Projected to almost be a playoff lock in its district at the beginning of the season, the La Porte Bulldogs were dealt a couple of early blows which could have derailed the season.

First, star running back Kendrick Perkins, who rushed for 1,842 yards and 25 touchdowns last season, initially chose to hone his talents on the baseball field by verbally committing to the Texas A&M baseball team, forgoing his senior year on the football field.

Then, a wicked thunderstorm forced the cancellation of the team's season, and home, opener.

Following a 27-14 loss to a less than stellar Baytown Lee squad, things were looking down for La Porte.

However, by a stroke of luck, and a change of heart, things changed almost instantly.

Perkins, who is the No. 110-ranked running back in the nation by ESPN, decided the gridiron's call was just too much and returned to the team.

In the seven games since, the Bulldogs have gone 5-2, with their lone losses coming through a last-second heartbreaking touchdown against Pearland (27-24) and a high-scoring, and reportedly badly officiated, affair against district leaders Pasadena Memorial (42-35).

In the five victories, La Porte has surrendered more than seven points just once, including statement victories of 61-0 against Pasadena, and a 7-2 squeaker against rival Deer Park.

Perkins has been outstanding since his return, racking up 1,073 yards on only 148 carries (7.25 yards per carry) and 14 touchdowns. Equally as impressive is battery mate Anthony Webb, who has 762 yards on 114 carries (6.68 ypc) and six scores.

Coming into Friday's game against South Houston, the Bulldogs are tied for the third, and final, playoff spot in District 22-5A, needing only to win to clinch the spot as they hold the tiebreaker over aforementioned Deer Park, which is also third with a 4-2 district record.

Should the Bulldogs fall at home to South Houston, which is 2-7 on the year, they could still clinch the spot with a Deer Park loss on the road to 8-1 Pasadena Memorial.

Like the ongoing argument as to where Texas won its independence, the same question holds true as to who will be the last into the playoff in District 22-5A: Is it La Porte or Deer Park?