high school football

FellowshipoftheringsFellowshipoftheringsHIGH

SCHOOLFOOTBALL2015

Eagle photo byDaveMcDermand

Cameron’s Traion Smith (from left), Navasota’s Shelton Eppler, Bremond’s Dre Browning and Allen Academy’s Cody Vega earned coveted rings for helping theirsquads win state championships in 2014. The Eagle examines their chances of repeating and prepares you for the 2015 season in our annual special section.

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By LARRY [email protected]

Sometimes when TJ Ranisz-eski is in trouble,hisparentscallhim Timothy John.

Six years ago, football coach-es at A&M Consolidated MiddleSchool called him their No. 1quarterback.

L a s t y e a r ,Consol’s varsitycoaches, tryingto avoid trouble,came up with an-other name forRaniszeski.

Starting freesafety.

Raniszeskiwillenter his secondyear in the Tigers’ secondaryhoping to help Consol improveon a 5-6 season that included athird-place finish in District 18-5A and a first-round playoff exit.

“All Icandoisbeexcitedaboutit,” Raniszeski said. “They saidit’s going to come up on mequick, so I’m just going to enjoymy senior year, having a lot offunspending timewithmyteam.We’ve been playing togethersince flag football, and you wantto take advantage of the lastyear.”

Raniszeski played primar-ily quarterback or receiver inmiddle school, as a freshmanand on the JV when he was asophomore. In the spring of hissophomore year, coaches askedRaniszeski to switch to defense.

“We weren’t sure whether hewould stay and develop into thequarterback, but we knew hewas a player,” Consol coach Da-vidRaffieldsaid. “He’sabaseballplayer, too, and just a great kid.

“We realized that his biggestimpact as a junior was going tobeasasafety.Weneversaidwe’dthrow away the quarterback as-pectof it if hewere toevolve that

way, buthebecameareally goodsafety.”

The strong arm that servesRaniszeskiwell inbaseballmadehim a quarterback candidate inthe seventh grade. He startedfor AMCMS and continued totake turns at the helm of theTiger offense on the freshmanB team and the JV. Raniszeskienvisioned himself becoming abig, tall passer.

“I have size 13 feet, so wethoughtIwasgoingtogrowmorethanIdid,”Raniszeskisaid,grin-ningasheadmitstobeing5-foot-9and180pounds.“Thatkindof fellthrough and hindered the quar-terback deal.

“I just found a better fit atsafety. All they said they wantedwas athletes, and I tried to givethem that. Ever since we gothere, we’ve been Tiger footballplayers. Nobody’s confined toone position.”

Since Raffield arrived withhis spread passing attack, Con-sol has been known as an offen-sive team. The Tigers’ defendershave given up plenty of pointsand yards, taking a lot of heat asa result.

“Some people are down on thedefense, but it’s about us at theend of the day,” Raniszeski said.“It’s just more fuel for the fire.When people doubt us, it shouldgiveusmoreenergy,more incen-tive to do well.”

TheTigershad toplay last sea-son without their top defender,TexasA&MlinebackerrecruitRi-leyGarner.ConsolmissedGarnergreatly while allowing 147 pointsin nondistrict losses to CopperasCove, Richmond Foster and FortBendElkins.Samethingina58-14bi-district loss to Temple.

However, Raffield points outthat theTigersgaveupthefewestpoints (151) in leagueplayamong18-5A teams.

“A lot of the [defense’s prob-

lems] the last twoyearshasbeenabout those nondistrict games,when we’re playing some wardaddies,” Raffield said. “That’sthe perception, because we’vegotten into some shootouts.

“Wewanttodobetteraboutgiv-ingupbigplays.That’shappeneda lot more than we’d like, and Ithink that’s what sticks in somepeople’s minds. But part of it isthat’s the game of football now.”

Consol is counting on Ranisz-eskiandfellowsafetyKolbyPeel,a sophomore, to reduce thosebigplays. Other players expected tolead the defense include line-

backersTyonMerchantandAbelDaily, both returning starters,along with senior cornerbacksCaleb Chandler and David Gan.

Senior tackle Jayden Drisdaleshouldanchor thedefensive line.

“WethinkJaydenhasachanceto be one of the top D-linemen inthe district,” Raffield said.

The Tigers again should bedangerous on offense. Seniorquarterback Mason Hicksonwill be surrounded by potentialplaymakersgoingintohissecondseasonasstarter.Lastyear,Hick-son led the district in passingwithmore than2,000yardswhile

throwing for 20 touchdowns.“I watched film of last year’s

[season-opening]Covegame,andMason isa totallydifferentquar-terbackthanhewasatthattimeayear ago,” Raffield said. “He hadsome success, and we know he’sbetter thanhewas lastyear.Thatmakes you feel good.”

Senior running back Tyri Mer-chant returns after rushing for1,375yardsand20touchdownslastseason. Robert Franklin will pro-videqualitydepthatrunningback.

Consol must replace its toptwo receivers, including 18-5Aleader Derrick Dick, who signedwithTexas-SanAntonio.Raffieldhashighhopesforthenewgroup,which will be led by Tony Wil-liams, Cade Williams and Ken-non Williams.

“They’re all experienced fromlastyear,”Raffieldsaid. “They’reaverytalentedgroup,veryexplo-sive athletes.”

The offensive line leaderslikely will be returners Ma-lik Williams and Nial Creageralong with Phillip Jimenez, whoswitched from defense.

Consolwill open theseasonbyhosting Copperas Cove on Aug.28. The Tigers’ other nondistrictfoes again will be Foster and El-kins.

INDEXA&M Consolidated 2Allen Academy 4Anderson-Shiro 6Brazos Christian 6Bremond 7Brenham 8Bryan 9Burton 11BVCHEA 12Caldwell 13Calvert 14Cameron 15Centerville 17College Station 19Franklin 21Hearne 22Iola 23Leon 24Lexington 24Madisonville 26Milano 27Navasota 28Normangee 29Rockdale 30Rudder 31Snook 35Somerville 36St Joseph 37

A&M CONSOLIDATED TIGERS

RenewedpurposeFACTS

Head coach — David Raffield(85-57 overall; 29-18 at A&MConsolidated)District — 18-5A2014 record — 5-6 (5-2 in 18-4A)2014 playoffs — 5A Division I bi-district: lost to Temple 58-14Playoff appearances (32) —1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945,1947, 1948, 1951, 1953, 1958,1960, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992,1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2001,2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007,2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012,2013, 2014Returning lettermen — 33 (8offensive, 7 defensive starters)All-time record — 454-338-24Playoff record — 40-28-1

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 28 Copperas Cove 7:30 p m Last season: L 62-38

Sept 5 at Richmond Foster 6 p m Last season: L 41-21

Sept 11 Fort Bend Elkins 7:30 p m Last season: L 44-37 (2OT)

Sept 18 Open DateDistrict 18-5A

Sept 25 Huntsville 7:30 p m Last season: W 37-36

Oct 2 at Willis 7:30 p m Last season: W 35-11

Oct 9 at Bryan 7:30 p m Last season: L 56-44

Oct 16 Caney Creek* 7:30 p m Last season: W 41-0

Oct 23 at College Station 7:30 p m Last season: L 34-31

Oct 30 Rudder 7:30 p m Last season: W 57-7

Nov 6 at Livingston 7:30 p m Last season: W 63-7

*Homecoming

Raniszeski hopes to lead improved Consol defense from free safety spot

ROSTER2 Rodney Jernigan, WR, sr ; 3 Kaleb Chandler, DB, sr ; 4 Cade Williams, WR, soph ; 5 KennonWilliams, WR, sr ; 6 Nich Vasquez, WR, sr ; 7 Josh Hart, QB, jr ; 9 Jared Earnest, WR, sr ; 10Mason Hickson, QB, sr ; 11 David Gan, WR, sr ; 12 Layton Demery, WR, jr ; 13 Kolby Peel,DB, soph ; 14 Trevor Gonzalez, DB, sr ; 15 Tony Williams, WR, jr ; 16 Robert Franklin, RB, jr ;17 Coy Winder, LB, sr ; 19 TJ Raniszeski, DB, sr ; 21 Victor Huff, DB, sr ; 22 Tyon Merchant,LB, jr ; 23 Jonathon Sylvester, DB, jr ; 24 Tyri Merchant, RB, sr ; 25 Austin Smith, WR, sr ; 26Will Raffield, DB, sr ; 33 Christian Hunter, LB, sr ; 34 Abel Daily, LB, jr ; 35 Kyle Nash, LB, sr ;36 Grant Johnson, WR, jr ; 40 Cooper Atkinson, LB, sr ; 41 Antonio Valadez, LB, sr ; 42 GabeCedena, DB, sr ; 43 Jason Jasperson, LB, jr ; 44 Trevor Williams, LB, soph ; 48 Kevin Leonard,LB, soph ; 50 Will Sullivan, OL, jr ; 52 Johnny Jefferson, OL, sr ; 53 Zacch Ransom, OL, sr ; 54Roscoe McGregor, OL, sr ; 55 Preston Pearson, OL, sr ; 56 Kai Everett, DL, sr ; 57 Niall Creager,OL, sr ; 58 Sinathy Kao, DL, jr ; 60 Jayden Drisdale, DT, sr ; 65 Malik Williams, OL, sr ; 70 JoeyGerescher, OL, sr ; 74 Ryan Beavan, OL, sr ; 76 Phillip Jimenez, DL, sr ; 78 Travis Gonzalez, OL,sr ; 90 Jeremy Dantone, DL, sr ; 94 Hunter Kerr, DL, sr ; 95 Noah Langley, DL, sr

RANISZESKI

HighSchoolFootball 2015 The Eagle.com Thursday, August 27, 20152

Thursday, August 27, 2015 The Eagle.com HighSchoolFootball 2015 3

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ALLEN ACADEMY RAMS

Vegawants tokeepRams’ state title rungoingBy LARRY BOWEN

[email protected]

Anyone tempted to describeAllenAcademy athlete CodyVe-ga as a big fish in a small pondshouldknowthatVegarose fromthe depths.Vega will enter his senior sea-

son as one of the area’s mostsuccessful high school athletesin years, having already been apart of nine state championshipteams.That includeswinningtheTexasChristianAthleticLeagueDivisionI6-manfootball title lastfall.Despite the fact that AllenAcademy plays 6-man and com-petes in the small TCAL, Vega’saccomplishments are impres-sive.Vega grewupwithout a father

ina low-incomesectionof Bryannear Bryant Street, in what hecalls theprojects.Atage11,VegawasadoptedbyJoeandAmandaScott, who enrolled him in thesmall private school within acouple of years.“I’m blessed,” Vega said. “Idrive out there sometimes andlook around and say this is whatgavememyfight. I grewupwitha pretty hard lifestyle. My pasthashelpedme.That’swhatpush-es me, brings fire to me. Some-times it’s bad for me. I’m alwayscompetitive no matter what I’mdoing. I get mad if I lose. I’m go-ing to fight to win in whatever itis. That’s just me.”Vega has played on five con-

secutive championship basket-ball teamssince joiningtheAllenAcademy varsity as a seventh-grader. TheRamshave capturedthreeconsecutiveTCALbaseballtitles. Last spring, Vega pitcheda no-hitter in the state final. Inthe fall,Vegaran for three touch-downsandthrewaTDpass inthefootball championship.“If he hasn’t been the [main]guy on those teams, he’s beenone of the [main] guys,” AllenAcademy football coach Jason

Jolly said. “He’s our go-to guyprettymuch on both sides of theball. I feel like in every game lastyearhewasthebestplayeronthefield, and Idon’t expect that tobeany different this year.”Vega’s best chance of playinga sport in college is baseball.A pitcher who has reached 88mph onhis fastball, he spent thesummer playing travel ball forthewell-knownBanditos club inHouston. Vega has drawn inter-est from recruiters at Texas-RioGrande Valley and Alvin Com-munity College, and he wouldlove to impress coaches at TexasA&M.At 5-foot-9 and 142 pounds, Ve-

gahas toovercomedoubts abouthis size in baseball. It’s consid-eredanevenbiggerdetriment infootball.“That’s what puts fire in me,guysdoubtingme, tellingme I’mtoosmall,”Vegasaid. “WhenI’mout there, I don’t care how bigyou are, I’m going to go head-upagainst you as hard as I can. I’mgoing to play like I’m 7-foot and290.”Jolly has no doubts that Ve-

ga would be able to compete atlarger schools, either public orprivate.“No matter where you puthim, he’s a special kid,” Jollysaid. “You can quantify his skill

set— how fast he runs, how fasthecanthrowabaseball—but it’sthe intangibles thatmakehimsospecial andmakehimastandouton the football field.“He’s our fire, our energy. Heplays with such tremendouspassion that it really brings theteam up when he’s playing welland focused. We lean on him inthat regard.”TheRamswill leanmoreheav-

ily on Vega this season after los-ing six seniors from last year’steam.“Last year we were comfort-able andwe could count on eachother,” Jolly said. “The differ-ence this year is we’re without

those six seniors. We have someveteransthatget itwhoI’mgoingtoneedtobeable to throwinany-where.We have a lot of younger,inexperienced guys that need tolearn really quickly.”Allen Academy’s newcomersshould be tested early, probablymore than they will in TCALgames. The Rams’ nondistrictschedule includes perennial6-man power Calvert along withCoolidge andMount Calm.“We’re going to seewhatwe’re

made of pretty quickly,” Jollysaid.In addition to his usual role as

spread back, Vegawill be able touse his speed some at receiverbecause returning junior quar-terback Caleb Phillips has astrong arm. The Rams also haveanother senior veteran in Ga-reth Prescott, a versatile playerwhose role will be determinedby where the newcomers fit.Allen Academy’s small, speedysophomore class includes KolbyDupont, Eric Vega and Alex Lo-pez,who transferred lastwinter.Freshman Sam Dawson, a 6-4,190-poundaddition fromthebas-ketballprogram,shouldmakeanimpact as well.

Eagle photo by Sam CraftAllenAcademy’s Cody Vega has helped the school win nine TCAL state titles, includinglast year’s 6-man football title.

ROSTER2 Caleb Phillips, 5-5, 140, jr.; 3 Alex Lopez, 5-7, 140, soph.; 4 Isaiah Savala, 5-8, 150, fr.; 7BlakeTucker, 5-7, 124, jr.; 8 AdamAcock, 5-10, 123, fr.; 10 Caleb Hogan, 6-1, 173, sr.; 11Gareth Prescott, 6-0, 167, sr.; 12 SamDawson, 6-4, 190, fr.; 14 Kolby Dupont, 5-5, 128,soph.; 15 James Dunn, 5-11, 160, soph.; 20 CodyVega, 5-9, 142, sr.; 22 Eric Vega, 5-7, 143,soph.; 30 Jaxon Rodell, 5-5, 141, fr.

FACTSHead coach — Jason Jolly (39-9overall; 39-9 at Allen Academy)District —None: TCAL Division I2014 record — 13-02014 playoffs — Bi-district:def. Houston Mount Carmel58-8; Semifinal: def. BVCHEA68-22; State championship: def.Greenville Phoenix 62-8Playoff appearances (20) —11-man (6): 1974, 1975, 1979,1980, 1998, 2004; 6-man (14):1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995,1996, 1997, 2008, 2009, 2010,2011, 2012, 2013, 2014Returning lettermen — 7 (2offensive, 2 defensive starters)

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 28 Coolidge 6 p.m.Sept 4 at Mount Calm 7:30 p.m.Sept 11 Buckholts 7 p.m.Last season: W 45-18

Sept 18 at Huntsville Alpha Omega 5 p.m.Last season: W 60-14

Sept 25 Orange Community 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 88-40

Oct 2 at Calvert 7:30 p.m.Oct 9 Temple Centex* 7 p.m.Last season: W 32-23

Oct 15 Bastrop Tribe Consolidated 7 p.m.Oct 23 at BVCHEA 7 p.m.Last season: W 74-18; W 68-22

Oct 30 at Clear Lake 7:30 p.m.Nov 6 Open*Homecoming

I’m blessed. I driveout there sometimesand look around andsay this is what gavememy fight. I grewupwith a pretty hardlifestyle. My past hashelpedme.

CodyVegaAllen Academy senior



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When he’s not running overoraroundopponents,Anderson-Shiro running back DaylanWil-liams would rather be fishing.Naturally, he understands theconceptof abigonegettingaway.That’s how Anderson-Shiro

looks at the end of the 2014 sea-son, when the Owls were un-beaten inDistrict 12-2ADivisionI before dropping their last twogames and missing the playoffson a tiebreaker. The closing lossto state semifinalist Centervillewas one thing, but particularlypainful was a 37-28 setbackagainst Groveton, a teamwith alosingrecordthatedgedtheOwlsfor a playoff berth.Williams ran for 197 yards

and three touchdowns againstGroveton, but a thigh injurycost him part of that game andthe season finale.

“We did pretty good for a newcoachcominginlastyear,butour

goal was to get to the playoffs,”Williams said. “I got hurt at theend of the season and I couldn’thelp my team get the victory atGroveton.ThatwashardbecauseCenterville was a good team. Itwaspainfulbecausemyteamwaslooking to me to be the 200-yardrunning back every game and Icouldn’t provide that.”Williams still gave the Owls

plenty in his junior season. Hewas a second-team All-BrazosValleyselectionafterrushing for1,801yardsand24touchdownson233 carries.“He grew up a lot between his

sophomoreand junioryear,”An-

derson-ShirocoachAndySextonsaid. “We didn’t know what wehad until the season went alongand he carried the ball more.”Expect Williams to get plenty

of carries this season. The Owlshave four starters returning ontheoffensive lineandstartedpre-season practice trying to decideonaquarterback. Inaddition, the5-foot-8, 205-pound Williams fitsperfectly into Sexton’s desire toplay power football.“He’s just got natural vision,”

Sexton said. “He’ll be the first totellyouthathe’snota4.5 [40-yarddash] guy, but he plays fast. He’svery strong, with a low center

of gravity and great vision andgreat lateral movement.“Idon’tcare if it’sFridaynight,

Saturday afternoon or Sunday,football is going to be won upfront. You’ve got to control theline of scrimmage. We’re goingtohangourhatonbeingphysicaland being tough.”

Anderson-Shiro’s offensiveline will feature Sam McCloskyatcenter,JustinCooperatguard,plus Jackson Carrell and RaySmith at tackles.“They’rebigandthey’restrong

and they do a great job,” Sextonsaid.“It’shugehavingthoseguysback.”As is the case at most 2A

schools, the linemenwill playof-

ANDERSON-SHIRO OWLS

Williams,Owlshaveplayoffs in their sightsROSTER

1 Hawkin Lolley,WR/OLB, soph.; 2William Brooks, jr.; 4 Addison Hesterman, FS, jr,; 5Bradley Johnson, QB/FS, jr.; 6 Dillon Hesterman, SS, jr.; 7 Randall Allgood, SB/OLB, jr.; 8EricWelch, jr.; 9 Preston Ojeda, jr.; 10 LukeMoy, CB, jr.; 11 Payton Igo, QB/SS, sr.; 12 AaronZenn, CB/WR, sr.; 17 James Cooper, soph.; 20 Darius Bookman, soph.; 22 Damon Chase,soph.; 25 Brayden Stanley, soph.; 27 DaylanWilliams, RB/OLB, sr.; 32Matt Lero, sr.; 34Dustin Coleman, soph.; 45 Dylan Bohnert, DE/TE, sr.; 50 Tyler Parker, sr.; 52 Ray Smith,G/LS, sr.; 54 Austin Derrett, jr.; 55 Trent Sorsby, soph.; 56 FernandoOlguin, sr.; 60 CalebKubacak, G, jr,; 62 Payton Sorsby, K/P, sr.; 64 Colton Spinks, jr.; 66 SamMcClosky, T/G/DT, sr.;72 Christian Burns, DE/G, soph.; 77 Justin Cooper, sr.; 79 Jackson Carrell, G/DT, sr.

FACTSHead coach—Andy Sexton (35-86 overall; 6-3 at Anderson-Shiro)District— 12-2A Division I2014 record— 6-3 (3-2 in 12-2ADivision I)2014 playoffs—did not qualifyPlayoff appearance (1)— 2013Returning lettermen— 20 (9offensive, 8 defensive starters)All-time record— 12-17Playoff record— 0-1-0

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 29 vs. La Pryor+ 7 p.m.Last season: W 25-15Sep 4 Milano 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 28-14Sept 11 at Iola 7:30 p.m.Sept 18 at Boling 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 20-0Sept 25 openOct 2 Palestine Westwood* 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 41-12

District 12-2A Division IOct 9 at West Hardin 7 p.m.Last season: W 46-8Oct 16 Lovelady 7 p.m.Last season: W 13-12Oct 23 at Hull-Daisetta 7 p.m.Last season: W 51-20Oct 30 Groveton 7 p.m.Last season: L 37-28Nov 6 at Centerville 7 p.m.Last season: L 55-12+at Bob Shelton Stadium, Buda*Homecoming

See ANDERSON, Page 18

BRAZOS CHRISTIAN EAGLES

Honnas tocontinuechurning forEaglesBy DAVID CAMPBELL

[email protected]

Jesse Honnas’ viewmay havechanged, but his outlook hasn’t.“I don’t like getting in the

three-point [stance],” said Hon-nas,whowill shift from fullbackto tailback for the Brazos Chris-tian Eagles. “I like getting inthe two-point. I feel like there’smore options and there’s a lotmore plays I can run. I can seea lot better.”Teaming in the backfieldwith

his brother Kenny, Jesse playedfullback when Brazos Christianreached the TAPPS state title

game two years ago. A strongrunner betweenthe tackles, Jes-se showed goodquicknesshittinghisholesandcon-tinued that stylemostof his juniorseason.“I had to pick a

hole and go, butthis year I canlook around andseewhat I amdo-ing,” Jesse Honnas said.Whathe isdoing is rushing for

big yardage. As a sophomore, heran for 1,644 rushing yards. Last

season with one less playoffgame, Honnas added 1,606 moreand scored 20 touchdowns. Healso caught nine passes for 245yards, scoring four times.

“I thinkI’mhard-nosed,”Hon-nassaid.“I thinkIknowmyposi-tion. Iknowwhattodo,andwhenthings get hard, I encourage myteammates.”They encourage him, too.“All fouryears, I’vehadagreat

line,” Honnas said. “Watchingthemblock,readingtheirblocks,wehavegreatchemistry. I’mcon-fident in them and confident inmyself.”Said Brazos Christian coach

Brandon Green: “He’s been theguy.He’sbeenoutonegamewitha sprained ankle, and you couldtell when he went down the airdeflated. They knew, oh, man,we just lost a special guy. He’s aspecial, explosive player and isfun to watch.”Honnas has been an off-the-

field leader for a long time.“He’s done that since he was

in the eighthgrade,”Greensaid.“He snuck in the weight room.We thought he was a freshmanbecause his brother was in anupper class and we had a new

JESSE HONNAS

FACTSHead coach— Brandon Green (28-8overall; 28-8 at Brazos Christian)District—TAPPS Division III District42014 record— 9-3 (5-2 in TAPPSDivision III District 4)2014 playoffs— Bi-district: def.Hallettsville Sacred Heart 48-8;Regional: lost to TheWoodlandsChristian 40-14Playoff appearances (12)— 6-man(2): 2000, 2001; 11-man (11): 2002,2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010,2011, 2012, 2013, 2014Returning lettermen— 15 (7 offen-sive, 7 defensive starters)SeeBRAZOSCHRISTIAN, Page18


BREMOND TIGERS

Bremondhaschance for rare state title repeatBy LARRY BOWEN

[email protected]

Asecondstate footballchampi-onship in 33 seasons won’t haveBremond claiming it replacedBoston or Green Bay as Title-town, but that was enough toshowtheTigers life isgoodthere.“When you win, everything’s

just easier,”Bremond coach andgraduate Jeff Kasowski said.“Everybody wants to be a part.They all want to listen. They allwanttobecoached.Theyallwantto win and be part of that.“The day youwin the champi-

onship game, it’s really not realfor quite a long time. It’s kind ofthat pinch-me kind of thing. Foralongtime—I’mtalkingacoupleof weeks — you would wake upin the morning and have to con-vince yourself that happened.”TheTigerscouldcontinueliving

thedreamforawhile.Bremondre-turns most key players from theteam that went 15-0 and won theClass2ADivisionIIchampionshipgame 28-21 over Albany at AT&TStadium inDecember.After waiting since 1981 for a

second state football title, couldBremond be in position to cap-ture two in a row?“There’s a lot of confidence in

the fact that we know we can beprettygood,”Kasowskisaid.“Wehave pretty grounded kids herein Bremond. They know what ittakes. They’re confident in thethings we do offensively and de-fensively.Thekidsenjoyplaying,gettingout thereandcompeting.It’s just a part of Bremond cul-ture.“The kids know that we have

a target on our back, and I thinkthey accept that. We’re excitedabout the possibility of beingable to have another good year,however that ends for us.”Happy endings come much

easierwith talent, andBremondhas a bunch. The Tigers areloadedwith proven playmakers,particularly on offense, return-ing nine starters from a unit

that scored 40 or more points 11times last season and averaged40.2 points in five playoff games.Bremond features a terrific

tandem in junior quarterbackRoshauud Paul and senior widereceiver Rayandre Browning.Last season thehigh-octanepaircombined for 4,729 yards and 74touchdowns.The development of Paul al-

lowed Browning to make the Ti-gersmore dangerous by playingprimarilyreceiverafterspendingparts of his first two seasons atquarterback. Paul rushed for1,618 yards and 23 touchdowns.He passed for 1,560 yards and 26scores.“Roshauudwasagreatrunner

and he became a good passer,”Kasowski said. “He didn’t throwfor a lot of yards becausewe ranthe ball at lot, but he could have.His passingpercentagewasover70 percent.“He’s really good with his

head.He’ll takewhatyousayanduse it, and that’s not always thecase with kids.”Browning’s bid to become

Kasowski’s second 1,000-yardreceiver came up just short (50catches, 948 yards, 10 TDs), buthe made a major impact run-ning the ball as quarterback inthe wildcat formation, scoring

15 times.“You get him the ball any way

youcan thatweekbasedonwhatwedowell pluswhat the defenseis giving you,” Kasowski said.“Weget him theball howeverwecan, asmuch as we can.”Opponents likelywill focus on

Browning,butBremondhasoth-er playmakers in wide receiverJoshWhite and slot receiver JoeWilliams, who often lines up onthesamesideof the formationasBrowning. The Tigers also havea returning starter in blockingfullback Josh Anderson.The Tigers return three start-

ers up front in tackles JR Rochaand Garrison Tullos, along withguard Cayl Wagner. There is asignificant hole in the middle,where junior Roosevelt Mooreand sophomore Kellan Stuardwill compete for thestartingcen-ter jobmademoredifficultbytheshotgun snap.Likemost2Ateams, theTigers

will rely on several players tocontribute both ways. Bremondhasmore uncertainty on the de-fensiveside,wheremostof thosetwo-way starters occupy thesecondary. TheTigers should be

stout in the back with Williamsand Browning as the safeties,whilePaulreturnsatcornerbackwith sophomore Kaidyn Peraleztaking over on the other side.The key to the rebuilt defense

should beWhite,whowill switchto inside linebacker after play-ing well at corner last year. The180-poundWhite made a typicalkeyplaylateinthestatetitlegame,helping set up a game-clinchinginterception byWilliams.“Josh is not huge, but he’s big

enough to do what we need him

to do in there,” Kasowski said.“He’ll be our leader, calling theshots up front.”Bremond can expect solid

play in the middle from a groupof tackles that include Tullos,Rocha, Wagner and Anderson.TheTigers’ biggest questions ondefense will be at ends and line-backer. Tanner Redus playedquite a bit as a reserve last sea-son and should take one of theend positions. Caleb Sarcinellais the leading candidate for theother linebacker spot.

