The Mule Fan

Mules heading to 4A Division 1 State Finals!
First time in AHHS Football History to reach State Finals, the Mules shocked #4 ranked Lamar Consolidated in the State Semi-Finals game this last Saturday (12/9/06) night in Round Rock Stadium by a score of 42-14.

No one had predicted the Mules to win this match-up because of LC’s running back and their significant size. In fact, they have 5 or 6 linemen who have verbally committed to a D1 school. What they did not realize is that the Mules are one of the best if not the best 4A team in the State boasting one of the top defenses and an offense led by senior quarterback Giovanni Vizza with multiple weapons that can score quickly on the ground or in the air.

The Mules beat and out coached LC soundly in almost every aspect of the game. The Mules were well prepared for a strong running game of Jacquizz Rogers. He was ultimately limited to 110 yards on 28 carries. His brother James, another very good receiver, was limited to 110 yards. LC posted 230 yards and two touchdowns, lowest stats for them this season. Final record for LC was 13 and 1.

It was a great football night in Round Rock. Little breeze and a temperature in the high 40’s – low 50’s. Both Alamo Heights and LC had a large contingent from the home towns. School spirit was at a high for both teams.

LC won the toss and elected to receive. On the opening kickoff, Bridgman made the tackle and LC started of at the 40 yard line. They drove the field to the 25 yard line and were finally stopped with fourth and three. Nearly every Mule was involved in stopping Rogers with good hits by Bailey, Duncan, Grotte, Bridgman and Shaver in the first series. Going for the fourth down, Bridgman recorded his first interception and was tackled on the 13 yard line. Vizza took over and on the first play hit Dibrell on a 28 yard pass. Gio then hit Broadnax for two passes, a good run by Haverda before Vizza scrambled in on a powerful 21 yard TD run with 6:54 left in the game. (Vizza's run was on Channel 13 as one of the plays of the week). Scoring time was less then two minutes.

Mules stopped LC’s second procession with big hits from Grotte, Thaddeus, Garcia, Layne and Tatum. In fact, the defensive line and ends did a great job on working a very large and aggressive LC offensive line. Mules took over on downs and starting at the 29, Gio orchestrated a drive involving Broadnax, and Haverda, and ultimately hit Sam Hamilton on a five yard pass with 2:02 left in the quarter. Score at the end of the first quarter was 14 – 0.

Mule’s kickoff went into the end zone and LC took over at the 20. After getting a first down, the Mules held LC. In fact, Craig Thompson nearly recorded an interception that would have been run back for a touchdown but he did knock the ball away from James Rogers. After a long kick, Mules started off at the 10 yard line and drove 64 yards but could not convert a fourth down. LC took over and made one first down before being stopped. Punted into the end zone. Mules took over on the 20. Vizza hit Broadnax before recording an interception in LC’s territory. On the following play, Bridgman recorded his second interception. The mules took over on the 10 yard line and began a drive. Great execution by the front offensive line specifically by Cook, Pipkin, Mowrey, Foote and LePere. It was on this drive that Cody Courtney caught a beautiful 30 yard over the shoulder key third down pass to keep the drive alive. After a series of first downs, Vizza was intercepted. Mules took over but with great stops by Thaddeus and Grotte, LC was forced to punt. On the punt, sophomore Terry Anderson broke through the line and blocked the punt. This was one of the key plays of the game and on the very next play, Vizza hit Dibrell on an 8 yard TD pass. Quarter ended with a score of 21 -0.

Second half, Haverda received the kickoff on the 2 yard line and ran to the 20. Vizza hit both Dibrell and Broadnax before being forced to punt. LC took over on the 19 and drove the field on a time consuming 11 play drive and scored with 5:45 left in the third. Score 21 – 7. Haverda returned the ball to the 10 on the kickoff and on the first possession, Vizza recorded an interception as a result of a miss-communication. LC took over on the five yard line and scored on the first possession. Score with 4:00 left in the third was 21- 14. It seemed that the momentum had changed to LC but not for long.

LC kickoff to Broadnax who ran it to the 32. Vizza hit Hamilton on a nice pass and then on a key third down hit Broadnax streaking down field for an apparent touchdown but was called out at the 45 yard line but enough for a first down. After several more first downs, Vizza hit Broadnax on a 20 yard single handed catch. Vizza then hit Dibrell on a perfect strike 17 yard TD pass. Dibrell second touchdown for the night. That drive nearly chewed up 4:00 minutes and quarter ended with a lead of 28 – 14.

On the following kickoff, Mules held LC to three and out and after a punt, Vizza immediately hit Dibrell on a 27 yard pass for his third and final touchdown with 8:17 left in the quarter.

Mules continued to hold LC and on the final drive Vizza hit Blonvist on a 44 yard TD pass. LC’s final pass was intercepted by Tyler (Lieutenant) Dan for a final score of 42 – 14.

Key Stats: Vizza was 26 for 38 for 397 yards and personally rushed for 44 yards and one touchdown. Vizza threw five touchdowns. Dibrell 7 – 106 yardsand three touchdowns, Broadnax 9-139 yards, Courtney 5-61, Blonkvist 2-53 and one touchdown, and Hamilton 2-34 and one touchdown . Haverda rushed 17-87 yards. Bridgman- 2 interceptions, Dan 1 interception and Terry Anderson – blocked punt.

AHHS total yards was 528 vs Lamar at 230.

Great win and now to State. AHHS will face Copperas Cove this next Saturday at the Alamodome for the State 4A Division 1 Finals. Game time is 7:00. Make plans to come and watch AHHS win its first State Title.