|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
||
|
|
| LONGVIEW - With the opening game tucked in tot he victory column Friday evening to the tune of 15 to 0 over Nacogdoches, the time has come for speculation from the sideline experts. And they same to agree that Coach "Pete" Shotwell has the makings for a winning team.
Nacogdoches was hardly a test. Perhaps too much was expected from the air blitz promised to come from the Dragon's captain Walters and fullback Buckner. The visitors failed to invade Lobo territory, and their furthest advance downfield as to their own 42-yard line. The defensive work of the Lobo forward wall was excellent. Only 22 yards were gained through them. "Big Man" Grigg was breaking the plays up almost as fast as the Dragons could start them. He was doing plenty in the hole opening department for his backfield man. Guards Raney and Richardson and co-captain Johnson at center looked excellent at time. However, the entire line seemed frozen at the sight of the pay dirt. Three times the blocking stopped inside the the yard stripe, and the ball was lost on downs. Passing highlighted the surprises. In pre-game scrimmages it looked like the air attacks could be forgotten. When Blakeley started pitching, Gammon, Ben BRown and Bivins started catching. 15 were tossed and 10 were completed which is a nice average in any man's game. Quarterback Jimmy Blakeley stole the show as he sparkled the entire offensive punch. He scored both touchdowns an turned in a demonstration of open field running that is going to be hard to stop. Johnny Dunaway, fullback, will develop into a top notch ball carrier, experience is all he needs. Blocking is still the weak spot. The line is taking care of their man but the secondary is having a too easy time getting to the Lobo runners. Nacogdoches' captain Jim Walters was their only shining light. A better job of punting will not be seen soon. Two of his kicks went better than 60 yards, and despite a blocked punt and a quick kick that went straight up in the air he still held a 37 yard average. Looking around the district, one game that might be termed an upset appears. The 12 lettermen of Kilgore were defeated by Henderson's Lions 14 to 7. On the playing field things ran close with the Lions totaling 9 first down sot Kilgore's 3. Henderson is the Lobo's foe for next Friday night. Apparently the Lions are bringing a one man backfield in Gatson. He lead the ground attack against Kilgore, scoring the first time on a five yard plunge and passing to Watson in the final period for their second touchdown. Kilgore received pre-opening rating as an outfit to be stopped in the 11-AA race. This puts the Lobo's rival next week up in the dangerous class. Marshall filled the sky with passes and soared over Waco 20-6 while Lufkin powered their way over Tyler 26 to 6. |