On Friday, October 20, 2023, the Manvel Mavericks hosted the Magnolia Bulldogs at Freedom Field. Entering this game, the Magnolia Bulldogs had a 5-1 record while the Manvel Mavericks held a record of 3-2.
I think I can honestly say that this is the first time I have ever seen a flea flicker on the first snap on the game. Manvel's flea flicker was successful and got the Mavericks to Magnolia's half of the field. My apologies to the Maverick who threw the second pass in that play. You deserve a big attaboy for that one. The Mavericks scored on their first drive and immediately gave their fans hope. After the touchdown, the Maverick defense took the field and continued their dominating ways. However, once the Maverick offense returned to the field, the Maverick offense that we've seen since game 3 showed up and our hopes began to sink.
Throughout the game, the Maverick defense played smart, strong football. Despite this, the Magnoia offense has some very strong ball carriers. More than once, I saw their ball carriers drag multiple defenders who were trying to make a tackle.
During the second half, the Mavericks made a big change and brought in a new quarterback. I don't know where this kid has been all season, but I would love to know why he's just now playing QB. With what we saw Friday night, this young man should have been QB1 since week 3. I'm looking forward to seeing more of him in the QB position. On Friday night, this young man was wearing #4. If the roster on MaxPreps is correct, he is Senior WR Stephen Lewis. If anyone can confirm his identity, please let me know.
Several Manvel Mavericks earned attaboys on Friday night. This week's attaboys go to Haynes (Welcome back), Corner, Robinson, Cooks, Charles, Edmonson, Wilder, Jones, Morgan, Carter, Thompson, Boone, Blanton, White, Demery, Holmes, Lewis, Caton, Wilder, and Fleming.
Boxscore 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total
Magnolia Bulldogs 0 17 7 3 27
Manvel Mavericks 7 0 7 7 21
Moving forward - I'm not sure what the players wear during practice but I would practice with all players wearing the same helmets and offense wearing a different color jersey than defense. Interceptions seem to be a bigger issue when the teams are wearing the same color helmets. I think it would help the quarterbacks to practice with the same color helmets.
There are 2 weeks left in the regular season for 2023. Below are the current district standings, thanks to Chris Walter, whose X (formerly twitter) handle is @walterca1107.
Manvel still has Fulshear to play as well as Terry. The Maverick's next game will be at Fulshear on Friday, October 27, 2023, before closing out the regular season at Freedom Field against Terry on Thursday, November 2, 2023. In District 10-5AD1, only the top 4 teams will continue on into the playoffs. In a tie situation, Angleton would beat Manvel and Manvel would beat Friendswood because of the outcome of their regular season matchups.
Good luck to Manvel as they take on the Fulshear Chargers.
Hoka Hey!
Disclaimer: My football education is from attending high school football games for 40+ years and sitting between my dad and my grandpa for the first 12 of those years. I continue to learn more about the game and strategies every week. My vocabulary may be lacking, but I know what I see and describe it as best I can.
