Friday August 28, 2009 Tommy J. Razloznik
Father 1 and Son 1: T-Birds hold-off the Eagles
A superb first half of football helped the Coronado T-Birds give Coach Brooks a series tying victory over his son Coach Scott Brooks and the Canutillo Eagles. The victory evens the series at one victory apiece.
Friday night was made special by the play of Running back Sam Brown who electrified the crowd at Lowenberg Eagles Field with three touchdowns. The first was on a 3-yard run followed by a second TD on a 25-yard run. Both TD’s were the result of some hard running by Sam Brown and good crisp offensive line play opening wide lanes for him and fellow Running back Armando Duran to scamper thru. Sam Brown delivered his third touchdown of the night on a 54-yard pass reception from Quarterback Albert Monzon at the 8:13 mark in the second quarter. The T-Birds last touchdown of the first half came on 1-yard touchdown pass from Quarterback Albert Monzon to Tight end Adam Roberts to make the score at halftime 28-0. Little did the excited T-Bird crowd know that the T-Bird scoring was done for the night.
The defense played great football the first half, stopping the Eagles on the ground with smothering Defensive line and Linebacker play. The secondary showed the crowd at Eagle Stadium why they were tapped as one of the best and most experienced in the City. They covered the pass well and gave great run support the few times a Canutillo runner penetrated the D-Line.
The second half of football was complete reversal of the first. Canutillo took the second half kickoff and controlled the ball for 5:51 minutes before scoring on a 1 yard run. On the subsequent T-Bird possession the drive stalled at the Coronado 17 yard line. The attempt of a 27- yard field goal by Kicker Christian Lopez was blocked and returned for an 83-yard. By the time the game clock expired in the fourth quarter, Canutillo had put up 22 unanswered points and the T-Birds Defense needed a Canutillo penalty on a 71-yard reception to hold off the Eagles for the 28 – 22 win.
The T-Birds were led on the ground by Running backs Sam Brown who had 60-yards on 19 carries and Armando Duran who had 64-yards on 6 carries. Quarterback Albert Monzon was 7 for 13 passing for 108 yards with no interceptions and Quarterback Cole Freytag was 3 for 6 passing for 40 yards and no interceptions. The receivers were led by Running back Sam Brown’s 1 catch for 54 yards, Fullback Zach Thompson’s2 catches for 31 yards,
Running back Armando Duran’s 3 catch for 22 yards and Tight end Adam Robert’s 3 catches for 24 yards.
Next up the T-Birds is a trip to Amarillo for the Saturday afternoon showdown with Palo Duro.
Saturday September 5, 2009
Tommy J. Razloznik
Tommy J. RazloznikT-Birds Sharp against the Don’s.
The Coronado T-Bird football team used a trip to the Texas Panhandle to fine tune the offensive and defensive machines in preparation for the District 1-5A opener next week against Americas. Both sides of the ball dominated the game against Palo Duro Don’s outgaining them by more than a 2 – 1 margin and lead from start to finish.
Being two years removed from having a player on the team, it’s was enjoyable to sit in my “Man Cave” and listen to the game on the internet via http://www.tsrnsports.com/. Mark this site on your computers so you can follow the T-Birds thru the play-offs.
The first half of play ended as it did the previous week at Canutillo – the T-Birds holding a 28 – 0 lead. QB Cole Freytag started the scoring on a 1-yard run after some punishing running by RB’s Armando Duran and great kick-off return to open the game by Sam Brown. K Christian Lopez converted the extra point. QB Cole Freytag scored on a 4-yard and K Christian Lopez converted the extra point to close out the 1st quarter.
Following a good defensive series where the Don’s were stymied after a few 1st downs the T-Birds took over the ball with good field position. They moved the ball at will and found the end zone again on a 36-yard pass to TE Adam Roberts from QB Cole Freytag and K Christian Lopez convert the extra point. Coronado’s final score of the first half came as a result of a great defensive stop on a 4th down attempt by Palo Duro which gave the T-Birds the ball with only time on the clock for 1 play. With QB Albert Monzon under center, QB Cole Freytag was at Wide Receiver and the T-Birds went for and converted the “Hail Mary” pass with QB Cole Freytag hauling in the pass as time expired in the first half. K Christian Lopez made the score 28 – 0.
Unlike the previous week, the fans who made the trip to Amarillo were treated a great second half of T-Bird football. The third quarter saw neither team put points on the score board but both the offensive and defensive units from Coronado continued their dominance over the Amarillo team.
The forth quarter produced 14 more points for the T-Birds. The first TD was put up by RB Sam Brown on 12-yard run and the second by RB Fabian Diaz on a 10 yard run. K Christian Lopez converted both PAT’s.
