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November 5, 2009

Grandview, Maypearl get set to battle for second place

By Zack Cunningham/sportsreporter@trcle.com

While there is a new 15-2A champion this year, the Grandview Zebras still have plenty to play for on Friday night.

The Zebras travel to Maypearl to battle the Panthers to determine which squad gets the second and third playoff spots in 15-2A.

Grandview head coach Aubrey Sims said the rivalry between the two teams will make the duel even more interesting.

“It’s always a big rivalry with Maypearl,” Sims said. “There’s been one since I’ve gotten here. The placing doesn’t come as much into play because they’re going to get after us and us after them.”

Since losing, 56-28, to Godley on Oct. 16, the Zebras have outscored both Palmer and Rio Vista by a margin of 86-33.

Sims said momentum heading into the playoffs is the key element in Friday’s matchup with the Panthers.

“I don’t think about the place as much I think of it as momentum going into the playoffs,” Sims said. “Going into the first-round game, that’s more important than anything.”

At this point in the season, Sims said the two teams have seen about all they can see, which should make for a tight battle on the gridiron.

“It ought to be a good game,” Sims said. “Both teams have everybody healthy and are playing their best ball right now. We’re going to be fired up for it.”

Grandview running back Daniel Spencer has been a key factor for the Zebras’ offensive attack this season while posing threats on the ground and downfield catching passes from quarterback Derek Jarrell.

Sims said both players have come on strong as the season has progressed.

“Daniel does a great job catching and running,” Sims said. “He’s all over the field and I wouldn’t expect anything different from him on Friday night.”

Jarrell has filled in the absence of all-state quarterback Reid Golson from last year, routinely checking in among the county’s top passers each week.

“With Derek, it’s been more about experience,” Sims said. “He got to play in the second half a lot last year, but this year he’s gotten to play in some big games.

“He’s been in the fire and has come on here as of late and has been making great decisions.”

As the playoff atmosphere settles in, Sims said his team must be ready for the unexpected against the Panthers.

“Their quarterback does a great job of running the ball,” Sims said. “Anything goes in games like this. We’re trying to prepare our kids for things we haven’t seen. Godley came out in some formations that we hadn’t seen. We feel like we’re ready for just about anything at this point in the year.”

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Zebras Stadium.

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