It’s been a rough past three weeks for the Westwood football team, which has lost three-straight games since coming off of its bye week.
But, despite their struggles, the Panthers are right where they need to be in terms of the playoff chase.
With three games remaining and both district heavyweights behind them, all Westwood must do to make the postseason is simply win out.
That journey starts in Trinity Friday, when the Panthers take on the Tigers at Tiger Stadium (Hwy. 94, Trinity, Texas 75862). Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
“You don’t want to down play your opponents...but at the same time we looked at it when we got the schedule and knew that, with our district alignment, that everybody thought Teague and Franklin were the top two teams,” WHS coach Roger Mays said. “We still control our own destiny. We’ve told the kids that, if we win out then we’re in. That was our ultimate goal from the get-go.”
To accomplish that goal, Mays said he wants to see improvements on both sides of the ball.
The Panthers have given up 175 points in this three-game losing streak, and Mays said he thinks that’s caused some of his defensive players to lose confidence in their abilities.
He said he and his defensive staff have stressed to the players to just go out and make plays, not worry about what might happen.
“Last week, you could tell, was just a complete lack of confidence in their ability,” he said. “They need to just be able to not be so worried about making mistakes, just turn loose and play football and fly to the football.
“That’s something we’ve preached since two-a-days...and we didn’t see that because I think kids are afraid to get out of position.”
Offensively, the Panthers achieved a bit more balance against Teague than they had against Franklin. As a team the Panthers ran for 130 yards, while Keke Hicks was able to throw for 146 on 7-of-11 passing.
In their new, spread-based offense, the ability to establish the passing game is key to success, Mays said.
“If we’re able to have success in the run game then we’re not able to connect on any passes, then teams are going to load the box up on us,” he said. “You’ve got to spread it out and throw it around a little bit, make them respect that we can get it to our outside guys to keep the pressure off our offensive backfield.”
On top of that, Mays wants to see a solid start from his team, much like they were able to do Friday against Teague.
Despite the Lions’ high-powered offense, Westwood held Teague to only six points in the first quarter, and he said another start like that could do wonders for the Panthers’ mindset.
“We need a fast start. Our kids, if they get some early momentum then they build on that,” he said. “At the same time, I’ve seen that if we have early struggles then kids start putting the pressure on themselves. We need a fast start so we can get out of the gate and get going from there.”
The status of running back Aaryon Robinson, who missed the Teague game due to injury, isn’t quite clear. Mays called him a game-time decision.
———
Sports editor Justin Rains can be reached via email at jrains@palestineherald.com
Local Sports
H.S. Football: Westwood looking to begin playoff push Friday
- Local Sports
-
-
H.S. Athletics: Holden named new Cayuga ISD athletic director
It took just over a month for Cayuga ISD to find their new athletic director.
In a school board meeting Monday, the Cayuga school board hired current CHS assistant coach Russell Holden as its new athletic director and head football coach.
Holden, who has been on the staff at Cayuga for five years, will replace Greg Jenkins, who after three years at the helm is leaving for Tenaha. -
Middle School Athletics: Palestine selects March, April 'Character Athletes'
The Palestine Junior High girls athletic program released their Character Athletes of the Month for both March and April recently.
Eighth graders Annalise Meyers (March) and Josie Soehnge (April), and seventh graders Madison Oliva (March) and Ashley Middleton were honored with the awards, which go to student athletes that lead not only on the field or court, but also in the classroom. -
H.S. Softball Playoffs: Grapeland scores early and often in semifinal clincher
Just like in game one, the Grapeland Sandiettes jumped out to a big lead during Saturday's decisive Game 3 against the Joaquin.
The only difference is this time the Sandiettes never let off the gas on their way to a dominant 12-2 win over the Lady Rams in the do-or-die regional semifinal game.
With the win, Grapeland moves on to its third regional final in four years, where they will take on Beckville. It’s the third-straight year the teams will meet in the postseason. -
H.S. Baseball Playoffs: Elkhart eases past Warren in Game 2
After needing three games to end its first two playoff series this postseason, the Elkhart baseball team made sure it didn’t happen a third time.
The Elks — who are seeking a second-straight trip to the state tournament — rolled past Warren Saturday, 6-0, at Lufkin’s Morris Franks Park. The win came a night after Elkhart topped the Warriors, 5-1, to open the series on Friday. -
H.S. Softball Playoffs: Grapeland, Joaquin split games Friday
It was a tale of two games during Friday's Regional Semifinal between the Grapeland Sandiettes and Joaquin Lady Rams. The Sandiettes and Lady Rams combined for 22 runs in the Sandiettes 12-10 win in Game 1.
Game 2 was a much different as the teams wouldn't combine for 20 hits, or even 10 runs as the Lady Rams picked up a 4-2 win.
-
H.S. Football: Palestine's Owens leads strong class of area recruits
Palestine junior Jarrell Owens hasn’t ever played a significant down in a game for the Wildcats at linebacker in his football career.
Yet, the position is obviously where his future lies.
Owens is one of a handful of area juniors drawing significant college interest, and the Palestine running back/linebacker already holds an official offer from Texas Tech University. -
H.S. Baseball Playoffs: Harleton shuts down Cayuga in regional quarterfinal
In an as-expected pitcher’s duel, it took only one off inning to cost Cayuga and ace Chantz Holland.
Holland gave up four hits and hit a batter in the top of the third inning, and Harleton turned that into four runs — the only runs of the game — as Harleton topped Cayuga, 4-0, here at the Lindale ISD Baseball and Softball Complex in regional quarterfinal action. -
H.S. Baseball: Patchwork lineup still working for Cayuga
The Cayuga baseball team that will take the field tonight against Harleton in the regional quarterfinals doesn’t look a lot like the Cayuga team that rolled through district play earlier this season.
Injuries have hampered the look of the Wildcat lineup, but Cayuga still finds itself into the playoffs’ third round for yet another season. -
H.S. Softball: Grapeland going strong into regional semifinals
It’s been relatively easy-going so far in the state softball playoffs for the Grapeland softball team.
The Sandiettes have lost only once so far in the playoffs, and that came thanks a forfeit in the area round against Avery, when Grapeland decided not to play rather than play without missing members at the state golf tournament. -
Local Roundup: Cayuga's Hughes named 19-A MVP
After a stellar regular season that saw them capture a district title, then a solid playoff run that ended with a regional quarterfinal loss to Grapeland, the Cayuga softball team showed well on the District 19-A all-district teams.
Cayuga star freshman pitcher Kimberly Hughes capped her stellar year by earning the district’s Most Valuable Player award. Joining Hughes in earning superlative honors was her battery-mate Maci Poland, who was named the league’s Defensive MVP. - More Local Sports Headlines
-
H.S. Athletics: Holden named new Cayuga ISD athletic director
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
