That quest begins at 7:30 tonight when the Roos (6-4) take on Austin Crockett (6-4) in a Class 4A Division I bi-district game at Kuempel Stadium in Pflugerville.
“Killeen is rich in tradition and we want to build the pride and tradition back,” Killeen coach Sam Jones said. “This group that we have hasn’t had that experience, but they know that now it’s sudden-death time. There is no tomorrow if we don’t win.”
The Killeen-Crockett winner will advance to next week’s area round to play the victor of tonight’s game between San Antonio Alamo Heights and San Antonio Brackenridge.
The long-term formula is in place for Killeen to be a perennial playoff threat. Jones has filled his roster with a good blend of seniors, juniors and sophomores.
The key seniors - running back Marcus Tillman (82 carries for 432 yards) and Texas A&M-committed offensive lineman Rhontae Scales - gave the Roos early leadership.
Their presence has allowed Jones to feel comfortable starting junior wide receivers Rodney Brown (22 catches, 432 yards) and Ja’Corie Baker (28 catches, 376 yards) and sophomore quarterback Michael Cummings.
Playing Cummings was the biggest risk Jones took, but he knew that if Cummings proved him right the Roos would indeed be a playoff team.
And Cummings has proved him right. He’s rushed 148 times for 766 yards and 14 touchdowns and completed 82 of 157 passes for 1,233 yards and 10 touchdowns.
“The only thing negative about him is he has seven interceptions,” Jones said. “But he is throwing well and learning defenses. We threw him right into the fire from freshman ball to varsity.
“(The seniors) have respect for him. They don’t let him get down.”
He’ll be tested, and expected to throw effectively, against an Crockett team allowing just more than 21 points per game.
“They won their district with a pretty good defense,” Jones said of the Cougars, who shared the District 26-4A title with Austin LBJ and Austin McCallum. “They are really good up front.”
The Cougars’ spread offense can also give defenses problems. They rely heavily on running back Darrell Cantu-Harkless, who has 154 carries for 1,451 yards and 16 scores.
“He is their main focus,” Jones said. “They will line him up in the backfield, in the slot or at receiver and find a way to get him the ball. We just have to be aware of where he is at all times.”
And when Crockett passes to him, it’s going to come from quarterback Zack Bosier, who has completed 85 of 169 passes for 1,533 yards and seven touchdowns.
“We expect a tough football game,” Jones concluded. “Our kids are ready for the challenge."
mhood@temple-telegram.com
