Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:00:00

Eagles Face Big Challenge In TAPPS Champs Reicher

Randal Brewer, Sports Editor

The Canton Eagles will face the two-time defending TAPPS 4A state champions on Friday night when the Waco Reicher Cougars visit Birdwell Stadium.

In addition to winning the state title in 2007 and 2008, the Cougars won in 2004, as well as five more times in the 60’s and 70’s. The Eagles got a close look at the Reicher tradition last season when the two teams met in Waco. The results was a 40-28 loss.

The Eagles held a 28-20 lead in the game last year, and had a touchdown called back that would have given the team a two-score lead. Instead, Reicher scored twice to win

"Last year we were surprised by their speed," said head coach Lance Angel. "Hopefully we’ll be ready for it this time, but they will be the biggest, fastest team we’ve seen all year.

"They’re going to play straight man-to-man coverage and press our receivers at the line," the coach continued. "We’re going to opportunities for one-on-one matchups that we need to win."

The Cougars have a big and talented defensive front that can get quick pressure on the quarterback. Mike Tepe (No. 77) is an all-state player at noseguard and center. He is joined on the defensive line by 6’2" Nick Martinez (No. 7) and David Anderson (No. 54) at the end positions. Matt Pineda (No. 25) is another all-state player at linebacker and running back.

Quarterback Matt Hicks is a move in from China Springs, and the Eagle defense will see a lot of him on Friday.

"He’s a great athlete, and he likes to run the ball," Angel said. "They will line up in the spread, but they like to run the ball, and Hicks will get most of the carries. They also have a couple of good backs that run and block."

When Reicher does throw the ball, Josh Wrzesinski is yet another all-state player at receiver.

Reicher comes to Canton with a 1-2 record, with losses to Ft. Worth Nolan and Houston Episcopal, both large private schools. That is the same record the Cougars had when Canton traveled to Waco last year.

The Eagles, meantime, have moved to 2-1 after a win over Kaufman on Friday. Following the game with Reicher, the Eagles travel to Quinlan with a bye week to follow.