A&M Consolidated and Killeen Ellison in Thursday Night Lights Matchup

STORY BY: BOB WRIGHT

 

The A&M Consolidated Tigers are seeking their second straight win Thursday night, departing from the usual Friday Night Lights, when they hit the road for Leo Buckley Stadium and an engagement with the Killeen Ellison Eagles.

Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m., also a departure from the normal 7:30 time.

Regardless of the night and time, the Tigers would like nothing more than to go up 2-0 in the District 12-5A race following last Friday’s Homecoming win over the Temple Wildcats at Tigerland. Right now, chances are good Consol can pull off a win. While Consolidated is 1-3 for the season, the Eagles are winless in four games and are 0-1 on district.

Despite the home advantage for Ellison, Consol appears to have too many weapons for the Eagles. The Tigers also appear to be jelling at the right time as Coach David Raffield’s new wide-open style of offense seems to become more effective. Quarterback Jacob Barnouski has some impressive numbers in the Consol passing game, and triple-threat Quinton White is fitting more comfortably in the new offensive scheme with running and catching. He particularly has posed danger to opponents in the receiving department. He and Durasis Nutall, once completely comfortable in Raffield’s attack, comprise a lethal 1-2 running punch. Also shining as a pass catcher has been Justin Binden, a glue-fingered receiver who has tacked up some yardage.

The Tigers are particularly interested in cutting down on turnovers. Early-season interceptions and fumbles slowed the attack.

Defensively, Consol has made a couple of impressive goal-line stands and is led on that side of the ball by linemen J.J. Bynum, Fredrick Goodman and Jimmie Gilbert, linebacker Marshall Strain, who has turned in several shining moments in slowing the opposition, and backs Brett Mahnke and Josue Ordonez.

The Eagles, coached by Buddy McBryde, does have speed and so far has received top play from free safety Sean McBryde, cornerback Darius Phillips and defensive end Wesley Washington.

 

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