Rematch expected to close Classic with a bang

Game 4
7:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 29
Jim Ned Indians vs. Merkel Badgers

The finale for the 2009 edition of the Action Sports Medicine Champions Classic will feature one more rematch - the Jim Ned Indians against the Merkel Badgers.

Jim Ned led at halftime last year at Shotwell Stadium, 7-6, but the Badgers exploded for 22 points in the second half to win, 28-7. Both teams went on to finish the 2008 season with identical 7-5 records.

Based on 13 returning starters from last year's regional semi-finalist team, coach Walter Hargrove's team of Indians is expected to edge out Wall for this season's District 7-2A title, according to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine.

Jim Ned returns a lot of big veterans on both lines, led by Hunter Barr and Colton Black - both 255 pounds. Quarterback Jordan Gibbs returns another year to lead the attack, along with seniors Bo Bryant and Cutter Golson, plus junior Lee Taylor.

Despite having only six returning starters and facing a rebuilding year, Coach Kieth Mullins' Badgers are picked to finish third in one of the toughest 2A districts in the state (6-2A), behind 11th-ranked Clyde and 17th-ranked Cisco.

Merkel went two deep into the playoffs last season as an area finalist, and will rely heavily on the efforts of returning tight end and defensive tackle Derek Howell, plus 280-pound defensive tackle Cuddy Giddings. Other seniors include Dustin McDermott, Dylan Turner and Daniel Velasquez.

Last year's meeting between these two teams produced a Classic team record of 394 total rushing yards (net). That also includes the record for highest average rush per attempt - 7.9 yards. Such classic hard-nosed football is also expected this year, providing the appropriate ending to another Action Sports Medicine Champions Classic weekend.

The Champions Classic is in its fifth year and is promoted by the Sports Alliance Committee of the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau, which is an affiliate of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored by Action Sports Medicine and Rehab, along with Texas Chevy Dealers and WTU Retail Energy and other local sponsors.  The Sports Alliance was formed to increase the economic impact in the Abilene community through sporting events.  One goal is to raise money for scholarships awarded each year to graduating seniors from each of the local high schools.  To date, the Champions Classic has awarded $27,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors from Abilene High, Cooper High, Wylie High and Abilene Christian High schools.

2009 Featured Games

Game 1: Abilene Christian University vs. Northwest Missouri...............7:00 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 27

Game 2: Abilene Cooper vs. Fort Worth O.D. Wyatt.................................7:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 28

Game 3: Abilene High vs. Fort Worth Dunbar..........................................11:00 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 29

Game 4: Jim Ned vs. Merkel.......................................................................7:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 29