Friday, Nov. 28, 2008

Tigers continue with fantasy season

By BRIAN HERNALSTEEN

News-Mirror Writer

Any day now, Disney has to contact Mansfield coach Jeff Hulme and the athletic department because this is a made-for-television movie that could air on ABC at the start of the next year’s fall season.

The Tigers keep winning, keep defining the odds and keep pulling the upsets.

This week is probably the toughest task. After beating El Paso Montwood, Mansfield is rewarded with Cedar Hill at Texas Stadium.

Why to Go: Mansfield is playing its first playoff game at Texas Stadium this year. The distance is significantly less than say, Midland or Stephenville, so there should be a good crowd on hand. The kids will get a chance to play at Texas Stadium in its last year, a big honor for the school and for the community.

Who to Watch: The tale of two backs.

No, it isn’t a Dickens novel, but it is the most important storyline heading into Saturday’s matchup.

Mansfield has Stepfan Taylor, who has rushed for 468 yards and has six touchdowns in two playoff games.

Cedar Hill has Ben Malena, who has rushed for 486 yards and has seven touchdowns.

The back that dominates and controls the clock will be the one to help his team advance.

"I think we both have great No. 1 backs. Malena is a lot like Stepfan in a lot of ways. He will do what it takes to help win the game for his team," Hulme said. "Malena is a tough guy to bring down, and it usually takes more than one guy. Both he and Stepfan have a nose for the end zone, making them both very valuable.

"I would say that they think that they have a great kid, and we can say the same. Stepfan separates himself from a lot of other kids in the area with the way he excels not only in the classroom, but in the community as well."

Defensively, Mansfield has been great in these playoffs. The Tigers have not allowed a second-half point in two games, and they will need more of the same if they want to stop the Cedar Hill offense.

The Longhorns run a different offense than Mansfield, run first from the spread, and work for the passing game downfield. So the Tigers will need the stops, and will need them frequently.

"I hope that effort continues. That sort of play gives you a good feeling heading into the second half. I think too much is made of halftime adjustments," Hulme said. "It really comes down to the kids getting familiar with their opponents. They get comfortable and it gives them confidence. They get confidence in themselves, their ability and the schemes.

"They definitely get more comfortable as the game goes on."

But the running theme for the Tigers entering the playoffs has been the underdog role. They thrive on that, they like it when people and teams overlook them. But if Mansfield were to pull another upset, it can’t be overlooked for the remainder of the playoffs.

"We talk about it, and we remind the kids about it. You know, it was only in August when the 'experts’ picked us to be fifth or sixth in the district and not make playoffs," Hulme said. "Each week we win, the more people that get on the bandwagon. Hopefully we can continue that, and keep on playing."