Two of the area’s top four offenses meet at 7:30 tonight when Academy (4-0) travels to Jarrell (2-2) in the District 25-2A opener for both schools.
For undefeated Academy, much of its success on offense has come through its passing game.
Quarterback Chase Gommert is the area’s passing leader, completing 35 of 66 passes for 660 yards and five touchdowns. Gommert ranks in the top 10 in rushing with 437 yards and six scores on 84 carries.
“It all goes through Gommert,” Jarrell coach Ricky Taylor said. “If you chart it out, it all goes through him.”
Gommert has dangerous weapons in tight end Chase Reeders, along with receivers Noah Hamill and Andrew Sodek.
Reeders leads all Bumblebee receivers with 245 yards and three touchdowns on 12 catches.
The Bees have also had success running the ball with Gommert and running backs Layton Willis, Tyler Moon and Cody Sultenfuss.
They’ll go against Jarrell’s defense, which has given up an average of 228 yards and forced seven turnovers in the last three games.
As for Jarrell’s offense, statistically the best in the area, averaging 431 yards per game, the Cougars might be missing an important piece.
Quarterback Chris Trevino, who is also Jarrell’s leading rusher, suffered a left ankle sprain in last week’s loss to No. 10-ranked Blanco. On Thursday night, Taylor said Trevino’s status is questionable.
Running back Aaron Mueller, who’s rushed for 282 yards and six touchdowns, has been just as dangerous as Trevino out of the backfield.
As a team, the Cougars have rushed for 1,294 yards.
“They’re probably the best (run-pass) combination we’ve seen,” Academy coach Royce McAdams said.
Taking care of the ball against the Bees will be key. Academy has forced 14 turnovers this season.
Reigning district champ Salado opens title defense
FLORENCE - The Salado Eagles are hoping a chance to start fresh in District 25-2A play is what they need to snap an uncharacterisitic two-game losing streak.
Salado (2-2) visits Florence (1-3) at 7:30 tonight in the 25-2A opener for both schools.
It’s the first two-game losing streak for the Eagles since dropping district games to Academy and Lexington in 2005. But the only thing Salado is focused on this week is taking care of business against the Buffaloes.
“We really rallied around a new season getting started,” Salado coach Jeff Cheatham said.
Despite losing 32-20 last week at Robinson, Cheatham said it appears his offense has found its identity. And once again, that revolves around running the football.
Senior running back/receiver Trae Liller combined for 125 yards and a receiving touchdown, while fellow running back/receiver Tyler Wright totaled 99 yards and a score.
Senior Jerod Lutz, who’s split time between quarterback and running back, moved under center exclusively against Robinson after an injury to starter Garret Ward.
Lutz completed 14 of 23 for 179 with a touchdown and an interception.
“We’re getting to know our personality as an offense,” Cheatham said. “I’m proud of Jerod stepping up on offense.”
The Eagles’ defense, which had allowed 160 yards per game entering the Robinson matchup, gave up a season-high 467 yards.
They’ll face a Florence offense, particularly quarterback Ben Brimer and running back Ben Katzenmeyer, that worries Cheatham.
Katzenmeyer rushed for 96 yards and a touchdown, while Brimer had nine yards on 13 carries and completed five of 13 passes for 31 yards and a interception in a loss to Rosebud-Lott.
“(Brimer) and (Katzenmeyer) are extremely dangerous,” Cheatham said. “They’re great in space. They can hurt you if you don’t do a good job."
rschneider@temple-telegram.com
