By Allison Ling
Nineteen consecutive years in the playoffs and they aren't looking to stop that streak! The Alamo Heights Mules, are ready for what should be a very successful 2021 season!
<p>Returning eight starters from last year's squad that went 17-3-2 on the overall season and 12-0-0 on the district sounds like a recipe for success. Although the playoffs were canceled for the Mules last year due to COVID, we look forward to their 20th consecutive year in 2021. Seasoned head coach, Christopher Sharp, has been with the Mules for 21 seasons, and looks forward to watching these girls "play as a team" he said. </p><p>The Mules' returners are full of accolades, such as District MVP's Goal Keeper- Hannah Simpson, and the district's Midfield MVP-Isabella Von Hartmann-Engle. These two returners paired with Caroline Shankle, Ella Toye, and Morgan Musgrove will allow for a dynamic Mules field. </p><p>We caught up with Caroline Shankle at VYPE Media Day and she tells us what to expect from the Mules in 2021!</p><p>Click Here <a href="https://www.vypephotos.com/p271173859" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">To View and purchase all Photos</a> from VYPE Media Day<br></p><p><br></p><div class="rm-embed embed-media"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sSHTAVhiAa4" width="560"></iframe></div><p><br></p>
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTQzNTM2Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NzM3OTA1NX0.3sYU05BL_vT4QYgbTz2kd8inerMC5fudYpJ1MYK9tLc/img.jpg?width=980" id="9170b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c5778978d510a61d9d6a69ada7d8e1cb" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
By Allison Ling
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No doubt the 2020 season was one of the most memorial, if not the most memorable season in the history of Texas high school football existence.
We all know why.
Thousands of players, parents, coaches and support staff made this season possible. Yes, there were cancellations, postponements and general concern that the season might not even finish.
<p>Put me in that category of people that thought were would never see State. With a virus that became out of control, especially in Texas, I figured the possibility of completing the year as very slightly more than 0 percent. Maybe slightly greater than a 50 percent shot with the small schools but definitely didn't think it was possible with big schools. </p><p>I'll eat that crow. Everyone banded together and made it work. Kudos to those.</p><p>But this column isn't about that. In being around the sport for six full seasons coupled with some things that occurred this year, I have some ideas I think would make things better.</p>
<p class=""><br></p>
1. Less is More (Better)
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTQ5NzUyNy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNDMzNTU4Nn0.Ac8XmjXlHwTcYUdnz2BUjGaI1uMN3DpuMzWi_4DXIb0/img.jpg?width=980" id="30346" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8bbc6849a50a8876f2c1ee247dd881a7" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
<p>Before 1982, the playoffs included just the district champion. That year, it included the second-place team. A number of years later it added a third, and then later on a fourth. </p><p>Of course with anything, more teams meant more revenue. It also allows for more players to experience the playoffs. I get that. I am sympathetic to that purpose - not so much about money but allowing kids that opportunity.</p><p>But with the inclusion of the 4th team, I believe the playoffs have become way too diluted. </p><p>From 6A to 4A here are the Bi-District average scoring margins:</p><p>6A DI: 28.4<br>6A DII: 20.5<br>5A DI: 29.6<br>5A DII: 28.9<br>4A DI: 37.1<br>4A DII: 31.1</p><p>Those are ugly numbers. Yes, there were some competitive games across the state, and yes some teams made amazing runs (see: Mansfield Summit), but having certified blowouts each week is not an enjoyable way to kickoff the playoffs. </p><p>Congrats to North Dallas for making the playoffs for the first time in 60 years. Your reward? A 79-0 shellacking at the hands of the eventual state champs. Having four teams from each district make the playoffs essential makes the regular season moot, especially if one of those teams is winless.</p><p>Does getting drilled by 79 make North Dallas players feel accomplished? I genuinely don't know. Those kids will get to say we were the first team in 60 years to make the playoffs, but they will also get to say they lost by 79.</p><p>Contraction is the only solution to that problem. Personally, I want more competitive games than having more teams.</p><p>The toothpaste is already of the tube, so I know it won't change. But it should.<br> </p>
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By Allison Ling
After a season where the Madison girls were able to climb to the top, finish District Champions, and get a spot back in the playoffs, all to be cut short by COVID- we expect big things again. Coming off an outstanding 2020 season where Madison Girls Soccer went 20-1, we know they are hungry for more!
<p>A team stacked with players committed or offered to play at the next level, the Mavericks are geared up for a stellar 2021 season in a very tough District 28. Senior Goal Keeper Mia Wildeman, who is verbally committed to Nebraska University, will be extremely important to the Mavericks defense this season. Junior Jaycie Bass, who has been in talks with by LSU and the University of Louisiana Lafayette will help to control the midfield after earning first-team all-district honors last season. Kaylyn Morales, London Suarez, and Izabelle Hernandez, all offered by Our Lady of the Lake University, are expected to be top performers for the Mavericks. </p><p>Head Coach Michael Babcock looks forward to the season returning a strong core from last year's district champion team. He said, "we will rely on an experienced midfield group and one of the top goalkeepers in the region" to get the job done again. </p><p><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-9787720712654893" data-ad-slot="8738871937" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
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</script></p><p>We caught up with some Mavericks at our soccer media day- see what they had to say!<br></p><p><strong>Click Here <a href="https://www.vypephotos.com/p271173859" target="_blank">To View and purchase all Photos</a> from VYPE Media Day</strong></p><p><br></p><div class="rm-embed embed-media"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7SXanOQyVEQ" width="560"></iframe></div>
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTQzNDc3MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MzM5NzM1M30.nRPGYeq1bq2i8AFJL_584d15rtu75rP2IBNf9gJ9fE4/img.jpg?width=980" id="05680" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="91efc34d9173f50794fd4d86de1c5fd7" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />
By Allison Ling
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