The Mule Fan

(Photos courtesy of Mary Candee at www.dulcedesigns.photoreflect.com)

As promised, The Mule Fan presents a mid-week update as we approach kick-off in round two of the playoffs. Much discussion took place early this week regarding whether to charge for this addtional bit of information. In the end, it was determined that the bookkeeping would not be worth it. However, in order to reduce costs we decided to delete the 4 1/2 pages of sheet music of the Alamo Heights Fight Song arranged for Glockenspeil and Kettle Drum in E minor which we had considered including in this mid-week post. It will be available by special order only. (Note: Important ticket information and driving directions are once again included in the Mule Fan update - scroll down to view.)

November 19 Update

A Few Words with the Head Coach of the Mules – Don Byrd
November 18, 2008 (Playoff Edition)

The Mule Fan: The Mules get a blowout win in the first round of the playoffs against Brackenridge 44-13. From the stands it looked like a dominant effort on both sides of the ball. The Eagles didn’t complete a pass, only had six first downs and the defense forced four turnovers. You scored on every possession in the first half with the starters in. But from a technical point of view, how did you feel it went?

Coach Byrd: I thought the kids came out and set the tone early. That’s what our goal was. They’re continuing to improve and executing well and making the plays when they need to so we were happy with the performance across the board. Brack was not one of the strongest teams in the playoffs but they had some talented kids. We were able to play a lot of kids and were excited about that.

The Mule Fan: Obviously the best part of a game like that is you get to advance. And next would be if you got out with no injuries which we’ll take about shortly. But I would think you and the other coaches would find it very satisfying to get all the kids in the game as it appears you did.

Coach Byrd: We were excited about that. You know it’s been a tough year and you want to play the kids. You want to get them out on the field. But you’ve got to make sure the situation is right and that you’re not going to embarrass kids or do things where you could be in jeopardy of losing a game. We had a great opportunity to put them out on the field and were proud of them. They sure did a nice job.

The Mule Fan: We’ve talked all year about how young this team was in certain key areas. What was your observation about their “playoff focus and concentration?” Was it what you were hoping for or expecting from such a young team?

Coach Byrd: Yes. So far it’s been great. They understand that if you mess up your team doesn’t play the next week. So it’s sudden death. We’re proud of their practice habits. We’re proud of their focus. They’ve really come together as a team. You know you work all season long to get in the playoffs and now the playoffs are here and you just have four short days of practice before you actually enter into another contest. So I’m proud of them for making the most of those four days and for carrying over what they do in practice over into a game.

The Mule Fan: So now it’s on to the second round and the 7-4 Killeen Kangaroos at a neutral site in Round Rock. We’ve seen some big guys this year especially early with Stony Point and Clark. Killeen also has some real size especially on their offensive line. When our guys have been successful against people much larger than they are, what has been the reason?

Coach Byrd: Well you have to have quick feet. If you just sit there and not get your feet alive, not read and get off your blocks and get to the ball, then they’re going to lock on to you. So you just have to realize that’s their advantage and your advantage needs to be how quick you are and how low you keep your pads and how well you execute the technique that we’ve been teaching you. We’ve gone against large teams in the past and it doesn’t scare me if the kids will just play the way they’re taught.

The Mule Fan: From what you’ve been able to see on film thus far, how would you compare Killeen to some of the teams we’ve faced this season and what are you expecting?

Coach Byrd: They’re a larger team size-wise like we discussed earlier. They’re very athletic. The quarterback is a sophomore, Cunnigham I believe is his name, and has had a great start for them. He does a nice job of mainly running the football. Their other back does well. They have a large offensive line that executes well. They’ve got a great kickoff guy that keeps the ball deep and keeps moving it around. Their defense is a steady defense. They have enough size and speed to be very dangerous. We’re going to have to execute well and beat them with our intensity early to have a shot at going on to the next week.

The Mule Fan: We mentioned injuries earlier. How’s our health this week?

Coach Byrd: Harrison Park had a concussion and I’m not sure if he’s going to be back this week or not. Trevor Lovelady has been practicing and looking good this week. Beau Wilson’s shoulder is still bothering him so we’re hoping the trainers can work some magic and get that thing tightened up a little bit and a little stronger where we can use his leadership and his playing ability out there also. Sergio is back 100%. In fact we’re going to look at him playing a little defense too. He’s an athlete that needs to be out on the field and he’s done that like everything Sergio does with a great attitude and a lot of desire to help the team.

The Mule Fan: So what are the keys to victory for Heights this week?

Coach Byrd: We need to make sure we come out and start playing from play one. We need to play with a lot of intensity and emotion. We need to have some big plays on the kicking game. We’re close but we haven’t had any lately. We need to make sure that we take of that. We can’t be intimidated by their size or speed. We’ve got to make sure that we play to the best of our ability and not worry about the things that we don’t have control over and play good hard, solid football for four quarters.

At this time of week, the Mule Fan realizes that you need a little highlight footage to get you through the washing and the cooking and all that....Mike Murphy has again provided us with an outstanding highlight package from the Brackenridge win. At first he asked if he could draw the highlights for us with crayon. We suggested there was not time for that. He agreed to do the video. Enjoy!

1. TICKET SALES-
Wed 8:30-12 and 1:30-4:00(Athletic Office)
Thursday 9 a.m to 6 p.m (Muledome)
Friday 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m(Muledome)
Adults --- $7.00
Students --- $4.00
At the gate all tickets are $8.00

2.ROUND ROCK DRAGON STADIUM-Essentially, it is just west of IH-35 at the 620 Exit in Round Rock. For your convenience, a map is on the attached link, specific driving directions are set out below and the bottom link is a nice picture of the stadium. Mules will be the home team and presumably will have the home side which appears to be the side farthest from IH-35 (this is not definite information).

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=230+N+Lake+Creek+Drive+-+Round+Rock,+Texas+78681&iwloc=A&hl=en

Driving directions to 230 N Lake Creek Dr, Round Rock, TX 78681
92.4 mi - about 1 hour 31 mins (up to 2 hours 0 mins in traffic)
6900 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209
1.Head north on Broadway St toward Tuxedo Ave 0.5 mi
2.Slight right at Nacogdoches Rd 1.5 mi
3.Turn right at NE Loop 410 0.1 mi
4.Take the ramp on the left onto I-410 E 3.5 mi
5.Take the exit onto I-35 N toward Austin 85.5 mi
6.Take exit 252B toward FM 62 0.2 mi
7.Merge onto Frontage Rd/I-3 0.1 mi
8.Turn left at Farm-To-Market Rd 620/RM 620/Round Rock Ave/R R 620
Continue to follow Farm-To-Market Rd 620/Round Rock Ave/R R 620.6 mi
9. Turn left at N Lake Creek Dr Destination will be on the right 0.3 mi
230 N Lake Creek Dr
Round Rock, TX 78681

http://www.texasbob.com/stadium/stadium.php?id=5