loading...

SULPHUR SPRINGS WILDCATS
AT
TYLER LEE RED RAIDERS

7:30 p.m. Saturday
TMF Rose Stadium, Tyler

Coaches
Sulphur Springs: Greg Owens
Tyler Lee: Darrell Piske

Next week
Sulphur Springs: vs. Sherman
Tyler Lee: at Lufkin

Playmakers
Sulphur Springs

  • DT Anton Walton, Sr., 6-3, 240
  • WR Willie Ivery, Jr., 5-9, 180
  • RB Buddy Ivery, Sr., 5-8, 180
  • DB Larry Pryor, Soph., 6-0, 185
  • QB/DB Derick Ingram, Jr., 5-11, 170
  • OL Jenner Jackson, Sr., 6-3, 250
  • K Tony Bravo, Sr., 6-0, 150

Tyler Lee

  • OT Zacchaeus Page, Sr., 6-4, 305
  • RB LaQuintas Wallace, Sr., 5-10, 190
  • FB Marcus White, Sr., 5-6, 185
  • DE/LB Del'kei Derrett, Sr., 6-1, 240
  • CB Davier Harris, Sr., 5-10, 150
  • OLB Deontay Walker, Sr., 5-11, 205
  • QB Raleigh Poster

Just the facts

  • Owens has developed Sulphur Springs into one of the state's most consistent programs. Since his arrival in 2006 the Wildcats are 52-23, winning the 2008 Class 4A Division II state championship.
  • The Ivery brothers make Sulphur Springs go on offense. Willie had 46 catches for 917 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2011, while Buddy ran for 505 yards and four TDs.
  • The Wildcats are known for perennial possessing one of the state's top offense, but the defense could be where Sulphur Springs make its mark in 2012 with the return of Walton on the defensive line.
  • The Red Raiders are beginning the season against a 4A opponent from Texas for the first time since 1999, when Lee defeated Henderson 26-0.
  • Wallace, who's been a member on varsity since his freshman season, hopes to make the most of his senior year. Injuries limited Wallace's production last season.
  • Jordan Richardson is the projected starter at quarterback after spending time at receiver in 2011. However he broke his left fibula during spring practice and will not play Saturday, according to Piske.

 

loading...
loading...

Key matchup: Tyler Lee's running game vs. Sulphur Springs' run defense. The strength of the Red Raiders on offense should be in the backfield with Wallace and White. With a new quarterback in Poster getting the start, the plan may call for a heavy dose of rushes. Sulphur Springs will counter with its duo in the middle of the defensive line -- Walton and fellow defensive tackle Jefferson Washington (5-8, 230). Whichever team wins the battle should have a leg up in beginning the year with a "W."

    Don't be surprised if: Wallace is heavily involved in the offense, getting as many as 20-25 carries on the night. When healthy, the senior RB is one of the most explosive backs in all of East Texas and this could be a coming-out party for a player that could be finally putting it all together.

    More From East Texas Sports Network