Go Friday Night

Just when the opponents thought it was safe to go back to McDonald Field... Longhorns 21 Indians 6

By Tracy Ebarb
September 29, 2007

First of all, sorry this blog has been silent for the last few weeks. The truth is - there has been plenty of talk about. Sure the Longhorns weren't able to pick up a win in the pre-District games, and it's hard to brag much when you're 0-3, but winning football games is not the only reason I write this thing anyway. And so, I regret allowing my 'losing induced depression' to stifle the ramblings that go on here. I'll try to do better over the next few weeks. By the way, 'thank you' to those of you who've mentioned that you miss reading this blog. Now, moving on...

The JimNed Indians are a good football team, up until last night they were unbeaten even though Merkel, Breckenridge and Eastland all tried to find a way to stop them. Their QB, Coffman, aside from being a nice kid, is a heck of an athlete, and tough as shoe leather. Their fans are always extremely gracious, whether we go there or they come here. In years past, the Indians have fielded some incredibly good teams. In fact, one of their former players is making Central Texas football look very good as he plays on Saturdays for the other Longhorn team in Texas(you remember Colt McCoy, he was intercepted 3 times by Tim Chandler the last time the Indians came to McDonald Field). Truth is, I can't help but like the Indians. I don't know if you noticed, but there were purple jerseys helping up red jerseys, and vice-versa all night long. Great sportsmanship by both teams all night long, and at the end of the game, even a half hour after the game was over, the JimNed boys were still on the field visiting with their fans and coaches. I've seen lots of times when as soon as the final buzzer sounded, the losing team would run to the busses and 'get out of Dodge'! So, all in all, best wishes to the Indians, good luck against the Bearcats next week, oh, and thanks for a well played game. AND...

Congratulations Longhorns!!!!
I've known it, you've known it, there has really been no mystery - this team, the 2007 Early Longhorns, is like America - they've got talent! We've all been waiting for "it" to come together, and frankly, I think we are still a couple of weeks away from seeing what this group can really do, but last night we were treated to a pretty good 'preview of coming attractions'!

First off, the offensive line: Hopson, Rosales, Kesee, Beene, Thompson and Moore were the ones that really stood out to me last night. After faltering a little on that first possession of the 2nd half, you guys took over the game! Rome and Ross must have been smiling on every carry because you guys were kicking tail and taking names. On one play, Kaleb blocked his guy about 20 yards past the 8-9yds that Collin picked up, and the guy was like - "what was that for, I wasn't even thinking about getting in on the tackle!". Jose was another one with some incredible blocks, really all the front line guys did a great job. Coach Pierce would be proud, and Coach Sharp has got to be excited.

Second, Collin Rome hurts people when he runs the football! Teams like JimNed who are fundamentally sound know how to tackle runners like Rome, but boy do they pay the price. Plus, when Collin needs a breather, Bo Ross comes in and runs very strong, but with a completely different style than Collin, and just makes people miss. Then look at Nick Lyle, I think he could dove hunt with a football, and if no one is open, that's fine, he's got places to go anyway. Cochran and Bullard are going to catch a lot of passes this season, but if you watch them, you'll realize they are a big part of the running game as well, selling routes and taking out defensive backs. Overall, our offense wasn't great last night, but we are getting better with every snap of the ball.

Third, the Defense. This group allowed less than 200yds of total offense on the night and really stood up when we needed a stop. Lots of standouts in this group, but the most important thing about last night's defensive game, in my opinion, was the fact that we played hard for 4 full quarters!

Not long ago, I heard Cowboy's QB Tony Romo attribute this quote to Bill Parcells - "Don't let 'good enough', be good enough." The Longhorns are 1-0 in the season that counts, we were good enough to beat a solid JimNed Indian team, we're tied for 1st in the District now with Coleman, Ballinger and Wall, we've got a little momentum and some of the confidence that winning brings, but, we can't let 'good enough' be good enough! As fans, we can't afford to allow ourselves the luxury of assuming that 'the boys are back', this is a team that, according to Coach Tindol, has yet to find it's real identity. And I might add, a team that has incredible depth and talent that could do incredible things when they do find that identity. The Homecoming crowd was super last night, but we need more than that over in Bangs next Friday. Personally, I saw way too many 'odd colors' in the stands last night, we need PURPLE, people. Purple shirts, purple hats, purple towels, purple faces, you get the idea. If we come and support these guys the way we should, even the Dragons will be purple by the end of the game! See you there!

By the way, congratulations to Vivianna Martinez on being crowned Homecoming Queen for 2007, and to all the nominees and duchesses.

Lots of 'atta-boys' to the Middle School teams who went 3-1 against the Indians this week, and to the JV boys who came from behind to 'scalp' the Indians 46-16 over in Tuscola on Thursday. Tough luck to the 9th Graders on their 20-8 loss to Bangs(great kick return by Trey McGlothlin called back on a penalty), but we'll get another shot at them.

Cross-Country girls are competing and finishing well in meets almost every week this fall, thanks for your work ladies.

Comments

• Previous Entry: « Crawford game begins at 7:30!
• Next Entry: Longhorns "puff" the Dragons 34 - 22 »