Dawn of a new season
2010 Ellis County Football Preview
2| 2010 Ellis Co. Football Preview | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | Fall, 2010
Contents
Brown, Indians prepare to extend Waxahachie’s playoff streak to 21 seasons - Pages 9-11
Class 5A Midlothian Panthers
Pages 3-4
Class 4A Ennis Lions Waxahachie Indians Red Oak Hawks
Pages 5-6 Pages 9-11 Pages 12-13
Class 3A Ferris Yellow Jackets Venus Bulldogs Alvarado Indians
Pages 14-15 Pages 16-17 Page 18
Class 2A Maypearl Panthers Italy Gladiators Palmer Bulldogs Red Oak Life Mustangs
Pages 22-23 Pages 24-25 Pages 26-27 Pages 28-29
Six Man Avalon Eagles Milford Bulldogs Advantage Academy
Pages 32-33 Pages 34-35 Page 36
College SAGU
Page 20
Waxahachie graduate Aldrick Robinson aims for record setting finale as SMU receiver - Page 19
Fall, 2010
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Ellis County High School Football Schedule All game begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted
Friday, August 27 Alvarado at Waco Robinson Venus at Paradise Ferris at Fairfield Midlothian vs. Grapevine Ennis at Arlington Seguin Red Oak vs. North Garland Italy at Maypearl Palmer at Red Oak Life Avalon at Coolidge
Waxahachie at Corsicana* Red Oak bye Friday, October 15 Avalon at Walnut Springs* Italy at Buffalo* Alvarado vs. Hillsboro* Venus at West* Ferris vs. Mabank* Midlothian vs. Cedar Hill* Red Oak vs. Forney* Maypearl at Dallas Life* Palmer at Eustace* Waxahachie vs. West Mesquite*, homecoming Ennis bye
Saturday, August 28 Waxahachie vs. Denton Guyer at Carrollton, 4:30 p.m. Friday, September 3 Avalon vs. Austin Hill Country Italy vs. Mart Alvarado vs. Springtown Venus vs. Dallas Adamson Ferris vs. Grapevine Faith Christian Midlothian at Saginaw Ennis vs. Keller Fossil Ridge Red Oak at Lake Dallas Maypearl at Tolar Palmer vs. Mildred Waxahachie vs. Dallas Carter Friday, September 10 Italy at Palmer Alvarado vs. Prosper Venus at Maypearl Ferris vs. Wills Point Midlothian vs. Justin Northwest Ennis at Red Oak* Waxahachie bye Saturday, September 11 Avalon at Dallas Tyler Street, 2 p.m. Friday, September 17 Italy vs. Hubbard Venus at Castleberry Ferris at Trinity Christian Cedar Hill Ennis vs. Forney* Red Oak at Mesquite Poteet* Maypearl at Hico Palmer at Scurry-Rosser Waxahachie vs. Terrell* Alvarado bye Midlothian bye Saturday, September 18 Avalon at Greenville Christian, 2 p.m. Friday, September 24 Avalon vs. Bynum, homecoming Italy vs. Red Oak Life
Friday, October 22 Italy vs. Leon* Alvarado at Venus* Ferris at North Forney* Midlothian at Grand Prairie* Ennis vs. Mesquite Poteet* Red Oak at Corsicana* Maypearl vs. Sunnyvale* Palmer vs. Dallas Life, homecoming Waxahachie at Lancaster Alvarado vs. Bridgeport Venus vs. Palmer, homecoming Ferris at Eustace Midlothian at South Grand Prairie* Ennis at Corsicana* Waxahachie at Red Oak* Maypearl vs. Hillsboro, homecoming Friday, October 1 Avalon vs. Abbott Alvarado at Waco Connally Midlothian vs. Duncanville* Ennis vs. West Mesquite* Red Oak at Terrell* Waxahachie vs. Forney* Palmer bye Maypearl bye Ferris bye Venus bye Italy bye Friday, October 8 Avalon vs. Kopperl* Italy at Blooming Grove* Alvarado at Kennedale* Venus at Glen Rose* Ferris at Kemp* Midlothian at Mansfield Legacy* Ennis at Lancaster* Maypearl at Palmer*
Saturday, October 23 Avalon vs. Waxahachie Advantage Academy, Homecoming Friday, October 29 Avalon at Covington* Italy at Axtell* Alvarado vs. West* Venus at Kennedale* Ferris vs. Kaufman* Midlothian at Mansfield Timberview* Ennis at Waxahachie* Red Oak vs. West Mesquite* Maypearl at Eustace* Palmer at Grandview* Friday, November 5 Italy at Centerville* Alvarado at Glen Rose* Venus vs. Hillsboro* Ferris at Crandall* Midlothian vs. Mansfield* Ennis vs. Terrell* Red Oak at Lancaster* Waxahachie at Mesquite Poteet* Maypearl vs. Grandview* Palmer vs. Sunnyvale* Avalon bye * denotes district play Schedule subject to change
Midlothian Panthers
Class 5A
4| 2010 Ellis Co. Football Preview | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | Fall, 2010
Making the leap to 5A 2010 Midlothian Panther varsity football team
Panthers under new direction as program enters new territory By ALEX RILEY
ing to be playing the post-season. We feel like when you get into the MIDLOTHIAN – Before he took post-season it’s just a matter of who the job, Lee Wiginton was aware of gets lucky at the right time. We just the task in front of him when he ac- feel like our preparation puts us in a cepted the Midlothian coaching po- position to do that.” sition. He knew the job ahead of him From day one Wiginton set out would not be easy. to establish a winning mindset Just because he knows the past with the Panther players. Weekday doesn’t mean he training exerisn’t optimistic for cises during the the future. athletic period, In his first season summer strength as coach and the District: and conditioning school’s first sea- 5-5A camps and spring son as a 5A school, football trainWiginton, who has Coach: ing all provided posted a playoff Lee Wiginton the players with berth in eight of a crash course in his 10 seasons as a 2009 Record: what was expecthead coach, doesn’t 1-9 overall, 0-7 district ed of a winning shy away for the team. challenge facing the Returning Starters: Through it all program. His goals 8-offense, 9-defense Wiginton has are simple – you’ve had no comgot to start someplaints about the effort put forth by where. his team. In fact the leadership and “I don’t say I expect us to win a determination they’ve shown have state championship but that’s cer- been an early reward that he thinks tainly our mindset. If we’re not in will get the program going down the the playoffs, we’re going to be dis- right path. appointed. Period. That’s the only “They’ve done everything that thing we’re practicing for,” Wigin- we’ve asked and they’ve picked evton said. “It’s not that we’re coming erything up we’ve tried to teach out here just wanting to play games or just to make a good showing, See MIDLOTHIAN, Page 8 that’s not our cup of tea. We’re goWNI sports writer
Just the facts
Ready to prove himself By ALEX RILEY WNI sports writer
MIDLOTHIAN – The hardest thing for Eric Agbaroji to live with last season wasn’t the injury. It was the questions that went along with it. Can he recover? What would this do to his chances to play college ball? How healthy was he? How serious was the injury? All those lingered around him. Now he’s healthy. Now he has something to prove. “I was looking to come into the season, anyway it went, to prove people wrong because people had some, I guess false judgment about me last year with the whole injury stuff, I was a little slow and all that,” Agbaroji said. “But I’m going to come into the season and show some people that I’m actually a player. They saw See EA, Page 8
Photo by Alex Riley/WNI
Midlothian senior and Boise State commitment Eric Agbaroji is out to show his injury last season hasn’t limited his abilities in the secondary.
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Quarterback has numbers, wants wins By ALEX RILEY WNI sports writer
MIDLOTHIAN – The numbers jump off the page. Over the course of the 2009 season, Dillon Fairbanks tossed for 2,382 yards and 18 touchdowns with a 57.95 percent completion ratio. He also rushed for 428 yards on 97 carries with five scores. Still, Fairbanks feels he has something to prove. But it has nothing to do with individual success. “I think we’ve got to get better every year. You always have to. I feel we have a lot better team than we did last year,” Fairbanks said. “Last year was kind of like we need to go out and try to win these games. This year we feel like we need to win these games to prove a point to our town, to everyone.” In his first season as the varsity starter, Fairbanks shined as an individual, which was no easy task. Replacing Baylor signee and record holder Bryce Petty was no easy task. All Fairbanks did was come out and throw for more yards and touchdowns than any other quarterback in the highly touted District 16-4A. Despite the numbers, Fairbanks received the snub on district awards, settling for a second team all-district
punter honor. The problem – a 1-9 record. His numbers put him in the conversation of great players in Dallas Metroplex. No one will argue the grandson of coaching great Chuck Fairbanks has the game in his blood. But the way he sees it, the individual honors mean little unless your team is in the conversation too. “It’s a pretty good feeling (having your name thrown around) but I want our team (name) to be thrown around,” Fairbanks said. The one thing that has set Fairbanks apart from everyone else is his ability to adjust. Over the last three seasons he has played for three different coaches under three different sets of circumstances. He’s gone from junior varsity player to varsity play under former coach Robby Clark to this season under new coach Lee Wiginton. Learning a new playbook and developing a connection with the new coaches has been one final hurdle for Fairbanks to overcome. The connection between himself and his coaches and teammates has been a long process but one that appears to have the offense pointed in the right direction.
“I love them (the new coaches). They’re great. They’re helping us a lot. We trust them and everyone just likes them better to me,” Fairbanks said. “We’ve got some new guys and we’re all coming together, becoming a team and liking it.” For his final season, the senior signal caller will have to make one last adjustment as the Panthers venture into 5A. The schedule features plenty of talented teams who will stand in the way of success. The move doesn’t bother Fairbanks just like the naysayers and critics who downplayed his game before. All he wants to do is keep proving people wrong. “We don’t really care anymore if it’s 5A or whoever it is. We’re going to go play to win,” Fairbanks said. Contact Alex at alex.riley@ wninews.com or at 469-517-1456. Photo by Alex Riley/WNI
A year after leading District 16-4A in passing yards and passing touchdowns, Midlothian quarterback Dillon Fairbanks is ready to prove he is a winner at the 5A level.
Life in the trenches By ALEX RILEY WNI sports writer
Photo by Alex Riley/WNI
Midlothian offensive linemen Trevor Pinson (74) and Blake Lunday (71) are the only two all-district offensive players returning for the Panthers.
MIDLOTHIAN – Balance is a word offensive linemen Blake Lunday and Trevor Pinson like to hear. That’s what new Midlothian football coach Lee Wiginton appears to be bring to the field. Last season, the Panthers relied heavily on the pass game, forcing the offensive line to block almost exclusively to protect the quarterback. This season, balance is the name of the game and that sounds just fine with these two veterans. “It’s light years better. It’s more of a running scheme, not as much passing but it’s going to be really good. It fits us really well,” Pinson said. Lunday and Pinson are the only two alldistrict performers returning on the offensive side of the ball. Lunday, a first team all-district center, and Pinson, a second team all-district tackle, provide veteran leadership to an offensive front still learning the ins and outs of a new offensive scheme.
Pinson took that role on head first this spring leading the unit during spring practice with Lunday out playing baseball. Once the duo got together, the front wall became stout and seasoned. Now it’s just a matter of executing the plays that are called. “For me it was kind of a little bit new just because I missed a lot of spring ball and everything. But I know as a whole, the offensive linemen, we’re picking up really good, doing a really good job on it,” Lunday said. “I know in our scrimmage we were running the ball a whole lot better than we were able to last year.” Both linemen’s experience will be called up early and often against a 5A slate that features some of the best Division I talent in the state of Texas. Playing against bigger, stronger and faster defensive fronts is nothing new to the Panthers, who drew a tough schedule last year. See LINEMEN, Page 8
Class 4A
6| 2010 Ellis Co. Football Preview | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | Fall, 2010
New coach, new plan
Ennis Lions
2010 Ennis Lion varsity football team
Ennis cuts down on the pass, focusing on running game By CHAD WILSON WNI Sports Editor
ENNIS – The Ennis Lions overcame several obstacles during the 2009 football season to put the team one win away from claiming a playoff spot. The ball did not bounce the way of the Lions in the final game resulting in the team missing the playoffs for the first time in more than a dozen seasons. Despite missing the playoffs first-year head coach Stephen Marrow said it was not a down year for the program and the Lions will be a team to look out for this year. “I would not say it was a down year. We did not make the playoffs but we had a bunch of great kids. That senior class from last year was such a special class of kids – good young men and a lot of good students and good football players. Unfortunately, a lot of the coaching profession is based on wins and losses, and that is the nature of the beast,” Marrow said. “We have got some questions and some holes to fill this year in the offensive line but our big deal right now is to get better every week. If these kids will put some good days together I think we will be on our way to getting better and getting back in the playoffs.” Marrow takes over the head coaching duties at
Ennis for Texas High School football legend Sam spell trouble on the ground to opposing teams. Harrell. Harrell was diagnosed with multiple sclero“He is going to have to be his own blocker somesis last season and has been reassigned in the school times too,” Marrow said about Dove. “He is good district to focus on getting healthy. enough to do that. He had a good spring even though While a few things may change, we kind of limited him a little Marrow expects much to stay the bit. He was hurt, but I think we same with Ennis football without will run the football and add a Harrell. little more play action type stuff District: “There is always going to be 15-4A to give our offensive line a little changes. Coach Willie and I have more time to develop. Curtis is coached with (Harrell) for 16 years Coach: another to include in the running so it is kind of like a marriage. He Steve Marrow game. He is a threat to obviously is not around and it is going to be run the ball from the quarterback different, it already has been. But, 2009 Record: position. That is going to be our on the flip side everybody has got a 5-5 overall, 4-3 district key. It’s been said, ‘you have got role,” Marrow said. “There has been to establish the running game’ and so many coaches that have been here Returning Starters: we are definitely going to go into for a long time and I think we know 3-offense, 4-defense ball games trying to do that.” what we need to go do as coaches. With a focus on the ground Everybody has that role that they fill game, Marrow said the Lions are so that part of it won’t change at all. To say it is not taking things one step at a time and getting a little going to be different a little bit, I could not say that.” better every day. On of the most notable changes this season will be “These guys’ main focus right now is to really try the Lions’ use of the running game. and get better everyday. If we can do that, that is how With Zarian Dove in the backfield and Curtis Tyek under center the Lions have two players who can See ENNIS, Page 7
Just the facts
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Mr. Consistency Ennis linebacker Honza is a steadying defensive force By ALEX RILEY WNI sports writer
ENNIS – In a time of transition, Dylan Honza serves as a much needed anchor. Following a season that saw the Ennis football team miss the playoffs, followed by the temporary exit of long-time coach Sam Harrell, Honza is a shining example of consistency in an inconsistent time. Last season, he earned all-district honors from his linebacking spot and was a leader on the Lions' defense every time they stepped on the field. So when the new coaching staff asked Honza to be a leader for a relatively young defense, the senior was up to the challenge. “It feels pretty good. I've been on varsity for three years so I kind of know the role of how everything works around there,” Honza said. “The coaches look up to me, we have a really young defense, they kind of look up to me to get everybody lined up and just for other positions to know what they have to do each play. Certain things like that.” Last fall, Honza's 77 tackles from his inside linebacker spot were tops on the Lion defense. Every time the team needed a big stop, their leader was there. The team's hope is that level of play is far from over. Rebounding for a 5-5 record while adjusting to new coach Steve Marrow are only part of the issues facing Honza and his teammates this season. Marrow, a long-time assistant to Harrell, won't change much from the way things were done in previous seasons but there is still a learning curve for every-
Ennis
Continued from Page 6
we will rebound. If we do not put good practice days together and we don’t have good weeks of work it is not going to happen because we are not talented enough just to go out and shirt up on Friday nights,” Marrow said. “We have got to find some offensive linemen and gel together as a team. Every team is different.” The Running Lions will face another new obstacle in 2010 as they move from District 16-4A to District 15-4A. Ennis has had success in 15-4A before but this season they will compete with eight other teams in one of the biggest districts in the state. Not only is 16-4A a big district, there are no pushover games for teams to rest. “I think you have got to be ready to play every week,” Marrow added. “I said ear-
one involved. The changes for Honza aren't limited to just who is on the sidelines or what schemes the Lions will run. This season, a nine-team district awaits Ennis featuring a pair of district champions from the season before and six total teams that made the playoffs. The depth of the district makes one of those playoff spots extremely coveted for Honza, who has no intentions of leaving his senior year without making the post-season. “I'm just looking forward to having fun. It's going to be fun,” Honza said. “We have a new district, some teams we haven't played before, some offenses we haven't seen before. I think it's going to be a good season.” In a time of change, the seasoned player believes the best way to get things back to normal in Ennis is simple – just win. After many years as one of the state's top teams, Honza believes the Lions have all the elements to get back to that elite level. Making the playoffs is a must. Going out on top is a desire he hopes to make reality. “Probably winning district would be a success (for this season),” he said with a smile. Contact Alex at alex.riley@wninews.com or at 469-517-1456. Photo by Alex Riley/WNI
While things are changing all around the program, Ennis senior linebacker Dylan Honza has been a rock for three years on the varsity squad.
lier this summer that I do not see a dominant team right now. There might be one to emerge but it is not like the SEC. When you think about college football and lining up to play each week the SEC is one of those types that there is never a break. We are not on that scale by any means but we are going to have to be ready to play every week. We start district in a few weeks, it is right off the bat. It is kind of like it was a long time ago but the good thing about it is they take four teams to the playoffs. When coach Willie was playing here in Ennis they had a 10-team district but only one team got to go to the playoffs. We are going to have to be ready to go each week.” District play starts Friday, Sept. 10 at Red Oak as the Lions fight for one of the four playoff spots to start a new string of consecutive playoff appearances. “We have a great bunch of kids, great coaches and a great community. We are just looking forward to the season. We are ex-
cited. We have some youth but those kids that are young are going to have to grow up in a hurry. They are talented kids and that is good. We have got some good seniors and are really excited to watch them gel as a team more than anything else. Every year
is different and they all have got to come together and to me that is exciting to see how they do that.” Contact Chad at chad.wilson@wninews. com or at 469-517-1455.
