LOOKING BACK
HEIGHTS SNAPS ANTLERS 41-16
Mules dominate on Offense and Defense.
The Mules last home game of the season was the local game of the week. KENS 5 held a small barbeque on the Practice Field and the cheerleaders performed on both newscasts. Brandt Bakke, of Heights golf fame, did his impression of a psycho killer, screaming to the camera that this would be Heights night. In case you missed it, this is a real treat to watch (hopefully it is on Youtube), and a television appearance that certainly made Cory and Phil proud parents.
Harry B. Orem Stadium filled to near capacity on the home side. As always, Kerrville traveled well, though it had been several years since the Antlers had played at Heights – a change in venue that Kerrville fans hoped would end the streak of miracle Mule comebacks. On this night, however, there was truly only one miracle. Yes, the miracle that occurred on the field did not involve a pass, a run or a tackle. This miracle involved a coin. Up in the air it went, flipping from side to side. Mules fans, knowing the coin toss had gone against them an incredible eight straight times, were rather disinterested with this coin toss. However, this night, the Mules won the coin toss convincingly. Stunned, the captains looked to each other with uncertainty and anxiety. Fortunately, Rick Shaw was making his way up to the press box at that exact moment. Shaw, having spent a little too much time at his restaurant before the game, was lagging behind the rest of his crew heading up the bleachers, and he screamed out to his groupies headed to the press box "Wait, Wait !" The captains, hearing the booming voice behind them, presumed the voice came from one of the coaches telling them to wait until the second half. Thus the captains concluded they should defer to the second half, so Tivy would take the ball first.
With the potent Kerrville offense taking the field, the Mules really needed to set the tempo by holding Johnny Manziel and the Antler offense in check. Kerrville started the drive at the 20 and looked like the explosive offense the Mules expected. Quickly, Kerrville was at the 49, but a key 3rd and 8 was broken up by Philip Massari.
[Rosenthal Rant: Since many of you may not make it to the end of this novel, the Mule Fan believes it is important, while we still have your attention, to applaud the defensive game plan and execution. While both Mule Fan writers are fathers of offensive players, we all know defense wins ball games. On the night, the defensive game plan was awesome. In case you didn't notice, the Mules rushed only three players – Thomas McSween and Forrest Hagar from the outside and A. K. Knowles or Caton Sandoval up the middle. The Mules dropped eight into coverage, with all eyes on the speedy Manziel. If the three linemen could contain Manziel in the middle and not let him run to the outside, where he is most dangerous, then eight defenders could likely keep the receivers fairly well covered. This plan worked to perfection all night long as time and again, Manziel was forced to scramble looking for open receivers. In our eyes, the Mules are the best coached team in the district, and the defensive game plan and execution was the difference on this night.]
Back to the action. Mules take over at the 15. Cullen Mills immediately found Zach Richter for a first down, this first completion on the evening. Mills accuracy on the night forced Tivy to drop back in coverage, allowing a bit more room for the run. The Mules churned yardage and the drive was capped by a Justin Rosenthal run and a 7‑0 lead with 4:30 left in the first. Tivy took over and Manziel looked calm but his receivers dropped two open passes and again Tivy was forced to punt. Luke Maloy, of Mules baseball fame, fielded the punt and headed left. What we all thought was the Mule drum corps playing during the return was actually Coach T's heart pounding loudly in the stands. Maloy sprinted left, ducked a few tackles and ran 30 yards to the 48. Mills took over, with passes to David Garza who looked terrific on the evening, to which his proud papa yelled "C'mon Pic" (not sure what Rich means when he shouts that) while mama Jan kept her video rolling. On the slip screen from the 6, Rosenthal followed his lead blockers and did a head plunge into the end zone for a touchdown with 24 seconds left in the quarter. Kristian Stern's extra point was good, and the Mules led 14‑0. Manziel returned the kickoff 30 yards showing what he can do if given the chance. He then ran for 12 and the quarter ended. Mules 14‑0.
