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Friday, October 25, 2002

Celina has second big game in as many weeks

By JOEL ANDERSON

Associated Press Writer

CELINA, Texas (AP) - To be sure, there have been many potential pratfalls for Celina along the way during its state-record run of 64 consecutive wins and four state titles.

Several close-calls against archrival Pilot Point. A narrow four-point win over powerful Mart in the 2000 Division II state championship. The frantic fourth-quarter rally against Garrison for a 41-35 victory in last year's title game.

Here's another one: Friday night at home against 3A's sixth-ranked team, Gainesville.

"It's probably the first time in a long time we're going to be the underdog," said Celina coach Butch Ford, whose No. 3-ranked Bobcats have pushed their record to No. 10 on the nation's all-time consecutive wins list.

The showdown between Celina (7-0) and Gainesville (7-0) is expected to be this weekend's premier game, the only one pitting teams ranked in this week's Associated Press high school football poll.

Gainesville looms as Celina's most-formidable challenge of the season.

The Leopards are allowing just 165 yards of offense a game and have outscored their opponents by a combined score of 208-40. Those impressive totals were notched against Bridgeport, which boasts record-breaking quarterback Phillip Daugherty, and Van Alstyne, a finalist in last year's 2A Division I title game.

Gainesville's 30-0 thumping of Pilot Point two weeks ago raised many eyebrows around the state. Pilot Point had enjoyed modest success in its first season under the state's winningest active coach, G.A. Moore.

Still, Gainesville coach Mark Copeland insists that his team doesn't deserve the favorite's status against Celina.

"I don't see how we could be favored over a team that's won 64 straight and is ranked ahead of us," Copeland said.

But Copeland does admit, in a fleeting moment, that his team does relish the opportunity to knock off the state's most storied program of the past few years.

"The kids understand what's at stake," he said. "We don't have to talk about that stuff. We don't need to make this game any bigger than it already is."

For Celina, Friday's game will be the second high-stakes game in as many weeks.

The Bobcats enter the contest fresh off an emotional 10-0 win over Pilot Point on Friday. It was a game that was highlighted by Celina's chance to face Moore, who left the team in the spring after 14 seasons to coach at his alma mater and Celina's longtime rival.

Ford worries that his team might have problems recapturing the same level of intensity to face a team that he calls "the best team we'll have played to this point."

"We're sort of jumping out of the pan into the fire," Ford said, chuckling. "Last week was maybe more emotional than it should have been. The level of competition is going to be much better this week."

Celina actually allows fewer yards per game than Gainesville, surrendering just 140 yards and outscoring teams 276-76 through seven games. The Bobcats also boast an efficient offense, rolling up 375 yards a game on the strength of a bruising running game and a big-play passing attack.

More important than extending or snapping the streak, first place in District 9-3A will be up for grabs at Bobcat Stadium.

"All the other stuff is really nice, but that's what really matters," Ford said. "That's what will ultimately determine the success of this football team."

Other games of interest around the state include:

-- In 5A, No. 6 Lufkin (6-1) will get a chance to avenge its only loss of the season when it plays host to Tyler Lee (5-2) on Friday. Three weeks ago, Tyler Lee upset then-No. 1 Lufkin 21-14 in the district opener for both teams.

-- In 3A, No. 8 Daingerfield (6-1) will travel to undefeated New Boston (7-0) for first place in District 12-3A.

-- In 2A, No. 3 Bangs (6-1) will go to undefeated Jim Ned (7-0) for the top spot in District 9-2A. Jim Ned has outscored opponents 243-77 this season.

-- In 1A, No. 4 Hubbard (5-1) will play host to Dawson, which lost its only game of the season in a 44-42 thriller against Itasca last week. Dawson had been ranked No. 9 in the AP poll before the loss.

from the Reporter-News

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