-
Junior defensive lineman Kevin Aguilar (59) was in the Bulldogs backfield all night on Friday, Sept. 3. He collected a handful of tackles for loss and a sack in the 41-9 win. -
Alt Text for Image -
Senior running back Robert Adame (7) enjoyed a big game against Burnet with a pair of touchdowns, including a 37 yarder in the second quarter (above) in which he broke several tackles. Senior Matias Fonseca (55) and the rest of the offensive line opened holes for the backs all game. Head Coach Brian Herman said the performance was much improved from week 1. Photos by Nathan Hendrix/The Highlander
A week after being critical of his offense, Marble Falls Head Football Coach Brian Herman was pleased with his team’s performance in a 41-9 victory on Friday, Sept. 3 in Burnet.
“We were giving our backs clear holes and lanes to run through,” he said. “Offensive execution was the big difference.”
The mistakes that marred the win in the opening week were largely remedied in the second game.
“We took care of the line of scrimmage and ball security (this week),” Herman said. “Those are the two things we focus on every week, but I think it showed more tonight.”
The Mustangs’ defense once again shined; the team has only allowed 11 points in two games, but Lehman’s two points in week one were on special teams.
“I love what our coaches do; I love how our kids execute,” Herman said. “Both weeks, they’ve really stuck to the gameplan.
“We gave up one busted long play for a touchdown and a late field goal. I’m proud of our defense.”
For much of the game, the Marble Falls D played “bend but don’t break” allowing yards but tightening their belts when points were on the line.
“We stiffen when we need to, and we make stops,” Herman said. “I’m happy with the way our kids are flying around; even towards the end, they were still flying to the ball.”
On the opening drive of the game, Burnet turned the ball over on downs in Marble Falls’ territory after a pair of incomplete passes on third and fourth and long.
The Mustangs took over and executed out of the gate. Senior running back Robert Adame broke a big run, but a holding call negated it. So he did it again taking the next snap 32 yards into Bulldogs’ territory.
Adame capped off the drive at the start of the second quarter with a one-yard touchdown run to give the Mustangs a 7-0 lead.
On the Mustangs’ next possession, Adame struck again; this time he scored from 37 yards out, breaking several tackles in the process, to put Marble Falls up 14-0 with 5:11 left in the first half.
With 3:38 left, the Mustangs got the ball back with a chance to add more points before the break. Adame moved the chains after a holding penalty that set the Mustangs’ offense back, but the Bulldogs’ defense was keying on him.
This allowed space for a well-executed fake and a handoff to senior Caleb Vidal for a 49-yard touchdown; the point after try was missed, and Marble Falls took a 20-0 lead into the break.
Herman’s offense is designed to give touches to several different players to keep the defense guessing. Vidal had a big game in week one that allowed Adame to shine in week two. The refocusing on Adame in the early game allowed Vidal to break a long run.
“It’s the system,” Herman said. “It’s not about an individual. We will feed a player that is a special talent, but the system is for everyone to work together.
“It’s meant to be all 11. Every person is important, and if everyone does their job, it doesn’t matter who gets the ball.”
Marble Falls scored again on their first possession of the second half to increase the lead to 27-0. Senior bulldozer Rio Suarez tallied his third score of the season.
Burnet answered by breaking a long touchdown run to prevent the shutout, but the point after try was short.
Mustangs quarterback Jake Becker stole the spotlight on the Mustangs’ following drive. He broke a 26-yard run on fourth down then punched the ball into the end zone from the five-yard line to extend the lead.
After a Bulldogs punt, Becker scored again. This time he sent a play action pass to senior Chris Whitecotton – typically known for his hands on defense – for an 18-yard score to post 41 for the boys in purple.
Burnet kicked a 22-yard field goal with 1:13 left for a final score of 41-9. Herman said it’s always going to feel good to beat a rival.
“[The players] had a laser focus; we had things we wanted to atone for,” he said. “We’re going to celebrate [this win] as much as we can.”
But the team can’t rest on its laurels. Austin Akins is coming to Marble Falls on Sept. 10 after a pair of convincing wins to start the season.
“Akins has scored a lot of points and has not given up any; they’re going to be a challenge,” Herman said about the upcoming game. “We’re going to look at the film, fix the mistakes and work on strengths.”
Kickoff against the Eagles is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Mustang Stadium.