WEEK ONE ROUNDUP
Note: Obviously, everyone would have hoped for a different outcome to last week's game---certainly no group more so than the boys themselves. Your Mule Fan reporters feel that our job is to focus on the positives of Mules football for our fans---and there were many in this game. If you're looking to a critical analysis of the game or of any particular play or player's performance, you've come to the wrong location.
Speaking of our "job", you should be aware that this is a non-paying job. We were volunteered(as happens in my life quite often), not volunteers. Thus, the detail may vary every week and you may not always agree with the thoughts, but remember, we DO have day jobs AND you're reading this for free so you get what you pay for!! We're looking to grow the site with new exposure and we've had several alumni and their parents and others in the community asking to be added to the weekly e-mail blast....please spread the word. We're also looking to expand the content of the site with ideas such as Bob C's creation of a coaches corner and hopefully an area where we can get to know the assistant coaches on a more personal basis. As an aside, these men spend a tremendous amount of time with our boys...it's Saturday morning now and guess where your coaching staff is at this moment while most of us are enjoying our 3 day weekend? You got it-they are in the middle of a 4 hour practice session. These men are teaching our boys life lessons--be sure to say hello and thanks when you see them anytime/anywhere. While this may be the only A.H. sport with such a site, this thought relates to each sport or other extracurricular activity at all of the schools in the A.H.I S.D.
LAST WEEK: ROUND ROCKED
Round Rock Stony Point 58, Heights 16
The site of the Mules regular season opener was the Round Rock ISD Athletic Complex. For any of you who have not been to a game at this spectacular facility, the Stadium seats over 12,000, has parking for what appears to be 112,000 and a nice, visual Jumbotron that replays every play(unfortunately). The press box looks like a College Press Box and the seats have metal backs---do the words "Robin Hood" come to mind? They did to me. However, presumably, this stadium serves as the home field for several local schools and is not located on the campus of any of the schools---which causes the Round Rock teams scheduling problems such as the need for Thursday night varsity games during the school year(I don't know know if any of this is true---I'm a lawyer, not a journalist-- but it makes for good "copy" as they say in the business). I'll take our cozy stadium on campus in '09 any time.
The last time the Mules traveled to the RRISD Stadium was November, 2006 as the Mules continued their march towards the AAAA State Championship. On that day, the field served as a neutral site, not home to the 5A Stony Point Tigers. And, on that day, the results were much better for our beloved Mules.
The Tigers were a late addition to the Mules schedule--added when the home and home Georgetown series did not materialize for the 2008 and 2009 seasons. While picked as one of the best teams in the State in 5A, Stony Point also was ranked#39 in the country by Rivals.com. And, on this night, Stony Point sure looked like a contender for the 16-5A title, as advertised.
Stony Point was led by senior QB Nyk McKissic and senior RB Glascow Martin. In the first half, the Mules simply saw too much of both McKissic and Martin. The Mules dressed in their brand new white jerseys and gold pants, took the opening kickoff and pounded out a couple of first downs. When the drive stalled, the Tigers took over and began their offensive explosion. The Tigers churned 7 minutes off the first quarter clock en route to one of their early scores. The Mules rolled a bit more including additional first downs (one coming on a key third down pass from Senior Sooner QB Drew Allen to Kyle Flores). Flores, by the way, making his varsity debut, had a terrific game and appears on his way to having a great year.
In the second quarter, McKissic found Stevens for a 50 yard strike for another score. Glascow Martin added a couple of additional 3 yard touchdown runs and before Sarah and Paul McSween could figure out which one of their sons(Rhett and Thomas) was #58 and which one was #59, the Mules were down 28-0. It must be noted that the defense actually played very well during this period, even though the statistics would reflect otherwise. The Tigers offense is a numerous set offense and the Mules likely won't encounter one like that again this year. The huge offensive line and the speed of numerous Division I College prospects were too tough for the Mules defense which showed all the signs of strengthing as the season matures.
