Denton Record-Chronicle Football 2017

INTRO

DRC Football

August 31, 2017

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On the cover

Brett Vito

FOOTBALL 2017

Path to success The Denton Record-Chronicle ’s 2017 football magazine focuses on the path to success for North Texas and each of the area’s 13 high school teams.

Section credits Staff artist Jason Lee designed the cover of the magazine and the city and area section introductory pages. Section photo editor Jeff Woo took the photos for the cover and the section introductory pages.

Contents North Texas Bowl appearance helped alter UNT athletics 6 Mason Fine proud of Cherokee heritage 8 Kishawn McClain grows into vital leader 10 Extra points 13 Conference USA preview 14 Conference USA capsules 15 Brandon Garner, E.J. Ejiya ready for larger roles 16 North Texas roster 17 Jeffery Wilson aiming for fantastic finish 18 LaDarius Hamilton could be breakout star 20 North Texas turns to new talent on offense 21 High schools Denton schools on journey to success 24 Guyer 26-30 Braswell 31-35 Denton 36-40 Ryan 41-49 State high school football polls 50 Area high schools Gaitlin Grisso a star for Aubrey 52 Composite UNT, high school schedule 54 Lake Dallas 56-59 Argyle 60-63 Aubrey 64-67 Krum 68-70 Sanger 71-73 Pilot Point 74-76 Ponder 77-79 Liberty Christian 80-82 Calvary 83-85 2016 year in photos 86-87 2016 all-area team 88 Section staff Director of sports Larry McBride lmcbride@dentonrc.com Section editor Brett Vito bvito@dentonrc.com Section photo editor Jeff Woo jwoo@dentonrc.com Staff Writer Steve Gamel sgamel@dentonrc.com Contributing writers Jimmy Isbell jisbell@dentonrc.com Brady Keane bkeane@dentonrc.com Photographer Jake King jake.king@dentonr.com Special contributors Daniel Burgess, Randy Cummings, Rich Luna

SECTION OVERVIEW

UNT joins local schools on right path after bowl

N

orth Texas seemed like it was a long, long way from where it aimed to be heading into the 2016 season.

The Mean Green were coming off a 1-11 campaign and were under the direction of new coach Seth Littrell. The former North Carolina offensive coordinator quickly established the goal of winning a bowl game.

That seemed like a crazy notion, but the Mean Green came within a whisker of pulling it off. Army scored on fourth down in overtime and hung on to beat UNT 38-31 in the Heart of Dallas Bowl.

The Mean Green’s breakout 5-8 season raises the question, just where are UNT and each Denton area high school on their paths to success?

The issue is one the Denton RecordChronicle’s sports staff explores in this year’s edition of its annual football preview magazine.

The goal hasn’t changed for UNT heading into the second season of the Littrell era.

“We still haven’t accomplished our mission from last year and have a chip on our shoulder,” Littrell said. “We want to win our bowl game. We haven’t done that yet.”

UNT appears better prepared to reach that goal heading into its season opener against Lamar on Saturday at Apogee Stadium.

Quarterback Mason Fine has a year of experience under his belt after starting nine games as a freshman. Star running back Jeffery Wilson returns for his senior season after rushing for 936 yards in 2016, when he was instrumental in the Mean Green’s season that fell just short of Littrell’s goal of a bowl win.

The Denton-area’s 13 high schools are also on a similar path to success.

Ryan advanced to the Class 5A Division I state semifinals before starting quarterback Spencer Sanders went down with a knee injury early in a 31-24 loss to Highland Park.

Sanders is back this fall and will look to guide Ryan on another deep postseason

Jeff Woo/DRC

North Texas is hoping its appearance in the Heart of Dallas Bowl last fall, when the Mean Green fell to Army in overtime, is an early step on its path to sustained success. Defensive end LaDarius Hamilton, center, will be a big part of UNT’s hopes to follow up on the ninth bowl appearance in program history by earning another bowl berth this fall. From left, Braswell wide receiver Jaeden Johnson, Guyer defensive lineman Arian Bhat, Ryan quarterback Spencer Sanders and Denton defensive back Anthony Tony-Itoyah will also play key roles in guiding their teams to successful seasons. run. The Raiders enter the season tied for sixth in The Associated Press’ Class 5A preseason poll with Corpus Christi Calallen.

Sanders is a big reason Ryan is highly ranked. He is one of the top high school quarterbacks in the state and will look to finish his career on a high note before heading to Oklahoma State.

Guyer could also be a state title contender. The Wildcats will encounter plenty of stiff competition in Class 6A, but have the talent necessary to make a run.

Denton enters a new era now that Billy Miller has taken over as its head coach. The Broncos made tremendous strides under Kevin Atkinson before he left for Flower Mound Marcus and finished 9-2 in 2016.

Miller will try to keep that momentum rolling.

Braswell will have more modest goals heading into its second season. The Bengals went 0-10 in their inaugural campaign and are looking to break through for the

first win in program history.

Several regional schools are also expected to make deep playoff runs, including Argyle.

The Eagles are ranked No. 4 in Class 4A and are annually one of the top programs in the Denton area, where football is a way of life and top teams are the norm.

Six of the 13 high schools in the Denton Record-Chronicle coverage area have combined for 21 UIL and TAPPS state title game appearances and seven championships since 2000.

UNT has contributed to that history of success while appearing in two bowl games since 2013, including last season’s Heart of Dallas Bowl. The game didn’t end the way the Mean Green hoped, but it showed UNT is on a path to success.

The next step on that path will come this fall for UNT and several other area high school teams in what promises to be another exciting season of football in the Denton area.

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August 31, 2017

COVER STORY

DRC Football

Bowl helped alter UNT athletics

Jeff Woo/DRC

North Texas took a big step toward improving the direction of its entire athletic program over the last few months. Senior wide receiver Kenny Buyers (31) and the Mean Green won five games and played in the Heart of Dallas Bowl just one season after a 1-11 finish. UNT also hired Wren Baker as its new athletic director.

New coach, athletic director also made significant impact

By Brett Vito Staff Writer

The last few months were a long and thrilling ride for the North Texas athletic department, a stretch that changed the school’s football program in fundamental ways.

Seth Littrell took over as the Mean Green’s head coach in December of 2015.

New athletic director Wren Baker arrived just a few months later and replaced Rick Villarreal, who stepped down after running the department for almost 16 years.

Littrell added fuel to the fire when he guided a team coming off a 1-11 season to the Heart of Dallas Bowl and a 5-8 finish in his debut campaign.

There are many ways one might describe it all. Dramatic seems appropriate.

Unexpected definitely fits.

The man at the center of that turnaround characterized it in a much different way this summer. Littrell described it as

small move in the right direction, one he and the Mean Green will try to build on when they open the season at home against Lamar on Saturday.

“We took a step toward establishing our program, but we are not there yet,” Littrell said. “It takes seasons of consistency and doing it over and over again before you are established. We have to focus on today, the future and the legacy we want to leave, and that is establishing a culture of championships.”

It’s been years since UNT played at a championship level on a consistent basis, the 2001-04 seasons to be exact. The Mean Green won four straight Sun Belt Conference titles and played in four straight bowl games during that span, toppling Cincinnati in the 2002 New Orleans Bowl along the way.

The current edition of the Mean Green will have a chance to take the next step toward reaching that level of consistency

again this fall.

The challenge is one the Mean Green believe they are ready to face after a whirlwind year that built their confidence in Littrell, each other and the future of the program.

“The sky is the limit,” UNT running back Jeffery Wilson said. “We are turning the corner. When you have that feeling as a group, you can expect good things. We are not going to take being mediocre anymore.

We won’t accept it.”

UNT’s veteran players have suffered through tough seasons before. They don’t want to go through the experience again, not after what seemed like a breakthrough year.

Rebuilding UNT’s confidence

Littrell could sense he needed to shake things up not long after he arrived at UNT. The Mean Green were coming off a devastating season that included one of the

more embarrassing losses in program history. UNT was already 0-4 when Portland State, a team UNT invited to town to be its homecoming patsy, came to Apogee Stadium and blasted the Mean Green 66-7.

UNT fired coach Dan McCarney that night. Any sense of confidence the Mean Green might have had — not to mention any momentum the program possessed — was squashed in that loss to a team from the Football Championship Subdivision, a rung lower on college football’s hierarchy than where UNT resides.

The story of how Littrell brought UNT’s confidence back has become a part of program lore. He sat his players down before his first season and told them their goal wasn’t just to win more games in 2016 — it was to win a bowl game, something UNT has done just three times in 101 seasons.

“I’m sure there was some hesitancy

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COVER STORY

August 31, 2017

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From Page 6

Cover story when we were talking about our goals during camp and saying that we were going to win our bowl game,” Littrell said. “Confidence might be down when you haven’t had success. You have to instill it and believe in each other.”

The belief UNT’s coaches and players had in each other grew during its breakthrough season. The Mean Green beat Army in a regular season game at West Point as a heavy underdog and came back from 17 points down to knock off Rice in double overtime.

The year ended on a down note when Army knocked off UNT 38-31 in overtime in the Heart of Dallas Bowl, but even that loss did little to temper the feeling among UNT’s players that they are headed in the right direction.

“That season gave us a big confidence boost,” senior safety Kishawn McClain said.

A chance to build

UNT’s coaches and players are keenly aware of the opportunity they have to change the trajectory of the program this fall.

The Mean Green haven’t gone to bowl games in back-to-back seasons since Darrell Dickey guided UNT to the last of its four New Orleans Bowls in 2004.

“Changing the perception of the program is why we wake up early every morning and run in the heat,” Wilson said. “We took a step toward that last year, but are not satisfied. We still had a losing season. A 5-8 record isn’t good and isn’t the standard we want to set at North Texas.”

It certainly isn’t what Baker talked about when he took over as UNT’s athletic director just days before the football season began last fall.

Baker echoed the goals Littrell laid out to his players a few months before. He talked about raising UNT’s profile and winning conference titles.

The goal is one he believes the Mean Green are closing in on heading into the season.

“I saw our kids get better in fall camp and in spring practice,” Baker said. “Now I stick my head in the weight room and the kids are stronger than they were in the spring.”

Baker said season ticket sales were up about 20 percent late this summer, which is another indication of what UNT’s veteran players could sense during the offseason.

“There is a lot of excitement around the team,” linebacker Brandon Garner said.

UNT players have a burning desire to capitalize on the momentum they built and avoid a letdown similar to what took place in 2014. The Mean Green came into that

DRC file photo

North Texas coach Seth Littrell took over a program that finished 1-11 in 2015 and set high expectations. The Mean Green responded with a run to the Heart of Dallas Bowl, the high point of a year of change for UNT’s athletic program as a whole.

DRC file photo

Wren Baker took over as North Texas’ athletic director in August of 2016 and has provided the program a lift while settling into his new job. season with a load of momentum after a 9-4 campaign and a win over UNLV in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. They squandered it all in a 4-8 campaign that started a downward spiral. UNT hit bottom with its onewin campaign in 2015.

“What I learned is that we need people to buy in,” said McClain, who was a member of the 2014 team. “You can’t relax. You have to keep at it if you want to keep it going. That is where it went south. Too many

guys got too comfortable and thought about the past instead of the next season. I have seen that and can put that in my guys’ heads. We want to keep going.”

UNT knows it needs to continue winning to change the perception of the program. The Mean Green’s bowl season gave its fan base a jolt, but did little to change the way UNT’s football team — and its athletic department as a whole — is viewed nationally.

UNT was picked to finish fourth in Conference USA’s West Division in the league’s preseason media poll.

“That’s what people are waiting on, to see if we go back to being a 2-10 team again,” Wilson said. “We are working to make sure that won’t happen.”

UNT’s coaches and players have thought a lot about what it will take to capitalize on an advantageous situation heading into the 2017 season.

UNT has a new energetic athletic director in Baker who has already given the program a jolt. He arranged for UNT to have new chrome helmets late last season, a treat the players loved. He also has plans to build a new indoor practice facility.

Littrell expects UNT’s players to be a lot more comfortable with the coaching staff and the offensive and defensive systems they are running with a year of experience under their belts. The Mean Green also have the momentum of a bowl season behind them.

The table seems set for UNT to build on the run of success in Littrell’s first season, when so much seemed to go right for the school’s athletic program as a whole.

UNT is aiming to achieve the dream it fell just short of last year — winning a bowl game. The Mean Green have other goals in mind as well.

“A winning season would validate this program,” Wilson said. “That is what we work for. We don’t want to be looked down on any more. This is a new era.”

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DRC Football

Fine proud of Cherokee heritage

By Brett Vito Staff Writer

Mason Fine peeled off his jersey and pads before making his way to the postgame interview room last fall at Apogee Stadium.

Fine still had a North Texas shirt on, just like his teammates, but the Mean Green’s starting quarterback was representing more than his team that day following a win over Bethune-Cookman. He was representing his Cherokee heritage as well with the shirt that spelled out “UNT” in his family’s native language.

Fine is one-quarter Cherokee and has Indian blood from both sides of his family.

“My heritage means a lot to me because there are not a lot of Indians around anymore,” Fine said. “I want to represent them in a good way. They have always supported me.”

Busloads of people from Fine’s hometown of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, made the trip to UNT for games last season to see him play during his successful freshman year. He started nine games and helped pave the way for UNT to play in the Heart of Dallas Bowl before he was knocked out for the season with a shoulder injury.

Fine has since recovered and is expected to be back under center on Saturday when UNT opens the season at home against Lamar. The game will offer the sophomore a chance to pick up where he left before missing the final three games of the 2016 season.

“Mason has progressed a ton,” UNT offensive coordinator Graham Harrell said.

“He’s a good athlete with a really good arm and has a season’s worth of reps under his belt, which has made him a much better player. He continues to get better every practice.”

Along the way, Fine has become an inspiration to the people of Locust Grove and the surrounding area, where many Native Americans struggle with poverty and alcoholism.

“The impact Mason has had on the kids in our community is immeasurable,” said Amanda Clinton, the director of communications for the Cherokee Nation. “He’s not only a great athlete. He’s also a great person.

Mason is as much of a pillar of the community as he can be at his age.”

Growing up with Indian roots

Fine is quick to dismiss the stereotypes that some associate with Native Americans.

He didn’t live on a reservation. He grew up like most American kids in rural Oklahoma, going to school and playing sports.

Jeff Woo/DRC

North Texas quarterback Mason Fine wore a T-shirt under his jersey with “UNT” written in Cherokee on it for the first start of his career last fall against Bethune-Cookman. Fine has Indian blood from both sides of his family and considers his heritage an important part of who he is. Fine is expected to start at quarterback for UNT again this fall.

Even then, Fine could sense the Native American way of life fading away. The process is one he and his family have tried to slow by keeping Indian traditions alive.

Felix Johnson, Fine’s great grandfather, is fluent in Cherokee and still preaches on Sundays in his native language.

Johnson taught Fine several Cherokee phrases when he was a toddler that have since faded from his memory. His grandmother gave him a blowgun and other Native American crafts.

The family also took Fine to powwows.

“We would talk positively about being a Native American when Mason was growing up,” said Dale Fine, Mason’s father. “We didn’t push it on him, but it was a part of his life growing up.

“He knows being Cherokee is part of who he is.”

Fine came to identify with the Native

American culture over the years.

He loved to fish and hunt. He often ate Native American dishes, including deer, buffalo, wild mushrooms and the Native American bread his grandmother Brenda Nunley made for the family.

Both of Fine’s parents have worked for the Cherokee tribe. Dale Fine was in law enforcement, while his mother, Terrah Fine, still works for the tribe in its health department.

“Mason has always been interested in his heritage and the history of the tribe,” Nunley said. “He loved to listen to stories of Indians and how they raised their kids.”

Fine nearly decided to attend Tahlequah Sequoyah, a high school for Indian children, before electing to attend nearby Locust Grove instead.

That was where Fine pursued football, his other passion in life.

Finding his calling

Fine was in the fourth grade when he set a goal to play college football.

He was intrigued by Oklahoma and its star running back Adrian Peterson. He also looked up to Jim Thorpe, who won two Olympic gold medals on his way to becoming one of the greatest Native American athletes ever.

Fine faced a long road to reach his goals.

Neither of his parents played high school sports, and the level of competition wasn’t the best in Locust Grove.

Fine found a way, mostly through his dedication — and some help from his parents.

“My dad asked me if playing college football was something I wanted to accomplish,” Fine said. “I said, ‘Yeah.’ After that we

See FINE on 9F

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Fine started going to camps. I tried to soak in everything the coaches said.”

Dale Fine studied up on the fundamentals of the game and tried to pass them along to his son.

“My dad and I would go to the front yard to throw,” Mason Fine said. “He made sure I did everything fundamentally right. There were times I would come into the house crying because I just wanted to have fun throwing the football. He made me stick to the fundamentals.”

That approach paid off.

Fine improved and burst onto the high school scene in Oklahoma. He finished his high school career with 13,081 passing yards and 166 touchdowns, totals that ranked in the top 10 nationally all-time for a high school quarterback when he graduated.

Fine was named to the MaxPreps Small Schools All-America Team and was the two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in Oklahoma.

The Cherokee people were among Fine’s biggest fans. The tribe’s television station produced a documentary on Fine, who has tried to represent his people as his stature has grown.

People often ask Fine about his heritage because of his dark complexion. He proudly answers that he is a Native American.

Finding a home at UNT

The Indian people have been behind Fine ever since he arrived at UNT, the only Division I school that offered him a scholarship.

UNT coach Seth Littrell is an Oklahoma native and was looking for a quarterback with experience in a spread system to bring on as part of his first recruiting class.

He didn’t hesitate to sign Fine, despite the fact he was only 5-foot-11 and 173 pounds and played for a small school.

Littrell put Fine in during the fourth quarter of the Mean Green’s season opener against SMU last fall and saw him lead a touchdown drive that was too little too late in tough loss for UNT. Fine started the next week, when people from Locust Grove and the surrounding area flocked to Apogee Stadium.

Bill John Baker, the chief of the Cherokee tribe, posted a message on Twitter to congratulate Fine after he led the Mean Green to a 41-20 win over Bethune-Cookman.

Fine remained UNT’s starter until a shoulder injury in a Week 10 loss to Western Kentucky ended his season. He threw for 1,572 yards and six touchdowns in his first season at UNT, despite a huge jump in the level of competition he faced.

“Mason brings excitement to the team,”

David Minton/DRC

North Texas quarterback Mason Fine (6) slips away from SMU defensive lineman Michael Badejo last season as he runs down the sideline at Apogee Stadium. Fine emerged as a starter in the Mean Green’s 34-21 loss to the Mustangs.

UNT running back Jeffery Wilson said following the Mean Green’s win over Bethune-Cookman. “I love watching him. The team loves watching him and so do the fans. He’s a great kid.”

Fine had to hang on during fall camp to keep the starting job while competing with junior Quinn Shanbour.

Littrell credited Fine’s attitude and drive with helping him get to where he is today.

“Mason has great character and wants to be great,” Littrell said. “He has to continue developing his leadership skills and be more vocal. He is going to do all the right things and work hard. We are never going to have any issues with him.”

An inspiration to others

What Fine has accomplished is an inspiration to the young people of his tribe.

The Cherokee Nation is struggling with an opioid crisis and recently sued some of the nation’s largest drug distributors and pharmacies, including Wal-Mart, CVS and Walgreens for “flooding” the market with prescription pain killers.

“There are some parts of Northeast Oklahoma where there is a lot of crime and poverty,” Fine said. “Where I grew up there wasn’t a big issue. There are areas where there can be an improvement. I would like

UNT | Fine by the numbers North Texas quarterback Mason Fine burst onto the scene as a freshman, when he started nine games and helped lead the Mean Green to the Heart of Dallas Bowl while earning a spot on the Conference USA All-Freshman Team. The following is a look at his season by the numbers:

1,572

Yards Fine threw for as a freshman in 10 games.

He threw for a career-high 303 yards and a touchdown in a 30-13 loss to Middle Tennessee.

6

Touchdown passes Fine threw in his freshman season. He threw one six straight games beginning with a 42-35 double overtime win over Rice in his third start.

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Games UNT won with Fine as its starter. The Mean Green finished 5-8 and picked up their only win without Fine as a starter when Alec Morris guided UNT past Southern Miss, 29-23. UNT lost Fine to a season-ending shoulder injury the previous week in a loss to Western Kentucky.

to be involved with that when I’m older.”

Until then, Fine gives the Cherokee people something to be proud of with exploits at UNT.

Former Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford is one-sixteenth Cherokee and has visited the area. Fine, on the other hand, feels like one of their own to Indians in the region.

“Mason being a hometown kid fills people with pride,” Clinton said.

Helping his people is a challenge Fine takes seriously.

“When I get older, I want to learn the Cherokee language better so that it doesn’t die,” Fine said. “The Cherokee heritage is fading away. I don’t want to see that happen. That is why I try to show my support and try to have people be more familiar with it.”

The success Fine has enjoyed at UNT early in his career gives him a platform to talk about his heritage and inspire others with Cherokee blood back home.

There aren’t many Native Americans with that type of opportunity. Fine is taking advantage of it every chance he gets.

That’s why he had shirts printed with UNT in Cherokee to wear under his jersey and to press conferences after games.

“The whole tribe has shown a lot of appreciation for being a good role model and a good citizen,” Fine said. “They have always supported me. I want to give back.”

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August 31, 2017

DRC Football

McClain growing into vital leader

By Brett Vito Staff Writer

North Texas coach Seth Littrell invited Kishawn McClain into his office over the summer to discuss his role with the Mean Green in his senior season.

The safety is expected to be a tackling machine and a playmaker for UNT, roles he has filled admirably throughout his career.

Littrell asked him for even more.

“Coach told me I can be a leader with my words, my character and the way I carry myself,” McClain said. “I took that seriously and can see the change in myself. I work on it every day.”

McClain has long been someone his teammates look to as an example of the way to work on and off the field. The challenge for UNT’s free safety is becoming a bit more vocal and filling the void left by a host of leaders who left the program after helping guide the Mean Green to the Heart of Dallas Bowl at the end of the 2016 season.

Linebacker Fred Scott and offensive lineman Sam Rice are two key veterans who won’t be back as UNT looks to build on its performance last fall. McClain is perhaps the most important of the players UNT is depending on to expand their roles as leaders.

McClain was one of 12 players named to UNT’s leadership council in the early stages of fall practice.

“Kishawn provides us leadership,” Littrell said. “He has a lot of game-time experience and also experience in the community and classroom. He has grown through those experiences and understands what needs to be accomplished to have success.

He has to be a guy not only our defense can look to, but also set the example for everyone.”

McClain began to grow into the role in spring practice. He became more vocal while encouraging his teammates, and continued to set the tone on the field.

“Everyone looks to Kishawn,” running back Jeffery Wilson said. “There are days he motivates me. I wouldn’t trade him for any other safety. He is a great player on the field and a great person off it.”

McClain has thrived on the field ever since he arrived at UNT from Rosenbery Terry. He moved into the starting lineup as a freshman and has steadily improved since.

NORTH TEXAS’ PATH TO SUCCESS

Jake King/DRC Senior safety Kishawn McClain will be vital to North Texas’ hopes to build on its performance in 2016 when the Mean Green played in the Heart of Dallas Bowl because of his talents on the field and his expanding role as a leader. UNT coach Seth Littrell challenged his starting free safety to be a more vocal leader in the offseason and has seen McClain respond by growing into the role.

McClain was a Conference USA AllFreshman Team selection in 2014 and has led the Mean Green in tackles in each of the last two seasons. He finished with a whopping 110 stops as a sophomore, the second highest total in program history for a safety. Last season, he made another 91 tackles.

McClain was a second-team All-Conference USA selection a year ago and enters his senior campaign as a preseason allleague pick.

He was also named to the watch list for the Jim Thorpe award that goes to the nation’s top defensive back each season.

McClain made a series of huge plays for UNT in 2016, when he finished with three interceptions. One of those picks helped the Mean Green rally from an 17-

point deficit to beat Rice in double overtime.

McClain is hoping to be even better as a senior and improve his chances of following in the paths of a few recent UNT players who have moved on to the NFL. NFL Draft Scout, a website that rates players with NFL potential, has McClain listed No. 44 among free safeties entering their senior seasons in 2017. UNT hasn’t had a player drafted since linebacker Cody Spencer in 2004, but has seen several players go on to success in the NFL after beginning their careers as undrafted free agents.

Los Angeles Rams running back Lance Dunbar and New Orleans Saints linebacker

See MCCLAIN on 12F

MEAN GREEN | Quick Facts Conference: C-USA 2016 record: 5-8 (3-5 in C-USA) Coach: Seth Littrell (5-8 in one season at UNT) Returning starters: Seven on offense, eight on defense Key players: S Kishawn McClain, QB Mason Fine, RB Jeffery Wilson, WR Turner Smiley, DL Roderick Young, LB Brandon Garner, LB/DE Joshua Wheeler, CB Eric Jenkins, K Trevor Moore, OL Jordan Murray, OL Elex Woodworth, CB Nate Brooks, DB Ashton Preston, WR Rico Bussey Jr., WR Jalen Guyton Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3-5 Enrollment: 37,000 Stadium: Apogee Stadium

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NORTH TEXAS | Great defensive players of the C-USA era North Texas has featured several standout defensive players in addition to safety Kishawn McClain since joining Conference USA in 2013. The following is a look back at some of the best: Zach Orr, linebacker Orr (pictured at right) was a two-time All-C-USA linebacker and was a first-team pick as a senior in 2013. He finished with 365 career tackles. Orr went undrafted, but played three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and was a named a second-team All-Pro in 2016 before a neck condition led him to retire.

Marcus Trice, safety Trice played two seasons at UNT and was a first-team All-C-USA selection as a senior in 2013, when he intercepted five passes and blocked three kicks. He signed with the Chicago Bears as a free agent.

Derek Akunne, linebacker Akunne led C-USA with 108 tackles as a senior in 2014, when he was a first-team All-C-USA selection. He finished with at least 90 tackles in each of his final three seasons with the Mean Green. He signed with the Atlanta Falcons as a free agent.

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McClain Craig Robertson are among the former UNT players in the NFL who started out as undrafted free agents.

McClain will soon turn his attention to trying to follow the paths those players blazed, but will first aim to lift UNT to new heights.

The Mean Green are chasing their first winning season since 2013 and the bowl win that eluded them last year.

McClain made five tackles in the Heart of Dallas Bowl, but couldn’t help UNT come up with the stop it needed in overtime.

Army running back Jordan Asberry scored on a 3-yard run on fourth down.

UNT couldn’t answer on its possession and fell 38-31.

McClain is one of several UNT veterans who are determined to rebound from that loss and come back to win a bowl game this fall.

“I’m all right with where I am at, but I have to keep getting better and bring the guys along,” McClain said. “I have to do a better job of communicating out there and bring more energy to the field.”

McClain tried to bring that energy in the offseason while tutoring UNT’s young

defensive backs. He will have a new partner at safety for the first time since his freshman year following the departure of senior James Gray.

McClain and Gray were a potent duo for two years and became the first pair of safeties in program history to each record more than 100 tackles in a season in 2015.

Khairi Muhammad is expected to replace Gray at strong safety while Taylor Robinson should also see time. Neither will have nearly the experience of Gray, who was a two-year starter for the Mean Green.

Muhammad finished with 15 tackles in a backup role last season, but showed potential late in the year. He credited McClain for helping him adjust to the college game in his freshman season.

Breaking in potential partners at safety while also finding a way to adjust to his expanded role as a vocal leader gave McClain a lot to think about heading into his senior season, when he is also determined to show that he has NFL potential.

“He’s doing a great job and will only get better as he goes,” Littrell said.

UNT is counting on it in a season it is depending on McClain to help set the tone for the entire team.

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EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

The North Texas coaching staff believes its defensive line has the ability to develop into a special unit in 2017.

The Mean Green return several of their key players, including T.J. Tauaalo and Roderick Young in a deep and talented front.

UNT will have to replace a trio of defensive ends who graduated after last season, but are confident in its plans to adjust. Young will move to defensive end in UNT’s three-man front.

Andy Flusche and converted linebacker LaDarius Hamilton will also see time at defensive end.

Tauaalo will man the Young middle.

UNT will also have Bryce English back later this season. The Kansas State transfer broke his foot in fall practice, but is expected to return.

Those players will give defensive coordinator Tauaalo Troy Reffett what he is looking for in his scheme that depends on a stout front.

“We are two deep with quality players who are better suited to what we want to do than the guys we had last year just because they are a little thicker and stronger,” Reffett said. “What they bring to the table really fits the scheme better.”

KEY NEWCOMERS

UNT added a few players it is counting on this fall, including Jalen Guyton. The former Notre Dame wide receiver transferred to UNT at the semester break following a year at Trinity Valley Community College.

Guyton played at Allen and passed on opportunities to play at more prominent schools after his lone season at Trinity Valley to come home and suit up for the Mean Green. He flashed his potential during spring practice and earned a starting job.

Guyton UNT needs Guyton to come through after it lost three of its top four wide receivers from the 2016 season to graduation or attrition. The Mean Green’s situation became even more dire when Tyler Wilson, one of the team’s top young wide receivers, left the program during the offseason.

