Photo by Brian McLean
By Nolan Ruth
X – @RealNolanRuth
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I do not usually do my Parker County Roundup during the postseason, due to the uncertainty that is the high school football playoffs. But tonight, I could not help myself! So the following is an impromptu, condensed version of my usual Parker County Roundup!
FINALS:
Aledo 42, Amarillo Tascosa 0
Springtown 49, Frisco Panther Creek 41
Brock 65, Lubbock Estacado 18
Peaster 16, Shallowater 0
Azle Christian 72, Lubbock Christ the King 46
DISCLAIMER: This is all my opinion and analysis based on results of the games played in the past weekend, and is not meant to be any kind of ranking, or slam piece on any particular team. It is simply an observation through my eyes.
As my friends and family in Aledo say “How ‘bout them Bearcats?” That’s right! How ‘bout them Bearcats! Amarillo Tascosa plays a style of offense that is not easily defended, and Aledo went out and proved what I have known all season. This defensive front seven for Aledo is the best I have ever seen. And I have been alive for all but one of their 12 state championships. This bracket is Aledo’s to lose.
Now let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Denton Ryan was put on upset alert going into its game with Abilene, and bluntly silenced its doubters. There is still plenty to play out, but I think I can say with confidence that we are seeing some of the best Bearcat football that we have seen in a while.
Now let’s talk about those Porcupines on the north side of the county. A year ago, Springtown saw how tough region two can be in class 4A. Personally, I blame the UIL for putting the Pines in a Fort Worth ISD district, ultimately leaving them less battle-tested than the rest of the state. However, that is not the case this year, as even Eastern Hills found itself playing this week.
A fairly young Springtown team went out and made a big statement over Frisco Panther Creek tonight. For the Porcupines, it is a case of: The next one is the most important one. There is no time to relax as a very good Alvarado squad is up next. But for now, Springtown has proven that it belongs among the state contenders! And that alone is an extra victory!
Brock got a dominating victory against a team they should have. I think at this point, it is Brock’s region to lose. I do not see anyone challenging the Eagles until they reach the semifinal, most likely against Carthage.
Trust me when I say this, I know Billy Mathis. He has been game planning for Carthage all season long in his free time. He is not looking ahead, he wisely takes it one game at a time. But when he finds downtime, he uses it to look at the team that is “supposed” to beat them. I believe Brock’s best football is yet to be seen.
Now let’s talk about the one team that I can honestly say that I am the most proud to cover in this season. When Trevor Owens walked into Peaster, it took me all of about 10 seconds to know that this was the man to put this program on the map. Well by gum he’s done it. For the first time ever, the Greyhounds will be practicing on Thanksgiving morning.
This program has come a long way in just three years under Owens’s leadership. They get a rematch with Vernon this week, and the Lions will be hungry for revenge. But this Greyhound team is hungry too. They are tasting playoff success and they want more. Do not be surprised if Peaster beats Vernon by MORE than they did last time.
Finally, we get to the final team alive in Parker County down in TAPPS. The Cru of Azle Christian live to see the semifinals against a familiar opponent. Waco Valor may be a heavy favorite in the district rematch, but the Crusaders have been playing their best football of late! Coach Geeslin will not let his team get beat by the same team twice.
Last time, the Cru was in it. I expect nothing less this time around. In fact, I expect more. Valor may be ranked first in the state, but ACS has proven itself among the best. And with a state championship berth on the line, I expect the Crusaders to throw everything they have at this one.
If you have made it this far, thank you for joining me for this impromptu Parker County Roundup! I hope everybody enjoys their Thanksgiving, and I look forward to seeing more Parker County wins next week!
