last year where they lost to West Orange-Stark, and Coach Smalley indicates they return many of the starters from that team on defense. They base out of the 4-3. Against another Slot T offense from Tarkington, Bellville took out a defensive back and added a lineman for a 5-3 Stack look. Orangefield will be preparing for both of those formations.
Dylan Jackson is a four-year starter at middle linebacker for the Brahmas. Briscoe is also a starter at linebacker. At defensive end Tyler Abke is a senior and a good player for Bellville. “The good news is it ain’t the Chain Gang. They are good no doubt about it, there’s a reason why they’re district champions, but I think we faced the best we’ll see last week,” Smalley states.
Unfortunately the Bobcats lost more than a game last week. Middle linebacker Hunter Evans suffered a knee injury and will probably miss all of the playoffs.
The Orangefield Bobcats and the Bellville Brahmas play Saturday night at 6:00 in Porter at Texan Drive Stadium. The game will be carried live on KOGT.
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