Looking Back:
AH Mules vs. Southwest Dragons
4.2 Quarters and a Victory
Alamo Heights and overtime, something that hasn’t happened since 1998, when the Mules and the Dragons decided that 4 quarters weren’t enough. When overtime ended with a defensive stand, the Mules were on top 35-28 and continue on their march with a 3-0 record.
I had a flashback to leather helmets after the Mules kicked off to the Dragons and on the opening play Southwest lined up in a Power I Formation with a backfield stacked with personnel. It was dive left and dive right that was led by a huge and talented offensive line. Alamo Heights stopped them on their first possession and then the Dragons returned the favor by holding the Mules on their first possession. That’s when I knew we were in for a good football game. With only 1:24 left in the first quarter, the Mules drew first blood when Steven Elder connected to Zach Richter for a touchdown from 12 yards out. The Dragons answered back with a long drive that drained what was left in the 1st and deep into the 2nd quarter to tie it up. The last of the Mules only 3 first half possessions resulted in a 58-yard strike for a TD to Richter from Elder again. These two guys are like Forrest and Bubba!!!! The Dragons took the remainder of the half (8:32) to tie it up 14-14 as time expired and both teams headed into their locker room.
After a Mules offensive turnover on the opening drive of the 2nd half, the Dragons took advantage and the lead, 21-14, into the back and forth scoring battle for the remainder of the game. Andy Brooks 12 yard run into the end zone tied it up once again, 21-21, with 1:04 left in the 3rd quarter. With the Dragon’s old school running offense, it felt like the clock never stopped. The Mules defense once again held Southwest and Garrett Hisle’s punt return put the Mules in great field position on the 47-yard line. With 7 minutes left in the 4th quarter, Elder connected with John Geibel from 6 yards out to put the Mules ahead 28-21. The Dragons again answered back with a 68 yard run down the left side with a little over 6 minutes left in the game to tie it up 28-28. Both teams each had 2 more possessions within the last 6 minutes to close this game out, but the defenses held and the game continued into overtime. And regarding our defense, they fought hard all night. They went nose to nose against a team that outweighed them and showed a lot of mental toughness and character. They just had to do it one more time.
OVERTIME:
In high school overtime, it is not sudden death. Each team starts from the 25-yard line and tries to score. The first team will either score a touchdown, field goal, or turn it over on downs. Then the opposing team gets their chance to better the other team or tie them. This goes on until one team outscores the other on their possession.
The Mules started off with the ball and went to work early on a beautiful 18-yard pass from Elder to David Cantu that put the Mules on the 7-yard line. That play came at great cost, as explained below. Cantu ended the night with 8 receptions for 77 yards. On 3rd down, Geibel caught a 7-yard pass from Elder for his 2nd touchdown of the night for what turned out to be the game winner. The defense held the Dragons on their ensuing possession and put the first overtime in twelve years into the “W” column. Elder finished 20-30 with 219 yards and 4 TD’s and Richter ended with 6 catches for 104 yards with 2 TD’s. John Geibel also had a big night and ended the evening with two TDs as well.
I have to say that this was one heck of a battle, and it came at a great cost. In addition to having Nick Martinez and George Shaw already on the sideline, Clint Campbell, Zach Dubrof, and David Cantu were injured during this game. Please join the Mule Fan in praying for a quick recovery for these young men so they get back to action soon.
With a 3-0 record, it’s now time to get ready for Reagan. This is how we roll!!
Welcome Back Rick!
It was great to hear Rick Shaw, the familiar voice of the Mules, from the pressbox speaker on Friday night. While his replacement in game one did a fabulous job, it's just not a Mules home game without the crowd pleasing cry of "That's enough for another Alamo Heights...First Down! Glad to have you back home Rick!
A Few Chirps From the Byrd – Head Coach Byrd that is:
Mule Fan: "Coach, what's been your biggest surprise this year?"
Coach Byrd (Not): Since Steve Elder (dad) conducted the interview and my wife (Kelley) erased his answer on the tape, and I (Joey) am typing this with no idea what Coach Byrd said, we have come to the conclusion that he must have said something awesome about our boys Travis and Steven and how that surprised him....
Mule Fan: Whats going to be your strategy for Reagan?
Coach Byrd: "Against Reagan you have to be unique, tweak some things and give them some different looks. But this time of year you don't want to get too cute and forget about the mistakes you're making, so balance the tackling better on defense and still harping on the kicking game and making it better. Offensively against Southwest, we didn't protect a couple of plays quite right, and some of the routes weren't quite what they were supposed to be, so we need to weigh some of the things we did wrong and still keep focusing on making it better. They just need to step it up and make sure we're ready for the next game.
Mule Fan: "How much emphasis are you putting on this game with Reagan given that district's starting the next game?"
