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Lee takes 180-degree turn from expectations

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Lee takes 180-degree turn from expectations

By Michael Pineda

Baytown Sun 

Published September 9, 2007

There is no joy in Mudville — Baytown on the day following a Gander loss.

After two losses to start the season, doctors need to stock up on medication for anxiety.

Lee entered the season as one of the favorites to capture the District 21-5A title but losses to Beaumont Central and Strake Jesuit have tempered early-season expectations.

The full truth of the matter can be deceiving: the Ganders are not as good as a playoff loss to North Shore indicated and they are not as bad as their record indicates.

“We’re not a bad team at all,†Lee head coach Dick Olin said. “It is frustrating but we just have to get to work. We’re having problems finishing our drives.

“When we have the scoring opportunity, we have to score.â€

In the loss to Strake Jesuit, the Ganders left 21 points on the Crusaders’ side of the field. First-half turnovers at the 23-yard line and 27-yard line placed Lee in a 14-7 hole. An interception at the goal line late in the second half closed the door on a potential Gander rally in the 24-10 loss.

Defensively, the Crusaders were able to sit back while rushing only four. With seven in coverage, the Ganders were unable to strike for the big play in the passing game, playing into Strake Jesuit’s hands.

Quarterback Josh Jones had a strong day on the ground with 158 yards rushing, a lot of the yardage coming on improvisation as the secondary covered up the receivers.

Jarvis Moore had a strong start rushing the ball in the first half but lost five yards on two carries in the second half as the Lee offensive line struggled against the Crusader front four. Adding to the problem was the loss of center Sal Ramirez to injury, forcing Joe Garcia into action. With Ramirez’ return to action uncertain and starting center Adam Rivera out until Kingwood, the Ganders will be thin at the position entering this week’s game against Clear Creek.

Receiver Michael Mahan was inactive against Strake Jesuit.

“Somebody else has to play the game,†Olin said. “That is just the way it is.â€

Finding someone to step up and make a play has also been a problem in the early season setbacks for the Ganders. Moore has shown signs as well as Jones running the ball but the receiving corps has yet to produce on a consistent basis. Blocking downfield has been an area of concern for the receivers according to Olin Friday night.

Defensively, the Ganders have had streaks of strong play ruined by a penchant for giving up the big play. Against Central, Lee gave up two touchdowns plays of over 40 yards and gave up a fourth-and-7 on the final scoring drive.

In the Strake Jesuit game, the Ganders allowed a third-and-18 conversion on a drive that ended in a 41-yard touchdown pass. During the second half, the defense held its own, particularly in short-yardage situations, and gave the team a chance to win the game. Strake’s only second-half touchdown came as a result of a recovered lateral.

On Friday, the Ganders will take on Clear Creek in the friendly confines of Stallworth Stadium and will play six of their remaining eight games in Baytown.

Clear Creek is coming off of a 41-30 win over Kingwood to improve to 1-1 on the year. Klein Forest defeated Clear Creek 21-0 in the season opener.

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