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Rivalry renewed
By Will Smith
The Weekly Post
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Published October 30, 2008
FYFFE—The Class 2A, No. 8 Red Devils and Plainview will meet head-to-head tonight in Fyffe for their annual rivalry game. The Red Devils have won two consecutive blowouts over the Bears since the two schools renewed their feud in 2006, but this year’s match-up is shaping up to be a little more interesting.
Class 2A, No. 10 Fyffe, which lost several stellar athletes to graduation last spring, aren’t as potent this season as in years past but still have shown that they can compete in tough situations. Plainview, which won four of their first five games this year, has had to face a tough schedule in the second half of the season prior to tonight’s match-up. Both are seeded third in their respective regions, and both will be looking to gain some momentum heading into the post-season.
“It’s been a big rivalry,” said Fyffe head coach Paul Benefield on his team’s upcoming game against the Bears. “We want to get some momentum heading into the post-season, where it really counts.”
The importance of a win remains the same for the Bears, which face a tough road trip next week against 4A, No. 1 Deshler for the opening round of the playoffs.
“It’s neighbor versus neighbor. That’s what makes this game a rivalry,” said Plainview head coach Dale Pruitt of his team’s match-up against Fyffe. “These are people we see everyday. I think any win will help you heading into the playoffs. A win against your next door neighbor will really help.”
Offensively, the Red Devils, which gained over 5,000 rushing yards in 15 games last season, are averaging around 250 rushing yards per game this year primarily on the strength of running backs Taylor Thrash, Jesse Westbrook and Clint Graben. Averaging over 30 points per contest, the Fyffe offense will have to find a way around a seasoned Bears stop unit, led by seniors Ryan Rutledge and Hunter Wright. Tyler Rowell and Blake Wigley anchor the Bears secondary.
“Their defense, it seems, is always there strength,” said Benefield of his opponent. “It’s going to be tough. We’re going to have to block better than we have in the last few weeks.”
The Red Devils also have an emerging passing attack with junior quarterback Jesse Townsel and senior receiver Lucas Yancey. The duo have connected on 18 separate occasions this season, resulting in nine touchdowns and well over 400 yards.
“Fyffe can run the ball very well. They run play action on early downs, which adds another dimension to their offense,” said Pruitt. “Their defense is also strong.”
The Red Devil stop unit, led by senior Chris Mauldin and sophomore Brandon Williamson, have held opponents to under 15 points in every contest this year except for Sand Rock in Week 8. The Bears spread offense will be led by Gabe Graham, who almost reached the 1,400-yard mark with his performance against DAR on Friday. Helping the senior quarterback reach that plateau is a strong core of wide receivers, including Josh Kidd and Keenan Hodges who have combined for almost 800 receiving yards on the year. Graham, Jesus Gonzales and Will Ingle have taken the majority of the load for Plainview’s ground game following an injury to Jordan Fee against Fairview in Week 7.
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