Homecoming 2019

Friday, Oct. 4, 7 p.m.

Rattler Stadium, Navasota

Previous Meeting: 2018:

Navasota 28

North Forest 14;

The Rattlers scored twice in the fourth quarter to secure the win. Navasota quarterback Zack Dyer was 10-of-25 passing for 182 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. La’Darrin Thomas had a huge night with six receptions for 136 yards and a touchdown. Truman Garza led the Rattler ground game with 73 yards on eight carries.

Last Week: Navasota 24, Furr 7; Wheatley 35, North Forest 29;

2019: Navasota: @ Bellaire Episcopal (L) 28-3, VS Sealy (L) 29-0, VS Rudder (L) 41-24, @ Madisonville (L) 43-21; North Forest: @ Austin (L) 23-20, VS Porter (L) 62-7, @ Washington (W) 48-7, VS Brazosport (L) 54-8;

The Matchup

North Forest spreads the field wide but relies heavily on setting up the run game. Junior running back John Washington carried the ball 31 times for 158 yards and a touchdown in the Bulldogs loss to Wheatley. The Bulldogs also have an athletic receiver, Roger Platt, that they like to utilize in space. On defense North Forest likes to stack the box and challenge receivers with man coverage. Key defensive players are defensive tackle Zeke Owens 5-foot-8, 260 lbs., defensive end Eric Coffer Jr. 6-foot 1, 270 lbs. and defensive end Andre Darden 5-foot 10, 184 lbs.

Navasota put together another great defensive effort in its district-opener against Furr. Tavarus Baker picked off a pair of passes in the win. The Rattlers also unveiled a new look on offense with La’Darrin Thomas getting the start at quarterback. Thomas rushed for two touchdowns. Navasota also has a weapon in its kicking game utilizing Miguel Alvarado. Alvarado kicked a 20-yard field goal against Furr.

Keys to Victory

Emotions will be high, and the stands will likely be packed for Homecoming 2019. If Navasota wants to impress the homecoming crowd they have to begin by once again winning the turnover battle. Navasota also needs to move the ball on the ground effectively. North Forest wants to take the ground attack away and force the Rattlers to pass.

North Forest will need to find a way to air it out because Navasota has done a great job of taking away the run this season defensively.