UNT added two highly regarded high school wide receivers who could also have an impact early in Jaelon Darden and Greg White. Both were highly recruited and flashed potential in fall practice.

Jeff Woo/DRC

North Texas quarterback Mason Fine throws a pass during a win over Bethune-Cookman at Apogee Stadium last season as tackle Jordan Murray protects him.

POINT OF CONCERN

Improving won’t be easy after the Mean Green lost two wire-to-wire starters in Sam Rice and Trey Keenan, not to mention offensive line coach Brad Davis.

Davis left to join the staff at Florida and was replaced by Chuck Langston, who will lean on returners Jordan Murray and T.J. Henson to anchor his offensive front.

“I feel good about our offensive line,” Littrell said. “They have put in the work. Jordan Murray has put in a lot of work and really grown up and T.J. Henson has done a good job. Those guys are holding people accountable. Our leadership is a little better with those guys this season.”

Murray has emerged as UNT’s starter at left tackle. Henson and Elex Woodworth

are expected to start at the guard spots with Creighton Barr anchoring the group at center.

Abilene Christian graduate transfer Riley Mayfield is on course to start at right tackle and will be the only newcomer in the starting lineup.

The group will have experience. All of UNT’s veterans started at least six games last season, while Mayfield was an honorable mention All-Southland Conference selection at ACU in 2016.

“We absolutely feel better than we did last spring,” Henson said. “We have five — maybe six or seven guys — who have been on the field and are comfortable with the system and the techniques.”

GAME OF THE YEAR

gram. The Mean Green are just 5-30-1 all-time against the Mustangs, but were competitive in a 3421 loss last season.

The Mean Green hosted SMU in their seasonopener in 2016 and didn’t Littrell have a whole lot of time to get used to playing for Littrell, who was in his first season at UNT.

The Mean Green will be an underdog again in Dallas, where UNT is 1-23-1 in games against SMU and will have a chance to pull off what would be a milestone win.

A loss would be tough for UNT. The Mean Green will travel to Iowa the following week and would likely head into their C-USA opener against UAB on a two-game losing streak if they can’t topple SMU.

UNT struggled at times in Seth Littrell’s first season as the Mean Green’s head coach with the adjustment to playing in a spread system — especially when it came to the Mean Green’s offensive line.

UNT gave up a whopping 43 sacks in 2016, a total that tied with Texas-San Antonio for last in Conference USA. Not all of those sacks could be attributed to the Mean Green’s offensive line. Some were due to missed blocking assignments by running backs or from UNT’s quarterback holding the ball too long.

Even with that being the case, there is little doubt that UNT’s offensive line struggled at times.

UNT’s game against rival SMU looms large every year and has all the makings of a turning point again in 2017.

The Mean Green open the season at home against Lamar, a team out of the Football Championship Subdivision, and should enter their annual game against the Mustangs 1-0.

Moving to 2-0 with a win over its regional rival would be huge for UNT’s pro-

— Brett Vito

14

August 31, 2017

CONFERENCE USA PREVIEW

DRC Football

Bulldogs pin title hopes on Smith

By Brett Vito

C-USA | Preseason poll

Staff Writer

Louisiana Tech’s path to bowl wins in three straight seasons has been paved by one-hit wonders at quarterback.

First there was Cody Sokol, who arrived from Iowa and led the Bulldogs past Illinois in the 2014 Heart of Dallas Bowl as a fifthyear senior transfer. Florida transfer Jeff Driskel followed the same path a year later and guided Louisiana Tech to a win over Arkansas State in the New Orleans Bowl.

Last year, it was senior Ryan Higgins who guided the Bulldogs past Navy in the Armed Forces Bowl.

J’Mar Smith learned while watching Driskel and Higgins the last two years and will try to carry on the tradition they started on the field while breaking another.

Smith is a redshirt sophomore and will be around for quite a while in Ruston to lead the Bulldogs, who enter the season as the heavy favorite to repeat as Conference USA West Division champions.

“I can keep the tradition of good quarterbacks who have come through Louisiana Tech alive,” Smith said. “I love the challenge of stepping in.”

Louisiana Tech’s coaches and players are confident in Smith because of what they have seen from him not only in practice, but also because of what he showed in his lone start last season. Smith started Louisiana Tech’s season-opener at Arkansas and nearly led the Bulldogs to an upset win. The Razorbacks scored late in the fourth quarter to squeak out a 21-20 win.

Smith threw for 212 yards and scored on a 9-yard run in his lone start of the season.

He threw for 412 yards and two touchdowns in 2016.

“J’Marr brings a different skill set than the last three quarterbacks we have had in that he brings speed as well as a good arm,” Louisiana Tech coach Skip Holtz said. “The knock on him is his youth and inexperience. He will continue to get better. He is humble, grounded and unselfish. That is why he is so respected with this football team.”

Louisiana Tech will have to replace star wide receivers Trent Taylor and Carlos Henderson, who were both selected in the NFL draft. The return of wide receiver Alfred Smith and running back Jarred Craft will help fill the void.

Defensive end Jaylon Ferguson finished with 14.5 sacks in 2016 and will anchor Louisiana Tech’s defense.

Texas-San Antonio was picked to finish second in the C-USA preseason media poll and could challenge Louisiana Tech in the West. The Roadrunners finished 6-7 in head coach Frank Wilson’s debut season and return 13 starters.

Southern Miss beat Louisiana-Lafay-

The following is the preseason Conference USA poll voted on by media members who regularly cover the league. First-place votes are in parentheses: West Division Team 2016 rec. (CUSA) 1. Louisiana Tech (20) 9-5 (6-2) 2. Texas-San Antonio (7) 6-7 (5-3) 3. Southern Miss (1) 7-6 (4-4) 4. North Texas 5-8 (3-5) 5. Rice 3-9 (2-6) 6. UTEP 4-8 (2-6) 7. UAB NA East Division 1. Western Kentucky (20) 11-3 (7-1) 2. Middle Tennessee (4) 8-5 (5-3) 3. Old Dominion (3) 10-3 (7-1) 4. Marshall (1) 3-9 (2-6) 5. Florida Atlantic 3-9 (2-6) 6. Florida International 4-8 (4-4) 7. Charlotte 4-9 (3-5)

C-USA | All-league team

Tom Morris/LaTechSportsPix.com

Louisiana Tech quarterback J’Mar Smith throws a pass in a game last season.

Smith is expected to start for the Bulldogs, who have won bowl games in each of the last three seasons and are the favorites in Conference USA’s West Division. ette in the New Orleans Bowl to finish 7-6 and could also be a factor, if the Golden Eagles can find a way to replace quarterback Nick Mullens.

North Texas lost to Army in the Heart of Dallas Bowl and posted a 5-8 record in Seth Littrell’s first season. The Mean Green took a dramatic step forward after winning just one game the previous year.

Western Kentucky is the favorite in the East Division and is the defending confer-

ence champion after beating Louisiana Tech in the league title game a year ago.

The Bulldogs will look to make their way back to the title game in 2017 and come out on top against the Hilltoppers behind Smith.

“We feel like we have it rolling, but we know there is a lot more work that needs to be done,” Louisiana Tech safety Secdrick Cooper said. “Our ultimate goal is to win that conference championship.”

The following is the preseason All-Conference USA team as selected by the league’s head coaches: Offensive Player of the Year Mike White, Sr., QB, Western Kentucky Defensive Player of the Year Emmanuel Ellerbee, Sr., LB, Rice Special Teams Player of the Year Kylen Towner, Sr., KR, Western Kentucky Offense QB – Mike White, Sr., Western Kentucky RB – Ray Lawry, Sr., Old Dominion; Ito Smith, Sr., Southern Miss OL – O’Shea Dugas, Jr., Louisiana Tech; Will Hernandez, Sr., UTEP; Trey Martin, Sr., Rice; Austin Pratt, Sr., Texas-San Antonio; Brandon Ray, Sr., Western Kentucky Tight end – Ryan Yurachek, Sr., Marshall WR – Richie James, Jr., Middle Tennessee; Jonathan Duhart, Sr., Old Dominion; Allenzae Staggers, Sr., Southern Miss Defense DL – Marcus Davenport, Sr., Texas-San Antonio; Jaylon Ferguson, So., Louisiana Tech; Chris Johnson, Sr., Western Kentucky; Oshane Ximines, Jr., Old Dominion LB – Emmanuel Ellerbee, Sr., Rice; Alvin Jones, Sr., UTEP; Josiah Tauaefa, So., TexasSan Antonio; Anthony Wint, Sr., Florida International DB – Brandon Addison, Sr., Old Dominion; Nate Brooks, Jr., North Texas; Joe Brown, Sr., Western Kentucky; Kishawn McClain, Sr., North Texas Special Teams K – Canon Rooker, Sr., Middle Tennessee P – Jake Collins, Jr., Western Kentucky KR – Kylen Towner, Sr., Western Kentucky PR – Nacarius Fant, Sr., Western Kentucky LS – Matt Bayliss, Sr., Texas-San Antonio

DRC Football

WEST DIVISION

LOUISIANA TECH BULLDOGS Head coach: Skip Holtz (31-22 in four seasons at Louisiana Tech, 119-93 in 17 seasons overall) Team: 42 lettermen, five offensive, five defensive starters from a 9-5 team (6-2 in C-USA, first in West Division) Key player: Defensive end Jaylon Ferguson led C-USA and ranked sixth nationally in 2016 with 14.5 sacks that accounted for 89 yards in losses. The junior also forced four fumbles and recovered two.

Outlook: Louisiana Tech enters the season as the Ferguson favorite to win the C-USA West Division title after winning a bowl game in each of the last three seasons. The Bulldogs have three returning starters on both its defensive and offensive lines.

RICE OWLS Head coach: David Bailiff (56-69 in 10 seasons at Rice, 77-84 in 13 seasons overall) Team: 54 lettermen, five offensive, eight defensive starters from a 3-9 team (2-6 in C-USA, tied for fifth in West Division) Key player: Senior linebacker Emmanuel Ellerbee ranked second in C-USA with 118 tackles last season and was a first-team all-conference selection. Ellerbee is the Preseason C-USA Defensive Player of the Year.

Outlook: Rice has suffered Ellerbee back-to-back losing seasons after playing in bowl games in three straight seasons from 2012-14. The Owls will look to get back on track behind a defense that returns eight starters. Rice lost quarterback Tyler Stehling and running back Darik Dillard to graduation.

SOUTHERN MISS GOLDEN EAGLES Head coach: Jay Hopson (7-6 in one season at Southern Miss, 39-23 in five seasons overall) Team: 40 lettermen, six offensive, five defensive starters from an 7-6 team (4-4 in C-USA, third in West Division) Key player: Ito Smith rushed for more than 100 yards in eight games last season on his way to rolling up 1,459 yards. The senior scored 17 rushing touchdowns and was also a threat in the passing game. Smith caught 43 passes on the year and ranked sixth in Smith C-USA with an average of 147.5 all-purpose yards per game.

Outlook: Southern Miss closed the 2016 season on a high note by winning its last two games, including a win over Louisiana Lafayette in the New Orleans Bowl. The challenge for the Golden Eagles will be building on that performance without quarterback Nick Mullens, who threw for for 3,272 yards as a senior. Sophomore Keon Howard will battle JUCO transfer Kwadra Griggs for the starting job.

UAB BLAZERS Head coach: Bill Clark (6-6 in one season at UAB, 17-10 in two seasons overall) Team: UAB returns to C-USA after a two-year absence following its program being shut down.

Key player: Linebacker Shaq Jones stuck with UAB through the program’s two seasons without a game and will return to the Blazers’ lineup this fall. He

CONFERENCE USA CAPSULES posted 50 tackles in 2014 and enters his senior season with 113 for his career.

Outlook: UAB will be the feel-good story of the C-USA season. The Blazers’ program was shut down after the 2014 season, but was later revived.

UAB boosters worked diligently Jones to see that football would return to the school. The only question now is how UAB will fare in its return.

UTEP MINERS Head coach: Sean Kugler (18-31 in four seasons at UTEP) Team: 44 lettermen, five offensive, seven defensive starters from an 4-8 team (2-6 in C-USA, tied for fifth in West Division) Key player: Senior offensive lineman Will Hernandez is one of the best overall players in C-USA. He has started all 37 games of his career at left guard and was named an Associated Press All-American last season. UTEP leans heavily on its running game and has three starting offensive linemen Hernandez returning. The Miners will need the group to open running lanes and get its offense going.

Outlook: UTEP featured one of the best running backs in C-USA last season in Aaron Jones, who rushed for 1,773 yards and 17 touchdowns before declaring for the NFL draft. Sophomore Kevin Dove rushed for 101 yards in 2016 and is expected to replace Jones. The return of quarterback Ryan Metz, who threw for 1,375 yards and 14 touchdowns last season will bolster the Miners. UTEP’s defense could improve after allowing 34.9 points per game last season, thanks to the return of seven starters.

TEXAS-SAN ANTONIO ROADRUNNERS Head coach: Frank Wilson (6-7 in one season at UTSA) Team: 45 lettermen, six offensive, seven defensive starters from a 6-7 team (5-3 in C-USA, second in West Division) Key player: Josiah Tauaefa was named a Freshman AllAmerican after setting a UTSA single-season record with 115 tackles in 2016. Tauaefa posted nine tackles for loss, six sacks and seven quarterback hurries in his debut campaign. He is expected to lead what could be a tough UTSA defense that Tauaefa returns seven starters.

Outlook: Wilson enjoyed a tremendous debut season at UTSA, leading the Roadrunners to six wins and a bowl game. UTSA appears poised to build on that performance heading into the 2017 season. The Roadrunners return more than half their starters and several of their key position players, including quarterback Dalton Sturm and running back Jalen Rhodes.

Sturm threw for 2,170 yards and 20 touchdowns last season. Rhodes rushed for 827 yards and nine touchdowns. Wilson has enjoyed tremendous success on the recruiting trail since arriving at UTSA and will add a stellar class to an already solid roster.

EAST DIVISION

CHARLOTTE 49ERS Head coach: Brad Lambert (16-30 in four seasons at Charlotte) Team: 44 lettermen, six offensive, six defensive

starters from a 4-8 team (3-5 in C-USA, fifth in East Division) Key player: Hasaan Klugh took over as Charlotte’s starting quarterback in the middle of the season and started the final seven games of the year. He threw for 1,356 yards and rushed for 426 while guiding the 49ers to a 3-4 record down the stretch that included wins over Florida Atlantic, Marshall and Klugh Southern Miss.

Outlook: Charlotte won four games in its second season competing on the Bowl Subdivision level in 2016, doubling its total from the previous year. The 49ers will have to replace two key players if they hope to build on that total this fall. Defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi was taken in the third round of the NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns, while running back Kalif Phillips rushed for 907 yards as a senior.

FLORIDA ATLANTIC OWLS Head coach: Lane Kiffin (first season at FAU, 35-21 in five seasons overall) Team: 31 lettermen, eight offensive, eight defensive starters from a 3-9 team (2-6 in C-USA, tied for sixth in East Division) Key player: Devin Singletary became the first freshman in FAU’s 16-year history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in 2016.

He rushed for 257 yards in a win over Rice and 235 yards in a loss to Middle Tennessee.

Singletary will be a key cog in FAU’s running game that will Singletary also feature Greg Howell.

Outlook: The arrival of Kiffin and how he fares in his first season as FAU’s coach will be one of the top storylines of the C-USA season. Kiffin spent last season as the offensive coordinator at Alabama and has also served as the head coach at Southern Cal, Tennessee and with the Oakland Raiders in the NFL. Kiffin takes over a team that won just three games in 2016, but he does have some talent to work with. The Owls have 16 returning starters.

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL PANTHERS Head coach: Butch Davis (first season at FIU, 79-43 in 10 seasons overall) Team: 57 lettermen, six offensive, nine defensive starters from a 4-8 team (4-4 in C-USA, fourth in East Division) Key player: Anthony Wint finished with 108 tackles in 2016 and was a second-team All-CUSA selection. He posted 10 or more tackles six times during his junior season, when he forced two fumbles and recovered a fumble. Wint will lead a defense that has nine starters returning.

Wint Outlook: FIU turned to Butch Davis to put the program back on track after five straight losing seasons. The former North Carolina and Miami head coach also spent four seasons coaching the Cleveland Browns. Davis will have 15 returning starters.

MARSHALL THUNDERING HERD Head coach: Doc Holliday (53-37 in seven seasons at Marshall) Team: 52 lettermen, seven offensive, four defensive starters from a 3-9 team (2-6 in C-USA, tied for sixth in East Division) Key player: Chase Litton has quickly rolled up some impressive numbers in two seasons as Mar-

August 31, 2017

15

shall’s starting quarterback. The junior threw for 2,612 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2016 and has 47 touchdown passes in two seasons with the Thundering Herd.

Outlook: Marshall suffered a dramatic fall last season after finishing with at least 10 wins Litton and a bowl victory in each of the previous three years. A season-ending 60-6 loss to Western Kentucky showed just how far Marshall, a traditional power in C-USA, has to go.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE BLUE RAIDERS Head coach: Rick Stockstill (72-66 in 11 seasons at Middle Tennessee) Team: 38 lettermen, six offensive, six defensive starters from an 8-5 team (5-3 in C-USA, third in East Division) Key player: Quarterback Brent Stockstill threw for 3,233 yards to go along with 31 touchdowns even though he missed the final three games of the regular season. Stockstill returned from a broken collarbone to play in the Hawaii Bowl, where the Blue Raiders lost to Stockstill Hawaii.

Outlook: MTSU has been remarkably consistent under Rick Stockstill and enters the 2017 season having won at least six games to become bowl-eligible in each of the last five seasons.

The Blue Raiders have 12 starters returning, including a potent offensive trio in Brent Stockstill and wide receivers Richie James and Ty Lee. OLD DOMINION MONARCHS Head coach: Bobby Wilder (67-30 in eight seasons at Old Dominion) Team: 46 lettermen, eight offensive, six defensive starters from a 10-3 team (7-1 in C-USA, tied for first in East Division) Key player: Ray Lawry rushed for 1,255 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2016. He posted seven 100-yard rushing games and is a preseason all-conference selection. He will get the ball early and often.

Outlook: Old Dominion won its final six games of the 2016 season and knocked off Eastern Lawry Michigan in the Bahamas Bowl.

The Monarchs have 14 returning starters.

WESTERN KENTUCKY HILLTOPPERS Head coach: Mike Sanford (first season at Western Kentucky) Team: 52 lettermen, four offensive, six defensive starters from an 11-3 team (7-1 in C-USA, tied for first in East Division) Key player: Senior quarterback Mike White was named C-USA’s Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. He threw for 4,363 yards and 37 touchdowns in 2016.

Outlook: Sanford takes over at Western Kentucky following the departure of Jeff Brohm, White who left to become the head coach at Purdue. Sanford, the former offensive coordinator at Notre Dame, will inherit one of C-USA’s top players in White and nine other returning starters.

WKU has just one returning starting wide receiver — Brett Vito

16

August 31, 2017

NORTH TEXAS

DRC Football

Garner, Ejiya ready for larger roles

By Brett Vito Staff Writer

When Brandon Garner and E.J. Ejiya aren’t lined up next to each other on the practice field at North Texas, they can often be found together off it.

The pair of linebackers will go out to eat or watch television at the apartment they share, just like any other set of friends going through the college experience.

“E.J. is like my brother,” Garner said.

“We are roommates and are always hanging out. We have good chemistry.”

UNT is hoping that chemistry extends to the field this fall when they step into the starting lineup together.

Garner has been a part-time starter in each of his last two seasons and is expected to move into the lineup full time alongside Ejiya. The junior college transfer arrived at UNT last season and also saw significant time as a backup.

How the pair fares in filling two key spots in UNT’s 3-3-5 scheme will affect the Mean Green’s hopes of building on the improvement they showed last season.

Garner and Ejiya will replace Cortney Finney and Fred Scott. The pair of veterans combined for 133 tackles last season and helped lead the Mean Green to the Heart of Dallas Bowl just one season after a 1-11 finish.

Garner will move into the lineup at middle linebacker, while Ejiya is expected to play on the outside.

“I feel comfortable with Brandon and E.J.,” UNT coach Seth Littrell said. “We lost two good starters and depth at that position. I feel good about some of the guys who are growing into those positions and getting better. That is one of those spots we have a lot of work to do.”

The journey to the starting lineup has been a long one for Garner.

The junior spent his freshman season at UNT as a redshirt and then served as a capable backup to Scott at outside linebacker for two years.

Garner started five games in each of those two seasons when Scott was out due to injury. He finished with 50 tackles and 3.5 sacks last fall, when he also recovered two fumbles.

Garner was careful to soak in every bit of knowledge he could along the way and credited his improvement in part to Scott, Finney, Derek Akunne and Anthony Wallace. Each of Garner’s mentors played key roles at linebacker for UNT over the last three seasons and tutored him along the way.

“Starting in each of the last two years gave me some experience,” Garner said.

“Now people feel like they can trust me and that we won’t miss a beat at middle line-

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

North Texas linebacker E.J. Ejiya tackles Florida running back Mark Thompson last season in Gainesville, Fla. Ejiya is expected to move into the the Mean Green’s starting lineup with his roommate and close friend Brandon Garner this fall. backer.”

Ejiya didn’t start, but saw plenty of time on his way to finishing with 43 tackles in 2016.

The Minnesota native also credited his predecessors at UNT for preparing him for the opportunity to start in his junior season this fall.

“I learned a lot that will help me,” Ejiya said. “The guys who were here before set an example and a standard for us.”

Trying to meet that standard while playing together as starters is an opportunity Garner and Ejiya said they are looking forward to.

Safety Kishawn McClain played behind Garner and Ejiya plenty last season and is excited to see what they can accomplish.

“I have a lot of confidence in Garner and E.J.,” McClain said. “They are very shifty and like contact. They can move around and chase down running backs. I love those guys. They are going to be a big part of what we do.”

UNT | Garner, Ejiya made impact in limited roles in 2016 The following is a look at junior linebackers Brandon Garner, pictured below, and E.J. Ejiya, who are expected to move into the starting lineup for the Mean Green this fall:

Brandon Garner The junior linebacker finished with 50 tackles in 2016, when he started five games at outside linebacker. He also posted 6.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and recovered 2 fumbles while starting five games.

E.J. Ejiya The junior linebacker made 43 tackles in 2016, when he played in all 13 games of his first season at UNT after transferring from North Dakota State College of Science, where he was an honorable mention NJCAA All-American.

NORTH TEXAS

DRC Football

MEAN GREEN | Roster No. 1 2 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 20 21 21 22 24 25 25 26 26 27 27 29 29 29 30 30 31 32 34 34 35 36 36 36 37 38 39 40 41 41 42 43 44 44 45

Player Turner Smiley Eric Jenkins O’Keeron Rutherford Jeffery Wilson Khairi Muhammad Anthony Wyche Mylam Peters Tre Siggers Mason Fine Kishawn McClain Dee Baulkman Rico Bussey, Jr. Nate Brooks Jalen Guyton Calvin Minor Cade Pearson Mitch Cason Cameron Johnson Quinetin Jackson Connor Means Cedric Fernandes Greg White Caleb Chumley T.J. Tauaalo Jaelon Darden Kemon Hall Devlin Isadore Joe Ozougwu Devin O’Hara Joshua Wheeler Quinn Shanbour William LeMasters Tyreke Davis Nic Smith E.J. Ejiya Taylor Robinson Jordan Roberts Andrew Tucker Evan Johnson Makyle Sanders Kam Duhon Ashton Preston Cason Clay Nate Durham Chance Marshall Myles Campbell Trevor Moore Chris Thornton Michael Lawrence Bryce English Elijah McIntyre Kody Fulp Hayden Doggett Alvin Kenworthy Rodney Neely Brandon Garner Andrew Jones Jameel Moore Trever Merrell Kakpa Mansaray Colton McDonald Corey Mann Kway Hill Cannon Maki Sid Moore Nnamdi Umeakuana

Pos. WR DB WR RB S RB LB RB QB S DB WR DB WR LB QB QB DB WR LB DB WR TE DT WR DB QB DE QB LB QB LB S RB LB DB DB RB RB S WR DB DB DS DB DB K LB WR DT WR LB LB P FB LB DB DB RB DB LB LB DB FB DL DB

Yr. 6-0 5-10 6-5 6-0 5-11 5-11 6-5 5-8 5-11 5-11 5-11 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-3 6-3 6-2 5-11 6-3 6-4 5-10 6-3 6-5 6-2 5-9 5-11 6-4 6-3 6-5 6-3 6-0 6-2 5-10 5-10 6-3 5-11 6-1 6-0 5-6 6-0 5-11 5-10 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-0 5-11 6-1 5-10 5-11 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-3 5-11 5-11 6-1 5-10 5-10 5-10 6-4 6-0 5-11 5-11 6-1 6-1

Wt. 193 170 185 194 182 183 241 193 180 187 191 191 176 194 210 196 189 177 208 224 178 184 244 290 157 185 207 217 205 229 192 217 190 182 223 181 170 202 180 194 170 187 185 223 202 165 187 215 180 295 187 227 212 188 207 221 173 173 207 177 210 198 178 230 253 195

Yr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Fr. So. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. So. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Fr. So. Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Sr. Fr. So. So. So. Fr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Fr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr.

NORTH TEXAS | Schedule Date Opponent Sept. 2 Lamar Sept. 9 at SMU Sept. 16 at Iowa Sept. 23 UAB * Sept. 30 at Southern Mississippi * Oct. 14 UTSA * Oct. 21 at Florida Atlantic * Oct. 28 Old Dominion * Nov. 4 at Louisiana Tech * Nov. 11 UTEP * Nov. 18 Army Nov. 25 at Rice * *Conference USA games

46 46 47 47 48 49 49 50 51 52 53 54 56 58 59 60 61 64 65 66 67 68 69 71 72 73 74 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 93 93 96 97 98 99

Christian Hosley Patrick Udofia Marquel Johnson Adrian Lisangi George Powell Zach Williams Roderick Young LaDarius Hamilton Jake Davis Jevin Pahinui T.J. Henson Creighton Barr Jacob Brammer Ryan Bishop Hayden Harrison Sosaia Mose Dakoda Newman Brian Parish Chad Hickson B. Weatherspoon Chris Miles Chett Munden Doro Omerhi Jordan Murray Manase Mose Garrett Gunter Chandler Anthony Elex Woodworth Jalen Thomas Riley Mayfield Jamie King Daniel Khan Deion Hair-Griffin Keegan Brewer Montana Meador Dennis Smith Justin Cain Kevin Dillman Kelvin Smith Jason Pirtle Connor Howard Tillman Johnson R.J. Reynolds Julius Combes Blake Patteon Tony Krasniqi Dion Novil A.J. Tolbert Andy Flusche

RB DB DB DB DB K DL DE DS OL OL OL OL LB LB OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL TE WR WR WR WR WR WR DE TE WR WR DE DL DL P DL DL DE DE

Time 6 p.m.

6 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

TBD 5:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

4 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

12 p.m.

5-9 5-9 6-0 5-8 6-1 5-8 6-1 6-3 6-0 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-4 5-11 6-2 6-2 6-3 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-5 6-4 6-9 6-1 6-4 6-7 6-4 6-5 6-7 6-3 5-11 5-10 5-11 5-11 5-9 6-0 6-4 6-2 6-2 5-11 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-4 6-0 6-3

185 186 176 151 169 183 284 253 210 300 298 301 258 191 210 276 327 280 268 288 311 268 306 333 289 283 270 270 278 290 221 179 166 177 170 166 175 254 243 193 193 251 240 269 185 249 253 245 255

So. So. So. Sr. So. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. So. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. So. Fr. So. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Sr.

August 31, 2017

17

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NORTH TEXAS

August 31, 2017

Jeff Woo/DRC

North Texas running back Jeffery Wilson, left, breaks free for one of his two touchdowns in the Mean Green’s loss to Army in the 2016 Heart of Dallas Bowl.

Wilson aiming for fantastic finish

By Brett Vito Staff Writer

Jeffery Wilson has rolled up some impressive statistics since he arrived at North Texas.

He’s rushed for 1,990 yards and 16 touchdowns in three seasons when about the only opponent that has shut him down has been his health.

Wilson missed two games in 2016 with a knee injury and has also sat due to a broken finger and other ailments that have prevented him from playing a full season in any of his first three years at UNT. The lingering question with Wilson has always been what he could accomplish if he ever played a full slate of 12 games in a season.

That question is one he’s determined to answer heading into his senior season with the Mean Green this fall.

“It’s very important to be at the top of my game,” Wilson said. “It’s why I put in the work I did. This is the best offseason I have had at North Texas. I have said that before, but I can tell this is different. I feel it and the numbers say it. I am at 200 pounds, which will help get me through the year.”

Reaching that goal would be a boost not

only to Wilson, but the Mean Green’s offense as a whole.

UNT just isn’t the same without its star running back, who enters this season ranked 11th on the school’s career rushing leaders list.

Wilson didn’t play in games against Western Kentucky and Southern Miss last year while recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery.

UNT was drubbed 45-7 by WKU and needed a late touchdown drive to beat Southern Miss 29-23.