Tivy's drive continued at the Mule 46 to start the second quarter. Manziel found his favorite target, Ironside to the 34. A nice stop by James Uhl on Kinneson but the Antlers drove to the 5. Arguably, the biggest stand on the night occurred when the Mules held Tivy out of the end zone, cutting Manziel off at the three. On fourth down and three at the three, Tivy coaches elected to put points on the board and kick the field goal. The Mules Roving Reporter, Rob Brockwell (Rob went undercover by running the chains on the visitor sidelines on the evening) indicated that Manziel and the offense were more than displeased when they reached the sidelines and were unable to go for the touchdown on 4th down. The Mule Fan also believes that the field goal was a "win" for the Mules and possibly the Mules caught a break when the Tivy coaches elected to go for three. But, we're coaching "wanna be's" and the score was 14‑3 with 8:15 left in the second quarter. The Mules put themselves in a hole on the next drive with a holding call. But no problem. Mills to Bryson Marshall (#9 had a HUGE game), Mills to John Cabell for 15, Mills to Marshall again, and, behind terrific blocking, Rosenthal walked it in from the 4 for a 21‑3 Heights lead with 3:18 left in the half. Kerrville started from its own 36 and began to drive again. On third and seven, Junior Jack Newman, making his second start on the year, made a beautiful diving interception in front of Kennison, giving the Mules the ball at their own 30. Mills to Marshall, then to Garza and from their own 45, Mills lofted a deep pass on the money to a streaking David Garza and suddenly it was 27‑3 with 25.5 second left in the half. On the Stern kickoff, Luke Maloy stopped the Antlers, ending the half. 27‑3 Mules.
We've talked about halftime adjustments all season. On the evening, the halftime discussion needed to be about "non-adjustments." Keep up the intensity and do not let Kerrville mount a comeback. Though we were not in the locker room, it is safe to assume that the coaching staff mentioned the last two Kerrville games, where the Mules overcame huge deficits to change the outcome of a game apparently well out of hand at halftime.
The Mules took the second half kickoff (not a typo, Mules won toss, elected to "wait"). Though leading by 24 everyone knew how explosive the Kerrville offense could be (i.e., 38 points against Steele). The Mules started from their 22. On a third and six, Mills passed to John Cabell who stretched for the first down. On the next play, Justin Rosenthal, behind his offensive line, appeared to be stopped after a gain of six. But somehow (it is possible he went through someone's legs) Rosenthal squirted free, the seas parted and behind a nice downfield Mills block, Rosenthal went 67 yards for the touchdown and a 34‑3 Heights lead with 9:45 left in the third. But Tivy fight does not quit. Seriously! Manziel was not done. Starting from the Heights 48, Manziel completed a 4th and 2 pass to White to the 17 (an incompletion might've effectively ended the game). Then Manziel passed to Vick and the score was 34‑10. A miscue on the kickoff gave the Antlers the ball at the 18. Manziel threw for a quick touchdown. The two point conversion failed but in 20 seconds the 34‑3 lead was 34‑16. The Mules offense looked to calm down the Antler momentum. The Mules starting at their 18, drove nicely but on a big hit, the ball popped into the Tivy defenders hands. Tivy ball. Momentum Tivy. Tivy starts at the 41. A pass interference gives Tivy the ball at the 20. The defensive pressure continues, containing Manziel and his quick feet. A 4th and 7 pass is too deep at the back of the end zone. Another terrific defensive stand. At the 17 yard line, the Mules take over. This would be a nice time for one of those patented Mules late game drives. End of the third quarter. Mules 34, Tivy 16.
Cabell gets a first down with a great effort. William Thompson fills in nicely, ramming up the middle for yardage and a couple of first downs. Elder makes a nice block up the middle and Mills hits Richter to the 18. Mills for 12 on the keeper to the five, Rosenthal to the 2 and Mills in for the score. Mules up 41‑16 on a 16 play drive that left the Antlers will only 4:45 left in the game. An 8 minute drive. The defense holds and the Mules win 41‑16.
Not since the Boerne game have the Mules looked so sharp. Heights ran 65 plays, holding Tivy to 45 plays. Mills was 17 for 20 with great protection and Heights ran for over 200 yards. Garza and Marshall were the leading receivers. More impressively, the defense held Tivy to 15 first downs, 70 yards rushing and 172 yards passing. Heights did not punt on the evening. Great way to finish at home.
