The Mule Fan

LOOKING BACK:

STEELE IN A CLOSE ONE 34-33

On a beautiful Friday night, the Alamo Heights Mules and the Steele Knights squared off at Lehnhoff Stadium with the District 27-4A title on the line. A win by the Mules would complete an unblemished romp through the district. A Steele victory would cause the two teams to become co-champions of what many consider to be the toughest district in the State. Both teams had already secured playoff positions so this game was for pride and would determine playoff seedings for the following week(more on that below). The folks from FOX Sports Southwest set up shop at the game as the DQ Game of the Week in the State of Texas. They had no idea what they were getting themselves into as this battle would become an "Instant Classic" if there was such a thing in high school football. Steele was coming off a 48-0 thrashing of Seguin while the Mules were coming off an impressive victory over Kerrville. Steele was to be led by All-World Running Back Malcolm Brown, who, as a junior, is arguably one of the early favorites to be the top nationwide recruit next year. Thankfully, Steele will be in 5A in 2010, so, to see Brown next year, Mules fans will have to go watch him in person or on television against someone else, but in either case, the Mules defense won't have to face him on the field next year.

After an emotional moment of silence for the fallen in Killeen, the teams took to the field. The Mule Fan was socializing before the game so we missed the coin toss. Since Steele has a potent offense and they started with the ball, AND given past coin toss history, The Mule Fan assumes that Steele won the coin toss. Regardless, Steele was out to prove its power right off the bat. The Knights took the opening kickoff, and after just a couple of quick running plays, Brown started his first half explosion by romping for a 45 yard touchdown and the Knights led 7-0 with 9:34 left in the first quarter. As we've noted all season, this is a talented Mules defense. But early on, it looked like talent could not keep up with the size and speed of this Steele team. Brown himself is 6'0", 205 pounds while both Steele lines had several players over 300 pounds. Last time we checked, there were no Mules near that size. The Mules took over after the score and drove nicely into Steele territory. A Mills pass appeared to be right on target and it would've been against any other team. But team speed is a key for the Knights and the pass was picked off and returned by a speedy Jake Hatcher 75 yards for a 14-0 Steele lead. This kid was so fast that he outran all the Mules, even those with decent angles on him. The Mules offense returned but quickly went 3 and out. Brown then went to work for 10, 25, 10 and after an Alfonso Trammell run, Brown took it in from the 2 and it was 21-0 Steele. The Mules took over and, thankfully, the first quarter came to an end. Mules fans wondered what hit them. The team looked down but, as we know with the squad, down does not mean out.

The Mules looked to get on track and Coach Byrd gathered the team at midfield. Presumably, he did not praise them on his first quarter performance. We're pretty sure the speech was about heart, desire and not quitting. Whatever the message, it worked. The offense finally moved the ball, converting on two critical fourth down plays--the first a run by Justin Rosenthal and the second a pass from Mills to David Cantu. On a third and six, Mills hit Zach Richter and then Mills carried it in for the score, cutting the lead to 21-6 with 5:13 left in the second quarter after the 7 minute drive. The game was now settling down as the offense sat on the bench and huddled with water bottles in hand. But before the 11 boys could squeeze their butts onto one metal bench and prepare themselves for whatever Coach Norment might have to say, they were told it was time to go back into the game. What? So quickly? Remember that Malcolm Brown stud? On the first play after the Mules score, Brown and his offensive line took one play to go 80 yards and boom--it was 28-6. We could be wrong but it appears it took him only 4 seconds to run 80 yards--or at least it seemed that way. Was all the joy gone in Mudville? Not exactly. Again, two options. Throw in the towel or keep up the intensity. From this point on, the Mules and their coaching staff elected option B above. After the kickoff return to the 48, the Mules calmed down. Cabell makes a nice catch, the Mules convert another 4th down and Marshall then with a catch. Then, on the play of the night, from the 26 yard line, Mills held onto the ball until the last possible second and threw deep to David Garza for the touchdown with under a minute left in the half. This play certainly was the spark the Mules need as, going into halftime, they had cut the lead to 28-13. Halftime.

This week, Mules fans, we don't have to speculate on all of the halftime activities in the locker room. After the teams broke into their groups, Coach Byrd sent them back to the field with a little pep talk. Fortunately, Mule Fan Cohen snuck into the locker room and filmed the talk, which is captured further down in this posting.

