Depending on how the season started, district play represents different things for high school football teams around Southeast Texas.
At Beaumont United, the beginning of District 9-5A-I action this week constitutes a “fresh start.” The Timberwolves are 0-2 with close losses to Port Neches-Groves and Montgomery, but head coach Marcus Graham feels his team was just a few plays away from winning those games.
Yet as United sets to face Baytown Sterling on Thursday night in the district opener, there’s no time to look back. The Timberwolves’ focus has shifted from working out the early-season kinks to positioning themselves for the best possible playoff spot down the road.
“I think we’re very, very close to being where we need to be,” Graham said. “In district play, our preparation doesn’t change, but the stakes are certainly higher.”
Not all teams are trying to shake off early struggles like United. At Orangefield, the Bobcats hope to continue their hot start to the season this week in their District 11-4A-II opener against Silsbee.
Orangefield is 3-1, with its only loss coming to Livingston two weeks ago. The Bobcats just beat up on Buna last Friday, but they know a much tougher challenge awaits this week.
The Bobcats have never beaten Silsbee in school history. It’s a consequential game early in Orangefield’s district schedule that will also feature strong teams like West Orange-Stark and Hamshire-Fannett. But head coach Josh Smalley said his Bobcats aren’t backing down.
“We know we’ve never beat Silsbee and some of the difficult games that wait ahead, but what I like about our kids is, they aren’t fearful,” Smalley said. “They seem to rise to the occasion every time. That’s what has impressed me so far about this team.”
While non-district games early in the season can often be unknowns, league play offers up familiar foes most of the time. Graham recalled Baytown Sterling’s tough defensive line from United’s 38-7 home win last season. He saw a similarly stout front seven while watching film of the Rangers this year.
While Smalley was scouting Silsbee, he noticed an obvious change in strategy from the Tigers.
Last season, Silsbee coach Randy Smith mostly used a system that featured multiple running backs and two tight ends. However, with playmakers like quarterback Mason Brisbane and receiver Dre’lon Miller, Smith has gone more to a spread offense.
“Those changes are the things you pick up in film study from year to year when you see someone multiple times,” Smalley said.
It’ll be a clash of styles between Orangefield and Silsbee on Friday night as the Bobcats utilize a Slot-T system with “six or seven” running backs. “Swiss army knife” Cameron Dischler has been the most impactful of those ball carriers, according to Smalley.
Many other districts around Southeast Texas start league play on Friday night, too. West Brook starts District 21-6A with a home game against state powerhouse North Shore. The Bruins beat Deer Park, 28-14 last week without starting quarterback Bryce Anderson.
Newton looks to rebound from its loss to West Orange-Stark last week. The Eagles (2-1) face an upstart Kounzte team (3-1) in the District 12-3A-II opener.
In the most anticipated matchup of the week, Port Neches-Groves (1-1) hosts Nederland (2-0) in the annual Mid-County Madness meeting, which will be the District 12-5A-II opener for the second straight season.
However, before all of Friday night’s fun, United will start the district schedule in Southeast Texas with its 7 p.m. game at Baytown Sterling.
“Those early games matter, but in district is when it really counts,” Graham said.
Matt Faye is a Sports Reporter and Columnist for the Beaumont Enterprise. Contact him at MFaye@BeaumontEnterprise.com or on Twitter by clicking here.
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