KVOA

Posted: Nov 17, 2009 8:34 PM
Updated: Nov 19, 2009 1:47 AM

Mathis-- The Mathis Pirates are riding very high right now.

After winning their first district title since 2000, they promptly came out and made a statement in round one of the playoffs, throttling previously unbeaten Lyford 41-24.

It was the Pirates first postseason victory since their run to the state quarterfinals eight years ago. They now have to get ready to face a Devine team that is much like them, tough defensively and boasting a running game that has cranked out more than 3,000 yards this season. Friday's contest at San Antonio's Comalander Stadium won't be a finesse game by any means.

"It's going to be two teams smashing at each other and it'll probably be over by about 9:15," said first-year Head Coach Paul Kilby. "There won't be a lot of incomplete passes and out of bounds and things like that. It'll probably be a pretty short game."

Linebacker Joe Alvarado has a little more graphic take on what's about to happen.

"Everyone has got to come out and stick," hes said. "Friday is going to be a bloodbath. We've got to be ready for this."

The Pirates are coming off a punishing performance against the Bulldogs. All of their 498 offensive yards came via the ground game, with Donnie Butler and Rashad Washington combining for 5 touchdowns of at least 55 yards. Butler rushed for a career-high 301 yards and four scores.

"We do the same thing we do to the other teams," Butler said. "Run the ball. Keep on running the ball. We don't actually pass unless we need to."

"We're just going to have to work hard because, well, we want it more than everyone else," Washington said. "That's why we're here right now."

The Mathis defense picked off five Lyford passes last week. They probably won't get that many interception opportunities against the Warhorses.