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McALLEN — For the players, at least, McAllen High-McAllen Memorial is more than a game with title implications and postseason positioning — it’s about bragging rights.
“I think because it is McHi-Memorial, the kids get a little more involved in it than the coaches do,” Mustangs coach Bill Littleton said. “I’m not saying they get involved in it in a negative way. … I think the kids are a little more into it. I would like to say that we don’t put more into this game than we do with the rest of them. I think we put the same effort all of them. To be honest, there is probably more interest from the kids than from the coaches.”
The McAllen ISD programs square off at 7:30 tonight at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium. McAllen High coach Tony Harris said it is just another game he wants his team to win.
“A district game is a district game,” Harris said.
Harris is not even thinking revenge after the Bulldogs lost a dramatic overtime game to the Mustangs last year that determined the district champion. “Every year is different,” he said.
But the game comes with some big implications. Both teams want to remain one game behind district leader Sharyland for the chance to win at least a share of the league crown.
Tenth-ranked Memorial (6-1 overall, 3-1 district) controls its destiny. If the Mustangs, who play the Rattlers next week, win out they will have a second straight district title in the coffers. McHi, which lost to Sharyland, needs someone to beat the Rattlers to have a chance.
“We want it because we have to have it to stay in the hunt,” Harris said about the district title.
To stay in the hunt the Bulldogs (5-2, 3-1) will have to contend with the prolific Memorial offense, which comes into the game averaging 442.1 yards per game.
Starting with sophomore quarterback Matthew Kaufmann, the Mustangs have one weapon after another.
“This year, (the Mustangs) have a great offense,” Harris said. “They can put some up on you if you are not careful.”
McHi can also move the ball and score some points but Harris admits the offense is limited without the services of quarterback Austin Griffith, who missed last week’s game with a knee injury.
Griffith’s availability will be determined today. Whether Griffith plays or not, Littleton still expects a big game.
“I know if I were a fan, I would buy a ticket to this game,” Littleton said.
Peter Rasmussen covers District 30-5A football for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him at (956) 683-4448.
