Hebron vs Marcus

[teddy2time]

Should be a great game. Got to go with Marcus in this one. What does everyone think?

Watched the Coppell game on tv last night. Announcers mentioned two Hebron defenders had committed to college. Who are they and where have they committed?

[Drphill]

Should be a great game. Got to go with Marcus in this one. What does everyone think?

Watched the Coppell game on tv last night. Announcers mentioned two Hebron defenders had committed to college. Who are they and where have they committed?

I see Marcus about like the Other Flower Mound School. I also see Hebron do to Mucus what they did to the Jags. Should be a good game but I say

Hebron 28
Mucus 7

[HebronHawk]

Should be a great game. Got to go with Marcus in this one. What does everyone think?

Watched the Coppell game on tv last night. Announcers mentioned two Hebron defenders had committed to college. Who are they and where have they committed?

Garrett Shinkle #46 - Air Force
Shelton Johnson #24 - Wisconsin

[HebronHawk]

Marcus is much more dependent on the run for their points than Coppell was. Hebron's defense shut both facets of Coppell's game down on Friday.

Marcus is kinda like Lewisville with a better passer. Marcus uses primarily 2 receivers.

Hebron's defense came alive big time against Coppell. I expect them to show up against Marcus to claim the district title.

[HebronHawk]

One thing to keep in mind for the playoffs.

The loser of this game gets SLC in the first round.

The winner of this game wouldn't see SLC until round four.

[HebronHawk]

Marcus has new path toward familiar place

Behind first-year coach, school has success in its grasp again

Matt Wixon, Dallas Morning News
01:49 AM CDT on Sunday, October 28, 2007

FLOWER MOUND – Running backs earn respect by running hard, making big plays and wearing down defenses. Or, in the case of Stephen Hopkins, by fumbling.

It wasn't the fumble, actually. It was the way he reacted afterward.

"The ball was behind him," Flower Mound Marcus coach Bryan Erwin said, "and you could see the rubber flying as he put on the brakes and tried to get back to that football."

Erwin was so impressed by the play during a spring scrimmage that he showed video of it to the team. That, he told the players, is the kind of passion and drive Marcus needs to be successful.

Whether from passion, drive or just better play, Marcus is finding success in Erwin's first season. Marcus has compiled a 7-1 record, its most victories since 1997.

Hopkins, whose first name is pronounced STE-fan, has been a big part of that. The sophomore has rushed for 1,179 yards and nine touchdowns on 202 carries. That's more rushes than any other area 5A running back, and it's already more than the Marcus team total from a year ago.

No surprise there, because Marcus operated out of the spread formation last season.

"You can run the ball out of the spread, but it wasn't a good fit for me," Hopkins said. "I'm not that fast."

But the 205-pounder is powerful. And most important, he can run and run and run some more. That makes him perfect for Marcus' ball-control offense that operates out of the I-formation.

It's an offense rarely seen in this era of the spread.

"It's been a huge advantage for us," Erwin said. "Teams don't see us, and then they have three days to prepare."

Teams had the same preparation panic a decade ago – the good 'ol days for Marcus. That's when its spread offense was breaking passing records and overwhelming opponents. Marcus posted a 39-7 record from 1995 to '97 and made it to two Class 5A Division II state finals. It won the '97 title by humbling Alief Hastings, 59-20.

The next nine seasons, however, were humbling for Marcus. There was just one playoff team and one winning season. In 2006, Marcus' 5-5 season was much like the eight before it: respectable but forgettable.

Three hundred miles south, Erwin led La Marque to its second 4A Division II title in four years. Then, after a five-year, 65-8 run at the Houston-area school, Erwin decided it was time for a new challenge.

And Marcus got an immediate shot of confidence.

"Ever since the coaches came on campus, there's been a confidence in the air," senior linebacker Kenneth Eneh said. "Everyone has kind of picked up on that, and it has snowballed."

"We WILL Win!" is printed above the doors near the football locker room along with "success is spelled W-O-R-K." The cover of the game program says "Yes we can ... yes we will" and includes a photo of the water tower painted with "state champions."

It's a reminder that what was done before can be done again.

