Midland Bulldogs (9-2, 3-2) at Byron Nelson Bobcats (11-0, 7-0)
Stroman Bridges
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Kickoff: Friday, 7 p.m. at Byron Nelson High School, 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX
Enrollments: Midland (2,323), Byron Nelson (2,733)
Coaches: Midland- Thad Fortune, Byron Nelson- Travis Pride
Streaks: Midland- 1 win, Byron Nelson-11
At Stake: Midland won the bi-district game of the Conference 6A, Division 2 tournament last week after a two game skid, but this week they will have the tough task of undefeated Byron Nelson in the area round of the playoffs.
What to watch: Midland started off the season 8-0 before going on a two game slide to end the regular season. They bounced back last week with a 31-21 round one win against Americas.
Stroman Bridges has been outstanding since he returned to action halfway through the regular season. He has been throwing and running for scores, bringing an extra element to an already potent Bulldog offense. Last week he had 76 yards rushing with a touchdown and was 3-for-5 passing with a 33-yarder to Alex Gonzalez.
Tony Bandino also helped leading the rushing attack with 18 carries for 76 yards and a score. Elijah McCoy has been the team’s top back all season, and last week he had 13 carries for 47 yards.
Levi Crowder continued to be a solid kicker, connecting on all four of his extra point attempts and a field goal for 35 yards.
Look for Midland to continue to rely heavily on the running game and try to keep the Bobcat offense off the field.
Byron Nelson has outscored opponents 556-170 this year and beat Crowley in the first round 52-28. However, they did allow 534 yards of offense (327 passing, 209 rushing) in the game. They will need to tighten up against an offense like Midland’s.
Quarterback Tom Von Grote was 19-for-29 for 345 yards and four touchdowns last week. He also had six carries for 60 yards and a touchdown.
Tucker James ran 14 times for 74 yards and a touchdown. Landon Farco was the top receiver last week with seven catches for 129 yards and a score.
On defense watch out for David Kabongo, who had picked off a pass and ran it back for 52 yards.