Industrial looks to stop Blanco, advance to quarterfinals
Travis Franz of Industrial scrambles to cover a fumble during a game against Refugio earlier this season. Franz is the leading tackler for the Cobras, whose defense has limited opponents to score an average of less than 16 points per game.
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Class 2A, Division II regional
Industrial vs. Blanco, 6 p.m., Friday, Alamo Stadium in San Antonio
VANDERBILT - Lucas Gaspard expects a lot of himself and the Industrial defense.
"We all have the mentality that we are going to shut out the other team in every game," said the Cobras' junior linebacker.
It's a lofty goal, but one Industrial is more than capable of accomplishing. The Cobras have held opponents to 11.58 points per game this season and have pitched shutouts in two of their last three games, including last week's 35-0 Class 2A, Division II area playoff win over Three Rivers.
"Getting to the football and everyone reading their keys has been important for us," said Industrial defensive coordinator Shane Lothman. "We have been really aggressive and have been running to the ball."
Industrial (11-1) plays at 6 p.m. on Friday against Blanco (11-1) at Alamo Stadium in San Antonio. The teams played last year in the same round with Blanco taking a 42-21 win.
"They had more size on their team last year, but they still have tons of athletic players," said Industrial head coach Doug Kuhlmann. "Their offensive and defensive lines are smaller, but they are versatile. They have a complete team of really good players."
Travis Franz leads the Industrial defense with 129 tackles, Eddie Medina has 126 and Zach Black has 96. The defense has eight interceptions and has scored three times this year.
"Our defense has stayed consistent with our defensive front and linebackers," Kuhlmann said. "We have played a lot of teams that have tried to run at us. Our defense has stayed strong and they have had to go away from their game plans and throw, but our secondary has also played well."
Black, a junior who started last year as a sophomore, said the defensive approach is pretty simple but it's been working.
"We have been reading our keys and attacking," he said. "All we're really doing is trying to get to the ball and bring them down."
Against Blanco, the Cobras will be tested against the running of Layton Dworaczyk. The senior has rushed for 2,278 yards and 35 touchdowns on 249 carries. Corey Dowlearn has added eight touchdowns on the ground, while Blanco quarterback Tanner Rogers has thrown for 16 touchdowns.
"We are going to have to fit real tight and make sure there are no seams for them to run through," Black said. "As long as there is no space for them to run through they won't get very far."
NOTES: The Industrial-Blanco winner will advance to the quarterfinals against the winner of the Rice Consolidated-Refugio game scheduled for Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Ricebird Stadium in El Campo.
Comments
Good Luck Cobras! Will this game be on the radio?
November 27, 2009 at 11:29 a.m.