FACTSHead coach — Jeff Kasowski (40-13 overall; 40-13 at Bremond)District — 13-2A Division II2014 record — 15-0 (6-0 in 13-2ADivision II)2014 playoffs — Bi-district:Bye; Area: def. Rocksprings48-0; Regional: def. Louise 47-6;Quarterfinal: def. Bruni 46-7;Semifinal: def. Tenaha 32-29; Statechampionship: Bremond def.Albany 28-21State playoff appearances (28)— 1951, 1955, 1957, 1962, 1963,1981, 1982, 1983, 1986, 1987,1988, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1995,1996, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005,2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011,2012, 2013, 2014Returning lettermen — 30 (9offensive, 6 defensive starters)All-time record — 491-359-26Playoff record — 59-24-2

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 28 at Hearne 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 40-8

Sept 4 Thorndale 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 54-28

Sept 11 at Hubbard 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 20-6

Sept 18 Mart 7:30 p.m.District 13-2A Division II

Sept 25 Granger* 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 72-6

Oct 2 at Somerville 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 53-7

Oct 9 Snook 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 54-14

Oct 16 at Burton 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 55-21

Oct 23 Milano 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 38-0

Oct 30 OpenNov 6 at Bartlett 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 51-6

*Homecoming

Eagle photo by Dave McDermandQuarterback Roshauud Paul helped lead Bremond to the Class 2A Division II statetitle last season, its first since claiming the crown in 1981.

ROSTER1 Roshauud Paul; 2 Josh Anderson; 3 Caleb Sarcinella; 5 Andrew Bailey; 6 DeandreHampton; 7 JoshWhite; 8 Rayandre Browning; 10 BrandinMcGee; 11Tanner Redus; 20Kaidyn Peralez; 21 JoeWilliams; 54 JakeVanDyke; 56 Dale Black; 58 CodyWaldrep; 60Kellan Stuard; 63 Roosevelt Moore; 69Terry Dismuke; 71 J.R. Rocha; 72 CaylWagner; 75GarrisonTullos


BRENHAM CUBS

Cubs know patience can pay offBy LARRY BOWEN

[email protected]

Timeoftenworksagainsthighschool football teams, but it hasbeen in theBrenhamCubs’ favorfor quite a while.Veteran coach Glen West ex-

pectsmoreof the same thisyear,andrecenthistorysayshewillbeprovenright.Brenhammaystartslowly, but theCubsusuallyfindaway to finish fast.“It’s not any different than

most years,” saidWest, whowillbegin his 18th season leadingthe program. “There are tons ofquestions on both sides of theball.Wehonestlydon’tknowhowwe’ll be or who will play where.Theonegood thing is thatweareusedtobeinginthissituation.Weall know that we will get it fig-ured out.“It’s a process that’s not a lot

of fun, but it’s a yearly thing wego through.”In each of the last three years,

Brenhamhas startedwith a lossand gone on to successful sea-sons.TheCubsbeganlastseason0-2andwere3-3beforesurging tothe third round of the Class 5Aplayoffs. Brenham dropped itsopener in 2013 before reeling off14 consecutive victories to reachthestatefinal.TheCubs followedanopening loss in 2012withninewins in a row before being upsetin bi-district.Players graduate. Lineups

change. So do districts, and evenclassifications. The process con-tinues to work.“It starts with the majority of

the staff members having beenwith us forever,” West said.“Coach[Tim]OehrleinandIhavebeen working together 26 years.Wehaveotherkeystaffmembers,whothis is theonlyplace they’veeverbeen. It’snotonlyyourplan;it’s their plan also.“It makes it harder when you

don’t know which way to turn.We do. Our true goal — who weareandwhatwe’reabout—iswe

want to make sure we’re in theplayoffs and we want to be play-ing our best football when theplayoffsgethere. If we’replayingour best at that part of the year,then we think we have a chanceto advance. That’s all we reallycare about.”That isn’t to say that building

a team is the same every season.It certainly won’t be this year,when the Cubs will start with amuch different foundation thanlast season.Brenham went into 2014 with

veteran playmakers in runningback Earnest Patterson andquarterback Caleb Hill. Pat-

terson ran for more than 2,000yards as a senior and finishedas the leading career rusher inschool history.“We had those two key com-

ponents coming back that reallyhelp you in a rebuilding status,because you’re going to be ableto move the football and score,”West said. “Even though wedidn’t know who our [offensive]line was and we were giving uppoints at the beginning of theyear,we had those guys and thatwas where we started.“This year we have some peo-

ple back, but we don’t have that.We’ve got to figure out what we

can do offensively, and who wecan do it with. I think we’ll findthat out.”Senior Trumaine Sweed will

take over at tailback for Patter-son.PreseasoncampbeganwithjuniorJacobOehrleinandseniorHalen Tilley competing for thequarterback job.“While Trumaine will not be

breaking the school record for[career] yardage, he is a verygood, dependable back,” Westsaid. “He’s someone we’re goingto lean on. He’s not a fumbler.He’s a hard runner and he hasgood vision. He’ll step in nicely.“Wherewe’ve got to get pretty

good,andI thinkwewill, is inourlineplayonbothsides.That’sgo-ing tohave tobecomeastrength,

and I think it has the potential todo that.”Juniors Jose Aguado and Col-

son Altman, along with seniortackle Dejuan Ramirez, shouldlead the Brenham blockers.The defensive front will be

bolsteredby juniorendMarquezBimage, senior tackle KhevonShepard and senior middle line-backer Dillon Thielemann. Thesecondary will have experiencewith safety Jonathan Homanjoined by cornerbacks DeonEarls and DarvisWatson.Brenhamhas qualified for the

playoffs in 11 consecutive sea-sons.

ROSTER1 DevinWilliams, LB/RB, 6-09, 172, jr.; 2 Jaquentin Powell, DB, 5-5, 150, sr.; 3 DarvisWatson, DB/WR, 6-0,176, jr.; 4 Tien Pham, K, 5-6, 140, jr.; 5 Ja’Darrius Nunn,WR, 5-10, 155, jr.; 6 TamarusMcWilliams, RB, 5-8, 178,soph.; 9 Deon Earls, DB, 5-11, 164, sr.; 10 Deion Jefferson,WR, 5-8, 140, sr.; 11 Khevon Shepard, DL, 6-0, 222,sr.; 12 JacobOehrlein, QB, 6-1, 195, jr.; 13 DillonThielemann, TE/LB, 6-1, 187, sr.; 15 Garrett Longhofer, DB,5-9, 150, sr.; 16 HalenTilley, QB, 6-0, 200, sr.; 17 Jonathan Homan,WR/DB, 6-0, 162, sr.; 18Marquez Bimage,DL, 6-1, 223, jr.; 19 SamGaertner, TE, 5-11, 160, sr.; 20 Tanner Little, LB, 5-10, 170, sr.; 21 Eryk Preston, DB, 5-7,154, soph.; 22 Henry Kettler, P, 5-8, 145, sr.; 23 Saul Cruz, RB, 5-7, 170, sr.; 24 Hunter Allie, LB, 5-9, 200, sr.; 25Ralph Kallie, DB, 5-8, 160, soph.; 30 Andrew Batchman, LB, 6-0, 193, soph.; 31 HoldenVega, RB, 6-0, 175, jr.;33 Trumaine Sweed, RB/LB, 5-7, 173, sr.; 34 De’Brandon Charles, DB, 5-9, 155, jr.; 35 ZacharyWinchell, DB,5-8, 145, soph.; 40 Josue Hernandez, DB, 5-9, 185, jr.; 44 Keyonis Houston, DL, 5-9, 212, sr.; 50 Ricky Burns,OL, 5-9, 225, jr.; 52 LaneVermillion, OL, 5-8 203, jr.; 55 AdamCoker, OL, 6-0, 208, soph.; 58 Raekwon Bell,OL, 6-0, 261, jr.; 62 London Crawford, OL, 5-7, 230, sr.; 63 Dejuan Ramirez, OL, 6-2, 275, sr.; 65 Alex Pittman,OL, 5-11, 235, sr.; 66 Noah Huston, DL, 6-0, 225, soph.; 72 Jose Aguado, OL, 5-11, 268, jr.; 73 Travis Davis, OL,6-2, 263, soph.; 74 Colson Altman, OL, 6-0, 303, jr.; 75 Shannon Lambert, DL, 6-2, 281, soph.; 80MonterriousMoore, DL, 6-2, 185, soph.; 82 George Newman, TE/DS, 5-11, 180, sr.; 84 Cade Simmons, DL, 6-2, 203, jr.

FACTSHead coach —GlenWest (208-69-1 overall; 167-46 at Brenham)District — 19-5A2014 record — 9-4 (6-1 in 19-5A)2014 playoffs — 4A Division II bi-district: def. Houston Yates, 61-12;Area: def. Elgin, 45-42; Regional:lost to Crosby, 38-20Playoff appearances (40) —1927, 1929, 1933, 1941, 1942,1944, 1945, 1947, 1949, 1950,1951, 1953, 1955, 1957, 1959,1968*, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972,1985, 1986, 1987*, 1991, 1993,1995, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002,2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008,2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013,2014 (*zone playoffs)Returning lettermen — 20 (3offensive, 8 defensive starters)All-time record — 608-365-38Playoff record — 44-36-1

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 28 Houston Lamar 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 35-17

Sept 4 at Liberty Hill 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 49-47

Sept 11 at HoustonWestside 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 32-12

Sept 18 openDistrict 19-5A

Sept 25 Tomball Memorial* 7 p.m.Last season: W 35-12

Oct 2 at Magnolia West 7 p.m.Last season: W 56-35

Oct 9 Houston Stratford 7 p.m.Last season: L 56-31

Oct 16 at Magnolia 7 p.m.Last season: W 63-24

Oct 23 Tomball 7 p.m.Last season: W 48-0

Oct 30 Waller 7 p.m.Last season: W 37-21

Nov 5 at Houston SpringWoods 7 p.m.Last season: W 42-13

*Homecoming

Brenham will counton senior defensive

tackle KhevonShepard to help

lead the Cubs’ de-fensive front.

Eagle photoby Dave McDermand


BRYAN VIKINGS

Eagle photo by Sam CraftLinebackers Jordan Driver (from left), Cedric Johnson Jr. and defensive end are members of the senior class set to lead the BryanVikings in 2015.

Bryan’s defenserelies on Johnson

By DAVID [email protected]

The BryanVikings call CedricJohnsonJr. “Red”becauseof hisbright red hair.Theyalsocall onhimasa take-

charge guy, and it’s a role he iseager to fill on the football fieldfor a third consecutive year.“It’s our last ride, so I know

we’re going to give it our all,” theVikings’ inside linebacker said.“Thework thatweput in is goingto reflect what we do during theseason.”

With Johnson, Bryan coachRoss Rogers has the kind of sta-bility and experience he wantsanchoring his defense.“He’s been in the middle for

the good and the bad, and a lot ofgood,” Rogers said. “It gives youa secure feeling. Other lineback-ers are bigger, stronger and fast-er, but we know what he bringsto a team with his head and hisheart.”As a junior, Johnson had 74

tackles (27solos)andthrewoppo-

Middle linebacker had 74 tackles last year

See BRYAN, Page 10


nents for losses on 12 occasions.With today’s dangerous offen-

sive attacks, Johnson believes adefense has to exert itself whenthe time is right and thinks Bry-an has the defense to do it.

“We’re more mature, and Iknow our work ethic is a lot bet-ter, ” Johnson said. “As you sawin the Consol game and the Con-roe game with fourth-quarterstops, on fourth down, we’ve gotit.”Johnson was thrown into the

starting role, first by an injuryto Coleman Johnson and thento Isaiah Vasquez, but he hascarved out the spot as his own.

“Iwasforcedtoplaymysecondgame,” Johnson said. “I had thisidea that Iwas going to dowhat Iwanted to do. I told my friends Iwas going to get a pick. The nextthing you know, it’s the fourthquarter; Igetaninterceptionandthe gamewas over.“I think if you put your mind

to it, you can do it. Nothing’s im-possible.”

Johnson said it’s a playhehadbeen thinking about all week.“Ieventold thequarterbackof

theteam, ‘I’llbetyouwon’t throwitoverthemiddle,’”saidJohnsonwith a smile. “He did it forme.”Johnson has put his mind to

a successful high school experi-ence apart from football.“I try to be a Christian young

man and I read the Bible a littlebit,” Johnson said. “My favoritescripture is in the Book of John,Chapter 4. It’s basically aboutJesus and how he has his innerhunger. I try to apply that to ev-erything I do.”

Heservedas juniorclasspresi-dent and participates in the Fu-ture Farmers of America.“Me as a leader I guess is nat-

ural because I’m pretty vocal,”Johnsonsaid. “Idon’tmindcuss-ing somebody out on the field. Idon’tevencaresometimes. It justsnaps. If I’ve got to get your at-tentiondoing that,we’regoing toget it done.”

Said Rogers: “He starts by be-ing a great kid in the classroom,in the halls of BHS. Whether itbe thestudentbody, theKeyClubor theAgClub,hestartsbybeingsomebody we can count on 24-7,which we talk about a lot. Youcommit to being a Viking.”Johnson’s foresight has been

an inspiration inpreparingwhathe believes could be a special de-fense.“Jordan Driver hasn’t been

inside, but thatkid is really ath-letic,” Johnsonsaid. “KeseanJef-ferson had somethings going on,but he’s alwayscome back andbeen persistentwhen he neededto be.He’s a freakathlete.He’sbeengone and come

back and he has still been stron-ger thanme. I don’t know how.”If you doubt Bryan’s defense,

so be it. He won’t.“A lot of people questionwhat

we can do without my cousinKeeKee [Johnson], but he hadbadgamesandwesteppedupandgot theball back, so I thinkwe’regoing to be just fine.”He’s evenall rightwhensome-

one else is picked to take the dis-trict title away from theVikings.

“I thank themfor thatbecausethat is just another driving forcefor us to even go harder,” John-son said. “Just hearing stuff likethat, that we can’t go back-to-backor theypicksomebodyelse,makes us go harder.”

QB B.J. Ross amongBryan’s key veterans

B.J. Ross will be a three-yearstarter forBryanatquarterback.As a junior, he completed 108 of205 passes for 1,692 yards and 16touchdownswith three intercep-tions. Ross also rushed for 567yards and 10 touchdowns.“He was all-district quar-

terback for a reason,” Rogers

said. “He made big plays. He ad-libbed.”Rogers said Ross is working

to improve his game after hemissed some open receivers ondeep passes.His top receiver returns for an

evenbiggerrole.FullbackJarvisLister caught 32 passes for 474yards and two TDs last season,while also rushing for 455 yardsand fourscores.Atopblocker forJohnson during the former Vi-king’s 2,000-yard senior season,Lister plans to take over the keyrole in the running game.Hunter Batten should also be

busy as a ball carrier. Battentransferred from St. Joseph,where he rushed for 1,314 yardsand 15 touchdowns last year as asophomore.“We’vegot twoMightyMites,”

Rogers said. “Theyarenot goingtoscareanybody lookingat themwhen they come out on the field,but they bring a lot of power.They’vebothgot goodball skills,seethefieldrealwell,andthey’vegot good hands.We’re not afraidto pitch the ball or send one ofthem into the flat to throw theball to.”Versatile Joseph Hedge has

played numerous positions forthe Vikings and could be a big-play threat at receiver. TylerSlaydon is in his third season atreceiver.MasonRay,whoisback-up quarterback, will be anotherkey pass-catcher.

Center JaredSpivey starts histhird season ontheoffensive line.Junior Guerreroreturns at guard.Matt Sutherland,PatrickCraigandCecil Banks giveBryanexperienceand great poten-tial up front.

“We’re getting toworkagainstthebestdefensive linemaybeI’vehadever,”Rogerssaid.“In ’89,wehad a great defensive front overat [A&MConsolidated], but theywere smallish guys and quick

and we lived off our quickness.Thesekidshavea lot of the sameattributes, except they are 280[pounds], 250, 230.”

TysonWashingtonandDarrylAndersonhighlight the insideofBryan’s defensive line.Dedrick Davis and Jordan

Driverwereoutstandingoutsidelinebackers a year ago. Driverhas moved back inside to playalongside [Cedric] Johnson.KeseanJeffersonhasbeenout-

standing as the rush end.Athletic sophomore Gus Han-

cock joins a secondary that in-

cludes veteran Garrett Dohna-lik. Cal Malone also saw lots ofaction at safety last season andhad the game-clinching inter-ception in the win over Consol.Dillon Albright moves from slotreceivertocornerbackforamorephysical presence therewith Ja-quitaThompson in line tomanacorner position.Sophomoreplace-kickerAngel

Quiroga, who kicked during theplayoffs lastseason,alsoreturns.

ROSTER2 Chris Sage, RB, 5-3, 115, sr.; 3 Jarvis Lister, RB, 5-8, 170, sr.; 5 Dillon Albright, DB, 6-1, 175,sr.; 6 Hunter Batten, RB, 5-9, 190, jr.; 7 Mason Ray, QB, 6-4, 195, jr.; 8 Garrett Dohnalik, DB,5-10, 175, sr.; 9 MarkTaplette, DB, 5-9, 165, jr.; 10 B.J. Ross, QB, 6-0, 170, sr.; 11 LukeMartin,QB/WR, 5-10, 150, jr.; 12 Roderick Crenshaw,WR, 5-10, 180, jr.; 14Myles Sheffield,WR,5-10, 140, jr.; 15 Gus Hancock, DB, 6-0, 155, soph.; 16 Joseph Hedge,WR, 5-10, 165, jr.; 17Cal Malone, DB, 6-1, 210, sr.; 18 Angel Quiroga, K, 5-9, 140, soph.; 19Trey Blakey,WR, 5-11,160, sr.; 20 Josh Spivey, FB, 5-8, 185, sr.; 21 DaQuincy Floyd,WR, 6-1, 160, jr.; 22 Joe Graves,DB, 5-10, 180, sr.; 24 BrendonWard, DB, 5-11, 165, sr.; 25 Tyler Slaydon,WR, 6-4, 180, sr.;26 Jaquita Thompson, DB, 5-8, 165, sr.; 27 Dylan Rivas, LB, 5-8, 165, sr.; 30 Dedrick Davis,DE, 6-1, 235, sr.; 35Manny Ramirez, DE, 5-8, 170, sr.; 40 Jordan Driver, DE, 6-1, 245, sr.; 44Trace Urquhart, LB, 5-11, 185, sr.; 45 Cedric Johnson Jr., LB, 5-8, 205, sr.; 46 Royce Gilreath,DE, 6-3, 200, jr.; 47 Andy Smith, LB, 5-10, 195, sr.; 48 Kesean Jefferson, DL, 5-11, 265, sr.; 50Jared Spivey, OL, 5-10, 240, sr.; 52 EamonMcGregor, OL, 6-2, 205, jr.; 55 Noah Fazzino, DL,5-10, 200, jr.; 57 Cory Isaacks, OL, 5-8, 180, sr.; 58 Christian Hernandez, DL, 5-10, 200, jr.;59 Reggie Richardson, DL, 5-9, 225, jr.; 61 Ryan Boyle, OL, 6-0, 230, jr.; 62 Andreas Cortez,OL, 5-10, 255, sr.; 66Matt Sutherland, OL, 6-0, 225, sr.; 67 Damien Oliva, OL, 5-8, 225, sr.;70 Cecil Banks, OL, 6-1, 260, sr.; 73 Colton Campbell, OL, 6-3, 280, soph.; 74 Derrick Green,OL, 5-9, 250, sr.; 75Ylijaah Hall. OL, 6-5, 270, soph.; 77 Junior Guerrero, OL, 6-0, 255, sr.; 78Patrick Craig, OL, 6-0, 275, sr.; 79 Eddie Acosta, OL, 6-0 305, sr.; 80 Caelin Luckie,WR, 5-6,150, sr.; 81 AubreyMartin,WR, 5-9, 160, sr.; 85 Christian Kopf, DL/TE, 6-0, 215, sr.; 87 JuanValadez,WR, 5-9, 160, sr.; 90 TysonWashington, DL, 5-10, 255, sr.; 91 JayMontoya, DL, 5-10, 215, jr.; 94 Jamarcus Thompson, DL, 6-2 310, sr.; 95 Darryl Anderson, DL, 6-1, 290, sr.; 99RodneyYoung, DL, 6-1, 250, jr.

FACTSHead coach — Ross Rogers (226-109-9 overall; 15-17 at Bryan)District — 18-5A2014 record — 10-2 (7-0 in18-5A)2014 playoffs — 5A DivisionI bi-district: def. Manor 48-27;Area: def. Magnolia West 49-34;Regional: lost to RichmondGeorge Ranch 48-13Playoff appearances (23) —1921, 1922, 1925, 1934, 1956,1973, 1974, 1982, 1984, 1986,1987, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998,1999, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2007,2009, 2010, 2014Returning lettermen — 29 (7offensive, 7 defensive starters)All-time record — 535-436-41Playoff record — 18-21-0

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 28 at Montgomery 7 p.m.Last season: L 52-24

Sept 4 Conroe 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 35-29

Sept 11 at Temple 7:30 p.m.Sept 18 Open

District 18-5ASept 25 Livingston 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 48-0

Oct 2 at Huntsville 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 34-27

Oct 9 A&M Consolidated 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 56-44

Oct 16 Willis* 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 34-13

Oct 23 at Caney Creek 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 55-17

Oct 30 College Station 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 41-34 (OT)

Nov 6 at Rudder 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 56-19

*Homecoming

BRYAN: Johnson took advantageof opportunity to join starting lineupContinued from 9

BRYAN VIKINGS

SPIVEY

DRIVER


BURTON PANTHERS

Newcomers ready tohelpkeyveteransatBurtonBy LARRY BOWEN

[email protected]

Adding a new crop of talentedplayers to a soil rich with recentfootball success,Burtonhopes tosee its playoff streak grow thisyear despite losing a few staplesto graduation.ThePanthersexpectcontinued

success despite replacing threeplayerswhoearnedall-state rec-ognition as seniors last season,when they helped Burton earnitsfifthconsecutiveplayoffberthand sixth in the last seven years.Burtonwent 8-4 and reached thesecond round of theClass 2ADi-vision II playoffs.“One thing that we’ve really

liked over the years is the at-titude and mentality that hasbeen instilled in our players, notonly at the high school level butthroughourjuniorhighprogramas well,” said head coach JasonHodde, whose teams have gone25-11 in three seasons at Burton.“These young men get to highschool and expect to make theplayoffs. They have a winningmentality.“There’s a lot of other good

teams out there in our district,too, and we certainly respectthat, but we come in with highexpectations. We’re going to dothebestwecanandworkashardas we can to try to continue thatplayoff run.”District 13-2A Division II in-

cludesdefendingstatechampionand second-ranked Bremond,which presents a challenge asBurton must replace standoutsLouis Brown, Luke Huffer andBrandon Salinas. Brown, whosignedwithOklahomaState,wasthe 2A co-defensive player of theyear. Huffer started at quarter-backandsafety.Salinasemergedas a standout at linebacker.“Those guys left their mark

at Burton High School,” Hoddesaid. “I don’t know if we willtruly 100 percent replace them,butwe’regoing tohaveguys that

bringdifferentthingstothetable.Wecancollectivelyget thatdone.“We have some freshmen and

sophomoresthatareemergingasleaders andfilling some of thosehigh-profile roles. We also havesome guys that have been roleplayers formost of their careershere who are going to continuethat, guys thatareverysolidanddependable.”ThePanthers have a couple of

cornerstones in juniors JamonBradley and Cole Eckermann.Bradley, a running back and

safety, has started every gamefor the last two seasons and waselected a captain by his team-mates as a sophomore. Lastyear,hetorethemedialcollateralligament in his knee andmissedBurton’s playoff games, with hisabsence costly as the Panthersfell6-0 toBruni inthearearound.“He is our most experienced

player, and we’re going to counton him to do a lot of things onboth sides of the ball,” Hoddesaid. “He’s got good speed, andhe’s very good out of the back-field catching the ball. He canplay cornerback or safety. He’seven stout enough to play insidelinebacker if needed,andhe’llbeour backupquarterbackaswell.He’s one of those kidswho has ado-it-all mentality.”Eckermannwillbeexpectedto

doplentyup frontdespitenotbe-

ing big for a lineman at 5-foot-11and 180 pounds. He will playcenter on offense and anchorthe heart of the defensive line attackle.“He’s not a big kid, but he’s

very scrappy,” Hodde said. “Icall him my motor guy. His mo-tor is always running. He’s oneof those guys who just seems tobe hard to block.”Another key defensive player

willbesophomorelinebackerC.J.Briscoe, who earned first-teamall-district recognition last year.Briscoe is part of the wave of

young talent expected to boostBurton. So is freshman quarter-back Caleb Harmel (5-11, 180),who made a strong bid early inpreseasonworkouts to take overat quarterback.“He’s a very poised young

man,” Hodde said. “He hasn’tplayed any games yet, so timewill tell, but some guys just havethatpoiseaboutthem.Werealize,andherealizes, that there’ssomelearning todoalong theway.Butwe feel likemaybe by district wecan get him going.”Burton’s nondistrict schedule

includes games against a pairof teams that narrowly beat thePanthers lastyear,Thorndale20-

16andLouise28-20.ThePanthersalsofaceChilton,whichtheybeat22-13 last season.WithHarmel,acoupleof other

freshmenandsomesophomoresexpected to play key roles, theearly part of the season could bemarked by growing pains.“Experience is not on our side

at thispoint,butat thesametimewe’re excited about our talentlevel,” Hodde said. “We’re just

going to have tomold those guysand get them going.”There isadditional experience

up front among the six startersreturningoneachsideof theball.Isaiah Blue is a 6-1, 230-poundsenior offensive and defensivetacklewhowasamajorcontribu-torlastseason.ThePanthersalsoare counting on senior tight endDustinHall,whomadefirst-teamall-district last year.

Eagle photo by Sam CraftJunior Cole Eckermann (front) will anchor Burton’s offensive line at center this seasonand is one of a few key veterans the Panthers are counting on for leadership.