HEIGHTS SNAPS ANTLERS 41-16
Mules dominate on Offense and Defense.
The Mules last home game of the season was the local game of the week. KENS 5 held a small barbeque on the Practice Field and the cheerleaders performed on both newscasts. Brandt Bakke, of Heights golf fame, did his impression of a psycho killer, screaming to the camera that this would be Heights night. In case you missed it, this is a real treat to watch (hopefully it is on Youtube), and a television appearance that certainly made Cory and Phil proud parents.
Harry B. Orem Stadium filled to near capacity on the home side. As always, Kerrville traveled well, though it had been several years since the Antlers had played at Heights – a change in venue that Kerrville fans hoped would end the streak of miracle Mule comebacks. On this night, however, there was truly only one miracle. Yes, the miracle that occurred on the field did not involve a pass, a run or a tackle. This miracle involved a coin. Up in the air it went, flipping from side to side. Mules fans, knowing the coin toss had gone against them an incredible eight straight times, were rather disinterested with this coin toss. However, this night, the Mules won the coin toss convincingly. Stunned, the captains looked to each other with uncertainty and anxiety. Fortunately, Rick Shaw was making his way up to the press box at that exact moment. Shaw, having spent a little too much time at his restaurant before the game, was lagging behind the rest of his crew heading up the bleachers, and he screamed out to his groupies headed to the press box "Wait, Wait !" The captains, hearing the booming voice behind them, presumed the voice came from one of the coaches telling them to wait until the second half. Thus the captains concluded they should defer to the second half, so Tivy would take the ball first.
With the potent Kerrville offense taking the field, the Mules really needed to set the tempo by holding Johnny Manziel and the Antler offense in check. Kerrville started the drive at the 20 and looked like the explosive offense the Mules expected. Quickly, Kerrville was at the 49, but a key 3rd and 8 was broken up by Philip Massari.
[Rosenthal Rant: Since many of you may not make it to the end of this novel, the Mule Fan believes it is important, while we still have your attention, to applaud the defensive game plan and execution. While both Mule Fan writers are fathers of offensive players, we all know defense wins ball games. On the night, the defensive game plan was awesome. In case you didn't notice, the Mules rushed only three players – Thomas McSween and Forrest Hagar from the outside and A. K. Knowles or Caton Sandoval up the middle. The Mules dropped eight into coverage, with all eyes on the speedy Manziel. If the three linemen could contain Manziel in the middle and not let him run to the outside, where he is most dangerous, then eight defenders could likely keep the receivers fairly well covered. This plan worked to perfection all night long as time and again, Manziel was forced to scramble looking for open receivers. In our eyes, the Mules are the best coached team in the district, and the defensive game plan and execution was the difference on this night.]
Back to the action. Mules take over at the 15. Cullen Mills immediately found Zach Richter for a first down, this first completion on the evening. Mills accuracy on the night forced Tivy to drop back in coverage, allowing a bit more room for the run. The Mules churned yardage and the drive was capped by a Justin Rosenthal run and a 7‑0 lead with 4:30 left in the first. Tivy took over and Manziel looked calm but his receivers dropped two open passes and again Tivy was forced to punt. Luke Maloy, of Mules baseball fame, fielded the punt and headed left. What we all thought was the Mule drum corps playing during the return was actually Coach T's heart pounding loudly in the stands. Maloy sprinted left, ducked a few tackles and ran 30 yards to the 48. Mills took over, with passes to David Garza who looked terrific on the evening, to which his proud papa yelled "C'mon Pic" (not sure what Rich means when he shouts that) while mama Jan kept her video rolling. On the slip screen from the 6, Rosenthal followed his lead blockers and did a head plunge into the end zone for a touchdown with 24 seconds left in the quarter. Kristian Stern's extra point was good, and the Mules led 14‑0. Manziel returned the kickoff 30 yards showing what he can do if given the chance. He then ran for 12 and the quarter ended. Mules 14‑0.
