Usually when you get two teams playing this late in the playoffs who are complete opposites one thing has to give, and that's the case tonight when Highland Park and Waxahachie square off at 7:30 p.m. at Kincaide Stadium in Dallas.
Hachie was No. 3 in the final regular-season Class 4A poll and Highland Park was No. 4 in the same poll.
Hachie (12-0) likes to pound the ball and beat you physically with its power rushing attack. The Scots (11-1) like to air it out behind QB Luke Woodley and actually have their defensive strength in stopping the run.
The Indians most definitely have the edge when it comes to athleticism, but that's usually the case for a Highland Park opponent. The Scots (11-1) win with coaching and disciplined, smart play.
Waxahachie has history on its side though. In two previous playoff meetings between the schools, the Indians won both in 1992 and 1993. Waxahachie has won its games this season by an average of 20 points per game, but they haven't faced an offense like the Scots and Woodley.
The Scots (for my money, the best mascot in high school football) have put up huge offensive numbers all season, averaging just less than 500 yards per game and 50 points per game. Their only loss was to one-loss 5A Coppell.
Hachie is led by WR/DB LaDarius Brown, who you might remember scored two big defensive touchdowns in an early-season then-upset of Everman. The Indians are giving up 20 points per game and have had some close calls recently against teams like Cleburne and Corsicana.
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My initial instinct told me to take Hachie and its running/defense style of play because that's usually what wins this late in the playoffs. But I'm going out on a limb and taking the Scots. Prediction: Highland Park 35, Waxahachie 30.
Adam Boedeker is a sports writer/award-winning blogger for the Denton Record-Chronicle. He's ready for leftover turkey and sandwiches!
