Salado and Rogers have both steamrolled through District 25-2A competition this season, so it’s only fitting that they meet at Salado’s Eagle Stadium on the final night of the regular season to decide which team can proudly call itself district champion.
In a matchup of the district’s best teams, Salado (7-2 overall, 5-0 in 25-2A) and Rogers (8-1, 5-0) clash for the league title at 7:30 p.m. today on Senior Night.
Salado’s Eagles enter as the defending champion, having won the outright title last season after sharing the crown with Rogers’ Eagles in 2006. A third straight title also would give Salado its 17th straight 25-2A win.
“It’s always something every program wants . . . to put that gold ball in the trophy case,” Salado coach Jeff Cheatham said.
For Rogers, a win - and the trophy that comes with it - would be quite a reward for first-year coach Jeff Walker and his Eagles, who have reeled off seven straight wins. It would also be Rogers’ second district title in three seasons.
Walker, though, won’t let his team get caught up in any of the pregame hype.
“We can’t tell the future,” Walker said. “We’re going to worry about Friday night.”
There’s plenty for both sides to worry about.
For Rogers, the Eagles face likely the best defense they’ve seen in the regular season.
Salado’s defense is one of the best in the area, allowing just under 12 points and 202 yards per game.
A strong defensive line, led by Heath Bracken, Tyler Coker and Garret Ward, along with leading tackler Patrick Prince at linebacker, has helped Salado control the opposition at the line of scrimmage.
“They’re a lot bigger, faster and stronger than we are,” Walker said. “We’re going to have to do what we do.”
Rogers nearly rushed for 500 yards in last week’s win over rival Academy, propeled by fullback Robert Campo’s four touchdowns.
Tailback Jordan Sebek, who has a team-high 795 yards, fullback E.J. Larkin and quarterback Chance Marek are the primary ball carriers.
“Everybody brings a little different version,” Cheatham said. “You approach each team and personnel differently. They’ve done a great job with the kids they’ve got running the Slot-T.”
Walker and Rogers are equally concerned about slowing down Salado’s offense that has plenty of playmakers.
In Salado’s win over Academy two weeks ago, senior Tyler Wright totaled 278 yards and scored four touchdowns.
Salado also spreads the ball around to running back Logan Foster and running back/receiver Trae Liller. Both quarterbacks, Jerod Lutz and Ward, are dangerous through the air and with their feet.
“We’ve got to take the big plays away from them,” Walker said. “They have some great playmakers on offense."
In 25-2A play, Rogers’ defense has been tough to crack. Rogers has allowed 41 points and just more than half of those came last week.
“We’ve got to be able to go out and execute to our best,” said Cheatham, who graduated from Rogers. “When we have the ball, we have to do what we need to do with it."
SALADO - It figures that it would come down to this.
Salado and Rogers have both steamrolled through District 25-2A competition this season, so it’s only fitting that they meet at Salado’s Eagle Stadium on the final night of the regular season to decide which team can proudly call itself district champion.
In a matchup of the district’s best teams, Salado (7-2 overall, 5-0 in 25-2A) and Rogers (8-1, 5-0) clash for the league title at 7:30 p.m. today on Senior Night.
Salado’s Eagles enter as the defending champion, having won the outright title last season after sharing the crown with Rogers’ Eagles in 2006. A third straight title also would give Salado its 17th straight 25-2A win.
“It’s always something every program wants . . . to put that gold ball in the trophy case,” Salado coach Jeff Cheatham said.
For Rogers, a win - and the trophy that comes with it - would be quite a reward for first-year coach Jeff Walker and his Eagles, who have reeled off seven straight wins. It would also be Rogers’ second district title in three seasons.
Walker, though, won’t let his team get caught up in any of the pregame hype.
“We can’t tell the future,” Walker said. “We’re going to worry about Friday night.”
There’s plenty for both sides to worry about.
For Rogers, the Eagles face likely the best defense they’ve seen in the regular season.
Salado’s defense is one of the best in the area, allowing just under 12 points and 202 yards per game.
A strong defensive line, led by Heath Bracken, Tyler Coker and Garret Ward, along with leading tackler Patrick Prince at linebacker, has helped Salado control the opposition at the line of scrimmage.
“They’re a lot bigger, faster and stronger than we are,” Walker said. “We’re going to have to do what we do.”
Rogers nearly rushed for 500 yards in last week’s win over rival Academy, propeled by fullback Robert Campo’s four touchdowns.
Tailback Jordan Sebek, who has a team-high 795 yards, fullback E.J. Larkin and quarterback Chance Marek are the primary ball carriers.
“Everybody brings a little different version,” Cheatham said. “You approach each team and personnel differently. They’ve done a great job with the kids they’ve got running the Slot-T.”
Walker and Rogers are equally concerned about slowing down Salado’s offense that has plenty of playmakers.
In Salado’s win over Academy two weeks ago, senior Tyler Wright totaled 278 yards and scored four touchdowns.
Salado also spreads the ball around to running back Logan Foster and running back/receiver Trae Liller. Both quarterbacks, Jerod Lutz and Ward, are dangerous through the air and with their feet.
“We’ve got to take the big plays away from them,” Walker said. “They have some great playmakers on offense.”
In 25-2A play, Rogers’ defense has been tough to crack. Rogers has allowed 41 points and just more than half of those came last week.
“We’ve got to be able to go out and execute to our best,” said Cheatham, who graduated from Rogers. “When we have the ball, we have to do what we need to do with it.”
rschneider@temple-telegram.com
