On Friday, August 29, the Friendswood Mustangs traveled to Texas City to open the football season against the Stingarees. There was a light rain off and on throughout the game. The Friendswood band and Wranglerettes left after halftime due to the weather; but the majority of the fans stayed and got to see a good football game.
Tonight was the first time that Friendswood has played a game with the new 40 second play clock. I haven't had the opportunity to hear from any of the players or coaches to see how they felt about it, but from the perspective of a fan and blogger - I don't like it. First, I don't understand why they felt the need to make this change. I understand that the NCAA has been using the 40 second play clock for quite a while now; but why does that mean that the UIL has to use it, too. This caused the game to move too quickly. It was liking watching a game that has been DVR'd and cutting through everything but the actual plays. It just felt wrong. It also made it difficult for me to keep up with twitter. I have fast thumbs, especially during a football game; but they are going to have to get faster. I did notice that toward the end of the game, there were a lot of situations where the refs were starting the play clock. When the ref starts the clock, the clock starts at 25 seconds - just as it has. This was a much better pace for the game. It gave the offense the option to hurry things along, or to breathe a little between plays.
So, how did Friendswood play tonight? Well, there are some guys who had a great night. There are some who didn't have such a great night. And there were guys who were having to work harder than they should have because others were not doing what needed to be done.
Who didn't have a great night? Well, I saw problems with both the offensive and defensive lines. The people backing up those lines stepped up and took care of business. But in order to play in the big leagues, which is where Friendswood is now, those lines can not allow themselves to be pushed around to maneuvered out of the place they want to be. Offensive line, you've got to open those holes and block for your ball carriers. Defensive line, you can't allow your opponent to get through you. If that doesn't get fixed immediately, then next Friday will be a long, long night.
That being said, the offense did do a good job of protecting the quarterback and giving him time to find open receivers and make decisions. Some of those decisions I would love to chat with them about, wondering why they felt that was the best decision over some other options that were available. But having time to make those decisions is incredibly important.
Tonight, Friendswood used a two quarterback system similar to what Manvel used a couple of years ago. I understand why this decision was made. Both Sargent and Page are great quarterbacks with different skill sets. However, the implementation of this scheme didn't work out so well. The problem - it didn't take long to figure out which quarterback prefers to run and which prefers to pass. The defense was able to set up accordingly, knowing what type of play was most likely about to occur, simply based on which quarterback was on the field. Now, it wasn't like they were switching them in and out every other play. They each would play for a possession. However, it was easy to anticipate what was coming based on which quarterback was on the field. In order for this two quarterback system to be effective, it needs to be less predictable.
Something else that needs work is the receivers. Did anyone count how many dropped passes there were tonight? I'm not counting the almost interceptions that were dropped. I'm talking about players who had the ball and dropped it. Players who were the intended target of the pass and juggled and dropped the ball. Do we really not have anyone who can consistently catch the ball? I have a hard time believing that. Especially knowing who is on the sidelines. The receivers need to spend alot, I mean alot, of time "playing catch". If this isn't able to be fixed with the personnel that was in uniform tonight, then look at the JV teams for help. I saw some great catches from them yesterday.
So, did anything go right tonight? Yes, as evidenced by the score board, somethings did go right. Some of the linebackers and defensive ends had a great game. Their timing was perfect and they often had a perfect read on what the play would be. A few of the people of offense demonstrated that they are still energizer bunnies and don't know the meaning of the word "quit". Some showed why it is important to never, ever, give up on a play. You might think you know how the play is going to end; but until you hear that whistle, it ain't over. There were some interceptions and some near interceptions by the Mustang defense. There were some great stops that were not in line with the defensive style that I have seen from the Mustangs over the last few years - and I liked it. I have often complained about the way the Mustangs defend against the pass. Tonight, I saw a few players breaking that mold and they were very effective.
One thing that most definitely affects the Mustangs (and every other team), but is completely out of their control is the officials. If you've been reading my blog, then you know that I have complained about the officials with increasing regularity. Tonight is no different. Last year's game against Texas City probably had the most fair officials I have seen in the last few years. This year was not the same. Comments I heard from the stands include, "You're missing a good game, ref." and "Call a fair game or someone is going to get hurt." Both of these fans are exactly right. Officials have a responsibility to call a fair game and to do everything in their power to prevent injuries. One way calling a fair game helps to prevent injuries is by letting the players and the coaches know, preferably immediately, that rule infractions will not be tolerated. Many of the rules are put in place to help protect the players. If a rule is not enforced, it is human nature to push the boundaries to see what other rules can be ignored. The more rules that are ignored, the more likely a player is to be injured. This means calling all penalties, regardless of which team it is. Officials, please, please, please, enforce the rules strictly and fairly in every game.
I'm not posting too many details tonight because it was the first game. And because, as evidenced by the score board (see below), it wasn't a typical game. The Mustangs usually score more points than they did tonight and they played differently. Also, Texas City wasn't as commanding as they have been for the last few years. I'm sure the weather also played a factor in the game. While it wasn't raining for most of the game, the turf was wet. Slick turf can be a factor in a game.
Even without the details, I still have to give the well deserved pats on the back to a number of players. This week's attaboys go to: King, Robinson, White, Rollen, Longbotham, Page, Chidester, Gardner, Crespo, Thurman, Clement, & Lowe.
Tonight's box score was
Friendswood 7 3 14 0 24
Texas City 0 0 0 0 0
I am looking forward to the first game in Henry Winston Stadium for this year. The Mustangs will host the George Ranch Longhorns on Friday, September 5, 2014. With what I have read about George Ranch, this looks to be a real test for the Mustangs. Come out and support the boys in blue. Kick off will be at 7pm.
Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that I am watching the game and "taking notes" by twittering during the games. I am at each game with one of my kids. 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 35+ 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.
