2016 Week 8 - Cedar Park vs Pflugerville Connally

My video from this adventure:

I went to John Gupton Stadium in Leander, Texas to see the Cedar Park Timberwolves face off against the Pflugerville Connally Cougars in a battle for first place in district 19-5A.  We are well familiar with Carl Abseck’s Timbervolves team, winners of their last 23 games.  Jason Cecil coaches the Cougars.  He is in his second year at Connally and leads a team with a perfect 7-0 season record.  The Cougars are averaging over 36 points per game, while the Timberwolves are yielding only 7.5 points per game.  After this game, there are only two games left in the regular season.  These teams are playing for district bragging rights and play-off seeding.  Can Connally score enough points to hang with Cedar Park?  Can the Timberwolves extend their win streak to 24 games and claim sole possession of first place in their district? 

But first, I need some barbecue. . .

The Barbecue

Where do I want to go for barbecue?  I have already been to the two places listed by the google that I wanted to eat at in Cedar Park (J&J last year, Big Cat BBQ earlier this year).  So I thought I would experiment and try out a new place.  I am very glad that I did.

Mikey Perez opened M-Train Barbecue about two weeks ago.  His trailer is located in the lot behind Kellee’s Place at 2500 East 6^th Street in Austin.  This is the lot when John Mueller Meat Company once served great barbecue.  According to Texas Monthly magazine, John was cooking the books in addition to cooking barbecue and his business was seized by the tax man.  Ooops. . .

Mikey used to work for John and has well learned the craft of smoking meat.  His moist brisket was tender and delicious.  It had a great bark and a deep smoky flavor.  His pork ribs were also great, very tender and tasty. 

M-Train is currently a one man operation.  Mikey tends the fire, handles the pit, prepares each order, and works the cash register.  I had the pleasure of talking with him.  He is a very friendly and humble young man.  I told him that being at Mueller’s old location, he needs to work on his snarl.  While he may have learned some cooking techniques from John, the snarl is one thing he has moved beyond. 

Mikey has already done well in some local BBQ competitions and his cooking will only get better as he gains more experience.  It is already excellent.  Just how good it is going to get in the future?  I can’t wait to find out.

Mikey Perez of M-Train BBQ

I give M-Train BBQ my highest rating: two Hook ‘Ems!

The Game

It was a beautiful night in Leander, temperature in the low 70s and not a cloud in the sky.  Connally received the opening kick-off.  They must have been nervous to start the game, committing two false start penalties before they ever ran a play.  The Cougars could not pick up a first down and had to punt.

Cedar Park started their first drive on their 29 yard line and quickly moved past midfield.  Quarterback Mak Sexton found Daniel Rosenthal open on a slant pattern for a big first down.  On fourth and 8, Sexton once again connected with Rosenthal for first and goal.  Tyler Lavine did the rest.  He took a pitch from Sexton and scored from 6 yards out to make it 7-0.

Tyler Lavine scores on pitch from Mak Sexton

On their next possession, Connally quarterback Robert Patterson was sacked on third down, forcing the Cougars to punt.  The Timberwolves started from their own 36.  A swing pass to Haden Craig picked up 14 yards.  Then it was back to the Tyler Lavine show.  He had runs of 14 and 26 yards to move the chains.  On third and 4 deep in the Cougar red zone, Sexton passed to Lavine in the flat and he scored from 5 yards out to push the score to 14-0.

Lavine runs for 26 yards

Lavine scores on pass from Sexton

The Cougars could not move against the swarming T’wolves defense.  Patterson was constantly pressured and/or sacked by the Timberwolves.  When he could get off a pass, the defense was all over the receiver for minimal yardage. 

Early in the second quarter, Cedar Park began a drive from their 35.  They picked up some first downs, but the drive stalled and they were forced to punt.  The Cougar return man muffed the punt (touched it, but never gained possession) and the Timberwolves recovered on the Connally 7 yard line.  Sexton found Daniel Rosenthal in the corner of the end zone and the touchdown made the score 21-0. Cedar Park would score twice more to take a 35-0 lead into half time.

Quarterback Robert Patterson pressured by Timberwolves defense

The Timberwolves received the kick-off to start the third quarter.  Their return man fumbled the ball when hit and the Cougars returned it to the Cedar Park 23.  Needing five yards on fourth down, Patterson threw a dart to Michajah Moffett for a first down on the 12.  But the Cougars would get no closer.  After a one yard run on second down, Patterson’s third down pass was overthrown and his pass on fourth down was dropped. 

Cedar Park took over on downs on their own 11, then proceeded to march down field.   A trio of running backs (Tyler Lavine, Haden Craig, Omar Alzer) ripped off big chunks of yardage against the exhausted Cougars defense.  Lavine crashed through the Connally defense and carried the ball to the one.  Craig took a direct snap from center and scampered untouched into the end zone.  The Timberwolves went 89 yards for the touchdown without a single pass play.  The score made it 42-0.

