Cards, Indians battle for DIV state title
by Jason Chlapek, Gonzales Inquirer Sports
Friday, December 2, 2011
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SHINER -- Not too much has changed since Oct. 29.
That was the day that the St. Paul football team handed Sacred Heart its only loss of the season, 14-12.
While both teams still operate out of the same offensive and defensive schemes, there have been a few changes between then and now.
Players on both teams have padded their statistics since Oct. 29, and both teams have won every game prior to that date as well.
The biggest change for St. Paul (11-2) and Sacred Heart (13-1) is that the second meeting between the teams won’t be for a district championship, it’ll be for a state championship.
The Cardinals and Indians -- two of the three TAPPS District 3-Division IV tri-champions -- will meet for the DIV state championship at 6 p.m. Saturday at Wildcat Stadium in Temple. Although only 14 miles apart from each other, the schools will play in Temple because TAPPS had Wildcat Stadium selected for the pre-determined site for the DIV state championship game.
"This is an exciting time," St. Paul coach Paul Johnston said. "The key to preparing for this game is to be focused, yet relaxed. We can’t put too much pressure on the players, but we also don’t want to be too relaxed either."
The Cardinals are gunning for their second state championship in as many years. They won last year’s DIV state crown with a 48-41 victory over Colleyville Covenant Christian.
There have been some differences for St. Paul this year, however. Not only did the Cardinals have to replace the quarterback and the entire offensive and defensive lines, they also had to adjust to a new head coach with a new offensive scheme.
Johnston came on board in late July to replace Jake Wachsmuth, who took an assistant coaching job at Yoakum. Johnston also replaced Wachsmuth’s power-running game with the spread offense.
The result of the switch in offenses has led to a balanced attack for St. Paul. The Cardinals have run for more than 2,400 yards and passed for more than 2,300 this season.
"We take what the defense gives us," Johnston said. "We’re going to take the run if it’s available, but we’re also going to pass when necessary."
Since the first meeting between the teams, the run has been available for St. Paul. The Cardinals have rushed for 949 yards in the last three games, including a season-high 387 in a 72-63 victory over Garland Christian Nov. 18 in the state quarterfinal round.
While there has been a lot of change for St. Paul this season, it has been a typical season for Sacred Heart. The Indians are still coached by Pat Henke -- their coach of 30 years -- and the same offense and defense are still intact.
Sacred Heart prides itself in the running game, and tailback Sterling Hrncir is the leading carrier with more than 2,100 yards. Fullback Matt Holub has more than 800 yards rushing, while Jared Krischke has passed for more than 700 and Cole Wick leads in receiving with more than 400 yards.
"They added a few new wrinkles since the last time we saw them," Johnston said. "Their biggest wrinkle now is they run a little more option."
Both teams are on winning streaks of four games or more going into Saturday’s contest. St. Paul has won six in a row, including a forfeit win over Galveston O’Connell in the playoff opener, while Sacred Heart has won its last four.
With the exception of the Indians’ 66-27 rout of Beaumont Legacy Christian in the first round, things have been close. Sacred Heart knocked off Covenant Christian, 21-20, in the quarterfinals and beat Brazos Christian, 30-23, in overtime last week.
Things have also been close for the Cardinals during their playoff run. After receiving the forfeit win over O’Connell, St. Paul ran past Garland Christian, 72-63, in the quarterfinals and held off The Woodlands Christian, 27-24, in last week’s semifinal matchup.
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