Bridge City started last week’s game like it would win its second straight district contest leading 34-14 after three quarters. The Cardinals instead lost by one point at Hardin-Jefferson, 35-34.
Coach Allen DeShazo reflected on the disappointing loss for the Cardinals. Bridge City played really well in the first half offensively, defensively, and in the kicking game with two field goals. The Cardinals ran and threw the ball well while controlling the running game of the Hardin-Jefferson Hawks.
In the second half Bridge City may have gotten a little complacent and conservative on both sides of the ball which allowed the Hawks to make their comeback. Hardin-Jefferson connected on some big pass plays late to get back in the contest. DeShazo stated, “You let a good team like that that hang around that’s what’s going to happen to you, that’s what we preached all week don’t let anybody hang around, and we did and it bit us.”
This week Bridge City plays the Silsbee Tigers. DeShazo analyzed the Tigers’ offense. They will go from I-Formation, to a Twins Look, to a Spread, so they give you a lot of different things, but nothing the Cardinals have not seen.
Up front the Tigers are really big in the offensive line. Ayden Bell is their best lineman at left guard. Zachary Tillman is the strongside tackle and another good one for Silsbee.
Despite having a returning starter Raymond Foster at quarterback, Silsbee is going with a sophomore Mason Brisbane as the signal caller. Brisbane has started the last two district games and is expected to be the starter against Bridge City. He is beginning to come into his own making decisions with the football and running with it according to DeShazo.
The Tigers use several running backs. Antonius Arline has the most carries while Malik Jones has the most yards and the most touchdowns on the ground. “They’re going to be a real big test for us,” DeShazo advised.
Silsbee comes into the game 2-1 in district. Coach DeShazo indicated the Tigers have a strong defense. Like Bridge City, the Tigers use a 50 on defense with an odd front 3-4 alignment.
Bell at noseguard is also the standout for Silsbee in the defensive line. He is very aggressive while attacking opposing backfields and was an all-district performer last season.
The linebackers are both very good downhill tacklers for the Tigers. Quincy Kelly has returned from an injury last year to be the leader on the Silsbee defense. Sophomore Jayron Williams is very aggressive with his blitzes.
The secondary plays conservatively and wants to avoid big pass plays against them. DeShazo evaluated, “They want to keep everything in front of them like everybody we’ve seen, and we’ve just got to figure out how to take advantage of that and get those guys blocked up front.”
The Cardinals want to bounce back after the loss last week. DeShazo pointed out the biggest key for Bridge City against Silsbee is avoiding stupid penalties. Dead ball penalties or the over aggressive infractions that occur at the end of a play can be controlled and must be eliminated.
Bridge City has done a good job as far as turnovers this season with only two interceptions in the first three games both on the last play of the game with long passes. “We’ve done a great job of that, we’ve done a good job of taking it away as we forced another one this weekend, but if we can just keep the mental mistakes, the mental penalties down, I think we’ll be fine,” DeShazo concluded.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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