In coach Grady Rowe’s four seasons at Troy, the Trojans are 2-2 against the Pirates. That’s the best record of anyone that’s played Crawford more than once in those four seasons.
Troy (2-2, 1-0 District 16-2A) will go for its third straight win over Crawford (4-0, 1-0) at 7:30 tonight at Trojan Stadium.
“I think this game is usually always the same,” Rowe said. “The team that makes big plays and doesn’t make mistakes is the winner. We’ve got to take care of the ball and make some plays on special teams.”
But in the last two meetings, it’s been the Trojans’ defense that’s delivered the wins. Crawford has scored a combined 10 points in those two games.
Troy’s defense is capable of delivering a third straight suffocating performance.
The Trojans have held opponents to an average of 15 points and 231 yards per game. That yardage total ranks fifth in the area.
Troy held Bruceville-Eddy to 159 yards in a 28-0 win last week and got interceptions from seniors Derrick Vasta and Chris Chandler.
The Pirates’ defense is pretty stout as well. Crawford has allowed three touchdowns - two of which came in a 56-14 win over Florence.
In last week’s 34-3 win over Clifton, Crawford held the Cubs to 196 yards and snagged two interceptions.
Undefeated Academy hosts physical Lexington
LITTLE RIVER-ACADEMY - With two Division I-quality players bookending Lexington’s offensive line, the Eagles have enough size to give opponents fits.
Led by tackles Michael Brown (6-6, 312 pounds) and Chase Dube (6-2, 295), the Eagles’ line has carved holes for a strong rushing attack.
Stopping Lexington’s ground game will be Academy’s challenge when the Eagles and Bumblebees meet at 7:30 tonight at John Glover Stadium.
“They pose a real problem because they’re big and physical up front,” Academy coach Royce McAdams said.
Lexington (2-2, 1-0 25-2A) used its ground game in its 32-26 overtime win over Lago Vista, rallying from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit. Speedy running back Clinton Hutson rushed for 274 of the Eagles’ 379 yards.
Academy (5-0, 1-0) has been solid against the run, allowing 143 yards per game. Though Jarrell was able move the ball, the Bees forced four turnovers to run their season total to 18.
Though certainly not as big, Academy’s line has been one reason why the Bees have excelled on offense.
With seniors Josh Griffin and Daniel Chaney as the only returners, Steven Stewart, Justin Scott and Tyler Lisenbe have filled in just fine.
“They’ve really advanced further than what we’ve expected them to at this point,” McAdams said. “Hopefully that doesn’t stop.”
They’ve cleared the way for quarterback Chase Gommert, the Bees’ leading rusher, along with running back Layton Willis, who returns after missing last week because of a concussion. The line has also given Gommert plenty of time to fire downfield. Gommert’s main target has been tight end Chase Reeders, who has 323 yards and four touchdowns.
Crosstown rivals CTCS, Holy Trinity set for clash
Bragging rights are on the line tonight when Central Texas Christian and Holy Trinity Catholic resume their rivalry.
The Celtics (1-4) and Lions (2-3) meet at 7:30 tonight at Frazee Field after a two-year layoff.
Though the game won’t count in the TAPPS 3-Six-Man standings because Holy Trinity is playing as an independent, both squads are hoping a win can propel them to a strong finish.
“It’s a real momentum builder for both teams,” CTCS coach Jeremy Wentrcek said.
The Celtics and Lions are both coming off wins last week.
Celtics first-year coach Bryan White said he’s sensed a surge in his team’s confidence thanks to its first win.
Holy Trinity’s biggest key will be continuing its success from last week’s win.
“We just have to execute our fundamentals,” White said.
Sophomore Andrew Couvillon, who ranks fourth in the area in receiving, scored four touchdowns and totaled 167 yards. Fellow sophomore Austin Hanlon tossed four touchdowns and threw for 163 yards. On defense, junior Chris Watson scored on a fumble return and a 49-yard interception.
After inconsistent play at times, CTCS is looking for a complete four-quarter performance.
The Lions jumped out to a 22-8 lead in the first quarter last week against Round Rock Chrisitian before surviving for a 34-30 win.
Running back Caleb Paschall rushed for 104 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Taylor Truitt was solid on the ground, rushing for 80 yards and a touchdown.
“We’ve been talking all week that we have tended to play two quarters really, really well then stall out the last two quarters,” Wentrcek said.
rschneider@temple-telegram.com
