Dave Campbell's Texas Football managing editor Jake Shaw is blogging live from the Alamodome at the 2007 Toyota Tundra Texas Football Classic.

Got a question or comment? E-mail him, and he'll post it in the blog.

Another LJ turnover, another Warren TD (9:36 p.m.)
This headline says all you need to know. Warren just picked off another pass, and Joseph Bonugli returned it 55 yards for a 41-0 lead.

Warren's defense looking for shutout (9:25 p.m.)
I've lost count of the turnovers, but Warren just got another one when DB Mark Savere picked off LJ's Stephen Ramirez at the Warren 29.

A few minutes later, Ross Dausin connected with Anthony Johnson again, though Johnson came up one-yard short of the end zone after the big gain. Dausin then just punched it in from one yard out for a 34-o lead with 1:12 left in the third.

You'll have to forgive me, but my blogging has become (and will remain) less frequent with this blowout going on and the TCU/Texas game on the TV a few feet away.

MVP candidate emerging (9:11 p.m.)
Keith Lawson just ran the Warren lead up to 28-0 on a 7-yard TD run. The same Lawson who took the kickoff 108 yards back for a TD.

We have 6:11 left in the third quarter, but Lawson is the clear favorite for game MVP honors.

How the heck did that just happen (9:02 p.m.)
Warren's Keith Lawson took the opening kickoff of the second half 108 yards for a TD. So just 12 seconds into the second half, Warren is now up 21-0.

What makes it unbelieveable is that La Joya's kickoff went 8 yards deep into the end zone, and not only did Lawson return it from that deep, he did so on a reverse.

Most coaches would cringe if their return man took a kickoff from that deep in the end zone, but everything is going Warren's way tonight.

Warren takes 14-0 lead to halftime (8:32 p.m.)
A couple penalties killed any chance of a late scoring drive for Warren, so we're going to halftime with the Warriors on top 14-0.

Quick thoughts ... LJ can move the ball, but right now, their worst enemy is themselves. Credit Warren's defense for the takeaways, but three turnovers have hampered LJ's chances of getting some points.

Warren, meanwhile, was a few penalties away from breaking this game wide open. My prediction for the game at the half: Warren 35, LJ 7.

LJ puts it on the ground -- again (8:27 p.m.)
A second fumble by La Joya ended their deepest penetration into Warren territory. Warren LB Thomas Lang came up with the loose ball, and a first-down run by RB Keith Lawson has Warren at their own 44 with 1:30 left in the first half.

Special teams delivery (8:24 p.m.)
I just asked for the LJ defense to make a play. They didn't, but a 3-and-out is good enough at this point.

But the LJ special teams just made a big contribution, getting a punt return to the Warren 40. That's where we're at with 2:50 left in the half.

Uh-oh time for La Joya (8:21 p.m.)
The Coyotes best drive of the night had a glimmer of hope, until QB Stephen Ramirez's pass was intercepted by Warren DB Jeremy Hinojosa.

LJ's offense hasn't done anything tonight, so the defense really needs to make a play to keep LJ in the game.

Warren pulling ahead (8:13 p.m.)
Warren just made it 14-0 on a Keith Lawson TD run from 5 yards out -- 7:09 left in the half.

La Joya needs an answer badly.

Warren learns from previous drive (8:09 p.m.)
After driving nearly 40 yards but missing on a field goal, Warren needed just 9 seconds to score from 31 yards out.

Warren had a short field after a long punt return, and QB Ross Dausin connected with junior WR Anthony Johnson on the first play of the drive for a 7-0 lead.

Things are getting worse, now, for LJ. It fumbled on its next poseession, an Warren is just outside the LJ 25 with 8:09 left in the first half.

Could a short drive be any longer (7:54 p.m.)
Warren only went about 35 yards on its first drive -- starting around midfield after a La Joya fumble.

But it ate more than seven minutes off the clock and ended with nothing. A 32-yard field goal sailed wide, keeping the game scoreless with 38 seconds left in the first quarter.

Warren gets first big play (7:41 p.m.)
La Joya had a decent drive started, reaching midfield on the game's opening possession.

But Warren DL David Ramirez recovered a fumbled LJ snap, and Warren is now driving; they currently have a first at the LJ 33 with 7:12 left in the first quarter.

Back for the finale (7:34 p.m.)
I spent the entire break between games in our suite (I'm not important enough to stay in there full time) watching college football. TCU came ready to play; A&M survived; what's going on with Tech?

