Abilene beginning to roll!

[ALLIN]

I think Abilene has found a grove, they have looked pretty good the last few games after a couple of hiccups to start off. Do you guys think they are better, worse, same as last year? Just curious.

[Eagle81]

I haven't seen them play yet but based on the teams they've played, they just don't seem as dominate as they were last year. But once the second season starts who knows what could happen.

[Favpack]

I haven't seen them play yet but based on the teams they've played, they just don't seem as dominate as they were last year. But once the second season starts who knows what could happen.

This is generally what I hear as well, but it sure seems they have made strong strides since district started. The Lee game will be a good key. I think Potts will "will" this team deep into the po's. The D may be the achilles heel this year, but I still say they are darn good.

[SLCDRGN]

I believe they are a shell of who they were last year. I just don't think Potts can take them deep into the playoffs by himself. I think they go out in round 2 respectable or get blasted in round 3. Round 3 they will play a metroplex team and that will probably end their season.

The team last year was tied for second best in the state as far as I am concerned. Lufkin & Abilene were dead even in my opinion with SLC just slightly better than both.

[Eagle Hombre]

The Eagles had to replace 17 starters from last year. At the begining of the season the team looked inconsistent and young. But as the season has progressed the defense has started to gel and the offensive production has started to be more consistent. Their game against a very good Midland High team proved to be their coming out. In the next two weeks the Warbirds play their crosstown rival Abilene Cooper and end the season with a much improved Midland Lee team, this will set the stage for a deep playoff run again this year. This team does not have the offensive explosivenes of last year, but they are a very balanced. I feel they are going into the playoffs with the mantra that offense wins games but defense wins championships. As for my prediction of who they will meet in the playoffs -- I think it will SLC if they go DII or Plano if it stays like it is. Good luck to all of the playoff teams that have clinched and see you in the playoffs -- :D :D

[Eaglewatcher]

Actually their "breakout" game was probably against Rockhurst MO.

[Eagle Hombre]

I attended that game. Rockhurst was outmatched from the kick-off. The reason I chose Midland was because I felt they were a more accurate measure of the type of team Abilene has this year. With the rivalry game and the possible district championship match up with much improved Midland Lee and next week, it should give us a clearer picture of how deep the Eagles will go into the playoffs. I'm confident they are up to the challenge based on how everything is starting to come together, but as they say "that's why we play the game" --

[Eaglewatcher]

Rockhurst has been killing their competition in MO since Abilene's game with them. That was the game that we brought ourselves to the next level. Do not underestimate what Abilene did in the Rockhurst game by assuming that Rockhurst is not that good.

[lonny23]

I don't think Abilene is a good this year. I do expect them to play Plano in the quarterfinals, though.

[Eagle Hombre]

I don't think Abilene is a good this year. I do expect them to play Plano in the quarterfinals, though.

If Plano and Abilene meet in the playoffs. I predict a larger crowd at Texas Stadium than last years game vs. SLC. You'll have an Abilene team that has not won a state championship in 50 years and a resurgent Plano team that seems to have gotten back on track after going 0-10 two years ago. Many of Plano's starters were sophomores on that team. Both teams have a lot to play for. It'll be quite a match up, though I feel that Abilene's defense and past playoff experience will overcome Plano's running game.

Below is a good article from today's paper. It has a nice profile of the running back Casey Bell.

Bell picks up the slack for Eagles
By Jacob Brown / Reporter-News Staff Writer
October 27, 2005

The situation was far from easy for Abilene High's Casey Bell.

Former Eagle running back Kobey Lewis left big shoes to fill after starting for three years and earning a scholarship to Texas Tech, and making fans forget about him would be nearly impossible.

For Bell to succeed, he first had to recognize that he was not like Lewis.

''There's always going to be pressure because you're going to be worried about what people think of you and everything that goes along with comparing me to Kobey,'' Bell said. ''I myself had to adjust to knowing I'm not Kobey. Kobey's one in a million.''

As if that weren't enough to contend with, Bell entered the spring with two other running backs - senior Xavier Beaver and sophomore Dmidrick Harrell - competing for the starting spot.

But Bell emerged from the pack and has been paying big dividends for AHS. He has eclipsed the century mark in rushing yards four times and run for more than 150 yards twice to total 751 on the season with nine touchdowns.

The running game takes on an added importance when a team has a quarterback as talented as Taylor Potts. Success on the ground takes pressure off the senior signal-caller and opens up the offense, as defenses cannot key on stopping the passing game.

The Eagles have run the ball on 54 percent of their plays this season and compiled 1,362 yards, which makes up 43 percent of the offense.

That balance has led to an average of almost 33 points per contest - a nice-looking number considering the AHS defense has yet to give up more than 21 points in a game this season.

The reputation of the aerial attack for the Eagles was secure heading into 2005 with Potts at quarterback, and Bell has fit in as what could have been a missing piece to the puzzle in the running game.

