Port Neches-Groves enters their Friday night matchup at Vidor relaxed yet focused. Their recent district win over a solid Baytown Lee team provided momentum, now another test as the Indians take on a tough Pirate team.
"We're staying humble," said Indian's head coach Brandon Faircloth.
"I don't know if anyone in our district can have a whole lot of confidence going into district games where you have to play a great team every week. In our district if you're not at your best every week you can lose. We understand that."
The Indians bring an offense that is loaded with contributors, an assault by committee, with seven players ranked as top district performers. The straw that stirs their drink is junior quarterback Blake Bost (763 pass yds, 6 TD passes) who is second overall in pass yards. His favorite target is senior receiver Peyton Proenza (206 yds rec, 3 TD's) who is third overall in receptions with 16.
Kaleb Wuenshel (228 yds rec, 1 TD) and Zane Hernandez (86 yds rec, 1 TD) are fourth and seventh in District 12-5A receiving respectively. Their run game features Dejaunte Conner (192 yds, 1 TD), Zane Hernandez (154 yds, 5 TD's) and Lance Vaughn (154 yds, 1 TD) all in the top 15.
"I'm really proud of what we've been able to do on offense so far this year," said Faircloth, coaching his 10th season at PN-G.
"We've played some really dynamic players this year, Bost has done a really good job for us. We've had an offensive line that has had some injuries, we've had some kids step in and do a fine job there."
Vidor comes in as a strong contender as the Pirates enter Friday nights contest 2-1 overall with a big win last week over Crosby 37-27. Vidor brings in the top district offense (442 yds/gm) and the top defense (239 yds/gm) and features the No. 1 performing running back in Brad Nunez (410 yds, 5 TD's) with their Slot-T attack.
"The Pirates are well coached and always ready to play," said Faircloth.
"They're physical. They're big. Nunez is a great player, it's going to be a great game this Friday."
Vidor is always a tough place to play and expect the winner Friday night to have the inside track as a high playoff seed this November.
To listen to a podcast interview with Indian head coach Brandon Faircloth and VYPE SeTX reporter Todd James click on the play button below.