Silver City Sports

The Mustangs had a tough first half at NAU falling behind 35-0 at the break. Coach Clark said we would see how the character of the team was defined if we got behind early; I can say that he is proud of how his team reacted in the 2nd half as the Stangs gave up only 13 pts to NAU after the intermission. It was because the defense played well and not because NAU let up.

In the first half I thought the defensive players for the Mustangs over ran the ball carriers and receivers and that was pretty much the consensus in talking to others after the game. NAU is big and fast and it’s hard to simulate that speed in a practice situation but the defense adjusted at the half. I think everyone had good plays and areas for improvement. Teron Sumpter Jr & Kameron Drawhorn both had INT’s and each played well at their positions. Bertrand and Perrault led the Mustangs in tackles; Kleinpeter adjusted well to playing at the end position and Knoy made some great tackles from his NT position. I really think that the entire unit had bright spots and will continue to gel and be a tough force in the RMAC.

Offensively you could see bright spots. The line play was inconsistent but at times looked good. Chris had time to get the ball off and Markis Sumpter and Sal Garcia had strong games with 5 receptions a piece. Kevin Breaker showed some moves when he got some room carrying 18 times for 64 yards. Mario Wren only carried 7 times but showed why he will be a force in later games. Chris also seemed to be more confident in the pocket, he still made some mistakes but that’s to be expected and he recovered well. And he showed his toughness running for a couple of first downs and avoiding a couple of sacks to complete the play.

Overall it was a disappointing result but Coach Clark was very proud of the team’s effort and continued improvement throughout the entire 60 minutes. If the team can bounce back and have a good week of practice a win at Sul Ross next week is attainable.

WNMU opens the season this week at Northern Arizona University. The Lumberjacks are getting a lot of love with several talented players returning this season. They are ranked 23rd in the FCS preseason poll but weren’t ranked very high by coaches in their conference; that may be because the conference is very strong.

I interviewed Coach Clark for our Saturday morning radio show and he’s optimistic about the Mustang’s chances. It will be a tough game; the biggest difference between any D II school and an FCS school like NAU is probably depth. There certainly may be a couple of players at NAU that are more talented but overall our talent level is very comparable. Coach is very optimistic about our skill positions. We’ll go into more depth in the next couple of days but RB, WR and TE will be strong areas for the Stangs. Defensively, DB and LB will be highlighted areas for the Mustangs.

One thing that will change significantly for the Mustangs is philosophy. Fundamentals are being preached by this coaching staff so look for a solid unit on the field for the Mustangs. Fundamentals can get you through those games when other things aren’t going well. Defensively the Mustang front 7 will attack and play aggressively. In the past those players were taught to ‘read and react’. This will lead to big plays both ways but as the players get used to the scheme and philosophy it should yield big results for the Mustangs. It’s more fun because you get more big plays.

The offense has so much skill but can also run the ball. Just a guess on my part but look for the Mustangs to run early while the QB and receivers get their game timing in synch. Chris Voller will get the start at QB and from what I’ve heard and seen his confidence is coming back. He just needs to be patient and go through his progressions…

Stay tuned much more to come.

I just got back from the fall scrimmage at Altamirano Field. As you would expect there were highs and lows, it is after all early in the season with just a week of practice under their belts. I also don’t have an updated roster with jersey numbers so I can’t put players with names yet. But I’ll try some highlights.

Coach wants to run the ball more with Breaker & Brown returning and a couple of newcomers with promise. The question of course is the offensive line. At first the Stang offense threw the ball much more than they ran it but when they did run, they show quite a bit of promise. I’ll tell you this, Breaker and Brown will have some help and competition at the RB position. Donald Askew, 5’8′ 218 of Mesa AZ gives the Mustangs some size to pound it inside. The line gave the backs enough room & a couple of times enough room for me to run through, and Askew can pound it in there. The ‘surprise’ back is Mario Wren, #5, 5’11″ 170 lbs out of Bessemer AL. (again if I got names wrong, we were guessing at some of the players) Wren made several defensive players miss with his first move and then got plenty of yards after the miss. Again the line was better than expected but they have a long way to go.

Passing: Chris Voller looked to be much improved. His confidence level seems to be improving. He made some good passes and had some time to make passes. When he didn’t have time, he put the ball where it couldn’t be intercepted and returned for a TD. Cody House was good as well but made a couple of mental errors that lead to turnovers. Wide receivers are solid. CJ Gardner scored a TD after getting hit, knocked from his feet but keeping his balance and taking it home. Christopher Miranda is still hobbled by a hamstring injury but made some good catches. Sal Garcia is again a threat. I don’t know which TE’s were playing but they have potential. #86 & 87 made good catches with runs after the catch that were impressive. And both blocked passably on run plays.

