2016 Week Three - Temple vs Cedar Ridge

Attached is the video of this adventure:

I went to Wildcat Stadium in Temple, Texas for the game between Temple and Cedar Ridge.  The Wildcats were 2-1, having lost their last game 26-20 to Waco Midway.  Coach Scott Stewart’s team is currently ranked #6 in Texas 5A football.  He is in his first year as the head coach of Temple, having served as defensive coordinator the past two season under coach Mike Spradlin.

Coach Shawn Bell is in his first year at Cedar Ridge and brought in a team with a 3-0 record.  The Raiders are currently ranked #19 in 6A football and are leading in their district.  They went 10-2 last year under coach Todd Ford and are hoping for more this year.

This wass a non-district game between two teams who think they can make it to Jerry’s World in December.  I stopped off in Belton for some BBQ earlier today.  Let me tell you about it.

The Barbecue

So if I’m going to be in the Temple/Belton area, then I need to find a barbecue joint.  I got on the google and up popped a list of possibilities.  One that caught my eye was Miller’sSmokehouse in Belton.  They were rated #11 in one of the Texas Monthly lists of the top 50 barbecue places in the state.  Sounds good to me, let’s give it a try.

Located at 208 North Penelope Street, Miller’s is a classic Texas dive: simple and unpretentious.  Out back is an array of pits where the sweet alchemy of heat, smoke, and time do incredible things to meat.  Their moist brisket was fabulous: great bark, deep smoky flavor, tender and juicy.  The pork ribs were also excellent.  Meaty, rich smoky flavor, and a peppery bark that added an extra zing.  They had two kinds of sauces on the table, a sweet, ketchup based sauce and a thinner, but spicier, vinegar based sauce.  These were both good, but totally not needed, just a nice compliment to the barbecue.

Moist and tender brisket

Peppery bark added an extra zing

Service was a little slow, but that gave me time to interact with their friendly staff.  I had a wonderful conversation with a gentleman named Armando. As a member of the Texas BBQ Brotherhood, he was quick to recommend other barbecue joints and gave me tremendous insights on some of the various places in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.  Armando and the staff can be rightfully proud of the barbecue served at Miller’s.  I give them my highest rating: two Hook ‘Ems!

Armando of Miller's Smokehouse

The Game

Temple received the opening kick-off.  They went three and out and had to punt.  Cedar Ridge started on their 40 yard line.  The moved into Wildcat territory, with a first down on the 28.  They were pushed back 15 yards due to a penalty.  Quarterback Garrett Sharp ran for 13.  On third and 10, running back CJ Rittenhouse picked up the first down on the Temple 11.  On the next play, Rittenhouse scored to make it 7-0 at the 7:11 mark in the first quarter.

The teams traded possessions.  After intercepting a long pass, Cedar Ridge had a first down on their 22.  Sharp made some good runs and passes to move the Raiders past midfield.  A personal foul on Temple gave Cedar Ridge a first down on the 36. Needing five yards on fourth down, Sharp connected with Grant McCartney for a first down.  Sharp ran to the 5 for first and goal as the first quarter ended.  Rittenhouse carried down to the two, then Sharp scored on a quarterback sneak to extend the lead to 14-0.

Temple returned the ensuing kick-off to their 32.  Jemiyah Franklin busted through the Cedar Ridge defense on a 68 yard scoring run.  The extra point cut the lead in half at 14-7 with 11:29 to play in the second quarter.

Cedar Ridge returned the kick-off to the 28 and moved to the 40.  Sharp hit tight end David Walker over the middle.  As the big guy rumbled down the field, Temple safety Ben Norman tomahawked the ball out of Walker’s hands.  Temple recovered the fumble on their four yard line.

The Wildcats picked up a first down to get of the shadows of their own goal posts.  On third and 6, Reid Hesse dropped off a pass to Franklin who broke down the sideline for a big gain.  The penalty for a horse collar tackle added fifteen yards to the play.  Temple moved into the Raiders red zone.  Facing fourth and 3, Hesse was sacked and Temple turned the ball over on downs.