Time for the third and fourth string players to see action.  Omar Alzer got the final points for Cedar Park on a five yard run.  That made the final score 49-0.

The Timberwolves entered the game ranked #2 in Texas 5A football, the Cougars were #13.  In this the teams’ first meeting, Cedar Park posted their fifth shutout of the season.  They held the Cougars to only 75 yards in total offense.  This contest was over when the Timberwolve players got off the bus before the game.

2016 Week 7 - Georgetown vs Cedar Park

My video of my most recent adventure:

I went to the Georgetown ISD Athletic Complex in Georgetown, Texas where the Eagles hosted the Cedar Park Timberwolves in a district 19-5A game.  Georgetown is coached by Jason Dean.  They entered the game with an overall season record of 6-1, they are 4-1 in district play.  Their only loss of the season came the week before when they lost 60-27 to Rouse.  The same Rouse team that Cedar Park beat 31-0 two weeks ago.  Coach Carl Abseck’s Timberwolves team has stretched their winning streak to 22 games, having recorded their fourth shutout of the season against Bastrop Cedar Creek last week.  On paper, the Timberwolves might look like they are 64 points better than the Eagles, but they don’t play the game on paper. 

Before we get to the game, let me tell you about the barbecue I had earlier.

The Barbecue

Fullhouse BBQ - Georgetown

Robert Garrett

I needed to find a barbecue joint in Georgetown, so I used my old friend the google and up popped Fullhouse BBQ.  Robert Garrett is the owner/pitmaster of Fullhouse and serves up barbecue from a trailer in a little food park at 402 W. Morrow Street in Georgetown.  He had sold out his ribs for the day, so I was stuck eating brisket.  Life can be hard sometimes.

According to his website, Robert tries to ensure a deep smoky taste, moistness, and tenderness.  In my opinion, he gets a high grade for all three.  His brisket was delicious.  He assured me his ribs are equally good, so I will have to stop by for lunch someday to give them a try.  His sauce was a typical red Texas bbq sauce, a good compliment to the meat.

Nana

In our family, we have what we call “The Nana Test” for bbq joints.  My dearly departed mother-in-law (rest her soul) was a wonderful lady, but a little “formal” shall we say.  She would turn up her nose (and miss some really good cooking) at many of the bbq joints I like best.  I think she’d drive by Fullhouse and never stop the car.

Fullhouse is a no frills kind of place.  Robert is a very friendly guy who smokes meat and serves barbecue. Period.  If you want frills, try Applebee’s and convince yourself their baby back ribs are barbecue.  If you want really good barbecue in Georgetown, swing by Fullhouse.  Since I only had the brisket, I can only rate Fullhouse as a single Hook ‘Em.  But if Robert’s ribs turn out as good as he says, I’ll raise that second Hook ‘Em.

Fullhouse BBQ - 1 Hook 'Em rating

The Game

It was a beautiful night in Georgetown, with an almost full moon hanging over the stadium. A few scattered clouds, 84 degrees.  There had been some rain in central Texas earlier in the day, but that had gone away hours before game time.

Cedar Park returned the opening kick-off to their 27.  On second down, quarterback Mak Sexton connected with Hayden Craig on a deep slant pattern.  Craig split the defenders and was off to the races.  The point after made the score 7-0 with less than a minute gone in the game.

Craig splits the defenders to score on second play

Georgetown returned the ensuing kick-off to their 44.  Needing ten yards on third down, quarterback Chandler Herman was pressured by the Timberwolves defense.  Herman fumbled and the T’wolves recovered deep in Eagles territory.  

Georgetown quarterback Chandler Herman fumbles

After runs by Tyler Lavine moved the ball deeper into the red zone, an offsides penalty set the T’wolves up with first and goal on the four.  Sexton pitched wide to Lavine and he carried the ball into the end zone.  Cedar Park went for two, but was stuffed by the Eagles defense.  With 8:21 to play in the first quarter, Cedar Park led 13-0.

Tyler Lavine scores on pitch from mak Sexton

The Eagles started their next possession on their 25 yard line.  Herman threw a wide receiver screen to Caden Leggett. He burst through the defense and had to be dragged down from behind on the Cedar Park 5.  Two plays later, Herman threw to the end zone, but his pass was picked off.

Caden Leggett takes wide receiver screen for big gain

Herman's pass is intercepted

The T’wolves started from their three.  Craig ran up the middle and had first down yardage, but he was stripped of the ball by the Eagles defense and Georgetown recovered.  The Eagles were unable to move the ball and settled for a 32 yard field goal to make the score 13-3.

