FOOTBALL: Nov. 11 playoff preview capsules

>> FABENS WILDCATS VS. SEMINOLE INDIANS

CLASS 3A DIVISION I BI-DISTRICT PLAYOFF

Time, date, place: 8 p.m. tonight, Rotary Field, Pecos.

Head coaches: Fabens, Don Hennigan; Seminole, Chris Burtch.

Districts: Fabens, District 3-3A; Seminole, District 4-3A.

Records: Fabens 3-6; Seminole 9-1.

Next opponent: Borger-Lubbock Cooper winner.

Last week: Fabens 26, Mountain View 13; Seminole did not play.

Playoff appearances: Fabens 16; Seminole 19.

Last playoff appearance: Fabens, 2001; Seminole, 2010.

Deepest advancement: Fabens, quarterfinals (1979); Seminole, regional (1997, 2007).

Previous playoff meetings: None.

Fabens leaders: RB Alex Ortega (28 rushes for 223 yards last week); RB J.J. Pacheco (11 rushes for 46 yards last week); QB Eric Ochoa (5-of-9 passing for 86 yards, 1 TD last week); S Orlando Esparza; LB Gary Dominguez.

Seminole leaders: QB Jacob Burtch (76-of-121 passing for 1,503 yards, 21 touchdowns); RB Juan Espino (156 rushes for 1,022 yards, 10 TDs); WR Jarod Adams (51 receptions for 1,070 yards, 16 TDs); LB Christian Torres (54 tackles); LB miles Caviness (45 tackles).

Radio: KIKZ-AM (1250).

Web: kikzksem.com.

Notes: Seminole coach Chris Burtch has been saying all season that his team has a chance to contend for a state championship. The Indians can start proving their coach right tonight. “We feel pretty good about where we are,” Burtch said. … Fabens, which has won only three playoff games in its history, also feels pretty good about where Seminole is. “They’re good, they’re big and they’re fast,” Fabens coach Don Hennigan told the El Paso Times. … The Indians ended the regular-season with a bye, which was a much-needed break according to their coach. Burtch said Seminole is “decently healthy” as a result. He also said his players are hungry to play again after taking the week off. “We desperately needed it,” Burtch said of the bye. “It came at the exact right time for us.” … Fabens, which finished third in District 3-3A at 2-2, is led by speedy running back Alex Ortega, a threat on offense and special teams. But the Wildcats could have a tough time competing with the Indians, who have weapons all over the field. “If we play to our capabilities, it should be a night where we’re able to work on some things that we need to and hopefully get some people in the game to get some reps later in the game,” Burtch said. “That’s kind of the game plan is to work on lots of different things and give whoever is scouting us and who’s going to play us next a lot to work on, lots of different formations and lots of different looks.” 

>> PECOS EAGLES VS. GREENWOOD RANGERS

CLASS 3A DIVISION II BI-DISTRICT PLAYOFF

Time, date, place: 7:30 p.m. tonight, Walton Field, Kermit.

Head coaches: Pecos, Chris Henson; Greenwood, Shad Hanna.

Districts: Pecos, District 3-3A; Greenwood, District 4-3A.

Records: Pecos 5-5; Greenwood 6-4.

Next opponent: Dalhart-Shallowater winner.

Last week: Pecos 27, Clint 21 (OT); Greenwood 38, Fort Stockton 14.

Playoff appearances: Pecos 12; Greenwood 16.

Last playoff appearance: Pecos, 2010; Greenwood, 2008.

Deepest advancement: Pecos, semifinals (1975); Greenwood, finals (2002).

Previous playoff meetings: 2008, bi-district (Greenwood 35, Pecos 32).

Pecos leaders: RB Jared Rodriguez (69 rushes for 573 yards, 5 touchdowns); QB Bradley Shaw (39-of-101 passing for 484 yards, 4 TDs); WR Chase Price (25 receptions for 328 yards, 4 TDs); DE Pedro Villalpando (5 sacks); LB Zack Renshaw (102 tackles).

Greenwood leaders: QB Kam Williams (111-of-223 passing for 1,475 yards, 11 TDs; 107 rushes for 821 yards, 13 TDs); WR Colin Sullivan (31 receptions for 447 yards, 3 TDs); Hunter Rose (71 tackles, 5 sacks); Jacob Armitage (108 tackles).

Radio: KIUN-AM (1400), audio feed on Suddenlink Cable channel 3 (Pecos).