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8| 2010 Ellis Co. Football Preview | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | Fall, 2010
Midlothian
posed to be the best, and I don’t know that it is, but if it’s supposed to be the best then we’re excited about playing the best.” The good news is Midlothian enters 5A with an extremely seasoned team. Of the 51 players listed on the roster, 40 of them are senior players, a large portion of which will be playing on varsity for the second or third season. The 11 non-senior players on the roster are all first or second team players making the balance of young talent and veteran experience fairly even. Asking that mix of players to gel and bond has been a pretty easy process as the camaraderie in the locker room is evident. Teammates are encouraging each other, lifting each other up and celebrating every positive on the practice field. The key will be keeping that attitude rolling through the season. Wiginton believes
Continued from Page 4
them,” Wiginton said. “At this point it’s just a matter of they’re ready to get out on the field and play ball. Just ready to see what they can do because they’ve done everything we’ve asked them to do.” The good news, bad news scenario for the Panthers is a mixed bag. Of the seven other teams in the district only three made the playoffs as Cedar Hill advance to the regional semi-finals at a Division II 5A team, Duncanville made the bi-district round as a Division I 5A team and Mansfield Legacy reached the area as a Division I 4A squad. South Grand Prairie, Grand Prairie and Mansfield all finished with sub-.500 records. Only Timberview had the .500 record at 5-5 and missed the playoffs. Timberview and Mansfield join Midlothian as school’s debuting in 5A this season. Moving the top rung of athletic competition isn’t a big worry for Wiginton who has encouraged his players to get excited about the challenge ahead. The mindset is simple – to be the man, you’ve got to beat the man. “I just think as a competitor you want to play against the best. I think that any competitor is that way. Whether you’re talk-
Photo by Alex Riley/WNI
First-year Midlothian coach Lee Wiginton believes the Panthers can contend for a playoff spot as a member of the 5A classificiation. The program hasn’t made the post-season since 2004.
Linemen Continued from Page 5
All the new adjustments will be a change of pace but nothing the boys in the trenches ing about winning a state championship or don’t feel like they’re not ready to handle. “Personally, the 5A to me is just really a whatever, you don’t want anything to be number. I know we had the toughest divigiven to you,” Wiginton said. “If 5A is supsion in 4A and going to 5A for me, I don’t think it’s going to be that big of a deal. It’s just a number,” Lunday said. “We’ve got the same amount of kids so we’ve just got to go out there and do work.” Leadership on the line, with the offense
EA
Continued from Page 4
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it my sophomore year. It’s just time to show them how much I’ve grown since then.” Standing at 6-foot-1 with all the speed, agility and athleticism college coaches drool over, Agbaroji caught attention of the recruiting world with a 40-tackle, five-pass break-up, one interception sophomore season. His stats last fall were equally as impressive on paper with another 40-tackle, 13-pass break-up, one interception season. The film provides a bit of a different interpretation to the year as a nagging leg injury slowed Agbaroji’s recovery speed and slowed down his game. That’s what makes this season all the more the important. Interest from major Division I programs has rolled into the athletic offices for quite some time now as teams like Oklahoma, UCLA, Arizona State and TCU have all seen what Agbaroji can do. In early August, the standout player made his verbal commitment to top five ranked Boise State citing the school’s recent NFL defensive products
his players have the mindset to do just that. “There is some good senior leadership and there’s some really, really good leadership from those younger grades. I think it’ll be a balanced team as far as where we look for the leadership and where we look for kids to step up and make plays at different times and get the people around them to play better,” Wiginton said. “We do have a good senior class that’s full of kids that have been on the varsity, have good leadership, have worked really hard for this opportunity. You never really know who your true leaders are going to be until you get out there in the heat of battle and they show their colors. We’re looking for great things from a bunch of them for sure.” Contact Alex at alex.riley@wninews.com or at 469-517-1456. and just on the team as a whole will be a major factor this season as the roster features 40 seniors of the 51 players listed. Many of those seniors are first-year players with every underclassman playing a first or second team role in whatever position they’re listed at. Both players are ready to showcase their talents and intelligence. “It’s definitely a whole bunch of the guys come to us looking for leadership and relying on us to do what’s right, kind of take the weight on our backs,” Pinson said. Contact Alex at alex.riley@wninews.com or at 469-517-1456. as his main reason for choosing Boise. With his leg fully recovered and his scholarship locked down, Agbaroji has turned his attention from getting better individually to getting better as a team. Last season, the defensive unit was limping with injury and a deflated morale. All that appears to have changed. The new coaching staff has stressed staying upbeat and positive at all times as a main factor in the unit’s success. The mindset appears to have latched on with the players. “We’ve meshed together. We all jump around in the locker room,” Agbaroji said. “Last year, it didn’t feel like we were a unit. But this year everybody is doing their job well. Offenses better watch out, we’re coming.” The catch-phrase around the defensive side has been the word “intensity.” The coaches have used it. The players have lived it. And as a senior leader on that side of the ball, Agbaroji plans to make sure it sticks. “It’s picked up a lot,” he said. “It’s at a high level.” Contact Alex at alex.riley@wninews.com or at 469-517-1456.
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Carry on Waxahachie Indians striving to continue playoff streak By CHAD WILSON WNI Sports Editor
WAXAHACHIE – One of the most consistent teams in all of the DFW area, the Waxahachie Indians are aiming to return to the playoffs for the 21st year in a row. The success of last year’s 13-1 team coupled with the fact that the Indians have always made the playoffs under the direction of head coach David Ream is enough to put a target on Waxahachie’s back entering the season. Dave Campbell’s 2010 Texas Football predicts the Indians will claim the Region II championship after winning the nine-team District 15-4A title. Waxahachie is ranked No. 11 in Class 4A entering the season in Texas Football’s preseason poll. “Last year we thought we were underrated coming into the season because we thought we were a pretty good football team. We had a lot of players back from a team that won eight ball games and had a chance to beat the state champion,” Ream said. David Ream “This year everybody else is thinking that we were good last year so we should be good again this year. I’ve said there are no football experts and this is just proof of it. We want a program where we will be up there every year no matter what. So people would rather be picked down at the bottom and surprise people but we like being picked at the top so that everybody knows we are good, we know we’re good and all we have to do is play good.” Returning starters on the offensive side of the ball for the Tribe include receiver LaDarius Brown and tight end Chip Lorfing. Brown also plays defense and joins returning See DEFENSIVE, Page 10
Waxahachie Indians
Class 4A
10| 2010 Ellis Co. Football Preview | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | Fall, 2010
Defensive minded team 2010 Waxahachie Indian varsity football team
Continued from Page 9 starters Devin Chandler (linebacker), Ben Davis and James Mann. Davis and Mann anchor a deep defensive tackle position while Christian Brewer returns as a linebacker. “I think our interior front will be very experienced with James Mann, Ben Davis and Dustin Upchurch. That is the most experienced and deepest spot we have defensively. Our defensive end positions are kind of up in the air with two sophomores in the running to start,” Ream said. B.J. Sargent and Craig Renfro had the inside edge at replacing Relus Chance and Gerard Randle at the end positions through the first week of practice. Hayden Howell, Robert Lowe Jr., Terrance Hawkins, Chandler and Brewer provide the Indians with quality depth at linebacker while Michael Vieal is expected to start opposite Brown at safety. D.Q. Robinson, D.C. Collins and sophomore Quin Sargent are three corner backs in the running for playing time. Ream said overall he expects nine sophomores to stick with the varsity squad as the team is not loaded with seniors. Lowe moved in from Cedar Hill and expects to contribute on both sides of the ball while Arthur Briggs returned to Waxahachie after one year at Advantage Academy. “Briggs is kind of a move-in. He was with us until his sophomore year and then last year went over to Advantage. He is back with us this year and will help us at tight end and defensive end some,” Ream said. Briggs has caught the eye of college scouts during
the offseason as he stands 6-foot-5 and has the size ball game,” Ream said. “I think our place kicking is to play nearly any position on the collegiate level. going to be excellent. Yovany Arvizu and Juan CasWhile defensive coordinator Greg Reed has his tillo are as good as we have had as a combination. hands full with several new faces, Ream is confident Yovany has really improved over the course of the the team will pull together and be in year and Juan is really consistent the running for the district champiin what he does. That part of it we onship. feel good about, it is just our punt“Every year we talk about the deing game we are concerned with. sire to be district champions. If you District: It is always a big deal with me beare district champion you are good 15-4A cause I handle the punting game.” enough to play against any other Arvizu was the team’s kicker district in our region and that allows Coach: last season mainly on kickoffs you a better draw in the first round David Ream while Taylor Brown kicked extra of the playoffs. We want to be playpoints and the few field goals ating on Thanksgiving,” Ream said. 2009 Record: tempted by Waxahachie. “Our expectation are no different 13-1 overall, 7-0 district “Juan is very accurate on short than anyone else’s, we expect to be stuff. Right now he would be our Returning Starters: good.” place kicker on extra points and Waxahachie will compete in one 2-offense, 4-defense short field goals. He is probably of the toughest districts in the state good to about 40 yards. Yovany as seven of the teams in the nine really doesn’t have a limit. I think team district finished at or above .500 last year. he could kick a 50-yard field goal if it comes down to Competing for the District 15-4A championship it. He is really inexperienced because he did not kick and one of four playoff spots along with Waxahachie very many place kicks last year and Juan kicked a lot will be Ennis, Corsicana, Red Oak, West Mesquite, on the JV. Yovany has the leg and range we are lookLancaster, Forney, Terrell and Mesquite Poteet. ing for while Juan has the consistency. With both of With the defense and offense showing signs early them we are in really good shape.” in fall practice that it will be good once again, Ream If the various postseason predictions hold true, said he is concerned about the kicking game. look for Waxahachie to make another exciting run “One of our biggest concerns in our kicking game. through the regular season and into the playoffs. We were real fortunate last year when Steven Borden moved in because he averaged 40 yards per punt Contact Chad at chad.wilson@wninews.com or at a game. Right now our deep snapping and punting 469-517-1455. situation is my biggest concern going into the first
Just the facts
Can’t miss
Fall, 2010 | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | 2010 Ellis County Football Preview | 11
D-I prospect LaDarius Brown has a new role to fill for Waxahachie By CHAD WILSON WNI Sports Editor
WAXAHACHIE – TCU, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Baylor. They all want him. Waxahachie's LaDarius Brown is a hot recruit on the collegiate level but the senior is focused on a winning season in 2010 for the Tribe and nothing else. Ranked the No. 43 prospect in the nation according to Rivals.com, Brown is the highest ranked player in the DFW area and has the full attention of all the area coaches as well. In two years as a starting receiver for the Indians Brown has hauled in a 99-yard touchdown pass from Venique Benton in a playoff game, caught a game-winning pass from Cody Martin in 2008 against
Waco with seconds left on the clock and scored two defensive touchdowns to stun state-ranked Everman in the season opener last year. Despite all the success Brown is humble and remains focused on getting better and improving those around him. Brown will be joined on the varsity squad this season by freshman Quinn Sargent. Freshmen normally do not make coach David Ream's varsity squad, but Sargent is not an ordinary freshman. “He could be the next D-I guy that we have got,” Ream said. “He has similar talents to what LaDarius had. We have See WR, Page 30
Photo by Chad Wilson/WNI
Waxahachie senior LaDarius Brown is one of just a handful of starters returning for the Indians this season.
Key to success By CHAD WILSON WNI Sports Editor
Brooks Teeter, Don King III and Christian Brewer enter the 2010 season as the three quarterbacks on the varsity roster and head coach David Ream expects all to see time at the position this season. “I think all three of them are still candidates. It is going to amount to who makes
WAXAHACHIE – Two of the biggest keys to the Waxahachie Indians’ success in 2009 were the play of the offensive line and the running backs. Waxahachie rushed for 3,894 yards in an era of pass happy offensive attacks. With a brand new line and a full stable of running backs the Indians will look to continue the success on the ground in 2010. “Our running back position is probably the deepest position we have right now. It is the deepest from the varsity all the way down,” Waxahachie head coach David Ream said. “We are loaded with young running backs and D.Q. is really the only senior that is in the mix right now.” D.Q. Robinson was the third back in Waxahachie’s system a year ago and is the only returning tailback. His biggest game in 2009 came in the bi-district playoffs as he rushed for 75 yards to help Waxahachie defeat Forney. Robinson finished his junior campaign with 228 yards rushing with a 5.07 yards
See BATTLE, Page 30
See RUNNING, Page 31
Photo by Chad Wilson/WNI
Brooks Teeter, Don King III and Christian Brewer are all fighting for playing time as Waxahachie’s quarterback in 2010.
Who’s under center? Three juniors vie for starting quarterback spot By CHAD WILSON WNI Sports Editor
WAXAHACHIE – Competition is always a good thing as it pushes each competitor to be their best or be replaced. The competition is fierce at the quarterback position for the Waxahachie Indians entering the 2010 season as three juniors are fighting for playing time.
Photo by Chad Wilson/WNI
Center James Mann and the Waxahachie offensive line hold the key to a successful Waxahachie rushing attack.
Red Oak Hawks
12| 2010 Ellis County Football Preview | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | Fall, 2010
Living with a bullseye 2010 Red Oak Hawk varsity football team
Hawks enters uncharted territory as defending district champs By ALEX RILEY WNI sports writer
RED OAK – It’s a position Red Oak football hasn’t been in for nearly three decades. However, with the way things panned out in the off-season, it is not the most enviable one. For the first time since 1982, the Hawks enter the season as the defending district champions after claiming the District 15-4A title last fall. It was a magical season that saw the team make the playoffs for the third straight season, another high-point for the team. But when you’re district balloons to nine teams, you lose some standout players and you’re coming off a first round playoff loss, being the hunted isn’t always the best place to be. “It sounds good to you but you always worry about having a let down and unfortunately two years ago after we went 10-3 we come back 4-7. All the coaches have been fighting that, telling the guys ‘Hey, now you’ve got a target on your back. You better stand up,’” coach Mike Shield said. “That being said, our district’s tougher, we got nine teams. Even if we stayed in the same district it was going to be tough with those teams and then you add three teams of the caliber of Waxahachie, Corsicana and Ennis and man you better be ready to play every Friday night.”
