From the Desk of...

Matt Burnett

Coach Burnett Talks About Week 14

November 28, 1999

Brazosport Regional Finals Game

     Going into the game we knew Brazosport was a talented team. We also knew they were undefeated, so it was a nice way to start the game with a 19 play touchdown drive and score early. It really set the tone for the game, as far as establishing that we were all business.

     Our kids did a great job of concentrating and having a lot of composure. The number one thing they did was compete the whole time. When you have those 3 Cs going--concentration, composure, and competing--you've got a chance. We were hitting on all of them last night.

     You can tell we were concentrating on our game plan. Our defense was in some tough situations early. We bent but we didn't break. Had we not concentrated like we did, things might have been different.

     Brazosport lined up in some things. We went into the game throwing, but found out later that we could run. The second half we ran the ball and controlled the clock. We really got after them...there was a lot of 2nd and 3rd effort. Defensively in the second half we made some adjustments, and came out an stopped what they had hurt us with.

     What's helping us right now is out kids are concentrating real well on the game plan during the week, and when they get to the game they can let the crowd energize them. We talk about that a lot. We have to have that sound preparation during the week though, because if we're not prepared, the crowd alone can't pull us through.

     The crowd gets us going, and we start feeding off their enthusiasm. When you're on the sideline at times, I look up and see a sea of purple, and pride swells up in you, and see they care about the kids, and we're lucky to have that. It's a fine feeling.

On LaMarque

     LaMarque's going to offer a big challenge for us. They've been in the State Final game the last six years in a row. We're going against a team that really knows how to play the big game.

     Coach Larry Walker has done a fine job at LaMarque. We're real impressed with their size on offense, and they have a great tailback in Trevor McKenzie. He's a quality player. We're going to have our hands full defensively.

     We'll be going against a defense that's real aggressive. They like to take chances and stunt linebackers. It's going to be a challenge for us offensively.

     The way we approach it is we try not to get caught up in who our opponent is. We try to control what we can control We control our game plan, and our practices, and when we get to the game we play the game. We tell the kids if we win by one point or 45 points, it's OK.

Injuries

     The Indians came out of the Brazosport game with no significant injuries.

Defensive Leaders

     Defensive leaders against Brazosport were: