By ANDREW CRUM, Staff Writer
The Los Fresnos Falcons return to the regional round of the playoffs for the fourth time, and the first time since 2008.
Los Fresnos defeated Del Rio13-12 in the area round and is set to face San Antonio Reagan today at Javelina Stadium in Kingsville.
Former Falcons coach Scott Ford led the team to three straight regional appearances from 2006-08, including the latter two against Reagan coach Dan Wetzel and the Rattlers squad.
“They were a one-back passing team under Coach Ford, but Coach (Clint) Finley has them playing really good, physical football,” Wetzel said. “They certainly throw the ball well, but they’ll line up and run over you, too. They’re good at what they do.”
Finley saw Reagan firsthand during its area round game against San Antonio Stevens last week. The Falcons’ coach was impressed.
“Anytime you see a team in person, its good,” he said. “I saw a lot of good things from them. They’re ranked very high for a reason. They’re coached very well. They’re very aggressive, they have speed, size, everything it takes. All the tools to be very, very good.
“It was good to see them, but we’re going to have to play our best game, there’s no doubt about that.”
Offensively, the Rattlers bring a balanced offensive attack to counter the often run-heavy Falcons’ offense.
“They have it all, everything that you would want,” Finley said. “I didn’t see a whole lot of weaknesses.”
Similarly, Wetzel said his defense will have to stop drives to give his offense more opportunities.
“I think they have the ability to keep the football quite a bit, grind it out and make the game shorter, if you will,” he said. “We’re going to have to get some stops on defense and not let them take up all theclock.”
Both coaches agreed that at this point in the season, any game comes down to execution.
“We’re going to have to play sound football and not turn the ball over,” Wetzel said. “And be good on the special teams game. Anytime you’re in a playoff game, I think there are always a few plays it comes down to really making a difference in the ball game. You’re talking about two good teams that are still playing at this time of the year. Everybody wants to win.
“It’s survive and advance, but you have to have a little luck involved, too. There’sa lot of factors that go into this.”
Finley agreed and knows his team is focused.
“It’s going to come down to how good can we do what we do, and how good can we execute our game plan?” he said. “We’re going to have to be the best. We can’t wait. We’re excited. I know my boys are going to come play hard. We’re going to come to compete.
“Nobody thinks we can do it. I can promise you my boys are going to show up (ready to play).”
Andrew Crum covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6629 or via email at [email protected] Twitter he’s @andrewmcrum.