1973 National High School Football Playoffs

Preview

Championship Game:

Cotton Bowl

Dallas, TX

January 19, 1974

North Region

Defense is the key word for this region.(OH) Cardinal Mooney (77-points allowed), (VA) Patrick Henry (28-points) and (MI) Arthur Hill (zero…yes zero-points allowed) will make scoring difficult. East Bank (WV) features a powerful running attack led by Claude Geiger. Arthur Hill, which also rang-up 443-points in nine-contests, has not played the schedule that their first round foe from Ohio has, but their daunting numbers have to concern the Cardinals and their stellar RB Ted Bell. Patrick Henry, which registered ten-shutouts, will focus on Geiger who had a 335-yard rushing effort in one game.

Favorite – Cardinal Mooney. Combination of running and defense, plus a tough schedule, will ready the Cards.

Players to watch – 1. RB –Claude Geiger (East Bank). Could literally carry the Pioneers through this region.

2. RB–Ted Bell (Cardinal Mooney). Rushed for 2145-yards and 31-TDs for the Ohio state champions.

3. MG–Barry Campbell/Shannon Delaney (Patrick Henry). Shut down opposing rushers.

East Region

A battle for Georgia bragging rights highlights this region, as AAA champ Thomasville clashes with AA title holder Atlanta Southwest. The Bulldogs have RB William Andrews and a swarming defense that shutout nine opponents. For the Wolves, dual threat QB Anthony Flanagan (31-passing and 20-rushing touchdowns) hopes to lead Southwest into the next round. Hollywood Hills (FL) will take on Brockton (MA) in the other tilt. The Spartans from Broward County (FL) have a disciplined squad led by coach Dick Saltrick. Brockton presents a withering, wishbone attack that can also go to the air with big Ken McAfee at receiver. The Boxers’ defense allowed only 21-points in ten-contests.

Favorite– Hollywood Hills. A slight favorite over the talented Thomasville team.

Players to watch – 1. QB–Anthony Flanagan (Atlanta Southwest). An explosive, athlete that gives the Wolves a chance against any team.

2. SE – Ken McAfee (Brockton). At 6’ 4 with great agility and speed, McAfee is a mismatch every time the ball is in the air.

3. RB–William Andrews (Thomasville). The defense is dominant. The Bulldogs’ offense goes as Andrews goes.

South Region

RB Earl Campbell and his (TX) Tyler squad will have a battle with Banks (AL) in Round One. The Lions also feature a superb special teams unit that blocked 12-punts, while Banks displays a superb running-game and run defense. They will however be without QB Jeff Rutledge who broke his arm in a first round playoff game.(TN) Baylor was voted #1 at the conclusion of the regular season, but will have their hands full against the explosive offense of (LA) Captain Shreve. The Gators from Louisiana are led by Willie B. Mosely on the ground, with QB Joel Thomas pitching the ball to speedsters Carlos Pennywell and Rod Foppe.

Favorite – Captain Shreve. The Gators outgained foes by 224.3-ypg.

Players to watch – 1. RB – Earl Campbell (Tyler). Size, speed and heart make this converted linebacker a destructive force for the Lions.

2. (tie) WRs – Pennywell and Foppe (Captain Shreve). Each average over 20.0-ypc and combined for 33-TDs.

3. QB – Gary White (Banks). With Rutledge out, coach Shorty White’s son will have command of the Jets’ offense.

West Region

California has two teams squaring off in the region as Crescenta Valley and Los Altos have at it. CV features versatile QB Brad Holland and a defense that allowed less than six-point per game. Los Altos presents one of the best passing attacks in the nation, as QB Dennis Sproul, a 67.8% passer, utilizes Kirk Tanner, Steve Benton and Mike Hill, who combined for 157-receptions. With fleet-afoot Melvin Barrens at quarterback, the Hornets will try to outrun Wheat Ridge (CO), as Tulsa Booker T. Washington displays their vaunted Wishbone attack against the Farmers.

Favorite – Los Altos. A wide open region that could see anybody emerge as the winner.

Players to watch – 1. QB – Melvin Barrens (Booker T. Washington). More runner than passer, Barrens can score from anywhere.

2. QB – Dennis Sproul (Los Altos). Sproul is a big time talent that runs a high-octane offense to perfection.

3. OL/DL – Crescenta Valley. The Falcons present a big, physical line that could steamroll CV into a deep run.