Tivy's drive continued at the Mule 46 to start the second quarter. Manziel found his favorite target, Ironside to the 34. A nice stop by James Uhl on Kinneson but the Antlers drove to the 5. Arguably, the biggest stand on the night occurred when the Mules held Tivy out of the end zone, cutting Manziel off at the three. On fourth down and three at the three, Tivy coaches elected to put points on the board and kick the field goal. The Mules Roving Reporter, Rob Brockwell (Rob went undercover by running the chains on the visitor sidelines on the evening) indicated that Manziel and the offense were more than displeased when they reached the sidelines and were unable to go for the touchdown on 4th down. The Mule Fan also believes that the field goal was a "win" for the Mules and possibly the Mules caught a break when the Tivy coaches elected to go for three. But, we're coaching "wanna be's" and the score was 14‑3 with 8:15 left in the second quarter. The Mules put themselves in a hole on the next drive with a holding call. But no problem. Mills to Bryson Marshall (#9 had a HUGE game), Mills to John Cabell for 15, Mills to Marshall again, and, behind terrific blocking, Rosenthal walked it in from the 4 for a 21‑3 Heights lead with 3:18 left in the half. Kerrville started from its own 36 and began to drive again. On third and seven, Junior Jack Newman, making his second start on the year, made a beautiful diving interception in front of Kennison, giving the Mules the ball at their own 30. Mills to Marshall, then to Garza and from their own 45, Mills lofted a deep pass on the money to a streaking David Garza and suddenly it was 27‑3 with 25.5 second left in the half. On the Stern kickoff, Luke Maloy stopped the Antlers, ending the half. 27‑3 Mules.
We've talked about halftime adjustments all season. On the evening, the halftime discussion needed to be about "non-adjustments." Keep up the intensity and do not let Kerrville mount a comeback. Though we were not in the locker room, it is safe to assume that the coaching staff mentioned the last two Kerrville games, where the Mules overcame huge deficits to change the outcome of a game apparently well out of hand at halftime.
The Mules took the second half kickoff (not a typo, Mules won toss, elected to "wait"). Though leading by 24 everyone knew how explosive the Kerrville offense could be (i.e., 38 points against Steele). The Mules started from their 22. On a third and six, Mills passed to John Cabell who stretched for the first down. On the next play, Justin Rosenthal, behind his offensive line, appeared to be stopped after a gain of six. But somehow (it is possible he went through someone's legs) Rosenthal squirted free, the seas parted and behind a nice downfield Mills block, Rosenthal went 67 yards for the touchdown and a 34‑3 Heights lead with 9:45 left in the third. But Tivy fight does not quit. Seriously! Manziel was not done. Starting from the Heights 48, Manziel completed a 4th and 2 pass to White to the 17 (an incompletion might've effectively ended the game). Then Manziel passed to Vick and the score was 34‑10. A miscue on the kickoff gave the Antlers the ball at the 18. Manziel threw for a quick touchdown. The two point conversion failed but in 20 seconds the 34‑3 lead was 34‑16. The Mules offense looked to calm down the Antler momentum. The Mules starting at their 18, drove nicely but on a big hit, the ball popped into the Tivy defenders hands. Tivy ball. Momentum Tivy. Tivy starts at the 41. A pass interference gives Tivy the ball at the 20. The defensive pressure continues, containing Manziel and his quick feet. A 4th and 7 pass is too deep at the back of the end zone. Another terrific defensive stand. At the 17 yard line, the Mules take over. This would be a nice time for one of those patented Mules late game drives. End of the third quarter. Mules 34, Tivy 16.
Cabell gets a first down with a great effort. William Thompson fills in nicely, ramming up the middle for yardage and a couple of first downs. Elder makes a nice block up the middle and Mills hits Richter to the 18. Mills for 12 on the keeper to the five, Rosenthal to the 2 and Mills in for the score. Mules up 41‑16 on a 16 play drive that left the Antlers will only 4:45 left in the game. An 8 minute drive. The defense holds and the Mules win 41‑16.
Not since the Boerne game have the Mules looked so sharp. Heights ran 65 plays, holding Tivy to 45 plays. Mills was 17 for 20 with great protection and Heights ran for over 200 yards. Garza and Marshall were the leading receivers. More impressively, the defense held Tivy to 15 first downs, 70 yards rushing and 172 yards passing. Heights did not punt on the evening. Great way to finish at home.
