Ricebirds attempt to continue playoff run
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Class 4A, Division II Regional
El Campo vs. Dayton
7 p.m., Friday, Tully Stadium, Houston
El Campo coach Bob Gillis thought maybe the circus had come to Ricebird Stadium after a norther blew in on Monday.
"My God, these guys were goofy," Gillis said. "But when the whistle blows, this team goes to work."
The Ricebirds (9-2) have been working hard this week to prepare for Friday's Class 4A, Division II regional playoff game against Dayton (9-2) at 7:30 p.m. at Tully Stadium in Houston.
El Campo is making its second consecutive appearance in the regional playoffs and is attempting to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2003.
"I've said this before, but I like our team," Gillis said. "We've got a lot of new faces, but it seems like someone always steps up."
El Campo is coming off a 28-7 area playoff win over Houston Yates at Ricebird Stadium.
El Campo overcame three turnovers thanks to the rushing of D'vonte Wells, who had 178 yards and two touchdowns, and Landon Appling, who had 128 yards and one touchdown.
"There was a lot of excitement," Gillis said. "We had a big playoff game here at El Campo for the first time in who knows how many years and the kids were like let's get ready for next week."
The Ricebirds will face a Dayton team that advanced to the Division II state final last season, but lost quarterback Cody Green to Nebraska and wide receiver A.J. Dugat to Houston.
The Broncos are coming off a 41-3 area playoff win over Waller Quarterback Andres Herrera passed for 153 yards and one touchdown, and running back Xavier Frank rushed for 202 yards and one touchdown.
"They've made a lot of late moves that have really helped them," Gillis said. "They went to the Frank kid at running back and he's rushed for around 450 yards in the last two games. They've been to the third round for the last three years so we know they're a good team."
El Campo ended its playoff run last season against Brenham at Tully Stadium.
"What you want to do is get better every week and we've been doing that," Gillis said. "We've got a long way to go, but I really like our chances."
NOTES: The game will be broadcast on KULP, 1390 AM. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals against the winner of the Brenham-Angleton game set for Saturday at 2 p.m. at The Woodlands.
