Katy-Strake vs Clements-Marshall

[KatyTigerDad0407]

205a Projected D1 Kempner (very disappointing over-rated season) plays Clements (Katy's first round opponent) tonight at Hall Stadium (best high school football stadium I have ever seen) in MO City. Kemper has Marshall(Strake's first round opponent) Sat. evening. Kempner was rated high in the area for so long, but now finds themselves limping into the playoffs(holds the head to head with Austin just in case) behind these two D2 teams. Katy started their season with a scrimmage at Kemper. Also, from what I understand coach Ferral(Kemper) will be in 195a at Aleif Hastings next year.

[dada]

205a Projected D1 Kempner (very disappointing over-rated season) plays Clements (Katy's first round opponent) tonight at Hall Stadium (best high school football stadium I have ever seen) in MO City. Kemper has Marshall(Strake's first round opponent) Sat. evening. Kempner was rated high in the area for so long, but now finds themselves limping into the playoffs(holds the head to head with Austin just in case) behind these two D2 teams. Katy started their season with a scrimmage at Kemper. Also, from what I understand coach Ferral(Kemper) will be in 195a at Aleif Hastings next year.
Is Marshall the real deal? I see that two of the Cavness kids play for them.....brother is at Elsik.(Dad was great at Willowridge)

[KatyTigerDad0407]

Is Marshall the real deal? I see that two of the Cavness kids play for them.....brother is at Elsik.(Dad was great at Willowridge)


That's why I am going to see them Sat. Strake gets them in the first round. I'm taking KTCarl's advice. See the first half of Katy vs A-Taylor, second half Cinco vs Strake , and then catch Kemper vs Marshall.

[dada]

That's why I am going to see them Sat. Strake gets them in the first round. I'm taking KTCarl's advice. See the first half of Katy vs A-Taylor, second half Cinco vs Strake , and then catch Kemper vs Marshall.
The Katy-Taylor game should be OVER by halftime

[Drake]

Dad,

Does Strake for sure play them first? If not, under what circumstances would Katy have to play them first? This may be a ? for KT2000...

[KatyTigerDad0407]

Dad,

Does Strake for sure play them first? If not, under what circumstances would Katy have to play them first? This may be a ? for KT2000...

I'm not sure. I was going by the projections that are given. Are you going to catch the Marshall game after your game with Cinco? I'm going tonight to the Clements game. If both Clements and Marshall look weak. I may skip the first round in D2 and catch one of the great D1 games. Possibly SLC vs ET. BUT ONLY IF 205A D2 LOOKS WEAK, ESPECIALLY AGAINST KEMPNER.

[Drake]

Dad,

I don't even know what I'm doing for lunch :o

Who does Clements play tonight? Will it be a good game? I may go. This football weather is exciting me!

[KatyTigerDad0407]

Dad,

I don't even know what I'm doing for lunch :o

Who does Clements play tonight? Will it be a good game? I may go. This football weather is exciting me!

They are playing the projected D1 205a Rep, Kemper. I am going to the game with a coach from Kemper. We are meeting for dinner at 4:30 and then going to the game. You are more than welcome to join us. Clements is who Katy has in the first round. Kemper is also playing Marshall on Sat. evening(who you will be playing in the first round)

I need to see how ET does this weekend before I make a decision on missing D2 first round. There are 2 very good D1 first round games locally that hopefully I wont have to make the trip and can see both D1 and D2 games.

[ktfiend]

Has the coin toss already happened and we didn't hear about it? There is no way of know which of us will play which FB team until the flip (unless one of us loses this weekend).

:confused:

Now that I have read all of the above posts, the answer to who is playing who -- it has not been determined at this time. KT2000's bracket is just a shot at what could happen. It all depends on the flip that should be happening sometime today.

Under normal circumstances, the district leader in 19-5a would play the runner up from 20-5a in the first round. Now, in the event that one of us loses this weekend, the flip becomes invalid because there will be a clear district champion.

[KatyTigerDad0407]

Has the coin toss already happened and we didn't hear about it? There is no way of know which of us will play which FB team until the flip (unless one of us loses this weekend).

:confused:

I really don't know how it works. I was just going by the projections.

[ktfiend]

Perhaps we will know something soon. That way, you will have a better idea of which teams to take a look at.

[Drake]

I am going to the game with a coach from Kemper. We are meeting for dinner at 4:30 and then going to the game. You are more than welcome to join us.

Dad,

I appreciate the info and thanks for the hospitality. If I can go it'll be a last minute deal. I have a son who is a sophomore who's not driving yet so I have to pick him up after practice. But if I make it we can discuss the teams on here afterward or if I can't you can give me the scoop.

By the way, where is the game?

[Drake]

Obviously, I should have read your initial post better... Hall Stadium.

[KatyTigers]

19-5A Div II playoff seeds will be determined by a coin flip. Very unfortunate.

[ktfiend]

Rumor has it that Katy lost the flip and will be playing Marshall. Again, this becomes invalid should one of the teams lose this weekend.

