2016 Play-offs round 3 - Klein Collins vs Tyler

My video from this adventure. . .

Happy Thanksgiving.  I want to say thanks to my friends and family who help me and support me and prop me up every day.  I am so thankful for my son Ryan and my beautiful daughter Colleen who have enriched my life in countless ways.  They are healthy, happy, and safe.  You can’t ask for much more than that.  And of course my wife Nancy.  She is my rock, the wise counsel I seek, the shoulder that I cry on, my partner through the years.  I am so grateful she chose to share her life with me.  My life has been so incredibly blessed.

I went to Waco on the shores of the Brazos River to McLane Stadium on the campus of Baylor University.  The Tyler Lions faced off against the Klein Collins Tigers.  Both teams came into this game with identical 11-1 records.  Ricklan Holmes is in his fifth year as head coach of Tyler.  Their only loss was to Rockwall in the fourth week of the season when they fell 59-58.  I think both defenses stayed on the bus that night.  The Lions are currently ranked 11^th in 6A football.  Drew Swoboda has been at the helm of Klein Collins for the past 12 seasons.  They lost to Katy 50-49 in double overtime in week 2.  The Tigers enter this game ranked 12^th.

It was overcast with temperatures in the 50s at game time.  There had been a little rain in the area earlier in the day, but these were not going to let weather be a factor in this game.

This game is round three of the play-offs.  The Sweet Sixteen.  Tyler’s winning streak currently stands at 8.  Klein Collins’ winning streak stands at ten games.  Something has got to give.  A win moves your team into the Elite Eight.  Lose and you go home to clean out your locker because your season just ended.  It should be a good one.

I got to eat some barbecue in Waco earlier in the day.  Let me show you what I got. . .

The Barbecue

I had gotten recommendations for two barbecue joints in Waco.  When I drove by, it turns out each was locked up tight for the Thanksgiving holidays.  Ooops.  Fortunately, I had a backup plan.

I cruised over to 1600 Speight Ave (just off I-35) to Vitek’s BBQ.  I had sampled their wares last season during the play-offs (Round 5 – Allen vs Westlake) and thought the barbecue was decent, but not great.  I came away this time with a much better impression.  I ordered my usual half pound of moist brisket and a couple of pork ribs.  I think they miss weighed the brisket because I got closer to a full pound.  It had a nice bark and a deep smoke ring cooked into the meat. Tender and moist with a light smoky flavor.  The ribs were meaty and flavorful.  The meat was easy to bite off the bone.  They served a typical sauce – a little sweet with not much spicy kick.

Vitek’s has a large dining area inside and another large covered outdoor area out back.  With a full bar and lots of TVs showing football, it’s a big gathering area for friends and family.  I got a chance to speak with one of the pit masters.  He showed me the original black smoker they used for years and the two new industrial strength smokers they use now: one just for briskets and the other for pork and turkey. They smoke their meats using hickory wood.  He mentioned they now have a food truck they park at Magnolia Market (owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines).  Since that has become a major tourist attraction in Waco, they won’t lose any money with that decision.  I rate Vitek’s BBQ as a single Hook ‘Em.

The Game

Neither team could sustain a drive early in the game.  After a Klein Collins punt, Tyler had the ball deep in their red zone.  Quarterback Bryson Smith was sacked to set up third and long.  He scrambled to avoid the Tigers rush, then threw downfield to Cameron Grant.  Grant would have had first down yardage if he had only held onto the ball, but Tyler had to punt.

On first down, quarterback Brett Bridges lofted the ball deep to a wide open Quinton Newton.  The 35 yard touchdown pass made the score 7-0.

Quinton Newton catches a 35 yard touchdown pass

The Tigers were guilty of a face mask penalty on the kick-off so, the Lions started a drive from their 40.  A pass from Smith to Damion Miller gave Tyler a first down on the Klein Collins 38.  Following a short run, Smith overthrew Michael Givens and his pass was picked off by Cameron Godfrey to give the Tigers possession on their 22 yard line.  D’Anthony Doyle carried the ball on a toss sweep to the right for a first down on the 38.  On third and 8 from the 42, Smith threw a lateral pass to Newton who heaved the ball downfield.  Doyle was open behind the defense, made the catch, and outraced the defenders to the end zone.  With 0:14 left in the first quarter, Klein Collins was ahead 14-0.

Newton throws halfback pass. . .

