About Atlanta- The Rabbits second road to their second state title game is eerily similar to the first trek in 1994. That year, the Rabbits started out 1-2 before rolling off 14 straight victories. The 2003 edition of the Rabbs began the year with a tough 4A schedule and entered district with a 1-4 mark, only to sweep through arguably the toughest 3A district in the state.

About Marlin- The Bulldogs enter this contest with an identical 11-4 mark. After a fairly tough preseason, which included Burnet and Ennis, the Bulldogs managed to destroy the competition in district and haven’t looked back since.

Atlanta on Offense- There are no secrets to the Rabb offense. Opposing defenses know exactly what to expect, a steady dose of Fred Washington, Curtis Burns, and Jon Blaylock, mixed with a sprinkling of the legs of DeQuan Wilson, Dallas Washington and Calvin Graham. The Rabbs have faced 8 and 9 man fronts all season long and continue to run, run, and run. The trio of Washington, Burns and Blaylock has combined for over 3,300 yards on the ground. After sputtering through the first half of the season, the Rabbs placed Burns in the backfield and switched to a split back veer offense. Since that time Burns has rushed for 1,080 yards and 16 touchdowns on 120 attempts. A key to the offenses improvement has also been the aggressive line play. Led by all-state honorable mentions Nick Wilson, Pat Bowen, and Cody McCasland, the Rabb line has provided the holes necessary for the Rabb backs. Oh yeah, did I mention the Rabbs have speed?

Marlin on Offense- The Bulldogs function out of the spread formation and are led by sophomore quarterback Jeremy Sanders. In last week’s victory over Port Isabel, the Bulldogs relied on the “big play”, scoring on plays of 77, 68, and 62 yards. “Tank” Smith handles the running back duties for the Marlin squad.

Atlanta on Defense-Defense has always been the name of the game in Atlanta. This year’s version of the “Rabb Rock” defense is perhaps the quickest in school history. Lacori Johnson, Dallas Washington, Graham, and Blaylock were all involved in state champion relay teams in the spring and the defense features six players with sub 4.5 40 times. The defense has allowed only one 100 yard rusher all year long and are holding opponents to an average of 10 points a game. Burns stars at linebacker and is perhaps the best at the position in the state. Defensive end Jeddrick Peters has excelled all season long and stepped it up a notch during the play-off run. Wilson and McCasland play both ways as well and anchor the middle of the Rabb’s defensive line.

Marlin on Defense-Marlin also relies on speed for their defense. Coach Jerry Malone feels that this is his best defensive squad in his 13 years at the school. After a 61-0 drubbing to Ennis, the Bulldog coaches called a team meeting and since that time the Bulldogs have posted 6 shutouts and allowed only 55 total points. Up until the state semi-final game with Port Isabel, the Bulldogs were allowing opposing offenses less than 100 yards a game.

Atlanta’s Special Teams- Inconsistent is one way of describing the Rabb’s special teams. Extra points are hit and miss for the Rabbs with Burns handling the kicking duties. Burns also handles the punting duties and in a game earlier in the season against Hallsville returned two of his own blocked punts for touchdowns—this is not your typical punter.

Marlin’s Special Teams- Marlin has a very solid special team. They have the potential to take any punt or kickoff return for a touchdown. The speed is evident on special teams. Their field goal kicker and punter aren't anything special, but they play not to let a kick decide the game.

Atlanta’s Intangibles-Where to begin....How about 1964?…the last time Marlin appeared in the state finals. That season the Bulldogs defeated the Rabbits 20-14 in a quarterfinal match-up. The Rabb’s had the ball at Marlin 5 as time expired in the game. Atlantians still remember!….The Rabbits are the defending Class 3A team track champions, the relay teams had to fight off a hard charge by the Jasper relay teams in order to gain the crown, that mental toughness could come into play in the late stages of this ball game….Conditioning: The trademark of any Atlanta athletic program is the conditioning. When many teams are sucking air in the 4th quarter, the Rabb’s are usually moving in for the kill. During Scharnberg’s 16 year career in Atlanta there have been numerous 4th quarter come-backs, most notably the 1994 Region II final against Jefferson…..East Texas: Rose Stadium, the “Rose Bowl” of East Texas football facilities, will play host to this event. A crowd of 15-17 thousand is expected on Saturday and over half will be wearing maroon, East Texas supports their own…Oh yeah, and the coach called Scharnberg. Atlanta head coach Ben Scharnberg will be aiming for his 162nd career victory on Saturday.

Marlin Intangibles- Marlin holds a 1-0 series advantage over the Rabbits.

Josh’s Prediction- Atlanta 27 Marlin 13