GAMES
RANKINGS
M-Block prepared for Regional Final against PNG
THE REBOOT: Early-season loss refocused FB Marshall; photo gallery
Fort Bend Marshall was hanging around the Crosby High School parking lot, preparing to load the bus to return to the southwest side of town after a 27-21 (OT) loss at the hands of the Cougars earlier this season.
Coach James Williams looked stunned and disappointed.
“You never want to lose a game to learn a lesson, but you always have to learn lessons from things that don’t go your way,” Williams said. “It served this team well, got us refocused and let our guys know that we aren’t going to beat teams without the proper preparation.”
Since then, the Buffs have run off 11-straight wins, destroying teams by a margin of 513 to 67.
The offense got its legs under first-year QB Jordon Davis, who has thrown for over 2,300 yards and 27 scores. He has rushed for over 800 yards as well.
“That’s a story right there,” Williams said. “Ja’Koby Banks (UH-commit) had a phenomenal year at QB last year, scoring 39 touchdowns. He was very unselfish to back up and let Jordon run the offense this year, which freed him up to do more things for our football team from playing RB, WR and returning kicks. Once we found our identity with Jordon, we really started to click.”
The defense has flexed as well, giving up less than 10 points per game.
“M-Block football is about being physical and that is what we do,” Williams said. “It’s still a line of scrimmage game and it all starts up front with us with Zachary Chapman (TCU-commit), Trent Thomas and Logan Granville. That allows Jordan Sample (Arkansas State-commit) to flow to the ball and our secondary to create turnovers.”
With the offense finding their footing and the defense punishing opponents, the Buffs find themselves in the Regional Finals against Port Neches-Groves at Galena Park ISD Stadium on Friday night. FB Marshall beat the Indians 35-14 in district play earlier in the season.
“We are both very different teams now,” Williams said. “They do a tremendous job coaching and we are going to need to play disciplined football to win. I’m excited about where we are, and these guys deserve the success they get. They have put in so much hard work. That’s our culture.”
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Texas A&M star Devon Achane stopped by practice this week to check out the Buffs as they entered the Regional Finals.
"It was great to talk to him and hang out," Williams said. "I'm just so proud of that young man and to see how he's developed. It's amazing what he's been able to do against SEC competition."
The McGuire-Effect: Bridge City Football Getting Back On Track With McGuire at the Helm
THE BANNER LOOMS LARGE INSIDE LARRY WARD STADIUM ON THE CAMPUS OF BRIDGE CITY HIGH SCHOOL – THE 1960 STATE CHAMPIONS.
When Dr. Mike Kelly arrived as the new Superintendent, he started a drastic culture change starting with an investment in coaches and facilities.
He tabbed Cody McGuire, who had coached at perennial power Austin Westlake, to lead his football program and be the Athletic Director. McGuire took a 1-6 team in 2020 to a 4-6 programa year ago.
“I want to thank our community, school board and Dr. Kelly,” McGuire said. “The recent upgrades to the weight room, track, field turf and tennis courts has everyone fired up.”
Going into year two, McGuire is ready to take another step inside his program.“ When I interviewed, I could tell this community was hungry to get things back on track,” he said. “Your second year, you feel like will be better than your first year for several reasons. The seniors worked so hard last year and really bought into the system. That carried over with the guys coming back, who have continued to work hard. We expect them to do some great things.
“Having the guys for an entire offseason and summer together, we’ve seen our strength and speed increase incredibly. We are going to be better for it in 2022.”
For McGuire, it’s simple. He explains that there are five ways to get on the field for him.
“It starts with playing hard every play at practice and in the game,” he said. “You have to have knowledge of your assignment. If you don’t know what to do, we can’t put you out on the field. Are you physical and tough? This is a tough sport. You have to be a great teammate and uplift your brothers. And finally, are you a playmaker? It comes down to Godgiven talent. Can you play?”
McGuire came over from Westlake under the tutelage of legendary coach Todd Dodge. He also had stops at Tomball, Klein Collins and Lockhart High School.
“The thing about Westlake is the culture – they would play anyone, anytime, anywhere,” he said. “They aren’t scared of anyone. That is what we are trying to build here.”
It starts up front with offensive lineman Matthew Livingston, who will need to control the line of scrimmage. Sebastian Sandino and Keaton Watts will also help in the trenches. Tight end Noah Broussard will stretch the field, while Caden Welch will run between the tackles. Sophomore Hutch Bearden, will need to step up in the QB role and watch for Case McGuire at receiver.
On defense, JS Beardon will run the show as an outside linebacker. The all-state selection will set the tone for Nick Lejeune, Rayburn Hebert, Stephen Stone and Jagger Carlin. Landon and Keaton Watts and Mason Pruitt should play bigger roles in 2022 on defense along with Kayden Kibodeaux and Jerry Winfrey.
“Our goal is to make the playoffs,” he said. “That’s always the goal, right? We need to focus on being the best team on the field every Friday night.”
That banner will still loom large.