The challenge isn’t to recreate the feeling of last continues to be on the rise. Division I prospects like season but to build on it. The Hawks battled through Ishmael Harrison, Mandel Dixon, Jeremy Brady and a tough non-district slate to a sub-.500 start but used Jeremiah Gaines headline a group of speedy, physithe experience to prepare for district. cal and talented players. The end result was the program’s The Hawks will draw on senior first district title as a 4A school. leadership from guys like Carlos After three-straight seasons in Pineda, Casey Hawkins, James the playoffs, the expectations with- District: Satterwhite, Branden Hebert, in the program are high. Outsiders 15-4A Harrison and Dixon while counthaven’t been as kind. Every major ing on young talents like Sam Jenpublication predicts the team to Coach: kins, Claude Person, Logan Finch finish somewhere between fourth Mike Shields and Gaines to make plays. and sixth – either sneaking into the Every season, that talent pool playoffs or being just on the outside 2009 Record: Shields has to draw on appears to looking in. Coaches and players 7-4 overall, 5-1 district grow. That success is attributed have taken notice. to the players’ commitment to the “That’s what we try to use and Returning Starters: game, which has helped turn Red say, ‘Hey, they still don’t believe. 6-offense, 4-defense Oak into a consistent contender. They believe we’re still the same “These guys that are seniors, old Red Oak and it’s time to prove when they were freshmen we everybody wrong and step up and some way make thought they were a good class when they came in. it to the playoffs,’” Shields said. “We’d like to be They were 9-1 that year,” Shields points out. “But on district champions again but our first goal every year the flip side, having a good staff like I think we do, is to get into the playoffs and then we’ll see what man, that helps out a lot. We’ve been doing somehappens. If the ball bounces our way and you’ve got thing very similarly defensively and offensively for a shot at a district championship then you take it. But man it’s going to be tough this year.” See HAWKS, Page 23 There is good news for the team as the talent level
Just the facts
Fall, 2010 | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | 2010 Ellis County Football Preview | 13
Ready to fly
By ALEX RILEY WNI sports writer
RED OAK – It’s the question that trailed Ishmael Harrison all off-season. Every time he was asked by a college coach, a fan of the Red Oak football program or just friends in general, the wide receiver tried to answer truthfully. Now, he’s ready to answer the question on the field. A nagging foot injury towards the end of last football season left Harrison, the speed wide out for the Hawks, limping into the off-season. He rested to heal it, worked out to strengthen it, competed in track and 7-on-7 to test it. He’s preparing to show it isn’t a question anymore. “I am completely, 110 percent healed,” Harrison says with a grin. “It feels great.
Photo by Alex Riley/WNI
Red Oak senior receiver Ishmael Harrison has healed from a foot injury last season, committed to UTEP and is ready to help lead the Hawks to a record fourth-straight playoff berth.
I’m completely ready, I’m prepared. I think the team is great so I’m just waiting basically.” Standing at 5-foot-11, Harrison’s speed has left opposing coaches and college recruiters in awe for the last two seasons. Each of the past two years he has been a first team all-district selection. In 2008, Harrison rushed 32 times for 203 yards and a score while hauling in 21 passes for 43 yards and four touchdowns. Last season was equally as productive as he rushed 35 times for 220 yards and a score and caught 31 passes for 373 yards and a touchdown. However, that injury left him sidelined for the latter part of the season, including the playoff game against Hewitt Midway. Harrison would bounce back by running a leg of two relay teams in track, both of which nearly edged a highly touted Lancaster group for the district title. He played 7-on-7 as both a wide receiver and defensive back, excelling all summer. Along the way, the colleges have taken notice. Interest from Big 12 schools Kansas, Oklahoma State, Baylor and Texas Tech headline the group, which also features hometown schools TCU and SMU. Harrison got the recruiting process out of the way by committing to UTEP late last month. “I have I think 10 offers. I committed to UTEP about a week or so ago so it’s actually starting to get off of me a whole lot,” Harrison said. “The pressure’s kind of off. Now I’m just season, season, season right now.” The role Harrison plays in the Red Oak offense is an easy one to see. His speed makes him a deep threat on any given play. But it’s his leadership the Hawks are counting on. A captain both his junior and senior seasons, Harrison knows he is not the only offensive weapon the team has to work with. In fact, the way he sees it, the Red Oak offense is pretty loaded with talent. His role is help get the younger guys mentally prepared and make plays when called upon. “Offense has so many weapons from Mandel Dixon to Jeremy Brady to the tailbacks, we’ve got three or four of them,” Harrison said. “(Receiver) Jackson Curry, the quarterbacks are both good. The offensive line is pretty solid too so we’re looking good.” Contact Alex at alex.riley@wninews. com or at 469-517-1456.
Photo by Alex Riley/WNI
Mandel Dixon will split time between at least five positions this season.
Jack of all trades By ALEX RILEY WNI sports writer
RED OAK – Every time the Bloomfield Photography photographer called for a specific group of players for a photo, it seemed like Red Oak’s Mandel Dixon was there. He was in the linebacker group shot. And the defensive line shot. And the tight end/ receiver shot. And the running back shot. In all, Dixon has five labels – linebacker, defensive end, tight end, halfback and fullback. He plays defense and offense. Every coach needs him. And he’s loving every minute of it. “It feels good to be wanted. It feels good, I feel like I’m a good part of this team. I help a lot, contribute a lot,” Dixon said. Dixon, defending team MVP, has grown accustomed to playing just about every position on the field imaginable. Last season, Dixon rushed 30 times for 145 yards and three scores, caught 13 passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns, recorded 30 total tackles and two sacks. His wide range of play led him to a first team all-district spot as a tight end. All those statistics have raised Dixon’s value to the Hawks. He is the returning scoring leader, sack leader and just leader period. The coaches are asking him to play any position he feels comfortable with. Trouble is, he’s pretty comfortable anywhere on a football field. Sound like a lot of pressure? Dixon doesn’t see it that way. “I’m handling it good. It’s not really much pressure. Just playing my game, focusing on myself and I’ll be all right,”
Dixon said. While his variety plays well for the Hawks, it has been a strange recruiting process for Dixon. Every time he heads to a team camp to be evaluated or gets looked at it seems coaches have different opinions of what he’ll play in college. Some see him as a defensive end. Others want him to play tight end or halfback. At 6-foot-2, 227-pounds he is a prospect drawing plenty of attention. Major programs like Baylor, Iowa, Missouri and Texas A&M have all expressed interest. So have Ivy league schools Harvard and Princeton. But just like playing multiple positions, the college search has not affected Dixon who is focused on one thing only right now – the 2010 season. “I’m taking it one step at a time, worrying about this season right now but it’s going to come,” Dixon said. Now a senior, Dixon has been a part of the most successful stretch in Red Oak history. He doesn’t plan for that to slide off during his final year. Most preseason publications pick the Hawks to finish in fifth place, one spot outside the playoffs. Of course, everyone tabbed the team as a squad likely to eek its way into the post-season last year. They responded by winning the District 15-4A title. Has the playoff snub served as motivation? Dixon answers without hesitation. “Yes it is. Everybody has their own opinion and we have our own. We think we’re the best and we’re going to play like we are,” Dixon said.
Ferris Yellow Jackets
Class 3A
14| 2010 Ellis County Football Preview | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | Fall, 2010
2010 Ferris Yellow Jacket varsity football team
Search for consistency Ferris aims to keep building on traditions, eyeing playoff berth By ALEX RILEY WNI sports writer
FERRIS – When he arrived in Ferris, Randy Barnes never thought it would be all that hard to get the Yellow Jackets into the playoffs. Despite a long history of mediocrity, Barnes believed the team had the talent, tools and necessary intangibles to succeed. Getting there was not easy. Staying at that level has been where the real challenge lies. Now in his fourth season at the helm of the 3A program, Barnes cites consistent play as the musthave cog for the program’s continued building process. How close are they? They’re getting there, slowly but surely. “We’ve got to get continuity. We’ve shown flashes. We’ve been in every ball game in 33 ball games we’ve coached here. There’s not one ball game, and we’ve played state champion Pilot Point, Celina, Kennedale, California teams, made that schedule hard, basically so our community could learn how to support a ball club,” Barnes said. “I think the biggest thing this year is we’ve got maturity and we’ve laid the foundation. You talk about foundation, the discipline is there.” Establishing that tradition has turned the Yellow Jackets from hoping to finish with a .500 record to a squad contending for playoff spots. Still, getting over that last hump has been tricky. Last season, Ferris finished with a 5-5 record and one spot out of the playoff picture. This season,
many publications have them predicted for a similar offense are preseason district offensive MVP quarfate. Sitting on Barnes’ desk in the school’s athletic terback Ryan Kidwill and 1,000-yard rusher Shaka field house sits a copy of Dave Campbell’s Texas Collins. The duo headline a group of players Barnes Football Magazine which predicts that same finish. labels as winner. Names like Kyle Linberry, MonIt has served as fodder for motivatana James and Adam Jones also tion in the preseason workouts. pepper that list. “We haven’t earned the right to Those names, plus a few more, be picked there yet. We haven’t. District: are just some of the talented playWe’ve got to earn that right to be a 13-3A ers Barnes will count on this seaWaxahachie or a Southlake Carroll son, not only for strong play but or a Permian or a Highland Park. Coach: strong leadership. And you do that with consistency, Randy Barnes “The one common denominaalways being there. That’s got to tor between all our championship start this year,” Barnes said. “No- 2009 Record: teams is intelligence and that’s the body ever gave us a chance to make 5-5 overall, 2-3 district beauty about this league, that’s the playoffs. They were in a ninethe beauty about 3A – you can get year drought and we made the play- Returning Starters: a smart, hardworking kid and he offs our first year. Now I just want 4-offense, 3-defense can be successful,” Barnes said. “I the expectations in this community believe with everything I’ve got to be they better be ready for week that we can make a serious run at 11 because we’re going to be in it.” a district title. I expect to be in the playoffs. It’s a Despite the two-year drought from the post-sea- minimum expectation to be in the playoffs.” son, expectations have not waned. Losing two playGetting back to the post-season doesn’t appear to ers ranked in the top 100 in Texas last season and be a long-shot this season. District 13-3A features moving into a new district with strong teams have just one team that made the playoffs last fall but does not deterred Barnes’ desire to see the Yellow Jackets bring back Mabank after two years as a 4A program. get back to the post-season. With the schedule in his team’s favor, Barnes says Losing tight end Jeremy Masterson and running back James Hopkins might sound like a lot of talSee FERRIS, Page 15 ent loss. Barnes doesn’t see it that. Returning to the
Just the facts
Fall, 2010 | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | 2010 Ellis County Football Preview | 15
This Kidwill do it all for Ferris this season By ALEX RILEY WNI sports writer
FERRIS – Most coaches shy away from heaping compliments on current players. Ferris coach Randy Barnes can’t seem to offer praise on Ryan Kidwill fast enough. Every time a publication or reporter asks Barnes about his senior quarterback, the coach calls Kidwill the best option quarterback he’s ever coached in more than 30 years. He offers admiration for Kidwill’s decision making, his toughness and his leadership. The poised player takes it all in stride. “It feels pretty good. It’s an honor, a great honor,” Kidwill said. “It’s great for him to say something like that. It makes me work harder and push harder than I ever have before.” Of course Kidwill’s play backs up all the praise. Last fall, the second team all-district quarterback guided the Yellow Jackets to a 5-5 overall recording including a 2-3 mark in district, just missing the postseason. Along the way, Kidwill racked up 1,700 yards of total offense in the option system. He combined with running backs James Hopkins and Shaka Collins for a backfield that rushed for nearly 4,000 yards. Hopkins has graduated, leaving Kidwill
Ferris
Continued from Page 14 he’s gone about planning his season a little differently. His preparation has been as intense but without a lot of the stress. He hopes all these elements will combine to help his squad make the playoffs and make a run. “One big change I’ve made this year is
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Picked to win the District 13-3A offensive MVP award, senior quarterback Ryan Kidwill’s focus is on the playoffs. and Collins as the two primary runners in the backfield. Though the first few weeks of practice have been a learning experience for everyone, Kidwill is confident in everyone. “My backs are looking awesome. My line, that’s where it’s at,” Kidwill said. “Those guys don’t get enough credit. My I’ve gone back to planning for a 16-game season. I have been too impatient with these kids the first three years,” Barnes said. “I’m going back to being patient. Because these kids view my urgency and impatience as unsure. I’m just going to be sure. That’s what I’ve got to do for these guys. We have a great staff put together, facilities, it’s just time to go.” Contact Alex at alex.riley@wninews.com or at 469-517-1456.
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offensive line, those are the boys that need all the credit right there. They’re great. My backs are looking awesome, wide receivers, everybody is looking good.” The outlook for Ferris this season is a
mixed review. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine predicts the Yellow Jackets to finish in fifth place in the District 13-3A race, one spot out of the playoffs. However, the magazine also predicts Kidwill to earn district offensive MVP honors along the way. While hearing his coach’s words of praise is a confidence booster, the individual honors and a lack of team respect don’t bother Kidwill. The seasoned quarterback isn’t looking ahead to district honors or postseason accolades. Instead, he wants to prove that Ferris belongs in the playoffs and, even though he acknowledges it is cliché, he knows the best way to get there is focus on the next play, not whatever is down the road. “Honestly, I just come out and try to stay positive either way. It really doesn’t matter. I’ve still got to get out there and do my job no matter what a paper says or whatever,” Kidwill said. “I go game-by-game. I go play-by-play, just like all these guys do. Play one game, win one and then on to the next one.” Contact Alex at alex.riley@wninews.com or at 469-517-1456.