[KatyTigerDad0407]

Just got home from the Kempner vs Clements game. Clements looked terrible. I don't think they had more than 3 first downs. They were shut out by Kempner 27 to nothing. I think Strake gets by this team if they get them. Due to the coin flip controversy I'm not sure who gets who. The other D2 team, Marshall plays Kemper Sat. evening.

[SuperBuffs]

I was at the Marshall/Willowridge rain out 2 last night.....one hour before kickoff, all heck broke loose. The officials waited until 6:30 then called it off.

Willowridge was spared, Marshall is fast.....real fast, maybe first time jitters,
this will be their 2nd season playing varsity football.

but if you don't get them early, you won't get them. :rolleyes:

[Fan4Life]

I dont care witch FB team we get first..........if its Clem then its over at the half.......but i think katy is fast enough to keep Marshall in line.

[SuperBuffs]

I dont care witch FB team we get first..........if its Clem then its over at the half.......but i think katy is fast enough to keep Marshall in line.


Katy has tradition and reputation going for them, so Marshall may have to get over all the attention. But I have seen Katy play, so you may be right.
Marshall had some close calls.

[v2the4]

Marshall and Kempner have locked up playoff spots in 20-5A..the winner between Austin and Clements on saturday afternoon will get the third playoff spot. If austin wins, they are the D-1 rep, if Clements wins, then Kempner is the D-1 rep.

I would hate to see Marshall having to play Katy in the first round of the playoffs, being that they will probably be 9-0, or 8-1 at worst if they lose their final game on saturday. Marshall has plenty of speed and big play weapons, and only two of their eight games so far have been decided by less than ten points. they can score points pretty much at will. But, they will be tested by a decent kempner defense this weekend.

this will be the first playoff game for Marshall, and it will be better for them to play another first time playoff foe in Strake Jesuit, instead of taking on Big Red, who is playoff and battle tested. Katy has had their way with district 20-5A in the playoffs, and no 20-5A team has come within 14 points of them in the first round since 19-5A and 20-5A have played one another since 1999

I would take Marshall over Strake if they played
I would take Strake over Clements if they played
I would take Kempner over Strake if they played

I would take Katy over any team in 20-5A in the first round

[v2the4]

205a Projected D1 Kempner (very disappointing over-rated season) plays Clements (Katy's first round opponent) tonight at Hall Stadium (best high school football stadium I have ever seen) in MO City. Kemper has Marshall(Strake's first round opponent) Sat. evening. Kempner was rated high in the area for so long, but now finds themselves limping into the playoffs(holds the head to head with Austin just in case) behind these two D2 teams. Katy started their season with a scrimmage at Kemper. Also, from what I understand coach Ferral(Kemper) will be in 195a at Aleif Hastings next year.


Tiger Dad...Im suprised you would say that Hall stadium is the best high school stadium you have ever seen...I think for the $21M that FBISD spent to build that facility, they could have made it a little more user friendly. For one, I like the underneath stands that Galena Park ISD has..we could have had that. We should have had field turf instead of astroturf 12 on the field. We could have and should have a replay scoreboard. The visitors parking side is horrible...only about 200 or so spaces there, and once they fill up, you have to park on the home side, and make that long walk over to the visitors side.....but, the stadium, along with Hopper field house (the Hop) are both asthecially pleasing.

[ktfiend]

Rumor has it that Katy lost the flip and will be playing Marshall. Again, this becomes invalid should one of the teams lose this weekend.

This is no longer a rumor. Katy lost the flip and will play the number one team in 20-5a; Strake will play the runner up in 20-5a D2. As the district stands today, this means that Katy will play Marshall, and Strake will play one of three tied teams, Kempner, Clements, or Austin. It is really all going to come down to what happens this weekend in both districts.

[Fan4Life]

What is FB Marshall's style of playing? I have never really heard anything about them........Seeing how every1 is saying that they are fast, I'm guess they just run sweeps and option all day long?

[KT2000]

They actually run the spread, and have a very good dual-threat QB named James Thomas. They average 450 total yards per game, but will give up some yards on defense. Their game against Hightower turned out to be a low scoring game (13-10). It's tough to tell how good Marshall is compared with top teams in the area, but they've put up some good numbers on offense.

[SuperBuffs]

What is FB Marshall's style of playing? I have never really heard anything about them........Seeing how every1 is saying that they are fast, I'm guess they just run sweeps and option all day long?


Marshall is very explosive, but you can tell they are young, not many players with varsity experience. They tend to play to the level of the competition.
When Thomas and Carlock are on, it can get ugly quick. I saw them combine to score 21 points in 3 minutes.

Hightower's defense, which is young and tough, gave them a hard time....Clear Brook played them tough too, but they didn't stay focused, so Marshall went off late. Unless Marshall's defense stop having mental lapses, the offense will have to play who can score the most points.