"Not many schools can say they've won a state championship, and that was just 10 years ago," Erwin said. "We're embracing the traditions and the success of the past."

But not the offense.

Erwin used the spread, along with other formations, at La Marque. But at Marcus, he saw a big offensive line and inexperience at quarterback and decided a power running game was the best fit.

He just needed to find the right running back. A guy who wouldn't wear down, even after carrying the ball 30 times. A guy who would be resilient and hard-nosed like the rest of the Marcus team.

Hopkins has become that guy, and he loves his role. His description of the way he fits in:

"This is probably as good as it can get."

The Marcus players were saying the same thing in 1997. And that winning feeling can return, Erwin said. His La Marque players expected to win state every season, and Erwin is working to create that expectation at Marcus.

"Winning seasons don't cross our mind. We expect to win every game," he said. "We're going to expect success and have the highest goals possible."

FLOWER MOUND MARCUS THROUGH THE YEARS
Year Rec. Postseason
1995 15-1 Lost in 5A Div. II final
1996 10-4 5A Div. II regional finalist
1997 14-2 5A Div. II state champ
1998 5-5 No playoffs
1999 3-7 No playoffs
2000 5-5 No playoffs
2001 6-4 No playoffs
2002 3-7 No playoffs
2003 4-7 Lost in first round
2004 3-7 No playoffs
2005 5-5 No playoffs
2006 5-5 No playoffs

[texan_75010]

Marcus is much more dependent on the run for their points than Coppell was. Hebron's defense shut both facets of Coppell's game down on Friday.

Marcus is kinda like Lewisville with a better passer. Marcus uses primarily 2 receivers.

Hebron's defense came alive big time against Coppell. I expect them to show up against Marcus to claim the district title.


A one dimensional team that plays Hebron will not succeed. Just too many weapons.

[farmerfan]

I don't think Marcus can beat Hebron yet, however, give it another season and they just could become the cream of this district. Marcus has far exceeded most peoples expectations this year with the exception of people like SLC93 and myself. Erwin and Brazil are going to have some awesome battles over the next few years. This game is intriguing because we will find out a lot more about Marcus and it pretty much is for the district championship.

[teddy2time]

I think Marcus will suprise alot of people this week. How well does Hebron stop the run?

[FarmerFootballPlayer]

One thing to keep in mind for the playoffs.

The loser of this game gets SLC in the first round.

The winner of this game wouldn't see SLC until round four.

Not necessarily true. Marcus could still go D-1 if Coppell falters further and falls out of the playoffs. This is very possible with Flower Mound and Marcus remaining for them.

[Drphill]

I think Marcus will suprise alot of people this week. How well does Hebron stop the run?

coppell had -13 yards. How well does Marcus Pass? How fast can Marcus score. If the game is close and they have to drive 80 yards, good luck. Now Hebron can score pretty fast

[teddy2time]

coppell had -13 yards. How well does Marcus Pass? How fast can Marcus score. If the game is close and they have to drive 80 yards, good luck. Now Hebron can score pretty fast

Come on Dr. Phill, your smarter than that. Does Coppell even practice running the ball. Probably not. How about Newman Smith running for 172 on Hebron, and they are horrible.

[SLC93]

I don't think Marcus can beat Hebron yet, however, give it another season and they just could become the cream of this district. Marcus has far exceeded most peoples expectations this year with the exception of people like SLC93 and myself. Erwin and Brazil are going to have some awesome battles over the next few years. This game is intriguing because we will find out a lot more about Marcus and it pretty much is for the district championship.

I'm with you, Farmer. If I had to pick right now, I'd say Hebron. This game will serve as a real barometer for the Marcus program. I think this will be a tough game, hard fought on both sides. At this moment, Hebron is just more established. I love what Erwin brings to the table.His willingness to take the parts he has and utilize them to get the best results has helped illustrate to his kids the value of committment to self, as well as team. Should be a great one and for fans of DFW football it is great to have Marcus back in the picture.

[Drphill]

Come on Dr. Phill, your smarter than that. Does Coppell even practice running the ball. Probably not. How about Newman Smith running for 172 on Hebron, and they are horrible.