Class 3A
16| 2010 Ellis County Football Preview | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | Fall, 2010
Venus seeing double
Venus Bulldogs
2010 Venus Bulldog varsity football team
Year 2 under Hardin gives Bulldogs reason to believe for more By CHAD WILSON WNI sports editor
VENUS – Following several tough years the Venus Bulldogs program began the steps back to the top last season as Buddy Hardin brought in the wing-t offense to lead the Bulldogs to three preseason wins. While the team finished 3-7 overall, a new attitude was established in Venus as the team has higher expectations in 2010. “We want to double our wins, that is the goal,” Hardin said. “The whole thing last year was for them to have a good time and enjoy themselves out here. We really wanted them to be a part of something they could be proud of. The expectations for them this season are to have a good time on Friday night and the kids’ goal is to at least double the wins from last season.” Players were leaving the Venus program by the droves before Hardin and crew arrived last season. By establishing fun on the field and a new attitude of pride the Bulldogs are quickly becoming a threat in District 8-3A. “One of the main concerns was getting the numbers up
when we first got here. We have won five last year. We little bit of winning does. The ple in the game,” Hardin said. were at 24 the year before I were very close to five. We main difference between this Like any football team, degot here and I knew going year and last in our two-a-days pending on the run means the know we are in we had a is obviously they are more offensive line has to be good. a small 3A tough dis- comfortable being in the sec“We are relying on our line. but that is still trict.” ond year of the system, a few We are filling three running pretty rough. District: D i s t r i c t more kids are out and I can back positions from scratch as We finished 8-3A c o m p e t i - honestly say they are having a well as our quarterback. One with close to tion does good time out there.” will be a sophomore, another 70 kids last Coach: not get any Establishing the run-first a junior to go along with two season and Buddy Hardin easier this offense in the wing-t, Hardin’s seniors as of right now,” Hardright now year as offense has the ability to work en said. “We are going to lean I think we 2009 Record: Kennedale in several players and turn av- heavy on our line. A lot is gohave got over 3-7, 0-5 district is the early erage backs into powerhouses. ing to depend on them.” 80 kids. The favorite “We think it is a good fit Early favorites to man the a t t e n d a n c e Returning Starters: while Glen for our kids. When you learn offensive line for the Bullduring two-a- 7-offense, 5-defense Rose and the wing-t, it is a good offense dogs include Walker Hargrove days has been A l v a r a d o for kids who do not have all at right tackle, Ben Spivey at really good. are slated the athletic talent. It has been right guard, Jason Wilson at It is running about 96 percent in the final two playoff spots. good to us. It gives us a lot of for the varsity attendance rate “It is amazing how much a options and puts a lot of peoSee VENUS, Page 17 and a little lower for the JV. The attendance rate and numbers are a lot better so that part has been really good. They are buying in,” Hardin said. The Bulldogs play Paradise, Dallas Adamson, Maypearl and Castleberry in non-district play before hosting Palmer for homecoming on Sept. 24. “Overall I can tell a vast improvement in their de~ Air Soft Guns~ meanor and how they carry 502 Ferris Ave • Waxahachie, TX themselves,” Hardin said. “I think they believe doubling our wins is an attainable goal. They honestly feel we should
Just the facts
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Fall, 2010 | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | 2010 Ellis County Football Preview | 17
Looking to end on top By CHAD WILSON WNI Sports Editor
VENUS – Expectations for a winning season abound in Venus and senior offensive lineman Walker Hargrove would not have it any other way. An all-district honorable mention offensive lineman a year ago, the 6-foot-3 right tackle plans to help push the Bulldogs to double the win total from last season. “We are going for seven wins this year. We definitely want to win all our preseason games and go into district looking for more wins than last year, which was none,” Hargrove said. “We are in a new district so it should be different. We have more competition but we are at a higher level this year. The expectations of everybody are higher just to be better overall.” Moving to Venus his freshman year from a Class 5A school, Hargrove has grown to love the town and is excited about the direction the football program is headed.
One of the biggest things that has the 258-pound lineman excited is the fact that coach Buddy Hardin likes to run the ball a lot. “To me, pass offense is kind of boring because linemen just stand there. With the running offense and the wing-t there is a lot of pulling, a lot of hitting and that is what I love about football,” Hargrove said. With the run-first, wing-t attack used by the offense, the key to success is how well the offensive line comes together. “Starting last year we have started to come together. There was a little diversity and we have become a lot better friends since then. Me and the right guard, Ben Spivey, are real good friends. We hang out all the time. The entire line are pretty good friends and we understand we need to come together to help our team succeed. I feel with the right side of the line that no one can get through us. I trust in Ben to do his job and he trusts that I am going to do mine. I have the same
Venus
Continued from Page 16 center, Blas Silva at left guard and Brent Pantoja at left tackle. “We have got some good backs but right now it is a toss up. We may throw a little more which we can do out of the wing-t. We have got some good receivers coming up,” Hardin said. One thing that hurt Venus in 2009 was turnovers. Hardin said the team must cut
trust and hope for the other side to do their jump and come through with what we need to do.” While all-district awards are nice, Hargrove said he wants to be one of the players who helped start a new era in Venus football. “Most of all I want people to remember that I helped change Venus. I helped start Venus in a good, positive direction and that I was the foundation of what is going to happen here in the next few years,” he said. With his size and ability Hargrove said he plans to try and play football on the collegiate level next season. Listening to the senior, there is no doubt he has the focus to do just that. Contact Chad at chad.wilson@ wninews.com or at 469-517-1455.
down on the times the ball hits in the ground to be successful in 2010. “No. 1 we can not put the ball on the ground. We quit counting after game four last year how many times we put the ball on the ground or dropped the snap. Holding on to the ball and keeping possession of it is going to be huge,” Harden said. “We feel confident we can move the ball, we just have to maintain possession of it. It sounds simple, but it is one of our big things.” Contact Chad at chad.wilson@wninews. com or at 469-517-1455.
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Venus senior offensive lineman Walker Hargrove believes the Bulldogs have a chance to finish above .500 this season and possibly win seven games.
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Alvarado Indians
Class 3A
18| 2010 Ellis County Football Preview | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | Fall, 2010
Finishing the puzzle 2010 Alvarado Indian varsity football team
Indians have experience, but filling big holes will determine success By TOMMY BROWN
AISD Public Information Officer
ALVARADO – With each of the past two years, expectations have risen for Alvarado’s football team and each year the team has improved from the year before. Expectations are high again for the Indians and while exceeding last year’s district champion team that lost to 2008 state champion Prosper for the second straight year may be a difficult challenge, it’s a challenge coach Jeff Dixon gladly takes on. Since 2008, Alvarado’s success was largely measured on the performance of all-state running back Broam Hart and a stingy defensive front seven. Hart is gone and so are most of the defensive linemen and linebackers from last year, but the Indians still have plenty of experience … it just happens to be in other places on the field. As sophomores last year, starting defensive backs Tyler Bates and Xavier Holbert made it difficult for any offense to pass against the Indians. Bates, who was the district’s newcomer of the year proved to be one of the most dangerous defensive backs in the area to throw against as he intercepted 11 passes in 12 games. Ronald Thomas, another sophomore last year, was going to be a starting defensive back until he was injured in the season opener and Marcus McNeil saw
time on the field as a freshman last year. While they may be inexperienced, Dixon is exTogether, the group will pose a major obstacle for cited about the potential of juniors AJ Castillo and opposing offenses. Kenny Adams, along with senior Brandon Under“It helps us when we know people aren’t going wood once they get their feet under them. to run or pass because of our defensive personnel,” “They will do a fine job and their speed will give Dixon said. “If they try to avoid any offensive line fits,” he said. throwing toward Tyler Bates and Offensively, the Indians will still want to throw then they will be look a lot different as they will be forced to throw the ball to other very District: working in their fourth quartertalented defensive backs. back in four years. 8-3A “Xavier, Marcus and Ronald are Despite Kenny West’s inexperiall pretty good ball players.” ence on the varsity level, Dixon is Coach: Dixon will look to his defensive Jeff Dixon confident he will pick up the ofbackfield for stability while his defense quickly and doesn’t believe fensive line and linebackers get ac- 2009 Record: the offense will have to rely on customed to the varsity level. West to make plays. 7-5 overall, 4-1 district All-District players Remon “Kenny will do a fine job, but Hemphill and Nathan Stauffer re- Returning Starters: Zac Ripley, Wayne Onderdonck turn to lead each unit respectively, 3-offense, 8-defense and Chance Means will be our but most of the defensive front sevplaymakers,” Dixon said. “Kenny en will be relatively new to playing just needs to lead the offense. He on Friday nights. has the leadership skills and he is confident in his “An experienced backfield will no doubt help our ability to get the job done.” defense,” Dixon said. “Remon and Nathan, along For the past two years, the offense has relied on with our secondary, will have to hold down the fort all-state running back Broam Hart to be the playuntil the others gain the experience needed to help maker, but with Hart graduating, Dixon is ready to us win. By the time district rolls around we should See ALVARADO, Page 35 be just fine.”
Just the facts
Fall, 2010 | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | 2010 Ellis County Football Preview | 19
After coaching changes, injury and adversity, Waxahachie alum Aldrick Robinson figures to leave SMU with one simple title –
Record breaker By ALEX RILEY WNI sports writer
DALLAS – Maybe Aldrick Robinson was selling himself short. Or maybe he was just a realist. Either way, he never saw this coming. When he arrived to Southern Methodist University, Robinson was a standout from Waxahachie High School whose size had limited his offers from Division I schools. Most had written him off as having a chance to excel in college. Now, they can’t stop writing about him.
Legacy of greatness leads to SMU
Walk into the field house behind Lumpkins Stadium and the first thing you see is a board posted on the wall containing all the track and field records for Waxahachie High School. Look in the 200 meter category and there it sits – A. Robinson, 21.36, 2006. Robinson was fast then and Indians coach David Ream knew it. “Obviously you can’t coach that kind of speed. It’s as explosive as anybody. He can turn a five-yard out into a 80-yard run. And that’s what he did for us,” Ream said. “He played wide receiver as a junior and as a senior we tried to get him more touches so we put him at inside receiver.” His junior season he caught 21 passes for 651 yards and eight scores. His senior year, 29 grabs for 647 yards and another eight touchdowns. He finished second in the track and field 4A state meet with a 21.48 in the 200m. He won his 100m heat at the Texas Relays with 10.63 before finishing sixth overall with a 10.61. Robinson’s honors included an
all-region label by PrepStars.com, a two-time alldistrict nod and the team MVP. All that speed and he was regarded as just a twostar prospect by both Rivals.com and Scout.com. The only major schools to formally offer him – Kansas and SMU. Phil Bennett’s offense wasn’t overly flashy but the Mustangs just seemed right to Robinson who chose to play close to home. Plus, Robinson appeared to be headed for playing time. Bennett, appeared to have the team headed in the right direction with a 6-6 record in 2006, the school’s first .500 record since 1997. Then, things tanked. The Mustangs finished at 1-11 and Robinson’s rookie season went for 10 catches for 166 yards. He also returned a few punts but never had more than three receptions in one game.
The arrival of change, rise to prominence
Bennett was out. June Jones was in. And Robinson was better for the change. Jones, the Hawaii coach whose system made two different players into NCAA historical passing
See ROBINSON, Page 21
In the books Career Receptions 1st - Emmanuel Sanders, 285 9th - Aldrick Robinson, 116
Single season yards 1st - Emmanuel Sanders, 1,339 3rd - Aldrick Robinson, 1,047
Career Yards 1st - Emmanuel Sanders, 3,379 6th - Aldrick Robinson 2,013
Single season touchdowns t-1st - Aldrick Robinson, 11
Career touchdowns 1st - Emmanuel Sanders, 34 6th - Aldrick Robinson, 16 Longest pass play in school history t-1st - Aldrick Robinson, 96 yards 2nd - Aldrick Robinson, 94 yards
Top receiving games in SMU history 1st - Jerry Levais, 213 2nd - Aldrick Robinson, 210
Single season yards per catch 1st - Aldrick Robinson, 17.7 in 2008 Single game yards per catch 1st - Aldrick Robinson, 21.0 vs. UCF in 2008
3rd - Aldrick Robinson, 186 4th - Emmanuel Sanders, 178 5th - Aldrick Robinson, 176 t-6th - Aldrick Robinson, 172
Photos by Gary Puckett and SMU media relations/Special to WNI
Southwestern Lions
NAIA
20| 2010 Ellis County Football Preview | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | Fall, 2010
2010 Southwestern Assemblies of God University Lion football team
Lions seek first winning season SAGU set to make history on several fronts entering 2010 campaign By MARK WARDE
SAGU Sports Information Director
WAXAHACHIE – After a 2009 season that ended with surging momentum, Southwestern Assemblies of God University hopes to parlay the good fortune into a winning campaign this fall. The Lions had a number of questions answered, particularly on offense, and rode a young and developing defense to finish 2009 with three consecutive wins. SAGU expects much of that talent to return into what could become the first winning record in its young history. SAGU begins the 2010 season on Saturday, Sept. 4, when it hosts Austin College at 7 p.m. at Lumpkins Stadium. After a road trip at Howard Payne on Sept. 11, the Lions return home for a historic clash with North Dakota’s Trinity Bible College. It will be the first meeting between two Assembly of God institutions on the gridiron. A major story that has the Southwestern Athletic Department beaming is the announcement the Lions will be broadcasting all five of their home football games on the Internet this year via video-streaming. Not only will the games be free to the public, but SAGU will be the only team in the Central States Foot-
ball League to televise its games and the only school in the CSFL and the Red River Athletic Conference (14 members) to do so in high-definition. The school’s media department will be producing not only the football games, but will also make 10 home basketball doubleheaders (men’s and women’s teams) accessible from SAGU’s athletic website. Had the 2009 Lions had any luck in their home vegas gold jerseys, they could have posted a 5-5 mark. An apparent two-point conversion in their triple overtime, 50-48 loss to Oklahoma Panhandle State was disallowed. Plus, a certain TD reception was dropped in the closing minutes of a 23-17 defeat at the hands of Howard Payne that was played in a driving rainstorm. No one clearly emerged at quarterback until midseason, true-freshman Jeremy Fowler surfaced when he came off the bench to throw a record five, second-half TD passes in the OPSU game. The drop back passer led the Central States conference in passing efficiency, completing 61 percent of his attempts for 17 touchdowns with only eight interceptions. This year as many as eight QBs entered fall camp, according to head coach Jesse Godding, who
serves as the squad’s offensive coordinator. Unseating the productive Fowler will be a challenge, though he is recovering from off-
season back surgery. Sophomores Traviyon See SAGU, Page 39
Fall, 2010 | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | 2010 Ellis County Football Preview | 21
Atop the heap Robinson: ‘I could break records’ Ellis County football players at NCAA Division I schools Jordan Shoemaker, Houston (Midlothian) (At right)Three-year offensive line starter for one of the post prolific passing games in the NCAA Broam Hart, Air Force (Alvarado) Recently enrolled at the Air Force Academy. Played running back for the Indians last season. Sam Gagliano, Air Force (Waxahachie) Last season’s District 16-4A MVP for the Indians. Could help with receiving or specials teams this season. Also plans to run track. Gary Mason Jr, Baylor (Waxahachie) (At left) Sophomore player expected to make big impact for the Baylor front line this season. Saw action in nine games last fall. Caleb McEachern, Baylor (Midlothian) Walk-on player who has stuck with the Bears. Saw action against Northwestern State last fall. Bryce Petty, Baylor (Midlothian) After red-shirting last fall, the Midlothian record setting QB figures to back-up All-American candidate Robert Griffin. Deonte McDade, SMU (Ennis) Red shirted for the Mustangs last fall. Could play offense or defense with expectional speed. Kyle Guinyard, SMU (Ennis) Three-star prospect who tore his ACL last fall. Chose SMU over several other D-I schools. Austin Weatherford, New Mexico (Maypearl) Freshman signee with the Lobos. Could see action this fall. Multi-year starter for the Panthers. Caleb Russell, Texas A&M (Midlothian) (At right) Walk-on who received honor of being 12th Man for UAB game last fall. Figures to see more action this season.
Continued from Page 19 leaders, arrived in Dallas with a system that played into Robinson’s game – passing plus speed. At the time, the transition wasn’t easy. A year into his college career and Robinson appeared to be starting over. Now, he acknowledges the way things went down were meant to be. “It worked out real good. It felt like a blessing to me. God just gave to me. He put me in an offense where I could make plays and use my ability,” Robinson said. Lost in the murkiness of a 1-11 season are Robinson’s numbers. That year, he caught 59 passes for 1,047 yards and 11 touchdowns. It was just the third time in SMU history a receiver had a 1,000yard season, finishing just behind Jerry Levias’s 1,131 in 1968. The 11 touchdowns tied for the most in single season history with Emanuel Tolbert back in 1978. He ranked sixth in the nation with 104.7 yards per game and compiled a streak of five games with a touchdown. His 210-yard day against UCF was the second best game in school history. His 186 yards against Houston was third. His 94-yard scoring play against UCF was the second longest pass play in the SMU record books. For all his efforts, Robinson grabbed honorable mention All-Conference USA honors. Could Robinson break records? He
The Robinson File All-district receiver at WHS 2005 and 2006 ... chose SMU over Kansas ... holds WHS 200m track record ... posted third 1,000-yard receiving season in SMU history ... Has four of the top six best receiving games in Mustang history Year 2007 2008 2009
Rec 10 59 47
Yards 166 1,047 800
TD 0 11 5
Totals: 116 2,013 16
Photo by Gary Puckett/Special to WNI
Former Waxahachie and current SMU standout Aldrick Robinson has a chance to finish in the top three in nearly every receiving category the Mustang program has after his senior season. felt like he was on his way. “Not with the (old) system. Not with the way the system was when I got here but when June Jones came here and after that first season that I had, I felt like I could break records,” Robinson said. That dream got put on a slower track thanks to a nagging leg injury last season. Still, Robinson didn’t post bad numbers. He caught 47 passes for 800 yards and five scores. The 800 yards ranks as the 10th best in school history. While battling through the injury, Robinson watched as teammate Emmanuel Sanders did his best to rewrite the record book. His 1,339-yard senior season took the top spot. Sanders took the top spots in career yardage (3,379), catches (285) and touchdowns (34). Still, Robinson got the last laugh. He finished the year with a 176-yard game against Nevada in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, the school’s first bowl game since 1984.
