Welcome Back to The Mule Fan!
Welcome back Mules Fans to the official blog for the 2011 Alamo Heights Mules football season! It has been one HOT summer but that hasn't deterred our boys from working hard during the off-season. The Mules had a good 7-on-7 season, making their way to College Station for the State tournament. Then it was grueling two-a-days in the 100+ degree heat during the first two weeks of August, capped off with the traditional scrimmage against MacArthur. It's going to be a great season as we enter year two in District 27-4A. The Mules sport a 53-man roster with forty seniors, twelve juniors and one lonely sophomore.
The Mules return nine starters from last season, including a massive offensive line that includes Jake Molak, Carl Stephens, Sam Peacock and Daniel McCarty. These guys can put the hurt on an all-you-can-eat buffet! Running back Andy Brooks returns for another year of big yardage that will dominate the highlight reels. Back for another year at receiver will be Truman Biggs, Garrett Iverson and John Geibel who all made big plays last season.
Defensively, the Mules return some of the best linebackers around in Skylar Nelson, Luci Vizza, Blake Klumpp, and Nick “The Russian” Uretsky. Opposing teams will pay for entering their territory. On the defensive line, Danny Garza and Warren Monnich are back to plug holes and junior safety Blake Rosenthal is the lone returner in the defensive backfield.
The big question that everyone has been asking all summer is “who will be the starting quarterback for the Mules in 2011?” Unlike in years past where the Mules have had a clear choice at the QB spot, this year the Mules have two big talents in seniors Dub Yarborough and Wes Yancy. Look for coach Byrd to rotate the two quarterbacks throughout the season.
New to the Varsity this year is a talented group of juniors and seniors that arrive from last year’s JV. Offensively, Alex Bathie, Christian Biedenharn and lone sophomore Robert Schuler are expected to make big plays at wide receiver and Cole Bailey will help out at slot receiver. Senior John Durbin will see action at tight end and speedster Robert Low will fill in at running back along with Coby Bailey, who will also get time on the other side of the line at cornerback. Garrett Voss, Ben Bass, Matt Kelly, Alex Cisneros and Jesus Cerda will give Rosenthal a needed hand in the defensive backfield. Seniors Sam Noe, Nick Vargas, Zach Harris, and Jesus Almanza will complete the offensive line and David Birkey, Alex Johnston, Chase Stockton, Frankie Alvarez, Derrick Vasaldua, and John Rascoe will help the defensive line. Jimmy Russell and Aaron Rogers will be called on to fill in at linebacker.
It’s going to be a great season and the Mules expect to go deep into the playoffs again this year!
Looking Ahead – Season Opener
AH Mules vs. O’Connor Panthers
Saturday, August 27th – 7:00 PM
Dub Farris Athletic Complex - Loop 1604 at Hausman Rd.
It’s Game Time! The 2011 Mules Football season opens this Saturday night against the O’Connor Panthers in a rematch of last year’s season opener. Last year the Mules definitely had the first game jitters, as early turnovers and offensive miscues handed 14 points to the Panthers before halftime. But after hitting the reset button during the halftime beak, the Mules came out strong and slapped 28 points on the Panthers to win 28-21.
Saturday’s game will be the first of four preseason games against tough 5-A opponents. Coach Byrd has traditionally scheduled a tough pre-district schedule to expose our boys to big, fast, well-coached teams that helps carry us into district play. It’s a strategy that has worked well for the Mules.
O’Connor, under 2nd year head coach David Malesky, is picked to make the playoffs again this year from District 27-5A. Malesky has the Panthers running a new offence this year - moving his QB back to shotgun and relying heavily on the run game. O’Connor will rely heavily on running back Darryle Surney who had a big year after returning from an injury he suffered against the Mules in last year’s season opener. Also keep an eye out for junior running back Trevecia Johnson, who is a threat at both RB and WR. Creating running lanes for Surney and Johnson will be offensive linemen Tyler Hamilton and Baylen Brown who are 6’3”, 265 lbs and 6’4”, 285 lbs respectively.
Just like last year, it’s going to be a great football game and our Mules will need tremendous fan support to help calm those first game jitters. So put on your blue and gold and get to Farris Stadium on Saturday evening. Kickoff is at 7:00 PM. We’ll see you there!
Fall Kickoff BBQ and Picnic:
The Mule Fan would like to thank all of the generous Mules families that financially supported the Alamo Heights athletic programs through the Mule Team Fall Kickoff BBQ Picnic last Wednesday evening. Through your generous support $31,000 was raised to support our athletic teams and programs at the high school. You Mules are awesome!
Pre-Game Dinner:
All varsity parents, and anyone else who loves the Mules, is invited to meet before the Saturday's game at Salsita Cantina from 5:00 - 6:30 PM. The restaurant is located at 11703 Bandera Road. After some good mexican food you can belch and cheer the Mules to victory! Click here for a map to Salsita Cantina
Season Tickets:
The time is now to Pick Up your season tickets from Patty Juarez in the Athletic office. on't forget that we have a home game next Friday evening so you will want to swing by the athletic office and grab your tickets. And while you're there, say hello to Patty and Gene!
Mules on the Radio:
Once again, Dave Parker and Ed Suarez will be broadcasting all of our Mules games live on the radio on KTKR-AM 760, "The Ticket". New this year is an App for both IPhones and Androids. His shows are also archived on the website TSRNSports.com so you can listen to the games throughout the season. Additionally, Dave is actively seeking corporate sponsors for his show so he can continue to provide the game broadcasts for the Mules. If you own a business or have the connections to provide a corporate sponsorship, please consider supporting dave radio show.
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