172 against the 2 and 3rd string. Don't worrie, Hebron sucks and can't stop the run or pass.....Didn't Flower Mound Beat Mucus, Hummmmmmmmmmm
Hebron Held FM to 185 yards total offense and beat them.....

[HebronHawk]

I think Marcus will suprise alot of people this week. How well does Hebron stop the run?

-13 yds. rushing for Coppell.

193 yds. rushing for Lewisville. Only got them 7 pts. though.

[HebronHawk]

Not necessarily true. Marcus could still go D-1 if Coppell falters further and falls out of the playoffs. This is very possible with Flower Mound and Marcus remaining for them.

Good point. Coppell is not a lock for the playoffs yet.

[HebronHawk]

Come on Dr. Phill, your smarter than that. Does Coppell even practice running the ball. Probably not. How about Newman Smith running for 172 on Hebron, and they are horrible.

Actually, I was impressed with the Newman Smith center. He did a good job opening up holes.

[teddy2time]

172 against the 2 and 3rd string. Don't worrie, Hebron sucks and can't stop the run or pass.....Didn't Flower Mound Beat Mucus, Hummmmmmmmmmm
Hebron Held FM to 185 yards total offense and beat them.....

Ok maybe your not as smart as i thought. I never said Hebron sucked or even implied they did, just asked how good they were at stopping the run. FM had 130 yards rushing by the way. I'm sure Hebron can stop the pass, they practice against it all the time.
Seems like someone is still a little bitter about the Marcus/Lewisville game.

[HebronHawk]

Hebron practices against the run, too. :D Darius Staten is a dynamite running back and we have Absalom Jones for a change of pace.

Our passing is so good, that these guys don't get enough action in the game. Doesn't mean they can't though. :p

[Drphill]

Ok maybe your not as smart as i thought. I never said Hebron sucked or even implied they did, just asked how good they were at stopping the run. FM had 130 yards rushing by the way. I'm sure Hebron can stop the pass, they practice against it all the time.
Seems like someone is still a little bitter about the Marcus/Lewisville game.

Well ****** bag, how well does Mucus play the pass. I guess we will find out this week. If any team has to play both the run and the pass, they will have problems. But, if the team only runs!!!!!! LIke Creekview, Hebron is pretty good.

[teddy2time]

Hebron practices against the run, too. :D Darius Staten is a dynamite running back and we have Absalom Jones for a change of pace.

Our passing is so good, that these guys don't get enough action in the game. Doesn't mean they can't though. :p

I know they practice against the run. Hebron has two very good backs. But dont you think there might be a difference in what they see at practice than what they will see from Marcus. In practice, they stop the run against the spread offense. Marcus uses a fullback and might go two tight ends and try to pound the ball. I think there is a difference, but that is just my opinion. Should be a great game though.

[teddy2time]

Well ****** bag, how well does Mucus play the pass. I guess we will find out this week. If any team has to play both the run and the pass, they will have problems. But, if the team only runs!!!!!! LIke Creekview, Hebron is pretty good.

Name calling? Now that is mature. Stay off this thread, if you cant hold a mature conversation.

[Drphill]

I know they practice against the run. Hebron has two very good backs. But dont you think there might be a difference in what they see at practice than what they will see from Marcus. In practice, they stop the run against the spread offense. Marcus uses a fullback and might go two tight ends and try to pound the ball. I think there is a difference, but that is just my opinion. Should be a great game though.

Ok, you are not that smart or you have never played football. Hebron Will have a scout team run all of Mucus plays all week. The same will be for Marcus, but they don't have a QB that can throw or Wr's with 4.5 speed. Good luck.

[Drphill]

Name calling? Now that is mature. Stay off this thread, if you cant hold a mature conversation.

You must have been in the BAND

[HebronHawk]

I know they practice against the run. Hebron has two very good backs. But dont you think there might be a difference in what they see at practice than what they will see from Marcus. In practice, they stop the run against the spread offense. Marcus uses a fullback and might go two tight ends and try to pound the ball. I think there is a difference, but that is just my opinion. Should be a great game though.