Cedar Ridge drove the ball into Temple territory.  Sharp ran to his right, then cut back to pick up a first down on third and three.  Jaylen Ellis scored on a jet sweep, but the touchdown was negated by a holding penalty.  The Raiders then started moving backwards.  A collision in the backfield lost five yards.  Sharp threw long on third and 25, but the pass swatted away in the end zone.  The Raiders pooch kick traveled seven yards.

With less than a minute left before half time, Temple started from their 30.  Hesse completed several passes to D’yonte Heckstall to move the Wildcats.  After picking up a first down on the Raider 18, Temple attempted a 35 yard field goal with four seconds left.  The kick was no good and the half ended with the Raiders in control at 14-7.

On the kick-off to start the third quarter, a Temple player was called for an unsportsmanlike penalty and ejected from the game.  When the penalty yardage was added to the end of the return, Cedar Ridge started from the Wildcat 36.  The Raiders used the same formula that had been successful in the first half: pound the Temple defense with runs by CJ Rittenhouse.  He scored from 10 yards out to make the score 21-7. 

After the two teams traded possessions, Temple began a drive from their 25 yard line.  Alternating carries between Jemiyah Franklin and Jy’quez Webster and passes from Hesse, the Wildcats drove deep into Raider territory.  Franklin scored on a nifty run from 14 yards out.  The extra point closed the gap to 21-14 with 0:21 left in the third quarter. 

The Raiders returned the kick-off to their 40 and drove into the Wildcats end of the field.  Facing fourth and four, Sharp hit Alejandro Iwabuchi on a pass in the flat.  He picked up a block and made a nice move down the sideline for a critical first down.  After a holding penalty nullified a touchdown run by Sharp, he scrambled on third and 11 to keep the play alive, then found Iwabuchi all alone in the corner of the end zone.  The scoring pass and extra point extended the Cedar Ridge lead to 28-14.

Alejandro Iwabuchi catches winning touchdown pass

 

Temple could get no closer.  They hoped Franklin could find another miracle, but the Raider defense bottled him up.  The Wildcats remaining drives either ended in punts or they turned the ball over on downs.  Cedar Ridge fed the Wildcats a steady diet of runs by Rittenhouse to wind down the clock.  The Raiders rode home to Round Rock with a 28-14 victory in their pocket.

Jemiyah Franklin picked up 163 yards on 25 carries for Temple, the big one being the 68 yard score in the second quarter.  The Wildcats fell to 2-2 with the loss.  CJ Rittenhouse pounded out 153 yards and scored twice for Cedar Ridge.  Garrett Sharp ran for one touchdown and threw for another.  Cedar Ridge begins district play next week with a 4-0 record.  

2016 Week One - Cibolo Steele vs Lake Travis

I went to Lehnhoff Stadium in Schertz, Texas for the game between the Cibolo Steele Knights and the Lake Travis Cavaliers.  The Knights are coached by Steve Lehnhoff.  They entered the game with a 1-0 record having beaten San Antonio Madison 37-7.  They were ranked as the AP #7 team in 6A football.  Hank Carter leads the Cavaliers.  They lost their opening game to Converse Judson 35-28, giving up 15 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.  They began the season ranked #2 in 6A, but fell to #8 after their loss. 

It was 90 degrees with a slight chance of rain in the forecast before game time.  This was a much anticipated early season non-conference game between two teams that each figure to make a deep run in the play-offs.

I had never been to Cibolo before, so I had to try out some of the local barbecue.  

The Barbecue

Harmon’s BBQ is located at 102 South Main Street in Cibolo.  It sure looked and smelled like a BBQ joint when I pulled into the parking lot.  According to their web site, Harmon’s serves up some of the best barbecue in the San Antonio area.  Based upon what I had to eat, I would beg to differ.