''We have great receivers and great coaches that call the right plays at the right time, and we have a great passing offense. Yet teams really didn't know about Casey coming into the season and being such a great running back like he is,'' Potts said. ''He was kind of behind the scenes at first, and so he's able to just do basically anything he wants because we've got a great offensive line and great coaching staff. He's so talented and the people around him are so talented.''

Even now that other teams are well aware of Bell's talent, AHS coach Steve Warren believes Bell's best football is still ahead of him.

''He's really gotten better as the year's progressed. He was in a tough spot stepping in and having to replace Kobey Lewis,'' Warren said. ''But I think Casey's adapted well. He's starting to hit his stride. I think he's about ready to have his best ballgame.''

Playing on the same team as Lewis helped prepare Bell - who couldn't help but learn from a player of Lewis' caliber - to take over as the featured back.

''What I learned from Kobey mostly was in practice: how he practiced and how he prepared for games,'' Bell said.

As Bell improved his work ethic, he distanced himself from the rest of the team's runners and continued to improve.

''He's a hard worker. He really does a good job in practice,'' Warren said. ''He's grown as a running back. He put himself in a position to be successful because he's learned how to practice well, and from that standpoint, that's what has made him a better player.''

Ask Bell to explain his success, and he'll give every ounce of credit to his teammates.

''A lot of them have a lot of confidence in me and what I can do,'' he said. ''My linemen do a great job of coming together as one, and the whole offense is moving together solidly.''

That team-first attitude has not gone unnoticed by his fellow Eagles, who return the appreciation.

''He really doesn't care about his own stats, and I think that's what makes him a great running back,'' Potts said. ''He just cares if we win, and if he gets to carry the ball 30 times and have 300 yards, that's awesome for him. But if we win and he has one carry, that's fine with him, too.''

Contact sports writer Jacob Brown at brownj@reporternews.com or 676-6711.

[A-Town Eagles]

we play a team from the plex in first round nd round we play a team from El Paso Or Amarrilo

[caesarscott]

I got to see them play Belton during P-ville's off week. that was an excellent game.

[Fan4Life]

Is Abilene locked for division II for sure??

[Mhs06]

Actually, Midland High played very sloppy against Abilene, and a 20 point margin against Odessa Permian really isnt that impressive. Midland shut them out 38-0. I am still waiting for Abilene to show up really. They may have played well against Rockhurst, but besides that they havent looked too impressive to me.

[abilenefan]

Actually, Midland High played very sloppy against Abilene, and a 20 point margin against Odessa Permian really isnt that impressive. Midland shut them out 38-0. I am still waiting for Abilene to show up really. They may have played well against Rockhurst, but besides that they havent looked too impressive to me.

Midland's sloppy play just may have had something to do with Abilene's defense, what-a-ya think?

LOL, if Abilene has not shown up yet and Abilene defeated Midland, where does that leave Midland?

The bench was emptied against Permian. Subs played part of the third and the complete 4th qtr and Permian's final two tds came against 2's. Abilene is getting better every week. 17 new starters takes time. Most of these kids were on JV last year. I think things are progressing quite nicely.

[Favpack]

Sorry to keep restating this - but as a loyal AHS follower for decades - I still have to pinch myself to realize people are getting tired of the Eagles beating up on the poor Mojo and everyone else in the Little SWC. 1950's all over again I suppose.

[A-Town Eagles]

Mhs06 didnt yall lose to lubbock monterey 28-24 and didnt we beat monterey 37-14 is that true and yall lost to a-high on yalls own turf so u shouldnt be talkin nothin

[Eagle Hombre]

Sorry to keep restating this - but as a loyal AHS follower for decades - I still have to pinch myself to realize people are getting tired of the Eagles beating up on the poor Mojo and everyone else in the Little SWC. 1950's all over again I suppose.

Its back to the future -- :D :D

[jtk1519]

The Eagle defense has been the strength of this team all season long. They have been solid as a rock. They are only giving up 14 points a game (that great AHS defense last year gave up around 13.5 ppg so there has been little drop off).

It's the offense that started out sputtering. Kobey Lewis is impossible to replace and as good as Casey Bell is... he aint Kobey. That being said, AHS is still rushing for over 160 yards per game. I think the main problem was finding that second receiver to step up and become a threat along with Lyle Leong. Without that second receiving threat, defenses early on, were able to gang up on Leong. However, I think Jason Boone has started to step up and become that threat and as he has emerged, so has the Eagle offense.

[Mhs06]

I have seen Midland play much better than they did versus Abilene. I have seen them when they play quite well, such as last week when we beat Cooper 56-8.

And about the Lubbock Monterey game, there was a fumble near the end of the game that wasn't really a fumble. I also heard that the Monterey defense often said "go" in order to trick the O-line. Monterey may also have been playing better than usual, for it was their homecoming.