FACTSHead coach— Jason Hodde (25-11 overall; 25-11 at Burton)District— 13-2A Division II2014 record— 8-4 (5-1 in 13-2ADivision II)2014 playoffs— Bi-district: def.Yorktown 18-13; Area: lost toBruni 6-0Playoff appearances (8)— 1992,1995, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012,2013, 2014Returning lettermen— 23 (6offensive, 6 defensive starters)All-time record— 243-331-15Playoff record— 10-8-0

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 28 at Thorndale 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 20-16Sept 4 at Chilton 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 22-13Sept 11 Louise 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 28-20Sept 18 Hearne 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 54-6

District 13-2A Division IISept 25 Snook* 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 22-6Oct 2 openOct 9 at Milano 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 43-6Oct 16 Bremond 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 55-21Oct 23 at Bartlett 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 44-0Oct 30 Granger 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 35-0Nov 6 at Somerville 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 38-14*Homecoming

ROSTER1 Edgar Lozano,WR/CB, jr.; 2 De’monderickWinters,WR/CB, fr.; 3 Damarcus Harrison,WR/FS, fr.; 5 Caleb Harmel, QB/MLB, fr.; 6 Donnel Patterson, RB/CB, jr.; 8 Dustin Hall,WR/CB, sr.;10 C.J. Briscoe, FB/MLB, soph.; 13 Jamon Bradley, RB/CB, jr.; 14MontalWilson, soph.; 21Luke Salinas, FB/MLB, soph.; 50 Brazos Oberhoff, G/DT, jr.; 54 Isaiah Blue, DT, sr.; 66 DerrickFisher, T, jr.; 70 Ryan Quinton, C/DT, jr.; 71 Draven Amann, G, sr.; 75 Kaylor Steele, DT, soph.;76 Cole Eckermann, G/OLB, jr.; 79 Trey Carey, TE/DE, jr.


BVCHEA MUSTANGS

Big, young roster set to leadBVCHEABy DAVID CAMPBELL

[email protected]

The BVCHEAMustangs havea significant measure of expe-rience to go along with a still-young team.

Now they also have depth.“We’re a young team,” BV-

CHEA coach Skipper Harrissaid. “Wehave three seniors andeverybody else are juniors andsophomores.We’regoing tohave19 players this year. This is thebiggest turnoutwe’ve everhad.”

It could correct aproblemthatplagued the home-school orga-nization’s team last year, whenteamswithmore players had anadvantage late in games.

Three new team membersjoined from organizations thatdid not have numbers to fieldtheir own team this year, includ-ing two formerAggielandHome-school players.

TheMustangs also have prov-en standouts, with seven of theeight returning starters on theTCALDivision I all-state team.

Granger Harris proved to beone of the most dangerous play-ers in TCAL 6-man football lastseason as a sophomore. Harrishad 32 receptions for 814 yardsand17 touchdowns.Heaveraged25.4 per catch.“He was the number one re-

ceiver inTCALfootball,”SkipperHarrissaid.“Healso ledTCALintackles on defense.”

He also rushed for 176 yardsand passed for 160.Granger Harris is one of the

returning players from the all-state list thathighlights theMus-tangs’ talent.Andrew Kocmoud, who inter-

cepted sevenpasses for theMus-tangs’ defense, was a first-teamselectiononbothsidesof theball.

Kocmoudrushedfor538yards,

passed for 203 and caught passesfor200.Hescored14 touchdownsand passed for three others. TheMustangs’ punter and kicker,Kocmoud had 79 total tackles ondefense.Junior Garcia was a kick re-

turn standout.QuarterbackTeekoCraftwasa

second-teampickdespitemissingfour games. He played in sevengamesandhit 59of his 162passesfor1,296yardsand23touchdownswith 11 interceptions. He alsorushedfor195yardsandtwoTDs.

Theguywhobeganeveryplay,centerCalebLestrapes,was alsoa second-team selection. Jordanand John Hendrick, along withMatthew Michaels, bring backmore experience to the Mus-tangs.The former Aggieland play-

ers could bemajor contributors.EannFelderrushed for915yardsand 14 TDs. Will Santini caught

21 passes for 385 yards and fivetouchdowns.BVCHEA lost in the second

roundof the playoffs to eventualstate champion Allen Academylast year.

“That’s a good draw,” SkipperHarris said. “I want to play thebest. It brings the better playersoutof us.Idon’twanttoplaysome-

bodythatwe[beatvia the45-pointmercyrule]. Iwant tobesure thattheboyshavesomegoodcompeti-tion,andthatmakes themstepupandplay abetter game, too.”

ROSTER2 Adam LaStrapes, 5-7, 185, fr.; 3 Andrew Kocmoud, 5-11, 179, jr.; 8 Junior Garica, 5-11, 155, soph.;14MatthewMichaels, 6-2, 175, jr.; 16 John Hendricks, 6-2, 180, sr.; 17 Teeko Kraft, 5-7, 185, soph.; 21Harrison Armstrong, 6-0, 160, sr.; 23 Eann Felder, 5-11, 160, sr.; 24 Seth Platt, 5-10, 150, soph.; 25WillSantini, 6-0, 165, sr.; 32 Jarrett Brown, 5-9, 195, sr.; 40 Caleb LaStrapes, 6-0, 158, jr.; 42 Kristopher Cowles,5-10, 169, soph.; 44 Granger Harris, 6-2, 210, jr.; 52 RabonMetcalf, 5-7, 165, fr.; 54 Sean Cox, 6-2, 265, fr.;55 Jordan Hendricks, 6-0, 155, soph.

FACTSHead coach— Skipper Harris (4-7overall; 4-7 at BVCHEA)District—none: TCAL Division I2014 record— 4-72014 playoffs— Bi-district: def. TylerKing’s Academy 60-26; Semifinal: lostto Allen, 68-22Playoff appearances (5)— 2010,2011, 2012, 2013, 2014Returning lettermen— 12

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 29 San Antonio FEAST+ 9:30 a.m.Last season: L 98-52Sept 4 at Bellville Faith 7:30 p.m.Sept 11 Fort Bend Chargers 7:30 p.mSept 18 openSept 25 Conroe Lifestyle* 7:30 p.m.Oct 2 at Houston Texas Christian 6 p.m.Oct 9 Crosby Victory & Praise 7:30 p.m.Oct 17 Tyler King’s Academy# 1 p.m.Last season: W 60-26Oct 23 Allen Academy 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 74-18; L 68-22Oct 30 at Lockhart Lightouse 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 63-18Nov 6 atBastopTribeConsolidated 7:30 p.m.*Homecoming+at Allen Academy#at Oakwood


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Jake Fryrear might make themovefromguardtocenter forhissenior football season with theCaldwell Hornets, but Fryrearfigures to be in the middle ofthings regardless of his startingposition.There is no place Fryrear

would rather be as he enters hisfourthseasononthevarsitywithhopes of abigfinishanda futurein college football.CaldwellcoachBobbyJackGo-

forthcallsFryrearacornerstonein the building project he tookonwhenhe returned to his almamater as head coach two yearsago. That role is second natureforFryrear,whoalsoplaysdefen-sive tackle.

“My dad has been my coachthroughout my whole life,”Fryrearsaid. “Heshoved itdownmy throat every day from LittleLeague that you’ve got to be aleader. You’re not born a leader,but I feel like my dad made mea leader.“You’vegottoriskafewfriends

if you’re a leader, because a fewfriends will kill your team. Ifyou see people messing around,you’ve got to jump on them andmake sure it doesn’t happenagain. You’ve got to tell themthat they’re not going to play onyour team.”The6-foot-2,295-poundFryrear

played well enough at guardlast year to earn third-team all-state recognition in Class 4A.He helped Keyshawn Chambersrush for 1,835 yards as the Hor-netsqualified for the4ADivisionIIplayoffsafterwinningonlyonegame the previous season.Fryrear started at guard as a

freshman, when Caldwell wonone game then went through itsthird coaching change in threeyears. Goforth took over and ex-pected Fryrear to play a key roleas a sophomore, but he suffereda slight tear of the medial col-

lateral ligament in his knee fourdays before the season opener.Sixweekslater,Fryrearreturnedto the lineup, but he played lessthan a half before hurting hisknee again to finish his season.“It was just devastating,”

Fryrear said. “You put in all thatworkandthenjustsitontheside-lineandwatcheverygame.Weon-ly won one gamemy sophomoreyear,andit’sheartbreakingtoseea team that you could help out.”The lost season and his com-

parative lack of height have hin-dered Fryrear in the recruitingprocess. He has drawn attentionfrom Rice and Sam HoustonState and hopes he made a goodimpression on TCU coaches at amidsummer camp.“He is going to end up playing

college football,” Goforth said.“All he needs is an opportunity.He’snot6-foot-5,butyouseeguysall the time make it all the wayto the highest level at 6-2.Maybe

after thisyear,withmoreaccom-plishmentsforhimandourteam,hemight get more notice.”If hewindsupinscouts’ sights,

Fryrear should be prepared forthe scrutiny. His father, ShawnFryrear, played for the Panhan-dle team that upset Art Briles’Hamlin squad in the 1984 Class2A quarterfinals.“If youaskanybodyfromhere,

they’ll tell you he pushes me re-ally hard,” Jake said. “I love it,because if mydadhadn’tpushedmeIwouldnotbethepersonIamtoday. Iwould not be the footballplayer I am today. Sometimes Ihate his guts, but that’s the kindof personthatyouwant foradad.At the end of the day, you lovehim.”The Hornets have good tal-

ent along with Fryrear and therest of the offensive line. Seniorquarterback Joseph Crnkovicand junior speedster Chambers

return, as does senior tight endJosh Hitchcock, who was an all-district selection at linebackerlast season.Other defensive standouts

include senior linebacker MikeAshley, who led theHornets lastyear with 96 tackles. Caldwell’s

entire linebackercorpsshouldbestrong,withreturningstarters inseniorTannerStefka (56 tackles,four interceptions) and juniorDennis Engelmann (54 tackles).The other returning starter ondefenseisCurtisWilliams,abackwith 4.5 speed in the 40.

CALDWELL HORNETS

FryreargivesHornets foundationonoffense

Eagle photo by Sam CraftSenior Jake Fryrear earned third-team Class 4A all-state honors at guard last seasonbut is working out at center.Wherever he plays, the 6-2, 295-pounder will be a majorcornerstone of the Caldwell offense in 2015.

FACTSHead coach — Bobby JackGoforth (30-51 overall; 7-13 atCaldwell)District — 11-4A Division II2014 record — 6-5 (3-1 in 11-4ADivision II)2014 playoffs — Bi-district: lLostto Sweeny 32-27Playoff appearances (18) —1924, 1928, 1930, 1931, 1932,1935, 1939, 1971, 1980, 1984,1994, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2007,2008, 2009, 2014Returning lettermen — 12 (6offensive, 6 defensive starters)All-time record — 443-443-32Playoff record — 12-16-1

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 28 at Bellville 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 3-0

Sept 4 at Hearne 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 42-0

Sept 11 at Madisonville 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 28-7

Sept 18 Teague 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 49-34

Sept 25 at Rockdale 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 38-31

Oct 2 at Mexia 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 42-32

District 11-4A Division IIOct 9 Salado* 7:30 p.m. W 65-23Oct 16 at La Grange 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 56-34

Oct 23 Smithville 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 35-14

Oct 30 OpenNov 6 at Giddings 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 33-32

*Homecoming

ROSTER1Weston Lilie,WR/DB, soph.; 2 Keyshawn Chambers, RB/DB, Jr.; 3 Bobby Henderson, RB/DB, sr.;4 AJ Zboril, DB/WR, jr.; 5 Tanner Stefka, DB/WR, sr.; 6Will Faust, QB/LB, soph.; 7 Joseph Crnkovic,QB, sr.; 8 Domonique Chambers,WR/DB, soph.; 9 XavierWilliams, RB/DE, soph.; 11 DevinMorris,WR/DB, jr.; 16 CurtisWilliams,WR/DB, sr.; 17 Dalton Armstrong,WR/DB, jr.; 18Mike Ashley, LB/FB, sr.; 19 TrevonWoods,WR/DB, sr.; 23WilliamDeleon, FB/DE, jr.; 44 Josh Hitchcock, LB/FB, sr.;50 AndrewTelg, OL/DE, soph.; 54 Dylanger Harris, OL/DL, jr.; 56 Chase Scamardo, OL/DL, jr.;60 Dennis Engelmann, LB/C, jr.; 62 Ray Flores, DL, soph.; 66 Brandon Anderson, DL/FB, sr.; 70Charles Chrietzberg, OL/DL, soph.; 71 Nathan Balcar OL/DL, soph.; 72 Jacob Pena, OL/DL, soph.;76 Jake Fryrear, C/DL, sr.; 78 Tucker Ellsworth OL/DE, jr.; 88 Keanu Robinson, OL/DE, jr.


CALVERT TROJANS

Newcoach takingover awinner inCalvertBy LARRY BOWEN

[email protected]

Calvert athletic director Mi-chaelCottonwas jokingwhenheintroduced new Trojans footballcoach Wayne Ware as the manhired towinstate, orat leastCot-ton smiled at the idea.

State champi-onships are hardto come by, evenat a traditionallystrong programsuch as Calvert,which won the6-man title in2002. It doesn’tget easier whena new coach ishired less thantwo weeks before

the start of preseason workouts,as was Ware at Calvert.

TheTrojansandWaredohavesomethingsgoing for them,how-ever. Start with the fact that Cal-vert reached the Class A 6-manDivision II semifinals last year,and returns several key players.

And then there’s that history.“I’ve stepped into a program

thatunderstands6-manfootball,and they’re ahead of the curve,”Ware said. “They’re very com-petitive, very athletic, and thathelps out a lot.

“The last school I went to,Covington, was accustomed tolosing. The kids didn’t reallyhave the winning attitude. Wewere fortunate enough to go 6-4the first year with them, and thelightwenton.Here, the light’sal-ready on. Now it’s just keepingthe motor going.”

Calvert, which finished lastseason at 10-3, is ranked third inthe statebysixmanfootball.com.

“There are probably fiveschools in each classificationthathavealegitimateshotatwin-ning state,” Ware said. “Calvertis one of those schools that thisyearhasa true legitimate shotatwinning a state title. The ball isgoing to have to bounce our way.

We’regoing tohave tohavesomeluck. Most of all, we have to stayinjury-free.

“The road to that state cham-pionship is going to be tough. Noone is going to lie down for us.Jonesboro, Richland Springs,Mount Calm and Trinidad willhave the same aspirations aboutthe state championship as Cal-vert has.”

Coaches at those other con-tendershadmoretimetopreparefortheseasonthanWare.Hetookthe job late in the summer afterMarcusWorthamwasdismissedbecauseof eligibility issueswith-in the athletic department thatlanded Calvert on three years’probation.

Ware said his late arrival hasnotbeenmuchof aconcernsincethe Trojans began practice. Aroster that includes seven se-niors has helped Calvert workthrough the unusual timing ofWare’s hiring.

“If you’re walking into a newscenariowithasenior-ladenteamlike this one, those kids are goingto understand more,” Ware said.“I ask them things that they be-lievedin, thingsthattheydidwelllastyear.Wekeptthatphilosophy,along with adding in a few of mythings that I feel will work. Wemet halfway and that made it asmoother transition for us.

“The sophomores and fresh-man have really bought in andaccepted it. The senior class hashad a lot of success, but there’sno way that we can go back andgrasp last year. It’s time to moveforward.”

Junior JaQuan Thompson islikely to lead thecharge.Thomp-son will play quarterback, run-ning back and safety.

“JaQuan Thompson is proba-

blyoneof themosthighly toutedyoungmen in the state for 6-manfootball,” Ware said. “He’s goingto be our true Mr. Everything onboth sides of the football. He’stalented enough to play prettymuch any position if need be.”

Because 6-man rules requirequarterbacks to hand off, pitchor throwtheballbefore it crossesthe line of scrimmage, the Tro-jans will need other ball-han-dlers. Senior Chris Luster alsocanplayrunningbackandquar-terbackandshould formapotent

combination with Thompson.Calvert has more options to

runthe football, includingseniorfullbackZacchaeusWilliams.Se-niorXavierLaury,whoiscomingoff knee surgery, could bolsterthe Trojans at running back andnose guard.

Anotherkeyplayer forCalvertwill be senior Jadarrian Flen-troy,whowillplayendonoffenseand defense.

“Jadarrian Flentroy is acoach’s dream,” Ware said. “Hedoes everything we ask of him.”

ROSTER1 Coylin Grimes, B, soph.; 4 Xavier Laury, B, sr.; 5 Carnel Thompson, QB/B, sr.; 6 DariusBrooks, B, fr.; 7 JaQuanThompson, QB/DB, jr.; 8 James Lloyd, C/B, sr.; 10 ZacchaeusWilliams, B/E, sr.; 11 Jaquez Green, C, soph.; 12 Jadarrian Flentroy,WR/B, sr.; 13 TrevonSchells, QB/S, jr.; 14 Christon Luster, L/B, jr.; 15 DeMarcus, Benson, E/B, soph.; 16 ChrisLuster, B/E, sr.; 18 Jordan Chopp, E, jr.; 20Matthew Steamer, E/B, fr.; 22 Davion Huffman,E, soph.; 23 FavionThompson, T, soph.; 24 JaMarquis, Brooks, B/E, soph.; 25Tre’DarrianKinney, C/B, sr.

FACTSHead coach —WayneWare (92-51 overall; first year at Calvert)District — 16-A Division II2014 record — 10-3 (3-0 in 16-ADivision II)2014 playoffs — Bi-district: def.Trinidad 62-16; Regional: def.Jonesboro 32-26; Quarterfinal: def.Richland Springs 64-46; Semifinal:lost to Throckmorton 76-72Playoff appearances (29) —11-man (14): 1923, 1938, 1946,1947, 1949, 1952, 1958, 1967,1968, 1970, 1989, 1990, 1991,1994; 6-man (15) — 1998, 1999,2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010,2011, 2013, 2014Returning lettermen — 15 (3offensive, 4 defensive starters)Playoff record (11-man and6-man) — 30-26-2

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 29 Marshall Christian+ 8:30 p.m.Sept 4 OpenSept 11 Abbott 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 44-36

Sept 18 at Waco Methodist Home 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 74-26

Sept 25 Waco Live Oak 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 64-52

Oct 2 Allen Academy* 7:30 p.m.Oct 10 Crowell# 2 p.m.Last season: L 44-16

Oct 16 Fayette County 7:30 p.m.District 16-1A Division II

Oct 24 at High Island 2 p.m.Last season: W 32-0

Oct 30 at Buckholts 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 52-0

Nov 6 Prairie Lea 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 78-0

*Homecoming+at Allen Academy#at May

WARE

Eagle photo by Dave McDermandSenior Jadarrian Flentroy ‘is a coach’s dream,’ according to new Calvert head coachWayneWare. Flentroy plays end on offense and defense for the Trojans.


CAMERON YOEMEN

DoingYoemen’swork


A 70-40 win over Mineola intheClass 3ADivision I title gamegavetheCameronYoemenathirdconsecutive state football cham-pionship.Having elevated themselves

to elite status — only 16 teamsin any classification have wonthree straight championships— theYoemen, top ranked in the

preseason 3A poll, are poised toraise their accomplishments toan evenmore refined status. On-ly four programs in Texas highschool football history have cap-tured four in a row.“We’re very proud of the fact

that we won three in a row, butwe don’t spend a whole lot oftime talking about it,” CameroncoachRickRhoades said. “We’re

Already on incredible run, Cameronsets sights on fourth straight state title

Eagle photo by Dave McDermandAll-state running back Traion Smith is back for his senior season at Cameron.See CAMERON, Page 16

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trying to put together the verybest football team we can forthis year. That’s the thing aboutthis profession. You have a bigwin and you get to celebrate foraboutadaybeforeyougetstartedgetting ready for another game.It’s the same way with a season.You celebrate a little while withthe Christmas holidays, and youcome back and get ready for thenext one.”Thenextone isbrimmingwith

potential.Therearesignificantlyfewer questionmarks thanwhatfaced the Yoemen a year ago.

Senior running back TraionS m i t h , w h orushed for 123yards and fivetouchdowns inthe champion-ship game, pro-vides a potentcenterpiece toCameron’s of-fense. He ran for2,250yardsand34touchdowns lastseason.

“He’s a very tough kid,”Rhoades said. “For the last twoyears, he started every gamefor us at the running back posi-tion. We’re a spread offense, sothere’s only one running backthere. It’snobig secretwho isgo-ing to carry the football. Forhimto go through two seasons of 16gamesandnotmissastart inanyof those games, I think that’s atestament to his toughness.”Receiver Aaron Sims edged

out Smith for the offensiveMVPof the championship game lastseason, but Smith already hadanMVP trophy inhand fromhissophomore season.Jacob Smitherman, an injury

fill-in at quarterback for twokeygameshissophomoreyear, takesover that spot. In limited play,Smitherman hit 41 of 69 passesfor 530 yards with four touch-downsandtwointerceptions lastseason. He also started at safety.“He started the Whitney

game and the Refugio game forus — that brings comfort to me,knowing he’s been in a big gamelike the Refugio game,” Rhoadessaid. “Whenhewasn’t startingatquarterback, he started for us atsafety and played a big part. Hehad 10 tackles in the state cham-pionship game.”Junior Sicory Smith had a

strong playoff presence in 2014.The breakaway receiver caught61 passes for 1,272 yards and 15TDs last season.Fourmembersof theoffensive

linereturn—centerJasonAnas-tasiedes, guardsTomasSalomonand Pablo Rodriguez and tackleCody Eickenhorst, who has atouchdown to his credit. He re-coveredafumble toscoreagainstEdna in the state semifinal.“At this point last year, we

didn’t return anybody on the

offensive line,” Rhoades said.“That’s huge, because you’reonly going to be as good as youroffensive line.”

The defense allowed 23 pointsper game while the Yoemen of-fenserolledupbig totals, scoring321 points in six playoff games.

“Last year was a growing sea-son for our defense,” Rhoadessaid. “We started off the seasonand [Waco] Connally put 63points on us. We got better, con-stantlygotbetter, and theymadesome big plays for us, especiallyin the Teague game, which gaveus a chance to advance.”

Teaguewasunbeatenuntil los-

ing to Cameron 42-31 in the areaplayoffs.The defense should improve

with the return of standout nose-guard D’AndreAdams (169 tack-les). The line isalso bolstered byjunior Jesse Val-dez at defensivetackle. Valdezjumped into thelineup during theplayoffs his fresh-man year. He had98 tackles and 25

quarterbackpressureslastseason.Linebacker Alex Ibarra had

148 tackles and was District 10-3A’s defensive newcomer of theyear in 2014. Defensive backJay’Lon Bryant picked off six

passes and had73 tackles.“Jay’Lon may

be the best natu-ral athlete of anykid that we havein our program,”said Rhoades,who consideredplayingBryant atreceiver. “I didn’tknow that hewas

going to be tough enough to playin the secondary for us, and heendedupbeing one of our better

players on defense.”Rhoades admits the chance to

geta fourthstraight title is in theback of his mind, but up front isgetting set to open against theConnally Cadets on Aug. 28.

“Thekey is gettingbetter eachand every week,” Rhoades said.“If we can do that, at the end oftheseasonwemayhaveachanceto play for the fourth one.”

CAMERON YOEMEN

FACTSHead coach — Rick Rhoades(110-36 overall; 68-15 at Cameron)District — 10-3A Division I2014 record — 12-4 (4-1 in 10-3ADivision I)2014 playoffs — Bi-district:def. Glen Rose 41-21; Area: def.Teague 42-31; Regional: def. EastChambers 54-21; Quarterfinal: def.Rockdale 44-25; Semifinal: def.Edna 70-34; State championship:def. Mineola 70-40Playoff appearances (41) —1934, 1936, 1946, 1947, 1948,1951, 1954, 1964, 1965, 1966,1967, 1974, 1975, 1978, 1981,1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986,1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992,1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000,2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006,2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013,2014Returning lettermen — 42 (7offensive, 7 defensive starters)All-time record — 681-341-42Playoff record — 64-35-3

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 28 Waco Connally 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 63-49

Sept 4 Lexington* 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 47-13

Sept 11 at China Spring 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 23-14

Sept 18 at Whitney 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 47-27

Sept 25 Refugio 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 27-20

Oct 2 openDistrict 10-3A Division I

Oct 9 at Rockdale 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 34-27

Oct 16 Troy 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 42-3

Oct 23 at Lago Vista 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 33-14

Oct 30 Florence 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 48-7

Nov 6 at Academy 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 47-7

*Homecoming

ROSTER1 JordanWells; 2 Jalon Bryant; 3 Tyrik Johnson; 4 Caden Harris; 5 Chris Ramirez; ; 6Chris Valdez; 7 Danny Perez; 8 Carlos Herrera; 9 Logan Boyett; 10 Jacob Smitherman;11 Keyshawn Bell; 12 Ramon Rodriguez; 14 Carlton Braziel; 16 Zach Andress; 17IversonWestbrook; 18 Sicory Smith; 20 JordanYoung; 22Titus Lewis; 24Traion Smith;25VincentVargas; 30 Casey Greene; 32TydrickWilliams; 34 Noah Kostroun; 35 JohnnyAlexander; 36Travis Mason; 42Tyler Bennett; 44 JesseValdez; 45 BrandenWilkins; 50Eddie Luna; 52 Alex Ibarra; 54 BrandonMoore; 55 Keaton Hundle; 56 Eduardo Bautista;58 Xavier Torres; 60 DeAndre Adams; 62 Jason Anastasiades; 64 Isaac Cervantes; 66Marcus Lara; 68 Dortavis Lewis; 70Tomas Salomon; 72 BrianMcDonald; 74 PabloRodriguez; 75 Cody Eichenhorst; 76 Paul Lopez; 77 Frank Llanas; 78 Adrian Lewis

CAMERON:Yoehavebig-timeplaymakers onoffense inSmithsContinued from 15

Here are the high schools thathavewonat least three straight statetitles in football:

FIVELake Travis (2007-11)

FOURFort Hancock (1988-2001)Sealy (1994-97)Celina (1998-2001)

THREEAmarillo (1934-36)Abilene (1954-56)Big Sandy* (1973-75)La Marque (1995-97)Midland Lee (1998-2000)Southlake Carroll (2004-06)Carthage (2008-10)Daingerfield (2008-10)Aledo (2009-11)Richland Springs (2010-12)Cameron (2012-14)Allen (2012-14)*One co-championship

4consecutive crowns

Eagle photo by Dave McDermandCameron’s Jacob Smitherman will take over at starting quarterback this season. Lastyear’s starting safety has some experience under center with the Yoemen.

TRAION SMITH

ADAMS

BRYANT


CENTERVILLE TIGERS

Centervillenot ready tosurrender spoton ladderBy LARRY BOWEN

[email protected]

Many of the players whohelped the Centerville footballprogram get over the hump lastseason have graduated, but theTigersaredeterminednot totakea step back, or down, this year.Centerville advanced to the

Class 2A Division I state semifi-nals for thefirst time last season,breaking through after beingeliminated in the third round ineachof thetwopreviousseasons.The Tigers reached that highergroundwithastrongseniorclassleading the way.“We lost a great senior class,”

Centerville coach Kyle Hardeesaid. “Not only were they goodathletes, theywereheavyonskillandtheyweregood leaders,goodkids. But that’s not to say thatwe don’t have good kids comingback.We do.“The good news is I think our

younger kids have continued tolearn from these older kids. Ithought we had a great offsea-son. We had some guys that aregoing tobe seniors this yearwhosteppeduptofill thoseleadershiproles.”Therun to the state semifinals

boostedCenterville’s profileandmade the Tigers a bigger nameopponent this season. It’s a roleHardee is happy for his team tofill.“It probably does put a target

on you, but at the same timethere’s somany benefits,” Hard-ee said. “One is that we got topractice footballuntil thesecondweek of December. Another isbuilding that winning tradition.Our kids expect to be good. Weknow that we have a lot of holesto fill, but we feel good about thekids that we have competing tofill those spots.”Centerville must replace its

starting quarterback and toprunning back, but the Tigershave the foundation of a goodoffense with tailback C.J. Den-

manoperatingbehindapowerfuloffensive line and good blockersin fullback Trevor Goolsby andtight end Coleman Robinson.

