Nacogdoches, Whitehouse Set for Huge 16-4A Battle

One year ago, Whitehouse was off to their best start in Wildcat history.  They were 7-0, however when you compare the margin of victory from last year to this year, a strong argument can be made that this year's undefeated Wildcats are even better. 

One year ago, Nacogdoches was winless as they traveled to take on Whitehouse.  There is no doubt that this year's Dragon team is better...a lot better.  Nacogdoches is the surprise team of East Texas, going from 0-10 in 2012 to a start of 6-1 this year.  The Dragons are tied for first in district 16-4A with Whitehouse and John Tyler, and 2013 saw an end to the 20+ year Lufkin Panther winning streak over Nacogdoches.

Fast forward to Friday night, October 25th, the Dragons are playing host to the #3 team in the state in Class 4A.  Whitehouse boasts one of the highest scoring offenses in the nation led by Texas Tech bound Pat Mahomes at quarterback.  Even with the impressive play of this year's Dragon team, Nacogdoches comes in at home as a heavy underdog.

So...?

I can't help but thinking that is probably the reaction from every Dragon player and coach.  They have proven this year that games are not played on paper or on a chalkboard, they are played on grass (thank goodness Nacogdoches still has the natural turf).  The Dragons expect to win games this year as opposed to hoping to win games...there's a big difference in the two.

Will the Dragons win Friday night?  It will be a tough task, but I, for one, would not bet against them.  One thing is for certain, each and every Nacogdoches player will play hard and tough until the last few seconds tick off the clock.  And if the home side of the scoreboard has more points than the visitor at game's end, the goal posts may not be safe in the post-victory celebration.

Go Dragons!

Remember, you can catch the play by play of the game on Q107 with yours truly (Danny Merrell) with the play by play.  Also, check out ETSN.fm for in depth Nacogdoches Dragons stories as well as coverage from all high school sports in East Texas.