If there is any advantage Central may possess over Port Arthur Memorial, it’s the experience of playing a full game this season.
Memorial coach Kenny Harrison would like to change that Friday night and help the Titans start District 22-5A play right.
“We still have some evaluating to do,” Harrison said. “We want to see some kids play in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, we have not done that yet.”
Through no fault of their own, the Titans (1-0) have not even seen a fourth quarter this season.
Weather shortened their season opener against Panama City (Fla.) Bay in Beaumont. The game is considered a victory for Memorial because Bay pulled out of the game, which was delayed right before halftime.
The next week, a power outage paused a tight battle with Houston Westside, which Memorial led 34-27 late in the third quarter. The game was suspended, and the head coaches agreed to not continue the non-district game.
It’s been two weeks since the Titans last played thanks to an open week, which has created a new challenge for Harrison.
“We had some game-situation practices during the off-week,” he said. “This is the first time we’ve had a bye week this early in the season.”
Central (1-2, 0-1 in 22-5A) faces the challenge of overcoming a 0-1 hole in district play after losing to Vidor 48-27. The Jaguars let victory slip away in their opener against West Brook after leading at halftime, but bounced back the next week to beat Katy Tompkins 31-13.
Memorial junior Elijah Hines could give Central’s defense more fits in the rushing game. While Hines enjoyed a breakout game against Westside, the Jaguars gave up 515 total yards against Vidor.
The Jaguars still have athleticism, Harrison said. Theodrick Foster and Deshon Moreaux do most of the rushing with Chris Boudreaux trying to right the offensive ship at quarterback. Moreaux returned a kickoff 90 yards for the Jaguars’ touchdown.
Memorial has the leading defense in 22-5A allowing just 167.5 yards per game. The Titans kept Bay out of the end zone and held Westside to 170 total yards at the time of the game’s suspension, although the Wolves scored three touchdowns.
That may not bode well for a Central offense that only turned in 89 rushing yards against Vidor.
“Our main concern is our kids doing what they’re supposed to do,” Harrison said. “Our focus is completely on our kids and making sure they care of the small things and execute. I feel good about our chances week in and week out if we take care of the small things and execute in all three phases.”
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I.C. Murrell: 721-2435. Twitter @ICMurrellPANews