Ready to lead, ready to shine
June Jones knew Robinson could be great from the beginning. It just took Robinson longer to believe it.
“Aldrick has a chance to be really special. I think he’s realized that,” Jones said. “He had a really unbelievable game in the bowl game and that triggered obviously a lot of interest from the pros on him. And I think that motivates him greatly to work harder.” The goals for the senior don’t start with the record book. They start with the trophy case. Last season, the Mustangs won a share of the C-USA Western Division title but did not play in the championship game. They did make that bowl trip, which ended with a 45-10 win over Nevada, the first bowl victory since 1984. All summer Aldrick has worked. Worked with his teammates, worked on his own, worked on everything from strength and conditioning to agility drills. Jones described him as a player who “busted his rear-end all summer.” He did it to set the tone. He did it to set an example. He did it to show there would be no complacency. “We have goals. We don’t want to settle for what happened last year. We See RECORDS, Page 38
Maypearl Panthers
Class 2A
22| 2010 Ellis County Football Preview | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | Fall, 2010
2010 Maypearl Panther varsity football team
This is Maypearl’s year Panthers plan to ‘shock the world’ with new coach Mike Farda By CHAD WILSON WNI Sports Editor
MAYPEARL – Expect Maypearl to return to the playoffs. Expect it. Under the direction of first-year head coach Mike Farda Jr. the Maypearl Panthers enter the 2010 football season with a deep senior class and expectations of greatness. “Expectations are as high as they have been in Maypearl as a community. I have my own personal expectations of an extreme height as well. These kids are capable of greatness and those are the expectations from this coaching staff and the school as a whole,” Farda said. “We absolutely expect to return to the playoffs. And not just return but I expect us to make a run. I think we are still playing by Thanksgiving and I do not think that is unreasonable for us to think.” Coming off a playoff appearance in 2009 in Class 2A DII action the Panthers move to District 6-2A Division I for the 2010 season and will have to knock off perennial power Grandview. “These guys are hungry. They have been waiting to break out of a shell. We have great senior leadership and an extraordinary senior class coming See FARDA, Page 23
Vaughn’s team By CHAD WILSON WNI Sports Editor
MAYPEARL – Leading the Maypearl Panthers back to the playoffs this season is four-year varsity quarterback Conner Vaughn. With the 6-foot-1, 180 pound signal caller leading the team, first-year head coach Mike Farda Jr. has high expectations. “His contributions to the team extend far beyond his physical attributes,” Farda said. “The kid is a player. Physically fast and strong. You can put him in any position on the field and will be successful. He has those intangibles that you can not really coach. He has that leadership on the field and that special thing about him that makes his teammate fill it is going to be all right even if they are behind. He can step into the huddle and everything is going to be calm because he is there.” Jumping into the starting quarterback role as a freshman Vaughn has overcome injuries in two of his three varsity seasons to be prepared for a breakout senior year. “The expectations are pretty high. I expect us to do good this year and compete for district at least. I expect us to go 9-0 and when we play Grandview it will be for the district championship,” Vaughn said. “I did not play against them last year because I was hurt. They beat us like 40-something to seven. I am really looking forward See VAUGHN, Page 23
Fall, 2010 | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | 2010 Ellis County Football Preview | 23
Continued from Page 22
through. A lot of these guys have been on the varsity level for three and four years and I think that is going to contribute a lot to the success,” Farda said. Grandview is tabbed as the preseason favorite to win the district with two of its players claiming offensive and defensive MVP honors. Eustace is slated as the No. 2 team in the district, according to Texas Football, while Maypearl and Sunnyvale will battle it out for the third playoff spot. “Our whole plan is to shock the world and get to game 10 at 9-0 and be able to play Grandview for a district championship,” Farda said. “You read in Dave Campbell’s magazine and they say Grandview
Vaughn Continued from Page 22
to getting a chance to play against them this season.” Grandview and Maypearl will square off in the season finale in Grandview. While Vaughn earned first team alldistrict quarterback honors last season he knows his success is a direct result of the
Hawks
Continued from Page 13 now coming on four years and that carries over to the kids.” Heading into the season, Shields and offensive coordinator Don Waddell still have not settled on a starting quarterback as a twohorse race between Satterwhite and Person continues to run its course. Much like last year, the decision as to who will ultimately
Farda examines his team. “I like to consider myself offensive minded but defensively motivated,” Farda said. “I always like to think that if I can lineup versus myself then I can lineup against most formations and be sound. Likewise I look for holes in my own defense I would exploit if I was the offensive coordinator on the other side of the football. No defense is going to cover everything and on offense you just have to make sure you have things in your package that can violate any part of the football field and work from there.” Grandview and Palmer move with the Panthers to 6-2A while Sunnyvale is a new football program and Eustace drops down from Class 3A. The sixth team in the district is Oak Cliff Life.
big guys up front and his playmaking receivers on the outside. “Our offensive line is looking real good, a lot better than I thought it would be. We don’t have the size like an Austin Weatherford but we have some quick, skilled guys playing up front,” Vaughn said. Weatherford graduated Maypearl last year and became the first MHS athlete to sign a Division I college scholarship. The big offensive lineman is attending the University of New Mexico this season.
Vaughn has his sights set on playing at the next level too and believes that a strong senior year will only help his stock rise in the eyes of college coaches. “I am trying to go play well enough to go on and play at a college. I really don’t know where or care where it is as long as I can go play,” Vaughn said. “I have sent out some videos and have attended a couple of camps and talked with coaches.” With Farda coming in as a new coach, Vaughn said the offensive system is pretty
close to the same as the last three years but that the team does plan to throw the ball a little more. After breaking the 1,000-yard mark both rushing and passing in 2009, Vaughn hopes to duplicate his success and possibly earn District 6-2A MVP honors. “I at least want to get first team honors, but if not it would be nice to be offensive MVP or MVP of the district,” he said. Contact Chad at chad.wilson@wninews. com or at 469-517-1455.
start could come down to game time as it did between last year’s signal caller Travis Wallis and Satterwhite. Shields says he will probably use both players in the non-district outings but would like to have one player selected by the start of district. While that battle lingers, the talent already in place gives the Hawks a chance to win. Though he’d like to have a few more players to call on, Shields is optimistic that the guys already on the field can get the job done. Every other season, the Hawks have proven people wrong. Why should this one
be any different? “I was talking to one of the coaches today and unfortunately you always wish you had more. I was saying if we had five more guys we could go one-side of the ball. Instead we’re still working both sides of the ball but that’s the way it goes,” Shields said. “It’s good to at least hopefully think you’re in the mix and that if you do play good and the ball bounces your way maybe you will get in.”
Just the facts
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Farda
and Eustace are going to walk away with “I am an old wing-t guy and if I had my those first two playoff spots and then it is choice from what I am comfortable with we everybody else battling would be a two-back wing-t it out for third place. We offense handing the ball off don’t believe that here 40-50 times a game. But, in Maypearl. We believe that doesn’t suit our kids. we have a shot to make District: We have excellent skill kids 6-2A Division I a run at it.” that need to be out catching Farda will be countthe football, a quarterback ing upon the senior lead- Coach: that is athletic and needs to ership of his quarterback Mike Farda Jr. roll out of the pocket and Conner Vaughn and the be in some space. We have playmaking abilities of 2009 Record: enough running backs that receivers Luc Leal, Mal- 7-4 overall, 3-2 district will be carrying the footcom Watkins and Layne ball. A multiple formation offense allows us to use our Compston. While the Returning Starters: personnel a little better and players will be there to 7-offense, 7-defense use the talents of our athattack opposing teams letes,” Farda said. through the air, Farda One big way the Panthers will be ready still plans to take advantage of the running for a return to the postseason lies in the way game in his first year leading the Panthers.
Contact Chad at chad.wilson@wninews. com or at 469-517-1455.
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Italy Gladiators
Class 2A
24| 2010 Ellis County Football Preview | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | Fall, 2010
Stepping up, not aside 2010 Italy Gladiator varsity football team
Gladiators preparing for new challenge of playing 2A competition By CHAD WILSON WNI sports writer
ITALY – Moving into a higher classification normally spells doom for a program its first couple of seasons with the big boys. After several successful years in Class 1A the Italy Gladiators make the move to Class 2A this fall and are early favorites to take home the District 11-2A DII championship. The high expectations are something head coach Craig Bales is excited about and eager to prove. “You always want to be in a place where there is high expectations,” Bales said. “I would never want to coach somewhere where we did not expect to win. I think those expectations are founded. I think we have got a good core of seniors and juniors coming back that have experienced a little success and so we are hoping to build on that.” Jumping into Class 2A action the Gladiators will face Axtell, Blooming Grove, Centerville, Buffalo and Leon in district play. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football predicts the key game to district play will come in week seven when Italy plays at Buffalo.
“It is definitely going to be a challenge because we our kids mentally ready also,” Bales added. are going to be playing teams that are going to have One of the players Bales will be relying upon a few more kids than we do,” Bales heavily this season is one-man said. “Our kids are going to have to highlight show Jasenio Anderson. be iron men because we have to get “He has come through and out there and play both sides of the been a playmaker for us for sevDistrict: ball probably with more kids than eral years now. We are looking for 11-2A, Division II some of the other people we are gomore of the leadership aspects out ing to play. It is definitely going to of him as well as the play. He has Coach: check our toughness.” stepped up and taken those reins,” Craig Bales Games in Buffalo (92 miles) and Bales said. “He has worked out Axtell (50 miles) will test the Gladithis summer when he was sup2009 Record: ators’ ability to stay focused on the posed to and has tried to pick the 6-4 overall, 4-2 district long trip to key district away games. team up and lead them. We know “There is quite a bit of travel when he is a big part of what we do and Returning Starters: we play the three from down south he is one with big shoulders that 6-offense, 6-defense in Buffalo, Centerville and Leon. can handle it.” Up here with Axtell and Blooming Anderson could be in for an Grove being relatively close those are not bad travel even bigger season this year as he leads Italy to the games. You have got to gear up for it definitely. We playoffs and the entire team has improved around have got some preseason games to prepare for dis- him. trict but nothing that simulates the travel so that is going to be one of those deals where we have to get See ITALY, Page 25
Just the facts
Fall, 2010 | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | 2010 Ellis County Football Preview | 25
Hello, Mr. Anderson By ALEX RILEY WNI sports writer
ITALY – Flip open a preseason magazine, look at an early all-state list or just peruse the Internet for a moment and you’ll see all the talk surrounding Jasenio Anderson. It’s nearly impossible to miss. His stats are mind boggling, his leadership is unquestioned and his abilities are on everyone’s radar. But for all the talk surrounding the Italy quarterback, Anderson remains surprisingly quiet. He’d rather let his play talk. When pressed with questions, Anderson shies away from the personal spotlight and leaves his philosophy on the game in the simplest terms he can. “I’m trying. It’s hard a little bit but I’m going to see if I can throw to my two receivers and see if they can catch the ball,” Anderson says with a laugh. That plan seemed to work out quite well last season. With a 6-4 overall record and a 4-2 mark in district, the Gladiators reached the playoffs and finished second in their district race. But that was as a 1A team and now Italy is a 2A program. The expectations have not diminished. As a new member of District 11-2A DII, Italy is expected to claim the district title over Buffalo and Jewett Leon. Along the way, Anderson is predicted by many to be in line for his third straight district offensive MVP honor. Last season, Anderson complied a 2,220-yard passing and 1,100-yard rushing season, one of the best combined totals in all of Texas high school football. The move to a higher level of football might make some players shy away. Anderson has no illusions about what lies ahead
for the Gladiators but knows that the team has a chance to continue extending its tradition, no matter who is on the schedule. “It’ll be a little bit harder but we’re probably still going to do the same thing,” Anderson said of playing as a 2A team. Anderson, who made first team all-state as a punter, honorable mention as a quarterback and honorable mention as a kick returner last season, is a jack of all trades player who figures to garner another slew of honors by the end of the season. If he continues to play at a high level, Anderson will leave the Italy program as a record holder in numerous categories and will be one of the most honored players in school history. Still, all that would pale in comparison to earning the one thing that has eluded him all three previous seasons – a district title. Odds are his senior season will be memorable but an honor like that would make it unforgettable. All the personal recognition is nice but when asked what would mean more – all the personal honors in the world or a district title – his answer was simple. “A district title,” Anderson said. “It would mean a lot.”
When asked what would mean more – records or a district title – Anderson answered, “A district title. It would mean a lot.”
Italy
Continued from Page 24
“We feel like we have grown as an offensive line and those are the guys that make the accolades happen for Jasenio on offense. Also, the receivers have to do a lot for him to put the numbers up as he does. The kid is a player and I think he will make some things happen
Contact Alex at alex.riley@wninews.com or at 469-517-1456. Photo by Barry Byers/Special to WNI
Italy senior Jasenio Anderson made the 2A all-state team as a quarterback, punter and kicker last season. He hopes to lead the Gladitors back to the playoffs despite moving up in classification.
for us this year,” Bales said. Becoming “Iron Men” will be the biggest key to Italy’s success this year as there will be less than 40 players on varsity, forcing most players to play both ways. “Our conditioning is going to be huge for our success. We are not going to have 40 guys on our varsity so our conditioning is going to be huge to getting guys to play four quarters on both
sides of the ball,” Bales said. Last season, Italy finished 6-4 overall and 4-2 in district play while Buffalo was 7-4, 3-2. The Gladiators’ early season schedule includes game against rival Maypearl, Palmer and Red Oak Life. Contact Chad at chad. wilson@wninews.com or at 469-517-1456.
