Phantom Stang
09-15-2005, 04:02 PM
SW Faces pass-happy Andrews team
By RON HOWELL/Reporter Sports Editor
Last week's 42-14 win over Greenwood saw Sweetwater throw its first two touch-down passes of the season.
But this week, the Mustangs will have to spend a lot of time defending against the pass when they travel to Andrews -- one of two long road trips for Coach Kent Jackson's team in the next three weeks.
Andrews (0-2) -- also known as the Mustangs -- threw 38 times in a 42-19 loss to Monahans last Friday, completing 19 for 251 yards. Its top receiver, Michael Grady, had 10 catches for 104 yards.
Andrews also threw 32 times and had 252 yards passing in a season-opening 35-19 loss to Odessa High.
Despite its record, Andrews is expected to again be a playoff contender after go-ing 6-5 in 2004, when it finished in a three-way tie with Frenship and San An-gelo Lake View for the District 4-4A title.
Sweetwater won last year's game, 28-21, in a back-and-forth contest that has typified the series' rivalry. The winning touchdown came on Joseph Banyard's 5-yard run with 34 seconds left.
But Andrews won big, 38-15, in 2003 when it last played host to Sweetwater, and Jackson expects another tough battle this Friday.
"They (Andrews) always play hard and at full speed, regardless of the score," he said. "They take a lot of pride in that."
No one could fault Jackson for taking a bit of pride in Sweetwater's effort against Greenwood, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, as the Rangers were una-ble to score -- or even make a first down -- until the second half. "We played really well (on defense)," he admitted. "I am really excited about the strides we're ma-king. The more of those three-and-outs you can get, the better your chances are."
However, the win was costly as senior Kendal Carrillo will be out for several weeks after suffering a knee injury early in the second half. To fill Carrillo's spot on defense, Banyard was moved from weakside linebacker to strong safety while Sonny Birdwell will start at quarterback and Duone Cunnings has taken over the punting chores.
In addition, Jeffery Straley will make his first start at weakside linebacker for the Mustangs, while freshman Rufus McCann -- who was the team's leading tackler against Greenwood -- will be on the strong side with Justin Adames in the middle. McCann had 11 tackles against the Rangers.
Copyright © 2005 Sweetwater Reporter
By RON HOWELL/Reporter Sports Editor
Last week's 42-14 win over Greenwood saw Sweetwater throw its first two touch-down passes of the season.
But this week, the Mustangs will have to spend a lot of time defending against the pass when they travel to Andrews -- one of two long road trips for Coach Kent Jackson's team in the next three weeks.
Andrews (0-2) -- also known as the Mustangs -- threw 38 times in a 42-19 loss to Monahans last Friday, completing 19 for 251 yards. Its top receiver, Michael Grady, had 10 catches for 104 yards.
Andrews also threw 32 times and had 252 yards passing in a season-opening 35-19 loss to Odessa High.
Despite its record, Andrews is expected to again be a playoff contender after go-ing 6-5 in 2004, when it finished in a three-way tie with Frenship and San An-gelo Lake View for the District 4-4A title.
Sweetwater won last year's game, 28-21, in a back-and-forth contest that has typified the series' rivalry. The winning touchdown came on Joseph Banyard's 5-yard run with 34 seconds left.
But Andrews won big, 38-15, in 2003 when it last played host to Sweetwater, and Jackson expects another tough battle this Friday.
"They (Andrews) always play hard and at full speed, regardless of the score," he said. "They take a lot of pride in that."
No one could fault Jackson for taking a bit of pride in Sweetwater's effort against Greenwood, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, as the Rangers were una-ble to score -- or even make a first down -- until the second half. "We played really well (on defense)," he admitted. "I am really excited about the strides we're ma-king. The more of those three-and-outs you can get, the better your chances are."
However, the win was costly as senior Kendal Carrillo will be out for several weeks after suffering a knee injury early in the second half. To fill Carrillo's spot on defense, Banyard was moved from weakside linebacker to strong safety while Sonny Birdwell will start at quarterback and Duone Cunnings has taken over the punting chores.
In addition, Jeffery Straley will make his first start at weakside linebacker for the Mustangs, while freshman Rufus McCann -- who was the team's leading tackler against Greenwood -- will be on the strong side with Justin Adames in the middle. McCann had 11 tackles against the Rangers.
Copyright © 2005 Sweetwater Reporter