Pigskin Preview 2009 Issue

Transcription

Pigskin Preview 2009 Issue
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17-3A.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39-41
Table of Contents
Bullard, Gilmer, Gladewater, Spring Hill,
Tatum, Chapel Hill
W h en i s a n a n kle s p rain
so methi n g m o r e ? .. ...................... . 4
18-3A.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-45
TA PPS D - 2 D i v 2........................7-11
Grace Community, TK Gorman, Trinity Cedar
Hill, Parish Episcopal, First Baptist Dallas,
Dallas Christian
20-3A.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-48
Brook Hill, All Saints, Garland Christian,
Dallas Shelton, Dallas Lutheran,
Coram Deo Academy
11 - 5 A.. . . . . . . . . . . . ....................... 1 6-19
Robert E Lee, John Tyler, DeSoto, Mesquite,
Mesquite Horn, North Mesquite
The last second comeback. The onside
Ba si c Inj ur y Trea t ment .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 50
That’s high school football in Texas. And
17-2A.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 51-55
while we can’t go back and replay the
games, we can do what Lone Star football
Daingerfield, Hughes Springs, Jefferson,
Linden-Kildare, Ore City, Queen City
Impor tance of Having a
Pr i ma r y Ca re Physi ci a n.. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 54
13 - 4 A.. . . . . . . . . . . . ....................... 2 1-25
18-2A.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 55-59
Hallsville Bobcats, Longview, Pine Tree,
Marshall, Mt Pleasant, Sulphur Springs,
Texas High
Harmony, New Diana, Elysian Fields, Sabine,
Union Grove, Harleton, White Oak, Winona
19-2A.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61-63
14-4A...................................................................26-29
Henderson, Jacksonville, Kilgore, Lindale,
Nacogdoches, Whitehouse
Arp, Elkhart, Frankston, Garrison, West
Rusk, Troup
14 - 3 A.. . . . . . . . . . . . ....................... 2 9-33
17-1A.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64-66
Canton, Eustace, Kemp, Mineola, Van,
Wills Point
Big Sandy, Detroit, Union Hill, Hawkins,
Maud, Simms Bowie
16 - 3 A.. . . . . . . . . . . . ....................... 3 4-38
19-1A.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67-70
Atlanta, Mt Vernon, New Boston, Pittsburg,
Liberty-Eylau, Pleasant Grove
WHAT IF YOU
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VICTORY JUST
ONE MORE TIME?
Athens, Brownsboro, Crockett, Fairfield,
Palestine, Westwood
TA PPS D - 3 D i v 3...................... 1 2-14
Carthage, Center, Diboll, Huntington, Jasper,
Rusk
Beckville, Joaquin, Mount Enterprise, West
Sabine, Tenaha, Timpson, Waskom
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3
When is an ankle sprain something more?
William R. Hobbs, MD
Trinity Mother Frances Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine
Grade 1 injury involves partial tearing of the ATFL and a Grade 2 sprain
has a complete tear of the ATFL and partial tearing of the CFL. Grade
3 injuries have complete rupture of both ligaments and are usually the
most susceptible to chronic problems. Grade 3 injuries also require
the longest time for recovery, sometimes as long as -six to eight weeks.
Typically, Grade 1 injuries require one to two weeks and Grade 2 sprains
require two to four weeks for return to sports. Rarely do any of these
injuries require immediate operative repair because of the high rate of
healing with non-operative treatment. Initial treatment involves RICE
(rest, ice, compression and elevation). A walking boot is infrequently
needed and usually only with Grade 3 injuries, until swelling resolves.
Crutches may be indicated if the athlete is having trouble walking on the
foot. Recurrent sprains (loose ankle) may require either a “tightening”
or reconstruction of the outer ligaments, but even these issues can
usually be treated with appropriate strengthening of the supporting ankle
muscles and balance training.
Ankle sprains are the most common
injury in running and jumping sports,
occurring in one per 10,000 people per
day. They represent 25 -50 percent of
injuries in these sports and most heal
without incident. Only about 1030 percent go on to develop chronic
problems of instability or pain. When
problems persist, we must consider other
pathologic process that can mimic an
ankle sprain.
The ankle is a hinged joint and derives
most of its stability from the bony
anatomy made up of the tibia, fibula and
talus. It has a saddle configuration and has three ligaments on the lateral
(outer) side: anterior talofibular (ATFL), calcaneofibular (CFL) and the
posterior talofibular (PTFL). In addition, there is one ligament on the
medial (inner) side, the deltoid. These ligaments primarily function
when the ankle is platarflexed (foot pointing down) and the foot rolls
from side to side.
“High” ankle sprains involve the ligament that connects the two bones
of the lower leg, the tibia and fibula, called the syndesmosis. At its lower
edge, near the upper ankle, it thickens to form the anterior and posterior
tibiofibular ligaments. When this is torn, it can take up to three months
to heal. Occasionally, surgery is required to place screws to hold the two
bones together while the syndesmosis is healing. We also have to rule
out a fracture of the fibular bone on the outside of the knee with this
injury.
A sprain can be a stretch, partial tear or a complete tear of the ligament
and leads to swelling and inflammation over the affected ligaments. If
the force is severe enough, there can be a fracture of one or both of
the bones, an injury to the cartilage, or tearing of the tendons running
behind the ankle. The outer ligaments are injured much more frequently
than the inner ligament.
Fractures of the ankle require surgery if both bones are broken or
if either is out of alignment. Otherwise, casting for two to three
months is appropriate. An injury to the cartilage of the talus, called
osteochondritis dessicans, can lead to persistent ankle pain after a sprain.
It is usually visible on X-rays, but early on may require an MRI to detect.
Pain is usually in the front of the ankle with walking, and there may be
persistent swelling with activities. Tearing or instability of the peroneal
tendons that run behind the fibula can also lead to chronic pain. This is
usually associated with popping on ankle motion, and pain at the outer
ankle. Finally, if the bones of the hind foot do not separate properly
during growth, the athlete can have episodes of frequent ankle sprains
and on exam will have loss of side-to-side motion of the foot. An MRI
or CT scan can identify the fused bone and surgery is usually necessary
to separate the bones and alleviate symptoms.
Typically, the athlete will complain of pain along the outer side of the
injury after “rolling” the ankle. They may or may not feel a pop and
swelling usually occurs quickly. On exam, we check for tenderness along
the ligament and look for increased translation (sliding) of the ankle. If
there is tenderness along the medial or lateral ankle bones (tibia/fibula)
or if there is popping with stressing these bones, then the ankle is likely
broken, and we will remove the athlete from the competition until an
X-ray can be taken. We also check a squeeze test (compressing the two
bones of the lower leg and looking for ankle pain) to rule out a “high”
ankle sprain. If the pain is only along the ligament and the swelling is
minimal, we will re-tape the athlete’s ankle and see if he/she can run
on it. If they are unable to perform with the added support, we will
remove the athlete from the competition. Braces and pre-taping before
competition can help prevent some injuries, especially with recurrent
sprains. Taping can stretch out over time and may require reinforcing
during the course of the game.
Ankle sprains are common setbacks for running and jumping athletes.
Most heal quickly with simple, non-operative treatments. The most
important issue to address with an acute injury is to rule out a break
and to determine the safety of returning to the competition at that time.
However, if symptoms persist over several months or injuries continue to
recur, consider some of the other problems discussed here.
Ankle sprains are classified from grade 1-3 depending on the severity of
the injury to the ligaments and the number of ligaments involved. A
4
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TAPPS Division 2 District 2
This May Be T he Toughest TA PP S District In Texas …Reall y!
Clint Yeatts - KLTV 7 News
Ever hear a Texas high school football coach utter the phrase, “We play in the toughest district in Texas.” Yeah we’ve all heard that a lot and you’ll be
reading it a time or two in the pages of this edition of Pigskin Preview. But when it comes to TAPPS D-2 ball the folks in District 2 might just have a
valid claim to that statement.
Just look at 2008. In a Division that spans from Lubbock to Houston to San Antonio to Dallas and back to East Texas the state championship game
featured the first and second place team from District 2.
In fact Dallas Christian, the 2008 Division Two TAPPS state champion, has either won or played for a state title nine times in the past 17 years that
Coach Mike Wheeler has been at the helm.
And this year most coaches agree to win this district (then maybe state) you’ve got to beat Dallas Christian.
Wheeler was the only coach not to pick D.C. as the preseason favorite to win the district. In our interview he told me a sad story about losing 14
seniors off his championship team. Then went on to tell me about an o-line that will easily average 250 pounds.
That doesn’t mean the other six teams are not contenders. Cedar Hill had a great run in ’08. Their only two losses, including the state title game,
came at the hands of Dallas Christian.
Parish Episcopal is always a contender as is Prestonwood. And a lot of coaches think the sleeper this year may be Tyler’s Grace Community who just
joined TAPPS football last season.
One thing is pretty clear, whoever comes out on top of “the toughest district in Texas” should be considered a favorite to go all the way to the state title
game…again.
Da ll as Christi a n
Ch a rgers
A tradition has been cast in TAPPS football. To get
through postseason you have to get through Dallas
Christian.
The Chargers finished 2008 with a perfect 14-0 record
and a TAPPS Division 2 state title.
“You wish you could continue and keep the same kids,
that would make the job a whole lot easier,” says Head
Coach Mike Wheeler, “but it doesn’t work that way.”
Wheeler loses 14 seniors off his state title team.
Seven of those had been starters since they were
sophomores.
At the top of the graduation list, All-State Quarterback
Cory Brooks who will play baseball at Pepperdine
this fall. Also gone is All American linebacker Blake
Rudd who will play football at Abilene Christian in
September.
But don’t feel too sorry for Coach Wheeler, he’s got
a bunch, a BIG bunch coming back for another state
title run.
At the top of that list is offensive lineman Chris Adcock.
The 6’2” 295 pound senior has already committed to
California and will anchor a line that weighs in at 295,
280, 265 and 240.
Wheeler will also look to senior running back Brandon
Durham to help lead the offense. Durham gain 1500
years last season while splitting time as cornerback
on defense.
All district linebacker Anthony Williams will lead a very
experienced Charger defense.
6
There are some big guys on that side of the line too,
including 6’4” 240 pound senior Taylor Cooksey.
If there is anything that may jeopardize another run at
a state title for DC is depth.
“I don’t care what folks say, you’ve got to be a little
lucky,” says Wheeler. “We’ve been fortunate to stay
healthy and to be successful this year; we can’t afford
to have injury in any key position.”
He’ll also need some young guys like QB Ryan Downs
to step up and fill some big shoes.
Coach Wheeler admits expectations will be high again
this year.
If for no other reason in the 17 years he has been
coach here the Chargers have played for a state title
nine times. And they looked poised to make it ten in
2009.
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Chris Adcock
Brandon Durham
Anthony Williams
Taylor Cooksey
Stephen Campbell
Chris LeFevers
Clint Madden
Senior
Senior Senior Senior Senior Senior
Senior OL/DL 6’3” 295
RB/CB 5’7” 170
LB/FB 5’10” 230
OL/DL 6’4” 280
FB/DE/K6’0” 180
DL/OL 6’0” 210
TE/DL 6’2” 220
Mascot : Chargers
Student Enrollment: 240
Superintendent:
Terry Harlow
Head Coach:
Mike Wheeler
7
Returning Offense Starters:
4
Returning Defense Starters:
7
S chedule
8/28
Ft. Worth Trinity Valley Home
7:30
9/4
John Paul II
7:30
Away
9/11
Ft Worth Country Day Away
7:30
9/18
Ft. Worth Christian
7:30
9/25
*Trinity Christian Cedar HillAway
Home
7:30
10/2
*Prestonwood
Home
7:30
10/9
*Parish Episcopal
Away
7:30
10/16
*Tyler Grace
Home
7:30
Away
7:30
Home
7:30
10/23 *FBA
10/30
Open
11/6
*TKG
*district games
Trinit y Cedar Hill
Tiger s
Coach Mike Helmer says he really didn’t know what
to expect when he started the 2008 campaign. The
Tigers moved up to Division Two missing the cutoff
by just one student. It would have been a successful
move if not for one thing, Dallas Christian.
The Tigers went 12-2 last season. Both loses came at
the hands of the Chargers.
Cont.
Now You Can See Previous Issues
of Pigskin Preview Online
TAPPS Division 2 District 2
Trinit y Cedar Hill
The Tigers lost to D.C. in district then again in the
state championship game. Helmer knew a state title
was possible. He had 16 returning lettermen on that
team.
2009 he says, will be a whole new story.
Gone is All-State running back Dominque Rambo
and QB Jacobie King. Both will be playing college
basketball this fall. In all, Helmer loses 11 senior
starters from last years state runners up leaving him to
use the word “rebuild” when talking about 2009.
“I don’t know if you can replace the kind of skill level
and the kind of talent we had last year,” says Helmer,
“our JV finished 5-4 and those kids have to be ready
to step up.”
On offense Helmer says leadership may come from
the guy in the very middle. Senior center Kevin Garza
is already getting some D-1 looks. With three other
starters, the “O-Line” may be the strongest feature
of the Tigers offense. Helmer says he has no idea
yet who will take the QB job while last years fullback
Terrance Sims will be tagged to fill Rambo’s All-State
shoes.
be expected to carry a bigger part of the load this
year.
The Tiger’s have a big guy to fill the big holes on
defense. 6’4” 250 pound defensive end Parker
Holloway will anchor the Tigers defense.
He is
considering committing to Oklahoma State before the
season even starts.
The Tigers averaged more than 36 points a game last
season…but it may be the defense that leads this time
in 2009.
8/28
Bishop Dunne
Away
7:30
9/4
Grace Prep
Away
7:30
9/11
Open
“We are going to have to figure out how to score
points,” says Coach Helmer.
If they do, no one will be surprised to see the Tigers
back in the playoffs in 2009.
Playe r s t o Wa t ch.
Prestonwood L ions
His biggest holes to fill come on the defensive line and
line backing corp.
“It wasn’t just the lost of Kaleb,” says Cunningham,
“we took our starting safety out to play quarterback
and from there the shuffle of players really cost us
more on defense than losing Kaleb on offense.
The Lions finished the year at 4-5.
The good news for Cunningham is most of his skilled
players are back. Kaleb Kyser returns for his senior
season at QB. And though the Lions like to throw the
ball a lot senior Kourtland Hite will should make some
noise in the backfield. He ran for more than 1000
yards on 156 carries last season.
Prestonwood runs a no huddle spread offense. While
All-State wide out Luke Taylor was lost to graduation,
Cunningham has several seniors ready to take his
place.
Seniors Andrew Mobely and Scott Lichty will fill the
inside slots while juniors Chris Grayson and Kris
Corley will be asked to step in as wide receivers.
But offense is the least of Coach Cunningham’s
worries.
6
Schedul e
Helmer has high hopes for junior wide receiver D’Mikel
Trotter. He played a big role as a sophomore and will
But at the halfway mark, the injury bug bit the Lions.
Quarterback Kaleb Kyser had a season ending injury
and from there as coach puts it, “we went on the
skids.”
Returning Defensive Starts: Juniors Devin Pharms and Marco Barrentios should
make an impact in an experienced secondary.
D’Mikel Trotter
Terrance Sims
Parker Holloway
Devin Pharms
Marco Barrentios
Kevin Garza
2008 did not end the way new head coach Chris
Cunningham had hoped.
The year started with
some big wins over some big names including Bishop
Lynch.
Mascot:
Tigers
Superintendent:
Dr. Cathy Watts
Enrollment:
246
Head Coach
Mike Helmer
Returning Offensive Starters: 6
Junior
Senior
Senior Junior
Junior
Senior
WR
RB/LB
TE/DE
S
WR/CB
C/DL
5’10” 170
5’10” 215
6’4” 250
5’10” 170
6’0” 175
6’2” 250
Senior safety Josh Caldwell will be asked to take over
the leadership job on defense.
As for his defensive line, Cunningham says spring ball
gave him a couple of hopefuls, namely junior Nathan
Lee who will take over as middle linebacker.
Seniors Tyler Klienert and Trevor Scheef show a lot of
promise on the outside.
Defensive line decisions may not come until two-adays.
“We’ve got to play better defense,” says Coach, “I
don’t worry about scoring points, no one really slowed
us down last year. The problem was playing defense.
We’ve got to stop the run. That’s what we struggle
with. That’s important for next year; we’ve got to stop
the running game.”
If that happens and the Lions stay healthy…the Lions
believe they can turn the disappointment of 2008 into
a trip to the playoffs in 2009.
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Kayleb Kyser
Kourtland Hite
Andrew Mobely
Scott Lichty
Chris Grayson
Kris Corley
Josh Caldewell
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Junior
Junior
Senior
8
QB
RB
WR
WR
WR
WR
S
9/18
Ferris
Home
7:30
9/25
*Dallas Christian
Home
7:30
10/2
*TKG
Away
7:30
10/9
Waco Reicher
Away
7:30
10/16
*Prestonwood
Home
7:30
10/23
*Parish Episocopal
Away
7:30
10/30
*Grace Community
Home
7:30
11/6
*FBA
Away
7:30
*district games
Jathan Lee
Junior
MLB
Tyler Klienert
Senior
OLB
Trevor Scheef
Senior
OLB
Mascot: Lions
Student Enrollment: 430
Head of School:
Larry Taylor
Head Coach:
Chris Cunningham
Returning offense starters: 6
Returning defense starters: 5
Schedul e
8/29
Open
9/4
Bishop Lynch
Away
7:30
9/11
Episcopal School of Dallas Away
7:30
9/18
Trinity Christian Addison
Home
7:30
9/25
*First Baptist Academy
Home
7:30
10/2
*Dallas Christian
Away
7:30
10/9
*TK Gorman
Home
7:30
10/16 *Trinity Christian Cedar Hill Away
7:30
10/23 Liberty Argyle
Away
7:30
10/30 *Parish Episcopal
Home
7:30
11/6 *Grace Community
*district games
Away
7:30
pigskinpreview.net
9
TAPPS Division 2 District 2
Grace Communit y
Cougar s
have very few varsity starts among them.
Defense may actually be the biggest asset for the
Cougars.
The Cougars took their young football program to a
new level in 2008 stepping in to the TAPPS arena for
the first time.
After starting as a sophomore in 2008 and leading
the team in tackles, Micah Clark returns with more
experience at middle linebacker.
“I thought we competed well,” says head coach Mike
Maddox, “we would have liked to have had one more
but we got our first district win under our belt and we
learned a lot about what we have to do to compete at
this level. “
Same is the case for defensive lineman Richie Price
and outside linebacker Bradley White. All got lots of
playing time as sophomores and will be expected to
anchor the Cougar defense as juniors.
The Cougar’s strengths will flip this season. Last year
Grace featured a high octane offense that, on most
Friday nights, scored a lot of points but their defense
gave up a lot too.
This year the experience and talent will be on defense
leaving Coach Maddox to fill some big holes on the
offense. Grace loses All-State utility player Kyle
Childress as well as four out of five starters on his
offensive line.
Returning is 2nd team all district senior QB Grant
Ingram. Also back is junior QB Taylor Stanley whose
broken arm kept him on the sidelines half the season.
“I’m blessed with two guys that can make our offense
run,” say Maddox. Junior Cameron Broderhausen
returns to the backfield after filling that spot as a
sophomore last year.
Just about everyone else on offense will be starting on
varsity for the very first time.
In Maddox’s no-huddle spread whoever is the QB will
be throwing to a group of sophomores and juniors that
Parish Episcopal
Panther s
The Panthers finished third in a district that featured
the state champion and runner up. That kind of puts
the year into perspective.
Despite losing two of their running backs and their
center to injury, Parish finished the year with an
8-2 record. All three of their backs from the 2008
campaign are headed to play college ball this fall. In
fact, the Panthers graduated ten offensive starters.
Where to find an offense has been a question coach
Scott Nady has asked over and over since the end of
last season.
“I’ve got a whole bunch of names,” says Nady, “if you
ask me today I could give you a list of who might play,
tomorrow that list could change and would probably
change the day after that.”
The lone offensive returning starter though is an
impressive one. All-State lineman Ty McDonnough
will be expected to not only be a leader but an anchor
to the Panther offense.
“It won’t take a genius to scout us,” says Nady, “we’ll
be running right behind the big guy that can block.”
Nady says if he had to suit up a team today, as many
If there is a weakness on defense, it will come in the
secondary. Three of the four starters from last season
have graduated. Leaving some big holes to fill in the
in the secondary.
Some district coaches tagged Grace as a “dark horse”
in the district race. While small in size, they all consider
the Cougars as the team that could “sneak up” on a lot
of folks this year.
“It’s nice to start getting some respect from our district
competitors,” say Maddox, “but we have a lot of work
to do to compete in this district. Last year we learned
a few things about intensity…what we have to bring to
the game, every game. “ If the Cougars have learned
those lessons you may just see this “dark horse”
surprise a lot of folks come district play this fall.
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Grant Ingram
Senior
QB/DB 5’6”
Taylor Stanley
Junior
QB/DB 5’8”
Cameron Broderhausen JuniorRB/LB 5’11”
Micah Clark
Junior
OL/MLB6’0”
145
150
170
200
as 4 to 5 freshmen would be starting on offense.
Defense is a whole different story.
Richie Price
Bradley White
Steven Stanley
Caleb Jones
Junior
Junior
Senior
Senior
Mascot:
Headmaster:
Enrolment
Head Coach
8/29
Eustace
9/4
Grapeland
Junior
Senior
Senior
ML/FB 6’2” 190
DL
6’3” 260
OL
5’11” 210
Mascot:
Panthers
Student Enrollment: 325
10
@All Saints
7:30
Home
7:30
Malakoff
Home
7:30
Plano John Paul
Home
7:30
9/25
*Parish Episcopal
Away
7:30
10/2
Open
10/9
*FBA
Home
7:30
10/16
*Dallas Christian
Away
7:30
10/23
*TK Gorman
Home
7:30
10/30
*Trinity Cedar Hill
Away
7:30
11/6
*Prestonwood
Away
7:30
*denotes district game
1
Returning Defensive Starters: 9
8/28 Episcopal Scl of Dallas Away
7:30
9/4
Kemp
7:30
9/10
Dallas Hillcrest
Away
7:30
9/18
Austin Hyde Park
Away
7:30
9/25
*Tyler Grace
Home
7:30
10/2
*FBA
Away
7:30
10/9
*Dallas Christian
Home
7:30
10/16
*TKG
Away
7:30
10/23
*Trinity Cedar Hill
Home
7:30
10/30
*Prestonwood
Away
7:30
11/6
Open
*district games
You may see the ball in the air a lot more this season.
Wilson will be relying on senior QB Alex Fergerson to
help lead his young offense. Returning as the starting
QB, Fergerson will be throwing to some bigger than
usual wide outs this year including juniors Christian
Tucker and Jacob Becker, and sophomore Conrad
Flowers.
“You can’t replace a guy like Kevin,” says Coach
Wilson, “you just have to find someone who can do
something different.”
Defense may be the Crusaders strong side. Senior
Ricky Hand will not only pull duties in the backfield, but
will be the defensive anchor at middle linebacker.
Fir st Bap tist Academy
Saint s
A new but familiar face takes over the helm at First
Baptist in 2009. Jason Lovvorn was quarterback for
the Saints five years ago. He returned to his alma
mater last year as QB coach and was promoted this
spring to head coach. He takes over a program that
has not seen a lot of success in the last couple of
years. The Saints finished the ’08 campaign with a
3-7 record
Dave Monaco
Scott Nady
Home
The TK Gorman Crusaders accomplished their first
goal of 2008. Win more games than the year before.
After a 1-9 season in 2007, the Crusaders ended ’08
at five and five and a trip to the playoffs. Though they
lost in the first round it was a big turnaround for Coach
Reggie Wilson and the TKG program.
But he and 15 other seniors from that playoff team
graduated, leaving Coach Wilson the job of rebuilding
an offense that put a lot of points on the board last
year.
9/11
Head Master: Head Coach: TK Gorman Crusader s
Kevin Navetta had a breakout year running up and
down the field on almost every opponent.
9/18
Schedul e
Rob Hankins
Eric Humphrey
Ty McDonnough
155
160
140
150
Schedul e
“Our hope lies in our defense,” says Nady, “we may
have to win every game six to nothing.”
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
5’6”
6’0”
5’6”
5’9”
Returning Offensive Starters 3
Returning Defensive Starters 7
Returning Offensive Starters: “We’ve got to make our kids believe in the long term,”
says coach, “many of our victories will not be on the
scoreboard. We’ve got to understand our victories will
come in doing things correctly, not being afraid and
meeting the challenges ahead of us. Those are the
kind of victories will be looking for this season.”
OL/DL
RB/LB
WR/DB
OL/DL
Cougars
Jay Ferguson
245
Mike Maddox
Nine starters return, including All-State middle
linebacker Rob Mankins and honorable mention AllState defensive tackle Eric Humphrey.
But with so many young kids expected to step up this
year, Coach Nady says this will be a year of managing
expectations.
TAPPS Division 2 District 2
A lot will be expected too from senior defensive end
Sam Scarborough who led the district in tackles last
season.
Coach Wilson knows to top last year’s results, a lot of
things must come together. “We must execute, step
up and make plays,” he says.
Returning Offensive Starters:
4
“One player always breaks out of his shell.” says
Wilson, “We’re trying to figure out just who that will be.
We’ve got lots of potential.”
Returning Defensive Starters:
5
If that potential comes together come August, don’t be
surprised to see the Crusaders looking to take one of
those playoff spots again this year.
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Alex Fergerson
Ricky Hand
Jacob Becker
Conrad Flowers
Christian Tucker
Luis Fernandez
Hunter Matzke
Jack Ryder
Senior
Senior
Junior
Soph
Junior
Senior
Senior
Senior
QB
RB/MLB
RB/DB
WR/TE
WR5’11”
WR/DB
WR/DB
WR/DB
6,0” 190
5’11” 185
5’10” 160
6’1” 195
165
5’9” 160
6’0” 150
6’0” 160
At 6’6” 240 pounds, defensive end Justin Graham
will anchor the defense literally and physically. Coach
will be looking to the all district performer to lead the
charge on defense.
Most of all Lovvorn wants his team to be more physical.
He saw some of that during spring ball and he hopes
to build on that come two-a-days.
“I want us to be known as the hardest hitting team in
the district,” says Lovvorn. “We will be much more
balanced on offense but on defense I’m excited about
seeing our guys get out there and hit someone.”
Lovvorn loses a bunch of offensive and defensive
leaders to graduation. QB Braden Frazier and MLB
Rodney Caffey were the senior leaders on the squad.
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
He has some experienced folks to throw to.
Senior Caleb Lavallais returns as wide receiver. Last
season Lavallais caught 58 passes for 825 yards and
13 touchdowns.
S chedu le
8/29
Big Sandy
@All Saints
2:00
9/4
West Rusk
Away
7:30
9/11
Union Grove
Away
7:30
Away
7:30
Home
7:30
9/18
Lovelady
9/25
Open
10/2
*Trinity Cedar Hill
10/9
*Prestonwood
Away
7:30
10/16
*Parish Episcopal
Home
7:30
10/23
*Grace Community
Away
7:30
10/30
*First Baptist
Home
7:30
11/5
*Dallas Christian
Away
7:30
Home
7:30
*district games
With a big core group of kids back…and a new mentality
in the locker room, there is a good chance the Saints
may surprise a lot of folks come September. Junior Zack Gregory moves from receiver to
quarterback. Lovvorn says he may be the best QB
in FBA history, including the year he was taking snaps
for the Saints.
Crusaders
212
Jim Franz
Reggie Wilson
And he’s looking for that next breakout player.
“I told them…we know we are 3-7. That means we
have to work that much harder than everyone else,”
says Lovvorn. “Talent-wise we could have been a
.500 team. A few less injuries and we could have done
better. But we will be better prepared next season.”
But Lovvorn does inherit some experience. Eight
starters return on offense and defense and the new
coach believes that gives him a starting point to turn
the FBA ship around.
Mascot: Student Enrollment:
Principal:
Head Coach:
Zach Gregory
Caleb Lavallais
Jake Valdez
Justin Grisham
Dezmond Howard
Junior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
QB/DB
WR/DB
WR/DB
OL/DE
OL/DE
Mascot:
Saints
Student Enrollment: 240
Head Coach:
Jason Lovvorn
Returning Offensive Starters:
8
Returning Defensive Starters:
11
8
S chedu le
8/28
John Paul II
9/4
Colleyville Covenant
Away
7:30
9/11
Nevada Community
Away
7:30
9/18
Frisco Legacy
Away
7:30
9/25
*Prestonwood
Away
7:30
10/2
*Parish Episcopal
Home
7:30
10/9
*Grace Community
Away
7:30
10/16
Sunnyvale
Home
7:30
10/23
*Dallas Christian
Home
7:30
10/30
*TK Gorman
Away
7:30
11/6
*Trinity Cedar Hill
Home
7:30
*district games
6’3”
6’1”
5’11”
6’6”
6’3”
175
202
175
240
220
TA P P S D - 2 D i v 2
Pre-Season
C o a ch e s’ Po ll
1. Dallas Christian
2. tie - Trinity Cedar Hill
Prestonwood
4. Grace Community
5. Parish Episcopal
6. TK Gorman
7. First Baptist Academy
TAPPS Division 3 District 3
TAPPS Division 3 District 3
E x pect ations High A gain For District 3 Frontrunner s
Clint Yeatts - KLTV 7 News
You might call last season a year of failed expectations. Both Brook Hill and Dallas Lutheran were expecting bigger things in 2008. At Brook Hill last
fall, there was lots of talk of bringing home a state title. Lutheran had high hopes too. But in the end, both teams fell short and now both programs are
vowing not to let that happen again.
Last year’s district champ and runner up both return a stable full of talent. The only big change in the two schools is at the coaching position at BH.
Terry Pirtle moves from Pine Tree ISD to take over the Guard’s private school program.
But there is also something brewing with the several other teams in this district. Both Shelton and All Saints have some experienced players returning.
But mark October 30th on your calendar. That’s when BH and Lutheran meet in what may be the district championship showdown and maybe even a
preview of what could lie ahead in the playoffs.
Brook Hill Gua rd
This time last year, then Brook Hill coach Jim Klaczak
said anything less than a state championship would be
a disappointment for the Guard.
BH had a great year but fell short of a state title ending
their year at 9-2.
In 2009 the expectations will be the same, but a new
face will be leading the Guard.
After 22 years in the public school system, the last as
offensive coordinator at Pine Tree, Terry Pirtle takes
over the program at Brook Hill.
For BH fans, that will be one of the few new faces this
season. Pirtle inherits a team that has a lot of young
players returning with a year of experience under their
belt.
“We’ve lost some depth on the offensive and defensive
line,” says Pirtle, “but most of our skill kids are back. I
think you can count on the same expectations in the
most people’s minds…the expectations are to be a
contender.”
He certainly has a great start toward that in Jeremy
Chaepplle. The senior that moved to BH last year,
was an All-State performer on defense. “Jeremy is a
pure athlete,” says Pirtle, “He is already getting some
looks from Division One schools. He’ll be relied on to
make plays on offense and defense.”
Pirtle will be moving Chappelle from linebacker to
safety and on offense, expect the ball to be up in the
air headed his way more than last year.
Junior Tyler Baker will run the offense at QB again. He
G a rl a nd Christi a n
Swordsmen
Rebuilding a program from the ground up is not an
easy job, but that’s what landed in the lap of head
coach Paul Johnston when he arrived at Garland
Christian last summer.
In the two previous seasons, the Swordsmen had
gone a combined 1-20. So last years 3-7 season that
included a trip to the playoffs was something new for
the Swordsmen.
Heading into 2009 the program is still nowhere close
was a 2nd team All-State performer at the position as
well as All-State on defense. “We are going to throw
the ball more,” says Pirtle, “we’ll be in the spread a lot,
but I’m a real multiple formation guy, so you’ll see a lot
of different looks.”
While graduation robbed the line on both sides of the
ball, a couple of “big” guys are back including 6’5” 280
pound lineman Heath Dickey.
On defense, you’ll see a lot of the same faces. In fact,
Pirtle has told his guys a lot of folks will be going both
ways this fall including Chappelle, Baker and Dickey.
Sophomore Ross Lee, who was the leading tackler
last season, will also be expected to lead the Guard
Defense.
But first things first…Coach Pirtle says he wants to
begin his time at Brook Hill with a change of mentality
inside the Guard locker room. “Coming from public
schools for 22 years, there are some things I want to
change, like a sense of urgency in workouts. Having
kids understand what practice is and how it correlates
to Friday nights. Trying to get that public school
mentality…something more of an edge. The public
school mentality is pretty hard core which is what
makes football in Texas great.”
