Playoff Scenarios Could Make for Strange Nacogdoches Game

What is the deal with these dang Nacogdoches/Jacksonville football games? In 2014, the Indians won a 5-overtime game against the Dragons 85-79.

But, it was in 2010 that Jacksonville and Nacodgoches set the National High School Record for the longest game and for the game that had the most overtimes. The game at Golden Dragon Stadium went 12 overtimes and lasted 5 1/2 hours before the Indians claimed an 84-81 victory.

Why would I bring up that record-setting game? Because the scenario from that game and the game tonight between the Dragons and Indians are eerily similar. In that historic game, Nacogdoches had to win by 8 points in order to make the playoffs. So, in some of those overtime periods, the Dragons purposely took a knee rather than try for a 2-point conversion so that the game could go to the next overtime period and give Nacogdoches a chance to win by the needed 8.

Now, let's flash forward to the playoff scenarios for tonight's game. 4 teams in District 17-5A (Nacogdoches, Jacksonville, Whitehouse, Lindale) are vying for the final two playoff spots. Let's concentrate on the scenarios for the Dragons.

If Nacogdoches loses, their out of playoff contention. Jacksonville and the winner of the Whitehouse/Lindale game gets in.
If Nacogdoches wins, and Whitehouse loses against Lindale, Nacogdoches gets a playoff berth.
If Whitehouse beats Lindale, Nacogdoches must be Jacksonville by at least 7 points to ensure a Dragon playoff spot.

It's the last scenario that conjures up terrible memories of the 2010 game.

Let's get hypothetical.

If it gets late into the 4th quarter and it becomes obvious that Whitehouse is going to win their game against Lindale, then Nacogdoches must try to win by at least 7 points in their game against Jacksonville. In a tight game or in the case of overtime, that could lead to some very odd decisions forced upon the Nacogdoches coaching staff.

Of course, the easiest and best route is for the Dragons to get the victory and to win by 7 points or more. Last year, Nacogdoches defeated Jacksonville 47-20, but this is a different year. The Indians are playing much better this year and they have yet to lose a road game. However, they were surprising blown out last week by Lindale 45-7. Meanwhile, since the start of district play, the Dragons have lost their consistency in the passing game, but this game is for all the marbles, so we trust that the Dragons will be their 'A' game.

You can hear the broadcast of the Dragons game on Q107. (107.7)