Lavaca County football teams going strong in playoffs
Friday, November 25, 2011
by Albert Alvarado, Advocate Sports Writer
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In schools all over the Crossroads you'll find packed up helmets, shoulder pads and cleats cleaned out and ready for workouts begin in August.
But that scene won't be found in Lavaca County as all four area high schools with football teams ares still alive in the playoffs coming into the weekend.
"You really wonder two communities like this that are not that big can do it," said Shiner Comanches head coach Steven Cerny. "I just think it goes back to the hard working mentality that the people in those communities have and it just carries over."
Shiner and Hallettsville play Mason and Hempstead in the UIL Regional playoffs while Shiner St. Paul and Hallettsville Sacred Hear face The Woodlands Christian and Bryan Brazos Christian in the TAPPS Div. IV Semifinals on Saturday.
This is the second time since 2008 the four school have been alive in the playoffs at the same time. That year each team made it to the second round.
"I just think it says something for our community," said Sacred Heart head coach Pat Henke. "We play quality football."
The Brahmas were the biggest suprise among the group.
After winning only three games in 2010, the Brahmas got off to a 1-3 start in 2011.
But when district play came around, Hallettsville turned things around. The Brahmas went 4-2 in District 14-2A, Div. I with their only losses coming to district champion Hempstead and No. 2 seed Edna.
Brahmas head coach Tommy Psnecik said one of the big keys to the turnaround Hallettsville's run defense.
The Brahmas have allowed a total of 205 rushing yards in playoff wins against Marion and San Diego.
"It's a night and day difference in even five weeks ago," Psnecik said. "We're playing a lot better against the run than we did five weeks ago."
Hallettsville has won five straight games coming into Friday's game against Hempstead. Hempstead beat the Brahmas in Hallettsville 35-13 on Oct. 7.
Like Hallettsville, Shiner got off to a rough start before turning things around.
The Comanches started the season 1-4, but have won six of their last seven games and bring a five-game win streak into Saturday's regional playoff game against Winters in Marble Falls.
Across town the defending TAPPS Div. IV state champions Cardinals are also riding a five-game winning streak into the semifinals.
The Cardinals had to adjust to a new head coach and a more wide open offense to adjust to their personnel.
Dakota Kresta has led the Cardinals with 1,904 yards and 23 touchdowns passing this season.
St. Paul, Sacred Heart and Brazos Christian shared the TAPPS Div. IV, District 3 championship.
The Cardinals and Indians were tested prior to the playoffs thanks to playing in arguably the toughest district in the state.
Along with the Cardinals and Indians, Bryan Brazos Christian is also from TAPPS Div. IV, District 3.
"It speaks for itself with three of the final four in there," said St. Paul head coach Paul Johnston.
Like the Brahmas, the Indians are playing a district opponent in Brazos Christian.
The Indians beat Brazos Christian 34-14 in the final game of the regular season.
"We told our kids you can take that last game and throw that film out the door," Henke said. "The winner of this game goes to the state final so the stakes are a lot higher."
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