And sorry A-town, technically I can "talk" all I want. I dont think Abilene is anywhere near as good as they were last year. You beat us, true, but like I said, I dont think we played a good game. Despite the loss, I think Midland is the best team in 3-5A. Maybe I am biased(a lot), but I have seen Midland play better, and I stand firm by what I say.

[Shoot2thrill]

I have seen Midland play much better than they did versus Abilene. I have seen them when they play quite well, such as last week when we beat Cooper 56-8.

And about the Lubbock Monterey game, there was a fumble near the end of the game that wasn't really a fumble. I also heard that the Monterey defense often said "go" in order to trick the O-line. Monterey may also have been playing better than usual, for it was their homecoming.

And sorry A-town, technically I can "talk" all I want. I dont think Abilene is anywhere near as good as they were last year. You beat us, true, but like I said, I dont think we played a good game. Despite the loss, I think Midland is the best team in 3-5A. Maybe I am biased(a lot), but I have seen Midland play better, and I stand firm by what I say.

There is always the chance that they will meet again in the playoffs and this time on neutral ground. MHS has a good defensive line but your secondary is basically swiss cheese. I doubt you stay within 2 TDs of AHS in a playoff rematch. JMHO. :cool:

[jtk1519]

AHS didnt have a great game against MHS either. Both teams could play at their peak and AHS is still a two TD winner. Midland is good, but they arent in Abilene High's league... not yet anyway.

[odessapermian.com]

The bench was emptied against Permian. Subs played part of the third and the complete 4th qtr and Permian's final two tds came against 2's.

That's a misleading statement. There were substitutions on offense throughout the 4th quarter, but the starters on defense went pretty much the whole way. Permian's final TD pass in the 4th quarter came against a bunch of Abilene's starters, and if you don't believe me I have it on video. :D

[lonny23]

Is Abilene locked for division II for sure??
Yes, only Cooper is smaller and they sure aren't going to the playoffs!

[Eaglewatcher]

OP.com, you need to go back and look at your video again. The defensive starters were on the field for the one yard touchdown you had following the high snap on the punt. On the first Abilene defensive series after that substitutions were starting to be made on Permians second play of that series. (safety Wade Baker and corner Stephen Powell came out) More starters came out with every play after that. The last touchdown you speak of had NO defensive starters on the field for Abilene High. I've seen you post enough to know that you usually know what you are talking about, but this time you are mistaken.

[odessapermian.com]

The defensive starters were on the field for the one yard touchdown you had following the high snap on the punt..

Like I said, the earlier statement WAS misleading. ;)


The same players who ran our QB out of bounds on a play in the first quarter, were covering our WR on the last touchdown in the 4th quarter. Either that or they were doing some jersey swapping. :eek:

[A-Town Eagles]

who cares if permian scored a t-down in garbage time they lost

[Eaglewatcher]

Give me a number and I'll tell who it was, since I'm not sure who or what play you are talking about in the 1st quarter.

[Eaglewatcher]

I guess you must be referring to either # 41 or #33. They were the only two Eagles close to the receiver on the last touchdown play for Permian. #41 is Taylor Hill (not a starter) and #33 Bryan Nalepa (not a starter.)

[odessapermian.com]

who cares if permian scored a t-down in garbage time they lost


Well, apparently it really bothered at least one Abilene poster.

[odessapermian.com]

I guess you must be referring to either # 41 or #33. They were the only two Eagles close to the receiver on the last touchdown play for Permian. #41 is Taylor Hill (not a starter) and #33 Bryan Nalepa (not a starter.)


They were both playing in the 1st quarter.

[Eaglesnest]

Abilene D is very good has been all year. Offense has started to gel as of late, this team looks very strong to me and defense wins games, I think they could GO - ALL - THE - WAY! :D


GO EAGLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!! ALL - THE - WAY! :D







Football turns boys into men and men into boys again! :cool:

[Eaglewatcher]

If they played in the first quarter, it was very little. They are not starters. There were no starters in the game at the time of the last Permian touchdown. You all played a good game, but don't try mislead just because someone else did. They were not right about all subs being in at the start of the 4th quarter, but you are not correct either.

[Warbird]

The Eagle defense has been the strength of this team all season long. They have been solid as a rock. They are only giving up 14 points a game (that great AHS defense last year gave up around 13.5 ppg so there has been little drop off).

It's the offense that started out sputtering. Kobey Lewis is impossible to replace and as good as Casey Bell is... he aint Kobey. That being said, AHS is still rushing for over 160 yards per game. I think the main problem was finding that second receiver to step up and become a threat along with Lyle Leong. Without that second receiving threat, defenses early on, were able to gang up on Leong. However, I think Jason Boone has started to step up and become that threat and as he has emerged, so has the Eagle offense.

Kortney McDow is starting to step it up, too. :cool: Super Soph!