A mentality that just might be the key in helping the
Guard meet their fans’ expectations in 2009.
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Jeremy Chappell
Tyler Baker
Tallen Harris
Jamel Bell
Senior
Junior
Junior
Senior
WR/S
QB/S
OL/LB
RB/OLB
6’3” 200
5/10” 175
5’10” 195
6’1” 180
to where Johnston wants it to be.
His quarterback Arron Peterson and his back-up were
both seniors. And Johnston says he has no idea who
can fill the job.
His only all district player, WR Matt Winkelmeyer
graduated as well leaving the stable awfully empty
at Garland Christian. “We are extremely, extremely
young and extremely inexperienced,” says Johnston,
“I’ve got some kids that are out here for the very first
time.”
Garland’s football program may be the victim of
success in other areas. With winning traditions in
12
Heath Dickey
Courtney Thomas
Ross Lee
J.B. Moss
Jared Dickey
Matt Ruark
Zach Cool
Senior
Senior
Soph
Soph
Soph
Junior
Senior
Mascot: Headmaster: Student Enrollment:
Head Coach:
OL/DL
OL/DL
RB/LB
WR/K/CB
WR/OLB
RB/LB
RB/CB
6’5” 280
6’6” 290
5’9” 170
5’10” 160
6’3” 195
6’1” 180
5’11” 170
Guard
Rod Fletcher
180
Terry Pirtle
Returning Offensive Starters: 5
Head Coach: P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Returning Offensive Starters: 4
Brian Mogish
Joel Ramirz
Ben Trotter
Returning Defensive Starters: 3
10/16
*Dallas Shelton
Away
7:30
S chedul e
10/23
*Dallas Lutheran
Home
7:30
10/30
*Coram Deo Academy Away
7:30
11/6
*Tyler All Saints
7:30
Senior
Senior
Junior
Mascot: Student enrollment Administrator:
DL 5’4” 120
OL/DL 6’1” 205
LB/RB 6’1” 185
Swordsmen
125
Linda Glassel
A ll S a int s T roja ns
All Saints Coach Mark Ackerman knew 2008 would
not be easy. With only 24 players out for football and
injuries early on, the season was a real challenge.
The Trojans finished the 2008 season at 3-7 playing
mostly freshman and seniors but this spring things are
looking up for this young football program.
38 players came out for spring ball, the most ever for
an All Saints season. And there would have been
more except the AS baseball team was out winning a
baseball state title during spring drills. While the senior
class is still pretty small, Coach Ackerman is excited
about his group of underclassmen.
“We will have a JV team for the first time. We are going
to try and keep our younger kids on the JV. Maybe
one or two will play up. We’ve got the chance now to
keep and build a real solid JV team.”
Returning Defensive Starters: 5
Schedul e
@All Saints
G a rl a nd Chris ti a n
8/28
Hawkins
7:30
9/4
Open
9/11
San Augustine
Away 7:30
9/18
Dallas Spruce
Home
7:30
9/25
Big Sandy
Away
7:30
10/2
Acadian Prep
Home
7:30
10/9
*Garland Christian
Away
7:30
10/16
*All Saints
Away
7:30
10/23
*Dallas Shelton
Home
7:30
10/30
*Dallas Lutheran
Away
7:30
11/6
*Coram Deo Home
7:30
*denotes district games
baseball and basketball Johnston has found it difficult
to get some athletes to come out for football.
Joel Ramirez is one of the few returning seniors. He
should make an impact on the offensive and defensive
line. He along with senior Brian Mogish and junior Ben
Trotter are part of only a handful of returning starters.
Johnston says winning some district games and
making it to the playoffs was a positive way to end
2008. He hopes some of that winning attitude can
carry over when the Swordsmen hit the field come
August.
cont.
With more numbers comes more opportunity. In the
past, Coach Ackerman has had to create a quarterback.
This year sophomore Benjamin Taylor came out for
spring ball and coach thinks he has found a QB he can
build a program around. “Benjamin is a really good
athlete,” says Coach Ackerman, “this gives us a place
to start building for the next couple of years.”
Da ll as Shelt on
Ch a rgers
The Chargers ended 2008 third in district. Coach
Phillip Carroll thinks a few less mental errors and
things would have been much different. “We were just
outplayed by Brook Hill,” says Carroll, “we made a lot
of mistakes against Lutheran. That has got to be our
priority this year, cutting down on mental errors.”
The Chargers did grab the third playoff spot but lost in
the first round to Carrolton Christian.
Shelton only loses four seniors off that team including
All-State punter Kevin Hardy and Quarterback Brent
Olsen.
While QB is still undecided for 2009, Coach Carroll
has some experience in other areas to work with this
season.
All-District linebacker Dylan Maxwell will be the key and
provide some senior leadership. He was captain as a
junior and should be key in the Chargers’ success.
Paul Johnston
9/25
8/28
Richardson Canyon CreekHome 7:30
9/4
Frisco Legacy
7:30
Away
9/11
Colleyville Covenant
Away
7:30
9/18
Carrolton Christian
Home
7:30
Open
10/2
McKinney Christian
Home
7:30
10/9
*Brook Hill
Home
7:30
Away
*district games
There are only four seniors out for football but they
will be expected to help encourage their younger
teammates. Senior Harrison Jenkins will be a key
player on the offensive and defensive lines, while senior
Jay Harden will play a big role in the secondary.
HS Enrollment
Head Coach
Returning Offensive Starters
6
They’ll be helping guys like sophomore linebacker
Hale Buckley navigate varsity football.
Returning Defensive Starters
7
While the numbers are certainly encouraging, Coach
Ackerman is quick to point out the Trojans still have a
lot of work to do. “We want to win. We are not setting
state championship goals just yet but we know we can
win. We want to be the first AS team to win more than
4 games. And we want to be the first to make the
playoffs. These are goals I think we can achieve in
2009,” says Ackerman.
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Harrison Jenkins
Brian Allen
Jay Hardin
Hale Buckley
Mascot: Headmaster:
Senior
Junior
Senior
Soph
OL/DE
OL/DE
WR/DB
RB/LB
6’3” 185
5’11” 205
5’10” 160
5’10” 160
Trojan
Art Burke
195
Mark Ackerman
S chedu le
8/29
Buffalo
9/4
Open
9/11
Timpson
Home
2:00
Away
7:30
9/18
Prince of Peace
Away
7:30
9/25
Ft Worth Temple
Home
7:30
10/2
Fruitvale
Home
7:30
10/9
*Dallas Lutheran
Away
7:30
10/16
*Brook Hill
Home
7:30
10/23
*Coram Deo Away
7:30
10/30
*Dallas Shelton
Home
7:30
11/6
*Garland Christian
Home
7:30
*district games
Expectations are pretty high this summer around the
Charger locker room. If they can stay healthy and cut
down the mistakes they may just do more than take
that third playoff spot come November.
S chedu le
8/28
Arlington Oakridge
9/4
Richardson Canyon CreekAway
Away
7:30
7:30
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
9/11
John Paul II
Away
7:30
Dylan Maxwell
Alyn Jackson
James Mitchell
Mark Gallemore
9/18
Ft Calvary Christian
Away
7:30
9/25
Irving the Highlands
Home
7:30
10/2
Open
Mascot
Head of School
HS enrollment
Head Coach
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
FB/LB
RB/LB
OL/DL
OL/DL
Charger
Susanne Stell
200
Phillip Carroll
Returning Offensive Starters
7
Returning Defensive Starters
9
13
6’2” 220
6’2” 220
5’10” 220
5’10” 230
10/9
*Coram Deo
Home
7:30
10/16
*Garland Christian
Home
7:30
1023
*Brook Hill
Away
7:30
10/30
*All Saints
Away
7:30
11/6
*Dallas Lutheran
Home
7:30
*district games
TAPPS Division 3 District 3
Dallas L utheran Lions
The Lions’ den is another place where expectations
are growing again this summer.
Lutheran finished the season at 5-7, finishing district at
4-1 and going two rounds deep into the playoffs
“And we were real, real young last season too,” says
head coach Nathan Robbins. “We played a tough nondistrict schedule. We had a sophomore QB get hurt…
that with several other injuries we just were not able to
score as many points as we wanted.”
Ben Hartley will jump in as a junior to run the Lions
triple option. “He’s ready for full time,” says coach
Hartley, “Ben will make all the reads in our option; he
is a very athletic young man.”
On defense, one of the few returning seniors, Steven
Ford will be calling the signals as middle linebacker.
“He is smart and athletic and will do great things for
us,” says Hartley.
Hartley looks forward to a rematch with Brook Hill
come district play but he also expects this to be a
much closer district race.
“The rest of the district is drawing a lot closer together,”
says Hartley, “winning district games by 40 or more is
probably not going to happen this season.”
Hartley is hoping with more experience he’ll see fewer
mistakes on Friday nights and more wins and maybe
even a district title by November.
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Ben Hartley
Grant Klembara
Steven Ford
Nate Koeneman
Junior
Junior
Senior
Junior
Mascot:
Executive Director
HS Enrollment
Head Coach
QB/DB 6’1”
RB/SS 5’8”
OL/MLB6’2”
OL/DL 6’2”
190
175
207
232
9/25
Frisco Legacy
Away
7:30
10/9
*All Saints
Home
7:30
10/16
*Coram Deo
Away
7:30
10/23
*Garland Christian
Away
7:30
10/30
*Brook Hill
Home
7:30
11/6
*Dallas Shelton
Away
7:30
*district games
Lions
Dave Bangert
170
Nathan Robbins
Returning Off Starters
6
Returning Def Starters
5
Open
10/2
TAPPS D-3 Div 3
Pre-Season
Co a ches’ Po ll
1. Dallas Lutheran
2. Brook Hill
3. Dallas Shelton
Sch e d u le
8/28
Pantego Christian
Home
7:30
9/4
Lutheran South
Home
7:30
9/11
Scurry Rosser
Away
7:30
9/18
Lutheran North
Away
7:30
4. All Saints
5. Coram Deo Academy
6. Garland Christian
2009 tiger Football Schedule
Date
CONVENIENT QUICK CARE
SEVEN DAYS A WEEK
NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED
DirectcAre-tyler
5414 S. Broadway
(903) 581-1601
DirectcAre-linDAle
3203 S. Main
(903) 266-4000
DirectcAre-cAnton
18780 Interstate 20
(903) 567-7748
DirectcAre-lAKe PAleStine
20208 HWY. 155 S.
(903) 825-6222
TRINITY MOTHER FRANCES HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
14
OppOnent
LOcatiOn
time
Sept. 5 .............. Wisconsin-La Crosse ........... ETBU/Ornelas Stadium ................ 11:00 a.m.
Sept. 12............. Redlands ............................ Redlands, CA ................................. 7:00 p.m.
Sept. 19............. *Sul Ross State .................... Alpine, TX ........................................ 1:00 p.m.
Sept. 26............. *Texas Lutheran ...................ETBU/Ornelas Stadium .................. 7:00 p.m.
Oct. 3 ................ *McMurry ............................. Abilene, TX .................................... 2:00 a.m.
Oct. 10 .............. *Hardin-Simmons ................. ETBU/Ornelas Stadium .................. 6:00 p.m.
Oct. 17 .............. *Louisiana College .............. Pineville, LA ................................... 2:00 p.m.
Oct. 24 .............. ◊*Mississippi College ........... ETBU/Ornelas Stadium .................. 6:00 p.m.
Oct. 31 .............. *Mary Hardin-Baylor ............. Belton, TX ...................................... 1:00 p.m.
Nov. 14 .............. *Howard Payne ....................ETBU/Ornelas Stadium ................. 1:00 p.m.
*American Southwest Conference game
◊ Homecoming
For ticket information call 903•923•2188
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15
District 11-5A
District 11-5A
“One Day At A Time” New Mot to For John T yler ’s 2009 Campaign
A “Big and Fast ” Rober t E . Lee Is Read y For a
Deep Run in The Playof f s
Maya Golden - Former KLTV Sports Director
One memorable comment from a John Tyler Lions fans may have summed up the
2008 season perfectly. The Lions played tough teams tough and suffered some
tough losses.
Returning for the Lions are first team all-district running backs Ky’ordric Black and
Kendrick Chancellor, first team all-district defensive lineman Gerron Anthony, and
first team all-district defensive tackle Ashton Dorsey and defensive lineman Antjuan
Lee.
A 5-6 team, three of the Lions six losses were by a margin of three points or less,
including a 13-12 loss to 5A powerhouse Lufkin. From September 12th-October 17th
of 2008, John Tyler went on a five game winning streak. The Lions were contenders
for a share of the district title on the final regular season game. The Lions were
defeated by DeSoto 21-17 that night but would still see the postseason.
The college recruiters have also set their sights on several of the Lions’ players.
Wide receiver and safety Tarik Spencer worked out for scouts from New Mexico,
and Rush says linebackers Cliff Caldwell and Alvin Arps are among several grabbing
collegiate looks.
Of those narrow defeats, the most heartbreaking was a one-point loss to Lake
Highlands in the area playoffs. The Lions came up short 28-27 in the final minutes
of the game.
Defensive tackle Ashton Dorsey made a verbal commitment to play football for
the University of Texas after receiving offers from Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M,
Tulsa and UCLA. Wide receiver Ricky Collins verbally committed to play college
ball at Southern Methodist University. He will be joined at SMU by teammate
and quarterback Jeremy Johnson who also made a verbal commitment to the
university.
“That was one of the things we talked about in the offseason was finishing,” Coach
Dereck Rush said. “That was actually our motto last year, ‘Finishing Games.’ “This
year it is going to be ‘One Day at a Time.’ We want to focus on doing the small things
right. Hopefully, doing that in those games that are close in the fourth quarter will
turn into a win. We need to just focus on our assignments.”
“With attention being placed on those guys after having strong seasons last year,
that could give them another boost on the playing field this year,” Coach Rush
said.
Despite a stellar five game win streak, the Lions also went on a four game losing skid
to end their season. Coach Rush says he is also preaching focus to his players.
“If they can focus on that one game, just take it one game at a time, then hopefully
they will be looking up at the end of the season as champions,” Rush said.
In his third season as the Lions head coach, Coach Rush says he has seen a
transformation in the way his players carry themselves on and off the field.
After being called a young team for the past two years, the Lions now have veteran
experience. There are seven returning starters on offense for the Lions this season
and five returning starters on defense.
“I think they’ve got a little more swagger and confidence,” Rush said. “Another
key to this season will be our playing together as a team. If they can do that and
practice, not be selfish, our program can only continue to grow.”
“The bulk of our coaching staff is back as well and anytime you’ve got that
experience with the players and the coaches, it helps you to be successful,” Rush
said. “We’ve got a group of seniors coming in that played last year and made it two
rounds deep in the playoffs. “
“Our experience will be our strength on offense or defense. Defensively we lost four
great guys to graduation. We’ve had some young guys that stepped up, guys that
P layer s t o Wat ch
Jesse Diaz
David Bush
Joe Bayonne
Antjuan Lee
Senior Junior
Senior
Junior
Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: K
WR
LB
LB
195
165
200
215
Lions
2,100
Dr. Randy Reid
Dereck Rush (3rd Year)
Scan the practice field and instantly two things stand out about the 2009 Lee Red
Raiders: They are big and they are fast. Glancing at the “Players to Watch” list, fans
and opponents will notice just about every player is six foot or taller and no less
than 180 pounds. That’s a good indicator of the Red Raiders roster and the type of
athletes competitors can expect to face this season.
“Just because you have some big recruits doesn’t mean you are going to
automatically get in the playoffs,” he said. “We are reminding the kids they’ve got
to put in the work.”
However, Coach Mike Owens says looks can be deceiving when it comes to height
and weight and he’s picked only the best athletes to step onto the field.
“I think our offensive line will be better than it was last year,” he explained. “We
have three returning starters out of the five. Thomas Lacy, Derrick Dunn, and Greg
Holsten are all experienced. They played in 12 games last year.”
“In high school you can have a 5’8” guy that is as good, and then a 6’3” guy that
can’t play as well,” Owens said. “Everyone would like to have a 6’3” cornerback, but
if they can’t play it doesn’t matter. We are going to put the best players on the team,
tall or short, big or skinny.”
The Red Raiders are coming off their co-district championship win in 2008 after
going 7-5 overall, 4-1 in district. The Red Raiders season came to an end in the
area playoffs last year against the Garland Owls in a close 13-10 defeat.
“We have a lot of speed and there are some things we’ve got to work on with our
passing game,” Owens said. “But we’re in good shape.”
The defense features some big time college recruits. Linebacker Blake Roberts and
safety Chris Dinkins both verbally committed to play at TCU.
For another season, the Red Raiders start their schedule against some of the best
in the state of Texas. Lee opens against Lufkin. Then the Red Raiders face Class
4A Division I state finalist Longview, a former district mate before realignment. The
challenging non-district schedule continues with games against Kimball, Abilene
and Marcus.”
Senior defensive end Patrick Howard was also being recruited by the University of
Houston and Stephen F. Austin State University.
“We probably have six to eight guys that will be college football players and most
of them are on the defensive side of the ball,” Owens said. “We have some other
players that if they play well this year they will get some offers as well. “
Away
7:30
9/4
Lufkin
Home
7:30
9/11
Arlington Lamar
Home
7:30
9/18
Wichita Falls Rider
Away
7:30
9/25
Lewisville
Home
7:30
10/2
OPEN
10/9
Mesquite Horn*
Away
7:30
10/16
Mesquite*
Away
7:30
10/23
North Mesquite*
Home
7:30
Returning Starters on Offense: 7
10/30
Tyler Lee*
Home
7:30
Returning Starters on Defense: 5
11/6
DeSoto*
Home
7:30
*district games
16
“He’s not very big but he makes big plays,” Owens said. “He’s being looked at by
SFA.”
Owens expects the defense to be the strength of the Red Raiders team again this
season with five starters returning.
“Only time will tell this season,” he said, “but we had a pretty good off season and a
pretty good spring. Now let’s have a good fall.”
Texas High
At the skill positions, the Red Raiders get another big boost from returning running
back Da Da Brown. Brown finished 2008 with 1,236 yards rushing and averages
6.3 yards a carry. At 5’8”, Brown is not the biggest player on the field, but he can
certainly be the most explosive.
The role of quarterback will be split throughout the season by Chris Dinkins and
returning starter Luke Wagner.
During the spring, linebacker Austin Wilson had offers from schools including
Kansas, Kansas State, the University of Houston, and Northwestern in Chicago.
8/28
Owens believes offensively the Red Raiders will be a better team in 2009.
“I think we played pretty well towards the end of the year,” Owens said. “Those kids
accomplished a lot last year. We’ve got a lot of returning starters on defense. Our
kids were as good as they have ever been on defense last year. We were able to get
to the second round (of the playoffs). Hopefully this year we can do a little better.”
As for the coaches observations on how his team looks heading into the 2009
season, Rush likes what he has seen so far.
Sch e d u le
5’11”
5’8”
5’11”
5’11”
Maya Golden - Former KLTV Sports Director
played backup roles last year. Those guys had a great spring and hopefully that can
carry over to fall practice.”
Owens was quick to stress that despite all of the collegiate attention his players
have garnered, that was by no means an indicator of the level of success his team
could enjoy this season.
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Luke Wagner
Thomas Lacy
Derrick Dunn
Greg Holsten
Marquise Mosley
Dennis Edwards
Da Da Brown
Blake Roberts
Austin Wilson
Patrick Howard
Chris Dinkins
Ben George
Cordero Blaylock
Josh Williams
Senior Senior Senior Senior Junior Junior Senior Senior Senior Senior Senior Senior Senior Senior QB
OT
OT
OL
WR
WR
TB
LB
LB
DE
S/QB
CB
DE
DE
6’2”
6’3”
6’3”
6’2”
6’4”
6’2”
5’8”
6’3”
6’0”
6’2”
6’2”
6’0”
6’3”
6’3”
190
300
285
260
190
180
170
217
208
260
202
180
190
200
Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: “Chris will play some of what we call j-back and inside receiver as well. Luke started
20 games for us and will be good at the position.”
“My philosophy is that we have to play people that are similar to the people we are
going to have to play in the district. DeSoto is one of the most athletic and talented
schools in any sport and we must match that type of speed and that ability in our
non-district opponents,” Owens explained.
“It would be great to play a weaker team and be 5-0 going into district. But we have
to let our kids know how it is. It helps them. I don’t think there’s anything that can
replace playing quality competition.”
“It’s never going to be easy, never has been.”
Red Raiders
2658
Dr. Randy Reid
Mike Owens (15th Year)
Returning Starters on Offense: 6
*Mesquite
Home
S chedul e
8/28
Lufkin
Away
7:30
9/5
Longview
Home
7:30
9/11
Dallas Kimball
Away
7:30
9/18
Abilene
Home
7:30
9/25
Marcus
Away
7:30
10/2
OPEN
7:30
10/16
*DeSoto
Home
7:30
10/23
*Mesquite Horn
Away
7:30
10/30
*John Tyler
Away
7:30
11/6
*North Mesquite
Away
7:30
*district games
Returning Starters on Defense: 5
17
10/9
District 11-5A
District 11-5A
Desoto Favored to Take District , But It Won’ t Come Easy
Mesquite Horn
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Maya Golden - Former KLTV Sports Director & Reid Kerr - KLTV New
Desoto was the runaway pick by the district coaches to take the 11-5A crown. After all, they have eight offensive and defensive starters back from a
team that went two rounds deep into the playoffs.
Their sophomore QB is back as well as their leading rusher.
But the other five teams are not giving up the title just yet. All the coaches seemed to agree that Robert E. Lee and John Tyler could easily make a run
at the district championship.
The Mesquite schools haven’t thrown in the towel either. Horn got its first taste at a playoff schedule and Mesquite and North Mesquite have plenty of
talent back this year.
Most of the coaches agree there will be no “easy” nights when district begins in October.
Mesquite Sk ee ters
The Mesquite Skeeters missed the playoffs last year,
going 5-5 and staying home for the postseason for the
first time since 2003.
Mesquite will rely on their offense to set the tone, since
the team returns eight starters for the 2009 season.
Wide receiver Tim Paris is a player to watch for the
Skeeters. At six-feet-five, Paris is a two-sport threat
for Mesquite.
“He’s been a big-time basketball player for us,”
Mesquite head coach Robbie Robinson said, “but
football really became his main sport last year. He
really became a weapon for us; with his size he can
really go up and get it.”
In the backfield, Mesquite will rely on seniors Greg
Fason and Robert Marshall.
“They split time last year,” Robinson said. “Greg’s also
playing some safety for us, he’s really explosive, a fast
kid.”
“Marshall was a running back, but he’s also played
really well at linebacker. For whichever side of the ball
he’ll play on most of the time, the jury is still out on
that one.”
While the Skeeters are strong with returning players,
the man who takes the snaps will be new.
“Having that many kids with experience playing, that’ll
help out with a new quarterback. Davian Harper will
be our starter.”
On defense, Mesquite will be rebuilding. Mar’Shauwn
Grays is their lone returning starter.
“He’s a really good cover corner,” Robinson said. “He’s
our guy that we put on the big-time receivers.”
As for the rest of his defense, Robinson said there’s
lots of room for effort.
“We’re going to have to do a great job of flying to the
ball. I think we have a chance to be good, but we’ve
got a lot of young kids who have to step up and make
sure things get done.”
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Tim Paris
Senior
Mar’Shauwn Grays Senior
Robert Marshall Senior
Greg Fason
Senior
WR
DB
RB/LB
RB/S
Mascot: Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: Skeeters
2500
Dr. Linda Henrie
Robbie Robinson
Returning Offensive Starters
8
Returning Defensive Starters
1
Lake Highlands
9/4
7:30
Hebron
Away
7:30
9/10
Naaman Forest
Hanby
7:00
9/18
Southlake Carroll
Away
7:30
Away
2:00
7:30
9/26
Lufkin
10/2
OPEN
10/9
Robert E Lee*
Away
10/16
John Tyler*
Hanby
7:30
10/23
Desoto*
Away
7:30
10/30
North Mesquite*
Memorial
7:30
Horn*
Hanby
7:30
*district games
Mesquite Horn Jaguars
In 2008, Mesquite Horn went where no other Jaguars
team had gone before. They finished the season at
4-7, and playing their first ever playoff game.
“We finished the season with a lot of momentum,”
second year head coach Rodney Webb said. “We not
only made the playoffs for the first time, but we beat
Mesquite and North Mesquite for the first time. Beating
Mesquite in the last week put us in, and also knocked
them out.”
“That victory last year went a long way towards getting
rid of that ‘little brother’ stigma that Horn has had. For
the first time, we were the team on top.”
Webb said the playoff appearance carried over into
the spring and summer.
“Our sub-varsity was really successful, so combined,
we had a lot of confidence coming into the off-season.
Our kids have a good work ethic so we had no
problems getting them to work in the off-season.”
The Jaguars will have six returners on offense, led by
quarterback Emory Miller.
“I wouldn’t trade Emory for any quarterback in the
state of Texas,” Webb said. “He’s got everything you
want in a high school quarterback. He’s a leader. It’s a
cliché, but he’s an extension of the coaching staff. He
has full command of the offense on the field, and he
makes good decisions.”
Webb has high hopes for Brewster, who he said
reminds him of another former 11-5A running back.
“He reminds me a lot of (former John Tyler and now
Oklahoma State tailback) Kendall Hunter. He’s got a
similar build and running style, he can go.”
Horn returns three starters on defense, including junior
defensive ends Jared Tyler and Stephon Sanders.
“We’re going to be young on defense,” Webb admits, “I
think we’ll be better and deeper but young.”
After their first playoff season, Webb is looking forward
to raising the expectations at Horn.
The Jaguars will return running back Travis Brewster,
a senior looking to make up for a rough junior years.
“I don’t feel like last year we expected to win some of
our games,” Webb said, “but this year we will.”
“He just never got on track last year,” Webb said, “He
missed time with injuries.”
cont,
18
QB
RB
OL
DE
DE
LB
North Mesquite
Sta llions
North Mesquite will have four starters returning on
offense, including two pair of outstanding skill position
players.
@Frisco
11/6
Senior
Senior
Senior
Junior
Junior
Junior
The Stallions finished the 2008 regular season at 4-6
for the second straight year, but missed the playoffs.
Schedul e
8/29
Emory Miller
Travis Brewster
Colton Davis
Jared Tyler
Stephon Sanders
Kyle Boyd
In the backfield, senior Jamacia Baines and junior
Joe Bergeron will carry the load. Combined, the pair
accounted for seven hundred yards and seven scores
in 2008.
The Stallions also have a pair of receivers back in
senior Ricki Herod and three year starter Michael
Wheeler. Wheeler led the team with four hundred
yards receiving and a pair of touchdowns.
Mascot: Jaguars
Enrollment: 2250
Superintendent: Dr. Linda Henrie
Head Coach: Rodney Webb
Returning Offensive Starters
6
Junior Ryan Polite returns at quarterback for the
Eagles, after a sophomore year that saw him throw for
almost eighteen hundred yards and 17 touchdowns,
including seven scores to returning wide receiver
Darius Terrell.
On defense, the Eagles will rely on a pair of returning
linebackers in Byron Hudson and Zachary Orr. From
his middle linebacker spot, Orr led the team with 89
solo tackles and 70 assists, with 8 sacks.
Cornerback Vincent Eddie also returns for Desoto on
defense.
7:30
9/26
OPEN
7:30
Lewisville
Away
Hanby
7:30
10/16
North Mesquite*
Memorial
7:30
S chedul e
10/23
Robert E Lee*
Hanby
7:30
8/28
Arlington Martin
Away
7:30
10/30
Desoto*
Away
7:30
9/4
Lake Highlands
Hanby
7:30
11/6
Mesquite*
Hanby
7:30
Returning Defensive Starters
3
foot, two-hundred and ninety pound defensive tackle
Marcus Bagley returns to anchor the line.
P l ayers To Wa t ch
Ricki Herod
Michael Wheeler
Marcus Bagley
Joe Bergeron
Jamarcia Baines
Senior
Senior
Senior
Junior
Senior
Mascot: Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: WR
WR
DT
RB
RB
Stallions
2400
Dr. Linda Henrie
Mike Robinson
P l ayers To Wa t ch
Murphy was a threat on the ground and through the air
last season, rushing for 1200 yards and catching more
than five hundred yards worth of passes. Murphy also
led the Eagles with 24 touchdowns scored in 2008.
7:30
John Tyler*
Deso t o E agles
Desoto returns eight starters on each side of the ball,
including running back Marcus Murphy.
Away
Hanby
10/2
Returning Offensive Starters
Expectations are high again this year, with the Eagles
picked to win the district by the coaches of 11-5A.
Wylie
Ennis
10/9
On defense, North Mesquite returns five starters. Six-
The Desoto Eagles went 6-6 in 2008, claiming another
playoff spot and a two round postseason run for head
coach Claude Mathis in his first season.
9/11
9/18
Marcus Murphy
Ryan Polite
Senior
Junior
Mascot: Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: 4
Returning Defensive Starters
8
8/28
Rowlett
Away
7:30
9/4
North Garland
Away
7:30
9/11
Duncanville
Home
7:30
9/17
Irving MacArthur
Home
7:00
9/25
OPEN
10/2 South Garland
Home
7:00
10/9
Desoto*
Away
7:30
10/16
Mesquite Horn*
Home
7:30
10/23
John Tyler*
Away
7:30
10/30
Mesquite*
Away
7:30
11/6
Robert E Lee*
Home
7:30
Away
7:30
Robert E Lee*
10/23
Mesquite*
Home
7:30
10/30
Mesquite Horn*
Home
7:30
11/6
John Tyler*
Away
7:30
*district game
D istr ict 1 1 - 5 A
Pre-Season
C o a ch e s’ Po ll
1. Desoto
2. Robert E. Lee
S chedul e
8/29
5
S chedu le
10/16
Eagles
2863
Lloyd Treadwell
Claude Mathis
8
Returning Defensive Starters
*district games
RB
QB
Returning Offensive Starters
*district games
Midland Lee
Away
11:00
3. John Tyler
9/4
Plano
Home
7:30
4. Mesquite
9/11
Berkner
Away
7:30
9/18
Duncanville
Away
7:30
5. North Mesquite
9/25
Flower Mound
Away
7:30
10/2
OPEN
10/9
North Mesquite*
Home
7:30
19
6. Mesquite Horn
District 13-4A
A St ate Champion , A S t ate Finalist A nd T wo Teams T hat A d vanced
To The A rea Playof f s
Ryan Peterson - KLTV Sports Director & Maya Golden - Former KLTV Sports Director
Wow. District 13-4A has become the subject of Texas football lore and both the envy and fear of competing teams
“Obviously our district, no doubt, is one the toughest 4A districts in the state and maybe the toughest ever put together in the state of Texas,” Hallsville
coach David Plunk said.
“It’s just like the old 5A district with the Tyler schools and Lufkin,” Longview coach Jeff King said. “The same talent and competition. From top to
bottom, it’s the premier district in 4A.”
Just surviving district and making the playoffs will be an accomplishment.
“Being in the playoffs, it’s a humbling experience,” Sulphur Springs coach Greg Owens said. “This district has not changed. That’s what makes it even
tougher.”
H a ll sv ille Bobcat s
The Hallsville Bobcats had another season of progress
in 2008, finishing at the .500 mark with an overall
record of 5-5, 2-4 in district.
This year the Bobcats are an experienced team,
looking to stand firm in one of the state’s toughest
districts.
FREE SPORTS INJURY CLINIC
SaTURdaY MORNINgS
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
august 22 - November 14
HealthPark Plaza
1327 Troup Hwy
Tyler, Texas 75701
(903) 531-5678
tmfhs.org/orthosportsmed
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“Our immediate goal is that we want to win district and
make it to the playoffs,” Coach David Plunk said. “In
this district, I think last year pretty much proved that if
you can make the playoffs you have a shot to make a
state championship.”
“Last year we had a great season but we are in a tough
district. It is, of course, going to be tough again.”
A district title win for the Bobcats would be Hallsville’s
first in football since 1999. Plunk thinks the 2009
team has a true shot to make that goal a reality. The
defensive line is one of the Bobcats’ strong points.
“We had a really great spring. We’ve got a lot of
returning starters coming back on defense,” Plunk
explained. “Kyle Pack was the district sophomore of
the year last year and he’s back for us. Bo Marcum
looked strong on offense and defense.”
The Bobcat offensive line was one area that needed
some work.
Longv ie w Lobos
When the Longview Lobos became a Class 4A school
in 2008, the common prediction was that they would
make it to the state championship game.
