Wimberley — When the Wimberley Texans secured their playoff ticket back on Oct. 30 with a 21-3 win over Llano, expectations from outsiders weren’t that elevated, considering the way the Texans started the season, losing three of their first four games.

That might seem like a long time ago, considering Wimberley has won six of its last seven games and is on the brink of advancing to the state quarterfinals with a win today against Brownwood in a Class 3A, Division II playoff game at Copperas Cove’s Bulldog Stadium.

Apologies from stealing a line from an anonymous “old-timer” overheard in the local cafe at the Village 15 miles west of San Marcos, but the words ring true.

“It doesn’t matter how well you’re dressed when you get to the prom, just make sure you show them you can dance.”

You might label it a Cinderella story, but that’s not really the case. The Texans are a team that is simply living up to expectations at the appropriate time.

WHS was ranked as high as No. 5 in Class 3A state preseason polls, before the slow start saw Wimberley fall off the radar. Since the 1-3 start, however, the Texans are 7-1 and have won four in a row, including a pair of playoff games that has Wimberley fans thinking the words “state championship,” a feat the Texans last accomplished in 2005.

The Texans outlasted Glenrose in a 49-44 bi-district thriller Nov. 20 and are coming off a dominating 31-14 win over Iowa Park and an area playoff game last week in Brownwood.

“This is a group of kids that has always seemed to come on when we need it the most,” WHS head coach Weldon Nelms said. “They’ve been good in the second half all year and now we’re playing our best when it counts the most.”

Injuries, or lack of, can also play a big part in a successful playoff run. WHS quarterback Brooks Blakemore is a prime example. The senior signal-caller suffered a separated shoulder in the second week of the season, but it doesn’t seem to be bothering him now. He’s throwing and running with no fear.

In the last two games, Blakemore has thrown for 294 yards and four touchdowns, completing 15 of his last 24 attempts with one interception. And while he’s not the team’s top rushing threat, he’s not afraid to lower his shoulder when he scrambles down the sideline. Blakemore scored on a pair of keepers in the fourth quarter to lead the Texans past Glenrose.

“Brooks is a great competitor and he’s done a great job for us since coming back,” Nelms said. “He’s a great leader and a big reason we are where we are.”

It doesn’t hurt having Blakemore’s younger brother, Brennen, lining up at receiver. The sibling connection has been potent, connecting nine times for 167 yards and a touchdown in the past two games.

And while the Blakemores are pacing the offense through the air, sophomore running back Dennis Smith is becoming an even bigger threat out of the backfield. The team’s leading rusher, Smith seems to be hitting his stride, compiling 330 yards and seven touchdowns in the Texans’ playoff games.

“Dennis has always been a strong runner for us and he — along with the offensive line — definitely been a big reason we have been able to move the ball,” Nelms said. “That’s a horse we’re going to keep riding.”

Today, the Texans will face the team that resides in the town WHS visited last week. Brownwood is a program steeped in tradition, once led by the legendary Gordon Wood, the most successful coach in Texas high school football.

The Lions’ current skipper, Bob Shipley, is no stranger to success as well, leading Burnet to state titles with his son Jordan, who is currently catching passes from Colt McCoy as a Texas Longhorn.

And as fate would have it, there’s another Shipley making noise at wide receiver. Jaxson Shipley, a 6-1 junior and one of the Lions’ top offensive threats this season. Some say he might be even better than his older brother.

“It’s a strong program and Coach Shipley is a very good coach that knows how to win,” Nelms said.

Nelms should know, considering Burnet and Wimberley were once in the same district.

“It should be a close and exciting game, and hopefully we’ll be the ones who come out on top at the end.”

Kickoff is at 2 p.m. The winner of this afternoon’s game will take on the victor of the Graham and Bridgeport for the Region I title. That game is set for tonight at 6 p.m. in Aledo.

Follow the game with live twitter updates from Randy Stevens at wwww.twitter.com/smdailyrecord.