Goo l sby a l sorushed for 1,022yards and 19 TDslast season.The linewill be

anchored by se-nior tackles Ken-ny Searcy andTracer Largent.The 280-poundSearcy earnedhonorable men-tion all-state hon-ors last year.“We feel good

about our run-n i n g g am e , ”Hardee said. “Itstarts with whatwe pride our-selves on. I feelgood that we’regoing to play a

physical brand of football.”The Tigers went into pre-

seasonworkoutswith juniorKoyHowle and sophomore HunterFree competing for the startingjobatquarterback.Howle,anall-districtpickatoutsidelinebackerlastyear,was the favorite toearnthe position.

“We feel goodabout the guysthat are compet-ing at that quar-terback spot,”Hardee said.On defense,

Hardee expectsCenterville to besolid up front.Thatgroupwillin-cludeGoolsbyandHowle at outside

linebackers, with Garrett Wagerat insidelinebacker.TheendswillbeRobinsonandDenman.The secondary must be com-

pletely rebuilt. That group wasa team strength last season, ledby All-Brazos Valley selectionsCade Harris and Tully Pickens.

“We know what kind of shoeswe have to fill in the secondary,but we feel good about the guysthat are working there,” Hardeesaid. “They are getting after itand competing.”The back end of the defense

and all of the Tigers should bechallengedearlyandoftenwithanondistrictschedulethatincludesCorrigan-Camden, Trinity, Mar-lin,TroyandMart.Itwasbilledasthe Iron Sharpens Iron Tour lastseason,whenCentervilledroppedthree of its first five games.“Wow, we’re throwing young

kids into the fire early,” Hardeesaid. “Lastyearwegota littlebeatupduringthatstretchandwent2-3,butIdon’tthinkwecouldhavebeenthe teamwewerewithout havinggone through that. It was tough,because thekids justweren’tusedtolosing.Wedon’teverwanttogetused to it, but I think our kids dorealizethatwe’reoutthereplayingtopteamsthatareexpectedtobeinthe playoffs. It’s going tomake usbetter down the road.”

ROSTER4 Kendall Dunn, RB/CB; 6 CJ Denman, RB/DE, sr.; 7 JaredMartin, RB/FS, sr.; 8 Billy Richards,WR/FS, sr.; 11 EthanTaylor, FB/DE; 14 Koy Howle, OLB/RB, jr.; 24 Coleman Robinson, TE/DE,sr.; 25 Caleb Holden,WR/CB, sr.; 44 Trevor Goolsby, FB/DE/MLB, sr.; 51 Tyler Parker, C/DT;53 GarrettWager, sr.; 54 John Persaud, G/T, sr.; 57 Derian Guzman, MLB/G, sr.; 77 KennySearcy, T/DT, sr.; Calam Early, TE/DE, sr.; Cristian Zarate, G/OLB, jr.

FACTSHead coach— Kyle Hardee (61-50 overall; 61-50 at Centerville)District— 12-2A Division I2014 record— 10-4 (5-0 in 12-2ADivision I)2014 playoffs— Bi-district: Bye;Area: def. San Augustine 69-36;Regional: def. Price Carlisle 41-0;Quarterfinal: def. Alton 23-20;Semifinal: lost to Mason 27-7Playoff appearances (14)—1964, 1965, 1966, 1969, 1993,2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007,2011, 2012, 2013, 2014Returning lettermen— 15 (4offensive, 4 defensive starters)All-time record— 347-418-20Playoff record— 12-14-0

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 28 Corrigan-Camden 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 60-40Sept 4 at Trinity 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 51-35Sept 11 at Marlin 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 38-21Sept 18 at Troy 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 17-14Sept 25 Mart 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 49-35Oct 2 Open

District 12-2A Division IOct 9 Lovelady 7 p.m.Last season: W 13-0Oct 16 at Groveton 7 p.m.Last season: W 53-6Oct 23 West Hardin* 7 p.m.Last season: W 61-0Oct 30 at Hull-Daisetta 7 p.m.Last season: W 56-16Nov 6 Anderson-Shiro 7 p.m.Last season: W 55-12*Homecoming

Eagle photos by Sam CraftFullback Tevor Goolsby (left) blocking for tailback C.J. Denman(right) promises to be a solid combination for Centerville.

ROBINSON

SEARCY

WAGER


coach in there. After three orfour weeks, we realized he wasa junior high kid but said, well,you’ve already been in here andyou’ve been doing so good, whynot let you keep going.”

He’sstillgoing,with100tackleslast season at middle linebacker,along with three interceptionsand three sacks. With his playon defense and in the offensivebackfield, Honnas is on the fieldoften.

“You’ve got to stay in shapeand it’s really a mental game,”Honnas said. “You’ve got to keepgoing. Especially in the heat, it’sawful, but you’ve got to do it foryour brothers. That’s who I’mdoing it for.”

Well, at least there are thosespecial teams breaks, right?

“I return on kickoffs,” Hon-nas said. “Not on punts. Yeah, Ido get a little bit of rest duringkickoffs, punts and PATs. That’sabout it. Sometimesondefense. Itry to stay in on offense as muchas possible.”

He has a routine that keepshim ready for the rugged sched-

ule.“I work out as much as pos-

sible, at least three or four timesa week,” Honnas said. “I rest onThursdays and Fridays for thegames. I ice bath. I stretch andall of that. And I do yoga.”

The latter is a portion of theschedule he added recently.

“I started doing that this sum-mer and I feel really confident,”

Honnas said. “I’ve heard that itkeeps you healthy and makesyoufasteralso—stretchingyourmuscles out. It helps you ... nothurt your muscles, straining.”

Honnas is a muscular 205pounds and a tackle-breakingrunner.

“He’s one of those great guyswho has speed and explosion,but he loves contact,” Greensaid. “He really enjoys blocking.That sophomore season was re-ally neat because he was block-ing for his big brother, who wasa smaller big brother.”

Honnas has a goal to play col-lege football.Hehasdrawnsomeinterest from the Air Force andTrinity and hopes this seasoncould open more eyes.

“I’ve got to play lights out,”Honnas said. “Play the best I canand win.”

BrazosChristianwillagainbidfor a playoff run in a tough dis-trict.Again,Honnaswillbeakeyfor opponents to try to hold Bra-zos Christian in check. It mightbecome even more pronouncedwith him at tailback.

“I love the pressure,” Hon-nas said. “Pressure is good and

makes it better. I like competi-tion. Yeah, I like it.”

Eagles have severalreturners set to leadBrazos Christian’s only losses last

season were to district opponents,but the Eagles dropped two gamesto TheWoodlands Christian,with thesecond coming in the second roundof the playoffs.TheEagleshavesolid returningplay-

ers for their competition in the formi-dabledistrict,whereBayAreaChristianreached the state title game.“John Mather, this will be his third

year to start at quarterback,” Greensaid. “He started our playoff gamehis freshman year and he’s been astarter ever since.”Jeyton McNair, who played running

back last season, will be a receiver

but also should contribute to the run-ning game. McNair has breakawayability. He rushed 94 times for 623yardsand five touchdownsasa junior.Mather added 497 rushing yards

and nine TDs. He also passed for544 yards and eight touchdowns.Green says he will have a smaller

line than the Eagles have had, buttackle Zach Gillette is 6-5,260. Cen-ter Drew Price is also 260 pounds.Kyle Foster is a three-year starter atright guard. He is the only senior inthe offensive line.The Eagles will have several two-

way players. Mather and McNair willreturn in the secondary.“We’reprobably not asbigaswe’ve

been on defense,but we’re probablymore athletic,” Green said. “We tryto get turnovers and fly around andhit people.”

ROSTER2Tyler Chism,WB/CB, jr.; 4 JohnMather, QB/SS, sr.; 7Will Lockett,WR/CB, jr.; 8 JeytonMcNair, sr.; 9 BenWeber, soph.; 11 Brayden Cook,WR/DE, soph.; 12Truitt Baldwin, CB/WR,sr.; 15 Chris Coleman, soph.; 22 RussMather, soph.; 23 Jesse Honnas, RB/OLB, sr.; 25 NoahSwope, soph.; 26 Zach Oelze,WR, soph.; 28 Garrett Fleming, jr.; 50 Konner Garrett, soph.;51Travis Head, jr.; 63 Ryan Steel, DE/G, jr.; 64 Taylor Magourik, soph.; 68 Kyle Foster, C, sr.;71 Drew Price, C/DT, jr.; 75 Zach Gillett, G, jr.; 77 LukeThomas, DE/T, sr.; Garrett Fowler, DE,fr.; JakeMueller, MLB, sr.; Tucker Hartis, RB, soph.

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 28 Cypress Christian 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 36-31

Sept 4 Snook 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 23-19

TAPPS Division III District 4Sept 11 at Bay Area Christian 7 p.m.Last season: L 48-7

Sept 19 vs. McKinney Christian+ 1 p.m.Last season: W 35-14

Sept 25 at TheWoodlands Christian 7 p.m.Last season: L 57-14; L 40-14

Oct 2 Magnolia Legacy* 7 p.m.Last season: W 41-14

Oct 9 at Tomball Rosehill 7 p.m.Last season: W 42-14

Oct 16 Houston Lutheran North 7 p.m.Last season: W 59-26

Oct 23 openOct 30 Beaumont Legacy 7 p.m.Last season: W 56-21

Nov 6 St. Joseph 7 p.m.Last season: W 41-0

*Homecoming+nondistrict in China Spring

BRAZOSCHRISTIAN:Mather back for third season at quarterbackContinued from 6

fense and defense. The defensive front willbe bolstered by the return of ends DylanBohnert and Tyler Parker. Bohnert madefirst-team all-district last season.

Sexton calls Williams a great linebacker,and the senior will play more defense thisseason.That’sfinewithWilliams,whohasalinebacker mentality when he’s at runningback.

“I’mnot the fastestguy,but I’mnotslow,”Williamssaid.“I’mabiggerguy. I’m205andI’vegotsomemeatonmybones. I’ll jukeyouandI’ll runoveryou. It justdependsonhowI feel. I love being physical.”

Williams should be a comfort to whoeverplaysquarterbackfortheOwls.Earlyinpre-season workouts, senior Payton Igo and ju-nior Brad Johnson were competing for the

starting position.Sexton expects his team to benefit from

a second season in the coaching staff’s sys-tem.

Sexton took over the program last yearaftercoachinginMagnoliaandhasadjustedto working at a small school without muchfootball tradition.

“People have to remember that thesekids didn’t grow up playing football,” Sex-ton said. “There’s not little league footballhere. We’ve only had football for six years.This is all kind of new to them, and that’spart of the growing process.

“We’ve just got to get more consistent.Our kids have to understand the game offootball a little better, how everything fitstogether and how all the positions have toworktogether.Aseveryyeargoesby, I thinkwe do better and better at that.”

ANDERSON:Williamsgives theOwlsdefensive centerpiece atLBContinued from 6

BRAZOS VALLEY TOP 10

•Here are the Top10 coaches in termsof all-time victories currently coaching inthe Brazos Valley:

1. Mike Hedrick, Franklin . . . . . 2572. Ross Rogers, Bryan . . . . . . 2263. Glen West, Brenham . . . . . 2074. Lee Fedora, Navasota . . . . . 1555. Rick Rhoades, Cameron . . . . 1106. Steve Huff, College Station . . 1077. Greg Morgan, Madisonville . . 1018. Jeff Miller, Rockdale . . . . . . 939. David Raffield, A&MConsolidated 8510. Kyle Hardee, Centerville . . . 61

4COACHINGVICTORIES 4PlAyOffVICTORIES• With back-to-back-to-back state titles, theCameron Yoemen have taken over the BrazosValley lead in all-time playoff victories:

1. Cameron. . . . . . . . . . . . 642. Bremond. . . . . . . . . . . . 593. Navasota . . . . . . . . . . . 464. Brenham. . . . . . . . . . . . 445. A&M Consolidated . . . . . . . 406. Calvert. . . . . . . . . . . . . 307. Lexington . . . . . . . . . . . 278. Franklin . . . . . . . . . . . . 259. Rockdale . . . . . . . . . . . 2310. Bryan. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

OnlineFor coverage of the 2015 high school football sea-son fromWeek 0 to the state title games,visit TheEagle.com.

theeagle com


COLLEGE STATION COUGARS

PrecisePreciadoBy DAVID CAMPBELL

[email protected]

College Station senior RajahPreciado has a checklist for suc-cess.“I like to be a perfectionist,”

Preciado said. “I have this goalsheet at my house. I write downall my goals for the day — dailygoals, monthly goals, yearlygoals. You know, future goals,and it’s fun each day to scratchoff a new goal. I like to try to beperfect, even though I know per-fect is unattainable.”Preciado, who has commit-

ted to Baylor, had an outstand-ing junior season at safety as a16-year-old (he will not turn 17

until September this year). Hehad119tackles,breakingupeightpasses and picking off two.He grew up in Stockton, Cali-

fornia, andstartedschool earlierthan he would have in Texas, sowhen Fresno State offered ascholarship, it was appealing.“The Fresno State offer, when

I got that I was pretty ecstatic,”saidPreciado,whohasbeenherefor six years. “My Grandpa livesin Fresno and Stockton is about45 minutes away. My primaryfamily now lives in College Sta-tion —Mom, Dad, two brothers— and this is family. These peo-ple are my family. I’ve learned

Cougar senior works hard at safety

Eagle photo by Dave McDermandCollege Station’s Rajah Preciado (right) and Timarcus Davis are key returners for the Cougars in the secondary.See COUGARS, Page 20


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so much from the people in thisarea.”His head football coach, Steve

Huff, was impressed early.“WhenIgothere,hewasgoing

to be a ninth-grader,” Huff said.“He’sbeenoneof theworkhorsesthe whole time. He’s not only agreat athlete and a great kid buthe’s also a lead-by-example guy.He goes out and works, like Jer-emiah Booker would.”Because of that, Preciado has

seen significant action for theCougars since his freshman sea-son.“I was nervous and didn’t

know what to expect,” Preciadosaid. “I was so young coming inand playing against grownmen.I guess I did the best I can do.”Hehas continued that. Precia-

do has the ability to play undercontrol mixed with the under-standing of when to gamble fora big play.“It’s years of footwork for

him,” Huff said. “He’s dad’sbeen working on his footwork,like his little brother now, sincetheycouldwalk.Theother thingis reps and confidence. Any kidthat has the confidence to breakon a ball and take those chances... you may get one behind youevery now and then. You’re go-ing to get more plays made infront of you and still make playsbehind you just because of theconfidence level.”Preciado will also do the hard

work. He had 19 tackles againstBryan last season, serving asthe Cougars’ primary tackleragainst the Vikings’ standoutrunner KeeKee Johnson.“I was playing last season at

175-ish,” Preciado said of hisweight. “I don’t knowhowmuchKeeKee weighed, but it seemedlike it was two times as much.Every tackle Imade, itwasdownlow.”Preciado believes he has

learned a lot on the football fieldbut remains anxious to learnmore in any endeavor.

“I like to obtain knowledge inanywaypossible,”Preciadosaid.“I like to get smarter, not justfootball-smart. I want to get bet-teratspeakingandI liketoread. Ilike to read self-help books.”For one more season, he will

be a big help to the Cougars.Preciado also excels on specialteams.Heaveraged39.4yardsonninekickoffreturns, takingbackone for a touchdown. He addedanother score on a punt return,averaging 21.3 yards on 11 tries.Hisenthusiasmandworkethic

are infectious.“Kids sometimes are blessed

withtalentanddon’tfosterit,”Huffsaid. “Raj was definitely blessedwith talent, butwhat he has donewith his talent is why he iswhereheisrightnow.Icanrememberlastyear before all of these combinesand stuffwere going on, it wouldbe in themiddle of the afternoonin summertime. I’d hear the doorin thefieldhouse, and I’d look outand see Raj pulling his sled. He’dhave two or three guys with him,just doing extra stuff.”

Easterling to takereins at quarterbackReece Easterling, a 6-foot-2 ju-

nior, takes over at quarterbackafter starter Ty Brock broke hisleg in theCougars’ scrimmageatBastrop earlier this month.Brock, who completed 32 of

47 passes for 528 yards and eighttouchdowns last season, hadlocked down the starting spotin spring practice. Even beforeBrock’s injury,Hufftalkedaboutthe quality depth at the position.Easterling was the JV quar-

terback last season. Marquez

Perez, who quarterbacked thefreshman team, could back upEasterling aswell as play receiv-er. Jacob Blaha, a junior, couldalso contribute.Chris Sennette is College Sta-

tion’s leader among runningbacks returning. He rushed32 times for 581 yards and fivetouchdowns last season and al-so caught 19 passes for 190 yardsand one score.“He’sbigChrisnow,”Huffsaid.

“We’ve got little Chris, which isChrisMonroe.”Sennette played last season at

inside slot receiver andwill playwherevertheCougarsdeterminehis highest value will be.Charlie Glover pulled in eight

passes for 232 yards and threetouchdowns last year and re-turns to the receiving corps.Glover was a multi-positionplayer a year ago, but coacheswill try to make his role morefocused in 2015.Travis Bettiol returns on the

offensive line, while the promot-edJVplayershavetheadvantageof a year working together.The defense is bolstered by

the return of Mark Wagner, ajunior linebacker who causedsix fumbles and recovered three.He is the Cougars’ top returningtacklerwith120, includingsix forlosses.Hewillmovefromoutsideto inside.Defensive end K.J. Grimes

recorded 52 tackles including apair of sacks.EvanCrockettwillplay endwith the Cougars usinga rotation on the defensive line.Cornerback CedrickWilliams

will also highlight a big-play de-fense.Hehad four interceptions,eight pass breakups and 57 total

tackles lastseason.Williamsmaysee extended time on offensebecause of his game-breakingability. Glover, whose priorityposition is on offense, will playdefense, too.Timarcus Davis, a junior who

plays the other cornerback spot,had three picks.Junior kicker Ryan Bowersox

connectedonall eightof hisfieldgoal tries last season. He was al-

so good on 65 of 69 extra points.Crockett will punt. Joe Sellerscame over from the soccer teamand is in the mix to take overkicking duties.

COLLEGE STATION COUGARS

COUGARS:Preciado also givesCougars aplaymakeron special teamsContinued from 19

Eagle photo by Dave McDermandChris Sennette is College Station’s leading returning rusher after running for 581 yardsand five touchdowns last season.

FACTSHead coach— Steve Huff (107-74 in Oklahoma, Washington andTexas; 20-10 at College Station)District— 18-5A2014 record— 8-3 (6-1 in 18-5A)2014 playoffs— 5A Division II bi-district: lost to Hutto 56-52Playoff appearances (1)— 2014Returning lettermen— 18 (4offensive, 6 defensive starters)All-time record— 20-10Playoff record— 0-1

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 28 Rosenberg Terry 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 35-19Sept 4 at Waco 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 48-17Sept 11 OpenSept 18 at Elgin 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 51-34

District 18-5ASept 25 Willis 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 59-21Oct 2 at Rudder 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 83-20Oct 9 Livingston* 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 71-17Oct 16 at Huntsville 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 48-27Oct 23 A&M Consolidated 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 34-31Oct 30 at Bryan 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 41-34 (OT)Nov 6 Caney Creek 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 63-7*Homecoming

ROSTER1Marquez Perez, soph.; 2 QuandreeWhite, soph.; 3 Reece Easterling, jr.; 4 Rajah Preciado, sr.; 5 ChrisSennette, sr.; 6 Charlie Glover, sr.; 7 Timarcus Davis, jr.; 9 CedrickWilliams, sr.; 10 Chris Monroe, jr.; 11Ty Brock, jr.; 12 AlexMiller, sr.; 14 Joe Sellers, sr.; 15Mark Golladay, sr.; 20 Grant Stepan, sr.; 21 BradenTschirhart, jr.; 22 Justin Gosch, sr.; 23 Casey Fernandez, sr.; 24 Jerron Jones, jr.; 25 Evan Crockett, sr.; 30Anthony Flores, jr.; 31 Ryan Bowersox, jr.; 32 Dylan Carnes, jr.; 33Wyatt Bishop, sr.; 40MarkWagner,jr.; 41 Patrick Clouston, sr.; 42 Jordan Fox, jr.; 44 Chase Spaw, sr.; 46 K.J. Grimes, sr.; 48 Bailey Simmons,sr.; 50 AustinMincher, sr.; 52 Travis Bettiol, sr.; 54Will Efendiev, sr.; 55 BrennerWalichowski, sr.; 61 IanWooley, jr.; 62 Traes Hogan, sr.; 70 Garrett Grant, jr.; 71 David Hahn, soph.; 72 John King, sr.; 74 JacobCervantes, sr.; 75 Josh Donovan, jr.; 76 Jordan Seymore, sr.; 78 Paul Eugene, sr.; 79 David Ornelas, sr.;80 Christian Alexander, jr.; 85 Noah Herring, jr.; 91 KeKe Anderson, soph.; 94Marquise Conchola, sr.; 99Jordan Brumley, sr.



Franklin’shard-charging,run-based offensive attack hasmadethe Lions a high school footballpowerhouse, and a good offensecan be the best defense.This year, though, a good

defense could be the Lions’strength.Second-team all-state line-

backer Will Phillips, who hascommitted to Rice, is a big-timeperformer for Franklin. He wasDistrict 12-3A Division II defen-sive player of the year last sea-son.“Defensively,of course I’vegot

Will starting at linebacker andJacob Dorsett either as a corneror a free safety, because we kindof rotate those cats around,”Franklin coach Mike Hedricksaid. “Two of our defensive endsare back, Rodney Rogers andBobby Graham, and they areprettysolidkids.Theyareprettymobile kids. They can run, andthey are real strong.”Both Rogers and Graham

weigh in around 190 pounds,while 260-pound Blake Johnsonreturns at defensive tackle.The of fense, which lost

2,200-yardrusherMorganBrew-er to graduation, may be morediverse this season.“This kid that moved in last

year, Kameron Fuller, right nowisourfirstquarterback,”Hedricksaid of his transfer from Califor-nia. “It’s going to give us a littleversatility. It gives us another di-mension that you’ve got to cover.We’re pretty pleasedwith that.”Franklin remains loadedwith

backfield talent, including full-backs Brandon Graham (92 car-ries, 533yards)andDrewFannin(65-449). They rotated as starterslast year.At tailback, JacobDorsett and

Roderick Green will get actionwith freshman Jared Pedrazawaiting to back them up.Phillips and Stephen Com-

mander will share time at half-back.Commanderrushedfor418yards last season,when eight Li-onsgainedat least200yardseachon the ground.“Stephen is a smart kid, so

he can play fullback and playhalfback for us,” said Hedrick,the Brazos Valley’s leader in ca-reer coaching victorieswith 257.“He’skindof ourrotationalguy.”Phillips has been a threat in

thepassinggame,catchingsevenpasses for 260 yards as a junior.Dorsett is a triple threat who

also kicks. As a back and kicker,Dorsett scored 74 points last sea-son.“He’s a real quiet kid, but he’s

a real competitor,”Hedrick said.“He’s a good kicker. Heck, he’sone of the best kickers I’ve everhad.”The interior of the offensive

line, often a strength for the Li-ons, is rebuilding this year.Franklin will incorporate

someyoung players in other keyroles.“Thomas Box is our backup

quarterback, but he also is ourbest strong safety on defense,”Hedrick said. “He can play tightend and quick end. He’s a versa-tile kind of kid.”The Lions have won at least

10 games each of the last threeseasons,andplayerswillingtofill

keyrolesasbackupshaveplayeda large part in that success.“Earlyon, it’s sohot,”Hedrick

said. “I’m trying to get as manykidsasIcanwithsomebodyrightbehind them that’s pretty good,too, so we can get them off thefield.”

FRANKLIN LIONS

ROSTER2 Kameron Fuller, QB/FS, sr.; 3Will Phillips, HB/LB, sr.; 4 Jacob Dorsett, TB/CB, sr.; 5 CodyWilson, QE/SS, jr.; 6 Austin Davis, QE/FS, jr.; 7 Rodrick Green, TB/CB, jr.; 8 ZaneWallace, QE/DE, sr.; 10 Stephen Commander, FB/LB, sr.; 11 Thomas Box, TE/SS, jr.; 15 Jared Pedraza, TB/DB, fr.; 16 KadeMitchell, QB/CB, sr.; 22 Jacob Bush, QE/SS, sr.; 24Will Fannin, HB/LB, fr.; 30BlaneMcCullough, HB/SS, jr.; 32 Rodney Rogers, HB/DE, sr.; 33 Bobby Graham, FB/DE, jr.;34 Drew Fannin, FB/LB, jr.; 38 Clayton Rosprim, HB/LB, fr.; 40 Nick Lopez, FB/LB, soph.; 44Brandon Graham, FB/DE, sr.; 50 Anthony Stokely, C/DT, jr.; 51 DaltonWatkins, G/DT, soph.;52 Cole Tarver, T/DT, jr.; 54 Clayton Swonke, C/DT, sr.; 55 Trey Endsley, T/DT, sr.; 60 BryantMathis, T/DT, jr.; 62 Clint Duewall, C/DE, sr.; 65 RaheemGreen, G/DE, jr.; 66 LaneMorgan, T/DT, jr.; 68 JacobMarchbanks, G/DT, soph.; 70Tim Lockhart, G/LB, jr.; 75 Casey Phillips, T/DT,soph.; 77 Blake Johnson, T/DT, jr.; 80 Ian Knight, TE/DT, sr.; 81 Julian Garcia, QE/DE, sr.; 82QueMorrow, DE/TE, sr.

FACTSHead coach—Mike Hedrick (257-150-11 overall; 79-27 at Franklin)District— 12-3A Division II2014 record— 10-2 (5-1 in 12-3ADivision II)2014 playoffs— Bi-district: def.Garrison 57-13; Area: def. Maypearl51-13; Regional: lost to Newton49-21Playoff appearances (27)— 1951,1953, 1955, 1961, 1965, 1970, 1972,1975, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1983, 1984,1986, 1988, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2003,2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012,2013, 2014Returning lettermen— 21 (6offensive, 7 defensive starters)All-time record— 524-363-38Playoff record— 25-26-1

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 28 at Rogers 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 37-7Sept 4 Madisonville 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 59-31Sept 11 at Arp 7:30 p.m.Sept 18 Marlin 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 35-33

District 12-3A Division IISept 25 at Buffalo 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 77-0Oct 2 Hearne 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 61-0Oct 9 OpenOct 16 at Trinity 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 70-0Oct 23 NewWaverly* 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 36-0Oct 30 at Lexington 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 79-14Nov 6 Leon 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 21-20*Homecoming

Defense ready topull itsweight inFranklin

Eagle photo by Sam CraftFranklin will use defensive back Jacob Dorsett at cornerback or free safety depending on the situation.