Palmer Bulldogs
Class 2A
26| 2010 Ellis County Football Preview | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | Fall, 2010
Getting back on track 2010 Palmer Bulldog varsity football team
Coaching change, new district all part of Palmer’s new direction focused on getting better and making 2010 a season to remember. PALMER – Perhaps the one constant in the PalmWhat can Palmer fans expect to see different on er Bulldog football program over the past four year Friday nights with the new coaching staff? has been the change in leadership. “They will see kids that are determined to be sucThe Class of 2011 has had several different head cessful. Kids that are going hard every play and have coaches in their four-year high school career and a little excitement about them,” Dalton said. “All that 2010 will not be any different. stems from success. These guys have the potential to Former Godley defensive coorbe successful and it is our job as dinator Duke Dalton takes over the coaches to get that out of them athletic director and head football and I think the fans will see a coach duties of the Bulldogs as he rejuvenated effort. I know for District: enters his 15th year of coaching. a fact that these kids will go as 6-2A, Division I With six returning offensive starthard as they can possibly go.” ers, five defensive returnees and 10 Palmer opens the season Coach: seniors on the roster Dalton plans to with five non-district games beDuke Dalton put the past behind the program and fore stepping into District 6-2A move toward a winning future. Division I action against May2009 Record: “What we are going to try to do pearl on Oct. 8. 0-9 overall, 0-5 district is forget about the past. We are go“We want to start out and ing to start over with a bunch of new have a successful non-district Returning Starters: coaches,” Dalton said. “The kids and when we get into district 3-offense, 4-defense have got a great attitude. Since I got hopefully our offense and dehere in May they have been workfensive schemes will be in place ing out and doing the things they well enough where it gives the need to do to be successful in the fall. We are hoping kids a chance to go out and compete. We have a very that work ethic we established this summer transfers tough district, but we plan to put ourselves in a posiover to the fall. We are looking forward to this sea- tion to be as competitive as we can,” Dalton said. son. We are going to take it one game at a time and After rushing for 750 yards in 2009 against push them as hard as we can do it.” stacked fronts, senior Allen Harden will be the key Last year the Bulldogs finished 0-9 under the di- to both the offensive and defensive success of the rection of first-year head coach Ryan Roecker and Bulldogs in 2010. surrendered more than 40 points per game. “We are going to count on Allen Harden as our Despite the hard luck in 2009, the Bulldogs are running back and middle linebacker. He is a senior By CHAD WILSON WNI sports editor
Just the facts
Photo by Alex Riley/WNI
Offensive linemen Christian Ramirez and Holden Harper will be key to any success the Palmer offense will have this year. and has been through the ups and downs of this program for the last four years. I think he is a four-year varsity starter so I am going to lean on him a lot to get the job done and kind of direct these other guys in See PALMER, Page 27
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Playing both sides and doing it well By ALEX RILEY WNI sports writer
PALMER – If you can list it, Allen Harden has probably been through it. Coaching changes? Check. Battling through fatigue and injury? Check. Being asked play multiple positions? You bet. Still, Harden smiles when he talks about his senior season and the role he’ll have to play. Check that, roles he’ll have to play. Harden, a four-year starter for the Palmer football team, will resume his roles as the primary running back on offense and the middle linebacker on defense. Which side does he prefer? It’s hard to say. But it’s no harder than the regimen he endures to stay ready for the roles. “Right now it’s offense because I like to score. But defense, I like hitting people too. It’s pretty much even. It’s just fun. As long as it’s fun,” Harden said. “It’s tiring but I try to run a mile just about everyday and just stay ready, stay fit and eat right.”
Playing for his third coach in as many seasons, Harden believes new coach Duke Dalton’s playbook meshes with what the Bulldogs are all about. The team’s limited depth requires players like Harden to split time between sides of the ball every Friday night. That routine takes it toil on a player but the revamped systems Dalton brings in should aid that effort. The first-year coach looks for big things from his most seasoned player. Harden appears ready oblige. “We’ve got new schemes that should help the team out with our size. Our new plays are helping us out better,” Harden said. “We’ve got more runs and our passes are not long because our receivers aren’t fast enough so we’ve got short passes to help us out.” Last fall, the then junior posted a team high 750 yards rushing on a team that struggled to a winless finish. All that appears to be in the past as Harden and his teammates are searching for a new start to year and a strong finish to their
Palmer Continued from Page 26
the way that we need to do it,” Dalton said. Harden’s success will depend largely on the offensive line.
careers. When pressed to discuss his personal goals, Harden has his eye on some strong numbers. His goal is top the 1,000-yard mark rushing with doublefigure touchdowns by season’s end. Getting to that point won’t be easy and he doesn’t expect it to be. In fact, Harden’s never done anything the easy way so this time shouldn’t be any different. “Right now I’m just taking it day-by-day, not letting it get to my head and just really playing every game like it’s a No. 1 team,” Harden said.
Contact Alex at alex.riley@ wninews.com or at 469-5171456. Photo by Alex Riley/WNI
Palmer senior Allen Harden will start at both middle linebacker and running back this season just as he did the year before. Harden and the Bulldogs are looking to bounce back from an 0-9 season in 2009.
“I am the offensive line coach and I think it all starts with those guys,” Dalton said. “Christian Ramirez is our center and is going to be a defensive end for us too. He is a phenomenal kid that is very smart and works his tail off in practice. He sets a good example for everybody. Holden Harper is another senior kid. He is 6-foot-4, 250 so he has good size to go along with a good work
ethic.” Seniors for the Bulldogs include Harden, Meliton Castillo, Brennan Greenlee, Cord Longthorn, Luke Price, Bart McGaughy, Harper, John Rodriguez, Ramirez and Seth Godding. “These seniors have been through a lot of changes in the past. I think they have had two or three different head coaches through-
out their high school career. You have got to give those guys some credit. They have endured and overcome and are willing to give us a fresh start. They have a great attitude about things so I am really going to count on those seniors to lead the way for us this first year at Palmer,” Dalton said. Contact Chad at chad.wilson@wninews.
Red Oak Life Mustangs
Class 2A
28| 2010 Ellis County Football Preview | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | Fall, 2010
The next frontier 2010 Red Oak Life School Mustang varsity football team
Life School embarks on first year as UIL varsity program at 2A level
for the Life School this season. After playing at the sub-varsity level the past RED OAK – Mark Larson is sure three years, the program makes the about a lot of things. He’s sure that in move to UIL regulated football joining the first year of its varsity existence, Division II District 6-2. The district the Red Oak Life School football team features Lone Oak, Corsicana Mildred, will put forth a good effort. He’s sure Edgewood, Scurry-Rosser and Albahis players want to win and are hun- Golden. Ironically, the Mustangs’ engry to learn. He’s sure this rollment of 262 season will be a sojourn make it the third filled with first times, biggest school in new experiences and hard the district. District: work. The move to He’s just not sure how 6-2A, Division II varsity while all this came to be. joining the 2A Larson, the first-year Coach: ranks are all exhead coach of the Mus- Mark Larson citing prospects tangs, isn’t new to the for the up-andschool or the community, 2009 Record: coming prohe’s just not really sure Inaugural season gram. how all this got started. “We jump Despite not playing a Returning Starters: right in at the varsity game as of yet, N/A 2A level. It’s a Larson is the second head little bit better coach for the team in its for us with the short existence. state splitting it into Division I and II “I’m really not sure (how the pro- for 2A, so that makes the transition a gram got started). I was coaching in little bit better,” Larson said. “We’re Kansas and coach (Jeff) Smith became playing some good schools but they’re the head coach here and I talked with very similar in size. We won’t have to him about coming down and calling worry about in our district playing a the defense,” Larson said. “I took a very large 2A.” year off coaching and came back in The creation of a football program this year. I’m new but I’m not new.” has been a huge deal for the Life Larson’s debut as the head coach of the school will be one of many firsts See MUSTANGS, Page 29 By ALEX RILEY WNI sports writer
Just the facts
First of her kind By ALEX RILEY WNI sports writer
RED OAK – Allison Anderson fully understands the significance of everything that is going on with the Red Oak Life School’s football program. Every time the team does something, it’s a first. The first practice, the first scrimmage, the first time they put on pads, their first jerseys, their first team meetings. It just so happens that Anderson’s addition to the team is also a first and it’s the only in Ellis County this season – Anderson is the first female football player on the team and the only one in the county. “It’s kind of crazy just because of all the firsts that are going on. It’s just kind of all the right timing of it all,” Anderson said. The sophomore doesn’t shy away from her role on the team. Like many female play See ANDERSON, Page 29
Photo by Alex Riley/WNI
Life School’s Allison Anderson is the only female football player in Ellis County this season.
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Anderson Continued from Page 28
ers before her, Anderson is a kicker and punter. She is also a tight end. And on a firstyear varsity team with right around 40 players, there’s a good chance she’s going to see the field. Football caught Anderson’s eye early on at the school as the program has spent the previous three seasons as a junior varsity program. All the while, the Mustang players have been working out, practicing and even playing a game or two in preparation for the day they would get to become a varsity team. That dream has finally been realized. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and this year I was given the opportunity to play so I came out and played,” Anderson said. Already Anderson and her teammates have produced the attitude needed to win at a 2A level. No one is booking a trip to the state championship game just yet, but every
player and coach fully expects to produce a solid product on the field. All the preparation will hopefully pay off in the form of victories or at least moral victories. “It’s really competitive and the guys you can tell want it a lot. The environment is really competitive and you’ve got to work hard and do everything you can to get better,” Anderson said. For now Anderson and the rest of Mustangs are content to continue working hard and getting better with their first season of real competition looming. Facing off against some solid 2A programs will not be an easy challenge. But then again starting a program from scratch wasn’t easy either. Anderson sets the expectation level for the team at a moderate level. Doesn’t mean they’re not dreaming big. “(I expect) to have a team that comes out and competes well, works hard and wins some games,” she said.
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School which does participate in cross country, track and field, volleyball, boys and girls basketball and golf already. Their current slate of teams in those sports features squad from 1A to 3A competition. Larson knows there is more to succeeding than just posting wins. His team will no doubt face more established, more physical and more well-rounded teams this season. Adjusting to the new level of play will be a challenge but one his team might be ready to handle. The Mustangs are no stranger to competing against strong teams. Still, Larson doesn’t expect the feeling of the first Friday night lights to overwhelm his players the first time out. The anticipation around the school is building to fever pitch and it figures to only get bigger as the season gets closer. “There’s kind of a buzz about it around Contact Alex at alex.riley@wninews.com the school. People are talking about it a little or at 469-517-1456. bit more and the kids are working, they’re working hard,” Larson said. “It will be the first time for these guys on a Friday night. So for them it’s kind of a checkpoint for them. We find out what we have the first time we step out and play a varsity game.
Nobody does it better In less than two years WNI sports writers Chad Wilson and Alex Riley have combined to win more than 10 awards for their work in the Waxahachie Daily Light. There is no better source for local sports information than WNI products. Chad Wilson
Mustangs
Alex Riley
The biggest thing is, they don’t have anything to be scared about or anything to fear. The way we see it, we’re underdogs in every game. I think they got two of the JV games in last year. We can go into every game without really having any pressure. All we can do is surprise people. All we can do is surprise ourselves.” While the training and preparation for the season have been tough, Larson has addressed more than X’s and O’s with his young team. He has spoken often of tradition, handling success and failure and establishing a program the Life School community can be proud of. Every player on the squad knows that what they do will be the first time it has ever been done for the school and doing it right is the ultimate goal. Larson believes those teachings he is offering up are beginning to stick. “We’re teaching them to expect to win every game and we’ve talked about it from the beginning to prepare for challenges, to prepare for adversity because it’s all new,” Larson said. “Part of the fun of that is any traditions that get started, they get to start. The program will go on a lot longer than any of us as individuals and these are going to be the guys and girl that start it.” Contact Alex at alex.riley@wninews.com or at 469-517-1456.
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Battle
Continued from Page 11
the fewest mistakes. Obviously, they are going to have to make some plays when it is time to make plays but the one that can go out there and not make the turnovers, makes good decisions on their reads and gets the ball to the right people is the one who is going to be out there and give us our best chance to win,” Ream said. King and Teeter traded series during 7-on7 play in the summer as Brewer was sidelined with a shoulder injury. The injury has set Brewer back a notch in the competition after he originally had a leg up as a freshman. “I am feeling great coming off my injury and my rehab went well. I am just going to get out there and try my best,” Brewer said. “Both of these guys have a strong arm and that is what I have got to work on. I have got to start throwing.” Brewer was moved up to the junior varsity as a freshman to play quarterback. His sophomore year he was a linebacker for the varsity squad and did not see action at quarterback while King and Teeter quarterbacked the junior varsity team. “I have always kind of saw myself on the defensive side. I love defense, I love hitting
people. On offense I like running the ball a lot too,” Brewer said. Ream has said that Brewer is the more physical runner out of the three but each player brings something different to the table that will be hard for opposing coordinators to stop. “We have rotated by play, by series and have rotated as many as three quarterbacks before. We are trying to hit on the strengths. If you have one guy and he is limited then the other team shuts down one part of the game and it is over with. I think if we hit on all of their strengths a little bit we will be successful. If they can get the ball to the right people and in a position they can make plays we will be OK,” Ream said. So who is the starter? “That is all up to coach Ream. You never know what is going on with all the coaches and what they are thinking. Both of these guys are good and I plan to try my best everyday,” Teeter said. “I have been running the offense since the seventh grade and know it pretty well.” Ream is leaning toward a rotating system, but will use the hot hand where it presents itself. “Right now all of them have the ability to play there. Christian is way behind on his timing. His shoulder is not fully extended on See REAM, Page 38
WR
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talked with LaDarius about mentoring him, helping him along, answering his questions and making sure he is doing the right things. LaDarius takes a lot of pride in what he is doing and doing it well and he takes a lot of pride in other guys who step up and get their share of the playing time too.” Having learned from Sam Gagliano the past two seasons, Brown is ready to be the senior leader at the receiver position and show Sargent and the rest of the new receiving corps the ropes. “Working on his routes, being good in school. All the little things,” Brown said he plans to show Sargent. Brown said he thinks Sargent has what it takes to play at the next level if he does the little things right over the next four years. “It feels good,” Sargent said in regards to making the varsity squad. “(LaDarius) has been teaching me a couple of things like running good routes, catching balls and really I am learning a lot of stuff. I am going to work hard.” Sargent is just one piece of a talented offense that has the team's highest profile player excited about the season. “I think we have got a great team offense. We just have to stay together and work hard and we will be good,” Brown said. “The defense is good too. We are all on the same page out there at practice. We are working hard.” After posting 1,400 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns in two seasons, Brown is completely content with the Indians running attack and plans to make the most of his time on the field. “They can run, run, run and just let me block. I don't mind blocking,” Brown
Photo by Chad Wilson/WNI
Freshman Quin Sargent has the tools to become Waxahachie’s next D-I prospect at receiver.
said. Knowing Brown's playmaking abilities, Ream is not going to pass up the opportunity to get the ball in his hands. “We are going to have to move him into different places. He has played split end but we envision having to move him into our wingback position to keep people from double covering one side or the other. “When you have a onereceiver side it is easy to double him. When you put him on the two-receiver side they can't do that. We are going to try to do some things that we have in our playbook that we did with Sam Gagliano. Those other kids will have to be able to play well enough where they can't just concentrate on LaDarius. We feel good about what we can do to get
him a few more touches,” Ream said. Brown is slated to start as receiver on offense, safety on defense and as a returner on punts and kickoffs. Ream said Brown was on the kickoff and punt teams last year and that he could see him playing a similar role this season. “He never complains about playing too much. We want the best player on the field and he is it,” Ream said. Following the Indians’ intersquad scrimmage, Brown said the top three colleges on his radar were TCU, Baylor and Texas A&M but that he was not going to think about them until after the Indians’ season. Contact Chad at chad. wilson@wninews.com or at 469-517-1455.
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Photo by Chad Wilson/WNI
D.Q. Robinson (1) and Robert Lowe Jr. (3) will have the luxury to run behind a determined Waxahachie offensive line in 2010.
