Sachse 56, MHS 26

[J_Arriola]

Let's be honest - we all expected a lot more from McKinney High in Thursday's opener. Sure, the Lions defense was still a question mark heading into this season but I did not expect MHS to be dominated in every phase of the game versus Sachse. I picked the Lions to win and I guess I clearly underestimated the Sachse ground game. Well, one things is for sure - if the Lions have any hope of competing next week versus Denton Ryan they'll need to score on every possession.

[bpatton]

I think everyone expected a lot more from the lions this season and hopefully they can rise and meet some of those expectations . The defene was very disappointing and the offense didnt meet the expectations they were expected to. I'm just a tad bothered by the fact that the coaches feel that the effort was good. I attended the game and aside from a handful of players, effort as well as intensity and enthusiasm was more than lacking. Tackle, tackle, tackle. All next week needs to be spent simply tackling. Denton Ryan will torch the secondary through the air and there probably isn't an answer for it. Mckinney needs to focus on reducing the yac and yards after contact next week. Hopefully they can make a couple stops and maybe take advantage of Denton Ryan's inexperienced o-line with some pressure up front. As far as the offense goes I had a hard time really forming an opinion. Aside from Lipka (Maribou looks explosive and I would expect him to continue to improve) the recieving corps look like they have taken a big hit from last year. they were getting little seperation, dropped too many balls and didnt show the ability to spread the field like last year. The o-line played decent. Left side pass protection was good while the backfield was taking constant pressure from the right defensive end. Willis was pretty impressive and was a bright spot in a poor showing. Zach Lee seemed to struggle finding a rhythm, very hard to do when your scrambling, the ball is wet and your defense hasnt made a stop all night. The three intereceptions are misleading, as to two of the balls were tipped by McKinney's own players(one hit the reciever square in the hands). If the defense can't make a couple stops early in the games to come opposing defenses will start to bring the house early and keep constant pressure, not too hard to worry about one big play touchdown when your up 21-0 after running less than 25 plays.

[J_Arriola]

I agree with you 100 percent on the receivers. I guess I underestimated just how important Farley, Dario, and Will Rogers were to this team last season. I mean I knew those guys were amazing receivers but in an offense like this I was sure that whoever stepped up next would be able to fill those roles but it looks like they still have some work to do.

Hey, as long as they're ready by the time it comes to Frisco Wakeland that's all that matters. Although coach Reyes did make a guarantee that they won't start the season 3-0 so that means either pulling what I would consider an upset on Denton Ryan or beating Boyd.

As far as Zach goes, I agree that the interceptions were misleading and the wet conditions sure didn't help. Even with the three picks he still had a decent game so I know he'll be able to turn it around next week and have a great game.

But for me, the biggest bright spot of the night was seeing Rocquemore on defense. He's a big, athletic guy and the Lions need him on the d-line so we'll see where it goes.

[PJENS]

First off, why would you think that first year receivers,Maribo, Harrison, Newton,Weathers could instantly make up for the likes of Farley,Jackson and Rogers, right out of the chutes? It takes time. There are questions that need to be asked. When will Head Coach Bobby Reyes take control of the defense? In critical times the HC must assert himself and take control. That's called leadership.

[J_Arriola]

About the receivers....

I knew that Farley, Dario, and Rogers would be tough to replace. I mean those guys were outstanding last season. But in an offense like this with a quarterback like Zach Lee, you can't really blame me for thinking that the QB and receivers would have already established a pretty good rhythm heading into the season. Not to mention they did have two scrimmages. I think by the time district play starts the passing offense will be clicking for sure. I really liked what I saw from Maribo and I don't anticipate any problem for Matt Lipka making plays this year.

On the ground, Willis was solid and every bit as good as I expected. The rushing game will only get better when Scooter gets in the mix so I'm looking forward to that as well.

[PJENS]

Agreed, Willis will do a fine job this year. He's a bulldozer like Heldt was. Maribo and Lipka do not need to be lined up on the same side. It lets opposing teams stack the D on them. The holes up the middle in our defense and the inability to wrap up really killed us.

[J_Arriola]

Well I've been saying since he was a sophomore that they need to put Rocquemore on the d-line. I'm glad they got him in the game Friday and if the keep getting him reps then at the very least he's big enough and strong enough to plug up some holes. I mean I think he's capable of more than that to be quite honest.

But I definitely agree that the Lions have problems up the middle as they did last year. I mean I don't think I have to remind anyone about DJ Jones 30+ yard touchdown run on fourth down right up the gut.