Rematch Set: Second Baptist School to face St. Joseph in second round

Just like last season, the Second Baptist School will see a familiar foe in the second round of the playoffs.

Last year it was Cypress Christian – this season it is St. Joseph, who the Eagles defeated back on October 11 coming back from a 12-0 first-quarter deficit to eventually win 30-12.

"We know who we're playing," Second Baptist School coach Terry Pirtle said. "Both teams are well aware of who's playing against them since you've already played this opponent once this year. It'll be interesting to see how many adjustments they make. It'll be interesting to see how our kids respond to already beating a team and coming back and trying to stay focused and motivated for that much like we had to do last year with Cypress Christian."

"I'm hoping they remember that and understand that the game starts at 0-0 and it's a new game."

Second Baptist School and St. Joseph are set for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Friday at Wharton's Eddie Joseph Stadium.

When the teams met earlier this year, Second Baptist School quarterback Josh Johnson finished 11 of 25 for 105 yards and had nine carries for 53 yards and two scores. Eli Smith had 12 carries for 30 yards and a score and Everett Skillern had 10 carries for 41 yards and a touchdown.

Fast-forward to current day, Second Baptist School is 11-0 and coming off a 43-29 victory over Brentwood Christian.

Despite winning by a pair of touchdowns, Pirtle said there are still things they need to clean up to get ready for a rematch with St. Joseph.

"There were three turnovers we had last week, which when you have a turnover you don't get to score on that drive and we still scored 42 points without our best receiver," Pirtle said. "In one aspect, we're really pleased to do that but also, we're at the point now where if we don't execute to our standards, we're upset about it. So, it was a good win but, in our minds, we could have played a lot better."

Jaylon Coleman, Second Baptist School's best receiver, was held out of last week's game but Pirtle said he should be back this week.

If the Second Baptist School wins on Friday, it could set up a rematch with district rival Lutheran South in the TAPPS Division II State Semifinals next week.