Marble Falls football is big business

MARBLE FALLS, Texas (KXAN) - Football is big business in Texas, and it's showing this week in one Hill Country town as a new stadium, new coach and a standout quarterback are starting to make a big impact in Marble Falls.

It was a record-breaking performance by Marble Falls quarterback Mike Richardson last week -- 734 total yards in a game making it the most yardage by any Texas high school quarterback ever.

Richardson says he was in a fog for a couple days after, but credits his teammates.

"Oh,wow," said Richardson, "Big accomplishment. It's an honor, to say the least."

This one, single record-breaking game has the entire town abuzz but they say they saw it coming. The new stadium and new coach are all part of a big plan starting to pay off for the city.

Ben Shields is program director and football announcer at KBEY radio. He said football has been the talk of the town as they get ready for Friday night lights.

There's even word Sports Illustrated will be in town to cover this week's game.

"Pretty exciting." said Shields. "You know, small-town Marble Falls getting national attention."

Shields said football is hot this year. Station owner and GM Tim Walker said he's never seen anything else like it .

"We've always had a big trouble with football sponsorships in the past. This year, it was not the case," said Walker. "We sold out our entire advertising package for Marble Falls football within four days."

Business owners said having a big game was great. They said having a big time coach creates excitement.

"Todd Dodge coming to town is big news," said Brady. "He's got a great track record and it's exciting for the whole area."