Football fever

Football Fever 2013

Home Grown

The South Plains high school football talent pool looks to produce several Division I recruits this season

Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

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ON THE COVER Over the years, the number of area high school football players who sign with Division I colleges has been inconsistent at best, and lately it’s been almost nonexistent.

There are several factors that go into that drought of Division I talent — geography, talent and facilities are just a few.

Plus, with a reputation of producing only the occasional can’t-miss prospect, colleges aren’t going to spend much time or resources looking for players west of Interstate 35.

But this is a year that could change all that with four, and possibly more, legitimate Division I recruits on the South Plains.

Football Fever 2013

Home Bringing you Football Fever to Grown our Lone Star Varsity product The South Plains high school football talent pool looks to produce several Division I recruits this season

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Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Football Fever 2013 is an annual publication of The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and Morris Communications. All right reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent.

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Every year it seems some school is adding something to its athletic departments, whether it be indoor workout facilities, new turf at the stadium, a new video scoreboard or a complete renovation of the stadium altogether.

When it comes to putting out a yearly special football section, it’s basically the same thing — what can you do to top the other guy, or sometimes, yourself.

This year, the improvement we at the AvalancheJournal hope to bring you isn’t necessarily going to be seen in print, but rather online with our high school sports website, www.lonestarvarsity. com.

For the last few years we’ve put all our high school sports content on this site. Anything that was put in the print product was also put online, in most cases before it went to print the next day.

But we realized that sometimes it wasn’t always easy to find certain articles, statistics, standings, etc. It could take some searching to find the information you wanted specificially.

Now we’re finally able to bring to you pages on our website, under the Lone Star Varsity banner, for each high school in our coverage area.

There you will find articles, stats and other useful information related to just the school you’re looking for, from 5A to six-man, large to small, city, county or outlying area.

Stacy Besco, worked this summer to bring these pages to you and make them as easy as possible to access.

Readers will be able to click on a Lone Star Varsity banner at the main website, and that will take you to what we call a

landing page.

There, you will find all the updated news and notes on high school sports on the South Plains, divided by class. But you will also find a list of schools in our coverage area.

Clicking on a specific school will take you to a page with articles specifically on that school. Say you want to read about Monterey’s preparation for the Silver Spurs’ game against Lubbock High. Well, click on the Monterey tag and you will be taken to Monterey’s home page where you can digest all information on the Plainsmen up to that point in the season.

We are also hoping that these pages allow us to bring additional elements from our print product to online, specifically our weekly statistics and standings packages. By placing them online, this provides an online delivery of a product throughout the whole week that can be updated in real time.

Also on these online team pages, you will find room to upload band, cheerleader and team pictures from your school.

We highly encourage schools to take advantage of this feature to give your school the most complete online information page possible.

Not to worry, print fans. We haven’t forgotten about you, either. We have simultaneously been improving the presentation of our print product, and have a new design we will debut on Friday to preview all of that week’s games in quick easy-to-read formats.

This way, we can keep Football Fever going all season long.

lonestarvarsity.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

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Star Search

Finding can’t-miss Division I football talent on the South Plains can sometimes seem as fruitless as beating the summer heat.

Whether it’s geography, commitment, facilities or just plain gaps in the amount of talent produced on a yearly basis, West Texas seems to almost be forgotten when it comes to signing day, compared to the wealth of talent in the other half of the state.

This year, however, could signal a change, and possibly for good.

Left, Shallowater’s Jarek Black (35) holds a pair of college football offers from Air Force and UTEP.

Zach Long  A-j media

Right (opposite page), Shallowater’s Cameron Knight(11) has committed to play football at Texas State.

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Division I-caliber talent on South Plains tough to find

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

Zach Long  A-j media

Danny Servance was still just a young coach trying to learn all he could during the late 1990s and early 2000s. He was coaching at his alma mater, Odessa Permian, and was fortunate to watch some of the best football players ever produced west of Fort Worth.

Sneezy Beltran at Abilene, Cedric Benson and Eric Winston at Midland Lee, Roy Williams and John Norman at Odessa Permian.

Farther north there was the likes of Kendal Briles and David Thomas at Frenship, Cody Hodges at Hereford and Kevin Curtis and Mike Smith at Coronado. All of them went on to play major Division I college football.

Servance remembers what it was like back then, with college coaches doing everything within their power to get these prized recruits on campus. He remembers when former Miami coach Larry Coker, now at UT-San Antonio, came down to take a look at Williams, a standout receiver for the Panthers.

“He pulled me aside and asked me, because he knew I had a relationship with Roy, that what he needed to know is would (Williams) leave Texas,” Servance said.

“Because to be honest, they’ve got five or six guys just like him in Florida. I said, ‘Coach, I don’t see it happening. He’s a mama’s boy and his mother wants a chance to see him play. I think he’s staying in Texas.’”

Servance said Coker told him that’s all he needed to know, hit the door and was never seen again.

It’s a typical scene that plays out hundreds of times across the state every season, coaches trying to gauge the interests of 17- and 18-year-olds who are busy trying to simultaneously gauge the interest from each school. But it also illustrates how precious the time is for college recruiters, who these days can ill-afford to miss on a player.

That’s a big reason why most high-profile Division I college football players from the state of Texas come from the “Interstate 35 Corridor” between Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio and down to Houston.

And it’s why, by comparison, few Division

I athletes seem to be signed out of the West Texas area from west of Abilene and north of Interstate 20.

“I think that the mentality of coaches is that you’ve got to have a no-brainer like a Briles or a Thomas or a Mason Walters (Frenship offensive lineman currently a three-year starter at Texas),” Frenship head coach Brad Davis said. “They’re not going to come out here and find sleepers like they do in the more populated areas.

If (top recruits) are here, everybody knows about them. That’s just the nature of where we live, I guess.”

Drought-busters

Perhaps for the first time since the era that produced Briles, Thomas, Smith, Curtis and others, the South Plains might have its best crop of potential Division I talent.

Four players — running back Robert Johnson of Estacado, defensive end Devondric Meadows of Coronado and running back Jarek Black and tight end Cameron Knight of Shallowater, have either drawn interest from or committed to Division I colleges.

Knight has committed to Texas State.

Black enters the season with offers from Air Force and UT-El Paso, both of whom also offered Knight. Meadows has an offer from SMU, according to 247 Sports.

The recruitment of Johnson slowed down some after he missed most of the 2012 season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. But he is expected to be 100 percent going into his senior season and is listed as a three-star recruit by 247 Sports. He rushed for 2,230 yards and 30 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2011.

Black burst onto the scene last season, averaging well over 280 yards per game and was well on his way to a 3,000-yard season before suffering a broken hand against the Matadors. He returned for the playoffs but injured a shoulder, finishing his season with 2,326 yards and 29 touchdowns. He’s a three-star recruit by 247 Sports.

Knight is an effective pass-catcher, with 17 for 303 yards and four touchdowns a year ago. He’s been known as much for his blocking on the edge, but could be more of SEE DIVISION I, page A6

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DIVISION I: Area talent abounds for 2013 Estacado’s Robert Johnson will look to catch the attention of college coaches after missing most of his junior season with a knee injury.

Stephen Spillman  A-j media

FROM page A5 a factor in the passing game this season.

Then there’s Meadows, the intriguing newcomer to the bunch.

He’s 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, but sat out his junior year to concentrate on basketball. He’s back as a senior, giving the Mustangs a boost on the end, and automatically becoming one of the top recruits in the area.

“Everything runs in cycles,” said Monterey coach Todd Pearson, who himself has one of the top running backs in the area in senior Travon Benton. “You look around the area

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I’d like to think there’s enough talent here to pull one or two kids from the area. I think the biggest thing is for us to get more exposure into Lubbock and some of the small towns surrounding Lubbock.

’

Todd Pearson Monterey coach

and you see (Black) getting some interest, Danny’s got some good interest in his kids over at Estacado. I’d like to think there’s enough talent here to pull one or two kids from the area. I think the biggest thing is for us to get more exposure into Lubbock and some of the small towns surrounding Lubbock.”

Others are starting to emerge.

Frenship offensive lineman Matthew Robinson has an offer from UTEP, and the Tigers got a big transfer over the summer when lefthanded quarterback Trevor Eulenbach joined the program after moving from Artesia, N.M., where he threw for almost 2,900 yards and 29 touchdowns as a junior.

Slaton quarterback Bryce Whaley, listed in Texas Football’s Top 300 as an athlete, was the Offensive MVP of the NFL Developmental Camp held at Coronado this summer. Brownfield quarterback Sha’Colby Hill is listed as one of the top juniors in the state, and Estacado receiver Veshondrick Hastings is one of the top sophomores.

“For me, these types of players don’t come along very often,” said Shallowater coach Kyle Maxfield, who came out of Sudan to play at Texas A&M. “When they do, we really look forward to them playing.

That’s something I know me and my staff don’t take for granted.”

Geographic disadvantage There are currently 495 schools in the state in Classes 5A and 4A competing in varsity athletics. Of that number, only 45 are situated west of Abilene and north of or right on Interstate 20. Of that 45, more than half (24) are located in the El Paso area.

The number of high school football players from this area signing with major Division I colleges the last five years has been almost non-existent. Walters and former Frenship quarterback Seth Doege (Texas Tech), who actually never played a down for the Tigers after tearing the ACLs in both his knees in successive seasons after transferring from Crane after his sopho-

more season, are the last two area players to make impacts at a BCS school.

Former Monterey receiver Arrius Holleman (class of 2010) has had two unproductive years at SMU, missing all but two games last season due to an injury. New Deal’s Stephen Bryant (class of 2009), a junior tight end at TCU, was slated to be the Horned Frogs starter until suffering a season-ending injury in a preseason scrimmage. He played in 12 games as a redshirt freshman in 2011, returning one kickoff for 22 yards.

Other area athletes have signed with Division I schools, but most have since transferred. Most area football players wind up signing with local colleges like West Texas A&M in Canyon, Eastern New Mexico in Portales or Wayland Baptist in Plainview.

The opportunities to sign with major Division I colleges come few and far between for players on the South Plains. “(East of I-35) just has so much to choose from, so much great talent to choose from that West Texas just doesn’t have,” said Davis, who has produced as much top talent as any school on the South Plains in recent years. “I don’t know why that is other than they’re just more populated than we are. We get Division I-quality athletes out here, but we get them once in awhile. They put them out every year, over and over and over. I guess it’s the geographic makeup of the state. I don’t know how else to explain it.”

Along with geography comes another factor — facilities.

Growing athletes

It’s not facilities in the traditional sense as in what colleges have to offer. Rather, it’s the high school facilities.

Lubbock Independent School District athletic director Mark Ball was the head coach at Wylie High School before arriving in Lubbock.

Wylie is a community situated on the outer northeast edge of the Dallas suburbs. It is surrounded by

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talent: Geography, reputation play big part in recruiting area Division I football factories.

“You take off from Wylie, with a 90-yard indoor practice facility, a 5,000-square foot weight room with $250,000 worth of equipment in it,” Ball said. “Five miles down the road you get to Lovejoy, a 3A school with a 90-yard indoor practice facility and weight room. Go five miles to Allen, and we all know what they’ve got. Then you go up the road to McKinney.

“All of them have indoor workout buildings. All of them have unbelievable weight rooms. It’s everywhere you go.”

Except in West Texas.

In the Lubbock area only three schools, Frenship, Cooper and Shallowater, have true indoor turffield practice facilities. Several 5A schools in West Texas have them as well, including Odessa Permian and both San Angelo schools. Class 2A Bushland is the only school in the Amarillo-Canyon area with an indoor facility.

LISD schools each have what is called a “turf room,” but is basically a gymnasium with carpet on the floor that isn’t big enough to work on the kicking game or the passing game very effectively.

Ball said there have been conversations about constructing indoor practice facilities for the four LISD schools and that there is interest in making that happen.

But he added that producing Division I talent goes beyond just having the nicest facilities. Part of it is having the basic facilities at the middle school level.

That’s why one of the improvement projects for LISD in the near future is to construct tracks at all middle school football fields in order to begin building speed at as early an age as possible.

“You look at the game today ... all everybody talks about is speed,” Ball said.

Then there’s the culture, Ball said, that needs to change. More specifically, a dedication to doing things in the offseason, such as 7-on7, lineman challenges and, more importantly, weight training, in order to produce Division I-caliber athletes.

He mentioned schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex that

‘ ’

We want to get every kid that comes out of West Texas. We have to.

Kliff Kingsbury Texas Tech head football coach

have turned their strength and conditioning programs over to Performance Course, a company that, according to its website, “combines proven strength and conditioning principles with the latest methodologies to give the participant the top athletic performance program in the nation.” Not any one single factor will help create more Division I athletes in West Texas. But a commitment to all of them combined could close the gap between east and west of I-35.

Because right now, it’s got to be absolutely worthwhile for college coaches to step foot in West Texas.

Finding talent Even large schools like the University of Texas — which has all the money it needs to spend on whatever it needs within its athletic budget — have to be frugal sometimes.

Longhorns head coach Mack Brown said recently he has six coaches who recruit West Texas, which is actually up significantly from what it was in the past. But those coaches aren’t just going to come this way looking at every possible athlete they hear about.

“We’re going to go through and check, and if there’s not any players there, then we’re not going to come back until the next year,” Brown said. “We don’t have time for social visits. But we will do it at least one time a year to make sure that, number one, the University of Texas has a presence in every school and, number two, that we don’t miss a player.”

By contrast, the University of North Texas in Denton, which in terms of student population is actually the fourth largest university in the state behind Texas, Texas A&M and Houston but just this year

moves up from the Sun Belt to Conference USA, can dedicate just one full-time assistant coach to recruit West Texas, leaving the area south of I-20 to graduate assistants.

“It’s just sparsely populated in terms of number of players out there,” said UNT Director of Football Operations and Recruiting Coordinator Scotty Conley. “But as long as I can remember there have been some really good players to come out of West Texas. You can find them, but you’ve got to make sure you’re out there looking.”

Some of the larger universities such as Texas have been able in recent months to create new staff positions related to finding high school talent. Brown recently hired Patrick Suddes away from Alabama to serve as his Director of Player Personnel, and along with that hired former high school coach Ken Rucker as his Director of High School Relations and Player Development and former Brownwood coach Bob Shipley, father of UT receivers Jordan and Jaxon Shipley, as a football analyst.

Suddes, Rucker and Shipley can’t recruit, but they can hit the phones, mercilessly turning over every stone for Division I talent.

Bob Shipley is responsible for West Texas.

Of course, there is the BCS school right in Lubbock, buzzing with excitement over the beginning of the Kliff Kingsbury era. He and his assistants have been able to make an impact in recruiting because most of the assistants aren’t that far removed from their playing days, and many of them like Smith (Coronado), Curtis (Coronado), Sonny Cumbie (Snyder) and Eric Morris (Shallowater) played locally.

“We want to get every kid that comes out of West Texas,” Kings-

bury said. “We have to. With what’s going on in the Midland-Odessa area, that’s a boom out there and these communities keep growing and getting larger, and we expect there to be more players out this way.”

Having college coaches show up on their doorsteps always has and still does make an impact on high school coaches and players.

“When we were at Sweetwater and (Dick Winder) was at TCU, he never gave up on West Texas,” Coronado coach Kent Jackson said of the former Texas Tech assistant.

“He was still out here looking and would always stop and check to see if we had a couple of kids. People have to understand it’s a big deal.

The numbers are stacked against you geographically and populationwise. Naturally a majority of the players are going to continue to come from more densely populated areas.”

Maybe technology can change that.

Hudl up It started out as a way for coaches to be able to scout opponents without having to travel long distances, an answered prayer in West Texas.

Hudl, based in Lincoln, Neb., takes a team’s game film and puts it onto an online server, and schools can subscribe to Hudl to view an opponent’s game film, much the same way they would by trading film after games or during the week.

But it goes beyond that. Brandon Gries, an event coordinator and public relations representative with Hudl, said players can go in and pull individual clips that they can then use to make their own online highlight videos that can be sent out or access granted to col-

lege coaches to view.

Two years ago, Hudl acquired Digital Sports Video, which had film on schools nationwide, and that led to the creation of Hudl Recruit with the specific intent of increasing exposure for potential Division I athletes. Colleges can now purchase packages to watch video highlights of thousands of recruits across the country.

“It makes it easier on both the high school and the (college) coach,” Gries said. “They’re not having to get out and drive all over. They’re able to get on their computer ... and access films from high schools, or if you’re a high school coach you don’t have to send out a bunch of DVDs. You can just send a link to the game.”

Gries said roughly 70 colleges, including most schools in the four major conferences (Big 12, SEC, ACC, Pac 12), subscribe to Hudl Recruit.

But that has also taken away some of the face-to-face recruiting that high school coaches say makes a difference.

Jason Strunk has been on pretty much all sides of the debate. As a head coach near Tampa, Fla., Strunk was at one of those schools where college coaches were constantly coming through the door — the “I-4 Corridor” in Florida. He’s also been on a college staff at Purdue that preferred Texas athletes because they were the most ready to play as freshmen due to how they were coached and developed in high school.

Now, however, the occasion is rare for a college coach to walk through the door at Chapman Fieldhouse, a change he’s getting used to.

“With technology and Hudl, sending video and all that, it’s a weird dynamic,” Strunk said. “I really thought I’d see more Division I coaches, see their presence out here. Maybe it’s the talent pool.

Maybe it’s where we’re located. I know college coaches that look under every nook and cranny searching for talent.”

Perhaps this year, they might not have to look that hard in West Texas. george.watson@lubbockonline.com  766-2166 Follow George on Twitter @AJJorge

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Six-Man Survival Right, Borden County and other six-man schools have walked the balance of large numbers down to canceling seasons due to lack of numbers.

Below, Matthew Ham and Borden County look to continue their strong six-man football tradition.

Stephen SPillman  A-j media

Local coaches see bright future for six-man football BY preston wickersham a-j media

Six-man football season in West Texas is almost like magic. But is the small-town sport pulling a disappearing act?

Local coaches say no. In fact, they say the game is healthier than ever.

As populations in rural towns dwindle nationwide, some small schools have difficulty fielding teams year-to-year. Because of lower populations, some 11-man schools have been forced to become six-man teams. This, combined with the state’s continued attention to enrollment numbers

in rural areas and the widespread popularity of football in Texas, has coaches on the South Plains seeing a promising future for six-man football.

“Six-man is getting bigger, and here’s why,” said Clint Linman, head coach of the Anton Bulldogs.

“It’s kind of a sad deal. Rural America as a whole is getting smaller, and our urban areas are getting bigger. When we talk about rural America, we’re not just talking about six-man. There’s been a lot of 1A, 11-man schools that are dropping down to six-man...when you look back 10 years ago, all of these schools were playing six-man.”

Linman should know. This will be

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Stephen SPillman  A-j media

Though sometimes the numbers might say differently, six-man coaches insist the game is as strong as ever in the communities that have embraced the game over the years. be only his third year coaching at Anton, but in 2010, the Bulldogs played one final season of 1A football before dropping down to the six-man game.

“As long as there’s a top end to feed us, there will always be six-man football,” he added.

Texas will introduce a 6A classification in 2014 for larger 5A schools. Six-man football will become 1A football, while still being played the same way. More important than the new classification, however, is the likelihood that the change will allow for slightly larger schools to play six-man.

“Right now, the top of the (six-man) enrollment is 99.9 or 99.5,” said Chad Fouts, head coach at Klondike. “The UIL is going to that six-class league next year, and we’re hearing they’re going to raise our enrollment to 104.9, so there’s a possibility of bringing more schools into six-man. There are several schools that fall in that mix. Some of them will still choose to play 11-man, but I think some will play six-man.”

Lane Jackson, who has been the head coach at Ropes for 17 years, says the state is doing the right thing by adjusting enrollment criteria to keep the six-man game healthy.

“The state has done a good job to make sure six-man keeps enough people in there,” he said. “I think the state has tried to keep six-man going, and so they’ve adjusted the numbers. If you look at the Division II schools in six-man, they were probably traditionally six-man schools, but some of the Division I schools used to be 11-man.”

Some schools are wary of dropping down a classification because of the effects the change could have on local communities,

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There’s a stigma that if you go to six-man, it kills your whole town, but that’s not the case.

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Chris Mendez Whiteface coach

but Whiteface coach Chris Mendez said those fears are unfounded.

“There’s a stigma that if you go to sixman, it kills your whole town, but that’s not the case,” he said. “If we were to go to 11-man, I guarantee that the number of kids participating would drop.”

Many of the Division I six-man schools in West Texas started out as 11-man programs, but transferred to the six-man ranks when enrollment figures fell. With the enrollment limit possibly rising by over five students next year, it’s likely that more schools will make the change to six-man.

“There have been schools in the past that said they wouldn’t go to six-man,” said Fouts. “When it’s all said and done, and you know you don’t have the kids, you just have to bite that bullet. I think sixman is in a growth spurt right now.”

Six-man football is not without its dangers, expecially for the Division II programs. Ed Robison has been the head SEE SIX-MAN, page A10

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SIx-MAN: Programs depend on numbers FROM page A9 coach at Dawson for six years. The Dragons are ranked eighth in Texas this preseason in Division II six-man, and Robison counts himself lucky to have 13 players this year. “(Other schools) have sometimes had to cancel the season,” he said.

“Somebody gets hurt, they have to cancel the season.

We’re kind of fortunate, being at the top of Division II, kind of at the bottom of Division I. We haven’t been in that place where we’ve had to cancel because we don’t have enough kids, but you hear about it in Division II quite a bit.”

Robison is grateful for his school’s relatively safe enrollment of about 45 students this year, but he understands that with so few kids, fluctuations in enrollment figures can come swiftly and have a major impact on the football program.

