TEXARKANA, Texas -- District champion Texas High looks to be explosive and shine as bright as fireworks in its first playoff game of the season.
The host Tigers (9-1) take on District 7-5A fourth-place finisher Terrell (7-3) in a Class 5A, Division II bi-district football playoff game at Tiger Stadium at Grim Park with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff today. Texas High clinched the District 8-5A, Division II title with a 5-1 record.
The clash is a rematch of last year's bi-district playoff matchup in which Texas High was edged, 28-21, in overtime.
"We are familiar with Terrell and they have a really good football team," host Tigers' head coach Gerry Stanford said. "They have an explosive running back and they have played Melissa and Lovejoy, the No. 1 and 2 teams in the state, so they have played a really good schedule. We are excited to be in the first round of the playoffs against a really good football team."
Speedy standout senior running back Chase Bingmon has amassed 1,412 yards on 193 carries and 25 touchdowns for Terrell. Junior teammate T'myan Ambers has rushed for 685 yards on 93 totes and five scores.
Texas High has put up an average of 40.7 points per game and have given up 20.3 per outing. The visiting Tigers have scored an average of 35.5 points per contest and have given up 24.0 on average.
Terrell runs different offensive schemes but mainly runs the Wing-T.
"Offensively, we will have to finish drives. One thing we took away from last week is that we need to finish drives, not stall out and be efficient in our passing game," Stanford said. "Defensively, the biggest things are to control the line of scrimmage and not give up the big play. Their running back has had an amazing year. They have 3 or 4 other running backs and receivers to go along with him; they spread it out in a different way. They are explosive on offense."
Running back Tradarian Ball led Texas High in rushing last week against Pine Tree and had both scores for the Tigers. Ball has racked up 1,083 yards on 141 attempts and 13 touchdowns.
Quarterback David Potter has connected on 58.7 percent of his passes on 97-of-165 passing with 19 touchdowns and 1,787 yards for Texas High. Running back Javari Johnson has totaled 1,063 yards on 129 carries and 11 TDs.
Senior standout receiver T.J. Gray leads the host Tigers with 35 grabs with 787 yards and five touchdowns, while teammate and fellow receiver Brandon Hall is second with 496 yards on 25 catches and eight scores.
"Our goal is to come in with a special effort, a special focus and go on to the next round," Stanford said. "We love playing at home. Its a win or go home situation. We want to bring our 'A' game just like we want our fans to bring their 'A' game. We are excited to be home and to be playing as district champs. We look to extend the season further."
And they will have a good chance.
The winner will play either Mansfield Summit (7-3) or Seagoville (7-3) in a Class 5A, Division II area round playoff game next week.