LOOKING AHEAD
Steele Knights
Again, a #1 vs #2 matchup, for the second week in a row. This time it is Heights vs. Cibolo Steele.
Next up for the Mules … the Steele Knights and one of the best running back in Texas, Junior Malcolm Brown. Brown is 6'0", 215, and runs a 4.5 40. The Knights had been a Top 5 State ranked team in many polls until they were shocked by Kerrville Tivy two weeks ago. The Knights are strong on offense and defense. On offense, besides Brown, quarterback Nick Sargent and a strong line make the Knights tough to stop. The defense has many returning starters and, except for a glitch against Kerrville, has gotten tougher as they've gained experience throughout the year. The defensive backs, Jones and Huhn lead the defense, though they are as tough up front and at linebacker as the Mules have seen all year. Defensive Tackle Cory Hill was a second team All-Area last season. As an intangible, keep an eye on Steele's kicker, one of the best in the area and a national prospect.
District statistics? On offense, Steele is a running machine. Steele has passed for only 100 yards per game. Malcolm Brown, the District's leading rusher, has run for 1492 yards on only 137 carries or 10.89 yards per carry with 25 touchdowns. Steele has been so far ahead of its opponents that, in many games, Alfonso Tramell has come in at running back. Tramell is the district's fifth leading rusher with 608 yards, a 9.35 average yards per carry and 6 touchdowns. Tramell has caught 13 passes for 213 yards. Steele averages 297 yards per game on the ground. Steele gives up only 306 yards per game (best in the district through Heights is close behind). Steele gives up only 133 yards rushing per game, best in the district but over 172 yards passing. Steele gives up only 14.9 points per game, best in the District.
Steele is 5‑1 in district and needs a win to become District Co-Champions with Heights. Steele was 2‑1 in its non district games beating East Central and Stevens before dropping to Southwest 14‑13. Steele appeared to be cruising in District 27‑4A play, beating San Marcos, Clemens, Canyon, and Champion by 24, 21, 20, and 35 points, respectively. Steele stumbled at home against Tivy 38‑34 but came back last week to defeat Seguin 48‑0.
Steele Knights
Again, a #1 vs #2 matchup, for the second week in a row. This time it is Heights vs. Cibolo Steele.
Next up for the Mules … the Steele Knights and one of the best running back in Texas, Junior Malcolm Brown. Brown is 6'0", 215, and runs a 4.5 40. The Knights had been a Top 5 State ranked team in many polls until they were shocked by Kerrville Tivy two weeks ago. The Knights are strong on offense and defense. On offense, besides Brown, quarterback Nick Sargent and a strong line make the Knights tough to stop. The defense has many returning starters and, except for a glitch against Kerrville, has gotten tougher as they've gained experience throughout the year. The defensive backs, Jones and Huhn lead the defense, though they are as tough up front and at linebacker as the Mules have seen all year. Defensive Tackle Cory Hill was a second team All-Area last season. As an intangible, keep an eye on Steele's kicker, one of the best in the area and a national prospect.
District statistics? On offense, Steele is a running machine. Steele has passed for only 100 yards per game. Malcolm Brown, the District's leading rusher, has run for 1492 yards on only 137 carries or 10.89 yards per carry with 25 touchdowns. Steele has been so far ahead of its opponents that, in many games, Alfonso Tramell has come in at running back. Tramell is the district's fifth leading rusher with 608 yards, a 9.35 average yards per carry and 6 touchdowns. Tramell has caught 13 passes for 213 yards. Steele averages 297 yards per game on the ground. Steele gives up only 306 yards per game (best in the district through Heights is close behind). Steele gives up only 133 yards rushing per game, best in the district but over 172 yards passing. Steele gives up only 14.9 points per game, best in the District.
Steele is 5‑1 in district and needs a win to become District Co-Champions with Heights. Steele was 2‑1 in its non district games beating East Central and Stevens before dropping to Southwest 14‑13. Steele appeared to be cruising in District 27‑4A play, beating San Marcos, Clemens, Canyon, and Champion by 24, 21, 20, and 35 points, respectively. Steele stumbled at home against Tivy 38‑34 but came back last week to defeat Seguin 48‑0.