With the start of District play next week the coaching staff has to be pleased with the performance of the entire team on both sides of the ball and their special teams units as the T-Birds played a near flawless game on the road.
Lenny’s Line: Coronado 30 Palo Duro 24
Aaron’s Line: Coronado 21 Canutillo 13
Next up the T-Birds is the start of District play against the Americas TrailBlazers at T-Bird Stadium.
Coronado High School quarterback Cole Freytag carries the ball as El Dorado defensive back Monte Lloyd defends during their game Friday night at Coronado High School. The Thunderbirds defeated the Aztecs, 10-7. (Mark Lambie / El Paso Times)
Friday October 9, 2009
T-Birds Dominant in 49 – 14 Homecoming Victory over Highlanders
Before a packed Quarles Thunderbird Stadium on a homecoming Friday night the Coronado T-Birds rolled to 49 -14 victory over the Bel Air Highlanders. The performance of the T-Bird Offense was efficient and the Defensive performance was dominant.
The T-Birds rolled up 472-yard of total offense, 309-yards on the ground and 163-yards thru the air. RB Sam Brown accounted for 203-yards on 16 carries and 2 touchdowns followed by QB Cole Freytag with 26-yards on 5 carries with 2 touchdowns. QB Albert Monzon led in passing going for 6 completions on 6 attempts for 109-yards. RB Mando Duran led the T-Birds in receiving with 98-yards on 5 receptions and 3 touchdowns.
The first quarter was where the T-Birds established the tempo of the game to follow. The offense secured a 14 -0 lead on touchdown runs by QB Cole Freytag of 1-yard and RB Sam Brown of 2-yards as they were led down the field by the dominant play of the Coronado offensive line.
In the second quarter the Highlanders got on the score board after a T-Bird fumble on a Bel Air punt by RB Sam Brown. After the ensuing kickoff Coronado took over at its own 6-yard line. RB Sam Brown took the first play from scrimmage 94-yards to pay dirt to put the T-Birds up 21 -7. The next two scores before the halftime break were delivered on passes from QB Albert Monzon to RB Mando Duran of 29 and 13-yards respectively. Coronado led at half time 35 -7.
The third quarter started as the first half ended on a TD pass from QB Albert Monzon of 31-yards to RB Mando Duran. Coronado’s final score of the night came on a 10-yard run and acrobatic leap into the end zone by QB Cole Freytag with 8 seconds left in the quarter.
The fourth quarter produced no points for the T-Birds but it did allow for most starters to rest and watch their understudies get valuable playing time. It also kept them from any potential injuries going into next weeks contest with Montwood.
Coronado fans were treated to a great goal line stand from the T-Bird defense as the Highlanders were held out of the end zone on 4 straight plays from the 3-yard line.
Happy Birthday to Coach Don Brooks.
Coronado fans wish a speeding return to the field of play for Bel Air WR Bobby Reynolds.
Lenny’s Line: Coronado 42, Bel Air 7
Aaron’s Angle: Coronado 28, Bel Air 14
The T-Birds will be traveling to the SAC Friday night for a game against the Montwood Rams.
Tommy J. Razloznik
| ||||||
Thursday September 24, 2009
Coronado Routes Eastwood, Perfect at 5 - 0
On Thursday night it only took one half of football for the T-Birds to put 41 points on the scoreboard and secure a 5–0 start to the 2009 season. Coronado rushed the ball 49 times for 310- yards. The offensive line took control from the first snap and repeatedly opened the running lanes and provided protection as the QB’s dropped into the pocket to amass another 158-yards in passing. Result: 12 first downs and 468-yards total offense on 58 plays from the line of scrimmage, an 8.07 yard per play average.
Following a defensive stop by the T-Birds after the opening kick-off, QB Cole Freytag scored the first TD of the night on a 23-yard run. The PAT was successful by K Christian Lopez. After the Troopers got the ensuing kick-off on their own 25-yard line the defense put points on the scoreboard. DE Nnameka Abalihi picked off a Trooper pass and scampered into the end zone for a 14-0 T-Bird lead. On the next offensive possession the T-Birds put up 7 more points on a run of 19-yards by RB Sam Brown.
The second quarter was much of the same as the T-Birds score on their first possession. TE Adam Roberts took a reverse pitch around left end and 27-yards later found the end zone. The defense produced a turnover on the next Eastwood possession and Coronado wasted no time in turning it into 7 more points. RB Armando Duran pulled in a 22-yard pass from QB Cole Freytag at the 5:41 mark of the second quarter. FB Zack Thompson ran 21-yards for the final score of the first half to put Coronado up on the Troopers 41–0.
