Longhorns are Playoff Bound!!!!!

By Tracy Ebarb
November 7, 2005

Early Longhorns 48 Coleman Bluecats 25

Well, you can all check off Phase II as completed, and successful! Now comes Phase III, and the Early Longhorns are ready, 9-1 so far, with the Colorado City Wolves next on the menu. Saturday – Shotwell Stadium in Abilene @ 7:30pm.

Longhorn fans came out in “force” this past Friday night to watch their ‘Horns set the stage for their a playoff run in 2005. “The Force” was definitely with Early as they went up 14-0 only 9 minutes deep in the 1st quarter. The Bluecats took the opening kickoff, and fumbled the ball away 2 plays later after a quick lesson on just how hard the Early Longhorns hit! Eric Skaggs hit Justin Cadenhead on a 25 yd scoring strike 5 plays later for the first score, then after the Bluecats gave up the ball on the ensuing kickoff, the ‘Horns stretched 40 yards into 11 plays ending on Josh Conley’s 2yd TD run.

After allowing the Bluecats to go 75yds for a TD to close the gap to 14-7, the ‘Horns offense answered back. First, on a 22 yd run by Josh Conley, then a 7yd pass, Skaggs to Kade Horton with 18 seconds left in the half. The ‘Horns, at halftime were well on their way to the District 3-2A Championship, leading the Bluecats 28 – 7.

The second half was a bit strange, in my opinion. Both teams scored 3 touchdowns each, and the ‘Horns had things well in hand. However, for all practical purposes, the Bluecats were in a win or go home situation. No one expected the Jim Ned Indians to upset the Ballinger Bearcats and hand the Bluecats a ticket to the playoffs, however, the Bluecats appeared almost unconcerned with the outcome of the game from about mid-way through the 3rd quarter. It was really strange! Down 35-7, the Bluecats never got in a hurry, the were content to run the ball and run the clock. Carlton Brown is an incredibly gifted athlete, and gained more yards than any back the ‘Horns defense has faced all year. But, down by 28, against a team that has seemingly scored at will all night, you would think that the ‘Cats might’ve tried to go into a two minute drill, and control the clock, and so on. Never the less, the Longhorns are undefeated in District play and poised for a long overdue playoff run. ROLL HORNS!!!!

Next up – the Colorado City Wolves. The Wolves are an experienced playoff team and have fought through significant injuries to win their District on their way to an 8-2 record. (you may want to read the comments from the previous blog entry for details about the friendly wager between the CC blogger and myself; bottom line – I’m not terribly worried about taking pictures this week, although I’m sure we can find a place on the locker room wall for a special 8x10 from out west)

I’m going to need help this week. Due to long-ago scheduled appointments in Alabama, I will be unable to attend the game this week-end. I will be calling in to check the progress, as I am able, throughout the game. What I need is for as many people as possible to submit comments as soon as you get home from the Game. I’m expecting the ‘Horns defense to be punishing to the Wolves, and our offense is getting better every game, and we’ve still got a few games to go!
My call: Longhorns 27 Wolves 6

Joseph King will be broadcasting the game “in-stadium” on a selected FM frequency, so don’t forget your radios. A new tradition is beginning in Early, TX, so invite everyone you know to join in.

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