Jump to content

PA NEWS GAME OF THE WEEK: WEST BROOK AT MEMORIAL

KFDM COOP

By KFDM COOP
in SETXsports Archived Threads

 Share

Recommended Posts

KFDM COOP

KFDM COOP

Posted
Posted

www.panews.com

PA NEWS GAME OF THE WEEK: WEST BROOK AT MEMORIAL

Stump’s Bruins invade Thompson’s Turf

By Cody Pastorella

The Port Arthur News

Twenty-years ago, following a controversial consolidation of Beaumont’s Hebert and Forest Park High Schools, West Brook sent shockwaves across Texas by winning the 5A state championship in its first season of existence.

Ironically, West Brook finished second in the district to Port Arthur Jefferson. Even more ironic, the quarterback who led TJ over the Bruins for the district championship was named Craig Stump. Stump’s passing led the Yellow Jackets to a 28-14 victory over the Bruins.

Fast-forward to today and the stage is set for Stump’s first visit to Port Arthur as the head coach of West Brook.

For added sentimental value, across the sidelines will be Stump’s high school coach, Ronnie Thompson, who is now the head coach at Port Arthur Memorial. Not even 200 yards from the stadium is the house Stump grew up in.

The outcome in his homecoming clash should determine whether Memorial gets its first win against the Bruins in four years, or if West Brook moves to 5-0 in District 21-5A and retains at least a share of the District 21-5A lead.

?t? going to be fun,†Stump said. ?t? going to be my first time in the visitor’s locker room. My parents still live in the same house right there by the stadium and I’m going to enjoy talking with Coach Thompson. I always enjoy visiting with him. We did this last year but this will be the first time for us to do it over there.â€

This is Stump’s fourth year as West Brook’s head coach. Hurricane Rita disrupted what would have been his visit to Port Arthur in 2005. Memorial’s other two meetings with the Titans have taken place in Beaumont.

Meanwhile, the Bruins turnaround under Stump has been rather remarkable, and his 35-18 overall record with West Brook has his team on track for a fourth straight trip to the playoffs.

“He is doing an outstanding job over there,†Thompson said. “I think the world of Craig. He is an all-around great guy. He was a great athlete and is possibly an even better coach. He has taken a sagging program, turned it around and very likely has them in the playoffs again this year. Even if they lose out they are in.

“This is the first time he is coming over here as a coach, so perhaps it will be a little bit strange for him. Maybe that’s not the best word, but maybe for a moment, he might feel like he is on the wrong sideline.â€

Stump has the Bruins leading the district in both offense and defense. West Brook averages almost 393 yards of offense and only surrenders an average of 201 yards on defense. Baytown Lee and Memorial are the only other two teams in the district averaging more than 300 yards of offense.

The Titans are moving the ball just shy of 341 yards per game and lead the district in passing yards with 1,657.

Of the 1,409 yards the Bruins have surrendered this season, 913 have come through the air, which is right at 65 percent. This is some good news for the aerial assault Port Arthur brings to the table.

Harry Brown leads the district with 1,465 passing yards and has thrown eight touchdowns. Most of that production has gone to receiver Freddie King who leads the district with 695 yards and 42 receptions. He has four touchdowns this season.

Last year, Brown and King hooked up three times for touchdowns, and even helped the Titans take a 35-34 lead in the third quarter. Brown was not the starter in that game but had a considerable impact. He even ran in a 4-yard touchdown. In just those three touchdowns, Brown and King were able to amass 122 yards.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Member Statistics

    46,202
    Total Members
    1,837
    Most Online
    CHSFalcon
    Newest Member
    CHSFalcon
    Joined


×
×
  • Create New...