McLean’s Ben Crocket (20) hurdles players on his way to the endzone against White Deer on Friday. [Mackenzie Teal/ Press Pass Sports]
1. McLean dominates
What was seen as one of the hottest matchups of the week, was quickly cooled down by the McLean Tigers on Friday night. Ben Crockett acted as a plow on the snow-covered White Deer field, covering 274 yards on 32 carries. The Tiger defense stepped up in a big way holding the Bucks to only 129 yards of total offense. McLean unveiled a new monument outside of the school Friday morning to commemorate 2018 state-championship, and the 2019 Tigers proved Friday night they may be able to repeat.
2. Groom stomps Lefors
This was a big matchup out of District 1-1A Divison 2 Saturday afternoon.
All signs point to these two teams being at the top of the district at the end of the season. The Tigers (6-2, 2-0) were able to continue their recent success making it three wins in a row. The Lefors defense was no match for the high-powered Groom offense as the Tigers take it 60-14.
3. Valley pushes through
The Patriots have persevered though many challenges this season, but continue to find success. This week was no different as Valley came into this week’s matchup without their starting signal-caller Parker Carson. Even so, the Patriots were able to rally off 70 points in a district win over Miami. After a bye, the Patriots needed a good effort against Miami to prepare them for their final two games of the season against McLean and White Deer.
4. Follett finds win column
No doubt the Panthers have struggled so far this season, but Follett reached the light at the end of the tunnel Saturday afternoon against Higgins. Before the game, the Panthers had been held winless after coming off of a state appearance last season. Follett was dominant the entire way getting the shutout 48-0.
5. Nazareth drops another game
It is now the end of week 9 and the Swifts have only played six games. Of course, they lost a game due to a bye, but the Swifts were unable to play the first game due to a lightning storm, and Lorenzo forfeited after being unable to field a team.
Coach Steven Moore has his hands full in Nazareth, but there is no doubt the time was used wisely, and the Swifts will be well prepared to make a push for the playoffs.
6. Snap shot questions
UIL snap shot day has come and there are some questions facing Six-man schools in the Texas Panhandle. The biggest of all being McLean. The Tigers are coming off of a Division I state championship, with the possibility of a repeat. With that said, the Tigers turned in an enrollment of 63. Will that push McLean to D2? It will be close with the bottom number being 56. Miami is certainly going down, and will Wildorado is a border team with 58.5. Stay tuned.