. . . Doyle catches pass and beats defenders to score

Tyler took possession after the kick-off and drove to the Tigers 30.  The Lions lost yardage on second and third downs as Smith was sacked while trying to pass.  Tyler was forced to punt yet again. 

Klein Collins moved from their 15 to their 32.  Doyle took a toss sweep to the left and ran down the sideline for 50 yards.  Bridges threw to Newton to give the Tigers first and goal from the 9.  Josh Powell plowed his way up the middle for a touchdown.  The extra point extended the lead to 21-0.

Josh Powell scores on a 9 yard run up the middle

After a short sky kick, Tyler started on their 32.  Smith threw over the middle to Givens who broke a tackle for a gain to the Klein Collins 48.  Smith carried around right end for a gain to the 38 yard line.  After two incomplete passes, Smith lofted the ball deep.  Miller had beaten the defender and the pass hit him right in the hands, but he dropped the sure touchdown.  Once again, the Lions were forced to punt.

The Tigers started from their 20 after the Lions punt went into the end zone.  As time was winding down in the second quarter, Tyler needed to make a stop.  They could not afford to let Klein Collins score again before halftime.  The Lions needed to get the ball back and score.  They would get the ball to start the third quarter.  If they could score then, they could be back in the ball game.  Klein Collins picked up a first down, but Tyler got the stop they needed when they tackled Doyle short on third down.  The Tigers punt was only good for 20 yards and the Lions took over on their 40 yard line.  On third down, Smith scrambled then threw downfield to Givens.  He got a block from Keandre Street and scored on a 59 yard play.  The extra point was blocked and almost returned for points by the Tigers.  With 1:50 left in the second quarter, Tyler was on the scoreboard at 21-6.

Michael Givens scores on 59 yard catch and run

Klein Collins took possession on their 30.  Runs by Doyle moved the ball to the Tyler 37.  With 0:21 to play, Bridges threw deep to Jaylon Johnson.  He caught the ball in stride on the 4 and scored easily.  The Tigers went into the locker room at half time ahead 28-6.

Jaylon Johnson catches touchdown pass just before halftime

Tyler received the opening kick of the third quarter and returned it to their 27.  On their first play, Bryson Smith scrambled up the middle.  He was stripped of the ball and Klein Collins recovered on the 29.  D’Anthony Doyle carried the ball six straight times, scoring a touchdown from three yards out on the last carry.  At 9:06 in the third quarter, the Tigers were up 35-6. 

With that score, the game was effectively over.  D’Anthony Doyle scored again on a 2 yard run to push the lead to 42-6.  Bryson Smith scored for Tyler on a 17 yard run in the fourth quarter and made a two point conversion to move the score to 42-14.  But Klein Collins would score twice more in the fourth quarter (a 6 yard run by Isaiah Spiller and a 54 yard run by Josh Powell).  They won in a romp, 56-14.

Congratulations to the Tyler Lions for a good season that saw them reach the Sweet Sixteen.  They simply made too many mistakes against a strong and disciplined Klein Collins team.  With the win, the Tigers advance to the Elite Eight where they will face Westfield next week.

News and Notes

There will be some new state champions crowned this year as some of last year’s winners have been eliminated from the play-offs.

6A Division 1

Galena Park North Shore        20

Katy                                        17

Katy had played for the state championship each of the last four years, winning in 2012 and 2015.

5A Division 1

Manvel                                    47

Cedar Park                              35

Cedar Park had their 28 game winning streak snapped.

2016 Play-offs round 2 - Lake Travis vs Smithson Valley

Here is the video for this adventure:

The play-offs started with a bang last week.  Now it’s time for round two.  I went to Bobcat Stadium on the campus of Texas State University in San Marcos to see the Lake Travis Cavaliers in action against the Smithson Valley Rangers.  I saw Hank Carter’s Lake Travis team the second week of the season.  They were coming off a home loss to Converse Judson to start the season and needed double overtime to beat Cibolo Steele.  Since that night, the Cavs have ripped off nine straight wins.  They knocked off San Antonio Madison last week 56-7.  At 10-1, they are ranked #5 in Texas 6A football.  Larry Hill is in his 20^th year as head coach of Smithson Valley.  This summer he was inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor.  He leads a team with an 8-2 record that is on a seven game winning streak.  They defeated San Antonio Warren 53-7 in first round play last week.  The Rangers are ranked #18. 

A cold front had moved through Texas earlier in the day.  It was dry, but there was a strong wind out of the north and the temperatures were falling.

One play-off game is in the books.  Four more wins and your team gets to play for the state championship at Jerry’s World.  This should be a good one. . .

