Week Three - The Real Battle Begins

I. SITUATION
Okay, so the Mules didn’t get challenged in non-conference play. I don’t think anyone will argue that point. On the other hand, it would be just as difficult to argue that the Mules didn’t do what they were expected to do either. Some folks will say that a soft non-conference schedule can hurt a team; in fact some will go so far as to “beat that drum” on message boards all season long. While I’ll readily admit that should the Mules be “on the bubble” with 8 wins again at season’s end, the softer schedule could come back to bite them.  However, 9 or more wins on the season (7-2 in MIAA play) and the level of non-conf competition will be moot. About the only real problem with the quality of opposition thus far is that it’s difficult to gauge where the Mules are in regard to their MIAA opponents. We’ll find out soon enough!

A. Friendly. Central Missouri enters conference play at 2-0. I want to applaud Mules fans for not claiming that the two blowouts somehow mean this squad is the team to beat in the MIAA all over message board forums. Likewise, I want to thank those who have joined MulesCentral.com and other fan forums this season and parlayed that passion and camaraderie’ for Fighting Mules Football around the world wide web.

Let’s be very clear about where Commander Fritz and his troops stand on the battlefield. The first true test for this Central Missouri team will be headed East down Highway 50 to Warrensburg this weekend. Once this battle is over and done, we can all “begin” to break down this season’s true “potential” and assess some possible outcomes for the war on the gridiron this fall.

B. Enemy. Let start by talking a little bit about the opposition the Mules will be facing. Despite their road loss this past weekend, by all accounts, the Ichabods are an improved team from the one that won the MIAA title outright last year and handed the Mules their worst loss of the season.  And while the Mules may enter conference play undefeated at 2-0, this 1-1 Ichabod squad is dangerous and comes into the game with their backs already against the wall. They also return with an offense from last season loaded with guys who have already proven they can score points.

1. That offense is lead by Junior QB Jordan Brill who has passed for over 600 yards, 6 TDs, and 2 INTs in just two games and a corresponding pass efficiency rating of 182.99, which is just plain good. That rating is aided, in large part, by the outstanding playmaking ability of perhaps the MIAAs top receiver in 6’ 0”, 195 lb senior, Sam Sissom, who has averaged over 150 yards receiving per game. The Ichabods also have a quality RB in Trent Hearn who gives them the ability to field a balanced attack. Hearn rushed for over 1.200 yards last season.

2. The Washburn defense is lead by perhaps the best pair of cornerbacks in Division II Football in Fletcher Terrell and Cary Williams and the Ichabod D-Line is anchored by a pair of huge defensive tackles; one comes in at 6’ 2”, 290 and the other at 6’ 6”, 295.

3. The Ichabod kicking game is decent, but their kick return game is downright phenomenal. The same pair of corners listed above, along with WR Sissom, give Washburn plenty of guys who have the ability to take the ball to the end zone.

C. General. We could go on about this Washburn team for a while, but suffice it to say, they are one of five MIAA teams that received first place votes, and were picked third (one spot ahead of the Mules) in the pre-season coaches poll. After last years game, where Washburn “snuck up on” Central, Mules fans around the globe have been looking forward to this game, in virtual unanimity, more than any on the schedule. While Washburn may have lost the element of surprise, they still come loaded with firepower and the MIAA title is still belongs to the Ichabods until someone takes it away.

II. MISSION
The Central Missouri State University Fighting Mules attack to destroy the Washburn Ichabods at 1330 hours, 16 Sep 06, at Audrey J. Walton Stadium, Vernon Kennedy Field, in order to seize the momentum in the greater war for the 2006 MIAA Title.

III. EXECUTION
Commander’s Intent – Get out on top of the Ichabods quickly. Gain the momentum and get them reacting to our plans rather than having to react to theirs. Implement force protection measures by winning the fight with turnovers, penalties and field position. Limit the time the defense spends on the field by executing carefully calculated drives and wearing out the opposition’s defenses. If all else fails, just remember to score more points than the Ichabods.

A. Offense. Score 30 or more points and do not fumble the football. Protect QB Toby Korrodi’s vulnerable flank and keep the Ichabod defense guessing as to our plan of attack.
B. Defense. Limit the Ichabods to fewer than 20 points. Rotate players, especially at LB, in order to keep fresh legs in the game. Keep Hearn under 100 yards rushing and put pressure on Brill to pass before he’s ready. Key on Sissom and force Brill to find another target in order to score.
C. Special Forces. Win the battle of field position. Break at least 1 return for a TD. Block or partially block at least 1 kick.
D. Coaches. Ensure all players know the plan of attack. Thoroughly back-brief them and ensure that reinforcements are ready to step up when called upon. Ensure players are well rested and motivated. Cache’ victory cigars in the pressbox.
E. Fans. Show up. Yell when Washburn has the ball. Be quiet when Central has the ball. Drink adult beverages AFTER the game.

IV. SERVICE SUPPORT
Class I (Food, rations, and water) – Players - Light pasta dinner Friday night on 15 Sep. Continental breakfast or full breakfast (depending on personal preference) on 16 Sep. Generous supply of water and energy drink on the sidelines during the game. Fans – Ample supply of Beer and Barbeque for tailgating.
Class II (clothing) – Coaches and Players - Standard Home Football Uniform and sideline garb. Fans – wear anything cardinal or cardinal & black.
Class III (Petroleum, oils, and lubricants) – Team, not required for a home game. Fans, ensure vehicles are fueled the day before the game.
Class IV (Fortification and barrier materials) – this operation will be an offensive operation; no barrier materials required.
Class V (Ammunition) – Toby Korrodi’s arm, Will Caldwell’s feet, the defenses aggression and the “Union’s” resolve.
Class VI (Personal Items) – Individual Coach, Player, and Fan discretion.
Class VII (Major End Items) – Audrey J. Walton Stadium, Vernon Kennedy Field, Coaches, Players, Officials, Athletic Department Administration, Lots of fans and a dozen or so footballs.
Class VIII (Medical supplies, minimal amounts) – standard issue for offensive operations; generous backup supply for the opposition IAW the rules of war.
Class IX (Repair Parts) – standard sideline kits only. As this is an offensive operation; all major repairs will take place between this battle and the follow-on battle on 23 September.
Class X (Miscellaneous supplies) – Digital Cameras, Cigars, Barbeque and other requirements at the discretion of individual needs.

V. COMMAND AND SIGNAL
For cryin’ out loud, do you really expect me to give this kind of info away? Meet ya’ on the High Ground…
 

Want to see your company or business logo here?

Click here to become a sponsor of MulesCentral.com!