<b>By Tommy Wells</b><br><a href="mailto:sports@mineralwellsindex.com">sports@mineralwellsindex.com</a>
If there is one thing you can count on Friday when the Strawn Greyhounds step onto the turf at Longhorns Stadium in Early for their state quarterfinal game it is this – it will be Air vs. Ground.
Richland Springs and Strawn both head into the game with vastly different offensive outlooks. The Coyotes, ranked No. 10 in the latest sixmanfootball.com poll, runs primarily from a pass-oriented scheme that showcases the talents of spreadback Hauston Burkhart.
The RSHS signal-caller has thrown for more than 1,500 yards this season, and guided the Coyotes to 11-1.
Strawn, which comes into the game ranked fifth overall, owns one of the nation's top six-man rushing attacks. Led by a bullish offensive line that includes Cliff Thornton, James Miller and Victor Reyes, the 'Hounds have averaged more than 50 points a game. Running backs Trey Doyle and J.T. Sharp provided much of the SHS rushing prowess.
Strawn is the early favorite in the showdown of two of the state's most successful teams in the 2002. The Greyhounds are an 11-point pick to advance to the state semifinals. The winner of the game will face either Abbott or Calvert in the next round.
Friday's quarterfinal matchup is slated to begin at 7:30 p.m.
