Published: November 29, 2007 01:59 pm      

Grapeland tries to find way to stop Tenaha

By SCOTT TYLER

H-P Sports Editor



GRAPELAND — Grapeland head coach Curt Faigle looks back to the Alto game as when he saw his defense coming together as the strength of the Sandies.

Despite falling to Alto, the Sandies only allowed 27 points to a team that averaged nearly 50 points a game. Since that point, the defense has allowed only 38 points in the last four games.

The Sandies (5-6) will need that same defensive effort Friday night when Grapeland plays Tenaha in the Class A-Region III, Division II quarterfinals at Rose Stadium in Tyler. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

“Playing them is like playing Kerens, Alto and Cayuga,” Faigle said. “Tenaha has a lot of team speed and is very explosive.”

Tenaha (9-3) runs a no huddle, spread offense behind quarterback Jared Thomas who has rushed for 192 yards and five touchdowns in the Tigers’ two playoff wins.

“Their quarterback is very dangerous, especially with his legs,” Faigle said. “We cannot allow them to get to the outside and when they run inside, we have to make sure we are sure-handed tacklers.”

Another threat for Tenaha is wide receiver and defensive back Marlon McClure, who has 15 receiving touchdowns and 11 interceptions. McClure also is dangerous as a punt returner.

The Grapeland defense has back-to-back shutouts including blanking West Sabine 26-0 Friday night in the playoffs. Grapeland allowed only 206 yards to West Sabine and forced four turnovers, including a 38-yard interception return for a touchdown by Joey Thorpe.

“After the shutout, we are playing with one more level of confidence,” Faigle said. “This shutout over West Sabine confirms that the defense is the strength of our team.”

Even with the defense as the strength, Faigle said for Grapeland to have success Friday night, the Sandies need to cut down on the turnovers on offense. Grapeland had four turnovers against West Sabine.

“We have gotten away with turning the ball over against good teams but it won’t last forever,” Faigle said.

If Grapeland cuts down on its turnovers, Faigle said hopefully that could lead to the Sandies running the ball more.

“We need to focus on not turning the ball over and if we do that, we can eat up some clock,” the Grapeland head coach said. “We want to take it one first down at a time.”

Notes: Grapeland’s win over West Sabine Friday night was the Sandies’ first playoff win since 1992. ...Tenaha defeated Union Hill 58-34 in the bi-district round and Cumby last week 22-8 in the area round. ...Tony Taylor led Grapeland in rushing Friday night with 91 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown.