By John Loop
Sports Writer
As it stands now, the Coppell Cowboys have a tough road ahead of them to reach the state championship game.
The Cowboys’ side of the Class 5A Division I playoff bracket features state-powerhouses such as DeSoto, Euless Trinity and Allen. All of these teams have the ability to move up and down the field.
But the Coppell defense, led by junior defensive end Solomon Thomas and senior defensive end William Udeh, with a little help form senior linebackers Tanner Masters and Aaron Gonzales has been a bright spot for the Cowboys this season, ranking third in the state in points allowed.
“That is the way we train them to be,” McBride said, “They just have to stay healthy.”
The journey will be rigorous, but head coach Joe McBride knows that it begins with a victory over the Irving MacArthur Cardinals this Saturday at Cowboys Stadium.
“We need to be physical and win the turnover war,” McBride said.
After the Cardinals (and if they get past a tough DeSoto team), the Cowboys could be headed for a potential rematch of the 2010 stunner at Dragon Stadium in the Area Quarterfinals versus the Trojans of Euless Trinity High School.
But McBride is not looking past Saturday’s matchup, saying that the team needs to think about advancing through the first two rounds before facing the Trojans.
This game gives Coppell a chance to avenge the loss to the Trojans on the last play of the game.
The next potential roadblock: Allen. The 9-1 Eagles, who were handed their only loss of the season by the Cowboys in a Week 5 clash of area top tens.
McBride said that the Cowboys are gunning for a rematch against the Eagles in the third round, if the season extends to that point.
“That would be the plan,” McBride said.
The other side of the playoff bracket is up for grabs, in terms of a clear-cut favorite. Many speculate that it will be the Redskins of Houston Lamar High school, who share the same 10-0 undefeated record that Coppell currently holds as well.
Amidst all of the chaos, the Cowboys still have that extra sense of motivation, a state championship to honor their fallen brother, senior wide receiver and defensive back Jacob Logan, who passed away tragically last month.
All in all, the Cowboys will begin their journey this weekend with their first playoff game in just under two years. Although the path will not be so easy, the team, no doubt, has the drive to make it “all the way”.
Black-Out Irving MacArthur
The Coppell Cowboys first playoff game against the Irving MacArthur Cardinals will be a Black Out. Fans and students are asked to wear black in support of the Cowboys.
The team is also selling playoff shirts at all lunches. These black shirts are also available at the field house for $15 (short sleeve) or $20 for long sleeve.
Coppell continues their undefeated regular season and will play Saturday morning at 11 a.m. at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. Tickets can be bought at the CHS field house Thursday from 7:30-3:45 p.m. and Friday from 7:30-1:00 p.m. Adult tickets are $8 and student tickets are $7.
-Alex Nicoll
C. Smith in top five
Coppell senior wide receiver Cameron Smith ranks in the top five in touchdown catches this season. He finished with 14 scoring grabs, contributing to a majority of senior quarterback Colby Mahon’s 22 passing touchdowns.
He currently sits in fourth place behind Jesuit’s Jake Oliver (15), Hurst L.D. Bell’s Aaron Dixon (15), and Skyline’s Ra’Shaad Samples (19).
Smith has been a major factor in Coppell’s offense this season on its way to a 10-0 record.
-Alex Nicoll
Sidekick Sports Schedule:
Monday: Volleyball
Tuesday: Cross Country
Wednesday: Football
Thursday: Golf
Friday: Tennis
