Loboes Confident After Pecos Victory, Clint Looms Large
    by Randy Hogan, Staff Writer ~~ The Monahans News, October 12, 2007

After three consecutive losses, the Monahans Loboes needed a big dose of confidence entering the District 1-3A season opener. The remedy came at the expense of the Pecos Eagles, as the Green exploded for 41 unanswered points to route their longtime rival 47-17 last Friday.

"Confidence is an unbelievable weapon," Monahans Coach Mickey Owens said. "I felt like midway through the second quarter we began to gain some confidence and do some good things."

After taking an early 6-0 lead, it appeared the Loboes had shaken the misfortune that seemed to plague them in previous weeks. But big plays from Pecos put Monahans (2-3 Overall, 1-0 District) in a hole early in the second quarter as MHS trailed the pesky Eagles 17-6.

"I thought Pecos came out and played hard early on," Owens said.  "We had some turnovers that hurt us, but they played well and took advantage of our errors."

The landslide began with 52 seconds remaining in the first half, when sophomore quarter-back Quincy Titus scored from 5 yards out to close the gap, and momentum took a turn in the Green's favor.

"It was huge for us to score before the half," Owens said. "We gained confidence in what we were doing on the field, and it really just built from that point. We started getting a few bounces our way, and we were better mechanically."

The Lobo defense completely dominated the Eagles in the third quarter, as the Wrecking Machine held Pecos to a dismal 36 total yards and only two first downs in the period.

"They forced us to make adjustments," Owens said. "Pecos had only thrown the ball 10 to 12 times a game previously. We didn't expect them to come out in doubles and throw the ball 43 times. I feel like our defense did an outstanding job to make the adjustments, and we played better defense in the second half."

With the first District win under their belt, there is little time to celebrate as the Loboes face an entirely different animal in this week's opponent.

The Clint Lions enter the game reeling after a 62-41 loss to Anthony last week. They look to get back on track in a key District 1-3A game at Monahans Friday.

The most interesting statistic in last week's game with Anthony revealed that Clint had 94 offensive possessions and scored 41 points in a losing effort to the Wildcats.

Last season the Loboes made the 220-mile journey out west and upended the previously unbeaten Lions 48-6 behind a dominating offensive performance that saw the Green amass 497 total yards.

Owens reflected on the 2006 game and admits that the Green will need more of the same Friday night.

"We knew that we needed to get them out of their game and force them into situations they weren't comfortable with. We went up by 21-points on them early and made them get off schedule. It will take that same type of effort Friday to beat the Lions," Owens said.

Clint (4-2 Overall, 1-1 District) will once again attack the Lobo defense form the wishbone set that carried them to an impressive 9-2 record and into the Area playoff round a year ago.

The Lions are averaging almost 336-yards per game in 2007, with 1,517 of their total offense (2,015 yards) coming from their rushing game.

"They like to shorten the game and grind it out on you," Owens said. "We need to get them off station and force them into second and long situation if we are going to have a chance. If we allow them to play their game and they get up by 14 points, then they will grind it out on you and really shorten the game. The key for us is to play sound defense and take advantage of opportunities. If we can do that and make them to play form behind then they are forced to do something else."

CHS quarterback Danny Soto will lead the way for the Lions on offense. Soto has carried the ball 48 times for 243 yards, and averages 5.1 yards per carry  on the season.

He is joined in the backfield by running back Edward Martinez who enters the way for the game as the District 1-3A fifth leading rusher. Martinez has led the way for the Lions with 7 touchdowns and has carried the ball 76 times for 425-yards on the season, while averaging 5.6 yards per carry.

The Lions have amassed 179 points in six games this season, and lead the District with127 first downs offensively.

"Its easier said than done, but we have to hang in there and wear them down to have a chance to win," Owens said. "If you allow them to get on you (score) then they will just grind it out and shorten the game."

Monahans will see linebacker Jorge Arriola return to the line-up after a one week absence.  Arriola suffered a broken hand and did not play  against Pecos, but continues to lead the Green defense with 46 tackle.

Big Shaquille Smith is expected to start at defensive tackle, as Chase Williams may see limited action due to an injury he sustained last week.

"We'll use Chase where we have too, but look for Shaq, Ruben Rodriguez and Riley Price to work into the lineup at defensive tackle in place of Williams," Owens said. "Clint pounds away at you so we want to keep the pressure on them with the big guys up front."

Corey Stanberry is also expected to contribute at defensive tackle and linebacker to get another 'big body' in the defensive lineup.

The Lions do not pass much but when they do Soto appears to favor the bootleg.

"If you can force them out of their running game they give you a look like the old Andrews and Sweetwater teams used," Owens said.  "They like the bootleg and they'll throw  it up to a big guy."

For the Lobo offense ball control will be the key to victory.

Monahans has averaged 285- yards per game and racked up 1,424 total yards against stiff competition this season.

Stephen Neel continues to lead all Lobo rushers with 501 yards on 75 carries for a 6.7 yard per carry average, and ranks fifth overall in the Permian Basin in rushing.

Joining Neel once again in the backfield will be Sean Britton who is averaging 7.1 yards per carry after last week's performance at Pecos.

Clay Anthony and Aaron Armendariz are also expected to see action at running back for the Loboes.

With an injury to Evan Hemingway, Kevin Coldewey will showcase his diversity on the offensive line by moving from tight guard to center this week. Michael Ortiz is expected to start at the tight guard position in the Hawgs offensive unit.

The Lions defense is once again led by 2006District 1-3A Defensive MVP Anthony Aguilar.

Clint will attack the Loboes out of a Base 26 Defense, who coincidently, rank second only to Anthony in total defense.

"We'll have to be on our game and eliminate unforced errors to have a chance to win," Owens said. "Clint is tough, and it will take a total team effort to beat them."

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm at Estes Memorial Stadium.

keyed by Laura Hinojos, Junior