Apaches face off against district title contender

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GONZALES — The Gonzales Apaches (5-2, 2-0) are in a good spot for a district title run after winning their first two games. Friday night, the Apaches are faced with a tough test, taking on the Giddings Buffaloes (3-4, 2-0) who are also unbeaten in district play.

“They’re an athletic football team,” Crane said. “They have several good athletes. That’s how they’re able to score, they get those athletes in space and go to work.”

On offense, the Buffs are in a spread formation with #7 Rustin Grimm at quarterback. Giddings wants to get the ball to senior back #8 Tavion Page, who Crane described as dynamic.

“He’s 5-5, 140, and is faster than lightning,” he said. “He plays running back for them but he will also play the wildcat quarterback. Once he gets in space, nobody is catching him.”

Other playmakers include #9 Jaylon Joiner, #10 Drew Villesca, #3 Travis James and #24 Brandon Mitschke.

Giddings have had to play from behind against tough opponents this season. However, Apaches’ coaching staff isn’t fooled by the Buffs’ four losses in their record.

“The teams that they played earlier were outstanding football teams,” Crane explained.

Even so, Giddings’ offense found ways to the end zone late in the game, as they scored 21 points in the fourth quarter of their last two games.

“It’s all about finishing,” Crane warned. “They can put up points fast because they got so many people that can score every time they touch the ball.”

“They wear their opponent down, they’re in good shape, and when it matters the most they can go score.”

Overall, the Gonzales defense will be focused on Page, the dynamic back that the Buffaloes have found ways to get the ball to. Crane also mentioned leverage being important in a game against the speedy skill kids.

Defensively, Giddings loads the box while putting their athletes out wide to cover receivers, daring opponents to throw the ball. Last season, the Apaches gashed Giddings for over 300 yards of rushing and this Friday night they hope to do it again.

“It’s all about finishing,” Crane said, “we got to have those dynamic runs again like Josh [Calvin] had last year. That was the best game our offensive line had all year. They were dominating that game. We got to have that same type of performance Friday night by our offensive line.”

Special teams can pose a problem too as those same speedy athletes on offense are also back to return kicks. Last season the Apaches gave up a return for touchdown, so the special teams unit is ready for it Friday.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Apache Field.

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