Friday, September 27, 1996

Wylie, Merkel tangle in battle of unbeatens
By MARK WILSON
Staff Writer

Merkel and Wylie football fans have every right to be excited about entering district play at 3-0, but there are three other District 6-3A teams currently crowing from that same high plane.

Wylie will play host to Merkel tonight in a battle of unbeatens, while Eastland (1-2) travels to face 3-0 Clyde, undefeated newcomer Brady travels to three-time defending district champion Ballinger (2-1), and Breckenridge will be at home putting its unblemished mark up against Coleman (0-3).

"I think our district is as close on a competitive level as it's ever been," Wylie coach Hugh Sandifer said. "It's a worn-out cliche, but we'd better be ready every Friday night. As people watch District 6-3A, they will see that it's as close as it's ever been."

Sandifer hopes his Bulldogs maintain their intensity reached in last Friday's 35-7 triumph over Snyder throughout their seven-game district slate.

"The key to getting out of district is playing Friday night and not look ahead and not look behind," he said.

"It's the first district ballgame, and we've got five teams in the district that are 3-0," Merkel coach Jack Dorsett said. "It's a compliment to our district. Wylie has beaten some pretty decent Class 4A schools. Both of us being 3-0 is great for the Abilene area and great for our district.

"We've got our hands full. Coach Sandifer does a great job. It will be a fun game to be involved with."

Wylie's wins over Class 2A Hamlin and Class 4A Graham and Snyder gave the Bulldogs eight wins in their last nine outings, dating back to last season when the Bulldogs reached the third round of the playoffs after finishing second to Ballinger.

"I think we played three different styles of football teams," Sandifer said. "We saw different offenses and defenses. We saw some great individual athletes. The best thing about the whole deal is we got out of it healthy."

In a 14-13 win over Winters two weeks ago, Merkel lost starting split end and cornerback David Kahn to a knee injury. Kahn, a junior who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament, will be out until next season.

The Badgers are stingy with the ball when it comes to the opposition, but generous in spreading around the offensive glory. Merkel is plus-seven in takeaways, and 10 different offensive players have scored at least one touchdown.

Starter Justin Goldsmith and Cooper transfer Jet Carriker have shared time at quarterback, and have been in on a combined total of eight touchdowns rushing and passing.

Running back Jason Hudman has a team-leading 387 yards rushing on 49 carries, and has scored four times.

As a team, Merkel has 776 yards on the ground compared to 469 for Wylie.

"They're a lot better football team (than last season)," Sandifer said. "There's a noticeable difference in how hard they play. They play hard 48 minutes, and they've got a lot of confidence in what they're doing."

The Bulldogs' balanced attack features quarterback Brady Hall, who has passed for 430 yards and seven TDs, completing 31 of 68 passes with two interceptions. The scoring and rushing leader is Jacob Pruitt, who has five touchdowns in all and 286 yards rushing on 45 carries.

"We've had a lot of people contribute the last three weeks," Sandifer said. "We're not one-dimensional. It's been three good team wins. Depth is so important in a seven-game district schedule."