Anyway ... back to HS football -- I will do my final live blog of the night, covering SA Warren against La Joya. Let's hope it's as good as the last game.

United's last gasp falls short (6:28 p.m.)
I feel for United -- they came in heavy underdogs and really took it to Calallen. Their last gasp pass attempt was just intercepted for a third time by Calallen DB Brydon McClure, the game's MVP.

Unfortunately for United, Calallen is a program that just knows how to win. And that's what Calallen did today, making the plays when needed.

I'm headed down to the field, but will be back in about an hour. Hope you enjoyed it.

Calallen takes the lead (6:24 p.m.)
QB Dustin Vaughn threw a ball that nearly hit the top of the Alamodome, but it landed in the hands of Logan Verrett for a TD pass that gave Calallen a 21-14 lea wit 19 second left.

Time out Calallen with 28 seconds remaining (6:20 p.m.)
Calallen has the ball at the United 34, there 28 seconds left, first down.

By far the best game of the Texas Football Classic this is.

Calallen as ball; refs need new jobs (6:17 p.m.)
Calallen forced another United punt and has it at their own 38 with three minutes remaining.

I'll take this time to say that while game officials have tough jobs, tonight's aren't meeting their requirements. I've seen a lot of blown and missed calls.

I'd say both teams have gripes -- can't say it's going in one direction or another.

Three incompletions, and United back on offense (6:11 p.m.)
Three straight Calallen pass attempts hit the turf, and now United has the ball back with 4:11 left in the game, still tied 14-14.

But there's a long way to go -- Calallen's punt wasn't fielded, and it rolled all the way to the United 5-yard line.

Calallen drive ends with missed field goal (6:04 p.m.)
Making up for his fumble that allowed united to tie the game at 14, Jermie Marek helped guide Calallen back down the field on a deep drive.

But United's bend-but-don't-break defense again had an answer. On a second down at the United 25, CB Rion Smalls came in on a blitz and picked up a sack. It forced Calallen into a third-and-long, which it missed, then a field goal atempt from 38 yards that was short.

So, it's still 14-14 with five minutes left, but United is about to punt back to Calallen after its drive went nowhere.

The break United needed -- gotta love Scott (5:51 p.m.)
I was just about to start praising Calallen QB Jermie Marek, but United defensive lineman Justin Rah busted through the line to force a Marek fumble, and United DB Roger Rueweler recoevered it to give United possession at Calallen's 44.

On the very next play, United QB Cesar Cardenas hit Skyler Scott for a 41-yard gain all the way to the Calallen three. Scott made an incredible catch -- trapping the ball off his hip with a defender in tow.

That set up United first and goal as the third quarter ended.

First play of the fourth: Cardenas on a keeper for a 2-yard TD. The Cesar Vanoye PAT just tied the game at 14 with 11:57 left in the game.

We've got a good one, folks.

United drive stalls at midfield (5:44 p.m.)
A couple of nice runs by QB Cesar Cardenas got United as far as the Calallen 45, but Calallen's defense tightened, blowing up two straight receiver screens and a run up the middle to force United to punt.

Calallen now has it at their own 20 with 2:30 left in the third quarter, still leading 14-7.

Defense gets assist (5:37 p.m.)
Calallen was driving to start the half, and I'd give as much credit to RB Bryden McClure as I will blame United for mis-tackling.

However, the United defense got an assist from Calallen, as an illegal formation brought back a big catch and run by Collin Simpson that would've had Calallen first and goal.

Instead, Calallen just came up short on third down then threw an incomplete pass on fourth down with 6:21 left in the third. United takes over at its own 30.

Scenes from Calallen vs. United (5:23 p.m.)
Alright, as promised -- here are some highlights from the first half of the game, which Calallen leads 14-7.

Please remember -- these were shot by me. They are by no means professional footage.

Calallen misses big opportunity thanks to United D (5:01 p.m.)
QB Cardenas came back in for United, but he was intercepted by Bryden McClure, who returned it to the United 30. Cardenas had a man open (Jorge Luis Ramirez), but badly underthrew the pass.

Calallen, though, returned the favor. On the final play of an exciting first half, United's Cesar Salinas picked off his second pass of the game -- this one in the back of the end zone to prevent a would-be TD. Salinas literally took the ball from the hands of the Calallen receiver.

I'll be back after a quick break -- and will have some highlights from the game.

Missing Cardenas costly, as Calallen takes lead (4:53 p.m.)
United is still going with backup QB Luis Escontrias. The regular starter, Cesar Cardenas, is walking with a limp on the sideline.