The second half started fast as DB Alex Bobadilla took the kick-off back to the Trooper 1-yard line but the play was negated by offsetting personal foul penalties on the T-Birds and Troopers. The T-Bird’s final score of the game came at the 7:26 mark of the third quarter as QB Albert Monzon found a streaking WR Damian Hurtado for an electrifying 71-yard pass completion.
The defense unit finished the game with 4 interceptions, one for a touchdown, and a fumble recovery. DB Justin Davilla blocked a field goal attempt by the Troopers which was their only threat of the night. The Troopers only had 5 first downs on 17 carries for 25-yards and the T-Bird secondary allowed only 94-yards on 17 completions in 37 attempts.
The game concluded with second units on both sides of the ball playing the better part of the third and all of the fourth quarters.
Lenny’s Line: Coronado 45, Eastwood 17
Aaron’s Line: Coronado 42, Eastwood 7
The T-Birds will be on the road this Friday night for a battle with the Hanks Knights.
WEEK 1 LINKS
T-BIRDS
at
Canutillo
Fri, Aug 28, 2009
7:00 PM
T-BIRDS
at
Amarillo Palo Duro
Sat, Sep 5, 2009
1:00 PM (CST)
T-BIRDS
v
Americas
Fri, Sep 11, 2009
7:00 PM
T-BIRDS
at
Socorro (The SAC)
Thur, Sep 17, 2009
Storm Delay: Sat, Sep 19@ 10:00 AM
T-BIRDS
v
Eastwood
Thur, Sep 24, 2009
7:00 PM
T-BIRDS
at
Hanks
Fri, Oct 2, 2009
7:00 PM
T-BIRDS
v
Bel Air
Fri, Oct 9, 2009
7:00 PM
T-BIRDS
at
Montwood
Fri, Oct 16, 2009
7:00 PM
T-BIRDS
v
El Dorado
Fri, Oct 23, 2009
7:00 PM
T-BIRDS
at
Franklin
(Sun Bowl)
Thur, Nov 5, 2009
7:00 PM
THE WESTSIDE BOWL
T-BIRDS
at
Midland Lee
Fri, Nov 13, 2009
7:30 PM CST
Grande Communications Stadium
(Midland, Texas)
VARSITY 2009-201011-1
11-1
"THE PRIDE OF THE WESTSIDE"
100 CHAMPIONS PLACE, EL PASO, TX 79912
Printable Version
"The Harder The Conflict, The More Glorious The Triumph"
Thomas Payne
T-BIRDS 28CANUTILLO 22
CANUTILLO 22
Stephen Spillman / Amarillo Globe-News
El Paso Coronado's Vinnie Vargas makes a reception before being stopped by Palo Duro's Henry Flores during Coronado's 42-7 victory Saturday at Dick Bivins Stadium.
Wide receiver Justin Kolstad of Coronado High School jumps over the
pile to score from the 1-yard line during the Thunderbirds' 35-7 victory over Americas High School Friday night at Quarles Thunderbird
Stadium. (Vanessa Monsisvais / El Paso Times)
Friday September 11, 2009 Tommy J. Razloznik
Tommy J. RazloznikT-Birds Run Over and Though the Trailblazers.
For the third week in a row the T-Bird offense put 28 points on the score board before half time while the defense held their opponent scoreless. And for the second week in a row the offense put the bowl in the end zone for a score as time expired in the first half.
In front of a packed and enthusiastic crowd from both schools at Quarles T-Bird Stadium, the Coronado football team took control early and dominated play to the end. Defensively, No. 3 Coronado (EP Times Ranking) held No. 8 Americas to 147 yards of total offense while forcing the Trailblazers into 3 turnovers. The secondary allowed 1 completion on 11 attempts for only 3 yards while intercepting the Americas Quarterback twice. The T-Birds had 393 total yards with 20 - 1st downs and only 20 –yards in penalties, which is much improved over previous weeks.
With 2:47 left in the 1st quarter and the rain starting to fall, the T-Bird offense scored on a 1-yard run by RB Armando Duran on a drive that began at America’s 42-yard line.
The second score of the night came at 6:13 of the second quarter on a 57-yard run thru and around the Americas defense by RB Sam Brown. Fans watched that as the entire Americas defense had a shot at tackling RB Sam Brown but they all came up empty as he scampered into the end zone thru the rain that came down most of the second quarter. Not to be outdone DB/RB Justin Kolstad took a pitch on a reverse on Coronado’s next possession with 3:11 left and once he cut the corner along the Coronado bench he turned on the afterburners and out ran the Americas defenders for a 61-yard touchdown. As in the previous two weeks the offense got the ball back late in the quarter and punched the ball in for a touchdown on a QB Cole Freytag 1-yard run with 1 second left in the half. Coronado converted a 2-point try on a QB Cole Freytag pass to RB Armando Duran.
