Parisian

Offensively, there's no comparison to the 2018 Paris team Gilmer faced last year. Paris was still in the spread offense and dependent on the breakaway threat of one running back. Since the mid-season switch to the wing-T, the Cats are now a PG clone who can hurt you from different angles running the ball plus they've added a dynamic passing threat they didn't have last year. The Paris defense may not be as stout up front as last year, but the secondary is solid and overall this year's group is probably faster. Both teams have improved since 27-21. This will be a good test.

Certainly will be a good test for both schools.

Final: Paris 42, Terrell 7. I expected Paris to show their passing game to go along with that ground attack, and they did. Hohenberger was 6 of 9 for 168 yards and 2 TDs. If he has some time or you give him some wiggle room, he will escape pressure and find an open receiver, and Paris has a ton of potential targets. Just something else for future DCs to worry about. Otherwise Terrell defense did a respectable job not allowing big rushing plays. Paris D wasn't as crisp as last week vs. PG, which was to be expected. Terrell showed some speed to the outside whcih hurt Paris a few times. It was a dominating win with plenty of areas for improvement before the Cats face a rejuvenated Gilmer next week. Should be a good matchup.

Non-district scheduling isn't an easy proposition, especially for teams in outlier population areas like Texarkana, Paris, Argyle, etc. There isn't a big pool of nearby non-district matchups from the same division or similar classifications. Plus, if your program is traditionally strong, nobody wants to make a long drive to endure a potential whipping and the prospect of playing at a halfway neutral location isn't ideal, either. On top of that, odd-numbered districts often, and unexpectedly, eliminate traditional nearby regional matchups and leave teams scrambling for opponents once the bi-annual alignments are announced.

My memory is not what it used it be. I remember now that the pre-district game was played in the rain and Argyle needed a 4th-quarter rally to win. Must have confused it with the regional final. Yes, LaVega has a huge fan base. The stadium will be rockin'. Wish I could be there.

Just a guess, but I'm thinking LaVega may be challenged to rebuild that defense, especially the secondary, and that's an area where Argyle can hurt you. No doubt Eagles have been pointing to this mismatch after a rare loss at home last season.

In 2 of the past 3 meetings between the schools, Mother Nature was the winner (a postponement and cancellation). Weather forecast looks good for Friday. Don't foresee Terrell raining on Paris' Homecoming plans.

Paris won't face a DL as big and talented as PG all season, even if Cats advance deep in the playoffs. Paris will surprise folks with their passing ability, which will make the run game even more dynamic.

I kinda thought the QB runs were a game plan specific for Paris. Cats' defensive secondary is pretty good and took the Hawks' passing attack out of the equation. And to answer Bluetopper's question: Reclassification is coming up so the next two years' scheduling is in the air. I would think a Paris-PG pre-district series could be on the landscape, but you never know.

PG by a bunch

I've said it before, but I love teams that huddle, shuttle in plays from the sidelines, then sprint to the line of scrimmage and use quick counts. To me, that's true football. The 22-16 final score belies how nasty both schools' offenses can be were it not for the first-game mistakes and two pretty solid defenses. Just curious, but do the Hawks usually rely on Harmon's running as much as they did last night? I thought it was the difference maker in the game.

These two offenses will only get better with time. I think the fact both defenses are familiar with wing T attacks, along with excessive penalties which put both teams behind the chains, helped create the low-scoring outcome. Outside of the big Paris TD run, PG did an outstanding job of limiting Paris' outside running plays. There won't be many teams on the Cats' schedule able to do likewise. Both training rooms will be busy with the aftermath of this slobber-knocker.

Pleasant Grove freshmen 36, Paris 24 Paris JV 16, PG 8

I'm more optimistic about this Paris team than I've been in several years. They seem to have found an offensive philosophy that fits their personnel. I worry about their line depth, but they have a ton of speedy skill players who can go both ways. They're going to be a nightmare for defenses to game plan. Really looking forward to this week's matchup and expect that turnovers will be key to the outcome.

This game will look like an intrasquad scrimmage, particularly from an offensive standpoint. PG has flourished recently utilizing multiple runners. Paris will also put 3 stud running backs on the field and hit you with multiple counters and speed galore. On paper, PG has the edge at QB with the senior Harmon vs. the soph Hohenberger, but I've been impressed with the composure Hohenberger has shown in the two scrimmages. He escapes pressure well, doesn't try to do too much, and has a good touch on the long throws plus an arsenal of tall receivers who can climb the ladder. Paris lost to PG last year due to some bad snaps and undisciplined penalties. They've cleaned up both of those areas. I look for a close game with turnovers a major player. Hoping for a great game to kick off 2019.

Paris 21, Denison 7 in a live half. The reserves then held a controlled scrimmage and each team scored once.

Paris made the change midseason last year. Seem to remember it was about the time they destroyed Celina (54-14). Two things I like most about it: 1) they huddle and shuttle plays in and 2) they break huddle and sprint to the line of scrimmage for quick counts before defense can adjust to alignments. It just has a cool football look to it without all the nonsense of hurry ups and fake counts then delays while everyone stops down to look to the sidelines for signals and checks wristbands. It's a communications nightmare. I love huddles. Paris at PG in Week 1 will definitely have a mirror-look to it. Should be interesting.

nephew and (I believe) adopted son He's definitely got the pedigree and lots of weapons to work with.

It was an impressive first outing for Paris. Small-ish defense but with tons of speed and intensity. Cats held Henderson to 14 yards on 14 plays during the live half with lots of big, but clean hits all night. Offense has 4 premier running backs and some tall wideouts. I was most pleased that Cats drew just 1 penalty (a false start). By contrast, Henderson must have drawn 20 flags.

Kobe Savage graduated and signed with A&M-Commerce as a DB. QB heir apparent is sophomore Luke Hohenberger.

Not going to get caught up in the merits of this hire, but MV board certainly knew how controversial it would be or it wouldn't have announced it on Friday afternoon before graduation and the Memorial Day weekend. Also wondering if Art Briles has seen Don Meredith Stadium and if there are any plans for improvements? The new MV gym is outstanding and heavily booked for playoff games, but the next-door field needs a makeover.

Cats lost about half their starters off each side of the ball. The key on defense will be rebuilding their front 7, particularly replacing a pair of outstanding linebackers. Paris returns plenty of explosive skill players, but the perennial question mark remains the offensive line. Until that solidifies, I'm not sure it matters what offensive set is used. They'll still the run the ball, but look for a much improved passing attack (if they can get the protection up front). Paris opens at PG. We'll have a better assessment right out of the gate.

I wouldn't say no problem...Carthage & Liberty Hill are still out there lurking, but La Vega's combination of size and speed will be tough to overcome.

Argyle broadcasters are saying #17 (Richards) didn't play in the first Argyle game. If so, I can understand why Argyle fans thought they had a chance in the rematch. He's a difference maker and nice complement to #6 and #16.

I'd give the edge to La Vega if they don't have excessive turnovers and penalties. It's a neutral location this time in the rematch.