Looking at the positives, I believe there were many from that point forward. On the ensuing kickoff, Senior Co-Captain Collin Bibb exploded through the neatly formed wedge for a 41 yard kickoff return. The kickoff team really just came together as a unit in one week so it truly was a sign of things to come as the entire crew held their blocks, allowing Bibb to bust through. In the subsequent possession, Senior Sergio Acosta pounded out 15 yards, then caught a pass for 12 yards from Allen and, after a key 3rd and 7 reception by Flores, Acosta rumbled in from the 6. Unfortunately, the extra point was blocked and returned by the Tigers for 2 points leaving the Mules slightly deflated after a nice scoring drive going into halftime down 30-6.
The third quarter was the best quarter of the game for your Mules. The main reason? The Mules came out of the locker room with the spirtit of a team determined to play tough football, despite being down by 24 points. The Mules gave up a quick touchdown to the Tigers on a short completion and a long run by Aaron Sharp who looked like he had the speed of the Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt in the 2008 Olympic 100 meter finals (except Sharp didn't glance at the crowd for the last 15 yards while slowing down, nor did he take a lap around the track after his 85 yard TD score with a Tigers flag draped around his shoulders). Then the Mules settled in, both offensively and defensively, for the rest of the game.
The best drive of the night came after the Tigers first punt-which came with 4:40 left in the third quarter (folks, you may not get this much detail in the future). The series reflected the offensive line at its best. Coach Byrd substituted linemen (on both sides of the ball) throughout the game, so it's difficult to give names and numbers. On this drive, however, they all held their own and allowed Allen to find Flores for 20(catch of the game), junior Trevor Lovelady for 30, and junior John Cabell for 15 before settling for a 25 yard Andrew Bailey field goal. The field goal team executed the play to perfection---again, another one of those things you want solid before the start of District.
With the Mules down 44-9, Coach Byrd elected to rest QB Allen for the remainder of the game as he inserted junior Cullen Mills, who had signifiant Varsity experience taking numerous snaps during the Mules 2007 season. On the last play of the third quarter, Justin Rosenthal (spelled with an "l"or with a "w") bounced off tackle for 27 yards on his first carry of the season. Several plays later in the drive, early in the fourth quarter, Rosenthal carried it in from the 2 yard line through a hole nicely opened by the right side of the line, making the score 44-16.
While the fourth quarter didn't produce points, it did produce 6-11 passing from Mills, tough running by A.J. Lewis and experience for all the offensive linemen. On the other side of the ball, except for a couple of big plays by the Tigers, on most downs, the defense played good solid football. Senior Jake Everhart, new to the defense this year, broke up a pass nicely and was involved in a solo tackle on the following play.
Many positives came out of the game:
1. No injuries---This is a key to "We is the Key." Brief scares when defensive standouts Terry Andersen and Forrest Hagar went down---both getting off the field on their own and then returning to action.
2. Kickoff team--the wedge and the running of Collin Bibb.
3. Both lines--though the score may not reflect this, consider the speed and size of the opponent.
4. Senior leadership--On defense, we often heard over the loudspeaker the names of our senior leaders Beau Wilson, Terry Andersen, Colin Bibb, Migual Vasquez and others and on offense, Allen's poise and Acosta tough running and great hands.
5.Two Deep--The Mules are definitely two deep in every position and, in some cases, are solidly three deep.
A Few Words with the Head Coach of the Mules – Don Byrd
September 1, 2008
The Mule Fan: It was a tough night last Thursday in Round Rock against a very talented, athletic team which one would suspect is going to have a lot of success this season. One of the things you said last week was that teams usually improve throughout a first game and that the Mules would be a better team on Friday whatever the result. As you processed the game on the sidelines that night and now with the benefit of having seen the film, what aspects of the game did you feel you could see improvement during the game?