“We are a better team when he is on the field,” UNT coach Seth Littrell said. “He is a great running back. The energy and passion he brings to the game every weekend helps our team feel confident.”

Wilson has spent the last several months working to change his body so he can endure the physical pounding he takes on a weekly basis. He has packed on seven pounds of muscle and sat out all of spring practice so that he could recover from carrying the ball a career-high 169 times in 2016 on his way to rushing for 936 yards

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UNT | Career rushing leaders

Wilson and 14 touchdowns.

Wilson said he feels stronger now than he has in previous seasons and still has the speed that allowed him to rush for at least 150 yards in three games last season. He tallied a career-high 188 rushing yards in a win over Marshall.

Wilson attributed his improved physical condition largely to following a plan laid out by strength coach Zack Womack and taking the advice Littrell has given him to heart.

Littrell played for Oklahoma and spent the early part of his career as a battering ram of a fullback in a triple-option offense.

“It’s the little things with nutrition and sleep and taking care of your body that are important,” Littrell said. “This is a violent game. You have to make sure that you are doing everything possible to prevent injuries. Some of it with Jeff was getting his weight up. With as many hits as he takes he has to get his body ready in the spring and summer. It’s something we have talked about.”

Wilson has tried to pass those lessons on to the running backs who will come in when he needs a break this season, includ-

August 31, 2017

The following is a look at North Texas career rushing leaders, a list headed by UNT Hall of Fame running back Lance Dunbar, pictured below:

ing redshirt freshman Nic Smith.

“He is like a big brother and has taught me a lot of things,” Smith said.

UNT wants to be prepared if Wilson goes down due to injury for a fourth straight season. The Mean Green turned to Willy Ivery when Wilson was out last season and saw him respond by rushing for 111 yards in its win over Southern Miss.

That win ended up being UNT’s final victory of the season, one that sent the Mean Green to the Heart of Dallas Bowl.

Ivery left the program before the bowl game, leaving UNT without little proven depth behind Wilson. Littrell said the Mean Green need other players to improve to the point where there isn’t a big drop-off if Wilson is injured.

The best option, though, is keeping Wilson healthy for the entire season.

That goal is one he has been working toward over the last few months.

“It’s important to keep Jeff healthy not only for our team, but for him,” Littrell said.

“It’s something we have talked a lot about in this offseason.

“He is doing really well and has his weight up to 200 pounds, which is where he needs to be.”

1. Lance Dunbar (2008-11) 4,224 yards, 41 TDs 2. Patrick Cobbs (2001-05) 4,050 yards, 36 TDs 3. Jamario Thomas 2004-07 3,496 yards, 27TDs 4. Ja’Quay Wilburn 1997-00 3,120 yards, 12 TDs 5. Kevin Galbreath 2001-02 2,417 yards, 13 TDs 6. Bernard Jackson 1978-80 2,356 yards, 11 TDs 7. Darrin Collins 1986-89 2,220 yards, 17 TDs 11. Jeffery Wilson 2014-present 1,990 yards, 16 TDs

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Hamilton could be breakout star

By Brett Vito Staff Writer

A player who seemingly came out of nowhere helped pave North Texas’ path to the Heart of Dallas Bowl last fall.

Mason Fine started out in fall camp as a potential redshirt candidate before winning the starting quarterback job and guiding UNT to four of its five wins.

LaDarius Hamilton could be the next in line for a breakout season and an opportunity to help the Mean Green build on their 5-8 finish of a year ago.

Hamilton made the move from linebacker to defensive end last season and showed flashes of potential while earning a spot on Conference USA’s All-Freshman Team.

The performance in a small role is one UNT’s coaches and players are hoping is an indication that Hamilton could be the Mean Green’s next breakout star.

“I feel like I have grown tremendously,” Hamilton said. “It has been a huge adjustment moving from linebacker. At linebacker there is space to work with. You can use your athleticism to beat linemen. As a lineman, you are right there. It’s hand-to-hand combat.”

Hamilton showed the ability to handle that challenge as a bit player in UNT’s deep rotation at defensive end last fall. He finished with nine tackles, including three tackles for loss and a sack, despite playing behind seniors Malik Dilonga, Jarrian Roberts and Jareid Combs.

Hamilton’s role will expand now that those players have departed.

The opportunity is one Hamilton’s teammates believe he is ready to capitalize on.

“LaDarius listened, watched and learned from the older guys,” senior safety Kishawn McClain said. “He put a lot of weight on and got stronger and faster. He is really big on his body and is serious about the game. He will be a big part of replacing the guys we lost a defensive end.”

Hamilton is 6-foot-3 and 262 pounds now and looks the part of a defensive end.

He credits his development largely to that trio of older players and UNT’s defensive coaches who have spent extra time working with him as he adjusts to playing along the line of scrimmage.

“The guys showed me what to do and what not to do,” Hamilton said. “I talked to them about technique.”

Hamilton put that knowledge to work late last season when he posted his first career sack in a win over Southern Miss.

That win ended up being the fifth victory the Mean Green needed to qualify for a bowl.

Those were just the type of contributions UNT was hoping for when it con-

DRC file photo

North Texas linebacker LaDarius Hamilton celebrates after the Mean Green’s defense made a stop last season in a loss to SMU at Apogee Stadium. Hamilton will take on a larger role at defensive end this fall for the Mean Green. vinced Hamilton to back out of a commitment to Texas State and sign with the Mean Green as part of their 2016 recruiting class.

The former Corrigan-Camden standout was one of the highest rated players UNT added that year.

What has been even more encouraging for UNT is the way Hamilton has developed into a leader. He was one 12 players selected for the Mean Green’s leadership council during fall practice.

“Hamilton is an unbelievable guy to be around,” UNT coach Seth Littrell said.

“He’s a great teammate and is one of the better leaders on our team at a young age.

He is very well respected and doesn’t want to let guys down. He puts in extra effort and time that it takes to understand what his role is. He has a big upside and will do special things.”

That’s especially true now that Hamilton has found a role — and a position that fits his talents — at defensive end.

UNT | Key underclassmen for the Mean Green heading into 2017 North Texas has several key underclassmen returning heading into the 2017 season. The following is a look at a few of those players, including sophomore quarterback Mason Fine, pictured below:

Mason Fine, quarterback

The sophomore burst onto the scene in UNT’s season-opening loss to SMU in 2016 and went on to start nine games for the Mean Green.

He threw for 1,572 yards and six touchdowns.

Elex Woodworth, guard The sophomore started eight games on UNT’s offensive line as a redshirt freshman and is expected to start at guard again this year.

Jalen Guyton, wide receiver The sophomore transferred to UNT from Trinity Valley Community College and is expected to start for the Mean Green this fall.

Guyton was rated among the best wide receivers in junior college last season, when he caught 12 touchdown passes.

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UNT turns to new talent on offense

By Brett Vito Staff Writer

Rico Bussey Jr. didn’t have many opportunities to show what he could do during his freshman season at North Texas last fall when an injury limited him to playing in six games.

One of his few chances came in the Heart of Dallas Bowl, when he took advantage and made one of the plays of the year for the Mean Green.

UNT was locked in a close game with Army when Bussey leaped into the air and pulled in a 27yard touchdown pass with defensive back Mike Reynolds draped all over him. The Mean Green ended up losing the game, Darden but did get a nice consolation prize — a sign that Bussey could be a key part of a huge rebuilding process when it comes to their skill positions heading into the 2017 season.

UNT lost three of its top four receivers and key backup running back Willy Ivery by the end of the 2016 season. Freshman wide receiver Tyler Wilson, another one of UNT’s young players with potential, then left the program over the summer.

Those departures make Bussey all the more important as the Mean Green look to rebuild.

“We are starting to get real close and are developing chemistry,” Bussey said. “I feel like we will put up better numbers at wide receiver this year. We have the offense down and everyone is buying in.”

Everyone who is left, that is.

The list isn’t particularly long. There is one star in the bunch in Jeffery Wilson, UNT’s returning starter at running back.

Wilson is by far the Mean Green’s most proven skill position player. He rushed for 936 yards in 2016 and enters his senior season with 1,990 rushing yards.

UNT also has one experienced wide receiver back in Turner Smiley. The senior caught 33 passes for 389 yards and two touchdowns in 2016.

The Mean Green have little more than question marks behind that pair.

Bussey caught eight passes for 97 yards, which makes him UNT’s second leading returning wide receiver.

Senior Andrew Tucker rushed for 153 yards in 2016, which places him second among the Mean Green’s returning running backs.

The situation isn’t exactly optimal for a team that runs a spread offense designed to spread the ball around to multiple players.

UNT’s coaches and players are confident they can thrive, despite a lack of proven depth.

“I feel way more confident with our skill position guys than I did last season,” UNT coach Seth Littrell said. “Our lack of experience at receiver was a big talking point last year. We are going to find our guys, teach our system and develop them.

That is all you can do. We have plenty of guys on this roster to make plays to help us win football games.”

UNT moved Kenny White Buyers from cornerback to wide receiver last year and saw him respond by catching 32 passes for 324 yards.

The Mean Green will need another batch of playmakers to emerge this fall.

Bussey is a prime candidate after he caught eight passes for 146 yards and a touchdown in UNT’s spring game. Trinity Valley Community College transfer Jalen Guyton is also expected to play a key role.

Guyton started his college career at Notre Dame and was rated as one of the top junior college wide receivers in the country in the Class of 2016.

UNT could also look to its recruiting class that includes highly regarded freshmen Greg White and Jaelon Darden to bolster its wide receiving corps. Walk-on Kam Duhon also showed signs he could help in offseason practice.

“The guys who came back from last year are stepping up and the newcomers are learning,” quarterback Mason Fine said.

“They are making plays in practice, which gives you the confidence that they will make those plays on Saturday.”

Littrell is confident largely because UNT was in a similar situation heading into his first season last fall.

UNT didn’t have many proven wide receivers then either, but made a few key adjustments and position changes. Those moves ended up helping the Mean Green win five games and earn a berth in the Heart of Dallas Bowl.

That’s when Bussey turned heads with his touchdown catch, one UNT is hoping is a sign of what is to come from a largely unproven group of skill position players.

Jeff Woo/DRC

North Texas wide receiver Rico Bussey Jr. catches a touchdown pass while being defended by Army defensive back Mike Reynolds (29) in the Heart of Dallas Bowl last season at the Cotton Bowl.

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DRC Football

Denton schools on path to success

By Steve Gamel Staff Writer

Billy Miller planned on leaving Denton ISD for another coaching gig at the end of this past school year when he threw his name into the hat to replace Kevin Atkinson as the new head football coach at Denton High.

Miller, a wide receivers coach at Ryan since 2010, had been offered the offensive coordinator job at Lewisville and, for all intents and purposes, was excited to take his career in another direction. But by doing so, he knew all the opportunities he ever needed would be in his rearview mirror.

“It was bittersweet that I was leaving those people and traditions behind,” said Miller, who ended up staying and was approved as Denton’s coach May 9. “It doesn’t matter what school you are at in Denton ISD — the winning culture is the same.

“Hopefully I can put roots down and do a good enough job to where I don’t ever have to go anywhere else.”

With the season upon us, Miller and the other Denton ISD coaches reflected on what would constitute success for their respective programs in 2017 and what it will take to bridge the gap between winning and winning it all.

Miller takes over a program at Denton full of fresh faces as it tries to build off a three-year stretch in which the Broncos won 26 games and made the playoffs each season. Denton is looking to take that next step by contending for its first state title.

Meanwhile, Guyer, the only one of the four Denton ISD teams currently playing in the state’s largest classification, has already won two state titles. The Wildcats always have the players to win big, but what do they need to overcome their latest struggles against other upper echelon teams?

Ryan, the second-oldest program of the bunch, was one win from playing in its sixth state title game last year. Had it not been for a season-ending knee injury to star quarterback Spencer Sanders, the Raiders might have entered this season as the defending Class 5A Division I champions.

Their path to winning it all doesn’t appear far-fetched, but as they learned last year, nothing is guaranteed.

Then there is Braswell. The Bengals face arguably the biggest challenge entering 2017 as they again share District 5-5A with Ryan and Denton. Braswell went 0-10 last year, but many feel, because of Denton ISD’s track record, it won’t be long before the Bengals are standing side-by-side with the best teams in the state.

“I can’t disagree,” Braswell coach Cody Moore said of the projections for his program. “I knew what the expectations were and the history of success the other three

Jeff Woo/DRC

Denton’s four high schools are all in various points on what they believe is a path to success behind a group of standout players, including (from left) Guyer defensive tackle Arian Bhat, Braswell wide receiver Jaeden Johnson, Ryan quarterback Spencer Sanders and Denton defensive back Anthony Tony-Itoyah. schools in this district had when I took this job. It’s what you want as a coach. You want those expectations. They give you everything you need to be successful and, in return, they ask that you be successful.”

Miller agreed.

“And [that winning edge] is all in this little pocket of Texas,” Miller said. “It’s not this way everywhere.”

Championships standard in Denton

To understand where the four Denton ISD teams expect to go in 2017, you have to understand the standard all teams in the Denton area — not just Denton ISD — have set over the years. The Denton area as a whole has long been known for producing standout after standout on the high school level — many of whom went on to play in college and the NFL. Since 2000, six of the 13 high schools in the Denton RecordChronicle coverage area have combined for 21 UIL and TAPPS state title game appearances and seven championships.

Denton ISD is the largest district of the bunch and has won four of those crowns.

Ryan won state titles in 2001 and 2002, while Guyer took home the state title trophy in 2012 and 2013. Since 2000, at least one team in the area has played for a state

championship every year with the exception of 2008 and 2016.

That talent, and an impressive coaching tree, has helped Denton ISD maintain successful programs while growing at an astronomical rate. What was once a two high school district with Denton and Ryan has grown to also include Guyer and Braswell in the last 12 years.

Those teams’ run of success separates Denton ISD from several districts in the Dallas Fort-Worth area that have struggled to meet the challenge of maintaining success during periods of rapid growth.

“If you talk about football success over the last decade to decade and a half, and you look at the Planos, Katys or Lewisvilles of the world, Denton ISD is right up there having played in eight state title games,” Guyer coach John Walsh said. “You have to look at what’s taking place here in Denton.

When I came to Guyer, part of my motivation was to use some of the success Ryan was having to build Guyer’s success. Braswell has three schools to look at.”

But how far away is each school from making a serious run in 2017?

‘We had the team to win every game’

If there was a Denton ISD team that

could have won a state title last year, it was Ryan. After years of success competing at a very high level, Ryan dipped below its standard in 2014 with a 5-5 record before rebounding to go 27-2 over the next two seasons. The Raiders won their first 14 games last year. They were clicking on all cylinders, and a state title game appearance seemed like a foregone conclusion.

Then the unthinkable happened. Star quarterback Spencer Sanders, an Oklahoma State commit, blew his knee out in the first half of a back-and-forth tussle with Highland Park in the Class 5A Division I state semifinal.

It was the first significant injury Ryan had faced all year, and it cost the Raiders a shot at the ultimate prize.

“We had the team to win every game. For whatever reason — injury or bad luck — we fell short,” Ryan coach Dave Henigan said.

“It’s a season I will always look back on, and it proves just how hard it is to win a title.

“I’m not going to say we definitely would have won the state title. But we could have.”

Ryan is once again expected to be in the mix for a state championship. But unlike See WINNERS on 25F

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Winners last year where practically everyone had anointed the Raiders as the team to beat in Class 5A Division I prior to the season, some preseason predictions have them falling short.

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, regarded by many to be the authority on football in Texas, projects defending champion Highland Park to make it back to the title game.

Defending champs like Highland Park are typically given the benefit of the doubt regardless of how many players they have coming back. But Ryan is essentially starting over on defense — a unit universally seen as the key ingredient to winning a championship. The Raiders return only a few veterans from a defense that gave up an average of 17 points per game last year.

Henigan isn’t fretting, though, and believes a loaded offense and the veteran players he still has on defense will keep Ryan in the hunt. It’s leadership — or lack thereof — that could mean the difference in playing for a title.

“Everyone always looks to the quarterback for leadership, but we had leadership everywhere last year,” Henigan said. “Guys like Spencer, Earnest [Brown], Delano [Robinson], Tyreke [Davis]. So there were a lot of leaders last year, and that made us better.

“We know what our ultimate goal is this year — it’s to be raising that trophy on December 22. But to bridge that gap, and finish off what we started and be that championship football team, these guys have to embrace the process of getting better and become better leaders to fill those shoes.”

Beating elite teams

Let’s make one thing perfectly clear: Guyer has had little problem competing in the state’s largest classification. Proof of that came in 2010, when the Wildcats jumped up to what was then known as Class 5A and rolled to the state title game before losing by three points to Cibolo Steele.

A drop down in classification yielded two state titles, but Guyer jumped right back up again and has won an average of nearly 10 games every year since. The Wildcats have won at least one playoff game each season. Two seasons ago, the Wildcats advanced to the fourth round of the Class 6A playoffs.

Yet since 2010, Guyer is 4-11 against Cedar Hill (1-5), Allen (0-3), Southlake Carroll (3-2) and DeSoto (0-1). Three of those wins (one against Cedar Hill and two over Carroll) were during the 2010 season.

“If there is one game that has ever made me toss and turn at night, it’s that 2010 title

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DENTON | A history of excellence in high school football since 2000 Denton area schools played in 21 state title games since 2000 and won 7. Guyer (left in 2012), Ryan (center in 2002) and Argyle (in 2013) all won.

Team Ryan Guyer Argyle Liberty Christian Pilot Point Calvary

game and the fact we left three points on the board,” Walsh said. “We will always be 6A going forward, so the gap for us is to learn to find ways to get those three or four points we need to win in the largest classification.”

And like Ryan, the gap to returning to the state title game is small for Guyer.

Guyer was beating Cedar Hill 21-7 last year in the second round before falling 23-21.

Walsh believes he has the right mix of players now — and with several younger classes moving up the ranks. The plan for this season is to rely heavily on bigger and more experienced offensive and defensive lines, those that will be more difficult to push around.

Walsh also echoed Henigan’s thoughts on leadership.

“Last year’s loss was all on us. We’ve beat Cedar Hill before. We’ve beat Southlake Carroll. We’ve beat other prominent people,” Walsh said. “The secret to December runs is great player leadership. To be a state title winner at this level, these kids have to believe and lead. When players want to lead at a high level, and not count on coaches to lead, then you have a better chance.”

Confidence to step out of shadows

One of the first things Billy Miller found while he was cleaning out his new office in the Denton field house were two old newspaper articles. The first featured a story on Guyer with a bold headline that read, “Cain is Able,” referring to the Wildcats’ former standout running back Noah Cain. The second was a playoff preview article on Denton as it readied to face Aledo.

The article on Denton didn’t convey near the same confidence as the former, and it struck a chord with Miller.

“Maybe it was just how I saw things, but you have one article that was positive and overwhelming. You could tell immediately, this article is all about Guyer. Who cares who they are playing,” Miller said with a laugh. “I

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look at the other one, which was about a district championship team playing in the second round, and what do I see in the headline … Aledo. I get it, Denton is trying to take down Aledo. But to me it sounded like, ‘Hey, great season. Now you’ve got to go play Aledo.’ It screamed, ‘Well, we’ll never get to the top of the mountain.’”

For Miller, that is the missing piece for Denton — confidence. It’s not that the Broncos are starting over with a new head coach, quarterback, running back, or filling holes at any other position. It’s the fact that in order to win, in order to stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of its peers Ryan and Guyer, Denton has to believe it will win.

“As an outsider looking in, it’s always been that,” Miller said.

Winning is all Miller knows. He played for Flower Mound Marcus when it competed for a state title in 1995. He went on to play at Vanderbilt, and all of his stops in the coaching business have been with teams that expect to win. The most recent, of course, was Ryan.

“The culture at Ryan was, ‘We will win.’

That’s a championship program. Those kids expect to win,” Miller said. “So what type of confidence are we bringing to the table at Denton?”

There’s no reason to think Denton can’t be successful. The Broncos won 26 games over the last three seasons under Atkinson and were state ranked during last year’s 9-2 run. Denton’s run of success was a dramatic change after years of struggling to field a competitive program. The Broncos won eight games between 2011 and 2013.

Even with just a handful starters for 2017, Denton could be a playoff team in District 5-5A. “I’ve been a champion my whole life, and I see no reason why it should be different here. We don’t coach to be mediocre.

We coach to win ball games and teach these kids to be champions,” Miller said. “We’re not going to draw from the bottom of the deck anymore. We’re coming off the top

rope, and you’d better be ready.”

The next big thing

Just after calling the first offensive play for his team’s Week 10 game against Denton, Cody Moore saw his young team trotting out to the field and commented to one of his assistants, ‘Do you realize we have maybe two kids on that field who can drive a car?’

“Against an 8-1 Denton team … in Class 5A football … in Texas,” Moore said with a laugh.

Braswell finished 0-10 that year, but when the Bengals line up for their first snap of 2017, the expectation is that they will have taken massive strides forward. After all, they’re the only Denton ISD team returning its entire roster — Braswell will have its first senior class this year. The Bengals have also gone through an entire offseason for the first time.

At this time last year, the Bengals were gearing up for their first varsity game, and only had 18 practices under their belt. They held workouts at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex because Braswell’s field wasn’t finished.

So what will success look like for Braswell? Will it be one win? Five wins? Moore will take any of the above. While the other three Denton schools have history to build off of, Braswell is still learning to walk.

“I talk to our players all the time, and this is not meant to sound cliché, but what we’re going to be this year has taken place since our last game against Denton,” Moore said. “We started the offseason that next week, and we will be better, faster and stronger. One thing is for sure, we won’t look as out of place.

“We had a bunch of babies playing 5A football on Friday nights last year. We never made excuses about it. I’m ready to get going, and see just how much progress we’ve really made. It’s fun to be a part of.”

Especially when you were bred from the championship pedigree that Denton ISD has established.

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DRC Football

Lanz to anchor Guyer’s rushing attack

By Brady Keane

Contributing Writer

When it comes to running the football, few programs in Texas can rival Guyer’s consistent success.

The Wildcats emerged as one of the state’s powerhouses just three years after opening in 2005, thanks largely to a powerful running game. Coach John Walsh spends a majority of the offseason focused on building strength in the trenches, which has helped the program develop its identity.

No matter who the workhorse in the backfield is, one thing has remained constant over the years. A strong offensive line is part of what gives Walsh so much confidence in his scheme.

“Our kids know it, and I think the state of Texas knows it — we’re going to be one of the best running teams in the state year in and year out,” Walsh said. “That expectation drives us.”

This season, TCU commit and consensus all-state selection John Lanz headlines Guyer’s offensive front. And while the Wildcats have always boasted a strong offensive line, Lanz has taken on a bigger leadership role than Walsh has seen from his linemen in the past.

“He’s always been a quiet, no-nonsense guy — a performer,” Walsh said. “Our offensive line is always good, but sometimes there isn’t always a lot of leadership coming from it. [John] has done that now. He doesn’t speak a lot, but when he does everybody listens.”

It’s easy to see why. Lanz’s size alone commands attention from any audience, and his play on the field certainly speaks for itself. A dominant, mean left tackle, Lanz consistently finishes off his blocks and sets the tone for the rest of the team.

In addition to Lanz, the Wildcats have a second team all-district center in Dylan Alexander and a stout edge setter in Josh Nicholson to pave the way for another big year on the ground. It’s a group Walsh has called among the best he’s seen in 12 years with the Wildcats.

“We take a lot of pride in [running the ball],” Lanz said. “We have a saying that wherever the offensive line goes, the whole team goes. The whole team is set around the offensive line. Without the offensive line, we don’t really have a team.”

The strength of the offensive line should help Guyer overcome the loss of two 1,000yard rushers from last season. Myron Ma-

Jeff Woo/DRC

GUYER’S PATH TO SUCCESS

Guyer has long featured a powerful running game that starts with its stout offensive line. John Lanz will try to help carry on that tradition this fall. Wildcats head coach John Walsh describes Lanz as a no-nonsense kind of guy who goes out and performs on game day. That approach has helped make Lanz an elite college prospect. He has committed to TCU.

son (1,035 yards, 11 TDs) graduated and Noah Cain (1,683 yards, 22 TDs), a player 247Sports ranks as the No. 1 back in the Class of 2019, transferred to Florida’s IMG Academy.

That leaves Guyer with two relatively new faces in the backfield — Kaedric Cobbs and Devin Jefferson.

Cobbs rushed for 1,280 yards and 16 touchdowns as a freshman at Melissa last season, earning Max Preps Freshman AllAmerican honors and a nod as District 5-4A DII Offensive Newcomer of the Year. Jefferson rushed for 125 yards and a touchdown as a backup for the Wildcats last year.

While neither player has served as an every-down back at the Class 6A level, they bring a familiar ‘Thunder and Light-

ning’ skill set to the table that Walsh is used to working with. With a dominant offensive line leading the way, he is confident in the offense continuing its success this season.

“The combo is real similar to what we’ve had the last two years,” Walsh said.

“Kaedric brings a strong mentality. When he gets into the secondary, he’s going to punish you — but he still has that lateral quickness. Devin is shifty — he’s a change of pace guy that has a little more quickness side to side.”

Guyer is used to having at least one big name leading the way in the backfield.

From quarterbacks J.W. Walsh (Oklahoma State), Jerrod Heard (Texas) and Shawn

See GUYER on 28F

WILDCATS | Quick Facts District: 6-6A 2016 record: 9-3 (6-1 in district) Coach: John Walsh (105-43 in 12 years at Guyer) Returning starters: Five on offense, two on defense Key players: OL John Lanz, DL Arian Bhat, QB Luke Stillwell, RB Kaedric Cobbs, TE Josh Nicholson, LB Dylan Bourey, LB Trevon Turner RB Devin Jefferson, OL Dylan Alexander, OL Caleb Gill, DL Grant Mahon Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 School enrollment: 2,475 Stadium: C.H. Collins Athletic Complex

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From Page 26

Guyer Robinson (TCU), to Cain at running back last season, there has been at least one headliner to a backfield that typically features up to three capable runners.

“They’ve both seen kids take over in the same roles, so they have the expectation that it’s their turn,” Walsh said. “But there is going to be a learning curve. [Class] 6A ball is definitely a different level. We plan on playing through December, so that’s almost five months. That’s a grind on a running back, so that will be an adjustment.”

What may take some pressure off Cobbs and Jefferson in the backfield is the growth of senior quarterback Luke Stillwell. While he struggled at times as a junior, Stillwell showed potential — especially as a runner — in the Wildcats’ second round playoff loss to Cedar Hill while finishing with 111 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

Stillwell has added more than 15 pounds to his frame and Walsh said he’s gotten significantly faster as well heading into the season. If the Cedar Hill game was any indication, Stillwell will be able to keep defenses on their toes as a major home run hitter in the Guyer read-option attack.

His ability to throw the ball consistently should be improved as well, which will take

some of the pressure off Cobbs and Jefferson as they take on a significantly larger workload. Stillwell spent time in the offseason working with quarterback coach Kevin Murray — the father of former Allen star and current Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray.

“I feel like I’m a completely different quarterback,” Stillwell said. “I’m a lot more comfortable standing in the pocket. By adding that improvement in the passing game, it’s really going to open everything up for us.”

While Stillwell’s improvement will undoubtedly boost the offensive output, Guyer’s success will again ultimately boil down to just how dominant its offensive line can be.

If Lanz and company are able to control the line of scrimmage on a regular basis and live up to the high expectations Walsh has laid out, it will be another big year for the Wildcats’ backfield.

“I could put an average running back from another program into our system and he’s going to run for 1,000 yards because of the combination of our schemes and this offensive line,” Walsh said. “We have three really good, all-district caliber players that are back there leading the way.”

Jake King/DRC

Guyer running back Kaedric Cobbs charges between obstacles during practice on Aug. 14. Cobbs rushed for 1,280 yards last season at Melissa and will benefit from running behind star lineman John Lanz.

DRC Football

GUYER

August 31, 2017

29

Jeff Woo/DRC

Guyer featured one of the top defensive secondaries in the area last season, when Thabo Mwaniki and Bryce Jackson powered the Wildcats. Arian Bhat, a player with an entirely different set of skills, will try to help fill the void this fall. The 270-pound defensive tackle has the ability to be an impact player at the line of scrimmage.

Bhat ready to be ‘the guy’ for Guyer

By Brady Keane Contributing Writer

When Guyer took the field last season, its defensive game plan was based on the strength of one of the most talented secondary units in program history.

Safeties Bryce Jackson (Northwestern) and Thabo Mwaniki (Oklahoma State) headlined a group that also included Dio Williams (Arkansas Tech) and Christian Moore (Midwestern State).

Four future college football players, in-

cluding two who eventually signed with Power Five schools, gave the Wildcats’ defense a unique identity that was hard for any other team in the state to match.

Guyer’s defense will look dramatically different this season without those four players, opening up an opportunity for defensive tackle Arian Bhat to shine.

Bhat, a second team all-district selection as a junior, is one of just two full-time starters returning on defense and brings a lot of size to the middle of Guyer’s line at

6-foot-2, 270 pounds. The Wildcats will look to Bhat to set the tone defensively and display the talent that led all three service academies — along with Morgan State, an FCS school in Baltimore — to offer him a scholarship.

