Pigskin Preview 2009 Issue
Transcription
Pigskin Preview 2009 Issue
ns azine. g a m w ie o in Prev h k c s S g i h P g i 9 review, 0 H P 0 s 2 n i g e k n s h i t ig Greet he copy of year ’s P a s i p h u t ait for t g f w n o i t s ’ k e n c i g a a c for p e, who gh the p u m o e r Thanks k h i t l g ds e lookin thousan e h t f o If you’r e n. LTV 7 ll seaso u are on a o K b y t t a o w o f o f f ol sta I kn w. The gh scho i e i h v iled and e e a r h t t P e f d n o i t t s k o gs star n. d the m r for Pi e t a a e e y r ll seaso c h a t e b n t i v o n a o h r f s s ou st Texa s writer t This is a r E o teams, p g 0 s n 9 l i a n m c a o o h l c t p e er at the u on mor and oth k n o o o lusive i l t c a e x e v m i r r s o u n f o e in h tch, and compre ed with a k w c a o p t s e er es ar es, play l u d The pag e ew h c es poll. s h r i c e a n Previ h o i t c k g s n n g o i i s d P a u se of incl ditions trict pre e s i s d year ’s u t o y i x b v e t e n r c i t p r ge dist to view n up to w g i o s n n e a t i c u p. r webs .net. Yo w e i doorste Visit ou v r e u r o p y n i ut your ght to .pigsk i o r b w a d w e d r w e e t i at liv you exc round! s view de a t e e r s g n P a n f w i ed vie Pigsk round kin Pre t inform s e s t g e o i l P p m t e a m o th hope th t for a c ing you h k g i a n m y It is my y a b s. ery Frid season v g e n i st Texa w a e m r E o c s s s t upc r o r c po om all a KLTV s r f e s h t t h n g i li Jo nd high a s e r o c up of s season. t a e r g a ou have y e p o H eatts Clint Y er Publish w e i v e Pr Pigskin all Fa b t o o F ol Roger L. McCown II, DO • Joshua D. Stein, MD • Thomas B. Volatile, MD • William F. Phillips III, MD • William R. Hobbs, MD DOCTORS EVERYWHERE USE REPLACEMENT SURGERY TO SUPPORT HIP AND KNEE JOINTS. WE DEVELOPED A WAY TO SUPPORT THE WHOLE PATIENT. other ity M imilar n i r T ing s ter at t Cen tients fac rough n e m D, pa on th place uce nt Re illips III, M e educati ven to red i o J l pro In the lly F. Ph erativ ure.” r William – pre-op onal mode tient is fu of t n e v e a i e rienc irecto ery p int Ad ampl a nat it “Jo medical d hole expe based on ng sure ev nother ex exas. l l a c aki We s, led by gh the w her. It’s ust a to east T u hile m e . It’s j et Franc ies go thro tion – tog results w ery alone medicine e r a rg of 90 surge p rehabilit nd improv s their su he future 25-29 5 a e ) t o c 3 s g t a 0 pos ry period obody f s bringin all (9 n i e ent, c m t n recov ted. Here, r Frances i e r appo le an suppo inity Moth u d e h Tr to sc how on or n. i t a m ai or re inf org/jointp o m r Fo hs. it tmf or vis tmfhs.org/jointpain 1 FREE MUSIC DOWNLOAD 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 COULD TASTE 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 GO TO DQTEXAS.COM kick. The Hail Mary that took us to state. fans have been doing for 60 years – we can head to DQ® for a hot, juicy Hungr-Buster,® or a cool, creamy soft serve cone. It’s family. It’s tradition. It’s the one place where anytime, in any town, just for a moment, it’s Friday night in Texas. And, it’s time for kickoff. FREE DOWNLOAD TO GET THE NEW TEXAS FOOTBALL SONG, “FOOTBALL IN TEXAS,” GO TO DQTEXAS.COM Mary Scott McNabb, EVENT DigiPhoto Blizzard, DQ and the ellipse shaped logo are trademarks of Am. D.Q. Corp., Mpls. DQ®JUST TASTES BETTER. 2 MN ® Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off. Tx. D.Q. Op. Coun., © 2009. 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 BOOTS • HATS WESTERN WEAR ACCESSORIES • • • • Vast Selection Name Brands First Quality Low Prices Tyler • 903/561-2510 2025 West SW Loop 323 Open Mon. – Sat. 9am – 8pm Sun. Noon – 5pm 5 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 re for uick ca care q , t n ie h al conven r healt ovides al needs. Ou uality medic r p E R m q A ic o e C r d t f e id c Dire ergency m dy to prov everything flu. a e m – e h r e t y r r e n ju ar so no arache s and in sionals profes minor illnes ed ankles, e r care fo oats to sprain r h t e r so 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 l ur goa o , e n i edic y orts M sports injur p S d n ree ic a opaed we offer a f hool through h t r O s y nce ns, wh e-sc her Fra ame. That’s all for middl aedic surgeo ffer t o M y f g o p it at Trin p you in the rnings in the d with ortho nd we even a e e o f e s y f k r m wa sta ay ine is to Saturd Our clinic is athletic tra st one more are to n o c i d u . n s an cli t’s j ity c athlete tes.