Bay City Tribune

Van Vleck plays its second biggest rivalry game of the year Friday night at Burl McKinney Stadium against Boling.

The Leopards lost to Palacios in their first of two Matagorda County rivalries back in September.

They'll play Tidehaven on Nov. 6 in El Maton.

Van Vleck and Boling have been playing off and on since 1970 when they were in a 2A district.

"My kids are excited about playing this game," said Van Vleck coach Mike

O'Guin.

"A lot of parents of our kids have played against their kids. They have grown up with that being a big game."

Boling first-year coach Shannon Permenter agrees

"It's always been a rivalry and it's a close proximity with us only being 25 miles from each other," said Permenter.

"I think our kids will get up for them just like theirs will get up for us. It should be a good ball game and be something our kids will always remember."

The Bulldogs pulled out a 49-45 win last year at home, scoring a touchdown in the final minute to come from behind.

"I just don't expect for it to be that kind of a game like last year just because we're both running different offenses this year," said Permenter. "I don't expect it to be a shootout."

Both teams rely on a rushing game instead of throwing the ball.

Van Vleck held on for a 34-32 win in 2007 and Boling won 24-20 in 2006. The teams didnt play in 2004-2005.

The Leopards beat the Bulldogs 48-42 in a double overtime bi-district game at Bay City in 2003. Van Vleck won 1999-2002 after the Bulldogs won in 1998-99. The 2000 win, a 20-14 decision, was an overtime bi-district game.

"Everyone in Boling has played Van Vleck and it should be a good game."

Despite being 0-3 in the District 29-2A standings, the Leopards are still alive in the playoff chase but would have to win out and get some help from the other teams.

They lost to Danbury 32-26 last week.

Boling is 2-1 after losing to 3-0 Industrial 40-7 last week.

The Bulldogs can clinch a playoff spot with a win on Friday.

"We took one on the chin last weekend but our spirits are pretty high," said Permenter.

"Our goal is to get in the playoffs, and if we win one, we're in."

Boling is ranked 76th on huddleuptexas.com and Van Vleck is ranked 133rd.

The Bulldogs are a 12-point favorite.

Boling, 4-4 on the season, has been outscored 228-10 and is averaging 318 yards per game.

The defense is yielding 268 yards per game.

Junior running back Du'Pree Taylor has scored nine touchdowns and rushed for 671 yards.

Junior Dennis Hemphill has scored five touchdowns and rushed for 619 yards and junior Jarayl Spears has scored nine touchdowns and rushed for 569 yards.

Junior quarterback Brent Stidevent has completed 27 of 69 passes for 435 yards. He has four TD passes and seven interceptions

Van Vleck, 1-7 on the season, has been outscored 222-162 and is averaging 270 yards per game. The defense is giving up 267 yards per game.

Junior running back Terrence Alliniece has scored six touchdowns and rushed for 584 yards.

Sophomore Wayne Foston has scored eight touchdowns and rushed for 485 yards.

Quarterback Kade Kucera has completed 24 of 65 passes for 478 yards. He has three TD passes and six interceptions.

"They are very athletic and fast," said Permenter of the Leopards.

"They have skilled guys all over the field and if we don't come out and play well, it will be a long night."

He also singled out Mike O Guin's son Michael.

"He's a big strong, guy and plays some center and nose tackle," said Permenter.