The Mule Fan

MULES ROLL INTO PLAYOFFS




LOOKING BACK: Heights 30, N.B. Canyon 10

Twas the night of the 24th...and at Alamo Heights,
There were TONS of game programs....unlike San Marcos nights.

Our programs are massive...'cause great sponsors who paid,
We've got pictures and listings of each players grade.

Our programs are terrific...and lest we forget.
They're a result of hard work....FROM Sue Wernette.

The Mules entered Friday's game at 4-0 in District play. This stretch of the final three games would certainly be the toughest as the Mules and their coaching staff knew. All year, everyone has talked about Kerrville and Steele, but the Mules knew that N.B. Canyon would rank up there as a tough game as well. Canyon is a very well coached team, and is solid on both offense and defense. Fewer players go both ways(used as an athletic term here) on Canyon than on other teams meaning your Mules were not likely to wear down the Canyon players. Canyon spreads the field on defense, meaning the Mules would get fewer big plays on offense and the Canyon offense would be led by Running Back--and New Mexico State signee--Robert Clay and the running/passing of Senior Quarterback Tyler Denson.

The greater Mules community had a very difficult week, to say the least...and a game of football was really put into perspective for many of us. For those of you who did not notice, each Mule had a piece of tape on the back of his helmet, which read "R.I.P.-A.W. & A.K." This statement really says it all about the bonds we form living where we do. As tough as it was, for 3 hours some of the Mules players temporarily had to set aside grieving and focus on football. The Cougar fans arrived early, most of them dressed in red. They were led by a band that appeared to be twice the size of the UT Marching Band. Lots of Mule fans entered by kickoff but many arrived during the first quarter--presumably these fans were at the stadium well before the kickoff BUT they returned home to change clothes after realizing they were wearing navy blue instead of the new Mule royal blue(see last week's School Song).

The Cougars took the opening kickoff and the coverage was terrific as usual. This Mule Fan reporter notices how important this is to the tone of each game. Coach Walker leads the special teams and deserves significant credit for having his crew execute Coach Byrd's desired plan---a high kickoff with great hang time, pinning a team in their corner allowing the coverage team to sprint downfield to make the tackle. Neither team got much of a drive going in the first quarter. On one early drive, Denson, the 6'1"(thanks Sue) Quarterback hit Chase Hoffman(thanks again Sue) for 20 and Robert Clay converted another 3rd and 5 with a 10 yard run. However, the Cougar drive stalled when Sr. Captain Collin Bibb made a critical stop on 4th and 1 from the Mules 8. This was only the first of many, many huge defensive stops on the evening. However, the Mules turned the ball over and gave Canyon good field position, the defense AGAIN held and Canyon settled for a field goal and a 3-0 lead. This was nothing new for your Mules as their opponent has scored first in EVERY game this year--all 8 games!!!! After a nice kickoff return by Terry Andersen to the 40, Drew Allen found Tyler Marshall for a couple of nice catches, including a big 3rd and 5. The quarter ended with the Mules down 3-0 but possessing the ball at the Cougars 20.

The Mules turned the ball over again but the defense AGAIN held, this time the big 3rd and 5 stop was made by Mike Warren. The offense couldn't convert again but a nice punt pinned the Cougars at their 13. A key stop on the next Cougar drive was Phillip Massari breaking up a long Denson pass.The Cougars tried to draw the Mules offsides on 4th and 1 but the focused defense did not jump and the Cougars actually did punt after a time out. Both teams had drives stall again until the Cougars punted giving the Mules the ball at their own 45. After a holding call, Drew Allen looked to make things happen by running instead of passing. He ran for 17 and then for 15(towards his game high 117) before hitting Victor Givens in the end zone on 3rd and 9 for a 7-3 Mules halftime lead

This is as good a place as any for an editorial comment---not every night will offense, defense and special teams play perfectly for 48 minutes. The mark of a great team is the ability to maintain composure when things aren't going your way, have the other areas of the team step up to keep the team in a game until things get on track.The defense definitely did this on this evening as they kept a potent Cougar offense from adding to a 3-0 lead by not giving up a huge play or another first half score. This allowed the offense to put together a drive, score and take a lead into the second half--this was huge.



The Mules took the 3rd quarter kickoff and looked to run a bit more in the second half. The Mules put together a good drive to start the half with nice runs by Justin Rosenthal and QB Allen(Sergio Acosta's injured knee kept the tough running senior leader out of the rotation for most of the game) and receptions by, among others, Andrew Richter. The Mules turned the ball over deep in Cougar territory but once again(you got it!), the defense held and the Mules got the ball back at the 45. On 3rd and 12, Allen connected with Trevor Lovelady for a key first down, Rosenthal found a hole for 20, Lovelady again caught a pass to the 2 but the Mules had to settle for an Andrew Bailey field goal and a 10-3 lead. A big hit by Harrison Park and Luke Maloy on the ensuing kickoff helped set the tone for the 4th quarter explosion to come. The Mules had definitely played better in the 3rd quarter but, nonetheless, had only extended their lead by 3 points.

