Tonight, the Friendswood Mustangs hosted the Alvin Yellowjackets to start the 2013 high school football season. Our defense, overall, looked better than they have looked in a good while. They weren't perfect. They gave up a few big plays. But this year's defense is faster than in years past and can read a defense better. Although, I might recommend eye exams for a few of the players. They were so close to making big plays that I think they thought they were playing horseshoes (only game where close counts). :) The tackling looked good, the speed looked good and the knowledge looked good.
Our offense was different that what we've become accustomed to. The Mustangs used two quarterbacks tonight, and neither of them really ran with the ball, even though they had the opportunity. Both quarterbacks seem to favor passing the ball, though there were a good number of running plays, which worked about as often as they didn't. As for the passing game, it wasn't bad, but I think the quarterbacks (all of them) and the receivers need to spend more time practicing together. Repetition, repetition, repetition. There were too many missed and dropped passes.. Some were off target, but not too many. The offensive line needs some more practice, too. Or maybe some more time in the weight room. They didn't always do a good job protecting the quarterback. There was a lot of punting that resulted from either the quarterback or running back not being protected.
Special teams weren't so special tonight. The place kicking was inconsistent. The kickoff run back "strategy" appeared to have "Van Meter" disease -run the same play over and over and expect a different result. To whoever is calling the plays there - can you please, please, pretty please, try something different next time. Perhaps you'll gain more than 5 yards. The place kicker sure can kick the ball high, but how far can he kick? And two failed point after attempts?
I don't mean to sound like the game was full of negatives. Some players deserve atta boys; such as Langston, Sargent, Longbotham, Faulk, & Blumrick. But what I saw on the field tonight isn't going to cut it against Texas City, Dawson or Terry. Was this a case of playing down to the opponent? If it was - shame on you. You should always put forth your best effort. Was this a case of still working out the new system and learning your teammates? If it was that's okay - just learn fast.
Final score tonight - Alvin 14 - Friendswood 36. Next Friday, the Mustangs travel to Dickinson to take on the Gators.
I'm looking forward to a great season full of exciting football (If tonight was your first Mustangs game; I promise, the games are usually much more exciting.)
