ALLEN, Texas-What could be better than a rematch of two talented, playoff football teams?
Pleasant Grove (10-2) takes on Gilmer (6-6) in a Class 4A, Division II regional playoff game at Allen High School's Eagle Stadium at 7:30 p.m. today.
Eagle Stadium is one of the best high school venues in the nation.
The Hawks are coming off a 24-6 victory over Waco Connally in the area round. Gilmer clinched a 24-14 victory over Fairfield in its area round playoff.
"Gilmer has a team that is playing really good football right now, and they are believing in themselves again," Pleasant Grove head coach Josh Gibson said. "They've beaten two very good teams lately (Sunnyvale and Fairfield)."
The Hawks have won six consecutive games and have outscored opponents 80-18 in the playoffs. Pleasant Grove, who has won eight playoff games in a row, averages 36.2 points per game and give up 17.3.
"The team that doesn't beat themselves will win," Gibson said. "When we have the ball, we can't turn it over or shoot ourselves in the foot. We cannot bust on defense and have to continue to pursue the ball very well. Special teams play will always be a big factor in late round playoff games. We have to continue to make plays in that phase of the game."
Junior quarterback Ben Harmon is the field general and one of the Hawks' leaders. Harmon has thrown for 1,470 yards on 67-of-123 passing. He has thrown 21 touchdowns to just two interceptions.
Bruce Garrett is the leading rusher for Pleasant Grove with 1,296 yards on 184 carries and 13 TDs. James Wiggins has totaled 1,041 yards on 154 totes and eight scores.
Jackson Cobb is the leading receiver for the Hawks. Cobb has 20 catches for 402 yards and five touchdowns.
Pleasant Grove shut out Gilmer, 14-0, earlier in the season on a cold, wet game at Jeff Traylor Stadium in a District 6-4A matchup.
"These games will be hard to compare mostly because the weather slowed both of us down offensively," Gibson said. "Outside of that, I believe both teams have grown and gotten better each week. Gilmer has two really good players that were injured for that game and both will be back."
The two players Gibson refers to are receiver Tra Fluellen and running back Bran Webb, both seniors. Fluellen has 44 catches for 867 yards and eight touchdowns on the season. Webb has rushed for 692 yards on 124 carries and eight scores.
The Buckeyes average 29.7 points per contest and have given up 33.2 points. Senior Cade Camp and sophomore Mason Hurt share the quarterback job. Camp has thrown for 881 yards on 64-of-127 passing, while Hurt leads the team with 1,739 yards (114 of 250).
Pleasant Grove has been preparing all week on the field and in the football classroom and practices have been good.
"The kids are fired up," Gibson said. "This is our third year in a row to be playing three rounds deep. That is special in itself. You add one of the best high school stadiums in the world to the mix, and our players have a lot to be thankful for. We are looking forward to this game."
The winner advances to the state quarterfinals and will play Pittsburg or Lorena.