SMALL TOWN TEXAS - The recent clash between Brookeland and Goodrich has sparked significant conversation across the state. The January 14th game concluded with a staggering scoreline—Brookeland scoring 153 points to Goodrich's 14—a result that many initially thought must be a typo.

The game has prompted a broader debate among coaches and fans alike: “Whose responsibility is it to keep a game competitive?” Should the coach of the dominant team adjust personnel, strategy, or effort to maintain respectability? Or is it on the opposing coach to manage the game and prevent it from spiraling out of control?

And when you beat someone by 139 points, how many adjustments can you really make to keep respect for the game and your opponent? Is it more respectful to stand with your hands up and not guard anyone to let your opponent score? Or is that something that is more disrespectful?

As a coach myself, I cannot fathom which would be worse. Is it the opposing team pressing, playing as hard as they can, and beating us by 139, or making a mockery of the game and letting us score and still beating us by 40 or 60 points?

To Brookeland’s credit, this was an unavoidable game as it is a district opponent. This was not a game that was scheduled by either coaching staff.

Brookeland’s coach, Brandon Shumake, and his players have embraced the program’s growing reputation with their slogan, “Embrace the Hate,” prominently displayed on their social media. There are certainly enough people outside of this program that have their own opinions and feelings towards them, but there is something honorable about recognizing, and embracing, that many people view you as “The Villain.”

Goodrich and their coach, Lester King, have been on the other side of blowouts just like this one. In the 1990's and early 2000's it wasn't uncommon to see Goodrich win by 80 or 90 points. It seems as if things have come full circle, and that the proverbial black hat of villain hood has been ceremoniously passed on to the Wildcats of Brookeland.

Whether the criticism is warranted or not, one thing is certain: Brookeland is a talented team, primed and ready for the playoffs. Many people will have eyes on this program come playoff time. Rooting for, or against.