• Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. tonight at Stallworth Stadium
• Radio broadcast: 920 AM KYST
• Internet broadcast: www.coogsports.net
• Match-up to watch: La Marque receiver Desmond Haynes will be a key for the Cougars against a stingy Lumberton defense. If he can have another big game, La Marque will roll to the win.
• Player to stop: Cody Hussey has rushed for 1,470 yards and 18 touchdowns for the Raiders this season. But a healthy Coog defense should be able to keep him from making too many big runs.
• Stat line: La Marque’s 25-point victory over El Campo last week was its biggest of the seaon. Someone must of told the Cougars it was playoff time.
• Buckley’s prediction: This is just the second playoff game in Lumberton’s history. La Marque is one of the winningest programs in the state. Tradition alone should be able to carry the Coogs to a 31-10 victory.
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Texas City (10-1) vs. Dayton (8-3)
• Kickoff: 7 p.m. today at La Porte
• Last year’s result: Texas City 35, Dayton 21
• Internet broadcast:
www.tsrnsports.com/broadcast/Broad-texascity.htm
• Match-up to watch: Dayton receiver A.J. Dugat against Texas City cornerback Dezrick Swan. Both of these players have been outstanding this season. But Swan’s shown the ability to create turnovers in big games. That could be huge if he’s able to do so again tonight and take away Bronco quarterback Gregory Charles’ favorite target.
• Player to stop: How can you stop a quarterback that’s thrown 21 touchdowns to just one interception? That’s the Stings’ challenge going up against Charles today.
• Stat line: The Broncos are allowing just 8.5 points per game and have shut out three of their last seven opponents.
• Buckley’s prediction: Make no mistake, this will be a tough test for Texas City. If the Stings fall behind early, they could be in trouble. But look for Johnny Thomas to have another big game and the Stings defense to force at least three turnovers, on their way to a 17-10 victory.
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Class 2A, Division I
Hitchcock (10-1) vs Salado (11-0)
• Kickoff: 6 p.m. Saturday at Navasota
• Match-up to watch: This game is the classic size vs. speed match-up. Salado has much bigger players on their line and will look to pound the ball on the ground. But can those big guys do anything to stop Hitchcock’s explosive speedsters from running right by them?
• Player to stop: Senior running back Leo Galvan is Salado’s top offensive record. He’s not the fastest player, but he’ll get enough carries to wear down a defense.
• Stat line: Salado’s 17-7 win over Hempstead last week was the team’s first playoff win in 13 years.
• Buckley’s prediction: Salado has been phenomenal this season, especially on defense. But can they stop a team with as much speed as Hitchcock? I don’t think they can — Hitchcock 26, Salado 20.
