Cameron, Teague match up for the fourth straight year

When you think of rivals, the rich tradition of the Battle of the Bell is the first thing that comes to mind for most Yoe fans. If you ask that same question and mention the playoffs, the Teague Lions are probably on the top of the list, at least for the most recent history.

Cameron and Teague have played each other in the postseason the past three years, and will once again be meeting up tonight at 7:00 from Robinson’s Rocket Field with a trip to the area round on the line.

The matchup was not decided until last Friday night when Teague defeated Palestine Westwood coupled with McGregor’s win over Troy, but it was the most likely scenario that Cameron was already preparing for.

“We were not 100 percent sure this is who we would be playing, but we were pretty sure, so we had already been preparing for them a week now,” said Yoe coach Tommy Brashear. “Hopefully that will show Thursday in the game.”

Before the previous three playoff contests, these two teams had met once previously, with the Yoemen edging out Teague in this same bi-district round of the 1998 playoffs, 7-3.

The Yoemen won a shootout in the area round in 2014 (42-31), captured a come-from-behind victory in the quarterfinals in 2015 (28-21), and put together a stellar defensive performance in a regional semifinal win in 2016 (23-6).

Teague has returned a total of 9 offensive and 5 defensive starters from last season’s 10-3 regional semifinalist team.

The Lions sit at 8-2 in 2017, with losses coming to Madisonville (24-0) in the season opener and West (42-26) in the district opener. Teague has wins over Mexia (40-33), Dublin (57-7), Eustace (28-14), Elkhart (44-7), Whitney (46-28), Groesbeck (22-20), Malakoff (35-14) and Palestine Westwood (35-13).

Teague had to defeat Malakoff by 17 or more points to secure the number on seed, and accomplished that by winning by 21. West had fallen to Malakoff previously to create the three-way tie atop the district.

Offense

The Lions made some changes in the offseason to their offense which averaged over 35 points per ball game. That average is down slightly to 33.3 points per game this season. Antonio Heard has moved over from quarterback to join his brother, Tyrese Heard, at receiver. Zack Satterwhite, a junior, is now at quarterback.

Despite the changes, Teague still appears to be a run-first team.

“A few years ago they had a really good quarterback and were throwing it around a lot,” said Brashear. “Last year they were more oriented. This year, they are still run oriented. I think if they could run the ball and pound it, they would be okay doing that the whole time. They do throw it a little more this year than they did last year.”

In addition to the Heard brothers, running back Tayvis Coleman is back again. The senior played at running back in the last three games against Cameron.

Defense

Teague’s main strength the past few seasons has been the defense. The average is up slightly from 17.6 points given up to 20.2 points in 2017.

One area where the Lions should have an advantage is the size on the lines.

“Their d-line is a good one,” said Brashear. “We have faced some good ones this year and they are right up there with those. Last year they put five in the box, and when they do that we have to be able to run the ball. I think they will mix it up a little this year with either five or six in the box, playing some coverage and run some times.”

Teague is expected to base out of the 4-3, but at times will have the aforementioned five defenders in the box.

“We are running the ball better than last year, so I think they will try five in the box first, and if we’re able to run the ball, move six or so in there,” Brashear said. “They like cover two, four and some cushion man in the back end.”

Teague will have multiple two-way starters again this season, including both of the Heard brothers along with Coleman, which help provide speed in the secondary.

Keys to victory

Brashear noted how he felt his special teams unit was playing some of their best football of the year, and that is where the Yoemen could have an advantage. There are a few other key points that Brashear and staff feel will be important tonight.

“Our wide receivers have to have a good game and stayed focused,” said Brashear. “We cannot have any drops. Nobody is perfect, but when it’s a catchable ball, we have to catch it. On defense, we have to prevent the big plays. Whether it is on jet sweeps or on quick passes, they like to get it into three’s hands. Other than that, we have to execute on offense.”