Halfway through the season, no crystal ball or palm
reading was needed to see the Lobos were state
bound. After another dominating regular season,
the Lobos won their fifth consecutive district crown.
The Lobos were 13-3 overall in 2008 and went 6-0 in
district.
On December 20, 2008, Longview battled Lake Travis
for the Class 4A Division I state championship. The
Lobos came up short in their title bid, falling to Lake
Travis 48-23.
“If we can come in and develop some of our younger
kids on the offensive line, we can be a really good
football team,” Plunk said.
As for the skill positions, Plunk felt he had found a
mobile starting quarterback with a great arm in junior
Jarrod Simpson.
“Jarrod also had a great spring and he can be a good
quarterback. Really, we are throwing the ball better,”
Plunk said. “Also, Eric Mitchell is strong at receiver
and we have several good running backs.”
Head Coach: David Plunk (5th Year)
Returning Offensive Starters
3
Returning Defensive Starters
6
S chedu le
8/28
Tatum
Away
7:30
9/4
Kilgore
Away
7:30
9/11
Jacksonville
Home
7:30
“Those guys are all solid,” Plunk said, “and if you put
that together with our kids up front, we will be pretty
good.”
9/18
Henderson
Home
7:30
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
9/25
Mount Pleasant*
Away
7:30
Home
7:30
7:30
Bo Marcum
Eric Mitchell
Jarrod Simpson
Kyle Pack
Josh Cochran
Senior Senior Senior Junior Junior Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: OLB
FS
QB DT
OL
5’8” 170
5’10” 180
6’3’’ 215
6’1” 225
6’6” 260
Bobcats
1,200
Gregg Wright
The scary thing for this year’s opponents: Most of the
stars from that state finalist team are back and looking
to avenge their loss in the title game.
“That seems to be the mindset,” Coach Jeff King said.
“I felt once we got into the off-season, the kids were
real focused on what we want.”
Unfair or not, 2009 will be a state championship or
bust for the Lobos.
“That’s a strong statement,” King said, “But that’s
what’s expected in Longview. That’s a lot of pressure
on these kids. We’ve talked the pressure during the
off-season and how to handle it.”
21
10/2
Marshall*
10/9
OPEN
10/16
Longview Pine Tree*
Away
10/23
Longview*
Home
7:30
10/30
Texarkana Texas*
Away 7:30
11/6
Sulphur Springs*
Home
7:30
*district games
Quarterback Aaron Johnson returns to his starting
role coming off of a season when he passed for 1,400
yards and 15 touchdowns. Johnson also had 110
rushes for 920 yards and 11 touchdowns. Coach King
hopes Johnson’s experience in big games will help to
settle the senior down. Johnson was 73/148 in pass
attempts with seven interceptions. But King adds, not
one player will define the team’s success.
“We’ve got a great senior class that has a lot of
leadership and feeds off each other. It’s going to come
down to staying healthy, getting a few breaks and
winning some tight ball games. “
cont.
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To make an appointment with a Trinity Clinic
orthopaedic physician call
(903) 525-2990.
District 13-4A
Longv ie w Lobos
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Aaron Johnson
Tyler McCray
Carey Fortson
Da’Cedric Hunt
Alonte Darden
Jeremiah Farley
Bubba Vactor
Senior Senior Senior Senior Senior Senior Senior QB
RB
WR
TB
FS
DT
NT
6’0” 175
5’11” 185
6’0” 175
6’0” 195
5’9” 165
6’0” 235
5’10” 280
M a rsh a ll M av ericks
A playoff team the last two seasons, the Marshall
Mavericks survived 13-4A in 2008. It will be a tough
test to do so again in 2009. The Mavericks lost 12
starters, but do return several experienced seniors.
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
J.C. Haigwood Aaron Franklin
Tre Glover
Brandon Fitzgerald
Michael Harper
RB
SS
OL
QB
OL
5’9’’
6’1’’
6’2’’
6’2’’
6’5’’
175
205
275
190
310
Mount Ple as a nt Tigers
It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that last season’s 3-7
record was a disappointment for the Mount Pleasant
Tigers. In fact, Head Coach Jimmy Thompson would
most likely agree.
“We have to find ways to win games,” said Thompson,
“I think we found ways to lose games last year.”
A different mindset might be the key to improving upon
last season. Coach Thompson wants his team to focus
not only on the physical game, but also the mental.
It looks to be another tough season for the Tigers. They
have only four players on offense and four players on
defense returning to the starting lineup, and there is a
question on who will start at quarterback.
tmfhs.org/orthosportsmed
Right now, it’s a battle between Coach Thompson’s
son Cash and Stephen Julian. Both players started
at linebacker last season, but Thompson is currently
leaning toward playing his son at QB.
“I think he’ll bring the mental toughness to the field, as
well as confidence amongst the team,” said Thompson.
Coach Thompson also said that this team will have a
different style of play compared to previous seasons.
22
Senior Senior Senior Senior Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: LB
LB
CB
CB
5’9” 190
5’10” 185
5’7” 165
5’9” 180
Lobos
2005
Dr. James Wilcox
John King (6th Year)
Returning Offensive Starters
6
Returning Defensive Starters
6
S chedu le
8/28
Allen
Home
7:30
9/5
Tyler Lee
Away
7:30
9/11
Natchitoches Central Home
7:30
9/18
Lufkin
7:30
Away
9/25
Texas High*
Away
7:30
10/2
Sulphur Springs*
Home
7:30
10/9
Mount Pleasant*
Away
7:30
10/16
Marshall*
Home
7:30
10/23
Hallsville*
Away
7:30
10/29
Pine Tree*
11/6
OPEN
TMF Rose Stadium 7:30
*district games
“We let a couple of games get away from us. We
have to be the team that finds a way to win, and that’ll
come through with mental and physical toughness,”
explained Thompson.
Drew Arthur
Tyler, Texas
Chris Weaver
Branson Rogers
Addison McGee
Joe Brown
Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: Mavericks
1665
Dr. J Brian Nichols
Thedrick Harris
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters
5
9/4
Jacksonville
Home
Shreveport Huntington Home
Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: QB/LB
RB/LB
OL/DL
RB/LB
OL/DL
QB/LB
Tigers
1380
Terry Myers
Jimmy Thompson
Returning Offensive Starters 4
Returning Defensive Starters
4
23
7:30
7:30
9/25
OPEN
10/2
Hallsville*
Away
7:30
10/9
Pine Tree*
Home
7:30
Longview*
Away
7:30
Texas High*
Home
7:30
10/30
Sulphur Springs*
Away
7:30
7:30
11/6
Mount Pleasant*
Home
7:30
7:30
*district games
Although the Tigers will be tested this next season,
Coach Thompson is confident in his players rising to
the occasion. “You know we’ll have some hard-nosed
players.”
Cash Thompson Austin Turner Ed Ordaz Landon Whitaker Jalen Stephens Junior
Stephen Julius Junior Away
Away
10/16
“We’re going to be a different type of team this
season,” said Thompson, “We’ll run at you and gain 3
or 4 yards, and then run at you again.”
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Kilgore
Monroe Neville
10/23
S chedul e
8/28
9/11
9/18
S chedu le
8/28
Nacogdoches
Home
7:30
9/04
Liberty Eylau
Home
7:30
9/11
Henderson
Away
7:30
9/18
Royse City
Home
7:30
9/25
Hallsville*
Home
7:30
10/02
Pine Tree*
Away
7:30
10/09
Longview*
Home
7:30
10/16
Texarkana Texas* Away 7:30
10/23
Sulphur Springs*
Home
7:30
10/30
OPEN
11/06
Marshall*
Away
7:30
*district games
District 13-4A
Sulphur Springs
W ildcat s
If the country did not know where Sulphur Springs,
Texas was before 2008, last season most certainly put
the city on the US football map.
Led by a full arsenal of talent, the Wildcats won the
Class 4A Division II state championship in 2008. It
was the first state championship in football in Sulphur
Springs school history.
The Wildcats were 14-2 and the runner up in District
13-4A behind state finalist Longview.
“Anything happens in the playoffs, that’s what I really
learned last season,” Coach Greg Owens said. “We
happened to get better as the year progressed. Every
ballgame we got more and more explosive and were
difficult to defend.”
At the helm of the championship team were star
quarterback Tyrik Rollison, defensive end Colton
Nash and running back Ryan Young. Rollison will
play college ball at Auburn University this fall, with
Nash playing for the Arkansas Razorbacks and Young
suiting up for Air Force.
Coach Greg Owens knows that type of talent on one
roster is rare and said those caliber of players cannot
be replaced.
“We’ve got some big shoes to fill,” Owens said.
“Tyrik, Ryan and Colton, Those guys were big time
playmakers, those kids brought such leadership to the
team.”
However Owens’ loss is cushioned by the return of 12
starters in 2009.
“I’m excited about the crew we have coming back.
They are athletic but need some experience as far as
playing on Friday nights.”
Filling the role of quarterback this season will be
Colton Lee. The 6’4” senior was a backup the last two
seasons.
got the he’s got the ability and he’s a great athlete that
can run,” Owens explained. “He’s just going to have to
learn to read defenses and put the ball where it needs
to go.”
Owens has several Division I recruits on his roster.
Senior Bryant Jackson verbally committed to play
defensive back at the University of Texas. Bryant had
100 tackles and five interceptions for Sulphur Springs
in 2008 and also plays at wide receiver.
“He’s a 6’4” kid that can run and gives you that height
to go out and cover receivers,” Owens said. “He’s very
athletic. He went to regionals in the long and triple
jump. We will play him on both sides of the ball. He’s
every explosive on offense.”
Receiver Shane McQueen is back for what the
Wildcats hope to be another standout season. In 2008
on 47 receptions, McQueen had 15 touchdowns and
972 receiving yards. On defense, linebacker Tyler
Higginbotham returns after racking up 133 sacks and
a total of 180 tackles in 2008.
Last year’s air attack was a major threat to opponents.
Owens said their game will be more varied this
season.
“We were pass heavy last year mostly because of the
athletes we had out on the field. Next year most of the
linemen are back and we are going, so we are going to
lean on them. We’re going to do whatever is working
at the time.”
On the offensive line, Beau Carpenter is heavily
recruited by schools including Texas Tech, Oklahoma
State, Kansas, Missouri, and the SEC has jumped in
with Vanderbilt in pursuit.
Also helping to anchor the line is Mason Y’Barbo
who has had offers from Northwestern Louisiana and
Houston.
”These two guys will definitely be our leadership and
give us protection while also giving us the ability to
open up holes.”
District 13-4A
Pl ayers To Wa t ch
Bryant Jackson
Senior Shane McQueen Senior Mason Y’Barbo
Senior Beau Carpenter
Senior Kedrick Dial
Senior Tyler HigginbothamSenior Colby Suggs
Senior Triston Crook
Senior Sharard Timmons Junior Returning Offensive Starters Returning Defensive Starters Away
7:30
Home
7:30
9/11
Wichita Falls Rider
Away
7:30
9/18
Mesquite Poteet
@Memorial
7:30
9/25
Pine Tree*
Home
7:30
10/2
Longview*
Away
7:30
10/9
Texas High*
Home
7:30
10/16
OPEN
10/23
Mount Pleasant*
Away
7:30
10/30
Marshall*
Home
7:30
11/6
Hallsville*
Away
7:30
Sorenson, who has committed to Oklahoma State,
accounted for 25 touchdowns as a junior. The Tigers
Playe r s To Wa t ch
Nathan Sorenson Senior Montrae Williams Senior Cody Sutton
Junior 24
QB
6’3” 210
WR/DB 6’0” 180
RB
5’9” 160
Senior Senior Senior Senior Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: RB/LB
OL
DT
WR/DB
5’9” 188
5’9” 248
6’0” 2778
6’0” 175
Tigers
1,800
James Henry Russell
Barry Norton (11th Year)
Returning Starters on Offense: 5
Returning Starters on Defense: 4
cont.
9/11
Arkansas High
9/18
OPEN
9/25
Longview*
8/28
John Tyler
Home
7:30
10/2
OPEN
9/4
Lake Hamilton
Home
7:30
10/9
Sulphur Springs*
Pine Tree Pir ates
It’s a new era at Pine Tree as Huey Chancellor takes
over as head coach. Chancellor will have to deal with
maybe the top district in the state of Texas.
Away
7:30
Away
7:30
Breynon Henderson Senior LB
Justin Hopkins
Junior OL
Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: 4
Returning Defensive Starters
6
Pine Tree has good size on the offensive line that
should help them against a physical schedule.
S chedul e
Tyler Kids
Steven Hawkins Niko Welch
Senior DB 6’1’’/185
Senior DL
6’0’’ 240
Senior OL
6’2’’ 240
6’0’’
6’0’’
195
270
Pirates
1420
Lynn Whitaker
Huey Chancellor
Returning Offensive Starters P l ayers t o Wa t ch
8:00
Home
Senior Tyler Kids is the Pirates version of ‘slash.’ Kids
played a key role on offense, defense and special
teams in 2008.
“We hope to bring a new energy and some excitement
to Pine Tree.”
Paris
Telvin Wilson
Eric Stewart
Marlon Cooks
Tarrell Beasley
“I think so,” Coach Barry Norton said. “Having two
years under his (Nathan) belt. This year he was on
a state championship relay team and state baseball
team. That experience is going to help him. I really
expect a lot from him. He gives us a chance to win
every time.”
6
Whitehouse
could be the district’s best chance at stopping the
Longview Lobos.
“We had a lot of injuries last year,” he said. “If
we stay healthy this year, we can compete for a
championship.”
6
8/28
Te x as High Tigers
S chedul e
The Pirates hope to improve on a two win season and
last place finish in district. Pine Tree was low on wins,
but is not low on talent in 2009.
9/4
“He doesn’t have a whole lot of Friday night experience,
Norton adds that the team hopes to make it past the
second round of playoffs for the first time since 2006.
180
165
300
240
220
210
240
160
170
Schedul e
*district games
“You’d be foolish not to pick Longview as the favorite,”
Norton said. “Sometimes the favorite doesn’t win.
We’re not going to hand them the trophy.”
6’4”
5’10”
6’2”
6’6”
6’5”
6’0”
6’0”
5’10”
6’2”
Mascot: Wildcats
Student Enrollment: 1082
Superintendent: Patsy Bolton
Head Coach: Greg Owens (5th Year)
“It’s going to be a good year for us,” Owens said. “Our
kids have to step up and rise to the challenge, the
district has not changed.”
The Texas High Tigers always seem to be a
playoff contender. In 2009, the Tigers hope to be a
championship contender. Only nine starters return
from last year’s nine win team, but they’re important
starters. With quarterback Nathan Sorenson leading
the offense, the Tigers should be explosive on
offense.
DB/WR
WR
OL
OL
DE
LB
OL
DB
DB/WR
Te x as High Tigers
10/16
Mount Pleasant*
Home
7:30
10/23
Marshall*
Away
7:30
10/30
Hallsville*
Home
7:30
11/6
Pine Tree*
Away
7:30
Home
7:30
*district games
10/16
Hallsville*
10/23
OPEN
10/29
Longview*
Home
7:30
11/6
Texas High*
Home
7:30
*district games
13 4 - A P r e - S e a so n
C o a ch e s’ Po ll
1. Longview
2. Texas High
8/28
Pleasant Grove
Away
7:30
9/4
Paris Home
7:30
9/11
Lindale
Home
7:30
4. Marshall
3. Sulphur Springs
9/18
Paris North Lamar
Away
7:30
5. Hallsville
9/25
Sulphur Springs*
Away
7:30
10/2
Mount Pleasant*
Home
7:30
6. Mount Pleasant
10/9
Marshall*
Away
7:30
7. Pine Tree
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2010 S. Jackson
Jacksonville, TX 75766
Phone: (903) 589-1540
Lake Palestine
20208 Hwy 155 South
Flint, TX 75762
Phone: (903) 525-7560
25
Lindale
3203 S. Main
Lindale, TX 75771
Phone: (903) 882-7717
District 14-4A
District 14-4A
JACKSONVILLE INDIANS
Plent y of Questions , So Few A nswer s
Ryan Black steps up as quarterback. Black will
be a junior this school year and played in the last
four ballgames of the 2008 season, giving him the
experience needed to take the starting role.
Coleman Swierc - KLTV 7 Sports Anchor/Reporter
2009 is loaded with questions for district 14-4A.
At the receiver position, Wells says the role will be split
between three or four of his players.
Can Lindale repeat its surprise run to the postseason? Will Whitehouse find a quarterback to replace Brady Attaway? Will the Dragons from
Nacogdoches finally break through?
So many questions and so few answers.
Whitehouse is the favorite to take the title, but historically tough Kilgore is reloaded and ready to go, and the Eagles from Lindale, last year’s new team,
will be out to prove 2008 was no fluke.
“The district is tough, so tough,” said Mike Meador, Lindale Head Coach, “One week you are at Kilgore, then you have Jacksonville, then Nac, teams
that are historically good, and every week you are up against it.”
Jacksonville squeezed into the playoffs in 2008, and coach Steve Kelly expects the same, “We made it, but it was close, and I know that the teams in
Henderson and Nac were not happy to stay at home. There will be no sneaking up on anyone this year.”
Pieces of history will also be answered, Henderson’s Dickey Meeks is only 2 wins away from 200, and Whitehouse head coach Randy McFarlin is only
6 wins from 100.
“The district has so much talent and tradition,” said Meeks, “It really is one of those districts were the next game is just as tough as the game before,
there will be now easy ones this year.”
HENDERSON LIONS
line, along with fellow 300 pounder Nico Jones, and
junior Logan Holland.
2008 was anything but.
Defensively, the Lions should see a much improved
group, defensive tackle Cord Fletcher will anchor the
front four, and speedster Trey Vallier (4.6 in 40) will
man the secondary.
“It was tough,” said Meeks, “we really struggled, and
it showed.”
“We have talent,” said Meeks, “Now we just have to
put it all together and get it done.”
A 1-9 year left Meeks two wins away, but six starters
coming back on each side, should prove to be enough
to lift Meeks to 200, and put Henderson back on the
football map.
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
In 2008 Dickey Meeks was on the verge of history, just
three wins away from a milestone 200, it seemed like
a sure thing.
“It has not been easy, but this is the 4th year of our
system, and I think that this is one of those years
where it can all come together.”
Tyrell Jenkins will return under center to man the Lions
offense, the senior passed for over 1,700 yards, but
threw as many interceptions (14) as touchdowns (14),
but will have talent around him, as Kyron Reese (235
yards rushing/and 9 Rec) will return as a dual threat
running back.
Jenkins will have help up front, as massive 6’1, 300
pound Justin Boose will return to anchor the offensive
JACKSONVILLE INDIANS
The 2008 football season was a year of new beginnings
for the Jacksonville Indians. The 2009 season will be a
one of improving on that good start.
Under new head coach Steve Wells, Jacksonville
finished with a 3-8 overall record and a 2-3 record in
district to make their first playoff appearance since
2004. “Last year, our motto was: You have to work
hard to make dreams come true,” Wells said, “That
dream was getting back in the playoff after having a
playoff drought.”
Tyrell Jenkins Justin Boose Cord Fletcher Trey Vallier Brandon Tatum Kyron Reese Senior
Senior
Junior
Junior
Senior
Senior
Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: QB
OL
DT
FS/WR
WR
RB/LB
Lions
985
Bobby Brown
Dickey Meeks
Jacksonville was defeated by the Longview Lobos in
the Bi-District playoffs 61-14. Wells said he was glad
his team made it to the postseason but hoped for a
much better end to his team’s season than their early
departure in 2008. “We were able to slide in and get
that tradition back and that was important,” Wells said,
“I’ve told our kids that what they do in the offseason is
the difference in what happens this next season.”
“We were just trying to get in last year, we want to take
it to the next level this year. “
The Indians will rely on young talent this season to help
them reach their new goal. Jacksonville graduated 23
seniors from last year’s team.
26
Returning Offensive Starters
6
Returning Defensive Starters
6
Schedul e
8/28
Navasota
Lufkin
7:00
9/5
Carthage
Away
7:30
9/11
Mt. Pleasant
Away
7:30
9/18
Hallsville
Home
7:30
9/25
Atlanta
Home
7:30
10/2
OPEN
10/9
*Nacogdoches
Home
7:30
10/16
*Kilgore
Home
7:30
10/23
Jacksonville
Away
7:30
10/30
Lindale
Home
7:30
11/6
Whitehouse
Away
7:30
*district games
“I look for us to be a little bit better this year honestly,”
Wells said, “We are going to be pretty young on our
offensive line. We are in pretty good shape at our skill
positions. But, we don’t have depth, so it’s important
we stay healthy.”
As far as returning talent goes, fans should keep
an eye on senior Kendrick Hatton. “Kendrick did a
fantastic job in sharing the job at the tailback position
last season. Be looking for big things. He’s the pretty
physical type of tailback and he will make an impact
on every play.”
cont.
On defense, Justin Jones is back for his senior season.
The past two seasons, Jones led the Indians in tackles
“He does a good job at the inside linebacker spot,”
Wells said. “He’s hard to block and he just makes
plays. He’s our defensive leader.”
“We feel decent about what we’ve got,” Wells
explained. “Some kids that played backup last year get
their shot this year. They’ve got to step up.”
K ILGORE BULLDOGS
For Kilgore in 2009, it is all about the numbers. In this
case, it is the lack of numbers. “We are so young,”
said head coach Mike Vallery, “so we will have to grow
up real fast.”
Kilgore watches only the literal handful of starters
return, as only two on offense and three on defense
will return for the Bulldogs. But don’t count out Kilgore,
of the players returning, Vallery expects some real
playmakers to emerge, including linebacker Mishaud
Austin. A player Vallery says can be as good as he
wants.
“Mishaud can play, and it is going to be huge for him to
step up and be a leader for us this year.”
Linebacker Taylor Cantor will man the spot next
to Austin, as the Bulldogs try and reload one of the
toughest defenses in the district.
Offensively, the question is “who will carry the ball?”
1,500 yard running back Frank Reddic is off to Texas
State, leaving a huge void at running back. Braylon
McCarty and Ladarius Anthony could be just the plugs
to fill the hole.
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Kendrick Hatton Justin Jones Duke Hamilton
Ryan Black Michael Hatton Tedrick Tilley
Senior
Senior
Senior
Junior
Sophomore
Junior Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: S chedu le
RB
LB
CB
QB
RB
OT
Indians
1036
Dr. Joe Wardell
Steve Wells (2nd Year)
Returning Offensive Starters
4
Returning Defensive Starters
3
“Braylon was mainly a blocking back for us, and a
good one, but we are going to ask him to carry the ball
more, and I have no reason to think that he can’t get
the job done.”
If anyone can get the job done it is Vallery. Two
straight 9-3 seasons prove so but this year may be
one of the toughest he has had to face. “We are going
to have our work cut out for us, no doubt, but we have
a winning tradition here in Kilgore, and I see no reason
not to continue winning, we will just have to work out
the kinks early, and hope we are experienced enough
when district rolls around.”
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Ryan Bustin Shadow Stokes Blayne Cole Patrick Colbert Mishaud Austin Taylor Cantor Senior Senior
Senior
Junior
Senior
Senior
K/P
OL
TE
TE
LB
LB
Mascot: Bulldogs
Student Enrollment: 1,050
LINDALE EAGLES
my expectations and exceeded everybody else’s.”
In 2008, that community was Lindale.
“Truthfully, for each of the last three years, we were in
the playoff hunt all the way until to the 10th ballgame
of the year. We were competing. I think our kids go out
there and expect to win. We’re not as big and physical
as a lot of teams but our kids just play harder for a
playoff spot.”
From year to year, there is always at least one team
that has a standout season that makes football fans in
East Texas stop and take a long hard look at what’s
going on in that community.
The Eagles busted out of the gate, to go 6-0 early on
with a big win over Kilgore. But the last game of the
season, the Eagles were in contention to be co-district
champions but fell to Jacksonville.
Lindale was 8-3 overall and 3-2 in district.
“They accomplished more than anybody expected
them to,” Coach Mike Meador said, “We were picked to
finish last in our district and we had a great opportunity
to be the district champs. We had a better than
expected season. I was super proud. They lived up to
Meador stressed that Lindale’s success in 2008 should
not have come as a total surprise.
With the 2008 season as a thing of the past, 2009’s
outlook for the Eagles is bright.
“Defensively we are going to be faster,” Meador
said, “I’ve got a lot of experience back. All four of my
linebackers are back. I’ve got quite a few secondary
players back as well. Our offensive line is bigger and
we’ve got some really good skill position players.”
One skill position Meador was eyeing closely during
27
8/28
Marshall
Away
7:30
9/4
Corsicana
Home
7:30
9/11
Hallsville
Away
7:30
9/18
Palestine
Home
7:30
9/25
Carthage
Home
7:30
10/2
OPEN
10/8
*Whitehouse
Away
7:30
10/16
*Nacogdoches
Home
7:30
10/23
*Henderson
Away
7:30
10/30
*Kilgore
Away
7:30
11/6
*Lindale
Home
7:30
*district games
Superintendent: Head Coach: Jody Clements
Mike Vallery
Returning Offensive Starters
2
Returning Defensive Starters
3
S chedul e
8/28
Carthage
Away
7:30
9/4
Hallsville
Home
7:30
9/11
Marshall
Home
7:30
9/18
Gilmer
Away
7:30
9/25
Palestine
Home
7:30
10/2
OPEN
10/9
*Lindale
Away
7:30
10/16
*Henderson
Home
7:30
10/23
*Whitehouse
Away
7:30
10/30
*Jacksonville
Home
7:30
11/6
*Nacogdoches
Away
7:30
*district games
the offseason was the quarterback position. Meador
needed to replace 2008 District 14-4A All-District first
team quarterback Nathan Simmons. “I’ve got four
candidates at quarterback right now,” Meador said,
“They are all good players and good athletes. I think
any one of them would be great as our starting QB.”
Entering his fourth year as head coach at Lindale,
Coach Meador believes part of the Eagles success
has come from the growth of the program. His first
year, many of his current players were freshman. This
will be their final year together.
“This is going to be a special year,” Meador said. “This
is my first group that has gone all the way for me. They
know that too. They know this is my fourth year and
that they have been with me the whole time. I think
they are going to surprise a lot of people.”
cont.
District 14-4A
LINDALE EAGLES
Superintendent: Head Coach: P layer s t o Wat ch
Matt Broussard Jacob Merriman Keandre Ross James Crews Keith Moore Senior
Senior Senior Junior Senior QB/WR/DB
LB
RB
WR/DB/K
DE
Stan Surratt
Mike Meador
Returning Offensive Starters
6
Returning Defensive Starters
6
Sch e d u l e
8/28
Spring Hill
Gladewater
7:30
Mascot: Eagles
Student Enrollment: 988
9/4
Wills Point
Home
7:30
9/11
Pine Tree
Away
7:30
NACOGDOCHES DRAGONS
going be tough.”
Last season, the motto for the Dragons was “Eliminate
Mediocrity,” unfortunately for head coach Bill Harper,
his team could do no better than a mediocre, 6-4.
This could be the season that the Dragons finally
break through; Nac has won eleven games the past
two seasons, but has not made the playoffs, a sore
subject with Harper.
“This upcoming year will be the 5th year of the
program,” said Harper, “It is time that the folks here
see the dividends get paid.”
While the Dragons only return four starters on each
side, Nacodoches played several young kids in ’08,
and the experience should pay out big.
Tight end LaByrant Johnson could be a star in the
making. The 215 pounder averaged nearly 17 yards a
catch in 2009, and should prove to be the go to target
of the Dragon offense.
Joining Bryant on offense will be Jermichael Smith, a
running back who nearly cracked 1,000 yards on the
year, while starting only half the games.
“We have some offense, Jermichael can be a good
one but he, like a lot of us, was inconsistent from week
to week,” said Harper, “If we can get him going, we are
WHITEHOUSE WILDCATS
The question
quarterback?”
in
Whitehouse,
“who
will
be
The answer? No one knows…yet.
The loss of record breaking quarterback Brady
Attaway has left Whitehouse in a predicament, but one
that Coach Randy McFarlin is sure will be settled. “We
have plenty of athletes, and right now, we don’t have
a sure #1 guy behind center, but we do have plenty of
guys to go around him when we find him.”
That might be a huge understatement.
The return of super sophomore Trey Metoyer, now
a junior, and his 72 catches, 1,105 yards and 14
touchdowns will serve as the focal point for the Wildcat
offense, no matter who is under center. “Trey can just
flat out go get it, and that is about the best way I can
describe him,” said McFarlin.
Alongside Metoyer, the wide out duo of Logan Newton
The anchors of the Dragon defense will not be up
front, but will be right behind them, manning the
middle. Linebackers Alex Howard and Javosky Ervin
had 180 tackles between them last year, and will be
the cornerstone of the Nacogdoches defense this
season.
District 14-4A
9/18
Paris
Home
7:30
9/25
Pittsburg
Away
7:30
10/2
OPEN
10/9
*Kilgore
Home
7:30
10/16
*Whitehouse
Home
7:30
10/23
*Nacogdoches
Away
7:30
10/30
*Henderson
Home
7:30
11/16
*Jacksonville
Away
7:30
*district games
Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: Dragons
1,843
Dr. Rodney Hutto
Bill Harper
WHITEHOUSE WILDCATS
S chedul e
8/28
Naaman Forest
Away
7:30
9/4
Sulphur Springs
Away
7:30
9/11
Corsicana
Home
7:30
14 4-A P re - S e a so n
C o a che s’ Po ll
1. Whitehouse
9/18
Red Oak
Away
7:30
2. Kilgore
9/25
Celina
Away
7:30
10/2
OPEN
3. Nacogdoches
10/9
*Jacksonville
Home
7:30
10/16
*Lindale
Away
7:30
5. Lindale
6. Jacksonville
10/23
*Kilgore
Home
7:30
10/30
*Nacogdoches
Home
7:30
11/6
*Henderson
Away
7:30
4. Henderson
*district games
Returning Offensive Starters
4
Combined with Lavenski Rhodes and Damion Leonard
in the defensive backfield, and the talented, albeit
young, Dragons should prove to be better.
Returning Defensive Starters
4
“We had 8 or 9 guys on both sides of the ball that
played a lot, they did not necessarily start every game,
but they learned how to play and gained the experience
that will help this team get to where it wants to be.”
8/28
Mt. Pleasant
Away
7:30
9/4
Center
Away
7:30
9/11
Lufkin
Home
7:30
9/18
Carthage
Away
7:30
“If we thought the district was tough last year, I can’t wait to see what is in store for this year,” said Canton head coach Lance Angel.
9/25
OPEN
10/2
Diboll
Home
7:30
It’s Angel’s team that is looking for redemption; a lackluster 2008 saw them go 5-5 and lose to Kemp in the final game of the season, costing them a
playoff spot.
10/9
*Henderson
Home
7:30
10/16
*Jacksonville
Away
7:30
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Alex Howard Senior Javosky Ervin Junior Jermichael Smith Senior Courtney Patton Senior LaBryant Johnson Senior Brandon Hughes Senior LB
LB
RB
QB
TE
OL
District 14-3A
A Year of Rev i val , Redemption and Resurgence
Schedul e
10/23
*Lindale
Home
7:30
10/30
*Whitehouse
Away
7:30
11/6
*Kilgore
Home
7:30
*district games
and Skip Caldwell (60 catches combined) will serve as
a nice reminder to defenses that if you double Metoyer,
you are asking for trouble.
But the outside is just the starting point, of the other 7
starters returning on offense, the running back tandem
of DeJuan Shelton and Shundrick Beasley should give
nightmares to opposing teams.
The Wildcat defense, you ask? They may be the best
in the area.
Nine starters return to the defense, and with senior
Logan Taylor patrolling the middle, room for offenses
will be hard to come by. “We can stop people and we
know we can; now we just have to get out there and
do it. Guys like Logan and Chad (Lewis) give us the
stoppers we need in the middle.”
A host of other defensive standouts will return,
including Jermaine Kennedy (39 tackles) Quincy
Aldridge (62 tackles, 5 Int) and Joey Gautney (31
tackles) and should prove to be the anchors of the
supremely talented Wildcat defense.
28
Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: WR
WR
WR
DB
DB/RB
DB
LB
LB
7
Returning Defensive Starters
9
It’s those very same Yellowjackets from Kemp that serve as an enigma for the district. Picked last in 2008, and 0-3 after the first month, the ‘Jackets
won 6 of their last 9 to advance to the playoffs, where they stunned defending 2A state champ Farmersville in the bi-district round.
“We now have somewhat of a target on our back, and that is something that has not happened here in a long time,” said Kemp head coach Greg
Anderson.