Web: 98xfm.com, greenwoodrangersfootball.com.

Notes: As he put it, Greenwood coach Shad Hanna didn’t think his team would be in this position eight quarters ago. The Rangers needed to win their last two games to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2008, and they did so in dramatic fashion. First they overcame a 27-0 deficit to beat Andrews 62-61 on a late field goal by Kyle Rimer, then beat Fort Stockton and got some help from Monahans, which Andrews in the regular-season finale. “It’s like a renewed sense of excitement,” Hanna said. “As the season wears on, the kids get tired and the coaches get tired. But this last week it has been a really energized football program.” Pecos also has an extra spring in its step of winning back-to-back outright district championships for the first time in program history. The Eagles accomplished the feat in similarly dramatic fashion last week, rallying from a 20-13 deficit to beat Clint in overtime on a touchdown run by Israel Espudo. “The kids never fought with each other, never had a doubt in their eyes,” Pecos coach Chris Henson said. “They communicated and stayed with it the entire game and find a way to come back and win it.” … This week the Eagles must contend with Greenwood quarterback Kam Williams, a big and fast dual threat who accounted for nine touchdowns and more than 900 total yards in the last two games. “He’s a big key,” Henson said. “We know who we have to stop to have success (tonight).” … Hanna said he’s concerned with matching Pecos’ intensity and physicality. The Eagles like to play smash-mouth football on both sides of the ball, running the Wing-T offense with a stable of running backs behind a big offensive line. “Defensively, they’re a very aggressive football team and they like to blitz a lot,” Hanna said. “We have to do a good job of catching the football and hanging on to the ball when we do catch it. We can’t allow any turnovers.” 

>> MONAHANS LOBOES VS. CLINT LIONS

CLASS 3A DIVISION II BI-DISTRICT PLAYOFF

Time, date, place: 7:30 p.m. tonight, Jackson Field, Alpine.

Head coaches: Monahans, Mickey Owens; Clint, Rosvel Martinez.

Districts: Monahans, District 4-3A; Clint, District 3-3A.

Records: Monahans 8-2; Clint 6-4.

Next opponent: Lubbock Estacado-Perryton winner.

Last week: Monahans 45, Andrews 23; Pecos 27, Clint 21 (OT).

Playoff appearances: Monahans 31; Clint 16.

Last playoff appearance: Monahans, 2010; Clint, 2010.

Deepest advancement: Monahans, state champion (1948); Clint, bi-district (15 times).

Previous playoff meetings: 2008, bi-district (Monahans 70, Clint 6); 2010, bi-district (Monahans 52, Clint 8)

Monahans leaders: RB Pedro Cano (160 rushes for 1,220 yards, 15 touchdowns); FB Byron Scharf (147 rushes for 980 yards, 10 TDs); DB Payton Marcum (88 tackles, 6 interceptions); DE Aaron Carlos (11 sacks).

Clint leaders: RB Rolando Parra (1,000-plus rushing yards, all-state hurdler); QB Manny Cano; RB/LB Israel Chavez; DB Richard Burgess; LB Jaime Navarette.

Radio: KPTX-FM (98.3), audio feed on Suddenlink Cable channel 3 (Monahans).

Web: 98xfm.com.

Notes: In two of the last three seasons, Monahans opened the playoffs by crushing Clint. The Loboes could very well do the same today, because coach Mickey Owens said they’re playing as well as they have all season. “They say Monahans is down, but to me they are the same old Monahans,” Clint coach Rosvel Martinez told the El Paso Times. “We’re going to have to play our best game to beat them.” … But Owens isn’t taking the Lions for granted. He said their versatile running game is unlike anything else Monahans has seen this season, and Clint running back Rolando Parra is a two-time state track qualifier in the hurdles. “We’re concerned about his speed,” Owens said. “They’ve got some guys skill-wise that can hurt you.” … So do the Loboes, whose running back tandem of Pedro Cano and Byron Scharf has accounted for 2,200 yards and 25 touchdowns rushing. Monahans also has a dominant defense led by Aaron Carlos, Payton Marcum and Jackson Scharf. Carlos finished the season as the area’s sack leader with 11, six of which came in the final game against Andrews. “I don’t think I’ve ever had a kid with that many,” Owens said. “He had a fantastic game.” … Owens said the tradition-rich Loboes, who are making their seventh consecutive playoff appearance, always expect to reach this point. They also expect to make a run when they get to the postseason, much like last year’s team did in reaching the state quarterfinals. Owens said this year’s players are capable of making a similar run so long as they keep enjoying themselves. “I tell the kids every day, the teams that go deep are the ones that are having fun, because it’s a long season,” Owens said. “Believe it or not, kids can get tired of it even if they’re in the playoffs. You’ve got to make it fun. This is the reward for all the hard work they put in.” 