Guyer coach John Walsh said the Wildcats will depend on their offensive and defensive lines, the team’s two strongest position groups, to dominate in the trenches.

The shift will be a dramatic one for the Wildcats.

“Really it depends on your personnel – you kind of have to be flexible,” defensive coordinator Derek Ramsey said. “You have to look at your strong point as far as which group is the strength of your defense. That’s who you end up putting the most on.”

Guyer will put plenty on Bhat.

“He’s going to be the leader up front,” Ramsey said. “We’ve got some inexperienced See BAHT on 30F

30

GUYER

August 31, 2017

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

KEY NEWCOMER

Coach John Walsh is excited about what Guyer is bringing to the table in the trenches on both sides of the ball. With TCU commit John Lanz, who is emerging as one of the strongest players in program history, Dylan Alexander, Josh Nicholson and Caleb Gill leading the way, the Wildcats’ offensive line should pave the way for a Alexander big year for Luke Stillwell, Devin Jefferson and Kaedric Cobbs in the backfield.

Defensive lineman Arian Bhat anchors a defense that returns just two starters from a year ago. His play will help solidify the front seven throughout the year.

Kaedric Cobbs is the obvious key newcomer as the Melissa transfer will step into a major role right away in the backfield.

But the Wildcats will have a lot of new faces taking charge, most notably on a defense that returns just two fulltime starters.

Look for sophomore Cobbs Grant Mahon to make an immediate impact on the defensive line that could be one of the Wildcats’ strengths.

“He hasn’t played a down for us yet, but I think he’s going to be a great player,” Walsh said. “We need him to be a dominant player early in his career.”

POINT OF CONCERN

GAME OF THE YEAR

Guyer had one of the most talented secondary units in the state last season headlined by Division I prospects Bryce Jackson (Northwestern) and Thabo Mwaniki (Oklahoma State). With those two gone, the Wildcats have a big hole to fill on the backside of the defense. Walsh said Guyer’s ability to im- Walsh prove both throwing the ball and defending against the pass will be the focus early in the year.

Guyer has taken its shot at Allen in each of the last three seasons, but has struggled to keep up with the Eagles.

The game, this time at C.H. Collins, will likely again determine the District 6-6A championship.

But Walsh feels as though a contest against Plano in Denton is one of his team’s most important games. A win would give Guyer momentum early in district play.

“That Plano game, starting off district in a positive manner, will set the tone for our kids and the rest of the district that we’re here again,” Walsh said.

From Page 29

All-State selection for eight consecutive seasons, showing just what kind of standard there is to live up to year in and year out.

“Honestly, I can’t think of a team that’s had a bad defense at Guyer,” Bhat said. “We have to be great. There is a standard at Guyer that we’re a great program. It’s just what we’re known for.”

For Guyer to be successful this season, it’s going to need a host of young players and inexperienced upperclassmen to step up in positions throughout the defense. On the defensive line alone, the Wildcats are putting a lot of faith in newcomers like sophomore Grant Mahon.

But for the group to be as dominant as Ramsey and Walsh believe it can be, Bhat will have to serve as both as a playmaker and a leader to help the younger players grow early in the season.

“It’s fun being the example they want to follow,” Bhat said. “I expect myself to make some big plays, but I expect a lot from the rest of the defense, too.

“People are going to try to attack us, and we’re ready for it. We’re not going to back down from anything.”

Bhat guys who will be feeling their way out, so we’ll really rely on him a lot to hold it down.

“We’ll rely on him to control the inside.”

Bhat began to embrace more of a leadership role in the offseason and credited strength and conditioning coach Kyle Keese for helping him become more comfortable as a leader.

“We just have to play,” Bhat said. “I have to step up as a leader, because I have the most experience on the field. But I have to rely on them just like they have to rely on me. It should be fun.”

The Guyer defense will have a lot of newcomers, both up front and in the secondary, but Bhat is excited for the opportunity to step up and be ‘the guy’ for a unit that’s consistently been led by some big name players over the years.

The Wildcats’ defense has produced at least one Texas Sports Writers Association

DRC Football

WILDCATS | Roster No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 29 30 32 33 35 36 37

Player Kaedric Cobbs Kaleel Rhoden D. Greenhoward Luke Stillwell Kenneth Dunson Trevon Turner Dylan Bourney De’Ray Darthard Dylan Parham Cole Schroeder Cole Ramsey Trent Ponsonby Travis Romar Trace Jewel Matt Sagrillo Kyle Ingram Xavier Fuggett Jediah Thorne Seth Meador Devin Jefferson Zach Bland Cade Ford Chris Northcutt Payne Williams Braden Eddinggs Brent Jackson Evon Berry H. Bohannon Tanner Jarrett Isaac Carrillo Hayden Hodapp Robertp Torres

Pos. RB/LB RB/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/LB FB/LB WR/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/K TE/LB WR/DB WR/DB QB/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB FB/LB WR/DB RB/DB FB/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB WR/LB FB/DL DS/LB FB/LB

Ht. 5-9 5-10 6-0 6-4 5-9 5-9 6-1 5-9 5-10 5-10 6-2 6-0 5-9 6-0 6-0 5-10 5-9 6-1 5-10 5-9 5-9 5-10 5-9 5-11 5-10 5-11 5-9 5-9 5-10 6-0 5-10 5-9

Wt. 190 180 185 200 170 185 210 170 170 175 210 170 170 190 170 170 170 180 170 175 190 170 175 180 170 175 160 180 175 240 180 170

Yr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. So. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr.

GUYER | Schedule Date Opponent Aug. 31 at Mansfield Lake Ridge Sept. 7 DeSoto Sept. 15 Dallas Kimball Sept. 29 Plano * Oct. 6 at Plano East * Oct. 13 at McKinney * Oct. 20 Allen * Oct. 27 at Wylie * Nov. 3 McKinney Boyd * Nov. 10 at Plano West * *District 6-6A games 38 39 40 42 45 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 58 70 71 75 77 81 82

J. Youngblood Bryce Hauk Zach Warren Lawrence Norton Nick Gallo Chad Aune Jordan Thorne Matthew Martinez Arian Bhat Grant Mahon Dylan Alexander Jonathan Rangel Blayne Miller Alvaro Rodriguez Caleb Gill John Lanz Aaron Ali Josh Nicholson Patrick Igbeka

FB/LB K/P TE/LB FB/DL OL/DL TE/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/DL TE/DL

Time 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

5-10 5-10 5-11 6-1 6-0 6-3 6-3 5-9 6-2 6-3 5-11 5-9 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-3 5-9 6-3 6-0

180 175 200 210 190 180 250 250 275 260 250 220 260 250 280 290 230 230 210

Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

Jake King/DRC

Guyer defensive tackle Arian Bhat, right, goes through drills during preseason practice. Bhat is expected to be a key component of a strong defensive front this fall for the Wildcats, who are projected to be a playoff contender.

BRASWELL

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August 31, 2017

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Braswell seniors aim for first win Jimmy Isbell Contributing Writer

After finishing winless in its inaugural season, it’s a safe bet no one at Braswell wants to repeat that mark in 2017. Luckily for the Bengals, they have what no one else in the area has.

Braswell enters Year Two with its entire roster intact — including 25 seniors.

“Our seniors have embraced what it means to be out here [at Braswell],” Moore said. “They have taken on the responsibility of getting this program open and running in the right direction.

“The standard they are setting for the program is one to be proud of a coach.”

Naturally, the next step is to win a game.

Wide receiver Jaeden Johnson and defensive end Izac Green are two of 11 seniors who started during last year’s rough first year. Braswell leaped straight into varsity play and only had 18 practices under its belt before doing so.

The result was a season in which Braswell was outscored 522-89. The Bengals surrendered an average just north of 400 yards per game.

Green said everyone is focused on improving.

“We’re taking everything one step at a time,” Green said. “First we have to win a game, and then have a winning season.

Right now, we’re focused on our first game against Eaton. They left a bitter taste in our mouth last season, and we’re not letting them do what they did last year to us. If we focus on doing the little things right and having a 1-0 mentality, we’ll be fine.”

Green was a bright spot for a defense that really struggled last year. The edge setter put on 20 pounds of muscle in the offseason to help a three-man front most offenses cut through like a hot knife through butter.

Green knows teams will try to run on Braswell this season after the success they had last year.

“I know a lot of our seniors have been working hard in the weight room, so I know we’ll be more prepared physically than we were last year,” Green said. “We’re going to use a lot of our speed on the d-line.

We still don’t have a lot of size, but we do have the speed. If we don’t penetrate the backfield then I have full faith our linebackers will come fill the holes.”

BRASWELL’S PATH TO SUCCESS

Jeff Woo/DRC Defensive end Izac Green, left, and wide receiver Jaeden Johnson are two of Braswell’s 11 seniors who endured a winless season in the Bengals’ debut campaign last fall. Braswell had just 18 practices to prepare for their opening game in 2016. The Bengals should benefit from the additional time they have had to prepare this fall when they hope to break through for the first win in program history.

Braswell head coach Cody Moore believes the defense has put in the extra work needed to be better than a year ago.

“Our defense has done the things they need to do to give us the best opportunity to stop the run game, forcing a team to pass, and getting off the field,” Moore said. “We struggled getting off the field in late down and long distance situations. I hope to shore that up this season.”

Of course, a defense’s best friend is an offense that can move the ball. And there’s no better player to help do that on the Bengals’ roster than Johnson.

Last fall, Johnson led the first-year Bengals in receptions (63), receiving yards (432) and total touchdowns (five) in addition to finishing second in rushing yards (95). He’ll lead an offense that includes

beefed-up running back Ki’Andre Jackson and a veteran offensive line.

The Bengals still don’t know who their starting quarterback will be.

Then-junior Palmer Campbell started the majority of the season, passing for 700 yards and four touchdowns. Greyson Thompson is in the battle as well. He threw for 2,074 yards and 33 touchdowns with one interception while playing for the freshman team last year.

None of those questions seem to faze Johnson. He hopes to have a better senior season to help Braswell win.

“In the locker room, we always say we’re going to shock the world,” Johnson said.

“Nobody knows how much work we’ve

See BRASWELL on 33F

BENGALS | Quick Facts District: 5-5A 2015 record: 0-10 (0-6 in district) Coach: Cody Moore (0-10 in one season at Braswell) Returning starters: 11 on offense, 11 on defense Key players: RB Ki’Andre Jackson, WR Jaeden Johnson, DB Caleb Richardson, LB Alex Rivera, WR Christian Battle, LB David Akhagbeme, DB Quinton Draine, DL Izac Green, QB Greyson Thompson Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 School Enrollment: 1,630 Stadium: C.H. Collins Athletic Complex

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August 31, 2017

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DRC Football

BRASWELL

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From Page 31

Braswell been putting in. We know we’re prepared.

I’m excited.”

Green has a similar stance.

“Our mindset is to shock the world,” Green said. “We’re not doing our thing for everyone else, but for ourselves. We know what we’ve done behind the scenes. We’ll be ready.”

As for their coach, Moore knows there are no more “first-year program” excuses.

The Bengals have nothing to fall back on and everyone coming back has experience at the varsity level.

“I tell my players all the time that there is no, ‘Oh, first year, start-up program,’ excuse anymore,’” Moore said. “All of that is in the past. We don’t say that around here anymore. It’s all about progress and I think we’re going to see a lot of it.”

With a minimum of 10 games left for the 25 seniors, it’s the last time most of them will play under the Friday night lights. After that, it’ll just be memories they will cherish and look back on.

“We want to be remembered,” Johnson said. “We know for most of us this is our last year to play football. It means as seniors we have to make the most of this season.”

Jeff Woo/DRC

Braswell wide receiver Jaeden Johnson tries to pull away from a Denton defender after catching a pass during a game last season at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex. Johnson will be one of Braswell’s key offensive players this fall.

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August 31, 2017

BRASWELL

DRC Football

Jeff Woo/DRC

Ki’Andre Jackson had to be convinced to play for Braswell after the school opened. He was originally in the Ryan attendance zone and didn’t want to be a part of the building process with a new program. Jackson changed his mind and has developed into a key player for the Bengals.

Jackson finds home with Bengals

By Jimmy Isbell Contributing Writer

When Braswell took the field for its very first practice last year, Ki’Andre Jackson wasn’t there. He wasn’t at his locker. He wasn’t in the training room. He was lying on his couch at home.

Jackson, a transfer from Ryan, did not want to have anything to do with Bengals football.

“I came from a really good team and was excited to be a part of it. But then I had to come to Braswell, and I just didn’t want to be there,” Jackson said. “I didn’t even want to play football.”

Jackson wasn’t going to walk away that

easy. Braswell coach Cody Moore already had visions of Jackson being an important building block in his offense, so rather than go with the next guy in line, Moore sent an assistant to Jackson’s house to drag the young star from his bed.

It was the shot in the arm that Jackson needed. Not only did he learn to appreciate his new home at Braswell, but he realized that his coaching staff was invested in him for the long haul. Jackson represents an entire roster of returning talent that has bought-in to the idea that the upstart Bengals are building something special — a program that will one day stand shoulderto-shoulder with Denton ISD counterparts

Ryan, Guyer and Denton.

“This year, we’re a whole different team,” Jackson said. “I feel like we’re going to do a lot more on the field, and it’s my senior year so I’m trying to be a leader on the team.”

That’s a far cry from where he was at mentally on that fateful first day of practice.

Jackson didn’t want to move schools but was forced to when Denton school district officials redrew the zoning lines to account for the addition of a fourth high school.

Jackson said he was discouraged and disappointed, and he didn’t think much of what Moore was trying to build at Braswell.

He was so adamant about not playing there that he was not even in football shape phys-

ically by the time practices rolled around.

“When he showed up to practice the next day, he kind of had a pot belly and didn’t look like he had stepped into a weight room in a while,” Moore said.

Jackson agreed.

“They needed me,” Jackson said. “It was different to have a coach come pick me up and take me to just watch a practice. I didn’t want to go, but I’m glad I did.”

When he was brought to practice anyway by the coaching staff, it didn’t take long for him to buy in. And by the time the season started, Jackson was primed to break

See JACKSON on 35F

BRASWELL

DRC Football

Braswell has several high-caliber wide receivers who can get down the field in a hurry. With returners Jaeden Johnson, Christian Battle and Denton transfer Adrian Wilson, this unit will be tough to stop. Johnson led the Bengals in receptions (63) receiving yards (432), and total touchdowns (five). He is a crisp route runner with the Battle ability to get separation.

Battle is a rangy wide receiver who can stretch the field. He switched from safety in the last four games of Braswell’s inaugural season. Wilson will also add to the Bengals’ receiving core with his varsity experience.

POINT OF CONCERN

The largest concern for Braswell is something most young football programs face and that is depth on the offensive and defensive lines. Most teams ran all over Braswell last season, and it’ll be tough to stop initial contact up front, especially with a three-man front. The Bengals lost two starters Cade from last year’s offensive line, but there is some size that came from neighboring

middle school, Navo. Freshman Erick Cade, who stands at 6-foot-7 and weighs 280-pounds, will start at left tackle. He obviously doesn’t have any varsity experience, but will surely be a sight to see for opposing defenses.

KEY NEWCOMER

Greyson Thompson threw for 2,074 yards and 33 touchdown passes with only one interception on Braswell’s freshman team last fall and could end up starting for the Bengals.

Thompson will have the opportunity to solidify the quarterback position for years to come. The quarterback spot was a revolv- Thompson ing door for Braswell last season, when the Bengals started four quarterbacks over the course of 10 games and finished 0-10.

GAME OF THE YEAR

When you lose all 10 games in the season, really any game on the schedule is the game of the year. However, Braswell coach Cody Moore believes the first game against Eaton is the game of the year because it gives his team a good gauge of how it will fare this season. Last season, Eaton shut out the Bengals 55-0 so there is a bitterness to that first defeat.

35

BENGALS | Roster

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

August 31, 2017

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 31 32 37 40 43 44 47 48

Player Daveion Crawford Quinton Draine Adrian Wilson Jaeden Johnson Sam Madison Ta’Vion Wafford Caleb Richardson Jon’Trevous Promise Jaylen Dennis Chance Rodney Greyson Thompson Palmer Campbell Kenechi Nworjih Izac Green Ki’Andre Jackson Jordan Joyce Jared Shaabani Christian Battle Adryan Lightbourne Jeremiah Richardson Ivry Mundy John Barron Mitchell Lesue David Akhagbeme Jhari Grose Deven Aguilar CJ Johnson Elijah Norris Sully Martinez De’Anthony McCloud Luis Hernandez Alex Rivera Brendan Aland Keagan Gottlieb-Smith Mauricio Sivila

Pos. DB DB WR WR WR DB DB DB RB DB QB QB WR DL RB WR WR WR WR RB WR LB DB LB RB LB LB DB WR LB LB LB DL RB LB

Yr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr.

BRASWELL | Schedule Date Opponent Aug. 31 Haslet Eaton Sept. 8 at Frisco Independence Sept. 15 Frisco Reedy (Bronco Field) Sept. 22 Kaufman Oct. 6 Ryan * Oct. 13 Sherman * Oct. 19 Wichita Falls * Oct. 27 Denison * Nov. 2 at Wichita Falls Rider * Nov. 10 Denton * *District 5-5A games 49 50 52 53 55 57 58 64 65 67 70 71 72 73 75 76 80 83 84

Christopher Leidecker Sethe Broussard Devin Tackett Slater Bausher Zach Rodgers John Garcia Seye Akinwale De Shaun McKoy Blake Adams Shawn Stephens Jayden Foster Cameron Martin Clayton Johnson Camron Cotton DJ Stephenson Erick Cade Arturo Ramirez Ben Blackmore Wyatt Coates

LB DL OL DL DL OL DL OL OL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL K WR WR

Time 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Fr. So. So. Sr.

From Page 34

Jackson out. Despite Braswell finishing 0-10, the all-purpose back finished with 744 rushing yards and was second on the team in touchdowns with four.

Jackson is the perfect example of what Moore says is a complete 180 from a year ago.

“His perspective and mindset is completely different from last year,” Moore said.

“He has come further than any kid we have.

We know we’re going to be a lot better than we were last year, and it starts with guys like Ki’Andre.

“There are no more excuses, especially about us being a young program. I think our guys understand that and they put in the work in spring football, offseason workouts, summer 7-on-7 and strength and conditioning in order for us to put a successful product on the field.”

Jackson agreed, and he’s ready to do what he has to do to have a successful season.

“We’re trying to win a few games, make the playoffs and put Braswell on the map,” Jackson said.

Jeff Woo/DRC

Braswell running back Ki’Andre Jackson (15) cuts to avoid Haslet Eaton defensive back Nick Cerniaukskas in a game last season. Jackson has found a home with the Bengals late in his career after starting out at Ryan.

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DENTON

August 31, 2017

DRC Football

Kinne ready for new era at Denton

By Steven Gamel Staff Writer

Landry Kinne eased his shoulder pads over his head while standing next to a row of purple-colored lockers in the Broncos’ locker room. Everything fit perfectly on the young sophomore, including the jersey number on his chest.

Kinne will wear No. 1 this year, symbolic of his spot on the quarterback depth chart.

“I haven’t really thought of it like that, but now that you mention it,” Kinne said with a laugh. “All I’m trying to do is go out there, do my job and lead these guys to a win.”

Kinne represents a changing of the guard at Denton, which has a new head coach, a slew of fresh faces and a new attitude entering 2017. At the heart of it all is a new quarterback who, despite stepping in to some big shoes, believes the Broncos are the team to beat as he leads them into a new era.

“We are a little underrated, and I can see why some people might not think much of us,” Kinne said. “I mean, I’m just a sophomore and we have a lot of new guys. But … maybe they don’t know what they’re in for.”

People forget Denton has quietly won 26 games over the last three seasons and made the playoffs each time despite losing key players to graduation or attrition. Graduation hit the Broncos a bit harder this offseason with the loss of two-year starting quarterback and District 5-5A Offensive MVP Colt Atkinson, who led Denton to back-to-back nine-win seasons. He threw for 2,081 yards and 24 touchdowns last year alone.

Also gone are the likes of running back Caleb Osuofa, defensive back and wide receiver Chris Houston and offensive lineman Grant Polley, all of whom added legitimacy to Denton’s offensive attack.

When new coach Billy Miller, who was an assistant coach at Ryan last year, lines his team up against Lake Dallas in Friday’s opener, he’ll have just three full-time starters returning from last year. Kinne came into camp battling junior Brooks Bedinger for the starting job.

Miller believes in both quarterbacks, but thinks Kinne gives them the best

DENTON’S PATH TO SUCCESS

Jeff Woo/DRC Denton will enter a new era in program history this season. The Broncos will have a new head coach in Billy Miller and will also have a host of new players at key positions, including Landry Kinne. The sophomore will take over at quarterback for Colt Atkinson, who was named the Offensive MVP in District 5-5A after leading the Broncos to the playoffs and a 9-2 finish.

chance to win now while he continues to grow into the position over the next three seasons. At 6-0, 170 pounds, Kinne has already shown flashes of brilliance with a strong arm and ability to improvise when plays break down.

“Anybody that has a 6-foot, 170-pound sophomore walk into a team room is going to ask, ‘Hey, where does that kid play?’” Miller said. “We saw good things out of both quarterbacks. This situation reminds me a lot of when I was growing up and [my coaches] took me out of playing quarterback. It was what was best for the team. Landry is a mobile kid. He can throw and move, and he sees and understands everything. His growth from the

day I got here until now has been innumerable.

“He does a lot of great things, and he only has room to grow.”

It also helps that he comes from a strong athletic lineage.

Landry’s dad, Gary Joe Kinne, is the defensive coordinator at Denton and has been a successful coach at both the high school and college level. Coach Kinne was also a linebacker at Baylor. G.J. Kinne, Landry’s older brother, played at Tulsa before a short pro career in the NFL, CFL, UFL and Arena Football League. G.J. is now part of the football coaching staff at

See DENTON on 38F

BRONCOS | Quick Facts District: 5-5A 2016 record: 9-2 (5-1 in district) Coach: Billy Miller Returning starters: One on offense, two on defense Key players: DB Anthony Tony-Itoya, DB Elijah Thibodeaux, OL Brandon Coleman, OL Mack Harris, DL Jacob Dean, DL Andy Scott, WR Isaiah Wofford, QB Landry Kinne Offense: Spread Defense: Odd front School Enrollment: 3,045 Stadium: Bronco Field

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From Page 36

Denton SMU. “Landry comes from a great background, and when you have that type of lineage, it only adds to your confidence level,” Miller said. “His dad was a DI athlete, his brother was a DI athlete and played in the NFL. We are looking for kids in this program who want to go after people.

Landry upholds that mentality.”

Kinne said he’s just trying to be the best quarterback he can be Wofford for the Broncos.

“My older brother texts me every once in a while to ask how offseason is going,” Landry said. “I get to go throw with him every other week, which helps. He started when he was a freshman, and he’s always been a mentor.

“It feels great that the coaches and my teammates have trust in me.”

Contrary to what some people outside the program may believe, Kinne will have weapons around him.

Miller pointed to wide receiver Isaiah Wofford as a big playmaker on the outside

along with Cortez Cardenas. Corbin Shelley and Nick Edwards II will be two of several running backs hoping to pace the ground attack, and Kinne’s ability to move around will only add to that.

Offensive lineman Brandon Coleman (6-4, 270) moved in from Germany last year and will step in at left tackle. He has a scholarship offer from SMU. With so many options offensively, the only Cardenas question now is where Denton will finish in District 5-5A. Last year, the Broncos went 9-2 and finished second in district behind Ryan. The Raiders are picked by many to run the table again, but with players like Kinne in the fold, the Broncos see things a bit differently.

“As long as we come into this thing with confidence that we will be successful, there’s nothing that’s going to hold us back,” Miller said. “If we come out just hoping things go well, we’ll be in trouble. We have the weapons, and we believe we have the quarterback, too.”

Jake King/DRC

Denton coach Billy Miller directs his players during practice this fall. Miller takes over a team that advanced to the playoffs and won nine games in 2016. Denton will have to replace several key players to build on that performance.

DRC Football

DENTON

August 31, 2017

39

Jeff Woo/DRC

Denton defensive linemen Jacob Dean, left, and Andy Scott will be key members of the Broncos defense this fall. The pair has been friends dating back to their days playing youth football and will anchor a defense that is expected to be the Broncos’ strength as its offense adjusts to having several new players at skill positions.

Old friends to anchor Denton defense

By Daniel Burgess Contributing Writer

Jacob Dean and Andy Scott have practically been inseparable since the early stages of their football careers.

They learned about the game together, worked out together and were youth league teammates.

That time prepared the duo to tackle the challenge they will face this fall of anchoring Denton’s defensive front. Dean will play nose tackle, while Scott will be just down the line at defensive end.

How the pair fares will go a long way to-

ward determining if the Broncos can build on a 9-2 season a year ago under a new head coach. Billy Miller took over Denton’s program this season following the departure of Kevin Atkinson for Flower Mound Marcus.

The Broncos are rebuilding on offense after losing several key players in addition to their coach, including quarterback Colt Atkinson. Those losses will make the performance of Denton’s defense all the more important.

Dean and Scott are determined to help the Broncos’ defense carry the load while its

offense settles in. The goal is one Miller can see his team coming closer to reaching.

“The defense has shown great strides.

It’s going to be the strength of the team,” Miller said. “I’ve been raised on a tradition of strong defense. We’re going to continue to live by the mantra that defense wins championships. If they don’t score, they can’t win.”

Dean and Scott played a role in Denton’s playoff season a year ago. Both were all-district performers and have built on the success they enjoyed a year ago as they prepare for the 2017 season.

The experience Dean and Scott gained has given them a better understanding of how they can best help Denton defensively.

“Our role is to grab the ball back to give the offense another chance at driving it back to the end zone and scoring for us,” Dean said. “We’re really the house control, keeping the ball where it’s at, go three plays, make them punt it.”

Denton defensive coordinator Gary Joe Kinne expects opponents to double team

See LINEMEN on 40F

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DENTON

August 31, 2017

BRONCOS | Roster

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

Denton has several experienced players returning on a defensive line that will be its most important asset.

Nose guard Jacob Dean is a three-year starter and will pair with defensive end Andy Scott to anchor the Broncos up front.

The Broncos’ hope is that Dean can be a runstuffer at the point of attack. Scott will also play a key role in stopping the run, but also possesses skills as a pass rusher.

Dean If Dean and Scott can force opponents to pass the ball and pressure quarterbacks, safety Anthony TonyItoyah stands to benefit. Tony-Itoyah also has extensive experience with the Broncos varsity team and will have a chance to go after any errant passes that hang in the Broncos secondary.

How Dean, Scott and the Denton defense fare will be vital in a season where the Broncos are replacing several of their key players on the offensive side of the ball.

POINT OF CONCERN

Denton lacks experience on offense and must replace quarterback Colt Atkinson, last season’s District 5-5A Offensive MVP. The Broncos’ coaching staff likes the potential of sophomore Landry Kinne, but he will need time to adjust to playing on the varsity level.

Quarterback isn’t the only position where Denton has concerns after graduating 10 of its starters on offense. The offen-

sive line is also a concern. The Broncos hope center Mac Harris can anchor an inexperienced unit.

Wide receiver Isaiah Wofford is also returning as a starter and will be counted on to bolster an offensive unit that is inexperienced overall.

DRC Football

Denton’s first game is against Lake Dallas on Sept. 1 and is the biggest game of the year, according to new head coach Billy Miller.

The Broncos can demonstrate their strength right out of the gate against a team they beat 42-28 last year. “[You] can’t come off the top rope if you spend Miller all your time climbing,” Miller said. “You better believe we’re coming out strong.”

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what he said has been an influential time in his life on what would be a decidedly positive note.

“Since I was little, I’ve made so many relationships that are like family to me, people that I’ll ride or die for,” Scott said. “Our families have bonded together, we’ve bonded together. My coaches are like father figures, too. There’s so much love in the game that you feel from everybody. It teaches you about life.”

The key to going out on top for Scott and Dean will be finding a way to help Denton’s defense excel while its offense settles in early in the season.

“We need to set them up for success,” Scott said.

Scott will be a big part of Denton’s plan to do just that along with Dean, his longtime friend who will be playing with him on the Broncos’ front this fall.

Denton defensive lineman Andy Scott, left, chases down Sanger running back Dameon Moser in a game last season. Scott and his close friend Jacob Dean will anchor the Broncos’ defense this fall.

KEY NEWCOMER

Denton will have several newcomers who will play vital roles, but none will be more important than Kinne. The sophomore is making the jump from the freshman team to starting for the varsity.

Denton’s coaching staff has been impressed with Kinne’s discipline and willingness to learn. He could be a key player for the Broncos for years to come, if he continues to develop.

Kinne said he is focusing on preparing physically and mentally in order to better read the field and make the best decisions for his team.