The Buffalos will probably beat Katy in a high scoring game, Katy will have to shut them down early, if not, it's gonna be a long night.

[Drake]

I dropped by the game last night. Kempner looked strong on defense and disciplined on both sides. If Marshall beat them then that's a feather in Marshall's cap.

The stadium had a unique look but I wasn't too impressed with the concessions, the astroturf, the scoreboard, the parking, and there was no where to avoid the elements if it started raining hard... I too believe Galena's stadium is much more fan friendly...

[Ramz]

The Buffalos will probably beat Katy in a high scoring game, Katy will have to shut them down early, if not, it's gonna be a long night.

I think SLC thought the same thing before they meet up with Coach Joseph's 3-4 Defense.

[Allkaty07]

I dropped by the game last night. Kempner looked strong on defense and disciplined on both sides. If Marshall beat them then that's a feather in Marshall's cap.

The stadium had a unique look but I wasn't too impressed with the concessions, the astroturf, the scoreboard, the parking, and there was no where to avoid the elements if it started raining hard... I too believe Galena's stadium is much more fan friendly...

If anyone remembers Katy pounded Kempner earlier this year! It was a blood bath. :D

[SuperBuffs]

The Buffalos will probably beat Katy in a high scoring game, Katy will have to shut them down early, if not, it's gonna be a long night.

I think SLC thought the same thing before they meet up with Coach Joseph's 3-4 Defense.


You make a good point about the 3-4 defense, but Katy will have to pick their poison. Remember, Marshall is inexperience, so this could be moot.....but assuming that the Buffs can get over the jitters.

A 3-4 gives Katy the help in the secondary true enough, but that d-line better be fast.....chasing down Thomas will take its toll. If Marshall only had one good receiver, then Katy has no problem...this is not the case.

Katy's running attack is good enough to control the ball, they will need to use it to keep Marshall's offense off the field. Katy's passing attack is not that good IMO, short routes and screen plays will be their best bets.

[Drake]

Remember, Strake has to beat Cinco for a Marshall-Katy match up to take place (at least in the first round)... A tall order. I'm thinking an oddsmaker would have Cinco as the favorite, especially at home on a Saturday afternoon.

[Ramz]

Katy's passing attack is not that good IMO, short routes and screen plays will be their best bets.

Guess you havent heard of Andy Dalton and his 25 TDs this season so far. Wheres Muck and his stats when I need them!!!!

[SuperBuffs]

Remember, Strake has to beat Cinco for a Marshall-Katy match up to take place (at least in the first round)... A tall order. I'm thinking an oddsmaker would have Cinco as the favorite, especially at home on a Saturday afternoon.


I saw the Cinco Ranch/Katy contest....CR looked horrible, Katy is just that good. I agree with an earlier post that mentioned Strake/Marshall. The Buffs could use Strake to get their feet wet for the first playoff game in the 2 year history of the program.

I'm late to this, but why is Strake playing public and not TCIL? I thought they played schools like St. Pius.....sorry for being late. :confused:

[KT2000]

How big is Marshall's roster?

[ktfiend]

I'm late to this, but why is Strake playing public and not TCIL? I thought they played schools like St. Pius.....sorry for being late. :confused:

Very interesting question, you are a little behind news-wise, aren't you? There are some good threads discussing this issue not too far back. I hate to see this can of worms open back up again here.

Here we go again......

[Drake]

I'm late to this, but why is Strake playing public and not TCIL? I thought they played schools like St. Pius.....sorry for being late. :confused:

LOL... You are late! There are biased explanations all over the internet, just search "UIL Jesuit"

By the way, Strake is not playing public, they are playing UIL, which consists of both public and private schools.

[Drake]

Very interesting question, you are a little behind news-wise, aren't you? There are some good threads discussing this issue not too far back. I hate to see this can of worms open back up again here.

Here we go again......

Fiend, as you can see, I resisted...

[Drake]

How big is Marshall's roster?

Almost a full page! :D

[KatyTigerDad0407]

Very interesting question, you are a little behind news-wise, aren't you? There are some good threads discussing this issue not too far back. I hate to see this can of worms open back up again here.

Here we go again......

I don't want this thread to go there either. It has been a good thread. I apprc. StrakeDrakes point of view though. Vonfore really cleared things up for me, very insightful. I spoke with the principal of Kempner last night, he said the same thing Vonfore said about GPISD stadium. I spoke with the Marshall head football coach last night, very nice young man. He said he'd rather have Strake, but he'd get his team ready for anybody. I'll be back to see the Kempner vs Marshall mathch up Sat. evening.

[Fan4Life]

You make a good point about the 3-4 defense, but Katy will have to pick their poison. Remember, Marshall is inexperience, so this could be moot.....but assuming that the Buffs can get over the jitters.

A 3-4 gives Katy the help in the secondary true enough, but that d-line better be fast.....chasing down Thomas will take its toll. If Marshall only had one good receiver, then Katy has no problem...this is not the case.

