Corpus Christi Caller Times Caller.com - Javs finally living up to lofty expectations

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Monday, November 8, 1999

Javs finally living up to lofty expectations
A&M-Kingsville adds Abilene Christian to growing list of football casualties
By Javier Becerra
Caller-Times

ABILENE - Abilene Christian University football coach Jack Kiser would have loved a schedule change.
   Had the Wildcats faced Texas A&M-Kingsville three games prior to last Saturday's scheduled matchup, the outcome might have been different.
   Instead, Abilene Christian became the latest casualty in an explosive streak that has seen the Javelinas amass 1,309 total yards in a three-game winning run.
   "They were voted the preseason favorite, and I knew their players didn't disappear," said Kiser three days before A&M-Kingsville's 40-14 win over the Wildcats. "I knew they'd straighten things out. They're playing like the kind of team I thought they'd be all along, especially on defense."
   The Javelinas shackled Abilene Christian's rushing game, allowing just 16 yards on 18 attempts. Although the Wildcats did manage 187 yards passing, 66 of those were gained on one play.
   Abilene Christian running backs Adrian Rascon and L.S. McClain combined for just 11 carries for 20 yards. Quarterbacks Steve Brenan and Jarod Dean lost a combined four yards on seven rushes under the heavy pressure of A&M-Kingsville's defense.
   When Brenan and Dean weren't forced out of the pocket, they attempted hasty throws downfield, four of which were intercepted.
   "We knew their offense was going to be weak," said A&M-Kingsville linebacker Kiah Johnson. "They weren't a team that could beat us trying to run the ball. We knew we needed to the keep their quarterbacks on their heels. They weren't good under pressure or on the run."
   Playing with just six linemen, the Javelinas continued their domination at the line of scrimmage, providing the push for another impressive rushing performance.
   A&M-Kingsville rushed for 351 yards against the Wildcats, led again by tailback Derrick Foster, who finished with 34 carries for 158 yards and three touchdowns.
   Despite having only one reserve to back up the Javelinas' starting five on the offensive line, A&M-Kingsville tackle Jody Cantu said it hasn't mattered.
   "It's tough, but I think it's made the offensive line stronger," Cantu said. "We've all got each others' back. We're not going to be denied our respect."



Staff writer Javier Becerra can be reached at 886-3734 or by e-mail at becerraj@caller.com

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