Sports readers are used to hype. Sports writers look for ways to make the next sports game the most interesting and the biggest thing west of the Mississippi. This week the #4 (AP) and undefeated Kennedale playing once defeated Alvarado is a game that does not need much hype. {{more}}Note: The game date has been changed because of the forecast weather conditions and will be played Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. at Charles
Head Stadium in Alvarado.
the backstory ?
Kennedale and Alvarado have played 33 times starting in 1962. Alvarado, always the ?big boys? from down south, have dominated the series 23-8-2 but in more recent times the two teams have split wins going 5-5. In 2011, Alvarado came within 2 points of winning a state title, losing out to the Tyler Chapel Hill in a dramatic 20-19 in the state championship game.
With the exception of the 2011 game, which Alvarado won in a blow-out, recent Kennedale and Alvarado games have been close. Typical was last year?s game in which Kennedale won on a last minute drive, 30-27.Kennedale entered that game undefeated and ranked #4 in Class 4A. It was Halloween night (sound familiar). Alvarado was in a rebuilding year. The first half belong to Kennedale with the halftime score at 23-7 but the Indians came out inspired and scored 20 unanswered points and took the lead in the 4th at 27-23 with less than 3 minutes left in the game. A short kick by Alvarado and a 20 yard return by TE Chance Bishop was all it took for the Cats. Juwan Washington got his 4th TD three plays later on a 29 yard run.Alvarado was one of the few teams that season that came close to shutting down Kennedale?s offense, cutting in half the usual 500 yard average per game.
this year ?
Kennedale is in the same position as last year, #4 and 8-0, 3-0 and averaging 511 yards per game. Alvarado is on a seven game winning streak at 7-1, 3-0 and back on its game. Alvarado?s lone loss came in the first game of the season to Waco La Vega (8-0, 3-0). Currently Alvarado is #13 in MaxPreps power rankings. It will be Senior Day for Alvarado.
the take on Alvarado …
Kennedale assistant coach George Griffin said of Alvarado, ?Kaufman was more of a finesse team [referring to Kennedale?s only other challenge this season which the Cat won 43-35]. Alvarado is big and they will roll over you.? He added, ?They come right at you and don?t care if you know it.?
Alvarado has faced some strong teams this year, losing to undefeated Waco La Vega, giving Decatur (8-1) its only loss of the season and beating a good Brownwood team (6-2-1). The Indians are coming off a 42-36 win over Springtown last week.
Alvarado does pass. QB Brad Ramsey (Jr) has 27 completions on 77 attempts (55%) for 516 yards and 6 touchdowns. But their game is running, rushing for 2,529 yards on 358 carries for a 7.1 yard average, scoring 31 touchdowns. Top ball carrier is #24 Austin Morriel (Sr) who has 1,180 yards on 179 carries at 6.6 yards per and 13 touchdowns. He is coming off a 193 yard game last week against Springtown. He is followed by #22 Alonzo Shaw (Jr) who has 823 yards on 107 carries for 7.7 yards per and 8 touchdowns. His high game was against Decatur earlier this year with 208 yards at 9.9 yards per attempt.
the take on Kennedale …
Kennedale?s bread and butter is the running game ? 3,963 yards on 380 carries (10.4) per and 62 touchdowns. QB Kasier McGlothen (Sr) has passed only 7 times for 132 yards on 5 completions but has run for 403 yards on 61 attempts (6.6 per) and 5 touchdowns. The big gun is #2 Quardraiz Wadley (Sr) who has rushed for 1,906 yards on 151 attempts (12.6 per) and 32 touchdowns. Complimenting Wadley is power running back #5 Dailyn Wells (Sr) who has run for 928 yards on 67 carries (13.9 per) and 11 touchdowns.
In an interview with the Cleburne Times-Review this week, Alvarado Head Coach Jeff Dixon, who is in his 11 year at Alvarado, said of Kennedale, ?They?re going to score on big plays. They?ve got a great running game. I don?t know if they are as concerned about 13- or 15-play drives. They?re going to do what they do. You may stop them three or four times in a row, then if you?re not where you?re supposed to be, they?ll pop one.? Read the full story at CleburneTimes-Review
.a Saturday afternoon fall classic …Saturday afternoon is looking like it will be great football weather with a fall college feel. The game should be another classic with two rivals vying for the district championship. Kick-off is 4 p.m. in Alvarado. Location and directions at Charles
Head Stadium
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