Friday, Nov. 30, 2007
Toughest Foe Yet?
AHS Football
By John English
Contributing Writer
The Eagles scored 21 unanswered points to defeat the Steers 21-8 and advance to the regional quarterfinals against Snyder tonight, and the Tigers are very similar to Argyle’s first two playoff opponents.
“Snyder is a ground-based team that is very physical defensively,” coach Todd Rodgers said. “They have beaten some very good 3A and 4A teams, and they do a lot of things to keep the ball from you. It’s probably the most run-dominated team that we’ve played all year, so it will be a very difficult challenge for our defense to, once again, give opportunities to our offense.”
Argyle went down to Graham 8-0 to start the game last Friday, but rebounded, playing a very similar style game to the Steers. The Eagles focused heavily on the run with Kyle Frizzell and passed when the opportunity presented itself.
“The game plan going in every week is to take what they give us,” Rodgers said. “They gave us a defensive front and a coverage that mandated that we run the ball well. We started running it with some success and stayed with it, and we were able to establish some long drives.”
With a wind chill approaching the freezing mark and rain throughout much of the evening, Rodgers said he was especially impressed with the mental toughness his players showed.
“It was harsh conditions on Saturday night,” Rodgers said. “The kids really rose to the occasion and did everything possible to win the game.”
Rodgers said he was also pleased to see that his defense continues to play well, as the unit has surrendered a total of six points through the first two games.
“I think they are getting more confident each and every week,” Rodgers said. “When they’re more confident, they run faster and execute the defense better.”
When and Where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Newton Field, 1100 Calaveras St., Graham
Records: Argyle (10-2, 4-1 in District 8-3A). Snyder (10-2, 3-0 in 3-3A)
Key Players: Argyle: J.J. Harp, QB; Kyle Frizzell, RB; Brady Brown, WR; Matt Handler, WR; Trevor Cantrell, LB. Snyder: Chase Arrendale RB; Will Clay, RB.
Injuries: Argyle – None. Snyder – None.
We Say: Argyle 38, Snyder 35. Snyder has a potent offensive attack; however, it is almost exclusively in the ground game. Argyle may find itself trading scores, but should prevail in a close one.
Online: Visit www.argylemessenger.comon Friday night for quarterly updates.
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