GAMES
RANKINGS
Photo Credit: Bradley Collier, VYPE Media
Week 5 Preview: Jasper Confident Heading into Week 5 (W/ Podcast)
The Jasper Bulldogs are coming off a tough Week 4 loss to Diboll, 14-9, but it was all part of the plan according to head football coach Darrell Barbay.
"We're OK," said Barbay, "Dogs are always going to be alright."
The game with Diboll was not originally scheduled, both teams had separate games which were cancelled earlier in the week due to flooding from Tropical Storm Imelda. Both coaches agreed to play each other late Thursday afternoon.
That left no time for game planning.
"I held a couple of kids out for the opponent I thought we were going to play," said Barbay.
"I didn't let some kids play because they hadn't practiced that week, it came back to us, we're better for it, we needed to play."
The Bulldogs had already experienced a cancellation to Lumberton in Week 1 due to lightening. Now they take on a humbled La Marque team that is coming off a 62-0 loss to West Columbia last week.
"They're a very athletic team," said Barbay.
"Defensively they're going to line up and come after you. They swarm to the ball, they fly around, they tackle good. Offensively they spread the ball, will run the inside zone with their pro style. We will need to play well."
The Jasper offense will continue to ground and pound with their running game, led by Carl Limbrick and Montavian Hunt. Hunt is coming off a "high ankle sprain" but will be ready for Friday night.
"He's the type of kid who'll never say he can't go," said Barbay.
"Hunt is a special kid for us who will touch the ball a lot Friday night."
On defense, Avion Bennett (2020, LB, 17 Solo Tackles) and Shean Singleton (2021, LB, 9 Solo Tackles, 5 TFL) lead a crew who only gives up 14 points a game and thrive off sacks (8) and interceptions (4).
"We've played solid defense all year, last week was probably the best defense we've played all season," said Barbay.
"Terrien Collins had a great game for us with three interceptions, he's really stepped it up. We're playing really good ball defensively right now."
Next week the Bulldogs take on a tough West Orange-Stark team and then open their season October 11 on the road at Shepard.
...
VYPE SETX PODCAST: Jasper HC Darryl Barbay - Week 5 Preview
Jasper Football on a mission for 2019
The Jasper Bulldogs are primed for a state title run in 2019 as the regional semifinalist from last season return heavy artillery for the upcoming season. A big part of their talent base starts with returning district MVP Montavion Hunt (1,514 yards, 20 TDs rushing) who could be the best player in southeast Texas.
"We think we have a chance to be really good," said Bulldog head coach Darrell Barbay.
"Athletically I think we're about as good as anyone, our challenge will be to keep our focus. As a staff we have to be focused and our kids will have to keep their focus."
The Bulldogs were upended in the third round of the playoffs by a West Orange-Stark team (14-21) they had previously beaten earlier in the season (34-24). The loss ended a season where Jasper had gone undefeated in district play and were rolling as a team.
This fall brings a new attitude with 17 returning starters, many who play both ways such as outstanding DT/RB Brashuan Hubbard. The athletic Hubbard led the team in tackles (72) and scored six touchdowns.
"Brashuan is one of the most dominant D-Lineman in the area," said Barbay, entering his eight season at Jasper and 20th overall as a head coach.
"He is a force. He's strong, he's fast, he's athletic and he plays extremely hard. As the season progressed last year, we started bringing him in at running back because every time he touched the ball he scored."
Brashuan will be coming back from ankle surgery and will be looked upon as a main leader for Jasper to have a title run.
"He dislocated his ankle in week 12 and if he's healthy the entire year he will be a dominant force," said Barbay.
The Bulldogs are ranked as the top 4A Division 2 team in every major publication in Texas and with that brings notoriety and attention. Confidence can also lead to pressure.
"At the end of the day, you still have to go out and play," said Barbay.
"We're going to get the best effort from everyone on our schedule. If we want to go deep into the season we have to get better as the season develops."
The Bulldogs have never won a state title, but did play in the 2004 3A state title game where they lost to Gilmer 49-47.
PODCAST: Jasper Head Coach Darrell Barbay