DISTRICT DOINGS
WEEK SIX
Alamo Heights (6-0) 41,Kerrville (5-1) 16
Clemens (4-2) 20,Canyon (2-4) 7
Champion (2-4) 49,San Marcos (1-5) 24
Steele (5-1) 48,Seguin (1-5) 0
WEEK FIVE
Alamo Heights (5-0) 31,N.B. Canyon (2-3) 28
Boerne Champion (1-4) 52,Seguin (0-5) 41
WEEK SIX
Alamo Heights (6-0) 41,Kerrville (5-1) 16
Clemens (4-2) 20,Canyon (2-4) 7
Champion (2-4) 49,San Marcos (1-5) 24
Steele (5-1) 48,Seguin (1-5) 0
WEEK FIVE
Alamo Heights (5-0) 31,N.B. Canyon (2-3) 28
Boerne Champion (1-4) 52,Seguin (0-5) 41
Clemens (3-2) 28,San Marcos (1-4) 21
Kerrville (4-1) 38,Steele (4-1) 34
WEEK FOUR
Alamo Heights (4-0) 23,San Marcos (1-3) 22 [FORTUNATELY 22]
Steele (4-0) 42,Boerne Champion (0-4) 7
Kerrville (3-1) 38,N.B. Canyon (2-2) 16
Clemens (2-2) 28,Seguin (0-4) 0
WEEK THREE
Alamo Heights (3-0) 21,Seguin (0-3) 14
San Marcos (1-2) 44,Kerrville Tivy (2-1) 32
Clemens (1-2) 21,Boerne Champion (0-3) 10
Steele (3-0) 27,N.B. Canyon (2-1) 7
WEEK TWO
Alamo Heights (2-0) 58,Boerne Champion (0-2) 14
Steele (2-0) 28,Clemens (0-2) 7
Kerrville (2-0) 31,Seguin (0-2) 14
N.B. Canyon (2-0) 35,San Marcos (0-2) 14
WEEK ONE
Alamo Heights (1-0) 27,Clemens (0-1) 14
Steele (1-0) 44,San Marcos (0-1) 20
Kerrville (1-0) 28,Boerne Champion (0-1) 13
N.B. Canyon (1-0) 24,Seguin (0-1) 14
Kerrville (4-1) 38,Steele (4-1) 34
WEEK FOUR
Alamo Heights (4-0) 23,San Marcos (1-3) 22 [FORTUNATELY 22]
Steele (4-0) 42,Boerne Champion (0-4) 7
Kerrville (3-1) 38,N.B. Canyon (2-2) 16
Clemens (2-2) 28,Seguin (0-4) 0
WEEK THREE
Alamo Heights (3-0) 21,Seguin (0-3) 14
San Marcos (1-2) 44,Kerrville Tivy (2-1) 32
Clemens (1-2) 21,Boerne Champion (0-3) 10
Steele (3-0) 27,N.B. Canyon (2-1) 7
WEEK TWO
Alamo Heights (2-0) 58,Boerne Champion (0-2) 14
Steele (2-0) 28,Clemens (0-2) 7
Kerrville (2-0) 31,Seguin (0-2) 14
N.B. Canyon (2-0) 35,San Marcos (0-2) 14
WEEK ONE
Alamo Heights (1-0) 27,Clemens (0-1) 14
Steele (1-0) 44,San Marcos (0-1) 20
Kerrville (1-0) 28,Boerne Champion (0-1) 13
N.B. Canyon (1-0) 24,Seguin (0-1) 14
PLAYOFF SCENARIO
Not the best news, folks. But....the great news is that these boys and coaches have worked hard and made the playoffs.
Not the best news, folks. But....the great news is that these boys and coaches have worked hard and made the playoffs.
The Playoff picture became much clearer, though the seedings are still to be determined. The four teams representing District 27‑4A are Heights, Steele, Kerrville and Clemens. The small team bracket will feature Kerrville and Clemens. As you may recall, last year Kerrville was able to move into the fourth round of that bracket in what many thought was the easier bracket in this region.
