It was a thrilling finish last Friday, and a good one for the Bridge City Cardinals. Coach Dwayne DuBois and his Cardinals move into the Area Round of the playoffs hopefully with the services of leading rusher Cayce Draper. Last week a 40-pound weight was accidentally dropped on Draper’s foot which kept him out of the game with Center. DuBois believes Draper’s availability will be a game time decision. Cayce was wearing a shoe on Monday, and the coach is optimistic that Draper will be able to play Friday. If not freshman Andy Lara has done a great job stepping in for the senior.
The opponent in the second round of the playoffs is Bay City. DuBois says the Black Cats are another Spread offense led by their quarterback Dylan Davidson. Although only a sophomore Davidson is comparable to Center’s Kyle Parks and Silsbee’s Willie Jones according to DuBois in his throwing ability and his elusiveness. Davidson is especially dangerous when he takes the ball and scrambles. Coach DuBois is thankful the Cardinals get to face him as just a sophomore. “He’s going to be something else.”
The Black Cats provide a number of targets for Davidson to throw the ball. Coach Guadalupe Florez has both his sons Darryl and LaDorrion as wide receivers. Prinard Payne is a top player this season just as he was last season with nine touchdowns. Taveon Roberson also had a strong season for Bay City catching the ball.
Bay City is explosive on offense. On defense the Black Cats were the stingiest in District 12-4A. They gave up the fewest points and the few yards in their district. DuBois indicates the Cardinals will be tested trying to move the football.
Leaders on defense include tackle Jordan Gipson at about 6’3” and 280 pounds. At middle linebacker Elijah Ellis is an explosive defender that can make life miserable for any opponent trying to intrude on his turf. The secondary is composed of the outstanding athletes that play wide receiver. There is a reason Bay City was the number one team on defense. Coach DuBois adds, “They’ve been playing better and better as the season’s gone on. They’ve got a solid defense and it’s going to be a challenge for us.”
Friday night will be another tough battle for Bridge City. DuBois provides the keys for the Cardinals to advance in the state playoffs against Bay City. The coaches made some second half adjustments on defense against Center last week and those improvements must continue. Bridge City must win in special teams against the Black Cats in all aspects including placement of kicks avoiding the dangerous return men from Bay City. As always turnovers and penalties on offense must be avoided while making every offensive series count. DuBois concludes that if the Cardinals can cut down on the turnovers and win the special teams’ battle then he thinks they’ll be okay.
Bridge City and Bay City go at it in the Area Round of the state playoffs. The Cardinals and the Black Cats play Friday night at 7:30 in Galena Park.
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