Atlanta focused on finally getting past Buckeyes
LONGVIEW, Texas—Gilmer has been the Achilles’ heel for Atlanta in the postseason since Matt McClure took over the program in 2011. That very well could change this time around.
Three of the Rabbs’ last four playoff campaigns have ended at the hands of the Buckeyes, including last year’s four-round drive as Gilmer went on to complete a 16-0 state championship run.
Atlanta (9-4) and the Buckeyes (130) meet again in the Region II-4A, Division II championship game tonight. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Pine Tree’s Pirate Stadium.
“We’ve met Gilmer quite a few times; the last two years it’s been in the (state) quarterfinals,” McClure
said. “At times, you’ve got really special players, and they’ve had a guy go to Baylor and a guy go to Texas. They were some skill guys who were phenomenal high school football players, and the only thing you might say they’re not is, they’re not quite as explosive as they’ve been.
“They’re averaging 42 points a game instead of averaging 52, if that makes any difference. You can look at their resume and build them up to be the New England Patriots, if you want to, but we’re trying to concentrate on us, not them. We’ll be ready to go and make sure we play our best game.”
The Buckeyes have won 29 straight games but have had a pair of tight playoff games in wins over Pleasant Grove (4036) and Center (36-21) sandwiched around a 63-14 rout of Mexia. PG and Center are fellow District 6-4A, Div. II teams with Atlanta.
Atlanta could be seen as the hottest team in the tournament after consecutive playoff shutouts: 42-0 over Lorena and 41-0 over Coldspring-Oakhurst after an opening 44-22 victory over Bullard, which scored one of its touchdowns with just four seconds left.
“The kids have really took it upon themselves to focus on each other as a team and make sure everybody does their part,” McClure said. “Not only is that true on game night, but it’s been Monday through Thursday in their preparation and practice. It’s been a fun month to see the growth of this team. People can say what they want, but probably two months not many saw us playing in the fourth round, two games from the state championship. It’s been a really neat experience to be a part of it.”
The Rabbs are averaging 40.9 points per game (42.3 in the playoffs) and giving up 23.1 (7.3 playoffs). Gilmer is averaging 42.4 points (46.3 playoffs) and allowing 19.4 (23.6 playoffs).
University of Texas commitment and Buckeye standout Demarco Boyd has 78 rushes for 508 yards and 14 TDs, 30 receptions for 367 yards and four scores, 65 tackles on defense, and 19 QB hurries. Running back Kelton Collier had 114 carries for 757 yards and 12 TDs, and QB Zac Spears has connected on 174 of 309 passes for 2,434 yards. He has thrown for 28 scores with seven interceptions.
Atlanta senior tailback Tyrell Phillips has 272 carries for 2,075 yards and will add to his school record for single-season rushing yardage. Phillips has 27 rushing TDs and 29 total scores. Quarterback Jeremy Smith has also eclipsed 1,000 yards with 106 rushes for 1,087 yards and 17 TDs but didn’t play the second half last week against Lorena. Layton Henson, filling in for Smith, threw a touchdown, rushed for two more and also scored one on defense for the Rabbs.
“The key is to win the battle up front on offense, to be able to run the football to control the clock,” McClure said. “That’s our strength, and they’ve got a big defensive front, so it’s going to be a big challenge there. On the flip side, if we can make them one-dimensional; we’ve done that in the last three playoff games. We’ve stopped the run really well, and if we can do that again and do a good job of controlling their passing game, limiting yards after catch and tackling in space, we’ll have an opportunity to win the game.”
The winner advances to the state semifinal round against either Krum (8-5) or Celina (13-0), which also play tonight.
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