Tonight’s matchup between the Trojans (8-3) and the Red Raiders (9-2) in a Class 2A Division I Region II semifinal at Midlothian ISD Stadium pits two teams who simply want to run over each other.
“We want to control the clock and keep our offense on the field,” Trojans coach Grady Rowe said. “That’s our philosophy.”
Troy, co-champion of District 16-2A, had success doing just that last week in its 35-14 bi-district win over Godley. The Trojans turned what was a 14-14 game at the beginning of the fourth quarter into a three-touchdown romp using a stable of speedy running backs.
Senior Jeremy Conrad, who needs 71 yards tonight to crack the 1,000-yard mark for the season, and sophomore Cyrus McKenzie each rushed for more than 100 yards. Conrad, McKenzie and senior Derrick Vasta each average at least 7 yards per carry.
In all, four Trojans scored rushing touchdowns as Troy totaled 280 yards on the ground.
“We’ve got some threats in our backfield,” Rowe said, “whether it’s going up the middle or getting outside. Our offensive line has done a good job and our offensive staff has dialed up the right plays at the right time.”
They’ll face a Winnsboro defense that limited Edgewood to 115 yards and forced five turnovers in its 55-6 bi-district win last week.
Running the ball well is so important to Rowe and his Trojans because it’s the best way to keep the Red Raiders’ high-scoring offense off the field.
Winnsboro averages 41 points per game, and last week’s win was the fourth time it has scored 40 points or more this season. The Red Raiders led 35-0 after the first quarter and 48-0 at halftime last week.
“They put a lot of points on the board,” Rowe said. “They’re very explosive.”
Winnsboro does its damage out of its wishbone offense that racks up more than 350 yards per game. Quarterback Sean Ditto had a team-high 136 yards and running backs Zack Allen and Jordan Massey each scored two touchdowns. Allen averages just over 100 yards per game.
What makes the Red Raiders so dangerous, Rowe said, is they’re just as willing to take a short gain as a quick-strike score. Three of Winnsboro’s eight scores came on plays of 40 yards or longer.
“It’s always important to try and stop the big play,” Rowe said. “They’ll take 4 yards, too."
Winnsboro, which finished in a three-way tie atop 13-2A with Caddo Mills and Lone Oak, fell in the Division I regional semifinals last season.
Troy is seeking to advance to the third round for the first time since 2005.
The winner will meet either Gunter (10-1) or Pilot Point (9-1), who play tonight in Frisco, in the Region II title game next weekend.
rschneider@temple-telegram.com
