East Central and Pieper will meet in a District 27-6A showdown Friday night in the first game between the two programs. East Central is one of two teams unbeaten in the district, and Pieper is on pace to make the playoffs in its first year as a 6A program.
East Central vs. Pieper
Kickoff:
Rankings/records: No. 11 East Central (5-1, 3-0 District 27-6A), No. 19 Pieper (3-3, 2-1 District 27-6A)
Coaches: East Central's Joe Hubbard (43-68 in 11 years, all at East Central), Pieper's Eddie Salas (87-57 in 13 years, 3-3 in one year at Pieper)
Series: First meeting between the two teams
East Central breakdown
Setting the scene: The Hornets have won five games in a row and remain perfect in district competition after a 34-21 overtime victory against Wagner last week.
Key to victory: East Central's defense came up big in last week's overtime victory over the Thunderbirds, thanks in part to an interception returned for a touchdown by David Woodberry on the last play of the game. Another big night from the Hornets' defense will be needed against Pieper's established offense.
Statistical leaders: Passing - Drew Bosanko (24-50-1, 368 yards, 8 TDs); Rushing - Brycen Boden (52-392, 1 TD); Receiving - Ethan Alaniz (7-169, 5 TDs)
Pieper breakdown
Setting the scene: Pieper pulled off a late 43-42 victory at Judson last week with backup quarterback Lance Reid at the helm.
Key to victory:
Statistical leaders: Passing - Chase Lyons (112-171, 1,651 yards, 17 TDs); Rushing - Carson Echt (53-359, 4 TDs); Receiving - Carson LaCombe (31-537, 5 TDs)
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There’s more to San Antonio with the Express-News. Subscribe today for just 25¢.This article originally published at East Central, Pieper face off for the first time in Express-News Game of the Week.