Carter Thurman(a/k/a Car-Car), jumped in front of a Denson passed and gave the ball to the Mules at the Cougars 25. Time to put things into overdrive. On the first play, Allen ran a bootleg to the right and found the end zone for a 17-3 lead. BUT, the Cougars may have been down, but they weren't done. On the next possession, Denson threw for 20, #21 Clay ran for 21 and on a 3rd and 3 Denson ran for 10 setting up a 2 yard T.D. pass. Suddenly it was 17-10 with 7:12 left in the game. The Mules next drive started from their 12 and the game appeared a little shaky. Just when it was time to get concerned, on a huge 3rd and 7, Allen hit Andrew Richter in stride on a crossing pattern and Richter took it all the way to the Cougar 15. Allen ran it in from the 10 and the Mules were up 24-10 with 4:18 left. Terry Andersen made a nice interception and the Mules put together a final drive, capped by a 2 yard A.J. Lewis touchdown and a 30-10 final score. Kudos again to the defense, holding two explosive runners to just 157 yards on 38 attempts. The Mules offense clicked for 400 yards, with over 200 on the ground and Allen connecting with 6 different receivers.

A Few Words with the Head Coach of the Mules – Don Byrd
October 24, 2008 (just after the victory over New Braunfels Canyon)

The Mule Fan: The team seemed to struggle to find its footing and build momentum offensively in the first half. What was on your mind as you were assessing the first half?

Coach Byrd: We just turned the ball over a few times and just couldn’t hit on all cylinders. I don’t know the reason why. The game plan was good. There was a lot of stuff there. We just couldn’t execute it real well. In the second half we didn’t turn the ball over and we made the plays we needed to. All the turnovers we’re deep in their territory so we didn’t give them a short field. We just need to get that ironed out this week. When we finally got everything settled down the kids executed real well. I think we only punted once or twice so it shows we’re doing a lot of good things. We’ve got to protect the football better.

The Mule Fan: Drew Allen carried the ball a lot tonight and was very productive with his rushing. Was he just taking what the defense was giving him or was that part of your game plan going in?

Coach Byrd: Oh we’re going to run him a little more as we get deeper. He’s a big strong athlete. You’ve got to get him the ball. He made some good decisions in the second half and made some great plays for us.

The Mule Fan: You have to be pleased with the way the guys kept their confidence up. They seemed to come out in the second half with a swagger and the attitude that they could pull it off.

Coach Byrd: Yeah it’s really the second time we’ve done that. A little bit like the scenario against Boerne but we turned it on a little quicker tonight. I’m proud of those guys. They know when it’s not going well they can up the ante and get a great level of play. We just can’t get into a fog like we did tonight. We’ve got two great teams left and then the rest of it is playoffs. There are a lot of challenges ahead and we’ve just got to make sure that we’re executing at the highest level we can.

The Mule Fan: We have arrived at the game many folks circled on their schedules at the start of the season. Both teams are unbeaten in district play with a lot on the line. We play at Kerrville where we had great success a year ago. They just came off a dramatic overtime win over Steele and your team is on a roll as well. The scene is set for a big one.

Coach Byrd: It’s going to be wild up in Kerrville. We need a big group of fans coming up there because it’s a tough place to play. We won a big one up there last year and we’ve played well there. We’re going to have to make sure we take care of business. They’re very explosive on offense. They have two quarterbacks so if one is not doing as well they can sneak the other one in. They play a little different style so you have to change up what you’re doing. All their skill guys have tremendous speed. They remind me a little bit of our team a couple of years ago and their skill guys simply because of the speed they have. They have a lot of guys that can make huge plays out of nothing. Not just one or two but really across the board. They have good size in their offensive line and they have a scheme that has been successful for them. On defense they are very aggressive. They do a lot of blitzing. They like to mix things up. They play hard and fly around to the ball and they are always sound in the kicking game. We’re going to have to play a complete game. When you go up against teams like Madison and beat Roosevelt and beat Warren, some of those big 5A teams and blowing through this district it’s going to be a great challenge but it’s what high school football is all about.

The Mule Fan Goes Inside the Half Time Locker Room!