* I sicians g qual college edicine phy for our athle to providin 03) 531-5678 m 9 ed s sports y MRI scan s is committ ation, call ( a m r e d same- other Franc or more info F M . y s Trinit as athlete x I east Te 535-9799. for MR d e l ) l i 0 b 0 nd or (8 rified a e v e b l il ance w * Insur 20 “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. Hear WHaT Our paTienTs say I’m a retired deputy U.S. Marshall and my passion since I was a kid has been martial arts. Both of my ACLs were torn and I had a lot of pain in my knees. In fact, I couldn’t do most of the martial arts moves without literally falling down. Dr. Hobbs, my orthopaedic surgeon, was phenomenal. The surgery, nursing care and rehab at Trinity Mother Frances were terrific. I was back on the mats in just four months. I have my life back. I’m able to do what I love again. Watch Drew’s video at tmfhs.org/MyLife Want to share your story as a grateful patient? Email us at MyLife@tmfhs.org 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 TriniTy MoTher Frances healTh and FiTness cenTer New Name for Us New BeNefits for YoU We’ve got a new name and lots of exciting new benefits to help you stay well, improve your health and focus on your fitness. Canton 18780 I-20 Service Rd. Canton, TX 75103 Phone: (903) 567-4590 tmfhs.org/fitness Jacksonville 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 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 32 9/18 9/25 14 3 - A P r e - S e a so n C oa ch e s’ Po ll 1. Van 2. Canton 3. Eustace 4. Wills Point 5. Mineola 6. Kemp ep is to ke ur goal ay o , e in d ts Medic n Satur nd Spor injury clinic o r clinic is a ic d e Orthopa tes. Ou e sports Frances we offer a fre h college athle s and athletic r e h t o hy ian yM oug one At Trinit game. That’s w dle-school thr edicine physic tes.* It’s just st m le e id h h s t m t t o r a r t o r in fo e ea p u you the fall ic surgeons, s RI scans for o ing quality car 799. in s g in d M id n e a y 5-9 ov mor h orthop offer same-da mmitted to pr 78 or (800) 53 it w d e f 6 o staf even s is c 531-5 and we ll (903) r France trainers Trinity Mothe formation, ca ay e in more w tes. For mor le h t for MRI Texas a d billed n a d e ifi l be ver nce wil a r u s In * 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 her son’s pediatrician. ntly at convenie th l o to d e s your b-ba secure, we e from the privacy of a is e n li n ffic ic O Trinity Clin to your physician’s o or night. u y o a y d , ts e c e m n ti ny con mputer at a o c l a n o rs e p to: it us online is v n a c ts n ls es ic patie Trinity Clin t prescription renewa n-urgent medical issu s o e n u t q u e •R ff abo e clinic sta • Email th ppointments a hed Trinity • Request an establis ff how e b t s u m ou e clinic sta services, y ing online a new patient, ask th s u in g e b To re nt. If you a Clinic patie tarted today. ts you can ge *district games 5 4 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 GO TO DQTEXAS.COM It’s the one place where any time, in any town, just for a moment, it’s Friday night in Texas. And it’s time for kickoff. FREE DOWNLOAD TO GET THE NEW TEXAS FOOTBALL ANTHEM, “FOOTBALL IN TEXAS,” GO TO DQTEXAS.COM 3. Brownsboro 4. Westwood 5. Palestine Blizzard, DQ and the ellipse shaped logo are trademarks of Am. DQ®JUST TASTES BETTER. D.Q. Corp., Mpls. MN ® Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off. Tx. D.Q. Op. Coun., © 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 places as possible. This is referred to as a patient-centered medical home. A patient-centered medical home provides an ongoing relationship and partnership with a personal primary care physician who provides continuous and comprehensive primary care. A primary care physician is uniquely trained to care for you as a whole person – regardless of your age or sex. In addition to diagnosing and treating acute and chronic illnesses, your primary care physician provides routine health screenings and counseling on lifestyle changes in an effort to prevent illnesses before they develop. And, if a health condition arises that requires care from another specialist, your primary care physician will be there to guide you and to coordinate all aspects of your care. You and your physician will work together to achieve the best possible outcome in the most cost-effective manner. Trinity Clinic has over 110 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. 