Shiner named Army Strong Team
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Mike Forman, Victoria Advocate Sports Writer
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Shiner coach Steven Cerny admits the Comanches' 13-3 win over Thrall was a much-needed confidence booster for his team.
Shiner was ranked No. 3 in Class 1A to begin the season but had dropped out of the rankings after losses to Class 2A Schulenburg, Brazos Consolidated and East Bernard.
"It was such a better atmosphere at practice on Monday," Cerny said. "Let's face it there was pressure on the coaches and pressure on the kids. The expectations are high and to get a win under our belt made a big difference."
The win over Thrall, which was ranked No. 12 in Class 1A in the Dave Campbell's Texas Football magazine poll, led to the Comanches' selection as the Army Strong Team of the Week for Class 1A by the magazine.
"Shiner earning their first win this season against a top 25 team is a fantastic example of what this award is about - overcoming obstacles, meeting challenges, and defying the odds," Texas Football's Brad Hillard said.
The best part of Shiner's win over Thrall, according to Cerny, was the team's enthusiasm.
"We played well," Cerny said. "There were still things we should have done better. We played well as a team and we finally got into the game emotionally. When someone made a big play we got into it and it spread through the whole team. We've been looking for that all year."
Cerny appreciates the award but is more concerned about the Comanches' preparation for their District 31-1A opener at Louise on Friday.
"We've been talking about how we don't want to peak too early but now is the time to peak," Cerny said. "We have to play great football and every aspect of the game has to be taken care of. Louise is tough to beat at its place. It's an honor to be the team of the week after the Thrall game but it would be a bigger honor after Louise."
Mike Forman is a sports writer for the Victoria Advocate.
Contact him at 361-580-6588, or by e-mail at mforman@vicad.com.
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