Running Continued from Page 11
per carry average. “D.Q. is the only returning varsity player who contributed last year at the RB position. He is a smart player as well as a leader on the team. We are expecting great things from him this year,” running backs coach Todd Alexander said. Robinson will also be counted upon as a corner so his time at tail back will be limited. Last year the Indians rotated LaJordan Easley, Jamison Sterns and Robinson at the tail back position and the success speaks for itself. Like last year, Waxahachie coaches plan to rotate the backs on offense to keep them fresh for defense. “Most of the backs will also play defense so they will rotate like last year to stay fresh across the board,” Ream said. Several underclassmen are in the mix to
split time with Robinson at tailback. Cedar Hill transfer Robert Lowe Jr. is expected to be the first to see time in relief of Robinson while Terrance Hawkins, Booker Anderson and Craig Renfro are also in the mix. With all the competition at the position, Robinson is using it to his advantage to improve. “It is going pretty hard, everybody is working hard. We are helping Robert learn more plays and he is catching on pretty fast,” Robinson said. After watching Easley and Sterns combine for 1,810 yards a year ago, Robinson thinks the duo of him and Lowe can be just as successful. “We are probably quicker than Jamison and LJ put together. We are not the power backs as they were but we will be quicker backs than they were in-between the tackles,” Robinson said. A junior, Lowe was slated to be a starting linebacker for Cedar Hill this year and also See DEPTH, Page 37
Avalon Eagles
Six-Man
32| 2010 Ellis Co. Football Preview | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | Fall, 2010
Eagles ready to soar 2010 Avalon Eagle varsity football team
Avalon predicted to make first appearance in the postseason By CHAD WILSON WNI Sports Editor
AVALON – After years of being the underdogs the Avalon Eagles head into the 2010 football season with a target on their backs as they are predicted to claim the District 12-6M title by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. “I really don’t like it to tell you the truth,” Avalon head coach Cody Davis said. “We were picked first a couple of years ago and finished fourth. We told our kids that rankings don’t mean anything. When we started this program we had a five-year goal to get to the playoffs, this is our fifth year. These guys are focused on the playoffs. They don’t care about the ranking, they don’t care about the preseason. They are just worried about Kopperl, our opening game in district.” Avalon finished 5-5 last season after posting a 3-2 mark in district play. This year the Eagles will have to finish in the toptwo spots in 12-6M in a district comprised of Walnut Springs, Kopperl, Covington and Waxahachie Advantage. “I think (the district) is definitely easier for us. We were in a district with Oakwood, Trinidad and
Penelope and unfortunately when they had their ath- last year and even though they were in Division II letes we had our athletes. It was a dog fight. This is they still return a lot of talent and a lot of kids. They going to be an easier district considering that you do are the district favorite in my eyes. Let’s be the unnot have the powerhouses,” Davis said. “It is a dis- derdog. I don’t like being the top dog, I want to be trict that is going to be competitive, the underdog and hopefully good but it is not the guaranteed ones who things will happen this year.” have been there traditionally. This is Avalon returns four starters on going to be an exciting district with District: each side of the ball including alla lot of new teams who have never 12-6M Division I state award winners Calyn Davis, been to the playoffs, like us.” Denzel Murray and Sam WilliamWalnut Springs finished 12-1 last Coach: son. season as DII State Semifinalists but Cody Davis “The strength of this team is only return one offensive starter and their unity. We have had great three on defense. Texas Football pits 2009 Record: athletes come through here. We the week seven game between Ava- 5-5 overall, 3-2 district have had all-state athletes but we lon and Walnut Springs as the disdid not have the unity,” Davis trict game of the year. said. “We had a young man who’s Returning Starters: “I would say Walnut Springs are 4-offense, 4-defense mother just passed away and the the front-runners, but we are hopeteam voted they wanted to miss fully going to knock them off,” Dapractice to go to the funeral. I had vis said. “If I was betting on it right now I would say 22 show up to the funeral and that really said someit will come down to the game between us and Wal- thing about this team. The character, their heart and nut Springs to decide the district championship. The where this team wants to get will see this team reach reason I would pick them as the favorite is because they have us at home. They were state semi-finalists See AVALON, Page 33
Just the facts
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Proven force to pace Eagle offense By ALEX RILEY WNI sports writer
AVALON – It’s a formula that worked before. So why mess with the formula? Last season, the Avalon football team used a converted receiver at quarterback to post a 5-5 record and barely miss out on the program’s first playoff berth. This season, the team hopes similar circumstances will lead to the same type of results – but with a playoff spot attached to them. The situation doesn’t bother Calyn Davis. Last season, he was catching those passes from Jeremy Knight. He earned honorable mention all-state honors for his work. This time around he’ll be the one slinging the ball for Eagles. The insight into both facets of Photo by Alex Riley/WNI
At quarterback or receiver Calyn Davis is an offensive threat for Avalon. The senior will play quarterback this season as he attempts to guide the team to its first postseason appearance.
Avalon
Continued from Page 32
our goals.” Entering possibly the most important season in program history, the Eagles will do so with less players than in years past. As a result of the lack of numbers Davis is pushing his players to get into physical shape. “In Avalon we have been fortunate to have 3233 kids but this year we have 22-23. We are going to hold a JV so that limits my numbers. We have got to stay healthy. I know every coach says that but it is the case with us this year. We don’t have the depth as we have had,” Davis said. While Calyn Davis made the honorable mention all-state team last season as a receiver he will move behind center this year to lead the Eagles’ high-scoring attack. “Calyn Davis is moving from receiver to quarterback. I have Denzel Murray who is coming back as my all-state running back. I am moving my all-region center Sam Williamson to running back and that is a big key switch. He was on all three relays that went to regionals last year as a starting center. We
have made the change to put him at running back and he is doing real well. He is adjusting to it and hopefully we see good things from him.,” Davis said. With the position changes and tough early season schedule the Eagles look to be ready for district play and the push toward the school’s first trip to the post season. “Our goal was to make the playoffs within five years and this is the fifth year in district, let’s get it. We play tough competition. We play the state champions in Greenville Christian, the semifinalist in Abbot. We play tough schedules and hopefully it is going to pay off. We are excited and hope everybody comes out and Cody Davis enjoys it,” Davis said. With the full potential to reach new territory this year, Davis and the Eagles are not taking anything for granted. Practices are more intense, plays are performed crisp and the team is fully united to become the best football team Avalon has placed on the field in its history. With the motivation in Avalon this could be a storybook season.
Our goal was to make the playoffs within five years and this is the fifth year in district, let’s get it. -
Contact Chad at chad.wilson@wninews. com or at 469-517-1455.
the game he feels provides just a little edge some other quarterbacks might not have. “As a receiver I can correlate to the receivers and know what they’re doing and what their paths are. I can kind of know how to throw the ball to them,” Davis said. “We’ve been doing good in practice, just executing the ball real good and doing that read stuff now. I think it will work out good.” The move from wide out to quarterback was one that came after much consideration from Avalon head coach Cody Davis. More importantly, it came from a father to a son. Cody Davis, the head man at Avalon for five seasons, believes in his son’s abilities. That vote of confidence has been a morale booster for the younger Davis who is ready for the task ahead. The father-son, coach-player duo just might be what the Eagles need to snare that elusive playoff berth. At the very least, Calyn knows he has someone to draw expertise and experience from during the season. After all, Dad has been there before.
“He was a quarterback in high school so I look up to him and I strive to be like him every day. It’s just been good, kind of a father-son-quarterback talk,” Calyn said. A new position switch, a district that features the state semifinalists from last season and a non-district schedule that pits the team against the defending state champions. Normally that’s a list of challenges that would make a player nervous. Added to that, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine picks the Eagles as the top team in the sixman District 12-6M DI. Davis refuses to let all those things pile up and worry him. On a team that features plenty of talent and speed, the senior knows his tasks are simple – be a leader, don’t make many mistakes and battle. “I think it feels pretty good. The pressure’s on and I always like to play with pressure so I think it’s a good thing,” Calyn said. Contact Alex at alex.riley@wninews. com or at 469-517-1456.
Milford Bulldogs
Six-Man
34| 2010 Ellis Co. Football Preview | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | Fall, 2010
2010 Milford Bulldog varsity football team
Ellis County’s finest
Milford enters season ranked the highest among local teams By CHAD WILSON WNI Sports Editor
MILFORD – Most high school football programs enter fall practices will tons of optimism for the season and hopes of making a deep run in the playoffs. The preseason hopes and dreams of the Milford Bulldogs come with the biggest expectations as the six-man football team enters the season ranked No. 8 in six-man division II. The ranking is the highest any Ellis County team is ranked entering the season and long-time head coach Ronny Crumpton believes the high mark is largely based on the program’s success over the last few seasons and the amount of returning starters to this year’s squad. “We have got a good group and think it just shows the last couple of years what we have done and what people expect out of us. We expect even more out of ourselves,” Crumpton said of the ranking. “I think if the kids come out and do what they should do hopefully we can hold up to that ranking. We are looking toward district and the playoffs and using the rest of the games to get better.” Last year the Bulldogs finished 9-2 overall as bi-district finalists in Division I action after rolling through district play with a 5-1 record. “We expected to go a lot farther in the playoffs last year but we didn’t. One thing a lot of people may not
have looked at is the teams that have been perennial Smith, Rolando Vega, Dez Buckaloo, Jayln Williams, powers the last few years going three or four rounds Jacob Rose, Jairus Russell and Adonas Hightower are deep in the playoffs they all dropped players to keep an eye on. to the same classification as we are “One of the guys we are countin. It will be a dogfight throughout ing heavily upon is JaMaar Dathe playoffs. We are every bit as talvis. He is electric with his speed ented as anybody else in the state. All District: on both sides of the ball. Jamey we have to do is put it all together,” 12-6M Division II Johnson is another one that when Crumpton added. we play people opposing coaches Opposing the Bulldogs in District Coach: are always worried about him. He 12-6M DII this season are Trinidad, Ronny Crumpton is a dual-threat to run or throw,” Fannindel and Karnack. Texas FootCrumpton said. “We have a new ball says the game between Fannindel 2009 Record: center in Rolando Vega. He is takand Milford will be the biggest of the 9-2 overall, 5-1 district ing on that role this year and is season. With just two teams advancalso our kicker. It is going to be ing to the playoffs, Milford and Trini- Returning Starters: different for him to be out on the 5-offense, 5-defense dad are the early favorites. field a little bit farther and a little “One thing that helped us last year more. A younger guy to watch is is that we had a couple guys who Jairus Russell, he got thrown into were injured so it forced some other guys who prob- varsity play last year and I think he is better for it now. ably would not have played a whole lot to play. So On defense Jayln Williams and on the defensive line now we have got six or seven guys that are just like Lee Smith has worked real hard this summer to be starters,” Crumpton said. “You can almost say we ready. Dez Buckaloo carried us last year until some have everyone coming back but as far as who we had of the guys who were injured got healthy. This will be on the field last year we have five on each side of the AD Hightower’s first year to see extensive play. We ball coming back.” JaMaar Davis is the preseason pick to be the disSee MILFORD, Page 35 trict’s offensive MVP while Jamie Johnson, Lee
Just the facts
Top Dog
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Milford Continued from Page 34
have got some questions, but we have some proven guys to go in there with them.”
Alvarado Continued from Page 18
see others take on the role of playmaker to give defenses more than just one target to defend. Ripley and Onderdonck both saw action at running back last year and each had shown flashes of having the ability to be a featured playmaker. Throw in Means, the team’s top returning receiver and Dixon foresees an offense that has the potential to put up a lot of points. “They are both very talented runners,” he said. “Defenses had better plan to defend both.” While the running back duo
Senior running back Davis ready to exceed expectations By ALEX RILEY WNI sports writer
MILFORD – Expectations. The word follows JaMaar Davis around like a lingering cologne. There are the expectations from his coaches, his teammates and even from himself. Davis doesn’t shy away from it. In fact, he’s been waiting on it. A year removed from a freak injury, the Milford running back hears the expectations and feels the pressure. It doesn’t phase him. “I’m just ready to play. It’s my last year, got to do it all,” Davis said. “It sounds like a big role and I’m just ready to fill it.” As a junior last fall, Davis appeared to be heading for a promising season. His rushing and receiving stats were tops on the team at the time. His speed could change games and his knowledge on the field was invaluable from a leadership perspective. Then while working out in the Bulldogs’ weight room one day, a powerlifting exercise went wrong. Davis tried to squat a large amount of weight, perhaps a little too much for his frame. The result – a cracked shin and the end of his season. Along the way, Davis missed six games, including the Bulldogs’ bi-district playoff game, a 40-38 loss to Penelope. The funny thing about Davis’ much heralded return is the Bulldogs weren’t a bad offense to begin with last season. Through 11 games, the team averaged 46.8 points with eight games clearing the 46-point plateau. Still, the addition of speed and agility is an element Davis is looking forward to displaying on the field. His task is simple – add to what is there and make it even better. “(Coach Ronny Crumpton wants me to) just fill in my roles, adding more touchdowns. Doing what I do,” Davis said. “Basically just run the ball, make good decisions and if you see an opening take it.” Davis’ reinsertion into the Bulldog lineup will be a boost. He says his status is at about 90 percent but you would never know it to watch him practice. His speed and quick-
Photo by Alex Riley/WNI
After overcoming injury, Milford senior JaMaar Davis has high expectations for himself and his team.
ness boost what the offense can do while his work on defense is also an added bonus. Like many of his teammates, playing both ways is a way of life, not an option. With a small roster this season, Davis’ health and capabilities are at the forefront of issues facing Milford. The Bulldogs enter the season ranked in the six-man DII top 10 and are predicted to claim their district title en route to another playoff berth. While their numbers may be small, Davis knows his role is important, both on the field and in the locker room. A large number of young players will be called up this season to back-up the veteran players. Getting those guys adjusted to the varsity level of play will be a big task. Davis doesn’t mind. After all, expectations are nothing new for him and he’s more than ready to meet them. “As far as leadership goes, (they want me to) just be a good leader. Watch over everybody and make sure everybody is doing the right thing,” Davis said. “We’ve got a good senior group here and everything. We’re ready for this. We’re going to have a good run.” Contact Alex at alex.riley@wninews.com or at 469-517-1456.
The Bulldogs are out to prove they are the best in District 126M and possibly all of Division II six-man action. Contact Chad at chad.wilson@wninews.com or at 469517-1455. is talented, their success could hinge on how quickly an inexperienced offensive line develops. With only one returning starter, each scrimmage and non-district game will be important for the line to find cohesiveness. “We do have holes to fill on the offensive line,” Dixon said. “Our kids are working extremely hard and coach Stockton and coach Thompson will have them ready to play. “The offensive line is extremely important to the success of our offense. They have a hard job to do, but they will be ready.” Contact Tommy at tommyb@ alvaradoisd.net or at 817-7831190.
Advantage Eagles
Six-Man
36| 2010 Ellis Co. Football Preview | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | Fall, 2010
Newest UIL members 2010 Advantage Academy Eagle varsity football team
Advantage Academy Eagles excited about all around changes By CHAD WILSON WNI Sports Editor
WAXAHACHIE – Taking a pounding for 10 games with nothing to show for it is disappointing. Love of the game can only go so far when it is above 100 degrees outside and it is time to run sprints. After playing outlaw ball the Advantage Academy Eagles of Waxahachie are ready to step into six-man UIL action for the first time. “Now these guys have something to play for. Before it was just the 10 games and the season was over. Now we have the chance to make the playoffs and once you make the playoffs anything can happen from there,” second-year athletic director Nel Rodriguez said. Leading the Eagles into action in District 12-6M Division I this season will be first-year head coach Randy Johnson. “He has run the program at the Y for several years and has done a real good job over there. We have had a hard time getting him over here because they did not want to let him go, but it finally worked out for us,” Rodriguez said. “He is coaching football, girls varsity basketball and we will probably have him do something in the spring. We really want to get him involved with the sports because he has done a heck of a job over there at the Y.” Johnson will be charged with the task of building
up a program that has not had much success in the in life,” Johnson said. “We lost nine seniors and are last few seasons. returning four kids. We have a big turnaround and a “We have talked to him about staying here quite lot of work to do.” a few years to really build the program up. This is Advantage will compete in District 12-6M with his first year doing six-man. He played 11-man in established programs Avalon, Covington, Kopperl college and is real excited about getting his feet wet and Walnut Springs. and bringing a quality product to Johnson wants the Eagles to bethe table,” Rodriguez said. come one of the top programs in Starting his first practice with the area and is willing to put in the only three players, Johnson has time and effort to make sure they built the varsity squad to 11 in time District: get there. for its first game while at least a 12-6M Division I “I want to establish something dozen other players are in the prowith the school. I want to get a traCoach: gram. dition going like the other six man “My expectations here are to Randy Johnson schools. Milford and Avalon have a teach these kids the right fundatradition and we are going to do the mentals of football and to win dis- 2009 Record: same thing here with Advantage. trict. I will settle for nothing less,” No UIL action We have a good group of kids with Johnson said. “These kids had good heads on their shoulders and I a rough year last year but I want to teach them the know they can learn,” Johnson said. right fundamentals, to work hard and work together Members of the team are Jacob Branum, Roy Boas a team” swell, Dalton Boswell, Chase Miller, Caleb Nunn, Part of the teaching process for Johnson includes Raymond Swanzy, Garrett White, Clay Sanford, Ira getting the players to rely on each other on and off Mayes, Kenneth Gibbs, Joshua Brown, Raymond the field. Rogers and Joseph Beeson. “It is all about lean on me. Who has each other's back? If he misses a tackle, he should have his back. Contact Chad at chad.wilson@wninews.com or at Same way off the field, on the field. In school and 469-517-1455.
