SABINE PASS — The Sabine Pass High School Sharks might have had revenge on their minds when they travel to First Baptist Christian High School in Pasadena on Friday — that is, if the last game between the two football teams had reached its conclusion.

Sabine Coach Jason Thibodeaux said that 2016 game was shortened by lightning — a “no-decision” contest. The Sharks trailed, 12-6, which Thibodeaux hasn’t forgotten.

“We were losing,” he recalled. “There’s a little revenge factor.”

The Sharks will take the 90-minute drive to Pasadena to play a team that Thibodeaux knows little about. The two don’t exchange film and what he’s learned about his opening-game opponent has been gleaned by word of mouth.

“We know what they will do offensively and defensively,” said Thibodeux, who’s led the District 12-2A Division II football program at Sabine Pass since 2005.

Other coaches have told him the Sharks may be outmanned, but not by much. Sabine Pass will send 16 players on the road; Pasadena Baptist has about 19 or 20, other coaches say.

“I think we will match up with them pretty well,” he said.

Thibodeaux counts six seniors on his team; at least four of them will never take the bench, playing offense and defense.

He’s also got a couple of freshmen. They’ve practiced well, he said, but playing on the road and under the lights differs from practicing from 3:30 to 5:30 at Sabine Pass.

Thibodeaux is counting on seniors Logan Odom and Kirk Blood to provide the leadership on the field. Both play offensive line and linebacker.

“Our offensive line is pretty good,” he said, with size and strength. But playing the full game will test the stamina of the two-way players.

Junior Jordan Boatman, a “tough kid,” will likely line up at quarterback. Thibodeaux gained experience during a difficult, Hurricane Harvey-shortened 2017 season, but “came back for another season.”

Grayson Johnson, a 10th-grader, will play running back and outside linebacker and is “really, really good,” Thibodeaux said.

He’ll also rely on senior Austin Smith, who shows consistent quickness.

“He’ll hit you,” Thibodeaux promised.

Harold James, a junior, will also see substantial action at running back and defensive back.

Keys to success include playing “mistake-free” football and keeping up their stamina. “We push them as much as we can” in pre-season, he said, to maximize their energy in the fourth quarter.

His team is ready to play, he said. In practice, they’re a “well-oiled machine.”

“We’ll see how it works out on the field.”