The defense had made halftime adjustments to try to contain the Steele running attack. The offense looked to build off of the momentum generated with the second quarter drives. To start the third quarter, the teams exchanged possessions. Garrett Hisle returned the punt and the Mules went to work from the 35. Mills passed to Cabell and the offensive line opened up a hole big enough for Rosenthal to find daylight and the end zone, cutting the lead to 28-20 with 6:56 left in the 3rd. The Mules fans came to life and from that point, the game took on a playoff-like atmosphere on both sides of the field and in the stands. The Mules kickoff coverage team, again a highlight on the year, forced the Knights to start at their own 15. The Knights looked to struggle a bit but converted a 3rd and 2 to dig out of the hole. From there, it was Brown, Trammell, Brown, Trammell, and finally Brown into the end zone giving the Knights a 34-20 lead with 2:20 left in the 3rd quarter. The extra point was no good. Again, the Mules could've thrown in the towel and headed back to the bubble. After all, this is way past 410(and even 1604) and it's getting pretty late. But this team would not quit on this night. So what if we get home a little late? We all had to stay up to watch the DQ High School football show at midnight anyway. After the kickoff return to the 40, the Mules again evidenced their determination. Rosenthal carries and a facemask call moves the Mules deeper into Knights territory. Mills to Cantu which is "Enough For Another Alamo Heights--4th down" conversion(The Mules were an amazing 5 for 5 on 4th down). The quarter ends 34-20, but the offensive line appears actually to be wearing down the huge Steele defensive line.

The fourth quarter continues with Heights moving the ball and chains(okay, that was even stupid to me). On a fourth and 1, the offensive line digs deep again and opens enough space for Rosenthal to plunge in and cut the lead to 34-27. The drive was another 7 minute drive and Stern's extra point was good. With Elder missing the game due to a concussion, the extra point team made some fine adjustments on the night. The fans were now going crazy. Even though Erik Andersen was in the stands, his voice was muffled by the roaring crowd. But Steele went back to work and slowly moved down the field. This time it was Trammell doing most of the damage. A few big stops and a penalty and Steele was facing a 3rd and 15 from the 15. Everyone in the stands knows that the Knights will give it to a running back and head up the middle to try to score a touchdown or kick the winning field goal. Fortunately, Jack Newman wasn't suckered into that way of thinking. Pitch to Brown around the end, he pulls up to pass, into the end zone it goes, Jack Newman(for the second week in a row) jumps in front of the ball and picks off the pass in the endzone with 2:45 left in the game.

The Mules have life!!! The crowd goes crazy. As the late, great(except for a cocaine problem) John Belushi asked in Animal House:"Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? No. C'mon guys, let's do itttttt!"(Jill, the Japanese actually bombed Pearl Harbor.) The Mules at their own 20. They convert a big 3rd down on the ground to get out of trouble. Then the Mills/Garza show takes over. Mills hits Garza for 20 yards and, despite one of the biggest hits of the year, Garza holds onto the ball. The offensive line gives Mills protection again and he lofts it towards a streaking Garza who dives for the second amazing catch in the row, this time down to the 3 yard line. Rosenthal scores from the 2 with 38 seconds left. It is 34-33 Steele. Coach Byrd calls time out. (Yes, I know I'm going from present tense to past tense and back to present tense but you get what you pay for). Of course, the Mules want to go for the win on the road. We don't want to go to overtime and try to stop the Knights running game. Truthfully folks, Coach Byrd looked to the stands and saw The Mule Fan indicate that he was out of ink and there was no extra room left on the sheet of paper to write any additional notes should the game go to overtime. The Mules elect to go for 2--win or lose. The play is unsuccessful but given the circumstances, going for 2 was definitely the correct idea. Final: Steele 34, Heights 33.

On the night, Heights actually had more first downs than the Knights and outgained the Knights 390 to 383. The Mules were balanced on the ground and in the air. The offensive line again opened up holes and protected Mills despite the speed and size of the Knights. The Mules defense stepped up again despite the tremendous Steele defensive line which included several Division I prospects. With arguably the best duo of running backs in the State, the Mules defense was able to make big plays when it was necessary, to keep Heights in the game.

Friday night was a tough night and a tough loss. But on this night, the Mules proved a lot to themselves and to their fans. They gave Steele all the Knights could handle--and then more. By the time we awoke on Saturday, some of the sting was gone. The Mules were still Co-Champions of the district and had gone toe-to-toe with an awesome football team. This Mules team and its coaching staff showed tremendous character and desire. Far and away the largest crowd to follow the Mules on the road this year saw a Mules team determined to compete though they were outsized across the board. This was a terrific game and one that hopefully will give the Mules confidence as they head into the playoffs.