GAME OF THE YEAR

Player Landry Kinne Hunter Hope Greg Tarmo Corbin Shelley Elijah Thibodeaux Jalin Dorsett Anthony Tony-Itoyah Cortez Cardenas D.J. Mills Isaac Broades Brooks Bedinger Marcellus Lockley Kollin Buris Tyler Jackson Christian Herry Tyrel Hill Isaiah Wofford Connor Roche Nick Edwards II Landry Williams A.J. Johnson Nick Garcia Quincy McBath Vincent Marquez Ja’Mal McCoy-Maxwell Kevin Thornton Antonio Garcia Saul Olalde Lerontay Washington Eyon Smith Alex Liu Lincoln Yarbrough Trevon Swanson Shane McEuin Jakob Hain Kyle Williamson Andy Scott Gerald Haggerty Danioel ReCalderson

Pos. QB WR/DB DB RB/WR DB WR DB WR/DB DB LB QB DB WR QB WR DB WR WR/DB RB LB DB WR/DB LB LB DL RB/DL DB RB DL DB LB RB HB LB DB LB DL LB K

Yr. So. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So.

DENTON | Schedule Date Opponent Sept. 1 Lake Dallas Sept. 8 Sanger Sept. 15 at The Colony Sept. 22 Keller Timber Creek Sept. 28 Ryan * Oct. 6 at Sherman * Oct. 12 Wichita Falls * Oct. 20 at Denison * Oct. 26 at Wichita Falls Rider * Nov. 10 Braswell * *District 5-5A games

47 48 50 51 52 54 55 56 57 60 61 62 63 65 72 74 76 77 78 81 82 83 84 88

Jonathon Cogan Nico Amaya Mac Harris Chris Mercado Christian Peace Jaden Oberkrom Xavier Bennett Jesus Sanchez Sebastian Price Danny Brown Austin Cooper Jacob Dean Jace Hassell Jesus Garcia Toby Martinez Wyatt Novak Herman Johnson Devin Freeman Brandon Coleman Aaron Torres Josh King Jakob Williams Andrew Schmuhl Nick Bruno

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From Page 39

Linemen Dean when they have the chance. That approach will free up the Broncos’ linebackers to run free and make tackles.

Kinne also expects Scott to be a force when it comes to stopping opponents’ running games and believes he will bring an added dimension as a pass rusher.

“They’re both very physical, have good motors, run to the football and are bigplay guys,” Kinne said. “This program’s one that there’s no doubt that we have the talent, and the kids believe. That’s half the battle that the kids believe in what they’re doing.”

Dean has played on Denton’s varsity team for three seasons and was part of the Broncos’ playoff team a year ago. He knows Denton has some challenges to meet this season to build on that performance, but is setting high goals anyway.

Dean wants to win a state title and cap

DRC file photo

RYAN

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August 31, 2017

41

Triple threat to lead Ryan offense

By Steve Gamel Staff Writer

The Ryan coaching staff knew something big was about to happen when quarterback Spencer Sanders came into the fold three years ago. A freshman at the time, Sanders showed so much promise as a varsity starter that many were already convinced he was a shoe-in to one day be one of the Raiders’ more decorated field generals.

But Sanders wasn’t the only piece to the “something big” that was about to happen. To bring it all together, and help Sanders as he blossomed into a mega dual-threat star, a key ingredient was added to the equation.

Well, two actually.

Enter Gabriel Douglas and Tauskie Dove. The wide receiver duo, both over 6feet tall and in the same grade as Sanders, was brought up to varsity the following season. In 2015 and 2016, Ryan’s new triple threat transformed the Raiders’ run-heavy offense into one of the more productive, high-flying and unstoppable attacks in the state. Ryan went 27-2 in that stretch, and last year averaged just more than 444 total yards per game.

The scheme left opposing defenses in a no-win situation. Douglas and Dove automatically created mismatches on the outside. Double team either of them, and the other would put up big numbers. Take both away, and Sanders would find someone else or hurt opponents with his legs.

Sanders, Douglas and Dove continue to make each other — and the Raiders — elite by being on the field together. Heading into their final high school season, their eyes are fixed on upping the ante and winning a Class 5A title.

“We’ve been building chemistry together since our sophomore year. I believe in those guys, and I know they believe in me,” Sanders said. “Nobody’s got an ESPN Top 300 receiver on the left, another highly-recruited receiver on the right and a nationwide recruit at QB. It’s tough when you bring all that together.

“But we’re only as good as each other.

We’re just trying to be better for our team.”

It’s hard to imagine Sanders, Douglas and Dove getting any better than they already are, but that’s their goal heading into Friday’s season opener against Lancaster.

The bulk of the Raiders’ success in 2017

RYAN’S PATH TO SUCCESS

Jeff Woo/DRC Ryan will feature one of the top trios of offensive skill position players in the state this fall when quarterback Spencer Sanders, center, teams with wide receivers Gabriel Douglas, left, and Tauskie Dove. Sanders is committed to Oklahoma State and Douglas to Texas Tech.

Dove is also expected to sign with a Division I program. The trio helps make the Raiders one of the favorites to win a Class 5A state title.

hinges not only on the trio’s playmaking and leadership ability, but also being able to keep them healthy.

Sanders has had two season-ending knee injuries in three years. His first came toward the tail end of his freshman season.

The second happened last year in a Class 5A Division I state semifinal loss to Highland Park.

Had Sanders not got hurt, Ryan could be entering this season as the defending champs.

Sanders appears to be healthier than ever, though, and he’s eager to finish what he and Ryan started last year. Sanders passed for 3,258 yards and rushed for another 1,099. The Oklahoma State commit accounted for 56 touchdowns and is the No. 9 dual-threat quarterback in his class in

247Sports’ latest composite rankings.

“He’s a great all-around quarterback,” Dove said of Sanders. “Sometimes when I’m looking at film, I’m amazed by what he can do — like jumping over defenders. It still amazes me.”

Sanders is elite because he knows when to make a play on his own, and when to trust his receivers. Douglas, a Texas Tech commit, finished last year with 1,302 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. Dove, who is being courted by North Texas, Arkansas State and others, hauled in 1,161 yards and 16 scores.

“Since our sophomore year, we’ve had that mindset that we need to set an example on the field,” Douglas said. “Spencer is a

See RYAN on 43F

RAIDERS | Quick Facts District: 5-5A 2016 record: 14-1 (6-0 in district) Coach: Dave Henigan (88-59 in 13 years, fourth at Ryan) Returning starters: Five on offense, two on defense Key players: QB Spencer Sanders, WR Gabriel Douglas, WR Tauskie Dove, DB Jordan Rucker, DB Tamar Butts, RB Emani Bailey, LB Kosi Eldridge, OL Mike Nielson, OL Carson Shelton, DL Anthony Flemings Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2-5 School enrollment: 2,067 Stadium: C.H. Collins Athletic Complex

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August 31, 2017

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DRC Football

RYAN

August 31, 2017

From Page 41

Ryan really good quarterback, and Tauskie is good, too. People don’t see all the hard work he puts in.”

Douglas and Dove are interchangeable in Ryan’s attack. Last year against Lancaster, Douglas caught 11 balls for 190 yards while Dove finished with 46 receiving yards. But against Denton, it was Dove who caught seven passes for 102 yards while Douglas had 26 yards. Against Wichita Falls, Douglas and Dove both had over 100 receiving yards.

“What you have is a quarterback who has started 37 games and, in the games he’s started and finished, he’s only lost three of those — two his freshman year,” Ryan coach Dave Henigan said. “Then you have Gabe and Tauskie, who have each started 29 games. They both get better every year, and they want the ball. That forces teams to defend the entire field. Not many teams can do that.”

When you add up playing in all those games together, it makes for one cohesive trio.

Sanders can tell you anything you need to know about his two favorite targets, including everything from each receiver’s tendencies to where they’ll each be on the field at any given point in a route. Douglas

Jeff Woo/DRC

Ryan wide receiver Gabriel Douglas runs after catching a pass from quarterback Spencer Sanders as Colleyville Heritage defensive back Mitchell Hubbard dives at his feet last season at AT&T Stadium. prefers to be put in situations where he is tasked with catching passes downfield without having to break stride, while Dove is better served as a jump-ball receiver. In either case, it makes for some highlight plays in the end zone.

“We’ve just been together for a long time, and the chemistry feels great,” Sanders said. “I know if I mess up, Gabe is going to let me know. It’s those types of things you pick up on as you play with each other.

Gabe and I have only been out of sync one

43

time.”

Dove agreed.

“I think we all make each other’s job easier,” Dove said. “When Spencer throws the ball to Gabe, I know he’s going to make the catch. And it’s the same with me — I rely on Spencer, and I’ll do what I have to do to go get any ball he throws my way. We are competitive with each other, and when the game is on, we make each other better.”

If there is one thing Henigan said he wants more of from his triple threat, it’s leadership. Last year’s Raider team that lost in the state semifinals had more leaders than it knew what to do with, particularly on defense with the likes of Earnest Brown IV, Tyreke Davis and Delano Robinson.

This year’s squad is loaded on the offensive side and will need increased leadership to make another run at a title.

So far, Henigan can rest easy knowing his triple threat is heeding his advice.

“First things first, we have to set an example for the younger guys,” Douglas said.

“We’re just trying to do as much as we can to set that example and do the things we need to do on the field. We know our team is relying on us.”

And they’re not afraid to go out and take what they feel is theirs.

“There isn’t a soul on this planet who can tell me we won’t win a state title this year,” Sanders said. “You only get one senior year, and this is ours.”

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August 31, 2017

RYAN

DRC Football

Jeff Woo/DRC

Ryan senior Tamar Butts has played all over the field for the Raiders during his high school career. Butts’ versatility has been an asset for Ryan, but moving from spot to spot has limited his growth as a player. The Raiders are planning to put Butts at cornerback this season and leave him there so that he can blossom.

Butts seeking defined role for Ryan

By Steve Gamel Staff Writer

Tamar Butts never settled into a defined role last year for Ryan.

Butts, then a junior, was coming off a year in which he became an instant playmaker for Ryan as a safety. He was locked into that position, and it suited both him and the Raiders.

But he was so versatile and fast that Ryan coaches were experimenting with him on special teams and on offense as a running back. By the next spring and throughout the 2016 season, he was complementing Tyreke Davis in the run game while filling in as a defensive back.

He was a man of many talents, but also a player without one position to focus on.

If you were to ask Butts what he thinks, all he cares about is playing football for Ryan and finishing what the Raiders didn’t do last year by winning a Class 5A state title.

It doesn’t matter where he is on the field, he said. But as Ryan searches for an identity on defense, the coaching staff wants their playmaker in a place where he can help the team the most.

Butts will start at cornerback when Ryan hosts Lancaster Friday in the season opener.

“We want one spot to put Tamar in, so he can just lock in and play,” Ryan defensive

coordinator Shane Tolleson said. “He’s great in space, he’s pound-for-pound one of the strongest players on the team, and he’s a great tackler. But when you move him all over the place, it doesn’t help him — or us.”

It would behoove Ryan to add another playmaker to the defensive side of the ball.

Ryan lost nine starters from one of the top defenses in the state last year, one that gave up an average of 17 points per game.

Gone are the likes of Earnest Brown IV (Northwestern), Delano Robinson (SMU) and Davis (North Texas), along with underrated players like Randy Gray, Kaelin Murray and Toby Burch — who all turned into

stars.

Dayton LeBlanc would have been a welcome returner on the defensive line, but he moved when his father, Derrick LeBlanc, left the North Texas coaching staff last spring and joined the staff at Kentucky.

That leaves defensive back Jordan Rucker, who holds several Football Bowl Subdivision offers, at cornerback along with Butts. Despite several new faces, both give the Raiders’ secondary some muchneeded experience.

“I’m definitely excited, and I know we

See BUTTS on 49F

RYAN

DRC Football

August 31, 2017

RAIDERS | Roster

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

Ryan featured one of the more potent offenses in the state last year, averaging nearly 40 points per game. Expect the Raiders to lean even more on that unit in 2017 as the defense finds its way with several new faces. Quarterback Spencer Sanders, an Oklahoma State commit, is one of the top dual-threat signal callers in the state after accounting for 56 touchdowns last year. Dove He’ll have a deeper receiver pool to work with, highlighted by Texas Tech commit Gabriel Douglas (1,302 yards, 17 scores) and Tauskie Dove (1,161 yards, 16 scores), in addition to a more experienced offensive line.

POINT OF CONCERN

To say Ryan’s biggest concern is on the defensive side of the ball is a bit of a culture shock. The Raiders traditionally hang their hat on defense and pull together a solid unit every season regardless of who they lose to graduation. But being perfectly honest, last year’s defense was special, and replacing that level of talent and leadership will be crucial to Ryan’s chances of making a run at a state title.

Cornerback Jordan Rucker holds several Football Bowl Subdivision offers and is one of only a few returning starters. He anchors a secondary that also includes Tamar Butts, a three-year starter who split time last year on defense and at running back.

Kosi Eldridge moves from the secondary to linebacker. Everyone else is new, but Henigan pointed to several players who

could be considered impact stars by the end of the year, including defensive backs Stanley Nwosu, Tra Smith and TJ Walker, rover Carson Kennedy and defensive lineman Anthony Flemings.

49

Henigan is always going to pick the first game of the District 5-5A schedule as the game of the year, which for the second year in a row comes against Denton.

The matchup of Denton ISD rivals is set for Sept. 28 at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex and will be televised on ESPN2.

The Raiders are considered the favorites in their district and will be coming off a brutal nondistrict schedule that includes games against Lancaster, Mesquite Poteet, Wylie East and Frisco Lone Star. This will be only the second meeting between Ryan and Denton since 2011.

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45 tackles and a sack on defense while also rushing for 451 yards and six scores.

Tolleson said Butts could still play some running back at times, but he he will be primarily a cornerback. And he doesn’t plan to move him anywhere else.

Butts welcomes any opportunity to be a leader for a Raiders team that still has aspirations of winning a state title this December. The expectations are high, but that’s where Butts and his teammates want them.

“It would be nice to get into one position, and I think we’ll be real good in the secondary,” Butts said. “We may not be on the level defensively that we were last year, and people will underestimate us, but we’ll get there.

“You’ll just have to wait until the season starts to find out.”

Tamar Butts scores a touchdown in a game against Brewer last season. The senior has played a variety of roles for the Raiders throughout his career.

KEY NEWCOMER

If there is a position on offense that Ryan needs a playmaker at, it’s running back. Following the graduation of do-it-all star Tyreke Davis (North Texas), Henigan pointed to sophomore Emani Bailey as someone who can step in and carry a considerable load for an offense already rich in talent.

Bailey, who stands 5foot-7 and weighs 180 Bailey pounds, is a bowling ball, downhill runner with good vision and ability to change direction. He won’t be asked to do it all for Ryan, but if he gets into a rhythm, this pass-happy offense could be hard to stop.

GAME OF THE YEAR

Player Jordan Rucker Gabriel Douglas Spencer Sanders Stanley Nwosu Anthony Flemings Tamar Butts Billy Bowman Jr. Jacquez Flemings Emani Bailey Ahmad Terry TJ Walker Ian Henigan Tra Smith Jamarion Robertson Hunter Wright Jay Wilson Rondarius McGarr Robert Young Carson Kennedy Garrett Keuer Kosi Eldridge Anthony Hall Kris Callaway Riley Nuzzo Brendon Bishop JC Coleman John David Plunk Markice Gordan Tyese Moore Waseh Khan KJ Harris Andre Franklin Kalob Booker Delshun Neal Jose Gaona Jr. Josh Rodgers Charlie Talkington Marcus Hendricks Fernando Sanchez Cameron Hardin Ali Bassirou Ryan Green Asher Finke

Pos. DB WR QB WR/DB DL RB/DB WR DT RB LB DB QB WR/DB WR QB WR/DE DB/LB DE DB LB LB DB DB K HB/DT DT DB DE WR HB DB RB DE DT RB LB HB HB K DE DB WR LB

Yr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr.

RYAN | Schedule Date Opponent Sept. 1 Lancaster Sept. 8 Mesquite Poteet Sept. 14 Wylie East Sept. 21 at Frisco Lone Star Sept. 28 Denton * Oct. 6 Braswell * Oct. 20 at Sherman * Oct. 26 Wichita Falls * Nov. 3 at Denison * Nov. 9 Wichita Falls Rider * *District 5-5A games ^at The Star in Frisco 48 50 52 53 55 56 57 58 60 62 63 65 66 70 72 73 75 76 77 80 81 83 88 90 94 96 99

Nate Salazar Parker Last Collin Ambriz Justice Langston Nick Manry Cortt Gentry Luis Cantu David Hudson Austin Barnett Williams Sims Carson Shelton Jacob Bridges Quincy Gulley Sam Bethea Mike Nielsen Mark Soto Jerry Martinez Paul Estephan David Long Josh Godfrey Dujuan Harris Izaziah Johnson Chritauskie Dove Torrion Brown Luis Lopez Sam Waters Kobe Spence

DB OL LB OL RB C K DE OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL DL OL WR WR WR WR DT DT DE DT

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From Page 44

Butts will do big things because our coaches do a great job of putting the best guys out there and then pushing them to be even better,” Butts said. “It’s a tradition [to play great defense at Ryan]. It’s exciting to be a part of.”

Butts is a three-year starter despite playing all over the field. And his increased presence should make Ryan tough to throw on. He’ll also be huge in helping develop teammates like Stanley Nwosu, TJ Walker and Tra Smith, all of whom will step into more prominent roles.

Walker and Smith are both expected to start at safety.

As a sophomore, Butts had arguably his best season while rolling up 53 tackles, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries and two touchdowns. Last year, he tallied

Jeff Woo/DRC

50

STATE HIGH SCHOOL POLLS

August 31, 2017

DRC Football

The following is the Associated Press Texas high school football poll for the upcoming season.

First places votes are in parenthesis:

36, Giddings 15, Van 12, Kilgore 7, Sweetwater 6, Wimberley 6, Monahans 2, Sinton 1, El Campo 1, Henderson 1.

CLASS 6A School Points 1. Allen (8) 211 2. Katy (5) 201 3. DeSoto (3) 170 4. Converse Judson (5) 169 5. Cibolo Steele (1) 160 6. Lake Travis (2) 136 7. Austin Westlake (1) 119 8. Cedar Hill 83 9. The Woodlands 63 10. Galena Park North Shore 22 Others receiving votes: Spring Westfield 8, Klein Collins 7, Coppell 7, Southlake Carroll 4, Pearland 4, Tyler 3, Beaumont West Brook 2, Mansfield 2, Katy Cinco Ranch 2, Guyer 1, San Benito 1.

CLASS 3A School Points 1. Cameron Yoe (12) 223 2. Brock (3) 184 3. Gunter (4) 156 4. Hallettsville (2) 136 5. Lexington (2) 113 6. Yoakum (1) 108 7. Newton (1) 102 8. East Bernard 89 9. Wall 69 10. Malakoff 62 Others receiving votes: Canadian 57, Teague 15, Rockdale 14, Mineola 11, Arp 11, Jefferson 7, Sonora 6, New London West Rusk 4, Franklin 2, Big Sandy Harmony 2, Woodville 2, Crockett 1, Pottsboro 1.

CLASS 2A School Points 1. Refugio (11) 213 2. Tenaha (9) 211 3. Mart (3) 194 4. Bremond (2) 174 5. Crawford 152 6. Mason 105 7. Muenster 70 8. Albany 62 9. Abernathy 49 10. Wellington 38 Others receiving votes: Iraan 31, Burton 20, Shiner 18, De Leon 15, Centerville 9, Groveton 4, San Augustine 4, Munday 2, Evadale 2, Falls City 1, Alto 1.

CLASS 5A School Points 1. Manvel (8) 223 2. Aledo (14) 218 3. Highland Park (1) 162 4. Temple 152 5. Cedar Park (1) 140 6. (tie) Ryan 99 6. (tie)CC Calallen 99 8. Fort Bend Marshall (1) 96 9. College Station 60 10. Lancaster 52 Others receiving votes: Richmond Foster 23, Mansfield Legacy 12, Angleton 8, Mesquite Poteet 7,

Denton Record-Chronicle file photo

Argyle players take the field before a game last season at Ram Stadium in Mineral Wells. The Eagles will open the season ranked fourth in Class 4A. Port Neches-Groves 5, Colleyville Heritage 5, Port Arthur Memorial 4, Dripping Springs 3, A&M Consolidated 2, Mansfield Lake Ridge 2, Texarkana, North Richland Hills 1, Lubbock Coronado 1.

School 1. Carthage (18) 2. Gilmer (4)

CLASS 4A

Points 235 197

3. West Orange-Stark (2) 178 4. Argyle (1) 162 5. Waco La Vega 148 6. Cuero 104 7. Celina 88 8. Kennedale 77 9. Abilene Wylie 58 10. China Spring 41 Others receiving votes: Midlothian Heritage

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August 31, 2017

COVER STORY

DRC Football

Jeff Woo/DRC

Aubrey senior Gatlin Grisso is the latest in a long line of multipurpose athletes who have starred at schools in the Denton area . Those players have helped make their teams competitive on a state-wide level. The Chaparrals are hoping Grisso, who has committed to Washington State, will have a similar impact on their program.

Grisso’s skill makes him a rare bird

By Brady Keane Contributing Writer

Aubrey was an afterthought not all that long ago on the Texas High School football landscape. While other teams were enjoying consistent success, the Chaparrals were losing practically every week.

Aubrey won just five games between 2012 and 2014.

The biggest reason for that downward spiral was that the Chaps didn’t have legitimate playmakers to turn the tide when it seemed every other small school around them did. Argyle won a state title in 2013 with do-it-all star Ian Sadler. Pilot Point had Jarman Johnson during its run to a state title in 2009, then found a similar workhorse a few years later in DaCoven

Bailey.

Krum, Sanger and even Lake Dallas also churned out recruitable athletes year after year and, as a result, were always in contention for a playoff spot.

That run of mediocrity appears to finally be in Aubrey’s rearview mirror, thanks largely to senior do-it-all weapon Gatlin Grisso. The Chaparrals have become a playoff team while going 15-9 over the last two seasons behind Grisso, a Washington State commit who gives Aubrey the type of player who can take a program to the next level.

Grisso stands out as the latest in a line of recent versatile threats who have made a name for themselves at smaller schools in the Denton Record-Chronicle’s coverage

area. Recruiters are beginning to pay more attention to what Aubrey has to offer as a result. The same day Grisso announced his commitment to Washington State, his best friend, offensive lineman Jordan Redfearn, was offered by North Texas.

With the increased attention, and a winner’s mentality, Grisso smells a turnaround on the horizon for the Chaparrals.

“It’s like the best feeling ever, knowing the people I’ve played with my whole life were the ones who really led the turnaround,” Grisso said. “Sometimes it is harder to find the better players at some of the smaller schools just because you don’t always get as much recognition. But it feels good knowing it’s not going to end after this year.”

The attention Grisso has received is well-deserved.

For starters, he can line up at just about any skill position for the Chaparrals. While he was recruited as a safety and return man

by Washington State, he earned District 5-4A Offensive MVP honors last season after finishing with 1,803 total yards and 28 touchdowns.

Grisso added a 106 tackles, two interceptions and three blocked kicks from his spot in the secondary. He’s a two-time Texas Sports Writers Association all-state free safety.

With Grisso making plays on both sides of the field, he played a significant role in

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COVER STORY

August 31, 2017

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From Page 52

Grisso leading the Chaparrals to their first backto-back playoff appearances in 45 years.

Aubrey finished 1-9 in 2014, but advanced to the second round of the playoffs in 2015 and 2016.

Aubrey battled perennial state title contender Celina for the district championship last season.

“I’m going into my 21st year, and he’s hands down one of the best I’ve ever coached,” Aubrey coach Keith Ivy said of Grisso. “What makes him very unique is the fact that not only is he a very good athlete – he really can do it all.”

Grisso’s play is reminiscent of athletes like Sadler and Bailey. Sadler, the former Argyle star who went on to play at Texas Tech for three seasons, lined up all over the field for the Eagles. He spent time in the secondary and as a return man, played wide receiver, running back and even quarterback in a wildcat package.

Sadler finished his senior year at Argyle with more than 1,600 total yards and 35 touchdowns.

Then there was Bailey at Pilot Point.

While he was a bigger and stronger player, Bailey played a similar role as Sadler and lined up wherever then-head coach Rob Best needed him. He battled injuries as a senior and finished with 1,479 total yards and 17 touchdowns, but piled up 1,998 yards and 33 touchdowns as a junior in 2014.

Bailey is a sophomore at Rutgers now and is expected to see a significant role at wide receiver for the Scarlet Knights this season.

Grisso had the opportunity to play against Bailey as a sophomore in a heated rivalry game between Pilot Point and Aubrey. The Bearcats pulled away late for a 44-27 win.

“Both of those guys were really good players,” Grisso said. “But I can remember not wanting that to intimidate me in any way. I knew [Bailey] was a good player, but I took the field knowing I was just as good.

It really just comes down to how much heart you have on the field.”

It’s no wonder college recruiters are starting to take notice of the Chaparrals with a player like Grisso on the field. Ivy said it wasn’t all that long ago that the idea of Aubrey producing a Division I level football player was far-fetched. But when the school board hired him in 2014, it made one thing clear — giving athletes a chance to play in college was a priority.

It didn’t take long for that goal to come to fruition.

“If you go into the season and are 3-7 with a kid who can play at the college level, it’s going to be hard for them to get a lot of recognition,” Ivy said. “College recruiters

DRC file photo

Aubrey running back Gatlin Grisso runs past Melissa defenders Payton Wallace, left, and Antonio Tamez on his way to scoring a touchdown for the Chaparrals last season at Chaparral Stadium in Aubrey. Grisso was the offensive MVP of District 5-4A Division II in 2016 and is one of the top players in the Denton area. He has committed to Washington State. tend to not want to take a chance on some of those guys. If you can get out there and display them a little bit and get them into the postseason, I think that really helps their stock overall.”

That would explain why Aubrey has seen an increase in college coaches on campus recently. The Chaparrals spent a good period of time as district bottom feeders, and didn’t make any consistent strides forward until Ivy took over the program.

“The number one thing we had to change was the culture and the expectations,” Ivy said. “We challenged them.

These kids have gradually stepped up to the plate.”

When it comes to maintaining the type of recent success Aubrey has enjoyed, players like Grisso won’t always be around to carry the program to new heights. But he has helped raise the bar in Aubrey, and he still has another year left to make an impact on the future of the program. With a talented group of underclassmen waiting in the wings, Ivy is confident in what is yet to come.

“Ultimately, getting these kids to the next level is our job,” Ivy said. “That’s what we want. It’s something we’re extremely proud of and look forward to. We want to give all of our kids, no matter the sport, a chance to move on to the next level — hopefully this isn’t the end of it.”

GRISSO | By the numbers The following is a look at Aubrey senior Gatlin Grisso by the numbers:

1,803 Total yards Grisso accounted for in 2016 on his way to earning District 5-4A Offensive MVP honors.

106 Tackles Grisso finished with in 2016, when he also intercepted two passes and blocked three kicks.

28 Touchdowns Grisso scored in 2016.

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August 31, 2017

COMPOSITE SCHEDULE

DRC Football

THURSDAY, AUG. 31

THURSDAY, OCT. 5

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Guyer at Mansfield Lake Ridge, 7 p.m.

Haslet Eaton at Braswell (C.H. Collins), 7 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Lake Dallas at R.L. Turner, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 6

FRIDAY, SEPT. 1

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Ryan at Braswell (C.H. Collins), 7 p.m.

Denton at Sherman, 7 p.m.

Guyer at Plano East, 7:30 p.m.

Plano John Paul II at Liberty Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Krum vs. Tex. Pleasant Grove, Roy. City, 7:30 p.m.

Union Hill at Calvary (Ryan), 7:30 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Lancaster at Ryan (C.H. Collins), 7 p.m.

Lake Dallas at Denton, 7 p.m.

Liberty Christian at Melissa, 7:30 p.m.

Bowie at Aubrey, 7:30 p.m.

Krum at Pilot Point, 7:30 p.m.

Sanger at Graham, 7:30 p.m.

Benbrook at Ponder, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, OCT. 12

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Wichita Falls at Denton, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 2

COLLEGE FOOTBALL Lamar at North Texas, 6 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Calvary at Lucas, 11 a.m.

Argyle vs. Lovejoy, Allen Eagles Stadium, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 13

THURSDAY, SEPT. 7

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL DeSoto at Guyer (C.H. Collins), 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 8

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Braswell at Frisco Indep. (Toyota Center), 7 p.m.

Sanger at Denton, 7 p.m.

Mesquite Poteet at Ryan (C.H. Collins), 7 p.m.

Lake Dallas at Frisco Centennial, 7 p.m.

Argyle vs. La Grange, MH Baylor, Waco, 7 p.m.

Celina at Liberty Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Aubrey at Whitesboro, 7:30 p.m.

O.D. Wyatt at Krum, 7:30 p.m.

Muenster at Pilot Point, 7:30 p.m.

Ponder at Wichita Falls City View, 7:30 p.m.

Waco Live Oak at Calvary (Ryan), 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 9

COLLEGE FOOTBALL UNT at SMU, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 14

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Wylie East at Ryan (C.H. Collins), 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 15

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Frisco Reedy at Braswell (Bronco Field), 7 p.m.

