Mustangs readying for LC-M encounter

[Bobcatfan4life]

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Mustangs readying for LC-M encounter

Van Wade

The Orange Leader

WEST ORANGE — Coaches at West Orange-Stark were erasing the chalkboard and part of their gameplan that they had prepared for in their non-district battle with Little Cypress-Mauriceville and were beginning to prepare to get the Mustangs ready for Kirbyville Sept. 12 when the phone rang Wednesday.

Long-time Mustang coach Dan Hooks received a call from LC-M head coach Todd Moody that got the Orange Bowl back on schedule after the game looked as if it was going to be cancelled for nearly two days. The game is slated for 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Dan R. Hooks Stadium.

“I tell you, I was thrilled to get that call from Todd,†said Hooks. “The game needs to be played. Everyone else in the area will be playing and neither our kids are the LC-M kids need to be sitting at home Saturday night.â€

The Orange Bowl has had plenty of exciting moments over the years despite the fact that WO-S leads the all-time series 22-2.

“One thing about the LC-M kids, they flat-out battle their tails off against us,†said Hooks. “Most of their kids know our kids. There’s nothing bitter about this game when we play it. Both teams respect each other and once the game is over, we always wish each other success down the road.â€

The Mustangs sweated one out at LC-M last year, downing the Bears 6-0 at Battlin’ Bear Stadium when quarterback Ortavious Hypolite hit receiver Josh Rhodes on a 47-yard scoring strike on a third-and-17 play with just 54 ticks left on the clock.

“The Bears got after us all night long and by the end of that one, there were two spent football teams,†said Hooks. ‘They gave us a darn good test two years ago out here too.â€

The Mustangs have captured the last 11 games in the series. The last LC-M victory came in 1994 when they downed the Mustangs 37-6 and went on to claim the school’s first-ever district title.

“I remember that game like it was yesterday,†said Hooks. “Those (Craig) Merritt and (Scott) Worster kids ran through us like a runaway train. It’s always a battle. When we won state back in 1986 (WO-S 15, LC-M 0) and 1987 (WO-S 28, LC-M 14) those were two of the toughest tests we had during those seasons.â€

The Mustangs (1-0) opened the 2008 campaign with a flurry, going to Nederland’s backyard and thumping the Bulldogs 33-13.

Senior running back Quintavious Garrett set a school record, zipping for 317 yards and four touchdowns on 26 totes. The Mustangs racked up 455 yards of total offense and slowed down a talented Nederland attack, holding the Bulldogs to just 199 yards.

“We liked our chances going in, but to win the way we did was somewhat surprising,†Hooks said. “We’ve had some close, knockdown drag-outs with Nederland over the years, so we were really excited for our kids.â€

Nederland struck first on a 51-yard scoring pass but the Mustangs never wavered, using a punishing and time-consuming running attack that was led by a surprising inexperienced offensive line.

“For it being a first game, we were really pleased with our offensive production,†Hooks said. “Our offensive line really held their own and I’m so proud of them. Quinnie (Garrett), that was an amazing performance. We may not see one like that again in a long time. Defensively, other than one play, we were outstanding. Anytime you can hold a Nederland team to less than 200 yards, that’s quite an accomplishment.â€

Coach Moody and staff is definitely working with a young squad as the Bears head into their opener. Six starters return on offense and just two on defense from last year’s 1-9 unit. The Bears’ preseason roster had 14 sophomores or freshmen on the varsity.

“The Bears are definitely a young team but I bet they have a lot of hungry young talent that is ready to prove itself,†said Hooks. “In a lot of cases, those are the funnest type of teams to work with and build on. We’ve seen them in scrimmages. They look feisty and they come after you.â€

The Bears will be led on the field by sophomore quarterback Hunter Gonzales and a handful of Bears will be getting good looks in the backfield and at the receiving positions.

“That Gonzales kid, you can just tell that he’s a heckuva athlete and is one of those kids that has a bright future ahead of him,†said Hooks. “Last year they had (Kendrex) Salter carrying the ball a bulk of the time. This year, it looks like they have a stable of backs they can turn too that have good speed and size. It looks like Coach Moody has a lot of options there.â€

Most of all, people across the area are thrilled that the game is back on.

“So many things are involved around this game,†Hooks said. “I’m sure LC-M is raring to go with it being their first game. Everyone in the community will be there getting together. The last time we played at our place each school earned about $6,000 in ticket sales. That goes a long way in scholarship money. It’s just a gathering you like to see take place every year.â€

[stangchain]

I'm wondering if Moody refused to comment or if he was asked anything.  I realize that it is a Mustang headline, but it may not have started off that way.  Hmmmmm is all this blogger can say!

[Gabe]

I will do the LCM preview with Moody tomorrow. Van covers the Stangs and I cover the Bears. I did Bobcats and Cards today and will have Bears for Saturday's paper.

[stangchain]

Thanks, Gabe!!!!  I was hoping there wasn't conflict.  I like it smooth running!!!  LOL

[td]

What in the world do you say now though? It was called off for the safety of the kids! Now that isn't a concern. I just hope they all found their way home from evacuation.

[skipper]

i dont know about the rest of you guys but come saturday night when lc-m comes onto the field i will stand up and show my support for the kids from there school. PS  just dont kick me out of the stands ,lets all of us wo-s fans  SHOW OUR SUPPORT FOR THE KIDS AT LC-M

[LCM76]

i dont know about the rest of you guys but come saturday night when lc-m comes onto the field i will stand up and show my support for the kids from there school. PS  just dont kick me out of the stands ,lets all of us wo-s fans  SHOW OUR SUPPORT FOR THE KIDS AT LC-M

That would be a very generous, outstanding, and extremely classy thing to do.  It will also be greatly appreciated.

And don't worry, if they kick you out of your stands, you can come sit next to me.  You can even continue rooting for the Mustangs!

[td]

i dont know about the rest of you guys but come saturday night when lc-m comes onto the field i will stand up and show my support for the kids from there school. PS  just dont kick me out of the stands ,lets all of us wo-s fans  SHOW OUR SUPPORT FOR THE KIDS AT LC-M

That would be a very generous, outstanding, and extremely classy thing to do.  It will also be greatly appreciated.

And don't worry, if they kick you out of your stands, you can come sit next to me.  You can even continue rooting for the Mustangs!

This is something that we discussed on another thread. I think LCM kids will see our appreciation. After that all bets are off until after the game.  ;D Then we become one big family again and wish each other well.