By Jorge Ramos, | BeaumontEnterprise.com Updated 9:49 am CDT, Friday, October 23, 2020
Over the last few seasons, when the Mid-County Madness rivalry rolled around, the Southeast Texas weather was a bit colder, the stakes were a bit higher and every single seat in the stadium was filled.
But this year’s 97th installment of the most historic rivalry in Texas high school football will have a much different feel when the Nederland (1-1) hosts Port Neches-Groves (1-2) Friday night at Bulldog Stadium.
Unlike the last few years when the rivalry represented the season-finale for both teams, this iteration of Mid-County Madness will mark the start of district play. The Bulldogs will display their newly-installed turf field. Moreover, there will be significantly less fans in the stands as the coronavirus pandemic continues to surge.
Despite that fact, coaches and players on both side say Friday’s game will be just as exciting as in years past.
“The atmosphere is going to be electric even if there aren’t 11,00 people,” Nederland head football coach Monte Barrow said. “There’s a good chance at least half of the people will be there and both the bands will be there to strike up their fight song after every first down. Both communities know what this game is about and the energy both teams will bring on Friday will certainly be enough.”
Normally, Bulldog Stadium has roughly an 11,000 seat capacity, but with the University Interscholastic League’s coronavirus guidelines, the stadium’s capacity will be cut by 50 percent. Nederland ISD spokesperson Rene Latiolais said she’s not sure how many fans will be attending Friday’s Mid-County game, but said it will be under the 50 percent capacity mandated by the UIL.
The limited capacity has affected who and how the tickets were distributed this year.
Nederland limited their ticket sales to families with athletes participating in the game or Nederland residents. Nederland will begin in-person sales for general admission tickets on Friday morning beginning 10 a.m.
For PN-G, tickets were limited to families of those participating in the game (players, band, cheerleaders and coaches) and season ticket holders. Season ticket holders were limited to just four tickets.
Normally, those who were unable to attend Mid-County Madness had to settle for listening to the game on the radio. However, one of the most notable differences for this year’s Mid-County game is that for the first time ever, the game will be live streamed for all those unlucky enough to secure a ticket for the most important game of the season.
“I am sure everyone in Southeast Texas will be watching,” PN-G head football coach Brandon Faircloth said. “It’ll be on Texan Live and I am sure people will get together and watch it. It’s an exciting time where everyone can watch.”
On the field, very little will change from years past. Both bands, cheerleaders and other student organizations involved with games will be in attendance on Friday, according to Nederland ISD officials.
The Bulldogs have won seven out of the last 10 Mid-County Madness meetings, but PN-G has taken the previous two. Nederland’s last Mid-County Madness win came in 2017 when the Bulldogs defeated PN-G, 36-35.
For Bulldogs senior running back Josh Mazyck, Friday night will be his last attempt at defeating PN-G.
“I’m looking to turn up on them,” Mazyck said. “Our senior class has not beaten Port Neches-Groves since seventh grade. This game means a lot to us.”
The Bulldogs enter Friday’s game coming off a bye week. They’ve only played two non-district games after Nederland’s home opener was canceled because of 18 confirmed cases of coronavirus at the high school with a “concerning” amount among the football team.
However, in those two games, the Bulldogs have shown the ability to put up points. The Bulldogs’ offense is spearheaded by Mazyck and the rest of Nederland’s rushing attack. Mazyck has accounted for six touchdowns (five rushing and one receiving).
Yet the connection between Nederland quarterback Rene Cunningham and wide receiver Kyndon Fuselier has been complementary to the run game so far this season. Fuselier has two receiving touchdowns and 242 receiving yards.
On the opposite side, PN-G has also shown the capability of lighting up the scoreboard, too. Led by quarterback Blake Bost, PN-G is averaging 34 points per game.
In three games, Bost has accounted for 13 touchdowns (seven passing and six rushing) and has thrown for 788 total yards.
“He’s done a great job working over the years,” Faircloth said of his quarterback. “He’s just one of those kids that was meant to be the quarterback at PN-G. He’s progressed so much in his passing, running and most importantly his leadership. He’s the complete guy and we’re glad he wears purple and white.”
The difference in Friday’s game, however, will be the defenses. In all three games, PN-G has given up 30 points or more. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have faired slightly better and are averaging 24 points allowed.
While Friday’s game will determine who will keep the Bum Phillips Bowl trophy and will have bragging rights until next season, Barrow is happy the seniors will at least get the opportunity to leave their mark on the storied rivalry.
“I know these seniors are happy to be able to play this football game this week,” Barrow said. “Growing up here, you realize what this game is about. You have dads, uncles and brothers who played in this game and you want to do your part to try to leave your mark and legacy.”
