I was very thankful that the rain cleared out before game time. Left behind from the cool front that moved through was cooler temps and a strong wind blowing from goalpost to goalpost. After the game, I read that the winds were 30 mph. I can't remember a game with that much wind since the Mustangs traveled to Orange to play West Orange Stark. I believe that game was in 2010. The difference with that game is that the wind blew at an angle to the field as opposed to down the field.
La Porte had posession of the ball first and spent almost 3 minutes on their first drive, ending when a Bulldog drug a Mustang with him into the end zone. For the most part, Friendswood defense did a good job of controlling the game during this first drive. But all it takes is for one person to misread the play or play a little too far off a receiver and the results can be points on the board.
When it was time for La Porte to kick off to the Mustangs, the kicker was having to kick straight into the wind. His first kick and his rekick both sailed out of bounds. After the second kick was caught by the coaches on the sidelines, the ball was placed at the 35 yard line for Friendswood's offense to get their first chance to play in this game. Unfortunately, for Friendswood, their first offensive drive ended with a three and out. However, the defense learned a few things about La Porte during that first drive and this was another three & out.
The Mustangs drive started near mid-field and needed 5 plays to get to the end zone. At this point, it began to look like the game might be a back and forth. Both teams had scored and both teams had used their punting team - something we aren't used to seeing. While it could have been a back and forth similar to the first half of the game last week, that's not exactly how it worked out.
Both teams had a strong team. La Porte's offensive style was a little different than what I was expecting, but it was easy to see how they got to the 2nd round of the playoffs. La Porte's defense was also good, but they just weren't ready for the Friendswood offense. Many people will tell you how awesome Page played during this game - and none of them would be wrong - but the rest of his offensive unit helped to make him look great. When Whitaker wasn't driving forward, he was blocking or creating the illusion that he was driving. When Roher wasn't racing toward the end zone with the ball, he was helping to create a path for Page. Yes, Page picked up a dropped snap and raced 60+ yards to the end zone, and yes he probably ran over 500 total yards (actual running, not the number of yards he advanced the ball). Yes, Page looked great! The rest of the offense didn't look too shabby either. It was nice to see the play callers mixing things up a little bit, too. Plays where the fans thought, "We've been here before. Page will do this or that", and he did neither - and it worked. Great effort by the Friendswood offense.
I've heard that Friendswood's defense is a little disappointed in their performance. I can see why they would feel that way, but the fact is, they got the job done. For the most part, the Mustang defense looked very strong and capable. There were a few misreads that led to points being scored, or the ball being much too close to the goal line than anyone would have liked. But you can't let a few mistakes color your opinion of the whole game. That being said, arm tackling is never a good idea and neither is playing 5 yards off a receiver. The defense did have that pass batted down in the red zone by Owens, and the interception by Nickerson. And how many times did the defense chase La Porte's quarterback out of bounds? Something else, La Porte hasn't ended a game with fewer points scored than that since they played Clear Springs before district play began. The only point in looking back now is looking for what you need to work on. Now is the time to look forward.
The boxscore for the game is
1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q FINAL
La Porte Bulldogs 7 7 14 7 35
Friendswood Mustangs 14 14 14 14 56
Several players deserve a pat on the back after this game. This week's atta-boys go to Follis, Horman, Halata, Ford, Hurst, Whitaker, Page, Roher, Swaney, Blackburn, Bell, Roenne, Peterson, Nickerson, Owens, Willis, Yurachek, Boddie, and Klump.
Thanks to the great playing by the Mustang offense and the defense getting the job done, Friendswood lives to play another week. For Friendswood (9-2, 5-2), the third round of the Texas High School Football Playoffs will take place at NRG Stadium on Saturday, November 26. Kick off will be at 2pm. The opponent - Katy Cinco Ranch (9-3, 5-2). Cinco Ranch hasn't been past the 2nd round of the playoffs since 2009 when they made it to the state semifinals. Friendswood's last trip to the 3rd round was last year. The Mustangs haven't advanced from there since 2010 when they made it to the state semifinals. For the Mustangs and their fans, this will be a white out game. Tickets are being sold around town during the week and will be sold for a higher price at the gates on Saturday. Don't forget to bring cash for parking. Oh, and
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