Showdown, Part II
District title at stake in Winnie
By JIMMY GALVAN Managing Editor

Fresh off a nice 49-32 victory over previously unbeaten Hardin, what lies in store for Buna this week as a reward?

The unbeaten defending District 24-2A East Chambers Bucs in Winnie.

Like last week's contest with Hardin, Buna will face another unbeaten squad but according to Buna Head Football Coach Bradley Morgan, the pressure is off this week.

"I don't think the coaches feel the pressure that we did against Hardin," Morgan said. "That was one we had to and needed to win."

Morgan said there is no doubt that East Chambers will provide the unbeaten Cougars their stiffest challenge this year.

"They are the best football team that we will play this year," Morgan said. "But I also think we are the best football team that East Chambers will play to this point as well.

"I think we have a shot at winning the football game," Morgan said. "It will come down to turnovers and penalties."

Buna will also have to stop all-everything East Chamber quarterback Tramain Thomas, who has been practically unstoppable this year.

As the season dawned, Buna pointed to this matchup with East Chambers as a key contest. That shifted to Hardin when the Pirates started the year unbeaten but now there is nothing in the way to stop Buna from thinking about East Chambers and the Bucs.

"Now, we will put all of our attention on them," Morgan said. "But as coaches, we are going to enjoy coaching this game and try to get our kids to enjoy playing it because it will be a huge arena for us."

Morgan knows the pressure will be there this Friday for the Coogs to continue their winning ways as well.

"I know there will be pressure to win this game because this game is for a chance to win the district championship," Morgan said. "But we also have to relish just the opportunity to play and enjoy it. It is a big game and it is probably one of the biggest games our kids and coaches have been in. But we still have two more games to play after this.

"There is a feeling that we are playing for a district championship and a playoff spot," Morgan said. "This game will prepare you for the playoffs."

Morgan said he expects to see many Buna faithful fans make the trek to Winnie for the crucial contest this Friday.

"Our fans have really been supportive of us this year," Morgan said. "We have played before packed houses and they have been traveling with us also."