Entering the playoffs the Little Cypress-Mauriceville Bears are on a three-game winning streak. Coach Randy Crouch sites the turnaround starting in Week 3. Following the loss to West Orange-Stark, Crouch and the coaches made changes to put the Spread back in as the Bears’ offense. Starting with the Hardin-Jefferson game LC-M has passed for over 1600 yards and rushed for about 2,000 yards in eight games. Crouch credits the coaches for implementing the new offense and the players for executing it so effectively. Crouch states the Bears’ defense has improved doing a better job of pursuing the football and tackling.
The first opponent in the playoffs is Henderson. Crouch informs that the Lions operate out of the Spread, but will also use a tight end in some of their formations. Henderson prefers to run the football, however, will pass it as well. Coach Crouch says they make you defend the whole field. Crouch adds, “We’re going to have to get lined up to their different formations and make sure we follow our assignments defensively.”
The Bears have been rolling on offense scoring 40 or more points in five of their last eight games. LC-M will be tested according to Crouch by the Henderson defense. The Lions use multiple sets with some even man fronts and also odd man fronts. Henderson has good quickness according to Crouch. The Lion’s defensive line is strong led by Nathan Boutin who alternates between tackle and end. The Lions try to force their opponent into errors in their blocking schemes by using different defensive fronts. “We’re going to have to work extremely hard making sure we pick up the right guys,” Crouch indicates.
Coach Crouch points out LC-M has matured as the season has progressed as evidence by two overtime wins and the Bears handing Navasota its first district loss at home since 2009. The coach provides the keys for a LC-M win against Henderson in the Bi-District game. The Bears have to continue to control the football, limit the penalties, win the kicking game, and defensively they cannot give up the huge explosion plays to the Lions. Crouch believes, “In games like this you can’t have a bad quarter, can’t have a bad half. When you get to the playoffs you’ve got to be clicking on all cylinders and you’ve got to be consistent throughout every quarter.”
The LC-M Bears play the Henderson Lions Friday night in Crockett with the kickoff at 7:30. The winner of the game will advance to the second round of the state playoffs against the winner of the El Campo and Washington game.
Crockett Stadium address: 1600 SW Loop 304 (75835)
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