Tannehill and Johnston Face off in District Title Battle
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Updated: October 30, 2014
Abilene Wylie (6-2) vs. Big Spring (6-1)
Wylie Stadium @ 7:30 10/31
LIVE Radio stream (not active until close to game time)
As the regular season winds down, district races for playoff spots are in full swing. Heading into Halloween night’s game, both Abilene Wylie and Big Spring are tied atop of District 3-4A. Big Spring has already beaten Stephenville, so Friday’s game could end up deciding the district champion.
The host team, Abilene Wylie Bulldogs, look to continue their success against Big Spring having won the last four games, and ten since 1998. In doing so longtime head coach, Hugh Sandifer, will have to rely on senior leader, and Baylor commit, Clay Johnston. Johnston stars on both sides of the ball, and has been on a tear this year.
Already accounting for fourteen total touchdowns, and commanding a stingy Bulldog defense. Johnston hasn’t done it all by himself though. A veteran offensive line, as well as running back/returner Trey Kleffner, gives Wylie a stout rushing attack. Coach Sandifer will need this ground game, paired with his staunch defense, to be firing on all cylinders if the Bulldogs plan on beating Big Spring.
It can be tough to follow in the footsteps of an older sibling, but Big Spring quarterback Tobyn Tannehill seems to be doing just fine. Tannehill, a senior, helped lead the Steers to a 9-4 record last season and is on his way to matching or exceeding that total this season. Similar to his older brother Ryan, Tobyn Tannehill is a good enough athlete that he can hurt a team, using both his arm and legs. Tannehill has the fortunate of being able to hand to the running back duo of Hunter Hill and Preston Alexander, which allows for the Steers to open up the passing game. Coach Phillip Ritchey’s bend-but-don’t-break defense looks to linebackers Garrett Wigington and Triston Deleon to contain the Wylie ground game.
If Friday’s game turns into a high scoring affair, it should go in the favor of the Big Spring Steers. However, don't be surprised to see a raucous crowd give the Bulldogs and their defense a strong home field advantage. Either way it seems likely that Wylie Stadium will be the host of an exciting district match-up on Halloween night.
by Drew Shackman
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