This evening the Friendswood Mustangs traveled to Rosenberg to take on the Terry High School Rangers. But before I share my thoughts on this evening's game, first I have to give kudos to the players from the Mustang's JV Blue team. This week was the first time that I have been to a JV Blue game, and I have to say, I was impressed. Being a JV game, there was no band, so I expected the stands to be a little quiet. But there was a much larger turn out than I was expecting and the parents and fans in the stands kept things lively and entertaining. There were a few players who had a great game Thursday evening. I wish I knew your names, but #22, 23, 41 & 48 were impressive. #48 - I could tell by watching that you seem to be able to read an offense very well. You seemed to know what the offense was going to do, even when you were on the wrong side of the field to be able to stop the play. Keep practicing that, and you'll be a force to be reckoned with.
Now - on to this evening's game. I'm sure that, after the Dickinson game, the Mustangs were looking to make a statement. They made one. And I just love it when our Mustangs are picked to lose and instead of listening to the "experts", they win!!! The fans were just as loud and excited tonight as we were in Dickinson. I hope that same energy carries over to the next home game. Can you imagine how loud we'll be if everyone in the home stands screams and cheers like we did this evening?
One thing I was impressed with during the game was the sportsmanship exhibited by each team. Both teams played a clean game and helped each other up after the plays. I'm glad to see that these coaches are teaching their players to be good player for the whole game, not just during the plays.
I think tonight, I'm going to start by commenting on the referees. For the next few days, I'll be spending my leisure time reading the official rule book for high school football from the UIL. I'll be looking specifically for changes to the rules from years past. Last I heard, you can't fumble the ball after you're down. There were a few other "questionable" calls. I don't think it's too much to ask for the officials to call a fair game. If you're going to call something a fumble (whether it really is a fumble or not), call it a fumble all night long. Be consistent. And one that really gets on my nerves this year (which I've noticed isn't only occurring in high school football) is the refs not blowing the whistle when it's obvious that the ball carrier isn't going down. Twenty-two players in a standup dog pile is just asking for someone to get hurt. After last week's game, I skimmed the current version of the rule book and didn't find what I was looking for. This week, I'll read it cover to cover.
Fairly early in the game - two minutes and twenty-six seconds into the second quarter - Blumrick threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown. That was his last snap of the game. Sargent was brought in as quarterback at that point and remained in that position for the rest of the game. And he looked good. He can throw and he can run. And he can fake. He's one of the best fakers Friendswood has had in a long time. I'm sure that's not something that a lot of people notice, but I do. And I think it's important for keeping your opponent from reading you. If you can't fake, the defense always knows whether or not you have the ball and whether or not to come after you or look for the ball. I don't know how much practice time Sargent has had with the offense, but I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do with even more practice.
I didn't say this after last week's game and I should have - the offense is getting better and better at protecting the quarter back and running backs. Each week I have seen an improvement. There were a couple of plays where Sargent had all the time he needed to look around and make a decision. Good job offensive line! All of you should give yourselves a pat on the back. It was great to see how many options Sargent had for his throws. It makes a huge difference to give the quarterback that many options. And I think that neither Longbotham nor Vandersypen know the meaning of the word quit. They are both like energizer bunnies.
Our defense is also looking better each week. Tackling technique is continuing to improve. Unfortunately, the defense is still susceptible to the breakaway play, but at least now we have someone with a chance of chasing down those fast offensive players. But, so far, the number of those breakaways in each game is getting fewer and fewer. Our defense is also getting better at stopping the run up the middle. I am seriously looking forward to seeing this defense as they get farther into the season. If they continue to improve, they will be what Mustangs fans have been waiting years to see. These guys may not be the largest defense out there, but there's more than enough evidence to say that bigger isn't always better. Our defense is playing smart and playing with heart. That heart is the reason I prefer high school football over college and professional teams.
Special teams are also looking better each week. The kick off return is getting better. They don't always get out past the twenty, but they are consistently gaining yards. The punt return is looking good, but I have to say that I don't understand the strategy of not going after the punts. Why allow them to bounce and allow the opponents to determine where the ball stops? I know that there is a strategy involved; I've seen this play employed by too many teams for there not to be. But I don't understand why you wouldn't call for a fair catch or catch the ball and run in an attempt to improve your field position. Another strategy I don't understand is why a kicker would make a short kick on a kick off. Now, I'm not talking about an onsides kick. I completely understand the logic behind that. But unless you're kicking to a specific player who has a history of being a bad ball handler, why kick to the forty or thirty-five yard line when you are capable of kicking it all the way back to the five. It appears that you are just giving your opponents a shorter distance to the goal line. If someone out there can explain these strategies to me, please do. I want to understand.
Tonight there's a long list of "attaboys" Everyone who played defense during the second half deserves a pat on the back. I'm sorry I didn't make note of everyone's names. But the whole defense gets "attaboys" Also on this week's list: Longbotham, Vandersypen, King, Sargent, Page, Thurman, Bauer, Robinson, Faulk, Bertlesman, Makransky, & Faulk. And while Blumrick was taken out of the game in the second quarter, he stood on the sidelines, helmet on, ready to play for the rest of the game. That demonstrates great support for the rest of the team and respect for the coaches.
Before tonight's game, the Terry Rangers were ranked at #40 in the state for 4A teams (down from #28 the week before), according to www.texashsfootball.com. I think we may have just knocked them out of the top 40!
Overall, if anyone is looking for my advice, it's simple. Keep on keeping on. Keep practicing what you did this week. Was it perfect? No. But it's a great step in the right direction. The tackling looked good, the passing looked good, the running looked good. Good job "dusting yourselves off" after that loss to Dickinson. You may have a bye week next week, but don't think it's a week off. The best teams you will face all season are still to come. I can't wait to see y'all in two weeks.
Final score: Friendswood Mustangs 21 - Terry Rangers 20
Next week, the Mustangs have a bye week. The next game will be on Friday, September 27, 2013, at Henry Winston Stadium against the Galena Park Yellowjackets. Kick off is at 7pm. The National Champion Wranglerettes will host that night's pre-game dinner beginning at 5pm - Chick-Fil-A! The kindergarten - 9th graders who participated in the Wranglerette's fall clinic will provide entertainment at the dinner along with the drill trainers and the Wranglerettes. Half time will feature the ever popular daddy-daughter dance. Be sure to wear white. September 27, is "White Out 2013" If you can't be at the game, you can get updates during the game by following me on twitter; www.twitter.com/momrod2000
Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that I am watching the game and "taking notes" by tweeting during the games. I am at each game with at least one of my kids, if not both. Sometimes, my husband is able to attend with us and sometimes I have other family with me as well. My football education is from attending high school football games for 30+ years and sitting between my dad and my grandpa for the first 12 of those years. I was 3 when my parents bought my first season ticket. I missed 2 home games from the time I was 3 years old through junior high, and started traveling (not missing a single game) during high school. I started taking my kids to games before they could walk and have been taking them ever since.
No comments:
Post a Comment