The brisket was dry and crumbly to the touch.  While the meat did have a smoky tatse, there was no smoke ring cooked into the meat.  My brisket did not have any outside bark on it, possibly removed by the meat cutter as he prepared my order.  Their sauce was fine and absolutely needed.  Without it, the meat was like chewing on a piece of paper towel.  The pork ribs were big and meaty, but again the meat was overly dry and leathery.  I almost could not finish eating my order.  Not because I was full, but rather due to the amount of work I had to do to chew it.  Had I been there at 11:00 AM when they opened, maybe the meat would have been moist and juicy.  But I was at Harmon’s after 5:00 PM and the barbecue tasted like the life had been cooked out of it.

The restaurant was clean and had a warm atmosphere.  The staff was friendly.  They have a large room in the back where people can kick back with a few beers and enjoy live music.  That is all well and good, but I went to Harmon’s for the BBQ and came away disappointed.  Next time I am in the Cibolo, I will try some other place.  I have to rate Harmon’s BBQ a single shaky Hook ‘Em.

The Game

The start of the game was delayed 30 minutes due to lightning strikes in the area.  A gentle rain fell through the first 10 minutes of the game.  

Rainbow over Lehnhoff Stadium

The Knights took the opening kick-off.  They made a couple of first downs before punting.  On the Cavs first possession, Charlie Brewer connected with Garrett Wilson on a short pass, then he took it 75 yards to the house for the first score.  Quarterback Xavier Martin fumbled on the Knights next possession.  A few plays later, Brewer took it in himself to make it 14-0.  The Knights answered with an 84 yard drive, capped off by a 33 yard touchdown pass to Caden Sterns in the corner of the end zone.  It took the Cavaliers just one play to go 76 yards on a pass from Brewer to Maleek Barkley to make it 21-7 with 2:37 left in the first quarter.

The Knights stormed back with another long drive.  Brenden Brady took it in from short yardage to make it 21-14.  Here comes the Cavs.  After a flea flicker moved the ball deep into Steele territory, Charlie Brewer connected with Cade Green for a score.  And here comes the Knights right back.  After a long pass set up the Knights with first and goal, Martin carried it in on a quarterback draw for a 13 yard touchdown to make it 28-21.  A fumbled toss by Maleek Barkley set the Knights up on the Cavaliers 39.  Martin threw another touchdown pass to tie the game at 28-28.  That’s how the first half ended.

Lake Travis took the third period kick-off and started from deep in their own end of the field.  They were unable to pick up a first down.  A 51 yard punt set up Cibolo on their 45.  Pounding the Cavs defense with runs by Brady and Martin, the Knights moved into Lake Travis territory.  On first and goal from the 8, Martin scored on a quarterback keeper to give Cibolo their first lead of the game 35-28.

The Cavs started from their 31.  Runs by Barkley and short passes from Brewer kept the chains moving.  Barkley scored on a four yard run.  For the extra point, Lake Travis lined up in a swinging gate formation.  Cibolo was unsure how to defend the formation.  Brewer took the quick snap and ran up the middle for wo points.  That gave Lake Travis the lead at 36-35.  The Cavs added a field goal with 2:13 to play in the third quarter to lead 39-35.

Here come the Knights right back.  Starting from their 20 yard line, Cibolo moved down field behind the running and passing of Xavier Martin.  From the Cavs 7, Martin found Caden Sterns in the corner of the end zone.  The touchdown and point after gave Cibolo the lead at 42-39.

Lake Travis stormed right back.  Starting from their 42, the Cavs moved into Cibolo territory on runs and passes from Charlie Brewer.  On third and 13 from the Knights 19, Brewer threw to the corner of the end zone.  Garrett Wilson made a diving catch for the touchdown.  The extra point kick put the Cavs back in front at 46-42 with 7:07 left to play.

Cibolo took possession on their 25.  Brady carried for a gain of 13.  Martin connected with CJ Williams on a deep pass good for 39 yards.  Lake Travis was called for a face mask penalty that set up the Knights with first and goal from the 7.  Their resulting touchdown gave Cibolo a 49-46 lead with 4:57 to play.