And just as I typed that, Escontrias was sacked by Calallen's Don O'Hair, who also forced and recovered a fumble. Calallen needed just one play for Bryden McClure to punch it in, and a two-point conversion on a reception by Logan Verrett gives Calallen a 14-7 lead.

My two cents: it was a HORRIBLE call. Replay showed it wasn't a fumble, but there's no replay in high school football.

Defense needs kudos too (4:42 p.m.)
Got an email from a reader named Georige making a pretty simple request:

"Give us some information on the defensive players. Who blocked the extra point, etc.?"

Perfect timing Georgia. United LB Cesar Salinas literally just intercepted Calallen QB Dustin Vaughn on a ball deflected by a United DB.

Salinas made an incredbile one-handed snare for the INT. It stops Calallen's drive inside the United 20, giving United the ball with 3:25 left in the first half, United still leading 7-6.

Scott a budding star -- if it is him (4:34 p.m.)
I've all but confirmed the player weraing No. 3 for Laredo United is Skyler Scott, a transfer from Lancaster who UNited coach David Sanchez absolutely raved about.

As of early last week, though, Scott had yet to report to the team. Word is he came in Thursday to join the team and traveled with the team for this game.

If No. 3 is indeed Scott, the junior has great promise. He returned a punt for about 40 yards, breaking several tackles and sidestepping the sideline for extra yardage. He also showed tremendous speed on a receiver screen.

He could become a big weapon for United if he can learn the system and acclimate quickly.

Blocked PAT allows United to keep its lead (4:24 p.m.)
Calallen didn't take long to punch it in after the interception. QB Jeramie Marek scored from about 2 yards out, but United blocked the PAT to keep the lead, now at 7-6, with 9:27 left in the first.

United's last INT now makes more sense. QB Cesar Cardenas, who looked great to start the game, was shaken up before the INT. His backup threw the INT -- not Cardenas.

I was wondering why Cardenas had been pulled, but it's evident now. Good news for United fans: Cardenas is back in; United has possession now at their 35 with 9:19 left in the opening half.

Bg shift for Calallen (4:14 p.m.)
This game proves that momentum can change in a hurry.

On the last play of the first quarter, Calallen intercepted a pass at its own 27 and returned it to the United 15. They'll start the second quarter in the red zone for the first time all game. United still leads, 7-0.

Underdog making a statement so far (4:07 p.m.)
United entered this game as 21-point dogs by at least one ratings service. They sure don't look the part.

Other than opening the game with a scoring drive, the United defense is holding its own. Their defensive tackles are consistently winning the battles up the middle, and United is doing a good job bottling up the Calallen defense.

Unoficially, I've counted three tackles behind the line of scrimmage. That won't cut it for Calallen.

Calallen did dodge a bullet, though. A short punt that would've set up United at the Calallen 30 was brought back for a roughing the punter.

Still, if Calallen can't figure out how to carry out its offensive gameplan, Calallen is a big candidate for a major upset.

Good early signs for United (3:53 p.m.)
Quarterback is the key to any offense, but perhaps no other offense relies on the QB more than the spread.

United QBs struggled last week -- both the starter, Cesar Cardenas, and his backup, Luis Escontrias -- but Cardenas is off to a hot start tonight.

He's really improvising well on the run, and that ability has given United an early 7-0 lead. Cardenas just escaped some pocket pressure and tossed a 42-yard TD pass on the game's opening drive.

Calallen now has the ball with 9:34 left in the first quarter.

Highlights before Calallen/United (3:02 p.m.)
We're about to start the 45-minute countdown to Calallen vs. Laredo United.

While our readers wait with baited breath for the start of that game, here are some highlights from Leander's 30-12 win, starting off with Blake Gideon's second INT of the game.

Game one is in the books; Leander 30-12 (2:28 p.m.)
The first of three games today at the Alamodome is now in the books.

I really think these teams are even, but Leander had the big plays today, breaking off some big gains and coming up with three turnovers. The Leander OL also deserves major recognition: they set the tone in the second half on an 80-yard, 8-minute drive. Leander never looked back after that.

Leander will move to 1-1, while Consol drops to 0-2. Again, I'm impressed with both teams, and I think each is capable of making a 2-3 round run in the playoffs.

I'm going to take a break -- will be back for the next game, but I'll also have some highlights from the second half of this game.

UT secondary help is on the way (2:23 p.m.)
Blake Gideon, the outstanding safety for Leander, proved again why he's labeled the outstandig safety for Leander.

