Cardiac Saturday: High School Edition

» DMN: Trinity throws caution to wind ... and is rewarded

It took a game-winning TD with 15-seconds left to win it. It also took a very uncommon style of play for Trinity to move the ball in this game. The fake punt that cost us a win over Southlake Carroll two years ago? It worked this time. A Trinity QB chucking the ball for over 300 yards and sealing the last two TDs with clutch passing plays? Yep, that happened. I'm really left to wonder what Coach Lineweaver has left in the trick bag at this point.

The game wasn't quite as gut-wrenching as the Coogs game since Trinity either had a good lead or was at least trading TDs with Plano to break a tie. We never trailed, but this had all the excitement that you'd expect from what is arguably the two best teams in the state. I'm dying to see the video highlights since it sounds like Plano's Rex Burkhead played a heck of a game. All in all, I'm giddy that this one didn't go into OT like last year's matchup. But even without that, Plano now has to be repainting the bulls eye to put on Trinity's collective back for next season.

Next up ... Arlington. Arlington had their own last-minute heroics to win this weekend. The team is 6-4. I don't think I'll be making the case that this would be a creampuff compared to what we've already played and what's ahead, but it should be noted that Arlington has had a problem against quality teams (losses to SLC & Arlington Bowie) and none of their regular season wins really qualified as impressive. That said, they just beat a pretty good Odessa team. We'll be favored ... and hopefully Lineweaver has them as ready for this game as they would for the last one or the one ahead.

But if I do dare look ahead (and elsewhere) ... here's the rundown:

* Odessa Permian and Allen settle who gets the right for the next championship-quality game in Region One. I can't claim a particular favorite as both are probably looking for revenge against Trinity (Permian for last year; Allen for this year).

* Garland ekes by with a 13-10 win for what should be their march to a Region Two banner. Their game next week is against a pretty good Round Rock Stony Point team. Worth keeping an eye on is Dallas Skyline, who plays Houston's Cypress Woods next week. If Skyline wins out in Region Two, a big ticket game against Trinity should be a huge draw at Texas Stadium. Maybe Garland would be just as impressive, but I'm more aware of Skyline's recent playoff history and it makes me a tad bit nervous.

* Region Three has two games that serve as filler while we await a more worthwhile Pearland-Hightower matchup.

* Region Four looks utterly unimpressive at this point.

* In the "lesser" 5A division, Southlake Carroll is done for the season. I'm far less in the prediction business with this division, but I do think it'd be kinda cool to catch Katy High in the early game at Reliant.

UPDATE: The Permian-Allen game will be Friday night afternoon(?) at Texas Stadium. Advantage Allen?

UPDATE 2.0: Allen's QB wearing a sling after being pulled at halftime this week? Advantage Permian?

UPDATE 3.0: More HS marching band madness here, courtesy of Greg Tepper ...

Euless Trinity's drill team is certainly the sparkliest one I've seen, with their red uniforms. They did a cool, if very traditional, dance while the band played. Not only do they do it facing their own fans (away from the press box), but they also did a routine where they spell out "TROJANS" using their arms and legs. For example, they hold their arms parallel to the ground for the "T", and so on. Also, props to the drill team for sticking to the uniforms despite it being approximately eleven gajillion degrees below zero. Yes, I'm originally from Texas, why do you ask?

The Trojan band, dressed in all black with those awesome white poofy helmets, isn't huge but they certainly have their own style. It's a lot more free than others, and it lends itself to look very fun. It's hard to describe, but for example, they didn't spell out anything or form any sort of symbol (that I can discern, at least), and in a way, that makes it seem like they're out there having a lot of fun. The music was also pretty darn good. Solid job, Trojan band.