The district favorite, Van, is undergoing a slight resurgence, after missing the playoffs in three straight seasons. The Vandals rolled to the 3rd round of
the playoffs, stating their case that they are the team to beat.
Eustace, Wills Point and Mineola may have something to say about it, as the district shapes up to be one of the toughest in the state. One district
coach put it best, “You cannot coast on any week, if you coast, you will be beaten, and that is the bottom line.”
CANTON EAGLES
at quarterback, where signal caller Chance Wallace
returns to man the offense, an offense that is a good
as any that you will find.
“The way we finished 2008 left a sour taste in our
mouths and we don’t want that again,” said Head
Coach Lance Angel.
“As Chance goes, our offense will go,” said Angel, “We
just have to put ourselves in positions to make plays.”
Wallace, was an Honorable Mention All-State selection
last year, after throwing for more than 2,700 yards and
31 touchdowns, and has the weapons around him to
surpass what he did in ’08.
2009 will be the year of redemption in Canton.
Wildcats
1271
Daniel DuPree
Randy McFarlin
Returning Offensive Starters
The Van Vandals are the clear favorite to take the 14-3A crown, but a host of other teams are battling for respect.
“We have been picked first before and missed the playoffs, and we have been picked 4th or 5th and made it, we still have to go out on the field and
prove it,” said Van head coach Brady Pennington.
Pl ayers t o Wa t ch
Trey Metoyer Junior Logan Newton Junior Skip Caldwell Senior Quincy Aldridge Junior
DeJuan Shelton Junior Jermaine Kennedy Junior Logan Taylor Senior Chad Lewis Senior Coleman Swierc - KLTV 7 Sports Anchor/Reporter
The recently dominant Eagles finished 5-5 and missed
the playoffs, leaving them to wonder ‘what if?’ “We
had our chances last year, but there were times when
we needed to line up and by physical with the other
team, and we just could not do it, we were physically
beaten in a few games,” said Angel.
cont.
As the Eagles focus on being physical, it is at the skill
positions that Canton need not worry about. Especially
“We have the skill, no doubt about that, and Chance is
one of those guys that can make things happen with
his arm, or his feet.”
Wallace will have no problem through the air; Canton
brings back two of the best receivers in the district in
Roy Denbow and Trent Termin
29
“Roy can just flat go get it and sometimes you just
have to let it go, and trust that he will do what he does
best. Trent is the same way, and sometimes you just
have to let it go, and trust that they will do their thing.”
Denbow was one of the best in 2008, catching 45
passes and 7 touchdowns, numbers that are sure
to rise in ’09. Termin caught 49 balls in ’08 and four
touchdowns.
For Canton in 2009, it comes down to a mentality.
For years Canton was a dominant force, through the
air, on the ground, and in the minds of the opponents,
but it was a year in which the old Canton, never
surfaced.
cont.
District 14-3A
CANTON EAGLES
“We have got to get back to old Canton football,”
said Angel, “We cannot allow ourselves to be pushed
around like we did in some games last year.” Like
all good teams, it comes down to the offensive line,
and it’s there that Angel says his guys are better than
ever.
“We have guys that have played there for a while,
guys like Anthony (Gomez) have been a mainstay, and
it starts up front. I know it sounds like coach-speak but
it is the truth, and we like the guys both offensively and
defensively that we have up front.”
The Eagles will get their shot at redemption in the last
game of 2009. The Eagles will host Kemp, the same
team that beat them in Week 10 and knocked them out
of the playoffs in 2008.
Eustace Bulldogs
Will the third year be the charm in Eustace?
In 2007, Eustace was a game away, but could not seal
the deal.
The Bulldogs got a taste of success in ’08 making the
playoffs, before they were unceremoniously beaten by
Nevada Community in the bi-district round.
“We have the talent, now all we have to do is pull it
together,” said head coach Doug Wendel.
Wendel is in his 3rd year at Eustace, a year he believes
is the break-through season.
“It normally takes three years and here we are, we
have gotten better each year and I have no reason
to think that 2009 will be any different. With seven
starters on offense and eight on defense returning, it
is hard to think otherwise. “It never hurts to bring back
kids, it makes coaching that much easier.”
Even better for Eustace, the players coming back
have been the backbone of the program for the past
several seasons, including multi-season thousand
yard rusher Trevan Johnson, the 2007 Newcomer
of the Year, 2008 2nd Team All-District QB Chris
Compton and 2008 unanimous All-District Tackle Nick
Dunlap, three players that pose a deadly combination
for opponents.
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Chance Wallace Senior QB
(2008 Hon. Mention All-State)
Roy Denbow Junior WR
Trent Termin Senior
WR
Jacob Harris Senior LB
Anthony Gomez Junior OL
Tanner Smith Junior CB
Jonathon Roppollo Senior DE
Mascot: Eagles
Student Enrollment: 560
Superintendent: Dr. Jerome Stewart
Head Coach: Lance Angel
Returning Offensive Starters
6
Returning Defensive Starters
5
all together when we hit the field.”
“Chris and Trevan are two of the best the district has
to offer, you combine that with Nick and the other guys
we have up front, and we will be ok.”
The defense will be no pushover, the safety
combination of Cord Bailey and Joseph Bradburn can
cause havoc downfield. Up front, look no farther than
6’3, 290 lb Zach Stokes, an all-district tackle in 2008,
to anchor what should be a much improved Bulldog
defense.
“Last year we did not have a real hard time moving the
ball, but when it came down to it, in the games that we
lost, we just could not get the stops that we needed.”
It seems that 2009 would be the year that Eustace can
turn the corner, a playoff appearance in ’08 says they
have the talent, what remains to be seen is if the talent
can translate into another successful season.
“The district is tough, no doubt about that, but we
expect that we will be there when the final whistle
blows.”
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
“Offensively we are very good, I feel that we can score
with anyone in the district, so all we have to do is put it
Trevan Johnson Chris Compton Cord Bailey Joseph Bradburn Zach Stokes K EMP Y ELLOWJACK ETS
state champs (Farmersville) in the bi-district playoffs,
it was a run worth the wait for Anderson.
How do you follow one of the most successful seasons
that your school has seen in the past several years?
That is the question that Kemp head coach Greg
Anderson must answer.
“We now have a target on our back, and that is
something that has not happened here in a long
time.”
After a dismal year in 2007, the ‘Jackets turned an
0-3 start in 2008, into a 6-3 finish, and along the way
making the playoffs and knocking off the defending 2A
Senior Senior Senior Senior Junior RB
QB
S
S
DT
“Our kids had not won here in a while, so for us to be
able to come in and finish the way we did, it showed
the kids that you do not have to be content with the way
things have been, you can make things different.”
One thing that will not be different is behind center, as
quarterback Jeremy Quick returns to lead the charge.
“Jeremy has some of the best instincts that I have ever
seen, he is not the fastest or strongest, but he is one
of the best football players I have coached, and I have
30
District 14-3A
Schedul e
8/28
Commerce
Home
7:30
9/4
Edgewood
Home
7:30
9/11
Kaufman
Away
7:30
9/18
Waco Reicher
Home
7:30
9/25
Quinlan Ford
Away
7:30
10/2
OPEN
10/9
*Wills Point
Away
7:30
10/16
*Eustace
Home
7:30
10/23
*Mineola
Away
7:30
10/30
*Van
Away
7:30
11/6
*Kemp
Home
7:30
*district games
Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: 7
Returning Defensive Starters
8
Anderson may have an easier time replacing starters
on defense, because he won’t have to replace all the
many. The ‘Jackets will return seven starters to the
defense.
“We were in the games that we lost, outside of a few
early blowouts; we had chances, but could not get a
stop when we needed. With guys like Lance (Roberts)
and Johnny (Kilgore), guys that were a big part of
winning, we can put ourselves in that position again
and this time make the big play.”
Kemp will not have an easy time repeating. The district
is considerably tougher, and the ‘Jackets are looking
at a tough pre-district schedule, noted by a re-match
with Brownsboro in week zero; the same Bear team
that beat Kemp 39-0 last season. Follow that with a
home game against 4A Mabank, and the schedule will
provide an early test for the ‘Jackets.
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Jeremy Quick Wes Kerr Cris Morry Terrence Sistrunk
Lance Roberts Johnny Kilgore Senior
Senior
RB/S
Senior
Senior
Senior
Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: QB
RB/S
T
DE
LB
Yellowjackets
430
Dr. Peter Running
Greg Anderson
Returning Offensive Starters
5
Returning Defensive Starters
7
S chedu le
8/28
Brownsboro
@Van
7:30
9/4
Parish Episcopal
Away
7:30
9/11
Mabank
Home
7:30
9/18
Emory-Rains
Away
7:30
9/25
Palmer
Home
7:30
10/2
OPEN
10/9
*Van
Home
7:30
10/16
*Wills Point
Home
7:30
7:30
10/23
*Eustace
Away
10/30
*Mineola
Home
7:30
11/6
*Canton
Away
7:30
*district games
“This year will not be easy, but no year ever is, we look
forward to being the hunted, not the hunter.”
Bulldogs
432
Dr. Coy
Doug Wendel
Returning Offensive Starters
K EMP Y ELLOWJACK ETS
MINEOLA
Y ELLOWJACK ETS
Last season Mineola had a chance, only to fumble it
away, literally.
Schedul e
8/29
Grace Comm. @Tyler All Saints
7:00
9/4
Dallas Life Oak
Home
7:30
9/11
Edgewood
Away
7:30
9/18
Quitman
Away
7:30
9/25
Ferris
Home
7:30
10/2
OPEN
10/9
Mineola*
Home
7:30
10/16
Canton*
Away
7:30
10/23
Kemp*
Home
7:30
10/30
Wills Point*
Away
7:30
11/6
Van*
Home
7:30
*district games
“We had a chance in so many games last year, games
that we lost because we could not hang onto the
football, and if you turn it over as much as we did,
there is no way you are going to win consistently,” said
‘Jackets head coach Joe Drennon.
Drennon guided Mineola to a 4-6 record in his first
season, and has a lot to build on. The ‘Jackets return
a modest six starters on offense, but see nearly all the
defense coming back for 2009.
“We have a lot coming back defensively and it is
always good when you do not have to re-teach the
defense and the scheme to the kids, you can just pick
up where you left off.”
Anchoring that defense, and a literal anchor at 6’2”
270 lbs, will be defensive lineman Montana Duncan.
“Montana can play, we just need to put it all together
for him and he will be a dominant force. With Carlos
Rivera behind him, we can stop a lot of people before
they ever get going.”
It is the same story on the offensive side as quarterback
Tyler Drennon returns to call the shots.
done this for a long time.”
And yes, he is the coach’s son.
“It means more when you have family on the field. All
of the kids are family, but to have blood out there, your
son laying it on the line for you, it means that much
more.”
And it’s not like his son can’t play. The fleet of foot
Drennon will be the catalyst for the ‘Jacket offense, an
offense that wants to hit the ground...and run.
“We have a little bit of size and we are going to use
that to our advantage, guys like Montana and our
other linemen, should be able to give that push that
we want, and we need to have it to run the ball to be
successful.”
But Drennon put it best, “If we don’t have the ball, then
we cannot win, plain and simple. We played several
games that were one-possession games, and we just
could not get it done when we needed to.”
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Montana Duncan Senior
Carlos Rivera Senior Tyler Drennon Senior OL/DL
LB
QB
Mascot: Yellowjackets
Student Enrollment: 448
Repeating the success won’t be easy, the loss of
running backs Josh Carr and Korey Henderson leave
Kemp with some holes behind Quick. “It will be tough
to replace them, any coach will tell you that when you
lose guys like that, you need someone to step up and
fill that role, and we need someone to step up.”
He may not have to look far, only in the defensive
backfield, as Wes Kerr and Cris Morry seem to have
the upper hand on the ball-carrying duties.
cont.
31
Superintendent: Head Coach: Mary Lookadoo
Greg Anderson
Returning Offensive Starters
6
Returning Defensive Starters
8
S chedu le
8/28
Quinlan-Ford
Home
7:30
9/4
Quitman
Home
7:30
9/11
Grand Saline
Away
7:30
9/18
Edgewood
Home
7:30
9/25
Mt. Vernon
Away
7:30
10/2
OPEN
10/9
*Eustace
Away
7:30
10/16
*Van
Away
7:30
10/23
*Canton
Home
7:30
10/30
*Kemp
Away
7:30
11/6
*Wills Point
Home
7:30
*district games
District 14-3A
VAN VANDALS
Head coach Brady Pennington is not used to not
winning. “The last seasons have been tough,” said
Pennington. After a three season absence from the
post-season, the Vandals rammed their way to a district
title in 2008, and three rounds deep into the playoffs.
“We had missed the playoffs the previous 3 seasons,
so to get back and do well, that really lit a spark under
our kids.”
That spark will remain lit. The Vandals will run out 6
starters on offense and 7 on defense that are back from
the 11-2 squad in 2008.
“We lost three starting lineman, and that will hurt, but we
bring back two that were just great for us, with Devon
(Pickard) and Nick (McLean) their experience will help
us a ton.”
Pickard and McLean will help anchor a line that will
protect all-everything quarterback Tyler Sharpe. Sharpe
was a mainstay behind center, throwing for nearly
2,200 yards and 18 touchdowns; all that, in a run-based
system. “Tyler makes this offense go, with him, we have
gotten away a bit from the run-based attack that Van is
used to and with him, we can do whatever we want.”
Sharpe isn’t alone on offense. The Vandals will see
running backs Chase Rabe and Michael Terry back to
the squad. The two rushed for over 1,500 combined
yards last year in spot duties.2009 may offer something
a bit different to Van fans, the run-based Vandals, are
going to open it up. “Trust me, we are not abandoning
the run, it is just now with Tyler playing the way he is,
we can open it up more, but when we need to, we will
go smash mouth.”
Sharpe will have no shortage of targets, along with
wide receiver Joey McMinn, tight end Jacoby Alexander
are sure to put up big numbers when the Vandals put
it in the air. “We can score, no doubt about that,” said
Pennington.
They can also stop the score; the Vandals see seven
starters run back on defense, which include Alexander
and McMinn, combine that with the return of cornerback
Tye Hughes and defensive linemen Ryan Wigley and
Chris Leiser, the Vandals are primed for another big
year.
Just don’t tell Pennington that his team, are the district
favorites.
“We have been picked first before and missed the
playoffs, and we have been picked towards the bottom
and made the playoffs, so the pre-season rankings are
irrelevant.”
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Tyler Sharpe Chase Rabe Michael Terry Joey McMInn Jacoby Alexander Tye Hughes Seth Potter Addison Neal Senior Senior Junior Senior
Senior
Senior Senior Senior QB
RB/LB
RB/FS
WR/OLB
TE/DT
WR/DB
WR/DB
TE/DB
District 14-3A
Matthew Broadbent Ryan Wigley Devon Pickard Tori Parsons Chris Leiser Senior Senior
Senior Junior Senior
Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: WILLS POINT TIGERS
LB/FB
DT
C
WR/DB
OL/DL
Year one for Kevin Garvin and the Tigers was not easy,
nor did it produce the type of success the program
wanted. A 1-9 record left Wills Point in last and
wondering where to start for 2009.
Vandals
692
Joddie Witte
Brady Pennington
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
“It was tough last year, we struggled the whole season,
but we expected there would be growing pains, and
now that we are through them, we can focus on
improving,” said Garvin.
6
7
Schedul e
8/27
Grand Saline
Home
7:30
9/4
Rusk
Home
7:30
9/11
Palestine
Away
7:30
9/18
Mabank
Away
7:30
9/25
Spring Hill
Home
7:30
10/2
OPEN
10/9
*Kemp
Away
7:30
10/16
*Mineola
Home
7:30
10/23
*Wills Point
Away
7:30
10/30
*Canton
Home
7:30
11/6
*Eustace
Away
7:30
*district games
But brighter days will are on the way on Hwy 64, the
Tigers are primed for an improvement, and possibly a
playoff run. Wills Point will return half of their starters
on offense and defense, giving Garvin the nucleus to
start with.
Quarterback Trent Jurica will return to man the show
behind center, giving the Tigers experience in the
backfield.
“We have some guys that can catch the ball, and
with Trent getting a full ten games last year as a
sophomore, it can only improve the way our offense
moves the ball.”
Kemp head coach Greg Anderson said about the
Tigers, “They (Wills Point) had chances last season,
they played a lot of teams tough and they will be ready
to go next year. They will not be a team that is easily
handled.”
Behind Jurica, Cyle Henderson will line up at running
back, and Jurica will have all sorts of weapons on the
edge, as the Tigers return a plethora of wide receivers
able to produce, including Steven Cunigan, Junior
Hamilton and Marquis Burch, along with tight-end Alex
Anderson.
Defensively, the focus will turn to the big boys up
front. Both Joseph Gray and Chris Ross are returning
starters on both the offensive and defensive lines, and
should give the Tigers stability between the tackles.
S chedu le
The Tigers, by their own account, struggled mightily
in the first year of Garvin’s reign, but a nice 16-14 in
the season finale against Mineola gave the Tigers
momentum and confidence to build on in 2009.
8/28
Athens
Home
7:30
9/4
LIndale
Away
7:30
9/11
Farmersville
Away
7:30
Home
7:30
7:30
It was not all the long ago that Wills Point was a
mainstay in the post-season, reaching the playoffs in
seven straight seasons. Will this year be the return to
the success of the past? It won’t be easy. The Tigers
open with Athens and Lindale, two teams that beat the
Tigers by a combined 85-0.
“It will not be easy, but now that we are getting the
system in place, I expect us to be right there when it is
all said and done.”
Brownsboro
OPEN
10/2
Kaufman
Away
10/9
*Canton
Home
7:30
10/16
*Kemp
Away
7:30
10/23
*Van
Home
7:30
10/30
*Eustace
Home
7:30
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
11/6
*Mineola
Away
7:30
Steven Cunigan Chris Ross Cyle Henderson Marquis Burch Joseph Gray Trent Jurica Junior Hamilton Alex Anderson *district games
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Junior
Junior
Senior
Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: WR/DB
OL/DL
RB/LB
WR/DB
OL/LB
QB
WR/DB
TE/LB
Tigers
780
Joe Oliver
Kevin Garvin
Returning Offensive Starters
6
Returning Defensive Starters
5
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33
District 16-3A
District 16-3A
Liber t y-Ey l au Leopa rds
Jamie Lent - KTBB Sports
“I truly think that year in and year out, 16-3A is the toughest district in class 3A. There are no weeks to rest in either preseason or district for anyone in
the district.” Those are the words of Mt. Vernon Head Coach Charles Swann and words that nobody associated with District 16-3A disagrees with.
Last season the district saw two teams win at least nine games and all three of their playoff teams advanced to the 2nd round. Pittsburg and New
Boston tied for the top record in the district (the Pirates won the head-to-head game 25-19) and both expect to be in the mix in ‘09 as well.
Coach Robert Manley of Pittsburg returns a ton of talent on both sides of the ball, including reigning district Offensive MVP Ted Burns.
Atlanta has another very young team and will rely very heavily on senior QB Carlos Ibarra. The Rabbits believe solid work on their offensive and
defensive line will go a long way in determining their success.
The Hawks of Pleasant Grove try for their 3rd straight playoff appearance in 2009. Coach Kevin Davis returns 12 starters from last year’s nine win
team and expects to get help from some of his younger players.
And Mt.Vernon believes that if they can avoid the injury bug, they will improve dramatically from last year. Coach Charles Swann really likes what he
has in the backfield with QB Kellan Carrell and RB Jay Jay Johnson.
Despite the rough schedule it takes to play in District 16-3A, there is a bright side. Survive it and advance as one of the three district playoff teams
and you’ve got a good chance in the postseason. Coach Brady of Liberty-Eylau agrees. “Anyone in our district is good enough to make a run in the
playoffs. Anyone!”
Just six short seasons ago Atlanta won the Class 3A
State Championship. However, since that magical
2003 season the Rabbits have been unable to finish
above .500. Second year Head Coach Ronnie Melton
feels like his team has a chance to buck that trend this
year but it will take some of his younger players really
stepping up.
Four starters return on both sides of the ball so plenty
of new faces will get their chance to make an impact.
The strength of the team should come from the
offensive backfield where QB Ibarra, TB Paris Propps,
and top WR Tori Linwood all return.
Melton says his SR quarterback is the key, “Ibarra will
have to perform well if we are to have a chance to win
the district. He is very smart and has a strong arm.”
On the defensive side LB Joe Rose and lineman
Shumiah Blaylock should anchor Defensive
Coordinator Jarrod Boston’s unit.
Libert y-Eyl au Leopards
The Liberty Eylau Leopards missed the postseason
for the first time in six years in 2008, but Coach Pat
Brady believes his team is in for big things in ‘09. “I
feel like we will have a chance at making a deep run
this year. If everything falls into place, we play like we
know we can, and we avoid injuries.”
One of the players that will factor heavily in that is
senior wide receiver Marquez Clark. The 5’10”, 170
pounder has excellent speed, good hands, and does
great things when he has the ball.
With just the eight returning starters and so many
new inexperienced players on paper, it might look like
an uphill battle for the Rabbits. However Head Man
Melton says his team can use that to their advantage.
“Most people do not give us a chance. If our young
kids are dedicated we can surprise some people.”
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Carlos Ibarra
Paris Propps
Tori Linwood
Joe Rose
Shumiah Blaylock
Senior
Senior
Senior
Junior
Senior
Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: QB
RB/SS
WR
FB/LB
OL/DL
6’1”
6’0”
6’3”
5’9”
6’4”
185
190
185
200
225
Rabbits
530
Roger Hailey
Ronnie Melton (2nd Year)
Speaking of speed, Head Man Brady believes overall
the team is very blessed with quickness, but is worried
about consistency and depth on this year’s squad.
Senior Kevin Brown should be a big help in that area
as he starts at both defensive end and tight end.
The Leopards are picked by many around 16-3A to
take home the district title this year. Brady doesn’t
disagree, “We have a great shot at winning the district
but any team in our district is capable of beating
anyone else at any time.”
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
4
4
Schedul e
8/28
Daingerfield
Away
7:30
9/4
Royce City
Home
7:30
9/11
Carthage
Home
7:30
9/18
Tatum
Away
7:30
9/25
Henderson
Home
7:30
10/2
Open Week
10/9
Pittsburg*
Away
7:30
10/16
Pleasant Grove*
Away
7:30
10/23
New Boston*
Home
7:30
10/30
Liberty-Eylau*
Away
7:30
11/6
Mt. Vernon*
Home
7:30
*district games
Pl ayers t o Wa t ch
Marquez Clark
Kevin Brown
Marqueston Huff
Malcolm Edmond
Tra Carson
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Junior
Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: WR
TE/DE
DB
OL
RB
5’10” 170
6’3” 220
5’11” 175
6’2” 245
5’11” 201
Leopards
750
Micah Lewis
Pat Brady (6th Year)
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
Home
7:30
10/16
Mt. Vernon*
Home
7:30
Home
7:30
10/23
Pittsburg*
Away
7:30
Away
7:30
10/30
Atlanta*
Home
7:30
11/6
New Boston*
Away
7:30
Home
7:30
9/25
Paris
North Lamar
Home
7:30
10/2
Open
9/4
Mt. Pleasant
Away
7:30
10/9
Pleasant Grove*
After a year of dealing with injury problems week in
and week out last year, Mt. Vernon looks for a much
healthier 2009. The Tigers went 5 and 5 last year for
their first .500 record since 2005 and appear to be on
the upswing.
The Leopards of Liberty-Eylau look to end their two year hiatus from the playoffs and Coach Pat Brady believes they can not only do that, but also
make a deep run in the postseason.
Gilmer
Nashville
8/28
Mt. V ernon T igers
New Boston should challenge again with returners like Gary Lorance on defense and Jansen Carr at quarterback.
Atl a nta R a bbit s
S chedul e
9/11
9/18
Coach Charles Swann brings back five starters on both
sides of the ball and likes the effort he has seen from
his team. “As hard as these guys have worked this
spring I am looking for great things from them. We will
be faster this year than we have been in the past.”
One of the guys that brings speed to the table is
Kellan Carrell. The 6’1”, 180 pounder gives the Tigers
a dual threat with his ability to run and throw from the
quarterback position. Carrell will be saddled with the
tough task of trying to replace Christian Butler who
threw for a school record 2,400 yards last season.
Coach Swann is also excited about running back Jay
Jay Johnson. “He is the most durable small back we
have ever had. He runs tough and has great hands.”
The junior to be should be a big factor in the success
of the Tigers offense.
Ne w Bost on Lions
A 10 and 2 record last year and 12 starters returning
from that group, give the New Boston Lions plenty to
feel good about heading into this season.
The defense is in especially good hands with last
year’s Defensive MVP Gary Lorance on the D-line.
Brandon Raney is the top returning linebacker while
Terrance Rowden leads the backfield from his safety
position.
Janson Carr is back for his 3rd season as the signal
caller for the Lions. Besides his skill from the QB
position, the 6’3, 213 pounder provides the team with
leadership and as Coach Barker says, “A coach on the
field.”
The Lions have made the playoffs each of the 4
seasons that Barker has coached the team. He says
continuing that streak will not be easy in the difficult
16-3A. “You better show up to play in this district of
you will get beat. We’ll have to stay healthy and beat a
couple of teams we’re not supposed to.”
As far as the district title goes, Barker says any of the
six teams in the district could end the year as champs.
Mt. Vernon has not worn the district crown since 2004
but Coach Swann is hoping that drought will end this
year. “Winning a district title sits on top of a long list
of goals that we have for the Mt. Vernon Tigers. It
won’t be easy. Every team in this district is capable of
making the playoffs.”
Returning Offensive Starters
5
Returning Defensive Starters
5
9/4
Gladewater
Away
7:30
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
9/11
Cooper
Home
7:30
9/18
Winnsboro
Away
7:30
Home
7:30
Home
7:30
Bill Crowson
Kellan Carrell
Jay Jay Johnson
Colby Keener
Colton Keener
Senior
Senior
Junior
Junior
Senior
Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: G
QB
RB
S
WR
6’3”
6’1”
5’7”
6’0”
6’0”
320
180
165
165
180
Tigers
456
Rick Flanagan
Charles Swann (4th Year)
“From top to bottom anyone can win this district. It’s a
coin toss every Friday night.”
The Lions have loaded up their non-district schedule
with teams like North Lamar, Mt. Pleasant, Paris, along
with powerhouse Gilmer from 3A. However, the big
one on the schedule may be the October 16th matchup with Pittsburg. The Pirates handed New Boston
their only district loss last year.
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Gary Lorance
Janson Carr
Caleb Granbery
Brandon Raney
Terrance Rowden
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Mascot
Student Enrollment Superintendent
Head Coach DL
QB
C
LB
SS
5’11”
6’3”
5’9”
6’2”
5’11”
Lions
412
Gary VanDeaver
Rick Barker (5th Year)
5
5
cont.
34
*district games
35
260
213
150
195
160
S chedu le
8/28
Rains
9/25
Mineola
10/2
Open
10/9
New Boston*
Away
7:30
10/16
Liberty-Eylau*
Away
7:30
10/23
Pleasant Grove*
Home
7:30
10/30
Pittsburg*
Home
7:30
11/6
Atlanta*
Away
7:30
*district games
Returning Offensive Starters
6
Returning Defensive Starters
6
S chedu le
8/28
Dekalb
9/4
Open
Home
7:30
9/11
Queen City
Home
7:30
9/18
Ashdown
Away
7:30
9/25
Linden-Kildare
Home
7:30
10/2
Hughes Springs
Away
7:30
10/9
Mt. Vernon*
Away
7:30
10/16
Pittsburg*
Home
7:30
10/23
Atlanta*
Away
7:30
10/30
Pleasant Grove*
Away
7:30
11/6
Liberty-Eylau*
Home
7:30
*district games
36
37
District 16-3A
Pit t sburg Pir ates
When it comes to bringing back starters, no one in
the district can touch what Coach Robert Manley will
put on the field this fall. The Pirates return 16 starters
from last year’s club that advanced to the 2nd round
in Division I.
The most notable returner may be running back Ted
Burns. Last year as a junior the 5’8”, 190 pounder
racked up over 1700 yards rushing en route to being
named the
16-3A Offensive MVP. However, Burns is not the only
one in the backfield back for a 2nd go around as a
starter. Chris Brown returns after a solid junior year
that saw him score five times and QB Mitch Manley is
back after tossing for more than 1,600 yards last year
as a sophomore.
Over on defense, All State linebacker Gary Attaway
looks to make it a 3rd straight year with over 100
tackles and will get help from lineman Harry White.
Manley says the 320 pounder is a huge factor for his
team. “Harry can take over a game. He controls things
on both sides of the ball.”
Ple as a nt Grov e H aw ks
The 2008 season was a successful one for Pleasant
Grove. The Hawks won nine games and advanced
to 2nd round of the Class 3A playoffs. That followed
a season in which the team set a school record
with 10 victories en route to making it to the 3rd
round of the postseason. Needless to say 5th year
Head Coach Kevin Davis has really turned around
a program that won just one game four years ago.
The Hawks return 12 players from last year’s team
but Davis says he needs his younger players to
mature fast. One player that did exactly that last
year was defensive end Chris Tatum. The 6’2”, 220
pounder was named the Newcomer of the Year in
the district last year and will be heavily relied upon
again this year.
The passing game should be in good hands with
both the QB and top WRs returning. Antonio Graves
is back as the after a season that saw him throw for
14 scores, while seniors DeAnte Reid and Damien
Watts combined for nearly 45 catches last year.
Davis believes getting Reid involved is especially
important. “DeAnte is a playmaker that we will have
to get the ball to more. He just has a knack for
making big plays.”
District 17-3A
Coleman Swierc - KLTV 7 Sports Anchor/Reporter
With the head-to-head win over New Boston last year,
the Pirates were District Champs and believe that they
can do it again. Manley knows it will be tough. “You
got to play every week in 16-3A. If we take care of
business we ought to be o.k.”
Returning Offensive Starters
8
Returning Defensive Starters
8
Besides the showdown with New Boston, look for the
Senior Night battle with Pleasant Grove to also go a
long way in determining this year’s champ out of 163A.
8/28
Jefferson
Away
7:30
9/4
Winsborro
Home
7:30
“Gilmer is the best, no doubt about that, they will be until someone beats them,” said Spring Hill head coach Robert Bero.
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Ted Burns
Chris Brown
Greg Attaway
Harry White
Mitch Manley
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Junior
Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: RB
RB/DB
LB
OL/DL
QB
5’8”
6’0”
6’0”
6’0”
6’4”
190
180
200
320
195
Pirates
685
Judy Pollan
Robert Manley (3rd Year)
Pleasant Grove finished as the 3rd place team in
the district last year and Head Man Davis says it
will be a dog fight again this year. “You will not have
a week off and we will have to stay away from the
injury bug. The district will be even tougher because
of returners for Pittsburg and New Boston.” The
Hawks finish the year facing those two teams on
back-to-back weeks.
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Antonio Graves
DeAntre Reid
Damian Watts
Lamarcus Banks
Chris Tatum
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Junior
QB
WR
WR
DB
DE
6-1
5-10
5-10
6-0
6-2
210
165
185
175
220
Hawks
614
Margaret Davis
Kevin Davis (5th Year)
It has been nine years since the Gilmer Buckeyes lost a district game, is this the year that someone finally de-crowns the king?
9/11
Princeton
Away
7:30
9/18
Queen City
Away
7:30
With the reigning all-everything quarterback Darion “Stump” Godfrey back for a 3rd season under center, it is hard to imagine that this year will be any
different.
Home
7:30
“That is just something we have to deal with, we have the target on our back, but trust me, it is a very good problem to have.”
Home
7:30
The district saw three teams head to the post-season, highlighted by the Buckeyes quarterfinal run, mix that with Chapel Hill’s two rounds and an
appearance by Tatum, the district seems top heavy for 2009.
9/25
Lindale
10/2
Open
10/9
Atlanta
10/16
New Boston
Away
7:30
10/23
Liberty-Eylau
Home
7:30
10/30
Mt. Vernon
Away
7:30
11/6
Pleasant Grove
Home
7:30
Schedul e
8/28
Pine Tree
Home
7:30
9/4
Hooks
Away
7:30
9/11
Ashdown
Home
7:30
9/18
Gladewater
Home
7:30
9/25
North Lamar
Home
7:30
10/2
Open
10/9
Liberty-Eylau*
Away
7:30
10/16
Atlanta*
Home
7:30
10/23
Mt. Vernon*
Away
7:30
10/30
New Boston*
Home
7:30
11/6
But questions remain; will Chapel Hill thrive under new head coach Thomas Sitton? Can the youth of Tatum grow into a powerhouse again? Will
Bullard find a replacement for Charlie Moore?