FINAL DISTRICT STANDINGS:

Heights 6-1

Steele 6-1

Kerrville 5-2

Clemens 4-3

Boerne Champion 3-4

N.B. Canyon 2-5

San Marcos 2-5

Seguin 0-7

LOOKING AHEAD

BRACKENRIDGE EAGLES AT ALAMO HEIGHTS

This is not a typographical error. The Mules face the Brackenridge Eagles at Harry B. Orem Stadium this Friday Night at 7:30 p.m. Coach Byrd apparently knows how to call a coin toss better than anyone and actually, this was the biggest coin toss of the year. While Patty Juarez and Gene Phillips now have their work cut out for them, everyone else is thrilled with the result of a home playoff game. In reality, Gene and Patty are happy as well BUT when you see them during the week (picking up your playoff tickets or at the game), please give them a special thanks for the extra work making this happen. And, should any of you see Rick Shaw during the week, let him know he can't go to the ranch Friday night and that one's right hand goes over one's heart, as opposed to placing your "hand over your right heart" as he suggested before the Kerrville game.

Brackenridge was picked to win District 28-4A and they did so in convincing fashion. The loss to Steele forced Heights to play the #1 seed out of that district. This is a much improved team than the team Heights played in the first round of the playoffs last year. Heights needs to stay focused with a good week of practice to prepare for a Brackenridge team that cruised to 9 wins on the year and some amazing statistics. Brackenridge is the only team ranked in the top 10 in the City out of District 28-4A, likely coming in at #5 after their latest victory, a 35-0 victory over Burbank. Brackenridge lost its first game of the season and has reeled off 9 straight victories. In its march through District 28-4A, the Eagles average margin of victory was 29 points--truly amazing!

Brackenridge returned 5 on offense and 5 on defense, led by running back Willie Culpepper. On the season, Culpepper scored 27 touchdowns and ran for over 1600 yards. The Mules will have to figure out how to stop Culpepper, who is not as big as Malcolm Brown, but is definitely as quick. In his last game, Culpepper carried 22 times for 275 yards and 4 touchdowns. Sounds a bit like Malcolm Brown. Quarterback Reyna also throws 16 times a game and has thrown for about 1200 yards. His favorite target is Gabriel Taylor who averages 16 yards per catch. This is an offensive machine that the Mules will need to contain. Like Heights, Brack plays a ball control offense and they will do their best to keep the Heights offense off the field. Brackenridge averages 210 yards on the ground and 120 yards through the air and an amazing 34 points per game. On the other side of the ball, the Eagles give up only 14 points per game.The Brackenridge defense gives up only 273 yards per game. Brackenridge allows only 114 yards on the ground per game, so rushing could be tough. However, Brack allows 158 yards per game through the air.

Make no mistake, while Division 27-4A teams have had their way with the Division 28-4A teams in recent years in the first round of the playoffs, this is a very solid team and one that is extremely capable on both sides of the ball. Brackenridge will be out to prove that they can play with anyone, including Heights. The Mules, though playing at home, must be ready.

PRELIMINARY TICKET SALES INFORMATION(11/9-11/13)

Monday-No ticket sales

Tuesday- SEASON TICKET HOLDERS ONLY-10 a.m-8 p.m (Call Patty in Athletic Office at 820-8855 to be sure tickets have arrived from the printer)

Wednesday-SEASON TICKET HOLDERS ONLY-8:30-12 and 1:30-4:30

Thursday-ALL UNCLAIMED SEASON TICKETS WILL BE SOLD TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC 8:30-12 and 1:30-4:30

FRIDAY-All remaining tickets will be sold to the general public 8:30-3:00-open during lunch.

If Athletic Department does not get tickets Tuesday, schedule may change.

A Few Words with the Head Coach of the Mules – Don Byrd (Immediately following the 34-33 loss to the Steele Knights)

Mule Fan: What a hard fought game tonight, as hard as you’ll see in high school football. What does it say about your team that you were in a position to actually win that game after the way it started out and what does it say about the fight the Mules had in them all the way through?

Coach Byrd: When you’re going against a team that’s been in the top five in the state all year, you’re down by 21, cut it to 15 by halftime and then come back and have a chance to win-I was proud of them. We went for two. I just felt like their running back (Brown) had worn our defense down pretty well and it was going to be hard stopping him in overtime. So we just went for the shot there and just didn’t execute the play. It was there. It’s a shame we just didn’t execute. But I was proud of our effort. It’s a tough loss when it comes that close but it wasn’t because the kids didn’t try.