>> NO. 1. RANKIN RED DEVILS VS. ROBERT LEE STEERS

SIX-MAN DIVISION I BI-DISTRICT PLAYOFF

Time, date, place: 7:30 p.m. tonight, Irion County HS, Mertzon.

Head coaches: Rankin, Shannon Williams; Robert Lee, Shay Avants.

Districts: Rankin, Six-Man District 7 Division I; Robert Lee, Six-Man District 8 Division I.

Records: Rankin 8-2; Robert Lee 6-4.

Next opponent: Borden County-Aspermont winner.

Last week: Rankin 80, Fort Davis 34; Robert Lee 52, Eden 0.

Playoff appearances: Rankin 25; Robert Lee 21.

Last playoff appearance: Rankin, 2010; Robert Lee, 2010.

Deepest advancement: Rankin, finals (1980); Robert Lee, quarterfinals (1984, 1993).

Previous playoff meetings: 1955, bi-district (Rankin 40, Robert Lee 21).

Rankin leaders: RB Cory Norwood (182 rushes for 2,681 yards, 44 touchdowns); FB Ryan Thomas (54 rushes for 670 yards, 12 TDs); QB Dalton Michum (54-of-77 passing for 927 yards, 15 TDs); DE Nathan Braden (84 tackles, 3 interceptions, 1 forced fumble); K Taylor Thompson (70-of-74 on extra-point kicks).

Notes: Shannon Williams and Shay Avants have been friends since first grade, and they won two state championships together as high school players at Panther Creek. Tonight they’ll be coaching against each other for the first time, and one will end the other’s season. “It’s going to be kind of weird,” said Williams, the Rankin coach. … The Red Devils, who reached the second round of last year’s playoffs, hope to contend for the state title and capture the program’s first championship. They’re ranked No. 1 by sixmanfootball.com for the second time this season, and their only losses came by a combined 14 points to No. 2 Ira and No. 3 Water Valley. If Rankin wins this week, it could have a rematch with Borden County in the next round. The Red Devils and Coyotes met in the season opener, with Rankin coming from behind to win 38-26. But first the Red Devils have to beat a Robert Lee team with a playmaking quarterback in Justin Gartman. “I know that they’re going to run spread, and they’re pretty good at what they do,” Williams said. “And defensively they worry me a little.” … Williams said he expects the Steers will try to stack the box and make Rankin pass the ball, which each of its opponents has tried. Few have succeeded, though, as Cory Norwood has rushed for at least 100 yards in every game this season. The Red Devils threw the ball only four times while winning all three of their district games, but Williams said they’ll need to throw more in the playoffs. Quarterback Dalton Michum is plenty capable, having passed for 927 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. “Our last three games we’ve played pretty good football, and our goal is to get better each week,” Williams said. “We’ve got to take care of this one in order to get to the next one.” 

>> NO. 3 WATER VALLEY WILDCATS VS. FORT DAVIS INDIANS

SIX-MAN DIVISION I BI-DISTRICT PLAYOFF

Time, date, place: 7 p.m. tonight, Badger Stadium, McCamey.

Head coaches: Water Valley, Karry Owens; Fort Davis, Jess Roberts.

Districts: Water Valley, Six-Man District 8 Division I; Fort Davis, Six-Man District 7 Division I.

Records: Water Valley 10-0; Fort Davis 7-2.

Next opponent: Ira-Sands winner.

Last week: Water Valley 70, Veribest 6; Rankin 80, Fort Davis 34.

Playoff appearances: Water Valley 6; Fort Davis 19.

Last playoff appearance: Water Valley, 2010; Fort Davis, 2009.

Deepest advancement: Water Valley, bi-district (five times); Fort Davis, finals (2003).

Previous playoff meetings: None.

Fort Davis leaders: Spreadback/DB Steve Enriquez (104-of-138 passing for 2,249 yards, 30 touchdowns; 85 rushes for 1,107 yards, 16 TDs; 56.5 tackles, 5 interceptions); RB/LB Francisco Perez (57 rushes for 701 yards, 15 TDs; 37 receptions for 704 yards, 12 TDs; 60.5 tackles, 2 sacks).

