Monday, October 13, 2014

Clear Springs Chargers vs. Friendswood Mustangs - October 10, 2014 - Homecoming

     On Friday, October 10, 2014, the Friendswood Mustangs hosted the Clear Springs Chargers.  It was Homecoming for the Mustangs and the first ever meeting between the two teams.  Entering the game, the Chargers were 3-2 (2-0) and the Mustangs were 4-1 (2-0).
     The game was preceded by some "smack talk" that got a little personal.  Based on what I had seen, heard and read, I was expecting a violent game full of fights and near fights.  Instead, it was a mostly clean game with two teams giving everything they had to earn the W.
     This was a fast paced game, especially in the first half.  With it being homecoming, I was surrounded by family and friends and really had a hard time keeping up at first.  We've never actually used all of our season tickets before.  We usually have extras and can spread out a little.  This week, we felt like sardines during the first half.  Most of our guests left during the third quarter (grandparents, or relatives with preschool children).  But even with the cramped area and the quick action on the field making it difficult for me to see and tweet the game, I wouldn't have traded a minute of it.
     I would like to start with a short positive comment about the refs (yes, you read that correctly).  While no ref is perfect, and biased, uncaring refs is my big soapbox issue, these refs did a better job than most of the crews we have seen this year.  Of course, they missed a few things.  But they were fair.  And while they weren't afraid to throw a flag when it was warranted, they didn't throw excessive flags.
 
      Now to the good stuff.  The research I had done on Clear Springs showed them to have a similar offensive scheme to Friendswood.  They have a quarterback who can both run and pass as well as a running back who is a work horse.  They utilized both Friday night.  That worked out well for Friendswood.  So far, the Mustang defense has mostly seen teams that prefer to run the ball.  Friendswood's defense has become very good at controlling a running game.  Of course, there were still too many runs up the middle; but that group of guys has gotten very good at reading an opposing offense and being in the right place at the right time.  Robinson showed us more of his JJ Watt impression Friday night and White, King & Co. came up with key plays to keep the number on the Clear Springs' side of the scoreboard at zero.  Some of those key plays being recovered fumbles and an interception near the goal line.  Which reminds me, does it still count as an interception if the person who caught the ball fumbles it and the ball is recovered by the team who originally threw the pass?
     The Mustangs' offense had to make a huge adjustment toward the end of the first half under circumstances no one would want to see.  Due to an injury, sophomore QB Page spent the end of the first half and the entire second half pacing the sidelines with ice strapped to him while Senior QB Sargent led the Mustangs through the rest of the game.  Both quarterbacks are very good, but they each have a different style.  The offense did a good job of making the necessary adjustments.  Sargent's long passes were sometimes too long, but with more practice this week for the offense with his style of playing, I'm sure the passing game will look even more solid next week.  The offensive line did a great job this week, as always, protecting the quarterback and providing blocking for the ball carrier.
     The box score for the game was
                          1st   2nd  3rd  4th  Final
Clear Springs     0      0       0     0      0
Friendswood      7      0       7     3     17
 
    Going forward, . . . . If I were running the defense, I would have them practice more on preventing receptions in the passing game.  Based on what I saw Friday night, I would guess that they have been working on that.  The defense is amazing at stopping the receiver once he catches the ball.  And they are improving on preventing the reception - not a small improvement either.
     I am excited to see the game this coming Friday against another of the top teams in the new district 24-6A.  From what I have read so far, it seems that this next team has an offense that is different from what the Mustangs have previously faced.  I am certain that the Mustangs can handle this different offensive style and I am looking forward to see what that containment looks like.  I'm also anxious to see the offensive changes.  I suspect that the Mustang offense will either have an exhilarating night, or a very long night.
     I almost forgot the best part of my weekly entries.  This week's "attaboys" go to: Page, Sargent, Longbotham, Brewster, Crespo, Beaty, Langston, Robinson, White, King, Rollen, Shelby, Lowe, Follis, Chidester, Gardner, & Toney.  This week I'd also like to offer a pat on the back to those players who are on the field for very few plays but are still watching and learning.  I see some of you watching each play and listening to the coaches talk with the players.  You obviously want to learn more so that you can be a better player when you do get to line up on the field.  Kuddos to you.
     The Mustangs' next game will be on Friday, October 17, 2014, at Henry Winston Stadium against the Clear Creek Wildcats (4-2, 3-0).  Before the game, the Wranglerettes will host a pregame dinner beginning at 4:30pm in the cafeteria with performances by the Fall Clinic students, Drill Trainers and Wranglerettes beginning at 5pm.  Chick-Fil-A will be served.  If you are looking for tickets, ask any Wranglerettte.  Tickets will also be available at the door.  I hear that there will be some great items in the silent auction as well.  Kick off for the game will be at 7pm.
Go Mustangs!!

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 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. 

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