Denton at The Colony, 7 p.m.

Plano Prestonwood at Lake Dallas, 7 p.m.

Dallas Kimball at Guyer (C.H. Collins), 7:30 p.m.

Liberty Christian at Gilmer, 7:30 p.m.

Argyle at Celina, 7:30 p.m.

Sanger at Krum, 7:30 p.m.

Pilot Point at Aubrey, 7:30 p.m.

Holliday at Ponder, 7:30 p.m.

CHANT at Calvary (Ryan), 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 16

COLLEGE FOOTBALL UNT at Iowa, 2:30 p.m.

DRC file photo

North Texas defensive end Joshua Wheeler, bottom, and safety Kishawn McClain (23) stop SMU running back Braeden West (6) last season at Apogee Stadium.

UNT will face the Mustangs at Ford Stadium on Sept. 9.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 21

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Ryan at Frisco Lone Star (The Star), 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 22

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Keller Timber Creek at Denton, 7 p.m.

Kaufman at Braswell (C.H. Collins), 7:30 p.m.

Abilene Wylie at Argyle, 7:30 p.m.

Aubrey at Benbrook, 7:30 p.m.

Bridgeport at Sanger, 7:30 p.m.

Krum at Lake Worth, 7:30 p.m.

Pilot Point at Gunter, 7:30 p.m.

Ponder at S&S Consolidated, 7:30 p.m.

Calvary at Savoy, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 23

COLLEGE FOOTBALL University of Alabama-Birmingham, 5:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 28

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Ryan at Denton (C.H. Collins), 7 p.m.

Krum at Carrollton Ranchview, 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 29

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Plano at Guyer (C.H. Collins), 7 p.m.

Newman Smith at Lake Dallas, 7 p.m.

Argyle at Paris, 7:30 p.m.

Plano Prestonwood Christian at Liberty Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Aubrey at Pottsboro, 7:30 p.m.

Midlothian Heritage at Sanger, 7:30 p.m.

Brock at Pilot Point, 7:30 p.m.

Santo at Ponder, 7:30 p.m.

Crowley Nazarene at Calvary (Ryan), 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 30

COLLEGE FOOTBALL UNT at Southern Mississippi, 6 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Sherman at Braswell (C.H. Collins), 7 p.m.

McKinney North at Lake Dallas, 7 p.m.

Decatur at Argyle, 7 p.m.

Guyer at McKinney, 7:30 p.m.

Liberty Christian at Parish Episcopal, 7:30 p.m.

Community at Aubrey, 7:30 p.m.

Wichita Falls Hirschi at Sanger, 7:30 p.m.

Iowa Park at Krum, 7:30 p.m.

Pilot Point at Callisburg, 7:30 p.m.

Ponder at Brock, 7:30 p.m.

Calvary at Ovilla Christian, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCT. 14

COLLEGE FOOTBALL UTSA at UNT, 5:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, OCT. 19

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Wichita Falls at Braswell (C.H. Collins), 7 p.m.

See SCHEDULE on 55F

COMPOSITE SCHEDULE

DRC Football

August 31, 2017

From Page 54

Liberty Christian at Bishop Dunne, 7:30 p.m.

Aubrey at Melissa, 7:30 p.m.

Sanger at Gainesville, 7:30 p.m.

Howe at Pilot Point, 7:30 p.m.

Breckenridge at Ponder, 7:30 p.m.

Calvary at Abilene Christian (Shotwell), 7:30 p.m.

Schedule

SATURDAY, NOV. 4

FRIDAY, OCT. 20

COLLEGE FOOTBALL UNT at Louisiana Tech, TBD

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Ryan at Sherman, 7 p.m.

Denton at Denison, 7 p.m.

Lake Dallas at The Colony, 7 p.m.

Gainesville at Argyle, 7 p.m.

Allen at Guyer (C.H. Collins Athletic Complex), 7:30 p.m.

Trinity Christian Addison at Liberty Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Aubrey at Bonham, 7:30 p.m.

Krum at Bridgeport, 7:30 p.m.

Sanger at Burkburnett, 7:30 p.m.

Whitesboro at Pilot Point, 7:30 p.m.

Boyd at Ponder, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, NOV. 9

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Wichita Falls Rider at Ryan (C.H. Collins), 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, NOV. 10

SATURDAY, OCT. 21

COLLEGE FOOTBALL UNT at Florida Atlantic, TBD

THURSDAY, OCT. 26

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Denton at Wichita Falls Rider, 7 p.m.

Wichita Falls at Ryan (C.H. Collins Athletic Complex), 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 27

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Denison at Braswell (C.H. Collins Athletic Complex), 7 p.m.

Carrollton Creekview at Lake Dallas, 7 p.m.

Guyer at Wylie, 7:30 p.m.

Liberty Christian at Dallas Bishop Lynch, 7:30 p.m.

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Jeff Woo/DRC

The Denton Broncos take the field before their game against the Braswell Bengals at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex last season. The teams will square off on Nov. 10 this fall.

Argyle ay Sanger, 7:30 p.m.

Caddo Mills at Aubrey, 7:30 p.m.

Graham at Krum, 7:30 p.m.

Pilot Point at Pottsboro, 7:30 p.m.

Ponder at Paradise, 7:30 p.m.

Watuage at Calvary (Ryan), 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCT. 28

COLLEGE FOOTBALL Old Dominion, 5:30 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Denton at Braswell (C.H. Collins), 7 p.m.

Lake Dallas at Prosper, 7 p.m.

Argyle at Burkburnett, 7 p.m.

Guyer at Plano West, 7:30 p.m.

Fort Worth Nolan at Liberty Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Celina at Aubrey, 7:30 p.m.

Decatur at Sanger, 7:30 p.m.

Krum at Vernon, 7:30 p.m.

Pilot Point at Van Alstyne, 7:30 p.m.

Ponder at Bowie, 7:30 p.m.

Amarillo San Jacinto at Calvary (Ryan), 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, NOV. 11

THURSDAY, NOV. 2

COLLEGE FOOTBALL UTEP at UNT, 4 p.m.

FRIDAY, NOV. 3

COLLEGE FOOTBALL Army at UNT, 5:30 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Braswell at Wichita Falls Rider, 7 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Ryan at Denison, 7 p.m.

Little Elm at Lake Dallas, 7 p.m.

Wichita Falls Hirschi at Argyle, 7 p.m.

McKinney Boyd at Guyer (C.H. Collins), 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, NOV. 18

SATURDAY, NOV. 25

COLLEGE FOOTBALL UNT at Rice, 12 p.m.

56

LAKE DALLAS

August 31, 2017

DRC Football

Falcons aiming for playoff return

By Rich Luna For the Denton Record-Chronicle

One play here or there, one more stop, or one more score somewhere along the way. That’s all Lake Dallas might have needed last season to get into the playoffs for the 10th time in Michael Young’s tenure as the Falcons’ coach.

Instead, Lake Dallas finished an uncharacteristic 5-5, missing the postseason for just the second time since 2006. That finish came only one year after the Falcons nearly advanced to the Class 5A Division II state title game.

As Young and the Falcons embark on a new season, optimism is high for a renaissance and a run at the District 14-5A title and a playoff spot.

“We had a lot of young guys last year and they’re all back,” said senior defensive lineman Jakob Machuca, one of five returning first team all-district performers for the Falcons. “You’re going to see a big difference in how we play, how we execute. We’re going to perform better. As a team, we all have a better idea of what’s going on. There’s a chip on our shoulder.

We want to show that last year was not what we’re about.”

With 23 returning lettermen, including six returning starters on offense, two on defense, and a slew of players who saw significant playing time, the Falcons may very well be positioned to make a playoff run. There are 27 juniors on the squad, most of whom paid their dues last year as sophomores.

“There is such a difference between sophomores and juniors, mentally and physically,” said Young, who is entering his 13th season at Lake Dallas. “We just didn’t play well in some games last year. Just some little things, and if we had caught a few breaks, maybe things would’ve been a little different. But with sophomores, that’s going to happen. We don’t have a lot of starters back, but we’ve got a lot of kids who played a lot of minutes.

“We had a good spring game. We had a good summer and I tell you, I feel good where we’re at.”

One of the areas where Young is pleased is at quarterback, where 6-foot-1, 165pound junior Ryan Depperschmidt will start under center. He threw for nearly 700 yards and eight touchdowns and would have competed for the starting role against highly-recruited sophomore Drew Sanders, who saw limited time at the position

LAKE DALLAS’ PATH TO SUCCESS

Jeff Woo/DRC Lake Dallas defensive lineman Jakob Machuca, left, and quarterback Ryan Depperschmidt are hoping to lead the Falcons back to the playoffs this fall after a disappointing 2016 season. Lake Dallas finished 5-5 a year ago. Depperschmidt showed promise last season when he threw for nearly 700 yards and eight touchdowns. Machuca will help anchor the Falcons defense.

last year. But Sanders, who has offers from eight Football Bowl Subdivision programs, including SMU, TCU, Oklahoma, Baylor and Houston, transferred to Colleyville Heritage where his father is now an assistant head coach and co-offensive coordinator.

Losing Sanders was a blow for the Falcons because he had the potential to become a difference-maker for a program that has a long history of developing top quarterbacks. Former Lake Dallas standout James Franklin went on to star at Missiouri after playing for the Falcons.

Lake Dallas also produced Dalyn Williams, who went on to play for Dartmouth.

“We hated to lose Drew,” Young said.

“More so than losing a quarterback, we lost an athlete and we lost some depth. But

there’s no bad feelings about it. He’s a good kid and we wish him well.

“Ryan had a good spring (7 of 13 for 113 yards and a touchdown) and he can handle the job. The kids like him. They respect him.

He’s going to put up some good numbers.”

Depperschmidt expressed confidence in his game, acknowledging the experience from last season will make a difference for him in running the multiple-set spread for Lake Dallas.

“I want to be able to jump on things right away,” Depperschmidt said. “A lot of us got a feel for what varsity football is last year. We were nervous and it showed. It definitely helped me get a better understanding of what to expect and that’s going

See LAKE DALLAS on 58F

FALCONS | Quick Facts District: 14-5A 2015 Record: 5-5 (4-3 in district) Coach: Michael Young (96-43 in 12 seasons at Lake Dallas) Returning starters: Six on offense, Two on defense Key players: WR Christian Covington, RB/WR Ky’lee Smith, OL Evan Lea, OL Hayden Brockenbush, WR Charles Williams, QB/DB Ryan Depperschmidt, DL Jakob Machuca, DL Zalen Long, DL DL Roberson, LB Darryl Minor.

Offense: Multiple-set spread Defense: 4-3 School Enrollment: 1,250 Stadium: Falcon Stadium

DRC Football

August 31, 2017

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August 31, 2017

LAKE DALLAS

DRC Football

From Page 56

Lake Dallas to help me this year.”

The Falcons are experienced at the skill positions, particularly with receivers Christian Covington (all-district), Charles Williams (37 receptions for 485 yards and six scores in 2016) and Brandon Engel, who also is getting reps as the backup quarterback. Ky’lee Smith returns and will move to wide receiver. Up front, the Falcons have veteran linemen Evan Lea (6-1, 280), Hayden Brockenbush (6-4, 235) and Tyler Kay (6-3, 280).

Machuca, who is still recovering from a baseball injury, and Zalen Long will help anchor a beefier defensive line. Look for Zach Graham, Matt Stockard, and Darryl Minor to have strong performances at linebacker while the secondary is loaded with Tyler Duffey, Preston Suttice, Nick Cagnetto and newcomer Jalen Harris.

The improved defense will help the Falcons, who last year gave up an average of 377 yards per game. And with an offense that expects to click on all cylinders, 2017 could be a big year for Lake Dallas.

“We’ve got a lot of experience back,” Young said. “We’ve got some experience and kids who have played together. We were a little smaller upfront offensively last year and we’ve added some size.”

Jake King/DRC

Lake Dallas wide receiver Charles Williams runs with the ball after catching a pass in the Falcons spring game in May in Corinth. Williams will be one of Lake Dallas’ key offensive weapons this season.

LAKE DALLAS

DRC Football

The Falcons have experience with 21 seniors and 27 juniors, many of whom saw significant playing time in 2016. They are especially strong at the skill positions with receivers Christian Covington, Charles Williams and Brandon Engel.

While highly-touted quarterback Drew Sanders transferred to Colleyville Heritage, Ryan Depperschmidt wasn’t just handed the job. He threw Williams for for nearly 700 yards and eight touchdowns last season and is coming off a strong spring game. He knows the offense and is a respected team leader.

The experience will also factor in on the defensive side with veteran linemen like Jakob Machuca and Zalen Long along with linebacker Darryl Minor.

POINT OF CONCERN

True depth continues to be an issue for the Falcons. It’s a numbers game.

With just over 1,200 students, Lake Dallas is the smallest school in a very tough District 14-5A that includes the likes of McKinney North, The Colony, Little Elm and Prosper, all communities that are experiencing population growth. The Falcons will

need to stay healthy.

KEY NEWCOMER

Lake Dallas’ basketball and track-andfield standout Jalen Harris is back on the football field for the first time since his freshman year. The 6-foot, 160-pound senior will play receiver and defensive back in his final season for the Falcons.

“He’s really going to help us a lot,” said Lake Dallas head coach Michael Young.

The addition of Harris will give Lake Dallas an additional threat on offense and depth in the secondary. His quickness and overall athleticism gives him the potential to make an immediate impact.

GAME OF THE YEAR

The District 14-5A schedule is backloaded, so a Oct. 13 matchup at home against McKinney North could be a key battle for the Falcons.

McKinney North won the game last year, 28-14. Lake Dallas went on to lose three of its last five games.

If Lake Dallas can beat Newman Smith and Carrollton R.L. Turner, then come away with a win against a contender like McKinney North, the Falcons would have some momentum for the stretch run, which includes road games at The Colony and Prosper.

59

FALCONS | Roster

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

August 31, 2017

No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 32 33 35 36 37 40 48 54 56

Player Eric Young Jalen Harris Brandon Engel Telanio Evans Charles Williams Christian Covington Ryan Depperschmidt Darryl Minor Idsael Nava Kobe Minor Marcial Apaez Zay Caitlin DL Roberson Braeden Caine Darius Goodloe CJ Broadway Garren Glover Zach Sasser Tye Studhalter Tyler Duffey Trevor Lindsey Robert Venegas Preston Suttice Nick Cagnetto Ky’lee Smith Zach Graham Jared Fenley Christian Crawford RJ Eanes Kolby Davis Jakob Machuca Matt Stockard Kayvon Bernstein Kellen Culberson

Pos. DB DB WR DL WR WR QB LB RB DB K DL DL WR WR WR DB WR DB DB RB DL DB DB RB LB LB DL LB LB TE LB DL DL

Ht. 5-11 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-0 5-7 5-9 5-10 6-2 6-1 5-11 6-2 5-7 5-10 5-11 5-10 6-0 5-10 5-10 6-0 5-10 5-8 6-0 6-0 6-0 5-9 5-9 6-2 5-11 5-11 6-0

Wt. 150 160 175 215 195 185 165 210 160 160 160 180 215 155 170 140 160 155 165 170 165 160 160 160 170 190 190 200 190 180 200 215 200 225

Yr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So.

LAKE DALLAS | Schedule Date Opponent Sept. 1 at Denton Sept. 8 at Frisco Centennial Sept. 15 Plano Prestonwood Sept. 29 Newman Smith * Oct. 5 at R.L. Turner * Oct. 13 McKinney North * Oct. 20 at The Colony * Oct. 27 Carrollton Creekview * Nov. 3 Little Elm * Nov. 10 at Prosper * *District 14-5A games

58 61 62 64 65 70 71 72 73 74 75 78 79 81 82 84 87

Khalid Aljaser Alex Gonzales Evan Lee David Blair Dakota Smith Jacob Gilbert Daniel Burks Cooper Erwin Tyler Kay Brandon Machuca Zalen Long Hayden Brockenbush Jorge Cuesta Jordan McKinley Craig Webb Cole Rodgers Ladarius Fleming

DL OL OL DL DL OL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL DB WR WR RB

5-8 5-10 6-1 5-9 5-10 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-0 6-4 5-11 6-1 5-11 5-11 5-9

Time 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

250 200 255 200 185 240 195 250 280 255 300 215 215 170 150 175 155

Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr.

60

ARGYLE

August 31, 2017

DRC Football

Eagles will rely on loaded offense

By Steve Gamel Staff Writer

Argyle senior Jon Copeland breathes a sigh of relief every time he thinks about the Swiss Army knife of tools at his fingertips.

For a guy who was recently named the Eagles’ starting quarterback, the weapons he has around him on offense make life so much easier.

“The talent is here, and I believe that makes us more dangerous,” Copeland said.

“It’s exciting, and it’s also nerve-wracking because you know how much football means to this school. You never want to be the one to mess it up.”

Copeland has never known anything quite like Argyle. He transferred to Argyle in January after leading Liberty Christian to the first round of the TAPPS playoffs in his first season as the Warriors’ starting quarterback. He threw for just more than 2,300 yards and 21 touchdowns while also rushing for nearly 700 yards with eight scores.

Now he finds himself leading an Argyle program that has advanced to a state title game four out of the past six seasons.

The Eagles won a Class 3A state championship in 2013 but fell short in 2014 and 2015 with finals losses to Navasota and Waco La Vega.

The fact that the Eagles are bent on avenging last year’s uncharacteristic thirdround playoff exit only adds to the excitement surrounding this season.

“I’m just scratching at the door waiting for it all to start,” Copeland said.

Copeland has plenty of reasons to brag on his teammates.

The Eagles return 10 starters — four on offense — from last year’s 11-1 team.

That group includes Don Williams, who will again start at running back after rushing for nearly 1,500 yards with 23 touchdowns. Combined with Copeland’s ability to improvise and, if necessary, make plays with his feet, Argyle is expected to be a dangerous team to defend in the run game. The Eagles also added Noah Lang, a transfer from Abilene Wylie, at running back.

Wide receiver Cale Nanny was the team’s leading receiver last year with 40 catches for 635 yards and five scores. He’ll be joined by returning starter Chase Estrada, who finished with 565 yards while also aiding in the run game with 139 rushing yards and four scores.

ARGYLE’S PATH TO SUCCESS

Jake King/DRC Argyle quarterback Jon Copeland, center, will have plenty of weapons around him this fall in his first season as the Eagles’ starter. Those weapons will include wide receiver Cale Nanny (8), running back Don Wiliams (7) and wide receiver Chase Estrada (9). Offensive lineman Preston Coyle (75) is also a key part of the Eagles’ attack and will protect Copeland from opposing defenses.

Wes McCollum, a senior transfer from Coppell, is an additional weapon and has already turned a lot of heads in fall workouts.

“Wes is an absolute beast,” Copeland said. “We have solid receivers everywhere, and we have Don back at running back.

Our offensive line isn’t as big as it was last year, but they are really good and they are playing for each other. It’s a great group.”

Williams agreed that Argyle has all the pieces to make a run.

“It’s going to be exciting to see how we share the ball more this year,” Williams said. “We have a lot of guys who can play multiple positions, which helps us create better matchups all over the field. We have a rhythm with the quarterbacks, and it’s in our culture that we all enjoy watching each other succeed. There’s no selfish-

ness.”

Another added element to Argyle’s attack this year is its depth at quarterback.

While Copeland was named the starter after the team’s first scrimmage against Denton, he is the latest addition to an already intriguing quarterback depth chart packed with players who are not only impressive passers, but also elusive runners.

Hayden Clearman, who will now start at cornerback, is the team’s backup quarterback a year after throwing for 735 yards and six touchdowns in four starts. Clearman, Zack Pelton and Braden Pruett all saw playing time last year when then-starter Dane Ledford broke his wrist in a season-opening win over Lovejoy.

An injury to a player like Ledford, who

See ARGYLE on 62F

EAGLES | Quick Facts District: 4-4A Division I 2016 record: 11-1 (6-0 in district) Coach: Todd Rodgers (156-34 in 14 years) Returning starters: Four on offense, six on defense Key players: QB Jon Copeland, OL Preston Coyle, WR Chase Estrada, WR Cale Nanny, DB/LB Gage Campbell, RB Don Williams, DB Chase Petter, DL Preston Wilson, DL Kaden Roberts, DB Hayden Clearman Offense: Spread Defense: 5-1 Bear/multiple School enrollment: 752 Stadium: Eagle Stadium

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ARGYLE

DRC Football

From Page 60

Argyle signed with Tulane, would cripple most teams, but Argyle didn’t lose a regular season game.

Argyle coach Todd Rodgers said what people are seeing at quarterback for the Eagles is a philosophical change that started years ago with the graduation of Austin Aune. Aune, who played baseball in the New York Yankees farm system, was seen as the last in a long line of star Eagles quarterbacks, so Rodgers and his staff began building up their talent pool.

In some cases, they took players from other positions and made quarterbacks out of them.

A perfect example was Brandon Boyzuick, who quarterbacked the Eagles to the 2013 title.

“We have options at quarterback, which normally has not been the case,” Rodgers said. “Hayden did a great job last year for us, as did Zack and Braden. They all got valuable experience. Having a guy like Jon Copeland move in gives us more latitude with the types of things we want to do offensively.

“We are going to continue to operate that way, too. Quarterback is far too critical of a position.”

Copeland said he was aware of the quarterback situation when he moved in. And coming in and competing for the starting job has made him a better player.

“I knew the entire experience would make me a better player, because I had to work for my spot,” Copeland said. “And on the other side of things, you just don’t know what’s going to happen out there. I just want what is best for the team, and if I were to get hurt out there, I know we have plenty of guys who can step in.

“The more depth we have, the better.”

Argyle’s defense is just as stout as its offense this year. Defensively, Chase Petter can play anywhere on the field as a linebacker, defensive end or safety. Last year, he racked up 76 tackles with two pass breakups, three forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, two sacks and an interception.

Kaden Roberts, a senior defensive tackle, led the Eagles in sacks a year ago with seven.

It’s an arsenal that could make Argyle a serious contender for a state title.

“That’s what great teams are made of,” Copeland said. “The more depth we have, the better.”

Al Key/For the DRC

Argyle wide receiver Chase Estrada, left, carries the ball out of bounds while being pushed by Sanger defensive back Peyton Howard last season. Estrada will be one of several talented skill position players the Eagles will feature this fall.

ARGYLE

DRC Football

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

It’s difficult to say what Argyle’s position of strength is, simply because the Eagles have weapons all over the field. This much is for certain, though: Argyle has better depth across the board than in previous years, especially at quarterback. Jon Copeland recently was named the team’s starter, but Hayden Clearman saw time under center last Clearman year. Zack Pelton and Braden Pruett also took snaps. Head coach Todd Rodgers is enjoying having multiple options.

POINT OF CONCERN

Argyle had one of the more experienced and talented offensive lines in Class 4A last year, but lost all of its starters. Preston Coyle, a senior, saw some playing time and is one of several players in the mix to earn a starting job.

This year’s group is expected to be taller

and rangy, Rodgers said. Those players will have to grow up fast.

KEY NEWCOMER

Bryson Hudgens stepped away from football last year to focus on his baseball career with the Eagles. Now he’s back and the former offensive lineman is expected to start at tight end. Argyle has had luck over the years at the tight end position with the likes of J.C. Chalk (Clemson) and Casey Harper. Head coach Todd Rodgers hopes Hudgens will carry on that tradition.

GAME OF THE YEAR

Argyle is on the road for the first three games of 2017 and will go on to face another tough district schedule against the likes of Decatur and Sanger. But there is only one game Rodgers would consider as the “Game of the Year,” and that’s when Abilene Wylie comes to town Sept. 22 for a Week 4 rematch of last year’s third-round playoff game. Wylie cruised past the Eagles, 35-14, in that contest and went on to play in the Class 4A Division I state title game.

EAGLES | Roster No. 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 41 42 44 46

Player Gage Campbell Jon Copeland Braden Pruett Alex Gonzales Don Williams Cale Nanny Chase Estrada Hayden Clearman Scotty Dunham Wes McCollum Bo Hogeboom Hunter Martindale Noah Lang Michael Ryon Blake Ramsey Zack Pelton Trent McCloud Jake Sullivan Ethan Pruner Riley Hartman Jackson Sullivan Chase Petter Adam Schleder Mason Thrash Blake Michaels Walker Dickson Travis Garner Grant Shaw Mason Ramsey Connor Kilgore Kaden Roberts Gavin Johnston Christian Zarcone Greg Stringfellow Will Palmer Bryson Hudgens Blake Bunnell

Pos. DB QB DB WR RB WR WR DB DE WR QB DB RB WR DB DB WR DB DB DB DB LB WR DL LB DB K K DE DB DE DE WR K TE TE TE

Yr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. So. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr.

ARGYLE | Schedule Date Opponent Sept. 2 Lovejoy^ Sept. 8 La Grange# Sept. 15 at Celina Sept. 22 Abilene Wylie Sept. 29 at Paris Oct. 13 Decatur * Oct. 20 Gainesville * Oct. 27 at Sanger * Nov. 3 Wichita Falls Hirschi * Nov. 10 at Burkburnett * *District 4-4A games ^at Allen Eagle Stadium #at Mary Hardin Baylor, Waco

51 52 53 54 55 58 62 63 64 65 66 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78

Nico Patrick Brandon Lancaster Sam Smiley Brandon Michels Landry Barnett Diego Garcia Rylan Shobe Connor Homeyer Brent Uys Noah Hill Justin Davis Garrett Thomas Dawson Sarratt Preston Wilson John Crowder Adam Tapp Preston Coyle Connor Repp Owen Petri William Oliver

Time 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

OL/DL OL/DL DL OL/DL OL/DL DL OL OL OL/DL OL/DL OL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL OL OL OL OL

Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

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AUBREY

August 31, 2017

DRC Football

Wealth of talent elevates Aubrey

By Brady Keane Contributing Writer

The Aubrey Chaparrals aren’t the underdogs anymore.

After spending each of the last two seasons trying to prove itself as a perennial playoff program, Aubrey enters 2017 with expectations far exceeding previous years.

The Chaparrals went a combined 5-25 between 2012 and 2014, which included coach Keith Ivy’s first year as head coach.

But with back-to-back appearances in the second round of the playoffs, the bar has been raised.

“We’re kind of at a crossroads right here,” Ivy said. “Everyone wants to see us go a little bit further. Once you get to the third round of the playoffs, anything can happen.”

If the Chaparrals are going to make a deeper postseason run, there is no better time than the present. Aubrey is loaded with a talented, senior-laden roster full of players who are determined to leave a legacy. If anyone personifies that mentality, it’s senior offensive lineman Jordan Redfearn.

Redfearn, who committed to North Texas this summer, stands 6-foot-3 and checks in at 305 pounds. Beyond his sheer size and strength, Redfearn has unique quickness, speed and athleticism that makes him a nightmare for opponents.

He takes pride in leading an offensive line that has helped Aubrey move from the bottom of the district standings to an annual playoff team. By making a statement up front, Redfearn takes a lot of pressure off a backfield stacked with playmakers, a group headlined by Washington State commit Gatlin Grisso.

“I love it,” Redfearn said. “I love the physicality. Being physical up front intimidates teams. Every game last year, opposing players would come up to me and say ‘Dang, you guys are physical.’ Yeah, we try to be. Nitty and gritty, old fashioned. I love it.”

Ivy agreed.

“That’s the mentality we try to instill in all of our kids,” Ivy said. “We like to line up and run right at people and set that tone early in the game. We set the tone early to let them know it’s going to be a long night.”

The physical style of play has trickled down from the coaching staff to the players, helping Aubrey establish one of the

AUBREY’S PATH TO SUCCESS

Jeff Woo/DRC Aubrey is loaded with talent on offense, which makes the Chaparrals a threat to play deep into the playoffs. Washington State commit Gaitlin Grisso is the headliner, but offensive lineman Jordan Redfearn, left, and running back Pablo Vera are also talented. Redfearn has committed to North Texas, while Vera has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons.

most dominant rushing attacks in the state.

The Chaparrals have a deep stable of running backs entering the year that will make any old school, power football fan giddy.

Grisso may grab hold of a lot of the headlines after earning District 5-4A DII MVP honors last year, but running back Pablo Vera — who is a 1,000-yard rusher — is a legitimate threat as well.

“What we do up front is how everything is produced in the backfield,” Redfearn said. “We have some great running backs and that strong backfield definitely makes our job easier too. They’re either going to stick you, juke you or run you over — pick one, but you’re in trouble with all three.”

Grisso is a shifty back with a lot of speed,

but Vera steps in as the perfect complement. He, like Redfearn, plays with the type of physicality that is now second nature in Aubrey.

“Gatlin and I work really well together,” Vera said. “Every time we’re on the field together, good things happen. It feels great feeding off each other’s energy throughout the game.”

After starring in the backfield the last two seasons, Vera will be transitioning to a new role as a two-way starter to help the Chaparrals fill a need alongside Grisso at safety. While Vera has been limited to the offensive side of the ball the last few years, it’s a transition he’s looking forward to.