Mule Fan: When Malcolm Brown (Steele star running back) had the ball in the first half was able to do just about whatever he wanted but the defense clamped down on him towards the end of the half and slowed him a bit. Was there any difference to the way you were playing him that helped you achieve that?

Coach Byrd: No I just think that was the competitiveness of our kids coming in a little harder, shoulders down and wrapping up a little better. We were changing defenses to try and give him different looks but I think it was our kid’s competitiveness that did that.

Mule Fan: Late in the game Malcolm Brown tried a pass to the end zone on a fake sweep resulting in the interception which gave you a shot at the victory. Had you seen that play in any of their film packages?

Coach Byrd: No but almost everybody has that. It was way out of sync so the kids just reacted and played it well. I can’t remember if we showed it to them or not in practice but the kids did a great job of defending it.

Mule Fan: This was the kind of game that the kids would have to be dejected about. When you play the way you have during district play, you have a game like you had last week against Kerrville, you go on the road and play a hard fought game like tonight, this has to be so encouraging and give you confidence going into this playoff run.

Coach Byrd: Well it’s been a playoff atmosphere and very competitive the last two games. We took care of Kerrville very well. Tonight we weren’t quite hitting on all cylinders for a little while and then we settled down and played and got a little better with them. They’re a good football team and my hat is off to them. They’ve got six or seven guys going to Division I, they’re huge and very athletic and our kids had to play so hard just to make that comeback but what a great effort.

Mule Fan: All year long you’ve been able to control the line of scrimmage, move the ball on offense, run the ball. Tonight you mixed it up with a little run, a little pass, short passes underneath. Does this effort tonight rank up there as one of the better nights in terms of controlling the ball, eating up clock and moving the ball down the field?

Coach Byrd: Yeah I think we only punted one time. I was proud of the kids. They just came out and executed real well. They were dropping back deep so it was hard to throw the ball down the field but there were some things they were giving us underneath and the kids did a great job.

Mule Fan: After Steele scored its 21st straight point early in the game, you gathered the team on the sidelines. From there, the Mules’ fortunes seemed to turn. What did you tell them when you had them gathered around?

Coach Byrd: Well you’ve got to get everybody together so they can see the team atmosphere. As the game goes on everybody is spread out on the sideline so I wanted them to all be in there tight and just talk about the fact that this just wasn’t our best football. We need to go back and play and take care of business. We just talked about the things we needed to do to execute and tried to get them a little fired up. I was proud of their effort.

Mule Fan: After the score to pull to within one, you called timeout to discuss the situation. Was there any doubt about whether you’d go for two to try to win it?

Coach Byrd: No I had already made up my mind if we got down there and scored. We had the momentum. They were a big physical team and they were wearing us down in some areas. I just felt like if we got in a scoring match with them in overtime that they would be able to run the ball with their great running back and it was going to be hard for us to slow him down.

Mule Fan: What did you tell the team after the game tonight?

Coach Byrd: I told them it was a great effort. It’s a shame that we didn’t get that last play in. It was there. We just didn’t execute. We’re just going to have to go back to working on fundamentals and get ready for a playoff run. It’s been two hard-hitting, very competitive weeks and we’re just going to have to make sure we’re ready to go.

Mule Fan: Next up is Brackenridge in the first round of the playoffs. You haven’t had any time to see film on them but what do you know at this point about their style of play?

Coach Byrd: They have an unbelievable running back, Culpepper, who just does a great job. They’ve got good size and a lot of team speed. We’re going to have to play well against these guys. We’re going to have to bounce back and get our heads up.

Mule Fan: You’ve gone through district with only this one defeat and ending on a note like this with the guys fighting so hard and the game being so close, doesn’t it give the kids extra confidence rolling into the playoffs playing like they played tonight?

Coach Byrd: Well you want to win. I mean you really want to win badly. Then you look at the accomplishments we made in this game and you’ve just got to build on it. You know the scoreboard didn’t turn out our way but that’s as athletic and big of a team as we’ll see at all. It’s probably the best running back we’ll see. And for us to put ourselves in a position to win at the end-we just have to build on the positives and that’s what we’ll do tomorrow in the films.

Mules vs. Steele - In the Halftime Locker Room:

Coach Byrd allowed the Mule Fan into the locker room after a tense first half against Steele on November 6th. Here's an exclusive look at what he said to his team before taking the field for the exciting second half.

Mules Radio: ESPN 1250 The Zone

Follow the Mules on radio throughout the playoffs on ESPN AM 1250 The Zone. Airtime for the pre-game show this Friday is at 7:00 p.m. Ed Suarez and Dave Parker will call all the action. Please say thanks and patronize all of the generous sponsors.