WICHITA FALLS, Texas — One would be hard-pressed to find a team as dominant in their classification as the Muenster Hornets are in 2A DII. With last week’s eye-popping 60-0 thrashing of an Iraan team seeking a return to the state title game, the Hornets staked a legitimate claim as championship contenders themselves.
“The kids believed they didn’t play well against Petrolia, so they went back to work the following Monday; it was one of the best Thanksgiving week of practices I’ve been a part of,” remarked Muenster coach Brady Carney. “They went into the next game and refocused. I thought we’d get lucky and win, I was surprised at the 60-0 score, but that hard work showed on the scoreboard.”
Muenster quarterback Parker McGrew (Blake Wood/TexasHSFootball)
Last week’s win was just one of a handful of dominant outings for the Hornets, behind an offense averaging a whopping 57.5 points per game. The success begins up front according to Carney, with all offensive line starters returning from last season solidifying protection for one of the better passers in the state in Parker McGrew. The junior has completed over 100 passes on the season with 1,928 yards and 30 touchdowns, also adding three scores on the ground.
“Blayne Jones, a four-year starter, graduated last season. But Parker slides in at quarterback and ends up being not just a tremendous talent, but a tremendous leader and decision-maker,” Carney boasted. “Clay Stevens is right up there with some of the best rushers we’ve had here too. We just have a lot of weapons.”
For as much hype the offense receives this season however, the defensive unit is just as potent; Muenster has allowed double digit scoring only twice, while tallying five shutouts in 2017.
“We really preach defense. Myself and our staff believe defense wins championships,” Carney remarked. “We stressed being physical this year, especially against teams like Munday, being a reckless, swarming defense.”
The coach also noted the team as a whole not needing to play from behind at any point this season. While he applauded the athletes for their hard work to allow this to occur, Carney also pondered the possibility of what it would be like for the Hornets to play from behind, how they would react.
Photo: Blake Wood/TexasHSFootball
The Moguls on the other had has had to overcome some adversity this season, enduring a strong non-district schedule before storming through district undefeated and winning a pair of playoff games.
Munday started the season in an 0-2 hole — albeit close finishes against quality Hawley and Stamford squads — but evened the record with a shutout over Bronte followed by a win in a hard fought battle against Windthorst, before losing the game before district against Seymour, though the defense held their opponent to the fewest points scored on the season.
“The non-district schedule was always pretty tough, we play those same set of teams every year,” noted Munday coach Patrick Corcoran. “This year we were breaking in six or seven new starters, but I felt there was a progression every week.”
The Moguls turned it up for district play however, allowing double digit scoring in only two games while scoring an average of 47.6 points per outing. Munday is through to the third round with 47 and 54 point wins over Era and Wink.
“We worked on opening things up during the bye week; the kids felt more comfortable with what they were being asked to do,” Corcoran said. “We played a little sluggish against Era, but they did a good job of running their offense. The kids felt they played probably their best game of the year against Wink though.”
Munday’s offense is led by a strong backfield duo of quarterback Omar Nunez and rusher Alex Thorn; Nunez has performed well despite eight interceptions on the season, racking up 982 yards and 12 touchdowns on 55 completions — Thorn leads the run game with 1,587 yards and 20 scores. Nunez also contributes well on the ground, tallying 564 yards and 10 touchdowns.
“Alex has great vision and good feet, and is a very tough runner. It takes more than one person to bring him down. Omar complements him off of play-action and the quarterback run plays we use; they feed off of each other.”
Carney has a good amount of familiarity with the Patrick Corcoran-coached Moguls, with the two teams having previously occupied district space together; with Munday gaining the upper hand in last season’s matchup in this same postseason round.
“Coach Corcoran is one of the better coaches in the state of Texas,” proclaimed Carney. “Every year you take the field against Munday, you can always count on them having speed. It has all the recipes for a great game, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
“They’re heavily improved defensively from last year,” Corcoran remarked. “It’ll be challenging to keep them from penetrating and getting up the field. We have to stay on our blocks, play lower than they do, and play faster than what they are.”
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