Radio: KALP-FM (92.7).

Web: bigbendradio.com.

Notes: Jess Roberts arrived at Fort Davis hoping the team could compete with the likes of district foes Garden City and Rankin. The Indians beat Garden City, and six of the other eight teams on their schedule, so now they’re back in the playoffs after missing out a year ago. “A lot of people didn’t expect us to be in the playoffs,” Roberts said. “I think the kids figured out they had a pretty good shot, and now that we’re here we’re pretty excited.” … The Indians also know a tough task awaits tonight. They’re facing a Water Valley team that’s undefeated and ranked third in the state by sixmanfootball.com. The Wildcats beat a Rankin team that beat Fort Davis by 46 points, and they have a couple explosive offensive players in Zach Glass and Jude Tamplain. “They’re a little spooky,” Roberts said. “On film, they’re a very physical, very talented bunch of kids. We’ve got our hands full.” … Roberts said the Indians, who have been vulnerable defensively throughout most of the season, must find a way to get stops and force turnovers. He also said cousins Steve Enriquez and Francisco Perez, who are two-way standouts, need to be at their best tonight. So do the rest of the Indians. “It’s going to take a strong offensive output,” Roberts said. “We came out against Rankin and were on fire in the first quarter. Then they got a stop and we kind of fizzled. They need to be strong, and Steve needs to have a big game.” 

>> DAWSON DRAGONS VS. BALMORHEA BEARS

SIX-MAN DIVISION II BI-DISTRICT PLAYOFF

Time, date, place: 7 p.m. tonight, Garden City HS.

Head coaches: Dawson, Ed Robison; Balmorhea, Lonnie Flippen.

Districts: Dawson, Six-Man District 5 Division II; Balmorhea, Six-Man District 6 Division II.

Records: Dawson 6-4; Balmorhea 5-5.

Next opponent: Sterling City-Panther Creek winner.

Last week: Dawson 74, Loop 36; Balmorhea 38, Sanderson 22;

Playoff appearances: Dawson 11; Balmorhea 14.

Last playoff appearance: Dawson, 2010; Balmorhea, 2010.

Deepest advancement: Dawson, semifinals (1982, 1983); Balmorhea, semifinals (1994, 1998).

Previous playoff meetings: None.

Balmorhea leaders: RB Alex Mendoza (82 rushes for 923 yards, 16 touchdowns); RB/LB Justin Ramos (80 rushes for 728 yards, 13 TDs; 119 tackles); QB/DB Chance Virdell (27-of-45 passing for 359 yards, 6 TDs; 81 tackles, 5 interceptions).

Notes: Balmorhea needed to beat Sanderson last week to secure a postseason berth for the third year in a row, and two players who were recently in the dog house helped lead the Bears to the penthouse. Coach Lonnie Flippen said Justin Ramos and Gabriel Falcon, who were two of the seven Balmorhea players who missed a loss against Buena Vista because they were academically ineligible, helped lead the way against Sanderson. Ramos rushed for 171 yards and two touchdowns, and also passed for two scores, while Falcon made 11 tackles from his defensive end position. “I really felt like our kids, the ones that had dropped the ball on us, I felt like they played a little above what they’ve been playing,” Flippen said. “I think they had something to prove to everybody. They stepped up and played really well, especially Ramos.” … Chance Virdell also stood out for the Bears last week, leading the defense with 16 tackles and three interceptions. Flippen called the performance “certainly his biggest game this year, probably of his career.” … Flippen said the Bears take a full complement of players into this week’s game as Fabian Diaz is expected to return. Diaz, a two-way end, missed the first three games of the season with a knee injury and then was taken from the field in a backboard two weeks ago against Grandfalls-Royalty. Flippen thought Diaz was lost for the season at that point, but he’s been cleared to return. … Flippen said the Bears are glad to have achieved their season-long goal of reaching the playoffs, and they hope to stick around a while. It will be tough, though, because Flippen said Dawson has a speedy running back and two offensive linemen who are bigger than any of the Bears. The coach also said the Dragons operate out of a “ton” of offensive schemes. “At least we’re not going up against a 10-0 team,” Flippen said. “I think we’re probably as evenly matched as we could hope for at this point in time in the season.”