Coach Byrd: Probably the highlight was our kickoff returns. I thought Bibb did a great job. First of all they did a great job blocking for him and he did a nice job of reading the seams and getting there so that was a highlight. On offense we made some plays we just weren’t consistent enough. The offensive line was getting a good surge early in the game and I thought we did a better job as the game went on. They were very talented. That number 5 probably will end up at Ohio State. Some of those other guys have got some pretty good offers out there too so it was a great challenge. Defensively I thought we tackled well in the open field early. We left some gaps open. We just have to go back and look at that and see where we were reading wrong keys and what we were doing wrong with that. They were a very talented team and had a great scheme. They were probably a little tougher foe than we should have opened up with but was all there was as we talked about last week.
We became a better team because of it and hopefully we’ll have a good week of practice and work hard on some things and get better.
The Mule Fan: As you prepare this week for Clark, what do you see as the “low hanging fruit,” or the simplest things to work on to correct and the most positive things which you want to build on as you prepare for Clark this week?
Coach Byrd: We did pretty good in the running game but we really had to throw the ball a lot to open up the running game so we’re going to be have to be a little more efficient early with our running game. In the passing game we had some drops. We had a couple of busted assignments on blocking. We had a couple of times when we had bad technique and we made a couple bad reads so if we get a couple of those things cleared out we’ll be alright throwing the ball. Running the ball, especially with an offensive line that hadn’t had any snaps coming back on varsity, that’s the last thing that’s going to come along so we’ll just continue to get a little bit better. On defense we saw a lot of individual efforts but we’ve got to make sure we’ve got all 11 playing well and playing together knowing where to line up and how to feel. The thing that I think really hurt our defense was having an outstanding scrimmage against Mac Arthur. I think we got a little bigger heads than we needed to and that’s going to happen. That’s part of the early part of the season. You’ve got to learn how to handle adversity and success and you have to realize that you have to put both of them behind you and keep plugging away if you’re going to be a great team.
The Mule Fan: We saw a few kids cramping on the field. What about injuries and the health of the team going into this week?
Coach Byrd: For this time of year I think we’re doing alright. Bibb’s ankle is kind of nagging him. He got hurt playing basketball right before the season and of course Massari is out. And we did have a few cramps but that’s just the early part of the season. Those will play out as it gets a little cooler and we get in better condition. But all in all we’re pretty healthy.
The Mule Fan: So Clark this week is a team you’re familiar with. We’ve played them a lot over the last few years. They graduated a lot of players this last year too. What can we expect from Clark?
Coach Byrd: Clark always keeps a lot of kids in the program. They had an outstanding freshman class three years ago and they’re working their way on up through the ranks. They beat a good Churchill team last week so they’re 1-0 which they haven’t been the last couple of years. They play hard, they play aggressive and give you a lot of different looks on defense. So we’re going to have to make sure that we realize what look they’re giving us and how to execute the play call. On offense they’re going to line up a lot with two tight ends and highlight their quarterback. Shoot he does everything. He runs, throws, protects for the punter, returns kicks so we’re going to have to make sure that we keep him in check. We have to play physical enough at the line of scrimmage where we hold our own there on the line. They have an outstanding kicker. I think he kicked a 53 yard field goal last week so we’re going to have to do things in the kicking game to win. They put pressure on you every snap. It’s a big 5A school and that’s our challenge this week.
NEXT UP:
Clark Cougars-Thursday 7:00 p.m Farris Stadium
Alamo Heights travels to Farris Stadium on the Northwest Side of San Antonio(near UTSA) for another Thursday night game, necessitated again by an opponent jointly using a district's field. At least this game is a little closer to home which will hopefully allow more Mules fans and their families to attend than made the drive to Round Rock...HINT, HINT,HINT! Even a Chevrolet Suburban-the official vehicle of the Cities of Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills and Olmos Park-can make the drive to the Northwest side on one gallon of gas.
Ticket Information: Advance tickets are on sale at the AH Athletics office on Tuesday-Thursday of this week from 8.30am-noon and 1.30pm-3.30pm daily. Prices are $6 adults, $3 students ($7 at the gate for all tickets). If you're near the high school this evening, Patty Juarez will be selling tickets at the volleyball game in the foyer of the Muledome from 4.00pm-6.30pm. Come out and support the Mules!