Roving in the secondary, Gideon came up with his second INT of the day. On the ensuing drive, Gideon came in at QB and busted a 49-yard TD run to give Leander a 30-12 win.

It's breaking, but I doubt this is unbelievable news, but Gideon will be named the game's MVP.

Technical difficulties are behind us -- game almost is (2:15 p.m.)
Pardon the interruption, but our site administration crashed for a bit, and I've been unable to blog since halftime. I hope everyone has coped.

The second half -- which only has 5:06 left -- hasn't been as exciting. It's been all Leander; credit the OL. Leander has chewed at least 13-15 minutes of the clock with long drives, nearly every play a run.

At one point, Leander RB Reggie Hodges carried it 8 straight times, getting three first downs alnog the way.

Consol now has the ball down 23-12 with just under five minutes to go.

Leander still up 14-12 going to halftime (1:09 p.m.)
After the interception, Consol attempted a two-minute drill, but the drive only went for about 25 yards before the half ran out.

Some halftime thoughts ... I've mentioned his name pretty frequently, but I really like what I see from Consol QB Dominic Preston. He's very good in the open field and other than two errant throws, has been hitting his receivers right in stride.

Eric Massoni is pretty sharp himself for Leander. Like Preston, he'd like at least on throw back, but he's been solid throwing and even better running.

Leander also has a good thing mixing it up with running backs Frank Rodriguez and Reggie Hodges.

This game is also proof you can have a bit of scoring while still seeing solid defensive play. Leander has gotten to Preston on occassion and has been solid up the middle on run defense.

All in all, we're in for a good second half.

Why Gideon is better on defense (1:03 p.m.)
While I liked what I saw from a brief stint at QB, Leander's Blake GIdeon clearly is a safety by nature.

Gideon picked off an overthrown pass and ran it back to the Consol 29 with just over two minutes remaining.

No points came of the turnover, though, as Consol CB Spencer Sprague countered with an INT of Consol QB Eric Massoni. Consol has it at its 20 with 1:30 left in the half.

Leander strikes back for 14-12 lead (12:52 p.m.)
If the game goes like this all day, we're in for a thriller.

Leander just answered Consol's score with a TD of its own -- a 20-yard run by Reggie Hodges, a nifty running back with great balance.

The drive's key play was two-fold: Leander receiver Jacob Vintinner had an excellent catch on a pass that looked overthrown. Vintinner gained about 10 more yards after the catch, and a late hit tacked on 15 more yards.

Hodges score on the next play. With 4:39 left in the half, it's Leander by 2. Special teams have cost A&M a chance for a tie.

Diversification makes Consol much more dangerous (12:42 p.m.)
I last saw A&M Consolidated in a win over Richardson Berkner in the 2005 playoffs, and while the Tigers won that game, I wasn't blown away.

For starters, Berkner was without QB Justin Johnson, a February signee for Houston, who was out with an injury. Mainly, though, was Consolidated's inability to pass.

That's not the case today. Balancing everything from the shotgun to three tight end formations, Consol's offense has deflty mixed passing with running. Every drive has earned at least two first downs.

Consol's most recent drive just finished with a jaw-dropping play.

QB Dominic Preston, pressured at the Leander 10 on a third down, looked as if he was just throwing the ball out of the end zone. But he put so much air under it that receiver Wes Schil had time to catch up to it in the corner of the end zone and snare a TD pass.

Consol's 2-point attempt failed, but Consol now has a 12-7 lead with 8:03 left in the first half.

Consol taking over at start of second (12:32 p.m.)
It's safe to say this first quarter was better than both entire games of the Texas Football Classic.

I like what I see from both Consol and Leander. Though each lost last week, they're definitely playoff-caliber teams.

With one in the books, it's still Leander 7-6, with Consol taking over at its own 36 after a Leander punt.

Duel role for Leander's Gideon (12:28 p.m.)
Though committed to Texas as a safety, it looks like Leander's Blake Gideon will get a Deion Sanders-like role and play some at QB.

He just broke off a nice run for about a 30-yard gain that needed three Consol defenders to bring him down. The toughness of this kid is pretty obvious.

QB play excellent on both sides (12:24 p.m.)
This is big-time Texas high school football. We're seeing good hitting, tackling, play calling -- everything you wish for in a game.

But from all of it, I'm most impressed by the two QBs. Dominic Preston is more than a great open-field runner for Consol; he has an excellent arm and is more accurate than he let on.

Bit back to that open field running ... Consol just responded to Leander's TD with a 70-yard scoring drive. The PAT was blocked, so Leander remains in the lead, 7-6, with 3:01 left in an exciting first quarter.

