Panthers take on Troup for road test

TROUP - The Bullard Panthers will hope to make the right adjustments this Friday night as they travel to Troup to face the deceptive, 0-3, Tigers.

Bullard (1-1), had some offensive highlights this past Friday night in the 28-0 setback to an undefeated, Athens Hornets. The Panthers just could not get the ball in the end zone.

Five first half turnovers proved to be a big difference in the game.

"We just didn't play with any intensity," said head coach Jim Taylor. "but that is something we have to correct as coaches, and players.

"The defense came out and played well but got a deflection that turns into a touchdown, and after a few other turnovers, you just can't win games giving the other team the ball," Taylor added, "and we just couldn't get anything to happen on offense to finish off drives."

Troup comes into the game with an very untypical, 0-3 record after a 41-14 loss to Tatum this past week. The return of Tatum quarterback. Daniel Bradley helped the Eagles get their first win. throwing for one TD and rushing for two others.

The Tigers opened the season with a good showing against a state-ranked Elysian Fields team, losing 21-7. Week two proved to be a different story as Sabine handed Troup a 13-12, surprise however.

The Tigers return nine offensive starters and eight on defense for head coach John Eastman.

Troup had a 9-3 season record last year, going 4-1 in district play. The Tigers bowed out in the area finals.

Leading the Tigers offense will be Ryan Nichols at one of two positions. Nichols went 12-of-20 through the air and ran for another 60 yards as a freshman in limited time.

Running back, Cody LePelley will team in the backfield with Der'rikk Thompson, the main breakaway threat, returning after 450 yard rushing and 230 through the air from one year ago.

The big advantage for Troup is the return of the offensive line, and TE/DE Jeremy Richardson.

Troup has long been one of East Texas top rushing attacks and the line of Patrick Alonzo, C.J. Deason, Chris Malone, Codero Hudson, and Jake Johnson is proof.

On defense the Tigers rely Richardson (45 tackles, five sacks n 2007). and a good corp of linebackers. in Joseph Noyola (85 tackles, three forced fumbles, two interceptions last year), along with inside backer, Max Switzer and outside linebacker, Nick Reeves. Defensive back, Terrance Frankilin is a twoway threat at cornerback, and wide receiver.

"Hey have got some big people up front and the Thompson kid in the backfield has game-breaking capabilities so we are going to have to bring it in the middle and try to win the battle up front," said Taylor about this week's opponent. "But we need to do a better job is all three phases of the game, and we hope it starts to come together this week."

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Tiger Stadium in Troup.

T-SHIRTS: A limited amount of Bullard High School Football T-Shirts are still available in the Bullard High School office for $12 each so show your support of the Bullard Football 2008 and get your T-Shirt before they run out.

DIRECTIONS

Take 344 across Hwy. 69 to Hwy. 110. Go right and stay on Hwy 110 until you come into Troup. Pass through the only stop light in Troup and look for a left turn on to CR 135. Take a left and follow around the curve and Troup High School is on the left. Make the first left turn beside the small baseball fields and the stadium is located behind the school.

TICKETS

Advance tickets for the game are available at the Bullard High School office. Ticket prices are $4 for adults and $3 for students.