As the players returned to the field to start the second half the rain that had fallen through the second quarter stopped and the third quarter saw the teams exchange turnovers and punts with no scoring taking place. After fielding a punt from Americas the T-Birds had the ball with good field position in Trailblazer territory. The offense moved the ball and at the 11:19 mark of the fourth quarter RB/DB Justin Kolstad scored from 1-yard out making the score CHS 35 – AHS 0.
America’s score came with 1:43 left in the fourth quarter and most of the 1st team defense giving way to second teamers who played the last half of the quarter. Final score T-Birds 35 – Trailblazers 7.
The T-Bird offense in three games has rushed for 847-yards, passed for 374-yards for an average offensive total of 407-yards per game while scoring 105 total points for an average of 35.0 points per game. Great job O-Line - always the “Unsung Hero’s” -- Ranked 2nd in District 1-5A in total offense.
Lenny’s Line: Coronado 21, Americas 14
Aaron’s Line: Coronado 17, Americas 10
The T-Birds travel to the SAC on Thursday night to tangle with the Socorro Bulldogs
Thursday September 17 thru Saturday 19, 2009
Thunder r r r---Birds and Lightening Strike the Bulldogs
Thursday night football at the SAC – Friday Night Football played a day early turned into Friday Night Football a day later!! Due to thunderstorms Thursday night at the SAC the game was postponed at the 10:55 mark of the second quarter till Saturday morning.
The Thunderbirds had three possessions before the delay and each resulted in touchdowns. The first came on a 1-yard run by RB Sam Brown following a run pounding drive consuming 4:45 off the game clock. Coronado’s next score came on a busted play as RB Sam Brown took a handoff around the right side only to be penned in by the Bulldogs where he reversed his field and scampered left for a 51-yard gain and touchdown number two on a early night of football. K Christian Lopez converted his second PAT of the night and the T-Birds led 14 – 0 with 2:55 left in the first quarter. On the Bulldog’s next possession the Coronado defense forced a 3 and out.
After switching ends for the second quarter the T-Birds used a mix of run and pass to put the ball in the end zone again at the 10:55 mark. QB Albert Monzon hit TE Adam Roberts for a 26-yard TD pass and run in which Roberts ran through and around the Socorro defenders. After three lightening strikes by the T-Birds, “Mother Nature” was not to be out done and the game was postponed and eventually rescheduled to resume on Saturday.
Fast forward to Saturday and the restart of the Thursday night game. The game resumed at the 10:55 mark of the second quarter with the T-Birds kicking off the Bulldogs. Socorro and Coronado exchanged possessions at the resumption of play as both squads appeared to be sleep walking as a result of the early morning start time. But at the 2:35 mark of the second quarter the T-Birds awoke the offensive machine as QB Cole Freytag found RB Armando Duran streaking up the middle for a 12-yard touchdown pass. Just before half time the T-Birds put up 7 more points with 0:54 left on a 46-yard pas from QB Albert Monzon to RB Armando Duran. K Christian Lopez converted his 4th PAT of the night AND day.
The second half was a continuation of the ball control by the Offense and the dominance of the Defense. The offense produced one score in each of the next two quarters. The first came at the 9:14 mark of the 3rd quarter on a 1-yard run by FB Zach Thompson. His first touchdown of the season. Two possessions later at the 8:59 of the 4th quarter FB Zach Thompson got his second TD of the day and season on a 2-yard run. K Christian Lopez added the extra points and was perfect on PAT’s for the game.
The offense had 403 total yards for the game with 240-yards on the ground and 163-yards thru the air. The defense controlled the line of scrimmage and had 3 interceptions.
Congratulations and good luck to RB Armando “Mando” Duran in his fight with diabetes and his continued success on the gridiron. Who knew! Live Strong!
Lenny’s Line: Coronado 41, Socorro 7
Aaron’s Line: Coronado 38, Socorro 14
The T-Birds will be at home on Thursday night for a battle with the Eastwood Troopers.
Tommy J. Razloznik
Tommy J. Razloznik
Friday October 2, 2009
T-Birds Run Over, Around, and Thru the Knights!!
Friday night’s contest with the Hanks Knights was billed as a challenge, the first of the season for the T-Birds. As billed, after quarter one the scoreboard had the match-up tied 14 – 14. Before the start of the second quarter, the Coronado defensive coaches huddled and made adjustments that ended the blow per blow ability of the Knights. The result was a shut out for the remaining three quarters of the game as the T-Birds romped 42 – 14 over the Knights.