Katy's running attack is good enough to control the ball, they will need to use it to keep Marshall's offense off the field. Katy's passing attack is not that good IMO, short routes and screen plays will be their best bets.


I do not believe that Marshall will run up points on Katy. Marshall has had some pretty close call games to teams that are not all that good.
I'm not saying that Katy has played the best teams but so far they have played with dominence throughout the season.

[SuperBuffs]

Guess you havent heard of Andy Dalton and his 25 TDs this season so far. Wheres Muck and his stats when I need them!!!!

You misunderstood my post, I said "KATY'S PASSING ATTACK", that would be more than just the passer. I'm quite aware of the Dalton/Fuda combo.....but that is it. It's is rather one dimensional. I never meant to say Dalton's 25 TD's were not good. Dalton in the pocket is money against a slow defense.

Marshall's passing attack is superior with numerous weapons and speed on top of it. Thomas has Carlock and Washington out of the backfield, then you have Ruffins and Kimble. All can catch the ball.

If this turns out to be an air assault by both teams, it will be an entertaining contest.....I give the edge to Marshall. James Thomas' ability to run will be the difference.

[SuperBuffs]

I do not believe that Marshall will run up points on Katy. Marshall has had some pretty close call games to teams that are not all that good.
I'm not saying that Katy has played the best teams but so far they have played with dominence throughout the season.

My observations of Katy tells me they need to mount a ground attack to beat Marshall, long drives that eat up the clock. Katy's offensive line is as good as it gets....good quick feet and big where it counts....WELL COACHED. Early victories over Woodlands and Humble prepared them to steam-roll everyone else.

I stated earlier that Marshall sometimes plays to the level of their opponents.
Hightower and Clements are not good teams, but their defense played hard....the Kempner game will tell me something. If Katy loses to the Buffs, it would be considered a huge upset. However, I won't be surprised.

[ktfiend]

Fiend, as you can see, I resisted...

It wouldn't have bothered me much as I am always up for a good debate. But I know of many others that are quite tired of it.

Thank you for resisiting that urge.

BTW, what profession are you in? (Just curious)

[KT2000]

We'll see what happens with Cinco-Strake. I don't think Cinco has enough offense to beat Strake. This will probably be a defensive battle, but I'd pick Strake to win it.

If Katy-Marshall happens, it'll be a good way to kick off the playoffs. Katy's always had to play some very fast teams in the playoffs, so that wouldn't be new territory. In my opinion, this is the fastest Tiger team I've ever seen across the board. This is the most balanced offense (pass/run production) Katy's ever had and one of the best pass defenses. The Tiger D-line is very athletic and very experienced.

I personally think Austin is going to knock Clements from the playoffs on Saturday, so Kempner will probably end up going Division 2 since Austin is bigger than they are. Kempner is supposed to have a good defense, so it'll be interesting to see if they can hold Marshall's offense like Hightower did.

[Drake]

It wouldn't have bothered me much as I am always up for a good debate. But I know of many others that are quite tired of it.

Thank you for resisiting that urge.

BTW, what profession are you in? (Just curious)

I'm a professional arbitrator... :D

[KT2000]

You know all the right things to say around here. :)

[ktfiend]

Gee, does all of this go on your resume? ;) (Check your PM's)


On a different note, I think that CR has the tools necessary to win the last district game, however, I don't think they will be able to pull it off. If I were having to pick one or the other, I hate to say it, but I would pick SJ. Oh, wait, looks like I will be picking after all -- now that I see it on the list.

[SuperBuffs]

I saw Katy/Katy Taylor....that was probably the most pass defense Katy played all season. Woodlands and Humble don't have much of a pass offense so Katy just whipped them in the trenches. Cinco Ranch tried to throw on Katy, but had little success. Katy may adjust for speed, the only problem is....Marshall's comes from the QB position....how do you adjust to both? The other games I saw where teams tried to run on Katy....The Tigers simply shutdown the middle which exposed weak passing attacks. King will have to rush for more than 150 for Katy to beat Marshall.

I remember the Marshall/Hightower game getting off to a slow start with Marshall committing some turnovers....they had that same problem against Clear Brook. Marshall's running game may have holes in it, but since they strike so quickly, it's hard to evaluate. That quarterback will break off a 50 yard run in like it's nothing. Austin tried to stack the defense only to get burned by Play-Action. Clements was manhandled, defense scored 2 or 3 times, lot of flags.

I have not seen Strake play, so I'm late to that party.

[KT2000]

Katy has beaten every spread offense they've faced since the 2003 state championship. Two spread teams Katy has played and beaten multiple times over this time period similar to Marshall athletically are Humble and Jersey Village (not this year though). JV's QB Jerod Walker had nearly identical stats to what James Thomas has this year. He had some playmakers around him also, but they couldn't get started in the playoff game against Katy.