Coaches facing the taskof rebuildingahighschoolfootball program such asHearne’sChipBakercoulduse a few blue-chip pros-pects,but inmostcases themore likelykeys tosuccessare blue-collar guys.Christian Contreras is

one of those players forBaker’s Eagles, the typeof leader by example uponwhom the second-yearcoachwants to build. Con-treras, a senior who playsoffensive and defensivetackle, earns high marksfrom Baker for his contri-butionsonthefieldandoff.“It means a lot to have a

guy like him,” Baker said.“He’s the picture of whatyou want your athletesto be. In our program, wewant every athlete to belike him. If we have a lotmore like that guy, we’llbe inagoodplace.Thekidswill be doing everythingthey can do and giving 100percent effort in every-thing they do every day.”Baker raves about Con-

treras’ work ethic andcommitment. If theweightroom is open for business,Contrerasalmostalways isthere working.“It’s justathingI learned

from my family,” Contre-ras said. “It came easy tome to be responsible andstuff like that. Itmakesmefeel great that coach feelsthat way aboutme.”Contreras embraces his

role as a leader and a rolemodel, managing to earnhiscoaches’approvalwith-out alienating teammates.“I’m very supportive of

theotherguys,”Contrerassaid. “I always try to talkto them,keeptheirheadupand be their friend. If I’m

ontimeanddoingwhat I’msupposedtodo, that’sprob-ably going to help me outand the team.”Contreras is 5-foot-7 and

weighs 240 pounds. Hequalified for the regionalpowerlifting tournamenteach of the last two years.“He’s a solid kid,”Baker

said. “Heworksveryhard.He’sverydependable.Alotof times you hear aboutkids getting into trouble,but he’s one of those whois just so consistent on do-ing things right. You don’theara lotabout thoseguys.He is always that kid. He’salwaysonpoint.Whenyouneedsomething tobedone,he gets it done. You don’thave to worry about it.”

Contreras hopes to at-tend college and become acoach.He seesBaker as anexcellent example.“I think it’sgreat forhim

tobehere,”Contrerassaid.“Himbeing fromHearne isgreat. I think it helps himconnect with the playersevenbetter.He’sdoingrealgood.He’salwaysthereandsupporting. I thinkthepro-gram ismoving forward.”Bakerwashired late last

summertoreplaceClintonSmith, who made a sur-prising decision to returnto Burton as an assistantcoach. Baker, who spent15 years as an assistantcoach at Conroe, had lessthan a month to preparefor the start of preseason

workouts.With little experience

returning from a teamthat went 4-6 and missedthe playoffs, the Eaglesstruggled to an 0-9mark inBaker’s first year. HearneabsorbedlopsidedbeatingsineachgameinDistrict 12-3A Division II.“I’m very pleased with

the progress that we’vemade,”Bakersaid.“Arewewhere we want to be? No,but I’m pleased with whatwe’ve done so far, because

we’ve put somework in.“I’mproudof thefactthat

our kids finished the foot-ball season and did thingsthe right way. We want towin games, but more thanthatwe’vegottoteachthemhow to win in life. I thinkwe’ve done a very good jobof that.Thewinswill comeonthefieldandonthecourt

whenyouteachthemthosethings like hard work, sac-rifice and doing things forthe good of the team.”

HEARNE EAGLES

ContrerasgivingHearne something tobuildonROSTER

1Tu’Darrius Miles,WR/DB, soph.; 2 Alex Ramirez, QB/DB, jr.; 3 Jadarrius Adams, TE/OLB, jr.; 5 Ty’nnerickMiles, RB/LB,soph.; 6 Cedrion Golden, RB/ILB, soph.; 8 CorvianWorkman,WR/DB, sr.; 11 DwainMiller, FB/OLB, jr.; 15 David Castilleja,WR/DB, soph.; 21 Da’shonYoung,WR/DB, jr.; 22 Ed’raeshonTindle,WR/DB, soph.; 23 Nic Castilleja,WR/DB, jr.; 24 NevinDunn, RB/ILB, sr.; 26 TobianceThomas, TE/OLB, sr.; 28 Keandre Foley, RB/ILB, soph.; 44 DeVandru Seymore, TE/OLB, jr.;52 Jeremy Nelson, OL/DL, jr.; 53 Arthur Pryor, OL/ILB, jr.; 54 Orlando Alvarado, OL/DL, sr.; 55 Paul Lopez, OL/DL, sr.; 56AnthonyWilliams, OL/DL, jr.; 58 DylanWoods, OL/DL, soph.; 60 StevenMcCravy, OL/DL, jr.; 63 Steven Sifuentes, OL/DL, jr.;74 Cristian Contreras, OL/DL, sr.

Senior wideoutand defensiveback CorvianWorkman willtry to help theHearne Eaglesget off to a goodstart when theyhost Bremondon Friday intheir season-opener.

Eagle photoby DaveMcDermand

FACTSHead coach —Chip Baker (0-9 over-all; 0-9 at Hearne)District — 12-3A Division II2014 record — 0-9 (0-6 in 12-3ADivision II)2014 playoffs —Did not qualify.Playoff appearances (15) — 1936,1937, 1939, 1952, 1954, 1961, 1982,1983, 1985, 1988, 2002, 2005, 2006,2008, 2012Returning lettermen — 17 (8 offen-sive, 6 defensive starters)All-time record — 467-433-39Playoff record — 7-15-0

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 28 Bremond 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 40-8

Sept 4 Caldwell 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 42-0

Sept 11 at Rosebud-Lott 7:30 p.m.Sept 18 at Burton 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 54-6

Sept 25 OpenDistrict 12-3A Division IIOct 2 at Franklin 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 61-0

Oct 9 Trinity* 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 51-0

Oct 16 at NewWaverly 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 51-12

Oct 23 Lexington 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 54-0

Oct 30 at Leon 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 60-0

Nov 6 Buffalo 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 63-14

*Homecoming


Two LocationsServing You!

1741 University Drive East,College Station, TX 77840

(Between Home Depot & Cheddars)

979.846.3600Sunday-Thursday: 11am to 12am

Friday-Saturday: 11am to 1am

1740 Rock Prairie Road,College Station, TX 77840

979.680.0508Sunday-Thursday: 11am to 12am

Friday-Saturday: 11am to 1am

IOLA BULLDOGS

Veterandefensewillhelp Iola reloadonrunBy LARRY BOWEN

[email protected]

There might not be anotherhigh school football team in theBrazos Valley with as big a holeto fill as Iola, but the Bulldogsare uniquely equipped to plugthe gap.

Iola returns 10 starters from adefense that dominated at timesas the Bulldogs reached theClass 2A Division II state quar-terfinals. That strength shouldhelp Iola deal with the loss ofquarterback Hayden Martinez,who graduated after three yearsas the starter and focus of theground-based offense.

Senior Will Nevill is slatedto take over at quarterback butwon’tbeasked tocarry the team.The Bulldogs will pin their highhopesonthedefensiveunit ledbysenior end Ryan Renick.

“The expectations are veryhigh,” saidheadcoachPeteMar-tinez, who has taken Iola to theplayoffs in each of his first threeseasons.“Wefeel likewe’regoingto hang our hat on the defense.We feel like that can keep us ingames, and hopefully we’ll beable to fill some holes on the of-fensivesideandscratchoutsomepoints and put together somewins.”

LastyeartheBulldogswent11-1, roaring throughDistrict 12-2ADivision II to earn a first-roundbye, then beating Muenster andChilton before falling 35-28 totraditional power Tenaha in thefourth round. Bidding for theprogram’s first trip to the semi-finals since 1998, the Bulldogswere stopped on a fourth-and-goal with about 3 minutes leftagainst Tenaha.

“We didn’t play like we werecapable of playing against Tena-ha, and we came up just short,”Coach Martinez said. “Havingthe success and advancing as faras we did, we really feel like it’sgoing to pay off for us this year.We just feel like there’s no sub-stitute for the experience under

the lights, especially thatdeep inthe playoffs. The kids are reallyhungry to get back there. I thinkthey believe they can get thatdeep again, if not deeper.”

Over the last three years, theBulldogs went mostly whereHayden Martinez’ sturdy legsled them. The development oflast year’s defense filled withunderclassmen should smooththetransitiontoamorebalancedteam.

“We’re very, very optimistic,”Coach Martinez said. “We al-most feel more team unity nowthat they feel like we’ve got todepend on everyone. We’re go-ingtobestrongerinournumbersmore than in one dimension. It’sareallynice feelingwehavewiththe kids right now. I don’t think

we’ve blinked an eye about it atall.”

It’s easier not to blink witha shut-down defense, and Iolahas the makings. The Bulldogshave one significant defender toreplace in the graduated ReedFairbanks, but they feature apotential star in the 6-foot-4,240-pound end Renick, who isathletic enough to play slot re-ceiver on offense.

“He’s the kid that as a coachyou dream about getting, wishyou had more of him,” Martinezsaid.“Hemovesreallywell.Prob-ably more than anything, he’sjust a great kid, very coachable,very intelligent.”

The Bulldogs also should bestoutupthemiddle.Martinezhasgreatexpectationsfor inside line-

backers Colton Renick, a sopho-more,andRyanBennett,a junior.Colton Renick led Iola with 147tackles last year. Both lineback-ers received honorable mentionall-state honors last season.

“ColtonRenickwillbeanotherkey part of what we do,” Marti-nez said. “He was a little lightin the britches last year, but hehas blossomed and put on someweight. He’s very, very athletic.Ryan Bennett is always at theright place at the right time.”

Ball carriers who manage toclear the defensive front couldhave a difficult time runningaway from a secondary led byspeedster Tyler Dykes. He fin-ished fourth in the 100 meters at

thestate trackmeet lastspringasa freshman. He will play cornerand safety this season.

“I thinkTylerDykes isgoingtobeaneye-opener,”Martinezsaid.

Dykes also figures prominent-ly into the new offensive schemeat wide receiver. The receivingcorps also will feature juniorsCory Creamer and CameronDarby.

“We’re taking a different ap-proach,”Martinez said. “We justneed Will to get the ball to thoseguys inspace. Insteadof hangingourhatsomuchontherun,we’regoingtotrytomoveitaroundandget the ball in space to the guysthat we feel like can make thingshappen.”

FACTSHead coach — Pete Martinez (23-19 overall; 16-6 at Iola)District — 12-2A Division II2014 record — 11-1 (5-0 in 12-2ADivision II)2014 playoffs — Bi-district:Bye; Area: def. Muenster 35-21;Regional: def. Chilton 34-9;Quarterfinal: lost to Tenaha 35-28Playoff appearances (15)—1939, 1960, 1991, 1992, 1993,1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2001,2005, 2006, 2012, 2013, 2014Returning lettermen — 22 (6offensive, 10 defensive startersAll-time record — 360-331-17Playoff record — 15-14-1

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 28 at Somerville 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 65-0

Sept 4 OpenSept 11 Anderson-Shiro 7:30 p.m.Sept 18 at Milano 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 26-0

Sept 25 at Thrall 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 59-7

Oct 2 Cross Plains 7 p.m.District 12-2A Division II

Oct 9 Evadale* 7 p.m.Last season: W 50-14

Oct 16 at Sabine Pass 7 p.m.Last season: W 73-0

Oct 23 Burkeville 7 p.m.Last season: W 69-6

Oct 30 Colmesneil 7 p.m.Last season: W 73-14

Nov 6 at Normangee 7 p.m.Last season: W 57-12

*Homecoming

ROSTER1 Canyon Ramirez,WR/CB, 5-8, 155, sr.; 2 Tyler Dykes,WR/DB, 5-10, 165, soph.; 3 AndrewCrenshaw, QB/DB, 5-11, 165, fr.; 4 Coy Creamer,WR/DB, 6-0, 165, jr.; 5 Colton Renick, RB/OLB, 5-10, 185, soph.; 6 Cole Johnson,WR/CB, 5-11, 175, sr.; 7 Cameron Darby,WR/FS,6-0, 180, jr.; 8 Kaiden Halley, QB/LB, 6-0, 185, fr.; 9 Hector Arzola,WR/OLB, 5-10, 175, sr.; 10Dalton Burke,WR/OLB, 5-7, 160, jr.; 11Will Nevill, QB/DB, 6-4, 205, sr.; 15 Ryan Renick,WR/DE, 6-4, 240, sr.; 20 KodyMcKnight,WR/DB, 5-6, 145, soph.; 22 Cameron Degrate, RB/DE,6-0, 190, soph.; 24 JD Funderburk, K/CB, 5-10, 125, fr.; 28 KyleMeadows,WR/DB, 5-11, 165,jr.; 34 Ryan Bennett, RB/ILB, 6-0, 180, jr.; 40 Dylan Riojas, RB/LB, 5-8, 165, soph.; 44TaylorStabler, OL/DL, 6-1, 220, jr.; 50 Benton Keller, OL/DL, 5-10, 185, jr.; 52 Dawson Utz, OL/DL,6-0, 220, sr.; 53 Kurtis Bradicich, OL/ILB, 5-11, 175, jr.; 54 Tyler Raley, OL/DL, 6-0, 245, jr.; 55Preston Futrell, OL/LB, 5-8, 175, fr.; 56 TraceWolf, OL/DE, 6-3, 190, sr.; 57 DonnieWade, OL/DE, 6-1, 185, sr.; 58 Quinn Costello, OL/DL,5-10, 165, fr.; 70 Cody Ozbolt, OL/DL, 6-0, 185,fr.; 72 Josh Glass, OL/DL, 6-1, 175, jr.; 74 Ethan Perry, OL/DL, 6-2, 290, soph.; 75 Cain Carter,OL/DL, 5-9, 175, soph.; 76 Zach Dingledine, OL/DL, 5-7, 145, fr.; 77 Ryan Lawrence, OL/DL,6-1, 205, fr.; 78 Greg Degrate, OL/DL, 6-1, 265, so.

Eagle photo by Dave McDermandSophomore Tyler Dykes placed fourth in the 100 meters at the state track meet lastspring andwill use that speed in the Bulldogs’secondary and receiving corps this year.


LEON COUGARS

Cougarspoised toshowsomeoffensivepunchBy DAVID CAMPBELL

[email protected]

The Leon Cougars won’t bebothered if you find them moreoffensive this year.

The Cougars, best known fortheir defense in 2014 when theyheldopponentstounder17pointspergame,havenumerous stand-out offensive players returning.

“I’m not certain that this isn’tthebestoffensiveteamthatwe’vehad here in the number of yearsI’vebeenhere,”LeoncoachKeithSitton said. “We’ve got two rush-ers coming back that rushed foralmost 1,100 yards apiece. Ourquarterback threw nine touch-downs. We’ve got the core of ourreceiving corps back. We’ve gota lot of weapons coming back.”

Peyton Archibald is a punish-

ingrunnerat fullback.Theoffen-sive MVP in District 12-3A Divi-

sion II rushed for1,069 yards and14 touchdownsas a junior lastseason.

“We’ve got adanged batteringram at fullback,”Sitton said. “Pey-ton has improvedfrom last yearand he was ahorse last year.”

Archibald also caught fivepasses for 99 yards and a touch-down.

Corbin Watson provides thecounterpunch to Archibald’spower game. The running backrushedfor1,054yardsand12TDslast season. Watson has the abil-

ity to turn the corner.“He’s our best athlete,” Sitton

said. “He’s got good speed. Wecan get him out on the edge. He’sgotgreathands.Hewasabigpartof our passing game. I’d like tosee him be a little more physicalin our running game and on de-fense. If he does that, I think hecan go play somewhere when hegraduates.”

Watson caught 11 passes for181 yards and four touchdownslast year.

Quarterback Blake Lowrycompletes theset.The juniorwillbe more of a direct factor in theoffense after completing 32 of 69passes for 502 yards last season.LowrythrewnineTDpassesandwas picked off five times.

“He’s grown up a whole lotfrom last year,” Sitton said. “We

can invest a lotmore inourpass-ing game. With the guys in thebackfieldwe’vegotcomingback,that’s going to make them a lotbetter. If we can be consistentpassing the ball, we’re going to

be hard to defend.”Standout offensive tackle

FACTSHead coach — Keith Sitton (42-51overall; 42-51 at Leon)District — 12-3A Division II2014 record — 8-3 (5-1 in 12-3ADivision II)2014 playoffs — Bi-district: lostto Corrigan-Camden 38-8Playoff appearances (13)—1982, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1992,1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2005,2009, 2010, 2014Returning lettermen — 14 (7offensive, 5 defensive starters)All-time record — 237-276-11Playoff record — 4-13-0

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 28 Normangee 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 30-6

Sept 4 at Elkhart 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 34-14

Sept 11 at Riesel 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 27-0

Sept 18 Lovelady* 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 35-12

District 12-3A Division IISept 25 Trinity 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 42-26

Oct 2 at New Waverly 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 18-14

Oct 9 Lexington 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 20-14

Oct 16 openOct 23 at Buffalo 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 34-0

Oct 30 Hearne 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 60-0

Nov 6 at Franklin 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 21-20

*Homecoming

See LEON, Page 25

ARCHIBALD


LEXINGTON EAGLES

Sergio Sanchez (6-foot-2, 280pounds)hasbeenpartneredwithMatthew Roach (6-2, 215) on thestrong side, after Roach shiftedfrom tackle to guard. Sanchez isapowerfulblocker, and thehigh-energy Roach will pull to leadrunningplays.He’salsoabighit-ter at defensive end. All-districtcenterTobeZientek also is back,effectively giving Leon one sideof the offensive line filled withveterans.Junior tight end Rhett Read

(6-3, 220) is part of that group ofblockers.With his size and someof thebesthandson the team,hepresents matchup problems for

Leon’s opponents.“That gives us the ability to

lineuponthestrongsideandrunatpeopleandfeelcertainthatyoucan handle what people put infront of you,” Sitton said. “Rhettwas a big part of our offense inthe passing game because youreally have matchup problemswith him. He’s a big target, easyto see. You can put him in differ-ent spots and try to exploit themismatches.”While Leon lost a stellar line-

backer corps to graduation, theCougars have a strong juniorclass that could strengthen theirchancetorepeatasdistrictcham-pionsthisseason.Leon’swinoverFranklininthefinaldistrictgame

earned the Cou-gars a portion ofthe tri-champion-shipinDistrict12-3ADivision II lastseason.Archibald will

move to middlelinebacker, withC h r i s t o p h e rNashandZientek

also playing linebacker.“There’s going to be some

growingpains forusat lineback-er,” Sitton said. “As the seasonmoves forward, we’re going toimprove tremendously. You’regoingtoseeabig jumpinourpro-duction, but I think we’re goingto be solid there from the start.”

CornerbackBradleyBerryhill,whose speed contributes to hisreceiving ability on offense, hasbeen an excellent defender andmoves towhatSittoncallsLeon’s“raider backer” to better utilizehis athletic ability. His stuntingshould be a factor.He’ll have lots of work on of-

fense, too.

“Bradley Berryhill is going toexplode out there for us,” Sittonsaid. “He looks real explosive atourhalfback spot, andwe’re try-ing to findmore ways to get himthe ball.”Junior Cash Crane is back at

cornerbackaftermissing all lastseasonwitha leg injury sufferedduring two-a-days.

ROSTER2 Jeremy Bradbury,WB/CB, jr.; 5 Kelbee Cupit, SE/S, sr.; 6 Bradley Berryhill, RB/CB, sr.; 10Blake Lowry, QB/OLB, jr.; 11 Cash Crane, SE/CB, jr.; 12 Peyton Archibald, RB/LB, jr.; 14 JaredTheis, RB/OLB, jr.; 15 CorbinWatson, TB/CB, jr.; 22 Dominic Cole, SE/CB, sr.; 32MadisonMason, TE/DE, jr.; 38 Sam Runge, SE/CB, jr.; 44 Rhett Read, TE/DE, jr.; 45 Christopher Nash,FB/LB, sr.; 51 NickMartin, G/DL, jr.; 52 Jacob Anzaldua, G/OLB, jr.; 55 JoshMcAllister, G/T/LB, soph.; 56 Zant Tatum, C/DT, jr.; 60 AdolphoMartinez, T/DT, jr.; 61 Tobe Zientek, C/LB, sr.;67 Jacob Norgaard, T/DT, jr.; 75Matthew Roach, G/DE, jr.; 77 TrevorMcBroom, T/DT, jr.; 78Dalton Cunningham, T/DT, soph.; 79 Sergio Sanchez, T/DT, sr.; 81 Josh Ucci, SE/CB, jr.

Backfield shufflehas chance toflourish this seasonBy DAVID CAMPBELL

[email protected]

Lexington coach Kirk Muhlshuffled the deck.In a move made at the end of

last season, Muhl removed NicDillon from quarterback to run-ningbackandreplacedhimwithWalker Hess, a sophomore thisseason.Dillon, who rushed 269 times

for1,285yards, isnowtheEagles’top returning running back.“Walker kind of reminds me

of Kogan Garrett, who was sogood,” Muhl said. “We needed arunningback,andreallytheonlyrunning back we had was ourquarterback, so it made sensefor us.”Hess took over at quarterback

prior to the final regular-seasongame against district tri-cham-pion Trinity. His coach believesthe younger quarterback, wholed the Eagles into the state7-on-7 tournament, will stretchthe defense.Muhlwillalterhisoffensiveat-

tack to fit Dillon’s skills, as wellas those of a completely rebuiltoffensive line.

“What we really concentratedon is making sure [defenses] re-spected everybody on the field,and the entire field,”Muhl said.It may open up things for tal-

ented pass-catchers, includingGrant Peimann who caught 34passes for 343 yards last season“Peimann’s probably our best

receiver,”Muhl said. “I havemynephew (Jacob Muhl), and he’sbeen catching the ball reallywell.”NathanielClifford isalsoback.

Clifford only caught five passeslast season, but averaged 26.6yards per reception.“He’s one of those kids that

can play anything on the field,offense or defense,” Muhl said.“If we need a tight end look, wecan throw it in there out of thespread, but he can also split out.He runs really good routes, andhecatches theballaswellasany-

body out there.”Sophomores at wideout posi-

tions could also be key contribu-tors.“The kids have got to under-

stand that it’s all timing, butthey’re getting good at it andworking their tails off,” Muhlsaid.Lexington’s swarming de-

fense has its leader still in hisusual position. Chase Allert ledthe Eagles with 123 tackles as asophomore. Like Dillon, Allertwill open the season playing inhis 21st straight game.“He’s probably more impor-

tant than the quarterback is onoffense to our defense,” Muhlsaid. “He’s instinctive, and alot of times he’s so instinctivethat he’s too fast. I tell him ‘slowdown.’ He reads well and getswhere he needs to be in a hurry.“He understands how to see

the football and see what’s com-ing at him at the same time. Heunderstandshowtoputhisbodyin position to make sure he getsoff blocks. I can’t tell you howmany tackles he hasmadewhenhe’s got people on his legs andhasgotsomebodyonhiship.He’sstill making tackles.”Berto Lara is a top two-way

player.Larahad34 tackleshis ju-nioryearandrushed28 times for127 yards. He is also a three-yearstarter. Because of an injury,Lara has moved from his usuallinebacker spot to free safety.“He’sanotheroneof thosekids

that’sveryversatile,”Muhl said.“He can play anything.”FellowsafetyRyanGarrison is

beginning his third season as a

starter. He’s an athletic hurdlerduring track season and like Al-lert, has grown physically.Lexington’s schedule is bru-

tal at the start. The Eagles willplay the Teague Lions at WacoISD Stadium on the first Thurs-day night of the season. The Li-ons’ only loss last season cameagainststatechampionCameronin the playoffs, and the Yoemenare the second team up on Lex-ington’s slate this year.

ROSTER1 Joey Kelley, sr.; 2 Trevor Patschke, jr.; 3 Colby Bexley, soph.; 4 CameronMilligan, jr.; 5 Berto Lara, sr.;6 Nate Jones, soph.; 7 GavinThomas, soph.; 8 JacobMuhl, sr.; 9 Ryan Garrison, jr.; 10 Nic Dillon, jr.; 11Dylan Dussetschleger, jr.; 12Walker Hess, soph.; 13 Jay Cooper, sr.; 14 JacobTownsend, jr.; 15 JacobKing, jr.; 17 Grant Peimann, sr.; 22 Sam Perry, soph.; 24 Henry Esquivel, jr.; 28 JadenTucker, soph.;35 Nathanael Clifford, jr.; 44 NathanVo, sr.; 48 Chase Allert, jr.; 50 Jordan Higgins, soph.; 51 DeSeanJackson, jr.; 55 Kyle Brewer, sr.; 57Wesley Sanders, soph.; 63Tyler Krenek, sr.; 65 Austin Thomas, sr.; 70Barrett Lerche, jr.; 72Micah Higgins, jr.; 77Wyatt Retzlaff, soph.

FACTSHead coach — Kirk Muhl (5-15 overall; 5-15at Lexington)District — 12-3A Division II2014 record — 3-7 (2-4 in 12-3A Division II)2014 playoffs —did not qualifyPlayoff appearances (15) — 1964, 1968,1978, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012Returning lettermen — 15 (6 offensive, 6defensive starters)All-time record — 392-422-26Playoff record — 27-15-0

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 27 Teague+ 7:30 p.m.Last year: L 76-33

Sept 4 at Cameron 7:30 p.m.Last year: L 47-13

Sept 11 Academy 7:30 p.m.Last year:W26-21

Sept 18 Shiner 7:30 p.m.Last year: L 41-34

District 12-3A Division IISept 25 NewWaverly 7:30 p.m.Last year: L 31-26

Oct 2 Open DateOct 9 at Leon 7:30 p.m.Last year: L 20-14

Oct 16 Buffalo* 7:30 p.m.Last year:W49-27

Oct 23 at Hearne 7:30 p.m.Last year:W54-0

Oct 30 Franklin 7:30 p.m.Last year: L 79-14

Nov 6 at Trinity 7:30 p.m.Last year: L 41-22

*Homecoming+Waco ISD Stadium

LEON:Tight endReadcompletes formidable bunchof blockers atLeonContinued from 24

ZIENTEK


Culbreath inrace tocatchMustangrecordBy DAVID CAMPBELL

[email protected]

WhenMadisonville line-backer Robert Culbreathchases down opposingrunning backs, he’s alsotaking aim on a close fam-ily friend.

Former Nebraska start-ing linebacker AlonzoWhaley holds Madison-ville’s career record fortackles and Culbreathwants that mark.

“Coach [Greg] Morgantold me midway or maybethree-quarters of the waythrough the season lastyear that I was puttingup numbers like he didhis junior year,” said Cul-breath, who was informedby his coach that 180 tack-les topped therecordbook.“All right. That’s my goal.I’m going to get that by mysenior year.”

Culbreath had 147 tack-les in 11 games as a juniorand led the Mustangs byfar with 83 solo tackles. Hecaused four fumbles andrecovered one.

“The crazy thing is thatmeandAlonzo’s familyarereally close,” Culbreathsaid. “Me and Alonzo textback and forth all of thetime and visit with eachother on the phone. MeandChris [Whaley, formerTexas defensive lineman],we go fishing all of thetime. I told [Alonzo] that’smy goal and mindset, andhe said, ‘Good, make it be.’He’s mentored me withknowledgeabout thegameand footballattributes thata leader should have.”

Culbreath ismiddle line-backer in the Mustangs’defense and made 18 ofthose tackles for losses hisjunior season.