“We’ve been pretty fortunate since I’ve been here,” he said. “We haven’t been below 10. Last year was the lowest year that I’ve been here, and next year we’ll be right about that again. I think enrollment next year, we’re probably going to turn in less than 45.”

In the six-man world, a few students can make the difference between having a quality team and forfeiting a season. Loop, which has an enrollment of just 32 students, has the smallest enrollment of all the schools in the AvalancheJournal’s coverage area.

Robison knows what that’s like, and says it does affect the way he prepares his team for the season.

“We don’t do a lot of full contact in practice, try to

keep everybody healthy,” he said.

Despite all the risks of enrollment figures and injury uncertainty, coaches say that given the choice, their players would rather play six-man football.

“My kids prefer playing six-man over 11-man,” said Linman.

Anton’s seniors this year were freshmen in 2010, the school’s last year in the 1A ranks, and remember being on an 11-man team. Linman says that in today’s modern world, his students prefer the fast-paced excitement that is six-man football.

“It’s faster, there’s more scoring, there’s more openfield stuff,” he said. “It’s exciting and it’s fast, and you know what kids want these The game actually thrives in days. Everything fast.” preston.wickersham@lubbockonline.com  766-8724 Follow Preston on Twitter @AJ_Wickersham

many of the communities, like Borden County, which is one of the traditional statewide powerhouses.

Stephen Spillman  A-j media

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RADIO SCHEDULE

Thursday, Aug. 29 Time Event Station 7:30 p.m. Coronado at Monterey 950 AM, 92.7 FM Friday, Aug. 30 Time Event Station 4 p.m.

Frenship vs. Canutillo 104.3 FM 7 p.m.

Lubbock High vs. Canyon 1340 AM 7:30 p.m. Randall at Plainview 106.9 FM 7:30 p.m. Estacado vs. Hereford 790 AM 7:30 p.m. Shallowater at Muleshoe 105.3 FM, 1380 AM 7:30 p.m. Roosevelt at Levelland 1230 AM 7:30 p.m. Caprock at Snyder 105.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Seminole at Merkel 106.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Floydada at Brownfield 1300 AM 7:30 p.m. Lamesa at Littlefield 690 AM, 1490 AM Friday, Sept. 6 Time Event Station 7:30 p.m. Lub. High at Coronado 950 AM, 1340 AM 7:30 p.m. Monterey at Odessa 92.7 FM 7:30 p.m. Odessa Permian at Frenship 104.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Palo Duro at Plainview 106.9 FM 7:30 p.m. Snyder at Cooper 105.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Littlefield at Shallowater 105.3 FM, 1490 AM 7:30 p.m. Levelland at Denver City 1230 AM 7:30 p.m. Seminole at Idalou 106.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Brownfield at Mid. Greenwood 1300 AM 7:30 p.m. Post at Lamesa 690 AM 7 p.m.

Midland JV at Muleshoe 1380 AM Thursday, Sept. 12 Time Event Station 7 p.m.

Estacado at Caprock 790 AM 7 p.m.

Plainview at Canyon 106.9 FM Friday, Sept. 13 Time Event Station 7:30 p.m. San Angelo Central at Coronado 950 AM 7:30 p.m. Monterey at El Paso Americas 92.7 FM 7:30 p.m. Lubbock High at Cooper 1340 AM 7:30 p.m. Frenship at El Paso El Dorado 104.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Mid. Greenwood at Shallowater 105.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Muleshoe at Levelland 1230 AM, 1380 AM 7:30 p.m. Snyder at Brownwood 105.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Andrews at Brownfield 1300 AM 7:30 p.m. Fort Stockton at Seminole 106.3 FM

STATION KEY

STATION Lubbock KJAK KTTU KJTV KFYO KKAM KJDL Area KKYN (Plainview) KLVT (Levelland) KSNY (Snyder) KKUB (Brownfield) KBXT (Lamesa) KSEM (Seminole) KZZN (Littlefield) KMUL (Muleshoe)

FREQUENCY 92.7 FM 104.3 FM 950 AM 790 AM 1340 AM 105.3 FM 106.9 FM 1230 AM 105.3 FM 1300 AM 690 AM 106.3 FM 1490 AM 1380 AM

Note: The Avalanche-Journal/ KJAK High School Football Scoreboard Show will broadcast on KJAK 92.7 FM at 10 p.m.

Note: The Friday Night Live Scoreboard Show will broadcast live on KTTU 104.3 FM.

Note: Not all schools’ radio broadcast information was available by time Football Fever 2013 went to press.

7:30 p.m. New Deal at Lamesa 690 AM 7:30 p.m. Idalou at Littlefield 1490 AM Friday, Sept. 20 Time Event Station 7:30 p.m. Coronado at Abilene Cooper 950 AM 7:30 p.m. Randall at Monterey 92.7 FM 7:30 p.m. Amarillo at Frenship 104.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Plainview at Caprock 106.9 FM 7:30 p.m. Estacado at Snyder 790 AM, 105.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Shallowater at Dalhart 105.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Seminole at Mid. Christian 106.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Brownfield at Levelland 1230 AM, 1300 AM 7:30 p.m. Lamesa at Clyde 690 AM 7:30 p.m. Littlefield at Stratford 1490 AM 7:30 p.m. Roosevelt at Muleshoe 1380 AM Thursday, Sept. 26 Time Event Station 7:30 p.m. Caprock at Monterey 92.7 FM Friday, Sept. 27 Time Event Station 4 p.m.

Abilene Wylie at Estacado 790 AM 7:30 p.m. Frenship at Palo Duro 104.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Dumas at Plainview 106.9 FM 7:30 p.m. Shallowater at Idalou 105.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Levelland at Fort Stockton 1230 AM 7:30 p.m. Snyder at SA Lake View 105.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Big Spring at Seminole 106.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Brownfield at Pecos 1300 AM 7:30 p.m. Mid. Greenwood at Lamesa 690 AM 7:30 p.m. Dalhart at Littlefield 1490 AM 7:30 p.m. Muleshoe vs. Alpine 1380 AM 8 p.m.

Midland Lee at Coronado 950 AM Saturday, Sept. 28 Time Event Station 2 p.m.

Andrews at Lubbock High 1340 AM Friday, Oct. 4 Time Event Station 7:30 p.m. Perryton at Lubbock High 1340 AM Saturday, Oct. 5 Time Event Station 2 p.m.

Melissa vs. Estacado 790 AM Thursday, Oct. 10 Time Event Station

7 p.m.

Hereford at Monterey 92.7 FM Friday, Oct. 11 Time Event Station 7:30 p.m. Coronado at Odessa 950 AM 7:30 p.m. Lub. High at Plainview 1340 AM, 106.9 FM 7:30 p.m. Frenship at SA Lake View 104.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Levelland at Estacado 790 AM, 1230 AM 7:30 p.m. Seminole at Shallowater 105.3 FM, 106.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Sweetwater at Snyder 105.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Idalou at Brownfield 1300 AM 7:30 p.m. Slaton at Lamesa 690 AM 7:30 p.m. Littlefield at Bushland 1490 AM 7:30 p.m. Friona at Muleshoe 1380 AM Thursday, Oct. 17 Time Event Station 7 p.m.

Abilene at Coronado 950 AM Friday, Oct. 18 Time Event Station 7:30 p.m. Monterey at Frenship 92.7 FM, 104.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Hereford at Lubbock High 1340 AM 7:30 p.m. SA Lake View at Plainview 106.9 FM 7:30 p.m. Estacado at Shallowater 790 AM, 105.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Cooper at Seminole 106.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Andrews at Levelland 1230 AM 7:30 p.m. Snyder at Big Spring 105.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Brownfield at Slaton 1300 AM 7:30 p.m. Lamesa at Kermit 690 AM 7:30 p.m. Dimmitt at Littlefield 1490 AM 7:30 p.m. Bushland at Muleshoe 1380 AM Thursday, Oct. 24 Time Event Station 7 p.m.

Seminole at Estacado 790 AM, 106.3 FM Friday, Oct. 25 Time Event Station 7:30 p.m. Coronado at Midland 950 AM 7:30 p.m. Plainview at Monterey 92.7 FM, 106.9 FM

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Lubbock High at SA Lake View 1340 AM Frenship at Hereford 104.3 FM Shallowater at Andrews 105.3 FM Levelland at Cooper 1230 AM Monahans at Snyder 105.3 FM Kermit at Brownfield 1300 AM Littlefield at Childress 1490 AM Denver City at Lamesa 690 AM Muleshoe at Dimmitt 1380 AM Thursday, Oct. 31 Time Event Station 7 p.m.

Frenship at Lub. High 104.3 FM, 1340 AM Friday, Nov. 1 Time Event Station 4 p.m.

Andrews at Estacado 790 AM 7:30 p.m. Monterey at SA Lake View 92.7 FM 7:30 p.m. Hereford at Plainview 106.9 FM 7:30 p.m. Cooper at Shallowater 105.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Levelland at Seminole 1230 AM, 106.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Snyder at Abilene Wylie 105.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Brownfield at Lamesa 1300 AM, 690 AM 7:30 p.m. Littlefield at Friona 1490 AM 7:30 p.m. Childress at Muleshoe 1380 AM 8 p.m.

Tascosa at Coronado 950 AM Friday, Nov. 8 Time Event Station 7:30 p.m. Coronado at Odessa Permian 950 AM 7:30 p.m. Lubbock at Monterey 1340 AM, 92.7 FM 7:30 p.m. Plainview at Frenship 104.3 FM, 106.9 FM 7:30 p.m. Estacado at Cooper 790 AM 7:30 p.m. Shallowater at Levelland 105.3 FM, 1230 AM 7:30 p.m. Mid. Greenwood at Snyder 105.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Seminole at Andrews 106.3 FM 7:30 p.m. Denver City at Brownfield 1300 AM 7:30 p.m. Lamesa at Idalou 690 AM 7:30 p.m. Muleshoe at Littlefield 1490 AM, 1380 AM

12

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

FOOTBALL FEVER header

PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

Class 5A-4A

District 2-5A 1. Abilene Cooper: QB Joe leads talented offense that should knock off inexperienced Eagles 2. San Angelo Central: Stellar offense should help Bobcats challenge Cougars for 2-5A crown 3. Abilene: With loss of so many players from 2012, Abilene will lean on tradition 4. Midland Lee: Rebels fans may grow a little restless with Morton if struggles continue 5. Midland: Bulldogs will have to solve inexperience problems along both fronts to compete 6. Odessa Permian: New coach, lack of experience could keep Panthers out of postseason 7. Coronado: After two sub-par seasons, Mustangs need to show improvement under Jackson 8. Odessa: Bronchos have benefit of several returning players who took lumps in 2012 9. Tascosa: Rebels will be led by strong defense, need offense to mature quickly

District 4-4A 1. Frenship: Tigers will lean on defense while developing offensive consistency 2. Monterey: Bruising running game will allow Plainsmen to control tempo of game 3. Lubbock High: Westerners now must take next step after breaking playoff drought 4. Hereford: Herd surged at end of last season, could do more this coming year 5. Plainview: Late coaching change could keep Bulldogs out of postseason again 6. San Angelo Lake View: Chiefs simply don’t have enough offense to challenge for playoffs.

TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYER Travon Benton, RB, Monterey Benton didn’t even start the 2012 season as the No. 1 running back for the Plainsmen, but as the season progressed it was easy to see he was the top ball-carrier on the team, rushing for 1,494 Benton yards and 15 touchdowns.

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYER Peyton Elliott, S, Frenship Not often does Frenship put younger players in key positions, unless the coaches are confident that player can produce results. Elliott certainly did that and will have to Elliott do it again this year after recording 127 tackles and three sacks as a sophomorea year ago.

Scott Macwatters  A-j media

Frenship could become the biggest school in Lubbock County when district alignments are announced in 2014.

Realignment could finally pit Frenship, LISD’s largest schools all in one district

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

Maybe it’s because he was an outsider to Texas high school football until three years ago. But, more than likely, it’s because he doesn’t care what successful team he can point to as an example of how to do it.

Lubbock High football coach Jason Strunk makes no qualms about the fact the Westerners want to be the next Frenship, the program he views as the flagship for success on the South Plains. He still maintains that stance even after LHS was waxed by the Tigers, 51-6, in their first meeting as district opponents in 2012.

But the way things are going, there might not be too many of those moments, at least with district implications upon them.

The 2013-14 school year is also a realignment announcement year for the University Interscholastic League, the governing body for high school athletics in Texas.

Every two years teams are reclassified according to their enrollment.

For years, fans have wondered when Frenship would join the three larger Lubbock Independent School District programs of LHS, Monterey and Coronado in the same league. It might be this year.

“Us, Lubbock High, Monterey and Coronado, all four of us could go either way,” Frenship head coach and athletic director Brad Davis said.

In a way, however, Frenship and LISD are trending in opposite directions, and they might not be district opponents for long if it does happen in February.

West side growth

It’s no secret the growth in terms of housing and businesses in Lubbock is on the south and west sides of town, right squarely in the heart of the Frenship school district boundaries.

Frenship’s boundary on the east stops at Frankford Avenue, which 15 years ago was an outlying street on the edge of Lubbock’s city limits. Now, it’s home or near some of Lubbock’s most popular and prosperous businesses and housing developments.

That has forced the Frenship school district to grow almost exponentially. Whereas the town of Wolfforth, where Frenship High School is located, has a population of 3,670 according to the 2010 census, the school district has more than 6,500 students at one high school, three middle

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

schools and six elementaries.

That growth has taken the Tigers athletic program from a Class 2A school in 1982 to a Class 4A school 30 years later, and the trend is for Frenship to keep growing.

Frenship’s registered high school enrollment number, the figure the UIL uses to determine school classifications, was 1,963 for the 2011 school year. But it was well over 2,000 by the beginning of the 2012 school year.

When the UIL announces its new classifications in February, a new Class 6A will be released, representing the largest schools statewide.

“I think Frenship will be on the borderline,” Davis said. “We could go either way, 6A or 5A, which is now 4A. The realignment after that, we’re definitely going to be 6A. The growth of our middle schools and elementary schools is to a point where we’ve got one more realignment of 5A and then we’ll be 6A.”

Keeping LISD viable

While Frenship’s enrollment has steadily increased, the enrollment at Lubbock ISD’s three largest schools has been on a gradual slope in the other direction.

Many reasons factored into that — an open transfer policy within the district and lagging facilities just to name a couple. But since his arrival 31/2 years ago, LISD athletic director Mark Ball has worked to turn those factors in the opposite direction.

Now, students wishing to compete in athletics in LISD must choose which high school they will attend by which middle school they will attend, and there is no transferring. LISD is also addressing the facilities issues both on campus and at Lowrey Field through the $198 million bond package passed in 2010.

But there are some glaring differences between LISD and Frenship, and even Cooper for that matter. The biggest is the lack of indoor practice facilities on the LISD high-school campuses, while both Frenship and Cooper have massive indoor facilities.

There are some smaller moves that have been made as well in an effort to make Coronado, Monterey and Lubbock High competitive. One of those is creating a middle school athletic district where Lubbock ISD, Frenship and Cooper all compete against each other at the middleschool level.

“The reason we got Frenship and Cooper in that middle school district that was created ... was to compete against somebody beside ourselves and compete against some good programs,” Ball said.

“I know people may not believe this but

FOOTBALLFEVER header

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

Preparing for the future

Stephen Spillman  A-j media

Lubbock could be facing the possibility of not having a team in the UIL’s largest class when district alignments are announced in 2014. we actually get kids from Frenship and Cooper. Look at our facilities now. Granted we don’t have the 50-yard indoor practice facility, but don’t think we’re not working on that, that it’s not on a backburner somewhere. Our school board and our administration have made a great commitment to us and our facilities. There are a lot of positive things.”

Ball said he’s been so focused on improving the quality of athletics within LISD that he hasn’t really paid attention to enrollment figures or trends. And while LISD may have gotten some students, the trend is not looking good.

In the last five realignment periods, dating back to the 2004-06 period and culminating with the 2012-14 period, Coronado, Lubbock High and Monterey have each lost almost 1,000 students. That drop has taken Lubbock High and Monterey from 5A to 4A status and put Coronado dangerously on that line (the 5A minimum number was 2,090, Coronado had an enrollment of 2,187).

Frenship, meanwhile, has gained more than 550 students in that same span. The Tigers were within 130 students of becoming a 5A team in February of 2011.

If trends hold, all four schools could find themselves in the same district for the first time — ever.

“I still anticipate Lubbock High and Monterey staying 4A (what will be known as 5A) and I think there’s a greater than 50-percent chance that Coronado will be 4A,” Ball said. “The 6A deal I don’t think is going to have any effect on it. The perception of 6A is the same thing we did in 1982 when we created 5A.”

Still, there’s a positive stigma that goes with knowing you compete in the highest classification in the state.

While Coronado has struggled to do so as of late, Frenship is embracing the idea through its scheduling, which includes Odessa Permian and El Paso Eldorado.

“I think we already are prepared,” Davis said. “We’re at the point where we can play with any team in the state and we already have been for years. The issue we have is when you get to the third round (of the playoffs), that’s when you run into Southlake Carroll, Euless Trinity, Coppell, Arlington Martin, Denton Ryan. All those schools have phenomenal talent and have every year. It’s when you run into those teams that have you out-talented.”

Which is why staying a classification lower might not be such a bad thing.

While Coronado has struggled at the 5A level, Monterey has found a resurgence since dropping to 4A, going three rounds deep this past season, its deepest postseason run since 2006.

“I think the drop to 4A, mentally, was a big part of it,” Monterey head coach Todd Pearson said. “I’m not sure that physically it was any different than it was at the 5A level but mentally the kids might have thought that. I think it needs to continue to be our mindset with our kids. We had expectations and we needed to be successful.”

The drop was also hugely beneficial to the Westerners, who broke a 36-year playoff drought with a fourth-place finish in District 4-4A, despite an overall record of 3-7.

While winning league titles is nice, Strunk doesn’t necessarily put much emphasis on it.

“I think I’m more in line with coach Ball and what his thinking is,” Strunk said. “A district championship is great, but we just have to find a way to get into the playoffs.

That will always be our mentality. You get in the playoffs it’s a clean slate.”

Just making the playoffs is obviously the easier goal (four teams in 5A and 4A qualify for the postseason).

Having all four LISD teams in the same district with Frenship makes the goal of earning the district title much tougher for everyone involved.

At least, however, it would provide some entertaining football.

“It’d be nice to do that at least one more time,” Ball said. “I don’t think Brad would be opposed to that, either.” george.watson@lubbockonline.com  766-2166 Follow George on Twitter @AJJorge

13

FIVE GAMES TO WATCH

■ Aug. 29: Coronado at Monterey This game will provide both teams a key early test.

The opener at the renovated PlainsCapital Park at Lowrey Field will pit strength vs. strength as Monterey’s running game tries to pierce a tough Coronado defense.

■ Oct. 11: Lubbock High at Plainview The Westerners got into a shootout in this one last year and survived, setting up their ability late in the season to clinch a playoff spot. The Bulldogs will be five games into a new coach and looking to take a big leap in 4-4A. ■ Oct. 16: Abilene at Coronado If the Mustangs are going to show improvement for this season and give fans hope into the future, they need to at least be competitive.

Beating a rebuilding Abilene team could provide a huge boost of confidence in that regard.

■ Oct. 18: Monterey at Frenship An early-season loss to Hereford by Monterey kept this game from having as big an impact on the 4-4A title as anticipated. That shouldn’t be a problem this year as the Plainsmen are looking to knock the Tigers off the top of the mountain.

■ Nov. 8: Lubbock High at Monterey LHS coach Jason Strunk was fuming after this game last year, so look for some intensity for the 2013 meeting as he feels his Westerners are primed to take the next step. It could have big implications on playoff seeding.

