MOUNT PLEASANT, Texas -Familiar foes have been reunited in battle.
Paul Pewitt (12-1) takes on rival Daingerfield (11-2) in the Region II-3A, Division II championship/ state quarterfinals football playoff game.
The game is set for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff today at Mount Pleasant High School's Sam Parker Field.
"It's one of those games that we as coaches don't have to say to get our guys pumped and ready to play," Brahma head coach Triston Abron said. "It's been a really good week of practice. We are focused, for the most part. I am pleased with the team's approach."
Paul Pewitt is coming off a 53-20 romp over Bells in the region semifinals, while Daingerfield edged Newton, 30-26.
"Daingerfield is about 15 minutes away, and we play each other every year," Abron said. "The kids know each other; it's a rivalry. We are trying to change the fact that it has been a one-way street when it comes to the Tigers winning the rivalry game."
Daingerfield is 4-0 in the last four meetings by a combined score of 178-87. The Brahmas were edged by the Tigers, 42-38, earlier in the season.
"They are extremely athletic and fast," Abron said. "We did the things we had to do in order to give ourselves an opportunity to win the previous game. We felt like we lost the game against them; not so much that they beat us. We need to take care of the football on offense. Defensively, we need to make sure we are doing a good job tackling."
Running back La-Jathan Allen leads Pewitt in rushing with 1,897 yards on 192 carries and 26 touchdowns. Quarterback Cross Holder is second on the team with 966 yards on 126 totes and 18 scores.
Kadrien Johnson has amassed 931 yards of rushing on 86 carries and 13 TDs for the Brahmas, while Deiontray Hill has 943 yards on 129 tries and nine touchdowns. Keiuntray Hawkins has seven rushing touchdowns to go with 775 yards on 83 carries.
Tannor Mines leads the Pewitt defense with 129 tackles, while teammate Allen is second with 107 stops. Allen also has a team-high four interceptions.
Hawkins leads the Brahmas with 11.5 sacks and also has 89 tackles. Colby Frost is third on the team in tackles with 99.
The winner earns a trip to the Class 3A, Division II State Semifinals to play either East Bernard (13-0) or Ganado (10-3) next week.