After a penalty wiped out a good kick-off return, Lake Travis started on their 8 yard line.  On third and 8, Brewer was pressured as he tried to pass.  His pass was incomplete, forcing Lake Travis to punt.  But more importantly, Brewer was injured on the play and had to be helped from the field.

With 3:13 left in the fourth quarter, Cibolo took possession at midfield with a chance to run out the clock.  Incomplete passes and penalties killed their drive and left time on the clock.  After the Cibolo punt, the Cavs took possession on their 20 with 2;52 to play.

Charlie Brewer was unable to play, so Mathew Baldwin took the field in relief.  He connected with Cade Brewer on several passes to move the Cavs down field.  On fourth and 12 from the 33, Baldwin scrambled to the 50 for a first down.  He found Cade Brewer for a gain to the Knights 29. With just 2 seconds left in regulation, kicker Cameron Dicker connected on a 46 yard field goal to tie the game and send it into overtime.

Steele took possession first on the Cavs 25.  It took Brady only two carries to get the score making it 56-49.  Lake Travis had to answer to keep the game going.  On second down, Baldwin hit Cade Brewer who walked into the end zone.  The Cavs thought about going for two, but their extra point kick tied the game at 56. 

Lake Travis started first in the second overtime period.  They could only muster a 29 yard field goal from Dicker to go up 59-56.  Now the Knights need to meet it or beat it.  They pounded Brady over and over again.  Facing fourth and 1 from the two, the Knights called timeout.  They could kick a field goal to tie the score and send the game into a third overtime.  Instead they decided to try for the touchdown to win the game. Martin rolled to his right, was pressured by a Cav linebacker, then threw the ball into the end zone for Rashad Beecham.  He dropped the pass and the game was over.  A thrilling double overtime victory for Lake Travis 59-56.

Attached is the video for this adventure:

2016 Week Zero - Westlake vs Katy

For the second game of my weekend double header to kick-off the 2016 football season,  I went to Chaparral Stadium to see the Westlake Chaps host the perennial power KatyTigers.

Westlake is coached by Todd Dodge.  The Chaps ended last season in a heart breaking overtime loss to Galena Park North Shore in the 6A Division 1 state championship game.  They entered this game ranked #5 in the Associated Press preseason poll.   The Katy Tigers are led by Gary Joseph.  Last season ended on a triumphant note for the Tigers as they dominated Westlake’s district rival Lake Travis for the 6A Division 2 state championship.  They start this season ranked as the #1 6A team in Texas.

This game is an early season bout between two real heavy weights of Texas football.  Can Katy’s defense harass Sam Ehlinger and slow down the high powered Chap offense?  Can Westlake stop the always powerful Katy running attack?  We’ll find out. . .

Before we get to the game, let’s talk about barbecue. . .

The Barbecue

Kerlin BBQ has been serving up delicious smoky treats from a food truck at its 1700 East Cesar Chavez location for three years.  Don’t let the humble set up fool you.  Their barbecue will stand up with any barbecue served by their better known competitors in central Texas.

Their brisket was superb: moist and tender, with a deep smoky flavor.  The outer bark was very peppery and the taste lingered after every bite.  The pork ribs were meaty and juicy.  The meat came away from the bone with a gentle tug and melted in my mouth.  Their sauce was a typical ketchup/vinegar type sauce, but was totally unneeded.  The barbeque was served with a big slice of red onion and homemade pickle chips.

Kerlin BBQ is an undiscovered gem.  Spectacular food, friendly staff, and a comfortable atmosphere.  A great place to hang out with friends and enjoy some great BBQ.  I give Kerlin’s my highest rating: two Hook ‘Ems!

The Game

Both defenses dominated in the first quarter.  Each team only got a couple of first downs and the quarter ended with no score.  After a short second quarter punt, Westlake started a drive.  Connor Howard burst through a hole and scampered untouched for the game’s first score.  The PAT kick was no good and Westlake led 6-0.  Katy fumbled the ensuing kick-off and the ball was recovered by Westlake.  A couple of plays later, Izaiah Faz scored from the one.  The try for two was good and Westlake led 14-0. 

