San Augustine Prepping For Challenging Mart Running Game

San Augustine coach Donald Hubbard was in attendance for last Saturday night's playoff between district mate West Sabine and Mart, scouting his next opponent.

And he left with the same impression most everyone else did.

“They’re very good, well-coached," Hubbard said of Mart. "We’re going to have to bring our A-game.”

Hubbard witnessed Mart run at will in a 69-15 domination. The Panthers piled up 648 yards on the ground and scored touchdowns on all 10 possessions.

That's what Hubbard and his coaching staff are preparing for this week.

“It’s going to boil down to two things," Hubbard said. "Number one, which team makes the fewest amount of mistakes. And number two, being able to block and tackle, fundamental football. We feel like we can match their speed. We just have to focus on the fundamentals and cutting out the mistakes.”

San Augustine (9-2) has used this formula to perfection of late, winning eight straight entering Friday's Class A Division I Region III semifinal with Mart (9-2).

“I think we’re just playing more consistent football, we’ve cut out the mistakes," Hubbard said. "The kids have just learned the system better and played a little more mistake-free football. I guess consistency would be the key word.”

The Wolves have been doing it with an explosive offense, led by running back Tony Hubbard, RB/WR Ty'Aundra Taylor and quarterback Bobby Tanner.

Tony Hubbard leads the team with 1,652 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns. Taylor has rushed for 802 yards and eight TDs to go with 30 catches for 430 yards and three scores.

“We knew going into the season, Tony and Ty’Aundra would be pretty good on offense for us and they’ve played tremendously," Coach Hubbard said. "Ty’Aundra is kind of a double threat at both receiver and running back. Tony’s a complete back with speed and power. He doesn’t mind running you over."

Tanner has thrown for 1,148 yards and nine touchdowns along with 608 yards and 10 TDs on the ground.

"With Bobby, we thought he’d be more of a passer and he is, but he’s turned into a big threat in the running game and given us a triple threat so to speak," Coach Hubbard said. "He’s probably our fastes kids and he’s been a nice addition to the running game.”