STORY BY: BOB WRIGHT
The Tigers got off to an extremely slow start, losing their three non-district games, but who’s counting now?
What’s important is that A&M Consolidated makes the trek to Copperas Cove this Friday night for a game matching the only undefeated teams in District 12-5A – the Tigers and Bulldawgs – both standing at 4-0. The Cove has a 6-1 record overall, while Consol is 4-3.
As the 12-5A titans’ showdown for undisputed district supremacy nears, it would appear that Coach David Raffield’s style of attack is jelling at just the right time. While Quinton White and Durasis Nutall seemingly are more comfortable and finding their running grooves, the Consolidated defense continues to make some big plays, such as holding off opponents in the red zone and forcing some turnovers to get the ball back into the hands of the Tiger offense.
Some of the big-play defensive names in the Tiger “D” have been linemen J.J. Bynum and Fredrick Goodman, who spearheaded the unit that was devasting in last week’s win over Killeen Shoemaker, liming the Greywolves to 68 yards of total offense. The secondary is no less spectacular. For instance, safety Brett Mahnke broke up a pass, had a quarterback sack interspersed with seven tackles. His running buddy, strong safety Josue Ordonez, registered three tackles against the ‘Wolves and picked off a pass. Added to the defensive mix in that game were linebackers David Levias, Marshall Strain and Joe Waithaka. They have indicated they’ll have their “game faces” on at Copperas Cove in this all-important district contest.
Offensively, while Nutall and White are also proving to be dangerous inside receivers, the offense continues to be in good hands with QBs Jacob Bronowski and backup Weston Garner.
Coach Jack Welch, who seems to be a fixture at the Cove, calls on his quarterback, Orlando Thomas, to guide the ‘Dawg attack. Thomas, a University of Texas commit, is surrounded by plenty of talent to move the football, including 6-0, 210 running back Brandon Hamilton and wide receiver Johnny Sirmans, and not to be overlooked, junior tight end/wide receiver Girod Fluelen. Also look for sophomore running back Vondarenz King, who shows much promise.
Kickoff for the big showdown is set for 7:30.