GAME PREVIEW

McLean looks to defend its 2018 title against a Blum program making its first appearance in a state championship game.

McLean rolls into Arlington after an epic 97-81 come-from-behind win over Rankin.  Ben Crockett reminded all of us how impactful he can be as he carried the ball a six-man record 48 times for 493 yards and eight touchdowns while also throwing for a touchdown. A big reason for Crockett’s success is getting behind lineman Kade Reichman and fellow back Dalton Abshire. 

Defensively, Mclean gives up 20.8 points per game, no doubt hurt by last week’s allotment to Rankin.  Crockett (99 tackles) leads the team in tackles, but Abshire (60 tackles, 11 INTs) and Keaton Helton (66 tackles) are big defensive players for the Tigers as well, which, as a team, has scored 11 defensive touchdowns this season.

Blum proved it was the beast in the East after its semifinal win against powerhouse Jonesboro, 52-30, to advance to its first-ever state championship game. Offensively, the Bobcats have one of the most rounded out backfields in the state with QB Dylan Vardeman, FB Blain Garza and TB Coltin Gonzales.  Gonzales is averaging 166 yards per game with 12.6 yards per carry and is the go-to guy in coach Cooper Thornhill’s rushing attack that averages 247.5 ypg.  QB Vardeman has missed some time this season due to injury, but is back and his ability to pass or run complements the Gonzales well.  Garza is a solid FB with good blocking abilities and hands out of the backfield and is the team’s leading tackler on the defensive side of the ball with 83 total on the season.  Add a solid lineman/receiver in Clinkscales (13-345 yards, 7 TDs) and you have a well-rounded offense that is hard to game plan for.

This matchup is actually a rematch from a Week 1 game at the Gridiron Classic in Jayton, which McLean won, 65-38.  It will be interesting to see what adjustments Blum makes defensively to try to slow down Crockett. In order to beat McLean, though, you are going to not only stop Crockett, but match them score for score as well. 

I expect the second time around to go much the same as the first with Blum’s QB/RB offensive attack giving McLean’s secondary some fits and being able to put up some points. But McLean’s running game will run wild with Crockett shining once again at AT&T Stadium to help the Tigers to consecutive state titles.

Saunders' Pick: McLean by 38

- Leman Saunders

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PLAYERS TO WATCH

McLean

TB/LB Ben Crockett (HUDL)

With a record-setting 9 rushing TDs in last year’s state game, he’s obviously the player to watch in this one.  He needs just 250 yards to reach 3,000 yards rushing on the season and is likely to get it.  Season stat line:  224-2,750 yards, 59 TDs rushing; 31-47-1 for 799 yards, 23 TDs passing; 99 tackles, 6 INTs, 4 defensive TDs.

FB/DE Dalton Abshire (HUDL)

With everyone keying on Crockett, fellow RB Abshire often gets some big yardage and breaks some big plays himself if defenses aren’t careful.  A ball hawk on defense, he has snagged 11 INTs and scored five defensive touchdowns.  Season stat line:  35-435 yards, 12 TDs rushing; 6-114 yards, 5 TDs receiving; 60 tackles, 11 INTs, 5 defensive TDs.

Blum

TB/MLB Coltin Gonzales

Speedy running back with the ability to break the big one.  Gonzales has scored 41 touchdowns and is the team’s leading rusher averaging 12.5 ypc and 166 ypg in 13 games for the Bobcats.  Season stat line: 173-2,163 yards, 39 TDs rushing; 36 tackles, 9 TFL.

FB/DE Blain Garza (HUDL)

Great defensive player for the Bobcats on the line, leads the team in tackles with 83.  If Blum expects to stop Crockett, Garza will be the player called upon to lead the charge.  Season stat line: 83 tackles, 2 FR, 3 sacks; 46-467 yards, 6 TDs rushing; 6-161 yards, 2 TDs receiving.

- Leman Saunders

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PREDICTIONS

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TEPPER'S PICK

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