I got some barbecue before I got to the stadium.  While the teams finished putting on their game faces, let me show you how I got my game face on. . .

The Barbecue

Austin traffic was horrible on a Friday night, so it was well after dark when I got to San Marcos BBQ located at 2601 Hunter Road in San Marcos.  They do not have a big sign out front, so I missed them the first time I drove past.  If I had the windows of the minivan opened, maybe I could have found them from the smell of barbecue cooking.

Unfortunately for me, they were out of pork ribs when I got there.  I was able to order some moist brisket and sausage.  The brisket had a nice, dark bark and a good smoke ring cooked into the meat.  It was juicy and full of smoky flavor, but my slices were a bit stringy, the result of being cut with the grain instead of against it.  The sausage had a nice snap to it and was not greasy.  It was full of spicy flavor and not too many fillers.  They offered a sweet and a spicy sauce.  Both were flavorful and good compliments to the meat.

San Marcos BBQ is a typical Texas barbecue joint – nothing fancy, no pretense, just good food.  The guys and girls working there on a Friday evening were friendly and nice to talk with.  A nice place to gather with friends and family.  I will need to stop by when the sun is shining so I can sample their pork ribs.  I rate San Marcos BBQ as a single Hook ‘Em.

The Game

With a cold front having moved through Texas earlier in the day, it was 57 degrees at kick-off.  Smithson Valley received the opening kick-off and headed into the wind.  They went three and out and were forced to punt.  A short kick into the wind gave the ball to Lake Travis on the Rangers 35 yard line.

On the Cavs first play, quarterback Charlie Brewer found Cade Green open on a deep slant good to the Rangers 5 yard line.  Maleek Barkley carried the ball wide right for a touchdown.  The extra point was no good leaving the score 6-0.

Maleek Barkley scores first touchdown of the game

The Rangers could not sustain a drive and were forced to punt.  Passes by Brewer and runs by Barkley moved the ball into the Rangers red zone.  Smithson Valley had a chance to end the drive, but dropped a sure interception.  Brewer scrambled up the middle and was tackled on the 5, then threw to Green for the touchdown.  The extra point made it 13-0.

The Rangers returned the kick-off to their 19.  Quarterback Josh Adkins threw to Josh Dillon over the middle for big yardage past midfield, but Dillon was stripped of the ball and Lake Travis recovered.  In the second quarter, the Cavs drove downfield again.  They settled for a 22 yard field goal to extend their lead to 16-0.

Late in the second quarter, Brewer was sacked on third down and the Cavs had to punt into the wind.  Adkins passed to Trevon Moehrig-Woodard on the left sideline.  He broke a tackle, got a good downfield block from Davis Grochett and scored from 60 yards out.  The extra point made the score 16-7 with 1:20 before half time.

Trevon Mowhrig-Woodard turns a sideline pass into a 60 yard touchdown

Lake Travis took possession on their 28.  Brewer’s pass in the flat to Garrett Bressette was almost intercepted, but Bressette picked up first down yardage.  Brewer threw deep to Cade Green who drug a defender into the end zone for a 46 yard touchdown.  The Cavs went to halftime leading 23-7.

Cade Green drags a defender into the end zone

The third quarter opened with Lake Travis going three and out and punting into the wind.  From the Cavs 41 yard line, Adkins threw a wide receiver screen to Levi Williams to get the drive started.  On fourth and 2, Adkins ran up the middle and picked up 3 yards for a first down on the 19.  Two plays later, Adkins handed the ball to Woodard on sweep to the right.  He pulled up and threw a halfback pass to Williams in the end zone.  The Rangers went for 2, but Woodard was dropped for a loss.  With 7:09 to play in the third quarter, the Cavs led 23-13.

Woodard throws a halfback pass for six

The Cavs mounted a long drive, using runs by Barkley to pick up yardage and burn up clock.  Barkley scored, but Lake Travis was called for holding and the touchdown negated.  They settled for a 28 yard field goal to extend their lead to 26-13.

The Cavs were content to trade punts with Smithson Valley as the game moved into the fourth quarter.  They kept the ball on the ground to move the chains and wind the clock.  Maleek Barkley scored again to push the score to 33-13 with just 6:15 to play.

The Rangers mounted one last drive.  Adkins threw to Josh Dillon for a 46 yard gain to the Cavs 39, then threw to Edwin Martinez for first and goal on the 1.  Adkins scored from the 1, then threw a pop pass for the two point conversion to make it 33-21.

