Former district opponent Silsbee defeated Bridge City last Friday night. Head Coach Allen DeShazo of the Cardinals reflected on the loss to the Tigers. The Cardinals gave better effort as the game progressed. They fell behind early, but still played hard and fought back. DeShazo reported, “That’s what we’re looking for right now and otherwise we’re okay.”
Several of the Cardinals got a little banged up in the Silsbee game. Their status for this week will be determined closer to game time on Friday.
This week is an old rivalry game with West Orange-Stark. DeShazo looked at the Mustangs on offense. The Mustangs spread it out and will use tight ends a little more than they used to do. They are good either running or throwing the ball.
The running backs are explosive with Kavyn Cooper and Justin Sibley getting most of the carries. The receivers Deiondr’e Hawthorne and Jay’zn Robinson are fast and can run after they catch the ball.
The two quarterbacks are getting more comfortable with the system and are battling to take the starter’s role. Tyrone Wilson engineered a scoring drive late in the game last week. Jerren Terrell played a good first half when the Mustangs had the lead. DeShazo indicated Bridge City will need to keep to their defensive assignments and play smart to slow down the Mustangs.
When you talk West Orange-Stark and its successful program you are talking defense. Coach DeShazo said the Mustangs’ defense has not changed in decades. West Orange-Stark Head Coach Cornel Thompson was previously the defensive coordinator, and he has instituted the 50 Defense since the school was founded in the 1970s.
DeShazo admitted Bridge City knows exactly what the Mustangs are going to do on defense and that they will do it very, very well. He is teaching the Cardinals how to combat that defense. The question is how well the Cardinals do the job of blocking the Mustangs. DeShazo analyzed, “We realize they’re going to be coming fast, and they’re going to be coming where they’re supposed to be coming at all times.”
Defensive personnel for West Orange-Stark has been shuffled some since the beginning of the season. Teshaun Teel and Ja’Vonn Ross will be leaders in the Mustangs’ secondary. Cooper has been battling an injury which has limited his time at linebacker.
This is the final non-district game for Bridge City. DeShazo believes it will be a good tune up for the Cardinals in preparation for the start of district in two weeks.
The coach informed that several players have been brought up from the freshman team and will see playing time on Friday. “We want to see their effort basically, will they do what they’re supposed to do, will they give us everything they’ve got, and we’re going to need them come district” DeShazo concluded.
Social Media