KLTV 7 News Tyler, Longview, Jacksonville |Brahmas Use '04 Loss As Season Motivation.

Brahmas Use '04 Loss As Season Motivation.

If Paul Pewitt wins a state championship this year, they'll have the Troup Tigers to thank. It was Troup who beat the Brahmas 34-27 last year in the state quarterfinals, ending their season.

"When we walked in the locker room, there was a lot of emotion in the room," remembers senior offensive lineman Caleb Cook.  "We put a lot into the season and it kind of fell apart right there at the end of the game."

"It's just been a real big motivator for us just to not let that happen again," added senior offensive lineman Emanuel Simon, "and we've been pushing and working harder than ever."

It's been such a motivating factor, that every player has a sticker on his helmet that reads "No Regrets!"

"You will have no regrets," explains head coach Brian Huckaby.  "You will not feel that there was anything else you could have done to make a difference."

And so far, so good. The Brahmas have not only won every game since, but they've outscored their opponents by an average of more than five touchdowns a game in the regular season, and six touchdowns a game in the playoffs.

"The expectations are high and they've met those expectations so far," said Huckaby.  "They know they're close, they know they can achieve it, they have to do it one game at a time for three more weeks."

"We've been preparing for a long time," said Simon, "and the time has come, and we're just ready."

The Brahmas play Garrison in the 3A Division II Quarterfinals Saturday at 2:00 at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium in Tyler.

Kevin Berns reporting.
kberns@kltv.com