SHALLOWATER — During the open week, Cruz Dickson took an interest in barbering — particularly fades and blends. He bought the necessary equipment and found around 10 Shallowater football teammates willing to act as test subjects.
The results of Dickson's clippers garnered mixed reviews, but one thing is certain. Dickson was a buzzkill for Bushland on Friday.
The senior picked off three passes and returned one for a touchdown to lead a swarming secondary in the Mustangs' 49-28 triumph at Todd Field. Conner Shires added two interceptions and his own pick-six as Shallowater (6-1, 1-0) held off Bushland's late rally.
Dickson, who also scored a receiving TD, said the Mustangs' defensive backs take pride in being a team strength.
"We call ourselves, 'No Fly Zone,'" Dickson said. "I think we're one of the better secondaries in (Class) 3A, for sure."
Friday's performance could be used as evidence. Falcons quarterback Parker Hall finished 19-of-37 passing for 246 yards. He threw for a TD and rushed for 52 yards and two scores, but two late interceptions gave away Bushland's momentum after closing a 35-7 gap.
The Falcons got within 35-28 with the ball and 6:17 remaining, but Dickson's takeaway ended the threat. Shires put a bow on the district-opening win with a 74-yard pick-six on Bushland's next drive.
"Not being able to play offense that much, it's great to have that ball in your hand," Shires said. "It's the best feeling you can have as a defender."
Dickson has experience on both sides. The senior was second on the team with 69 receiving yards on three catches, including a 50-yard TD. When he gets the ball on defense, it's a natural transition into scoring mode.
Dickson credited the game plan and Shallowater's defensive linemen creating pressure. Mustangs coach Rodney Vincent figured Dickson was due for a game like Friday.
"Cruz was our leading guy for interceptions last year," Vincent said. "He was one of the top in the state. In non-district, he hadn't had that many, so it was kind of good to see him get going tonight. He's got very good vision and has a knack for the football."
Bushland (6-2, 1-1) also forced five turnovers and scored twice on defense. Falcons coach Josh Reynolds said the problem was an inconsistent rushing attack. The team ran for 180 yards, but 19 carries went for 2 yards or fewer.
"We've been pretty balanced this year in the run and pass and doing a lot of good things," Reynolds said. "I never felt like we got our run game going. In the pass game, I think they just did a good job in their zone coverages taking away some of those windows and forced us into some bad decisions."
Bushland may not be the last victim this season. If Shallowater's backfield can live up to their self-given moniker, plenty others will find the defense hard to crack. The Falcons entered the game averaging 52.9 points.
"I'm really proud of our secondary for trying to get (Bushland) out of what they like to do with all the quick screens and hitches," Vincent said. "But then we held up in the box. Our defensive line and linebackers played really good. (The Falcons) stress you in both of those areas, and I was really proud of our guys for executing our defensive plan."
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Shallowater's 'No Fly Zone' lives up to name to ground Bushland