High School

With 2 weeks left until Texas 6A schools head into playoffs, how many of them would you assume to still be undefeated? I’m sure you’re thinking of numbers such as 8, 10, maybe 14? Would you believe me if I told you 16 teams remain undefeated? I wouldn’t either but it is in fact true. These teams include: Harlingen, Eagle Pass, Lake Travis, Spring, Allen, Marcus, SA Johnson, Katy Tompkins, Westlake, Dobie, Tomball Memorial, Lake Highlands, Pearland Dawson, North Shore, Bridgeland and Cy-Fair.

Now, undefeated with 2 weeks left is impressive, but it doesn’t necessarily hold the same level of stature for each team. For example, even though Allen is a consistent powerhouse, taking a look at their schedule, they’ve only played one tough opponent, Denton Guyer (6-2). While a win is technically a win, how much prestige can be placed on a 49-48 overtime win over a 3-3 Klein Collins team? This was the outcome of Tomball Memorial’s games last Thursday night. I’m not naïve, I understand they can’t help it. Nobody can entirely control the strength of their schedule, but I think too much emphasis is placed on a high school teams record.

So, while I congratulate these 16 teams for having a dominant win streak, I would caution fans to place little emphasis on their records correlating to a lengthy post season.

College

The Clemson Tigers had to have been ecstatic to be back in action with Quarterback Trevor Lawrence after a lengthy 3 weeks of watching from the sidelines due to COVID-19. However, the excitement was cut short just hours before the teams were set to play because Florida State became worried about the safety of their players, after a Clemson player tested positive.

One could imagine that this would enrage Clemson Head Coach, Dabo Swinney, but he took it a step further to publicly conclude that FSU simply used COVID-19 as an “excuse to cancel game”. Not only has this upset Florida State, but the internet is offended by Swinney as well.

While it’s entirely possible that Florida State was timid to play the powerhouse team, it’s poor character and unprofessional to invalidate a team’s fears during a pandemic. I do understand the frustration and emotions of Swinney’s outroar; I also understand why FSU would be upset that Swinney spoke of their team’s intentions in this manner.

NFL

You already know what this section is about this week- my boy Andy Dalton making his post injury debut in a winning fashion! By far, Dalton played his best game of the season Sunday night against the Vikings as he passed for 203 yards and 3 touchdowns making his completion rate 68%. Not only did Dalton step up, but the offensive line did a great job of protecting him in the pocket, allowing time for passing, and of course avoiding the sack. Ironically, Dalton comes back just in time to face off against the Washington Football Team, who previously concussed him, Thursday afternoon. Washington comes into the game with a 3-7 record, and a prior win over the Cowboys, but Dallas comes in as a pretty even match with a 3-7 record as well.