Plotting an Upset: 3 Keys for Central to Beat Euless Trinity

SAN ANGELO, TX-- A near-sellout crowd is expected for Friday night's clash between Euless Trinity and San Angelo Central.

The Bobcats, who've seen their fair share of adversity this season, are understandable underdogs against the perennial power.

However, Central will not just roll over with Trinity at home. That's not part of the tradition head coach Brent Davis, his staff and his players have laid for the program The Bobcats have emphasized how well they play at home and that should be noted as a factor in this game.

But how does Central go about knocking off one of the giants in Texas high school football?

Continue to Stop the Run

Trinity has the ability to gash teams with their rushing attack and this will be the best offense Central sees in the regular season.

They are averaging 207 yards per game rushing behind four really good backs. Senior Brandon Theus is their go-to guy. He has averaged 127.7 yards rushing through four games and has five touchdowns.

In their Wing-I offense, the Trojans love to get out to the edge. If Central's defensive front can set that edge, it could spell success for the Bobcats.

Central has stopped the run all season, holding opponents to an average of 72.3 yards rushing.

That average will likely go up because Trinity will definitely have some success, but limiting that success could put Central in an advantageous spot.

Spread the Ball Out and Use Speed

Since senior QB Maverick McIvor went down in week 2, sophomore Malachi Brown has shouldered the load for Central.

Brown, operating as a dual-threat QB, has carried the ball 52 times for 431 yards and six touchdowns. He's also 36-of-80 passing for 433 yards and 5 touchdowns.

On the ground, Brown has carried the ball 20 more times than Sam Goodloe, the next closest rusher.

While Brown is a gifted runner, him shouldering the load in this game could make it easy for Trinity to key on him.

The Central coaching staff takes what the defense gives them. So far, defenses have given lanes for Brown to succeed.

However, if you can spread out Trinity's defense, that could spell success on offense. Just ask Colleyville Heritage, who hung 28 points on Trinity in week 3.

Feed on the Atmosphere

A crowd can't make plays for teams, but they do have an impact.

Attendance is expected to be well north of 14,000 at San Angelo Stadium on Friday night.

One thing a raucous crowd can do is fuel adrenaline for the players and those players can make plays.

Look at the Allen game in 2016.

The Eagles were consistently better than the Bobcats. However, Central fed on the atmosphere and held tight with the state's top dog throughout the game, even after Cal Vincent went down injured.

If Central can feed of the crowd on Friday night, they can hold close with Trinity.