Just the facts
Fall, 2010 | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | 2010 Ellis County Football Preview | 37
Depth
but until they see everything they are going to see, everything that happens to them is new. So the seniors four weeks from now will have seen everything they are going to Continued from Page 31 see and will be better,” Ream said. see time as a running back. The leader of the line this season is se“I’ve only seen Robert in pads for a cou- nior center James Mann. ple of days, but I’ve been impressed with “We basically lost our whole offensive his ability to see the field and make cuts,” line from last year except Chip Lorfing at Robinson said. tight end,” Mann said. “We have a bunch of Lowe thinks he and Robinson will make basically new guys. We have Ben Davis, he a good 1-2 punch for Waxahachie. He said played defense last year and is coming over he was excited to come to Waxahachie see- to play left guard. We have Brian Randall ing that the Indians are one of the few run- at right guard, Zach Reiper right tackle and first teams in the area. Allen Hogan at left tackle. “I want to have the We don’t have a whole lot best year I can. I want Waxahachie’s Running of depth right now so Allen to fit in, be successful Back Depth Chart Hogan is going to play both and go to the playoffs,” ways. Right now it is lookLowe said. “I am happy ing pretty good. Everyone Tailback: to be in Waxahachie. I has been working really believe our team is to- 1 - D.Q. Robinson, SR. hard to get their roles down gether and we are go- 3 - Robert Lowe Jr., JR. and get the blocking right. ing to be real good this 26 - Terrance Hawkins, SO. They have really picked it year.” up because we know that if 6 - Booker Anderson, JR. While Robinson and we are going to be a good Lowe will give the Inteam this year our line dians more speed in Fullback: has to focus on their job the backfield, Terrance 22 - Devin Chandler, JR. of staying on their blocks Hawkins is leading the 33 - Hayden Howell, JR. and fighting through each charge to be the team’s 32 - Corey Culton, JR. play.” powerback. Assistant head coach “He is learning the and offensive line coach ropes and still wet beTerry Minton echoed Mann’s comments. hind the ear but has a ton of potential,” Al“The line is coming together well. Since exander said of the sophomore. “Terrance we are quite a bit younger, the process of can add some size and power to our back- learning takes a little more time. We are field.” having to grow up very fast,” Minton said. Junior Booker Anderson might be the “I think this bunch can be as good as last quickest of all the backs, according to Ream year’s but it will be a slower process of maand Alexander, and will see time as well. turing as a unit.” “Craig Renfro is a sophomore who we With limited varsity experience the had hoped to play down on JV and get him group will have to learn on the fly early in a lot of snaps but he looks like he might be the season as it comes together. one of the defensive ends we have to have The commitment to the run by the Indiup on varsity,” Ream added. ans gives the offensive line an added push Leading the way in the backfield are full- to come together sooner and be a dominant backs Devin Chandler, Hayden Howell and unit. Corey Culton. “When you have a running team like “Devin is a returning defensive starter us and you make big plays you really feel from last year. He played the tail back posi- more accomplished because you know that tion last year and we felt it would be in the you did a good job. As a linemen run blockteam’s best interest for him to play fullback. ing you know that the outcome of the play He will add quickness to the position. He is is based on how well you performed on a hard worker and is a leader on the team,” each play. In pass blocking you just basicalAlexander said. “Hayden has really come ly defend people from getting to the quararound in the past year in becoming a good terback and it is not as much of an accomfootball player. I expect him to continue to plishment,” Mann said. “I really honestly get better each week. Corey has power as do believe that we are going to do really well as quickness.” good this year. We have a lot of expectaWith the healthy stable of backs, the of- tions based on last year and I really do think fensive line must come through like it did we will live up to those expectations. This a season ago for the team to be successful. team, even though we lost so many people, “The offensive line is a work in progress. we still have a lot of heart on the team and it From the Dallas Cowboys on down it is one is going to carry out for us this year.” of those things where you have got to get Contact Chad at chad.wilson@wninews. continuity with the group that is in there com or at 469-517-1455.
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2010 WAXAHACHIE INDIANS NAME POSITION HT D.Q. Robinson RB/DB 5'8" Don King I I I QB/DB 6'2" Robert Lowe, Jr RB/LB 5'10" Domonic Dismuke WR/DB 5'11" Travis Stroope WR/LB 5'9" Booker Anderson RB/DB 5'5" Gaige Thomas WR/DB 5'7" Quin Sargent WR/DB 5'10" LaDarius Brown WR/DB 6'3" Michael Veail WR/DB 6'1" Austin Clark WR/DB 6'1" Brooks Teeter QB/DB 6'1" Cody Walton TE/DL 5'10" Ray Tunson WR/DL 6'2" Eric Henry WR/DB 5'10" Christian Brewer QB/LB 6'0" Devin Chandler RB/LB 5'6" Aaron Middleton WR/DB 6'0"
Ream
Continued from Page 30
some throwing stuff. He is still kind of limited on how far he can throw it. He is just a little bit behind,” Ream said. “The other two are neck and neck. One day one of them will look good and the next the other one will look better. Right now it is kind of a twoway battle for the position. “I think it will change by performance. Last year we were in a situation where we had one quarterback basically. When Steven Borden moved in it gave us a little depth at that spot. Previously we have played the quarterbacks to their strengths. Some have
WT 170 190 190 160 160 140 165 150 190 160 165 180 160 185 175 190 185 160
C 12 11 11 11 11 11 10 10 12 11 10 11 12 11 12 11 11 11
24 25 26 27 28 30 31 32 33 36 38 41 42 43 44 50 51 52 53 54
James Onadele Jerrod Mechelay Terrance Hawkins Quin Sargent Andre Green Juan Castillo Devin Walker Corey Culton Hayden Howell Broderick Mathis Alex Hicks Tanner Brady Chip Lorfing Canaan Mullinax Craig Renfro James Mann Dustin Upchurch Ben Davis Jacky Washington, Jr Justin Fox
WR/DB FB/LB RB/LB WR/DB RB/DB DB/K WR/LB FB/DL FB/LB WR/DB FB/DL TE/DL TE/LB TE/DL RB/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL
been able to throw the long ball better, some the short ball better. We are not really to concerned about the guys not taking snaps, we have started sophomore quarterbacks before against Ennis in the first ball game of the year. We are concerned with how they will react, but they will do well. They are used to the offense and what we are trying to do. We have a lot of high expectations of them and think they all are going to be good quarterbacks and contribute this year in other places other than quarterback. Christian is right now working in our starting linebacker spot. Don is working at safety and is punting. Athleticly I think they all are going to contribute at some point this year.” How do the quarterbacks feel about the uncertainty of the position?
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55 Rob Banda OL/DL 6'0" 285 56 Matt Behning OL/DL 5'11" 145 59 Bryan Randall OL/DL 5'9" 220 61 Paul Gish OL/DL 5'10" 220 62 Jeremy Chapman OL/LB 5'7" 155 64 Tyron Davis OL/DL 6'2" 265 65 Gennard Johnson OL/DL 5'11" 300 72 R J Zavala OL/DL 5'6" 210 73 Allen Hogan OL/DL 6'1" 245 76 A.J. Wallace OL/DL 5'10" 210 77 Zack Rieper OL/DL 6'2" 230 80 Yovanyi Arvizu K 5'10" 165 82 Chris Dowlearn WR/DB 5’6” 135 83 B J Sargent TE/DL 6'0" 185 84 Arthur Briggs TE/DL 6'5" 225 86 Yousef Muwaquet WR/DB 5'7" 145 88 Daniel Settlemyer WR/DB 5'11" 160 89 D.C. Collins WR/DB 5'6" 150
“Right now things are going great. I am going out there, playing my best and watching these guys knowing I have to step up and play better. If one of them possibly starts I know that I will be a good backup,” King said. “I expect for us to go out there and play our best no matter what. If we come out with a win or loss we need to know we played our best. Of course, we want to win though.” Whoever is behind center James Mann on each snap will have a stable of talented running backs to hand off to and a receiver who is being scouted by Division One colleges. “I really like to know how fast the quarterback is going to get the ball off, what kind of cadence he is going to use and different things like that,” Mann said. “Right now I am pretty confident with our quarterbacks. We have been working really hard and I feel really good about whoever is back there.”
12 12 11 12 12 10 10 11 12 12 11 12 12 10 12 12 12 12
LaDarius Brown has playmaking ability like no other at the receiver position and is fine with whoever ends up throwing him the ball. “It really don’t matter to me because all three of them can throw. If they can get me the ball, we are good,” Brown said. Will Ream rotate all three or will one emerge the starter? “I can see us doing it either way. Sometimes it takes a little pressure off of them when you rotate the quarterbacks by play because they have a play off in between and are not pressing. You get a little time on the sideline with them to talk with them. When I call a play with them they take it in and do not have to worry about getting a play from the receiver. So there are some advantages both ways,” Ream said. Contact Chad at chad.wilson@wninews. com or at 469-517-1455.
Records Continued from Page 21
don’t want that to be the end,” Robinson said. “We want to continue to build on what happened last year and go further.” The team goals take the top spot on his list of priorities and rightfully so. Logically, the individual records will come if Robinson does what SMU needs him to do this fall – be a playmaker. After watching Sanders handle the limelight last year, Robinson refuses to call the receiving responsibilities his duties this season. He views it as a team thing. But being a go-to guy isn’t something he’ll shy away from. “I feel like if they need me to make a play, I can make that play. I felt like that last year. Now that Emmanuel’s gone, they depend on me,” Robinson said. “Now they’re going to look at me for the big plays and I’m going to make it.” The possibility for an unbelievable season is there. The chance for records to crumble is within reach. Ending a college career with a championship trophy hoisted over his head is also on the table. With any
luck, Robinson could have all three. Sooner or later, Robinson will have to look past SMU and picture his future possibly in pro football. Right now there is one focus and that is this season. When it’s all over, he’ll look back on it and reflect. But for now, Robinson’s just enjoying the ride. “I don’t know how to see it, man. I just love playing football,” Robinson said. “I love football and I’m just out here playing. Whatever it brings, I’m going to build on that every day.” Contact Alex at alex.riley@wninews.com or at 469-517-1456.
Fall, 2010
| Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | 2010 Ellis County Football Preview | 39
SAGU
Continued from Page 20 yon Clark and Ryan Russ gained experience in 2009, but the recent reacquisition of former starter Jason Rice could find the Texas State transfer pressing to win back the job that he held two years ago. He is a dualthreat as a runner and passer in the team’s spread-option attack. The offensive line figures to be stronger than a year ago, but must find a replacement for All-Conference right tackle J.W. Hall. With Mike Thomas, Jacob Anderson, Ryan Arellano and R.J. Hall returning, line coach Shawn Daniels figures to fill remaining needs from an impressive group of new recruits. Last fall the line struggled in runblocking the first half of the season, but yielded a league-low 16 sacks while in passprotection. This group looks like they show the most improvement on the team. Detrick Green of Italy led Lion running backs in rushing last fall with 368 yards. He has been moved to receiver, opening the way for a crop of talented freshman backs. Chris Eiland, who rushed for 1,000 yards two seasons ago, is back and contending. The squad suffered a setback on the first day of camp when Waco’s Cade Lueschner, a slasher, reinjured his knee and is likely facing surgery. The receiving corps is loaded with fresh, but mostly green talent. Three starters are gone: David Howard, Quentin Coleman and Chris Haggard, who combined for 19 TD receptions and left a large void. Coach Godding planned well for this and has reeled an impressive cast of wideouts and slot receivers. The mercurial Darion Waits (Ennis HS) made 22 catches before being sidelined with a foot injury that required surgery. He has great hands, quickness and strength and has fully recovered, making him a candidate as a very capable return specialist. David Hawthorne and 6-foot-3 speed merchant Taylor Wallis (Ennis HS) lead the charge among the veterans. An area of concern could be at placekicker where the reliable Raymond Santivanez graduated. He missed only two point after touchdown (PAT) kicks and connected on 7-of-11 field goals. Godding, though, is high on James Gish, who played in 2008 at Waxahachie High School. Overall, the Lions of 2009 averaged 330 yards per game on offense, 257 of it through the air. SAGU ranked No. 45 in the country in total offense. That was impressive considering they were at 238 yards per contest after seven games. The passing attack rated 17th in the nation. Look to see a more varied offense, with a retooled ground attack. It’s a great thing the defense came together last season. While the offense re-
Returning to SAGU after one year at Texas State, Jason Rice should help improve the Lion offense in 2010 as the team fights for a winning season. sembled a puzzle with missing pieces in the early going, the defense showed it was a force to be reckoned with, ranking No. 46 in the country. Against the run, the unit yielded 145-yards (ranked 40th) per outing, which was less than four yards per carry. The defense ranked second in the CSFL, and, during their three-game winning streak the Lions defense gave up just 18 points per game. A key component was turnovers. They forced 11 in the trio of triumphs. Collectively, this cohesive group played well together, and they return practically everyone. Defensive coordinator John Allen’s scheme, employing various alignments of what some would describe as 4-4-3, had a linebacking crew that was second to no one. Inside ‘backers, Jared Hudgins and Richard “Dante” Embry roamed from sideline to sideline applying the brakes to opposing ballcariers. Hudgins led the entire nation in tackles, averaging 14.1 per game, while Embry was second (6.0) in stops, some of the ferocious variety. Hudgins knows only one speed; all out. He gained national recognition in week two when he turned in a 23-tackle performance in the narrow loss to Howard Payne. Hudgins is known for his lateral pursuit, vision and relentless spirit. Embry incorporates strength, quickness and technique. Outside linebackers sometimes appear as defensive ends, and on other occasions drop into pass coverage like safeties, depending on Allen’s package. LB coach Shane Wheeler has a full arsenal of returning weapons at his disposal, including Quentin Holloman, Derek Brewer, Alex Moore, Jonathan Bailey and Nathan Kallal. The agile Holloman was fourth in tackles with Moore third in solo QB sacks. Watch for North Texas trans-
fer Brad Heathcock as a hit-making stopper on the prowl. The defensive front may be an area with the fiercest battles for playing time. Sophomore Josh Dowdell, of Waxahachie, is an anchor at tackle, with senior Ryan McCray,
Ike Caston and Patrick Smith heading the veteran holdovers. They applied better than average pressure on opposing passers, averaging 2.4 sacks per game. Allen and D-line coach Greg Timberman expect freshmen to push for starting positions. They are calling this perhaps the Lions’ best recruiting class ever. The defensive backfield overcame some patchwork moments in the early stages of 2009 to become a ballhawking secondary that picked off 16 passes and allowed just 53 percent of passes to be completed. And they will probably only get better. Sophomore Nick Ekanem was the ringleader as SAGU’s shutdown cornerback. He led the nation in passes defended, combining passes broken up and interceptions. His nose for the ball, closing speed and cover skills made him a standout as a freshman. Several skilled corners are rising to the fore at camp seeking to start opposite of Ekanem. At safety is the heady Joey Vinson. He was fifth on the team in tackles. Red Oak product Jackie Crathers leads a contingent of athletic players who could step in at safety, linebacker or cornerback. The Sporting News listed both Hudgins and Ekanem in their Preseason NAIA AllAmerica first team, and the two will be counted on as defensive catalysts. Contact Mark at m.warde@sagu.edu. He is in his second year as SID.
40| 2010 Ellis Co. Football Preview | Waxahachie Newspapers, Inc. | Fall, 2010