Mustangs continue streak in 7-on-7 league
MARBLE FALLS — Since Zed Woerner took over at quarterback for the Marble Falls High School varsity 7-on-7 team, the Mustangs have not lost a game the past two summers.
So when the Hill Country Passing League started June 7, fans might have wanted to see that record intact, but Woerner said the emphasis isn’t necessarily on wins.
“It’s a big deal. And I’m trying to weigh the options though,” he said. “It’s more of a deal where we have to get those guys more playing time and we want to win at the same time, and they have the potential to be in the game and win. We’re just trying to rotate them more in instead of us seniors being in there the entire game. And they’re doing a real good job with it. That’s why we won.”
The Mustangs never wavered, beating Burnet 22-19, Llano 32-12 and Faith Academy 34-0.
The game against the Bulldogs to start the evening was especially thrilling.
Burnet quarterback Weston Cozby drove the Bulldogs inside the 10-yard line before Woerner intercepted the ball to turn away Burnet.
Then the Mustang quarterback completed the opening drive by hitting Hunter Jones for the game’s first points.
Cozby and company struck back to tie the game 6-6.
Marble Falls receiver Clynt Powell caught a Woerner pass for a touchdown, and Bobby Hall hauled in the 2-point pass for a 14-6 advantage.
Demone Belmarez caught a Cozby pass to trim the deficit to 14-12.
Burnet’s first lead at 19-14 came on the next possession.
But Woerner and Powell hooked up again for a touchdown and Ryan Garcia caught the 2-point pass to make it 22-19.
The game ended on a Cauble interception.
“It’s a huge pride game,” he said. “I love winning on them. That last interception was just awesome. It’s awesome to end it on that note.”
The other two teams, Faith and Llano, are looking for new quarterbacks and used different players in the position.
With Woerner as a starter, Marble Falls is looking for a backup. Jay Watson and Carson Bowen shared snaps with Woerner.
In addition, Powell and Aidin Parnell were lined up at receiver, making their varsity debuts.
“I thought it was real, real fun. It was a much more faster pace,” Parnell said. “I actually got a lot more reps, so I’m getting used to it. It’s going to be easier and easier once I start playing on Friday nights with pads. It was a lot of fun.”
The quarterback hit multiple receivers throughout the 30-minute games.
Bobby Hall, Jones and Cauble, who all played on the 2010 team, ran solid routes, Woerner said, which is a testament to the rapport they have built.
“They’re pretty good about knowing what they’re doing,” Woerner said. “At least the guys that we have out here working 7-on-7. Overall I think we did pretty well. I mean as long as we keep this up. As long as we focus a little bit more than just jacking around the whole time, I think we’ll be all right.”
Working together during the summer will pay off in many ways, Hall said.
“It builds teamwork. Seeing the guy you’re going to be next to once the season starts and you get tired, who’s coming in for you and who you can really rely on when it comes down to the season. It’s good to learn the plays and someone next to you, the kids coming up and you can tell them, it’s good for everyone to be out here I guess.”