In a secret laboratory under his office, Coach Gary Joseph manufactures great running backs.  This year’s edition is Deondrick Glass. He answered for the Tigers on their next possession with a 59 yard power sweep to the left for a touchdown.  Katy missed the extra point and the first half ended with Westlake up 14-6.

Katy came out hot after half time.  On their first possession, strong runs by Glass moved the Tigers deep into Westlake territory.  Kevon Copeland picked up a critical first down on fourth and three to move the ball to the Chaps 18.  Quarterback Rocky Emery hit JC Angulo in the right flat.  Angulo avoided two tacklers to score.  The Tigers went for two, but Glass was stopped short leaving Westlake ahead 14-12. On Katy’s next possession, Glass needed just one play to go off tackle for a 37 yard score.  The extra point was good and Katy took the lead at 19-14.

Austin skyline in the distance

The Tiger lead did not last long.  Chaps quarterback Sam Ehlinger found Howard deep for a 64 yard completion to the Tigers 11. After an interference penalty, Ehlinger took it in himself.  The try for two was good and the Chaps regained the lead at 22-19 with 5:16 left in the third. 

Katy returned the ensuing kick-off to their 40 yard line.  Time again for Glass to rumble.  The Tigers moved the ball into Westlake territory, but had to settle for a 35 yard field goal to tie the score at 22.

Westlake started their next drive from their 25.  Ehlinger hit Noah Skrudland on a slant pattern for seven yards.  Then Ehlinger teamed up with Andrew Boykin for a 43 yard completion down to the Tigers 25.  As the action moved into the fourth quarter, Westlake made a 28 yard field goal to regain the lead at 25-22 with 10:10 remaining on the clock.

Katy returned the kick-off to their 30 yard line.  The Tigers once again relied on their strong running game to move the chains, but their tight end dropped a first down pass on third and five.  Katy’s punt sailed into the end zone for a touchback.

Clinging to a three point lead, Westlake started from their own 20 yard line with 8:08 in the game.  The Chaps mixed up their attack: short passes from Ehlinger and runs by Ehlinger and Nakia Watson.  The Tiger defense was starting to tire as the Chaps reached the Katy 17.  With three minutes left in the game, Ehlinger scrambled to avoid the Katy rush, then found Andrew Boykin in the end zone.  The extra point pushed the Chaps lead to 10, 32-22. 

Katy answered with a 64 yard bomb from Emery to Angulo to cut the Westlake lead to three with 2:06 to play, but their dream of a miracle come back ended when their onsides kick bounced out of bounds.  Westlake took possession and ran out the clock to win 32-29.

Katy ended the game with 361 total yards.  Deondrick Glass had 16 carries for 178 yards and two touchdowns.  Devon Copeland ran the ball seven times for 29 yards.  Rocky Emery completed 6 out of 13 passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns. JC Angulo had three receptions for 94 yards and two touchdowns.

The story for Westlake was their all-star quarterback Sam Ehlinger.  He completed 17 of 27 passes for 264 yards and the game clinching touchdown.  He also carried the ball 17 times for 68 yards and a touchdown.  Andrew Boykin had seven catches for 115 yards, including the crucial catch in the end zone at the end of the game.  Connor Howard had two runs for 35 yards and a touchdown.  He also caught 4 passes for 91 yards, but had to leave the game in the third quarter with a hamstring injury.

News and Notes

Upcoming games

Lake Travis travels to Cibolo to face the Steele Knights.  The Cavaliers are coming off a loss to Converse Judson.  They scored 21 points in the third quarter to take the lead, only to give up 15 unanswered points in the fourth to lose 35-28.  Cibolo dominated San Antonio Madison to claim their first win of the season.

Vandegrift faces old district rival Cedar Park.  Vandegrift made the move from 5A to 6A for 2016.  They lost their first game on the road at Odessa Permian 21-20.  Cedar Park won their opening game and moved up to #1 in 5A football.

