Mar. 27th, 2004 - A&M; Attack Gets Back on Track

By Rene Kozarsky

After struggling on their last two road trips to Colorado Springs and Lubbock respectively, the 20th ranked Texas A&M; Aggies returned home Monday night and cruised to a 14-10 victory over Santa Clara. The game saw the A&M;' attack account for 12 of the 14 Aggie goals.

For the past couple of seasons, the attack units over in College Station have gained national recognition (as well as some notoriety) for putting up some huge numbers against their opponents. Putting up twenty goals was commonplace and thirty goals were rung up on a number of occasions. But just like Peter Brady's voice, the crew from Central Texas has under gone some changes. The attack still puts up the majority of A&M;'s goals, but loses to graduation at all positions have forced changes in the Aggies' game. Losing All-USLIAers Dustin Childers (LSM) and Mark Lamb (close defense) on the defensive half of the field has hurt the Ags' ability to jump start a quick attack. But a closer look at the attack unit shows how important team chemistry is when compared to flat out talent.

Talent? A&M; still has that, enough so to make American Idol's Simon jealous. Senior Jason Dunn (The Woodlands, TX) has one of the most feared guns in the nation and often draws the opponents' top defender. Even Santa Clara Head Coach Gary Podesta was amazed at the power of his shot.

"That #48 (Dunn) has a laser," commented Podesta after Dunn lit up his Mustangs for 12 points (8,4).

And it's that kind of reputation that has helped sophomore Ryan Turnbow (The Woodands, TX). With defensive units focusing on Dunn, Turnbow, the other half of "The Big Calf Attack", was able to capitalize on his opportunities during his freshman year, with his breakout game coming against Colorado State in last years quarterfinals.

But it's the lost of A&M;'s quarterback, Justin Thomas, which has been felt.

"He was a great creator. He created things and read the way people were doing something, and then he would go and mess it up with his moves. He was great asset to our offense," added A&M; Head Coach Tony Scazzero, who is celebrating his 25th year with the maroon and white.

When asked if this year's unit played differently then in years past, Scazzero was quick to point out that "they play differently, our schemes aren't different, but the way they are implemented are. This group dodges better, even better than we did last year."

But A&M; has a newcomer whose future looks bright. Nate Tabb, a freshman from Houston (Cy-Fair H.S.) that has made the long one hour trip up Highway 6 to play for the Aggies. Tabb will be the first to admit that he's no Thomas, and that he is nowhere near the threat of Turnbow or Thomas.

"You can't replace Justin Thomas. I'm just trying to fill his shoes. They (Turnbow and Dunn) are light years above my game right now. I'm just trying to learn what they have taught me this year and get as much out of Jason Dunn before he graduates. I'm looking forward to a long time with Turnbow."

But Tabb has proved to be a quick study and an opportunist. Tabb has managed to put up good numbers (with three goals against Santa Clara Monday night) with most of the attention focused on Turnbow and Dunn.

"It's been suggested to be that I'm now the quarterback, but I don't think of it that way, I'm just trying to play a support role to my teammates."

Tabb isn't the only one trying to figure out how to fit in with this year's unit. Turnbow has seen a lot of time at midfield and Gregg Knell has filled in some at attack.

"Turnbow is still discovering himself, he's still trying to find his niche," states Dunn.

"He's a combo, he's a good feeder but he's also a threat. That's what makes him dangerous."

As for Dunn, many feel his role is to put the ball in the back of the cage.

"I feel like that's my role but as Tony (Scazzero) would say, my role has changed a lot."

Scazzero has his own thoughts on the unit's chemistry.

"These are three shooters, three scorers. They are learning how for one of them to be a feeder. They're coming around, but it'll take a while. Most of the high school kids don't see the brand of ball that we try to play."

The Aggies are back in action Friday night in a top 25 match up against Cal Poly SLO in Austin.