Will Play Grandview Zebras Friday Night
By Gloria Roemer
“To be the best, you must beat the best,” commented East Chambers Head Football Coach Russ Sutherland. Sutherland was referring to his Buccaneers facing the reigning state champions Grandview Zebras this Friday evening in Brenham for round two in the playoffs. Both teams have an overall 10-1 record. The Bucs are 7-0 in district play while the Zebras are 5-1 in district play. “We are looking forward to playing them again,” said Sutherland. “Last year we played them in the fourth round of the playoffs. This year it will be the second round.” Last year, the EC Bucs had a record setting run towards the state championship. The Bucs made it to regionals to lose to the eventual state champion Grandview. It was a heartbreaker … the Bucs lost in overtime 35-36. “Their team is pretty much the same as it was last year,” said Sutherland. “We know it will be a big challenge facing the defending state champions. Now is as good a time as any.”
Last season, Sutherland had 20 to 22 seniors on his team. This season there are 13 to 14 seniors on the team. Many saw this season to be sort of a rebuilding season. “This group of players are accustomed to winning,” said Sutherland. They were winners in 7th grade, 8th grade, and junior varsity. And now, they are winning on the varsity level.” “Our team is ready,” added Sutherland. “Our two running backs, Ernest Ceasar and Nolton Shelvin are playing at a very high level. Christian Simien, on defense, is playing at a really high level.”