With only 2:37 left to play, the Rangers only hope was an onsides kick.  Lake Travis fell on the ball on their 48 yard line.  After being tackled for a two yard loss, Barkley burst through a hole in the middle of the line and romped 54 yards for a touchdown.  The Rangers could not pick up the bouncing kick-off and the Cavs recovered on the 6 yard line.  They ran out the clock to win 40-21.

Congratulations to Smithson Valley for their fine season.  They played hard, but fell behind early and could never make up the lost ground.  They had no answer for Maleek Barkley who gained 189 yards on 20 carries and scored three times.  Lake Travis moves into the Sweet Sixteen where they will face the Los Fresnos Falcons next week.

2016 Play-offs round 1 - Connally vs Magnolia West

Here is the video from this adventure:

Friday was Veteran’s Day.  I want to take a moment to say thanks to my Dad Art and my late father-in-law Allen Dame and the millions of men and women all across America who served our country so proudly.  We are honored by your service and cannot say Thank You enough.

My late father-in-law Allen Dame, circa 1992

My Dad Art, age 90

The second season began Friday.  The Texas high school football play-offs are a six week, single elimination tournament.  Win and advance, lose and go home.  Every team that has made their way into the play-offs thinks (hopes) they have what it takes to play at Jerry’s World in December.

Connally Stadium

I went to Connally Stadium to see the Cougars in first round action against the Magnolia West Mustangs.  I had seen Jason Cecil’s Connally team twice already this season.  They may not have liked the fact that I am here since their two losses were in games I attended.  JD Berna is in his first season as head coach of Magnolia West.  He is a disciple of the former coach at Baylor, Art Briles.  He leads a team with a 7-3 season record.  Not bad for a first year coach.

The second season is a special time of year for Texas football.  All kinds of crazy things have been known to happen: miracle comebacks, unsung players becoming instant heroes.  All the hard work and sacrifice made by the players and coaches during the season are on the line.  For the team that comes up short on the scoreboard, there is no tomorrow.  It should be a good one.

While the teams got ready for kick-off,  their tummies were no doubt filled with butterflies.  My tummy was full of BBQ.  Let me take a minute to show you what I got. . .

The Barbecue

I went to Johnny T’s BBQ week 9 of last season.  There had been torrential rains in central Texas the preceding week which caused problems with their smoker.  They were unable to serve brisket the day I was there, but their ribs were good.  I figured I would try them again, this time with a particular eye for their brisket.

They moved to a new location in December 2015.  They are once again in the corner of a little strip shopping center now at 1615 Grand Avenue Parkway in Pflugerville.  Their moist brisket had a thin bark and was tender with a light smoky flavor.  I tend to like more smokiness.  The ribs were good, just not as good as I remembered.  They were meaty, but could have been more tender.  The extra flap of meat at the end of the bone was not leathery, but definitely chewy.  As they did last year, they offered three types of sauce:

• ·         Original – a thin red sauce, sorta sweet to the taste.
• ·         Spicy – a thicker red sauce with additional spice.
• ·         Carolina – a mustard based sauce with an extra little kick of spice. Like last year, this one tickled my taste buds the most.

The staff was friendly and the restaurant was clean.  The barbecue was good, but I prefer brisket with a deeper smokiness and ribs a bit more tender. I think the barbeque was better at their previous location, but better than the barbecue served at other joints in strip shopping centers.  I rate Johnny T’s BBQ as a single Hook ‘Em.

The Game

Connally received the opening kick-off .  They were unable to pick up a first down and were forced to punt.  Magnolia West blocked the kick, scooped up the bouncing ball, and fell into the end zone to take a 7-0 lead.

On their second possession, Connally again had to punt.  After runs by Trey McGrew picked up a first down, quarterback Wesley Bagley scrambled to avoid pressure, broke down the left sideline, and was pushed out of bounds on the Connally 19.  A steady diet of runs by McGrew moved the ball to the Cougar 1 yard line.  He carried again on a dive play to score his first touchdown.  The extra point was blocked, so the score stood at 13-0 with 3:23 to play in the first quarter.  Not looking too good for the home team.

QB Wesley Bagley scrambles to the Cougar 19

Early in the second quarter, Connally had to punt once again.  But this time, the Mustangs return man dropped the punt and it was recovered by the Cougars.  Just the spark they needed.  Ryan Walton burst up the middle for a big gain to the Magnolia West 30.  Runs by Patterson pushed the ball into the end zone for a touchdown.  With 10:16 before half time, Connally cut the lead to 13-7.

