Go Friday Night

Early Longhorns 48 Jim Ned Indians 8

By Tracy Ebarb
October 15, 2005

Anyone who was paying attention to the opening minutes of this game on Friday night, already knew what the outcome would be. After winning the coin-toss and electing to defer, the Longhorns let Jim Ned start at the Indian’s own 34 yd line, 1st and 10. Three plays later it was 4th and 10, and the Indians punted. The ‘Horns took over at their own 38 after a 4yd punt return by Tim Chandler. 4 minutes, 10 plays and 62 yds later, Eric Skaggs hit Stephen Hopkins for 15 yds and a TD on a great 3rd and 12 conversion. Brian Cochran’s kick was good and the Longhorns led 7-0.

For fans of the 2005 edition of the Early Longhorns - this is what we’ve been waiting for. What we knew was coming. We’ve seen glimpses of it all season, like a “trailer” for an upcoming movie. We’ve even seen extended previews (read Longhorns 55 Dublin 0). But every Longhorn fan that I’ve talked with has kind of had an ‘itch’ in a place that you just can’t reach well enough to ‘scratch’. An ‘itch’ to see the Early offense begin to ‘scratch’ the surface of it’s true potential. If you were in Tuscola last Friday night, you witnessed first hand, what I think is the beginning of something truly special – BALANCE!

A Longhorn Defense that only allowed 2 red-zone opportunities, and held the Indians on 4th and Goal on one of them; a Longhorn Defense that allowed only 177 total yards; a Longhorn Defense that stopped the Indians short on 3rd down, 9 out of 11 times, and forced 5 turnovers. Don’t you just love having a defense that is so well-coached that when the option comes around the end – someone runs by the QB in order to take out the pitch-man, knowing that his team-mate will be there to take out the QB. Execution and team-play, no matter the score or the field position.

A Longhorn Offense that absolutely dominated: 511 total yards – 275 on the ground, 236 through the air! 5 Longhorns had over 20 yds rushing, with freshman Colin Rome leading the pack at 111 yds, and Tyler Adams coming in with 74 yds. While going 12 for 18 and 3 TDs, Eric Skaggs spread the passing to 8 different Longhorn receivers. We all need to say a collective “well done” to the Longhorn “O”-Line! Rhyn Cason, John Proud, Brian Pettit, Caleb Hopson, Marcos Gonzalez, John Atchley, Jake Jeffrey, and others, thanks guys!

A Longhorn Special Team Squad that has scored 3 touchdowns in the first 2 District games. Chandler with a kick return for 6, and Blake Reid with a blocked punt and TD, against Ballinger. This week it was Reid’s turn to run back a kick-off 80 yds for 6 points. Not only that, the kick-off and punting teams for the Horns allowed only 46 total return yards on 7 kicks. While the Longhorns averaged over 25 yards per return!

BALANCE!! BALANCE!! BALANCE!!

At the end of the day in District 3-2A – the Ballinger Bearcats defeated San Saba to go 1-1, 0-2 respectively; the Bangs Dragons slipped past the Coleman Bluecats to remain tied with the Longhorns at 2-0 in District play, Coleman dropped to 1-1, and Jim Ned to 0-2.

Next week the Early Longhorns have an opportunity to do what they haven’t done in quite some time – qualify for Part III: the playoffs. While I’m aware of all the talk around the county that Early has emerged as “the Team to beat” in District 3-2A. And I’m sure that there are lots of folks who love to think of certain games being more important than others and therefore should be moved and played here or there, or wherever. And I’m certain that Early’s 3 remaining District opponents are even now, planning how to adjust and try to compete. The Early Longhorns, however, are concerned about only one thing – preparing to play the San Saba Armadillos on Friday at 7:30pm @ McDonald Field. You see, that’s the thing about this team, a six game win streak means nothing to them, because there’s another game coming up, and when they win that one, they get to play another one, and when they win that one….

I’ve said it before: The 2005 Edition of the Early Longhorns have more to prove to themselves than to anyone else. I, for one, am really enjoying the way these guys are proving it on the field every Friday night. Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear and post your comments!

By the way, the Varsity Longhorns weren’t alone in success against Jim Ned. The 7th (28-14) and 8th (28-0)grade teams won, as well as the Early Freshman (32-6). Early’s JV fell in a close and well-played game.

One important note: Although the Indians were getting thrashed pretty good on the field. I, for one, am humbled by the absolute graciousness of the Jim Ned players and fans. Those folks are just classy people. As the broadcast team left the stadium, well after the game had ended, there were at least a dozen Indian fans who wished us well and complimented Early’s fine Football Team, Band, and Students. Jim Ned is a School that has had some very successful Teams and Students over the last several years, but has remained humble and appreciative. That can’t be said about every school in this area that has had that kind of success. Thank you, Tuscola-Jim Ned, we appreciate your support, and your friendship.

This week on Thursday the Freshman and JV travel to the “graveyard” in San Saba with games beginning at 5pm. While the Middle School games begin at 4pm at McDonald Field. Be there if you possibly can and be loud, and be proud!

Special Note: All Middle and High School Students are invited to First Methodist Church after the Game on Friday night for a great Concert with two high-energy rock bands (think NormaJean & Me, Without You)from the Tyler, TX area. Admission is free, and there will be lots of food!

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