The touchdown came when Preston fled the pocket, made a move past one defender, then used a nice downfield block to score from about 25 yards out.

Big play sets up Leander TD (12:14 p.m.)
A&M Consolidated nearly came away with a fumble recovery on Leander's first play. A shotgun snap to Leander QB Eric Massoni sailed over his head, but he recoved 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage.

Very next play: Massoni took a zone-read keeper 50-plus yards. Two plays alter, Leander RB Frank Rodriguez punched it in from 2 yards out.

Leander leads 7-0 midway through the first quarter.

Quick thought ... A&M Consol's band fired up its fight song when Leander scored the TD. Is it me, or is that a little strange.

Second quick thought: This game is already better than the previous two.

Consol converts (12:09 p.m.)
Consol QB Dominic Preston, who didn't get off to a flying start last week in his debut (a home loss to Pflugerville), is looking great to start the game.

He threw a dart for a completion on the aforementioned fourth-down play, and earlier he had an excellent scramble for about 15 yards where he juked a defender to his back.

Consol coach Jim Slaugher really raved about Preston to me this spring; he said if he's healthy and learns the position, he could have a big year.

Back to the game, though, Consol just missed a 41-yard FG attempt, so Leander ow has it at their 28 with 7:45 left in the first.

Consol comes out passing (12:05 p.m.)
Traditionally a running team, Consol started with an excellent play-action bootleg that went for 20 yards on the first play of the game.

The current drive, though, is up against a fourth and 5 at the Leander 40. It looked like Consol was going for it, but they just called timeout to perhaps rethink the decision.

Early candidate for photo of the year (12:00 p.m.)
Kickoff is seconds away, but never got to post a spectacular photo from last night's game.

Here's a TD run by Darius Darks, the Pflugerville Connally athlete pressed into QB duty after an injury to the Connally starter.

Darks did a full flip on the run -- here's him midway through that move. Also love the reaction from the band member in the background.

Click here to view the picture, taken by Mary Scott McNabb (one of our shining stars of photography).

Last game today for the legend (11:48 a.m.)
Dave Campbell -- yes, the Dave Campbell -- just went to midfield for the ceremonial coin toss between Leander and Consol (which won the toss and will receive).

After this game, he's headed back to Waco to cover the Baylor/Rice game. (For those who don't know, the press box at Baylor's stadium bears Campbell's name.) It's always a treat to spend time with Dave. I can always count on some unique insight from every game, and he's always good for the latest Baylor news.

Also love to see how the fans really adore him. And it's easy to see why. Aside from creating a Texas sports staple, he's so willing to avail himself to high school football fans.

Last night, as we were leaving the dome, two Fredericksburg fans waved goodbye and called out to Dave from a good 30 yards away. He didn't hear them, but when I told him some fans we're trying to get his attention, he stopped in his tracks and went back to talk to them.

He didn't know them from any other stranger on the street, but he was thoughful enough to walk back and exchange pleasantries. As he did this, I turned to a co-worker and said "that's how someone becomes a legend."

College football's impact on attendance (11:40 a.m.)
When we scheduled this game between A&M Consol and Leander, we did so thinking the other A&M from College Station would be playing at 6 p.m.

TV moved the Aggies' home game against Fresno State at 2:30 p.m. today, so I've been warned by Larry Bowen, a writer for the BCS Eagle and a DCTF contributor, that many Consol fans might not make the trip to San Antonio.

I also hope the UT game vs. TCU (which has become one of the most-talked about in the nation) doesn't affect the Leander fans -- as well as fans in San Antonio who might've come out to the games today, but might choose the comfort of the couch and remote control instead.

It's a good day to be a HS football blogger (11:27 a.m.)
I woke up on a blogging mood, which is a good thing considering we have three games today.

I'm at the Alamodome for the annual Toyota Tundra Texas Football Classic, and it's my hope these three games (A&M Consol/Leander; Calallen/United; Warren/La Joya) will be more entertaining than the first two games (scroll down for bloggs from those).

The first game -- Alamo Heights 17, SA Clark 3 -- was a little bland. Last night's (Pfl. Connally 16, Fredericksburg 6) had some entertaining moments. Darius Darks is every bit the athlete I heard he was, but the game wasn't quite electric.

But today's opener -- Leander and Consol, about 30 minutes from kickoff -- has a lot of potential. Both are coming off TD losses in Week 0, so they're starving for a win and should be pretty pumped to be 1) playing in the Alamodome, and 2) playing in an air-conditioned environment.

