Holliday on tap for Stanton in playoffs

November 19, 2010

Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram — Stanton quarterback Tyler Fulton will lead the Buffs if they are going to beat Holliday and stay alive in the playoffs.

STANTON — Stanton was excited to be this far into the playoffs like many other teams. That ended quickly with a loss to Olton.

The Buffaloes don’t talk much about last year, making it a point to concentrate on what’s in front of them.

But with a senior laden squad and a strong defense, it’s safe to say the Buffs don’t want to let the chance to keep playing pass them by this time.

“I’m hoping that’s part of the deal,” SHS head coach John Peterson said. “We don’t talk too much about those types of things around here, so it’s not something we dwell on. I think in the back of any kid’s mind, I would hope there’s a little ‘Hey, let’s go a little further than we did last year.’”

Peterson noted that the Buffs have already set the bar high for the program. Getting to the playoffs and winning is expected. The next test for Stanton though is not an easy one. District champion Holliday is on tap at 7:30 p.m. today in Sweetwater.

At this point, Peterson said there are no teams with weak spots. Holliday seemingly has it all: size, strength, speed, a standout running back and a relentless defense. The second-year coach said picking up blitzes is just one thing the Buffs have to worry about.

Stanton linebacker/offensive lineman Grayson Gray knows there’s a lesson learned from last year’s playoff run the Buffs can apply to this year.

“Last year we killed Van Horn and then we played Olton. We were looking at the game ahead,” he said. “We need to worry about the game that’s in front of us.”

But the Buffaloes are on a roll.

Last week’s 30-6 win against Abernathy in the bi-district round was a complete victory — the Buffs scored enough points and were stingy on defense.

How they scored those points was interesting. Quarterback Tyler Fulton got a chance to air it out as opposed to the Buffs pounding the ball like they usually do.