TOP FIVE COACHES ■ Brad Davis, Frenship ■ Todd Pearson, Monterey ■ Jason Strunk, Lubbock High ■ Kent Jackson, Coronado ■ Ryan Rhoades, Plainview

Pearson

FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH ■ Matthew Robinson, OL, Frenship ■ Erin Lopez, DB, Lubbock High ■ Davis Williamson, K, Monterey ■ Robert Lee, RB, Coronado ■ Desmond Vera, TE, Plainview Lopez

IN THIS SECTION Coronado.......................................................................14-15 Monterey........................................................................16-17 Frenship.........................................................................18-19 Lubbock High..............................................................20-21 Plainview.............................................................................22

14

DISTRICT 2-5A header

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

Mustangs hope experience, attitude make difference CORONADO MUSTANGS COACHES

ROSTER

Head coach Kent Jackson (Lubbock Christian), third season; 3-17 at Coronado, 129-80 overall Assistant coaches Brad Bibb, C Gray Gregory, Shawn Hensley, Gary Hix, Michael Mann, Ted Maple, Jeff Marrs, Michael Northupp, Ty Palmer, Jason Shahan, Rick Smith, James Vint, Sylas Politte, Tyrone Labad

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 30 at Monterey Sept. 6 Lubbock High Sept. 13 San Angelo Central* Sept. 20 at Abilene Cooper* Sept. 27 Midland Lee* Oct. 11 at Odessa* Oct. 17 Abilene* Oct. 25 at Midland* Nov. 1 Tascosa* Nov. 8 at Odessa Permian* * — District 2-5A game

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

8 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

8 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

2012 RESULTS

Date Opponent Result Aug. 31 Monterey L 17-14 Sept. 7 Lubbock High W 7-0 Sept. 14 at San Angelo Central* L 28-17 Sept. 21 Abilene Cooper* L 55-20 Sept. 28 at Midland Lee* L 44-10 Oct. 12 Odessa* W 21-9 Oct. 19 at Abilene* L 49-0 Oct. 26 Midland* L 56-6 Nov. 2 at Tascosa* L 28-14 Nov. 9 Odessa Permian* L 49-24 * — District 2-5A game

TEAM INFO

Player Ht. Wt. Joel Alvarado 5-10 160 Conner Astwood 6-1 190 Jackson Bailey 5-11 180 Nick Bartley 6-1 190 Collin Burns 5-9 195 Cody Castillo 6-0 195 Matthew Cavazos 5-8 185 Andrew Ellison 5-9 170 Jerrek Esparza 5-10 160 Jaden Garcia 5-10 175 Rene Garcia 6-3 240 Louis Gonzales 5-9 160 Keandre Hall 6-2 260 Coleman Hendershot 6-1 190 Brandon Hershman 5-11 190 James Horton 6-0 300 Randall Jackson 6-1 275 Dalexae Johnson 5-9 165 Jonathan Juarez 5-10 175 Joel Leal 5-8 145 Robert Lee 5-10 185 Garrett Lord 6-1 150 Keishon Lott 6-1 185 Lorenzo Lovato 5-10 155 Aaron Mactal 6-1 200 Branson McCowan 6-1 190 Devondric Meadows 6-5 250 Carl Moyers 5-9 175 David Munoz 6-0 170 Joey Ortiz 5-10 205 Brandon Sherlin 6-1 175 Terry Smith 5-9 240 Matthew Spieker 5-9 145 Isaiah Tates 5-10 185 Bryan Trevino 5-10 150 Kameron Wilborn 5-10 185 Derrick Wright 5-9 150 Courtnee Wynn 6-1 190 Armando Yanez 6-0 195

Yr. Pos. Sr. WR/DB Sr. WR/LB Sr. OL/DL Jr. RB/LB Sr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Sr. RB/LB Jr. WR/DB Sr. QB/DB Sr. OL/DL Sr. WR/DB Jr. OL/DL Jr. TE/LB Sr. WR/LB Sr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Sr. WR/DB Sr. WR/DB Sr. WR/DB Sr. RB/LB Sr. WR/DB Sr. RB/LB Sr. WR/DB Sr. WR/DB Sr. OL/DL Sr. TE/DL Sr. RB/LB Jr. QB/S Sr. OL/LB Jr. WR/DB Sr. OL/DL Sr. WR/DB Sr. RB/DB Sr. WR/DB Sr. QB/DB Sr. WR/DB Sr. RB/LB Sr. OL/DL

Team n 2012 season, district record: 2-8, 1-7 (tied seventh place District 2-5A) n District: 2-5A n Basic offense: Multiple Spread n Basic defense: 4-3 n Year last won district: 2007 n Year last made playoffs: 2007 n Stadium: Lowrey Field (Capacity 8,000)

Coronado’s Isaiah Tates, shown breaking away for a touchdown last year against Abilene Cooper, is half of a potentially explosive tandem of running backs, along with Robert Lee.

coronado/Mustangs could start to show improvement in third season under Jackson

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

Players n Returnees: 16 of 47 lettermen, seven offensive starters, four defensive starters n Returning starters: RB Robert Lee, RB Isaiah Tates, LB Brandon Hershman, LB Conner Astwood, OL Cody Castillo, DL Terry Smith, OL/DL James Horton, RB Andrew Ellison, WR Brandon Sherlin, OL Randall Jackson n Other lettermen: RB Nick Bartley, OL Jackson Bailey, OL Branson McCowan, DL Keandre Hall, QB Kameron Wilborn, RB Courtney Wynn, TE/LB Coleman Hendershot n Top newcomers: DB Dalexae Johnson, DL Devondric Meadows

stephen spillman  A-j media

stephen spillman  A-j media

Coronado’s Keandre Hall (95) pressures Odessa Permian’s Jack Wilkins during their game last year.

For programs that are rebuilding, typically the third season is when they begin to show progress.

Coronado enters 2013 in its third season under head coach Kent Jackson, and to say the first two seasons were a struggle would be an understatement.

The Mustangs are just 3-17 the past two years — two of the wins coming against similarly rebuilding Lubbock High — and have won just two district games combined.

So entering the third year, log-

ic would dictate the Mustangs to make a marked leap in improvement, whether or not that results in a higher finish or more wins in a very tough District 2-5A. But Jackson sees improvement already that might not always show on a scoreboard or in a boxscore.

“That’s leadership and competitiveness and the intangible things that you know you’ve got to have to get Jackson where you want to go,” Jackson said. “We all know that at some point when you’re turning a program around that you have to get that win over somebody that you’re ... not favored or supposed to beat on paper. Once that happens, you feel like the tide is starting to turn. We’ve been in that situation with those teams where we’re in the game and not able

to finish, and that’s what we’ve got to be able to do.”

The Mustangs had a handful of such games last year, playing San Angelo Central close on the road before falling 28-17 in the 2-5A opener, dropping a two-touchdown game at Tascosa and moving the ball up and down the field against Odessa Permian but never consistently finding the end zone.

Coronado will have a chance early to get one of those signature wins. After non-district games against crosstown rivals Monterey and Lubbock High, the Mustangs open district with two of the league’s title favorites in Central and Abilene Cooper before a tough Midland Lee team comes to Lubbock.

It’s in that five-game stretch, Jackson said, Coronado has to find a way to steal a win, or two, in order to harbor hopes late in the season of garnering one of four postseason berths.

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

DISTRICT 2-5A header

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15

Coronado: Mustangs hungry for success after lean years

“Those are huge for us in trying to find some good things that can happen for us early,” Jackson said.

“That’s a tall order. But if we’re going to push forward for one of those (playoff) spots we have to find a way to steal one there. Our young men feel confident and have said that is their goal to be one of those four teams. The kids think they have the potential to do that and the coaches believe they’re capable of playing that way and have seen them work.”

It was an encouraging spring and summer for Jackson, who saw not only improvements physically from the Mustangs but also in their mentality and maturity.

Players began displaying, vocally and physically, their disdain and frustration with the lack of success the past two years, along with a determination to do something about it, and that permeated throughout the lockerroom, weight room and on the practice field, Jackson said.

“They’re taking the initiative to encourage their teammates and try to make sure they’re all here getting our summer work done, and are doing things you have to do in order to be competitive at this level,” Jackson said. “That aspect of it seems stronger than we’ve seen the last two years overall and that’s encouraging.”

What’s also encouraging is that for the first time in three seasons the Mustangs have a good core nucleus of experience returning, plus a couple of huge additions who could make a big difference on defense.

The Mustangs welcome back 16 lettermen and nine starters, including two good athletes at running

back, a pair of experienced offensive linemen and two playmaking linebackers.

“Hopefully, that translates into something positive when the lights come on,” Jackson said. “We hope some of that experience guys have gained will start paying dividends.”

Coronado’s offensive strength starts with its running game and the return of two talented Lee tailbacks in seniors Robert Lee and Isaiah Tates. The two combined for 863 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, and give the Mustangs breakaway speed when they get into the open.

They’ll have a pair of seniors clearing the holes up front in Randall Jackson and Cody Castillo. But size up front will still be a concern as neither Jackson or Castillo is taller than 6-foot-1, and Castillo stands at just 5-10.

The biggest question for the Mustangs on offense is quarterback, where it was expected to come down between senior Kameron Wilborn and newcomers J.T. Morris and Jaden Garcia off the junior varsity. Wilborn, with his experience on varsity last year, has a step on the other two “I think he has improved so much this spring with his throwing motion,” Jackson said. “He’s thrown the ball well this spring and has more confidence in that. He’s always had the ability to run the read option very well and does a good job of that. He’s really reaped the rewards of what we’ve asked him to do this offseason.”

Coronado will also have some talent on the out-

side, led by junior Brandon Sherlin, who caught 14 passes for 100 yards last season and is expected to take on a bigger role this year. Lee and Tates will also see time out wide as will junior Nick Bartley, one of a group of talented 2012 sophomores Jackson is excited about. Morris and Wilborn could also play receiver if neither are under center.

Jackson expects the Mustangs to be just as strong on defense, which would be a big improvement. Coronado ranked ninth out of 10 teams in District 2-5A last year, allowing 389.7 yards per game, and was eighth in points allowed at 355.

Leading the charge will be linebackers Connor Astwood and Brandon HerAstwood schmann, two of the Mustangs’ leading tacklers from a year ago.

Coronado also got a boost when athlete Dalexae Johnson, who played last season at Frenship, transferred back to Coronado and will help boost the secondary.

But the biggest addition came from right on campus in the form of big defensive end Devondric Meadows. The 6-5, 240-pound senior sat out last year to concentrate on basketball, but returns to play his final season and is already drawing notice from Division I schools. He had 26 tackles as a sophomore.

“He is a tremendous young man and the kind of kid you would want in any program,” Jackson said.

“What he does on the (field) is special but it’s who he is in the lockerroom every day that is important. He’s a team guy, unselfish and

very much a guy you want around and you want the rest of the team to be inspired by.”

Up front Meadows will have help from end Keandre Hall, who got some varsity playing time as a sophomore (35 tackles) and has made strides physically. In the middle look for newcomers Zach Stepp and Emery Giddens to possibly make an impact.

Johnson will have help in the secondary from returning letterman David Munoz, a junior, and Morris could also work into the mix depending on his role offensively.

“We have several young men who we feel can fight for those other spots,” Jackson said. “We feel there’s potential there to

have some guys do some good things early on for us there.”

If all the pieces can fall into place, and do so quickly, there’s no reason the Mustangs can’t at least be in position to fight for a playoff spot by the end of the year.

“When you’re a youngster sitting there like all

these guys were as juniors last year going through all that, you know your only choice is to sit back and do nothing and know that it’s coming again, or to try to raise your level and improve,” Jackson said. george.watson@lubbockonline.com  766-2166 Follow George on Twitter @AJJorge

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www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

MONTEREY PLAINSMEN COACHES

ROSTER

Head coach Todd Pearson (West Texas State), fifth season; 19-26 at Monterey and overall Assistant coaches Taylor Cain, Michael Faherty, Tim Glover, Stephen Gonzalez, Mike Herbert, Simon Hernandez, Clay Jones, Kent Meador, Brandon Newman, Kevin Pittman, Shannon O’Pry, Will Smith, Bob Stanley, Les Tomlin, Travis Walden, Floyd White

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 29 Coronado Sept. 6 at Odessa Sept. 13 at El Paso Americas Sept. 20 Randall Sept. 26 Caprock Oct. 10 Hereford* Oct. 18 at Frenship* Oct. 25 Plainview* Nov. 1 at SA Lake View* Nov. 8 Lubbock High* * — District 4-4A game

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

2012 RESULTS Date Opponent Aug. 31 at Coronado Sept. 7 Odessa Sept. 14 El Paso Americas Sept. 21 at Randall Sept. 28 at Caprock Oct. 12 at Hereford* Oct. 19 Frenship* Oct. 26 at Plainview* Nov. 2 SA Lake View* Nov. 9 at Lubbock High* Nov. 16 Amarillo Palo Duro** Nov. 23 El Paso Andress** Dec. 1 NRH Birdville** ** — 2012 playoff game * — District 4-4A game

Result W 17-14 W 31-19 W 27-23 L 35-31 W 75-61 L 44-34 L 10-29 W 49-26 W 35-3 W 49-14 W 38-16 W 21-18 L 42-21

TEAM INFO Team n 2012 season, district record: 9-4, 3-2 (third place District 4-4A) n District: 4-4A n Basic offense: Multiple n Basic defense: 4-3 n Year last won district: 2006 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Lowrey Field (Capacity 8,000)

Players n Returnees: 18 of 58 lettermen, five offensive starters, eight defensive starters n Returning starters: OL Andren Anderson, OL Ryan Woodham, RB Vincent Johnson, RB Travon Benton, WR Blake Walden, DL Alazea Douglas, DL Xavier Freeman, DL Adam Benitez, DL Austin Heinrich, DL Sam Bartholomae, LB Jordan Silva, DB Dominique Patterson, DB Marcus Hopson n Other lettermen: QB Camden Arnold, DB Christian Cedillo, K Davis Williamson, DL Ismael Mendoza n Top newcomers: DB Christian Cedillo, DB Bryan Payne, WR Chris Tawney, RB Semaj Williaims, RB Keith Fernandez

Player Ht. Josh Aguirre 5-9 Andren Anderson 6-2 Camden Arnold 6-1 Jacob Bach 6-0 Sam Bartholomae 6-1 Adam Benitez 6-2 Travon Benton 5-10 Jerry Bibbs 5-11 Zachary Brown 5-11 Christian Cedillo 6-0 Alonzo Collins 6-2 Ricardo Cortez 5-7 Caleb Delano 5-10 Austin Dorsett 6-3 Alazea Douglas 5-11 Matt Duran 5-9 Devin Esquivel 5-9 Jaylin Fay 5-10 Keith Fernandez 5-10 Jared Frankhouser 6-0 Xavier Freeman 6-1 Roman Garica 5-9 Xavier Garcia 5-10 Jonathan Gaytan 6-0 Tim Givens 6-0 Trevor Gooden 6-1 Magoo Grimaldo 5-9 Austin Heinrich 6-4 Jake Hohenberger 6-0 Marcus Hopson 5-11 Paul Johnson 5-10 Vincent Johnson 5-11 Marcos Lafargue 6-2 Shahaleam Lara 5-10 Dontrell Lewis 5-10 Anthony Martinez 6-0 Nick Martinez 5-9 Ish Mendoza 5-9 Connor McKelvey 6-3 Connor Mitchell 6-2 Dominique Patterson 6-1 Bryan Payne 5-8 Joseph Peal 5-10 Tyler Perez 6-1 Roy Reed 6-0 Tyler Rekieta 6-0 Thomas Renteria 5-8 Joseph Reyes 5-10 Andrew Rhodes 5-9 Oliver Rodriguez 5-11 Ryan Saldivar 5-8 Zachary Sanders 6-3 Jordan Silva 5-10 Nat Simpson 5-9 Hunter Spaeth 6-4 Chris Tawney 5-9 Kaeden Taylor 6-0 Landin Terry 5-8 Jaron Thomas 6-0 Aiden Tovar 5-9 Troy Turnipseed 6-1 Rey Valdez 5-9 Blake Walden 6-2 Tyler Walls 5-10 Cody Weems 6-1 Semaj Williams 5-10 Davis Williamson 6-0 Ryan Woodham 5-11

Wt. 170 290 165 170 210 260 200 175 175 165 200 150 180 185 200 200 170 160 175 170 210 165 170 245 175 260 190 205 180 185 200 180 210 175 175 230 175 175 175 175 180 160 165 205 200 165 160 185 175 180 165 180 175 160 190 165 175 165 165 170 260 260 175 260 180 220 160 270

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

Pos. FB OL QB LB DL DL RB DB RB DB DL DB LB TE DL FB LB WR RB WR DL LB WR OL DB OL LB DL LB DB OL RB OL LB QB OL LB DL DL WR DB DB DB DL DL WR WR TE DL DL DB WR LB WR QB WR LB WR DB DL OL DL WR OL QB RB K OL

stephen spillman  A-j media

Travon Benton is back for Monterey after rushing for 1,494 yards and 15 touchdowns last season as a junior. He will lead a bruising rushing attack that could lead the Plainsmen to a District 4-4A crown.

Pearson wants even more success monterey/Program close to level Pearson hopes to achieve in 4A

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

By winning nine games and going three rounds deep in the Class 4A playoffs, some might think the Monterey football program is back to where it used to be throughout the 2000s.

And while that may be good for the fans, it’s not good enough for head coach Todd Pearson, who wants the program to surpass what it was doing when it was one of the more dominant 5A programs in West Texas.

“We’re making progress and going in the right direction,” Pearson said. “What it boils down to is how consistent you can be as a program, and we’re working on that and trying to be consistent with what we do, and then get to a level and stay at that level. I wouldn’t say that we’re there yet and we

may never be, but we’re definitely working toward that direction.”

While Pearson wants to keep the focus on the future, it’s hard to argue with the strides the Plainsmen (9-4, 3-2 in District 4-4A) took a season ago.

By reaching the regional quarterfinals and giving a good Birdville team Pearson a run for its money, the Plainsmen made their deepest postseason run since 2006, when they lost to Colleyville Heritage in the 5A regional semifinals.

For Pearson, success isn’t necessarily measured in wins and losses — though that’s a part of it — but rather by how ready his team is for the district slate and beyond.

“I think it’s important to win the games you can in non-district,” said Pearson, who as an assistant watched Monterey plenty of times struggle in non-district only to dominate league play.

“But I also think it’s important that everything moves step by

step and you move up the ladder.

In our program we want to be at our best going into the last game of the year, and we’ve been fortunate to be able to do that and get to a certain point (in the playoffs). The non-district is important for wins and losses and for the mentality of our kids, but it’s not going to get us where we need to ultimately be.”

Where that is, Pearson said, is playing for a state championship, something that hasn’t been done in this area above the 3A level since the late 1960s.

The bad news for Monterey is the graduation of 40 seniors from the 2012 squad, many of whom were key contributors last season. The good news is there’s plenty of returning talent back to make another deep playoff push.

Pearson welcomes five offensive and eight defensive returning starters, including basically his entire front four, three key members of the secondary and two players who made Monterey one of the top rushing teams in the area last season.

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17

monterey: Benton ran for 1,494 yards, 15 TDs last season

“(Leadership) is unique to the season and unique to the team you’ve got,” Pearson said. “We do have several seniors who got playing time last year or were a starter last year, and hopefully we can get that same leadership as we did from the other group.”

Leading the way will be M o n t e r e y ’s pounding ground game behind senior Travon Benton and junior Vincent Johnson.

Benton start- Benton ed the 2012 season as the third rushing option in Monterey’s attack, but quickly asserted himself as the go-to player, finishing with 1,494 yards and 15 touchdowns, displaying

a coveted blend of power (5-foot-10, 200 pounds) and speed (4.8 40-yard dash).

Johnson was a mid-season call-up from the junior varsity and showed why he could be the next top running back in line, finishing with 285 yards and six touchdowns on 41 carries.

Monterey will have to break in a new quarterback this season, and senior southpaw Camden Arnold appears to be next in line.

Though he had just one pass attempt as a junior, he could also give the Plainsmen an added air threat they didn’t always have last season after leading Monterey’s 7-on-7 team to the state tournament in July. He’ll have top target Blake Walden to throw to.

The biggest question for Monterey is up front,

where graduation has left three holes to fill.

There will be some experience on the offensive line with the return of senior Ryan Woodham and junior Andren Anderson, but filling the other three starting spots was the focus of the spring and will be again during two-a-days.

Luckily for the Plainsmen, while those offensive holes are being filled, an experienced and talented defense returns to help lead the way through a tough non-district slate that includes games against El Paso Americas and Randall.

“That’s the great thing from year to year, especially after the season we had last year, is having all those guys coming back,” Pearson said. “With us having

some juniors in the lineup last year coming back as seniors and plugging in a few new kids, that gives us a little bit of consistency and knowledge of where we need to start with.”

An experienced front and secondary will be the strength of the defense.

Leading the way are senior end Austin Heinrich and juniors Sam Bartholomae at one end and Adam Benitez, Alazea Douglas and Xavier Freeman on the interior.

Backing them up in the secondary are seniors Marcus Hopson, Dominique Patterson and Christian Cedillo.

About the only question mark on the defense is at linebacker, where the only returner is All-South Plains

linebacker Jordan Silva, a senior.

Monterey will also have the added bonus of a solid kicker in se- Silva nior Davis Williamson, who hit on all 10 field-goal attempts and

43 of 45 PAT kicks.

“We had a lot of young kids, several sophomores, playing on defense last year,” Pearson said. “I think with a year under their belt that we’ll be really solid up front. That will be something we can hang our hat on early in the year more than we have in the past.”

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Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

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Frenship won’t let lack of experience limit lofty goal FRENSHIP TIGERS COACHES Head coach Brad Davis (Texas Tech), eighth season; 72-17 at Frenship and overall Assistant coaches David Crume, Jimmy Curtis, Eric Eugenis, Chris Fanelli, Gery Joy, Lonnie Kuss, Keith Oldham, Chad Reynolds, Jerry Reynolds

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 vs. Canutillo** 4:00 p.m.

Sept. 6 Odessa Permian 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 at El Paso El Dorado 6:00 p.m.

