Alexander shakes off frustrations, sparks Memorial

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Alexander shakes off frustrations, sparks Memorial

By Cody Pastorella

The Port Arthur News

It has been a frustrating season for Memorial's Jarael Alexander. The junior part time quarterback and running back has been limited by nagging injuries most of this season.

In the Titans first three games, Alexander suffered an ankle sprain and a thumb injury. Neither injury was too serious but have taken quite a toll for the duel-threat quarterback.

"Coming into this season, there were a lot of expectations for Jarael," said offensive coordinator Kenny Harrison. "He has a great arm and we were really hoping he would be able to complement Harry (Brown) at quarterback. I know this has been very frustrating for Jarael."

Some of those frustrations were resolved during last week's 44-42 win over Baytown Sterling. Alexander ripped off 199 yards on 30 carries and completed three passes for 20 yards.

"I was really happy for him," Harrison said. "I know it has been hard for him. He hasn't been involved much this season and I was really happy he was able to have a break out game like that."

Alexander's 199 yards was the most by any player this season and ranks 12th at Memorial for most individual rushing yards in a game, putting him in company with Kansas State's James Johnson and Texas' Jamaal Charles.

"They were ready for us to pass," Alexander said. "I think it surprised them when we started running. It felt good to be so involved and to be able to make a difference. I just want to win. That's what I was happy with the most. I wanted to win so that we can get to the playoffs."

Alexander had a big smile when talking about being in the same company as Charles and Johnson. "Those are really great players," he said. "They are both great college athletes and will probably be in the NFL soon."

Harrison said Sterling prepares well for Memorial's passing game, which is second to West Brook in District 21-5A with 2,119 yards.

"They do a great job preparing for us," Harrison said. "They did a great job last year. They dropped eight in coverage and we figured they would do

something similar to us again this year. We knew they would try to take away our strength and make us beat them with the running game."

Memorial did just that by rushing for 304 yards, which is the most in any game this season. Along with Alexander, who scored a rushing touchdown, Patterson Clay rushed for 86 yards and a score and Harry Brown picked up 19 yards and a rushing touchdown on seven carries.

In total, the Titans put up 481 yards of offense against Sterling. Brown threw for 157 yards on 12 of 20 passing with three touchdowns.

"Alexander really opens some things up for us," Harrison said. "He is a duel threat and creates a lot of problems for defenses. His ankle is fine now, but I don't think his thumb is completely healed. His thumb is probably 85 percent."

Harrison said a few weeks ago, Alexander could barely grip the ball but is healthy enough now that he will provide the Titans offense with a lot of options in Saturday's game against Humble.

[Mr. Buddy Garrity]

Humble is in some trouble if Clay and Alexander gets off, brown is always going to get his yards along with King.