Connally puts opener on ice (9:57 p.m.)
With 1:22 remaining in the game, Connally likely just picked up its first win in as many tries this season.

Matt Seeman, who realisitically has a good argument for MVP of this game, just kicked his third field goal of the night. Connally now leads 16-6.

Hard-luck Fredericksburg is now 0-2 after two tough losses.

I'm headed to the field to take some photos of the game, so I'm signing off for the night. See everyone tomorrow for the triple-header.

McMahon has got to love his defense (9:52 p.m.)
Though the Connally offense has been crisp as wet spaghetti, his defense, which just picked up its third INT, looks good. And McMahon is known for defense.

The first-year Connally coach played LB in college and has made his living coaching the defensive side of the ball. He most recently was at Copperas Cove, where he was the DC.

Connally, which has been prolific on offense in recent years, might have a new identity with McMahon.

Who needs the forward pass? (9:46 p.m.)
Darius Darks shows why we need a sportscenter just for Texas high school football.

Darks just made a spectacular play -- a bootleg around the right end for a three-yard TD. He got in the end zone basically by flipping over a defender at the corner of the end zone.

An "ahhh" could be heard from the crowd, which is 90 percent (no lie) Fredericksburg fans. Though Darks has struggled passing, his feet have been magical, and he also has an INT on defense.

So with 6:36 left, Connally now leads 13-6.

Connally in prime position (9:40 p.m.)
Fredericksburg maybe got a little too cute on its special teams.

With shifting going on all over the place, it didn't seem the F-burg punter was ready for the snap when it arrived. He fumbled the snap, and Connally just took over at the F-burg 16 with 8:33 remaining in a 6-6 tie.

Darks still in at QB at end of third (9:30 p.m.)
Connally still has Darius Darks in at QB, which means the regular starter (Josh Hernandez) is likely out for the game with an unknown injury.

Darks is a very impressive athlete; I can see him as either a shut-down corner or wide receiver in college.

Quarterback, though, is a bit out of his realm. He's completed some passes here and there and has a strong arm, but he overthrew a wide open -- I mean wide open -- receiver for a sure TD, and has trouble throwing on the run.

It's a shame for Connally that Darks has to play out of position. Nevertheless, there's probably not a team in Texas that has a better backup QB, someone as dangerous as Darks.

Quick game recap: Connally has the ball near midfield with 11:17 left in the game, the score still tied at 6.

The power of a touchdown (9:23 p.m.)
Fredericksburg has had three turnovers and had trouble at times finishing drives, but one score just changed the game and perhaps gave the Billies a needed momentum boost.

Fredericksburg just tied the game at 6 when receiver Josh Weirich made an outstanding catch on a slant pattern inside the Connally 5. F-burg missed the PAT, though, so the teams are knotted at 6 with 58 seconds left in the third quarter.

Third turnover for Billies; 2nd Fg for Connally (9:06 p.m.)
Fredericksburg had out-gained Pfl. Connally at halftime, but two INTs inside the red zone kept them from scoring.

On its first possession of the second half, Fredericksburg had a good gain on a reception by TE Kevin Weirich, who shook off two defenders for a first down. But a Connally defender put his hat on the ball, forcing a fumble that Connally recovered a the F'burg 28.

Following the game's storyline (defense and more defense), Connally went three-and-out, but impressive kicker Matt Seeman just booted a 42-yard field goal to give Connally a 6-0 lead with 7:46 left in the third quarter.

Highlights are in ... (8:53 p.m.)
We promised highlights, and we aim to deliver.

Since I missed filming the the Connally field goal, there will be no scoring highlights here. That's what happens with a 3-0 game at halftime. Nevertheless, here they are:

Terrible average so far (8:34 p.m.)
Through six quarters of the Toyota Tundra Texas Football Classic, we've had 23 points scored.

That's less than 4 points per quarter for those fans slow at math. For those slow at football, four points per quarter doesn't make for an exciting game.

Connally is leading Fredericksburg 3-0 at the break tonight; Alamo Heights beat SA Clark 17-3 last night.

In a few minutes, I'll post some first-half highlights. The few that there were.

I need to keep my mouth shut (8:29 p.m.)
For the second time tonight, I've declared that F'burg is on the doorstep of the end zone, only to see Connally pick off a pass.

That just ahppened with 25 seconds left in the first half. But F-burg can't complain too much. Connally's Spenser Eggleston, who intercepted the most recent pass, returned it 98 yards for an apparent touchdown.

