Ranked number one in the state the West Orange-Stark Mustangs are playing up to that ranking by defeating their first four opponents by an average score of 50 to nothing. Last week’s lopsided win gave Coach Cornel Thompson the opportunity to play a lot of young men. Thompson says that every player got some playing time, and they even brought up five from the junior varsity since there was no JV game that also got to see some time on the field. “That really helps your team morale and your workouts for the next week,” Thompson informs.
The Silsbee Tigers this week are a much stiffer challenge. Thompson analyzes the Tigers on offense. They run the I-Formation with some very athletic personnel which should provide some interesting matchups for the West Orange-Stark defense.
Silsbee native Willie Jones has transferred back to the Tigers from Legacy Christian and will be their quarterback. Jones has a good arm and can throw the football. Adonis Thomas is a quality running back. Another transfer is Dylan Caldwell from Vidor at tight end. Thompson predicts the contest should be a 48-minute football game.
The Tigers are led by their linebacker Johnathan Hageon in their 50 Defense which is similar to the Mustangs’ defense according to Coach Thompson. Silsbee has size, speed, and athleticism on the defensive side of the ball. The Tigers swarm the player with the football.
Thompson believes the two schools have developed a bit of a rivalry over the last few years. The coach reminds that Silsbee was the last team to beat West Orange-Stark in a district game. Coach Thompson thinks it will be a good matchup Friday night.
Thompson believes West Orange-Stark will face its first true test of the season this week in the Silsbee Tigers. He emphasizes the Mustangs fans will not see a final score anywhere close to the average West Orange-Stark has put up in the first four games. Many people have asked Thompson if the Mustangs can continue their shutout streak in the game against the Tigers. Thompson does not think so, but he adds all that matters is that West Orange-Stark has more points than Silsbee when it’s over with.
Friday night the Mustangs and Tigers square off in Dan R. Hooks Stadium. The game will be carried live on KOGT. A re-broadcast of the game can be heard Saturday morning on KOGT at 7:00am.
pictured: Justin Brown
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