FB: Tenaha-Joaquin Game Notes
early in the season. (Photo by John Krueger)
Any time Tenaha and Joaquin get together for an athletic event one thing is for sure: it will be a spirited battle. Despite the fact that the two squads are no longer competing in the same district - or classification - they'll take part in an exciting contest when they meet tonight (Friday) at Ram Stadium in Joaquin.
The contest, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. will be aired on the internet on www.kgasradio.com with Scott Tyner providing the play-by-play. It will also be on the radio on KQBB Radio (100.5 FM) with Don Wall doing the honors from the press box.
Joaquin, which finished 10-4 a year ago and advanced to the Class 1A D-I state semifinal round, was on the bubble as far as reclassification and found itself moving up to Class 2A D-II. The Rams will be a part of District 9-2A D-II and join state-ranked Arp and West Rusk, along with Frankston, Union Grove and Winona this season.
Tenaha enters this week's game ranked No.1 in Class 1A D-II and is the favorite the claim not only the District 12-1A D-II championship over the likes of Beckville, Mount Enterprise and Union Hill, but is the choice to claim the state title in December. The Tigers won their first 12 games last season before losing in the third round of the playoffs.
This battle is always heated and this year proves to be no different. The Rams could be a rebuilding mode with only three offensive and three defensive starters returning. Tenaha has six starters back on offense and seven on defense.
Last season Tenaha led 12-0 at halftime at Tiger Stadium before pulling away in the second half for a 30-8 victory. THS outgained Joaquin 292-132.
PineyWoodsSports.com Prediction: On paper, this game is a contest of two programs in different modes heading into the season opener. Tenaha is on the top of their world, with expectations of possible back-to-back trips deep into the Class 1A D-II playoffs ahead of them if they stay healthy.
Things don't look as promising for Joaquin. The Rams went from one of the largest Class 1A schools, to one of the smallest Class 2A D-II squads. Add that to the fact that they graduated almost all of their offensive and defensive lines and many of their starters and you have a huge challenge ahead.
What is good for Joaquin in this game is that Tiger junior quarterback Reginald Davis is starting his first game as a varsity quarterback. I don't think he's as comfortable at the position as he will be later in the year. He also has some inexperienced wide receivers to throw to; they haven't matured yet.
Look for Tenaha's speed to overcome the Ram defense and for Davis to have a big night on the ground. He'll complete some passes, but not a lot. And the Tiger defense will be the difference in this one. It's tough.
If the Joaquin line can overcome its inexperience the Rams could put the ball in the endzone, but I look for the Tigers to pull away in this one. But in a rivalry game, expect the unexpected.
Tenaha 40, Joaquin 14
DISTRICT 9-2A D-II
Thursday, August 26
West Rusk 52, Redwater 36 (at Gilmer)
Friday, August 27
Arp at Daingerfield, 7:30 p.m.
Frankston at White Oak, 7:30 p.m.
Tenaha at Joaquin, 7:30 p.m.
Union Grove at Beckville, 7:30 p.m.
Winona at T.K. Gorman, 7:30 p.m.
DISTRICT 12-1A D-II
Friday, August 27
Union Grove at Beckville, 7:30 p.m.
Cushing at Mount Enterprise, 7:30 p.m.
Tenaha at Joaquin, 7:30 p.m.
Union Hill at Carlisle, 7:30 p.m.