It’s usually said when a new head coach arrives on scene, it can take time to get the kinks out or the players are simply learning the new scheme. That is what most likely happened when the Brownfield Cubs routed the Post Antelopes to a 28-24 win Friday night in Brownfield. Although the Cubs had a total of 387 offensive yards, (322 passing, 65 rushing) it was the penalties that held the Cubs back and allowed Post to stay in the game. Of course, like Coach Brantley said, “Post played great. They are tough and well-coached and we knew that going in. They brought the intensity and we had a hard time responding at certain points.” So a good team like Post will take advantage of other teams’ misfortunes. Well now the first game of the season is in the books and it was a win. Now the Cubs focus on Tulia and going 2-0.
The Cubs did away with football practice on Wednesday and Thursday due to the untimely death of a Brownfield High School teacher on Wednesday morning. Coach Brantley said, “We needed time to reflect.” Of course, on behalf of TownTalk Media, our prayers and thoughts are with the family of the teacher, the current students, the former students she made an impact on, and the whole BISD staff. Coach Brantley said,
“In light of the events that took place at school this week, we want to make sure we keep in focus the reasons why we do what we do. Appreciating every moment, and understanding this is bigger than us. We want to dedicate this game to Ms. Wilkins and her family.”
The Cubs take the Tulia Hornets (0-1) Friday night at 7:00 pm. Last season, Tulia came to Brownfield and went home losing 35-7. According to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, the Cubs are a 27-point favorite for this upcoming game. The Hornets lost last week to 2A DI Highland Park (Amarillo) 33-21, which has not had a winning season in at least five seasons. But that was the past and last week is gone and point spreads don’t account for an emotional week.
Brownfield and Tulia are not that similar. Although both teams have good quarterbacks, the Cubs have JJ Martinez who is this week’s Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Class 3A Quarterback of the Week. Martinez might be a bit shorter than the Hornets QB David Molina by four inches and weighs five pounds less, but Martinez has the style to read the field and the defense. Between Jayden Gonzales, George Rivera, Jo Jo Carrillo, Q Busby, and Kaden Wise, there are plenty of threats to catch the ball, not to mention the backfield with Gage McPherson, Brownfield should be able to move the ball.
The Cub’s defense came alive last week and helped Brownfield stay in the game, so look for the same attitude from the defense Friday night. The biggest issue the Cubs need to fix is the penalties. Although the Hornets don’t look that good, every team comes into competition with an axe to grind. If the Cubs don’t want to get stung Friday night, they’ll need to keep the laundry from being thrown on the field.
We came off a week where we had to battle it out at the end to get the victory. Post played is tough, and we needed that. Looking forward to this game is another opportunity to get the offense in rhythm, limit mistakes, and do the vital things defensively.
Brownfield Cubs (1-0) vs Tulia Hornets (0-1) Friday Night Sept. 1, 2023, with a 7:00 p.m. kickoff in Tulia
Cubs over Hornets