Heights and Steele will represent District 27‑4A in the large school bracket. The winner of the Heights vs Steele game will have the #1 seed out of the District with no three way tie possible as occurred last year. The winner should have an easier first round game as they will play a lower seed out of District 28‑4A in the first round. The loser of the Heights vs Steele game likely will play Brackenridge, far and away the best team in District 28‑4A and a team vastly improved from last year. Likely, these games will be at Alamo Stadium or another stadium in the area.
The difficult portion of the bracket will be the representatives from District 25‑4A. The winner of that District will be Lake Travis, the States #1 team in all polls. The winner of the Heights vs Steele game would face Lake Travis in the second round should they both get past the first game. The loser of the Heights vs Steele game would likely face Killeen (a much improved team over the Killeen team that beat Heights last year) if the Heights/Steele loser gets past Brackenridge in the first round.
Clearly, Heights and Steele both want to win this week's game for District Championship purposes and will let the playoffs take care of itself.
Heights and Steele will represent District 27‑4A in the large school bracket. The winner of the Heights vs Steele game will have the #1 seed out of the District with no three way tie possible as occurred last year. The winner should have an easier first round game as they will play a lower seed out of District 28‑4A in the first round. The loser of the Heights vs Steele game likely will play Brackenridge, far and away the best team in District 28‑4A and a team vastly improved from last year. Likely, these games will be at Alamo Stadium or another stadium in the area.
The difficult portion of the bracket will be the representatives from District 25‑4A. The winner of that District will be Lake Travis, the States #1 team in all polls. The winner of the Heights vs Steele game would face Lake Travis in the second round should they both get past the first game. The loser of the Heights vs Steele game would likely face Killeen (a much improved team over the Killeen team that beat Heights last year) if the Heights/Steele loser gets past Brackenridge in the first round.
Clearly, Heights and Steele both want to win this week's game for District Championship purposes and will let the playoffs take care of itself.
A Few Words with the Head Coach of the Mules – Don Byrd
November 3, 2009
Mule Fan: The Mules jumped all over Kerrville in the first half. They had to be wondering what hit them. Was that the best half of football the team has played this year?
Coach Byrd: Yes probably across the board with the offense, defense and kicking game and everything against an opponent with that much athleticism and that strong of a program, yes I thought our kids really stepped up for the occasion and showed they wanted to win that game and get at least part of a district championship and that’s where we’re sitting right now.
Mule Fan: In one of the more amazing plays of the season, Justin Rosenthal came out early in the third quarter with a Houdini-like escape and 67 yard run for his fourth score of the night. What could you see from the sideline in that big scrum and how did he squirt out of there?
Coach Byrd: Well there was a little tunnel to my side so I could see it. He kind of just got lost up in the shuffle. There was a little seam there I thought when the ball was snapped. Of course I didn’t think he would get that deep and being so congested I think the defensive backs just lost sight of him and he kind of split the safeties and was deep before anyone realized it. It was a great play by him.
Mule Fan: You and the coaches obviously had a perfect defensive scheme designed to control Tivy quarterback Johnny Manziel and of course it all comes down to execution but you contained him like you said you had to and covered his receivers deep. Could you have played him any more perfectly?
Coach Byrd: No I thought that to keep him out of the scheme, the defense did a great job and the defensive coaches came out with a great plan and kind of tried to confine his space and keep him in the pocket. He made most of his plays when he got outside. Our ends (McSween and Hagar) were very patient and didn’t try to rush inside and make something happen and made some great plays.
Mule Fan: With only three guys rushing all night a lot of times Manziel had enough time to eat a sandwich back there but that was by design and Alamo Heights was all over their receivers so that worked like a charm. But were you ever tempted to put more heat on Manziel?
Coach Byrd: No it was all falling in place. You know in parts of the field you realize what’s going on. When there’s a long field there’s no use in trying to hurry things. Let them nickel and dime you a little bit. Now when you get closer to the goal line then thoughts of bringing pressure will come into play a lot more. But again our defensive coaches did a great job of being patient and taking care of it.