“He’s definitely the

leader on our defensiveside, and he’s got the mostexperience,” Morgansaid. “He’s got the under-standing of our defensivescheme down.”

And Morgan said thefamily ties carry over tothe coaching staff.

“Russell Smith, our de-fensive coordinator, hastwo daughters and Rob-ert’skindof likethatsonhenever had,” Morgan said.“TheCulbreath familyandRussell Smith’s family arereallyclose.Theyareactu-ally business partners inanother venture. It reallytied in well with him being

our linebacker. He startedas a sophomore and had aterrific year.”

Culbreath passes on thedefensive signals and runstheshowonthatsideof theball.

“The pressure is on me,just like the quarterback,getting the play-call in andmaking sure everybody islined up and prepared,”Culbreath said. “I’ve beentold to not only be a playeronthefieldbuttobeacoach.It’s not only the person tobumpthetacklesortellyourendshowtolineup. It’s like,‘Guys, we’ve got to fix this,or we’ve got to change this

up.’ I also go to the coachesathalftimeandtellthemmyopinion of what is happen-ingonthefieldvs.whattheysee in the press box.”

Often, decision-makingis on the fly.

“Reads are very impor-tant,whetheryougoabovethe block or cut under-

neath it,” Culbreath said.“That’s everything, be-cause the angle of pursuitis how linebackers get totherunningbacks,becauseyour running backs mayrun a 4.5 or 4.6 (40-yarddash), but your lineback-ers are topping out at 4.7or 4.8.”

And a good block canchange that dynamic.

MADISONVILLE MUSTANGS

Eagle photo by Dave McDermandSenior Robert Culbreath is a tackling machine for the MadisonvilleMustangs at linebacker, collecting 147 tackles last season.

FACTSHead coach—Greg Morgan (101-98 overall; 82-76 atMadisonville)District— 8-4A Division II2014 record— 4-7 (3-2 in 8-4A Division II)2014 playoffs— Bi-district: Lost to Waco Connally, 35-14Playoff appearances (20)— 1957, 1958, 1959, 1975, 1983,1984, 1986, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005,2006, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2014Returning lettermen— 16 (5 offensive, 6 defensive starters)All-time record— 399-438-29Playoff record— 9-20

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 28 Fairfield 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 47-15

Sept 4 at Franklin 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 59-31

Sept 11 Caldwell 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 28-7

Sept 18 at Crockett 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 35-28

Sept 25 openOct 2 Rockdale* 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 40-14

District 8-4A Division IIOct 9 Diboll 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 25-14

Oct 16 at Huntington 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 41-7

Oct 23 Shepherd 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 28-27

Oct 30 at Tarkington 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 29-14

Nov 6 Coldspring-Oakhurst 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 27-0

*Homecoming

SeeMUSTANGS, Page 27


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Toughscheduledoesn’t scarehardenedEaglesBy LARRY BOWEN

[email protected]

Milano football coachChad LaGrone believes inhis team’s toughness andresiliency, which is goodbecause the Eagles have aschedule to testboth traits.The Eagles proved their

mettle last season, bounc-ing back from an 0-4 starttoqualify fortheplayoffsasamemberof adeepdistrictthatfeaturedeventualstatechampion Bremond andtraditional power Burton.“There’s a lot of teams

that will pack it in by thetime they get to 0-4, butthese kids work hard,”LaGrone said. “I just keptbeingpositive, telling themit was going to prepare usfordistrict, andwegot intodistrict and put somewins

together and got in theplayoffs. That gave thema lot of confidence goingforward.“It’s just like in life:

You’re going to have val-leys and you’re going tohavehills.Whenit’s tough,you’ve justgot tokeepyourheaddownandkeepwork-ingandpullyourself outofit. That’s what these kidsdo.”Milano should know

what it’s getting into withthe same group of non-district opponents. TheEagles will face Chilton,Anderson-Shiro, Thralland Iola before startingDistrict 13-2A Division IIplay. Chilton and Iola bothwon district titles last sea-son,with Iola reaching thestate quarterfinals. Thrallmade the playoffs in Class

2ADivision I.The Eagles recovered

from the bad start to go 4-2in district, capturing theleague’s third playoff spot.Milano lost its bi-districtgame to Louise 25-6.It was the fourth time in

five seasons that Milanomade the playoffs.“We’re expecting to get

back in the playoffs,” La-Grone said. “That’s ourgoal, to get in the playoffsand win a playoff game.Expectations are high.Just like every other teamthat plays, they want to dobetter thantheteambeforethem.“This group of seniors

expects to get there. Ev-erything we do, every dayin the offseason, every dayinpractice, Iwanttoget themost out of them. It’s hard

t o p u s ht h r o u g hand to getthat , butthat cre -ates a men-tal tough-ness thatno matterhow toughthings are,they knowthey can overcome it.”Milano’schancesshould

improve if its key playersremainhealthy.Thatdidn’thappen last year, whentwo-way starter ChristianGrimes suffered a brokenankle two games into theseason. Grimes, expectedto be a major contributoratwidereceiverandsafety,didn’treturnuntil theplay-off game.“On our level, when

you lose a kid like that,it hurts,” LaGrone said.

“Getting him back at fullspeed will make a differ-ence.This isakidthatwent

MILANO EAGLES

“One false move anda running back can beatyou up field,” Culbreathsaid. “[But] starting about5 yards back where a line-backer sits, that gives youawhole lot of advantage.”It has taken more than

positioning to lead to Cul-breath’s success.“With the experience he

has now and the under-standing of our scheme,he kind of senses things,”Morgan said. “The gamehas slowed down for himalot and he’s a terrific highschool football player.”The Mustangs had a

struggle to qualify for theplayoffs last season, andCulbreath readily admitsthat he would rather havethe preferred draw at the

top of the district whenthe playoffs begin. But itdoesn’t alwaysgo thatway.“You know, you’ve got

to work for everything,”Culbreath said. “At leastthat’showI’vebeenraised.There’s nothing handed toyou as you’re growing up.You always have to workfor what youwant.”

Mustangs to usespread in 2015TheMustangs have tak-

en the old adage seriously:There is no “I” in team.The Mustangs, who

have produced outstand-ing tailbacks — David Un-derwood, Chris Whaley,DontaeCrist,BrockTaylor— will switch from the I-formation to thespread forthe first time in Morgan’s

16 seasons at the school.All but Taylor were big

backs, and Madisonvillereturns 6-3, 240-poundCharkeithWiley at the po-sition.“Everybody says spread

and your mind immedi-ately goes to throwing theball,” Morgan said. “Ourgame plan is to run theball, and if you give us oneof those RPOs, a run-passoption, thenwe’re going tothrow the ball.”Sophomore quarter-

backBenPhillipshasbeenquick to adapt to the offen-sive shift. He’ll be aidedupfront.KeionSalas (6-3, 350)andathleticHectorGonza-lesare thekeycomponentsreturning on the offensiveline.“[Phillips] is a little guy,

so we’re not going to bangon him too much, but wehave some runs built infor our quarterback,” saidMorgan, whose team willplay on a new home turffield.“Keionisaverysharp,

intuitive youngman.”Oskar Garcia will see

extensive action on boththeoffensiveanddefensivelines. It will be Garcia’sthird year starting.A pair of first-team all-

districtdefendersreturninlinebackersCulbreathandMichael Phillips (6-1, 230),whomoved fromdefensiveend. Tyler Stover joinsthem at defensive end.Stover was hampered bya knee injury last season.R’Kelian Wiley brings

experience to cornerbackand plays outside receiveronoffense.Asasophomore,Wiley ran a 10.4 time in the100metersduringtracksea-sonandwill bea three-yearstarter in the secondary.Kyle Poe returns at

safety and should sharetime with the offense atreceiver. The sophomoreclass could be busy. Mor-gan calls it “maybe one ofthe more talented classeswe’ve had in the last sevenyears.”

MUSTANGS:Madisonvillemoving to spreadoffense this seasonContinued from 26

FACTSHead coach—Chad Lagrone (49-44 overall; 49-44 at Milano)District— 13-2A Division II2014 record— 4-7 (4-2 in 13-2A Division II)2014 playoffs— Bi-district: lost to Louise 25-6Playoff appearances (11)— 6-man (3): 1965, 1966, 1975;11-man (8): 1999, 2000, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014Returning lettermen— 10 (8 offensive, 5 defensive starters)All-time record (11-man)— 196-314-10Playoff record (11-man and 6-man)— 5-11-0

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 28 Chilton 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 30-8

Sept 4 at Anderson-Shiro 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 28-14

Sept 11 at Thrall 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 33-18

Sept 18 Iola 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 26-0

District 13-2A Division IISept 25 Somerville 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 27-20

Oct 2 at Snook+ 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 2-0

Oct 9 Burton* 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 43-6

Oct 16 OpenOct 23 at Bremond 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 38-0

Oct 30 Bartlett 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 28-22

Nov 6 at Granger 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 55-6

*Homecoming+at Allen Academy

ROSTER2 Corey Craft, RB/LB, soph.; 3 Alan Jarmillo,WR/DB, sr.; 4 R’KelianWiley,WR/DB, sr.; 5 Kendall Moffett,WR/DB, soph.; 6 Michael Alvarado,WR/K, sr.; 7 Tyler Stover, OLB/WR,sr.; 8 Ben Phillips, QB/DB, soph.; 10 Kyle Poe,WR/DB, sr.; 11 Darren Blakley, QB/DB, jr.; 12 KaseyWilliamson,WR/DB, soph.; 13 Ellis Reyes,WR/DB, jr.; 14 Isaiah Berry,WR/DB,jr.; 15 Johnny Simpson,WR/DB, soph.; 16 Daniel Gannaway,WR/DB, jr.; 18 Dylan Hoffman, OLB/WR, soph.; 20 Conelius Merchant,WR/CB, soph.; 21Victor Doubrovski, OLB/WR, sr.; 22 Gabriel Smith, RB/DB, jr.; 24 CharkeithWiley, RB/OLB, sr.; 28 JeroidWashington, RB/DB, soph.; 32 Hollis Anderson, LB/WR, sr.; 33 IanMorrow, FB/OLB, sr.; 44 RobertCulbreath, LB/FB, sr.; 45 Garrett Long, RB/LB, soph.; 51 Charles Le, OL/DL, soph.; 53 Steve Robinson, OL/DL, sr.; 54 Zach Poe, OL/DL, soph.; 55 Hector Gonzalez, OL/DL, sr.; 56Brad Roundtree, OL/DL, soph.; 57 Christian Arjon, OL/DL, sr.; 58 Chris Scott, OL/DL, soph.; 60 Pedro Franco, OL/DL, sr.; 61Matthew Longoria, OL/DL, jr.; 62 Kevin Issac, OL/DL,jr.; 64 Dustin Harkrider, OL/DL, sr.; 65 Oskar Garcia, OL/DL, sr.; 72 Luis Murillo, OL/DL, sr.; 73 Anthony Anderson, OL/DL, sr.; 75 JoeyMcIver, OL/DL, soph.; 77 JerodMerchant, OL/DL, sr.; 78 Kieon Salas, OL/DL, sr.; 85MarkMayorga, DL/OL, sr.; 88 ClaytonTaylor,WR/DB, jr.; 90 James Hayes, DL/OL, jr.; 99Michael Phillips, LB/FB, sr.

SeeMILANO, Page 33

GRIMES


NobackingdownBy DAVID CAMPBELL

[email protected]

Takeapicture. Itwill last longer.Actually, getting in a picture is

the goal for the Navasota Rattlers.“If you come into our weight

room, we have a championshippicture wall,” Navasota coachLee Fedora said. “The only pic-ture that goes up is someone thatwins a championship [district orbeyond].Weholdthat toeverybodybecause if youlookat the lasteightyears, every team is on that, andwetell theseniors: ‘Youdon’twantto be the group that 20 years fromnow you come back to look in theweight room and there’s an openspot.’”

As the defending Class 4A Divi-sion I state champions, the Rat-tlers’ exposure is great. So is thefocus.

Shelton Epplerbegins his thirdseason as Navaso-ta’s starting quar-terback. He trig-gered an offensethat averaged 57.5points per gamelast year, complet-ing 286 of 426 pass-es for 5,444 yardsand a state-record

71 touchdowns to just 11 intercep-tions.

“He ought to have [college] of-fers off the table because I think

he’s that type of athlete in thatposition of quarterback that hasthementalmakeupandgreat armstrength,”Fedorasaid. “Shelton isoneof thoseguyswhoisgoingtobeout therepushinghis team, tryingto get them better,”

SeniorTren’DavianDicksonsetasingle-seasonnationalrecord fortouchdown catches with 39 lastyear, catching89passesoverall for2,163 yards. His one-handed scor-inggrab inthestatechampionshipgame became a sensation online.

“We’ve held him out of scrim-mages and practices,” Fedorasaid. “Hehada little tweakedham-string, not too serious. He’s back

NAVASOTA RATTLERS

Defending state champions fromNavasota loaded for title defense in 2015Senior Tren’DavianDickson is comingoff a record-settingseason at receiverfor the state cham-pion Navasota Rat-tlers.

Eagle photoby Dave McDermand

See NAVASOTA, Page 29

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NORMANGEE PANTHERS

Panthersprimed for anotherplayoffrunundernewcoachBy DAVID CAMPBELL

david.campbell@theeaglecom

A30-24overtimebi-districtwinover Overtonwas a springboardfor Normangee’s three-roundplayoff run in 2014.The Panthers will try to use

that as their jumping-off pointfor a promising 2015 campaign.First-year head coach Nelson

Kortis, who coached the last twoseasons at Maud, has a strongcrew of returning veterans.

“That success that they hadlast year makes them hungry tocomeback this year,”Kortis toldKBTX.“It’s obviouslyadifferentscheme, obviously a differentthing with a new coaching staffandsomenewchanges,but thosekids, they’ve been there, and wehear themtalkall the timeaboutwanting to get past the thirdround.”

Austin Aguirre was the Dis-trict 12-2A Division II utilityplayer of the year. He caught24 passes for 341 yards and fivetouchdowns and picked off fourpasses on defense.Bryson Cornish is the return-

ing rushing leader for Norman-gee. He gained 553 yards andscoredeightrushingtouchdownslast season to go with 38 tacklesatdefensiveend.Juniorrunningback Ty Jordan (272 rushingyards, five TDs) also returns for

the Panthers’ offense.SophomorequarterbackCam-

eronRanton, whowill direct theexperiencedbackfield, threw for303 yards and two touchdowns.

The offensive line includes se-nior tackle Austin Nichols andjunior guardMichael Curtner.The defense is led by outside

linebacker Alex Noey, who alsoplays receiver.Hehad42 tackles.In the secondary, Coltin Reedhad 34 tackles. He broke up sixpasses and had one fumble re-

covery. Fellow defensive backC.J. Rosales recorded 23 tackles,including three for losses.

Zac Caldwell should also con-tribute at receiver and defensiveback.

ROSTER1 Austin Aguirre, sr.; 3 Ty Jordan, RB/SS, jr.; 4 Bryson Cornish, DE/RB, sr.; 5 Cameron Ranton,QB. soph.; 6 John Garlick, OLB/WR, jr.; 8 Cj Rosales, CB/WR, soph.; 11 Joshua Noey,WR/OLB,WR/OLB, sr.; 12 Jake Shaw, soph.; 13 Zac Caldwell,WR/FS, sr.; 55 Hunter Payne, G,soph.; 55Trent Navarro, DT, jr.; 61 Anthony Banda, soph.; 62Michael Curtner, G/DT, jr.; 63Robin Hewitt, T, jr.; 75 Tyce Alexander, T, soph.; 77 Austin Nichols, T/DE, sr.; Andy Hemphill,jr.; Austin Breest; BostonWren, sr.; BrandonWalker,WR/OLB, soph.; Chayse Smith, soph.;Cobeyi Powell; Cole Garrett; Coltin Reed, sr.; Gunner Patterson, sr.; Layton Noey; Lj Young,DT, fr.; Logan Andrews; Michael Curtner; Najujwan Reyes, soph.; SamMerkel, soph.;Tanner Donahoe; TristanYoung,WR/CB, soph.; Tyler Vaught, fr.

FACTSHead coach—Nelson Kortis (12-9overall; first year at Normangee)District— 12-2A Division II2014 record— 8-5 (4-1 in 12-2ADivision II)2014 playoffs— Bi-district: def.Overton 30-24 (OT); Area: def.Lindsay 40-21; Regional: lost toTenaha 47-7Playoff appearances (18)—11-man (16): 1932, 1984, 1985*,1986*, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1997,2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010,2011, 2014 (*zone playoffs); 6-man(2): 1963, 1964Returning lettermen— 21 (5offensive, 5 defensive starters)All-time record— 270-366-15 (11-man)Playoff record— 8-14-0

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 28 at Leon 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 30-6

Sept 4 Mart 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 60-8

Sept 11 Snook 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 14-13

Sept 18 NewWaverly* 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 34-6

Sept 25 at Grapeland 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 36-15

Oct 2 openDistrict 12-2A Division II

Oct 9 at Colmesneil 7 p.m.Last season: W 34-12

Oct 16 at Burkeville 7 p.m.Last season: W 51-18

Oct 23 Evadale 7 p.m.Last season: W 42-14

Oct 30 at Sabine Pass 7 p.m.Last season: W 74-0

Nov 6 Iola 7 p.m.Last season: L 47-7

*Homecoming

100 percent.When hewasn’t fullspeed, he still was behind theline, talking and coaching theseyounger guys who are steppingin his role.”

ThehighlightsshowthepublicDickson. The behind-the-scenesapproach fills more of the story.“He said, ‘Coach, it’s not only

about me, but about this wholeteam,’” Fedora said. “‘Any guycan go down at any time and ev-erybody’s got to be ready.’”On most other teams, Sammy

Blair would be the standoutpass-catcher. The athletic 5-8½, 165-pound receiver caught42 passes for 720 yards and eighttouchdowns last year. Blair’sspeed enhances his versatility.“Tren’sgoingtogeta lotof talk

and that’s going to open up thegame for a lot of other people,”Fedora said. “When you look ataguylikeSammyBlair, therearenotmanyout therethathavethatexplosiveness that they can turn

on at any moment, and that’swhat really stands out tome.”Center Dorian Meyers and

right tackleCalBauerbothstart-edontheoffensive lineas juniorslast year.Keyondrick Philio and Jarvis

Norman are in a battle for thetop running back spot, but bothshould play.The heart of the defense is

back inplace.LinebackerTaylorSotohad182tackles (42solos) lastyear, with 11 tackles for losses.D.J. Harris had 132 tackles, witheight for losses.

“Taylor has put on the size,”

Fedora said. “He looks like awhole different person from lastyear’s film to this year, just inthe amount of muscle and thestrength he’s put on.”Theybackupa strong, experi-

enced front, which includes ath-leticdefensiveendJabrilHunter.Hunter,whohad10sacks, totaled100 tackles last year. ChristonJones (99 tackles) and JonathanFlores (51) are both back at de-fensive tackle spots.Defensively, the Rattlers al-

lowed 13.3 points per game,which included the 42-35 doubleovertimewinoverArgyle for the

state title.The Rattlers will start the

season as the No. 1 team in the4A state rankings. Because fewteams were willing to play themin nondistrict, Navasota has oneof the most eclectic regular-sea-

son schedules in 2015, includingahomedateagainstNewOrleansLakeAreaNewTechonSept. 18.

FACTSHead coach— Lee Fedora (155-54-1 overall; 97-29 at Navasota)District— 11-4A Division I2014 record— 16-0 (5-0 in 11-4ADivision I)2014 playoffs— Bi-district:def. Needville 55-15; Area: def.Chapel Hill 49-28; Regional: def.El Campo 54-36; Quarterfinal: def.Henderson 34-14; Semifinal: def.Liberty Hill 49-26; State champi-onship: def. Argyle 42-35 (2 OT)Playoff appearances (32)—1936, 1940, 1941, 1943, 1948,1955, 1956, 1974, 1982, 1983,1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989,1990, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996,1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007,2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012,2013, 2014Returning lettermen— 18 (5offensive, 5 defensive starters)All-time record— 550-443-21Playoff record— 46-28-1

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 29 Nuevo León 7 p.m.Last season: W 62-0

Sept 4 Houston Yates 7 p.m.Last season: W 66-13

Sept 11 at Coldspring-Oakhurst 7 p.m.Last season: W 35-14

Sept 18 Lake Area New Tech (La.) 7 p.m.Sept 25 Fort Worth Castleberry* 7 p.m.Last season: W 56-3

Oct 2 openDistrict 11-4A Division I

Oct 9 Houston Sterling 7 p.m.Last season: W 87-12

Oct 16 Sealy 7 p.m.Last season: W 65-6

Oct 23 at Houston Furr+ 7 p.m.Last season: W 85-0

Oct 30 HoustonWheatley 7 p.m.Last season: W 56-0

Nov 7 at HoustonWashington# 1 p.m.Last season: W 77-0

*Homecoming+Cowart Stadium#Delmar Stadium

ROSTER1 D.J. Collins, sr.; 2 Tren’Davian Dickson, sr.; 3 Tremayne Creeks, jr.; 4 DeeldreRichardson, jr.; 5 Ronnie Jackson, soph.; 6 Tyrese Steptoe, jr.; 7 Dalton Acosta, sr.; 8Sammy Blair, sr.; 9 Adrian McDonald, sr.; 10 Shelton Eppler, sr.; 11 Jarvis Norman, sr.;12 De’von Jones, sr.; 14 Da’tron Taylor, jr.; 15 Kae’Ron Baker, sr.;17 Joseph Gifford,soph.; 18 Eric Lattimore, jr.; 19 Ivan Moran, sr.; 20 D.J. Harris, sr.; 21 Trey Serna, jr.; 22Noah Steptoe, sr.; 23 Keyondrick Philio, jr.; 24 LadadrienWalker, soph.; 29 Tra’vorriusCurley, sr.; 32 Taylor Soto, sr.; 40 Brandun Ramos, jr.; 50 Bishop Hejl, sr.; 52 JohnathanFlores, sr.; 54 Shamar Paulhill, sr.; 55 Dorion Meyers, sr.; 58 Raymond Lee, sr.; 61Christon Jones, sr.; 65 Anthony Acosta, sr.; 66 Tyler Lang, jr.; 67 Jared Clay, jr.; 68Willie Spriggs, soph.; 75 Corey Ross, sr.; 77 Cal Bauer, sr.; 79 Angel Molina, soph.

NAVASOTA:Blair,Meyers, Bauer back tohelphigh-poweredoffenseContinued from 28


ROCKDALE TIGERS

PlayoffsuccessbuoysTigers’ rebuildingplanBy DAVID CAMPBELL

[email protected]

Rockdale iscomingoffback-to-back runs to the state quarterfi-nals, butmanyof theTigerswhoplayed on those teamswore capsandgowns thisyearandwon’tbein football uniforms.“We have very few kids play-

ingthisyearthatwereonthevar-sity,” Rockdale coach JeffMillersaid. “I think there’s only eight.So many of the kids that areplaying this year,where they gottheir work was during the extrafour weeks [during last season’splayoffs]. Many of the freshmanand JV guys that we moved upthevarsity, theyactually startedpracticingasvarsityplayers,andthat’s a full month of varsitypractice.”Cristian Lara is the only re-

turning offensivestarter for the Ti-gers but is com-ingoffanall-stateseason in whichhe set the schoolrecord for receiv-ing. The speedyLara caught 44passes for 1,216yards and 12touchdowns lastseason.

“At [6-foot-6 and 210 pounds]and to be able to run like he canputshiminadifferentcategory,”Miller said. “He’s so strong.He’sjust got some great tools. He isdefinitely a threat.”The Tigers do everything else

fastandhopearapidreconstruc-tion is in order.S o p h omo r e

Jaquayln Craw-ford, who an-choredtheTigers’gold medalist4x100-meterrelayat last season’sstate track meet,joins Lara in agame-breakingreceiving corps.

“We need the speed,” Miller

said. “This is the smallest we’veever been.”The Tigers won the Battle of

theBellagainstrivalCameronindistrictplaybut fell to theeventu-al state championYoemen in theplayoffs. It marked Rockdale’ssecond straight quarterfinal ap-pearance, thefirst inwhat isnowClass 3A.The Tigers’ JV went 7-3 last

year and has already proven itspotency at the next level.DavionFord,agoodpowerrun-

ner who played on the JV mostof last season, moved up for theplayoffsandrushed for188yardsin the quarterfinals. Despite histackle-breaking ability, Ford isalso a speedster.“He started off on our varsity,

and we felt he would benefit bygoing to theJVsohe could carryit more,” Miller said. “He had a

really good year, realized howgood he was and gained a lot ofconfidence.Whenwehadtohavehim there due to injury in theplayoffs, he really stepped up.”David Franklin, a standout at

safety, will start at quarterback,although Crawford may takesnaps under center in specialsituations.“[Franklin] hasn’t played a

lot of quarterback, but he wasquarterback as a freshman,”Miller said. “He’s played a lotof safety for us. He was workingearly [last] year at quarterbackbut didn’t getmany reps the restof the year.He’s a sharpkidwhoplays hard and understands thegame. “SophomoreGunnerMiller, the

head coach’s son, had been the

projected starter, butMiller willmiss the seasonin a battle withEwing’ssarcoma,a bone cancer inhis shin. Millerfaces five moremonths of che-motherapy.“He’s pretty

tough,” Jeff Mill-er said. “He’s atough ol’ kid.”Two returning starters will

have to lead a maturing defenseearly—linebackersAndrewPer-

ez and Joey Montelongo. SeniorTravis Morgan (6-3, 205), whostartedsomegameson theoffen-sive line last season, has lookedgood on both sides of the ball inpractice and will add defensiveline duties.“Once teams and programs

start having success, generallythey raise their expectations,”Miller said. “The kids in the pro-gram,even though theydidn’t di-rectly contributed to the success,theywereapartof it.Youfeel likeyou’re supposed to be successful,andthat’stheattitudewe’vehad.”