Coach Byrd: "You know, I think before the first game I really tried to get our team riled up. Each year your team is a little different and I thought the first week I just wanted to try to get them motivated and ready to play. As it turned out, I thought they were a little uptight, so I have tried to back off just a little. You know, when you go against a team like Reagan you don't really have to get our boys motivated because they know about the strength of the Reagan program. I have mentioned to them how people are so excited about Kerrville coming out and beating 5A teams, quality programs, and how it's now their chance to get some of that press and go out and play well against Reagan.
Mule Fan: " Have you been happy with the fan support so far?
Coach Byrd: " Fan support has been outstanding! Especially in that overtime in the last game. You know, the parents were up, the band got fired up, the crowd seems like they are more in-tune to the game than they have been in the past. It’s hard for me to be get a feel for that but it just seems like that out on the field. The questions I'm hearing out in the community just shows that people realize that Alamo Heights has a chance at being a good football team this year. They're excited about it and that's fun because this is a great community, an outstanding school, and this brings life to the whole district. We're hoping we go out and continue to improve and play well and make something this district can be proud of this year."
Mule Fan: How are you handling the pressure yourself individually?
Coach Byrd: They talk about pressure, you just find the things you need to fix and you just focus on that and that is just the way each year unfolds. We been fortunate to have success over the years and our coaching staff prepares for every game...(this is all we have of this answer due to the fact Elder forgot to turn the tape over when it ran out on the first side!)
JV-A Smokes Southwest 28-0:
It was a throwback to the days of smash-mouth football as the Mules JV took on the Southwest Dragons at Southwest stadium. Southwest took the opening kickoff and commenced their running game up the middle. The Dragons main offensive weapon was a handoff to the tailback in a Power I formation. With two blocking fullbacks helping to bust open big holes behind a huge offensive line, Southwest was able to move the ball downfield in steady fashion. Just one problem, however – big plays by the Mules JV defense! Linebacker Aaron Rogers caused a fumble on the Dragon’s opening possession and after a nice pass from QB Wes Yancy to George Mixon, running back Coby Bailey muscled up the middle for a 15-yard touchdown run. Later in the 1st quarter, Southwest, frustrated by their inability to run consistently against the Mules defense, tried a little razzle-dazzle with a halfback pass completion for 45 yards. But the Mules defensive line, led by Chase Stockton, Chris Abdouch and David Birkey, held again and Southwest was forced to punt. Later in the 2nd quarter Wes Yancy completed a pass over the middle to Cole Bailey, who shook off a couple of defenders to score the Mules 2nd TD.
In the 2nd half, the Mules again took to the air as QB Kevin Kujawa found tight end John Durbin over the middle for a big gain. On the next play, Kujawa almost completed yet another Mules score as his end-zone pass was just off the fingertips of a diving Crockett Spear. The Dragons took over on downs and chewed up the rest of the 3rd quarter on another running series. But as happened on several occasions throughout the game, costly penalties on key plays forced the Dragon’s out of their running game and to the pass. After yet another defensive stop by the Mules, Wes Yancy found George Mixon on a beautiful pass down the left side for 50 yards and another Mules touchdown. The final score of the game came on a keeper by Kujawa for 15 yards to end the game 28-0 Mules. Through the first three games, the JV-A Mules have outscored their 5-A opponents 106-12!
JV-B Takes Southwest 22-16 In Last Minute Nail-Biter:
It was an exciting game for the J-B as they lined up against a much bigger Southwest Dragon’s team. At times, it seemed like these two teams were playing rugby vs. football as the Dragons muscled their way down the field. On their opening drive, the Dragons chewed up six minutes of the clock as their scrum of linemen and running backs ground out yardage and an eventual touchdown against a bewildered Mules defense. But Coach Norment, in his soft spoken and tender way, was like a dose of smelling salts for the Mules. After some break-away runs by Christian Biedenharn, Mules QB Kalen Brockwell hit wide receiver Robert Weigel in the corner of the endzone from 15 yards out to tie the score 8-8 with just seconds left in the 1st quarter. In the 2nd half, Brockwell, who found himself in long yardage situations most of the game, connected again with Weigel for another touchdown to take the lead 14-8. In the 4th quarter, the Dragons again went to their scrum style running game. Hats off to the D-Line as they were outsized by a considerable margin. After chewing up a considerable amount of clock time, the Dragons scored on a bootleg pass to go ahead 16-14 with 2:28 left in the game. After the ensuing kickoff, the Mules offense took the field with 80 yards to go. Christian Biedenharn started the drive with a 30-yard run. With 1:22 to go, QB Brockwell was almost sacked before he scrambled to his left and chunked the ball downfield to Robert Weigel for his third touchdown and the game winning score! Mules win 22-16!
Freshmen A Comes Up Short:
The Freshmen Mules A Team fought hard in a 28-12 loss to Southwest. The Mules faced their most difficult opponent to date, again being vastly outsized on the offensive and defensive lines. The highlight of the game was furnished by the Mules’ kickoff return team, including Robert Schuler, who ran back TWO kickoffs for touchdowns. Southwest did not throw a single pass the entire game and ate up the clock with their running game, allowing our offense few possessions.
