Friday, Sep. 26, 2008

Defense Misses Ashley

FMHS Football

By Kevin Lonnquist

Staff Writer

When the Flower Mound coaches moved senior Collin Ashley from the secondary to wide receiver, they accepted that there would be some drop off at defensive back.

It’s been kind of crash course between sophomore Matt Arend, junior Brooks O’Rear and senior David Eiland to make up for Ashley’s veteran leadership. The Flower Mound coaches were adamant about not playing Ashley on that side. For the most part, they’ve stuck with that.

Arend has taken Ashley’s spot on the field. There have been good and bad results.

"We’re trying to improve, and they are trying to make strides," coach Cody Vanderford said. "We know we’re a little iffy and know that they have struggled at times. If Matt has a couple of bad plays, then we have to get him off the field and talk to him."

It’s almost a given that defensive coordinator Mike Chiaverini and his staff have tried to hide them as much as possible, but teams have picked on Flower Mound through the air. Teams are averaging 133.5 yards per game. That doesn’t sound like much, but Flower Mound has surrendered more passing yards (534) to rushing yards (482). Yet Flower Mound’s defense is ninth in the area in total defense at 254.0 yards per game.

4-0 is 4-0

Usually, if a program was trying to gain some credibility, a 4-0 start would get the fan base excited.

But it would mean more to a program that has not accomplished much. Flower Mound is looking for its third consecutive playoff berth. Still, this is first 4-0 start in school history. The Jaguars will be looking for their first 5-0 start when they play at DeSoto tonight.

"Every time you win a game, it increases your confidence," Vanderford said. "But on the flipside, it means nothing. There is no bearing for playoff implications."

With the extended non-district season, Vanderford would have probably enjoyed the 4-0 start had the fourth victory been in district.

"I think you get that point where you know when you are and are not ready for district play," Vanderford said. "Our kids our ready, but we know that we have stay on course for what we’re trying to do."

Offense Clicking, Except…

Flower Mound’s offense ranks 11th in the area as it averages 407.8 yards per game. On a scale of 1 to 10, Vanderford would rate its execution at either a 7 or an 8.

There have been some protection breakdowns, and quarterback Brandon Colquitt has committed a couple of fumbles.

But senior wide receiver Ashley has blossomed quickly. Ashley leads all area receivers in receptions (37), yards (549) and touchdowns (11). Colquitt (103-127-2, 1,139, 15TD) is second in the area among all quarterbacks.

It has been a reunion between Ashley and Colquitt. They were on the freshman team the last time Ashley played wide receiver. That year, they combined for 16 touchdowns.

"It’s been flawless, because the two of them worked together when they were on the freshman team," Vanderford said. "Their chemistry is unmatched."

Briefly…

Senior safety Mike Williams (hamstring) is not expected to play tonight against DeSoto. Had this game been in district, he possibly could have gone. He is expected to be ready for the District 6-5A opener Oct. 10 at Hebron.