Sept. 20 Amarillo 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Palo Duro 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 at SA Lake View* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 Monterey* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Hereford* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 31 at Lubbock* 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 8 Plainview* 7:30 p.m. * — District 4-4A game; ** — at Midland

2012 RESULTS Date Opponent Result Aug. 31 Riverside W 23-6 Sept. 7 at Odessa Permian W 23-13 Sept. 14 El Paso El Dorado W 27-10 Sept. 21 at Amarillo L 21-12 Sept. 28 Palo Duro W 45-41 Oct. 12 SA Lake View* W 49-0 Oct. 19 at Monterey* W 29-10 Oct. 26 Hereford* W 70-27 Nov. 2 Lubbock High* W 51-6 Nov. 9 at Plainview* W 37-7 Nov. 16 Canyon** W 45-23 Nov. 23 Clint Horizon** W 42-14 Dec. 1 Waco** W 45-28 Dec. 8 Wichita Falls Rider** L 33-7 ** — 2012 playoff game; * — Dist. 4-4A game

Team

TEAM INFO

n 2012 season, district record: 12-2, 5-0 (first place District 4-4A) n District: 4-4A n Basic offense: Multiple-I n Basic defense: 3-4 n Year last won district: 2012 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Peoples Bank Stadium (Capacity 10,000)

Players n Returnees: 14 of 47 lettermen, five offensive starters, six defensive starters n Returning starters: QB/SS Trevor Lloyd, WR Jared Mannon, WR Chad Curtis, OL Matthew Robinson, OL Travis Rasberry, DB Peyton Elliot, LB Tyler Kreger, WR/CB Jared Mannon, LB Chandler Casey, LB Jonathan Beck n Other lettermen: WB Christian Condez, S Will Wyatt, WR Dane Powell, FB Zach Finley n Top newcomers: RB Ronald Awatt, RB Grant Sandercox, LB Cole Fontenot, OL Jacob Stoker, DL Devin Jordan, DL Nick Sanchez, DL Tanner Truitt, OL Sammy Llanas, OL Grant Caravelli, QB Trevor Eulenbach

ROSTER Player Samuel Alexander Marcus Anguiano Kyle Arp Ronald Awatt Marcus Ayala Zac Backus Kyle Barthold Matthew Beauregard Jonathan Beck Korbin Beierschmitt Parker Bingham Logan Boyd Grant Caravelli Ryan Carman Chris Carter Chandler Casey T.J. Clark Marvin Clayborne Christian Condez Chad Curtis Donte Darty Clay Davis Ryan Delgado Coleman Dennis Peyton Elliot Trevor Eulenbach Te’Kel Evans Zach Finley Cole Fontenot Hunter Hail Hayden Harrison Isaiah Hernandez Ian Hightower Craig Kizer Tyler Kreger Devin Jordan Sammy Llanas Todd Lloyd Trevor Lloyd Tristan Lowrey Dalton Mankin Jared Mannon Jonas Marsh Marcus Martinez Scott McIntire Dane Powell Travis Rasberry Chris Reyes Matthew Robinson Nick Sanchez Grant Sandercox Jesse Shipman Matthew Spicer Jacob Stoker Alex Treffalls Tanner Truitt Jonathan Tulloh Johnny Vargas Micah Villarreal Collin Voyles Donald Williams Will Wyatt Austin York

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

Wt. 210 180 165 180 190 185 195 220 195 180 165 175 245 230 145 205 185 165 160 190 150 145 185 245 165 180 165 215 200 195 195 250 175 170 195 265 200 155 185 185 170 175 165 180 210 165 285 185 260 235 190 170 295 230 180 230 215 180 190 185 180 170 195

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

Pos. DE LB CB RB DL FB DE DL LB DL QB LB OL OL WR LB WR CB WB WR RB WR DE DE FS QB LB NG LB NG LB OL RB WB LB OL OL WR SS WB CB CB WR LB DE CB OL LB OL OL RB WB OL OL LB DE OL LB OL WR LB SS DE

zach long  A-J MEDIA

Despite having to replace 37 letterwinners who graduated, Frenship head coach Brad Davis will be looking for another deep playoff run this season.

frenship/Davis confident in talented, deep Tigers roster

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

There have been years in the recent past where the Frenship football program has had to basically start over in terms of personnel due to high graduation numbers from the season before.

In those seasons, the rebuilding took a while — not often long enough for the Tigers to not have a solid season but long enough to keep them from having the seasons they’ve come to expect.

The 2013 season could be one of those times as Frenship must replace 37 letterwinners from a team that went 12-2, finished a perfect 5-0 in District 4-4A and advanced all the way to the Division II regional finals.

But veteran head coach Brad Davis doesn’t expect the rebuilding to last much past two-a-day practices and feels the Tigers have the abili-

ty in 2013 to pick up where they left off in 2012. And he feels that way for three reasons.

Expectations, talent and depth.

Davis welcomes back just 14 lettermen from the team that was eliminated from the playoffs by Wichita Falls Rider for the second straight season. But of those 14, 11 are either returning starters or saw extensive playing time, which gives Davis a good starting point entering the season.

“I’m very optimistic about the season,” said Da- Davis vis, who enters his eighth season as head coach and 28th season at the school. “We’ve had a good spring with good senior leadership. We don’t have a lot of seniors but we have some really great kids and some quality kids who want to continue the tradition of winning and winning big.”

That’s the tradition coming through, the fact that the Tigers haven’t had a losing overall record since 1992. The expectations are that no matter how many players

Frenship has or doesn’t have returning, winning district and making a deep playoff run is the norm.

“Experience at playing varsity football is a big thing to me,” Davis said. “It’s everything. We have some experience coming back.

But we have ones who are going to have to step in and fill some holes off the JV.” Even with having to lean on so many newcomers to the varsity level — and a couple of transfers — Davis is confident the Tigers can have an equally successful season, if not better, than last year, which would mean advancing to the regional finals or beyond.

That’s also a tall task considering how much the rest of the district has improved around the Tigers.

Monterey welcomes back a stout defense and strong running game, and Lubbock High looks to make another leap after ending a 36-year playoff drought last season.

“We’re going to continue to do what we’ve been doing, and we have the kids in place to do it,” Davis said. “I feel this year the thing that gives us a chance to be a better football team than we were

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tigers: Eulenbach brings strong arm last year ... is we’re going to be so much more balanced on offense and be able to throw the football more.

And I think our defense has a chance to be as strong if not stronger with the kids we have in place.”

With no experienced running back returning after the graduation of D’Maujeric Tucker, Davis is turning to four talented members of the 2012 JV — seniors Dalton Mankin and Grant Sandercox, junior Dante Darty and sophomore Ronald Awatt — and a late move-in to fill the hole.

Senior Marvin Clayborne moved in from Plainview late in the summer, and was a part-time starter behind two seniors with the Bulldogs last season.

“We’ll have to see how the tailback (position) emerges,”

Davis said. “We’re not afraid to play all four tailbacks and all of them bring something to the table. But if one comes to the forefront and that is our No. 1 on the depth chart we’ll start him and play him more. We’ll wait and see how the competition goes during two-a-days.”

The reason Davis is confident in an improved passing game bringing more balance to the offense isn’t necessarily because of experience.

Quarterback was also expected to be a battle during preseason practice. Senior Trevor Lloyd is back in the fold after throwing for 845 yards and nine touchdowns, but inconsistency in the passing game led Frenship to lean on Tucker heavily last year despite defenses stacking up against the run.

This year, however, Lloyd

zach long  A-j media

Trevor Eulenbach transferred to Frenship after passing for 2,889 yards and 29 touchdowns last season at Artesia, N.M. will have serious competition for the starting spot.

Left-hander Trevor Eulenbach transferred from Artesia, N.M. where he led the

Bulldogs to an eight-win season, and in nine games threw for 2,889 yards and 29 touchdowns. Davis said junior Parker Bingham will also get a shot to win the spot.

Whether it’s running or throwing, the Tigers will have a pair of solid offensive linemen back to lead the way in right guard Travis Rasberry and right tackle Matthew Robinson.

The trick will be finding replacements for the other three positions. Then again, Davis has plenty of options with senior Jacob Stoker and junior Devin Jordan battling at center, while the left side will be filled from a group that includes seniors Tanner Truitt, Sammy Llanas and Isaiah Hernandez and juniors Grant Caravelli, SEE FRENSHIP, page A23

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

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www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

Westerners ready to take success a step further in 2013 LUBBOCK HIGH WESTERNERS COACHES

ROSTER

Head coach Jason Strunk (East Stroudsburg University), third season; 3-17 at LHS, 20-27 overall Assistant coaches Nate Gensler, Nate Jephcott, Brandt Martin, Derek Mauldin, David Moody, Adam Rosales, Tyler Trout, Neal Tull, Colin White, Jinks White, Jake Willingham

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 30 Canyon Sept. 6 at Coronado Sept. 13 at Cooper Sept. 28 Andrews Oct. 4 Perryton Oct. 11 at Plainview* Oct. 18 Hereford* Oct. 25 at SA Lake View* Oct. 31 Frenship* Nov. 8 at Monterey* * — District 4-4A game

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

2012 RESULTS Date Opponent Aug. 31 at Canyon Sept. 7 Coronado Sept. 14 Cooper Sept. 28 at Andrews Oct. 5 at Perryton Oct. 11 Plainview* Oct. 19 at Hereford* Oct. 26 SA Lake View* Nov. 2 at Frenship* Nov. 9 Monterey* Nov. 15 Amarillo** ** — 2012 playoff game * — District 4-4A game

Team

Result L 48-21 L 7-0 L 29-21 W 22-7 L 48-28 W 47-38 L 51-24 W 33-0 L 51-6 L 49-14 L 57-14

TEAM INFO

n 2012 season, district record: 3-8, 2-3 (fourth place District 4-4A) n District: 4-4A n Basic offense: Spread n Basic defense: 3-4 n Year last won district: 1976 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Lowrey Field (Capacity 12,000)

Players n Returnees: 40 of 80 lettermen, eight offensive starters, six defensive starters n Returning starters: K A.J. Garza, K Ryan Huber, WR/DB Erin Lopez, WR Manual Martinez, QB Cory Schovanec, OL Thomas Harless, OL Rudy Vara, WR Dom Zuniga, DB Gavy Arredondo, LB Sergio Cervantez, LB Kyzer Delbusto, LB Raymond Tarango, DL Keyone White n Other lettermen: RB/LB Michael Arrizola, OL/DL Nathan Longrenn, WR/DB Chris Lopez, RB/DL Delequoin Love, WR/DB Isaiah Perales, K Ryan Rodriguez, n Top newcomers: QB James Garcia, RB/LB Roderick Johnson, WR/DB Alex Loredo, WR/DB Matthew Tackitt

Player Ht. Wt. Tristan Alonzo 5-8 162 Elias Alverado 5-8 160 Kaleb Arguello 5-9 200 Gavy Arredondo 5-8 166 Michael Arrizola 5-8 176 Nathan Castillo 5-6 162 Sergio Cervantez 5-6 172 Jeremiah Conyers 5-6 167 Kyzer Del Busto 5-9 137 Felipe DeLeon 5-7 195 Steven Duke 5-5 171 Erik Elias 5-4 200 Eric Escobar 5-2 115 Austin Faeth 5-8 166 Austin Flores 5-5 128 Mark Flores 5-4 202 James Garcia 6-0 180 A.J. Garza 5-8 143 David Garza 5-5 200 Isaac Gomez 5-6 158 Salvador Gonzalez 5-11 150 Joel Guerrero 5-9 144 Christian Hernandez 5-5 200 Jordan High 6-2 173 6-0 147 Ryan Huber Rufus Jimenez 5-9 163 Roderick Johnson 5-8 176 Brandon Joseph 5-8 228 John Lofton 5-7 136 Nathan Longrenn 5-9 235 Chris Lopez 5-11 137 Erin Lopez 5-10 159 Alex Loredo 5-8 154 Delequoin Love 5-10 213 Elliot Lyford 5-10 219 Manual Martinez 5-6 162 Tommy Najera 5-8 172 Bryan Naul 6-1 212 Alex Orsa 5-7 174 Isaac Perales 5-8 225 Isaiah Perales 5-8 142 Paul Perez 5-7 188 Tyrone Porter 5-8 160 Anthony Reyes 5-9 199 Jesse Rincones 5-9 171 Frank Rios 5-8 174 Ryan Rodriguez 5-3 118 Marcos Santiago 5-6 162 Quentin Sapp 5-8 198 Cory Schovanec 5-11 164 Matthew Tackitt 5-10 180 Raymond Tarango 6-0 190 Harless Thomas 5-7 203 Rudy Vara 5-10 231 Keyone White 5-11 219 Dequan Willard 5-8 203 Dom Zuniga 5-11 152

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

Pos. DB WR/DB OL/DL WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB OL/LB WR/DB TE/LB OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL K WR/LB WR/DB OL/DL QB K OL/DL OL/LB WR/DB WR/DB OL/DL QB K WR/DB RB/LB OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DL OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL WR/DB OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL RB/LB WR/DB K OL/DL RB/LB QB WR/DB TE/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB

Stephen Spillman  A-J MEDIA

The Lubbock High football team runs onto the field during a game at Lowrey Field last season. After breaking a 36-year playoff drought, the Westerners are eyeing bigger things in 2013.

lubbock high/With monkey off back, LHS eyes next step in process

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

Jason Strunk may have been the most popular three-win coach in Texas high school football history last season.

It wasn’t the amount of wins the Lubbock High program accumulated in 2012 when the Westerners went 3-8. It was the quality of the wins they had, two of which came in District 4-4A and helped LHS break one of the longest playoff droughts in the state’s history at 36 years.

Since then, he’s become highly recognizable in Lubbock, appearing in at least one commercial and likely not having to pay for too many meals when recognized at local restaurants.

He could also stop right there and would have accomplished more than any of his predecessors in the last 31/2 decades. But anyone who also knows or has spent time around Strunk knows 2012 was just the beginning.

“Getting to the playoffs was great, but by no means are we where we want to get to,” Strunk said. “A lot of people still don’t think that we can be con- Strunk sistently successful and have a winning season, and that’s what drives us, what drives me.

“I didn’t come here to be runner-up to anybody.”

And it didn’t take long for Strunk to begin focusing on the next set of goals once the Westerners (2-3 in 4-4A) were unceremoniously bounced from the bidistrict round by Amarillo, 57-14.

In fact, it didn’t take a week.

Almost immediately, Strunk turned his focus to 2013 and began reminding kids of what lies ahead with signs in the lockerroom. But the players were already focused on the coming season before they left the lockerroom at Dick Bivins Stadium.

“We knew we were overmatched, but we went into the lockerroom after that game and there wasn’t one ounce of sadness,” Strunk said. “The seniors stood up and looked at the younger class and told them we got to the playoffs, but now it’s their job to take us further. That’s the neat thing where we are as a program is that (making the playoffs) wasn’t good enough, that we can do better and keep going.

“Now I’m not afraid to tell people that we are a playoff-caliber program now. Whether they like it or not. Now, we’ve got to do what we can to maintain that.”

The first goal Strunk points to is, obviously, making the playoffs

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21

WESTERNERS: Stable of backs, receivers make for potent offense again, which would mark the first time since the back-to-back state championship years of 195152 that an LHS team will have accomplished such a feat.

But Strunk doesn’t just want to make the playoffs, and he certainly doesn’t want the perception that the Westerners backed into the postseason by being the last seed from 4-4A. Therefore, immediate goals that follow along with making the playoffs include doing so with winning overall and district records, something that hasn’t been done since — you guessed it — 1976.

“One round deeper,” Strunk said. “And when I say one round deeper that doesn’t mean get to the second round and be content.

You get one round deeper then go another round deeper, and so forth.

“In the back of our minds we still think and the staff still thinks and the kids still do, that Lubbock High is in a lot of ways the same old Lubbock High. That’s our approach, wrong or not. That’s the mentality we take on here, and our deal here is we have something more to prove, and we’re going to keep working until we get where we want to be.”

Luckily for Strunk, he’s got plenty of playoff experience returning, with six starters on both sides of the ball back in the mix.

He will have to replace second-team all-district quarterback Layven Armendariz but does have two quality candidates in

the fold with junior James Garcia and senior Cory Schovanec.

Both got some time Garcia with the LHS 7-on-7 team in the summer and each brings different strengths to the table, Garcia with his arm strength and mobility and Schovanec with an intelligence and the ability to read defenses. Strunk said whoever does not win the job will be a key contributor at receiver.

That is a prime position in the Westerners’ spread offense, and Strunk feels LHS is loaded at both receiver and running back.

At wideout, Dom Zuniga and Manual “Smiley” Martinez return after

both played significant roles a year ago. Martinez is the Westerners’ leading returning receiver after catching 36 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns, while Zuniga had nine catches for 195 yards and three scores. Schovanec also had 14 catches for 189 yards.

LHS loses almost all of its production in the running game last year with the graduation of Brandon Hernandez, but Strunk says he has four backs who are more than capable of filling in the hole — seniors Mike Arrizola, Tyrone Porter, Roderick Johnson and Quentin Sapp.

The only area of concern for Strunk on offense is up front, where senior Rudy Vara returns as the only full-time starter from last

year. Junior Harless Thomas got some playing time, but there were four spots up for grabs during two-adays, and Strunk feels he’ll be able to find quality replacements from the depth he has.

Defensively the Westerners are strongest in the secondary and up the middle of the front seven where he

returns nose guard Keyone White and inside linebackers Kyzer Del Busto and Sergio Cervantez, all seniors.

The secondary will be anchored by All-South Plains 5A-4A selection Erin Lopez at safety, who Strunk touts as a legitimate Division I SEE LHS, page A23

22

DISTRICT 4-4A header

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

Bulldogs turn to Rhoades to get back to winning ways plainview/Players dealing with late coaching change, teammate defections

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

When the Plainview ISD administration made a change in the football coaching staff late in the 2012-13 school year, its focus was clearly on moving forward.

New head coach Ryan Rhoades, though, is intent on honoring the past, when the Bulldogs were one of the more dominant Class 4A programs in this part of the state.

He also feels both can be done at the same time.

“I talked to the team captains about it and I talked to the team about it,” Rhoades said. “We can honor the

past and set the standard for what we want to do right now. We’re going to try to play to the strength of our kids. We’re going to try to be the toughest team and make people respect us.”

That respect has been hard to come by the last few seasons. Since their last district championship in 2005 and playoff appearance in 2006, when the Bulldogs reached the Division I regional finals, they’ve compiled a record of just 11-49 in the past six seasons, with no more than three wins in any single year.

Plainview decided to make a change, reassign-

ing Marcos Hinojos within the district and promoting Rhoades, who had previously coached at Levelland and Monterey, to try to turn the program back in the right direction.

“I’m just honored to be a part of the rich Plainview tradition,” Rhoades said.

“There have been some great coaches here and I’m honored now to be able to try to carry the torch and do them proud.”

Getting the thing turned, however, won’t be easy as the Bulldogs return just 18 lettermen from last season, and somewhat ironically had two key players move away late in the summer in starting quarterback Wes McCutcheon (Shallowater) and projected starting tailback Marvin Clayborne

PLAINVIEW BULLDOGS COACHES Head coach Ryan Rhoades (West Texas State), first season; 0-10 at Plainview, 34-31 overall Assistant coaches Neil Billingsley, J.R. Compton, Lee Walker, David Jones, Matt Horton, David Haresnape, Jodie Lafrance, Drew Thompson, Matt Vaquera, Taber Minner

2013 SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 Randall 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 Palo Duro 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 12 at Canyon 7 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Caprock 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 Dumas 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 Lubbock High* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 SA Lake View* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Monterey* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 Hereford* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 at Frenship* 7:30 p.m. * — District 4-4A game

2012 RESULTS

Date Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 12 Oct. 19

Opponent at Randall at Palo Duro Canyon Caprock at Dumas at Lub. High* at SA L. View*

Result L 55-27 L 34-8 L 47-21 W 34-28 W 39-35 L 47-38 W 21-12

Oct. 26 Monterey* Nov. 2 at Hereford* Nov. 9 Frenship* * — District 4-4A game

L 49-26 L 42-20 L 37-7

TEAM INFO Team n 2012 season, district record: 3-7, 1-4 (fifth place District 4-4A) n District: 4-4A n Basic offense: Pistol n Basic defense: 4-3 n Year last won district: 2005 n Year last made playoffs: 2006 n Stadium: Greg Sherwood Memorial Bulldog Stadium (Capacity 10,000)

Players n Returnees: 18 of 41 lettermen, four offensive starters, six defensive starters n Returning starters: DB Tony Phan, CB Brennan Lefevre, TE Desmond Vera, C Brendan Voss, WR Keevon Crump, S Zach Riddley, WR Karson Hembree, OL Santana Vera, WR/DB Paxstyn Oldfield; LB Isaiah Carrasco n Top newcomers: LB Trent Jones

Hembree

Voss

ROSTER Player Ht. Wt. Yr. Pos. Jose Arvizu 5-10 170 Sr. LB Isaiah Carrasco 5-8 155 Sr. LB Dakota Crawford 5-11 180 Sr. WB/DE Keevon Crump 6-2 170 Sr. WR/DB Daniel Gallardo 5-6 150 Sr. RB/CB Moises Garcia 6-0 245 Jr. OL/DL Max Gerber 6-0 187 Sr. TE Karson Hembree 5-11 165 Sr. QB/S Hagen Kelly 5-11 252 Sr. OL Paul Lara 5-8 155 Sr. LB Brennen LeFevre 5-9 160 Sr. CB Earnest Marshall 5-7 165 Sr. RB/LB Andrew Mata 5-9 151 Sr. WR Paxstyn Oldfield 6-0 180 Jr. QB/DB Tony Phan 5-9 155 Sr. WR/S Zach Riddley 5-10 170 Jr. DB Ishmael Soto 5-8 170 Sr. LB Cole. Townsend 6-0 190 Sr. DL Quen. Valentine 5-6 175 Sr. DT Desmond Vera 6-1 180 Sr. TE Santana Vera 5-8 190 SR. OL/DL Brendan Voss 6-0 205 Sr. OL/DL Kade Young 6-1 190 Sr. OT Lincoln Zapata 5-6 157 Sr. RB

(Frenship).

Still, Rhoades likes what he has coming back on offense, particularly up front where starters Brendan Voss and Santana Vera are back to anchor the unit along with tight end Desmond Vera, a solid receiving (15 catches, 327 yards, 7 TDs) and blocking tight end.

The question will be who takes over under center, and the answer will likely come from either Karson Hembree, a starting receiver last year, or Paxstyn Oldfield, who led the Bulldogs in tackles (83) at safety last season.

Rhoades added he’ll have three or four players vying for the starting running back spot, including fullback Lincoln Zapata and linebacker Isaiah Carrasco.

“Offensively we feel excited about what we’ll be able to do if we stick with it and play as a team.”

The Bulldogs have solid experience returning on defense as well, led by Oldfield, safety Zach Riddley and cornerback Tony Phan in the secondary and Paul Lara at weakside lineback-

er along with Carrasco.