FACTSHead coach — Jeff Miller (93-67overall; 58-46 at Rockdale)District — 10-3A Division I2014 record — Rockdale 12-2(4-1 in 10-3A Division I)2014 playoffs — Bi-district: def.Comanche 48-24; Area: def. Buna55-28; Regional: def. Kirbyville27-20; Quarterfinal: lost toCameron 44-25Playoff appearances (24) —1958, 1962, 1963, 1973*, 1975,1976, 1977, 1979, 1992, 1993,1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002,2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009,2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 (*zoneplayoff )Returning lettermen — 10 (1offensive, 2 defensive starters)All-time record — 493-442-26Playoff record — 23-22-0

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 28 at Smithville 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 49-0

Sept 4 Taylor 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 24-21

Sept 11 at Salado 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 35-0

Sept 18 openSept 25 Caldwell 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 38-31

Oct 2 at Madisonville 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 40-14

District 10-3A Division IOct 9 Cameron 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 34-27; L 44-25

Oct 16 Lago Vista 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 33-21

Oct 23 at Academy 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 42-35

Oct 30 Troy* 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 28-6

Nov 6 at Florence 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 54-10

*Homecoming

ROSTER1 David Franklin, QB/DB, 5-9, 160, jr.; 2 Cade Lambright, WR/DB, 6-0, 160, jr.; 3 Ray Trevino, WR/DB, 6-0, 150, sr.; 4 Will Payne, WR/DB, 6-2, 150, sr.; 5 Jaquayln Crawford, WR/DB, 5-9, 160, soph.;6 Gunner Miller, QB/DB, 5-10, 150, soph.; 7 Zac Zoeller, WR/DB, 6-0, 150, sr.; 8 Alex Guzman, TE/LB, 5-11, 175, jr.; 9 Josh Springer, WR/DB, 5-7, 135, soph.; 10 Andrew Perez, QB/LB, 5-8, 185, sr.;11 Junior Hinojosa, RB/LB, 6-0, 180, 14 Alex Mendoza, WR/DB, 5-6, 130, jr.; 18 Cristian Lara, WR/DB, 6-6, 210, sr.; 20 Davion Ford, RB/DB, 6-0, 180, jr.; 22 Ethan Krumnow, WR/DB, 6-6, 180, sr.; 25Fred Henderson, RB/LB, 5-8, 180, jr.; 30 Dylan David, RB/LB, 6-1, 195, soph.; 31 Chase Pickett, RB/DB, 5-11, 180, sr.; 34 Joey Pontelongo, RB/LB, 5-10, 190, sr.; 50 Josh Barker, OL/LB, 5-8, 210, jr.; 52Zach Montelongo, OL/LB, 5-6, 175, jr.; 57 Patrick Dean, OL/DL, 6-1, 210, soph.; 60 Xavian Ellison,OL/DL, 5-8, 200, jr.; 61 Jacob Aguirre, OL/DL, 5-4, 240, sr.; 62 Luke Ellison, OL/DL, 6-0, 185, jr.; 64A.J. Rutledge, OL/LB, 5-10, 200, sr.; 68 Braxton Moore, OL/DL, 5-11, 220, jr.; 70 Braden Hartley, OL/DL, 6-0, 250, jr.; 71 Travis Morgan, OL/DL, 6-3, 200, sr.; 72 Quentin White, OL/DL, 5-9, 260, jr.; 88Tyler Lehmkuhl, TE/DL, 6-3, 210, soph.; 99 Marco Sanchez, WR/LB, 5-10, 160, sr.

Eagle photo by Dave McDermandJunior David Franklin will take over at quarterback for Rockdale in 2015.

LARA

MORGAN

CRAWFORD


RUDDER RANGERS

Growing season


JoshPeoplescanenvisionsuc-cess for the Rudder Rangers.It’s what he does. The Rudder

defensiveendsees thefinalprod-uctandtakes thestepsnecessaryto achieve it.“I want to go to college to get a

degree in technology,” said Peo-ples,whois interested incomput-eranimation. “Likebeingable tocreate video games or TV showsorbeta testing. I love todraw.Mymom bought me a sketch book,and I would sit there all day fill-ing up pages with drawings.”To transfer it to computers,

he’ll need the software.“And a big, big imagination,”

Peoples said. “In technology,you have to think out your nextmovement before you do it. Theslightestmistakecouldcontami-nate the whole database.”He can relate that to football.“We watch film before we go

out,” Peoples said. “I see whatI’ve done, and sometimes I’vedonesomethingwrong,soI thinkconstantly before I go out aboutthe next movement tomake.”There is rarely a linear path

to a goal and challenges abound.Peoples’ own growth spurt re-mindshimof that.Nowa senior,he is 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds andthinks he will get taller.“I’llprobably tapoutat6-7,”he

said. “I used to be short, reallyshort. I was a short, chubby guy.WhenIstarted football inmiddleschoolat [Sam]Rayburn, Iplayednoseguard.Astheyearwenton, Istartedgettingslimmerand fast-er, so theymovedmetodefensiveend. When theymovedme, I feltlike I was inmy area.”But the rapid growth was not

without setbacks.“I was 5-5 and about 290,”

Peoples said. “I hit about six footmy eighth grade year and washaving growing pains. I thoughtit was normal, but I went to thedoctor and they said parts of mybody were not connected, be-cause theyhad to grow together.My heel was never attached tomy foot because it wasn’t grownin. It was like agonizing pain.”He wore orthotic footwear in

his heel and padded his shoes,which helped.“My arms and legs were get-

ting there, but my heels and feetwerethemost farapart,”Peoplessaid.He’sgottentherenow, inmany

ways.“Josh Peoples is 6-4 and has

a wingspan of about 17 yards,”RudderheadcoachWillComptonsaid. “He’s become a great lead-

er for us this year, through bootcamp and peer council. He wasone of the peer council leaders.”Peoples learned some of those

skills from Rudder’s all-statelinebacker Spencer Choka, whograduated last spring.“The aura around him was

humble and peaceful,” Peoplessaid. “At the same time, therewas a raw talent that made youwanttobeabetterpersonandtryas hard as you can.”

ROSTER1 Eric Peterson,WR, jr.; 2 David Hobson, QB, sr.; 3 Ladarius Johnson,WR, jr.; 4 BrianWilliams,WR, sr.; 5 Kaidrion Latson, RB, jr.; 6 Jamall Collins, RB, sr.; 7 J.T. King, DB, sr.; 8DeshawnMcMillan,WR, sr.; 9 TimTennell,WR/DB, sr.; 10 Kevin Ford, QB/TE, sr.; 11 JoshJohnson,WR, jr.; 12 Josh Farris, DB, sr.; 13 Ke’shon Griffin, LB, jr.; 14 Jaquarius Garner, DB,sr.; 15Vincent Sandle,WR, sr.; 16 Bailey Giffen, K, sr.; 17Milton Elarms, LB, sr.; 20 C.J. Hill,DB, sr.; 21 DequariusWhite, DB, jr.; 22 DeMarcus Dates, DB, jr.; 23 Jaylen Steele, DB/RB,sr.; 26Matt Everett, DB, soph.; 27 Za’Quarius Glover, DB, sr.; 28 Jamarcus King, LB, jr.;29Ryan Lopez, DB, sr.; 32MalikWoodard, LB, jr.; 33 Cortne Campbell, LB/H, sr.; 34 DevarionGuyton, RB, soph.; 35 Jer’mikalWalden, LB, soph.; 36 Hunter Norris, LB, soph.; 38 AdamHausman, K, jr.; 40 Chris Burgess, DE, sr.; 45 J.T.Wagner, LB, sr.; 50 Brady Roberts, OL, jr.;51 Pedro Garcia, OL, soph.; 53 Noe Garcia, OL, jr.; 55 Alex Arevalo, DL/OL, jr.; 57 DylanArredondo, OL, sr.; 67 Bailey Reid, OL, jr.; 75 Nikedrek Gooden, OL, sr.; 77 ShaquonWarren,OL, sr.; 79 ColtonThurmon, DL, sr.; 81Mykedrian Ellis,WR, soph.; 84 Jaden Luna,WR,soph.; 85 SinaiWoods, DE/LB, sr.; 88 Layne Outlaw,WR, sr.; 90 Josh Peoples, DE, sr.; 98Braedon Smith, DE, jr.; 99 Charles Owens, DL, sr.

Eagle photo by Sam CraftRudder senior Josh Peoples says he hit a growth spurt late in middle school and earlyin high school and is now 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds.

FACTSHead coach —Will Compton (1-9overall; 1-9 at Rudder)District — 18-5A2014 record — 1-9 (0-7 in 18-5A)2014 playoffs —did not qualifyPlayoff appearances —noneReturning lettermen — 30 (9offensive, 7 defensive starters)All-time record — 14-43-1Playoff record —none

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 28 Killeen Shoemaker 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 40-14

Sept 4 at Killeen Ellison 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 33-13

Sept 11 Bastrop Cedar Creek 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 48-20

Sept 18 openDistrict 18-5A

Sept 25 at Caney Creek 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 43-36

Oct 2 College Station 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 83-20

Oct 9 at Willis 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 49-14

Oct 16 at Livingston 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 26-13

Oct 23 Huntsville* 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 34-10

Oct 30 at A&M Consolidated 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 57-7

Nov 6 Bryan 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 56-19

*Homecoming

After dealingwith personal growth spurt, defensiveendPeopleswants to helpRudder findone as team

See RUDDER, Page 32


It has affected every aspectof Peoples’ game, as well as hispersona.“He’s come a long way and is

probably the most improved kidI’ve seensince Ihavebeenhere,”Rudderdefensive line coachCal-vinHill said. “He’s alwayswant-ing to learn, always eager tolearn. The big change with himthis last year is that he’s actu-ally jumping in and helping theyounger kids. He knows the phi-losophy of the team and the insand out of playing his position.”Peoples played in nine games

his juniorseasonandhad23tack-les, including11solos.Fourof thetackles were for losses and hecaused one fumble. His coachesthink his best season is comingthis year.“He’ll be on the move,” Hill

said. “He’s going to be a run-stopper. Another thing he’s im-proved on is his pass rush. He’slongandhelovestomaketackles,tomakeplays.Josh isa teamguy.He doesn’t take anything solely.He celebrates offense as muchas defense, and that’s the kindof guywe need.”

Rangers looking forbetter results in 2015Rudder is still seeking a turn-

around after one win over thelast two seasons. The Rangerswere 1-9 in Compton’s first sea-son last year.“It’s a process trying to turn a

programaround,”Comptonsaid.“We’reat thatpoint if wecanwina couple of games at the begin-ning of the year to really buildthat confidence, I really see thisprogrambeingabletoslingshot.”

He has battle-tested veteransto help lead the way.Quarterback

David Hobsonwas a late-seasonstarter last year.He started andplayed well inthe final gameagainst Bryan,rushing for 150yards and pass-ing for 152.Hobson and

Kevin Ford havesplit repetitions at quarterback.If Hobson wins out, Ford willplay tight end.“One guy who is extremely

explosive and I think is going tohave a breakout year is Eric Pe-terson, our little slot receiver,”Compton said.Peterson scored three touch-

downs last season (two receiv-

ing, onerushing).An infusionoftaller basketball players shouldstrengthen theoutside receivingcorps, too.Theoffensiveline,hitbyinjuries

in an erratic season last year, hasbeenapleasantsurprisetoComp-ton.BaileyReid,sonof newspecialteams coach JonathanReid, joinsthe offensive front this year.“He was a regional power-

lifter and it’s fun to watch himandCharlesOwensgoafter eachother,” Compton said. “Charlesmade it to state for us in power-lifting. Those two guys can pushsomeweight.”Jamall Collins, who opened

Rudder’s scrimmage againstGiddings with an 80-yard run,will be a leader in the offensivebackfield. As a junior, Collinsrushed for 248 yards and threetouchdowns.The linebacker corps is new,

with Choka now at Stephen F.Austin.“Our biggest question is at

linebacker,” Compton admits.“We’ve got sev-eralguyscompet-ing for that spot.”Still, key mem-

bers of the de-fense return.SafetyJ.T.King

star ted everygame as a sopho-more. Corner-back DeMarcusDatesrecorded35tackles and had a95-yard interception return for ascore last year.There’s a goodkicking compe-

tition between Adam Hausmanand senior Bailey Giffen, whohad concentrated on baseballsince last playing football as afreshman.

RUDDER RANGERS

RUDDER:Hobson, Ford competing for startingquarterbackpositionContinued from 31

HOBSON

KING


Grand Prize is a Scion tC or Win Scholarship Funds2016 Seniors Registration Ends September 30, 2015 at www.atkinsonitpaystostay.com

Winners will be drawn during the end of school banquet on June 5, 2016. Must be present to win.

High School Seniors Win With Senior Year Perfect Attendance!

It Pays to Stay Program!

to thestatemeet in thepolevaultlast spring. He brings mentaltoughness. He’s a leader.”Adjusting to the loss of

Grimes, the Eagles changed of-fenses at midseason, going fromthespreadtoaslot-T.Milanowillreturn to the spread this sea-son, hoping to mix the run andthe pass under the direction of6-foot-2 sophomore quarterback

Kyle King, who started everygame last year.“During the offseason and the

summer he worked his tail offand has put on about 15 poundsof muscle,” LaGrone said. “He’sabout 185now.He is going to runit forus, andhecan throwit.Ouroffense is going to go throughhim.”King will have help from

receivers Blake Harless andGrimes, along with running

back Cole Sheppard, all seniorsand returning starters. The of-fensive line will be led by veter-ans in center JoshLewis, guardsDillanLiscumandBrianJutson,and tackle Tyler Gann.On defense, Gann and Jutson

will help anchor the line, withSheppard at middle linebacker.TheEagles also expect contribu-tionsfromfreshmanArthurSotoat end.

ROSTER1 Kyle King, QB/DB, soph.; 2 TimDemmerit,WR/DB, soph.; 5 Zack Smith,WR/DB, soph.;5 EddieWest, RB/LB, soph.; 6 Keaton Popham,WR/LB, soph.; 7 RonnieMesser,WR/DB,soph.; 8 Christian Grimes,WR/DB, sr.; 9 Caleb Stephenson,WR/LB, soph.; 10 Arthur Soto,WR/LB, fr.; 11WesleyMorgan,WR/DB, sr.; 12 Devonte Jones,WR/DB, fr.; 17MasonVonGoten, TE/DL, sr.; 20 Elijah Smith,WR/DB, fr.; 20 Sethe Pugh, RB/LB, jr.; 22 Clay Sheppard,RB/LB, fr.; 28 Cole Sheppard, RB/LB, sr.; 30 Ben King, LB/FB, fr.; 34 Gus Downey,WR/DB, fr.; 34 Cody Starkey,WR/DB, soph.; 44 Shane Hollingsworth, TE/DE, sr.; 50 LukeHollingsworth, OL/DL, fr.; 51 Josh Lewis, OL/DL, sr.; 52 Brian Jutson, OL/DL, sr.; 54 DillanLiscum, OL/DL, sr.; 55 Edgar Hernandez, OL/LB, jr.; 56 Trebeaux Brussard, OL/DL, soph.; 60John Zawadzke, OL/DL, fr.; 62 JakeTurnage, OL/DL, fr.; 64 Brandon Bui, OL/DL, jr.; 70 JacobHarless, OL/DL, soph.; 72 Cade Popham, OL/DL, jr.; 77 Colby Doelitsch, OL/DL, fr.; 78 TylerGann, OL/DL, sr.; 80 Blake Harless,WR/DB, sr.; 83 Iain Hart, TE/DE, sr.

MILANO:SophomoreKing set todirect spreadoffense forEaglesContinued from 27

2014 FINAL DISTRICT STANDINGSDISTRICT 18-5A

District OverallW-L W-L PF PA

Bryan 7-0 10-2 493 344College Station 6-1 8-3 562 306A&MConsolidated 5-2 5-6 418 356Huntsville 4-3 7-4 393 294Willis 3-4 6-4 296 200Caney Creek 2-5 3-7 221 451Livingston 1-6 2-8 216 419Rudder 0-7 1-9 194 441Division Ibi-district:Bryan48,Manor27;Temple

58, A&MConsolidated 14Division II bi-district: Elgin 24, Huntsville 20;

Hutto 56, College Station 52Division I area: Bryan 49, MagnoliaWest 34Division I regional: Richmond George Ranch

48, Bryan 13

DISTRICT 19-5ADistrict Overall

W-L W-L PF PAHouston Stratford 7-0 8-4 406 265Brenham 6-1 9-4 534 349Waller 4-3 8-4 411 335MagnoliaWest 4-3 6-6 517 467Tomball Memorial 3-4 4-6 251 231Magnolia 3-4 3-7 228 302Tomball 1-6 3-7 287 428Houston SpringWoods 0-7 2-8 200 406Division I bi-district: Houston Stratford 48,

HoustonWaltrip 0; MagnoliaWest 45, HoustonMadison 36Division II bi-district: Brenham 61, Houston

Yates 12;Waller 17, Houston North Forest 14Division I area: Bryan 49, Magnolia West 34;

Temple 47, Houston Stratford 35Division II area: Brenham 45, Elgin 42; Hutto

39,Waller 14Division II regional: Crosby 38, Brenham 20

DISTRICT 11-4ADIVISION IDistrict Overall

W-L W-L PF PANavasota 5-0 16-0 921 212Sealy 4-1 5-6 310 210HoustonWheatley 3-2 4-7 192 334Houston Furr 2-3 5-5 235 269Houston Sterling 1-4 3-7 164 335HoustonWashington 0-5 3-7 154 361Bi-district: Navasota 55, Needville 15; Stafford

33,Sealy3;WestColumbia63,HoustonWheatley0; El Campo 49, Houston Furr 6

Area: Navasota 39, Tyler Chapel Hill 28Regional: Navasota 54, El Campo 36Quarterfinal: Navasota 34, Henderson 14Semifinal: Navasota 49, Liberty Hill 26State championship: Navasota 42, Argyle 35

DISTRICT 8-4ADIVISION IIDistrict Overall

W-L W-L PF PAColdspring-Oakhurst 5-0 9-3 375 186Shepherd 3-2 6-5 359 232Madisonville 3-2 4-7 228 337Tarkington 2-3 7-5 338 268Diboll 2-3 2-8 218 410Huntington 0-5 1-9 215 381Bi-district: Coldspring-Oakhurst 28, Lorena 21;

Tarkington 27, Mexia 24; Fairfield 24, Shepherd16;Waco Connally 35, Madisonville 14Area: Tatum 35, Coldspring-Oakhurst 12; At-

lanta 49, Tarkington 26


W-L W-L PF PALa Grange 4-0 13-1 545 238Caldwell 3-1 6-5 371 286Giddings 2-2 7-5 413 355Smithville 1-3 2-9 141 382Salado 0-4 0-10 102 437Bi-district: LaGrange35,Columbus0;Giddings

31,Wharton14; Sweeny32, Caldwell 27; Bellville24, Smithville 7Area:LaGrange49,Orangefield7;WestOrange

Stark 34, Giddings 14Regional: La Grange 36, Hardin-Jefferson 28Quarterfinal:WestOrange-Stark42,LaGrange7


W-L W-L PF PARockdale 4-1 12-2 525 288Cameron 4-1 12-4 695 390Academy 3-2 7-5 261 271Troy 2-3 5-5 249 227LagoVista 2-3 5-6 250 259Florence 0-5 3-7 239 336Bi-district:Cameron41,GlenRose21;Rockdale

48, Comanche 24; Academy 24, McGregor 21;Whitney 42, LagoVista 14Area: Cameron 42, Teague 31; Rockdale 55,

Buna 28; East Chambers 24, Academy 14Regional:Cameron54,EastChambers21;Rock-

dale 27, Kirbyville 20Quarterfinal: Cameron 44, Rockdale 25Semifinal: Cameron 70, Edna 34State championship: Cameron 70, Mineola 40


W-L W-L PF PAFranklin 5-1 10-2 603 181Leon 5-1 8-3 290 183Trinity 5-1 7-4 376 320NewWaverly 3-3 4-7 221 253Lexington 2-4 3-7 285 383Buffalo 1-5 2-8 208 420Hearne 0-6 0-9 40 476Bi-district: Franklin 57, Garrison 13; Corrigan-

Camden38, Leon 8; Crockett 34,Trinity 27; New-ton 46, NewWaverly 6Area: Franklin 51, Maypearl 13Regional: Newton 49, Franklin 21


W-L W-L PF PACenterville 5-0 10-4 556 299Lovelady 3-2 9-3 315 158Anderson-Shiro 3-2 6-3 235 202Groveton 3-2 4-7 256 409Hull-Daisetta 1-4 4-6 371 339West Hardin 0-5 2-8 194 391Bi-district:Centerville,bye; Lovelady17,Kerens

16; Price Carlisle 30, Groveton 13Area: Centerville 69, San Augustine 36; Union

Grove 14, Lovelady 7Regional: Centerville 41, Price Carlisle 0Quarterfinal: Centerville 23, Alto 20Semifinal: Mason 27, Centerville 7


W-L W-L PF PAIola 5-0 11-1 633 132Normangee 4-1 8-5 387 318Evadale 3-2 7-4 385 315Colemesneil 2-3 2-8 194 425Burkeville 1-4 1-9 159 453Sabine Pass 0-5 1-9 31 477Bi-district: Iola,bye;Normangee30,Overton24

(OT); Timpson 45, Evadale 39Area: Iola 35, Muenster 21; Normangee 40,

Lindsay 21Regional: Iola 34, Chilton 9; Tenaha 47, Nor-

mangee 7Quarterfinal: Tenaha 35, Iola 28


W-L W-L PF PABremond 6-0 15-0 679 159Burton 5-1 8-4 333 167Milano 4-2 4-7 164 271Bartlett 3-3 3-7 194 366Snook 2-4 4-6 229 175Granger 1-5 1-9 89 433Somerville 0-6 0-10 103 522Bi-district: Bremond, bye; Burton 18,Yorktown

13; Louise 25, Milano 6Area: Bremond 48, Rocksprings 0; Bruni 6,

Burton 0Regional: Bremond 47, Louise 6Quarterfinal: Bremond 46, Bruni 7Semifinal: Bremond 32, Tenaha 29State championship: Bremond 28, Albany 21

DISTRICT 16-ADIVISION IIDistrict Overall

W-L W-L PF PACalvert 3-0 10-3 659 357High Island 1-2 5-6 397 422Buckholts 1-2 2-8 302 481Prairie Lea 1-2 2-8 105 488Bi-district: Calvert 62,Trinidad 16;Mount Calm

102, High Island 56Regional: Calvert 32, Jonesboro 26 (OT)Quarterfinal: Calvert 64, Richland Springs 46Semifinal: Throckmorton 76, Calvert 72

TAPPSDIVISION III DISTRICT 4DistrictOverall

W-L W-L PF PATheWoodlands Christian 7-0 12-1 593 225Bay Area Christian 6-1 12-2 7-5 226Brazos Christian 5-2 9-3 416 292St. Joseph 4-3 7-4 403 354Tomball Rosehill 2-5 4-6 217 258Magnolia Legacy 1-6 1-9 166 403Beaumont Legacy 3-4 4-6 258 395Houston Lutheran North 0-7 0-9 79 436Bi-district: TheWoodlands Christian 41, Irving

The Highlands 7; Bay Area Christian 62, SchertzJohn Paul II 7; Brazos Christian 48, HallettsvilleSacred Heart 8; Shiner St. Paul 74, St. Joseph 48Regional: TheWoodlands Christian 40, Brazos

Christian 14; Bay Area Christian 59, Shiner St.Paul 31Semifinal:BayAreaChristian39,TheWoodlands

Christian 14Statechampionship:TrinityChristianCedarHill

54, Bay Area Christian 18

BRAZOSVALLEYTOP 10

4district streaks• Navasota has the longest cur-rent winning streak in district gamesamong teams across the BrazosValley. Here are the Top 10 currentstreaks:

1. Navasota . . . . . . . . . 242. Centerville . . . . . . . . . 103. Bremond. . . . . . . . . . .94. Bryan . . . . . . . . . . . .75. Iola . . . . . . . . . . . . .66. (tie) Leon . . . . . . . . . .5Brazos Christian . . . . . . . .58. Cameron. . . . . . . . . . .49. (tie) Burton . . . . . . . . .3Calvert . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

4scoring leaders•Navasota’s921points last seasontops the all-time chart for single-sea-son scoring by a team in the BrazosValley. Here are the Top 10 efforts:1. Navasota, 2014, 921 points (16games)2. Iola, 1994, 714 (13 games)2. Navasota,2012,714 (16 games)4. Cameron,2013,700 (16 games)5. Bremond,2014,669 (15 games)6. Cameron,2010,645 (15 games)7. Franklin, 2012, 637 (13 games)8. Franklin, 2011, 636 (13 games)9. Franklin, 2013, 630 (14 games)10.Brenham,2013,613 (16games)


Coaching shuffleSCHOOL: SCHOOL:

Morton’s contract was not extended atNormangee after an 8-5 season in which thePanthers had a three-game playoff run. Hefinished a three-year stint at Normangee witha 15-18 record. Kortis, a former assistant atNavasota, has been the head coach at Maudthe last two seasons, where he posted a 12-9 record, including 4-6 in 2014.

In three seasons at Snook, Cummingsled the Bluejays to an 8-22 record, includinga 4-6 mark in 2014. He resigned to acceptan assistant coaching position at Navasota.Lechler is a former Brenham player andassistant coach for Glen West. An offen-sive line coach with the Cubs, Lechler alsocoached for six seasons as an assistant atHempstead.

SCHOOL: SCHOOL:Normangee Snook Somerville Calvert

FORMERCOaCH: KevinMorton

FORMERCOaCH: Scott Cummings

FORMERCOaCH: JamesRichardson

FORMERCOaCH: MarcusWortham

NEWCOaCH: NelsonKortis

NEWCOaCH: Chad Lechler

NEWCOaCH: Rex Sharp

NEWCOaCH: WayneWare

The Somerville Yeguas went 0-10 in Rich-ardson’s only season as head coach. Hiscareer record fell to 16-16. Sharp, who washired to be Richardson’s top assistant, tookover the head job when Richardson acceptedanother position in the school. Sharp hadbeen the defensive coordinator at Gladewa-ter Sabine and is a former head coach atPrice Carlisle and at Bullard, where his over-all record is 14-35.

Wortham, 20-5 in two seasons at his almamater of Calvert, led the Trojans to the ClassA Division II semifinals with a 10-3 mark in2014. Wortham was fired and is now interimbasketball coach and an assistant footballcoach at Allen Academy. After coachingCovington to a 6-4 season, Ware departedafter one year to coach the Trojans, a job heaccepted in July. Ware has a 92-51 careerrecord.

St. Joseph’sHunter Konderla.

TOP: A&M Consolidated’s Noah Langley (fromleft), Jayden Drisdale and Cooper Atkinson.

RIGHT: Rudder’s BrianWilliams.

Eagle photos by Dave McDermand and SamCraft

Bryan’s Cecil Banks.

College Station’sAlexMiller.

Brazos Christian’sJohn Mather.


