Longhorns get big test with Houston County
Friday’s first-round Class AAAAAA playoff matchup will pit Kell’s depth against Houston County’s star quality. The Bears (5-5) feature Colorado State-committed running back Austin Stinson, who has rushed for 1,727 yards and 24 touchdowns, and highly recruited wide receiver Jeffery Thomas, who has 979 yards and 10 touchdowns on 72 receptions. “They have a really special running back and a big offensive line,” said Kell coach Bobby May. “For us, we need to stop their best players and take away what they do best. There are still some other players who can make plays, but we feel like if we can make them get to their third option, we’ll feel really confident.” The Longhorns (8-2) counter with Georgia Tech commit Moonie Gipson at running back, who is nearing 100% after rehabbing the ankle injury he suffered in last season's playoffs. Gipson has 612 yards and 11 touchdowns, but the Longhorns also have two other ballcarriers with more than 400 yards rushing this season. Senior wide receiver Brock Burrus has committed to West Virginia and has a 1,000-yard season, but junior quarterback Boston Pierce, Cobb County's leading passer, has completed passes to 10 different receivers. Burrus averages 27.5 yards a reception