“I think we have the guys up front that have a little varsity experience and some young guys in there that will push them a little bit,” Rhoades said. “And we may have a little depth this year. The kids are just pushing each other and competing hard.”

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

FOOTBALL FEVER header

Sims expects more in second season snyder/Tigers ironing out problems that cost the team victories last year

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

The 2012 season was as much of a learning experience for Snyder head coach Aubrey Sims as it was the players.

It took time for Sims to figure out what his players could and couldn’t do, then time again to figure out who would be able to step up as injuries began to mount.

That led to a 3-7 mark and an absence from the playoffs.

But after a full spring and summer of offseason work and analysis, Sims is confident things are in place and pointed in the right direction for the Tigers to have a good season.

“The kids have worked hard and hopefully that’s a good thing for them,” Sims said. “We’ve got a lot of kids

coming back so we’re much better than we were this time last year.”

One of the biggest setbacks Sims said to the 2012 season he took squarely upon his shoulders. Starting quarterback Brandon Davis suffered a season-ending injury at midseason, and Sims admits he did not have backup quarterback Skillet Rinehart ready to go in that situation.

So one of his goals going into two-a-day practices was to make sure every position had a capable, prepared backup to improve the team’s depth.

“We have to do a better job this year of making sure we have good backups at every position,” Sims said. “You can never have too many eggs in the basket. We had a few kids out of position that

2013 SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 Caprock 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Cooper 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Brownwood 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 Estacado 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 at SA Lake View 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 Sweetwater* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Big Spring* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 Monahans* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Abilene Wylie* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 Midland Greenwood* 7:30 p.m. * — District 4-3A game

took us several weeks to figure that out. This year, being around the kids and watching them, we know what their strengths and weaknesses are.”

Of course, if the Tigers stay relatively healthy they should have the athletes to compete for a playoff spot.

It all starts with the running game and standout tailback D’Vincent Allison, who rushed for 907 yards and 16 touchdowns, all on a bum ankle, according to Sims.

Rinehart is also back in the mix after rushing for 251 yards and three touchdowns and throwing for 555 yards

and five scores.

Rinehart will have some experienced targets to throw to in receivers Felix Martinez, Jonathan Garcia and Adam Cabrera. Martinez leads the group with 18 catches for 266 yards and three touchdowns, while Garcia has 16 catches for 187 yards.

Snyder also has experience up front with four returning linemen in Jeremy Garza, Nick Irvin, Aaron Steelman and Andrew Porter.

Snyder is also pretty set on defense with seven returning starters, even after linebacker Brent Thompson moved to Austin.

The Tigers have three of their four secondary starters back in Arian Gutierrez, Jordan Davis and Felix Martinez, while Brian Hernandez and Miguel Juarez are back at linebacker with Hunter Ward and Eddie Torres along the front.

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

23

SNYDER TIGERS COACHES Head coach

Aubrey Sims (Texas Tech), second season; 3-7 at Snyder, 66-25 overall Assistant coaches Tino Acosta, Desmond Ayala, Jeremy Bailey, Casey Black, Mike Brogden, Adrian Daniel, Grant Feaster, Kyle Freeman, Casey Harris, Brian Nelson, James Polk, Andrew Roy, Shane Stewart, David Tate, Rick Weaver, Zack Williams

TEAM INFO Team n 2012 season, district record: 3-7, 1-4 (fifth place District 4-3A) n District: 4-3A n Basic offense: Spread n Basic defense: 3-3 n Year last won district: 2011 n Year last made playoffs: 2011 n Stadium: Tiger Stadium (Capacity 5,000)

Players n Returnees: 20 of 33 lettermen, nine offensive starters, seven defensive starters n Returning starters: RB D’Vincent Allison, QB Skillet Rinehart, WR Felix Martinez, WR Jonathan Garcia, WR Adam Cabrera, OL Jeremy Garza, OL Nick Irwin, OL Aaron Steelman, OL Andrew Porter, DE Hunter Ward, DT Eddie Torres, LB Brian Hernandez, LB Miguel Juarez, DB Arian Gurierrez, DB Jordan Davis, DB Felix Martinez n Other lettermen: WR/DB Javon Brown, WR/DB Miguel Juarez, OL/DL

Aaron Webb n Top newcomers: QB Cody Maxfield, WR Taylor Munkres, OL Clancy Gruben, K Chance Reneau

ROSTER

Player Adrian Aguilar D’Vincent Allison Ben Barrera Adam Cabrera Miko Campos Jacob Chappell Trent Cottrell Jordan Davis Kutter Derryberry Johnathan Garcia Jeremy Garza Clancy Gruben Arian Gutierrez Brian Hernandez Nick Irwin Jose Juarez Miguel Juarez Dylan Kirby Felix Martinez Rodney Martinez Kodi Maxfield Taylor Munkres Nick Perez Andrew Porter Chance Reneau Jordan Rinehart Skillet Rinehart Guil. Rodriguez Aaron Steelman Brett Sorrels Tyler Summerville Eddie Torres Jake Villanueva Hunter Ward Aaron Webb

Ht. Wt. Yr. Pos. 5-8 160 Sr. TE/DE 5-10 170 Sr. RB/DB 5-7 165 Jr. RB/DB 5-6 130 Sr. WR/DB 5-7 195 Sr. TE/DE 5-10 157 Jr. WR/DB 6-3 290 So. OL/DL 5-5 135 Sr. WR/DB 5-7 170 Jr. TE/LB 5-10 145 Sr. WR/DB 6-2 270 Sr. OL/DL 6-1 210 Sr. OL/DL 5-4 135 Jr. RB/DB 5-8 150 Jr. RB/DB 5-11 275 Sr. OL/DL 5-9 165 So. WR/DB 5-6 130 Sr. WR/DB 6-0 190 Sr. OL/DE 6-0 150 Sr. WR/DB 5-8 170 Sr. TE/LB 6-0 190 Jr. TE/DE 5-11 170 So. WR/DB 6-0 250 Sr. OL/DL 6-3 250 Sr. OL/DE 5-10 165 Jr. K 5-8 185 Sr. TE/LB 5-10 155 Sr. WR/DB 5-9 185 Sr. RB/LB 5-9 270 Sr. OL/DL 6-2 250 Sr. OL/DL 5-9 175 Sr. OL/DE 5-9 240 Sr. OL/DL 5-11 185 Jr. TE/DE 6-1 190 Sr. TE/DE 5-9 245 Sr. OL/DL

LHS: With playoff drought over, Westerners eye next step in process FROM page A21 candidate. Also back is returning starter Isaiah Perales at one corner as well as part-time starters Rufus Jimenez, a senior, at one safety and Gavy Arredeondo, another senior, at the other corner.

Senior Raymond Tarango

returns at one outside linebacker, but other than that the rest of the defense will be full of fresh faces. But it’s one that Strunk feels can match the one from last season, which ranked second in the district in yardage allowed.

“We have more kids that

fit what we’re doing in year three, and now the system is up and the numbers are up,” Strunk said.

If that happens, and the LHS offense can produce consistently the way it did in spurts last season, then finishing with a winning record and claiming one of

the top three playoff berths out of the district is attainable. If a district championship comes along with it, so much the better.

“I think that we can contend with Hereford, Monterey and Frenship.

At least that’s where we want to be,” Strunk said.

frenship: Beck leads stellar defense FROM page A19 Matthew Spicer and Nick Sanchez.

If the Tigers develop a passing game, there are two quality receivers back to catch the ball in junior Jared Mannon and senior Chad Curtis. Also figuring into the mix will be senior Dane Powell.

Mannon will also be a key player on defense as one of the few two-way starters for the Tigers, and he’ll be joined by junior free safety Peyton Elliott.

Working into the mix as newcomers will be Powell, junior Jonas Marsh and senior T.J. Clark at cornerback, with senior Will Wy-

att getting a shot at strong safety along with Lloyd and Darty if they are not starting on offense.

As usual, the Tigers will also be strong at linebacker with three returning starters in senior Tyler Kreger and junior Chandler Casey on the outside and senior Jonathan Beck on the in-

side, with junior Zach Finley at the nose guard.

Also look for junior Cole Fontenot and sophomores Hayden Harrison and Chris Reyes to get some long looks at inside linebacker, while Sandercox and junior Alex Treffalls will compete for an outside linebacker spot.

“There’s not any reason we can’t be in the top three this year. We saw what happens when you get the fourth seed, you get Ama-

rillo the first round. This year and next year we’ll start clawing our way and find a way to compete for that top spot.”

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Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

FOOTBALL FEVER header

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

Class 3A

PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH District 2-3A 1. Estacado: Return of healthy Johnson, experience from 2012 injuries gives Mats slight edge 2. Shallowater: It’s hard to argue with the Mustangs as favorite with Black back, but holes exist elsewhere 3. Andrews: If Mustangs can rebuild offensive and defensive fronts, they could contend for title 4. Cooper: Look for Pirates to play at higher tempo, could surprise some with infusion of enthusiasm 5. Seminole: Indians should be stout defensively, but too many holes to fill to compete for crown 6. Levelland: Another new coach tries to get Lobos over the hump and into the postseason

District 5-3A 1. Abilene Wylie: Rarely does it matter with the Bulldogs how much of a rebuilding project lies ahead 2. Monahans: The Loboes will be strong again, but not likely strong enough to knock Wylie off the top 3. Sweetwater: Second-year coach Mobley gets Mustangs back to familiar level of football 4. Snyder: Sims will welcome back multitude of talented players who took lumps last season 5. Midland Greenwood: Greenwood could finish as high as third in district if things fall right for the Rangers 6. Big Spring: If Steers can find weapons to surround Tannehill, they could contend for playoffs

TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYER Jarek Black, RB, Shallowater Having already received at least two Division I offers after an injury-shortended junior year, the bruising Mustang tailback is looking for more. Imagine the numbers he could put up Black by staying healthy all year after rushing for more than 2,300 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2012.

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYER Aaron Young, DE, Estacado Several Matadors were thrown into the fire last season due to injuries. While he was expected to be a starter all along, Young took on a big part of the defensive burden Young for Estacado last year, finishing with 51 tackles, and is poised for an even bigger season in 2013.

stephen spillman  A-j media file photo

Lubbock Cooper is facing an upgrade in classification with a student population that is growing by leaps and bounds each year.

Cooper’s growth prompts prep for bump in classification

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

When John Windham arrived in 1996 as the defensive coordinator, Cooper High was a fledgling Class 3A school way out past the outskirts of Lubbock.

There were times, as the Pirates were getting pounded, that he wondered why, with just 375 students, Cooper wasn’t a 2A school.

“I didn’t ever think we’d be 4A,” Windham said. “I was just hoping we could be in the middle of 3A.” Yet 4A is right where the Pirates are headed. Or, in fact, they will likely skip 4A altogether when the biennial University Interscholastic League Windham realignment is announced in February and head straight to 5A. The next realignment will see the creation of a Class 6A for the first time, while six-man football will be known as Class 1A. That will push all the other classes up one number, which will turn what is currently Class 4A

into Class 5A. And that’s likely where Cooper will land with an expected enrollment of around 1,200 students by the time school starts.

“We’re not a little school anymore,” Windham said.

Opposite directions It’s one of the unusual aspects to Class 3A athletics in West Texas, which in terms of enrollment is arguably the most diverse classification in the state.

While the Pirates have been steadily growing for the past two decades, the two other Lubbock County 3A teams within District 2-3A have been either stagnant or shrinking.

Shallowater has hovered at the 3A-2A cutoff line for the last several realignments, and in 2012 was placed in Class 3A by one student. One. The cutoff line was 450, and Shallowater turned in an enrollment of 451.

The Mustangs’ administration appealed to the UIL to go down to 2A, but the UIL denied the appeal, leaving Shallowater as the smallest 3A school in the state.

“Our kids have handled it well, and I think

that’s because the expectations don’t change,” said head coach Kyle Maxfield, who led the Mustangs to the league crown last season and are a strong bet to win it again in 2013.

Shallowater became a 3A program to start the 2010 season, eclipsing the 3A-2A barrier (430) by three kids (433) that time.

Here’s the good news. Even though it is small, Shallowater has been competitive in most sports at the 3A level. But the realignment announcement in February could find the Mustangs back at the 2A level, at least that is the expectation.

While most schools would be concerned about moving down in classification, Shallowater is just fine with it.

“In football the 2A programs are just as good. We just feel like whether we’re playing 2A or 3A we face quality opponents,” Maxfield said. “But the numbers seem to catch up with you, especially in the sub-varsity stuff.

“I think most people, since we’ve been 2A more often than not, everyone is more familiar with 2A and more comfortable with 2A.” The numbers show over the last 10 years that Shallowater has actually grown, just not

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

at the pace of some other schools in that same period, and therefore kept hovering around the 3A-2A cutoff line.

Shallowater’s high school enrollment has increased by just 105 students in that span, an average of 21 students for each realignment cycle. The 3A-2A cutoff line has increased by just 60 during that same time period. Therefore, the Mustangs were able to stay right below the 3A-2A cutoff line until the 2010-12 realignment, when Shallowater gained 29 students but the UIL kept the cutoff number at 430.

Like other schools, Shallowater has construction projects at its campuses to keep up with the growth, and the school put down FieldTurf at Todd Field this offseason.

“At our lower levels, you can see all the construction,” Maxfield said. “I think they’re pretty full. Even in the senior class we’ve got some great kids but it’s just not a big class. We’ve got some big classes and some small classes that kind of skew the numbers.”

Those numbers will leave the Mustangs fluctuating on the 3A-2A cutoff line for quite some time.

Sliding Matadors

One team that isn’t fluctuating, either in enrollment or classification, is Estacado.

Like their larger Lubbock ISD brethren, the Matadors have been trending downward in enrollment, losing more than 365 students at the high school level over the last 10 years. In 2008, that knocked Estacado down from 4A, where it had been since winning the state championship in their first year of varsity competition in 1968, to 3A, But because the Matadors started the century in Class 4A, the decline in enrollment to 747.5 in 2011 only puts the school in the middle of the pack of 3A, which had a bottom number of 450 and a top number of 1,005 in the 2012 realignment.

Because the UIL is bumping everyone up a class by calling six-man 1A, Estacado will be most likely back in 4A to start the 2014 school year. Lubbock ISD athletic director Mark Ball said he is not concerned about Estacado’s falling enrollment.

“I don’t think it’s dropped that much, any more than anybody else,” Ball said.

Ball cited two factors he thinks that will keep the Matadors competitive and on the same level for some time.

The first is the split-division system being implemented in Class 3A beginning with the next realignment. Similar to how Class 2A and 1A are currently divided, teams are placed either in Division I or Division II at the beginning of the season to determine playoff seeds rather than at the end of the regular season.

The other factor is Lubbock ISD’s creation of a true feeder system with its middle schools by eliminating the open transfer policy. Now, student-athletes must decide what high school they want to eventually play for — and must stick with that choice — by what middle school they choose to attend.

“We’ve not been in it very long but I think it’s been very positive,” Ball said. “I don’t know how you can be successful academically when you look at some kids and by the time they’re halfway through their sophomore year they’ve been through five different schools. There’s no way that’s good for anybody.

“The other thing we’ve done is we’ve finally given our head coaches in all sports control of the programs, seven through 12 now. They know that when they go to work with a kid in seventh grade, that kid is coming to their school. I just think it builds relationships and familiarity with the kids and the kids are familiar with the coaches.”

Cooperation amongst rivals

Ultimately, whether it’s Cooper or Estacado or Shallowater or any other school in the area, coaches want to see everyone succeed and play at the highest level.

To that end, Lubbock ISD, Cooper and Frenship agreed a few years

FOOTBALL FEVER header

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

ago to a middle school athletic league of Lubbock County schools. All of LISD and Frenship’s schools are in the league, and Cooper alternates its two middle schools because one of them has to be designated to compete in District 2-3A with all the other schools outside of Lubbock that have just one middle school.

With the way Cooper is growing, however, the time of having to split middle schools in the league could soon be ending. It might not be long before Cooper has grown enough to be battling Monterey, Lubbock High, Frenship, and possibly even Coronado, for district titles.

It’s a vision the administrators at Cooper could see coming about three years ago, Windham said, and is a big reason why he stepped down as head football coach after last season to become the school’s first full-time athletic director.

Because of that growth, Cooper has added golf and tennis programs and anticipates adding soccer in the near future. Full-time golf and tennis coaches have been hired, and within the last few years new football, baseball and softball stadiums have been constructed as well as a new fieldhouse and indoor workout facility.

Windham said Cooper constructed Laura Bush Middle School in anticipation of the day coming of going to 4A, or 5A under the expected new realignment. A new video scoreboard has been added to Cooper’s competition gymnasium, and a third gym is in the planning stages to better schedule subvarsity contests and practices.

And if the oil boom that has gripped the Midland-Odessa area and caused a tremendous shortage of housing creeps up this way — signs are pointing to that happening — then the south and west parts of Lubbock could be growing exponentially in the near future.

In less than two decades, Cooper has earned a reputation not only as a top-notch athletic school, but in academics as well. But a telling sign of growth for Windham has nothing to do with athletics.

“It’s weird. They’re building houses next to the football stadium,” Windham said of the area west of the school that was nothing stephen spillman more than an open field  a-j media file photo five years ago. “I never dreamed I’d see houses from the back of our stadium. I don’t Estacado’s Jaleen know where it’s Tennison looks for a coming from.”

receiver against Amarillo Caprock during their game last season at Lowrey Field.

25

FIVE GAMES TO WATCH ■ Sept. 13: Lubbock High at Cooper This was a game last year that Lubbock High felt it let get away, and came before Cooper had its struggles to close out games in district. Both teams are looking for vast improvement in 2013, and this game may be the test to see which team is ahead of the other in that quest.

■ Oct. 18: Estacado at Shallowater Nevermind the fact that this game will go a long way toward determining who has the upper hand in the district. This one could be fun just for the matchup between top-flight running backs Robert Johnson of Estacado and Jarek Black of Shallowater, which we were deprived of last season.

■ Nov. 1: Cooper at Shallowater By the time this game rolls around, we’ll know exactly what the Pirates will look like under first-year head coach Max Kattwinkel.

Whether or not it matters is something different, as Shallowater could have the league crown sewn up by this time.

■ Nov. 1: Snyder at Abilene Wylie Snyder is in just its second season under Aubrey Sims and still has some growing to do, but should be much better this season and be fighting for a playoff spot. Wylie, however, dominates this district, so this game could decide the Tigers’ postseason fate.

■ Nov. 8: Estacado at Cooper This game has decided the district champion the past few years, but may not carry that amount of weight this year. Still, it will have significant importance in determining playoff seedings, and seeing if Cooper has fully rebounded from the disappointment of 2012.

TOP FIVE COACHES ■ Kyle Maxfield, Shallowater ■ Danny Servance, Estacado ■ Chris Burtch, Seminole ■ Aubrey Sims, Snyder ■ Max Kattwinkel, Cooper

Maxfield

FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH ■ Robert Johnson, RB, Estacado ■ Cameron Knight, TE, Shallowater ■ Stanton Keane, QB, Cooper ■ Kain Alexander, QB, Levelland ■ D’Vincent Allison, RB, Snyder Johnson

IN THIS SECTION Snyder...........................................................................23 Estacado......................................................................26 Shallowater................................................................28 Cooper......................................................................... 30 Seminole......................................................................32 Levelland.....................................................................32

26

DISTRICT 2-3A header

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

Perseverance through injury-riddled 2012 should pay off for Mats ESTACADO MATADORS COACHES

Head coach Danny Servance (Baylor), sixth season; 3631 at Estacado and overall Assistant coaches Joe Cifford, Jesse Caddean, Danny Douglas, Dino Jones, Marty McClintock, Henry Perez, Bob Romero, Clyde Wilson

2013 SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Aug. 30 at Hereford Sept. 12 at Caprock Sept. 20 at Snyder Sept. 27 Abilene Wylie Oct. 5 ^Melissa Oct. 11 Levelland* Oct. 18 at Shallowater* Oct. 25 Seminole* Nov. 1 Andrews* Nov. 8 at Cooper* * — District 2-3A game ^ — at Shotwell Stadium, Abilene

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

4 p.m.

2 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

4 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

2012 RESULTS Aug. 30 Hereford Sept. 6 at Midland JV Sept. 13 Caprock Sept. 21 Snyder Sept. 28 at Abilene Wylie Oct. 12 at Levelland* Oct. 18 Shallowater* Oct. 26 at Seminole* Nov. 2 at Andrews* Nov. 9 Cooper* Nov. 17 Perryton** ** — 2012 playoff game * — District 2-3A game

W 34-26 W 48-14 L 43-33 L 25-22 L 40-18 W 21-14 L 30-18 W 34-26 W 49-30 L 34-27 L 28-19

TEAM INFO

Team

n 2012 season, district record: 5-6, 3-2 ( tied second place District 2-3A) n District: 2-3A n Basic offense: I-Spread n Basic defense: 3-4 n Year last won district: 2010 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Lowrey Field (Capacity 8,000)

Players

n Returnees: 22 of 35 lettermen, six offensive starters, eight defensive starters n Returning starters: RB Robert Johnson, QB Jaleen Tennison, RB/LB Tamory Terry, OL/DL Ryan Salinas; OL Jalen McQueen, OL James Christophe; DB Roderick Hall, DE Aaron Young, DB D’Ante Willard, LB Israel Gonzales, LB Tevrin Swoopes, DB Jevon Bascus n Other lettermen: WR/DB Chris Anderson, WR/LB Kenaris Jackson, RB/LB Craig Busby n Top newcomers: WR/DB Vashondric Hastings, WR/LB Matt Silva, OL/DL Rakeem Hatchet

ROSTER Player Chris Anderson Jevon Bascus Craig Busby Isaiah Carrizales Juan Castelleon James Christophe Brennan Dedrick Joey Garcia Brian Glosson Israel Gonzales Roderick Hall Vashondric Hastings Rakeem Hatchet Kris Herrera Devain Hughes Trevone Hunter Kenaris Jackson Robert Johnson Jalen McQueen Jose Munoz Vicente Perez Kendrick Quigley Hollis Ready Malcom Rhodes Nate Riddell Larry Rosas Manuel Ruvalcaba Ryan Salinas Matt Silva David Smith Tevrin Swoopes Jaleen Tennison Tamory Terry Carl Willard D’Ante Willard Tamarius Wilson Aaron Young

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

Wt. 140 170 220 185 250 240 145 220 145 160 170 170 240 270 145 165 180 188 220 160 190 250 220 190 220 140 285 250 160 160 215 160 185 150 180 170 190

Yr. Pos. Sr. WR/DB Jr. WR/DB Jr. RB/LB Sr. OL/LB Jr. OL/DL Jr. OL/DL Jr. RB/DB Sr. RB/LB Jr. WR/DB Sr. WR/LB Sr. QB/DB So. WR/DB So. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL So. WR/DB Sr. RB/LB Jr. WR/LB Sr. RB/LB Jr. TE/DL Sr. K Sr. OL/DL Jr. OL/DL So. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL So. RB/LB Sr. WR/DB Jr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Jr. WR/LB So. WR/DB Sr. RB/LB Jr. QB/DB Sr. RB/LB Jr. WR/DB Jr. WR/DB Sr. TE/DL Sr. OL/DL

‘

Hopefully we’ll have everybody on the field and ready to go.

