In one of the best area round matchups around DFW, Mansfield Timberview (10-1) will play Ennis (9-0) at Midlothian ISD multi-purpose stadium. The winner will move on to play Lucas Lovejoy in the region II semifinal of the 5A DII playoffs.
Timberview comes into this game on the heels of a victory against Dallas Kimball in the bi-district round, handling them with ease and winning by 42 points. Timberview has one blemish on their record, and that was their district championship game against Aledo in mid November. The Wolves came out fighting, but Aledo quickly overwhelmed them and ended up winning the game 44-28.
Timberview was done in by turnovers that game, finishing that game with four in comparison to one by Aledo, not to mention on the Aledo turnover Aledo got the ball back due to the ball being fumbled out of the end zone resulting in a touchback.
So the X-factor for the Wolves will come down to not turning the ball over, while forcing Ennis to stray away from their gameplay. Timberview will lean on Senior Quarterback Simeon Evans and running back Deuce Jones to lead the offense over a stout Ennis defense.
Ennis has had a somewhat different season than Timberview, as they have won all of their matchups by at least 24 points, including impressive wins over Red Oak and North Forney. Ennis also won their first round matchup in steady fashion, winning by 49 points over Frisco Liberty.
Ennis will look to continue using their Air-Raid offense, led by Quarterback Collin Drake and his favorite receiver Laylon Spencer. Ennis will also mix in their two lead running backs, De’ivian Johnson and Devion Beasley, who combine to have over 1,000 yards rushing on the season.
If I were Coach Harrell and his Ennis Lions, I would follow the Aledo gameplay to a tee, and if they do I think they will be smooth sailing.
If I were Coach Brown and his Timberview Wolves, I would lead with the run game first, tire this elite Ennis Defense out while limiting the amount of times Drake and the offense hit the field.
We should be in for a good one tonight.
Prediction: Ennis: 49 Mansfield Timberview: 35