It’s an opportunity to get one of the team’s better players on the field more of-

See AUBREY on 66F

CHAPARRALS | Quick Facts District: 5-4A (Division II) 2016 record: 8-4 (6-1 in district) Coach: Keith Ivy (16-18 in three years at Aubrey) Returning starters: Eight on offense, six on defense Key players: DB/RB Gatlin Grisso, OL/DL Jordan Redfearn, RB/DB Pablo Vera, QB Taylor Swarbrick, LB/HB Spencer Neumann, DB Will Dow, DL Austin McCallion, RB Luke Sciba, DL Spencer Kress, RB Sheldon Wingert.

Offense: Multiple/Wing-T Defense: 4-3/multiple School enrollment: 627 Stadium: Chaparral Stadium

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AUBREY

DRC Football

From Page 64

Aubrey ten, and allows Vera and Grisso to feed off each other on both sides of the ball.

“I love playing defense,” Vera said. Now that I get to play strong safety right next to Gatlin — defense and offense — it’s just a great feeling.”

With Redfearn, Vera and Grisso leading a group of more than 20 seniors, Aubrey hopes veteran leadership and experience throughout the roster will help the team take the next step in the rebuild that began four years ago under Ivy. The Chaparrals have finished behind Celina in the district standings for each of the last two years, and have struggled to match up against the Bobcats in their quest for a district championship. Aubrey knows its strength and physicality will be there — but an increase in team speed is what Ivy hopes will make the difference late in the season.

“That’s probably the biggest improvement that I’ve seen,” Ivy said. “Not only has our strength gotten better, but the speed we’re going to put on the field offensively and defensively will far exceed anything we’ve put out there so far.”

The quest to knock off the Bobcats is one that’s been on the minds of the senior class since the team first hit the field under Ivy

four years ago. Sure, getting the program back into the playoffs was a big step and a major accomplishment for the Chaparrals.

But after a 49-13 loss last season and a 6319 loss in 2015, Aubrey has its sights set on revenge.

The Chaparrals are a perfect 8-0 against district opponents not named Celina over the last two seasons, outscoring those teams by an average of more than 22 points. When it comes to taking the next step towards a district title, Celina has been the only team standing in Aubrey’s way.

“It’s been our goal since freshman year — win a district championship,” Redfearn said. “We’ve gotten close the last two years, but now its time to go ahead and finish it off our senior year.”

With a host of veteran leadership, the Chaparrals know this is the year things could really come together for the program.

They aren’t the underdogs anymore, but there is still a lot left to accomplish.

“We just look at it like we have to win the district title and then pass the area championship,” Vera said. “We’ve been stuck there for the past two years, and we just need to get past it. That’s been our brick wall.”

DRC file photo

Aubrey running back Pablo Vera runs past Melissa linebacker Gunnar Murphy, right, during a game last season at Chaparral Stadium in Aubrey. Vera rushed for nearly 1,000 yards in 2016.

AUBREY

DRC Football

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

Aubrey has one of the top backfields in the Denton Record-Chronicle’s coverage area. It starts with Gatlin Grisso, a Washington State commit, who finished as the District 4-4A Division II MVP last season after rushing for 1,391 yards and 22 touchdowns on just 141 carries. Then there’s Pablo Vera — a first-team all-district performer who rushed for just under 1,000 yards Neumann while adding 10 touchdowns. Spencer Neumann (421 yards, three TDs) and Sheldon Wingert (372 yards, three TDs) only add to that attack. To put it simply, the Aubrey backfield is loaded — and there will be plenty of carries to go around.

POINT OF CONCERN

The Chaparrals have a strong group of returners and a lot of senior leadership, but lost all three of their linebackers from last season. The players who will be expected to fill those holes — Brendan Milacek, Neumann and Wingert — may not have started, but they have experience at the varsity level. “They’re a little unproven at this point,” Ivy said. “But at the same time we’re very excited about those guys. They played

quite a bit and are faster and probably stronger as a whole.” The non-district schedule will give the unit a chance to gel leading up to district play.

KEY NEWCOMER

The Chaparrals have so many seniors expected to contribute that Ivy had a hard time picking one player who will step in and make an impact as a newcomer this season. The goal is to keep as much of last season’s 10-0 JV squad together as possible.

But Will Dow, who played corner at the varsity level last season, will be relied upon much more heavily in the secondary this year. Dow brings a lot of speed to the table and will be looked to as a shutdown defender in the secondary throughout the season.

GAME OF THE YEAR

There is no question that the Battle of 377 — Pilot Point vs. Aubrey — is always an exciting game to watch as the schools sit less than 10 miles from each other. But it has lost some of its luster since the teams face off during the non-district portion of the schedule. Once again, the Chaparrals have Nov. 10 circled on the calendar. Celina is the last game of the year and will again likely decide the district championship. After failing to match up against the Bobcats the last two years, Aubrey feels this is the year it can push for a district title.

CHAPARRALS | Roster No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 20 22 23 24 25 26 30 32 33 36 40 52 53 54 55 56

Player Landon Stewart Luke Sciba Brody Bounds Spencer Neumann Jeff Wilbert Angel Monreal Sheldon Wingert Jameison Bufford Amos Perkins Gatlin Grisso Taylor Swarbrick Pablo Vera Brady Pierce Isaiah Munoz Marc Vasquez Nathan Taylor Kamerson Scott Jason Freestone Caden Britten Brendan Milacek Bobby Alonzo Will Dow Moses Lopez Christian Bautista Dylan Brown James Drake Jacan Farmer Trayce Hopkins Kye Ranton Hayden Tinney Jordan Redfearn Spencer Kress

Pos. K RB/DB RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/DB RB/DL RB/DB QB/DB RB/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/DB WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB RB/DB RB/DB TE/LB RB/LB TE/DL TE/DL TE/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL

Yr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So.

AUBREY | Schedule Date Opponent Sept. 1 Bowie Sept. 8 at Whitesboro Sept. 15 Pilot Point Sept. 22 at Benbrook Sept. 29 at Pottsboro Oct. 13 Community * Oct. 20 at Bonham * Oct. 27 Caddo Mills * Nov. 2 at Melissa * Nov. 10 Celina * *District 5-4A games 57 58 60 61 62 64 66 70 71 72 75 76 79 80 82 88

Austin Matheus Connor Laughlin Aaron Scott Jackson Reynolds Kaleb Wiseman Mikael Conn Bryson Britten Ethan Coppedge Drew Hammett Gavin Berg Jarom Larman Dylan Morgan Wilson Odimba Grayson Larson Austin McCallion Sasou Kudayah

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

TE/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB TE/DL WR/LB

Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr.

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KRUM

August 31, 2017

DRC Football

Schertz taking over as Krum’s QB

By Jimmy Isbell Contributing Writer

Caleb Schertz could be one of the most versatile playmakers to ever wear the Krum Bobcat uniform. This fall, the senior firstteam all-district cornerback will add to his exploits when he makes the move to quarterback.

Schertz is up to the task, but he has big shoes to fill. With the graduation of Brandon Reeves, the Bobcats need a new signal caller, and Schertz is the next man up.

“We knew that [Schertz] would be the next one in line,” Krum coach Gary Robinson said. “What he brings to the table more than anything else is his leadership.

The players really look up to him.”

History shows that Krum has never had a question as to who will be under center.

This year, it’s Schertz’s turn.

Caz Wojciak was the first quarterback to put Krum on the map. He led the team to a 9-2 record in the Bobcats’ first year in a UIL district.

After Wojciak came Colten Graham, a bruising runner and deep-ball passer who also pitched on the baseball team. Graham started as a sophomore and finished his senior year leading Krum to its deepest playoff run in the history of the program.

The Bobcats advanced to the Class 4A Division II regional final in 2015.

Reeves replaced Graham a season later, but wasn’t the starter until Sanger transfer Trent McMillin got banged up after a game against his former team.

Although Schertz has to replace Reeves — who rushed and passed for over 1,000 yards — he doesn’t need to be what Reeves was last fall.

“I’ve reminded myself that I don’t have to be the next Brandon Reeves,” Schertz said. “I just have to play my game, and I feel confident in having a good senior year.”

As a cornerback last season, Schertz racked up 51 solo tackles, deflected 12 passes and recovered a fumble. He was also a second-team all district punter, so expect him to rarely step off the field.

The only thing holding Schertz back heading into this fall is his lack of varsity experience at the quarterback position.

Schertz hasn’t taken a live snap since he played quarterback for the junior varsity squad during his sophomore year.

“I haven’t take a live snap in a while, but I went to the Level 3 QB Academy and four other college camps over the summer to be-

KRUM’S PATH TO SUCCESS

Jeff Woo/DRC Caleb Schertz will take over as Krum’s quarterback after playing in the Bobcats’ defensive secondary last season. Krum has a long history of featuring top quarterbacks, including Brandon Reeves, who excelled at the position a year ago. The Bobcats’ hopes to build on a 10-2 season this fall will rest largely with Schertz, who said he is just trying to play his game.

come a better quarterback,” Schertz said. “I know I’ve done everything I could do over the summer to be the best quarterback for our team.”

Schertz doesn’t have to do it all by himself. He has weapons at his disposal who, like Schertz, have awaited their time.

Wide receiver Larenzo Tystad and running back Donald Brown will help take some pressure off of Schertz.

Each of them have big shoes to fill, but know they aren’t trying to replace the former stars who held the positions they now retain. They are trying to play their own brand of Krum Bobcat football.

Tystad is the voice in the locker room and the encourager. The rangy wideout received significant playing time last season, but was not the No. 1 wideout. He’ll step into that role now.

Last, but certainly not least, is a running back who has waited for his time to shine.

Brown has done his part for the Bobcats over the years in the backfield, but he’s never had the full-time spot.

“If I’m in Donald’s position, I’d be champing at the bit to have the best year of my career,” Robinson said. “He’s been behind Haeden [Knight] the past two seasons, and now is his chance.”

Even though the Bobcats are much younger, the seniors who have experience are distributed throughout the team.

“We’re going to push each position group to do better, so that we can be better as a whole,” Schertz said. “Coach Robinson told us that 2012 team was distributed the same way and we think if we play for each other like they did, we’re going to accomplish the goals we have this season.”

BOBCATS | Quick Facts District: 3-4A (Divison II) 2016 record: 10-2 (4-0 in district) Coach: Gary Robinson (42-27 in six seasons) Returning starters: Four on offense, four on defense Key players: QB Caleb Schertz, RB Donald Brown and OL Josh Baker, WR Larenzo Tystad, WR/LB Ronnie Gentry, LB Isaiah Johnson, DL/LB Ben Perches, OL Marc Barrera, DB Bryson Lightfoot, WR Zack Kirk Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2 School Enrollment: 650 Stadium: Bobcat Stadium

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KRUM

August 31, 2017

BOBCATS | Roster

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

Krum won’t have as much size as it had in year’s past, but what the Bobcats lack in size they make up for in speed. That speed should translate to Krum’s skill positions.

Krum coach Gary Robinson believes running back Donald Brown, wide receiver Larenzo Tystad and quarterback Caleb Schertz will be impact players. All three will Brown take on expanded roles this season as the Bobcats look to continue their streak of playoff berths. Krum has yet to miss the postseason since starting varsity play in 2012.

“We have three guys who run a 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds,” Robinson said. “We’ve never had that.”

POINT OF CONCERN

Krum is young and inexperienced, coming off a season in which it graduated 22 seniors. If there is one position that needs to mature quickly, it’s the offensive line.

Four of the five offensive linemen projected to start for the Bobcats have yet to play a varsity snap. Josh Baker is the only returning lineman.

Krum will also have a new quarterback

who hasn’t taken a live snap since his sophomore year in Schertz. It will be important for the offensive line to help make Schertz as comfortable as possible in his surroundings, while also paving the way for what is historically a solid Bobcat rushing attack.

DRC Football

No. Player

Pos.

1

Bryson Lightfoot

QB/DB Fr.

2

Chase Tower

QB/DB Sr.

3

Hunter Addison

WR/DB Sr.

4

Brian Camunez

WR/DB So.

Although Donald Brown has always been a Bobcat, he’s sat behind two-year starting running back Haeden Knight.

Krum is hoping what experience Brown did gain as an understudy will help him move into a larger role this fall when he will be the Bobcats’ starter and one of their key offensive players. Brown rushed for 358 yards last season and was fourth on the team in touchdowns with four. Robinson has full confidence Brown will be the bell cow for the Bobcats and should have an outstanding senior season.

6

Adam Harlow

WR/DB Jr.

7

Ronnie Gentry

WR/LB Sr.

8

Isaiah Johnson

RB/FS Sr.

9

Zack Kirk

WR/DB Jr.

10 Caleb Schertz

QB/DB Sr.

12 Jesus Campuzano

WR/DB Jr.

17 Keegan Flanagan

WR/DB Jr.

18 Darius Price

WR/DB Jr.

20 Larenzo Tystad

WR/DB Sr.

22 Deontrell Butts

WR/LB Sr.

GAME OF THE YEAR

23 Donald Brown

RB/DB Sr.

28 Trey Cook

RB/LB Fr.

32 Jaime Linan

RB/LB Sr.

50 Lane Pearson

OL/DL Jr.

56 Marc Barrera

OL/LB Jr.

60 Justin Pierce

OL/DL Sr.

63 Kyler Lowrimore

OL/DL Jr.

KEY NEWCOMER

There are many games to choose from on Krum’s tough schedule, but Robinson and his team believes in the 1-0 mentality.

The Bobcats’ Week 1 game against Pilot Point will set the tone for Krum’s season.

Last year, the Bobcats beat Pilot Point 29-0, which helped spark momentum that carried into the district schedule. Krum won the district title.

Yr.

KRUM | Schedule Date Sept. 1 Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 28 Oct. 6

Opponent at Pilot Point O.D. Wyatt Sanger at Lake Worth at Carrollton Ranchview Texarkana Pleasant Grove Oct. 13 Iowa Park * Oct. 20 at Bridgeport * Oct. 27 Graham * Nov. 10 at Vernon * *District 3-4A games ^at Royce City

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

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64 Josh Baker

OL/DL Sr.

65 Daniel Lackey

OL/LB So.

70 Antonio Barraza

G/NT

71 Ben Perches

OL/DL Jr.

74 Zane Tyler

OL/DL So.

76 Josh Perry

OL/DL So.

78 Michael Cosme

OL/LB Sr.

88 Albert Florez

WR/LB Sr.

Sr.

SANGER

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Sanger to depend on veteran trio

By Jimmy Isbell Contributing Writer

New Sanger coach Cole Ford could talk all day about the talent he has on offense this year. The engine behind it all starts in the backfield.

Quarterback CJ Jackson and the running back duo of Dameon Moser and Gavin Brown give the Indians a three-headed monster they desperately need to finally piece together the deep playoff run that has eluded the program.

Sanger has historically struggled to advance past the second round.

“Those three will make or break our offensive production this season,” Ford said.

“I know each of them were upset from last season, so they’re hungry to make a deep playoff run.

“I know I’ll get the best out of them this season.”

Ford didn’t mince words when he said they will again rely heavily on the trio to get there.

Last fall, Jackson, Moser and Brown accounted for the bulk of the Indians’ total offense while rolling up 4,865 total yards and 48 touchdowns.

Jackson threw for 2,275 yards and 25 touchdowns. He was the team’s third leading rusher behind Moser and Brown with 312 yards and a touchdown. Moser led the ground attack with just over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also added 483 receiving yards with three touchdowns.

Brown added 585 yards on the ground with seven touchdowns and 195 yards receiving.

“Those three will get the most touches, and we’ll likely use different formations in order to get them into space,” Ford said.

“Both Gavin and Dameon have unique skill sets. CJ is a dual threat who can throw any ball you ask him to. All three of those guys will be key in our success on offense this season.”

Jackson’s first varsity start came as a freshman when Brandon Mann injured his knee in the penultimate game of the regular season. Two weeks later, he led the Indians to a 31-21 win in a bi-district playoff game against Springtown. He had to mature faster than most varsity signal callers.

“As far as quarterbacks at Sanger go, he’s one of the best I’ve been around,” Ford said.

“I’ve been around him since his eighth grade year and saw some special things from him then. I knew he’d be a great quarterback for us, especially after the situation

SANGER’S PATH TO SUCCESS

Jeff Woo/DRC Sanger quarterback CJ Jackson, right, will have two talented running backs to work with this season in Gavin Brown, left, and Dameon Moser. Together, they form one of the best backfields in the Denton area. Jackson threw for 2,275 yards and 25 touchdowns last season, when Moser rushed for just over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns. Brown added 585 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.

he was thrown into his freshman year. He’s one of the best quarterbacks we’ve had come through Sanger.”

When it comes to Brown and Moser, both understand the historical significance of the running back position.

“I used to watch highlights of Tre’Von Jackson when he was here as a kid,” Moser said. “He ran the ball so hard, so I’m trying to have a similar varsity season.”

Brown said the biggest different between this year’s team and last year is chemistry.

“Last season I was excited to make a deep playoff run, but when things didn’t go our way in a few games we pointed fingers,” Brown said. “This year’s class builds each other up when we make mistakes, and I think that will help us this year to make a deep playoff run.”

In order for Sanger’s backfield to succeed, it will need help up front. It helps that of the five starting offensive linemen, four are seniors and three are returning starters.

“I wouldn’t be able to do anything without those guys,” Moser said. “They put in a lot of work throughout the offseason and the summer to prepare for a good season.

We have guys benching 400 pounds and squatting 600 pounds. We’re going to be tough to stop with us three in the backfield, but none of that happens if our offensive line can’t block.”

Jackson agreed.

“I know how hard they’ve been working,” Jackson said. “It makes me more comfortable knowing we’ve got guys putting in the extra work to make us better next season, and to have three returning starters up front will make my job easier.”

INDIANS | Quick Facts District: 4-4A (Division I) 2016 record: 6-5 (3-2 in district) Coach: Cole Ford (First season) Returning starters: Eight on offense, seven on defense Key players: QB C.J. Jackson, OL Tanner Polley, RB/WR Gavin Brown, DB Eli Wilson, OL/DL David Wright, RB Dameon Moser, DL Jake Galbreath, LB Brock Howard, LB Bryce Petty, WR Hank Lemons Offense: Multiple spread Defense: 4-2-5 School Enrollment: 798 Stadium: Indian Stadium

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SANGER

DRC Football

With 23 seniors, Sanger will have the depth and experience needed to have a successful season.

That’s a rare amount of seniors for most Class 4A programs. Quarterback CJ Jackson and running backs Dameon Moser and Gavin Brown are all seniors. They will give the Indians experienced Jackson players to lean on.

Those players are hungry to guide Sanger to the playoffs.

POINT OF CONCERN

Sanger’s toughest hill to climb begins before the district season starts. The Indians’ non-district schedule is loaded with powerhouse programs, including Graham, Midlothian Heritage, Krum and Class 5A Denton. Sanger will have to survive that stretch before tackling a tough District 4-4A Division slate.

KEY NEWCOMER

The Indians lost their deep threat in wide receiver Braven Smith to graduation, but Hank Lemons is the guy next guy in line to replace Smith.

Jackson will feel at ease knowing Lem-

ons can be a threat in the passing game just like Smith was.

Jackson will also play cornerback as needed. Playing both offense and defense will make Jackson a key player for Sanger this fall.

GAME OF THE YEAR

Last season, the game against Denton was, to former coach Chuck Galbreath’s knowledge, the first opponent Sanger played in Denton ISD. New Sanger coach Cole Ford is looking forward to the same challenge in his first season with the Indians. Ford knows the Denton game will be on his players’ minds again, but he is looking forward to playing Graham in Week 1.

The Indians easily de- Ford feated the Steers last season 44-7. That victory was a vital one for Sanger in a season in which it finished just over .500 at 6-5.

Ford said Graham was a lot better than the final score indicated. Beating Graham for a second straight year might not be as easy as it might appear, but it will be critical for the Indians as they look to start their season off on a positive note.

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INDIANS | Roster

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

August 31, 2017

No. 1 2 4 5 8 9 11 12 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 30 32 33 35 44 50 51 52 54

Player Hank Lemons Gavin Brown Dameon Moser Baron Bailey Eli Wilson Luke Pennington CJ Jackson Zuy Saenz Juan Martinez Logan Walker Coleton Henry Dillon Wilkerson Cole Mathes Jacob McDaniel Cade Pennington Drake Miller Caleb Freeman Brylon Vidrune Brock Howard Blake Smith Brett Carter Bryce Petty Mickey Sykes Garrett Windham Nolan Klinke Tucker Broxson

Pos. WR/DB RB/DB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB QB WR/DB PK/CB QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB TE/LB TE/LB TE/DE TE/DE RB/LB OL/DE OL/DE OL/DE OL/DE

Yr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr.

SANGER | Schedule Date Opponent Sept. 1 at Graham Sept. 8 at Denton Sept. 15 at Krum Sept. 22 Bridgeport Sept. 29 Midlothian Heritage Oct. 13 Wichita Falls Hirschi * Oct. 20 at Burkburnett * Oct. 27 Argyle * Nov. 3 at Gainesville * Nov. 10 Decatur * *District 4-4A games

55 56 58 60 62 65 70 71 72 74 75 77

Jake Galbreath David Wright Gage McCarty Brock Petty Crisitan Longoria Cameron Robare Syler Saenz Zack Farris Tanner Polley Samuel Stroud CJ Oldaker Blake Waters

Time 7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

OL/DT OL/DE OL/DT OL/DT OL/DE OL/DT OL/DE OL/DT OL/DT OL/DT OL/DT OL/DT

Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr.

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PILOT POINT

August 31, 2017

DRC Football

Bearcats adjusting to new coach

By Rich Luna For the Denton Record-Chronicle

Danny David knows a thing or two about what it takes to have a successful high school football program, both as a player and a coach.

Beyond Xs and Os, he also knows that attributes such as attitude and work ethic can be the difference between good and better, and that starts with getting a commitment from his team, a particular challenge for David as he debuts as head coach at Pilot Point, his alma mater.

Senior leaders Tony Puga and Reagan Gochis, however, say David doesn’t have anything to worry about on that front.

“A lot of us weren’t sure what to expect,” said Puga, an offensive guard and defensive tackle. “We were used to the way Coach [Rob] Best did things and now he [David] does things different. But I remember the first time I came out for practice and when I left, I couldn’t wait to come back.”

“We’ve really come together as a team,” added Gochis, a running back and defensive back. “We were missing some of that last year.”

The Bearcats were certainly out of sync in 2016, tumbling to 2-8 and missing the playoffs for the second straight season.

Go back a few years and the Bearcats were state champs in 2009 and back-toback title winners in 1980 and 1981. David was a linebacker on those state champion teams from the ’80s.

Since joining the coaching ranks, David has been part of established programs and led a turn-around at another. He first spent a dozen years as an assistant with the accomplished program at Celina. He returned to Pilot Point and served for three years under the legendary G.A. Moore, one of the most successful coaches in Texas high school football.

David then took over at Collinsville, going 1-9 his first season before eight consecutive playoff appearances, including a share of the district title in 2006 and runs to the region final in 2009 and region semifinals in 2013. Collinsville had been to the playoffs only seven times before David arrived.

“Every eight years or so, it’s time to go someplace different,” David said. “I had been there [Collinsville] 12 years and had really good support. But I was ready for a change.”

With Best retiring after last season, it meant a homecoming for David. While he

PILOT POINT’S PATH TO SUCCESS

Jake King/DRC Pilot Point is entering a new era this fall with Danny David, who has returned to coach his alma mater. Running back/defensive back Reagan Gochis, left, and lineman Tony Puga will help the Bearcats through the transition in their senior seasons. Both said they are excited about the direction of the program, which is trying to recover from missing the playoffs in each of the last two years.

has lived in Pilot Point all these years, he is getting to know the community again.

“I would leave my house when it was dark and when I got home it was dark,” he said. “In many ways, I’m new here, but let me tell you, I’m excited to be back.”

He’s hoping to re-energize a program that has a strong tradition, but is coming off down years. For starters, he wants to bring back an aggressive “smash mouth, old-school football” approach on both sides.

If any team is capable of adjusting to David’s new philosophy, it would be this year’s squad, which features seven returning starters on offense and six on defense among its 18 seniors and 13 juniors.

Among the four sophomores on the squad is the 6-foot-1, 170-pound Jacob Pitts, the District 5-3A Newcomer of the Year last season. Pitts will take over at quar-

terback for 5-11, 160-pound senior Quincy Kemp, who will be used at running back and wide receiver. Kemp had combined for 1,067 yards rushing and passing yards and 15 touchdowns last year.

The Bearcats will switch to a wishbonetype offense that will feature returning alldistrict running back Ty Hellman and sophomore twins Javin and Javon Bruce.

The offensive line is experienced with returning starters Puga, Jacob Morris, Ryan Williams and Cody Binyon plus tight end Connor Lynch.

“No one was happy with a 2-8 record last year,” Binyon said. “It was not fun. We worked hard all summer and I can already tell we’ve come together as a team. We like the new system and we definitely know we can do a whole lot better.”

BEARCATS | Quick Facts District: 5-3A (Division I) 2016 Record: 2-8 (2-3 in district) Coach: Danny David (76-63; first season at Pilot Point) Returning starters: Seven on offense, six on defense Key players: WR/RB Quincy Kemp, QB Jacob Pitts, RB Ty Hellman, OL/DL Tony Puga, OL/DL Cody Binyon, DB Reagan Gochis, TE/LB Connor Lynch Offense: Wishbone/3-back Defense: 4-3/multiple School Enrollment: 430 Stadium: Massey Stadium

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PILOT POINT

August 31, 2017

BEARCATS | Roster

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

The Bearcats have speed at the skill positions beginning with quarterback Jacob Pitts, the District 5-3A Newcomer of the Year last season. Running back/ wide receiver Quincy Kemp, running back Ty Hellman and sophomore twins Javin and Javon Bruce also have great speed. The wishbone offense will give Pilot Point flexibility to move players Pitts around. The same applies on defense with good overall speed, especially in the secondary with Reagan Gochis.

POINT OF CONCERN

With a new coach comes the implementation of new offensive and defensive schemes. But head coach Danny David has to be careful to ease into the new structure once the season begins.

“We don’t want to put too much in too quick,” David said. “With coach [G.A.] Moore, he ran the same system for 28 years and everyone knew it. With this system, we’ve only been going for a few weeks and we’ll need to adjust.”

As with similar small schools, players are needed on both offense and defense, so staying injury-free will be essential.

KEY NEWCOMER

Diego Martinez, a 5-foot-6, 150-pound junior, was an offensive lineman last year, but will line up at nose guard this year.

Don’t let his size fool you.

“He’s no bigger than a mouse, but he’s quick as a cat,” David said. “He’s going to get after them. He’s going to penetrate and use his speed and quickness. He’s definitely a little small, but he’s got the speed to do the job.”

Another key newcomer is David himself. He grew up in Pilot Point, played on two state championship teams for the Bearcats and coached there for three seasons. He’s been away from the school for 12 years, but will transition quickly to being a part of the program again.

GAME OF THE YEAR

David doesn’t want to look any further than Sept. 1, the season opener against Krum. The Bearcats had two scrimmages before Krum, but getting off to a good start will be important with a new coach and new schemes.

“We want our kids to be mentally ready for one game, Krum,” David said. “That will tell us a lot about where we’re at. We will always have to be mentally ready, so the only game I want them thinking about right now is Krum.”

DRC Football

No. 1 3 4 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 18 20 22 27 32 34 35 45 50 51 52

Player Quincy Kemp Reagan Gochis Jacob Pitts Logan Whisenant Coy Holman Tyler Williams Javin Bruce Roy Brown Ty Hellman Michael Walker Javon Bruce Jamie Tavera Jordan Harris Diego Martinez Bryson Griffin David Colmenero Kolton Reid Austin McManus Reid Riney Connor Lynch Tony Puga Dalton Miller Walker David

Pos. RB/WR/QB RB/DB QB/DB SE/DB SE/DE TE/DL SE/DB RB/LB RB/DB TE/DL RB/DB K RB/LB RB/DL SE/DB RB/LB TE/DL RB/LB RB/DB TE/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

Ht. 5-11 6-0 6-1 5-9 5-10 6-0 5-10 5-9 5-9 6-0 5-9 5-10 5-9 5-6 6-0 5-9 6-2 5-9 6-0 6-0 5-10 5-10 5-8

Wt. 160 178 170 140 170 162 154 152 150 174 150 148 182 150 137 158 167 172 165 228 185 215 227

Yr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr.

PILOT POINT | Schedule Date Opponent Sept. 1 Krum Sept. 8 Muenster Sept. 15 at Aubrey Sept. 22 at Gunter Sept. 29 Brock Oct. 13 at Callisburg * Oct. 20 Whitesboro * Oct. 27 at Pottsboro * Nov. 3 Howe * Nov. 10 at Van Alstyne * *District 5-3A games

54 55 56 59 62 66 70 72 75 76 80 85

Micah Henson Jacob Morris Ryan Williams Gunner Jackson Enrique Colmenero Lane Whisenant Evan Billmier Quintana Reyes Hud Morgan Cody Binyon Raymond Lynch Cole Stewart

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL WR/DE SE/DB

5-10 6-2 6-3 5-10 6-0 5-11 6-2 5-9 5-10 6-2 6-2 6-0

164 200 265 183 142 231 221 315 156 246 190 147

Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

PONDER

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August 31, 2017

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Ponder reloading behind McEwen

By Daniel Burgess Contributing Writer

After finally making the playoffs last season, Ponder coach Rusty Ballard was well aware of the challenges his coaching staff would face moving forward.