With the new rules and everything we may see the amount of injuries diminish a little bit.

’

Danny Servance Estacado head coach

stephen spillman  A-j media

Estacado’s Robert Johnson is tackled by Amarillo Caprock’s Marc Rios and Gustavo Mendoza during their game at Lowrey Field last season. Johnson returns from a torn anterior cruciate ligament to lead the Matadors in 2013.

estacado/Healthy Matadors hope to get back on top in 2-3A

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

In hindsight, perhaps there should have been a proposal in the latest Lubbock ISD bond package to expand the training room at the Estacado football fieldhouse.

Because, at times, it seemed there were more Matadors in trainer Todd Faison’s office than there were in the varsity lockerroom after all the injuries they suffered through during the 2012 season.

In addition to all the normal bumps, bruises and minor ailments incurred during a normal football season, the Matadors also suffered anterior cruciate ligament tears to three key starters, including top running back

Robert Johnson, who was coming off a 2,200-yard season.

“We definitely don’t want to see that again,” head coach Danny Servance said. “Hopefully, we’ll have everybody on the field and ready to go. I think we as coaches were already looking at how many days of strenuous exercise and physical contact we were putting the kids through. With the new rules and everything we may see the amount of injuries diminish a little bit.”

True, the University Interscholastic League’s new rules proposal limiting teams to 90 minutes of physical contact practice per week could help cut down on injuries. But not all injuries happened because of contact. Johnson blew out his right knee simply making a cut without anyone touching him.

It was a frustrating situation for Servance and his coaching staff, who felt they had the pieces in place to be able to not only win a district championship but

make a deep run in the playoffs.

In a testament to the program they’ve built, the Matadors survived the injury-riddled campaign to keep Servance’s streak of playoff berths alive for each of the six seasons he’s been at the school.

That happened because other players stepped up to fill the void.

Fullback Tamory Terry moved to tailback and still rushed for just shy of 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns while also playing some at linebacker for injured starter Isaiah Carrizales. Sophomore (now junior) James Christophe came to the forefront on the offensive line in place of starter Juan Castelleon.

And the good news is all of those players — injured starters and their replacements — are back for 2013. In fact, it may be one of the most talented and experienced groups Servance has fielded since his first team in 2007 that went three rounds deep in the postseason.

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estacado: Senior Johnson back from injury, expecting big season

“I think they have a chance to be just as good as the ones we’ve had in the past,” Servance said. “The potential is definitely there to be just as good if not better than some of the groups we’ve had in the past.

“I think it’s very important and always an advantage to have that experience coming back. The big thing with experience is you have guys who have seen things a thousand times as opposed to young kids who have seen it five or 10 times, and not at the game speed they’re getting ready to see. You’re already a step ahead with guys who have experience and have done it before and they’re right in tune with what you want to do and move faster.”

Speaking of moving faster, that’s exactly what the Matadors should do with a healthy Johnson back in the fold.

He was on pace for another solid season, rushing for 408 yards and three touchdowns on 42 carries before his knee injury prior to Week 4. This after he rushed for 2,230 yards and 30 touchdowns as a sophomore.

Servance expected Johnson to be back and at full speed when two-a-days began in early August, and the 5-foot-9, 188-pound senior actually returned in time to run at a pair of track meets late last spring. It’s the intangible Johnson brings to the field, however, that Servance is also excited about seeing.

“Robert is one of those types of players that, not only do you depend on him for yardage, but I think leadership-wise having him on the field, guys around him elevate their play with him on the field,” Servance said.

“I think we lost that with him not being there and it took us a while to find our niche, so to speak.”

Terry, who rushed for 979 yards, is also back to give the Matadors a formidable 1-2

Amarillo Caprock’s Addison Bustos is pulled down

by Lubbock Estacado’s Roderick Hall during their game at Lowrey Field last season. stephen spillman  a-j media

punch in the backfield. Also back is junior quarterback Jaleen Tennison, who was thrust into the spotlight as a sophomore and performed well, throwing for 1,464 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushing for 733 yards and nine scores in the regular season.

“He understands the game a lot better than he did as a sophomore,” Servance said.

“He understands the patience it takes. I thought he did a good job this summer of growing up and maturing.

That’s on top of the physical changes he’s going through.”

Not only will Tennison have talent behind him, but around him as well when he puts the ball in the air.

There’s not much experience but there is talent. The experience will come from junior Kenaris Jackson and senior Chris Anderson. Jackson (6-2, 180) is one of several tall, physical receivers on the Matadors’ roster and caught seven passes for 146 yards and a touchdown last year. Anderson (5-8, 140) had four catches for 120 yards and a score.

The rest of the receiving corps includes senior tight

end Tamarius Wilson (5-10, 170), who Servance said can play on the line or split out wide and give the Mats another physical presence, plus juniors Brian Roberts (5-9, 145), D’Ante Willard (5-10, 180) and sophomore Vashondric Hastings (6-3, 170).

Along the front, Servance returns four starters, none more important than threeyear starter Ryan Salinas, a senior, at center. He’ll be flanked by Cristophe and junior Kendrick Quigley at the tackles and junior Jalen McQueen at one guard, with the other guard spot still up for grabs going into the preseason.

And as much as Servance is excited about what’s returning on offense, it pales to what the defensive-minded coach has back on the other side of the ball — eight starters.

The Matadors will be stacked with experience in the secondary. Senior safety Roderick Hall leads the way after picking off six passes a year ago, and he’ll be joined by junior Jevon Bascus taking over at the other safety. Roberts and Willard are expected to get the nod on the corners.

Estacado also has one of the top defenders in the district from a year ago returning in defensive end Aaron Young, who had to split time at linebacker as well and still recorded 59 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery. He’ll likely be joined by newcomers Malcolm Rhodes, a senior, and sophomore Rakeem Hatchet.

Carrizales and returning starter Tevrin Swoopes are back in the linebacking corps, and newcomer Manuel Ruvalcaba, a junior, looks to take one of the other spots, possibly the middle.

It’s a great recipe for success for the Matadors, provided the training room can stay fairly unoccupied. If that can happen, then Estacado could be looking at a

pretty substantial postseason stay “We hope that’s the case,” Servance said. “Your goal as always is to make the playoffs, first, then worry about the district title after that.

We really don’t talk about the district race, but talk to these guys about paying attention to detail. We talk about fundamentals ... paying atten-

tion to the little bitty things.

That’s what gets you beat in the end, especially when you play against the quality opponents, and our district is full of quality opponents. Doing the little things is what it takes to win games.” george.watson@lubbockonline.com  766-2166 Follow George on Twitter @AJJorge

28

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Back in Black, Mustangs ready to defend 2-3A crown SHALLOWATER MUSTANGS COACHES

Head coach Kyle Maxfield (Texas A&M), fifth season; 3512 at Shallowater, 89-54 overall Assistant coaches Steve Adams, Jared Aven, Steve Biera, Casey Ellison, Sam Gillispie, Forest Harding, Keith Kitchens, Jay Lusk, Ray Morris, Jeff Richardson, Kevin Sherrill

2013 SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Aug. 30 at Muleshoe Sept. 6 Littlefield Sept. 13 Midland Greenwood Sept. 20 at Dalhart Sept. 27 at Idalou Oct. 11 Seminole* Oct. 18 Estacado* Oct. 25 at Andrews* Nov. 1 Cooper* Nov. 8 at Levelland* * — District 2-3A game

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

2012 RESULTS

Date Opponent Aug. 31 Muleshoe Sept. 7 at Littlefield Sept. 14 at Midland Greenwood Sept. 21 Dalhart Sept. 28 Idalou Oct. 12 at Seminole* Oct. 18 at Estacado* Oct. 26 Andrews* Nov. 2 at Cooper* Nov. 9 Levelland* Nov. 16 Dalhart** Nov. 23 Monahans** ** — 2012 playoff game * — District 2-3A game

Team

Result W 56-40 W 28-18 W 49-21 W 44-14 W 20-15 W 51-21 W 30-18 W 34-7 W 21-20 W 47-0 W 41-13 L 21-7

TEAM INFO

n 2012 season, district record: 11-1, 5-0 (first place District 2-3A) n District: 2-3A n Basic offense: Spread n Basic defense: 50 n Year last won district: 2012 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Todd Field (Capacity 1,500)

Players

n Returnees: 13 of 35 lettermen, five offensive starters, four defensive starters n Returning starters: TE/DL Cameron Knight, OL Hayden Cobb, DB Jace Robertson, OL Jared Moore, RB/DB Jarek Black, OL Landon Lara, OL Lupe Islas, LB Rocky Martinez, OL Ty Webb n Other lettermen: WR/DB Carson Ogle, OL/DL Jarrett Simons, RB/DB Marcus Cuevas, RB/DB Phillip Martinez, OL/DL Skylar Westbrook, n Top newcomers: QB Wes McCutcheon, WR/DB Cody Berryman, OL/DE Sterling Fensterbush

ROSTER Player Cody Berryman Jarek Black Andreas Castillo Anthony Clark Hayden Cobb Kokies Cuevas Marcus Cuevas Bobby Escareno Sterling Fensterbush Zach Garza Bryan Hall Lupe Islas Cameron Knight Tristan Lane Grant Lankford Landon Lara Phillip Martinez Rocky Martinez Wes McCutcheon Austin McGinnis James McGuire Jared Moore Michael Neighbors Graham Nelson Carson Ogle Truitt Pene Brody Pinkerton Josh Rincones Ryan Rhodes Jace Robertson Jarrett Simons Tyler Talley Ty Webb Skylar Westbrook Zach Whitney Jacob Woodruff

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

Wt. 150 210 195 150 190 145 140 180 165 175 150 180 250 140 145 205 145 165 180 165 170 170 155 145 150 320 150 200 175 150 160 275 275 185 150 200

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

‘

Pos. WR/DB RB/DB RB/DL QB/DB OL/LB WR/DB RB/DB RB/LB OL/DL RB/DL QB/DB OL/DL TE/DL WR/DB WR/DB OL/DL RB/DB QB/LB QB WR/DL OL/DL OL/LB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB OL/DL RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL QB/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

Once we start we can’t hardly take a breath, so to me the key is staying healthy because we play such quality opponents. It can wear on you.

’

Kyle Maxfield Shallowater head coach

scott macwatters  A-j media file photo

Shallowater’s Jarek Black escapes the grasp of Muleshoe’s Tony Molina during a game last season in Shallowater. Black is back to lead the Mustangs after rushing for 2,372 yards and 26 TDs in 2012.

shallowater/Mustangs will lean on standout back in pursuit of elusive long postseason push

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

This time last season, not too many people statewide knew who Jarek Black was or just how good he was about to make the Shallowater football program.

Now, everyone knows who Black is, and most expect that with him healthy and ready for his senior season, the Mustangs have a good shot at not only winning district but making that deep playoff run they were poised for in 2012.

“I think the kids are excited about getting back to where we were,” Shallowater head coach Kyle Maxfield said. “At the same time, every week is a grind, espe-

cially with our non-district schedule. Once we start we can’t hardly take a breath, so to me the big key is staying healthy because we play such quality opponents. It can wear on you.”

That grind certainly wore on Black, and at midpoint a broken bone in his left hand changed Shallowater’s fortunes.

At the time, the 5-foot-11, 210-pound Black was well on his way to approaching the 3,000-yard rushing mark. Entering the seventh game of the season against Estacado, Black had rushed for more than 1,700 yards and 24 touchdowns, an average of 288 yards and four touchdowns per game.

But he broke his hand in the

second quarter and did not play again until the Mustangs’ District 2-3A finale. Then, in the Mustangs’ area playoff against Monahans, he injured his shoulder in the first quarter and did not return until the fourth with Shallowater desperate to play catch-up.

So, in the offseason, Black made it a point to work on his elusiveness through better footwork, hoping to avoid the injuries that “limited” him to 2,372 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns. He has received scholarship offers from UT-El Paso and Air Force, and has drawn the attention of many more Division I schools.

“Anytime we needed a big play, he brought it,” Maxfield said. “I feel like he’s done everything he can do to get himself in position to be the best. I do think he’s stronger, he’s quicker. I think him having a

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29

shallowater: Mustangs add passing threat to arsenal good spring is going to help him and his endurance.”

Of course, what last year showed was Black couldn’t do it alone, and this year the Mustangs might just have a passing threat to go with it.

Shallowater entered spring having to find a new quarterback, but one seemed to drop into Maxfield’s lap this summer when Plainview senior Wes McCutcheon’s family moved to the Shallowater area. McCutcheon was the fourth-best passer in District 4-4A last season with 933 yards and 13 touchdowns on a predominantly running team.

But McCutcheon wasn’t just handed the starting job at the start of two-a-days, battling with seniors Anthony Clark and Jace Robertson and junior Bryan Hall, all of whom fought for the job during the offseason.

“It’s a good problem to have,” Maxfield said. “We’ve got guys who had good springs at that position, then Wes coming in brings a lot to the table. None of our positions are (handed to starters). It will be a group competition.”

Another good problem Maxfield has is the return of senior tight end Cameron Knight. At 6-3 and 250 pounds, Knight has committed to Texas State after catching 15 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns in the regular season. But he’s also known as much for his blocking skills as for his receiving skills.

“He’s going to be a big part of our offense,” Maxfield said. “He’s a guy who’s going to really have to be in shape because our defensive line will be so thin that he’ll have to step up.”

The rest of the receiving corps, however, will be green, and that’s the biggest question mark for Maxfield on the offensive side of the

stephen spillman  a-j media file photo

Shallowater’s Cameron Knight pulls down a touchdown over Estacado’s Israel Gonzalez last season. Knight has committed to Texas State. ball.

Leading the way for Black will be an experienced offensive line of all seniors in Hayden Cobb, Jared Moore, Landon Lara, Lupe Islas and Ty Webb. They helped pave the way for an offense that

averaged 411 yards per game in the 2012 regular season.

Defensively, the experience is a little more spread out for the Mustangs. Most of it comes in the front seven in the form of defensive tackles Lara and senior Skyler West-

brook and linebackers Black and senior Rocky Martinez.

Knight could also work on the defensive line as well.

“Something we’ve been fortunate to do is play our linemen one way for the most part,” Maxfield said, “That’s something we’d like to continue to do, but I don’t know, personnel-wise, if we’ll be allowed to do that.”

The secondary will be anchored by senior Marcus Cuevas, while Robertson could see significant time there if he is not starting at quarterback.

Even with a high number of open spots on the defense, Maxfield is confident the group can best last year’s mark of 301.5 yards per game allowed.

All this in anticipation of defending the District 2-3A championship. But Maxfield

also knows the Mustangs won’t be sneaking up on anybody again this season. Instead, it will be Shallowater that everyone guns for.

“We’re anxious to get started but I think they’ve taken the steps they needed to to put themselves in position to defend it,” Maxfield said.”

30

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Kattwinkel, Pirates make changes to get back in playoff hunt COOPER PIRATES COACHES

Head coach Max Kattwinkel (Texas Tech), first season; 0-0 at Cooper and overall Assistant coaches Kent Allison, Chip Darden, Sonny Gonzales, Keenan Kitchens, Jason Salinas, Landon Winton, Brad Wuensche

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 30 at Idalou Sept. 6 Snyder Sept. 13 Lubbock High Sept. 20 Perryton Sept. 27 at Hereford Oct. 11 at Andrews* Oct. 18 at Seminole* Oct. 25 Levelland* Nov. 1 at Shallowater* Nov. 8 Estacado* * — District 2-3A game

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

2012 RESULTS Date Opponent Aug. 31 Idalou Sept. 7 at Snyder Sept. 14 at Lubbock High Sept. 21 at Perryton Sept. 28 Hereford Oct. 12 Andrews* Oct. 19 Seminole* Oct. 26 at Levelland* Nov. 2 Shallowater* Nov. 9 at Estacado* ** — 2012 playoff game * — District 2-3A game

Result W 32-22 W 35-21 W 29-21 L 14-13 W 20-14 L 21-20 L 15-14 W 20-14 L 21-20 W 34-27

TEAM INFO

Team

n 2012 season, district record: 6-4, 2-3 (fifth place District 2-3A) n District: 2-3A n Basic offense: Multiple n Basic defense: 4-2 n Year last won district: 2011 n Year last made playoffs: 2011 n Stadium: Pirate Stadium (Capacity 5,000)

Players

n Returnees: 17 of 46 lettermen, three offensive starters, five defensive starters n Returning starters: QB Stanton Keane, OL Stetson Smitherman, OL Brandon Richardson, DL Jeremy Reeves, LB Keevan Prather, LB Marcos Lopez, DL Montana Vega, S Nathan Offutt n Other lettermen: LB B.J. Trevino, OL Heath Jackson, DL Jeremy Henderson, OL Jim Malinowski, DL John Lange, S Lamar Ware, DL Matt Williams, S Zak Odom, TE Evan McHugh n Top newcomers: LB Ricky Mendez, S Tycer Farmer, RB Dakota Gruben, RB Kolton Ehlers, WR Garett Neudorf

ROSTER Player Caleb Baker Sean Belcher Jerry Cantu Alex Cervantez Alek Cruz Brandon Duffy Juan Duran Kolton Ehlers Roy Espinosa Tycer Farmer Michael Gallegos Dakota Gruben Hay.Hargesheimer Dalton Heath Jeremy Henderson Stanton Keane Heath Jackson Javier Jaquez J. Hayden Johnson John Lange Marcos Lopez Sebastian Lopez Jim Malinowski Collin McCutcheon Evan McHugh Garret McKinney Ricky Mendez Shye Miers Garett Neudorf Chris Newman Zak Odom Nathan Offutt Tristan Paschall Jordan Polk Keevan Prather Jeremy Reeves Josh Reinhart Brandon Richardson Jordan Salas Bryson Shive Stetson Smitherman Brook Sowder Jackson Stevens B.J. Trevino Nathan Vasquez Michael Vaughn Montana Vega Kirby Vinson Lamar Ware Matt Williams

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

Wt. 195 175 269 180 165 190 111 160 191 165 248 170 165 170 235 196 225 155 160 170 175 226 197 173 196 177 165 140 165 180 165 165 175 173 155 140 178 228 154 145 220 243 199 163 161 160 240 195 153 230

Yr. Pos. Jr. TE Sr. TE Sr. DL Sr. OL So. OL/DL Sr. OL Sr. WR Jr. RB Jr. OL Jr. S Jr. DL Jr. RB/S Sr. WR Sr. LB Sr. DL Sr. QB Sr. OL Sr. DL Jr. LB Sr. RB/DL Sr. FB/LB Jr. OL Sr. OL Sr. WR Jr. TE Sr. LB Jr. LB Sr. RB Jr. WR/S Sr. DL Sr. WR/S Sr. S Jr. LB Sr. FB Sr. LB Sr. DL Sr. DL Sr. OL So. WR/S Jr. WR/DL Sr. OL Jr. OL Sr. OL Sr. LB Sr. WR Sr. DL Sr. DL So. OL/DL Sr. S Sr. DL

‘

We felt like going into the year we had the talent to win.

’

Max Kattwinkel Former assistant, now head coach of the Cooper Pirates

stephen spillman  A-j media

Max Kattwinkel takes over at Cooper after spending the past six years as the team’s offensive coordinator.

Cooper/Kattwinkel keeps continuity within Pirates football team

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

One of the biggest reasons Cooper hired assistant Max Kattwinkel to become the football program’s new head coach — the first one in 14 years — this past offseason was continuity.

Kattwinkel has been at the school for six years as the team’s offensive coordinator, arguably six of the most successful years in Cooper football history, at least at the Class 3A level. So with the duties of athletic director and head football coach being split up for the first time, the school went with someone they knew to keep change at a minimum.

Little did Kattwinkel know one of the first changes the program experienced was within himself, not with the program.

“It really was kind of chaotic that first month,” said Kattwinkel, who was hired in late January. “The part I had the hardest time with was not being around the kids as much and being in more of a managerial type of situation. That took some getting used to, but it calmed down and now hopefully I can get back to being able to coach and be around the kids again.”

Once he had is own routine down, however, Kattwinkel set about changing the routine of the players.

