NETHERLANDS – The Dutch Bulldogs could have marked a turning point for themselves and their provincial opponents with a win at Barbers Hill.

The Bulldogs (5-2, 3-1 in District 12-5A Division II) are third in the area, with Port Neches Groves (5-2, 3-1) in the fourth and final position of the playoffs. Barbers Hill (3-4, 2-2) is in fifth place, a game and a half behind the Indians.

For the Netherlands, a win over the Eagles would leave Kingwood Park, who did not win a domestic game, and Crosby, who could be part of the district title, as their last two games on the regular season schedule.

A Dutch victory would also be crucial for Papua New Guinea, which owns the tiebreaker at Barbers Hill, but also leaves Crosby and Texas City on the list, the two best teams in the region.

The Netherlands bounced back from their first loss of the season by beating Dayton 41-14 last week.

“He’s feeling a lot better on Monday,” said national coach Monte Barrow. “We tell them that it is difficult to win in this league and difficult to win in football. You have to endure a lot to win the match. It deserves to celebrate, but you have to leave it behind. “

Beating Barbers Hill can be a difficult task. The Eagles have the highest offense in the area, averaging more than 500 yards per game. Most of their games have been penalties as they also allowed about 400 yards per game, putting them second in the penalty area to defend behind winless Santa Fe.

“Our defensive coaches do a great job teaching the kids the formations and inclinations,” Barrow said. “It lets our players know where they want to go based on the formations and things like that. Our defenses tend to respond well when challenged. We told you that Barbers Hill is averaging 500 meters in the game. It will be interesting to see our defense and he is trying to meet this challenge. “

The Bulldogs come into play with much-needed momentum to attack, ranking third among the worst in the region in yards per game. The Netherlands defense was out all year, putting opponents 247 yards out of the game (second place). Besides top seed Texas, no other team has ever committed offenses from opponents of less than 300 yards per game.

“Our attack should also help our defense,” Barrow said. “We ran the ball better last Friday. Our defense’s best friend is our attack on football management. “

Kyndon Fuselier, who plays wide receiver and defensive back, said he’s up to the challenge.

The Bulldogs are trying to find different ways to get the ball as the defense shows more interest this season.

The All State catcher is usually a doubles and triples, which requires coaches to be more creative.

“You usually don’t know how they’re going to play him until you start the game,” Barrow said. “His numbers are the same as last year for various reasons, but his value is what his defenses have to change to account for. It changes everything. We look at how the teams play with him wide open, on the hole or on trips and we start from there ”.

Barrow said teams try to hide double coverage to entice the midfielder to pitch in their direction.

You must be patient, said Fuselier.

“I got some of this last year, but it wasn’t like this year,” he said. “I saw someone pushing outside and then a defender came up to me as soon as the ball was caught and then a safety overhead. That was in the Silsbee game. “

Fuselier saw his share of total deliveries as a way to get the ball into the hands of the playmaker.

Kick-off is Friday at 7:30 pm at Bulldog Stadium. Those who were unable to attend the game can watch the live stream on the Sheffield Productions YouTube page.