Anderson Ignites Big Spring New Offense

October 10, 2007
Anderson Ignites Big Spring Offense
Oscar Leroy
Midland Reporter-Telegram


Big Spring running back Monte Anderson and the Steers had Andrews on its heels for most of the game last Friday night.


Anderson rushed for 204 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries to lead the way for the Steers, who had arguably their best all-around game of the season. But unfortunately for Anderson and the Steers, Andrews made a late-game comeback for a 33-29 victory at Big Spring's Memorial Stadium.


But despite the heartbreaking loss, it wasn't enough to diminish Anderson's play as he is this week's Reporter-Telegram Area Player of the Week.


Anderson, a sophomore and second-year varsity player, knows that despite an 0-6 record to begin the season, his Steers have some big games coming up in District 4-4A play, beginning this Friday at home against Plainview. The way Anderson sees it, his team will be heard from before the year is over.


"I feel even though we got off to a slow start, like (head coach Mike Ritchey) says, we're slowly progressing into a well-oiled machine," Anderson said. "Once we develop into that machine, it'll be a different Big Spring team that people will see."


If Big Spring is going to be successful in district play, Anderson will be a key component for the Steers. Last Friday was an example of what kind of impact Anderson could have for his team.


Behind some new formations on offense, Anderson would take a direct snap from center and then take off from there for a rush. On the first scoring drive for Big Spring, Anderson carried 10 times for 69 yards, culminating with a 6-yard touchdown run up the middle to give the Steers an early 7-0 lead. Anderson would then add a 79-yard TD run in the third quarter for a 20-13 advantage.


"Monte played a good game but it doesn't take place without some extremely good blocking up front. That's why he had the number he had," Ritchey said.


Anderson agreed that much of his success came from the work of the boys up front.


"They were giving me some pretty big holes," Anderson said. "That was a big reason why I broke out last week. The offensive line was just giving me holes that were easy to run through."


But Anderson is a pretty talented kid in his own right. After all, there are not too many freshmen who can play at the varsity level and play well like Anderson did last year. Ritchey said that Anderson has not only sub-4.5 speed (in the 40-yard dash) but has great enthusiasm for the game.


"Monte is a great kid, a good student and very much a team player," Ritchey said. "He's got a year under his belt, but more than anything, he likes to play the game of football and that helps him to be successful on the field."


Anderson, who's been playing the sport for eight years, said he likes the physical nature and the energy that's involved in playing the game. Now he hopes to have that passion for the sport translate into some wins in 4-4A play. The play of his team last Friday was a good start for Steers.


"It gives us a lot of confidence with the way we played," Anderson said. "Now we just need to come out and finish a game.


"I think we're going to have a pretty good season in district if we keep improving and play hard."




Other notable performances from last week:


- Not to be outdone by Monte Anderson, Andrews had a pair of outstanding performances in the 33-29 victory over Big Spring. QB Eric Kelton once again shined with 109 yards rushing, 87 yards passing and four rushing touchdowns. RB Michael Reid, who hardly ever comes off the field as he doubles as a starting linebacker, rushed 12 times for 153 yards and the game-winning 49-yard touchdown run with 1:44 left in the game.


- Midland Christian had several players come up big in a 49-0 rout of Cotulla. QB Cory Burleson was 9-of-16 passing for 165 yards and two touchdowns; FB Andrew Howard had 114 yards and one TD on just four carries; WR Jon Hibler had five catches for 82 yards and two TDs; and Hunter Redman had three touchdowns -- one on a 31-yard interception return and two more on the ground.


- Junior QB Donnie Garcia led Coahoma to its first win of the season by going 10 of 17 for 190 yards passing and he accounted for three TDs as the Bulldogs rolled to a 35-13 victory over Anson.


- Rankin senior Garrett Avalos had 80 yards rushing, 95 yards passing and returned two kickoffs for scores in the Red Devils' 62-16 win over Balmorhea.


- McCamey RB Brett Smith had 137 yards and one TD on 18 carries as the Badgers defeated Lee JV 20-6.


- Monahans opened District 1-3A play with a 47-17 win over Pecos as QB Steven Valles was 8-of-10 passing for 180 yards and two TDs.


- Grady's Roy Rodriguez rushed for 144 yards and three TDs as the Wildcats rolled to a 45-0 win over Hermleigh.

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Editors note: Big Spring is apparently running a Single-Wing Offense -- reference Article on 10/9/07 in the Midland Reporter-Telegram. Here's an excerpt from that article: The Steers' early game plan of direct snaps going to running back Monte Anderson was sort of reminiscent of single-wing offenses and using four quarterbacks did a good job of confusing Andrews and it had the Mustangs on their heels.

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