Friday, Aug. 15, 2008

Jaguars Practicing at Game Time

Football Journal

By Kevin Lonnquist

Staff Writer

Flower Mound coach Cody Vanderford definitely took extra precautions to avoid the August heat.

When workouts began for the 2008 season, Vanderford began them at 7:30 p.m. and ran them until nearly 10 p.m.

Vanderford wanted his team to get used to the time. That’s when most of the games will be played.

Both Flower Mound and Marcus began preparations on Monday. True to his word, Vanderford is not putting his program through two-a-days. Marcus coach Bryan Erwin is also not embracing a true two-a-day schedule.

"It’s a great schedule," Flower Mound senior wide receiver Collin Ashley said. "We were talking about how cool the schedule was, because we’re going to be playing right about now anyway. Better to get into that mindset right away."

At Marcus, the enthusiasm was similar, but it started far earlier in the day. Erwin held his first meeting at 6 a.m. The Marauders moved into practice from 8-10:30 a.m. and returned for a quasi-workout from 4-5 p.m. Teams just worked out in helmets and shorts Monday-Thursday. Today marks the first day of contact drills.

Each team feels the pressure to surpass what was done last year. The Jaguars and Marauders made the playoffs. They combined to win 15 games. They are expected to be playoff contenders again this fall.

"I couldn’t sleep, I was so excited," Marcus senior wide receiver Joel Free said. "Just when we were in the meeting and the stretching, you can tell Coach Erwin is really confident with us. The intensity was high, but all of us know what to expect. We’re on a mission this year."

Erwin’s intensity is balanced by his patience. Free said the difference from last year’s first fall practice to this year was the seamless transition. Instead of some basic teaching, Monday was like a refresher course.

Free said Erwin will review a play a couple of times with the offensive unit so the players have a good feel for it.

"As long as you’re working, he’ll work with you," Free said. "He doesn’t jump you. I like his approach."

At Flower Mound, the Jaguars are looking for a third consecutive playoff berth. Their next hurdle is to notch the school’s first playoff win.

In 2006, the Jaguars lost to Grapevine in the bi-district round. In 2007, they lost to Carroll, now a fellow member of District 6-5A, in the bi-district round.

Timing and precision apparently are further along for Flower Mound this year. Because the team went through a more formalized 7-on-7 summer season by participating in a couple of state qualifying tournaments and in the Hurst L.D. Bell league, there was better execution.

"It felt like I was at home," Ashley said. "There was just a little refreshment. But the wide receivers were faster out of their breaks. The timing is pretty much built in."

New Field Turf Installed

Neal E. Wilson Jaguar Stadium has new field turf, and there was a noticeable difference. Instead of just rubber, the new surface contains rubber and sand. The old surface was replaced over the summer because of wear and tear.

"It needs some rain to get everything soaked in," Ashley said. "But this new mix is going to help with traction and cutting."

Former Marcus QB to start for Tulane

Tulane head coach Bob Toledo announced earlier in the week that former Marcus quarterback Kevin Moore would be the 2008 starter.

Moore, a two-year starter for the Marauders in 2004-2005, shared playing time in 2007. He completed nearly 56 percent of his passes for 432 yards and two touchdowns.

He will be a sophomore this year. The Green Wave went 4-8 last year and opens the 2008 season Sept. 6 at Alabama.