Graduation left the Lions without any returning starters at the skill positions.

“Every kid that threw a pass, caught a pass, ran the football, scored a touchdown — every single one of them — graduated,” Ballard said.

Well, except for one.

Kaden McEwen, a senior, didn’t start last year, but did carry the ball twice for seven yards. At first glance, the 5-9, 175-pound running back may not look like much. But Ballard is convinced McEwen can replace Jonathan Aguilar and be the shot in the arm a young Lions squad needs to make a return trip to the postseason. “[Last year’s stats] don’t say anything about his ability,” Ballard said. “He’s going to be a great running back. He just had to wait his turn. We’re expecting big things from him.”

McEwen’s first task is to make fans forget about Aguilar, who rushed for 1,124 yards and seven touchdowns last year. He also had 79 tackles and three interceptions at defensive back. To reach that goal, McEwen must be up to the challenge of carrying the bulk of the load offensively. Ponder is also starting over at quarterback. A solid run game could help the Lions work their way through the rebuilding process.

The Lions went 6-5 overall and 3-2 in district play in 2016. Ponder earned a playoff berth and lost to Clyde in the bi-district round. In its brief eight year football history, Ponder has yet to win a playoff game.

The team hopes to break through for that first postseason win this fall.

McEwen believes the milestone is within reach.

“I feel good about it. I’m real excited to help carry my team,” McEwen said. “I know it’s a big part of our offense this year knowing that we have two juniors as quarterbacks, but I’m able, ready mentally and physically in a position to help any way I can.”

One of McEwen’s best assets is his speed. He consistently runs a 4.5-second 40 and has been honing his ability to read defenses and find running lanes.

His enthusiasm and energy, however, has sometimes led him to get ahead of his block-

PONDER’S PATH TO SUCCESS

Jeff Woo/DRC Ponder lost nearly all of its key players after making the playoffs in the 2016 season, when the Lions finished 6-5. The Lions will look to reload behind, from left, linebacker Brock Anderson, running back Kaden McEwen, defensive back Noah Bean and offensive linemanBrenden Fruth. McEwen is the only player Ponder has returning who carried the ball, caught a pass, threw a pass or scored a touchdown lastyear.

ers and rush in before the play develops.

“Slow to the hole, fast through the hole,” is the advice Ballard said he is giving McEwen.

McEwen has been on varsity since his sophomore year, earning first team all-district honors as a cornerback last year. Coming up behind Aguilar, McEwen said he’s prepared for his new leadership role.

“A lot of [players] look to me and our exceptional offensive line to carry the offense,” McEwen said. “I’m excited. I think this year we’re going to do great.”

A position that could aid McEwen’s cause considerably is Ponder’s offensive line that Ballard said will be one of the strengths of the team. The group includes four returning starters and three seniors.

Two of the returning starters who will be instrumental in clearing the way for McEwen are Brenden Fruth and Tyler Wagner,

both of whom weigh in at more than 300 pounds. Fruth qualified for the Blue-Grey All American Bowl and was first-team alldistrict selection last year.

Fruth first started playing football at age 5.

He was promoted to the varsity team partway through his sophomore year, when he stepped in to replace his brother, Mitch, who suffered a broken foot during the season.

Fruth, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 310 pounds, can bench press 325 pounds.

He said his job is “to protect the smaller people behind me carrying the ball.”

Ballard described him as a “road grader.”

“We’re not really a toss-it-around-theyard type of team,” Ballard said. “We’re more of a line-up-and-run-it-down-yourthroat type of team.”

The Lions will need every bit of that mentality to win in 2017.

LIONS | Quick Facts District: 4-3A Division I 2016 record: 6-5 (3-2 in district) Coach: Rusty Ballard (9-12 in two seasons at Ponder) Returning starters: Six on on offense, five on defense Key players: QB Mason Durrett, DB Noah Bean, RB Kaden McEwen, LB Brock Anderson, DL Dale Camp, DL Adam Lopez, OL Brenden Fruth, OL Trey Smith, OL Tyler Wagner, RB Carlos Zepeda Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple front School Enrollment: 397 Stadium: Ponder Field

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August 31, 2017

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PONDER

DRC Football

Two members of Ponder’s offensive line — 6-2, 310-pound Brenden Fruth and 6-1, 320-pound Tyler Wagner — will lead the way for the Lions’ running game.

Both players are seniors returning to the varsity team for their final year of high school football, but likely not their last playing the game.

Ponder coach Rusty Bal- Wagner lard said each has a future playing in college.

Both Fruth and Wagner have the size college recruiters are looking for and could see their opportunities grow with a solid year.

Ponder’s season will depend in part on the pair’s ability to dominate the line of scrimmage and mesh with the rest of the Lions’ linemen to form into a cohesive unit.

Ponder is hoping that front will help the Lions’ new crop of skill players settle in to varsity play.

POINT OF CONCERN

With the exception of two runs for a total of seven yards from Kaden McEwen, every player who threw, caught or ran the ball in 2016 graduated, including running back Jonathan Aguilar. Not one member of this

year’s team has scored in a varsity game, so it is critical for the offense to work itself into a rhythm quickly.

No.

Player

Ht.

Wt.

Yr.

1

Tommy Rivera

5-10

150

Sr.

2

Carlos Zepeda

5-8

180

Jr.

While not a newcomer to the varsity team, junior Mason Durrett is a newcomer to the offense and will start at quarterback for the first time. Durrett played defense as a sophomore and is sure to be key to the Lions’ success. He and McEwen, who is in his first year in the backfield, will be a vital pair in Ponder’s Durrett offense.

3

Oscar Duran

5-8

140

Sr.

4

Caleb McDaniel

5-8

185

Sr.

5

Justin Davis

5-9

175

Jr.

6

Oscar Martinez

6-1

170

So.

7

Darren Kelly

6-2

215

Jr.

10

Mason Durrett

6-0

165

Jr.

11

Chase Taylor

5-7

150

Fr.

16

Noah Bean

6-1

205

Sr.

17

Ryan Guzman

5-7

140

Sr.

GAME OF THE YEAR

18

Jonathan Vowell

5-11

190

Sr.

20

Michael Hill

5-10

180

Sr.

22

Kaden McEwen

5-9

175

Sr.

28

Brock Anderson

6-3

215

Sr.

31

Dale Camp

5-10

160

So.

44

Devon Rawding

6-0

195

Jr.

52

Caden Doolittle

5-7

190

55

Cole Carroll

5-10

56

Brendan Shafer

58

Adam Lopez

KEY NEWCOMER

By far the most formidable opponent the Lions will face this season in district play will be Brock, last year’s district champions. Brock, which is two seasons removed from a state title win, finished 13-1 in 2016 and beat Ponder in a 56-6 blowout.

Brock’s dominance is impressive considering it has only had a varsity program since 2012. Ballard said beating Brock would be huge.

“They’re what a lot of teams aspire to be: hard, fast, disciplined,” Ballard said.

The game is scheduled for Oct. 13.

79

LIONS | Roster

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

August 31, 2017

PONDER | Schedule Date Opponent Sept. 1 Benbrook Sept. 8 at Wichita Falls City View Sept. 15 Holliday Sept. 22 at S&S Consolidated Sept. 29 Santo Oct. 13 at Brock * Oct. 20 Boyd * Oct. 27 at Paradise * Nov. 3 Breckenridge * Nov. 10 at Bowie * *District 4-3A games

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

59

Brandon Pugh

5-10

195

Jr.

60

Hector Lopez

5-6

156

Sr.

62

Juan Fernandez

5-7

160

Sr.

63

Dalton Hartwell

5-8

190

Jr.

Jr.

67

Brenden Fruth

6-1

310

Sr.

200

Sr.

70

Tyler Yeck

6-0

360

Jr.

5-10

205

Sr.

72

Trey Smith

6-2

225

Jr.

5-9

165

Sr.

75

Tyler Wagner

6-1

320

Sr.

80

LIBERTY

August 31, 2017

DRC Football

Liberty to lean on offensive front

By Randy Cummings For the Denton Record-Chronicle

If size really does matter, and on an offensive line it usually does, Liberty Christian could be in good shape up front heading into the 2017 season, when the Warriors will rely on their strength in the trenches.

Fourth-year head coach Barton Hundley loves the size and experience of his projected offensive line. Two returning starters and two newcomers from Argyle and Flower Mound Marcus provide the foundation for the unit.

“We haven’t had an offensive line that’s this big or this athletic since I’ve been here,” Hundley said. “There’s a lot of potential there. It looks like an offensive line. How good our offensive line plays will help determine how good our quarterbacks play.”

Senior guard Sadler Engel (6-3, 280) and junior right tackle Cole Hardy (6-0, 210) anchor the line as returning starters from last season’s 5-6 playoff team. Newcomers Andy Buttrell (6-5, 255) from Argyle and Jayquan Smith (6-1, 245) from Flower Mound Marcus will hold down the left side of the Warriors’ front at the tackle and guard, respectively.

Liberty’s stout offensive line should also help returning running back Andre Washington take pressure off the Warriors’ inexperienced quarterbacks. Hundley knows his team needs to be a successful running team. Washington, a junior who rushed for 953 yards and scored 11 touchdowns last season, will again be the featured ball carrier out of the backfield.

“We have got to be able to run the ball,” Hundley said. “That’s been a topic of conversation around here this whole year.

We’ve got to run the ball better than we have in the past.”

Liberty will have a new quarterback this season. Grant Galyean and Nate Hayden — neither of whom have varsity experience — are the leading candidates. The Warriors will depend on one of those players to get the ball to Washington and senior wide receiver Cole Croce (454 yards receiving, six touchdowns) while limiting potential mistakes caused by their inexperience.

Galyean, a junior who played on the Warriors’ junior varsity team last season, directed the school’s 7-on-7 squad during the summer and is most familiar with Liberty Christian’s playbook. Hayden is a junior newcomer to the school who coaches say possesses a strong arm.

LIBERTY’S PATH TO SUCCESS

Jake King/DRC Liberty Christian will lean on a talented offensive line that includes, from left, freshman Andy Buttrell, junior Jayquan Smith, senior Sadler Engel and junior Cole Hardy. Engel and Hardy are returning starters and helped lead Liberty to the playoffs last season, when the Warriors finished 5-6. Buttrell and Smith moved in from Argyle and Flower Mound, respectively.

“I know Grant is really good at moving in the pocket,” Liberty quarterback coach Matt Faulkner said. “He’s got a lot of natural ability and he’s not afraid of getting hit. Nate’s got a stronger arm than I even anticipated. He’s grasping things quickly. I’m seeing his confidence grow as far as reads and where to go with the ball.”

Michael Manning, Liberty’s leading tackler from last season, has decided not to play this year. Despite losing Manning, the Warriors’ defense is filled with athletes who Hundley believes could combine to make it one of the stronger defenses in the district.

In the secondary, Liberty Christian’s two safeties have emerged as college prospects.

Senior Kason Howell, who intercepted four passes last season has signed a baseball scholarship with Auburn while Grant Sawyer has committed to play football at Tulsa.

Senior Kade Johnson returns at linebacker and possesses speed and playmaking ability. Hundley expects move-in junior Logan Graham to have a good year at middle linebacker after joining the Warriors in time to participate in spring drills.

“If we execute our defense properly, we’re going to be pretty good,” Hundley said. “I think we’ve got some athletes we can put out there who can run. We’ve got some pretty good guys up front, too. I think we could have one of the best defensive lines in district.”

The Warriors started 1-5 last year before a four-game winning streak helped them qualify for the playoffs.

Hundley believes he now has the athletes — and the size — to produce and build on that late-season run this fall.

WARRIORS | Quick Facts District: TAPPS (Division I, District I) 2016 Record: 5-6 (5-2 in district) Coach: Barton Hundley (18-16 in three seasons at Liberty Christian) Returning Starters: Seven on offense, seven on defense Key Players: RB/DB Kason Howell, RB Andre Washington, WR/DB Cole Croce, WR/DB Grant Sawyer, RB/LB Kade Johnson, OL Andy Buttrell, OL Jayquan Smith, LB Logan Graham Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 School Enrollment: 520 Stadium: Warrior Stadium

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LIBERTY

August 31, 2017

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

Two of Liberty Christian’s top athletes and most experienced players will be in the secondary this season, so it only stands to reason that the Warriors’ defensive backfield should be the team’s strongest unit. Kason Howell will be starting his fourth consecutive varsity season. Junior Grant Sawyer has good size (6-3, 190) and has already Howell committed to Tulsa. Howell has signed to play baseball at Auburn, giving Liberty multiple players in its secondary with Division I athletic ability.

POINT OF CONCERN

Liberty coach Barton Hundley is hoping that what the pair of candidates for his starting quarterback job lack in experience they will make up for with their willingness to learn. Grant Galyean and Nate Hayden, both juniors, enter the season without any varsity playing time.

“Neither one of them has been out there, really, on a Friday night,” Hundley said.

“We’re just untested there. But I’ve got confidence in these kids.”

KEY NEWCOMER

If there’s one player that has Hundley excited, it’s Isreal Isuman. The senior defensive end has great size (6-6, 225), is strong and is ready to show what he can do on the varsity level. Isuman, a native of Nigeria, is entering his fourth year at Liberty Christian but hasn’t been eligible to play on the varsity until this year.

GAME OF THE YEAR

When it comes to the Sept. 29 home game against Plano Prestonwood, the fact that Liberty Christian has never beaten the Lions probably won’t be part of Hundley’s pregame speech. Hundley is treating it like any other game.

“We’ve never beaten Prestonwood, in the history of the school,” he said. “That would be huge for us. It’s the first game of district and we play them here.”

WARRIORS | Roster No. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 40 43

Player Bryson Vera Zach Auerbach Michael Hulke Kason Howell Kade Johnson Collin Gamble Grant Galyean Cole Groce Griffin Carrington Grant Hudgens Grant Sawyer Preston White Nate Hayden Blake Galan Travis Keetch Ty Strickland Connor Payton Kellen Moran Garrett Moran Hunter Franks Parker Reece Cade Doggett Boyka Chen Bryson Werntz Michael Manning Andre Washington Jackson Jobe James Konar Maverick Graham Reid Rorick David Kvistad Jacob Ezzo Jackson McCullough Micah Martin Brayden Baller Israel Isuman Micah Grizzle Miguel Campo

Pos. WR DB TE/DE DB LB DB QB WR DB DB DB WR QB WR QB RB LN QB WR LB RB WR RB WR DE RB WR WR DB DB RB WR DE LB QB DE LB DE

Yr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Jr.

LIBERTY | Schedule Date Opponent Sept. 1 at Melissa Sept. 8 Celina Sept. 15 at Gilmer Sept. 29 Plano Prestonwood * Oct. 6 Plano John Paul II * Oct. 13 at Parish Episcopal * Oct. 20 Add. Trinity Christian * Oct. 27 at Bishop Lynch * Nov. 3 at Bishop Dunne * Nov. 10 Fort Worth Nolan *TAPPS District 1-1 games 44 47 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 72 75 77 78 99

Kiemoneel Green Daniel Kvistad Jake Richardson Logan Graham Cole Hardy David Alvarez Camden Packwood Harlan Haire Travis Stockton Brayden Gunn Michael Hogg Luke Glaser Nate McCray Dawson Blalock Jayquan Smith Holden Holmes Arnold Xu Andy Buttrell John Carlo Gutierrez Sadler Engel Kaden Niewolny Cameron Baller

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

DT LB OL LB OL DT OL DT OL OL TE/DE OL DT DE OL DT DT OL DT OL DT K

So. Fr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. Sr. Fr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. So. So. Sr. Fr. Jr.

DRC Football

CALVARY

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August 31, 2017

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Longoria aims to rebuild at Calvary

By Randy Cummings For the Denton Record-Chronicle

While some might call Calvary’s upcoming season a transitional period, it’s probably more of a textbook rebuilding year.

A new head coach, a slew of new players and new facilities combine to make the 2017 season interesting, if not challenging, for the Lions, who hope to see the rebirth of school spirit.

Of course, Calvary’s new head coach Joey Longoria and his squad are also hoping to make a drastic turnaround in the record department from a year ago.

“This year our kids have grown a lot and have had a great offseason,” said Longoria, who is entering his third year on the football coaching staff. “It’s one of those seasons where we’re going to have to hit the field to see what these guys are all about. Last year was really rough, but we have a totally different team.”

Last year, a rash of injuries snowballed the season into one big disappointment.

The Lions were 2-8, including two shutout losses, averaged just 13 points a game and were outscored by a whopping 511-130 margin. After starting the season with 14 players in uniform, the Lions finished the schedule with just eight healthy players.

“Our practices were horrible,” Longoria recalled. “I ran most of the [passing] routes and threw most of the passes.”

The Lions will have much better numbers heading into this fall. Eight lettermen are back, including three offensive and three defensive starters. Fall practices began with a roster that totaled 19, meaning Longoria no longer has to double as a practice player.

While Calvary will have an untested sophomore at quarterback, Longoria believes the Lions can offset that inexperience with a solid rushing attack led by returning junior PJ Orr. Orr (5-5, 130) wound up being the Lions’ primary ball carrier last year while also anchoring the defensive secondary. He earned first team all-district honors for his defensive play and second-team honors on offense.

“He was our bell cow last year,” Longoria said. “We relied on him a lot. He played really hard. He came in and was going to be a role player [on offense], but it changed. We had a couple of injuries early and it turned into being his team.”

Orr will likely be joined in the backfield by another returning junior, Josh Hunter.

CALVARY’S PATH TO SUCCESS

Jeff Woo/DRC Calvary will look to rebuild following a 2-8 season in which it averaged just 13 points per game behind the duo of running back PJ Orr, left, and quarterback Jacob Helzer. Orr was a first-team all-district selection as a defensive back and earned second-team honors as a running back last fall. Helzer is back after taking a year away from football to recover from a shoulder injury.

A year ago, Hunter (5-10, 190) started briefly at linebacker — where he’ll also log time this season — but was moved to the offensive side of the ball when injuries struck.

Sophomore quarterback Jacob Helzer will be assigned with the responsibility of getting the ball into the hands of either Orr or Hunter. He took last football season off while dealing with a shoulder injury before serving as the point guard on the Lions’ basketball team. Longoria likes Helzer’s accountability and maturity and believes he's ready to accept the reins of the Calvary offense.

“He’s definitely going to be one of our key players,” the coach said. “He’s a strong kid and he’s super fast. He’s a natural leader and he’s as strong as a ox.”

A couple of returning players from last year figure to anchor the Lions’ offensive

and defensive lines. Joseph Smith (5-10, 215) was used at three different positions last seasons, including center, guard and running back. He’ll likely settle in at guard this fall. Junior defensive lineman Zack Biels, meanwhile, returns as the team's starting nose guard.

“We’re probably going to be a 70-30 run-to-pass team,” Longoria said. “The way our team looks, I think we can run the ball.

Our guys can make guys miss. Our guys came to the weight room and put in the time. They’re ready to do it and that's what they want to do. They want to run the ball.”

Speaking of a weight room, Calvary’s new on-campus workout room is a small part of a total gymnasium/athletic facility conversion that Longoria envisions rekin-

See CALVARY on 85F

LIONS | Quick Facts District: TAPPS Six-Man, Division I, District I 2016 record: 2-8 (0-4 in district) Head coach: Joey Longoria (first season) Returning starters: Three on offense, three on defense Key players: RB/DB P.J. Orr, QB/DB Jacob Helzer, OL Joseph Smith, RB/LB Josh Hunter, DL Zack Biels Offense: Tight Defense: 1-4-1 School enrollment: 130 Stadium: Ryan High School

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August 31, 2017

DRC Football

CALVARY

DRC Football

Calvary quarterback Jacob Helzer has spent a lot of time with coach Joey Longoria creating a playbook, watching film and simply talking football since deciding to play for the Lions this season. The time Helzer has put in has made Longoria confident the sophomore can become an impact player for the Lions.

“We put in a playbook Longoria and it has his hand prints all over it,” Longoria said. “We’re making sure he’s comfortable with it.”

Longoria has seen signs of the progress Helzer has made in fall practice.

“He’s put all the work in,” Longoria said.

“He makes it comfortable for me to make all the calls and adjustments.”

POINT OF CONCERN

It may take a game or two for the Calvary coaches to fully know what level of offensive line play the Lions can expect this season. They’ll be young up front. Longoria calls the position the Lions’ weakness mostly because, “some of the guys who were supposed to be taking those spots didn’t take the offseason seriously.” Calvary is hoping by the end of the fall camp that his offensive

candidates round into shape and show they can be ready for the team’s Sept. 2 opener against Lucas.

KEY NEWCOMER

Sophomore Joseph Smith isn’t a newcomer to the Lions but rather a newcomer to a different position this season. A year ago, a rash of injuries forced coaches to play Smith mostly at running back. This season Smith, a solid 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, is expected to earn his playing time mainly on the offensive line, either as the center or guard. “He didn’t play [last season] where he’s going to be playing this year,” Longoria said. “He’ll be our anchor. “

GAME OF THE YEAR

Coaches often say the most important game is the next one on the schedule, and in Longoria’s case, the season opener at Lucas on Sept. 2 is one he’s most excited about for several reasons. It will mark Longoria’s debut as the Calvary head coach while being the team’s first game of the season. It’s also against a team that the Lions have had trouble competing with the past two seasons. “I’m so excited for that game and I’ve told them that,” Longoria said. “Two years ago we lost to them on a game-winning field goal, and last year we just weren’t very good.”

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LIONS | Roster

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

August 31, 2017

No. 1 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 18 19 20 22 27 33 44 48 88 90

Player Lluc Ouellette Chase King Levi Elder Carter Listi Jacob Helzer Nathan King Beck Hillman PJ Orr Derek King Brice Coffey Brandon Overton Joseph Schmidt Zach Bielss Larsen Ransleben Mason Fellers Luke Wakefield Wilson White Josh Hunter Hayden Yarbrough

Yr. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. So. So. Jr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr.

From Page 83

Calvary dling school spirit not only for the athletes but for the entire student body as well. The building just south of Calvary's main offices — once owned by Denton Bible Church —

CALVARY | Schedule Date Opponent Time Sept 2 at Lucas 11 a.m.

Sept. 8 Waco Live Oak 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 CHANT 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Savoy 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 Crowley Nazarene 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 6 Union Hill 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 at Ovilla Christian 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 27 Watauga * 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Abilene Christian * 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 10 Amarillo San Jacinto * 7:30 p.m. *TAPPS Six-Man Division I, District 1 games Calvary home games at Ryan High School

now boasts a brand new basketball/volleyball court as well as a weight room, locker rooms, class rooms and office space.

“It’s a culture change that we’re trying to make with our kids,” Longoria said. “I try to let these kids know that you’re going to Denton Calvary, this is your love, this is where you want to be and this is the school you’ll remember for the rest of your life. We want our kids to have school spirit.”

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August 31, 2017

2016 YEAR IN REVIEW

DRC Football

2016: A season of milestones Several Denton-area teams enjoyed memorable seasons last fall. North Texas took Army to overtime before falling in the Heart of Dallas Bowl, while Ryan advanced to the Class 5A Division I state semifinals. The Denton Record-Chronicle ’s photographers captured the excitement.

■ North Texas capped its first season under new coach Seth Littrell with a trip to the Heart of Dallas Bowl. The Mean Green earned their bowl bid as a five-win team, thanks to their score on the NCAA’s Academic Progress Rate report. UNT looked the part of a bowl team in its game against Army while rallying from a 17-point deficit to force overtime. The Black Knights answered when Jordan Asberry scored on a 3-yard run. UNT was unable to score on its possession and fell 38-31. The Mean Green finished 5-8, which was a dramatic step forward from a 1-11 campaign in 2015 ■ After winning 13 games in Class 6A a year earlier, Ryan was anointed as one of the top teams in the state with its drop to Class 5A. The Raiders went on to win 14 games behind a dominant defense and an offense led

by Oklahoma State pledge and quarterback Spencer Sanders. Ryan was one win away from its sixth state title game appearance when Sanders was injured early in a tough 31-24 loss toHighland Park in the Class 5A Division I state semifinals.

■ Denton ISD’s fourth high school, Braswell, opened in August of 2016 and quickly jumped into varsity play for its inaugural campaign. With new head coach Cody Moore leading the charge, the Bengals struggled on their way to an 0-10 finish. Despite failing to win a game, players like Jaeden Johnson gave Braswell every reason to believe the hard times will soon be in the rearview mirror.

Jeff Woo/DRC

North Texas running back Jeffery Wilson scores a touchdown in the Mean Green’s overtime loss to Army in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. UNT rallied from a 17-point deficit to force the game to overtime before the Black Knights won, 38-31.

Jeff Woo/DRC

Jeff Woo/DRC

Guyer defensive back Donovan Greenhoward, center, celebrates with his teammates after intercepting a pass in a game against Cedar Hill. The Wildcats returned to the playoffs in 2016.

Ryan quarterback Spencer Sanders sits on the sideline during the Raiders’ loss to Highland Park in the Class 5A Division I state semifinals. Sanders was knocked out of the game with a knee injury.

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2016 YEAR IN REVIEW

August 31, 2017

87

Jeff Woo/DRC DRC file photo

Denton defensive back Chris Miller (14) grabs the face mask of a Sherman player in a game against the Bearcats at Bronco Field.

Lake Dallas defensive back Kobe Boyce jumps up and tries to intercept a pass in a game against Carrollton Newman Smith. Boyce was one of the area’s top players and signed with Texas.

Jeff Woo/DRC

Braswell players take the field before their game against Denton at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex.

DRC file photo

Al Key/For the DRC

Krum wide receiver Larenzo Tystad hauls in a touchdown pass at Bobcat Stadium.

Argyle running back Don Williams dives into the end zone for a touchdown in a game against Lubbock Estacado.

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August 31, 2017

2016 ALL-AREA TEAM

DRC Football

DRC file photo

Jeff Woo/DRC

DRC file photo

DRC file photo

Ryan quarterback Spencer Sanders returns after winning Player of the Year honors.

Guyer running back Noah Cain is now playing for IMG Academy. He was last season’s Offensive Player of the Year.

Earnest Brown IV played in the Army All American Bowl before being named Defensive Player of the Year.

Aubrey’s Keith Ivy was named Coach of the Year after guiding the Chaparrals to the playoffs.

The following is the Denton Record Chronicle ’s 2016 All-Area High School Football team. The team was chosen by the paper’s staff in consultation with high school coaches from the region.

Most Valuable Player Spencer Sanders, quarterback, Ryan Offensive Player of the Year Noah Cain, running back, Guyer Defensive Player of the Year Earnest Brown, defensive end, Ryan Coach of the Year Keith Ivy, Aubrey Co-Quarterbacks of the Year Colt Atkinson, Denton

Brandon Reeves, Krum Wide Receiver of the Year Gabriel Douglas, Ryan Newcomer of the Year Don Williams, Argyle First team offense Quarterback — Dane Ledford, Arygle Running backs — Gatlin Grisso, Aubrey; Haeden Knight, Krum; Myron Mason, Guyer; Caleb Osuofa, Denton Wide receivers — Tauskie Dove, Ryan; Chris Slater, Lake Dallas; Braven Smith, Sanger Offensive linemen — Everett Gunnoe, Krum; John Lanz, Guyer; Grant Polley, Denton; Jordan Redfearn, Aubrey; Jack Williams, Argyle

First-team defense Defensive linemen — Baily Blackney, Guyer; Eric Borst, Denton; Dayton LeBlanc, Ryan; Kaelin Murray, Ryan; Kenny Bowen, Denton Linebackers — Pierce Davies, Argyle; Tyreke Davis, Ryan; Coleton Spradley, Krum Defensive backs — Toby Burch, Denton; Bryce Jackson, Guyer; Chris Miller, Denton; Thabo Mwaniki, Guyer; Delano Robinson, Ryan Second-team offense Quarterbacks — Jon Copeland, Liberty Christian; C.J. Jackson, Sanger Running backs — Jonathan Aguilar, Ponder; Dameon Moser, Sanger; Pablo Vera, Aubrey Wide receivers — Chase Estrada, Argyle;

Peyton Howard, Sanger; Justus Martinez, Krum; Cale Nanny, Argyle Offensive linemen — Dylan Alexander, Guyer; Jaxon Frazier, Argyle; Marcus Miyatake, Denton; Nate Wilson, Ryan Second-team defense Defensive linemen — Raymond Barrington, Krum; John Phillips, Argyle; Jalen Sutton, Guyer; Thomas Wilson III, Ryan Linebackers — Chase Audrisch, Denton; Jason Gulley, Ryan; Tucker Nitardy, Guyer; Jacob Schuster, Lake Dallas; Porter Sciba, Aubrey Defensive backs — Justin Adams, Krum; Kobe Boyce, Lake Dallas; Randy Gray, Ryan; Chase Petter, Argyle; Dio Williams, Guyer