8 replies to this topic

[monter]

I am very encouraged by some of the things that I've seen during games. The intensity, and the desire is there. We just need to correct our drive-killing mistakes, and avoid giving up the big play.

I do believe that next year, and subsequent years will be much better for the Ennis Lions. Meanwhile, I support them.

Everyone, please remember. This is the first year at Ennis for Coach Alvarez. I realize that we, as Ennis fans, have become accustomed to winning. That WILL happen again, and soon. Coach Alvarez is still learning the players, and the players are still learning the system. After over a decade in a no-huddle shotgun spread, we all must make adjustments. We are seeing new offensive and defensive philosophies on the gridiron. We may not be used to it, but just as we became accustomed to the Spread, we will become accustomed to what Coach Alvarez and his staff are doing. And we WILL win.

Recall, if you will:
State Championship year of 2000, we averaged 38.75 points per game, and allowed 12.625.
State Championship year of 2001, we averaged 41 points per game, and allowed 11.125.
Semi-Final year of 2002, we averaged 39.07 points per game, and allowed 13.87.
State Championship year of 2004, we averaged 36.4 points per game, and allowed 11.66.

Even in 2003, when we lost in the quarterfinals, that season we scored 699 points in 13 games, which was 53.77 points per game, average. That season, we also only allowed 10.23, and Highland Park's 38 points in the sole loss that season skews that number upward slightly.

Aside from the 2003 figures, I don't see any of the average points scored or points allowed figures above as being out of the realm of possibility for Ennis in the very, very near future. I recall in the post-game interview after the Seguin game, that coach Alvarez was disappointed that the Lions did not score more than 35. I really, really liked that.

I'm not saying that we won't get to 2003 levels, but that might still be a few seasons away.

I believe that next year is a realignment year, so I don't know who we're going to be playing yet, but I will go out on a limb and say that the expectations for the Ennis Lions are going to be high next year. At least to the coaches and players.

More importantly, Don't give up on this Ennis team. I know I haven't.

Mark my words: There will be a State Title coming back to Ennis in the near future.

[kbo]

Thanks for the numbers break-down Monter......most impressive. Yes, I do believe we should give Coach Alvarez some time, it is not easy at all replacing a legendary coach like Coach Harrell. It took Coach Harrell a few years to get things going to the level we all enjoyed so much. I believe the needle is pointed up for Lions football, we can see it coming, I guess we are just impatient and ready for the good times to roll again. I believe in the Ennis Lions and our coaching staff. We will get it done! The Lions will be back......and soon!

Go Lions!

[BIFF]

In order to score more points in a game you have to throw the football. Going under center every snap isnt going to work.. Doing both under center and spread formation would be more effective. You have to mix it up...to compete in 4A football, the game has gotten way to fast. I have heard from other schools coaches that we are to predictable...Not Good..

[monter]

In order to score more points in a game you have to throw the football.

Well, you don't HAVE to, but it's statistically helpful to do so.

Going under center every snap isnt going to work..

Why would that be? I can see that it might be a little more difficult for the QB to read the defense, and the defense is essentially closer to the QB, but to say it won't work is just a little bit of a stretch, I think.

Doing both under center and spread formation would be more effective.

When we were exclusively out of the spread, the only people I heard saying we should go under center (and only at the goal line) was the radio people. So should we have done so then?

You have to mix it up...to compete in 4A football, the game has gotten way to fast. I have heard from other schools coaches that we are to predictable...Not Good..

Do you think this will continue?

[BIFF]

I think you are missing the point. What i am saying is that you have to do both under center and a shotgun style offense. This is not 2A football. The defenses are way to fast. Takes to long to throw the ball under center, as we been seeing this year. I dont think we would have won as many state titles if we would have gone under center every snap. In the last 3 to 4 years we tried to run the ball from the spread an it didnt work. Thats why I am saying you need both. You dont see college or pro just under center. Ennis does not have the right personal to run the ball, you need BIG linemen and backs. So if we would do both undercenter and shotgun we would be more effective for the run an the pass. Best that i can remember Lancaster did both, so what does that tell you. Not trying to beat up the coach, just trying to stay up the times. GO LIONS!!!!

[monter]

Sometimes, though, you just have to be water.

[BIFF]

WHAT THA??????

[monter]

As is written in my signature:

Don't get set into one form, adapt it and build your own, and let it grow, be like water. Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless -- like water. Now, you put water in a cup, it becomes the cup; you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle; you put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Water can flow, or it can crash. Be water, my friend. -- Bruce Lee

[111]

The reason we won going to the spread is that is was different and we were good at being different from the norm. We were ahead of the curve. So going different from the norm is ok but you have to find your way at it because you have to be good. Hopefully we can find our way with our new norm and change as needed to be competitive.