Last year, Humble had a very talented corps of receivers and a QB rotation in Pettiford/Johnson that produced similar numbers to what Marshall has this year. They couldn't get anything on Katy's secondary, and the Tigers have three of four starters back from that unit. This year, the Tigers gave up some yards to Humble's backfield but they only had 12 points to show for it until Johnson ran in a meaningless TD late on when the game was put away. Katy's defense is very good at not giving up the big play. The Elsik game this year was a clear abberation. A couple of non-calls (that the refs admitted to) led directly to two Elsik long touchdowns and a back-up RB had a fumble taken back 100 yards late in the 4th. The defensive first unit for Katy allows about 6 ppg.

King won't have to rush for 150 because Katy's other back Aundre Dean will be 100% again this week.

I don't know how Marshall's size and depth are on each line, but conditioning always plays a key role. Katy beats a number of teams in the second half due to superior conditioning and ability to make in game adjustments. If you stayed for all of the Taylor and Cinco games you were at, you got to see that in person.

[ktrain]

You misunderstood my post, I said "KATY'S PASSING ATTACK", that would be more than just the passer. I'm quite aware of the Dalton/Fuda combo.....but that is it. It's is rather one dimensional. I never meant to say Dalton's 25 TD's were not good. Dalton in the pocket is money against a slow defense.



25 TD passes / 12 were to Fuda, 13 to other recievers. How is that one dimensional? Double & triple Fuda and Dalton goes elswhere.

[SuperBuffs]

JV's QB Jerod Walker had nearly identical stats to what James Thomas has this year.

Katy beats a number of teams in the second half due to superior conditioning and ability to make in game adjustments.

Walker is not nearly as fast as Thomas and JV did not have weapons like these:
Marshall's skilled players are also on the track team.....That track team is one of the fastest in the state. I guess that answers the conditioning question.

Marshall's D-line is not great, they hold their own on defense, I see teams make plays from 20 to 20, the Buffs usually hold around the red zone, so Katy can have success on the ground. Marshall offensive line is not fancy, Katy's O-line can pull and trap with precision....really nice to watch.

[KT2000]

Walker had legit 4.4 speed and quickness to boot. If Thomas is clearly faster than that then I'll be the first one lined up to see him play.

Conditioning when you are running on an open track is one thing. Conditioning when others are colliding with you for four quarters...

No doubting Marshall, just stating there is a huge difference between track and football stamina.

Anyway, discussing this possible match-up right now is pretty pointless until we know for sure on Saturday.

[SuperBuffs]

25 TD passes / 12 were to Fuda, 13 to other recievers. How is that one dimensional? Double & triple Fuda and Dalton goes elswhere.

The one dimensional aspect comes from having only one clutch receiver, your other receivers are not what I call "GO TO GUYS".

As for Dalton going elsewhere, that's fine against a slow defensive backfield, he won't be facing slow db's at Marshall. They won't double or triple Fuda, he too slow compared to Marshall's db's. If he catches 3 passes or score a TD, I'll be surprised.


Actually, Katy's weakness is their defensive backfield....Thomas could exploit it....anyway, it will be interesting.

[KT2000]

I don't see how Marshall could possibly live up to your hype. I know they have talented players, but that's an awful lot of build up for a program that's never experienced a playoff game before.

Pointless discussion until Saturday evening.

[Ramz]

Yes,....with Will T and Darren K in our defensive backfield were doomed! ;)

[ktfiend]

Well geez, we might as well not even go. That would certainly clear up my Saturday schedule!

[SuperBuffs]

Walker had legit 4.4 speed and quickness to boot. If Thomas is clearly faster than that then I'll be the first one lined up to see him play.

Conditioning when you are running on an open track is one thing. Conditioning when others are colliding with you for four quarters...

No doubting Marshall, just stating there is a huge difference between track and football stamina.

Anyway, discussing this possible match-up right now is pretty pointless until we know for sure on Saturday.

I was just noting that running track during the off-season prepares you for the upcoming football season.....I'm sure all players are in shape by this time of year, but Katy's running game will be a conditioning test for Marshall.

All that legit 4.4 speed stuff is nice, but I saw Thomas drop back to pass one time and then took off for a 65 yard TD blast. On top of that, he threw a 61 yard bomb the previous series.

You're right, this game may never take place......

[KT2000]

Vince Young is the only HS player I've ever seen that I swore had a cape on. From the sound of it, James Thomas may be the next. :)

[AZTiger]

damn, i really wanted to try and not reply to this, but apparently katy has never faced or beat a player like James Thomas.

About Katy's WR corps, I don't even consider Fuda the go to guy. In clutch situations it always seems to be Will. If you double team Fuda when Will is on the field, well, I feel sorry for you.

[SuperBuffs]

I don't see how Marshall could possibly live up to your hype. I know they have talented players, but that's an awful lot of build up for a program that's never experienced a playoff game before.

Pointless discussion until Saturday evening.


I'm not hyping Marshall, I'm just telling you what I observed, obviously you have not made it to see the Buffs. I have seen Katy and Clements....this is not hype.