On their next possession, Cedar Park turned the ball over on downs when Lavine was tackled short of the yard needed on fourth down.  On third and 5, Herman threw to Cole Posey for a first down on the T’wolves 11.  Erik Anderson found a hole on the left side and scored from eight yards out.  The first quarter ended with the score 13-10.

Erik Anderson scores for Georgetown

The T’wolves started their next drive on the 36.  After picking up a first down, Sexton handed the ball to Lavine.  He broke through the defensive line, spun to avoid being tackled, then out ran the defense down the sideline to score from 53 yards out.  The extra point put Cedar Park up 20-10.

Lavine runs for 53 yard touchdown

Georgetown answered with a drive of their own.  Herman completed passes to several receivers. Cedar Park helped out with a critical defensive holding penalty.  Georgetown moved deep into Cedar Park territory, but the drive stalled.  The Eagles kicked a 25 yard field goal to close the gap to 20-13.

The teams traded punts in the second quarter.  A personal foul on the Eagles punt defense team set the T’wolves up on the Georgetown 37.  Sexton tossed a swing pass to Lavine.  Good blocking downfield gave Lavine a hole and he ran down the sideline for his third touchdown of the night.  The first half ended with Cedar Park leading 27-13.

The Eagles started the third quarter from their own 13 yard line.  On third and 15, Herman rolled to his left, then threw deep to Leggett on the sideline for a huge first down.  After a face mask penalty on the T’wolves moved the ball to the 25, Herman threw a screen pass to Leggett who broke through the defense for a touchdown.  With 10:28 to play in the third quarter, Georgetown cut the lead to 27-20.

Leggett scores on a wide receiver screen

The teams alternated possessions.  Late in the third quarter, the T’wolves began a drive from their 14 after an Eagles punt.  Big pass plays to Drew McDaniel moved Cedar Park into the Eagles red zone.  A pass to Craig set up first and goal from the two.  Tyler Lavine took a direct snap from center and bulled his way into the end zone.  His fourth touchdown of the night extended the lead to 34-20.

The teams traded possessions through the fourth quarter.  Cedar Park primarily ran the ball to eat up clock, while Georgetown vainly tried to get points.  With 1:21 left to play, Hayden Craig closed out the scoring on a 23 yard run against a very tired Eagles defense.  The Timberwolves extended their winning streak to 23 games with the 41-20 win.

2016 Week Six - Lewisville vs Southlake Carroll

My video of this week's adventure:

Texas – OU weekend: that always means a big road trip to the Dallas – Ft. Worth area.  The Longhorns faced the Evil Red Empire of the North in the annual Red River Rivalry game.  But that was on Saturday.

On Friday I was at Max Goldsmith Stadium in Lewisville, Texas to see the game between the Lewisville Farmers and the Southlake Carroll Dragons.  The host team is coached by Gregg Miller and entered the game with a 3-2 overall record, 1-1 in district play.  Southlake is coached by Hal Wasson.  The Dragons are 4-1 on the season and undefeated in district play.  Dave Campbell’s Football has them rated at #7 in Texas 6A football.  The Associated Press has them ranked at #11. 

It was 66 degrees with a few scattered clouds at game time.  There had been some rain in the DFW area during the day, but weather was not a factor in the game.

Earlier Friday I stopped off in Ft. Worth for some barbecue. . .

The Barbecue

I had heard about Heim Barbecue from a lady I used to work with (thanks, Janine) and from Armando at Miller’s Smokehouse in Belton.  Since I was going to be in the Dallas – Ft. Worth area anyway, I figured I would stop by and give them a try.  I am very glad I did. 

Travis and Emma Heim had been serving delicious barbecue from a food truck before they moved into their brick and mortar restaurant at 1109 W. Magnolia Avenue in Ft. Worth.  While the restaurant only recently opened, it was obvious they have spent considerable time and effort learning the barbeque smoking craft.  The moist brisket had a deep smoky flavor and was tremendous.  Their pork ribs were meaty and juicy, with just a bit of a sweet glaze.  The sweet sauce was a great compliment to the meat.  Oh, it was good.

When I finished eating, I had a chance to meet and talk with Travis.  He was kind enough to take me out back to the large cooking shed.  Instead of the large welded “tank” pits some places use (such as Miller’s Smokehouse, see episode 5), Heim uses large commercial smokers.  Each has an electric rotisserie inside so the racks of meat rotate through the smoke during the long cook.  They burn a combination of oak (white, post, and sometimes red) to create the smoke that is cooked into their meat. 

Smoking sausage

Prepping briskets for the cook

Heim barbecue opens at 11:00 AM and serves BBQ until they run out.  I had gotten there around 10:40 AM and walked around.  There was no line waiting to get in.  Just before 11:00, a short line had formed.  As word spreads about how good their barbecue is, that line is only going to grow longer.  No telling how good their barbecue will get as they gain more experience.  I think Travis and Emma Heim are sitting on a gold mine.  

