AUSTIN — Seguin will look to build on a strong defensive performance when the Matadors travel to Historic House Park for a 7 p.m. district matchup against the Anderson Trojans on Friday.
Halfway through the regular season, Seguin is searching for its second district road win and continued progress on both sides of the ball.
Head coach Gary Gutierrez said the defense played well enough to secure last week’s homecoming victory, but the offense remains focused on finding greater consistency.
One key, Gutierrez said, is creating manageable situations on first down and staying ahead of the chains.
Daniel Piñon has become an important part of that effort.
The senior has rushed for more than 100 yards in each of the past two games after moving into the running back role early in the season.
What began as a new assignment has quickly developed into one of the brightest spots in Seguin’s offense.
Gutierrez said Piñon’s passion and physical running style have helped him grow into the position.
Piñon’s emergence also has opened possibilities beyond his final football season at Seguin. Gutierrez said the senior, who also competes in track, has received interest from colleges in that sport. In fact, Piñon received his first offer to run track at McPherson College yesterday.
Photos by Seguin Gazette
The coaching staff, he added, will help Piñon pursue whatever opportunities come his way after high school.
Seguin will need that production Friday against an Anderson team led by quarterback Covert Darbyshire, a Brown commit who has established himself as one of the district’s top passers.
Darbyshire’s patience makes him especially difficult to defend. Gutierrez said the Anderson quarterback uses the underneath passing game to draw defenders forward before looking for opportunities downfield.
The Matadors spent part of the week preparing for that approach, emphasizing coverage underneath while also relying on their defensive front to contain Anderson’s running game.
That front features two of Seguin’s most productive defenders in John Hernandez and Nathan Walter. Hernandez has established himself as one of 5A’s leading tacklers, while Walter has been among the 5A state leaders in sacks. Gutierrez said both players have earned their success through leadership and consistent work.
Anderson’s rushing attack remains a challenge despite the departure of former district MVP Caleb Crenshaw, who now plays at Stephen F. Austin. Darbyshire’s ability to throw effectively forces defenses to respect the entire field, making it more difficult to load the box against the Trojans’ running game.
Seguin’s defensive goal will be to limit Anderson’s early success and force the Trojans into longer-yardage situations. Gutierrez said the Matadors want to keep Anderson from establishing its offense on first down, creating more opportunities to pressure Darbyshire and force mistakes.
The formula at House Park may be simple, but executing it will be the challenge: Seguin must create manageable situations for its own offense while making Anderson work for every first down.
If the Matadors can do that, they may be able to turn steady progress into another district road victory.
Coverage begins with the KWED pregame show at 6:15 p.m., followed by the 7 p.m. kickoff with Reily Chestnut and Coach Dan Hernandez on KWED and SeguinToday.com.