Random thoughs on Week 7

Sitting at my desk on a rainy Thursday morning (but it looks better this afternoon), I was talking with Dave about my thoughts about some football teams, so I decided to put them into words for you wonderful people in the blogosphere.

1. In today's podcast, Dave asked me about why teams in District 24-5A get mostly ignored in the conversation of top area teams. Well, I said mostly because a lot of those teams aren't very good. But one team stuck out in my mind as a team that has the talent and coaching to win, but always seems to bottom out late in the season.
Clear Lake is a well-coached, physical and talented team year in and year out. But the Falcons have had big problems winning district games the last couple of years. Late losses to rivals Clear Brook and Clear Creek hurt Lake last year and that cost them a playoff spot. If they would have won those games, they would be a top team in the area.
But this year, Clear Lake is playing pretty good ball so far. Except for a loss to The Woodlands (which is nothing to be ashamed of this season), the Falcons look really strong with impressive wins over Aldine and Strake Jesuit, plus two easy district wins against Alvin and Clear Springs. Now the tough part begins.
The Falcons face Clear Brook Friday night, then undefeated Dickinson at home next week, then at Brazoswood and a big game against Clear Creek to end the season. All of these games are make-or-break for Clear Lake. I hate to use that phrase, but it's the truth. Three of their next four games must be wins, or it will be another tailspin finish for Clear Lake.

2. I know I've been gushing about how Travis and its big win over Elkins last week. The Tigers are the talk of 23-5A (along with Hightower, of course), but one team that is making history is Bush.
Ever since their debut back in 2001, the Broncos have been a doormat in Fort Bend ISD. In their seven seasons, Bush had a losing record in each of them, only cracking the three-win plateau twice. But now, Bush is 2-2 so far and is 2-1 in District 23-5A play after a 20-19 win over Fort Bend Austin in a game where special teams were not too special for both teams. But for Bush, a win is a win.
Allen Aldridge, a former NFL linebacker who played for the Denver Broncos (coincidence?), has taken over as Bush head coach after being the defensive coordinator the last two years and has installed a winning attitude for a program that desperately needed one. Bush will probably fall to Hightower this Saturday, but with big games coming up against Elkins and Kempner, the Broncos are in a prime position to clinch the school's first playoff berth.

3. Who would have thought that Alief Taylor would be in a position to win District 17-5A? Well, they do if the Lions can beat Strake Jesuit on Friday and Memorial next week.
Give credit to Taylor quarterback Rodney Owens, who has made several big plays this season, including a 66-yard touchdown run against Hastings. Owens is averaging 9.7 yards per carry and has six rushing touchdowns and four passing so far.
But the defense will have to step up in the next two games if the Lions are looking to win its first-ever district title.

So it's football time this weekend, and my schedule is stuffed. I'll be at Mercer Stadium for three games: Austin-Kempner on Friday, Elkins-Clements on Saturday afternoon and Hightower-Bush on Saturday night. Should be a fun weekend of football!!!