I know it's weird because Marshall is playing its 2nd year of varsity football, but the football team has been together for 4 years. Some 20-5A schools refused to let their JV teams play Marshall when the Buffs only had a JV football team.

I tried to explain to the media that I thought this was a special group of players they needed to watch, but everybody says they are too new to win.

[AZTiger]

Explain to the media? What are you a Marshall coach? Shouldn't you be out at practice?

I'm just trying to decipher your posts. You praise Katy highly, talk down your defense, then throw in Thomas and its a Marshall win. It's gonna take a little more than that.

Congrats on the early success of your program, ESPECIALLY in that watered down FBISD.

[AZTiger]

before i get jumped for that "watered down" comment, I meant that with the ridiculous growth of FBISD, it's good to see some schools can still find talent and field some decent teams. Imagine if the number of HS there hadnt doubled in the last 10 years.

[SuperBuffs]

Vince Young is the only HS player I've ever seen that I swore had a cape on. From the sound of it, James Thomas may be the next. :)


I graduated from Houston Madison, Vince Young really plays with a love for the game....it was like being in the schoolyard and choosing sides. Vince never cared who was on his team, he just wanted to play.

Thomas is a good QB, but he's an excellent runner, I think Carlock is the best threat myself.....I figured next season some program will think they have a Vince Young type, cause Thomas can either run it or throw it.

[SuperBuffs]

damn, i really wanted to try and not reply to this, but apparently katy has never faced or beat a player like James Thomas.

About Katy's WR corps, I don't even consider Fuda the go to guy. In clutch situations it always seems to be Will. If you double team Fuda when Will is on the field, well, I feel sorry for you.


WOW, Katy must get double teamed often, I have seen this in 3 different posts. I would be surprised if Marshall needed to double, they have not doubled anyone from what I witnessed. If Fuda or Will needs to be doubled, that would be news, a strong safety on deep routes is not double teaming though.

As of this 2005 football season, Katy has not faced a QB like Thomas. I'm certain of that, you have faced some good arms, but not runners.

[AZTiger]

Honestly, I don't know if they've been doubled, I've seen one game in person. I doubt you would have to, but if you focus on just one of our WRs, there are other weapons. Look how teams that play Texas ignore the TE. Vince loves to go to the TE, well, so does Dalton if teams leave him open. Everyone is involved in the passing game, FBs, TEs, and WRs. I don't feel there is anyone (other than the Oline of course) that Dalton feels uncomfortable throwing the ball to.

I look forward to the matchup.

[SuperBuffs]

Explain to the media? What are you a Marshall coach? Shouldn't you be out at practice?

I'm just trying to decipher your posts. You praise Katy highly, talk down your defense, then throw in Thomas and its a Marshall win. It's gonna take a little more than that.

Congrats on the early success of your program, ESPECIALLY in that watered down FBISD.

I like Katy's program, it one of the best.....if you like football, you don't have to down someone's program. Every team has a weakness, Marshall's defense loses focus...I watch football and I write what I see...that's all. Katy, North Shore, Pearland...plenty of good schools.

I just happen to see Marshall play and wondered why no one ever mentions them, FBISD is having growing pains, that's for sure. I guest I am suppose to trash Katy to think Marshall will beat them? If you know football, you tell it like you see it. But, of course, you need to see it.....

[SuperBuffs]

I have seen Strake on Ch. 11 a few times but don't know anything about them, what kind of offense are they running?

[AZTiger]

From what I remember last year, I think it was a lot of single back, 3 or 4 wides, but don't hold me to that.

I agree with you about your previous post. It kills me that I live in Arizona now and can't see good HS ball on a weekly basis, but for a team like Marshall to have great success this early, tells me one thing, they hired a fantastic coaching staff. I'm willing to bet they have the same athletes Hightower or Elkins or Willowridge does, but it's what you do with that talent, Katy being the prime example.

[ktCarl]

WOW, Katy must get double teamed often, I have seen this in 3 different posts. I would be surprised if Marshall needed to double, they have not doubled anyone from what I witnessed. If Fuda or Will needs to be doubled, that would be news, a strong safety on deep routes is not double teaming though.

As of this 2005 football season, Katy has not faced a QB like Thomas. I'm certain of that, you have faced some good arms, but not runners.

The best dual threat at QB that Katy has faced this season is the Humble QB whose name escapes me at the moment. He's pretty good.

[ktCarl]

I like Katy's program, it one of the best.....if you like football, you don't have to down someone's program. Every team has a weakness, Marshall's defense loses focus...I watch football and I write what I see...that's all. Katy, North Shore, Pearland...plenty of good schools.

I just happen to see Marshall play and wondered why no one ever mentions them, FBISD is having growing pains, that's for sure. I guest I am suppose to trash Katy to think Marshall will beat them? If you know football, you tell it like you see it. But, of course, you need to see it.....

I think you're one of the first guys I've seen on this board writing about any FB school. FB Marshall is my current interest.

