Early Start Early Finish as Tigers Maul Mustangs

October 30th, 2010

Coach Joseph expected Taylor to bounce back and play a physical football game after the experience they had against Cinco the week before. The Tigers were ready to play, made a positive start to the game, and didn't give Taylor any reason to be confident. The coaches wanted to make sure the players didn't have a letdown ahead of the Cinco game.

Mr. Offense - RB Donovonn Young
Mr. Defense - DB Colt Atwood
Mr. Special Teams - KR Rykan Jones

The offense accomplished eight team goals. The defense got seven goals after a season low against Memorial. Special teams accomplished seven goals.

Taylor tried to mix it up on defense and show the Tigers something different, but Katy was up to the task. Katy's seen this from just about every opponent this season. Coach Dowling always makes sure the team is prepared to see something different in games. The players are used to seeing these things by now. Ultimately, it doesn't change what the Tigers want to accomplish on offense. Katy runs a unique scheme and adjustments to unconventional defenses are part of the deal.

There weren't many glaring busts from the offense on film. On the play action where Haack was taken down for a loss (and near safety), Coach Dowling said Haack didn't carry out the action quite far enough. The play is designed for the QB to get outside of the pulling guard escort, and Haack pulled up inside of Brandon Price. Haack probably avoids the sack if he goes ahead and carries the play action out little further and lets Price wall off the pursuit.

The overall defensive team effort stood out on film. The guys were generally fitting well and doing a good job of putting Taylor in 3rd and long situations. With the game well in hand at 56-0 later on, Taylor finally got some things going and found a little success in moving the ball. Katy's positioning against the run wasn't quite as solid as it was earlier in the game and resulted in some missed tackles. The Tigers were also loose in some coverages. Overall, Taylor never posed a serious scoring threat against the number one unit.

Coach Miller has been complimentary of Colt and Rykan's work on special teams all year. They are two experienced players who make receiving and returning kicks look much easier than it really is. Jones' punt return for the touchdown is one of the best you will see at this level. Coach Miller said Rykan wasn't sure which way the blocking was set up and improvised. The coaches were also happy to see Thiele back punting again.

Coach Joseph closed with thoughts on Cinco Ranch and complimented their work so far this season. Coach is looking forward to the game as a district championship and also to see where the team stands going into the playoffs. Coach said the full focus is on Cinco Ranch this week and not on the playoff picture. He said they'll worry about that next week and won't know until Saturday night as far as any Bi-District times or locations are concerned.