by Justin Thomas
Is TrophybrClub Byron Nelson up to its same District 5-6A tricks?
A year ago,brthe Bobcats entered district winless only to turn things around in conferencebrand (to the surprise of many) qualify for the playoffs.
Luke Jeter (98) and a host of Dragon defenders gave little room for Byron Nelson to run during a 44-13 win at Dragon Stadium on Friday October 21, 2016. Photo by SnappedDragons.com/S.Johnson
The Bobcatsbropened the 5-6A season in similar fashion in 2017 at 0-3, yet here they standbrat 2-2 having already played the district's two co-leaders (both losses).
Nelson isbrone “upset” away from potentially pulling off the improbable yet again, and isbrhopeful it comes when it hosts Carroll on Thursday night.
The Bobcatsbrwere not competitive in their three non-district losses (Sachse, San AngelobrCentral and Northwest), falling by an average of 28 points per game, and werebroutscored in losses to aforementioned co-leaders Hebron and Trinity by 21 andbr14 points, respectively.
Nelson'sbrwins have come on the road over Flower Mound, 21-20, and Friday at home againstbrLewisville, 24-14.
Carroll isbrcoming off two strong defensive efforts, allowing just 21 points total in winsbrover the Farmers and Marcus.
That unitbrwill look to be opportunistic against Nelson quarterback Nick Santini — who hasbr10 interceptions this season while throwing for 840 yards and six touchdowns. DJ Robinsonbr(15.6 yards per catch) has shown big-play ability in the passing game, whilebrNoe Diawaku (30 receptions, 194 yards) has been successful as a possessionbrreceiver. JordanbrJoined has spearheaded the ground game with 511 yards (5 per carry) and fivebrtouchdowns with Dylan Bell providing explosiveness (6.8 yards per carry, threebrtouchdowns).
Offensively,brCarroll will be facing a unit that while surrendering 33 points per game, isbrallowing just 353 yards per game. TJ McDaniel could be in for another big game rushing for the Dragons. In Nelson’s fivebrlosses, the Bobcats are surrendering an average of 210 yards rushing and 6.1bryards per carry.