Commentary: Area - Sands vs Jayton

Everyone who attended the Area game in Hermleigh between Sands and Jayton enjoyed yesterday’s 80-degree day. I seem to remember that last year during this same week it was snowing and very icy throughout the Panhandle; making it hard for games to be played. And just plain cold everywhere else. What a difference a year makes.
 
Hermleigh has an excellent facility. It’s a great place for a playoff game. Sands took the field for warm up, and I went off to find Coach Grumbles from Sands. I found him directing players. It’s always a pleasure talking to him. I would find Head Coach Keith a little later. He was definitely ready to get the game started. Great coaches at Sands. Good people!
 
I found Coach Josh Stanaland near the dressing room door waiting on his players to emerge. I’ve known Coach Stanaland a very long time. He’s a great guy and always willing to take time to talk about anything. He sat down at one of the tables, and we had a short conversation.
 
The consensus of all coaches was that the Mustangs and Jaybirds were running teams and would be very similar. The keys to the game were no turnovers and getting the appropriate blocks to allow yardage. Having watched both teams in the regular season, I agreed that this would be a very fast game on the ground, although I know both teams also made good use of the passing game when least expected. That turned out to be the case in this Area game. Both teams mixed it up. The Mustangs won the battle and will face Balmorhea next week for the Region 2 title. The Jaybirds had an excellent season although everyone counted them out in the beginning.
 
Observations from the game
 

1. While there was LOTS of noise from both sides, I did not hear one negative person yelling out. That was really cool!
2. I truly do enjoy both the Sands and Jayton coaches. They are happy people who make me feel comfortable on the sidelines. Although you would think that’s the norm, sometimes it is not. I really appreciate Coaches Keith, Grumbles, and Stanaland. Very much!
3. Shoutout to the Hermleigh concession stand. I had some nachos – they let you put the jalapenos on your own nachos. I love that! They also had quite a line at halftime and handled it very well!
4. There was a very curious man on the sideline. He had a microphone with a yellow sponge top in his hand or back pocket most of the game and was carrying a clipboard with team rosters. I’m not sure if he was broadcasting. I can only assume he was. I should have asked!

 
Afternoon games are always nice when the weather is good. Hope you all got out, enjoyed the weather and Thanksgiving, and found a good football game to attend. Until next time, Go Forward and Do GOOD!