navscanmaster

Great game, and congratulations on an otherwise successful season Tigers and Tiger fans.  The Rattlers now have Gilmer (barring WW3) to worry about.  Not surprising though, Navasota has faced a state finalist or champion in the third round each of the last two years, and this year should not be any different.

Caldwell 14, Navasota 0. Caldwell 35, Rockdale 14. Caldwell 35, Cameron 28. All big games in district, the Cameron game coming at the end of the season after the Hornets were already district champs.  Caldwell is not spectacular on offense, but they can control the clock, and despite rumors, they can pass the ball and catch a team with their pants down.  Their defense is quick to the ball, and they swarm every tackle.  They have a couple of guys that just seem like they cannot be blocked on defense, no matter what you do. I like Cleveland and Caldwell both, but I will have to stay with 24-3A because I think the district champs from over here are ready to get past that hump that has been East Texas in the playoffs.  Their kids are a firey bunch, and their fan base is extremely loud and well traveled.  Look for Caldwell to hold the Indians in place.  Good luck to both schools, it is the playoffs, and anything can happen.

I could have sworn I had a username a few years ago on here, but I haven't really followed the board since the Orangefield/Navasota controversy a few years back.  Anyhow, it is good to be playing Silsbee again.  I noticed a comment about the overwhelming votes in favor of Navasota on 3adl, but I don't think any Navasota people are arrogant about this matchup.  Focused, more like it.  The Rattlers started the year on fire, got a high ranking, then had two bad nights against Cameron and Caldwell.  Even in those matchups, the defense played well.  The Rattler defense is not to be overlooked anymore.  They were porous only a few seasons ago, but are very fast, hard hitting, and focused as a group.  If you looked at the schedule results posted on the first page, you will notice three shutouts, and all but one game with the defense allowing only two offensive TDs.  That has been one TD per half in those games.  The highest point total against the Rattlers by an offense was 20 by Palestine, overall 24 by Cameron, 8 of which was a returned stripped ball on the opening kickoff.  The Rattler's problem has been on the offensive side of the ball.  They are a very talented group, with a very large line, the left side of which are big (6-7, 6-5) DI recruits.  The line sometimes takes plays off, and it is usually at just the wrong time.  When they take over, i.e. Rockdale, Taylor, 2nd half of Madisonville, they can really bully a defensive front around.  The QB Hildreth is just as dangerous as JJ is for Silsbee.  The RBs are a mix of speed/shiftiness and power/quickness.  The key to Navasota winning any game is a balanced attack, with balanced drives.  Playmakers are: QB Hildreth, #12 a senior - DI recruit RB Burrell, #8 a junior RB/MLB Jones, #9 a junior - DI recruit WR Creeks, # 17 a junior WR/CB Sweed, #3 a senior DE/LB King, #52, a senior LB Ewing, #19, a junior DT Mallard, #32, a junior There are several other good players on the defense, and some young talent on the offense.  Our three year starter at center has a bag leg injury, and his backup has played well.  Having 6'7" 330 Calhoun, #79 and 6'5" 300 Harrison, #74 right next to you means that you will get run at a lot more, and he has met the challenge thus far. I don't mean to boast about the recruits or anything else, I am just trying to give some of you that might not know anything about Navasota a good overview of what to expect. As far as the game, I just don't see Navasota giving up some of the predicted point totals on here.  We have played some great rushing teams (Caldwell) and some great passing teams (Cameron Yoe, Palestine) and have fared very well on defense.  That said, I don't think Navasota will have great success against Silsbee, who has had some very impressive wins over Jasper and WOS, especially.  I think the Rattlers have what it takes to sneak out a victory, something to the tune of 26-22.  Good luck to all, and I will be listening to the game from work in Longview, unfortunately.