Clark is a pre-season #2 pick in the Class 5A, District 28 behind SanAntonio Warren. Clark, with 2700 students (again almost double the size of Heights) returns 6 offensive and 4 defensive starters from a team that was a DI 5A bi-district finalist in 2007. Clark returns 3 veteran leaders on defense an a Jr QB Hayden Greenbauer who passed for 600 yards and ran for another 884 in 2007. Another highlight for Clark is a returning punter who averaged 45.4 yards per kick in 2007.
Clark, ranked 6th in local 5A, survived a scare from Churchill, in the 28th Gucci Bowl last Thursday. Amazingly, the Cougars ran the ball 33 times for 226 yards and passed only 8 times in the come from behind victory. RB Jock Tilghman ran for 163 yards on 17 carries (including an 80 yard run) and QB Greenbauer ran for an additional 66 yards, including the game winning 29 yard run with 6:00 left in the game. Clark's running back Tilghman was quoted in the Express News as saying..."We have the best offensive line in the City.The Best." Now, without talking(let's let our playing do our talking) hopefully we can use that quote to fire up our defensive line and our own offensive line.
MULES ON THE RADIO:
If you can't make it to the game or if you want a more "complete" in-stadium experience, follow the Mules on radio all season with Ed Suarez and Dave Parker calling the action. This week the Mules are on KEDA-1540 AM. Air time is 6.30pm. Don't forget to patronize and/or thank all of the sponsors of the broadcast!
Coach Byrd at Alamo Café Talking Mules Football this Sunday
Be a part of a live audience with Dave Parker from Mules Radio and Coach Don Byrd in a radio interview this Sunday morning September 7th at 11:00 am at Alamo Café on Hwy. 281 in San Antonio. Dave’s High School Coach’s Corner will air on KLUP 930 AM Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m. He would really like to have a good crowd of the Mule faithful on hand for the chat with Coach Byrd so please come on out and support the Mules this Sunday at Alamo Cafe!
Chase Clement on ESPN
Just in case you missed it, Mule dad Craig Clement sent The Mule Fan a link to ESPN which did a great interview with the potent Rice University passing and receiving duo of former Mule great Chase Clement and fellow San Antonian and Sam Houston standout Jarrett Dillard. Its good stuff so have a look. (Hint: you may have to scroll through the playlist on the right side of the page to find the feature. The older it gets, the further back you'll have to go.)
http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3564404&n8pe6c=1&categoryId=2564308
AH Season Tickets Wrapping Up
Friday, September 5 is the last day to buy season tickets in a package for the 2008 Mules home schedule. That doesn’t mean you can’t buy tickets to home games after the 5th it just means you have to buy them game-to-game. Season tickets are priced at $35 per seat. Come out and support your Mules. For more details, contact Patty Juarez, the “keeper of all things Mule” at the AH Athletic office 820-8855, ext. 5717.
SEE HERE:
Regardless of how it appears, Mary Candee isn't taking pictures of the action for her own fun. Taking professional photos is her career and we're very fortunate to have her following all Mules sports. Visit Mary's site at http://www.dulcedesigns.photoreflect.com/ . Remember, parents a few dollars for a lifetime of memories.
IN THE NEWS:
In a nationally televised ESPN game on Friday, Rice QB Chase Clement went 24 of 37 for 258 yards and threw 6 TD passes. Clement also rushed for 87 yards and led Rice over SMU 56 to 27 ruining Junes Jones SMU debut.
North Texas, dropped its opener to Kansas State 45-6. Gio Vizza was 16-29 for 100 yards, 5 of those grabs made by wideout Sam Dibrell.
Remember, Rice and UNT meet in Houston on September 27th. Anyone needing tickets, check with Ron Mills who has secured a large block of tickets.
THE MULE FAN
If you would like to be added to (or deleted from) a weekly blast advising of new Mule Fan postings, simply send an e-mail to brosenthal@trpsalaw.com and we'll get you added.
GO MULES! Bob/Bobby
