Shiner coach ready for rivalry
Mike Forman, Victoria Advocate Sports Writer
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
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Anything Jake Wachsmuth didnt know about Shiner St. Pauls rivalry with Hallettsville Sacred Heart he quickly found out after taking over as the Cardinals head coach this season.
"I heard about it from Day 1," Wachsmuth said. "I know its a big rivalry. Hallettsville Sacred Heart has a good tradition and I know its been a while since weve beaten them."
Actually, its been more than a while since St. Paul got the upper hand on the Indians. St. Pauls last victory over Sacred Heart was a 14-9 decision in Shiner in 1989.
The series has belonged to Sacred Heart ever since, as the Indians have captured 16 straight wins over the Cardinals (the teams did not play in 1998 and 99) and most of the games havent even been close.
"Everywhere Ive coached theres been a rivalry," Wachsmuth said. "I know the situation. We felt like we had a chance to have some success this season. I really cant say its another game. I know its a big game for both teams."
The rivalry continues at 6 p.m. Friday at Comanche Stadium in Shiner. The game time was moved up because some of the players are also competing in the TAPPS state cross country meet on Saturday in Waco.
The Cardinals come into the game with a 5-1 record after opening TAPPS Division IV, District 3 play with a 55-8 win over Waco Texas Christian. The Indians opened district play with a 33-7 win over Bryan Brazos Christian and evened its record at 3-3.
"This is the best St. Paul team Ive seen in a long time," Sacred Heart coach Pat Henke said. "They have a lot of explosiveness. Were going to have to slow them down. We cant turn the ball over, and we must control the line of scrimmage because both teams like to run the football."
After opening the season with a shut out against Yorktown, Sacred Heart yielded a total of 147 points in its next four games, three of which were losses.
"Im not used to that either," said Henke, whose teams are known for their defense. "But we were missing five defensive starters. We got a bunch back on defense (against Brazos Christian). It was the first time this season I had my front eight. We played well."
St. Pauls loss came in a 55-42 shootout against Flatonia. The Cardinals have scored at least 40 points in every game.
"The kids have really executed the offense well," Wachsmuth said. "Weve been doing a few different things, and we try not to do the same things all the time. But most of the credit goes to the kids. We have good kids who do the job."
As badly as the Cardinals want to end the streak, Wachsmuth has reminded his team not to forget about the next three games.
"We know this is an important game, and we hear a lot about it," Wachsmuth said. "We know they want to beat Sacred Heart. But we do not want them thinking this one game is our season."
Mike Forman is a sports writer for the Victoria Advocate.
Contact him at 361-580-6588, or by e-mail at mforman@vicad.com.
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