[SuperBuffs]

I usually stay in Chandler whenever I come to Arizona to work a Dallas Cowboy game....ever been to Carefree? There is a bar there called the "Satisfied Frog"?...

I like Phoenix, it's a nice place, but I love Sun Devil Stadium, looks like they carved it out of a mountain....AmericaWest Areana? is nice too.

see you after the playoofs start....

[KT2000]

From what I understand, Marshall pulled in a lot of talent from Hightower and Willowridge. That explains why they didn't have trouble warming up in hoops. Ridiculous basketball talent.

I saw FB Marshall at 7 on 7 the last two years, and they were the most physically impressive overall team I saw each time. I think the LB, Royzell Smith, is the only one I saw man up with Martellus Bennett during that tournament last year. Smith, if he's the one I'm thinking of, had to be at least 6'5.

Humble's QB Jerrod Johnson wasn't a bad runner. He's 6'6, 220 pounds and has 4.5 straight line speed. He's pretty quick also.

[AZTiger]

I usually stay in Chandler whenever I come to Arizona to work a Dallas Cowboy game....ever been to Carefree? There is a bar there called the "Satisfied Frog"?...

I like Phoenix, it's a nice place, but I love Sun Devil Stadium, looks like they carved it out of a mountain....AmericaWest Areana? is nice too.

see you after the playoofs start....

damn, Carefree is WAY the hell up there from Chandler, but yeah I've driven by there before. I won't go up toward Cave Creek or Carefree unless I've got a place to stay up there.

Sun Devil Stadium is great, but damn bleacher seats. I went to the ASU/LSU game and ASU/USC games this year, both great games.

[SuperBuffs]

I think you're one of the first guys I've seen on this board writing about any FB school. FB Marshall is my current interest.

I get to freelance cover sports and since I was low man in the food chain, I got FB Marshall....after week 4, I started asking questions about how a 2nd year program could get this good. That's when I found out all the track and field stuff, and the 4 years together. I believe Willowridge's program took a hit too.

I remember when Willowridge was built, Madison's program took the same kind of hit, it happens.

Strake completely got passed me, I thought they had too many injuries to compete.....Their Katy contest was Hurricane Rita I assume, so I totally missed them.

[SuperBuffs]

That basketball team and track team are monsters, I believe the bballers have been varsity for longer than football. You are right about the athelete drain from Hightower and Willowridge......heck, even from Bush.

[StrakeJesuit07]

hey all,
sorry if this has already been addressed but assuming strake wins this weekend, where will the first round games be played? does strake get home field since we are the "#1" seed for 19-5a d2? thank you in advance

[AZTiger]

should be decided by coin flip for home/home or at an agreed neutral site

[KT2000]

Buffs, I gotta find out more of your reasoning on this and then I'll leave it alone. You mentioned Katy's secondary as a possible weakness when I believe it is the strength of the defense having seen most of the Tigers' games this year.

In the two games you saw (Taylor and Cinco)...Katy allowed 6-21, 71 yards to Taylor 15-35 for 104 against Cinco.

The Tiger secondary has allowed three passing touchdowns all year and one of those was a two yarder. Another was a missed pass interference penalty that the ref responsible for the call admitted to not flagging because of the score. Katy allows 59 ypg on average and it wasn't much higher than that last year (with three of the same starters). If they hold this average, they'll be the most successful pass defense in the history of the school.

[KatyTigers]

The Marshall roster carries 68 players including 11 underclassmen. The Buffalos avg. 31 points per game and give up 16.5 per game.

FB MARSHALL BUFFALOS FOOTBALL TEAM LEADERS


TEAM OFFENSE

Rush 1963
Pass 1628
Total 3591
Avg. 448.9
Games 8


TEAM DEFENSE

Rush 1090
Pass 962
Total 2052
Avg. 293.1
Games 8


RUSHING

Att Yds Avg TD's
James Thomas 80 790 9.9 9
Jai Cavness 86 519 6 4
Matthew Washington 34 248 7.3 2
Moses Lafayette 23 174 7.6 1
Quinton Carlock 5 132 26.4 2

PASSING

Comp Att Int Yds TD's
James Thomas 90 172 8 1588 13
Moses Lafayette 1 1 0 33 0

RECEIVING

Recpt Yd's Avg TD's
Quinton Carlock 32 694 21.7 5
A.J. Ruffins 23 368 16 4
Cory Kimble 18 374 20.8 4

[ktCarl]

Why has FB MArshall flown under the radar this season? Sounds like they are a solid team. They aren't too far from the Katy area. I guess nobody from Fort Bend knows about 5A Texas Football.com.

[v2the4]

I think most of the Fort Bend people and others in the houston area post on the Texas Prep xtra..I posted regularly on this board, had well over 500 post until the new version came out this summer, but I will post on this board also from time to time whenever I remember.

as for Fort Bend Marshall, they are a second year varsity program whose senior class has been together for four years. They were undefeated as freshman and sophomores, playing a JV schedule, and they beat everyone by nearly 30 points a game except Hightower, which were both 7 points game.

