State Semifinal Football Outlook

Cameron Yoe (11-3) - State Quarterfinalist

The 2016 Cameron Yoemen football season came to end last Friday night with a 37-34 overtime loss to Malakoff.  Cameron had their opportunities in that game, but it was the Tigers that made the plays when it counted to advance.  Whenever you play in four straight state championships, it’s very difficult to accept a loss before reaching that point.  However, no one team continues to play for state championships year in and year out for an extended period, and this state quarterfinalist finish should undoubtedly be considered a success.  After suffering tough losses to China Spring and Rockdale earlier in the year, this team responded - exemplifying the Yoemen way.  The response led to a trip to the quarterfinals in what could end up being the deepest region in the state.  This year’s senior class will not be one to soon forget:  #1 Jordan Wells, #3 Jordan Young, #5 Caden Harris, #10 Casey Greene, #14 Carlos Herrera, #16 Kevondre Wesley, #18 Sicory Smith, #34 Noah Kostroun, #44 Jesse Valdez, #45 Brandon Wilkins, #50 Eddie Luna, #52 Alex Bennett, #55 Tyler Bennett, #58 Xavier Torres and #68 Dortavis Lewis. 

Malakoff (14-0) Vs. Yoakum (10-4)

Malakoff will now represent region III in the state semifinals.  They will take on Yoakum, which upended district foe Hallettsville in the quarterfinals, 27-23. Hallettsville had won the first meeting between the two, 35-28.  I had predicted the Brahmas to win that game again, but I’m not shocked at all to see Yoakum in this position.  The Bulldogs were just 2-2 in non-district, but had close losses to Cuero and Giddings.  Both of those teams finished as state quarterfinalist in 4A.  What I believe will be the difference in this game is the speed that Malakoff presents in open space. 

Josh’s Pick: Malakoff by 14.

Wall (11-3) Vs. Mineola (12-2)

Wall pulled of what would be considered the biggest upset in 3A last week with their 28-17 win over defending state champion Brock.  The Hawks held an offense that was averaging 52 points to per game to their season low.  Mineola’s domineering 46-3 win over Pottsboro last week was one that many did not see coming.  Mineola QB Jeremiah Crawford and running back Chantz Perkins are now in their third year as starters, and have the Yellowjacket offense rolling.  Will that be enough to get by veer option attack of the Hawks?

Josh’s Pick: Wall by 3.

Bremond (14-0) Vs. Burton (13-1)

Tenaha had a 7-0 lead on Bremond in last week’s 2A DII state quarterfinal matchup.  That lead would be short-lived as Bremond QB Roshauud Paul and the Bremond offense scored 31 unanswered points for the 31-7 win.  Paul, a Texas A&M commit, ran wild for the Tigers with over 250 yards rushing and four touchdowns.  Can Central Texas counterpart Burton provide a stiffer challenge?  That remains to be seen, but the Panthers are averaging 44.5 points per game in four playoff wins.

Josh’s Pick: Bremond by 21.

China Spring (13-1) Vs. Carthage (11-2)

Early in the second quarter of the rematch between 13-4A foes China Spring and La Vega, it was the Pirates that seemed to once again be in control with a 10-0 lead.  The Cougars managed to cut that lead to 10-7 at the half and piled it on in the final 24 minutes to end La Vega’s 29-game winning streak with a 21-10 win.  Carthage is now up with a trip to Arlington on the line.  The Bulldogs - which are four-time state champs - have won three of their four playoff games by a combined seven points.  La Vega beat this same Carthage team (39-3) during their run to the state championship game last season. 

Josh’s Pick: China Spring by 14.

Temple (11-3) Vs. Richmond Foster (14-0)

After last week’s 24-23 win over Manvel, there is no game that Temple should feel they can’t win.  Manvel, which came in ranked as high as number one in some statewide polls, was a three-touchdown favorite over the Wildcats.  Next up will be Richmond Foster - another undefeated team.  Foster has been dominant in their four playoff wins, scoring 50 points in each game, with the total scoring advantage at 233 to 67.

Josh’s Pick: Temple by 1.