SNOOK BLUEJAYS

Newcoachready toflyBluejays intoplayoffsBy LARRY BOWEN

larry.bowen@theeagle,com

Barelyamonth intohis tenureas Snook’s head football coach,Chad Lechler seems to have alot of answers.Lechler easily ex-plains his decision to take over aprogramthat’sneverbeen to theplayoffs.Askabout theBluejays’lack of experience, and Lechlersays it works in his favor.Lechler’s biggest and best an-

swermaybeDarrionSwain,whowill switchfromreceiver toquar-terback forhisseniorseasonandLechler’s first as a head coach.Swain figures to be a key part

of the plan as the recently hiredcoachingstaffstartsaneweraforthe Snook football program.A productive receiver last

season, Swain became the heirapparent when his quarterbackgraduated. The move becamemore complicated when ScottCummings resigned as Snook’scoach in late June, and quicklywasreplacedbyformerBrenhamassistant Lechler.“Wejustkindof tookitandran

with it,” Swain said. “What canwe do? We don’t have a choice,just take the good with the goodand go with it.“It’s way better than last year,

and this is just the beginning.The atmosphere is great andwe’ve become so close as a team.We’restartingto trusteachotherand the coaches are trusting us.It’s just our attitude, basically.Everybodyhasapositiveattitudeandwants the same thing.”The Bluejays went 4-6 last sea-

son, finishing fifth in District13-2A Division II. Snook has notreached the state playoffs sincerevivingtheprogramin2010afternearly 50 yearswithout football.That historywasn’t enough to

prevent Lechler from leaving asolid program in Brenham forhis first head coaching job. Acouple of weeks into preseasonworkouts, Lechler feels goodabouthisdecision,andabout the

Bluejays’ future.“I started coaching in Hemp-

stead when they were not verygood, and my last year there wewent to thestatechampionship,”Lechler said. “This really feelslike a similar experience here.You’ve got a lot of talented kids,a lot of size and speed.“It feels likeonceyouget them

going in the right direction andonce you get them on a roll, youcould be really successful. Thecommunity and my administra-tion are very supportive. I thinkif we can get the ball rollinga little bit, this could be a veryspecial place.”The Bluejays returned only

three offensive and three defen-sive starters, leaving the newstaff with lots of green wood touse in their building project.“That’s probably an advan-

tage, because you don’t have

kids that are set in their ways,”Lechler said.Swain’s experience will come

in handy, even with his positionswitch. Swainwill get some timeat receiver, as the Bluejays haveanotherquarterbackprospect infreshman K.J. Macik, but Swainwas a natural choice to run theoffense.“I needed a leader in that po-

sition,” Lechler said. “I think ifhekeepsgoingontheright track,he’ll be really, really good for us.So far, he’s been everything thatwe hoped he would be.”Swain started playing youth

league football inCaldwellwhenhe was in the fifth grade. He

joined the fledgling Snook pro-gramasasixthgraderandspentoneseasonatquarterback,whenhe was in the eighth grade.“I just basically embraced it,”

Swain said of this year’s switch.“I have to do whatever I can formyteamtosucceed,andI’mwill-ingtodothat.Wewantmorewinsthan last season. We’re going tothe playoffs this year. It wouldmean a lot because no team be-fore us has been able to do that.Itwouldbe incredible forus togoto the playoffs.”Lechler expects the Bluejays

to be potent offensively, prais-ing the ability of junior runningback Jamarion Flowers, juniorreceiver Mike Conerway andsenior tight end Justin Hooper.The blockers include 315-poundsophomore Devonze Franklin.“We’ve got some weapons, if

we can just get them going intherightdirection,”Lechlersaid.Snook’s defensive leaders

likely will be senior linebackerPaulArredondo, sophomoreendCharlesRamirezandsophomoreoutside linebacker Jaqua’veonLouis.

ROSTER1 Jamarion Flowers, RB/DB, 5-4, 130, jr.; 2 Darrion Swain, QB/WR/DB, 6-0, 175, sr.; 3Michael Ramirez, WR/OLB, 6-0, 195, soph.; 4 Michael Conerway, WR/DB, 6-0, 165, jr.; 5Joseph Lara, RB/DB, 5-8, 155, soph.; 8 Paul Arredondo, FB/LB, 5-9, 200, sr.; 10 DamonAllen, RB/LB, 5-9, 155, fr.; 12 Moises Davila, RB/LB, 5-6, 140, jr.; 13 K.J. Macik, QB/WR/DB,6-1, 170, fr.; 14 Justin Hooper, TE/DE, 6-0, 185, sr.; 15 Cole Junek, WR/DB, 5-7, 135, fr.; 16Jaden Brewer, WR/OLB, 5-6, 145, fr.; 20 Carey Markeedrone, RB/DB, 5-9, 160, soph.; 22Dylan Alwell, WR/LB, 5-7, 140, fr.; 23 Charles Ramirez, TE/DE, 6-2, 230, soph.; 24 RickyGonzalez, WR/OLB, 5-7, 150, soph.; 26 Damonta Allen, WR/DB, 5-10, 155, fr.; 30 ChrisRamirez, FB/LB, 5-6, 170, sr.; 33 Jaqua’veon Louis, RB/LB, 5-9, 160, soph.; 50 Chris Sebesta,OL/LB, 5-9, 205, jr.; 51 John Keese, OL/DE, 5-9, 145, soph.; 52 Shavon Cole, OL/DL, 6-1, 265,jr.; 54 Ricky Castaneda, OL/DL, 5-10, 210, sr.; 55 Adam Edders, OL/DL, 5-10, 230, jr.; 60 JoseCastillo, OL/DL, 5-8, 245, fr.; 62 JakeYoung, WR/DB, 5-6, 135, fr.; 64 Colten Orsak, OL/DL,6-1, 235, sr.; 65 Shemar Barnes, OL/DL, 5-6, 260, soph.; 68 Jose Ramos, OL/DL, 5-7, 245,fr.; 70 Matthew Schoppe, OL/DL, 6-1, 3-5, jr.; 72 Nathan Sprouse, WR/DB, 5-7, 135, jr.; 74Devonze Franklin, OL/DL, 5-10, 320, soph.

FACTSHead coach — Chad Lechler (firstyear as head coach; first year atSnook)District — 13-2A Division II2014 record — 4-6 (2-4 in 13-2ADivision II)2014 playoffs — did not qualifyState playoff appearances —noneReturning lettermen — 15 (3offensive, 3 defensive starters)All-time record — 10-40-0Playoff record — 0-0

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 27 Hallettsville Sacred Heart 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 29-6

Sept 4 at Brazos Christian 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 23-19

Sept 11 at Normangee 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 14-13

Sept 18 Weimar 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 23-3

District 13-2A Division IISept 25 at Burton 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 22-6

Oct 2 Milano 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 2-0

Oct 9 at Bremond 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 54-14

Oct 16 Bartlett 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 32-27

Oct 23 at Granger 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 69-0

Oct 30 Somerville 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 48-0

Nov 6 OpenNOTE — All home games at Allen Academy

Eagle photo by Sam CraftSnook senior Darrion Swain has been a productive receiver for the Bluejays, and hewill slide over to play quarterback this season.


SOMERVILLE YEGUAS

Sharp trying tomoldexperiencedYeguas intowinnersBy DAVID CAMPBELL

[email protected]

With the number of playersSomerville has returning — 17lettermen, eight offensive start-ers and seven on defense — theYeguasmay be ready to turn thecorner.The block they’ve been on

has been longer than they couldhave imagined, and it has beensteadilyuphill.TheYeguasbeginthe football season on a 29-game

losing skid.“It’s not just

about Xs andOs here,” first-year head coachRex Sharp said.“We’re tryingto change theculture and themindset of thecommunity butmost important-

ly kids who haven’t experiencedmuch success.”Sharp felt he needed to get

back to basics, beginning withsmall steps.“We had to start over funda-

mentally, teaching thegameandbecoming football savvy,” saidSharp, who sees awillingness toimprove. “That just doesn’t hap-peninoneweek,twoweeks, threeweeks. It’saprocess.They’vehada great attitude, andwe’rework-ing their tails off.”

The Yeguas will employ thepistol-spread offense, with vet-eran Marlin Nutall as the deepback.“He’s a good hand coming

back,” said Sharp of his quicktailback, who rushed for 800yards and 10 touchdowns lastseason. “He’s going to be one ofour main ones, no doubt, offen-sively.”SeniorMalikRoy isworkingat

running back and quarterback.“He’s got really good speed,

and he’s one of those that we’vegot to get the ball in his hands,”Sharp said.Marlin’s younger brother,

MarquisNutall, hasalsoworkedat quarterback, splitting timewith Roy.Experience could help Somer-

ville leavebehinditsbadpreviousexperiences. The Yeguas bringbackthreestartingoffensiveline-men,someof whomwerepressedinto duty as young players.“Even though they played

young, at least that’s a year ofvarsity experience and we do

havesomereturn-ing O-linemen,”said Sharp, whohas size up frontwith his blockersCameronTuck-

er (230 pounds) isjoined by guardMark Hargrove(265). Both areseniors. Josh Go-mez weighs in at

315.“Josh is just a good-sized kid,

just a sophomore, and he had toplayasa freshmansome,”Sharpsaid. “He’s got a lot of growing

to do, but he has pretty good feetandsizeandstrength.The ‘it’ fac-tor on him is huge, if he decidesto use it.”TheYeguasplantothrowmore

this season.“We’re going to try to get the

ball in space and get out thereand make somebody miss, wehope,” Sharp said. “AnthonyBalboa, a senior receiver, hasgood skills. He’s a good kid andagood route runner.With IsaiahMartinez and Cody Poehl, we’vegotsometherethatwehopetogetthe ball in their hands. Balboa,being a senior, is probably theleader of that group.”Somerville will count on sev-

eral two-way players and willplay the 4-3 on defense.The defensive ends are athlet-

ic, with Clifton Burns and Mar-quisNutallmanningthosespots.

“We have a sophomore thatmoved in that we thinkwill helpus, Daniel SanMiguel,” Sharpsaid. “We’ve got some depth atthe defensive tackles, our two-techniques.Weplantorotateandkeep those big guys fresh.”EricPoehl,partof anothersib-

lingcombination forSomerville,should also play significantly atdefensive end.

Marlin Nutall, who will getsomerestdefensively,will stillbeneeded often at linebacker. He isteamedwith fellowseniorJamesBernalandTylerPharr,whohad62 tackles.Coleton Galbreath, the son of

assistant coach Tim Galbreath,joined the Yeguas this seasonas a move-in and will also playlinebacker.Roy will play safety with Bal-

boa at corner.

FACTSHead coach — Rex Sharp (14-34overall; first year at Somerville)District — 13-2A Division II2014 record — 0-10 (0-6 in 13-2ADivision II)2014 playoffs —did not qualifyPlayoff appearances (8) — 1939,1960, 1965, 1976, 1982, 1983,1990, 2006Returning lettermen — 28 (9offensive, 9 defensive starters)All-time record — 306-485-24Playoff record — 4-8-0

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 28 Iola 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 65-0

Sept 4 at Buffalo 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 71-6

Sept 11 Shiner St. Paul* 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 76-21

Sept 18 at Yorktown 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 59-14

District 13-2A Division IISept 25 at Milano 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 27-20

Oct 2 Bremond 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 53-7

Oct 9 at Bartlett 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 52-14

Oct 16 Granger 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 33-7

Oct 23 openOct 30 at Snook+ 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 48-0

Nov 6 Burton 7:30 p.m.Last season: L 38-14

*Homecoming+Allen Academy

Eagle photo by Dave McDermandJunior Marquis Nutall (3) is practicing at quarterback alongside senior Malik Roy.Nutall will also play defensive end for Somerville in 2015.

SHARP

ROSTER2 IsaiahMartinez,WR/DB, 135, soph.; 3 Marquis Nutall, QB/DL, 180, jr.; 4 Seven Steels,WR/DB, 150, fr.; 5 Cody Poehl,WR/DB, 155, jr.; 6 Malik Roy, QB/RB/DB, 150, sr.; 7 Eric Poehl,WR/DB, 180, sr.; 8 Tyler Pharr,WR/LB, 175, sr.; 9 James Bernal, RB/LB, 165, sr.; 10Trenton Ballard,OL/DL, 155, fr.; 11 A.J. Barnett, OL/DL, 165, fr.; 12 Devin Sparks, RB/DB, 170, fr.; 16 HunterDawson, OL/DL, 160, fr.; 17 Anthony Balboa,WR/DB, 135, sr.; 22Marlin Nutall, RB/LB, 160,sr.; 24 KevinMiles,WR/DB, 135, soph.; 26 Daniel SanMiguel, RB/DL, 180, soph.; 33 ErickPerez,WR/DB, 120, jr.; 34 Clifford Burns, Jr., RB/DL, 175, jr.; 36 Caleb Allison, RB/LB, 215, fr.;50 Cain Zuniga, OL/DL, 210, fr.; 52 Gage Zuniga, OL/DL, 220, fr.; 53Mark Hargrove, OL/DL,265, sr.; 55 Coleton Galbreth, OL/DL, 195, jr.; 56 Eathan Neely, OL/DL, 180, sr.; 58 PrestonSprouse, OL/DL, 200, fr.; 62 Isidro Donate, OL/DL, 245, jr.; 64 Josh Urbanosky, OL/DL,205, fr.; 65 CameronTucker, OL/DL, 230, sr.; 76 Josh Gomez, OL/DL, 315, soph.; 78 CodyMuggenborg, OL/DL, 215, jr.; 79 NickVasquez, OL/DL, 260, fr.

TUCKER


ST. JOSEPH EAGLES

St. Josephaddingyouth tosolidveterannucleusBy DAVID CAMPBELL

[email protected]

New faces take on the samechallenges for the St. JosephEagles.With an infusion of younger

players, it is the familiar faces inthe lineup who should ease thetransition as St. Joseph playsin a state powerhouse district,TAPPS District 4 Division III.

Safety Hunter Konderla anddefensivetackleQuentinCasarezwill be four-year starters on theEagles’ defense. Konderla led St.Joseph with 90 tackles and alsohad a knack for big plays. Thesecond-team All-Brazos Valleydefender intercepted fourpassesand scored two touchdowns ondefense.He forced three fumblesand recovered two.

“He’s the quarterback of ourdefense,” St. Joseph coach KyleAlexander said. “He’s our fieryleader, both by the way he playsand the way he talks.”

He’ll be needed with someyoung players joining him andJeremyMartinez(threeintercep-tions) in the secondary.Casarez (6-foot-2, 310 pounds)

hasbeenanobstacle foropposingteamsthroughouthishighschoolcareer. As a junior last season,he had 33 tackles, two sacks andseven tackles for losses.“Quentin is our big guy and is

getting some college interest,”Alexander said. “He’s athleticfor a kid that size and can movereallywell.He’s gettingmore in-terestonthedefensivesideof theball fromcolleges, buthe’s goingto be starting both ways for us.”He’ll get help, as former Rud-

derRangerChris Espinoza,whotransferred toSt. Joseph lastDe-cember,will playup front for theEagles. As a junior for the Rang-ers, Espinoza had 62 tackles, in-cluding42 solos,whileplaying inall 10games.Heposted11 tacklesfor losses and two sacks.

Espinoza’s addition shouldbolster St. Joseph’s run defense,

which Alexander admits needsto improve.“I think we’re going to have a

really goodcomboright there, be-cause they can’t just concentrateonQuentin,” Alexander said. “Inthe linebacker corps, Kyle Lock(87 tackles, two forced fumbles)has always been huge. He playsour strong side linebacker andhe’sourbiggesthitterondefense.”John Navjar moves to the

quarterbackspot, after thesoph-omore played wide receiver hisfreshmanseason.HewillgivetheEagles a different look at quar-terback after the graduation offour-year starter LukeMcClure,who was a pocket passer. Mc-Clure is now playing in collegeatWisconsin Lutheran.

Navjar is a shifty player, whomay give St. Joseph more run-ning options from the position.It’s amove thatSt. Josephcoach-es have been preparing for sinceNavjar’s eighth-grade year.

“He’s a great passer, but weaddanewthreatwiththeoffense,to have a more mobile guy backthere,”Alexandersaid. “Weadd-edsomenewwrinkles.Therearesomemoredesignedplays for thequarterback,wherehehas read-runoptionorarun-passoption.”Espinoza will also play run-

ning back. Alexander expects arunning back corps to highlightthe ground attack.

“With the loss of Hunter Bat-ten (who transferred to Bryan),

it will be by committee,” Alex-ander said. “We have three guyswho we will split reps, betweenChris Espinoza, Jeremy Marti-nez and Nick Dimarco, who is asophomore.We’ll get all three ofthem rotating in.”Sophomores will be expected

to carry a strong load.“Wedefinitely lost somepretty

good kids from that senior classlast year that we are looking toreplace, but the cupboard is defi-nitelynotbare,”Alexander said.“We had some good talent com-

ing up.”WhentheEaglesdo throw,Mi-

chaelKrausewillbethechief tar-get after the graduation of Reu-benFernandes.Krausecaught30passes for 459 yards last season.“Our next big weapon is Mi-

chael Krause,” Alexander said.“He’s a slot receiver more thananoutsidereceiver,buthe’sabigthreat in both the run game andthe pass game.”

Krause rushed for 132 yardslast season in a limited rushingrole.

Navjarwillkickandcouldalsobe the punter.“Not that we’re going to do it,

but the drop-kick, he’s unbeliev-able at it,” Alexander said. “Mycoaches are eggingmeon, so I’msure we’ll end up trying it.”

FACTSHead coach — Kyle Alexander(7-4 overall; 7-4 at St. Joseph)District —TAPPS Division IIIDistrict 42014 record — 7-4 (4-3 in TAPPSDivision III District 4)2014 playoffs — Bi-district: lostto Shiner St. Paul 74-48Playoff appearances (11) —6-man (3): 1999, 2000, 2001;11-man (7): 2006, 2007, 2008,2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014Returning lettermen — 21 (6offensive, 6 defensive starters)

SCHEDULEDate Opponent TimeAug 28 Central Texas Christian 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 47-25

Sept 4 at Shiner St. Paul 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 33-27

Sept 11 OpenSept 18 Schertz John Paul II 7:30 p.m.Last season: W 33-13

TAPPS Division III District 4Sept 25 at Magnolia Legacy 7 p.m.Last season: W 48-7

Oct 2 TheWoodlands Christian 7 p.m.Last season: L 48-34

Oct 9 at Houston Lutheran North 7 p.m.Last season: W 47-0

Oct 16 Tomball Rosehill* 7 p.m.Last season: W 47-20

Oct 23 at Beaumont Legacy 7 p.m.Last season: W 50-27

Oct 31 Bay Area Christian 7 p.m.Last season: L 72-16

Nov 6 at Brazos Christian 7 p.m.Last season: L 41-0

*Homecoming

ROSTER2Michael Krause,WR/QB/OLB, 6-0, 175, sr.; 3 John Najvar, QB/CB/K, 6-1, 162, soph.; 4 NoahMcClure,WR/CB, 5-10, 130, fr.; 5 Coltin Slenk,WR/CB, 6-0, 165, soph.; 7 Chris Espinoza, RB/DL, 5-9, 223, sr.; 10Kyle Locke,WR/OLB, 5-10, 171, sr.; 12 Hunter Konderla,WR/S, 5-10, 145, sr.; 15 Nick Dimarco, RB/CB/S, 5-7, 135, soph.; 20 Josh Saldua,WR/CB/S, 5-10, 148, soph.; 22 Jaxon Hayles,WR/CB, 5-3, 100,fr.; 24 Bryson Peddicord,WR/CB, 5-9, 130, soph.; 25 JeremyMartinez, RB/CB/S, 5-7, 155, sr.; 34 LoganLipscomb,WR/OLB, 6-1, 155, soph.; 50 Philip Blaszak, OL/DL, 5-7, 158, soph.; 51 Ryan Ernst, OL/DL,5-8, 180, jr.; 52 Nick Adam, OL/DL, 5-11, 178, jr.; 53 Samuel Gonzalez, OL/DL, 5-7, 190, soph.; 54 JackClements, OL/DL, 6-0, 230, jr.; 55 Cristian Olvera, OL/MLB, 5-6, 223, soph.; 56 Cameron Cooper, OL/MLB, 5-8, 155, jr.; 58MatthewTaylor, OL/DL, 6-0, 253, sr.; 60 Eric Rodriguez, OL/DL, 5-11, 275, sr.; 63Patrick Patke, OL/DL, 6-0, 195, soph.; 70 Robert Healing, OL/DL, 6-0, 315, sr.; 72 Quentin Casarez, OL/DL, 6-2, 305, sr.

Senior Chris Espi-noza transferredto St. Joseph fromRudder and is ex-pected to be a keycontributor for theEagles at runningback and on thedefensive line thisseason.

Eagle photo byDave McDermand


Media Day QuestionsTHE QUESTION

What is your favorite college football team?

A lot of Brazos Valley players decided to rally around the Ma-roon & White.Texas A&M was a runaway winner among the players who

voted for their favorite college team at The Eagle’s second an-nual Media Day. The Aggies had 63 votes, but there are eyeson Texas, too. The Longhorns came in a comfortable secondplace with 23 votes.Baylor finished third and was the only other team to get dou-

ble-digit votes, although TCU, Oregon and LSU were close.

TOPVOTE-GETTERSSCHOOL VOTES1. Texas A&M 632. Texas ....................... 233. Baylor....................... 104. (tie) Oregon ................ 8TCU................................ 8LSU................................ 87. Alabama..................... 58. Florida State............... 49. Texas Tech.................. 3

THE QUESTION

Some players hedged their bets by listing multipleschools, and voting proved there is a nationwide follow-ing for college football:Texas/Texas A&M/Kansas/SMU/TCU—Marqez Bim-

age, BrenhamTCU/A&M/Baylor—Charlie Glover Jr.,College StationTexas or Baylor — Shelton Eppler, NavasotaTCU — Rashauud Paul, Bremond (“That’s where I’m

currently committed,” Paul added.)Georgia Tech — Jesse Honnas, Brazos ChristianSouthern Cal — John King, College StationMary Hardin-Baylor — Jarrett Brown, BVCHEATulsa — Grant Peimann, LexingtonArmy — Dre Browning, BremondNotre Dame — Derian Guzman, CentervilleStanford —William Efendiev, College Station

HARDTOPICKJUSTONE

BIMAGE

GLOVER JR.

What is your favorite NFL team?

You may argue whether the Dallas Cowboys are still“America’s Team.”There is little argument that the Cowboys are the most

popular team in the Brazos Valley, based on voting of highschool football players at The Eagle’s second annual MediaDay.The Cowboys outdistanced their rivals in the state, the

Houston Texans, by a 48-26 vote.Last season’s Super Bowl teams, the New England Patri-

ots and Seattle Seahawks, tied for third.

TOPVOTE-GETTERSHere are all of the teams

that received four or morevotes:Dallas Cowboys ............ 48Houston Texans ............ 26New England Patriots .... 11Seattle Seahawks......... 11Denver Broncos .............. 7Green Bay Packers.......... 5Baltimore Ravens............ 5San Francisco 49ers ....... 5Pittsburgh Steelers ......... 4Carolina Panthers ........... 4

Lone WolfMany Brazos Valley players

went off the beaten path, or atleast outside the borders of thestate of Texas, but some play-ers were really on an island.These five teams had just onesupporter among our voters:Miami Dolphins — Quentin

White, RockdaleAtlanta Falcons — Tyler

Dykes, IolaNew York Jets — Charlie Glov-

er, College StationIndianapolis Colts — Xavier

Laury, CalvertPhiladelphia Eagles — Quan-

dree White, College Station

William De Leon of Caldwell couldn’t pin it down to one: “Panthers or49ers” was his vote for favorite NFL team. Franklin’s Jacob Dorsett addedan editorial comment: “Patriots (Tom didn’t do it).” And College Station’sTimarcus Davis abstained, saying, “I just enjoy the game.”Two voters threw in the name J.J. Watt to strengthen their Texans’ vote.

•The following NFL teams were shut out in voting by Brazos Valley football

players: Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns,Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, JacksonvilleJaguars, Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams, Washington Red-skins, Tennessee Titans.

ODDS&ENDS

The Eagle’s Media Day sponsored by Caldwell Country


Media Day Questions

Some of the Brazos Valley football players at The Eagle’s Media Day kept it simpleand practical when asked how they would spend their lottery winnings:Harrison Armstrong, BVCHEA — a house with landTyler Dykes, Iola — shoesNiall Creager, A&M Consolidated — new helmets for the offensive

lineCriston “Cheeseburger” Jones, Navasota — foodHunter Konderla, St. Joseph — a Twix candy barCole Sheppard, Milano — probably a Gatorade

•Some thought big:Grant Peimann, Lexington — a golf courseGarrison Tullos, Bremond — a yachtJosh Hitchcock, Caldwell and Tyler Raley, Iola — a ranch

•The outdoorsmen showed up:Sam Gaertner, Brenham — A fishing poleCal Bauer, Navasota — Bass boat and a hundred-acre lake

•Numerous players said vehicles. Some were specific:Cameron Tucker, Somerville —Dodge ViperKennon Williams, A&M Consolidated — C63 Mercedes-BenzAndrew Perez, Rockdale —CamaroKyle Foster, Brazos Christian — 2015 Corvette StingrayMark Hargrove, Somerville — 1998 Dodge Ram 3500, 12-valve,

tricked outJoshua White, Bremond — ’69 Pontiac GTOTy Brock, College Station — 1965 Shelby Cobra

•Several players suggested opening a savings account and some would invest. Some

directly pinpointed their future education.Many others planned to buy a house for their mom. Some would also get her a car.

Mothers were very popular on the wish list, although fathers, family and friends werealso mentioned. College Station’s Quandree White and Caldwell’sDevin Morris also wanted a new house for grandma. For some, a housewasn’t quite enough. John Mather of Brazos Christian said he wouldbuy “a mansion.”

•One wanted a new home base:Colton Orsak, Snook — Donate a majority to the school for a football

field (Orsak was one of several anxious to donate to his school.)•

Another wanted to get away from it all:Caleb LaStrapes, BVCHEA — my own island

•One covered the most popular trio of things (house topped the list) with one answer:Quentin Casarez, St. Joseph — a big truck, a house and a fast car

•And two Franklin guys just wouldn’t be willing to settle for $20 mil-

lion: Jacob Dorsett and Ian Knight — another lottery ticket

THE QUESTION

What is the first thing you would buyif you won $20 million in the lottery?

THE QUESTION

What is your favorite movie?

DYKES

FOSTER

LASTRAPES

Who needs Rotten Tomatoes to grade movies?Not the high school football players who voted for their favorite movie at

Media Day.Many of the movies selected had a sports theme and the top two were

football movies. Friday Night Lights, the 2004 film about Texas high schoolfootball, topped the list with Remember the Titans a strong second.You don’t have to dig far down the list to find movies that received Academy

Award acclaim, with Shawshank Redemption, The Blind Side, Braveheart andForrest Gump among the vote-getters.Here are all of the movies that received more than one vote in our gridiron-

playing, movie-watching poll:Friday Night Lights....................25Remember the Titans...............12The Sandlot...............................5The Shawshank Redemption.......4Southpaw..................................4Friday ........................................4When the Game Stands Tall ........4Gridiron Gang ............................3American Sniper ........................3Ant-Man ....................................3Joe Dirt .....................................3The Waterboy.............................3The Blind Side ...........................3Forrest Gump.............................2Braveheart ................................2Smokey and the Bandit ..............2The Longest Yard .......................28 Seconds.................................2Shooter.....................................2The Avengers.............................2Mama’s House ..........................2The Lion King.............................2Tombstone ................................2Paid in Full ................................2Stepbrothers .............................2Bad Boys...................................2

Other football players at Media Dayrecommended these movies:The Incredibles — Dre Browning,

BremondGodzilla — J.T. King, RudderPearl Harbor— Colton Orsak, SnookScary Movie— Tyson Washington,

BryanTed— Kyle Poe, MadisonvilleThe Green Mile— Colton Renick, IolaAct of Valor — Logan Lipscomb, St.

JosephTalladega Nights — Ryan Bennett, Iola

The Terminator — William Efendiev, Col-lege StationPirates of the Caribbean— TreBeaux

Broussard, MilanoAnchorman— Kyle King, MilanoStand By Me— Cristian Lara, RockdaleStarWars— Cameron Tucker, SomervilleNightcrawler — Eann Felder, BVCHEASpace Jam— Dillon Thielemann,

BrenhamOld Yeller — Jonathan Flores, NavasotaIola’s highlight film— Canyon Ramirez,

Iola

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