'Dawgs' in second season; quick look at the Knights

My hometown La Porte (Texas) Bulldogs football team easily defeated South Houston 34-0 to finish the regular season 6-3.

The game was all but a moot point as playoff matchups were determined by the University Scholastic League (UIL) early Friday before kickoff.

Luckily, the Bulldogs had a spot and District 22-5A somehow came away with four playoff teams -- La Porte, Deer Park, Pearland and Pasadena Memorial.

The Bulldogs will face Port Arthur Memorial Titans in the Texas 5A Division 2 Bi-district round of the playoffs this weekend.

Port Arthur finished the season 6-4, with its highlight of the year coming with a 7-6 victory over powerhouse North Shore Mustangs.

The Titans will be out for revenge in this one as the Bulldogs defeated them 56-28 in last year's playoffs.

However, if La Porte's running game can stay on track, the Titans may see their season end once again with a loss to the Bulldogs.

Following the posting of my blog last week, the question was raised as to why Northview has struggled to advance beyond the first round of sectionals in football.

To be honest, since I do not cover the Knights' football team, I am unable to accurately answer this question.

However, looking at Northview's schedule, its regular season schedule consisted of only three teams classified as a 4A school or higher -- which the Knights are classified -- and only one of which is a conference game.

This means the Knights played six teams in lower classifications, which could be a reason for their struggles in the postseason.

It is similar to one of the complaints many people have with strength of schedule being a determining factor in college football.

When playing lower-level competition, or "cupcakes" as many people call them, it does not necessarily provide the competition needed to be able to keep up with higher-level teams.

But, Northview is at a bit of a disadvantage in this situation because of its location. A vast majority of teams within reasonable driving distance happen to be in lower classifications, and it would be unreasonable to travel to and/or from Indianapolis, Evansville or Fort Wayne week after week.

However, coming from me, there really is no good answer to the question of the Knights' struggles with sectional competition as, like mentioned above, I do not cover the football team. All I can go on is the numbers and facts available when looking at their schedule.

Based on comments left on my previous blog, Northview football fans may be in a "Wait till next year" situation.

But look at it this way, at least it hasn't been more than a century of waiting, like Chicago Cubs fans have had to endure.

The best thing any of us can do for any team we follow intently is to continue rooting for the home team and hope for the best.