Gobbla2001
10-08-2004, 12:14 PM
Meeting of the unbeatens
Hallettsville, Cuero start District 26-3A play with 5-0 records
October 8, 2004
MIKE FORMAN
Advocate Sports Writer
Hallettsville coach Kyle Taylor watched a lot of tape on Cuero this week and he couldn't help but notice the size of its offensive line.
"It's phenomenal," Taylor said. "We don't have anybody in Lavaca County that weighs 390 pounds."
The girth of Cuero's offensive line was not all that caught Taylor's eye. He also noticed its ability to open holes for its running backs and protect its quarterback.
"Their line is very good, but it's not necessary for them to drive the ball," Taylor said. "They can big play you to death. They hammer you and you have to bring your secondary up for support and then they hit you with the play-action pass."
Hallettsville (5-0) will attempt to contain the Cuero (5-0) offense when the teams open District 26-3A play today at 7:30 p.m. at Cuero's Gobbler Stadium.
The Gobblers have averaged over 40 points per game while climbing to the top of the Class 3A state rankings and have had success moving the ball via the run and the pass.
"We've had more big plays this year than we had last year," said Cuero coach Mark Reeve. "We feel like we can run the ball and if we do get in a situation where we have to throw, we can throw. We can do it the painful or the painless way, and that's the mark of a good offense."
The mark of a good defense is to keep opponents out of the end zone. Hallettsville has posted three shutouts and yielded only 20 points this season.
"We've had some individuals step forward and some kids come from out of nowhere," Taylor said. "We've had some unproven people really step up. Our kids are running to the football. I know it's fun watching the tape when you can see all 11 people on the tape."
While Hallettsville enters district play coming off an impressive 52-6 win over Schulenburg, Cuero had an open date last week after completing a rugged non-district schedule that included games against La Grange, Wharton, Sealy and Sinton.
"We played in some big games against some quality people," Reeve said. "If you can get through that without being so banged up it's got to help you. When you play good people, they point out your weaknesses. It's a compliment to our kids and our coaches to do as well as we have. That gives you confidence going into games like this."
Taylor admits Hallettsville's schedule hasn't been as difficult as Cuero's, but the Brahmas, who were picked to finish last in the district in a preseason coaches' poll, are anxious to be tested.
"We're excited about it," Taylor said. "We have the chance to play the No. 1 team in the state and you'd rather do that than play the No. 30 team. It's kind of like David against Goliath's big brother. If you can beat the big dog, it can put you on the map."
Reeve insists the Brahmas have already made a name for themselves by starting the season 5-0 for the first time since 1980. But the Gobblers have justified their status as the preseason district favorite by going 5-0 for the first time since 1994.
"We feel like we've seen just about everything you can see in the first five games," Reeve said. "We feel like we've got an idea of what opponents are going to do in a particular game. The experience we've had helps your football team. It gets you ready from one week to another."
The Gobblers will get the chance to experience what it's like to be around a state championship team. The 1974 Cuero team that won the Class 3A state title 30 years ago will speak at today's pep rally, will be recognized before tonight's game, and will serve as honorary co-captains for the Gobblers.
"I think it will be great for our kids," Reeve said. "I know a lot of these guys have talked to our kids. Our kids will see how close those guys were and how close they still are. When kids care about each other, they play for each other. Those are the best teams that you coach."
NOTES: Buster Gilbreth, who coached at Cuero from 1969 through 1979 and led the Gobblers to four state final appearances and two state championships, will be the first person inducted in the Cuero Alumni Association's and Cuero Athletic Booster Club's Athletic Hall of Fame in pre-game ceremonies...Cuero won the 1973 and '74 state titles and advanced to the state final in 1975, putting together a 44-game winning streak in the process...The Alumni Association will also recognize Ed Maltony, Herbert Frels and the late Ada Kirk...A reception honoring the 1974 team will be held at 5 p.m. at the DeWitt-Lavaca Special Education Co-op...A public reception for the 1974 team is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the DeWitt-Lavaca Special Education Co-op...Cuero leads the series 12-4 and has won four straight over Hallettsville dating back to 1998, including a 31-7 victory last season...Hallettsville's last win over Cuero was a 22-20 decision in 1990...Hallettsville running back/defensive back Dustin Pekar has a sore back and Taylor said his playing status will be a "game-time decision."...Reeve said linebacker Dason Jackson, who suffered a compression fracture in his neck against Corpus Christi West Oso, will be out for the season...The game will be broadcast on KZAM, 104.7 FM, KGUL 96.1 FM, and KTXM, 99.9 FM.
