The Tigers (12-0) head back to Lufkin for the second time this post season to face off against the Crosby Cougars (11-2) in the fourth round of the 5A Division II playoffs. The game is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Last season the Tigers had their state championships hopes crushed by the Cougars in the second round, 62-42. The loss felt heartbreaking as the Tigers felt like they had a real shot of going all the way. The Cougars kept their hot streak all the way to the state championship game where they lost to the Aledo Bearcats, 56-21. 

This quarterfinal round matchup is huge, but it means more for the Tigers as they are looking for revenge against the Cougars. This game should be close and hard fought.

The Tigers will have to focus on the Cougars’ explosive offense. The Crosby run-and-gun offense averages around 50 points a game. Crosby is winless when held under 30 points, so that is a big number for the Tigers. 

This will be the first true dual-threat quarterback the Tigers have seen this year. It will be interesting to see how the defense handles that. The Tigers secondary needs to limit big plays as that is how the Crosby offense can run away with the game.

The Tigers offense has been firing on all cylinders in the postseason, and it seems like it gets better each game. They use their excellent running game to wear down defenses and open up the passing game. The offense this week might look to come out faster to match Crosby’s explosive offense. 

Senior quarterback Brayson McHenry needs to get the ball to his playmakers, senior wide receiver Blake Rodgers and junior Cody Resse. When mentioning playmaking, we can’t forget senior running back Braylon Stewart. He has been running through defense this postseason and is only 95 yards away from breaking the school rushing record. The record is 2,002 yards. 

The first few possessions will dictate this game, seeing if the Tiger defense can contain the Crosby offense as the Cougars like to start fast. The Tigers do not want the same outcome as last season and look to overcome Crosby and head to the semifinal round.