Alex hopes the fourth time's a charm…eighth-ranked Pioneer has shut them out the last three times they've met and now the Longhorns have to make that long trip up Highway 81 again for another playoff matchup.

No, Cody Mendenhall didn't graduate yet and the senior is again one of the top backs in Class B. He has averaged over nine yards per carry as a three-year starter and as Longhorn fans know, can take over and dominate a game. This year he has in the neighborhood of 850 yards but has only played in eight games so his average is still right where it has been for his career.

The Stangs have been throwing the ball more this year with new quarterback Garrett Diel and he's produced close to 1,000 yards, nine touchdowns and one interception with an excellent 58 percent completion rate. This translates into some of the load taken off Mendenhall and the rushing game and more things for defenses to think about.

This crew is big and strong, with three guys inside (center David Raupe and guards Brad Washburn and Aaron Moore) that tip the scales around 260 and tight end/defensive end Gus Overstreet, a load at 6-3 and 230. They love smash-mouth football and do it well.

Coach Jim Kerbow realizes that his Horns just don't match up in size and will have to use their quickness and speed to negate the Mustang's muscle.

“They're real big up front,” Kerbow said, “so we'll try to mix it up a little and use our speed to our advantage.

“Pioneer's very talented, disciplined and well-coached. We'll have to block and tackle better. We've just got to go play.”

Alex's speed and depth could work to their advantage. Five different backs and a good passing game give them a load of offensive options. Damon Avery leads with 985 yards, Bryson Braziel has 708, two-way quarterback Kelby Ketchum adds 646, John Hutchins has 476 and Tim Helm has 324. They've combined for 39 rushing touchdowns with Avery leading with 14.

All but Helm are seniors, and they know this is it…they've got to do it Friday.

“They've got a bunch of good skill guys,” Pioneer coach Jon Claborn said, “ and they've got great speed. We expect lots of pressure and blitzing from what we've seen on film but I know coach Kerbow will have some new wrinkles for us.

“We've got to limit their touches and try to contain them.”

This game simply pits speed against strength. Both have been very effective so far for both teams and, after three meetings, they are very familiar with each other.

So far, Pioneer has had the upper hand, but neither team is overlooking the fact that this could easily be their last game. It's a gut-check for the big group of Alex seniors who were freshmen the last time they beat the Mustangs and they are a gutty team with a lot of pride.

Expect a physical, hard-hitting war.