Hanks took the opening kickoff and went the length of the field with a time consuming possession to score at the 5:43 mark of the first quarter. Their PAT was blocked. The T-Birds returned the subsequent kickoff to their 48-yard line. On the first play from scrimmage, RB Sam Brown took a handoff and romped thru the Hanks defense for a 52-yard touchdown and K Christian Lopez added the PAT for a 7 - 6 lead. Hanks scored on their next possession and converted the two point try to go back on top 14 - 7. On the T-Birds next possession, RB Sam Brown took a handoff on the third play of the drive and did not stop until he had covered 55-yards and had tied the score.
The second quarter scoring was provided by QB Albert Monzon on a 1-yard run at the 5:02 mark.
The T-birds went to half-time with a 21-14 lead.
The T-Birds received the second half kick-off and wasted little time as they scored on a 15-yard run by RB Sam Brown at the 10:28 mark. After the two teams exchanged punts, the T-Birds found the end zone once again in the third quarter on a 24-yard pass from QB Cole Freytag to TE Adam Roberts. Third quarter score: CHS 35 -- HHS 14
RB Sam Brown put the final score of the night on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter. He scored on a 12-yard run and ended the night with a career high of 288-yards on 24 carries and 4 touchdowns. The T-Birds used a balanced offensive attack that distributed the ball in all of its offensive weapons for the win.
After standing toe to toe in the first quarter, the defense delivered the decisive blow by shutting down the Hanks offense in the final 3 quarters.
Lenny’s Line: Coronado 28, Hanks 20
Aaron’s Angle: Coronado 21, Hanks 24
The T-Birds will be celebrating Homecoming Friday night against the Bel Air Highlanders.
EPGRIDIRON Photo by RLORD
Check it out!
Tommy J. Razloznik
Coronado running back voted Friday Night Hero
Times staff
Posted: 10/06/2009 11:28:23 PM MDT
EL PASO -- Coronado High School running back Sam Brown was voted the Friday Night Hero for Week 5 of the high school football season.
Brown carried 24 times for 291 yards and four touchdowns in the Thunderbirds' 42-14 victory over Hanks on Friday.
SAM BROWN
CHECK IT OUT!!!
SEE YOU AT THE S.A.C.
Fri, Oct 16, 2009
7:00 PM
Friday October 16, 2009
No. 2 T-Birds Run Over the No. 1 Rams
After 8 weeks of Friday night lights the Coronado Thunderbirds sit atop the District 1-5A standings with a perfect 8-0 record and 5-0 in District play. As witnessed by predictions week in and week out, this team has had to earn the respect of others. From newspaper writers, to news broadcasters, to opposing teams, the T-Bird football team silenced many a critic with Friday night’s dominant victory over the Montwood Rams.
The victory Friday night was a “TEAM” victory, a victory that had big performances from individuals that were quick to acknowledge the efforts of others. This has been the mind set from the season opener to Friday’s game, We Play as a Team, We win as a Team.
The T-Birds received the opening kick-off and proceeded to march down the field into Montwood territory and score on an 8-yard run by RB Sam Brown at the 7:12 mark in the first quarter. K Christian Lopez added the extra point. Quarter No. 1 ended with the T-Birds up 7-0.
On the ensuing possession in the second quarter the T-Birds utilized the running of QB Cole Freytag and RB Sam Brown to dominate the game clock, but the Rams found a way to score and tie the score 7-7 at the half.
The T-Bird football “TEAM” took control of the game in the third quarter with a dominating defensive and offensive effort. Defensively the T-Birds controlled the line of scrimmage shutting down the potent running attack that had carried the Rams all season. When the Rams turned their efforts to the pass, the T-Birds were more than ready to flex their skills. DB Justin Kolstad intercepted a Ram pass and returned it for good field position to set up a T-Bird touchdown. RB Sam Brown scored two touchdowns in the quarter on runs of 2-yards each. After three quarters the T-Birds were up 21-7.
The Rams added a score early in the fourth quarter to make the score 21-14 at the 9:43 mark. On the following kickoff the T-Birds got great field position on a return by RB Mando Duran. Five plays and one minute and ten seconds later the T-Birds were in the end zone again on a 30-yard run by QB Cole Freytag. The drive was highlighted by a number of spectacular runs by QB Cole Freytag, one hurdling over a player to avoid being tackled and a quarterback draw on third and long to keep the drive alive. Montwood scored at the 5:04 mark remaining in the fourth quarter making the score CHS 28 and MHS 20. Coronado took the ensuing kickoff and ran the remaining 5:04 off the game clock to secure the win.