Hallettsville, Cuero start District 26-3A play with 5-0 records
October 8, 2004
MIKE FORMAN
Advocate Sports Writer
Hallettsville coach Kyle Taylor watched a lot of tape on Cuero this week and he couldn't help but notice the size of its offensive line.
"It's phenomenal," Taylor said. "We don't have anybody in Lavaca County that weighs 390 pounds."
The girth of Cuero's offensive line was not all that caught Taylor's eye. He also noticed its ability to open holes for its running backs and protect its quarterback.
"Their line is very good, but it's not necessary for them to drive the ball," Taylor said. "They can big play you to death. They hammer you and you have to bring your secondary up for support and then they hit you with the play-action pass."
Hallettsville (5-0) will attempt to contain the Cuero (5-0) offense when the teams open District 26-3A play today at 7:30 p.m. at Cuero's Gobbler Stadium.
The Gobblers have averaged over 40 points per game while climbing to the top of the Class 3A state rankings and have had success moving the ball via the run and the pass.
"We've had more big plays this year than we had last year," said Cuero coach Mark Reeve. "We feel like we can run the ball and if we do get in a situation where we have to throw, we can throw. We can do it the painful or the painless way, and that's the mark of a good offense."
The mark of a good defense is to keep opponents out of the end zone. Hallettsville has posted three shutouts and yielded only 20 points this season.
"We've had some individuals step forward and some kids come from out of nowhere," Taylor said. "We've had some unproven people really step up. Our kids are running to the football. I know it's fun watching the tape when you can see all 11 people on the tape."
While Hallettsville enters district play coming off an impressive 52-6 win over Schulenburg, Cuero had an open date last week after completing a rugged non-district schedule that included games against La Grange, Wharton, Sealy and Sinton.
"We played in some big games against some quality people," Reeve said. "If you can get through that without being so banged up it's got to help you. When you play good people, they point out your weaknesses. It's a compliment to our kids and our coaches to do as well as we have. That gives you confidence going into games like this."
Taylor admits Hallettsville's schedule hasn't been as difficult as Cuero's, but the Brahmas, who were picked to finish last in the district in a preseason coaches' poll, are anxious to be tested.
"We're excited about it," Taylor said. "We have the chance to play the No. 1 team in the state and you'd rather do that than play the No. 30 team. It's kind of like David against Goliath's big brother. If you can beat the big dog, it can put you on the map."
Reeve insists the Brahmas have already made a name for themselves by starting the season 5-0 for the first time since 1980. But the Gobblers have justified their status as the preseason district favorite by going 5-0 for the first time since 1994.
"We feel like we've seen just about everything you can see in the first five games," Reeve said. "We feel like we've got an idea of what opponents are going to do in a particular game. The experience we've had helps your football team. It gets you ready from one week to another."
The Gobblers will get the chance to experience what it's like to be around a state championship team. The 1974 Cuero team that won the Class 3A state title 30 years ago will speak at today's pep rally, will be recognized before tonight's game, and will serve as honorary co-captains for the Gobblers.
"I think it will be great for our kids," Reeve said. "I know a lot of these guys have talked to our kids. Our kids will see how close those guys were and how close they still are. When kids care about each other, they play for each other. Those are the best teams that you coach."
NOTES: Buster Gilbreth, who coached at Cuero from 1969 through 1979 and led the Gobblers to four state final appearances and two state championships, will be the first person inducted in the Cuero Alumni Association's and Cuero Athletic Booster Club's Athletic Hall of Fame in pre-game ceremonies...Cuero won the 1973 and '74 state titles and advanced to the state final in 1975, putting together a 44-game winning streak in the process...The Alumni Association will also recognize Ed Maltony, Herbert Frels and the late Ada Kirk...A reception honoring the 1974 team will be held at 5 p.m. at the DeWitt-Lavaca Special Education Co-op...A public reception for the 1974 team is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the DeWitt-Lavaca Special Education Co-op...Cuero leads the series 12-4 and has won four straight over Hallettsville dating back to 1998, including a 31-7 victory last season...Hallettsville's last win over Cuero was a 22-20 decision in 1990...Hallettsville running back/defensive back Dustin Pekar has a sore back and Taylor said his playing status will be a "game-time decision."...Reeve said linebacker Dason Jackson, who suffered a compression fracture in his neck against Corpus Christi West Oso, will be out for the season...The game will be broadcast on KZAM, 104.7 FM, KGUL 96.1 FM, and KTXM, 99.9 FM.