I give their barbecue my highest rating: two Hook ‘Ems!

The Game

Southlake won the coin toss and chose to defer until the second half.  Lewisville started from their own 25 yard line after the kick-off went through the end zone.  Kyle Smith picked up 21 yards on a wide receiver sweep.  Quarterback Jarvis Brooks found Tyrell Shavers on the sideline for a big gain to the Dragons 29.  Facing fourth and seven, Brooks found Shavers over the middle for a critical first down on the Dragons 11.  Brooks picked up 5 on a quarterback keeper, then connected with Shavers again, this time in the corner of the end zone.  The extra point gave the Farmers a 7-0 lead with 10:02 to play in the first quarter.  A very impressive drive by Lewisville.

Tyrell Shavers makes TD catch

Jarvis Brooks throws to Tyrell Shavers

The teams traded possessions.  After a short Lewisville punt into the wind, Southlake started from the Farmers 48.  Quarterback Mason Holmes threw a dart to Cade Bell on a slant pattern over the middle for a big first down.  After a run for 4 yards, Holmes threw a wide receiver screen to Jackson Davis for a big gain to the Farmer 15.  The Lewisville defense was burned on a reverse as Robert Barnes scooted into the end zone.  The extra point tied the score at 7 with 6:17 on the first quarter clock.

Robert Barnes scores on a reverse

The two teams traded possessions through the remainder of the first quarter.  Lewisville began a drive from their own 11 as the second quarter opened.  On third and 18, Brooks pass was dropped, but it was ruled a fumble by the referees.  Southlake recovered and took possession at the Farmer 10.  Two plays later, Holmes found Jack Johanson in the back of the end zone for a quick touchdown strike.  The extra point put the Dragons up 14-7 at the 9:27 mark in the second quarter. 

Lewisville picked up a few first downs the next time they had the ball, but their drive stalled and they were forced to punt.  After Audricke Gaines picked up 9, Holmes faked to Gaines then took off around the right end for a huge gain.  Holmes then tossed to Clayton Keyes in the front corner of the end zone.  The extra point pushed the lead to 21-7.

On their next possession, Lewisville once again could not sustain a drive.  They were forced to punt and Southlake took possession on their 16 yard line.  After Holmes scrambled for nine yards, Gaines ripped off a big run to the Farmer 49.  Robert Sledge picked up two yards on fourth and 1 to keep the chains moving.  On third and seven from the 35, Holmes threw deep to Barnes for another score.  The first half ended with the Dragons comfortably ahead 28-7.

It was more of the same in the second half: all Dragons all the time.  Gaines scored on a 43 yard run down the left sideline early in the third quarter.  Holmes hit Barnes on a quick five yard slant for another touchdown that made it 42-7. 

Audricke Gaines scores from 43 yards out

The Farmers started a drive late in the third quarter.  Brooks connected with Smith for a 41 yard gain.  Brooks had a receiver open for a touchdown, but he waited too long to get the pass off and it was intercepted on the three.

The night was over for the Southlake starters.  Backup quarterback Will Bowers marched the Dragons downfield on a 97 yard drive against a worn out Farmer defense to push the score to 49-7.  He threw only one pass on the drive and it was incomplete.  The Farmers could not answer and the game ended with a 40-7 Dragon victory.

Mason Holmes threw to six different receivers as he went 20 out of 28 for 223 yards and four touchdowns for the Dragons.  Audricke Gaines carried the ball 15 times for 125 yards and one score.  Robert Barnes ran for 1 touchdown and caught two more.  The Dragon offense racked up 565 yards of total offense.  Their defense was just as good, limiting the Farmers to 192 total yards. 

There is a Caines Chicken Fingers restaurant right next to the stadium.  As one of the sponsors of the Lewisville Farmers, they had a special promotion for the game: a free combo meal if the two teams totaled more than 48 points.  When Southlake scored to make it 42-7, many of the Farmer faithful headed for the exits.  Their team may have lost, but they could take consolation that they could get free chicken fingers.

News and Notes

Had I not been in the DFW area on Friday, I would have attended the big district game between the Lake Travis Cavaliers and the Westlake Chaparrals.  The Cavs have dominated the series in recent years, having beaten the Chaps eight straight times.  Would the Chaps finally break the streak this year?  The answer was. . .  NO.  The Cavs won again, this time 49-7.  Losing their second game of the season, Westlake fell out of the Top Ten rankings in Texas 6A.  (Lake Travis has moved up to #2.)  Even worse, Chaps quarterback Sam Ehlinger broke his thumb.  The injury will require surgery and Ehlinger is likely to miss the remainder of his senior season.