In a packed lineup with some of the biggest names in Texas facing off during the area round of the UIL Playoffs, the Class 5A, Division II matchup between College Station A&M Consolidated and Hutto on Friday in Waller may turn out to be the best of them all.

Watch A&M Consolidated vs. Hutto LIVE on FloFootball

Any doubts that continued to persist about A&M Consolidated (9-2) were washed away a week ago, as the Tigers hammered Whitehouse 35-7 in game during which the Consol offense didn’t even play particularly well.

Defensive coordinator Billy Hoppers’ unit was outstanding, creating turnovers and favorable opportunities for the offense — something the Tigers hope becomes a trend over the next several weeks.

Juniors defensive tackle Josh Ellison and safety/linebacker Kolby Peel are FBS-level prospects who provide excellent stability and production at two key spots on the field — and they’re surrounded by playmakers like sophomore defensive back Nate Floyd, who has proven to be a terror for opposing quarterbacks and wide receivers this season.

That trio and others will need to bring their A-game on Friday with Hutto quarterback Chase Griffin behind center. Griffin has been nothing short of spectacular during his junior season, tossing for 3,520 yards and 37 touchdowns, while throwing just two interceptions.

The Hippos (10-1) have championship aspirations thanks, in large part, to Griffin and a pair of 1,000-yard receivers, DJ Baptist and Caleb Forrest, who have combined for 29 touchdowns.

With that in mind, there’s no sense trying to overcomplicate this one. Griffin, along with Baptist and Forrest, will simply look to attack the Tiger defense with the same level of efficiency they’ve enjoyed all season long.

The blueprint for a Consol victory was written at Whitehouse: create turnovers and disrupt the passing game with playmakers like Floyd and Peel.

Key Matchup: Hutto QB Chase Griffin vs. A&M Consolidated DB Nate Floyd

Griffin did his thing in a 33-21 bi-district victory over Brenham, passing for three scores and leading the Hippos into the area round. Brenham had some early success against Griffin and the Hutto offense — success that Consol will look to duplicate.

Floyd was one of the primary playmakers for the Tigers in the team’s blowout victory over Whitehouse — and that wasn’t a new thing. The sophomore two-way player has been a key cog in the Consol attack all season, and he will need to have a big game on Friday if A&M Consolidated is going to keep playing.

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