With 3:45 left in the second quarter, Connally took possession on their 34.  Patterson ran the ball for 6 yards.  Kordell Mathis ran through a hole on the left side and sprinted down the sideline 60 yards for a touchdown.  The extra point gave the Cougars their first lead at 14-13 at the 3:07 mark in the second quarter.  Now we have a game.

Kordell Mathis runs for 60 yard touchdown

Magnolia West returned the kick-off to their 38.  Time for the Trey McGrew show.  He picked up 32 yards on four carries.  On third and 2, his offensive line opened a big hole and he scored from 30 yards out.  The extra point made it 20-13, Mustangs with 1:08 left in the second quarter.

Trey McGrew scores on 30 yard burst up the middle

Connally started with great field position on their 45.  Patterson connected with Micajah Moffett on a middle screen to the Mustangs 45.  The defender covering Mathis fell down leaving him wide open.  Patterson hit Mathis in stride and he scored to make it 21-20 to close the first half.

The defender fell down leaving Mathis wide open for a touchdown

Connally kicked-off to start the third quarter.  Time for the Trey McGrew show again.  After being called for holding, the Mustangs lined up on second down needing 16 yards.  Their offensive line opened a big hole and McGrew ran for 46 yards to the Cougars 19.  A face mask penalty on the Cougars gave Magnolia West first and goal from the 9.  McGrew did the rest and the Mustangs reclaimed the lead at 27-21.

McGrew carries for 46 yards

Late in the third quarter, the Mustangs took possession on their 11 after stopping Connally short on fourth down.  They used the McGrew battering ram to eat up clock and move the chains downfield.  As the fourth quarter began, Magnolia West had a first down on the Connally 41. Quarterback Wesley Bagley connected with Deavin Smith on a pass to the Cougars 5.  The Cougar defense stiffened and forced the Mustangs to settle for a 28 yard field goal to extend their lead to nine points at 30-21 with 9:00 left to play.

After an interception, Magnolia West had the ball at midfield.  Three runs by McGrew ate up clock and moved the ball to the Cougars 37.  After a holding penalty, Bagley threw deep, but the ball was picked off by Dereon Kizzee and returned 65 yards to the Mustang 28. 

Dereon Kizzee returns an interception 65 yards

After a false start penalty, Patterson dropped back to pass.  He scrambled to avoid pressure from the Mustang defense, then threw a touchdown pass to Ryan Walton.  The extra point trimmed the lead to 30-28 with 3:57 remaining in the game.

Magnolia West started on their 24 yard line.  Everyone knew what was coming.  McGrew carried for 8 yards on first down, then picked up another yard on second down.  With 2:53 left to play, McGrew carried again on third down, but he was stopped inches short of the first down.  The Mustangs punted the ball over to Connally.  The Cougars return man signaled for a fair catch, but muffed the punt.  The Mustangs recovered on the Cougar 16.  McGrew was handed the ball on third down, but again the Cougar defense stopped him short.  The Mustangs kicked a 26 yard field goal to push their lead to five at 33-28.

Connally got the ball on their 37 with only 1:23 left to play in the game.  The Cougars turned to the back pages of their play book for a double reverse flea flicker with the ball tossed back to Patterson.  His deep pass was broken up and fell incomplete.  Fourth and 10, only 54 seconds left on the clock.  Make the first down or the season ends right here.  Patterson threw to Reggie Martin who carried the ball to the Mustang 40 for a first down.  Patterson was sacked on first down.  Third and 15 from the 46 with 10 seconds left to play.  Patterson chunked the ball deep.  K Stewart split two defenders, caught the pass, and scored a touchdown with just 3 seconds to play.  Final score: Connally 34, Magnolia West 33.

Robert Patterson  throws deep 

K Stewart makes winning touchdown catch

I said in my opening for this game that all kinds of crazy things happen in the play-offs.  This game will be added to the list.  Trey McGrew had a huge night for Magnolia West, but the Connally defense stopped him short late in the fourth quarter when it mattered most.  Robert Patterson was not playing his best game (he wore some kind of glove on his non-throwing left hand), but came up huge at the end of the second and fourth quarters.  K Stewart only had one pass thrown his way all night, but he made the most of it by catching the winning touchdown.

Congratulations to Magnolia West.  They had a good season to make the play-offs and fought hard the entire game.  The Cougars live to play one more week with the 34-33 win. You just gotta love a game like this.