Questions are a plenty for district 17-3A, with the season just around the corner, the answers will be soon to follow.
Bull a rd Pa nthers
*district games
Pittsburg*
Away
*district games
Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: W ill A New Challenger Emerge To Take Dow n Gilmer?
Schedul e
16 3-A Pre-Sea s o n
Co a ches’ Po l l
Returning Offensive Starters
7
1. Liberty-Eylau
Returning Defensive Starters
5
2. Pittsburg
7:30
Can the Panthers get back to the promised land?
That is the question surrounding Jim Taylor and his
squad. Taylor has seen improvements in the years he
has been at Bullard, but has yet to produce a playoff
appearance, and now must replace Charlie Moore,
who took his talents to Oklahoma State.
“Charlie was a great one for us, and filling his spot is
one of the toughest things I have had to do as a head
coach, but we have to find someone.”
Players like senior Lance Anding may be the answer
behind center, but Taylor says he has a couple guys
that could do it. “We have a few guys, but now we just
have to get the in there so they can actually do it, then
we will evaluate them from there.”
If Anding doesn’t land the spot, he will be right back
at wide receiver, combined with fellow senior Daniel
Howard, teaming for a tough tandem to deal with.
But the problem may lie on the other side. The
defense, at times for Bullard was porous, at best.
“The district is loaded offensively, we know that,” said
Taylor, “our biggest problem last year is that we could
do things on offense, but we were just unable to stop
anybody when we needed to, and that is our main
focus this year.”
Chapel Hill Bulldogs
Along side Howard, the defense will look to senior
linemen Shawn Stephens and John Schmidt to anchor
down, and create problems in an offense happy
district.
Returning Offensive Starters
7
Returning Defensive Starters
7
Stephens and Schmidt will be joined by defensive back
Brandon Beavers and linebacker Nick Rumbelow as
stalwarts for Bullard.
S chedu le
“Physically we have what it takes, now we just have to
get the mental aspect together in our kids and make
them believe that we can win.”
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Lance Anding Daniel Howard Shawn Stephens John Schmidt Nick Rumbelow Senior
Senior Senior Senior Senior Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: WR/DB
WR/DB
OL/DL
OL/DL
WR/LB
Panthers
496
Keith Bryant
Jim Taylor
4. New Boston
2009 will stand as the beginning of a new era in Chapel
Hill, and the end of old one. The Matthew Tucker
express has now departed ways with the Bulldogs, his
talents are now at TCU.
He is right about that. Even though the Bulldogs only
bring back four starters on both sides, the ones coming
back are outstanding players. Chapel Hill needs to
look no further than big LaQuentus Mosley, the 6 foot,
300 pounder will anchor the both the offensive and
defensive lines for Chapel Hill.
5. Atlanta
It is the beginning for new head coach Thomas Sitton,
who replaces departed coach Phil Castles.
He will lead the way for Jordan Antley, the leading
candidate to replace the departed Tucker.
“I am excited,” said Sitton, in an interview with KLTV
when he was hired, “this is an opportunity for me to
come and win, and win now, coach Castles did not
leave the cupboard dry by any means.”
“We have talent here, no doubt, it is easy to see why
the kids win here, they have a great work ethic and I
think this is somewhere that we can win and win big.”
3. Pleasant Grove
6. Mt. Vernon
8/28
Open
9/4
Westwood
9/11
9/18
Away
7:30
Athens
Away
7:30
Troup
Home
7:30
9/25
Rusk
Home
7:30
10/2
Center
Away
7:30
10/9
Gilmer*
Home
7:30
10/16
Tatum*
Away
7:30
10/23
Gladewater*
Home
7:30
10/30
Chapel Hill*
Home
7:30
11/6
Spring Hill*
Away
7:30
*district games
Defensively the ‘Dogs are young, but very very good,
led by returning defensive back KeAndre Goss, who
scored twice last year off interceptions, and had a total
of four picks in the secondary.
He will be flanked by two up and coming stars at
Chapel Hill, Laramie Lee and Andrew Tucker.
Lee was an All-District pick at free safety for Chapel Hill
and Tucker was a starter at linebacker as a freshman.
They may have to replace a head coach and star
player, but there is no doubt that the bite on these
‘Dogs will be a fierce as ever.
cont.
38
39
District 17-3A
Chapel Hill Bulldogs
P layer s t o Wat ch
LaQuentus Mosley Senior OL/DL
Jordan Antley Senior
FB/L B
KeAndre Goss Senior DB
Laramie Lee Junior FS
Andrew Tucker Soph
RB/LB
Gilmer Buck e y es
Most people would consider a 12-2 record and a
trip to the quarterfinals a great season.
Not in Gilmer.
“The way we lost last year, in that game against
Carthage, we realized that we cannot hit the cruise
control and expect to win, we have to keep our foot
on the gas the whole season,” said Gilmer head
coach Jeff Traylor.
Look out district 17-3A.
The Buckeyes will bring back the most experienced
quarterback in the district, Darion “Stump” Godfrey.
“We have to replace some guys on offense, but with
Stump back there, we are going to be just fine.”
Godfrey has started in 40 games for Gilmer, since
taking the reins in 2006, and threw for 2,883 yards
and 34 touchdowns in ’08. Oh yeah, he can run too,
to the tune of 885 yards and 18 touchdowns.
He is not the only returning weapon; Braylon
Webb will man the outside and brings back with
him 25 catches and 334 yards receiving and 4
touchdowns.
Gl a de water Be a rs
The Bears had a chance in 2008, only to see it fall
away.
“We were there in the last week of 2008 and we could
not get it done. Our kids remember that, and they
do not want to go through that again,” remembered
Gladewater head coach Scott Callaway.
The Bears finished 6-4, but a home loss to Chapel Hill
in the finale cost them a playoff spot.
But they have their chance in ’09, as the Bears will
lean heavily on strong running game, and the literal
strength up front. Corey Davis is back for the Bears to
tote the rock. Davis was a 1,000 yard rusher last year
on only 97 carries, making the Bears a big-play team.
“Corey is a heck of an athlete, he can go the distance
from anywhere on the field, and he will be the one we
lean on to carry the ball.”
Gladewater will also have some very strong shoulders
to lean on.
Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: Bulldogs
850
Joe Stubblefield
Thomas Sitton
Returning Offensive Starters
4
Returning Defensive Starters
4
Sch e d u le
District 17-3A
9/11
Center
Away
7:30
9/18
Quinlan-Ford
Away
7:30
9/25
Athens
Home
7:30
10/2
Open
10/9
Spring Hill*
10/16
Gilmer*
Away
7:30
Tatum*
Home
7:30
10/30
Bullard*
Away
7:30
Gladewater*
Home
7:30
Westwood
Away
7:30
11/6
9/4
Kaufman
Home
7:30
*district games
“Our defense will be much better, no doubt, we
have a bunch returning, and with guys like Mikey,
Marlon and Paul, to name a few, we should be
tough on D.”
Mikey, Marlon and Paul, as Traylor referred to,
combined for 332 tackles in 2008, and with Tristan
Holt and his 3 interceptions should prove that the
Gilmer D, and not the O, may be the strongest point
on the team.
“We expect to be there again, we want to be playing
into late November and early December and I
have no reason to think that we will not be there…
again.”
7:30
10/23
8/28
As scary as it may be, Gilmer may be better on
defense, where they bring back 9 starters.
Home
Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: Schedul e
8/28
Jasper
@Nacogdoches
7:30
9/4
Rains
@Tyler
7:30
9/11
Liberty-Eylau
Away
7:30
9/18
Kilgore
Home
7:30
Daingerfield
Home
7:30
10/2
Open
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
10/9
Bullard*
Away
7:30
Darion Godfrey
Paul Chesnut Braylon Webb Marlon Granville Mikey Wilson Tristan Holt 10/16
Chapel Hill*
Home
7:30
10/23
Spring Hill*
Away
7:30
QB
LB
WR/S
LB
LB
CB
Returning starts Quinton Thomas and Dylan Sells
were national power lifting qualifiers in the Spring of
’08. “We are strong, that’s that, we can be physical.”
While only four starters return on offense, the Bears
bring back half of their defense, anchored by Thomas,
Jamarick Armstrong and Spencer Palmer.
“In this district, the offenses are great, the key is that if
we can put ourselves in the position to force turnovers,
then we have a chance, and the guys coming back
know that we are going to have to do that to win.”
Depth too may be an issue; the Bears will lean on a
successful JV to fill in the spots left vacant on varsity.
“We are not deep, so the JV guys are really going to
have to step up, and the guys that are coming back will
need to teach them how to play at this level.”
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Corey Davis Quinton Thomas Junior
Senior
40
RB/LB
FB/LB
9/11
Rusk
Away
7:30
10/16
Spring Hill*
Home
7:30
9/18
Pleasant Grove
Away
7:30
10/23
Bullard*
Away
7:30
Home
7:30
10/30
Gilmer*
Home
7:30
11/6
Chapel Hill*
Away
7:30
9/25
Commerce
8/27
Center
Home
7:30
10/2
Open
9/4
Mt. Vernon
Home
7:30
10/9
Tatum*
Spring Hill Pa nthers
One thing about youth, it can be sporadic at best.
Spring Hill found that fact out in 2008.
Bero will have plenty coming back to be excited
about.
5
9
9/25
Senior Senior Senior Senior Senior Senior S chedul e
“We started eight sophomores on offense and
seven on defense, so it was certainly a huge eyeopener for our guys, but that is something that they
can learn from and improve on for this year,” said
Spring Hill head coach Robert Bero.
Buckeyes
650
Rick Albritton
Jeff Traylor
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
Gl a de water Be a rs
Dylan Brown will be the focus of the Panther
offense, and rightly so, Brown rushed for 1,260
yards as a quarterback in 2008 and will return to
lead the charge.
“Dylan can just flat play, and when you have guys
like him who have such a high football IQ, you can
do so many other things with the ball.”
Away
7:30
On defense, Bero will turn to Alex Voelzke, the
Panthers leading tackler from last year with 112,
will be back to man the defense, and alongside him,
the second leading tackler in Nathan Griffin.
Superintendent: Head Coach: “We know the district is about offense, but we feel
that we have the kids and the system where we
can do some things on defense that will keep us
in games.”
S chedul e
The Panthers can look back on the last game of
2008 to find their winning ways, a 21 point win
over Bullard, as Bero put it, “it showed us that we
can win; now we only have to do it over and over
again.”
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Dylan Brown Alex Voelzke Nathan Griffin Senior
Senior
Senior
QB
LB
LB
Home
7:30
9/18
Center
Home
7:30
9/25
Van
Away
7:30
10/2
Open
10/9
Chapel Hill*
Away
7:30
10/16
Gladewater*
Away
7:30
10/23
Gilmer*
Home
7:30
“I know it sounds old, but we had so much youth
last year that with all of these guys coming back,
we should be able to do just about whatever we
want on the field.”
S chedul e
Home
7:30
In their first year back from class 2A, the Eagles
made the playoffs, but that was it.
And oh, do they have the bullets.
“We were so young, and we bring back so many, I
expect us to be a dominant force again,” said head
coach Andy Evans.
Guys like Chris Kamman, Cameron Furlow and the
twins Devin and Kevin McIlwain return to provide
stability to the Eagles’ front lines.
The Eagles will bring back a whopping 17 starters
on offense and defense, highlighted by 9 on the
offensive side.
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Running backs Brandon Woodard and B.J. Allen
will return to the backfield and a familiar name will
return as well.
Larry Centers Jr. will split out for the Eagles at
wide receiver, hauling in passes from quarterback
Desmond Lite.
“We have never been a team that did not have
athletes and we have a lot coming back. All of
these guys are players that can go the distance at
any time. I expect them to do big things.”
cont.
Brownsboro
Tat um E agles
7:30
6
9/11
7:30
7:30
Returning Defensive Starters
7:30
7:30
Away
4
7:30
Away
Away
Home
Returning Offensive Starters @Gladewater
White Oak
Home
Gladewater*
Bears
558
J.P. Richardson
Scott Callaway
Lindale
9/4
Tatum*
Tatum*
Mascot:
Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: 8/28
Bullard*
10/30
TE/DE
FB/LB
OL/DE
WR/DB
QB/LB
WR/DB
OL/DL
OL/DL
OL/DL
7
8
10/30
11/6
Senior
Junior
Senior
Junior
Junior
Junior
Senior
Senior
Junior
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
11/6
The Eagles will have no shortage of talent, especially
up front, as several offensive and defensive linemen
are back to anchor down the Eagles line.
Spencer Palmer Jamarick Armstrong Colt Corey Courtney Davis Zavean Miller Dequentus Smith Haden Gage Dylan Sells Micah Morris Wes Jones
Robert Bero
Mascot: Panthers
Student Enrollment: 533
A crushing loss to eventual state champion
Carthage left the Eagles to reload for 2009.
*district games
*district games
On defense, Terrence Johnson will return to anchor
the Eagles, alongside B.J. Allen in the secondary
and Otis Chatham in the middle. The Eagles
defense should be back to their old ways.
B.J. Allen Senior
Chris Kamman Senior
Brandon Woodard Senior
Otis Chatham Senior
Cameron Furlow Senior
Desmond Lite Senior
Terrence Johnson Senior
Devin McIlwain
Junior
Kevin McIlwain Junior
Larry Centers Jr. Junior
Tyler Centers
Junior
Junior Watkins Junior
Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: RB/S
OL
RB
LB
OL
QB
LB/OL
TE
TE
WR
RB
RB
Eagles
435
Dee Hartt
Andy Evans
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
41
9
8
*district games
8/28
Hallsville
9/4
Jefferson
Away
7:30
9/11
Troup
Away
7:30
9/18
Atlanta
Home
7:30
Away
7:30
9/25
Arp
10/2
Open
10/9
Gladewater*
Home
7:30
7:30
10/16
Bullard*
Home
10/23
Chapel Hill*
Away
7:30
10/30
Spring Hill*
Home
7:30
11/6
Gilmer*
Away
7:30
*district games
17 3 - A P r e - S e a so n
C o a ch e s’ Po ll
1. Gilmer
2. Tatum
3. Spring Hill
4. Chapel Hill
5. Gladewater
6. Bullard
District 18-3A
District 18-3A
CENTER ROUGHRIDERS
Reid Kerr - KLTV 7 News
E x pect A More Competiti ve District From Top To Bot tom
Whether it’s Simmons, Goodwin, or Berry taking the
snaps, the other two will definitely be contributors.
In 2008, the difference between the top and bottom of district 18-3A was clearly apparent.
The Carthage Bulldogs won their second straight district title, then went on to claim their first state championship, winning the 3A Division II title over
traditional powerhouse Celina at Texas Stadium.
Jasper and Diboll also repeated as playoff teams as expected. Meanwhile, Center, Huntington, and Rusk finished the year at a combined 7-23.
However, the landscape of the district has changed in the offseason. Half of the teams in 18-3A will have new coaches in the 2009 season.
“Oh, I think it’ll be even stronger,” Diboll’s Tom Shepherd said. “Center, Jasper and Rusk will all be better.”
”I think our district overall is going to be better,” new Jasper coach Mike Bickham said. “Carthage lost a quarterback and running back, but everyone
else is back so they’re going to be better.
This is Patton’s second year at Rusk and Coach Shepherd’s second at Diboll, so they’ll be better. This district is just loaded with talent.”.
CARTHAGE BULLDOGS
The 2008 season is one Bulldog fans will never
forget, as Carthage not only won their first ever state
championship, but also claimed the crown and went
into the record books as the last home team ever
to win at Texas Stadium. So what do you do for an
encore?
“Last year, we were talking about winning and being
back-to-back district champs,” Bulldogs coach Scott
Surratt said. “This year, we can set our sights higher.
When you win the last game,” Surratt explained, “it’s
always special. Whether it’s a state championship or
just a regular game, it gets you going into the offseason
on a strong note. “
The Bulldogs return six offensive and five defensive
starters from their 14-2 championship season.
Although they’ll have to replace an All-State backfield
in Dwight Smith and Si’Darius Blackshire, Carthage
does bring back most of both sides of their line.
“We’ve got five of six back including the tight end on
offense,” Surratt said, “and three of four on defense.
We feel like we really dominated up front in every
game, and that gives us a great start this season.
We’ve got leaders up front. No matter what happens,
if they play well up front, we can run and stop the run
and that gives us a chance.”
On the offensive side of the ball, Carthage returns
Cutter Clinton, Kendrick Henderson and Trevor
Murphy, all of whom received All-State honors last
year. The Bulldogs will start O’Bryan Washington at
CENTER ROUGHRIDERS
There’s a new man at the helm for the Center
Roughriders. Kevin Goodwin comes from West
Orange Stark to take over as head coach, inheriting a
team that went 3-7 last season. When Goodwin came
to town in February, his first order of business was to
examine a team that had only won seven games in the
last three years and change the direction.
“We sat down and went through the state of the
program,” Goodwin said. “We hit the brakes and
tailback, who was All-District last season coming off
the bench in relief of Smith.
“It’s going to be tough to replace those guys,” Surratt
admits, “but Washington is a special player. He
averaged almost nine yards a carry and ran for nearly
a thousand yards. We expect big things out of him.”
It’s a two-way race at quarterback for the Bulldogs with
Anthony Morgan and Gary Nutt competing for the job.
Defensively, the Bulldogs will be solid up front again.
District defensive MVP Trekevian McKee and AllStater Deshun Williams will anchor a line that was
underrated in Carthage’s state championship run.
“They were underrated to everybody but us,” Surratt
laughs, “because we had to go up against them every
day in practice. We feel like we’re going to be better,
faster and more physical on defense this year.”
Kendrick Henderson
Deshun Williams
Trekevian McKee
O’Bryan Washington
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Mascot: Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: OL
DL
DL
RB
6
5
Schedul e
Kilgore
Home
7:30
9/4
Henderson
Away
7:30
9/11
Atlanta
Away
7:30
9/18
Nacogdoches
Home
7:30
9/25
Jacksonville
Away
7:30
10/2
Open
10/9
Center*
Home
7:30
10/16
Rusk*
Home
7:30
Until somebody knocks us off, we’re state champs.”
10/23
Jasper*
Away
7:30
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
10/30
Diboll*
Home
7:30
11/6
Huntington*
Away
7:30
“This whole town’s still on a buzz. The kids are still
excited, they’re averaging sixty guys for voluntary
offseason workouts. We’re going to expect the best
out of our kids, now we expect to win. You don’t really
know you can do something until you do it,” Surratt
said. “Now, our expectations are higher.
Trevor Murphy
Cutter Clinton
Senior Senior
TE
OL
turned it in the direction it needs to go. We met with
all the coaches, they were great, and we decided
where we needed to go. Overall, we’ve got some great
athletic programs here, so we just want to compound
the things that are going well and tweak the things that
need it.”
The Roughriders return seven starters on offense and
will be deep at the skill positions.
“We have a lot of skill guys, and most got plenty of
playing time last year. They’re already familiar with
that big curve that comes between just being excited
42
“It’s a totally different offense,” Goodwin said. “We’ve
got a lot of lean bodies that can run. Things can only
improve. “
On defense, Center brings back eight starters including
linebackers Quincy Hudspeth, Grant Delrose, and
junior J’Von Jones. Brown, Small and Short will all
play in the secondary also, giving the Roughriders
depth.
DIBOLL LUMBERJACKS
8/29
The Bulldogs are hoping to ride the momentum from
their first state championship into the offseason.
The quarterback will have some quality targets, with
heavily recruited tight end Jerome Davis and 4.38
speedster Jeremy Small both returning. Seniors
Demarcus Brown and Jaelyn Short will also be
weapons at the wide receiver spot for Center in their
new offense.
“Hudspeth, Belrose, and Small, they flat out lead
this team,” Goodwin said. “It makes a man sleep
better at night knowing you have kids out there with
experience.”
Bulldogs
800
Dr. Glenn Hambrick
Scott Surratt
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
“We’ll put our best eleven on the field and they’re all
athletic. They can help anywhere.”
*district games
about being on varsity, to realizing what you need to
do out there.”
At quarterback, Deandre Simmons will compete with
Ryan Goodwin and Alderea Berry for the starting job.
Although Simmons wasn’t the starter last year, he did
log some playing time for the Roughriders.
In his first season as head coach, Tom Shepherd
kept the Lumberjacks right on schedule with their
third straight playoff appearance. Diboll was 8-3
last season and will have to replace two thousand
yard passer Jacolby Spencer, who signed with Sam
Houston State. However, with only two starters back
on each side of the ball, Diboll will have plenty of holes
to fill.
“We lost 28 seniors,” Shepherd said. “We’re going to
have to rely on our offensive line while some of our
players grow up out there.”
Justin Havard and Chris DeJesus will anchor Diboll up
front, with 6’7” All-District tight end Antonio Johnson
returning on one side.
At the skill positions, sophomore running back
Terrence Taylor is a returning all-district player. Senior
Cody Stifle was also All-District, Shepherd describes
Stifle as a “big playmaker” who’ll be a game breaker
for the Lumberjacks. Senior Kamran McCollum and
sophomore Eli Hernandez will also start at receiver.
“For us to be successful,” Shepherd said, “we’ll need
a couple of other guys to step up at receiver to fill the
spots left from last year.”
Junior Chris Bailey will be taking the reins at
quarterback for the Lumberjacks.
“We’ll be strong if we stay healthy. Chris Bailey and
Terrence Taylor are big time players who will be
Hudspeth had 118 tackles last year, and Goodwin said
he also played “virtually every special team snap out
there as hard as he could.” Leadership like that will
be important for Goodwin, as he tries to get Center
back on track.
Returning Offensive Starters
7
Returning Defensive Starters
8
“The first step is competing,” Goodwin said, “going out
and believing in each other. We’ve got to find reasons
why we can instead of reason why we didn’t.”
8/27
Gladewater
There
7:00
9/4
Nacogdoches
Home
7:30
9/11
Chapel Hill
Home
7:30
9/18
Spring Hill
There
7:30
9/25
Open
10/2
Bullard
Home
7:30
10/9
Carthage*
There
7:30
10/16
Diboll*
Home
7:30
10/23
Rusk*
There
7:30
10/30
Huntington*
Home
7:30
11/6
Jasper*
There
7:30
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Demarcus Brown
Jerome Davis
Jeremy Small
Jaelyn Short
Deandre Simmons
Quincy Hudspeth
Grant Belrose
J’Von Jones
Mascot: Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Junior
WR/DB
TE
WR/DB
WR/DB
QB/DB
LB
LB
LB
Roughriders
621
James Hockenberry
Kevin Goodwin
playing at the next level. It’ll just take them time to
adapt to playing on Friday nights.”
On defense, the Lumberjacks also have plenty of
positions still available.
“Defensively, we have a lot of holes to fill. We do have
a lot of young guys with some Friday night experience
we’re hoping can step up and fill the void left from last
year.”
The defense will be led by all-district senior linebacker
Chase Oliver. “His motor never stops,” Shepherd said,
“he led us in tackles as a junior.” Oliver will be joined
by senior J.J. Hubbard at linebacker, with McCollum a
returning all-district lineman in front of them. McCollum
led the team in sacks and blocked kicks last season.
Shepherd said his team will be good and will fight for
a playoff spot again, they’ve just got to gain some
experience along the way.
“We’re not going to have any depth,” Shepherd
admits. “Our top eleven will be good, but we don’t
have anybody behind our starters this year. They’re
not bad, they’ve just got a long way to go.”
S chedu le
*district games
Mascot: Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: Lumberjacks
448
Gary Martel
Tom Shepherd
Returning Offensive Starters
2
Returning Defensive Starters
2
S chedu le
8/28
Kirbyville
Home
7:30
9/4
Silsbee
Home
7:30
9/11
Newton
Away
7:30
Away
7:30
Away
7:30
9/18
Coldspring
9/25
Open
10/2
Nacogdoches
10/9
Jasper*
Away
7:30
10/16
Center*
Away
7:30
10/23
Huntington*
Home
7:30
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
10/30
Carthage*
Away
7:30
Antonio Johnson
Cody Stifle
Kamran McCollum
Chase Oliver
Chris Bailey
11/6
Rusk*
Home
7:30
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Junior
“He played a little bit,” Goodwin said, “and when he
did, they offense really perked up. The kids look up to
him and respect him. He wants to soak it all in, it’ll be
good to have a leader like that.”
cont.
43
TE/DE
WR/DB
RB/LB
LB
QB
*district games
District 18-3A
HUNTINGTON RED DEVILS
After going winless in 2008, the Huntington Red Devils
are under new management in 2009. Todd Hopkins,
formerly the defensive coordinator at Mabank, takes
over the team. When Hopkins was putting his coaching
staff together, he had a simple philosophy.
“I’m looking for people who know as little about
Huntington football as possible,” Hopkins said. “We’re
going to be a staff full of coaches who can believe in
our kids. I’m looking for people who know these kids
can win, who want to be here. We need people who
can lift their chins up when bad things happen and
keep us on an even keel.”
Hopkins said Huntington will run the double wing on
offense and the fifty on defense.
“I think you’ve got to overhaul the program,” Hopkins
said, “and make some changes as far as personnel and
evaluate the talent that’s there. We’ll try to establish a
new mentality, and have the kids have confidence in
themselves and believe in themselves.”
The Red Devils return just three starters on offense
and one on defense, and Hopkins said it’s a good time
to change the system.
“It’s total philosophical changes on offense and
defense. It’s a ball control offense. We think we’ve got
kids who can run that offense and put us in a position
to control the game. Defensively, it’s a change in front
and secondary coverages because I think the kids we
have here fit the scheme.”
One player they’re expecting big things from is Taylor
Rosson, who quarterbacked the Red Devils last year.
This season, Rosson will move to fullback.
JASPER BULLDOGS
The Bulldogs earned back-to-back playoff appearances
in 2008. In the offseason, Thomas Brooks moved up
from head coach to athletic director, and Mike Bickham
was hired as the new head of the Bulldogs football
program.
“The big thing for me is to try and get to know the
kids, their strengths and weaknesses,” Bickham said.
“There’s been a lot of changes for some of the players
in position, and we try and introduce them to the
offenses and defenses we’ll be running.”
The Bulldogs went 4-6 last year, but still were a playoff
team. They return five starters on offense, including
two-way lineman Dimitric Brown. “He’s about six feet,
280,” Bickham said, “ and really athletic. He’s very
quick for a big guy.”
Tyler Brooks will also play on the line with Brown.
Jasper will start Sam Alvis at quarterback, and his
main weapons will be junior tailback Ben Armstrong
and receiver Darren Beavers.
The Bulldogs bring back four defensive starters,
including defensive backs Beavers, Cedric McGill and
Dante Cauley.
“He’s a big athletic kid,” Hopkins said of his 6’3,
230 pound senior. “He’s big and athletic; people are
definitely after him for college. He’s going to be one
who’ll make the news.”
The change in position will help Huntington on both
sides of the ball, as Rossum will also start at defensive
end.
“He’s going to be one of our better players on both
sides of the ball, and the change allows him to be
a bigger part of our offense and also play more on
defense. We’re going to put him in a position where he
can be physical and make an impact.”
Another player making a position change is Chaz
Locke, moving from wide receiver to tight end.
“Chaz didn’t play defense last year, but he’ll be key on
both sides of the ball for us. He’s got long arms and
solid speed and he’s really bought into this. He’s hit
the weight room pretty hard in the offseason.”
Six footer Josh Jones is also back to anchor both
sides of the line.
“He’s really got a football mentality,” Hopkins said.
“He’s strong and his motor always runs. He could
really make our defense go and serve as an integral
part of the offensive line.”
As for turning the program around, Hopkins said the
journey starts in the offseason.
“We’ve got to be committed over the summer and at
our practices,” Hopkins said. “The first goal is to be
committed to winning. If we can do that, the winning
will take care of itself.”
For now, Bickham wants to hit the ground running for
two-a-days in his first year at Jasper, and spent his
first weeks on campus preparing for the months he
wouldn’t be able to work with his players.
“We watched them work out and tried to evaluate
where we were and where we needed to be,” he said.
“We went through a lot of organization getting ready
for this summer. That’s huge, we didn’t get to take
the kids through offseason for the most part, so this
summer the kids working out is vital.”
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Dimitric Brown
Ben Armstrong
Mascot: Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: Senior
Junior
DL/OL
RB
Bulldogs
800
Dr. John Whittemore
Mike Bickham
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
District 18-3A
RUSK EAGLES
Pl ayers t o Wa t ch
Taylor Rosson
Josh Jones
Chaz Locke
Senior FB/DE/K
Senior OL/DL
Senior DE/TE
Mascot: Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: The Rusk Eagles went from 2-8 to 4-6 in their first
season under head coach Ted Patton, and return
seven starters on each side of the ball. In their second
year under Patton, the Eagles hope to continue their
progress. “First year, there was just so much to learn,”
Patton said. “You’re kind of starting over with the
kids, teaching them everything, all the basics. It’s just
experience and the kids knowing how things work for
us.”
Red Devils
550
Eric Wright
Todd Hopkins
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
The Eagles will have to replace defensive lineman
Quinn Anthony, who signed with Northwestern, and
Trent Vaughn, Nick Bradshaw, and Dalton Pate, who
all signed with Lon Morris.
3
1
Schedul e
8/28
Tarkington
Away
7:30
9/4
Elkhart
Home
7:30
9/11
Cleveland
Home
7:30
9/18
Shelbyville
Away
7:30
9/25
New Waverly
Home
7:30
10/2
Open
10/9
Rusk*
Away
7:30
10/16
Jasper*
Home
7:30
10/23
Diboll*
Away
7:30
10/30
Center*
Away
7:30
11/6
Carthage*
Home
7:30
Among the returners are a pair of 6’3” senior linemen,
John Trotter and Taj Cleaver.
“We feel great about that, our starting offensive line
will be a solid group,” Patton said. “We’re not very
deep there, but our starters are very solid.”
Trotter will be a two-way starter on the line, and made
58 tackles as a junior including 15 for a loss. Trotter’s
quickness also earned him 2.5 sacks, and lots of time
in the opposing backfield. At 315 pounds, Cleaver is
big, physical, and can open holes for the offense. He’ll
also play more on defense for his senior year.
The Eagles return a pair of all-district skill players.
Running back Marcell Johnson, who rushed for 900
yards and eight touchdowns as a junior, is a 4.45
runner with quick acceleration. Receiver Michael
Katon is a 6’2” physical receiver with a great vertical
leap. Katon will also start at defensive back. “Johnson
is a very physical runner,” Patton said, “with great top
end speed. He can run between the tackles just like
we want him to.”
Rusk should be steadier this season in their second
year under Patton, and he expects the improvement
to continue.
“It makes us feel good to have the little things taken
care of for the season. The changes have been made,
and we’ve got more confidence.”
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
John Trotter Marcell Johnson Michael Katon Taj Cleaver Mascot: Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
OL/DL
RB/FS
WR/DB
OL/DL
Eagles
530
James Largent
Ted Patton
Returning Offensive Starters
7
Returning Defensive Starters
7
S chedu le
8/28
Palestine
There
7:30
9/4
Van There 7:30
9/11
Gladewater Here 7:30
9/18
Fairfield Here 7:30
9/25
Bullard There 7:30
10/2
Open
10/9
Huntington* Here 7:30
10/16
Carthage* There 7:30
10/23
Center* Here 7:30
10/30
Jasper* Here 7:30
11/6
Diboll* There 7:30
*district games
18 3 - A P r e - S e a so n
C o a ch e s’ Po ll
1. Carthage
2. Diboll
3. Jasper
4. Center
5. Rusk
6. Huntington
*district games
Schedul e
8/28
Gilmer
@ SFA
7:30
9/4
Kirbyville
Away
7:30
9/11
Open
9/18 West Orange Stark Home
7:30
9/25
Hampshire-Fannett Away
7:30
10/2
Silsbee
Home
7:30
10/9
Diboll*
Home
7:30
10/16
Huntington*
Away
7:30
10/23
Carthage*
Home
7:30
10/30
Rusk*
Away
7:30
11/6
Center*
Home
7:30
Jill Just emailed
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*district games
5
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trinitycliniconline.com
44
45
District 20-3A
District 20-3A
Brownsboro Bears
Reid Kerr - KLTV 7 News
From Top to Bot tom , No Clear Favorite In This District
In 2008, District 20-3A was just about as tight as it gets.
With the three playoff spots not settled until the final week of the season, Westwood claimed the district title with a 4-1 mark, while Crockett and
Brownsboro took the other two playoff spots.
For this season, expect more of the same.
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
S chedu le
“I’m of the firm belief that you’re only as good as the
senior class can take you,” Settle said, “so we’ve got
the groundwork laid for this season.”
