Monahans- Andrews Game Revives Mustang Bowl Glory
    By Randy Hogan, Staff Writing ~~The Monahans News, September 21, 2007

The epic Monahans and Andrews battles of the past have left former players and fans alike with many memories of both jubilation and heart break.

The Mustang Bowl has produced big games that still stand tall in Lobo lore.

Perhaps the most notable was November 12, 1976 when Jerry Larned's team captured a 3-0 victory over Andrews in the famous "Snow Bowl", which immortalized the old ball coach as a West Texas Favorite.

In 1982 the Mustangs defeated Dick Winder's Loboes on a guard around play to advance the Mustangs into the playoffs leaving the Green Stunned.

The Loboes last appearance in the state-of-the-art football bowl came in 2005 as the Green swept the turf with the Mustangs in a 42-19 route.

The turning point in the game came when Chris Collins sliced through the Andrews line to block a punt that was recovered on the AHS 4-yard line by Josh Truex. The play sparked a onslaught of scoring for the Loboes who hailed as victors that night in a sea of black and gold.

The 2007 edition will be no exception as the two perennial football powerhouses collide in Andrews Friday night.

Don't expect a facade of beauty, but rather prepare for the improbable.

"We will have our hands full," Monahans coach Mickey Owens said. "Andrews produces a lot of challenges on both sides of the ball, but we have to eliminate mistakes to have a chance."

Mistakes cost the Green their first loss of the season last Friday night as Midland Christian compounded turnovers and MHS miscues to earn their first victory in four tries against the Loboes.

"Those things (mistakes) are correctable," Owens said. "We need to play better early and not put ourselves in that type of hole. Every week will be a battle for us and we may not always win pretty. Knowing that these Kids won't quit when it gets tough gives us a chance to win every week, regardless of who we line up across from."

Each season new faces don the Green and White in the Lobo lineup, but there's one element that unites all Lobo teams. Simply put, it's TRADITION.

This year the Green's battle cry is "playing on the edge" and Friday nigh we will each stand witness as a new chapter of Lobo lore is written.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm.

keyed by Jennifer Lario, Junior 07-08