If there’s one thing the 2012 season taught the Cooper coaching staff, it’s that it needed to be just a step faster both mentally and physically. The Pirates missed the playoffs this past season for the first time since 2009 thanks to three one-point losses in District 2-3A play. One missed play here, a lack of an effective kicking game there, and the Pirates found themselves sitting at home.

“It was the most frustrating year we’ve ever been through,” Kattwin-

kel said. “We felt like going into the year we had the talent to win, but we had some injuries, some key injuries, and it was just the little things. We weren’t executing, the kicking game wasn’t what we needed it to be. It was a good group of kids, and walking away from it we felt we should have done a better job than we did.”

So the offseason was spent changing some of those little things, both from a player and a coaching perspective.

For the players, Kattwinkel implemented a different weightlifting regimen that targets what he calls a “total body lift” in order to strengthen joints and prevent season-ending injuries. He had also already planned on cutting back on some contact work during the week before the UIL passed a rule limiting it to 90 minutes per week, choosing to use that time to work on concepts and the mental side of the game.

But the changes weren’t limited to the players. He’s also requir-

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cooper: Pirates rebuilding with new coach in Kattwinkel ing all coaches, regardless of whether they coach offense or defense, to know what the entire team is doing from a planning and scheme perspective.

The Pirates are also changing offensive and defensive schemes, going to the read-option on offense to take advantage of Keane’s running ability and prowess reading defenses, while turning to the TCU 4-2-5 scheme to improve their pass coverage.

Stanton certainly proved he can run the football, amassing 1,193 yards and 11 touchdowns in earning All-South Plains honors.

He’ll have senior linemen Stetson Smitherman and Brandon Richardson back to lead the way after Cooper averaged 357 yards per game a year ago.

Otherwise, the Pirates offense will be all new this season.

Kattwinkel will choose from juniors Kolton Ehlers and Dakota Gruben to fill in at tailback, both playing on the junior varsity last season as the starting quarterback and running back, respectively. Expect senior

John Lange to also work into the mix.

On the outside, Kattwinkel likes his skill set with senior wideout Zak Odom and junior tight end Evan McHugh.

The Pirates have a little more experience to work with on defense, but not a lot, and for new defensive coordinator and Shallowater native Keenan Kitchens, that experience is pretty spread out through the three levels on the field.

Seniors Jeremy Reeves at tackle and Montana Vega at end are both returning starters on defense, as are senior outside linebacker Keevan Prather and inside linebacker Marcos Lopez. Also look for big things from junior Ricky Mendez.

The secondary will be anchored by safety Nathan Offutt.

“Without sounding overconfident ... I really like the role that we’re in,” Kattwinkel said. “We’re going to be an afterthought in the district race. We’re out to prove people wrong, and I think we have the kids to do just that.”

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Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

LEVELLAND LOBOS COACHES

Head coach Jared Sanderson (Hardin-Simmons), first season; 0-0 at Levelland and overall Assistant coaches Taylor Beadles, Jeff Bontrager, David Broom, Kyle Cavitt, Brian Coker, Jose Gonzalez, Sean Kaerwer, Jhett Norman, Brent Paris, John Peterson, Alex Soliz, Marty Torrez, Zakarl Wadley

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 30 Roosevelt Sept. 6 at Denver City Sept. 13 Muleshoe Sept. 20 Brownfield Sept. 27 at Fort Stockton Oct. 11 at Estacado* Oct. 18 Andrews* Oct. 25 at Cooper* Nov. 1 at Seminole* Nov. 8 Shallowater* * — District 2-3A game

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

TEAM INFO Team

n 2012 season, district record: 5-5, 1-4 (tied fifth place District 2-3A) n District: 2-3A n Basic offense: Pro I n Basic defense: 4-3 n Year last won district: 1988 n Year last made playoffs: 2007 n Stadium: Lobo Stadium (Cap. 4,000)

Players

n Returnees: 17 of 30 lettermen, eight offensive starters, nine defensive starters n Returning starters: QB/LB Kain

Alexander, LB Kody Duncan, RB/DL DeShawn Fitts, FB/DL Matt Gerber, WR/ DB Trenton Jones, DL A.B. Ramirez, WR/ DB Evan Shedd, LB Andres Vasquez, DB Dontavious Williams, OL Dominick Puente, OL Thomas Sanchez, OL Landon Schulle n Top newcomers: OL Arturo Blanco, DL Mark Flores

ROSTER

Player Ht. Kain Alexander 5-11 Matt Barrera 5-8 Arturo Blanco 6-2 Savon Childers 6-0 Kody Duncan 5-9 DeShawn Fitts 5-9 Mark Flores 6-1 Matt Gerber 6-1 Michael Godbolt 6-0 Mitchell Godbolt 5-10 Matt Guajardo 5-8 Tristan Hagood 5-8 Tanner Hastings 6-0 Klay Horne 5-10 Alex Krag 5-11 Tandon Jones 5-9 Trenton Jones 5-11 Michael Lopez 5-9 Miguel Martinez 6-1 Christian Muro 5-9 Dominick Puente 5-11 A.B. Ramirez 5-11 Isaac Ramos 6-1 Evaristo Rodriguez 6-4 Brandon Rowand 5-11 Thomas Sanchez 6-2 Zach Sanchez 5-8 Landon Schulle 6-0 Evan Shedd 5-10 Chris Simmons 6-0 Matt Stefford 6-0 Andres Vasquez 5-9 Dont. Williams 6-3

Wt. 190 220 260 175 180 185 250 205 190 180 175 160 225 170 240 155 175 165 225 160 200 220 240 225 290 250 160 290 170 275 175 175 210

Yr. Pos. Sr. QB/LB Sr. OL/DL Jr. OL/DL Sr. WR/LB Jr. FB/LB Sr. RB/DL Jr. TE/DL Sr. FB/DL Jr. RB/DB So. OL/DL Sr. FB/LB Jr. RB/DB Sr. OL/DL Sr. WR/LB Jr. TE/DL So. WR/DB Jr. WR/DB So. WR/DB Sr. OL/DL Sr. RB/DB Jr. OL/DL Jr. OL/DL Jr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Jr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Sr. WR/DB Sr. OL/DL Sr. WR/DB Jr. OL/DL Jr. TE/LB Sr. FB/LB Sr. WR/DB

SEMINOLE INDIANS COACHES

Head coach Chris Burtch (Angelo State), 10th season; 60-45 at Seminole, 108-94 overall Assistant coaches Mike Browning, Lonnie Hines, Jon Long, Chad Longley, Zach Ramos, Herb Rios, Tim Sage, Rick Spruill, Matt Swinnea, Brent Terry

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 at Merkel 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Idalou 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 Fort Stockton 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Midland Christian 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 Big Spring 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Shallowater* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 Cooper* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Estacado* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 Levelland* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 at Andrews* 7:30 p.m. * — District 2-3A game

TEAM INFO Team

n 2012 season, district record: 3-7, 1-4 (tied fifth place District 2-3A) n District: 2-3A n Basic offense: One-Back Multiple n Basic defense: 3-4 n Year last won district: 2011 n Year last made playoffs: 2011 n Stadium: Wig Wam Stadium (Capacity 3,500)

n Returnees: 20 of 34 lettermen, five offensive starters, seven defensive starters n Returning starters: S Kason Rosales, RB/DB Sabraun Adams, RB/LB Ramon Juarez, RB/DL George Klassen, RB/DB Addison Parum, WR/DB Justin Hernandez n Top newcomers: RB/LB Brice Gibbons, OL/DL Tony Huynh

ROSTER Ht. 5-11 6-0 5-9 5-6 5-11 5-10 6-2 5-7 5-10 5-7 5-11 6-0 5-10 5-9 5-11 6-0 5-8 5-9 6-1 6-3 5-9 6-0 5-10 5-9 5-10

Wt. 157 200 190 140 155 185 295 185 150 185 150 247 150 160 185 170 203 155 185 254 155 170 155 150 190

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

Pos. RB/DB OL/DL

OL/DL OL/DL RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB OL/DL QB/DB RB/LB RB/DL OL/DL RB/LB RB/DB RB/LB OL/DL S RB/DB OL/DL

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Lobos look to make big jump with new coach Levelland/Former defensive coordinator steps up to challenge

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

As the defensive coordinator last year, Jared Sanderson saw just how close the Levelland football team was to a breakout season.

A touchdown here against Estacado, a touchdown there against Cooper, and the Lobos could have very well finished as high as second in District 2-3A. Instead, a non-district campaign that showed a ton of promise fizzled with a 1-4 record in league play and left the Lobos out of the playoffs for the fifth straight season.

That consistency will be the target for the Lobos going foward.

“We’ve got a great group of kids with a lot of experience,” said Sanderson, an assistant the past four years who was named head coach after Gary Gutierrez resigned in the offseason.

“Even though we’ve had a coaching change, it’s a lot of the same message.”

Levelland returns nine offensive and 10 defensive players that started all or at least part of 2012.

Senior running back DeShawn Fitts returns after leading Levelland last sea-

Indians seek redemption for missing 2012 playoffs Seminole/Injuries hit team last season

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

Players

Player Sabraun Adams Brant Addison Will. Buchanan Jesse Carrillo Mich. Concardo Jordan Dyck Easton Elrod Estevan Espino Matthew Flores Brice Gibbons Justin Hernandez Tony Huynh Jarret Johnson Ramon Juarez George Klassen Kaleb Lambert Dustin Lira Addison Parum Grant Petty Kyle Rickman Cason Rosales Blake Royston Anthony Sharko Joseph Valdez Colton Wheeler

DISTRICT 2-3A header

Seminole head football coach Chris Burtch didn’t mince words when asked about the reaction of the players to missing the playoffs for the first time since 2003.

“It ticked a lot of the kids off,” Burtch said. “It didn’t sit well at all, with a lot of us, not just the kids. It didn’t sit well with the coaches either.”

Twelve season-ending injuries thrust several sophomores into starting or key backup roles, and opponents were able to take advantage, leaving the Seminoles 3-7 overall and 1-4 in 2-3A. A year later, however, those young players are now experienced veterans ready to redeem themselves.

“The kids took it personally, the season last year,” Burtch said. “They don’t want to repeat that.”

Possessing an experienced

offensive line and a bevy of talented running backs, expect the Indians to run the football a lot more than they have in the past.

Burtch expects contributions from the committee of seniors George Klassen, Ramon Juarez and Addison Parum and juniors Sabraun Adams and Estevan Espino.

Clearing the way will be returning starters Jordan Dyck and Colton Wheeler, both seniors, and juniors Kyle Rickman and Brant Addison.

Leading the Seminole defense will be the entire returning starting secondary in juniors Kason Rosalez and Justin Hernandez with Adams and junior Matthew Flores.

The running backs also double as the team’s returning linebackers, while juniors Kaleb Lambert, Tony Huynh and Addison all saw playing time along the defensive front.

son with 646 rushing yards on 82 carries with four touchdowns. Also back is starting quarterback Kain Alexander, a senior who rushed for 314 yards and three touchdowns.

But the Lobos should also be able to throw with some effectiveness after Alexander completed 67 of 129 passes for 1,320 yards and 11 touchdowns a year ago.

Up front both will be protected by an experienced offensive line consisting of seniors Thomas Sanchez and Landon Schulle and juniors Dominick Puente and Chris Simmons.

Senior Matt Gerber moves from tight end to fullback to help open holes, while junior Trenton Jones becomes the go-to receiver after catching 24 passes for 441 yards and three touchdowns in 2012.

Junior A.B. Ramirez returns at one defensive end, while Alexander will anchor the linebacking corps along with returning starter Andres Vasquez, a senior.

Jones will move from cornerback to safety to open a spot for Dontavious Williams, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound senior. Junior Michael Godbolt moves in at the other corner with Evan Shedd taking the other safety position.

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By Land or

By Air

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

Class 2A features a wide variance in offensive systems, including Abernathy’s running attack

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Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH District 1-2A, Division I 1. Littlefield: Talent, experience in bruising running game puts Wildcats on top of district 2. Bushland: Falcons will challenge for crown behind arm of gunslinging QB Cornelius 3. Muleshoe: Even in a rebuilding year, the Mules have enough to make a run in playoffs 4. Childress: The Bobcats took some lumps last season that should translate favorably in 2013 5. Dimmitt: Dimmitt has offensive weapons to challenge for playoffs; defense needs to mature quickly 6. Friona: Second season under Prokop, coupled with experience, will make Chieftains competitive

District 2-2A, Division I 1. Idalou: Despite coaching change, Wildcats still the team to beat in district until someone beats them 2. Brownfield: Cubs have made great strides under Welps and could have offense to knock off Idalou 3. Denver City: Mustangs have talent on offense and enough experience to make run at district 4. Slaton: Another team full of offensive talent, the Tigers must first find a defense to go with it 5. Lamesa: Golden Tornadoes need new QB to run high-octane offense, but defense must help out 6. Kermit: Yellow Jackets have talent, but need breaks to crack into top four for playoff berth

District 2-2A, Division II

1. Post: Strong running game and experienced offensive line putting Bold back in Bold Gold 2. Abernathy: If Abernathy can fill holes quickly, the Antelopes could be in position for district crown 3. Tulia: Hornets will build around strong passing game under new leadership at the top 4. Floydada: Whirlwinds have strong enough defense to allow offense to bring along young group 5. Roosevelt: Eagles need to find a way to match talking about playoffs with effort to get there 6. Olton: Veteran South Plains coach Torbert takes over Mustangs program adjusting to 2A level

TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYER Sha’Colby Hill, QB, Brownfield

FOOTBALL FEVER header

Class 2A

Run vs. Pass: Success in either scheme comes down to players, commitment

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

Jeff Lofton has been the exception before, and doesn’t mind being it again.

While others were throwing the football, he was on staffs that stayed with traditional run schemes in places like Kennedale, Midland Greenwood and Midland Lee. At Midlothian the staff went from the Wing-T to the spread.

But Idalou’s firstyear head coach and former standout player knows

One of the more underrated players in the state in Class 2A, Hill has emerged as not only a leader for the Cubs but a stellar dual-threat quarterback. As a sophomore in Hill 2012, he rushed for 1,243 yards and 15 touchdowns and threw for 1,045 yards and seven touchdowns.

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYER Dru Lust, LB, Abernathy Lust has put up spectacular numbers in leading the Antelopes defense the last two seasons and should be the anchor of the Abernathy defense in 2013. As a junior, he finished with 111 total tackles, eight sacks, three interceptions and four fumble recoveries.

Class 2A features a wide variance in offensive systems. Schools such as Muleshoe and Roosevelt have gone to spread attacks, while others stay rooted in a strong running game.

Scott Macwatters  A-j media

Lust

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what works and is willing to stick with it, even while what seems like every other team he plays goes with the latest trends or the hot new offensive scheme.

Lofton is happy to run out of tight formations, and run it again, and when that isn’t working, run it better.

“That’s the system that we run, that’s the system I played in,” Lofton said. “It’s a blessing that you step in as a head coach and come into a place where things like that are set and in place that you want to have established. That helps out a lot, I believe.”

Operating in old, traditional running formations — the Wing-T, Wishbone, Veer, Slot-I and Slot-T just to name a few — is becoming a thing of the past in the larger classifications.

But at the Class 2A level, where depth is just as important as talent, the changeover has been a lot slower coming.

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

FOOTBALL FEVER header

postseason.

“Honestly, I think it’s the easiest way to move the football and the easiest way to score,” Poynor said. “It’s exciting, the kids like it and it’s easier to get kids to come out (for football). There’s a ton of advantages to it or we wouldn’t do it. But with that said, some teams aren’t going to change.”

“I’ve always been a firm believer that it’s not what you’re doing but how you’re doing it,” Post coach Steve Smith said. “The threat to a team is not the scheme itself but in the attention to detail and the way you execute.

I’m either too dumb to run the spread or smart enough to run the I because it’s what I know and what I’m able to teach effectively.”

Players matter

Going with what works

There’s no better example of sticking with what works, and doing so for decades on end, than Littlefield.

It’s what former coach and current superintendent Jerry Blakely ran in leading the Wildcats to numerous playoff appearances and the 1982 state championship. It’s what Blakely passed down to former coach Louis Boomer, and after 15 years Boomer passed it down to current head coach Bryan Huseman, who has compiled an impressive 10441 record in 12 seasons with the Wildcats, including reaching the 2006 Class 2A state championship game.

The Wildcats’ power running game utilizing a slot back and two tight ends is impressive when run correctly, because even though teams know what’s coming, they’re powerless at times to stop it.

“The bottom line here at Littlefield is we know what we want to do, we know what we can coach and we know how it’s supposed to work,” Huseman said.

That’s not to say the question of switching to the spread formation hasn’t been bandied about. With the trend of going to the spread, even the read-option, run-oriented version of the scheme, continuing to grow at all levels of football, the discussions have been had in Littlefield in the past about making the switch.

It would still allow the Wildcats to run the football, but keep teams from stacking 9-10 players in the box and creating a big, giant pile of people up the middle.

But like the mischeivious child whose lessons from parents finally sink in, thoughts of making those changes didn’t last long, and for some good reasons.

Huseman said the coaches dabbled with it a few years ago with players like quarterback Tracy Huseman and hulking receiver Zach White. But they soon found out that the comfort level just wasn’t there to be able to commit to throwing the ball as much as the spread formation dictates.

“Let’s not kid ourselves, we’ve won a lot of games, but people here still want us to be a spread team,” Huseman said. “Fast-break football is exciting to watch. But we couldn’t develop it as consistently as we wanted, so we decided to go back to what we were and what we’ve been in the past.”

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Stephen SPillman  A-j media

Class 2A schools such as Idalou have stuck with strong running attacks, while others are venturing into spread attacks.

No better example of success at the 2A level in the spread exists than in Muleshoe.

David Wood begins his 18th season guiding the Mules, but only the last eight have been in the spread. Wood was an offset-I guy until 2005 and had utilized that offense in reaching the Class 3A Division I state semifinals in 2000. But personnel changes dictated the move to the spread. The Mules had run out of larger offensive linemen and had a plethora of receivers to go with a strong-armed quarterback named Garrett Riley.

“We thought if we could get the quarterback back there to get rid of the ball in about two seconds ... we’d have a chance to move the ball up and down the field,” Wood said.

“We knew (Riley) loved to throw the football, but we didn’t know how long (this offense) would last.”

Turns out, Muleshoe’s wholehearted commitment to the spread has led to one of the school’s most successful eras. Three years after making the switch, the Mules captured their first state championship in 2008, led by Wood’s son, Wes, who was both precise with his short passes and accurate throwing it down the field.

Since then, the spread has stuck.

“Wes hadn’t played hardly any spread, and he could only throw the ball about 30 yards downfield his junior year,” David Wood said.

“That’s when we decided after Wes that the spread was (staying) in because you can go with an inexperienced quarterback and size doesn’t matter on your offensive line.

Muleshoe’s success influenced other schools as well.

Roosevelt coach Greg Poynor was an assistant at Muleshoe and took over the Eagles program in 2008. He brought the spread with him, and immediately found success by taking the school three rounds deep into the

While Muleshoe’s success could be an argument for going to the spread, Idalou’s success could be an argument against the move.

Two years after the Mules chunked the ball all over the place in winning the crown, the Wildcats accomplished the same feat in 2010 with a pounding running game and suffocating defense that shut teams down cold.

Smith brought the I formation to Post, and the offense fit like a glove, helping the Antelopes capture a district crown just one year after finishing 2-8.

And things are starting to grow in Slaton, where Chad Terry has implemented the spread, and the Tigers have shown flashes of brilliance in the offense. Senior quarterback Bryce Whaley accounted for more than 2,000 yards of total offense last year.

Terry is a perfect example of another coach making the switch. He had several successful years at Class 1A Sundown, but got tired of defenses stacking the line of scrimmage against his Flexbone offense.

“We started watching college teams evolve into spread teams, but it was ‘spread it to run it,’” Terry said. “We went to the spread to pass because we’ve got guys that can go catch it. I think (offenses) have to fit the kids.”

Then there’s the issue of depth, which starts to become a big factor at the 2A level as most teams have numerous players starting on both sides of the ball. That attrition can be detrimental to running a high-octane offense such as the spread.

That aspect is countered by the young coaches coming out of college who are almost exclusively learning one version or another of the spread, and few are specializing in two-tight end running formations.

“You talk to young guys that ... if you don’t throw it 35 times a game, you don’t know anything about football,” Terry said.

In the end, however, it comes down to what the coaches and players feel most comfortable doing, whether it’s tight or spread formations. As long as there’s success to be had either way, there’s really little impetus to change. george.watson@lubbockonline.com  766-2166 Follow George on Twitter @AJJorge

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FIVE GAMES TO WATCH ■ Oct. 11: Littlefield vs. Bushland The first salvo of the District 1-2A, Division I race will be fired early in a stark contrast of styles. The Wildcats will bring in their vaunted, pounding running game while the Falcons will counter with the air attack led by QB Taylor Cornelius.

■ Oct. 11: Idalou at Brownfield Last season the Wildcats ran unscathed through the district and, in a way, it hurt as they were untested and bounced in the first round of the playoffs.

Brownfield will give Idalou a stiff test this season, and the winner here will have the upper hand in the 2-2A, Division II race.

■ Nov. 1: Slaton at Denver City While the district race will likely come down to Idalou and Brownfield, the meeting between Slaton and Denver City could determine who else will have a shot at the league crown and who could finish as high as second by the end of the season.

■ Nov. 8: Muleshoe at Littlefield Normally, this game would be — and has been in the past — for the district championship. If the Mules can answer some key questions and survive the Oct. 18 game against Bushland, then this game again will be one of the gems of the 2013 season.

■ Nov. 8: Post at Abernathy A touchdown in this game last year was the difference in Post capturing the district championship over Abernathy, and the district should come down to this game once again. The key will be if Abernathy’s defense can shut down Post’s running game.