Coronado had 329-yards rushing on 54 attempts and 33-yards passing for a total of 362-yards of total offense while the defense held Montwood well under their season average of 407-yards per game. RB Sam Brown continued his spectacular season by rushing for 184-yards on 33 carries and 3 touchdowns. QB Cole Freytag added 129-yards on 14 carries and 1 touchdown. Following the game, both players attributed their success to the efforts of their teammates. Each player pointed to the play of the offensive line and the defensive effort to shut down the Rams.
Lenny’s Line: Coronado 21, Montwood 28
Aaron’s Angle: Coronado 24, Montwood 28
The T-Birds will be at home Friday night for a game against
the El Dorado Aztecs.
Tommy J. Razloznik
Montwood running back Tim Rocha, left, tries to shake off Coronado... (Mark Lambie / El Paso Times)
Coronado running back Sam Brown is hit hard by Montwood defensive... (Mark Lambie / El Paso Times)
Friday October 23, 2009
T-Birds Win Defensive Slugfest Over the Aztecs, 10 – 7
The Coronado T-Birds stood toe to toe with the El Dorado Aztecs for four quarters. The defense forced three interceptions and a fumble while the offense did not commit a turnover in the game. When the dust settled at Quarles Thunderbird Stadium as the final seconds rolled off the game clock, the T-Birds walked off the field with a 10 – 7 win.
The defense and in particular DL John Kolstad, who blocked a game tying field goal attempt of 27-yards by El Dorado, ended any hope the Aztecs might have had to send the game into overtime. With the change of possession the T-Birds offense ran out the remaining five minutes and the T-Birds had their ninth victory of the season against no losses.
After trading punches and no scoring in the first quarter of play, the T-Birds put up the first score of the night on an 80-yard run by RB Sam Brown at the 8:51 mark in the second quarter. The teams went to the locker rooms at half time with the T-Birds up 7 – 0.
As in the first half, the T-Birds forced the Aztecs into a number of turnovers which kept El Dorado from gaining any momentum or hope of finding the end zone. The T-Birds started the fourth quarter with the ball and after their drive stalled at the El Dorado 13-yard line, K Christian Lopez kicked a 30-yard field goal to put Coronado up 10 – 0. At the 9:28 mark in the fourth quarter the Aztecs got their lone score of the game on a 19-yard pass play. After the ensuing kickoff the T-Birds drive stalled and Coronado punted. On its next possession El Dorado drove to the T-Bird 10-yard where the T-Bird defense stiffened and forced the Aztecs to attempt a game tying field goal. Enter DL John Kolstad and the rest, as they say, is history.
Big performances evolved throughout the night on both sides of the ball for Coronado, as has been the theme all season. RB Sam Brown outdueled the opposition getting 150-yards rushing on 22 carries. The offense out gained the Aztecs with 271-yards rushing on 39 carries. QB Cole Freytag added 50-yards rushing on 7 carries and FB Zack Thompson had 35-yards rushing on 6 carries. DB Justin Kolstad accounted for two of the four Aztec turnovers with an interception and a fumble recovery.
Lenny’s Line: Coronado 24, El Dorado 21
Aaron’s Angle: Coronado 21, El Dorado 18
The T-Birds will have a week off to prepare for the Westside Bowl against Franklin at the Sun Bowl, Thursday night November 5th.
Thursday November 5, 2009
Tommy J. Razloznik
Coronado blasts Franklin in West Side Bowl
Coronado High School wide receiver Justin Kolstad runs past Franklin defender Eric Darnell for a long gain during the first half of the West Side Bowl on Thursday at the Sun Bowl. (Mark Lambie / El Paso Times)
T-BIRDS vs. Midland High
Scrimmage: Fri. Aug 21, 2009
The T-birds played well with the Varsity scoring 4 touchdowns on Midland High while allowing the Bulldogs 4 TDs. There are mistakes to be corrected, but overall it was a successful opening to the season.
2009 Game Summaries and Photos
Times:
Thursday games kickoff @ 7 p.m.
Saturday games kickoff @ 11 a.m.
Thursday, August 27
Coronado v Cantillo
Thursday, September 3
Coronado at Andress
Saturday, September 12
Coronado at Americas
Saturday, September 19
Coronado v Socorro
Saturday, September 26
Coronado at Eastwood
Saturday, October 3
Coronado v Hanks
Thursday, October 8
Coronado at Bel Air
Thursday, October 15
Coronado v Montwood
Thursday, October 22
Coronado at El Dorado @ SHS
Thursday, October 29
Coronado- BYE
Saturday, November 7
Coronado v Franklin
Times:
Thursday games kickoff @ 5:30 p.m.
Saturday games kickoff @ 9 a.m.