Freshmen B Falters Against Southwest Size:
The Freshmen B team faced a much bigger and stronger opponent. While they held their own for much of the game on defense, the Dragons broke a few plays to the outside for long touchdowns. The B team showed some spine by stiffening up on two occasions and stopping the two point conversions. The offense improved this week and had a few sustained drives. Dominique Garcia and William Faz ran hard and Ford Williams and Richard Jackson both caught passes for 30-yard gains.
Looking Ahead:
Mules Take on Reagan Rattlers This Friday at Comalander Stadium (Blossom) – 7:30 PM
Once again, our Alamo Heights Mules aren't afraid of a challenge and this week they face yet another big 5-A school - the Reagan Rattlers. Reagan is an early season pick to make the playoffs in a very tough district 26-5A that includes, Madison, Clark, Churchill and Roosevelt. The Rattlers will be full of venom this week after suffering a disappointing loss last week to Pflugerville. Reagan returns twelve starters from last years team which went 7-1 in district play and finished the season as a Division II bi-district finalist. The Mules will need to contain junior quarterback Trevor Knight, who started last year as a sophomore. He's an all-around athlete who can make big plays either running the ball or by putting it in the air. Knight's favorite target will likely be fellow junior wide receiver Austin Hays who also started last year as a sophomore. As in weeks past, the Mules will be facing another slate of big, strong linemen, including 300 lb. offensive lineman, Hunter Nealy, who is a Division I prospect. It's going to be a great game and our Mules will need all the fan support we can give them. Make plans to be there. Come early, yell loud, leave late! Go Mules!!!
Map Link to Comalander Stadium
Tickets:
Tickets are available at the AHHS Athletic office Thursday and Friday from 8:30am - noon and from 1:30pm -3:30pm. Tickets are $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for students. Note that tickets bought at the gate at Comalander Stadium will be $7.00 for both students and adults.
JV Mules vs Reagan Rattlers - Thursday 9/16
JV-B plays at 5:00
JV-A plays at 6:30
Freshmen Mules vs Reagan at Reagan - Thursday 9/16
A-Team plays at 4:30
B-Team plays at 6:00
Exciting News!
This week’s game between Alamo Heights and Reagan has been selected as the Time Warner Game of the Week! Stay tuned as our Mules will be getting special media coverage this week. Go Mules!
Pre-Game Get-Together:
All Varsity parents, and anyone else who loves the Mules, is invited to meet before Friday's game with Reagan at Two Brothers BBQ at 12656 West Ave. 496-0222 at 5:30pm. Come breathe a little smoke before we smoke the Rattlers. See you there!
Guest Blogger:
Next week, the Mule Fan editors will be on the road traveling and have hired a ghost blogger to take the reins. More than likely, he will do a better job than us so he may get the job full-time! In the event he stinks, however, the Mule Fan has asked him to sign it’s very comprehensive indemnification agreement, protecting the Mule Fan against mistakes, mishaps, misquotes, recording malfunctions, or any other politically incorrect thing that might be blogged.
Here’s a sneak peak at next week’s Mule Fan Guest Blogger. Respond back with your guess of who the mystery blogger is and all correct answers will win a free leftover sausage wrap after next week’s game!
Come support the Varsity Football team on Wednesday,September 22 and eat lunch and/or dinner at Billy T's. Billy T’s is now located at the intersection of Nacogdoches at N. New Braunfels. This is a great opportunity to wish the boys well as they enter district play, visit with other Mule fans, and help raise money for the team. Billy T's will donate 20% of all Mule sales dropped in the Mule helmet that day to the team to help defray costs over the year. Be sure to tell them that you are a Mule Fan and put your receipt in the Mule helmet!
Mules Photos:
Many, many thanks to Mary Candee for supplying the Mule-Fan with great photos of the Mules in action. Her photos are available for purchase at www.dulcedesigns.photoreflect.com. The Mule-Fan would like to remind all you Mules football fans out there that Mary works extremely hard to photograph all Alamo Heights sports, so please generously support Mary and order your photos throughout the season. No question - her photos are far better than anything you could take from the stands! Plus you will be so happy that you bought more than you needed when it comes time to put together that end of season scrapbook.
Write to the Mule Fan:
The editor's of the Mule Fan would like to hear your story ideas, even if they are stupid. If you have something you think we should be covering or if there's an interesting story idea (actually we'll be the judge of that) then send us a note:
Go Mules!!!
Mules on the Radio:
Don't forget, if you can't get to the game on Friday night, you can listen to it on ESPN 1250 AM. Dave Parker and Ed Suarez will be bringing you all the action!!!!!!!!!
Mules on Twitter:
The Mule Fan has figured out the tweet! Go to www.twitter.com/mulefanblog and sign up to follow the Mules and get quick updates on Mules football announcements. Activate Twitter on your mobile phones so you can stay on top of all the action!
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