Mule Fan: So just when you think you’ve got Tivy pinned, they come back bang-bang with two quick scores and the Mules responded with time consuming drives and defensive stops which have been your “out-pitches” all year haven’t they?
Coach Byrd: Of yes, we’ve been more of a ball control, slow-the-game- down team this year. That kind of fits with our offensive line, the way Justin’s been running the ball and the way Mills reads it. He (Cullen Mills) pulled the ball again on one of those zone-reads and made a nice run. That kind of helps spread out the defense more and make them cover more bases.
Mule Fan: Now the regular season finale with Steele and a battle of the #1 vs. #2 area sub 5A teams all over again. We all know that Steele is a dangerous team with a feature player, Malcolm Brown, who can change games. We didn’t see him last year because of his injury. What will you have to do to contain him?
Coach Byrd: They’re a team that runs a lot of different formations but just a few plays. So we’re just going to have to make sure that we don’t get confused by the formations, line up in a sound defense and again just play great technique and make sure we don’t give up the explosive play and do what we need to do to play against these guys. Our defense has played well all year long and I have a feeling they’re going to do that again.
Mule Fan: So you’re saying that they essentially run a lot of the same plays out of different looks?
Coach Byrd: Right they’ll move their receivers around. They’ll go shotgun. They’ll go underneath the center. They’ll go with their line unbalanced and things like that but if you look at just what they’re actually running it’s a lot of the same. They try to confuse you on making sure that you know how to line up to all those different formations.
Mule Fan: What do you recall being the most challenging part about last year’s game with Steele considering they didn’t have their number one threat?
Coach Byrd: Well they came out and threw the ball against us a little bit and made some plays. Everybody talks about Brown being out but they had a receiver who is a great athlete going to Oklahoma so they came out and threw the ball more than they had early in the season. We moved the ball on them. We got two turnovers late. We didn’t have the running game last year that we have this year and were forced to throw the ball down the field a little bit more and that caught up with us late. Those were the main things. I thought the kids fought them very well we just came up a few plays short.
Mule Fan: What’s been your main focus this week for our guys?
Coach Byrd: We need to go from a regular season frame of mind to a playoff frame of mind even though this isn’t a playoff. But this game has a lot riding on it. A lot of teams make the playoffs and it’s about their mindset. You have to have a sense of urgency. We’ve had a lot of teams here at Alamo Heights make the playoffs. Some of them could go a little farther and some of them went farther than they should have and it’s all about the mindset and how bad you want to fight to keep going and we’re going to try to start that this Friday.
Mule Fan: We’ve got some guys banged up which you have at this time of year. How are you working through that this week?
Coach Byrd: Right we’re just going to have to play it smart and not get beat up in practice but we still have to practice with enough intensity and so forth that we’re progressing as a football team. So those are the main goals there. Make sure we keep up intensity and make sure we line up properly and know our assignments. We don’t have to really be as physical as we had to early but we have to make sure that we are sound in what we’re doing and the players show us that they have the concepts out of each and every play and what they need to do.
Mules Radio: ESPN 1250 The Zone
Follow the Mules on radio this season 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. Don’t forget Dave Parker’s High School Coach’s Corner every Wednesday evening from Big Bob’s Burgers on Harry Wurzbach and Eventide. Dave hosts a live broadcast on ESPN 1250 The Zone from 7-8pm. Stop by, have a burger and talk a little high school football.
Tickets for Steele
Get your tickets in advance for the Steele game which is at the same stadium where Alamo Heights faced Clemens earlier this season. Tickets will be for sale at the Alamo Heights Athletic Office for the value price of $6 for adults and $3 for students (kinder through 12th grade). All tickets at the gate will be $7. Selling hours this week:
Wednesday 8:30 - Noon & 1:30 - 3:30 Thursday 8:30 - Noon & 1:30 - 3:00 Friday 8:30 - 3:00
Photos courtesy of Mary Candee www.dulcedesigns.photoreflect.com
Your Personal Photographer Your Community Photographer
Your Personal Photographer Your Community Photographer
Dulce Design Photography
GO MULES!!!!
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