Thursday, August 27
Coronado v Cantillo
Thursday, September 3
Coronado at Andress
Saturday, September 12
Coronado at Americas
Saturday, September 19
Coronado v Socorro
Saturday, September 26
Coronado at Eastwood
Saturday, October 3
Coronado v Hanks
Thursday, October 8
Coronado at Bel Air
Thursday, October 15
Coronado v Montwood
Thursday, October 22
Coronado at El Dorado @ SHS
Thursday, October 29
Coronado- BYE
Saturday, November 7
Coronado v Franklin
Freshman Schedule4-6
4-6JV Schedule3-7
3-7T-Birds 32 - Canutillo 6
T-Birds 6 - Canutillo 34
T-Birds 28 - Andress 7
T-Birds 12 - Andress 42
T-Birds 41 - Socorro 22
T-Birds 21- Americas 30
T-Birds 36 - Socorro 22
T-Birds 0 - Americas 14
T-Birds 39 - Eastwood 14
T-Birds 12 - Eastwood 14
T-Birds 0 - Hanks 35
T-Birds 14 - Hanks 34
T-Birds 28 - Hanks 14
T-Birds 0 - Bel Air 24
T-Birds 6 - Montwood 28
T-Birds 18 - Montwood 19
T-BIRDS V Eastwood 2009
T-BIRDS V Hanks 2009
T-Birds 0 - El Dorado 28
T-Birds 34 - El Dorado 18
Thursday November 5, 2009
T-Birds “Perfect” After 41 to 13 Rout of the Cougars
The “Perfect Season” continued Thursday night for the Coronado T-Birds with a victory over west side rivals, the Franklin Cougars. The T-Bird football team ended the regular season at 10 wins and 0 losses with the dominating performance in the Sun Bowl.
As in the previous nine games, the T-Birds ran the football at will, the defense shut-down what its opponent thieved on, run or pass and they controlled the game clock. The rout gave the T-Birds their third straight “West Side Bowl” trophy.
RB Sam Brown started the Coronado scoring with a 3-yard TD run at the 3:36 mark in the 1st quarter and the PAT was good by K Christian Lopez. RB Sam Brown had 161-yards on 29 carries for the game. In the second quarter the T-Birds got touchdowns from its rotating quarterback tandem of QB Albert Monzon and QB Cole Freytag of 5-yards and 9 yards respectively. DB Justin Davila blocked a 42-yard field goal attempt by Franklin as time expired in the first half making the score T-Birds 21 Cougars 0.
The T-Birds kicked off to start the second half but soon had possession after DB Justin Davila stripped and recovered the football from the Franklin quarterback. This led to an 8-yard touchdown pass to RB Armando Duran from QB Albert Monzon midway thru the third quarter. At the end of three quarters of play the T-Birds were on top 27 – 0.
At the 9:03 point of the fourth quarter DB Justin Kolstad electrified the Sun Bowl crowd with a 48-yard run in which he showcased his breakaway speed. He also had an interception on defense for Coronado’s second takeaway of the evening. RB Fabian Diaz accounted for Coronado’s final score of the evening on a 6-yard run making the final score 41 to 13.
The T-Birds produced 469-yard of total offense, 297-yards rushing, 172-yards passing and no turnovers while the defense held the Cougars to 224 total yards, 138-yards rushing, 86-yards passing and forced 2 turnovers.
Lenny’s Line: Coronado 28, Franklin 21
Aaron’s Angle: Coronado 17, Franklin 7
Winning programs, at any level, are the result of dedication, hard work and long hours of preparation from the players, the team managers, the training staff and the coaches and all their families. We, as spectators and parents of present and former players, want to thank the Coronado Coaching staff and their families for their commitment to our student athletes. Each and everyday brings a new challenge in their lives, be it personal or on the field of play, yet they are always there to prepare the team for the next hurdle the season brings. Thank you Coach Brooks, Coach Orozco, Coach Anderson, Coach Jones, Coach Rich, Coach Garcia, Coach Ledon, Coach Dentinger, Coach Corbett, Coach Romero, Coach Ellsworth, Student Assistant Ray Aguilar and Trainers Liz Wagner and Gabino Olivarez for what continues to be a memorable season for players, families and fans.
Thanks also to Ms. Morales and her Staff along with thanks to the Cheerleaders and the “Pride of the West Side” Marching Band.
The T-Birds start the playoff run with a game against Midland Lee, Friday November 13th at 7:30 CST at Grande Communications Stadium in Midland.
TBIRDGRIDIRON would also like to thank you Tommy, for your incredible Game Summaries...
It wouldn't be TBIRDGRIDIRON without you!
