Friday, Sep. 19, 2008

More Perfect

FMHS Football

By Kevin Lonnquist

Staff Writer

Flower Mound’s 3-0 start has a different feel than the last time the program began a season with that perfect mark.

The 2005 Jaguars began 3-0 and were building toward respectability, but really had not won a signature game. Plus, they were not dominating the competition. In 2005, the Jaguars won their three games by an average of 10 points.

In 2008, the Jaguars are past the point of winning significant games and getting into the playoffs. They have won these three games by an average of 30 points.

"In the grand scheme, it doesn’t mean a whole lot, because you still have to win the right games in order to get to the playoffs," Vanderford said. "But it does help on the psychological level, because you get a ton of confidence. The true implications are how we handle this later in the season."

And there is a pretty good chance the Jaguars will earn their first 4-0 start in school history as they meet 0-3 North Crowley for homecoming tonight at Neal E. Wilson Jaguar Stadium.

Done in the First 24

The trend this season for the Jaguars has been their quick start in ballgames. They have outscored the opposition in the first half 84-8. That’s pretty impressive, considering the Jaguars have scored 113 points this season.

Vanderford has also been pleased with how quickly his inexperienced offensive line has grasped the offense and improved.

"We knew that we were going to struggle," Vanderford said. "[Quarterback] Brandon Colquitt has done a good job helping to hide some of our mistakes. If we could survive the learning curve, then this unit could make some decent progress. Now, they have."

Wenrick Returns

Senior tight end Craig Wenrick returned to the team last Friday after being suspended for the first two games because of a violation of team rules.

Wenrick, who has committed to Iowa State, went through practices to keep in shape. He just could not dress with the team for the first two games against Plano East and Keller Fossil Ridge.

He caught two passes for 25 yards against Haltom in the 37-0 victory.

"It was an internal thing, and he’s paid his price and we move on," Vanderford said. "It was nice to have him back. Everything has since moved behind us."

Winfrey as the Backup QB

Junior Wes Winfrey has firmly established himself as the backup quarterback behind Colquitt.

He earned valuable experience against Haltom last Friday and is 4-for-8 for 48 yards.

"He’s done a nice job understanding the offense and knowing what to do with the football," Vanderford said. "I have no qualms with what he can do for us."

Notable

Senior WR Collin Ashley’s four touchdown receptions against Haltom are a school record. He broke Nathan Gage’s record of 3 in 2003.

Colquitt’s five touchdown passes against Haltom tied Nick Stephens’ record set in 2005.

The Jaguars committed three turnovers Friday after committing none in their first two games.