Friday night brings a battle of two top five unbeaten’s in the form of #4 China Spring versus #2 La Vega. Led by quarterback Jamal Williams, the La Vega Pirates will walk into Waco where a projected crowd of 8,000 will attempt to squeeze into the 5,000 seat Cougar Stadium.
Jamal Williams, who has his offense scoring just under 43 points per game, has led the Pirates to a 6-0 record for the second straight season. Beside Williams in the backfield is explosive running back Kemonche’ Hobbs. Between Williams and Hobbs, the Pirates offense has been almost impossible to slow down. They’re lowest scoring performance came against Lorena in which they still scored 27 points.
However China Spring’s defense is sure to pose a threat to the Pirates rolling offense. Led by a strong linebacking corps that includes Shannon Beaman and Kody Fulp, the China Spring Cougars defense has allowed just 13 points per game leading into this contest. On the other side of the ball the Cougars have been just as efficient. With Cutter Haifield at the helm, Keaton Dudik next to him in the backfield and receiver Tyrick James on the outside, the Cougars offense has caused defensive coordinators headaches from the first snap of the season. They’re averaging 57 points per game over their first six games, including 63 on the road against 3A powerhouse Cameron Yoe.
Opposing this eccentric offense will be the Pirates defense that is letting up an average of 13 points. Though the Pirates defensive numbers look solid, they are yet to play an offense that can produce such as China Spring’s. However, after losing to the Pirates twice last year, including a quarterfinal playoff loss, the Cougars will be looking for revenge when they visit Waco this Friday for the highly anticipated top five matchup.
