Wylie Bulldogs (4-3) at Grapevine Mustangs (8-3)
7 P.M. FRIDAY * MUSTANG-PANTHER STADIUM, GRAPEVINE * KEAN-FM 105.1
What’s driving on the match: Wylie is hunting for its first playoff acquire since beating Kennedale in the 2016 Course 4A Division I point out semifinal. The Bulldogs misplaced the condition title sport to Carthage and fell in the first spherical of the 2017 playoffs versus Decatur ahead of lacking out on the postseason the past two many years. Grapevine missing in the 1st round of the playoffs past year following reaching the 2018 Region I-5A Division I semifinals in 2018. Their last time in Division II, in 2017, Grapevine lost in the 2nd spherical to eventual state champion Aledo. Wylie and Grapevine never ever have played in soccer.
Much more:Wylie football’s receiving corps helping guide demand into the postseason
Very last 7 days: The Bulldogs were remaining waiting around for Lubbock-Cooper to defeat Wichita Falls Substantial to punch their playoff ticket. Their final time out two months back, they place jointly a full general performance, beating Plainview 48-. Grapevine completed its great operate through District 4-5A Division II with a 56-8 win against Fort Really worth Wyatt.
A lot more:Wylie football shuts out Plainview, keeps playoff hopes alive
Scouting Grapevine: The Mustangs dropped down following a two-yr stint in Division I and have set with each other an remarkable season. Just after dropping its initially two games, Grapevine went on a seven-game winning streak. Its only decline came towards Lancaster, an additional match when Fort Value Trimble had to forfeit. QB Max Cowgill (144 of 224) has thrown for 1,733 yards and has 25 TDs to just 5 interceptions. Caleb Texada (94-890, 11 TDs) prospects the ground assault though Ben Gair (48-606, 10 TDs) is the leading getting concentrate on. In the 10 gamesm Grapevine permitted 22.5 factors for each game.
Bulldogs update: After again-to-again losses to Canyon Randall and Lubbock-Cooper, Wylie bounced back in a huge way to shut out Plainview and rating a time superior in factors. The prior high came just before the two-game skid, with 44 points in opposition to Wichita Falls High. QB Balin Valentine handed the 1,000-yard mark and has thrown for 10 TDs in seven game titles. He also has yet another 209 yards and 4 TDs rushing. Receivers Reed Hughes, Creed Cooper and Jahzair George have above 200 yards acquiring each and have combined to catch eight TDs. Noah Beach (71-286, 2 TDs) and Josh Carpenter (48-283, 4 TDs) have occur on as the top two backs for Wylie.
More:Wylie quarterback Balin Valentine proving the highlight isn’t far too brilliant
What the Bulldogs will need to do to get: The protection has been consistent all season extensive, allowing for 14 or much less details in all 4 wins. Even in the losses, the Bulldogs permitted only 28 factors to Randall and 21 to Lubbock Cooper. With the defense holding up its conclude, success falls on the shoulders of the offense. Valentine and Co. have proven they are additional than able of putting up details, consistency has been the difficulty. If the offense gets going, the Bulldogs will.
Jordan Hofeditz’s prediction: Wylie 38, Grapevine 35
Jordan Hofeditz covers Abilene higher educational facilities and faculties, Big Nation faculties and other area sports. Stick to him on Twitter at @jhofeditz.
