Grapevine falls to Frisco Wakeland in Bob DeBesse’s first game as Mustang head coach
The Mustang offense fell flat in Bob DeBesse’s first game as the head coach of Grapevine football.
The Grapevine defense couldn’t give the offense a shot to tie the game after Frisco Wakeland quarterback Brennan Myer completed a 16-yard pass on fourth down, making a gutsy play call worthwhile. The Wolverines let the clock expire, holding on to defeat the Mustangs 21-13 at Mustang-Panther Stadium on Thursday.
“Not to take anything away from Wakeland, but the Mustangs beat the Mustangs tonight,” DeBesse said.
The Mustangs are an inexperienced team and are dealing with injuries to two of their best players: wide receiver Rondale Carradine and tight end Brady Wagner.
DeBesse said the team has some growing up to do, but mentioned he was proud of the team’s toughness, resiliency and conditioning. He said the defense played well and settled in but needs to focus on limiting third down conversions with improved discipline.
“Third downs killed us on defense,” DeBesse said.
Crucial mistakes
Late in the second quarter, the Mustangs scored a massive 67-yard touchdown, but it was taken away due to an illegal formation. They ended up settling for a field goal from kicker Hayden Rhoades.
After a Wakeland punt, Grapevine had a golden opportunity to take the lead. Following a solid eight play, 70-yard drive, the Mustangs found themselves 4-yards away from the end zone.
Quarterback Harrison Hackbarth had a lapse of judgment, tossing the ball toward several Wolverine defenders once the pressure got to him. DeBesse called it a bad read and decision.
“There was no chance for that throw,” DeBesse said.
Defensive back Trent McDaniel intercepted the pass, taking it 96-yards for a touchdown. DeBesse called the play a “big swing.” It flipped the momentum, and the Mustang offense struggled to recover.
Hackbarth’s next pass attempt was also an interception, and it might’ve been a pick six if there hadn’t been an inadvertent whistle. He made three more pass attempts as the game continued: two incompletions and a 12-yard touchdown to tight end Ian Hatton.
Strong performances
Grapevine’s offensive line had a strong showing, paving the way for running back Demontrez Dunn to tally 91-yards on 16 carries. Running back Conner Bell also had a good game, gaining 81 yards on 12 attempts.
DeBesse said Conner Bell “emerged” and came to play.
“He had a really good ball game,” DeBesse said. “We hadn’t really seen that much in practice, but that was good to see.”
DeBesse credited Myer, who passed for 227 yards on 20 attempts, leading the Wolverine offense. Myer’s 25 and 65-yard passing touchdowns kept his team on top.
Wolverine running back Cooper Snyder had a decent workload, finishing with 65-yards on 17 carries.
This story was originally published August 24, 2023 at 11:45 PM.
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