A holding call brought it back. Looks like scoring a TD is too much to ask.

We, we want ... (8:24 p.m.)
... a touchdown -- anyone. With 1:21 left, it's still Connally 3-0 over Fredericksburg.

F'burg just called timout with a third and one at Connally's 23, so there's a good chance we could see the game's first (elusive) TD.

Darks in, but no sign of Hernandez (8:16 p.m.)
Darius Dark's must be minor; he's in at quarterback for Connally with 6:22 left in the first half.

Playing Darks at QB means Nick Hernandez must not be ready to come back after his injury earlier in the second.

Big-time trouble for Connally? (8:04 p.m.)
Two players have impressed me (other than the kickers and punters) so far tonight: Connally's Darius Darks and Josh hernandez.

Darks had an INT that stopped Fredericksburg's best drive so far, and he later had a nice 15-yard reception on the ensuing Connally possession.

Hernandez, the Connally QB, has been very nifty on his feet; he had a 15-yard run where he probably ran for at least 40 yards, criss-crossing back and forth across the field.

However, on the same play, both Darks and Hernandez went down with injuries with 9:38 left in the first half. Darks eventually walked off on his own; Hernandez needed help getting off the field.

Same score at end of first quarter (7:57 p.m.)
Fredericksburg started the second quarter (Connally leading 3-0) with a nice punt by their fullback.

Sounds strange, but they set up in a shotgun formation as if they were going for it on 4th from their own 39. Instead, fullback Nick Alejandro took the snap and kicked a 51-yard punt to the Connally 10.

In one game, I've seen more good special teams play than I'll see in an average weekend.

Division I leg on Conally kicker (7:49 p.m.)
Connally just broke the scoreless game on Matt Seeman's 39-yard field goal with 3:06 left in the first quarter. He had plenty of leg.

Last weekend, I went to the Baylor/TCU game, where Baylor's kicker missed two attempts from shorter distances. Just thought I'd mention that, even though it hurts as a Baylor alum.

Connally's playmaker makes a play (7:41 p.m.)
Guess I cursed Frederickburg's drive.

Just as I said they're on the verge of a scoring drive, Connally DB Darius Darks -- a big-time DI prospect -- was on the end of a tip drill for an INT. Connally takes over at its 22 with 6:40 left in the first.

F'burg on impressive drive (7:39 p.m.)
The Battlin' Billies (have been waiting to say that) are on the move early. Fredericksburg has driven from its own 30 on the opening possession to the Connally 29, where they just converted on a 4th-and-inches.

WIth 8:19 left in the first quarter, still no score, but the Billies could change that soon.

Celebreties all over San Antonio (7:25 p.m.)
After a round of golf at La Cantera, a sunburn to go with it, and not near enough sleep, I'm back for the second installment of the 2007 Toyota Tundra Texas Football Classic.

Pflugerville Connally is taking on Fredericksburg tonight; I think this game should be a little bit more interesting than last night's 17-3 Alamo Heights win over SA Clark.

I've already had two celebrity sightings today, one expected, the other not so much. Sitting just beneath the press box is Texas high school legen Ken Hall, the "Sugarland Express" who now lives in Fredericksburg.

The second celebrity is actually a dignitary. Walking outside out hotel today, a familiar-looking hispanic man stepped into his limo just a few feet away from me. It was the former president of Mexico, Vicinte Fox, who was in town for some kind of

Will admit it was pretty cool to see a former ruler of a nation within arm's reach, which made me wonder: how could he be within arm's reach?

Fox was joined only by his wife; no security guards, no secret service. Like George W or not, can you imagine him walking with just Laura after his presidency is over?

It's a final: AH 17-3 over Clark (10:06 p.m.)
When you have five games in five days -- as we do at the Toytota Tundra Texas Football Classic -- you're bound to have at least one snoozer. Didn't think it would happen right out of the gates.

Alamo Heights, 17-3 winners over Clark tonight, has a long way to go to repeat in 4A. Junior QB Drew Allen had some decent moments: He passed for both Mule TDs and earned game MVP honors. But he completed under 50 percent of his passes, and Clark dropped at least two would-be INTs.

You also can't overlook an AH defense that bent some but never broke.

Clark, meanwhile, might have even more ground to cover. Its offense had quite a few lengthy drives, but finishing them was a major challenge. Clark also had 2-3 times more dropped pass receptions on offense as its defense had dropped INTs.