Cameron Warren
Zack Bailey
8/28
Kemp @ Van
7:30
9/4
Frankston
Away
7:30
9/11
Spring Hill
Away
7:30
The 2009 schedule is a bit strange for the Bears.
Counting their season-opener at the Van classic, they
don’t actually play a home game until their fifth contest
of the season.
Mascot: Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: 9/18
Wills Point
Away
7:30
9/25
Rains
Home
7:30
10/2
Open
10/9
Westwood*
Home
7:30
Fairfield*
Away
7:30
“I think we have to grow up on the road, we’ve got
to overcome adversity early. There’s only one way to
overcome it, and that’s to go through it. We’ll put them
in situations, and they’ve got to respond.”
“This district is so talented,” Brownsboro coach John Settle said, “ there’s no weak links. We have to be at our very best five weeks in a row.”
“Any three of the six district teams could be in the top three,” Palestine coach Booker T. Bowie said.
Crockett coach Paul Parsons said the size of the district leads to some big games.
Senior
Senior
RB
QB
Bears
820
Elton Caldwell
John Settle
Returning Offensive Starters
7
10/16
Returning Defensive Starters
7
10/23
Palestine*
Home
7:30
10/30
Crockett*
Away
7:30
11/6
Athens*
Home
7:30
“This district has got some really big schools, enrollment-wise. We’re kind of at a disadvantage, we’re the fourth smallest 3A school in the state, but it’s
very competitive.”
Athens Horne t s
The Athens Hornets finished the 2008 season at
5-5 and for the third straight year, they fought for a
playoff spot into the final week of the regular season.
A week ten loss to Brownsboro knocked the Hornets
out, costing them their first back-to-back playoff
appearances in two decades.
In the offseason, head coach Jim Wommack left to
become linebackers coach for San Angelo Lakeview
after four years as the leader of the Hornets. Paul
Essary will take over as head coach.
The Hornets will return four offensive and three
defensive starters, and also bring several players up
from a 10-0 district champion junior varsity program.
“We’ve focused on leadership and finishing the season,
we’ve tried to get some excitement built up,” Hornets
offensive coordinator Randy Smith said. “We did have
an undefeated JV, which will help us this year.”
The quarterback position is open, with senior Travis
Barkley holding the inside spot over junior Nick
Monmouth. Barkley threw for 559 yards and five
touchdowns last season. The primary tailback will be
senior Randall Gamble, who rushed for 314 yards
before suffering a season-ending injury last year.
Senior Matt Jordan is a returning all-district tight end,
but Smith said you’ll see him all over the field.
“We’re going to use him as a tight end, fullback, and
h-back. He’s a big target with good hands, we’re going
to get him the ball.”
Another tight end, Carson Hutson, will be moving
to receiver for his senior season, where he’ll join
Courtney Whitehead. “We expect big things from him
as a junior,” Smith said, “he’s a great athlete, he’s been
playing varsity basketball since he was a freshman.”
Tacameo Barker and Jonathan Dora were both also
second-team All-District receivers last year.
On the line, ten-game starters Corey Rogers and Dillon
Wenberg will return. At left tackle, James Marshall will
start on the line after playing fullback last season.
Defensively, the Hornets have no returning starters
from their secondary, so they’ll have to rely on their
front seven to generate pressure. Jordan will also start
at defensive end for the Hornets, lined up opposite
junior C.J. Tatum. At linebacker, Justin Hofstetter was
All-Henderson County as a sophomore last season,
and the newcomer of the year had 127 tackles. He’ll
be joined by some new faces.
Pl ayers t o Wa t ch
Matt Jordan
Dillon Wenberg
Corey Rogers
Crockett Bulldogs
Senior TE/DE
Senior OL/DL
Senior OL/DL\
Mascot: Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: In Crockett’s second season under head coach Paul
Parsons, the Bulldogs continued their playoff streak
for the third straight year.
Hornets
904
Dr. Fred Hayes
Paul Essary
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
Crockett went 6-5 in 2008, and returns three starters
on each side of the ball.
In the backfield, tailback Calvin Rodgers returns after
an all-district junior year. At six feet and 215 pounds,
Rodgers is bigger than two of his offensive linemen.
4
3
Schedul e
Brownsboro Bears
“It gave us some big momentum going into the
offseason,” Brownsboro head coach John Settle said.
“We stumbled early, but we played fairly well the last
three games of the season.”
The Bears have a solid foundation to rely on with
seven starters returning on each side of the ball,
“He’s a big, physical guy,” Parsons said. “He can run
between the tackles, and he’s got explosive speed. He
was an all-district punter for us, too.”
8/28
Wills Point
Away
7:30
9/4
Mabank
Away
7:30
9/11
Bullard
Home
7:30
9/18
Mexia
Home
7:30
9/25
Chapel Hill
Away
7:30
Senior Napoleon Dennis was a starter on defense a
year ago, but he’ll be the Bulldogs full-time quarterback
this season.
“We’ve got Sean Curley, Austin Fincher and Hunter
Choate coming up from the JV,” Smith said, “I think
they’ll be good.”
10/2
Open
10/9
Crockett*
Home
7:30
Junior Nick Richardson is 5’11” and 285 pounds,
Smith says he’ll “be on the field somewhere on the
line, starting on one side or the other.”
10/16
Westwood*
Away
7:30
“We still might throw him in on defense in an
emergency,” Parsons said, “but he’ll be concentrating
on offense.”
10/23
Fairfield*
Home
7:30
10/30
Palestine*
Home
7:30
11/6
Brownsboro*
Away
7:30
*district games
For the second straight year, the Brownsboro Bears
finished the regular season at 5-5. The difference in
2008, however, was a big last week win over Athens
that put the Bears back in the playoffs after a one-year
absence.
*district games
including quarterback Zack Bailey. Bailey threw for
1620 yards and 14 touchdowns and scored nine more
on the ground.
“We’ve got Zack back and Ryan Owens, who also got
a lot of playing time last year,” Settle said.
Senior running back Cameron Warren will be the
primary ball carrier, after rushing for 1100 yards as a
junior. Warren scored 16 touchdowns last season on
the ground and through the air.
Up front, the Bears are thick with experience. Seniors
Glen Devlin and Colton Croley are three-year starters,
and juniors Corbin Duke and Matt Bouchillon are two-
46
year starters.
“Having that experience means a lot,” Settle said.
“They’ve got to shoulder a lot of the load. Having all
the experience in front really helps us until our skill
kids really grow up and develop.”
Defensively, Brownsboro projects seniors at eight of the
eleven spots on the field, including Justin Vause and
Justin Richmon at defensive end. Shirshea Bowman
and Brad McDonald return at outside linebacker, and
the secondary is completely senior-driven with Jon
Thompson, Tyler Rogers and Zack Bailey.
cont.
Crockett’s offensive line will be led by junior Antonio
Chimney, and senior Demarcus McKnight.
Fairfield Eagles
In their first year under new coach Darrell Piske,
Fairfield went 3-7, winning more games than in the
previous two years combined.
“Just being here for a second year will help,” Piske
said. “We’ve been building ever since we got here, and
we’re really looking forward to seeing how everything’s
coming together.”
The Eagles return seven starters on offense, including
senior offensive lineman Eli Pratt. The six-foot, 300
pound returning powerhouse is described by Piske as
“one of the best athletes on the team.”
In the backfield, junior Chris Burns is back. “He’s
started since he was a freshman,” Piske said, “he’s
a special athlete. He runs hard, he’s strong and he’s
got great speed.”
On defense, the Bulldogs have three starters back
including senior defensive end NaQuan Lee, but will
have to find a new linebacking corps.
“We’ve got to replace three linebackers who are all
playing college ball,” Parsons explains. “We should be
pretty good on the line and in the secondary, but we’ll
be really young at linebacker.”
Even with few starters returning, Parsons still knows
the expectations for his team.
“I think it’s a tradition in Crockett,” he said. “You look at
the school, they’ve always been a winning program.
The kids are winners, they’re used to it. It’s been
tougher recently because of the enrollment and the
size of the schools we play against, but it’s almost
expected for us to compete for the playoffs.”
Mascot: Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: Bulldogs
442
Vacant
Paul Parsons
S chedu le
8/28
Coldspring – Oakhurst Home
7:30
9/4
Corrigan-Camden
7:30
Home
9/11
Mexia
Away
7:30
9/18
Madisonville
Away
7:30
9/25
Waco LaVega
Home
7:30
10/2
Open
10/9
Athens*
Away
7:30
10/16
Palestine*
Away
7:30
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
10/23
Westwood*
Home
7:30
Calvin Rodgers
Senior
Napoleon Dennis Senior
NaQuan Lee
Senior
10/30
Brownsboro*
Home
7:30
11/6
Fairfield*
Away
7:30
RB
QB
DE
The Eagles will be helped by the return of Willie
Tatum, a senior receiver who missed his entire junior
year with an injury that also kept him from playing in
Piske’s first year as coach.
“Unfortunately,” Piske laughs, “I haven’t seen him play
a lick of football, but he’s a great athlete from what I’ve
seen in our seven-on-seven drills. He’s calm, cool and
collected out there. He’s a very elusive runner with
great hands and speed.”
“We’ll list him as a receiver, but we’re going to use him
at whatever position will get him the ball.”
The Eagles return eight starters on the defensive side
of the ball, with middle linebacker Brodrick White back
after winning the Defensive Newcomer of the Year
award last season as a sophomore.
“He’s just a football player,” Piske said, “that’s the best
47
*district games
way to describe him. He’ll anchor the defense for us.”
White will be joined by outside linebacker Evan
Simpson, another player Piske says is a leader for his
team. “He’s got a nose for the game; he’s a very smart
player.”
“Our defense going to be pretty good,” Piske said.
“We’ve been waiting on next season. Being in our
system for two years will really help.”
P l ayers to Wa tch
Eli Pratt
Chris Burns
Willie Tatum
Brodrick White
Senior
Junior
Senior
Junior
OL
RB
WR
LB
cont.
District 20-3A
Fairfield Eagles
Mascot: Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: Sch e d u l e
Eagles
541
Katie Ryan
Darrell Piske
Returning Offensive Starters
7
Returning Defensive Starters
8
Pa lestine W ildcat s
The Wildcats dropped to 3-7 last season, their first
season under longtime defensive coordinator turned
head coach Booker T. Bowie.
Palestine has five starters back on offense, including
quarterback Olin Terry. Terry’s a three-year starter for
the Wildcats, and picked as the preseason offensive
Most Valuable Player of the year.
“Being a senior,” Bowie said of his quarterback, “he’s
familiar with the offense and the personnel. We like the
way the kids follow him. We’ll also have three of our
four wide receivers back for him for throw to.”
Terry will also have a returning weapon lining up
behind him, with junior Terrance Simon at tailback.
8/28
China Spring
Home
7:30
9/4
Ferris
Away
7:30
9/11
Gatesville
Away
7:30
9/18
Rusk
Away
7:30
9/25
Crandall
Home
7:30
led by linebacker Sam Wren.
“He’s come a long way,” Bowie said of his six-two, two
hundred and eighteen pound senior. “He’s worked
hard in the offseason and in the weight room.”
“I’ve always felt like your linebackers should be the
leaders of your defense, and Sam’s that kind of player
for us.”
Wren will be joined by defensive lineman Michael
Walker. At six feet and three hundred and ten pounds,
Bowie said Walker will play all over the line.
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Olin Terry
Terrance Simon
Senior
Junior
QB
RB
The Wildcats also bring back four defensive starters,
Mascot: Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: W est wood Pa nthers
Defensively, the Panthers bring back five starters,
including junior defensive end Aaron Stanhope.
“He was the newcomer of the year as a sophomore,”
Bowie said. “He’s really grown during the offseason in
his size and speed.”
It was another benchmark season for the Panthers,
as Westwood followed their first playoff win in 2007
with their first ever back-to-back playoff appearances
in 2008.
“The kids understand what we’re trying to do,”
Westwood head coach Kevin Anderson said. “With
this district championship, the expectations are really
getting there for us to be in the playoffs every year.
We’re getting more kids out every year that want to
be a part of it.”
Westwood went 6-5 last season, and return four
starters on offense. Junior Tevin Watson will be back
at quarterback, after a sophomore season that saw
him throw for more than a thousand yards and win the
district’s offensive Newcomer of the Year award.
“Last year, I didn’t want to have too high of expectations
for him as a sophomore,” Anderson said, “but he came
through with flying colors. We can really open up the
offense now that he’s got a year under his belt.”
Watson will have a pair of all-district seniors returning
at wide receiver in Cameron Shead and Domanick
Turner.
“Turner’s a kid that’s not big,” Anderson said, “but he’s
big on the field. He plays big.”
Anderson said one of the two seniors also might see
some time at running back. Junior Dustin Campbell
also returns on the line.
Wildcats
905
Dr. Thomas Wallace
Booker T. Bowie
FREE MUSIC DOWNLOAD
10/2
Open
10/9
Palestine*
Home
7:30
10/16
Brownsboro*
Home
7:30
10/23
Athens*
Away
7:30
10/30
Westwood*
Away
7:30
11/6
Crockett*
Home
7:30
*district games
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
5
4
Schedul e
Rusk
Home
7:30
9/4
Navasota
Home
7:30
9/11
Van
Home
7:30
9/18
Jacksonville
Away
7:30
9/25 Kilgore
Away
7:30
10/2
Open
high school football in Texas. And while we
10/9
Fairfield*
Away
7:30
can’t go back and replay the games, we can
10/16
Crockett*
Home
7:30
10/23
Brownsboro*
Away
7:30
10/30
Athens*
Away
7:30
11/6
Westwood*
Home
7:30
Bullard
Home
7:30
9/11
Madisonville
Away
7:30
9/18
Arp
Home
7:30
9/25
Groesbeck
Away
7:30
10/2
Open
10/9
Brownsboro*
Away
7:30
10/16
Athens*
Home
7:30
10/23
Crockett*
Away
7:30
10/30
Fairfield*
Home
7:30
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
11/6
Palestine*
Away
7:30
Tevin Watson
Cameron Shead
Domanick Turner
Aaron Stanhope
Shaun Anderson
*district games
Mascot: Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: Panthers
478
Dr. Ed Lyman
Kevin Anderson
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
48
4
5
doing for 50 years – we can head to DQ® for
soft serve cone. DQ® is family. It’s tradition.
9/4
QB
WR
WR
DE
DT
do what Lone Star football fans have been
Schedul e
7:30
Junior
Senior
Senior
Junior
Senior
The weight of the cold December air. That’s
a hot, juicy Hungr-Buster,® or a cool, creamy
Home
“I graduated a three-year starter, and two two-year
starters at linebacker, “ Anderson said. “We’ll need
someone to step up.”
The smell of the grass. The roar of the crowd.
*district games
Chapel Hill
Senior Shaun Anderson will return at tackle and
Rodney Watson will move from defensive tackle to
defensive end for his senior season. The secondary
is set with Bruce Lyman and Nick Morrow returning.
However, the Panthers have some major holes to fill
at linebacker.
WHAT WOULD
YOU GIVE FOR
ONE MORE SHOT
AT GLORY?
8/29
8/28
“He’s just getting bigger and better,” Anderson said.
“His father was an offensive lineman at Texas Tech, so
he’s got the genes.”
20 3-A Pre-Sea s o n
Co a ches’ Po l l
1. Athens
2. Crockett
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3. Brownsboro
4. Westwood
5. Palestine
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© 2009.
6. Fairfield
49
Basic Injury Treatment
Cathy Fieseler, MD
Trinity Mother Frances Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine
District 17-2A
Clint Yeatts - KLTV 7
Plent y of Folks Read y to Take On T he Defending S t ate Champions
Its just plain hard to look past Daingerfield when you think about 17-2A. But from top to bottom the talent in this district is impressive.
With fall sports comes concern about injuries. There are two basic types of injuries, acute and overuse.
There is no doubt Daingerfield is the team to beat. Seven offensive and eight defensive starters return from a team that was the best in Texas
last year.
An acute injury is a sudden, somewhat violent injury, including sprains (stretching or tearing of ligaments), strains
(stretching or tearing of muscles and tendons), contusions, lacerations and fractures.
But there are some other folks that are loaded too. Jefferson’s only district loss was to Daingerfield and Coach Scott Hale has a bunch of his kids back
again.
Basic First Aid:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Stop bleeding
Apply ice for 10-15 minutes 3-4 times daily
Immobilize or protect injured extremity
Elevate injured body part if possible
Apply compression to decrease swelling; do not apply too tightly or sleep wearing wrap
Relieve pain with anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, naproxen) or acetaminophen. Check with
your physician before taking. Follow directions. Use only for a limited period of time.
When to seek medical help:
•
•
•
•
•
If significant swelling occurs immediately
If there is a large amount or persistent bleeding
If there is persistent severe pain
If a crack, pop or tear was heard or felt at the time of injury
Inability to use injured part
An overuse injury is due to low-grade abnormal force applied repeatedly over a prolonged period of time.
Examples include tendonitis, bursitis, and stress fracture. They can be caused by:
•
•
•
•
Training errors (too much exercise, increasing intensity too quickly)
Anatomy (knock knees, flat feet, etc.)
Improper or poorly maintained equipment and shoes
Training surface and environment (jumping on concrete, etc.)
Basic First Aid:
•
•
•
•
•
Reduce the amount and intensity of training using pain as a guide
Apply ice to injured area 15-20 minutes 3-4 times per day
Apply compression to decrease swelling; do not apply too tightly or sleep wearing wrap
If possible, elevate the injured area
Relieve pain with anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, naproxen) or acetaminophen.
Check with physician before taking. Follow directions. Use only for a limited period of time.
• Determine the cause of the injury and fix it
When to seek medical help:
•
•
•
•
Pain persists despite decreased training
Pain persists for longer than 10-14 days
Pain resolves with rest but recurs when training is resumed
Pain medications required in order to train without discomfort
Hughes Springs was a playoff team last year and they’ve got 11…yeah 11 offensive starters back for 2009.
In fact, if you look up and down this district, every team has their share of returning starters and everyone in 17-2A has their sights on the playoffs.
If they don’t beat up on each other too much whoever makes it out of this district will be battle tested and ready for playoffs.
Jefferson Bulldogs
The Bulldogs think this season will be better than last
year. And last year was not bad at all. Jefferson lost
one district game and that was to eventual state champ
Daingerfield. The best news for Coach Scott Hale is
that the nucleus of that team is back for another run at
the playoffs in 2009.
Eight starters on defense and seven on offense will
give Jefferson maybe the best chance on paper to take
on defending district and state champ Daingerfield.
Four Bulldogs are already committed or being recruited
by D-1 programs.
Running back Destin Mosley is committed to Kansas
State. Linemen Trevor Murphy and Clarence Lee and
safety Devin Figures are all being heavily recruited
too.
“We expect to deliver,” says Hale, “we are a senior
team. Pretty much everybody is back and we’ve got
kids that have at least played in those other spots.”
“We’ve got a lot of skilled kids. We’ll be very multiple
on offense. We are going to get the ball to the kids that
can make the plays and we’ve got several of those.”
The Bulldogs are 26-9 since Hale took over the
program and expectations will be high again this fall.
“Our kids are used to it, we expect it and there will be
a big target on our backs this year. That’s just the way
it is with football in Jefferson.”
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Destin Mosley
Trevor Murphy Clarence Lee
Devin Figures
Trent Smith
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
RB/CB
OL/DL
WR/DE
WR/S
QB/CB
5’9”
6’2”
6’4”
5’10”
5’10”
Mascot: Bulldog
Superintendent: Dr. Sharion Ross
HS Enrollment
350
160
275
215
185
180
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
8
7
S chedu le
8/28
Pittsburg
Home
7:30
9/4
Tatum
Home
7:30
9/11
Paul Pewitt
Away
7:30
9/18
San Augustine
Away
7:30
9/25
Open
10/2
North Lamar
Home
7:30
10/9
Ore City*
Home
7:30
10/16
Queen City*
Away
7:30
10/23
Daingerfield*
Home
7:30
10/30
Linden-Kildare*
Away
7:30
11/6
Hughes Springs*
Home
7:30
*district games
Last year’s back up, Trent Smith, will most likely start
at QB this season.
Da ingerfield Tigers
“We started in the spring trying to put that behind us
and move forward,” says Daingerfield Coach Barry
Bowman.
Now when you hear that quote you have to believe it
was a rough year for the Tigers. But that is quite the
opposite. There is only a few teams that carry the title
“Defending State Champions” but Daingerfield does
and that puts a huge target on their back from day one.
“The expectations are high, they always are here. The
coaching staff has been on their rear ends pretty hard
this spring. We have to stay grounded and keep working
like we are supposed to,” says Coach Bowman.
While the Tigers return a bunch of kids from that state
championship team, Coach Bowman says its leadership
he’ll miss the most.
“We lost a couple of lineman, some key players on
defense, but the biggest thing we lost is the leadership
thing,” says Bowman, “these were my guys on the
field.”
The good news for Daingerfield fans there is a lot of
experienced players waiting to step up and take that
leadership role.
One of those is senior WR Chris Jones. Chris is one of
several Tigers that have gotten a lot of college recruiters
stopping by.
Experience doesn’t always come with age though. Tyler
Boyd wasn’t old enough to drive last fall, but he was old
enough to be the quarterback for a state championship
team. He returns for his junior season in 2009.
Seven starters in all return from last years team.
On the other side of the ball the picture may even better
as the Tigers return eight starters. Coach Bowman
says the kids ready to fill those spots may be even
better than the guys who graduated.
The only question coach has to answer is who will lead
this team on the field. If he finds that answer there are
very few folks who don’t expect the Tigers to have a real
good shot at a return to the state championship game.
P l ayers to Wa tch
Chris Jones
Tyler Boyd
Steve Edmond
Keyarris Garrett
Koko Smith
Josh Evans
Chris Robertson
Joe Lafayette
Shayvion Hatten
David Mims
Floyd Chism
Senior
Junior
Junior
Junior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Junior
Junior
Senior
WR/DB
QB/DB
TE/LB
WR/DB
RB/DB
LB
DE
WR/DB
OL/DL
WR/DB
WR/DB
Mascot: Tigers
Head coach Barry Bowman
Superintendent: Pat Adams
HS Enrollment: 400
6’0”
5’10”
6’3”
6’4”
5’7”
5’11”
6’2”
5’11”
6’4”
5’10”
6’0”
170
175
225
180
170
185
190
180
250
170
180
cont.
50
51
District 17-2A
Da ingerfield Tigers
Returning Offensive Starters
7
Returning Defensive Starters
8
Hughes Springs
Mustangs
Things got off to a slow start for the Mustangs last
season. But after a 1-5 start Coach Chris Edwards
team got on a winning streak and made the playoffs.
With only six seniors, the Mustangs were pretty young.
That all changes in 2009.
Though starting QB Cody Jones and RB Jabarri
Wesley did graduate, the Mustangs have 18 starters
coming back, 16 of those are seniors.
“There is a much different lay of the land,” says
coach Edwards, “We’ll start off a lot better than last
year. Unlike last year, our biggest strength will be our
offensive and defensive line.”
Senior Trevor Munn and junior Bubba Jones will be
competing for the starting QB job while a “slew” of
backs will be looking to take the starting job in the
backfield.
On defense, nine starters are back; all seven up front
guys and two linebackers. If there will be a weak spot
here it will be in the secondary.
Unlike last season, the Mustangs think they’ve got
Linden Kildare Tigers
“I’m not playing for third,” says Linden-Kildare head
coach Jerry Bennett.
It’s sometimes hard to remember that when playing
in a district that includes teams like Daingerfield and
Jefferson.
The Tigers finished 2-8 in 2008. Coach is quick to point
out his kids were really young. Most of that team is
back this year. Despite only two wins, the Tigers were
just one victory away from that third playoff spot.
The soft spot this year may be on the line. “We don’t
have a lot of linemen,” says Bennett, “but we’ve got
some scrappy kids. And we’ve got some good skill
kids that are back.”
That includes senior WR/DB Colton Watson. Colton
finished 4th in state in power lifting this past season
and will be asked to be a major contributor on this
team.
5’8, 217lb senior Greg Gaston is another player to
watch for. “He’s a load,” says coach, “he’s a real good
player.
Sch e d u l e
8/28 Atlanta
Home 7:30
9/4 Paul Pewitt Away 7:30
9/11 Celina Home 7:30
9/18 Commerce Away 7:30
9/25 Gilmer Away 7:30
a shot every Friday night…even facing a defending
state champion.
“We will be there every Friday night,” says Coach
Edwards, “We look forward to playing Daingerfield…we
want a piece of them. Playing this kind of competition
gives us a chance of getting deep into the playoffs if
we can just get out of district play.”
District 17-2A
10/2 Open
10/9 Hughes Springs* Home 7:30
10/16 Linden-Kildare* Home 7:30
10/23 Jefferson* Away 7:30
10/30 Ore City* Home 7:30
11/6 Queen City* Away 7:30
*district games
Coach says it with a smile on his face but he’s not
joking. “It’s kind of funny I guess, says Queen City
Head Coach Brandon Warren, “we start the year with
the defending 3-A state champ in Prosper then we end
the season with 2-A state champ Daingerfield. It is
what it is and we are just going to get our kids ready
to play.”
Mascot: Superintendent: Head Coach HS Enrollment
2008 was not the best of years for the Bulldogs. The
season ended with a 1-10 record and that one win was
a forfeit. Coach Warren, who moved from assistant to
head coach in January, says despite the disappointing
season his kids are looking forward to getting back on
the field in August.
Mustang
Rick Ogden
Chris Edwards
305
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
“Our seniors this year I coached as freshman,” says
Warren, “That was the last time we had a lot of
success. That J-V team went 9 and 1. They know the
system I’m bringing back.”
8
9
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Schedul e
Trevor Munn
Bubba Jones
Chris Skaggs
Alex Ingram
Wayne Munden
Brandon Lindsey
Joesph Fitzgerald
Chris Bishop
Arron Roach
James Duffner
Brent Giddens
Davuntae Hatten
Nolan Stricklin
8/28
Open
9/4
New Diana
Away
7:30
9/11
DeKalb
Home
7:30
Senior
Junior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Junior
Soph
Senior
QB/DB 5’11” 165
QB/DB 5’10” 170
OL
5’10” 240
OL
6’1” 275
OL/DE 6’0” 195
OL/MLB5’10” 175
OL/DL 6’1” 250
OL/DL 6’4” 240
TE/DL 6’2” 220
TE/DL 5’11” 185
RB/DB 5’11” 170
FB
6’0” 195
FB/LB 5’10” 170
9/18
West Rusk
Away
7:30
9/25
Troup
Home
7:30
10/2
New Boston
Home
7:30
10/9
Daingerfield*
Away
7:30
10/16
Ore City*
Home
7:30
10/23
Linden-Kildare*
Away
7:30
10/30
Queen City*
Home
7:30
11/6
Jefferson*
Away
7:30
*district games
So for another year there will not be a lot of seniors
on this team but the ones who are there will play a
significant role.
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
“We are stronger and better than last year. We will
compete this year.”
Schedul e
And remember the Tigers are not just playing for third
this time around.
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Kenny Harrison
Cody Beleu
Lashodrick Linwood
DJ Dawson
Thomas Horner
Mascot: Superintendent
Head Coach HS Enrollment
Junior
Junior
Soph
Senior
Senior
QB/DB
WR/LB
RB/DB
C/DL
OL/DE
Tigers
Clint Coyne
Jerry Bennett
240
52
5’10” 160
5’11” 160
5’11” 170
6’0” 185
5’10” 180
Queen Cit y Bulldogs
8
7
8/28
Clarksville
Home
7:30
9/4
Harmony
There
7:30
9/11
Harleton
Here
7:30
9/18
Maud
There
7:30
9/25
New Boston
There
7:30
10/2
Open
109
Queen City*
Home
7:30
10/16
Daingerfield*
There
7:30
10/23
Hughes Springs*
Here
7:30
10/20
Jefferson*
Here
7:30
11/4
Ore City* There
7:30
Coach will look to three guys that he calls “pure
athletes.” So much so he’s not sure what positions
seniors Caleb Hawkins, Dakiron Davis or Jonathan
Yepez will play, he just knows they won’t step off the
field much on Friday night.
Ore Cit y Rebels
For the first time in 13 years the Rebels had a “nonlosing” season. Ore City Finished the year at 5-5.
“We were pleased to some degree,” says head coach
Bobby Chadwick, “but we aren’t satisfied.”
And for good reason. The Rebels have all 11 offensive
starters back again this season. But there will be
some changes. Last season’s QB Brandon Rogers
is moving to WR and WR Adan Saldernia is moving
to QB. “Because of his athleticism, we wanted to get
Brandon out in space more. We are going to try and
get him the ball, but we’ll be running too.”
This picture is pretty bright on defense too. Nine
starters are back including 6’3” 305 pound lineman
Dillion Ivory. He, along with Jacob Thornburgh and
Cory Maxwell are expected to shore up the Mustang
defense.
“We are telling our kids right now that we had a decent
year but we are striving for more. We want to get into
the playoffs,” says Chadwick, “and if our kids continue
to work hard and we can rely on our strengths and get
better each week, I think we can make that happen.
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Brandon Rogers
Adan Saldiernia
Joey Espy
Josh Taylor
Senior
Senior
Soph
Senior
WR/DB 5’10” 170
QB/DB 5’8” 150
RB/LB 5’10” 170
RB/OLB5’11” 165
Larry Andrews will start as QB this season. “He’s a
legit 4.4 guy,” says coach, “with a strong upper body.”
Head Coach: HS Enrollment
But with teams like Prosper and Daingerfield on the
schedule, Coach Warren knows his Bulldogs will be
in for a fight every Friday night. “On paper we can’t
win against those guys,” says Warren, “but if you went
on paper no one would play. You play the games for
a reason. If we win at least three district games, we
are in the playoffs. I won’t promise the kids anything
except we’ll be ready to play on Friday night.”
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Caleb Hawkins
Dakiron Davis
Jonathen Yepez
Larry Andrews
Braven Griffin
Cody Willis
Kewone Marshall
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Junior
Junior
Senior
Mascot: Superintendent:
Jonathan Ramsey
Dillon Ivory
Jacob Thornburgh
Cory Maxwell
Cleve Sexton
Travis Moser
Raul Esquivel
Shaun Nicholson
Jesse Stroman
FB/LB
RB/DB
WR/DB
QB/DB
OL/DL
OL/LB
OL/DL
6’0” 185
5’10” 160
6’1” 165
5’9” 165
6’0” 190
6’2” 210
6’0” 220
Bulldogs
Rob Barnwell
Soph
Junior
Junior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Junior
Junior
Senior
Mascot: Superintendent
HS Enrollment
Head Coach
FB/DB
OL/DL
OL/Dl
TE/LB
OL/DL
OL/DL
OL/DL
TE/DE
OL/DL
5
6
S chedu le
8/28
Prosper
@Queen City
5’10” 160
6’3” 305
5’9” 180
6’0” 190
6’1” 210
6’1” 250
6’0” 225
6’2” 190
6’0” 195
9/4
Deklab
Away
7:30
9/11
New Boston
Away
7:30
9/18
Pittsburg
Home
7:30
Home
7:30
7:30
9/25
West Rusk
10/2
Open
10/9
Linden Kildare*
Away
10/16
Jefferson*
Home
7:30
10/23
Ore City*
Away
7:30
10/30
Hughes Springs* Away
7:30
11/6
Daingerfield*
Home
7:30
10/16
*Hughes Springs
Away
7:30
10/23
*Queen City
Home
7:30
10/30
*Daingerfield Away
7:30
11/6
*Linden-Kildare
Home
7:30
*district games
17 2 - A P r e - S e a so n
C o a ch e s’ Po ll
1. Daingerfield
11
9
2. Jefferson
3. Hughes Springs
S chedul e
4. Linden-Kildare
8/28
Overton
Home
7:30
9/4 Como-Pickton Home
7:30
5. Ore City
9/11
Beckville
Away
7:30
6. Queen City
9/18
Harleton
Home
7:30
9/25
Open
10/2
Maud Away
7:30
10/9
*Jefferson
Away
7:30
*district games
53
7:30
*district games
Rebels
Lynn Heflin
230
Bobby Chadwick
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
Brandon Warren
320
Importance of Having a Primary Care Physician
Barbara Allen, MD
Chief of Primary Care Medicine • Trinity Clinic
Many patients today are frustrated
with trying to navigate through our
nation’s increasingly fragmented and
complicated health care system. To avoid
unnecessary lab and medical tests, as
well as improve the quality of care and
communication with specialists, it is best
to consolidate your medical care, health
history and medical records into as few
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A patient-centered medical home
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A primary care physician is uniquely trained to care for you as a whole
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You and your physician will work together to achieve the best possible
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primary care providers who are able to communicate with each other
and with specialists as part of your medical home though our electronic
medical record to assure that you receive the highest quality of care.