See Dr. Phil's comments. Hebron does a great job of scouting the opposition each week. Unless, Marcus does something they've never done this season, Hebron knows about it.

The scout team will run Marcus's plays and the coaches will have a defensive game plan to stop Marcus and an offensive game plan to take advantage of Marcus's defensive schemes.

Hebron not losing a district game since 2003 doesn't happen by accident.

[teddy2time]

Ok, you are not that smart or you have never played football. Hebron Will have a scout team run all of Mucus plays all week. The same will be for Marcus, but they don't have a QB that can throw or Wr's with 4.5 speed. Good luck.


I know that the teams scout each other and run the other teams plays. Before the games started and during the spring, Hebrons defense goes against Hebrons offense. So they are used to seeing a one back offense. I'm sure most of Hebrons oppenents run the spread or one back, so I know they are used to seeing it. I was just stating they arent used to seeing a running attack like the one Marcus has. I know they will have a scout team running their plays, but it wont be the same.

And no drphill, i was never in the band. I'm sure I know more about football than you.

[Drphill]

I know that the teams scout each other and run the other teams plays. Before the games started and during the spring, Hebrons defense goes against Hebrons offense. So they are used to seeing a one back offense. I'm sure most of Hebrons oppenents run the spread or one back, so I know they are used to seeing it. I was just stating they arent used to seeing a running attack like the one Marcus has. I know they will have a scout team running their plays, but it wont be the same.

And no drphill, i was never in the band. I'm sure I know more about football than you.

Ok, teddy. What defense does Marcus run...I'll give you an easy one first.

[teddy2time]

Ok, teddy. What defense does Marcus run...I'll give you an easy one first.

3-4

[Drphill]

3-4

WHAT defense does Hebron run..

[teddy2time]

WHAT defense does Hebron run..

same

[Drphill]

[QUOTE=teddy2time;621504]sa

I don't think Hebron runs any eagle.

[teddy2time]

[QUOTE=teddy2time;621504]sa

I don't think Hebron runs any eagle.

I dont think anyone calls it an eagle anymore, but they do run a 3-4 defense.

[Drphill]

[QUOTE=Drphill;621512]

I dont think anyone calls it an eagle anymore, but they do run a 3-4 defense.

Young middle school coach huh!

[teddy2time]

[QUOTE=teddy2time;621519]

Young middle school coach huh!

Not even close. Dont think I could handle the little know it alls of that age group.

[Drphill]

[QUOTE=teddy2time;621529][QUOTE=Drphill;621524]

Not even close. Dont think I could handle the little know it alls of that age group.[/QUO

Well get back to work and don't worry about Hebron...

[teddy2time]

[QUOTE=teddy2time;621529][QUOTE=Drphill;621524]

Not even close. Dont think I could handle the little know it alls of that age group.[/QUO

Well get back to work and don't worry about Hebron...

Not at work now, but I will enjoy a cold adult beverage and watch the world series.

[Drphill]

[QUOTE=Drphill;621537][QUOTE=teddy2time;621529]

Not at work now, but I will enjoy a cold adult beverage and watch the world series.

Baseball is organized rest.......:D

[SLC93]

WHAT defense does Hebron run..

Whatever the Greatest Dane tells them to, drill sergeant!:D

[Drphill]

Whatever the Greatest Dane tells them to, drill sergeant!:D

And Dane says run the 10-1......:p

[CoppellDad]

I am definitely going with hebron this week!

They did an impressive job against us, and I was very impressed with their team. Both offense and defense. They have some of the sliperiest back I have seen. They have a knack of knowing when to lunge, and in some cases they hopped thru our tacklers.

their defense was very tough. They started playing back at the beginning of the game, defending the pass. then they started rushing, and put a ton of pressure on our QB. The stats for our QB dont show how many times they caught him in the backfield. He broke a couple long runs (20 yards), and still had -8 yards. Their defensive line was big and fast, and definitely wore out our blockers.

