Marble Falls Mustangs will discover their ‘dudes’ in the next few weeks
This August is unlike any other for the Marble Falls High School football program because of the attention paid to the Mustangs that hasn’t been witnessed since the David Denney days of the 1990s.
Austin television stations have attended practice and Craig Way of 104.9 The Horn interviewed Herman Aug. 2 to get the latest on a program that posted a 16-7 record, including three victories in the playoffs, the last two seasons. In short, the Mustangs have earned the interest from others outside of the Highland Lakes because of their impressive play and preparation. And that wasn’t by accident. The players since Herman’s arrival in 2019 made it a priority to restore the program to the glory days Denney and his staff and players had it. And the athletes of the last three years weren’t shy about stating that with their play.
But most of those players graduated in May after obtaining many of their goals. Now it’s up to a new group of Mustangs to continue building what was started and carve out their own legacy while competing in a district that is expected to challenge them in ways they weren’t challenged in 2020 and 2021. And it will be a challenge. Gone are the games where Marble Falls had it won by halftime and a running clock was used throughout the second half. Burnet, Lampasas, Comal Canyon Lake, Comal Davenport and Taylor are better than the Austin independent School District opponents the Mustangs beat the last two years.
Add in the number of new starters on both sides of the ball as well as a new punter and kicker, and few people would be blamed if they thought the Mustangs were going through a full-on rebuild. That’s not quite the case because of the lopsided wins. Many returners got invaluable minutes in 2021 and already know what it’s like to play under the Friday night lights. They also are entering their fourth year with Herman as their head coach.
“What I love about it is from a coach’s perspective is that every game is winnable and every game is losable,” Herman said. “It’s going to take everyone’s maximum effort and preparation every week to get a good game plan.”
The best part? The players know the district is better and many committed themselves to arrive in shape for the start of fall training camp Aug. 1. The coaches embraced the improved district immediately after the University Interscholastic League announced realignment in February.
“If we don’t do what we do, we’ll be vulnerable every week,” Herman said. “The most exciting part about this group is we’re getting to find out who are our next dudes. Now we get to find out who really wants to take up the torch.”
Two traits that haven’t graduated are the work ethic and dedication to preparation, Herman said.
“We have a bunch of good kids who work their tails off,” he said. “I think we have good kids who want to do well. They’ll give us everything they have. The cream will rise to the top. We’re figuring that out. It’ll be fun.”
Marble Falls will learn more when it welcomes Leander Glenn Friday, Aug. 12, to Mustang Stadium, 2101 Mustang Drive. The sub varsities take the field at 5 p.m. with the varsity at 6:30 p.m.
The Mustangs’ final scrimmage is against Leander High Friday, Aug. 19, at Bible Stadium, 3301 S. Bagdad in Leander. The freshmen and junior varsity play at 5 p.m. with the varsity at 6:30 p.m.
Fans can Meet the Mustangs at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, at Max Copeland Gym, 2101 Mustang Drive.
The season opener is against Pflugerville Connally at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, at The Pfield, 1440 W. Pecan St. in Pflugerville.
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