How did the Top Ten do in the first week?

AP Top Ten – 6A                                                     

1. Katy                                                    Lost to Westlake 32-29.  Fell to 5^th.
2. Lake Travis                                         Lost to Judson 35-28.  Fell to 8^th.
3. Cedar Hill                                           Lost to Bishop Gorman (Nevada) 44-14.  Fell to 9^th.            
4. Allen                                                   Beat Hoover 25-7.  Moved up to #2.             
5. Westlake                                             Beat Katy 32-29.  Moved up to #1.               
6. DeSoto                                                Beat Dallas Jesuit 47-13.  Moved up to #3.               
7. Cibolo Steele                                      Beat SA Madison 37-7.  Stayed at #7.           
8. Galena Park North Shore                   Beat Dekaney 56-19.  Moved up to #6.                     
9. Euless Trinity                                     Beat Broken Arrow 39-16.  Fell to 10^th.                    
10. Converse Judson                                 Beat Lake Travis 35-28.  Moved up to #4.                

AP Top Ten – 5A

1. Aledo                                                  Beat Colleyville Heritage 41-36.  Fell to #2.
2. Cedar Park                                          Beat Waco Midway 43-13.  Moved up to #1.
3. Denton Ryan                                       Beat Lancaster 35-23.  Stayed at #3.
4. Manvel                                                Beat Crosby 35-21.  Stayed at #4.
5. Temple                                                Beat Belton 28-20.  Stayed at #5.
6. Frisco Lone Star                                 Beat Heritage 62-14. Stayed at #6.
7. Highland Park                                     Beat Rockwall 43-21.  Stayed at #7.
8. CC Calallen                                         Beat Mercedes 20-7.  Stayed at #8.
9. Richmond Foster                                Beat Katy Taylor 28-17.  Stayed at #9.
10. Lancaster                                             Lost to Denton Ryan 35-23.  Fell out of Top Ten.

Attached is the video for this adventure:

2016 - Week Zero - McCallum vs Anderson

I began the 2016 season with a weekend double header.  On Thursday, I saw the Taco Shack Bowl at House Park played between north Austin rivals McCallum and Anderson.  As always, I started my day with barbecue. 

The Barbecue

Like last year, I headed to Freedmen’s Bar for the first game of the season.  They are located at 2402 San Gabriel Street, in the bustling West Campus area of Austin.  The building was erected in 1869 and has been used for numerous things over the years: a residence, church, publishing house, and grocery store.  Now it is a full service bar that serves barbecue. A drunkard’s dream come true. . .

I ordered a half pound of sliced moist brisket, two pork ribs, and iced tea.  The brisket was very juicy and tender to the touch.  There was no need for any utensils, the brisket easily pulled apart by hand and melted in my mouth.  The ribs were big and meaty.  The meat easily bit off the bone and was very tasty. The BBQ was served with slices of homemade bread, wedges of homemade pickle, homemade pickled onions, jalapenos, and a sweet (not spicy) sauce that went well with the meat.  To top off the meal, I tried the smoked chocolate mousse and banana pudding for dessert.  

All in all, Freedmen’s is a good place to eat some barbecue with great atmosphere and friendly service.  I’d happily take friends and family there. Freedmen’s gets my highest rating: two Hook ‘Ems.

The Game

James Baran returned the opening kick-off to midfield, but Anderson was unable to pick up a first down.  Lined up to punt, the deep snap bounced off one of the Trojan blocking backs.  He fell on the ball, but McCallum took possession on the Trojan 27.  This led to a 26 yard field goal to give the Knights a 3-0 lead.

House Park - 2016 Taco Shack Bowl

On the Trojans next possession, quarterback Trey Lundquist ran for a first down, but fumbled.  The Knights recovered on the Anderson 30.  The Trojan defense held off the Knights and forced a short punt.  After a Trojan punt to midfield, Andre Blakemore broke loose down the left sideline for a 50 yard scoring run.  The extra point made it 10-0.  The Knights would get a 30 yard field goal to extend their lead to 13-0 with 0:27 left in the first quarter.