Their coaches adjusted to our playing very well. They started off mainly defending the pass, and only rushing 3-linemen, and then poked at our offense until they started consistently pressuring our QB. the first quarter our QB seemed to have all day to throw, but noone opened because of all the people covering down field. After they adjusted, our Qb was getting tagged in the backfield alot!

they definitely have a formidable team! balanced offense in run and pass. They do need to watch the blitzes to ensure that their QB does not get hit too much. Our linebacker and CB blitzes snuck up a few times on him. I wish our defense would have done more of it. Not that I wanted to get him hurt, but when they did blitz, the pressure was enough to slow the offense down.

Hebron 28
Marcus 14

[David H]

After seeing Marcus play, I was surprised with their defense, they did a great job at putting pressure on the young and inexperienced junior QB only starting his 1st game on the varsity level which lead to him throwing 3 picks. Granted the Hebron offense is way better. If they have a similar outing as they did against the Farmers, I see a Hebron victory.

This game is a real tuff one to pick just because the Marcus mindset has changed so drastically, I think they really want it more than a lot of teams do. I see this being a game Hebron might have to come back and win since it will be away from home.

My pick...

Hebron: 28
Marcus: 24

[HebronHawk]

I am definitely going with hebron this week!

They did an impressive job against us, and I was very impressed with their team. Both offense and defense. They have some of the sliperiest back I have seen. They have a knack of knowing when to lunge, and in some cases they hopped thru our tacklers.

their defense was very tough. They started playing back at the beginning of the game, defending the pass. then they started rushing, and put a ton of pressure on our QB. The stats for our QB dont show how many times they caught him in the backfield. He broke a couple long runs (20 yards), and still had -8 yards. Their defensive line was big and fast, and definitely wore out our blockers.

Their coaches adjusted to our playing very well. They started off mainly defending the pass, and only rushing 3-linemen, and then poked at our offense until they started consistently pressuring our QB. the first quarter our QB seemed to have all day to throw, but noone opened because of all the people covering down field. After they adjusted, our Qb was getting tagged in the backfield alot!

they definitely have a formidable team! balanced offense in run and pass. They do need to watch the blitzes to ensure that their QB does not get hit too much. Our linebacker and CB blitzes snuck up a few times on him. I wish our defense would have done more of it. Not that I wanted to get him hurt, but when they did blitz, the pressure was enough to slow the offense down.

Hebron 28
Marcus 14

Coppell did a good job of hitting a man open underneath in the 1st Qtr. I kept trying to see where the mismatch was elsewhere on the field because that receiver wasn't covered consistently. You always seemed to have five receivers out there on every play.

I guess the Hebron coaches figured it out though.:D Because not even those routes were there for Coppell in the 2nd half.

Your defense was tough and they did hit Tanner hard when they caught him. He's got a super fast release which gives some DC's pause because blitzes just open up receivers for Tanner. As you noted, the receivers are slippery and have very high YAC's. They are looking for the EZ on every play even at midfield.

[CoppellDad]

Coppell did a good job of hitting a man open underneath in the 1st Qtr. I kept trying to see where the mismatch was elsewhere on the field because that receiver wasn't covered consistently. You always seemed to have five receivers out there on every play.

I guess the Hebron coaches figured it out though.:D Because not even those routes were there for Coppell in the 2nd half.

Your defense was tough and they did hit Tanner hard when they caught him. He's got a super fast release which gives some DC's pause because blitzes just open up receivers for Tanner. As you noted, the receivers are slippery and have very high YAC's. They are looking for the EZ on every play even at midfield.


Your coaches definitely figured us out! They adjusted very well, and closed every gap that we had. I could not believe we didnt adjust, or keep up what was working. I dont know what the coaches were doing, but once again, they were not pulling the boys aside and coaching between possessions. There were a few times when the D came off the field that they used the horseshoe of chairs to sit the boys down, and talk. They didnt do much of it, which means we probably were not adjusting much between possessions.

I was very very impressed with your RBs. When I saw them running thru the line, they would kind of lunge when they were next to our tacklers. It was like they could see hands reaching for them, and would jump forward to keep from letting anyone get ahold of them. In the second half, they were jumping over some of our guys!! While your side was laughing, I was crying!! They were breaking tackles left and right, and just out right slippery!!

