Running teams should benefit from cold, rainy weather

By Chris Doelle
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Updated: December 2, 2011

Across the state, there is an expectation of cold, rainy weather for this weekend's round of Texas high school football playoffs.

As shown in this video from The Weather Channel, rain will play a role in most of the games across the state both Friday and Saturday. What this means to a lot of teams is an adjustment to their offensive approach. Teams strong in the running game will likely have very little change to play-calling, but even those may tweak from misdirection and trickery to a more straight-ahead, smash-mouth style.

The largest modification will be for pass oriented teams. The windy conditions, combined with the wet football, could mean disaster for run-n-shoot or spread style offenses.

Here a quick look at just a few of the matchups that could be affected by a blustery day:

1A
Mason Punchers vs Shiner Comanches - Mason's David Mora will appreciate running in the slippery stuff. As a back makes a cut, he has the advantage of knowing where he is heading. A defensive player has to react - and that causes slips. Shiner may have trouble containing this versatile and quick back.

3A
Tyler Chapel Hill Bulldogs vs West Columbia Roughnecks - Tyler Chapel Hill already seemed to have the advantage in this matchup. The Roughnecks may be able to level the playing field with their backfield sporting two 1,000 yard rushers (Sean Flannel, Floyd Bess.) Their focus on the running game should make this a game to remember.

3A
Devine Warhorses vs Wimberley Texans - the Warhorses are built on the legs of Joseph Sadler, who is rewriting record books that seemed untouchable. This should play into Devine's favor as the Texans, while a strong running team, may put their best athlete, wide receiver Brennen Blakemore, at a disadvantage.

3A
Henderson Lions vs Alvarado Indians - Alvarado's Wayne Onderdonck (over 2,800 yards) is a beast on the ground rain or shine. If the humidity hits 100%, expect him to have a field day.

4A
Aledo vs Stephenville - there couldn't be a better scenario for Jonathan Gray. Not only is his team built around his running skills, but poor weather could force them to use him more.

5A
Mansfield Timberview vs Abilene - Mansfield is more run oriented, but Abilene is a very balanced team that seems able to make the adjustments.

5A
Spring DeKaney vs Spring Westfield - Spring Westfield is no stranger to the run, but DeKaney's Trey Williams is a assaulting the record books to lead the Wildcats to clearly their best season in team history.

5A
Corsicana vs Kilgore - Kilgore would have a tough time putting the breaks on Corsicana's Cameron Washington in good weather, but this could play into their strength if it slows him down a bit. In the end though, the Tigers of Corsicana are built around the ground attack so should fare well.

5A
The Woodlands vs Dallas Skyline - While neither team is a run-only squad, the poor conditions could play into the hands of the Highlanders from The Woodlands. The last 2/3 of the season has showcased a shut-down defense and aided by rain and wind, it could slow down the fast-paced Skyline attack. That, combined with a consistent running game point to a real opportunity for The Woodlands.

Chris Doelle
Lone Star Gridiron