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Tigers still prowling for first victory
The Tigers host Royal in the second District 24-3A contest. Wharton is coming off a 34-12 loss to Sealy and the Falcons beat Stafford 18-6. "Hopefully we can get on the winning track and get ourselves in line to do well," said a positive Gary Van Sant. "I knew it would be tough because everybody we played on our schedule is good," said Van Sant. "We don't want to dig ourselves too big of a hole too early." Van Sant admitted his players are down after the 0-4 start. "It's been a rough start for them and we played some really tough oppoents," said Van Sant. "We have to put the loss behind us because there's nothing we can do about it now. We have to work on not making the mistakes we made. "We've only played one district ball game and it doesn't mean the end of the world or whatever." At 3-1 on the year, first-year Royal coach Jose Martinez is pleased with his team's success. "Things are working out and the kids like what we're doing," said Martinez. We're trying to get a little bit better each week." This is only Wharton's second home game. The first was a losing effort against Brazosport on Sept. 7. "It could be nice playing at home," said Van Sant. Wharton played Sealy tough for two quarters, only trailing 7-6 at halftime. "We played as good a half of football as you can play," said Van Sant. "We had a lot of opportunities to score and we we couldn't complete the deal. We dropped several passes and had penalties." Royal who moved up to Class 3A two years ago has improved dramatically from last season. "They remind me of Brazosport," said Van Sant. They are really big and have a lot of size. They are sound and solid defensively." Wharton is a 7-point favorite according to pigskinprep.com Royal runs the spread and relies on a passing attack. Quarterback Eric Matthews has completed 25 of 55 passes for 424 yards. He had six touchdown passes and four interceptions. Shane Alexander has caught nine passes for 145 yards. Wharton, who is averaging only 167 yards per game, has had problems putting the ball in the endzone. "We're not executing all the way like we should," said Van Sant. "We're going to keep working and get there." Van Sant believes the Tigers must play almost perfect ball to come out on top. "We're g oing to have to play mistake free, limit our turnovers and execute," said Van Sant. Despite Wharton being winless, Martinez expects a tough test. "They will be at home and will be real hungry so we expect to have our hands full," said Martinez. "They have a lot of team speed." He singled out Kenneth Phynon, Triston Washington, Kevin Turner, Chris Owens and Luis Ortiz as being standouts for the Tigers. "I saw them play in the Barbers Hill game and they looked real good," said Martinez. "We have to stop their big play capability and not turn the ball over," said Martinez. "We can't lose the kicking game." There were two upsets last week. Columbus beat Needville 24-21 in double overtime and Columbia shocked Sweeny 19-10 for its first win of the season. Also this Friday, Needville will play at rival Sweeny. Stafford is set to host Columbia and Columbus will entertains Sealy. Our district is wide open," said Martinez. "It's whoever comes to play and doesn't turn the ball over will have the best opportunity to win". 24-3A Standings
Last Friday's Results Sealy 34, Wharton 12 Royal 18, Stafford 6 Columbia 19, Sweeny 10 Columbus 24, Needville 21 (2 OT) This Friday's Games Royal at Wharton, 7:30 p.m. Sweeny at Needville , 7:30 p.m. Sealy at Columbus, 7:30 p.m. Columbia at Stafford, 7:30 p.m. - Friday's Game Facts - WHAT: _Second _District _24-3A _Football _Game WHO: _Wharton Tigers _ (0-1, _0-4) _vs. _Royal _Falcons _ (1-0, _3-1) WHEN-WHERE: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Tiger _Stadium,Wharton. _______ LAST WEEK: Wharton dropped a 34-12 decision to Sealy and Royal beat Stafford 18-6. __________________________________________ LAST YEAR-THE SERIES: Wharton won 41-28. This is only the _second _time _for the teams _to _play. _____________________________ ABOUT THE TIGERS: The Tigers, first year Gary Van Sant, have been outscored 125-28 and are averaging 167 yards per game. The defense is yielding 265 yards per game. Tristan Washington has scored one touchdown and rushed for 142 yards. Chris Taylor has scored one _touchdown _and rushed for _112 yards. ABOUT THE FALCONS: Royal under first year coach Jose Martinez, has outscored their four opponents 72-70 and is averaging 230 yards per game. The defense is yielding 239 yards per game. Quaterback Eric Matthews has scored three touchdowns and rushed for 112 yards. He has completed 25 of 55 passes for 424 yards. He has six TD passes and four interceptions. Chris Brown has scored one touchdown and rushed for 105 yards.Shane Alexander has caught nine passes for 145 _yard. _________________________________________________ PIGSKIN PREP RATINGS & PICK: Wharton is ranked 116th in Class 3A with a power rating of 127 Royal is ranked 132nd with a power rating _of _123. _Wharton _is _a 7-point favorite. OTHER DISTRICT GAMES: Columbia visits Stafford,.Sweeny hosts Needville and _Columbus hosts Sealy. _____________________ |
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