CLASS 4A DIVISION I
Region III Semifinal

Henderson Lions (10-2)

vs.

Jasper Bulldogs (9-3)

2 p.m. Saturday
Abe Martin Stadium, Lufkin

 

Coaches
  • Henderson: Phil Castles
  • Jasper: Darrell Barbay

 

Last week

 

Next week
  • Winner faces winner between Navasota and El Campo, 4A Division I Region III final

 

Playmakers

Henderson

  • QB Zane Boles, Sr., 6-5, 205
  • RB Randy Davis, Sr., 6-0, 185
  • RB La'Kendrick Vanzandt, Soph., 6-1, 185
  • WR Trestan Ebner, Soph., 5-11, 175
  • WR Jefferson Armstrong, Sr.
  • LB Seth Hensley, Sr., 5-11, 205
  • LB Dalton Goode, Sr., 5-11, 205
  • DL Zach Allen, Sr.

 

Jasper

  • QB Quentin Williams, Jr., 5-7, 160 (44 of 98, 999 yards, 10 TDs, 7 INTs; 197 carries, 1,568 yards, 21 TDs)
  • ATH Randy Spikes, Sr., 5-10, 165 (107 carries, 1,071 yards, 12 TDs; 26 catches, 681 yards, 7 TDs)
  • WR Chris Spikes, Sr., 6-3, 175 (10 catches, 112 yards; committed to Lamar)
  • LB Isaiah Goins, Sr., 5-8, 205 (76 tackles, 3 for loss, 2 sacks)
  • DB Dan Adams, Sr., 6-0, 162 (69 tackles, 3 INTs, 7 PBUs, 2 fumble recoveries)
  • DE Dontavious Larkin, Jr., 5-11, 215 (39 tackles, 9 for loss, 4 sacks, forced fumble, recovery)
  • DB JaKeithon Adams, Jr., 6-1, 162 (69 tackles, sack, forced fumble, INT, 2 PBUs)
  • RB/LB Devonta Hawthorne, Sr., 5-5, 200 (58 carries, 341 yards, 2 TDs; 79 tackles, 1 for loss, INT, 2 PBUs)

 

Just the facts
  • Since 2010, the Henderson Lions are 13-2 in the playoffs.
  • Jasper is in the playoffs for the 12th time in the last 15 seasons.
  • Henderson is averaging 39.5, while allowing 17.8 points per game.
  • Henderson's two losses have come by a combined 10 points.
  • The cumulative record of Henderson's opponents this season is 65-69.
  • For the season, Jasper is averaging 31.5 points and 412.9 yards per game -- 305 rushing and 107.9 passing.
  • Jasper's closest game during its current eight-game winning streak was last week's 21-7 victory over Stafford.
  • The cumulative record of Jasper's opponents this season is 61-68.

 

Jasper QB Quentin Williams. (Christopher R. Vinn, ETSN.fm)
Jasper QB Quentin Williams. (Christopher R. Vinn, ETSN.fm)
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Key matchup: Jasper rushing attack vs. Henderson defensive front. Between quarterback Quentin Williams and all-purpose back Randy Spikes, the Jasper Bulldogs have been gashing opposing defenses on the ground all season long. The duo enters Saturday afternoon's playoff against Henderson with more than 2,600 combined rushing yards and 33 touchdowns. Williams, who has thrown for 999 yards and 10 touchdowns, leads Jasper with 1,568 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground, while Spikes is at 1,071 yards and 12 touchdowns on only 107 attempts -- an average of 10 yards per carry. Jasper has almost three times as many rushing attempts as passing attempts, so the Bulldogs obviously will come into this week's game with a clear objective to run the football. Spikes was held in check in last week's 21-7 playoff win over Stafford, netting just 58 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. However, Williams had the biggest impact on the game with 175 yards and a score on a workman-like 29 rushing attempts. It's a tall order, but Henderson's job is to make one of the two playmakers ineffective on Saturday.

Jasper RB/WR Randy Spikes. (Christopher R. Vinn, ETSN.fm)
Jasper RB/WR Randy Spikes. (Christopher R. Vinn, ETSN.fm)
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Often overlooked because of how well the offense has been run, the Henderson defense has quietly enjoyed a great season. The Lions come in allowing just a little more than 17 points per game, and Henderson has lined against more than a few high-powered offenses. Henderson held down Athens' powerful Wing-T attack to just 20 points, put the brakes on Carthage's multiple offense by allowing just 16, and suffocated an explosive Chapel Hill spread attack to the tune of 14 points and a season-low in total yardage. The key to Henderson's play on the defensive side of the ball can be attributed to a staunch D-line anchored by Zach Allen and a tremendous linebacking corps led by the duo of Seth Hensley and Dalton Goode. Henderson will need to be in top form defensively once again this week against Jasper's run-heavy offensive attack. If the Lions are able to contain Jasper on the ground enough to force Williams to the air, Henderson stands an excellent chance of prolonging its playoff run at least one round deeper.

Henderson QB Zane Boles. (Christopher R. Vinn, ETSN.fm)
Henderson QB Zane Boles. (Christopher R. Vinn, ETSN.fm)
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Don't be surprised if: Both quarterbacks are forced to make plays in the passing game. Both Williams and Henderson quarterback Zane Boles are run-first threats at the QB position, but both may be called upon to take shots downfield to keep the opposing defenses honest. It seems unlikely that either Jasper or Henderson will simply allow the offenses to continually pound away with the running game, which means a big play or two downfield in the passing game may ultimately provide the difference. Williams is just a yard shy of 1,000 passing yards on the year, and most of his passes go to Spikes, who's averaging a robust 26.2 yards per catch and is responsible for seven of his team's 10 touchdown receptions. Henderson meanwhile has a couple of promising wideouts in sophomore Trestan Ebner and senior Jefferson Armstrong, who have gradually become bigger factors in the offense over the course of the season. Sophomore running back La'Kendrick Vanzandt is another key player for Henderson who could have an impact in the passing game.

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