Feb 05, 2012
Friendswood gets defensive with Dawson for 21-6 win
October 20, 2009
PEARLAND — The Friendswood Mustangs entered their game against the Dawson Eagles with the task of stopping the leading offense in the district. Averaging 407 yards per contest - the Eagles had already knocked off Manvel and La Marque while dropping their only district loss to No 1 area-ranked Angleton.
However - Friendswood was behind the 8-ball in the district race with a win over Texas City and two losses to Angleton and Santa Fe. Another loss would really put the Mustangs on the critical list to make the post-season.
Angleton (4-0), Santa Fe (3-1), Friendswood (2-2), Dawson (2-2), and Texas City (2-2) are still the frontrunners while Brazosport (1-3), La Marque (1-3), and Manvel (1-3) are fighting for their playoff lives.
On the other hand - while Dawson entered the game with a 2-1 mark in league play - head coach Eric Wells knew that this was a crucial game.
Despite the 21-6 loss to the Mustangs - the Eagles are still very much in the running for a playoff spot with Brazosport, Texas City, and Santa Fe still on the horizon.
Throughout the years - Friendswood has been known for its wide-open offense that drives defensive coordinators crazy in preparing for the circus act. However - the Mustangs' defense is what took center stage against Dawson.
“This is the best defensive effort in 25 years,” Mustangs coach Steve Van Meter said. “That was just a heck of a game. I can’t think of anyone on the defense that didn’t make a big play.”
The defensive unit outscored Dawson all by itself - 7-6. The Mustangs sacked the Eagles seven times and forced three turnovers — while scoring on an interception. Dawson managed just 126 yards of total offense against a ferocious Friendswood defense.
The defense allowed just two first downs between the second and third quarters with constant pressure and ball hawking.
Beau Barnes moved to outside linebacker, replacing injured Brant Liufau. He finished with eight tackles, two for loss, and a sack as one of the defensive leaders.
Friendswood got on the scoreboard first when Trevor Stevens scored on a 10-yard pass reception from quarterback Peter Maetzold. Zach Hardy booted the extra point for a 7-0 lead with 11:29 left in the second quarter after both teams couldn't score in the opening period.
While Friendswood's defense was stepping up their effort -- Dawson also got a strong effort from their defensive unit that shutdown the Mustangs' usually potent offense. Friendswood only got 219 total yards with 99 on the ground and 120 through the air.
Leading 7-0 - Matt Kennemer came up with a jaw-dropping interception that saw him make a one-handed catch near the sideline - maintain his balance - and then sprint down the sideline for a 35-yard return for a touchdown to spot the 'Stangs to a 14-0 advantage at intermission.
The third quarter continued the defense battle from both teams as the game entered the final period with the Mustangs still clinging to a 14-0 lead.
Dawson (5-2, 2-2) made the game interesting in the fourth quarter with a three-play scoring drive with 8:57 left in the game. The Eagles completed two passes for 58 yards which was 47 percent of its total offense.
Marcus Vaughn got behind the Friendswood secondary and hauled in the 32-yard scoring pass from quarterback Darian Lazard at the back of the end zone. The extra point missed the mark leaving the Eagles trailing 14-6 and back in the game.
But that was it for Dawson. The Mustangs defense forced another turnover on downs, and Andrew Cole iced the game with a 34-yard touchdown run. Cole, in his first game back after missing two games with and injury, ran for 83 yards while catching five passes for 47 more yards making him the top offensive weapon for the Mustangs.
Maetzold was 16-of-24 passing for 120 yards and one TD.
Dawson was led by Lazard who hit only 8-of-21 passing for 115 yards and one score while suffering two interceptions. Xavier Brown had 10 carries for 27 yards and Lazard had 18 carries for only five yards. Vaughn had four catches for 53 yards and one score, Micah Tillotson had two grabs for 38 yards, and Piaget Gauthier had two catches for 24 yards.
Each game is crucial for both teams as it looks like the playoff race will come down to the final game of the season.
Dawson (5-2, 2-2) will travel to Brazosport on Friday, October 23 to face the Exporters (3-3, 1-3) at Hopper Field at 7:00 p.m.
Friendswood (4-3, 2-2) will host Manvel (3-4, 1-3) on Friday, October 23 at Henry Winston Stadium at 7:00 p.m.