Tommy J. Razloznik
T-BIRDS
at
Midland Lee
Sat, Nov 21, 2009
1:00 PM CST
Grande Communications Stadium
(Midland, Texas)
T-Birds 8 - Franklin 24
T-Birds 0 - Franklin 34
Friday November 13, 2009
T-Birds Running Game Pounds Rebels, 49 – 27
In a game where the score does and doesn’t reflect the tone of the night spent in the West Texas town, that is home to numerous State Championships, the Coronado Thunderbirds ran the Midland Lee Rebels right out of Grande Communications Stadium. What was true to form was the running game of the T-Birds that produced 49 points. What the score doesn’t reflect is the defensive dominance of the T-Birds. After an opening Rebel drive that produced the games first points the Coronado coaches retooled and adjusted the defense, with effectiveness, to shut down the Rebels, who got two late scores as the T-Bird starters celebrated on the sidelines.
The Lee Rebels, like the T-Birds, have relied on the run to set the tone for their offense and after a game opening drive that was fueled by the run the Rebels were on top 7 -0. The T-Birds took the ensuing kick-off and 4 minutes and 5 seconds later tied the score at 7 -7 on a 10-yard run by RB Sam Brown. The second quarter was the all T-Birds as the defense shut down the Rebel offense and produced turnovers. The shortened the field helped the T-Bird offense that put up 28 points on the score board. All five scores were delivered by RB Sam Brown on runs of 19, 6, 7 and 4-yards respectively. At halftime the T-Birds were up 35 - 7.
Coming out after the half, both teams needed the third quarter to restart the offenses as both defenses produced stops on numerous drives. The Rebels had possession as the fourth quarter started and at the 11:38 mark they scored on a 3-yard run to make the score 35 – 13, as the Coronado defense blocked the extra point attempt. The T-Birds answered the Lee score 1 minute and 48 seconds later, on a 5-yard pass from QB Albert Monzon to WR Damian Hurtado. FB Zach Thompson was the work horse on Coronado’s next and final drive to the end zone with some punishing carries that ended with a 1-yard TD run, making the final score 49 -27.
The T-Birds ran for 367-yards on 52 carries and another 72-yards through the air on 6 completions on 12 attempts. The T-Birds did not commit any turnovers while the defense forced the Rebels into 3 interceptions and 1 fumble. RB Sam Brown had 193-yards on 28 carries followed by FB Zach Thompson with 89-yards on 9 carries and QB Cole Freytag with 53-yards on 10 carries.
Week 11 was work as usual for the Coronado T-Bird news makers but the same held true for the young men in the trenches. A big “Job Well Done” to the “O-Line” for continuing to open the way for the running game and protecting the passer and to the “Defensive Front Seven” for controlling the line of scrimmage and forcing the opponent into turnovers.
Saturday November 21, 2009
T-Birds Season Ends with First Loss of the Season
The road trip to the State Championship took the Coronado T-Birds to Midland the past two weeks. This weeks trip was the last for the “09” T-Birds as they were eliminated from the State Tournament with the loss to the Abilene Eagles, 45 – 7. Both squads were 11 – 0 entering Saturdays contest and both had made easy dispatch of their previous eleven opponents.
Coronado played from behind the entire game, after an opening drive used half of the quarter of play and Abilene was up 7 – 0. The T-Bird offense started with good ball control on their first drive but after picking up two first downs the T-Birds were forced to punt. The punt was short giving the Eagles a short field, which they capitalized one. Special team miscues, something the T-Birds had not done all season, played a big role in allowing the Eagles easy scores in the first half.
Coronado’s lone score of the day was delivered by RB Sam Brown on a 77-yard sprint where he outraced two Abilene defenders to the end zone. The teams went to the locker rooms with the score 31 -7.
The T-Birds made needed adjustments on both sides of the line of scrimmage entering the second half but the offense never found the end zone. Coronado yielded two scores in the third quarter to make the score 45 -7. Late in the quarter, on successive plays, the T-Birds lost the services of two of the mainstays on offense and defense. RB Sam Brown left the game late in the third quarter with a sprained ankle. On the next play DB Justin Kolstad was lost for the game to a re-injury of an ankle injury he suffered in last week’s game.
The fourth quarter was scoreless as the benches were cleared to give some underclassmen play-off experience.
RB Sam Brown had 132-yards rushing on 17 carries followed by QB Cole Freytag with 79-yards on 14 carries. DB Raziel Velgis had a goal-line interception to end an Eagle drive early in the third quarter.
Congratulations and Thanks to the Players, Coaches and all associated with the T-Bird Football program for a great season. Now it starts all over again for the under classmen and coaches as they will start preparing for next year!
Tommy J. Razloznik
Tommy J. Razloznik
