Sulphur Springs Wildcats (2-1)

vs.

Whitehouse Wildcats (2-1)

7:30 p.m. Friday
Wildcat Stadium, Whitehouse

Coaches

  • Sulphur Springs: Greg Owens
  • Whitehouse: Adam Cook

Last week

Next week

  • Sulphur Springs: vs. Pine Tree, Sept. 29
  • Whitehouse: at Kennedale, Sept. 29

Playmakers

Sulphur Springs

  • QB Ryan Humphries, Sr., 5-10, 172 (37-of-55, 483 yards, 6 TDs, 1 INT)
  • DL D'Idrec Dugan, Sr., 6-0, 225 (20 tackles, 4 for loss, 2 sacks)
  • DB Terrell Turman, Sr., 6-1, 150 (15 tackles, 1 PBU)
  • WR Simeon Taylor, Sr., 6-2, 170 (14 catches, 216 yards, 3 TDs)
  • RB Colton Allen, Jr., 5-7, 150 (33 carries, 167 yards, 2 TDs)
  • OL Jesus Olivo, Sr., 6-2, 280
  • LB Jaxon Reneau, Sr., 5-11, 200 (34 tackles, 4 for loss)

Whitehouse

  • DB Javier Neal, Sr., 5-10, 160 (8 tackles, 1 INT, 2 PBUs)
  • DL Trevor Lawrence, Sr., 6-4, 245 (19 tackles, 3 TFL)
  • QB Jake Clemons, Sr., 6-1, 170 (22-of-33, 177 yards, 1 TD)
  • DT Darius Trimble, Jr., 5-11, 250 (27 tackles, 7 TFL, 1 forced fumble)
  • WR Cameron Cantrell, Jr., 6-1, 175 (20 catches, 154 yards, 2 TDs; committed to Texas Tech)
  • DL Christian Owens, Sr., 6-1, 240 (20 tackles, 11 TFL, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble)
  • OL Mitchell Melrose, Sr., 6-4, 225

Just the facts

  • Whitehouse's defense has been stout, averaging a little more than 11 tackles per loss and two sacks per game.
  • Neither team scores much, other than a 42-point performance by Sulphur Springs in its opener, both teams have scored in the 20s or below in each game.
  • Christian Owens' 11 tackles for loss this season ranks third in East Texas.
  • Whitehouse is 8-5 against Sulphur Springs since 2006.
  • Whitehouse won last season's matchup, 49-31.
Whitehouse's Peyton Kennedy (30) forces a fumble from Carthage receiver Dee Bowens during the first quarter of their game Friday night in Whitehouse. (© ETSN.fm)
Whitehouse's Peyton Kennedy (30) forces a fumble from Carthage receiver Dee Bowens. The Wildcats have forced five fumbles this season. (© ETSN.fm)
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Key matchup: Whitehouse defensive line against Sulphur Springs rushing attack. Whitehouse took a beating this past week against Carthage, especially on the ground. The Wildcats gave up 267 rushing yards, including 179 to Keaontay Ingram.

It came as a shock because Whitehouse had been solid against the run in its first two games. However, Carthage and Ingram are a different animal. Whitehouse will likely get back to its old ways this week behind Christian Owens and Darius Trimble, who have combined for 18 tackles for loss.

That said, Sulphur Springs will look to move the ball on the ground if it hopes to win. Colton Allen has been the top ball carrier for the Wildcats so far, averaging 55.7 yards per contest. However, quarterback Ryan Humphries can run if need be, too, so Whitehouse will have to keep an eye out even on apparent passing downs.

Whichever team can win this battle, will likely win the war.

Don't be surprised if: Whitehouse runs the ball. Traditionally a passing team, Whitehouse has;t been afraid to run the ball this season. The Wildcats have done so 80 times through three games.

Clayton Cook has been the main recipient of carries, gathering 54 for 270 yards and five touchdowns. Javian Myles has been his relief.

Look for the Wildcats to try to control the tempo by running the ball and playing solid defense. If they get their way, it will be a low-scoring game and they should come out on top.

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