Ricebird Stadium site of East Bernard game
By MIKE KONVICKA mkonvicka@journal-spectator.com

East Bernard football teams have made the playoffs nine times since 1987. But it's been six years since a team has won a bi-district contest.

This year's Brahmas will try and get over the hump when they play they Hallettsville Brahmas Friday night in a first-round playoff game at Ricebird Stadium at 7:30 p.m.

"We talked about that and they know it's been a long time," said East Bernard coach Jerry Long, referring to the drought.

"Obviously it was a goal that these seniors set in January," Long said. "They've already accomplished a whole lot and to win that first round game would be something else."

While he thinks Hallettsville is a good team, he believes his players can get the job done.

"We have a good opponent in Hallettsville, but they are not unbeatable," Long said. "We're going to have to play really well but it's a game we can win if things go our way."

East Bernard missed the playoffs in 1997 and 2003.

The Brahmas from Wharton County are coming off a 62-30 win over county rival Boling and owns a 7-3 record. The Brahmas finished second in the 27-2A standings with a 4-1 record.

Hallettsville second year coach Rick Masek is no stranger to East Bernard as he was an assistant in 1985-86.

He coached against the Brahmas later in the 1980s while at Brazos in Wallis.

"They are the typical East Bernard traditional playoff football team that plays hard," Masek said. "They are well coached kids and disciplined."

Hallettsville, who was picked fifth in 28-2A, beat Tidehaven 48-20 Friday to take the third playoff spot.

Friday's winner advances to the area round of the playoffs against either Troy or Lexington.

"The sky's the limit if you get past this one," Long said. "I've done it long enough to know that and the kids know it."

East Bernard is ranked 81st in Class 2A with a power rating of 128. Hallettsville is ranked 43rd with a power rating of 135. Hallettsville is a 6-point favorite.

The match could give El Campo fans a good game to watch Friday before traveling to Rosenberg Saturday to cheer for the Ricebirds.