Defensively, the Mustangs were uneven but did have a couple of interceptions and if I recall a fumble recovery. The line & linebackers on the first team were pretty solid getting pressure on the QB (one pressure led to an interception) I saw that these guys were in position to make a lot of plays now just make them. The DB’s are pretty good. There was some solid coverage; I know Sumpter was in there a couple of times with passes defensed and had a couple of good hits. I can’t be sure which of the other players were there but #15 had an iINT, #31 was in good position a couple of times and a good play by the WR is all that kept him from getting an INT. #8 from his LB position was in the mix quite a bit.

As we get an updated roster I’ll start getting the names right. Overall I think the scrimmage showed some bright spots for the Mustangs. Now lets see them take it to the field when the lights are on and it really counts. I’ll say it again; the coaching staff is doing a very good job so far. The atmosphere is professional and expectations are clearly communicated; there’s a lot of teaching going on; they are enthusiastic and hard working. I think this group is responding well. The coaches are working hard to get this program moving in the right direction. It may not translate to wins early but it will translate to wins.

So I saw more of practice this morning. Same feelings as I had yesterday; more like a football team; more upbeat but still constructive criticism. Guys make mistakes and guys get called out but not berated or belittled. Players are hustling, running from station to station and listening to the coaches. Still a lot of early season type mistakes, guys missing calls, assignments and so on but they seem to be trying. I like what Coach tells them; play with a sense of urgency; fundamentals matter; in fact they are spending a lot of time on special teams; this is where you find the guys that want to play; want to hustle; want to listen. We may not have the success that we want but we are headed in the right direction.

7 QB’s in camp; I’m not sure that any one player has separated himself. Voller is running the #1 offense (while I was there) and seems to be about where he was last year. The line still needs to gel and Chris was under pressure, but he’s got to get that ball out with some more zip; too many passes are short and low. But during drills; he’s right on. Scudder throws the ball well; I like the trajectory he puts on the ball on longer passes; that ball doesn’t float.

Our wide receivers and tight ends will be very good if they continue to battle; man they have strength and speed; DB’s and LB’s can hit but Coach is teaching them some new techniques and it will take them some time to get into the rhythm. But he’s got them going in the right direction. We’ll see what happens next week but if our defense can use their skill and athleticism to keep us in games early this year, we have a chance.

It’s time for Mustangs sports and this blog to get going again. As the season heats up so will we. We’ll get back to discussing the week in Mustang sports right here and hope you will join us. Also you’ll be able to hear all of the Mustang football games right here LIVE and for FREE! Well free to you so be sure you support our sponsors.

I got back from Mustang fall practice. I can tell you that given the situation with a new coach, new staff and what appeared to be very few players on the roster, I’ve been somewhat depressed about the upcoming season and our prospects. I can tell you this; we look and sound like a football team. I like the way Coach runs his practices and his demeanor. We have 9 coaches on the staff compared to 4 or 5 in previous years. (That’s if you count Ronnie Heard as a coach). To me this has always been one of the problems with Mustang football. There weren’t enough coaches to give attention to all of the players. Now I’ve seen how it works for the Mustangs and I’m impressed.

The attitude of the staff is positive and upbeat but demanding. The attention to fundamentals is impressive because can make the difference. The coaches encourage but also correct the players in a positive manner. They explain what the expectations are for each drill and how it will fit into the big picture.

Briefly, we have a lot of talent at the skill positions returning and from what I hear some good players joining the Mustangs. The line on both sides of the ball will be undersized but quick and athletic. We’d better play smart too. I’ve heard some comments about our lack of size (no 6′ 9″, 320 offensive tackles) but Chadron State has had some pretty good success with an ‘undersized’ line as has the School of Mines. I’d say if we play smart, emphasize our quickness and minimize our liabilities we might be in some games this year.

We’ll talk more about specific players in upcoming entries and I’ll try to be on here every day so be sure you check back. One last thought, with 3 top tier running backs, 4-5 solid WR and a couple of good TE, we just need a consistent QB. We have 7 QB in camp. We’ll talk about them later but we should be able to find one in there and if you look at the roster, www.wnmumustangs.com, the one that can put the ball down the field to our burners may not be the one you think…

The season is over and it might have been the most disappointing season so far. This is a very talented team on both sides of the ball and should have won more games. But injuries, especialy to Havrilla and Trujillo; bad breaks and some questionable coaching on the defensive side of the ball cost us more wins.

But let’s not dwell on the past, this team has 20 offensive and 18 defensive players that started a game this season returning. That is if everyone goes to class and decides to come back. So let’s look at some of the bright spots. Offensively the cupboard is nearly full: on the O-line was vastly improved and if they work hard in the off season will be dominant next year. Reveles, the Vaitai boys, Lake, Price and Esparza could dominate every game and every play. But they must handle the 3-4 defense better.