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 keep al is to o g r u o , edicine turday ports M ry clinic on Sa ic is S d n a rts inju Our clin opaedic es Orth ffer a free spo ege athletes. c n a r thletic F r o ll othe s and a st one h co n y we g M h u ia y o w r ic it s h ’s in t y t r At T hool It’s ju ine ph e. Tha iddle-sc east hletes.* he gam s medic you in t in the fall for m urgeons, sport cans for our at uality care to q s s s 9. g I morning h orthopaedic same-day MR ted to providin (800) 535-979 it r r it o e w staffed d we even off rances is comm 03) 531-5678 n (9 F a ll r s a e r c h e t , in o n tra yM atio ay Trinit e inform more w tes. For mor thle for MRI Texas a d billed n a d e ifi l be ver nce wil a r u s In * “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 FREE MUSIC DOWNLOAD GO TO DQTEXAS.COM 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.” we can head to DQ® for a hot, juicy Hungr-Buster,® or a cool, creamy soft 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. FREE DOWNLOAD 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. TO GET THE NEW TEXAS FOOTBALL SONG, “FOOTBALL IN TEXAS,” GO TO DQTEXAS.COM 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 Blizzard, DQ and the ellipse shaped logo are trademarks of Am. D.Q. Corp., Mpls. DQ®JUST TASTES BETTER. MN ® Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off. Tx. D.Q. Op. Coun., © 2009. 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.” CONVENIENT QUICK CARE 1. Joaquin 8 8 2. Mt. Enterprise 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 3. Tenaha 4. West Sabine 7. Waskom Jill Just emailed her son’s pediatrician. veniently ol that con your to d e s a -b b f secure, we e privacy o Online is a ician’s office from th ic n li C y it s Trin phy y or night. ou to your connects y puter at any time, da m personal co nline to: n visit us o a c ts n e ti a ls es ic p Trinity Clin t prescription renewa n-urgent medical issu • Reques clinic staff about no e • Email th ppointments inity a t s e u tablished Tr q s e e n •R a e b t s w es, you mu nic staff ho nline servic w patient, ask the cli o g in s u in To beg re a ne nt. If you a Clinic patie tarted today. ts you can ge trinitycliniconline.com 70 TRINITY MOTHER FRANCES HOSPITALS AND CLINICS for k care re ic u q , t ien h ca conven s. Our healt medical s e id v o ed quality ARE pr ical ne om DirectC ergency med dy to provide everything fr flu. a m – e h r e t y r or e non ionals are and inju s, earaches s s s s e e f ln le pro r il ed ank r mino care fo oats to sprain r sore th TriniTy MoTher Frances healTh and FiTness cenTer New Name for Us New BeNefits for YoU We’ve got a new name and lots of exciting new benefits to help you stay well, improve your health and focus on your fitness. Canton 18780 I-20 Service Rd. Canton, TX 75103 Phone: (903) 567-4590 tmfhs.org/fitness Jacksonville 2010 S. Jackson Jacksonville, TX 75766 Phone: (903) 589-1540 Lake Palestine 20208 Hwy 155 South Flint, TX 75762 Phone: (903) 525-7560 71 Lindale 3203 S. Main Lindale, TX 75771 Phone: (903) 882-7717 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 You worked hard to make the team we work hard to keeP You IN the Game ly high r u ,o line ready e d i s he s team i e. Our ll t n o ’ e bl you edicin possi so you s t s , u M a p . ay jury Sports quickly urs a d need it n i c o u s ti nd thle edic a game a all 24 h hen yo a n t, a —w the hop on-c en a men t n i Wh ed Ort ack in ns are u need o o n app n trai t you b hysicia care y a e ule at to g cated p ive the hed ebsite c s i e o ded ys rec or t t our w n o a i i t alw ma or vis . r o f 0 d re in 25-299 rtsme o m For (903) 5 rthospo call s.org/o tmfh tmfhs.org/orthosportsmed