Friday, November 6, 1998

Cooper players: Do NOT read this! (fans can, though)

By Jeff Walker

All Cooper football players are instructed to skip over this article until Saturday. I don't want any part in an argument stating Cooper looked past tonight's opponent, the Abilene High Eagles.

Fans, however, continue to read.

The Cougars assured themselves a playoff spot with their 28-14 victory over Odessa High last week. If Cooper defeats Abilene High tonight, the Cougars will claim the top spot in the Division II (small school) playoffs. The only way Cooper will fall to the second spot is if the Cougars lose to the Eagles and Midland Lee knocks off Midland High. Odessa Permian is already in the playoffs and will take the Division I, or big school, berth and probably face San Angelo Central in bi-district.

If the Cougars take the top spot, they will face the runner-up from District 3-5A, which, right now, figures to be Lubbock Coronado. The Mustangs played Lubbock High Thursday night. With a victory, Coronado would claim the second playoff spot. Amarillo High has already qualified for the playoffs by virtue of its two victories over Central and Coronado. The Sandies claimed the top seed in the Division II playoffs and would play Cooper if the Cougars lose and Midland Lee wins.

Lubbock High has a chance to make the playoffs with a victory over Coronado, but still could miss the playoffs with a victory (the explanation is too complicated).

If Coronado and Amarillo High are the two Division II playoff teams from District 3-5A, there is a way for the Cooper coaches to gauge their talent level before looking at a single tape. And for fans, who don't have access to game footage, here is a summary of those teams' comment opponents.

Coronado went undefeated in its non-district schedule. There are three teams the Mustangs faced that Cooper either played or scrimmaged this season. Coronado beat Midland High 29-19 (Cooper won 24-13); Wichita Falls Rider 30-7 (Cooper handled them easily in a scrimmage); and Odessa High without Rick Leach, 3-0 (Cooper won 28-14 last week).

Coronado also faced two teams that Abilene High played this season. The Mustangs knocked off Amarillo Tascosa, 27-14 (the Eagles shut out Tascosa the first week of the season, 20-0). Coronado also defeated Lubbock Monterey (AHS beat the Plainsmen, 23-7).

Cooper has one common opponent with Amarillo High. The Sandies lost at Odessa Permian, 25-13 (Cooper lost 28-25 there).

Amarillo has two common opponents with Abilene High. The Sandies lost to San Angelo Central, 13-12 (AHS defeated the Bobcats 28-15). Amarillo defeated Lubbock Monterey, 35-7.

When Amarillo and Coronado faced each other, the Sandies won in overtime, 20-17.

Picks of the Week

- Abilene High vs. Cooper: I've picked the Eagles to win every district game this season and each week AHS has not come through for me. Well, it may have taken me four times to learn my lesson, but what can I say, I'm a bit slow - or optimistic. Cooper has too much firepower. Cooper 31, AHS 7

- Midland Lee vs. Midland High: The winner of this game goes to the playoffs while the loser laces up the basketball shoes. The Rebels will have to put the slam dunks and jump shots on hold. Defense almost always beats offense. Lee 28, Midland High 14

- Odessa Permian vs. Odessa High: You know the defense-beats-offense theory from above... that's why I say almost. When the offense is from Permian that is too powerful even against the Bronchos' tough defense. Permian 34, Odessa High 17

Jeff Walker can be reached at 676-6711 or sports@abinews.com.