For more information about Trinity Clinic primary care providers,
call (903) 531-5678.
District 18-2A
Coleman Swierc - KLTV 7 Sports Anchor/Reporter
In This Big District , The Bot tom Is Read y To Move To The Top
It is no secret that in district 18-2A that the top dogs reside in Harmony and White Oak.
What may cause problems for the top two are the rest of the teams, as the district shapes up to be the toughest that it has been in several years.
“The district is tough, White Oak is probably the favorite, but after that, every team has a shot of getting in,” said Union Grove head coach Marty
Moore.
2008 saw both Harmony and White Oak dominate the field, with Harleton squeezing in the playoffs in the third spot.
“The district will be much better this year. The difference between the first and last place teams is going to shrink dramatically,” said White Oak head
coach Tracy Blankenship.
Most of the coaches agree that 2009 could be one of the toughest that the district has seen, with most noting expected improvements out of Sabine,
Elysian Fields and Union Grove.
The sleeper may be the Wildcats at Winona, as coach Mike Sorenson has seen his squad improve every year while he has been at the helm.
Sorenson had the pre-season quote of the year as well,
“We used to be everyone’s homecoming team. Teams would schedule us because they thought they could beat us easily. I tell you what, if a team
wants to schedule us for homecoming this year, then they better bring some extra make-up, because the homecoming queen will be crying.”
This ought to be fun.
Elysi a n Fields
Y ellowjack e t s
It was only one game, but it cost Elysian Fields a
chance at the playoffs. A 14-13 loss to Harleton in the
first game of district put the ‘Jackets in a tie for third, a
tie they lost with Harleton.
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*
“It was tough,” said head coach Jack Parker, “We
ended up winning three in a row to end the year, and
felt that we were a playoff team, but we had a hiccup
at the beginning, and it cost us.”
Parker doesn’t need to motivate his kids after that; he
says they are itching to go.
He will have to choose a quarterback. A battle is
brewing between seniors Austin Delk and Brandon
Gowin for the starting spot behind center.
“One of them will win the job, but as we learned last
year, we have got to have both guys ready to go, so
they will both get action.”
To help the cause on offense, either man will have to
look no further than at running back, where a bruising
6’0 260 pound Tyrell McKee stands, ready to tote the
rock. “He is a man, he is huge, and we are going to
use him to our advantage.”
H a rle t on W ildcat s
2008 was not the greatest year in Harleton football
history. Even though the Wildcats were in the playoffs,
they were one and done, something that head coach
Dennis Alexander says won’t happen again.
“We just got tired last year; that is what it comes down
to. We had too many kids that had to play the entire
game on both sides.”
Alexander was perfectly clear about his team in ’09
that the Wildcats have got to be ready.
54
McKee will have some help. Jed Crisp will move to
the wide receiver spot and Santos Duran will return at
tight end. The big key will be up front. Elysian Fields
returns four out of five starters on the front line. “We
were so young up front last year, now we have kids
who are experienced and know how to win.”
Mascot: Defensively, the ‘Jackets will return starting defensive
ends Stanly Roquemore and Corey Fielder, alongside
all-district pick Rodney Sutton in the defensive
backfield.
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
“Our guys know that we can play, now all we have to
do is go out there an prove it.”
8/29
Troup
@Gladewater
7:30
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
9/4
Waskom
Away
7:30
9/11
Hooks
Home
7:30
9/18
OPEN
9/25
Harleton*
Away
7:30
10/2
Harmony*
Home
7:30
10/9
White Oak*
Away
7:30
10/16
New Diana*
Away
7:30
10/23
Sabine*
Home
7:30
10/30
Union Grove*
Away
7:30
11/6
Winona*
Home
7:30
Tyrell McKee Senior Jed Crisp Senior Santos Duran Senior Stanley Roqumore Junior Corey Fielder Junior Dwayne Adame Senior
Jayme Ferro Senior Rodney Sutton Senior RB
WR
TE/LB
DE
DE
DE
DB
DB
Yellowjackets
Student Enrollment: 319
Superintendent: Dr. Bob Browning
Head Coach: Jack Parker
6
6
S chedu le
*district games
“I think we are going to have one of the smallest
varsity squads in a long time, so we cannot be fooling
around in the off-season, we have got to be in shape
and ready to go.”
ball to Connor, we can score on anyone. If Greg can
stay healthy, he will be a force, he has battled little
nagging injuries, but if he can stay on the field, he will
be a huge weapon.”
He does have positions that he need not worry
about, especially on offense, where Harleton brings
back seven starters, including the 18-2A Receiver
of the year Connor Lloyd and returning starters at
quarterback, Logan Jones and at running back in Greg
Beham.
Along with them, look for Chase Jones to be a factor in
the middle, as he returns to anchor both the offensive
and defensive lines.
“Logan is a good player, we put him in tough spots
last year, but if we can avoid that, and he can get the
55
There is no doubt the Wildcats have the talent to
compete, but Alexander says if that talent is not on the
field, then not a whole lot can be done.
cont.
District 18-2A
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H a rle t on W ildcat s
“We have a good core, no doubt about that, but we
have critical spots on the field that we do not know
what we are going to do with, or who is going to play
them, and that right now is our biggest problem.”
WHAT IF YOU
COULD TASTE
VICTORY JUST
ONE MORE TIME?
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Connor Lloyd Logan Jones Greg Beham Chase Jones Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
WR/DB
QB
RB/DB
OL/DL
Harmony Eagles
The Eagles may just be the team to beat, at least head
coach Shane Wilson thinks they can be.
The last second comeback. The onside
“We have improved every year since I have been here.
We broke through last year and now our kids and our
coaches want more.”
kick. The Hail Mary that took us to state.
That’s high school football in Texas. And
To get more, the Eagles won’t have much catching up
to do; Harmony returns the most starters on offense (9)
and defense (10) in the district.
while we can’t go back and replay the
“This is the most we have had coming back since I have
been here, and we don’t have to re-teach a whole lot
to the kids.”
games, we can do what Lone Star football
fans have been doing for 60 years –
Anchoring the Eagles season will be one of the most
dominant players in the district, linebacker Kolby
Hogan. “Kolby is the best we have, and with him and
Colton (Bunn) and Jonathan (Hanson) we have a heck
of a nucleus on defense.”
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Hogan stole the show for Harmony last season. The
D-1 prospect was a star, leading the district in tackles,
with a whopping 142 take-downs. But he is not alone.
serve cone. It’s family. It’s tradition. It’s the
one place where anytime, in any town, just
“We have a bunch of guys who can just flat play, both on
offense and defense and I have no reason to think that
for a moment, it’s Friday night in Texas.
New Diana Eagles
And, it’s time for kickoff.
The Eagles got a glimpse, and now they want more.
In year one under Roger Adams, New Diana was a
dismal 1-5 going into the final stretch of the season.
Then something clicked.
“We finished 3-1 and got a good taste of how to win,
but not making the playoffs after playing well to end
the year, it puts a bad taste in everyone’s mouth,” said
Adams.
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That taste may be easily washed away, when Adams
looks out on the field, he will see a lot of familiar faces,
seven on offense and eight on defense return for the
Eagles.
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Two of the standouts will be in the backfield as Kyle Ray
Hendricks and Beau Brewer return to the backfield.
“We can run the ball,” said Adams, “that is what we want
to do, and we are going to do it with those guys.”
Mary Scott McNabb, EVENT DigiPhoto
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56
The Eagles old-school approach with the wing-t offense
allows them to take advantage of their speed up front.
“We are not the biggest team, but with the way we run
our offense, we do not ask players to go one on one, so
we use the system we have to offset our lack of size.”
Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: Wildcats
205
Dr. Craig Coleman
Dennis Alexander
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
7
6
S chedul e
8/27
West Rusk
9/4
OPEN
@Pine Tree
7:30
Linden-Kildare
Away
7:30
Ore City
Away
7:30
9/25
Elysian Fields*
Home
7:30
10/2
New Diana*
Away
7:30
10/9
Sabine*
Home
7:30
10/16
Union Grove*
Away
7:30
10/23
Winona*
Home
7:30
10/30
White Oak*
Home
7:30
11/6
Harmony*
Away
7:30
*district games
we will be much better than last year.”
The Eagles will have plenty of fire power back on
the offensive side as well, with Bunn stepping in a
quarterback and Luke Laminack back to carry the
running back load.
And don’t mess with the linemen alongside Hanson will
step in three returning big men to the Harmony front
lines.
“This is my first year that we have brought back linemen.
In the first years we always had senior heavy lines, and
now we bring back 4 of 5; we should be dominant up
front.”
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Kolby Hogan Senior
Colton Bunn Senior
Jordan Argabright Senior
Luke Laminack Junior
Colby Hogan Junior
Ryan Whittmore Senior
Johnathan Hanson Senior
Mascot: 9/11
9/18
LB
QB/FS
WR
RB
TE/DE
RB/LB
C
Eagles
Student Enrollment: 315
Superintendent: Jed Whitaker
Head Coach: Shane Wilson
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
9
10
S chedu le
8/28
Edgewood
Away
7:30
9/4
Linden-Kildare
Home
7:30
9/11
Prairiland
Away
7:30
9/18
OPEN
9/25
White Oak*
Home
7:30
10/2
Elysian Fields*
Away
7:30
10/9
New Diana*
Home
7:30
10/16
Sabine*
Away
7:30
10/23
Union Grove*
Home
7:30
10/30
Winona*
Away
7:30
11/6
Harleton*
Home
7:30
*district games
The Eagles won’t be lacking on defense, as Beau
Brewer is back to lead the charge. The leading tackler
from last year will be joined by other starters Hunter
Covin and Jacob Witt. “Beau is one of the good ones,
but as a safety, when he leads the team in tackles, then
something might be wrong, so we have to get the other
guys to step up.”
Head Coach: Roger Adams
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
7
8
S chedu le
They may be small, but they are certainly strong.
8/28
Hooks
Away
7:30
“We have four offensive linemen that are over 300
pounds on the bench press and we have several guys
who are over 250. With our offense and our system, we
should be able to do some damage this year.”
9/4
Hughes Springs
Home
7:30
9/11
West Rusk
Home
7:30
9/18
OPEN
9/25
Winona*
Away
7:30
10/2
Harleton*
Here
7:30
10/9
Harmony*
Away
7:30
10/16
Elysian Fields*
Home
7:30
10/23
White Oak*
Away
7:30
10/30
Sabine*
Away
7:30
11/6
Union Grove*
Home
7:30
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Kyle Ray Hendricks Senior
Beau Brewer Senior
Terry Newsome Senior
Hunter Covin Senior
Jacob Witt Senior
FB/LB
RB/FS
RB/CB
OL/DL
OL/DL
Mascot: Eagles
Student Enrollment: 278
Superintendent: Ms. Joyce Sloan
57
*district games
District 18-2A
S a bine Ca rdin a l s
Sabine, and with returning weapons Laramy Barber
and Jarray Todd, the offense may be tough to handle.
The Sabine Cardinals know what it means to have to
wait.
“The spot at quarterback, I believe, is in good hands
with Quan, now we just need to play the position and
get used to the speed of the game, and if we put him in
a position to do well, that is what he will do.”
They say that a turnaround takes time. A long time.
It has been 23 years since the Cardinals tasted a
district title, and recent seasons stuck at the bottom
of the district may have Sabine fans wondering if their
time will ever come. Their time, just might be 2009,
the second year of the Jerry Baker era.
“We have got to get a better work ethic. People are
used to Sabine being a losing program, but I am here
to believe otherwise. Our kids need to believe that
they can win, and I think we may be turning the corner
to that belief.”
To win, the ‘Cards will put it up, a lot.
With Baker at the helm, comes a second year of the
spread offense, an attack that Baker says can level
the playing field.
“It is about mismatches. If we can create them, then
we can exploit them, and that is what the spread will
help us do.”
Quan Boyd is tabbed as the man to pull the trigger for
Union Grov e Lions
Forty years ago, the Union Grove Lions won the
district title. It hasn’t happened since. Will 2009 mark
the end of that streak?
“We return a lot of people,” said Union Grove head
coach Marty Moore, “in this case, we return the best
player from what we had last year.”
Moore has reason to believe that 40 years of frustration
will come to an end.
“The district is tough, no doubt, but we think we are
going to be a team with a shot.”
It doesn’t hurt that the Lions return a slew of athletes
on the offensive side, set on winning that district title.
Four year starter Dalton Mellon will return for his
senior year at quarterback, and alongside him, 1,000
+ yard rusher Richard Pittman will “Dot the I” in the
Union Grove backfield.
“With both Richard and Dalton coming back, it is so
much easier to know that the offense is with guys that
know what they are doing, and those guys have been
in some tough situations in the past and can show the
younger guys what it takes to win.”
White Oak Roughnecks
When asked how he felt about being the district favorite,
White Oak head coach Tracy Blankenship put it mildly,
“We may be the favorite, but there are at least three
teams that are as good as we are. On paper we might
be the favorite, but when the ball is snapped, anything
happens.”
Returning corner Marc Cunningham will anchor the
Sabine defense, and a fast riser in Terrence Daniels
may provide some unexpected skill on defense.
“Terrence has worked harder than anyone that I have
seen, and he is going to be a great asset to us, both
offensively and especially defensively.”
Now it is time for the Cardinals to prove they can
play. Baker says those district goals are not that
farfetched.
“It takes time for a program to grow, and we are
growing fast, we will get there.”
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Quan Boyd Senior
Laramy Barber Senior
Marc Cunningham Senior
Jarray Todd Senior
QB/S
WR/S
C
RB/LB
District 18-2A
Head Coach: “It gives our kids confidence to see that we have those
two senior running backs that can take control of the
game at any time, and that when we need the yards,
they are going to get them for us.”
Jerry Baker
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
7
5
The combo back will help the ‘Necks replace Orlando
Humble and his 1,400 yards and 24 Td’s, who is now
running the ball at Navarro JC.
Schedul e
8/28
Redwater
Home
7:30
9/4
Troup
Away
7:30
9/11
OPEN
9/18
Beckville
Home
7:30
9/25
Union Grove*
Away
7:30
10/2
Winona*
Here
7:30
10/9
Harleton*
Away
7:30
10/16
Harmony*
Home
7:30
10/23
Elysian Fields*
Away
7:30
10/30
New Diana*
Home
7:30
11/6
White Oak*
Home
7:30
*district games
Both Pittman and Mellon can lean on the broad
shoulders of Colton Woodfin, a unanimous First-Team
All-District selection at tackle.
Mascot: Lions
Student Enrollment: 230
Superintendent: Brian Gray
Defensively, look no farther than the man in the middle,
as the Lions leading tackler is back.
Head Coach: “Caylor Haggard is a stopper, and to know we have
that kind of person in the middle, and with him leading
the team in nearly every defensive category, we know
that he is someone that we can build our defense
around.”
White Oak Roughnecks
Mascot: Cardinals
Student Enrollment: 390
Superintendent: Stacey Byrce
7
7
Schedul e
Beckville
Home
7:30
But Moore and his coaching staff will have a tough
task ahead of them; the numbers game can often be a
greatly overlooked disadvantage.
Overton
Away
7:30
9/11
T.K. Gorman
Home
7:30
“We have some depth issues; we may only suit up
20 or 21 guys on the varsity, so we cannot afford any
injuries. We are going to have several guys that are
going to have to go both ways, and we are going to
lean heavily on guys that played only one way last
year that are going to have to go both ways for us.”
9/18
OPEN
9/25
Sabine*
Home
7:30
10/2
White Oak*
Away
7:30
10/9
Winona*
Away
7:30
10/16
Harleton*
Home
7:30
10/23
Harmony*
Away
7:30
10/30
Elysian Fields*
Home
7:30
11/6
New Diana*
Away
7:30
TB/LB
QB
OL
*district games
Blankenship has reason to believe that his team is the
best, and he needs to look no further than his backfield
for all the reassurance that he needs.
They are back to man the running back spots in the
White Oak slot-t, and make the Roughneck offense one
of the best in the district.
“We are lucky, we bring back two guys that can go the
distance from anywhere on the field and that makes
coaching so much easier.”
Combine that with Austin Tubbs back at quarterback
for a fourth season and the vaunted White Oak
running game should be running on all cylinders.
His two guys are Jackson McCurdy (1,150 yards and
11 Td’s) and Junior Hamilton (1,179 yards and 14 Td’s).
58
“We can stop people, and with Skylar and Adam back,
we should be ok on defense. Josh (Spedowski) will
help us shut down those that think they can go deep
on us.”
The Roughnecks don’t just have returners at the skill
spots, the line positions are in good hands as Ben
Adams and Brandon Heim return to anchor down the
The Wildcats may be the hardest team to get a feel for
in 2009.
9/4
Richard Pittman Senior
Dalton Melton Senior
Colton Woodfin Senior
Toss in Logan King and his 78 tackles coming back at
linebacker, and White Oak has a potent defense.
**Just prior to printing, Wildcat head coach Mike
Sorenson stepped down as Winona’s head coach. No
head coach had been hired prior to our deadline. The
following is our conversation with Coach Sorenson
before he stepped down.
8/28
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Adam Thompson will return to the defensive side,
where he led the team in tackles last year with 128. He’ll
be joined by defensive end Skylar Barnes, who brings
back his 73 tackles, whopping 18 of those for losses.
Winona Wildcats
Marty Moore
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
Speaking of combo’s the White Oak defense has one
of the best.
cont.
Head coach Mike Sorenson has seen nothing but
progress since he took over in Winona, building his
team into contenders.
“We had to teach the kids how to compete when I first
got here. Now we know how to do that, we just have
to get the kids to believe that we can win here, and last
season was an indication that we are almost around
that corner.”
A 6-4 record in 2008, left the Wildcats in the middle
of the pack, but with six starters coming back on both
sides, the potential is there.
The Winona run to a possible playoff spot will start with
Jacob Wheeler. The defensive back and running back
was an Honorable Mention All-State selection in ‘08 and
will be looked to for the big plays this upcoming year.
The combination of James Williams and Clay Hendon
anchor a returning group of offensive linemen, that will
plow the road in the Winona run-based offense.
“This is the best offensive line that we have had since
I have been here,” said Sorenson, “we bring back 3 of
the 5 guys from last year, and if you have experience
like that, in the offense that we run, than we are in good
shape.”
offensive and defensive lines.
White Oak will get a good test to their team in the
opening week of the district season. As the other
district favorite, Harmony will play host to White Oak
in a showdown that could set the stage for a big run by
White Oak to a possible repeat to their district crown.
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Jackson McCurdy Junior Hamilton Adam Thompson Skylar Barnes Austin Tubbs Logan King Ben Adams Brandon Heim Josh Spedowski Taylor Goll Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Junior
Junior
Mascot: RB
RB
LB
DE
QB
LB
OL
OL
DB
WR
Roughnecks
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
5
5
S chedu le
8/28
Joaquin
Away
7:30
9/4
Spring Hill
Home
7:30
9/11
Rains
Home
7:30
9/18
OPEN
9/25
Harmony*
Away
7:30
10/2
Union Grove*
Home
7:30
10/9
Elysian Fields*
Home
7:30
10/16
Winona*
Away
7:30
10/23
New Diana*
Home
7:30
10/30
Harleton*
Away
7:30
11/6
Sabine*
Home
7:30
*district games
Student Enrollment: 398
Superintendent: Mike Gilbert
Head Coach: Tracy Blankenship
Defensively, the horse is already in the barn, as Clay
Walker returns to man the middle.
The Honorable Mention All-East Texas selection is
dubbed as the stalwart of the Wildcat defense and
should provide the spark on D for Winona alongside
Jordan Jett at nose guard.
Winona has started to build a winning tradition, a
tradition that Sorenson says will help this year’s team,
especially with the help they will get from the lower
ranks.
“We have gotten better each year I have been here,
and our JV squad was 9-1 last year and with those guys
coming up and the guys we have back, we expect to be
a force within the district.”
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Jacob Wheeler Clay Walker Josh Timmons Jordan Jett James WIlliams Clay Hendon Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Mascot: Student Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: RB/DB
LB/RB
RB
NG
OL
OL
Wildcats
268
Wylie Vonner
Mike Sorenson
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
6
6
S chedu le
8/28
Waskom
Home
7:30
9/4
Malakoff
Away
7:30
9/11
Hawkins
Away
7:30
9/18
OPEN
9/25
New Diana*
Home
7:30
10/2
7:30
Sabine*
Away
10/9
Union Grove*
Home
7:30
10/16
White Oak*
Home
7:30
10/23
Harleton*
Away
7:30
10/30
Harmoy*
Home
7:30
11/6
Elysian Fields*
Away
7:30
*district games
18 2 - A P r e - S e a so n
C o a ch e s’ Po ll
1. White Oak
2. Harmony
3. New Diana
4. Winona
5. Harleton
6. Elysian Fields
The offense may also see a rising star in Josh Timmons,
who Sorenson tabs as having “big time potential” and
could be “our workhorse this year.”
7. Union Grove
8. Sabine
59
District 19-2A
Reid Kerr - KLTV News
Lot s O f E x perience Should Make District Race T ight
District 19-2A was a dog fight last season, going down to the final week before the playoff spots were all handed out. In 2009, the 19-2A coaches
expect more of the same and then some.
“Oh, it’ll be very similar,” Elkhart coach Tim Lewis said. “A lot of the All-District players last season were juniors. They’re only going to get better.”
“This district will be as good as or better than last year,” Garrison coach Craten Phillips said. “There’s a lot of returning talent in this district. Other than
a few standout skill position players who graduated, there are a lot of familiar faces to try and stop again.”
After their second straight deep playoff appearance, the Arp Tigers are picked by the district coaches to take the district title with Troup and Frankston
taking the other two playoff spots.
A rp Tigers
The Arp Tigers went 11-1 in 2008, advancing to the 2A
Division I state quarterfinals. After a 2007 trip to the
regional finals, the Tigers have established a tradition
to uphold.
“I think it’s something the kids have come to expect,”
Arp head coach Dale Irwin said. “You don’t want to do
worse than the class that came before you.”
The Tigers return eight starters from last year’s team
including running back Lavocheya Cooper. Cooper
ran for 1700 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior
and also had six special teams touchdowns returning
punts and kicks.
“He can do it all,” Irwin said. “He’s our tailback, punt
and kick returner, slot receiver, whatever we need.
He’s a great kid to coach; he doesn’t care how many
times he carries the ball. He’s a tremendous young
man.”
Cooper’s backfield mate is fullback Michael Wade,
a hardnosed blocker who also scored twelve
touchdowns last year. At quarterback, the Tigers will
Elk h a rt Elks
The Elks put their winless 2007 season behind them
last year going 3-7 in their first year under head coach
Tim Lewis.
“We feel pretty good about it,” Lewis said. “We kind of
got the program going in the direction we wanted, the
kids have gotten used to us and vice versa. The kids
responded well and got some wins.”
The Elks are strong on offense with nine starters
coming back for 2009, including four returning offensive
linemen.
“We’re pretty solid up front,” Lewis said. “We’ve got
(seniors) Josh Homann and Jacob Miller on the left
side, and Austin Huggins and Brian Hill back too.”
Elkhart will also return tight end John Richbourg, and
Dustin Tarver and Brandon White in the backfield.
“The kids in the backfield have got some experience,”
Lewis said, “we’re looking forward to that. We feel pretty
good about our offense this year.”
60
have to replace Will Allen. Sophomore Kyle Copeland
will get the call to take the snaps. “There’s a lot to live
up to at quarterback, we’ll look really hard at him.”
Copeland’s favorite target may be returning senior
Clint Copeland, who tallied 700 yards and eight scores
last season.
Both sides of the line will be strengths for the Tigers,
with Dusty Taliaferro and Jamie Warren manning the
trenches.
Superintendent: Toney Lowery
Head Coach: Dale Irwin
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
8
6
S chedu le
8/28
Paul Pewitt
Home
7:30
9/4
San Augustine
Home
7:30
On defense, six starters return including Cooper who
was all-state as a defensive back.
9/11
Alto
Home
7:30
9/18
Westwood
Away
7:30
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
9/25
Tatum
Home
7:30
10/2 Open
10/9
Garrison*
Home
7:30
10/16
Troup*
Away
7:30
10/23
Frankston*
Home
7:30
10/30
Elkhart*
Home
7:30
West Rusk*
Home
7:30
Away
7:30
Lavocheya Cooper
Michael Wade
Clint Copeland
Kyle Copeland
Senior
Senior
Senior
Soph
RB/FS
RB/LB
WR/DB
QB
Mascot: Tigers
11/6
Enrollment: 290
*district games
Elkhart’s defense is also experienced with seven
starters returning. Homann, Miller, and Richbourg will
all be back up front for the Elks, and Ken Reeves and
Reed Hampton will start at the corners.
S chedu le
8/28
Malakoff
9/4
Huntington
Away
7:30
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
9/11
Buffalo
Home
7:30
Josh Homann
Jacob Miller
Reed Hampton
9/18
Grapeland
Home
7:30
Away
7:30
Home
7:30
Senior
Senior
Senio
OL
OL
CB
9/25
Centerville
10/2 Open
10/9
West Rusk*
Mascot: Elks
10/16
Garrison*
Away
7:30
Enrollment: 355
10/23
Troup*
Home
7:30
Superintendent: Mike Moon
10/30
Arp*
Away
7:30
Head Coach: Tim Lewis
11/6
Frankston*
Home
7:30
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
61
9
7
*district games
District 19-2A
Frankston Indians
In their first year under head coach Sam Wells,
Frankston went 6-4. While Wells was a late hire last
year, he’s looking forward to having a full offseason
under his belt.
“It was a difficult transition last year,” Wells said. “We
picked it up though, and wound up tied for second
and the odd man out of the playoffs. Now that we’ve
had a full year with them, we’re better ready for this
season.”
His Indians return eight starters on both sides of
the ball, including running back and defensive back
Dedtrick Smith. Smith accounted for more than a
thousand yards on offense, and was All-State with five
interceptions on defense.
“He’s just a great athlete,” Wells said. “He’s super fast
and super explosive. He can do so many things, he
can run, block, catch out of the backfield. He’s a bigtime weapon for us because he’s so hard to defend.”
Another two-way starter will be senior Coby Coleman,
an all-district tight end and defensive end. Coleman
moved from tackle to tight end and responded with
three touchdowns on the season.
“It gave us a big target, because he’s six feet two,
two hundred-and-eighty pounds,” Wells said. “He
really secured the edge of the line, and he was very
Garrison Bulldogs
Garrison doubled their wins in 2008, going 4-6 under
Craten Phillips. Now in his third season, Phillips is
looking forward to a roster with seven returning starters
on offense and nine on defense. “I feel like we’re going
to have one of the best offensive and defensive lines
in the district,” Phillips said. “My linemen can really
move well.”
The line starts with senior Austin Lunsford, a
physical player Phillips describes as a “body moving
machine.”
“His motor doesn’t stop,” Phillips said, “you can count
on him to take care of his guy. What the defense does
to scheme around that is what you have to adjust to
in your play calling. He’s got good feet, he’s fast, he
traps, he pulls out and drives his man ten yards deep.
He’s a sure block.”
Senior tailback Scooter Ross also returns, after piling
up 1500 yards as a junior. “He’s just hard to get hold
of,” Phillips said. “He’s really quick and doesn’t go
West Rusk Raiders
In his second year as head coach, John Frazier led the
West Rusk Raiders to their first playoff spot in since
2000. Now the Raiders are looking to return to the
postseason.
“It just raises the bar on our expectations,” Frazier
said. “It’s something to build off of. The key is to get
better every day in the offseason and then get better
every week during the season.”
The Raiders went 9-3 last season and return eight
versatile. He’s a big advantage running off tackle.”
At quarterback, All-District defensive back Jamal
Allen will change sides of the ball to take the snaps.
He’ll drop back behind a line rich with experience,
including returning starters Colton Shackelford,
David Hernandez and Jake Lang. Allen will also have
returning receiver Kyle Tatum, an All-District player
who scored twice last season.
The defense looks solid with Smith and Coleman
returning, and linebackers Dalton Severn, Dalton
Bruton and Jabralon Allen coming back. Starters
Braderick Fields and Mason Skillern will also be back
for Frankston.
The Indians have a special teams weapon few teams
can match in kicker Justin Bergstrom, a first team AllState kicker. Bergstrom went 20 for 21 on extra points
and nailed seven field goals including a 47 yarder. He
also averaged 36.5 yards per punt for Frankston.
“He’s amazing. He’s as good as I’ve ever been
around,” Wells said. “He gives us a chance to score
anytime we get around the thirty.”
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Dedtrick Smith
Senior
Coby Coleman
Senior
Justin Bergstrom Senior
RB/DB
TE/DT
K/P
down easy. He’s a little kid, but he doesn’t go down
and runs like a 200 pounder. He started every game
and carried the ball about twenty-five times a game,
he averaged about eight yards a carry.”
On defense, it all starts up front for the Bulldogs with
Phillips on the line.
“With Austin on the front line,” Phillips said, “they
should be pretty a pretty impressive group.”
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Austin Lunsford
Scooter Ross
Mascot: Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: Senior OL/DL
Senior RB
Bulldogs
205
Arnie Kelley
Craten Phillips
starters on the defensive side of the ball.
“We started eight sophomores in the playoffs against
Daingerfield,” Frazier said. “That kind of experience
allows us to do some more things defensively.”
“Because we were so young last year, we had to stay
basic and teach the fundamentals. We’re going to be
more complex this year.”
The Raiders return four starters on offense and one
of those is quarterback Dominique Smith. Smith also
returns punts for West Rusk
District 19-2A
Mascot: Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: West Rusk Raiders
Indians
250
Austin Thacker
Sam Wells
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Dominique Smith
Luke Snider
Jonathan Brewer 8
8
Schedul e
8/28
Cayuga
Home
7:30
9/4
Brownsboro
Home
7:30
9/11
Quitman
Away
7:30
9/18
Alto
Home
7:30
9/25
Open
10/2 Hemphill
Away
7:30
10/9
Troup
Away
7:30
10/16
West Rusk
Home
7:30
10/23
Arp
Away
7:30
10/30
Garrison
Home
7:30
11/6
Elkhart
Away
7:30
*district games
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
7
9
Schedul e
8/28
Hemphill
Home
7:30
9/4
Alto
Home
7:30
9/11
West Sabine
Away
7:30
9/18
Timpson
Home
7:30
9/25
San Augustine
Away
7:30
10/2 Open
10/9
Arp*
Away
7:30
10/16
Elkhart*
Home
7:30
10/23
West Rusk*
Away
7:30
10/30
Frankston*
Away
7:30
11/6
Troup*
Home
7:30
Senior QB/CB
Senior OT/DE
Senior WR
Mascot: Raiders
Enrollment: 215
Troup Tigers
Troup went 4-7 in 2008, bouncing back into the playoffs
after a one year absence.
In 2009, fourth-year coach John Eastman fields a
team with nine returning starters on each side of the
ball. “That’s what we were missing last year,” Troup
defensive coordinator Adam Thomas said. “We had a
young team, and we feel like the experience is going to
make a world of difference.”
The Tigers will be big on both sides of the line, with
seniors C.J. Deason, Cordero Hudson, and Christian
Noyola all returning, along with junior Ethan Isaacks.
“You win the battles up front to win the game,” Thomas
said, “and they’re a bunch of huge, strong kids. We feel
like we’ve got a few kids we can give the ball to and
those guys up front will open up the holes for them.”
Troup will also be deep at their skill positions with
senior Der’rikk Thompson leading a cast of returners.
Thompson will be used at running back and wide
receiver, and notched more than eleven hundred
combined yards last season.
“We’re trying to find different ways to get him the ball in
space. He’s being recruited by lots of people.”
The Tigers also returns tight ends Taylor Beaty and
Jeremy Richardson, fullback Jeremy Ware, and fullback/
linebacker Cody LePelley.
“Not only do we expect big things out of them, they
Superintendent: Mike King
9/18
Hughes Springs
Home
7:30
Head Coach: John Frazier
9/25
Queen City
Away
7:30
10/2 Open
10/9
Elkhart*
Away
7:30
10/16
Frankston*
Away
7:30
10/23
Garrison*
Home
7:30
10/30
Troup*
Away
7:30
Arp*
Home
7:30
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
S chedul e
8/28
Harleton
Home
7:30
9/4
T.K. Gorman
Home
7:30
11/6
9/11
New Diana
Away
7:30
*district games
expect big things out of themselves. We talked about it
with them and the kids talked about it with each other.
