FB: Joaquin-Shelbyville Game Notes
runner during action last week. Both defenses could have their
hands full when Joaquin meets Shelbyville Friday. (Photo by John
Krueger)
Joaquin Rams (0-1) @ Shelbyville Dragons (1-0)
Friday, Sept. 3, 2010 - 7:30 p.m.
Dragon Stadium (1,000 cap.) - Shelbyville
Turf: Natural - Map of Stadium Location
Radio: KQBB - 100.5 FM
The Shelbyville Dragons (1-0) and Joaquin Rams (0-1) will meet in a cross-country rivalry matchup tonight (Friday) at Dragon Stadium. The game has produced some exciting contests in the past and this year figures to be just as good as both teams are evenly matched. Joaquin is coming off a 34-0 setback to Tenaha at home Saturday night, while Shelbyville outplayed Troup to the tune of 34-27 at the Brook Hill Classic last Thursday.
WHERE THEY STAND: This is a game of two schools that have flip-flopped in classification this year. Joaquin was one of the largest Class 1A schools for some time and is now one of the smallest Class 2A D-II schools as the Rams now reside in District 9-2A D-II. The Rams had the most successful season in school's history last year when they placed second in District 19-1A and advanced to the Class 1A D-I state semifinal where they lost to Goldthwaite, 34-0. Joaquin finished the season 11-3. Joaquin is picked to finish fourth in the 2A league race this year.
Shelbyville was one of the smallest Class 2A schools and is now a member of District 10-1A D-I, along with Alto, Garrison, Grapeland, Cushing and Timpson. The Dragons posted a 2-8 mark a year ago, missing the Class 2A playoffs, but still was in the running for a postseason spot heading into the next-to-last game of the District 22-2A race. Shelbyville is picked to finish fourth in the six-team 10-1A D-I race in 2010.
HOW THEY RANK: Neither Shelbyville or Joaquin are ranked in the Associated Press state poll this week, but teams in their respective districts are. Alto, who is in Shelbyville's district, is ranked No.9 after moving up one spot in the poll. West Rusk, which resides in Joaquin's district, holds the No.8 spot in the state Class 2A poll, while Arp sits at No.14.
The Dragons are ranked regionally, garnering the No.7 spot in the Smoaky.com Class 1A poll. Alto is at No.3 in that poll, while Garrison sits at No.6 and Grapeland holds the No.8 spot. Shelbyville is No.10 in the Eastexsports.com regional poll, while Alto is No.2, Garrison is No.5 and Grapeland is up to No.6.
Joaquin isn't ranked in regional rankings.
HOW THEY GOT HERE: Shelbyville started the season off with an outstanding offensive performance in a 34-27 win over Troup last Thursday. In that game the Dragons rolled up 315 yards of offense, including 72 on the ground and 243 through the air. Jesten Brown rushed for 46 yards on 12 carries and Caleb Helander added 24 yards. Brad Estes had the hot hand throwing the ball, completing 12-of-21 passes (57.1%) for 184 yards, three scores and no interceptions. Nino Cartwright was on the receiving end of five of those throws, gaining 65 yards and scoring once, while Austin Rabalais pulled in two for 89 yards and a score and Brown added three grabs for 40 yards and a TD. Estes led the SHS defense with six tackles, including four solo stops, and two tackles for losses. Tyler Adams posted five tackles, with four of those being solos.
Despite being shut out last week, Joaquin managed 194 yards of offense against No.4-ranked Tenaha. Austin Bloodgood was the workhorse on offense for the Rams, carrying the pigskin 16 times for 127 yards (7.9-yard avg.). Kain Yates added 52 yards rushing.
OTHER DISTRICT ACTION: Three other teams in the District 10-1A D-I race were victorious last week. The scores included Alto punishing Groveton, 67-13, Garrison outscored Hemphill, 42-30, Grapeland stopped Centerville, 18-15, Cushing fell to Mount Enterprise, 14-8, and Timpson came up short to West Sabine, 34-12. Friday night's action this week includes Alto hosting San Augustine, Cushing will be at home to battle Beckville, Garrison will travel to Lovelady, Grapeland will visit Trinity and Timpson will be at Tenaha.
District 10-1A D-II Standings & Schedule
West Rusk was the only team in District 9-2A D-I that picked up a win as the Raiders topped Redwater, 52-36. In other games last week Arp dropped a game to Class 3A No.1 Daingerfield, 44-14, Frankston came up short to White Oak, 37-30, Union Grove fell to Beckville, 20-12, and Winona lost to T.K. Gorman, 22-16. In games on Friday of this week, Arp will host Omaha-Paul Pewitt, Frankston will visit Palestine Westwood, Union Grove will play host to Overton, West Rusk will visit White Oak and Winona will be at Simms Bowie.
PINEYWOODSSPORTS.COM PREDICTION: Look for this game to be an offensive show. Shelbyville might not have a balanced ground game, but Estes will have a good night throwing the ball and Nino Cartwright will be getting big chunks of receiving yardage. On the other side of the ball the Rams will move the ball on the ground. Look for Bloodgood to have another game in triple digits. This game might come down to turnovers. If the Dragons don't turn the ball over more than once, they'll win.
Shelbyville 35, Joaquin 33.
John Krueger's email address is pineywoodssports@yahoo.com.