Not only do I not prefer Saturday afternoon games for the temperatures, but for the routine and the atmosphere. Both teams were at the same disadvantage of being out of their normal routines, so you can't say that benefits one team over the other. But it definitely effects the atmosphere of the stadium. Instead of playing under the artificial lights with the bands playing and the fans cheering, games when its this hot under the bright sun result in a quieter stadium with everyone talking about how bad they feel for the bands, drill teams, cheerleaders and mostly the players.
All that being said, there was a district football game being played with what could be reaching consequences.
Friendswood received the ball first and spent less than 1:30 to get to the end zone - 4 snaps after the opening kick off the score was 7-0. Yay Friendswood!! Business as usual, right? Then the defense took the field and Clear Creek answered in 3 snaps. Three. One, two, three. What happened you ask. If you know, please tell me. I've heard that some of the players were showboating for the Dave Campbell's Texas Football writer who was in the stands. I've heard that some of the players made choices that didn't lead to a good night's sleep on Friday night. Regardless of the reason, enough of the defense played at a level that was less than their best and the scoreboard showed it. You won't see many defensive players receive atta-boys this week. You cannot miss tackles, or give the opposing quarterback enough time to write a novel and earn a reward for a game well played.
The problems that plagued the defense were not evident on the offense. Sure, there were mistakes, but I don't think anyone on the offense looked like he was trying to run through knee deep mud. The entire O-line looked great. They gave Page plenty of time to make a decision to run or throw and in turn, gave the receivers time to get open. Speaking of the receivers, a friend of mine made an observation Saturday - two are great receivers when they can turn their shoulders to the ball. One is much better at the over-the-shoulder catch than the others. Page looked great, as always. I think the Friendswood fans have gotten so used to his "razzle dazzle" that we don't notice it anymore. Reading what others wrote about Saturday, I was reminded that most people aren't used to seeing any player, let alone a quarterback, who can slip tackles, stay on his feet and change directions the way Page can. He has an uncanny ability to see plays develop before they develop. I hope he is able to teach the younger quarterbacks in Friendswood what it is he sees that allows him to do that. And Yarbrough - how many other O-linemen can hold off 2 or more defenders at once?
Yes, Friendwood won, but Friendswood also allowed more points than in any other game this season. More points than in the game against Dickinson. More points than in the game against Clear Brook. Too many points that, had they looked like their usual selves, would not have been scored.
The box score from Saturday was
1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q TOTAL
Friendswood Mustangs 17 21 7 7 52
Clear Creek Wildcats 7 6 14 7 34
I am hopeful that the defense allowing that many points does not cause a problem later. IF Friendswood beats Clear Springs later this month, they could find themselves in a 3-way tie for the district title. I have been told that the current tie-breaker method of 24-6A is points allowed. Before Saturday, Friendswood had allowed fewer points than any other team in 24-6A. Now, Dickinson holds that title. And who does Dickinson have left on their schedule? Clear Creek, Clear Falls, and Clear Brook. Who does Friendswood have left in the regular season? Clear Lake, Clear Springs and Alvin. If the information I was given is correct, Friendswood's defense is going to have to be a wall to get back to having the fewest points allowed.
Despite the sub-par play by the defense, there were some good plays made. Someone of those players definitely deserve a pat on the back this week. This week's atta-boys go to: Blackburn, Page, Ford, Whitaker, Stanford, Bell, Roher, Willis, Hall, Horman, Virts, Yarbrough, Follis, and Nickerson (who got his second interception of the season).
And one more thing - I take back my compliment to the coaches for variety in their play calling. I think they ran two plays during the fourth quarter - Blackburn up the middle or Page up the left. Yes, they got positive yards out of each play. But really guys? Were the pages in the play book stuck? Was there not enough fresh air in the press box? Why just the 2 options. Mix it up a little.
This week is Homecoming for Friendswood. This is a fun week, but I always worry about the game - will the players be too distracted with all the activities during the week to focus on the game. Good luck to the coaches on keeping the players focused during practice.
The Homecoming parade will be on Thursday, October 20 at 6:30pm beginning at the Comerica Bank and ending at the community pep rally in the parking lot by Chase Bank. Pregame activities begin with the dinner sponsored by the Junior Class on Friday, Oct 21 at 4:30pm. The Junior Class will be serving BBQ brisket, potato salad, beans, bread, pickles, onions, and homemade deserts. Plates are $10/each. Activities in the stadium begin at 6:30pm with the band and Wranglerettes performing before the game, Friendswood's portion of halftime will feature the crowning of this year's Football Sweetheart and Homecoming Queen.
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