They know what’s expected of them, they’ve been
hitting the weight room all summer to do their part.”
9/11
Tatum
Home
7:30
9/18
Bullard
Away
7:30
9/24
Hughes Springs
Away
7:30
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
10/2
Open
10/9
Frankston*
Home
7:30
10/16
Arp*
Home
7:30
10/23
Elkhart*
Away
7:30
10/30
West Rusk*
Home
7:30
11/6
Garrison*
Away
7:30
Der’rikk Thompson Jeremy Richardson Jeremy Ware Taylor Beaty Cody LePelley C.J. Deason Cordero Hudson Christian Noyola Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
RB/WR
DE/TE
DE/FB
LB/TE
OLB/ FB
OL/DL
OL/DL
OL/DL
*district games
19 2 - A P r e - S e a so n
C o a ch e s’ Po ll
Mascot: Tigers
Enrollment: 280
1. Arp
Superintendent: Marvin Beaty
2. Troup
Head Coach: John Eastman
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
3. Frankston
9
9
4. Garrison
5. West Rusk
S chedul e
TBA Elysian Fields 9/4
Sabine
*district games
“He’s a leader,” Frazier said. “He’s not very big, but
he’s a really tough guy.”
One of his main targets will be receiver Jonathan
Brewer, who Frazier said also helps set the tone for
the rest of his team.
“Jonathan brings us leadership. He really keeps the
younger kids going for us.”
“That’s something we really need out there. We’ll only
have six seniors this year and we’re counting on them
to lead this team.”
cont.
62
4
8
63
@Gladewater
TBA
Home
7:30
6. Elkhart
District 17-1A
District 17-1A
Detroit Eagles
Morgan Chesky - KLTV 7 Reporter
Revamped Playbooks Look to Dethrone Dynasty
Going winless in district is never easy, but with a
new coach and a new outlook, the Detroit Eagles of
2009 are looking to get a makeover starting with their
playbook.
The Maud Cardinals have made quite a name for themselves the past several seasons taking home a few district titles. If there’s one thing area teams know
though, it’s that gridiron success is always harder to repeat.
”We’re really gonna go with a totally different playbook
this year switching from spread to multiple,” says head
coach Trevor Upchurch, “We’ve got a lot of skill kids so
I hope we’ll be able to score some.”
Six teams makeup the highly competitive district 17-1A, but for five of them there’s only one team to beat and it has a big Cardinal red bull’s eye on its back.
“We’ve got as good of a chance as any to repeat as district champs but it won’t be easy,” says Maud head coach Josh Finney.
Head Coach Trevor Upchurch has his work cut out for him in his first year, but remains optimistic. “They’ve responded well, they’ve gotten in the weight
room and have worked hard,” Upchurch says.
“With the group we’ve got coming, we feel like we should match up pretty good with them (Maud),” says Simms Bowie head coach Jamey Thomas.
The Pirates will have the personnel to compete, but the biggest change comes in who will replace Thomas as head coach, who recently resigned to take the
offensive coordinator position at New Boston High School.
“We feel like we’ll be able to match up with them better this year with the loss of their big three,” Turner adds.
With six teams and only three playoff berths, District 17-1A showcases new and improved teams that will no doubt challenge the traditional powers for
postseason rights.
Big S a ndy W ildcat s
Asked about the biggest difference between this year’s
squad and last year’s, Coach Darold Turner’s answer
was simple, experience. With six returning starters on
offense and seven on defense, it’s hard to argue, the
Big Sandy Wildcats are primed and ready to get into
the playoffs.
Turner’s bloodline will have a direct contribution to
the team’s success. The coaches son, Jaylyn Turner
returns to anchor the already battle tested offensive
line. The solid 6’3” 215lb. All-State guard will look to
open some big holes in the Wildcat running game
alongside sidekick center Zach Dunham. The senior
isn’t the biggest on the field, but Turner describes
Dunham as, “one really quick kid, able to come off the
ball hard and do some damage.”
In the backfield, the Wildcats look to be ready to put
points on the board with the return of two-way starter
Trent Hodge. Hodge is a dangerous threat on both
sides of the ball, but will most likely be the primary
ball carrier for the Wildcats this year. His impact was
missed last year after tearing his ACL however, the
healing process has gone well and Coach Turner says
he’ll be one tough guy to stop come August.
“He’s healthy this year so we’ll be looking for him to
make a difference down the stretch,” says Turner.
The last time the Wildcats stood atop the District 171A platform was 2005 so both players and coaches
are hungry for a trophy. If they are able to stay healthy
down the stretch and keep themselves in close games
the Wildcats could be raising some eyebrows come
week five and six in ’09.
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Jaylyn Turner
Tim Sunday
Junior
Senior
OL/DL
WR/FS
Mascot: Wildcats
School Enrollment: 196
Superintendent: Scott Beene
Head Coach: Darold Turner
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
6
7
8/29 T.K.Gorman
Away
2:00
9/4
Alba Golden
Away
7:30
9/11 Overton
Away 7:30
9/18
Mt. Enterprise Home 7:30
9/25 Brookhill
Home 7:30
10/2 Open
10/9 James Bowie* Away 7:30
10/16 Detroit*
Home 7:30
10/23 Union Hill*
Away 7:30
10/30 Hawkins*
Home 7:30
11/6 Maud*
Away
7:30
*district games
Cumby
7:30
Home 7:30
7:30
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
7:30
10/2
Celeste Away 7:30
Kameron Cashion Senior RB
Chastin Cline
Senior RB
10/9
Union Hill*
Home 7:30
10/16
Big Sandy* Home
7:30
Less than a year into the job, Upchurch has already
made serious changes the most notable being requiring
players to go through a disciplined off-season program
with structured weight training.
Mascot: Eagles
10/23
Hawkins*
Away 7:30
School Enrollment: 160
Superintendent: Head Coach: Hawkins Hawks
Cook’s spread offense will give many hands a chance
to touch the ball and hopefully help lead the team back
into the playoffs.
Senior runningback Fernando Gutierrez will be looking
to terrorize defenses in ’09, having put up 1300 yards
rushing and 14 touchdowns last season. Cook’s
excitement over offensive options continues with junior
wide receiver Jacob Wright who saw major playing
time as a sophomore. Wright snagged 41 catches and
made six trips to the end zone last year, numbers he
hopes on increasing in 2009.
James Bowie Pirates
For the Pirates of Simms-Bowie their success is no
secret.
“We’ve been in the playoffs three years in a row and
we’ve got a good tradition going now,” says head
coach Jamey Thomas.
The coach’s statement rings true. The team made the
playoffs last year going 7-4 amongst teams like Big
Sandy and Hawkins, recently knocked down from 2-A
and perennial powerhouse Maud.
This season looks no different for the Pirates. They
face a tough district schedule they believe they’re
ready for.
64
9/11
Away Away His choices begin with senior quarterback Ryan Gattis,
who’s coming off an 1100 yard passing, 520 yards
rushing season. His contribution will be the spark plug
for two other impact players ready to find their way into
the endzone.
Schedul e
Irving Highland Open
Home Despite losses up front, the team looks to be taken
care of in the backfield. Head coach Keith Cook is
excited about a wealth of skill position players, giving
him an arsenal to choose from offensively.
As for whom they have their eye on come district play, Coach Turner says he’s already happy about how this year’s team stacks up.
8/28
9/4
Blue Ridge The Hawks lost three impact players in All-State
center Robert Taylor and linemen Alex Reyes and
Josh Faulkner.
“The injuries killed us last year, we had a lot of adversity to deal with,” says head coach Darold Turner, “If we can keep everyone healthy we feel like we
have a chance to have another good team.
S chedu le
Era
The 2009 season for the Hawkins Hawks will be
missing some key faces.
Down the road in Big Sandy, both players and coaches look to make a statement early in the upcoming season, especially after finishing up the 2008
campaign with a tough 34-0 loss to Maud.
“There’s been a lot of adversity they’ve had in the last
few years and we’re going to try and overcome the
losing mentality,” says Upchurch.
7
4
9/18
“We’re expecting a lot out of him this year,” Upchurch
says.
It’s no secret Hawkins and Big Sandy retain a slight but steady edge. Both dropped down from 2-A last season and enjoyed moderate success with
Hawkins joining Simms Bowie and Maud in the playoffs last season. This year the Pirates feel good about their chances to challenge the returning district
champion.
The toughest challenge the ’09 Eagles will face
though, is themselves. Winning two games last year
and not having won a district title since 2002 has the
coaching staff looking to instill a winning mentality
back into the program.
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
9/28
Helping them score will be RB Cameron Cashion, a
bruising 6’3” 180 runner who Upchurch will be looking
for some serious offensive production.
Several district teams plan on making things a little tougher for the perennial powerhouse, with retooled offenses and rising stars from the junior varsity
level. Implementing a new offense and highly structured off-season program, Detroit looks to rebound after a less than stellar season in 2008.
“We’ve really got after it in the weight room and
implemented a rigid style in there.
10/30
Maud*
Morris Lyon
11/6
James Bowie*
Trevor Upchurch
*district games
A rough 0-4 start last year had many dismiss the
dropdown 2-A team, but a strong showing in the
second half of the season had them finish district
play 3-2. The trip to the area round to face Alto in the
playoffs gave many players postseason experience
Cook will be looking to capitalize on. With 12 starters
returning (six offensively & six defensively), odds are
good the Hawks will be ready to play come August.
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Ryan Gattis Senior QB
Fernando Gutierrez Senior RB
Jacob Wright Junior WR
Louie Snider Senior DE
Michael Ritchey Senior DE
Ryan Bolt Junior LB
Chase Phillips Junior WR
Mascot: Hawks
Home 7:30
Away
7:30
Superintendent: Dan Rose
Head coach: Keith Cook
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
6
6
S chedu le
8/28
Brook Hill
@ All Saints
7:30
9/ 4 Mt. Enterprise
Away
7:30
9/ 11 Winona
Home
7:30
9/18 Price Carlise
Away
7:30
9/ 25
Fruitvale
Away
7:30
10/ 2
Open
10/ 9
Maud*
Home
7:30
10/16
Simms Bowie*
Away
7:30
10/ 23
Detroit*
Home
7:30
10/30
Big Sandy*
Away
7:30
11/ 6
Union Hill*
Home
7:30
Student Enrollment: 195
*district games
“We feel like it should be a good year for us, Head
Coach Thomas says, “We feel like with our kids coming
back we’ve got a couple runners that can make it.”
David Hensley who should fill in well.” Thomas says.
Thomas says offensively with seven starters returning,
the team’s biggest weakness will be on the other side
of the ball, filling in gaps due to graduation. One of
those coming back who will see his role become bigger
will be junior David Hensley who is tapped to be the
successor to LB Chad Atchley. Atchley was a force to
be reckoned with last season, plugging the interior with
tenacious play and a great linebacker skill set. The
loss is tough for the Pirates, but Thomas is confident
in Hensley.
“He was one of our main players but we have a junior in
65
The biggest question that remains for the Pirates is
who will fill in for head coach Jamey Thomas. The
James Bowie coach of five years recently left to accept
the offensive coordinator position at New Boston High
School.
No official replacement has been named yet, but his
absence remains the X factor when it comes to the
upcoming season’s success of the team. Still Thomas
is confident that regardless of who his replacement is,
the Pirates will be ready to play come August. “We
feel like there’s no doubt we should be one of the
favorites in the district,” he says.
cont.
District 17-1A
James Bowie Pirates
P layer s t o Wat ch
Garrett Kruse
Zac Pistolis
Colby McCullough Senior
Soph
Junior
OL/DL
QB
RB
Superintendent: Rex Burks
9/26
open
Head Coach
Open
10/3
Boles
Sch e d u l e
8/29
Carlisle
Away
7:30
9/5
Rivercrest
Home
7:30
Mascot: Pirates
9/12
Alba Golden
Home
7:30
School Enrollment: 186
9/19
Cumby
Home
7:30
M aud Ca rdin a l s
No introduction is needed for the Maud Cardinals. The
boys in red have only lost three games the past two
seasons and have walked away with the district 17-1A
title the past two years.
A 12-1 season ended last December with a tough 18-27
loss to Cayuga in the regional finals. Their bruising run
oriented offense led the way racking up thousands of
yards on the ground. The Cardinals of ’09 though will
have to make their mark in the Maud history books a
little differently.
District 19-1A
Away
7:30
10/10
Big Sandy*
Away
7:30
10/17
Hawkins*
Home
7:30
10/24
Maud*
Away
7:30
10/31
Union Hill*
Away
7:30
11/7
Detroit*
Home
7:30
144
Robert Stinnett
“I think it’ll be a lot better. Mt. Enterprise has two of the best athletes in the district coming back, Gandy’s (Joaquin) always got his kids going, and West
Sabine and Timpson are both going to be stronger. “
“He’s (Mclain) gonna have 3500 yards by himself,”
Finney estimates.
Superintendent: Head Coach: Josh Finney
Gandy’s Joaquin Rams take the preseason honors in our coaches’ poll as the favorites to return to the playoffs for an eighth straight season.
The new offense does require a new type of player,
one that Maud is blessed with an abundance of this
year.
Finney says this is one of the fastest teams he’s had
and will look to capitalize on it through the new spread
offense.
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
“Yeah, Joaquin is Joaquin,” Waskom coach Brian Lowe laughs. “They’re always going to be right back where they are.”
4
4
Beck v ille Be a rcat s
Schedul e
8/29 Tenaha
Away 7:00
9/4
Waskom
Away 7:30
Home
7:30
9/19 Linden
9/26 Cumby
Away
7:30
Graduation took some size away from the Cardinals,
the most notable being the loss of the “Maud Squad”
consisting of James Dunbar, Ray Burns, and Bryant
House.
“We’ve got some JV kids to step up and fill some
shoes,” says Finney.
10/3 Ore City
Home
7:30
10/10 Hawkins*
Away
7:30
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
10/16 Union Hill*
Away
7:30
“We lost three not good ones but great ones,” says
Finney, “This season we’ll be more of a finesse team.”
Jake McClain
Clint Freeman
10/23 James Bowie*
Home
7:30
10/30 Detroit*
Away
7:30
11/6 Big Sandy*
Home
7:30
Head coach John Woodard summed up his 2009 Bulldog
team in three words: bigger, faster, stronger.
“We had a great offseason and our junior class has
stepped up to be great leaders,” says Woodard.
In 2008, the Bulldogs started strong with two straight
wins against Fruitvale and Cumby, but only managed to
put one more “W” on the board for the rest of the season,
beating Detroit 8-0.
A very young team, Woodard believes the 3-7 season
did nothing but help his players.
“Last year’s experience with our youth will help us with
our confidence. We are looking forward to a great
football season,” says the Bulldog coach.
The Bulldogs lost almost no one to graduation and bring
back 23 returning lettermen. Offensively six starters will
resume their roles and on the other side of the ball eight
starters are back, ready to wreak havoc on opponent’s
offenses.
Woodard’s second season at Union Hill looks to be
a promising one. He says now that the players have
gotten adjusted to his veer offense, execution will be
smoother, equaling more points being put on the board.
This year, the district looks to be even tighter than last season.
School Enrollment:
Open
Union Hill Bulldogs
Mt. Enterprise, Tenaha and Joaquin earned playoff spots only to fall to their first round opponents in 20-1A.
141 for 1600 yds. This season Finney expects his arm
to get a little more use.
9/11 Leading the offensive change will be junior quarterback
Jake McClain who finished up the 2008 season 83-
“Big” District Hopes to Make a Bigger Impact In Playoffs This Season
In 2008, the main problem for 19-1A was their playoff draw.
“I think it’s a tossup,” Mt. Enterprise coach Louie Johnson said, while new Tenaha coach Terry Ward thinks the competition will be even rougher.
*district games
A team heavy with fifteen seniors, the Cardinals
posess the experience to return to the postseason and
talent wise Finney is confident with the new faces on
the varsity roster.
“We’ve had to totally pull out the playbook and put in the
spread attack and we’ll see what that does for us,” says
head coach Josh Finney.
Reid Kerr - KLTV News
Junior QB
Senior OL
Mascot: Cardinals
*district games
Look to JaQuavian Cummings to carry the ball more
than a few times for the Bulldogs as he finishes up his
high school career.
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Matt Johnson
JaQuavion Cummings
Senior Senior
OL/DE
RB/DB
Bulldog
School Enrollment: 89
Superintendent: Sharon A. Richardson
Head Coach: John Woodard
Fruitvale
9/4
9/11
10/9
*Detroit
Away
7:30
10/16
*Maud
Home
7:30
10/23
*Big Sandy
Away
7:30
10/31
*James Bowie
Home
7:30
11/6
*Hawkins
Away
7:30
17 1-A Pre-Sea s o n
Co a ches’ Po l l
1. MAUD
6
9
2. BIG SANDY
Sch e d u l e
8/28
Open
*district games
Mascot: Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
10/3
3. JAMES BOWIE
Away
7:30
Cumby
Away
7:30
Carlisle
Home
7:30
5. UNION HILL
9/18
Overton
Home
7:30
6. DETROIT
9/25
Quinlan Bole
Home
7:30
66
4. HAWKINS
Beckville fell from a playoff team to 1-9 in 2008,
but they hope the experience gained will help them
to bounce right back up into the playoff picture this
season.
“That’s really going to be our strength coming into the
season,” Beckville coach Donald Hubbard said. “We
have so many coming back and even though we took
in on the chin last year, we feel really positive about
this season.”
The Bearcats return eight starters on defense and
seven on offense, and will trust the ball to freshman
quarterback James Donald.
“Donald’s got great arm strength,” Hubbard said, “He
had a great spring and looked good in our 7-on-7
games.”
“He’s a unique freshman. He’s not that big but he’s just
a great athlete. We feel like we can run the ball with
him, he’s a very strong kid and mature for his age.”
Donald will have three returning seniors as weapons
at the skill positions, with running back Rico Marshall
and receivers Steven Robinson and Sam Rutherford
coming back for their final campaigns.
Joaquin R a ms
The Joaquin Rams stumbled last year, finishing 4-6
overall. However, all four wins came in the district, which
earned them their seventh straight playoff appearance.
“When I got here in 2002, I looked at the
kids and I couldn’t believe they weren’t winning,”
Joaquin Rams head coach Wayne Gandy said. “They
had forgotten about the winning attitude you have to
have. We taught them how to do things right, and
stressed the details.”
“It’s carried on from that first year.”
The Rams have a lot of returning firepower from last
year’s playoff team, with seven starters on offense and
ten on defense.
“We were young last year, “Gandy said, “but we’ve had
a great offseason. Those guys are ready to go.”
“He’s the strongest kid in our program,” Hubbard said
of his tailback Marshall. “He’s very aggressive, and
sees the field well.”
“He’s a power runner, he just loves to run between
the tackles.”
Mascot: Bearcats
Enrollment: 150
Superintendent: Devin Tate
Head Coach: Donald Hubbard
The strength of the Bearcats should be up front, with
four of their five starters returning. Juniors Nolan
Hodges, Dillon Etheridge and Lawrence Mercer will
be joined by sophomore Josh Smiley on the line.
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
Defensively, the Bearcats will be a quick team that can
cover the field.
8/28
Union Grove
Away
7:30
9/4
Cushing
Home
7:30
“We’re going to have the best speed on defense we’ve
ever had,” Hubbard said. “We felt good about getting
to the ball. Last year we were in our places but we
didn’t tackle very well, so this year we’re working the
basics again to make sure we can take advantage of
that speed.”
9/11
Ore City
Home
7:30
9/18
Sabine
Away
7:30
9/25
Tenaha*
Home
7:30
10/2
Open
10/10
Joaquin*
Away
7:30
10/16 Timpson*
Home
7:30
10/23
Waskom*
Away
7:30
10/30
West Sabine*
Home
7:30
11/6
Mt. Enterprise*
Away
7:30
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
Steven Robinson
James Donald
Rico Marshall
Sam Rutherford
Senior WR/FS
Freshman
QB/SS
Senior RB/SS
Senior WR/DB
On offense, the Rams will have to replace Dillon
Grafton and Corbin Obregon, two three-year starters on
the line. The Rams return senior running back Jeffery
Rico, an all-district performer with 1500 yards rushing
and 20 touchdowns in 2008. Senior Justin Lewis
was an All-District tight end last season, and center
Jeremy McDaniel has collected back-to-back all-district
honors.
Joaquin’s double wing offense is a unique threat in
East Texas football. The tight formation is almost the
complete opposite of the spread formation many teams
use.
“We love it,” Gandy beams. “The double wing lets us
play smash mouth football and we love it because
everybody else hates it.”
“By the time we show up on someone’s schedule,
they’ve been playing against passing teams. Now,
67
8
7
S chedu le
*district games
they’ve got to change their defense to play us. We’re
balanced, so the defenses against us have to be. “
On defense, the Rams return a pair of All-District inside
linebackers in senior Cole Leflett and junior Tyler
McSwain, who was the district’s Freshman-of-theYear two seasons ago. They’ll be joined by all-district
outside backer Shane Taylor and defensive end Dustin
Bloodgood.
P l ayers to Wa tch
Jeffery Rico
Senior
Justin Lewis
Senior
Jeremy McDaniel Senior
RB
TE
OL
cont
District 19-1A
Joaquin R a ms
Sch e d u l e
Mascot: Enrollment: Superintendent: Head Coach: 8/28
White Oak
Home
7:30
9/4
Shelbyville
Home
7:30
9/11
Burkeville
Home
7:30
9/18
Cushing
Away
7:30
9/25
Mt. Enterprise*
Home
7:30
10/2
Tenaha*
Away
7:30
Rams
190
Phil Worsham
Wayne Gandy
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
7
10
Mt. Enterprise Wildcats
The turnaround continued in 2008 for the Mt. Enterprise
Wildcats. In their third year under head coach Louie
Johnson, the Wildcats finished 9-2 and claimed the
district championship.
The Wildcats return seven offensive starters, including
district MVP Kevin Pope. The tailback rushed for
1781 yards and 25 touchdowns on his way to all-state
honors last season.
“He’s a big kid, really fast with good moves,” Mt.
Enterprise head coach Louie Johnson said. “He’s a real
team player for us too; he plays both sides of the ball.”
He’ll be joined in the backfield by quarterback
Larry Solomon, another senior who threw for more
than a thousand yards last season and scored 23
touchdowns.
A third senior, D.T. Bryant, will be moving from wide
receiver to fullback.
“Our backfield is set with three seniors back there,”
Johnson said. “D.T.’s used to getting the ball coming
in from the slot, that’ll help us to get him back there
full time.”
West Sabine Tigers
The West Sabine Tigers fell to 3-6 in their first year as
a 1A team, but third-year head coach T.D. Stark has
high hopes for this season.
“We’re going to have as good a cast of skill players
as we’ve ever had,” Stark said. “We’re going to the
spread, so we’ll have a new offense to learn. It’ll be
exciting; we’ll open some people’s eyes.”
That set of skill players starts with junior quarterback
Devonte Thomas.
“Last year, he was inexperienced,” Stark said. “This
year he’s got a much better understanding of the
game. We may use him all over the field.”
Transfer student Brandon Witherspoon is another
player the Tigers plan to get maximum mileage out of.
“We’re glad to have them back, they’re good players
and good kids,” Johnson said, “having that kind of skill
back will really help us.”
District 19-1A
10/9
Beckville*
10/16
Open
Home
7:30
*district games
The Tenaha Tigers went 8-4 last season under Scott
Tyner who resigned after the season to become
principal at Tenaha High School. This year, former
assistant Terry Ward takes over as head coach. He
hopes his familiarity with the team will continue their
playoff tradition.
Schedul e
“I think it’s easier for the kids’ sake,” Ward
said, “because you know them, but you also have to
set your expectations. It was a transition to go through
and we’ve had good success in basketball and track to
set the tone.”
10/23
Timpson*
Away
7:30
10/30
Waskom*
Home
7:30
11/6
West Sabine*
Away
7:30
8/28
Cushing
Away
7:30
9/4
Hawkins
Home
7:30
9/11
Shelbyville
Away
7:30
9/18
Big Sandy
Home
7:30
9/25
Joaquin*
Away
7:30
10/2
Timpson*
Home
7:30
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
10/9
Waskom*
Away
7:30
10/16
West Sabine*
Home
7:30
Kevin Pope
D.T. Bryant
Larry Solomon
10/23
Open
10/30
Tenaha*
Away
7:30
11/6
Beckville*
Home
7:30
Up front, the Wildcats will be led by tackle Taylor Gill
and center Dylan Owens. Johnson said his team will
be good again, but like many other small schools,
depth is a concern.
“Two years ago we were good, and we had a rash
of injuries that knocked us for a loop,” Johnson said.
“That’s the kind of thing we’ve got to watch out for.”
Senior TB/LB
Senior S
Senior QB
Mascot: Wildcats
Enrollment: 128
Superintendent: Dean Evans
Head Coach: Louie Johnson
“We moved him to running back for the last couple
of games of the season after using him mostly on
defense. He’s fast, got swivel hips and catches the ball
well. He really came on at the end of the year.”
The Tigers will also have junior Jeremy Sturrock at
receiver and Jacory Spearman moving from tight end
to tackle.
On defense, five starters return for West Sabine
including six-three junior defensive end Tyler Rose,
and senior linebacker J.T. Jones, who had ninety
tackles last season.
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Devonte Thomas
Chris Williams
J.T. Jones
Junior QB
Junior RB
Senior LB
“He’s not very big, but really quick,” Stark said. “He
might be a quarterback, or a wide receiver, or a
running back. We’ll just see how it goes.”
Mascot: Tigers
Enrollment: 180
Junior Chris Williams will start at tailback for West
Sabine.
Superintendent: Travis Edwards
Head Coach: T.D. Stark
68
Ten a h a Tigers
*district games
“Tenaha’s got a rich tradition of producing some good
kids. They know, they want to step on the field and
play.”
The Tigers return six starters on each side of the ball,
and although they’ll have to replace All-Stater Marlon
McClure, Ward says Tenaha will be stocked with
athletes again including quarterback Cobi Steadman.
“He was a thousand yard passer,” Ward said. “He was
really a solid kid for us and ran the ball well.”
Sophomore Reginald Davis is another player who’ll
see time somewhere on the field.
“He’s going to be an athlete,” Ward said. “He’ll play
Timp son Be a rs
The Bears were 3-6 last year and in the offseason
changed coaches again. Kenny Washington, a former
assistant at San Antonio Sam Houston and Stephen F.
Austin, quickly tried to establish some consistency.
“I understand that I’m their fourth athletic director in
five years,” Washington said. “They’re not used to
an offseason. I came in and watched how they were
working.”
Schedul e
8/28
Colmesneil
Home
7:30
9/4
Hemphill
Away
7:30
9/11
Garrison
Home
7:30
9/18
Deweyville
Home
7:30
9/25
Timpson*
Away
7:30
10/2
Waskom*
Home
7:30
10/9
Open
10/16
Mt. Enterprise*
Away
7:30
10/23
Tenaha*
Home
7:30
10/30
Beckville*
Away
7:30
11/6
Joaquin*
Home
7:30
*district games
“After about three minutes of seeing them go through
the motions, I started from there. We started hitting
every piece of equipment in the weight room.”
“Now if we have 25 pieces of equipment, they hit every
one. They understand the tempo.”
Washington said he knows his team has been through
a lot since their last playoff appearance in 2003.
“I understand why they act out,” he explains. “I don’t
jump them the first time, we talk through it like a father
and son. The second time, it comes with a little louder
voice. It’s been baby steps in that aspect but we’ve
come a long way in five months.”
Washington expects to have a big season from
sophomore tailback La’Derius Bryan. “He’s a pretty
special player,” Washington said.
running back, wide receiver and maybe even some
quarterback. He’s got a lot of ability. He makes coaches
nervous,” Ward laughs, “I’m glad I’ve got him.”
Senior Teraze Brock will play tight end for the Tigers.
“He’s got the best hands on the team. He played a
few different positions in the past, but we’ll mostly
use him at tight end this year to help us in the spread
offense.”
Mascot: Tigers
Enrollment: 120
Superintendent: Don Fallin
Head Coach: Terry Ward
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
6
6
S chedu le
On the line, the Tigers expect big things from
sophomore LaDarren Cooks, who was the district’s
newcomer of the year last season.
8/28
Maud
Home
7:00
9/4
Hull-Diasetta
Away
7:30
“He’s a big strong kid,” Ward said. “He had foot surgery
in the offseason so he’ll be even better and quicker.”
9/11
Trinity
Home
8:00
Senior All-District linebacker Porter Gibson also
returns.
9/18
Burkeville
Home
7:30
9/25
Beckville*
Away
7:30
10/2
Joaquin*
Home
7:30
10/9
Timpson*
Away
7:30
10/17
Waskom*
Home
7:30
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
10/23
West Sabine*
Away
7:30
Cobi Steadman
Reginald Davis
Teraze Brock
10/30
Mt. Enterprise*
Home
7:30
11/6
OPEN
“His motor is always running,” Ward said. “He’s
undersized but he always seems to be in the right
place.”
Senior QB
Soph. RB
Senior TE
*district games
Bryan will be taking handoffs from a freshman, as
Jaylin Rhodes is expected to earn the starting job as
quarterback.
Sophomore wide receiver Rody Paige is expected to
start for the Bears, who are experiencing a jump in
numbers.
“We have some guys who haven’t played in two years
that are coming out,” Washington said. “I’ve tried to
make it fun out here. With my experience at both
levels, I know the kids have to realize it’s fun.”
”Once that happens, they’ll buy in and work their butts
off for you.”
P l ayers t o Wa t ch
La’Derius Bryan
Rody Paige
Jaylin Rhodes
Soph.
Soph.
Freshman
RB
WR
QB
Mascot: Bears
Enrollment: 186
Superintendent: Vacant
Head Coach: Kenny Washington
69
S chedu le
8/28 Shelbyville
Home
7:30
9/4
Burkeville
Home
7:30
9/11
Tyler Episcopal
Home
7:30
9/18
Garrison
Away
7:30
9/25
West Sabine*
Home
7:30
10/2
Mt. Enterprise*
Away
7:30
10/9
Tenaha*
Home
7:30
10/16 Beckville*
Away
7:30
10/23
Joaquin*
Home
7:30
10/30
Open
11/6
Waskom*
Away
7:30
*district games
District 19-1A
Waskcom Wildcats
The Wildcats went 2-8 last year, their first in 19-1A. In
the offseason, Brian Lowe became head coach after
two years as an assistant.
Lowe takes over a team with eight returning starters
on each side of the ball.
Playe r s t o Wa t ch
Brandon Weglowski
Matt Goode
Braylon Tatum
A.J. Jackson
Senior
Senior
Senior
Junior
OL/DL
OL/DL
RB
WR/CB
“We feel pretty good about what we’ve got,” Lowe said
of this year’s prospects.
Mascot: Wildcats
Enrollment: 192
The 2009 push will start up front with a pair of senior
earthmovers, Brandon Weglowski and Matt Goode.
Superintendent: Jimmy Cox
Head Coach: Brian Lowe
10/9
Mt. Enterprise*
Home
7:30
10/17
Tenaha*
Away
7:30
10/23
Beckville*
Home
7:30
10/30
Joaquin*
Away
7:30
11/6
Timpson*
Home
7:30
NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED
19 1-A Pre-Seas o n
Co a ches’ Pol l
Returning Offensive Starters
Returning Defensive Starters
“We’re very strong, that was something we focused on
and got that going.”
Sch e d u le
Junior A.J. Jackson returns after a spectacular
offseason.
8/28
Winona
Away
7:30
9/4
Elysian Fields
Home
7:30
5. Timpson
9/11
Maud
Home
7:30
6. Beckville
9/18
Redwater
Away
7:30
9/25
Open
10/2
West Sabine*
Away
7:30
Senior Braylon Tatum is expected to carry the ball
again for the Wildcats.
SEVEN DAYS A WEEK
*district games
“Brandon’s pound for pound the strongest guy we’ve
got in the program,” Lowe said. “He put up about 415
(on the bench press) just before school was out. And
Matt was squatting around five hundred, too.”
“He won state in the high jump,” Lowe said. “Hopefully
we can tap into that more this season. Track really
opened up his wings. We’re expecting great things out
of him this season.”
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NOTES
2009 Texas
Associated Press
Station of the Year
KLTV 7 News
Your East Texas News Leader
72
Roger L. McCown II, DO • Cathy Fieseler, MD • William F. Phillips III, MD • Allison Tobola, MD • Thomas B. Volatile, MD • Joshua D. Stein, MD • William R. Hobbs, MD
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