Anderson got a good kick-off return to their 41 yard line.  As action moved into the second quarter, the Trojans mounted a drive into Knights territory.  Lundquist found Jacob Graves behind the McCallum defense for a 29 yard touchdown pass to bring the score to 13-7.

The Knights answered with a 75 yard scoring drive.  Strong runs by Blakemore set up a 34 yard scoring pass from quarterback Max Perez to extend the Knights lead to 20-7.  Anderson was unable to move the chains on their next possession.  With a slight wind behind them, the Trojans punted and the ball rolled dead on the McCallum 4.

More strong runs by Blakemore and penalties against the Trojan defense moved the ball into Anderson territory.  Perez connected on his second touchdown pass of the night to put the Knights up 27-7 at the end of the second quarter.

McCallum got the ball to start the third quarter.  As in the first half, strong runs by Blakemore moved the ball into Trojan territory, but they turned the ball over on downs when Blakemore dropped a fourth down pass in the flat. 

The Trojans started from their own 35 and moved into McCallum territory.  After picking up a critical first down on fourth and 6, a great catch over the middle by Darian Fisher gave Anderson a first down on the Knights 16.  Lundquist hit Graves on a wide receiver screen.  He avoided the Knights defenders to score, making it 27-14 with 3:40 left in the third quarter.  On McCallum’s next possession, Trojan defensive back picked off a pass from Perez and took it into the end zone.  The pick six made it 27-20 with 2:44 left in the third quarter.

Unfortunately for Anderson, they would get no closer.  After a Trojan punt was downed on the McCallum 7, the Knights used their strong running game to move the chains and wind down the clock.  They drove down to the Anderson 20 where they gave the ball over on downs, but burned over four minutes of clock in the process.

Anderson took possession with 1:06 left to play and 80 yards between them and the end zone.  Lundquist had a receiver open deep on third down, but his pass was over thrown.  On fourth down, Lundquist was hit as he threw and his pass fell harmlessly to the turf.  McCallum took possession and ran out the clock.  McCallum ended their Taco Shack Bowl losing streak at two games by beating Anderson 27-20.

Andre Blakemore finished the game with 256 yards on 32 carries for McCallum and scored on a 50 yard run.  Max Perez threw for two touchdowns, but did give up a pick six.  Trey Lundquist threw for 147 yards and two touchdown passes, but the Trojans were only able to gain a paltry 35 yards on the ground.  McCallum out gained Anderson 410 to 182 total yards.  

Attached is my video for this adventure. . .

2016 Introduction

Like the little girl said in the classic horror film Poltergeist, “he’s back”. 

I had so much fun last year travelling around Texas on Fridays, eating barbecue and watching high school football games, then writing about my adventures on my blog.  So it was a no brainer to do it again this year.  A friend suggested I take my blog to the next level: post videos of my travels on the YouTube.  What?  You can do that?  Turns out you can. . .  Here is a link to my introductory video:

I spent some time over the summer getting ready for the season: getting a new logo, learning how to edit and post videos, scouting out new barbecue joints, checking the high school football schedules for potentially good games.  The Associated Press recently released their pre-season Top Ten list for 6A and 5A football (see below).  I am going to start the season with a double header:

            McCallum Knights vs Anderson Trojans – Taco Shack Bowl – 25 Aug 2016

            Westlake Chaps (#5) vs Katy Tigers (#1) – 26 Aug 2016

Should be another fun season.  You are cordially invited to join me on the ride.

AP Top Ten – 6A                                                      AP Top Ten – 5A

Katy                                                                            Aledo

Lake Travis                                                                 Cedar Park

Cedar Hill                                                                    Denton Ryan

Allen                                                                           Manvel

Westlake                                                                     Temple

DeSoto                                                                        Frisco Lone Star

Cibolo Steele                                                              Highland Park

Galena Park North Shore                                            CC Calallen

Euless Trinity                                                              Richmond Foster

Converse Judson                                                         Lancaster