The skill positions are LOADED. Kevin Breaker got most of the carries but James Brown is just as talented. This duo, with the help of the O-line, improved the running game by more than 400% and made it a legitimate threat. Wide receivers are stacked with Sal Garcia, Cory Ramos, Christopher Miranda, Scotty Crespin all coming back. And don’t forget Bubba Tuinei! He’s a beast. Josh Felton and C.J. Gardner didn’t get a lot of playing time due to injury or just the amount of talent but they are very good as well. Chris Voller is going to have to improve at the QB position and get the demons out of his head if that is what is plaguing him. Chris can be spectacular for periods but then he can disappear and get totally out of sync.

Defensively we’ll loose Jamie Trujillo but the D-line with the likes of Hunt, Croasmun, Upshaw, Faifili, and a host of younger players will be solid and if they are turned loose in the right system will give opposing QBs hell. Buster Thede will have another monster year if he continues to improve and work hard. Zuniga could be another bright spot if he continues to improve; he had a solid year and more hard work will make him a top LB in the conference. The DB’s. This is the most talented we’ve seen overall from top to bottom in a long time. But they are young and need to be put in a system that will not be as confusing as what we went through this year. But let me say this; I really like Terron Sumpter Jr. He improved all year long and could be a shut down type corner if he continues to improve. He showed talent that could rival Tony Norman. Byron Reischl also shows promise and is a tough nosed player while Jordan Dancer has the skills but needs to improve his football knowledge.

Everyone on the team needs to go to class and dedicate themselves academically as well as athletically.

I am excited about next year and can’t wait. Coach also has strong prospects for new recruits that will fill some holes and push some other players for playing time and competition within the team makes everyone better. Finally, there will have to be changes either in the coaching staff or philosophy. Defensively I saw us continue to make mistakes, there was confusion and when fans in the stands see the D coordinator sit on the bench during a home game that sends the wrong message to the team and the fans and is unacceptable. Whether there will be changes in the staff or not I don’t know. But Coach Buskin knows that his entire staff must be dedicated to teaching and coaching and that attitude will be pervasive or the coaches won’t be here.

Offensively, our coaches are solid as shown by our consistent production and ranking at the top of the categories both in the RMAC and nationally. Experience will make us even more consistent.

The Stangs paid a visit to Pueblo and were not treated very hospitably. Not only was it Senior Day but it was the Hall of Fame Game with quite a few HOF inductees and 2-3 players for Pueblo were vying for single season records. Not much chance that the Thunderwolves would overlook the Mustangs. And they didn’t. At times the offense showed promise but just moving the ball isn’t enough. You have to put points on the board as well and the Mustangs just couldn’t get the ball in the end zone.

The defense couldn’t stop the Thunderwolves consistently and the ‘Wildcat’ offense gave some of the Mustangs fits. I say some because it appears some guys are trying to do too much and they end up leaving their area of responsibility and that leaves an open hole if they aren’t reading the play correctly. If guys were to stay at home we’d have a better chance of stopping other teams. Granted it comes from trying and wanting so badly to make a play but you have to understand your role as part of the team.

Next week we can end up with a win at Ft. Lewis. The Skyhawks always seem to give us trouble in Durango but they are having a worse season than the Mustangs. I feel pretty good about the Stangs breaking back into the win column next week.

The mighy Mustangs hung on and got the win and took the Warrior Helmet back from the Cowboys. The Cowboys scored first but the offense the lead back scoring on their first two possessions. NMHU wouldn’t give up though and cut the lead to 5 at the break but then it was all Mustangs as they held on for a 50-30 victory. It wasn’t the prettiest game but as always it was exciting and it was finally another win. And you know what, it doesn’t matter what it looked like because winning can breed a winning attitude. We’ll have a tough one next week at CSU Pueblo but with a little confidence anything can happen.

The hated NMHU Cowboys have the traveling trophy and now they come to Silver City for our homecoming. The helmet is here and it will stay here. The Mustangs haven’t been able to stop anyone defensively for several weeks. NMHU can’t score. Something has to give. We have better talent so I’m putting my money on the Mustangs and the homecoming crowd. I’m even going so far as to predict a shutout! Call me crazy but I’m still a homer for the Stangs. Let’s use this win to get that huge gorilla off of our backs and upset the RMAC apple cart in the last two weeks of the season.

The Mustang offense has been unstoppable at least for most of our games so far. We’ve been able to put points on the board. The defense hasn’t been able to stop anyone. But yesterday the defense played better and our offense didn’t score a point. Is this program truly snake bit? Buster Thede got the score for the Mustangs on a 49 yard interception return and the game was on. The defense gave up 42 but on some short fields to a good running attack. 21 points was scored in the last 7 minutes of the 1st half. The D held Chadron scoreless in the 2nd half. I thought keeping our best players out there instead of using the prevent winning formation was a good idea.

For some reason though we just couldn’t move the ball offensively. Dennis looked more comfortable. The running game showed looked good at times, receivers dropped a few balls and early on either Dennis or the receivers were not on the same page. The line was still inconsistent and can’t block against a 3 man down line with a linebacker rushing but did give James and Kevin some room to run.

So it makes me wonder, what demons do we need to exercise to win?