James Thomas has been the qb since he was a freshman, and the vast stable of running backs and receivers have also started from the day the school opened.

You wonder why I would bring up JV stats from two and three years ago? Its because the pundits and experts out there expected Marshall to contend during their first varsity season, but they endured severe growing pains, and finished 3-7. The hype was set though, as six Marshall seniors to be were offered D-1 scholarships, including Thomas(UTEP pledge), OT Thomas Lott (Texas Tech), LB Royland Smith(Tx Tech, UTEP) OG Chris Herrirra (Miss St), and RB Matthew Washington, among others.

Marshall was expected to contend with Hightower and Kempner for district supremecy, but Hightower has suffered their worst season in their six year history, and will only end up with a .500 record at best. Kempner has made the playoffs and will play Marshall this saturday. I expect to see a large contingent of Katy fans at that game, but Marshall may hold back and not show too much.

Marshall has averaged well over 500 yards on offense this year, and has at least 450 plus in every game except their 13-10 victory over Hightower, where they were held to 242 total yards.

I think making the playoffs in your second varsity season is a great accomplishment, as previous Fort Bend ISD schools Elkins, Austin, and Hightower(made it in their first season) have also pulled it it off, but playing Katy in the first round of the playoffs will be a far cry from playing against some of the soft teams in 20-5A.

I wish Marshall nothing but the best, and if they had a better matchup, Id probably pick them. I know anything can happen within a 48 minute game, but Id have to pick Katy right now, even though Marshall's offensive attack should make it very interesting.

[SuperBuffs]

Buffs, I gotta find out more of your reasoning on this and then I'll leave it alone. You mentioned Katy's secondary as a possible weakness when I believe it is the strength of the defense having seen most of the Tigers' games this year.



Katy's secondary is not weak in the football sense, they have good players. What I should have said was in terms of Marshall looking for a weakness for their strength....my post made it seem as if Katy's DB's were not good.

Now Katy Taylor and Cinco Ranch pass alot so Katy shut them down, but I think Marshall has a better passing game than those two. Kempner has a good defense so this week's game will answer some questions.

[ktCarl]

How good is Kempner? If Marshall tries not to show much for the Katy contingency then will Marshall be flirting with defeat?

[SuperBuffs]

I expect to see a large contingent of Katy fans at that game, but Marshall may hold back and not show too much.



I saw that Hightower game and that was the only time I felt that the coaches were purposely not passing the ball......they keep running. I remember thinking why are they running so much when they could easily just pass for a score.

Your post made me think of that game.

[SuperBuffs]

How good is Kempner? If Marshall tries not to show much for the Katy contingency then will Marshall be flirting with defeat?


I think Kempner has the best defense in the district, a little better than Marshall's IMO....but the Cougar has no offense, The QB, Gunner I believe is a 40-50% passer, but they have a pretty good receiver. The running game is not good, the offensive line I think is the blame. I only saw the Bush game and Kempner won, and looked awful doing it.

Kempner's defense has pitched a few shutouts, but Pearland spanked them early in the season. If ever Katy needed a good look at Marshall, the Kempner game is a good chance.

[KatyTigerDad0407]

Kempner's defense has pitched a few shutouts, but Pearland spanked them early in the season. If ever Katy needed a good look at Marshall, the Kempner game is a good chance.


I'll be there. I agree. I think Buffs and Vonfore both have great insight. Even if Cinco beats Strake more than worth having a look at them. I would like to hear your thoughts on a Cinco win and a Hastings Loss. Will it be a coin toss for D1?
And do you think it will be Kempber or Austin in D1?

[v2the4]

I'll be there. I agree. I think Buffs and Vonfore both have great insight. Even if Cinco beats Strake more than worth having a look at them. I would like to hear your thoughts on a Cinco win and a Hastings Loss. Will it be a coin toss for D1?
And do you think it will be Kempber or Austin in D1?


from what I understand, since the Cinco/Hastings game was cancelled and not made up, if they end up tied at 3-3 in district play, they will flip a coin to see who advances..thats gonna be tough....best thing for Hastings will be to handle their business and beat their rival Elsik.

if Austin beats Clements on saturday, they will be the D-1 rep. If Clements beats Austin, then Kempner will be the D-1 rep and Clements will be the lower seed in D-2

[KatyTigerDad0407]

from what I understand, since the Cinco/Hastings game was cancelled and not made up, if they end up tied at 3-3 in district play, they will flip a coin to see who advances..thats gonna be tough....best thing for Hastings will be to handle their business and beat their rival Elsik.

Good thing Hastings did just that, but...........................if they would have played the make up games in 195a, might be different for Cinco.

[eagleike]

Ft. Bend Marshall had better start worrying about Memorial before they look to Katy.

Memorial's defense and grind it out offense can beat the Buffs. The Mustang defense will knock you silly if given the chance.