Another behind the scenes treat exclusively for Mule Fan readers. Coach Byrd allowed us into the dressing room at half time of the game against New Braunfels Canyon. Click on the video below for a look at some of the assistant coaches in conversation with their players about the first half. And, listen in on coach Byrd as he talks to the Mules at the half. If you get the chance, tell Coach Byrd how much you appreciate these special inside visits!

TICKETS FOR KERRVILLE
Tickets will be available in advance for the Kerrville game at the Alamo Heights Athletic office during these very special and accommodating hours:
Wed. - 8:30a - noon and 1:30p - 3:00p Thurs. - 8:30a - noon and 1:30p - 3:30p & 4:00p - 7:00p Fri. - 8:30a - 3:00p
General Admission Prices - Adults - $6 and Students $3 (pre-sale)All tickets at the gate in Kerrville - $7.

LOOKING AHEAD: HALLOWEEN IN KERRVILLE

Okay ghosts and goblins---get ready for a Halloween goodie this Friday. Put on your costumes(blue and gold, preferably) and head out IH-10 because the biggest treat of the night will be the Marquee Match-up in the San Antonio area---#1 Kerrville vs. Alamo Heights. We know many of you will want to go trick-or-treating with your younger kids on Friday but do us a favor...tell them they are sooooooo adorable in their costumes, take a bunch of pictures of them by the pumpkin , throw some candy in their bags THEN SHIP THEM OUT to your non-Mule fan friends(that is an oxymoron) for the evening--they won't care as long as they end up with a loaded bag of candy[Note:This Mule fan has already made plans to lead by way be example--just don't tell her]. Then you can head out to Kerrville and everyone will be happy.

For weeks, the Express News, and others, have talked about Kerrville/Steele, Steele/Kerrville...Steele, Steele, Steele and Kerrville, Kerrville, Kerrville. Well, it's time now to see how the Mules stack up against the areas top sub 5A teams. Kerrville, no doubt, will be pumped coming off the huge win over Steele(previously #1 in sub 5A) and likely will have posted in the Antler locker room, a reminder about last years 19 point come from behind 4th quarter victory by the Mules at the same venue in Kerrville. Probably, Kerrville will be a top 10-12 state team when the rankings come out this week.The district championship is again on the line--if Kerrville wins, the Antlers win district...if the Mules win, they clinch at least a share of the district. Vegas may need a calculator to come up with the projected over-and-under in this highly anticipated shootout...but we have a secret weapon(Mules defense).

Kerrville is led by its own Drew Allen-like quarterback, Colton Palmer. In case you don't recall, On August 24, 2008, in its High School Football preview, the Express News ran a full page feature with Drew Allen and Colton Palmer--the two joked with each other, talked about movies and stars and answered many of the reporters light-hearted questions.These guys are similar--both are 6'4", around 210 pounds, throw right-handed for over 60 yards in the air, and run a 4.6 40. Enough said? Senior quarterback Palmer is the starter now, having worked his way back into the Antler lineup after a two game suspension. In the Steele game, Palmer went 30 of 36 for 436 yards, including 15 passes to his favorite target, Logan Vick and 8 more to Matt Ayala. Palmer also has the ability to run and his 4 yard touchdown run with 27 seconds left put Kerrville on top of Steele 34-27. Steele was without 4A's leading rusher, Malcolm Brown, who was out with an injury, but who, unfortunately for the Mules, will be back for the Mules game in 2 weeks. Brown possibly could've made a difference in the outcome of the Kerrville game as he likely would have helped keep the high-octane Antler offense off the field. On the other hand, Kerrville's offense was so powerful, that three turnovers in Steele territory in the first half kept this from being a first half route by Kerrville. Folks, the Antler offense is GOOD. The Antler defense also played great football, holding a potent Steele rushing attack to under 200 yards rushing on 35 carries and take away one 65 yard pass, Kerrville's defense held Steele to 125 yards passing in the game.

DISTRICT DOINGS:Week Five is in the books (District records after 5th week):

Kerrville Tivy(5-0) 34, Steele (4-1) 27
Heights(5-0) 30, N.B. Canyon(2-3) 10
Clemens(3-2) 26, San Marcos(0-5) 10
Boerne Champion(1-4) 54, Seguin(0-5) 35

Week FOUR Results(FYI): Steele(4-0) 49, Boerne Champion(0-4) 28...Heights(4-0) 42, San Marcos(0-4) 6...Kerrville Tivy(4-0) 40, N.B. Canyon(2-2) 28...Clemens(2-2) 28, Seguin(0-4) 14

Week THREE Results(FYI):Heights(3-0) 38, Seguin(0-3) 27…Steele(3-0) 28, N.B Canyon(2-1) 21…Tivy(3-0) 42, San Marcos(0-3) 28…Clemens(1-2) 35, Boerne Champion(0-3) 21



