By Van Wade

The Orange Leader

WEST ORANGE — As West Orange-Stark coach Cornel Thompson likes to say, “This won’t be our first rodeo with this bunch.”

That will be the case Friday night in the Class 4A Division I Region III final when the WOS Mustangs (13-0), defending Class 4A Division II state champions and ranked No. 1, takes on an old nemesis in the forms of the Giddings Buffaloes (11-2) at 7:30 p.m. at Texan Drive Stadium in Porter.

This will mark the sixth meeting between the two programs and the fifth time they will meet in the postseason.

WOS toppled Giddings 34-14 the last time they met in the area round in 2014. WOS downed Giddings 42-21 in 2005. The Buffaloes returned the favor 21-13 in 2006. The Mustangs won 28-19 in 2007. Giddings took a non-district game from WOS 14-6 in 2011.

“We’ve had some good ones over the years, that’s for sure,” said Thompson. “That 2006 loss still stings to this day. They have had a tremendous program for so long now. We’re lining up against a darn good football team Friday night. You have to be good to reach this point, only eight teams left standing.”

The Mustangs have outscored opponents by a stunning 690-51 margin this season, including 169-21 in the playoffs after defeating Bellville 49-7 last week.

The Buffaloes, District 10-4A Division II champions, have outscored their opposition 487-274. Giddings went a perfect 5-0 in 10-4A play. They defeated Waco Connally 41-18 in bi-district before fending off WOS’ 12-4A Division II rivals Hardin-Jefferson (28-21) and Liberty (26-14) the last two weeks.

The two Giddings’ losses this year came at the hands of Navarro (37-21) and Brownwood (36-35).

Coach Chris Jones and the Buffaloes like to spread the ball around equally in trying to throw off their opponents, mixing the running and passing games well.

“They do a lot of good things offensively that keeps you on your heels,” said Thompson. “They can put it in the air and run it in different kinds of formations. They really make you think.”

Quarterback Rustin Grimm has completed 97 of 168 passes for 1,576 yards with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He doesn’t run it much, carrying 29 times for 49 yards for an offense that averages 324.6 yards a game.

“The Grimm kid reminds us a lot of the Bellville quarterback,” said Thompson. “He’s got a good arm and he will stand there under pressure and throw it.”

The Buffaloes’ most dangerous weapons are Chabastian Taylor and Jason James.

James has rushed for 623 yards and seven TDs on just 71 carries and has hauled in 27 receptions for 413 yards and five TDs.

Taylor has zipped for 600 yards and 10 TDs on just 63 totes and has caught 16 passes for 420 yards and six scores.

“Those two are definitely their bell cows,” said Thompson. “The Taylor kid lines up everywhere – running back, receiver and at Wildcat quarterback. He’s got a little burst in his step. The James kid, they find plenty of ways to get him the ball with quick pitches and reverses and down the field.”

Tavion Paige (24 carries, 275 yards, five touchdowns) and Alex Orocio (41-228-4) add to the running game while Jaylon Joiner (19-282-2) and Treveon Johnson (19-270-3) are also solid receivers.

“They have good depth with several kids that have gotten their hands on the ball,” said Thompson. “Their offensive line is really big, they remind us of the Robinson line we faced.”

The Buffaloes will have a tall task in trying to move the ball against a Mustang Chain Gang defense that has allowed a mere 119.4 yards per game this season to go along with eight shutouts.

The Mustangs held a stout Bellville running attack to just 171 total yards last week.