Your QB was definitely quick to release the ball. He did a great job. I think the 2-INTs we had were made because our CB saw the fast dumps to the sidelines. We almost had another one, but the receiver saw the CB and hit him at just the right time. Your receiver had the height on our CB, and if the ball were thrown higher, it would have been a footrace!

It was a very good game, and even though we lost, I have to look at the gameplay, and say that you guys executed very well! I think our team is good, and to see your team outperform us, and beat us down is hard to take. I do have to give credit where credit is due, and your team definitely deserves credit for showing up, and showing us up!

I hope we dont have any more games like this, but if we make the playoffs will have to step up our game, and adjust where adjusting is needed! Our coaches have to be able to adjust every series, and keep reading the other teams. I think we lack this, and have to learn from these losses!

[North Texas Football]

Hebron by 17+.

The Hawks have too much! However, Coach Erwin has Marcus headed in a good driection!

[David H]

Oh, and whoever said the Marcus QB was a better passer, I don't know if I'd go that far, he really didn't impress me with any kind of great passing game to say he's "better". I'd say they're about the same.

[texan_75010]

Hebron by 17+.

The Hawks have too much! However, Coach Erwin has Marcus headed in a good driection!

This to me is the most accurate pick so far. I can see Marcus scoring, but slow methodical marches down the field is not going to cut it over 4 quarters of Hebron airing it out.

Once you fall behind you abandon the run and once you do that, it's pretty much over. Not saying Marcus doesn't have a superior run offense, but when everyone knows you are going to run, you load up 8 in the box and it's 4 yards and a cloud of dust. If Hebron gets a few turn overs, gets up on Marcus by a couple of touchdowns then the coaches panic and start throwing.

Hebron by a bunch...

[FarmerFootballPlayer]

This to me is the most accurate pick so far. I can see Marcus scoring, but slow methodical marches down the field is not going to cut it over 4 quarters of Hebron airing it out.

Once you fall behind you abandon the run and once you do that, it's pretty much over. Not saying Marcus doesn't have a superior run offense, but when everyone knows you are going to run, you load up 8 in the box and it's 4 yards and a cloud of dust. If Hebron gets a few turn overs, gets up on Marcus by a couple of touchdowns then the coaches panic and start throwing.

Hebron by a bunch...

Stopping Marcus' offense is easier said than done. Lewisville, one of the better run defenses around, got lit up for (off the top of my head, don't quote me) probably 200-250 yards. Granted, Marcus ran a ton, and a lot of that is off two or three big runs. Marcus still probably averaged four to five yards a carry.

Running like that, Marcus will be able to score, and keep Hebron's offense off the field, thus unable to run Marcus out of the building by scoring quick.

[texan_75010]

Stopping Marcus' offense is easier said than done. Lewisville, one of the better run defenses around, got lit up for (off the top of my head, don't quote me) probably 200-250 yards. Granted, Marcus ran a ton, and a lot of that is off two or three big runs. Marcus still probably averaged four to five yards a carry.

Running like that, Marcus will be able to score, and keep Hebron's offense off the field, thus unable to run Marcus out of the building by scoring quick.

But isn't this the same argument that was given for Lewisville?

[FarmerFootballPlayer]

But isn't this the same argument that was given for Lewisville?

I don't remember that. I personally thought it would be the Lewisville defense dictating the game, holding Hebron low enough to where 20 points could get the Farmers the win. That turned out not to be the case. Not that the offense helped.

Marcus has a better running game than Lewisville anyway. Their offensive line is stronger, and their play calling admittably better. Plus it's a lot easier to run from an under center I formation with multiple tight ends and lead blockers as opposed to out of a spread shotgun.

[HebronHawk]

Stopping Marcus' offense is easier said than done. Lewisville, one of the better run defenses around, got lit up for (off the top of my head, don't quote me) probably 200-250 yards. Granted, Marcus ran a ton, and a lot of that is off two or three big runs. Marcus still probably averaged four to five yards a carry.

Running like that, Marcus will be able to score, and keep Hebron's offense off the field, thus unable to run Marcus out of the building by scoring quick.

Hebron has gone the length of the field in approx. five pass plays before. How long does that take? :)