Well ... that's it for me for tonight. I'll be back Friday night for Pflugerville Connally vs. Fredericksburg. Let's hope it's a bit more watchable.

Last chance for Clark hits turf (10:01 p.m.)
It looks like a sack and ensuing fumble just cost Clark what little chance it had.

Clark's down 17-3 to AH with three minutes left in the game, and AH has it right at midfield. Looks like Clark's starting 0-2; AH will be 1-1 on the year.

AH winning game, but Clark students better football players (9:53 p.m.)
Well, we've declared many times this game checks in near the bottom on the excitement scale.

But the halftime was worth watching, and I'm not talking the bands (though they weren't bad).

Guaranty Bank sponsored a punt-pass-kick competition between three students from each school. After watching these videos, you've got to think Clark coaches should get this kid on the team to kick FGs. He helped his school win $200 with this FG kick.

INT goes for naught (9:49 p.m.)
Clark came so close getting back into this 17-3 game. Clark linebacker Kyle Laymond returned a highlight-reel worthy INT to the AH 24 on an AH screen pass. Clark then got 10 more yards on an AH penalty.

But on a fourth down inside the AH 10, a Clark receiver dropped a sure first down to turn it over.

Clark opted to go for a 4th down previously in the game -- had it kciked a FG instead, a FG in this last possession would've made it a one-possession game.

Now, with AH having possession up 17-3 with 8:33 left, Clark needs a major spark to have a chance.

AH cashes in TO (9:28 p.m.)
Alamo Heights is doing well with this field position thing.

Their first TD was set up by a short punt that gave them a short field. AH just added another TD on a Drew Allen pass to Bobby Broadnax after it recovered a Clark fumble. It's now AH 17, Clark 3 with 6:26 left in the third quarter.

On the play before the score, a Clark safety dropped a sure interception. Sure he'd like to have that back.

Oh -- and those highlights -- remember it was me doing the video. I'm no pro.

Punting and more punting (9:23 p.m.)
The second half is four minutes old, and newsflash: the teams have each punted once.

But, I do have something to break the monotony: Click here for some highlights from the first half of Alamo Heights vs. SA Clark.

Also, for some old fashioned still shots, here are some photos from Mary Scott and Mike McNabb, our photographers who have a nice site.

A good interception? (8:44 p.m.)
AH QB Drew Webb threw an INT from about 35-40 yards out on a third down, preventing a FG try. But Clark went nowhere on its drive, and a short punt set up AH 53 yards out.

It didn't take long for AH to get in the end zone for the first TD of the game. AH running back Sergio Acosta (who has some nice open field moves) scored from two yards out with :53 left in the first half for a 10-7 lead.

Clark attempted its best impression of a two-minute drill, but it stalled near midfield at the end of the half.

Good 'ole technology (8:27 p.m.)
I'm all ready to blog this game, and as it so often happens, the internet in the press box goes out. Loren from the Express-News said it's a common occurrence.

So, I'll have to recap what's happened since I last checked in:

• Clark started the second quarter with a chip shot field goal for a 3-0 lead.
• The teams traded punts.
• They traded a couple more.
• Alamo Heights kicked a 30-plus yard field goal with 8:06 left in the 2nd to tie the game.
• The teams trade punts again.
• Currently, AH has a first-and-10 at the Clark 26 with 2:53 left in the half

I hate to sound sarcastic, but it hasn't quite been a thriller of a game. That just means there's time for the teams to redeem themselves.

What could've been (7:40 p.m.)
Alamo Heights nearly went 70 yards for a TD. First year AH QB Drew Allen threw a dart to a receiver on a slant pattern that his target in the worts possible place: his hands.

The pass was dropped, and Clark just took a punt and will start at its 31 with 6:08 remaining.

Clark's FG goes wide (7:38p.m.)
A promising drive ended with a 43-yard FG that just made the back of the end zone. AH takes over at their own 27 with 6:40 left in the first.

Clark gettin' a move on (7:36 p.m.)
Clark has picked up a couple third down conversions to mount a drive on the opening possession. I said Clark was a running team, but their play-action passing is to tahnk for much of this drive.

As an added bonus, I'll have some highlights of the game posted throughout the night.

Almost there ... (7:25 p.m.)

We're only about 5 minutes away from kickoff. Considering I went to two games last weekend -- both college -- I'm pretty pumped up for my first HS football game of the 2007 season.

Word from the locals is this game between Clark and AH will be a run vs. pass game -- respectively. I'll try to keep you updated best as possible, and feel free to fire off comments to me anytime -- whether about this game or others in the state this weekend.

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