Lehman quarterback Ryan Wagner makes a smooth move during the Silver and Blue scrimmage Saturday at Lehman to free himself of a defender as his coaches look on. Defense dominated the day, however, as Lehman continues to prepare for its season opener Aug. 27, against St. Michael’s Academy. (Photo by Judy Cooper)
by MARK CAUL
With the delicious aroma of burgers and hot dogs wafting through the evening air and a host of proud Lehman supporters jockeying for position to get a glimpse of their favorite Lobo player, it was pretty evident that football season had finally arrived Saturday night.
Head coach Steve Davis was all smiles as he surveyed the large crowd of fans clad in blue taking in the annual Silver and Blue scrimmage at the Lobo practice field.
“If this type of turnout doesn’t get you motivated to play football, then something’s wrong,” Davis said. “This is the biggest crowd we’ve had since I’ve been here. I think everybody’s excited to see what this team can accomplish.”
Although many of the onlookers were excited to get an early peek at the 2010 Lobos, much of the buzz centered around the spanking new field turf on which the scrimmage took place.
“If you would have seen what this field looked like five years ago, you wouldn’t have believed it,” said Davis. “Our kids are very excited to be able to practice on a great field like this and to be able to say that they have a field that they can call their own.”
The newly-installed turf was a project a couple of years in the making that was completed a few weeks before two-a-days began.
“It was amazing to come out here and see the new field,” junior quarterback Matt Anguiano said. “Our coaches told us that it will mean a new beginning for Lobo football. Everybody was ready to get started.”
During the 90-minute exhibition, the Lobo defense showed why it has a chance to be the team‘s strength this season, with linebackers Jose Santiago and Charles Williams along with junior cornerback Matt Riojas, all turning in solid performances.
But it was Santiago who had the biggest hit of the scrimmage, delivering a bone-crushing blow to senior quarterback Ryan Wagner on a failed pass attempt that sent some of the Lehman faithful into a quick frenzy.
The play unfolded with the speedy Wagner bolting out of the backfield for what he thought would be a short route to the end zone from the 5-yard line on a quarterback keeper.
Unfortunately for Wagner, he and Santiago arrived at the same time and Wagner got the worst of it, losing both his mouthpiece and helmet simultaneously.
Santiago’s tackle seemed to set the tone for the rest of the scrimmage as the first team offense only managed to find the end zone two times against the first team defense.
Santiago was equally impressive in the backfield on offense as he scored twice and had a 65-yard touchdown run to close out the scrimmage.
“(Santiago) did it all out there tonight,” Davis said. “He’s a very intense football player and he has been one of our hardest workers in two-a-days so far.”
Offensively, senior receiver Harvest Trammell was impressive in the exhibition, catching six passes, one of which went for 25 yards over the middle.
Williams also shined in the backfield, rushing for 85 yards against the second team defense, including a 30-yard run.
“I thought Charles ran the ball well today and has really stepped it up this year since two-a-days started,” said Davis. “I think having a great player like Jose on the team has helped him.”
Many of the fans milling about during the scrimmage were simply excited that football season had finally arrived.
“I’m glad it’s finally time to strap it up and get going,” Lehman fan John Garcia said. “I think this team has a lot of talent and they will be the first group to put Lehman on the football map.”
Lehman parent Maria Rosales echoed the same sentiment.
“It’s great to come out and see all these people with their Lobo pride on display,” said Rosales. “I wish the season started tomorrow. We’re excited about this team because this is the first class to win a district title as freshmen.”
The Lobos will host a tri-scrimmage with both Marble Falls and Wimberley on Saturday, where Davis will be looking for steady progress from his squad.
“The kids have been working very hard so far and want to get better,” Davis said. “But we will be looking to see who will be ready to step up and make some plays on Saturday.”
Lehman opens the season at home against St. Michael’s Academy on August 27.
