Loboes Prepare for Big Test at Andrews
    By Randy Hogan, Staff Writing ~~The Monahans News, September 21, 2007

Despite a 21-19 home opening game loss to Midland Christian Friday night, Monahans head football coach Mickey Owens is encouraged by his teams' resiliency and attitude.

"I am proud of the way our kids fought back to get in the game," Owens said.  "It showed a tremendous amount of character to battle back from a 21-point deficits against a quality team.  It's a credit to these kids."

The Loboes came out of the runnel pumped up and ready to take care of business in front of a large homecoming crowd at Estes Memorial Stadium, but several unforced errors by the Green prompted the Mustangs to take a huge 21-0 lead early in the game.

" I felt like we were ready," Owens said.  "A few bad things happened early on that put us in a  big hole, but these kids just don't know the word quit.  We need to overcome those type of mistakes because the road doesn't get any easier from here."

Next on the schedule for Monahans(1-1) await the always tough Andrew Mustangs (3-0), who enter the game undefeated on the season.

Andrews overpowered Midland Christian in the season opener 36-6, and have added victories over Pecos and Fort Stockton since that time.

The Mustangs appear on paper to be a pass oriented spread offense, but mere formation alignment is misleading as they flex plenty of muscle in the running game.  Andrews amassed 223 rushing yards on 47 carries against Fort Stockton in their last outing.

"This is the best Andrews team they've had in a while," Owens said.  "They  have a lot of weapons offensively that make them very dangerous."

AHS quarterback Eric Kelton leads the offensive charge for the Mustangs.  Kelton rushed for 137 yards and passed for 128 more in the 27-13 victory of Fort Stockton last Friday.

"Kelton really gives you a lot to think about," Owens said.  "Andrews will spread you out and he (Kelton) likes to run, so you have to contain him."

However, containment of Kelton is not the only key to stopping the Mustangs.

Arguably the most valuable player for the black and gold is Corey Lee.

Lee's performance against the Panthers last week included 4 pass receptions for 73-yards and two touchdowns offensively.  In addition he kicked two extra points and intercepted two passes for the stingy Mustang defense.

Statistics make nice conversation, but you can throw that our this week as the Loboes and Mustangs renew a longstanding rivalry.

Monahans has won, the last two meeting the schools, and in fact, overcame a 17- point deficit last year to eventually win the game 49-25.

Turnovers were a key in last year's contest as the Loboes were benefactors of five AHS turnovers that included 3 interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

Both coaches know the importance of eliminating mistakes, and each agree that it will be a key to victory Friday night.

Andrews coach Blaine Springston has been pleased with his teams' success, but is concerned about the turnovers the Mustangs endured last week.

"We had a few key turnovers which kept us from scoring against Fort Stockton," Springston said. "When we get into that red zone we have got to punch it in."

Owens knows first hand how costly mistakes can be against good teams, as a few unforced errors on the Loboes part make the decisive difference in the Midland Christian loss last week.

"They (Midland  Christian) jumped on us and it was tough to come back," Owens said.  "We hurt ourselves early on but fought back and had a chance to tie the game. That's all you can ask for from the kids, to keep playing hard.  We need to play better early on and eliminate those mistakes this week."

Perhaps the biggest concern for  Springston on the eve of the Monahans game is injuries.

Recent mishaps have sidelined several Mustangs which include running back Oscar Morales who will miss three weeks due to a sprained knee.

In addition to Morales, AHS tight end and linebacker Hunter Yocham is sideline for six weeks with a broken leg, and just Tuesday, Mustang fullback Landon Minatra went down with an undetermined leg injury.

"Our depth is not as good as we like it to be," Springston said.  "That just means that other guys will have to step it up and play. Injuries are part of the game."

Monahans, that defending District 1-3A champion will travel to Andrews for a 7:30 pm AHS homecoming game kickoff Friday night.

"I've said it a bunch, but I'm proud of the way these kids fought back last week," Owens said.  "They showed a lot of character and never gave up.  That's the kind of team we have."

keyed by Jennifer Lario, Junior 07-08