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JENNIFER FIERRO • PICAYUNE STAFF

MARBLE FALLS — The Matt Green era kicked off at Marble Falls High School on Aug. 4, the first day of football fall training camp.

Green said he enjoyed his new team’s first full practice, even though he noted some of the players are still learning the playbook. Still, he loved the energy and enthusiasm levels.

“It was pretty good,” he said. “It wasn’t bad. You could definitely feel the enthusiasm from the kids.”

While he was encouraged by the offensive unit, the coach commended one unit in particular.

“The group that surprised me the most was the offensive line,” he said. “They performed well.”

Marble Falls sophomore running back Daven Manning turns upfield after making a catch.
Marble Falls sophomore running back Daven Manning turns upfield after making a catch.

That unit includes Hanner Shipley at right tackle, Ryan Becker at left tackle, Sam Kohutek at center and Drake Harkins at one of the guard positions.

Green prefers an uptempo offense, so it’s imperative all members are in great shape. The coach said many linemen don’t enjoy fast-paced schemes, but the Mustangs excelled at moving at that pace.

In addition, their athleticism shined, he said, which allowed Green to imagine a thicker playbook filled with numerous run and pass plays. An athletic offensive line means Green can keep the defense guessing.

“It gives you versatility in your play calling,” he said.

Junior quarterback Brennen Wooten and the receivers had been spending time learning the playbook prior to training camp. So coaches spent time adjusting receivers to the proper spacing and correcting technique on route running.

“They look good,” Green said. “They’re learning ‘where do I line up?’ and ‘what do I do?'”

Green chuckled at the notion the defense might need a little more time. He said the defense got the better of the offense during the first session, adding they quickly swarmed to the ball.

While Green could not say how many players were on the field, he did say he thought he’d have a better idea by Aug. 6. Some athletes, he noted, were not in attendance.

Marble Falls was the only District 25-5A member to start training camp. The others went through spring football drills during May, so they will not start camp until Aug. 11.

“I want our kids to work hard,” Green said. “It’s not about anyone else, it’s about us.”

The Mustangs welcome Burnet to Mustang Stadium, 2101 Mustang Drive, to begin the 2014 season at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29.

jfierro@thepicayune.com