Week TWO Results(FYI):Steele(2-0) 45, Clemens(0-2) 35…Kerrville Tivy(2-0) 40, Seguin(0-2) 17…Heights(2-0) 17,Boerne Champion(0-2) 10…N.B. Canyon(2-0)48, San Marcos(0-2) 14



Week ONE Results(FYI): Steele(1-0) 49, San Marcos(0-1) 17…Kerrville(1-0) 50, Boerne Champion(0-1) 20…HEIGHTS(1-0) 35, Clemens(0-1) 3…N.B. Canyon 45, Seguin(0-1) 27



GETTING TO KNOW COACH MARK BOND: As most of you know, Mark Bond has been a part of the Alamo Heights system for quite some time. His quick wit and great attitude with the Junior School boys prepares many of them for successful High School careers both on the field and off. This week we get to know Mark a little bit better. Be sure to thank him for all he and his great group do for Alamo Heights.

Name (how many years at Alamo Heights): Mark Bond (16 years)
Spouse's Name: N/A
Children Ages: 8 and 4
Hometown: San Antonio
College Attended: St. Mary's University High School: Edison
Coaching responsibilities this season: 8th Football, Varsity Baseball Assistant
Subjects you also teach at AHHS: Physical Education
Hobbies: Hunting, Fish, Golf
Things you had the most fund doing this past summer: Spending time with my kids at Seaworld, Fiesta Texas, Port Aransas, Lake
High School or College Athletics you played (position): St. Mary's University – 4 yr. letter in baseball – pitcher
What was your best subject in school: History, English
What teams do you follow as a fan: Mules, Astros, Cowboys
Fondest memory or the greatest moment in your athletic career: 4-1 win over University of Texas in 1980 (They won National Championship that year with Roger Clemens)
Most embarrassing moment in your athletic career: Looking back at those shorts we wore playing High School basketball
Most well known athlete(s) you've competed with or against in your playing career (who, what team or game, what level, where, those kinds of details): Against: Spike Owen (All American Shortstop at UT) (Boston Red Sox)
Outside of Coach Byrd (of course), what coach at any level of any sport do you admire most: Melbourne O'Banion, my Pony League Baseball Coach for his love of kids
What is your pre-game ritual or any superstitions: None
irst car: '74 Olds Cutlass
Favorite type of music or favorite artist(s): Country/some old school rock
Musical instruments played?: None
Which song from your youth would you consider your favorite: "Flirtin with Disaster" Molly Hatchett
If you were doing one song in an "air guitar" concert, which one would you tear 'em up with?: What is air guitar?
If you were forced to do one karaoke song, which would it have to be: "Just Not Today" by Kenny Chesney




GO VOTE(FOR CHASE): Chase Clement, former A.H. standout and current Rice Q.B. has been voted a finalist for the "Senior Class Award" sponsored by Lowe's. Please go to the site noted below and vote for Chase.

http://football.seniorclassaward.com/men...dates.aspx



KEEP THOSE CARDS AND LETTERS COMING: We listen to what you say. Thanks to Phyllis Viola for the weekly positive feedback that she provides to the Mule Fan. Thanks to those of you who report other scores or information about former players--we are happy to pass that information along. Because of such e-mails,we are able to report that the JV A beat Canyon in an exciting 22-20 victory and we also were able to include the "Vote for Chase" section in this week's edition.

OTHER MULE NEWS: The Junior Varsity plays its last home game this Thursday against Kerrville(Come support them!) while the Freshmen travel to Kerrville. From the Junior School, this week the 7th grade is at home and the 8th is at Krueger while next Tuesday the 7th grade is at home again and the 8th grade plays Tejeda at Commalander

MULES ON THE RADIO: The Mules radio home for the rest of the year (unless advised otherwise) is KKYX-680AM. Follow the action there with Ed Suarez and Dave Parker. Airtime will be 7:00 p.m. Don’t forget to patronize and thank the sponsors for their commitment to Alamo Heights.


PLAY IT AGAIN, FAN: Hey Mule fans....Mike Murphy (The Murfman) videos all Mules games and has worked out a package for varsity parents to have each game on a DVD. Murf's video's are easy to view...limited to just the plays. These special video highlights on the Mule Fan are compliments of Murf. If you want a copy of games from this year or last year, or footage of your favorite Mule in action in a series of games, contact Murf at mike@murfman.net or on his cell at 210.216.1685.


MULES PHOTOS:View all the photos from Mules games and save those memories forever with Dulce Designs(Mary Candee)http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/store.aspx?p=23252


THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS: Recent losses have saddened many in the A.H. community. We ask all Mules fans to keep the families and friends in their thoughts and prayers.