Published: November 12, 2009 07:08 pm      

Cards look to tame Indians in bidistrict action

PASADENA — This week has had a different feeling around Bridge City.

In years past the Cardinals were lacing up their sneakers and getting ready to hit the hardwood for basketball.

The year 2009 is certainly different for Cris Stump and his Redbirds.

Bridge City (7-3) will take on Cleveland (9-1) at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Memorial Stadium in Pasadena in the Class 3A Division II bi-district playoffs. The winner will face Caldwell.

This marks the first season the Cardinals have reached the playoffs since 2005. That year Bridge City lost to Hutto, 27-10, in the regional quarterfinals after defeating Cleveland, 42-20, in the bi-district round and Jasper, 23-0, in the area round.

The Cardinals lead the all-time series against the Indians 9-2. Bridge City won the first game between the two schools, 42-0, in 1966.

“This is a different kind of feeling,” Stump said. “We practiced in Pasadena on Wednesday and the kids were excited about that. It was good for them.”

This season has been a far cry from where the Cardinals were two years ago and even in 2008.

Bridge City went 0-10 in 2007 and 4-4 in 2008 before heading into this year with playoff expectations.

A lot of players are the same guys who suffered through the winless year and now will step on the field at Memorial Stadium as the third place team out of District 21-3A.

Stump is yet to see any nerves out of the Cardinals.

“I have actually been waiting for that wide-eyed look,” Stump said. “They have been more relaxed and goofy actually. They have been knowing this was the next step in our season. It has been a nice surprise. I am not sure if it is a good or a bad thing but we will call it a good thing right now.”

A lot has changed in this year’s Cardinals squad, especially on defense.

Bridge City gave up 532 points in 2007. The Cardinals improved in that area last year after allowing 224 points in eight games.

The Cardinals this year have committed to defense and have given up 173 points and only 227.1 yards a contest.

The defense will have to be ready again tonight as the Indians bring a pretty powerful offense to the table.

Cleveland out-scored its District 22-3A opponents 221-79 behind quarterback Jamaul Ross and running backs Freddie Carter and Joe Robertson.

“They are fast,” Stump said. “I know one of their guys already has 16 offers on the table. Every game we have won the turnover and special teams battle, we have one. If we take care of those things, I feel like our chances are pretty good.”

Bridge City and Cleveland have two common opponents this year.

Bridge City defeated Liberty 23-15 while Cleveland downed the Panthers 29-7.

The Cardinals were defeated by the LC-M Battlin’ Bears 16-0 while the Indians lost to LC-M 39-36.

The Cardinals’ offense, which is averaging 264.5 yards a game and has scored 284 points, will once again look to run on the legs of sophomore Matt Menard.

Menard has gained 1,055 yards on 178 totes with 14 touchdowns.

When Menard is not running, quarterback Josh Lemoine is a nice, duel-threat behind center.

Lemoine has thrown for 875 yards on the year with 12 touchdowns and has also rushed for 314 yards with four scores.

The Indians could also find it hard to contain sophomore Cameron Dishon who has 177 yards rushing and 18 catches for 357 yards. Dishon has a total of 12 touchdowns.

Luke Rhodes has 16 receptions and two touchdowns while Menard has 12 catches and Cale Hyde has 11 grabs for 107 yards and two trips to the end zone.

Stump hopes the experience these Cardinals have gained over the last two years and this year in 21-3A will benefit Bridge City.

“District 21-3A certainly prepares you for the playoffs,” Stump said. “You get to see the athleticism of West Orange-Stark and Silsbee and Cleveland runs an offense similar to Orangefield. I am not worried about our guys having to get used to the speed of the game. We have seen it. The only adjustment we might have to make is the field will not be muddy this week.”