TOP FIVE COACHES ■ Bryan Huseman, Littlefield ■ Steve Smith, Post ■ David Wood, Muleshoe ■ Darrell Daily, Abernathy ■ Bryan Welps, Brownfield

Huseman

FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH ■ Da’Madrick Moore, RB, Littlefield ■ Austin Ross, WR, Muleshoe ■ D.J. Brown, RB, Post ■ Koal Houchin, RB, Idalou ■ Bryce Whaley, QB, Slaton

Brown

IN THIS SECTION

Abernathy...........................................................................44 Brownfield..........................................................................43 Denver City.........................................................................42 Floydada.............................................................................45 Idalou...................................................................................39 Lamesa................................................................................43 Littlefield.............................................................................37 Muleshoe.............................................................................37 Olton....................................................................................45 Post......................................................................................44 Roosevelt............................................................................36 Slaton..................................................................................39

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Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

DISTRICT 2-2A, DIV. II header

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

Everything seems to be coming together for Eagles ROOSEVELT EAGLES COACHES Head coach Greg Poynor (Eastern New Mexico), sixth season; 23-30 at Roosevelt and overall Assistant coaches Shean Abston, Josh Kelley, Jeff Kello, Lamar Kello, Jimmy Ledbettter, Brian Poynor, David Quisenberry, Kelcy Wormsbaker, Joe Pat Wright

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 at Levelland 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 Dimmitt 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 Tahoka 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Muleshoe 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 Friona 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Post* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 Olton* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Tulia* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 Abernathy* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 at Floydada* 7:30 p.m. * — District 2-2A, Division II game

2012 RESULTS Date Opponent Result Aug. 31 Levelland L 42-14 Sept. 7 at Dimmitt L 21-14 Sept. 14 at Tahoka L 34-27 Sept. 21 Muleshoe L 41-16 Sept. 28 at Friona L 35-14 Oct. 12 Post* L 48-33 Oct. 19 at Olton* W 34-27 Oct. 26 Tulia* L 55-14 Nov. 2 at Abernathy* L 34-7 Nov. 9 Floydada* W 39-37 * — District 2-2A, Divison II game

n Other lettermen: RB/DL Christian Silva n Top newcomers: WR/LB J.D. Rojas, WR/LB Teagan Cooksey, WR/ CB Randy Welch, WR/LB Chance Miller, QB/LB Raul Lucero

ROSTER Player Ht. Wt. Yr. Pos. Jonathan Aguilar 6-2 265 Sr. OL/DL Tray Bass 6-1 175 So. WR/DL Zach Bullock 5-10 145 Jr. WR/LB Alex Carroll 5-9 145 So. RB/S Dilyn Castle 5-10 185 Sr. OL/LB Teagan Cooksey 6-0 155 Fr. WR/LB Tanner Copeland 5-10 145 Jr. RB/CB Derek Coppedge 6-0 170 Sr. QB/S Matt Duenes 5-8 200 Sr. OL/DL Chris Eustace 5-10 150 Sr. WR/LB Jacob Garcia 5-9 135 Fr. WR/CB Dimitri Gomez 6-0 215 Jr. OL/DL Cooper Herrell 6-0 220 Jr. OL/DL Kevin Lamae 5-9 175 Jr. RB/LB Raul Lucero 5-10 160 Jr. QB/LB Johnny Mendoza 5-9 155 Jr. WR/LB Chance Miller 5-9 145 So. WR/LB Issac Ramirez 5-10 225 Jr. OL/DL Isaac Rodriguez 5-8 185 Sr. OL/DL J.D. Rojas 5-7 140 Fr. WR/LB Justin Scott 6-1 155 Jr. WR/LB Christian Silva 5-6 160 Jr. RB/DL Joseph Villarreal 6-2 295 Jr. OL/DL Andrew Waters 6-2 220 Jr. OL/DL Randy Welch 5-7 135 Jr. WR/CB Ian Wilkes 5-10 135 Jr. WR/CB Russell Wilson 5-10 150 Sr. OL/DL Brendon Wright 5-10 140 Sr. WR/S

ROOSEVELT/Poynor extols team’s experience, focus and exceptional speed

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

The 2012 football campaign for the Roosevelt Eagles was definitely one that encompassed two seasons in one schedule.

The Eagles started the year with a strong defense and several questions on offense, questions that were only made worse with the loss of tailback D.J. Dickson, who transferred due to disciplinary reasons. That forced even more young players into the spotlight.

Roosevelt struggled offensively, scoring more than 16 points in just one of its five non-district games. But the experience gained against a tough schedule eventually paid off, and the Eagles’ offense showed signs of life in three of its five District 2-2A, Division II games.

At the same time, however, a defense that was supposed to hold the rope

ended up losing its grip at the end and allowed 34 points or more in four of the five league games, and averaged 37 points per game allowed over the course of the season. That reversal of production was a big reason the Eagles (2-8, 2-3 in district) missed the postseason for the fourth straight year.

“I think the inexperience was a big part, and we knew it would take a while,” sixth-year head coach Greg Poynor said. “We were definitely playing our best football late in the year, even in the games we lost. We feel that will be a springboard toward this year.”

The Eagles welcome back eight offensive and defensive starters. Among that group are all five offensive linemen, the starting quarterback and running back and four members of the defensive front six.

But more than the talent and experience coming

TEAM INFO Team n 2012 season, district record: 2-8, 2-3 (fourth place District 2-2A, Divison II) n District: 2-2A, Division II n Basic offense: Spread n Basic defense: 4-2-5 n Year last won district: 1984 n Year last made playoffs: 2008 n Stadium: Eagle Stadium (Capacity 2,500)

Players n Returnees: 10 of 19 lettermen, nine offensive starters, six defensive starters n Returning starters: QB Derek Coppedge, RB Kevin Lamae, OL/DL Jonathan Aguilar, WR/FS Brendon Wright, LB Johnny Mendoza, DL Dimitri Gomez, OL Cooper Herrell, OL Isaac Rodriguez, OL/LB Dilyn Castle, OL Joseph Villarreal, OL Issac Ramirez, DL Andrew Waters

stephen spillman  A-j media

Roosevelt head coach Greg Poynor, center, said he’s been impressed with how his players have worked on their own over the summer. Additionally, he said the 2013 Eagles might be the fastest group he’s had at Roosevelt.

back, Poynor is pointing to the dedication and attitude the team has had during the spring and summer.

Not only are the Eagles experienced, but Poynor touts this team as possibly the fastest he’s had since he’s been at Roosevelt, saying several of his wide receivers have legitimate 4.5, 4.6

40-yard dash times and who will prove to be huge weapons in the Eagles’ spread passing attack.

The Eagles have had excitement going into the last few seasons but have struggled to match the success of Poynor’s first team in 2008, SEE ROOSEVELT, page 38

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

MULESHOE MULES COACHES

Head coach David Wood (West Texas A&M), 18th season; 148-54 at Muleshoe and overall Assistant coaches Wes Boatmun, Kirk Byrd, Benjie Jay, Bryan Loera, William Smith, David Sturdivant, Clay White, Wes Wood

TEAM INFO Team

n 2012 season, district record: 9-3, 4-1 (second place District 1-2A, Divison I) n District: 1-2A, Division I n Basic offense: Spread n Basic defense: Split n Year last won district: 2011 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Benny Douglas Stadium (Capacity 2,500)

Players

n Returnees: Three of 27 lettermen, two offensive starters, one defensive starter n Returning starters: WR/DB Austin Ross, WR Matt Barron n Top newcomers: OL/LB Dustin Smith

ROSTER

Player Ht. Wt. Yr. Pos. Issac Acosta 5-6 155 Jr. OL/LB Medardo Andrade 5-9 145 Jr. RB/LB Matt Barron 5-7 120 Sr. WR/DB Braden Bassire 5-8 155 Jr. RB/LB Julian Borunda 5-11 160 So. OL/DL Danny Campos 6-2 160 So. QB/DB Fransico Elizalde 5-9 135 Jr. RB/DB Ignacio Elizalde 5-11 140 Sr. WR/DB Kegan Fikes 6-3 190 Jr. RB/LB JJ Gandara 5-7 130 Jr. WR/DB Jaxon Lee 5-11 220 So. OL/DL Eli Leal 6-0 140 Sr. WR/LB Cristian Lopez 5-10 265 Jr. OL/DL Eshoya Lopez 5-9 150 Jr. WR/LB Issac Luebanos 5-8 175 Jr. OL/DL James Lutz 5-9 165 So. OL/DL Jose Martinez 5-9 170 Jr. OL/DL Jose Mendoza 5-6 135 So. WR/DB Cristian Paez 5-6 145 Jr. WR/LB Chemel Regalado 5-7 140 Jr. WR/LB Nathan Rejino 5-8 125 Jr. WR/DB David Rodriguez 5-8 250 Jr. OL/DL Austin Ross 6-0 165 Sr. WR/DB Israel Rubio 5-9 160 Jr. WR/LB Jordan Russell 6-1 280 Jr. OL/DL Dustin Smith 5-11 225 Jr. OL/LB Visente Solano 5-6 130 Sr. WR/DB John Stiles 5-10 185 Jr. OL/DL Gerald Torres 6-0 155 Jr. WR/DB Tony Vasquez 5-11 145 So. WR/DB Ryder White 5-8 165 Jr. OL/LB

DISTRICT 1-2A, DIV. I header

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

Littlefield football has been doing what it does for a long time, so much so that even in years where entire units have to be replaced, it’s not as big of a deal as it could be.

Oh, it’s still concerning to 13th-year head coach Bryan Huseman, but not enough for the 2013 Wildcats to not be projected as a favorite for the District 1-2A, Division I championship.

This year, it’s the offensive line that has to be rebuilt in order to clear the path for perhaps one of the best collections of running backs on the South Plains in Devonte Mathis, Da’Madrick Moore

and Cruzito Lovato.

“It scares us, it really does,” Huseman said. “But those guys are Huseman familiar with the way we do things and the guys on the offensive line will come around. They’re hard workers and I think they will do a good job up front.”

The only guaranteed offensive lineman returning for Littlefield this season is senior strong tackle Bryan Cervantez. Junior Blaine McNabb started there last year but may see more time at inside linebacker than on the offensive line.

If that unit comes together

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Mules will test tradition with youth MULESHOE/Young talent will need to grow quickly

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

There’s reloading, there’s rebuilding, and there’s starting almost from scratch.

Then there’s what the Muleshoe Mules are doing in 2013.

Graduation didn’t just devastate the Mules from 2012, it darn near obliterated any experience whatsoever.

Muleshoe opens the season with two returning starters, and one of those is two-way starting receiver/defensive back Austin Ross.

“It’s one of those things that I’ve never been in this situation before,” said head coach David Wood, who begins his 18th season at Muleshoe. “We’ll have to play it by ear. If the situation dictates for us to take it slower we will. I’m not sure we can go faster without understanding what’s going on.”

This time of year, coaches talk about what they have coming back from the

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 30 Shallowater Sept. 5 Midland JV Sept. 13 at Levelland Sept. 20 Roosevelt Sept. 28 Alpine# Oct. 11 Friona* Oct. 18 Bushland* Oct. 25 at Dimmitt* Nov. 1 Childress* Nov. 8 at Littlefield* * — District 1-2A, Divison I game # — at Ratliff Stadium, Odessa

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 Lamesa 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Shallowater 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 Idalou 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Stratford 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 Dalhart 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Bushland* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 Dimmitt* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Childress* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Friona* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 Muleshoe* 7:30 p.m. * — District 1-2A, Division I game

quickly, look for the Wildcats’ pounding Slot-I running game to kick into high gear early with the return of Mathis, Moore and Lovato.

Moore led the Wildcats last year with 1,037 rushing yards and nine touchdowns while Lovato added 903 yards and seven scores in the regular season. Mathis is also a valuable asset as a starter in the secondary.

Littlefield also has its top receiver back in senior Aaron Cabello, who caught

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previous season. For Muleshoe, which went 9-3 and finished second in District 1-2A, Division I, that doesn’t take long.

It starts, and almost ends, with Ross, who had 1,093 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns and will be a key cog in the offense once again.

“He’s a game-breaker,” Wood said.

“When things get rolling right and we get it in his hands he makes things happen. He brings a lot of enthusiasm and we expect a lot from him.”

The only other player with returning experience is senior receiver Matt Barron, who had 24 catches for 325 yards and five TDs in the regular season.

Wildcats eyeing deep postseason run LITTLEFIELD/Moore, Mathis headline strong running game with stout defense

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

eight passes for 221 yards and four touchdowns. Another offensive unknown, however, is newcomer Josh Culpepper at quarterback.

Littlefield is just as loaded on defense but also has questions to answer on that side of the ball, particularly up the middle on the line and at linebacker.

Huseman’s two inside linebackers from last year, Culpepper and Mathis, have been moved to outside linebacker in the Wildcats’ 3-4 scheme. Littlefield should also be able to handle the passing game with returning starters Moore and Cabello at safety along with corners Mathis, senior Strait Pope and junior Trey Harris.

“I like their attitude,” Huseman said. I think with the attitude we have and the skill kids we have, we’ll be just fine.”

Wood

Ross

Who will be throwing the ball to them, or protecting that person throwing the ball, or running the ball to take some pressure off the passing game, is completely unknown.

The first to get the nod at quarterbacking the Mules’ high-octane attack will be sophomore Danny Campos. Running back could be done by committee between juniors Medardo Andrade, Kegan Fikes, Fransico Elizalde and Braden

Bassire.

At least one area of the defense will have experience, where Ross and Barron reside in the secondary. But the front seven will be completely new.

“We’ll get to see what we’re made of right off the bat and how far along we need everybody to come before district,” said Wood, whose team faces Shallowater in Week 0.

LITTLEFIELD WILDCATS COACHES

Head coach Bryan Huseman (LCU), 13th season; 104-41 at Littlefield and overall Assistant coaches Bryan Allcorn, Clint Conkin, Zach Duncan, Eric Edwards, James Foster, Colby Huseman Brent Green, Nathan McKinnon, Kerry Teafatiller

TEAM INFO Team n 2012 season, district record: 8-3, 5-0 (first place District 1-2A, Division I) n District: 1-2A, Division I n Basic offense: Slot I n Basic defense: 50 n Year last won district: 2012 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Wildcat Stadium (Capacity 2,500)

Players n Returnees: 16 of 31 lettermen, five offensive starters, six defensive starters n Returning starters: DL Reese Rogers, WR/DB Aaron Cabello, DL Josh Culpepper, DB Devonte Mathis, DB Strait Pope, RB Da’Madrick Moore, DB Trey Harris, RB Cruzito Lovato, OL Blaine McNabb, OL Byron Cervantez, n Other lettermen: FB Luis Marquez, RB/DE Tomas Alvarez, FB/LB Shane Martinez, OL/DL Tommy Garcia, OL/DL D.J. Davis, TE/DL Mark Reed

ROSTER Player Ht. Wt. Yr. Pos. Xavier Aguilar 5-11 230 Jr. OL/DL Tomas Alvarez 5-7 180 Jr. RB/DL J.T. Booman 5-11 175 Sr. WR/DB Aaron Cabello 6-1 180 Sr. WR/DB Bryson Calaway 5-11 185 So. QB/LB Byron Cervantez 6-3 250 Sr. OL/DL William Cox 5-8 200 Jr. OL/DL Shaun Cristan 5-7 150 So. RB/DB Josh Culpepper 5-10 190 Sr. QB/DL D.J. Davis 6-2 290 Sr. OL/DL Dakota Gage 6-2 185 Jr. WR/DB Tommy Garcia 5-10 200 Jr. OL/DL Trey Harris 5-7 150 Jr. RB/DB Seth Hartley 5-11 180 So. OL/DL Juan Hernandez 6-1 240 Jr. OL/DL Devon Lopez 5-11 165 Jr. RB/DB Cruzito Lovato 5-10 235 Sr. RB/DL Shane Martinez 5-8 155 Sr. FB/LB Luis Marquez 5-8 170 Sr. FB/LB Devonte Mathis 5-8 170 Sr. RB/DB Alex McCrary 5-8 170 So. OL/LB Levi McKinnerwey 5-8 170 Jr. RB/DB Blaine McNabb 5-11 200 Jr. OL/LB Da’Madrick Moore 5-9 175 Jr. RB/DB Jered Parker 5-8 165 Jr. OL/LB Strait Pope 5-7 160 Sr. WR/DB Sergio Rameriz 5-8 165 So. RB/DL Mark Reed 6-3 185 Sr. TE/DL Reese Rogers 6-2 200 Jr. QB/DL Paul Reyes 6-2 250 Sr. OL/DL Ty Smith 6-1 185 Sr. TE/DL Michael Torrez 5-11 210 Jr. OL/DL Robert Vasquez 5-7 150 So. FB/DL

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Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

DISTRICT 2-2A, DIV. II header

roosevelt: Poynor praises offense FROM page A36 which made school history by advancing to the regional semifinals.

Poynor feels this team may be closer to getting back to that level than any of his others since 2008.

“We want to go 10-0, there’s no question,” Poynor said.

“But we would rather get better in a game we lose before district than to slide back or stay the same and win a game. We have five games to get ready for district and we’ve got to get better every week. When we lost D.J. and then didn’t start off very good, we lost a little confidence and didn’t play very smart.

Maybe we didn’t coach them the same after that. So we’re trying very hard by district to become a very consistent football team.”

In Roosevelt’s spread offense, that means getting consistent play out of returning senior signal-caller Derek Coppedge, who came on late and finished the 2012 season throwing for just over 2,000 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Poynor lauded Coppedge’s work throughout the spring and summer in getting better, and noticed his quarterback taking on a bigger leadership role as well.

“He’s just a different kid to me,” Poynor said. “He’s stronger than he’s ever been, he’s put in the time in the weight room. He might be one of the surprises of the district this year.”

When Dickson left, it thrust then-sophomore Kevin Lamae in to the spotlight, and he performed admirably, rushing for 457 yards and four touchdowns.

Poynor said Lamae will have to take on a bigger role this season to not only keep the Eagles from becoming one-dimensional on offense but also to help take some of the pressure off Coppedge.

stephen spillman  A-j media

Jonathan Aguilar is one of six offensive lineman who are back after playing significant time for Roosevelt last season.

Roosevelt has just one returning receiver in Brendon Wright. But Poynor is excited about the playmaking potential from his receiving corps, and Wright is the only senior among the group.

Protecting Coppedge and opening holes for Lamae will Coppedge be an experienced offensive line with six players who played significant minutes — seniors Jonathan Aguillar, Lamae Isaac Rodriguez and Dilyn Castle and juniors Cooper Herrell, Joseph Villarreal and Isaac Ramirez.

“Honestly, that’s the biggest key for us is how much better our offensive line will be,” Poynor said. “We know Derek’s good, we know Kevin is good. We’ve got the fastest wide receiver corps we have by far and we’re very confident in all that. But our biggest improvement will be on the offensive line. That’s the place that, last year ear-

ly on was a weakness for us and we put a lot of pressure on them. This year we could throw on every down and they could handle it, or we could run it on every down and they could handle it.”

The biggest turnaround, however, may have to come on defense, where the Eagles struggled to stop anybody.

“We have to get faster on the field,” Poynor said. “If you’re not athletic enough, it looks like you’re not a good tackler, and the reason you’re not a good tackler is

you can’t get in position to make the tackle. We weren’t athletic enough last year.”

Luckily for Poynor, he does have some athletes returning on the defensive side, particularly Wright, an all-district cornerback, Castle at inside linebacker and Aguillar up front.

Andrew Waters and linebacker Johnny Mendoza also started some last year and will be counted upon for key minutes again in 2013, as will returning defensive end Dimitri Gomez.

“I think the kids realize we can’t get to where we want to go by giving up 37 points a game,” Poynor said. “Our defense has been committed, we’ve spent more time in the offseason than we ever have on defense and we want kids to know that’s where we’re putting our focus.”

That, and on breaking a four-year playoff drought. If things fall right, Poynor sees no reason this team can’t be in the mix for not only a playoff spot but for a shot at the league crown as well.

“We know we have a chance to compete with anybody, and we know we’re going to be a better football team,” Poynor said.

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

SLATON TIGERS COACHES

Head coach Chad Terry (Lubbock Christian), second season; 5-5 at Slaton, 81-42 overall Assistant coaches Chase Clanahan, Bo Medley, Sam Robinson, Jesse Sanchez, Josh Satchell, Heath Simpson, Mike Solis, Kelly Tobin, Larry Trower, Billy Villarreal

TEAM INFO Team

n 2012 season, district record: 5-5, 2-3 (fourth place District 2-2A, Division I) n District: 2-2A, Division I n Basic offense: Spread n Basic defense: 4-3 n Year last won district: 1994 n Year last made playoffs: 2006 n Stadium: Tiger Stadium (Capacity 2,500)

Players

n Returnees: 14 of 26 lettermen, four offensive starters, six defensive starters n Returning starters: QB/DB Bryce Whaley, WR/DB Trevone Richardson, OL/ DL Chris Thomas, OL Kellen Loftiss, DB Nate Guerra, DL Tyree Williams, LB Jacob Terry n Other lettermen: QB/LB Josh Salazar, RB/LB Robert Mendez, RB/DB Javier Varela, OL/DL Lukas Burt, OL/DL Z.R. Smith, OL/DL Adrian Moreno, OL/DL Saul Gallegos, OL/DL Eric Muniz

n Top newcomers: QB/DB Justin Escobar, RB/LB Ave’on Williams, TE/DL Jameson Jackson, OL/DL Kade Kitten

ROSTER Player Ht. Wt. Lukas Burt 6-0 245 David Camargo 5-9 205 P.J. Corona 5-8 200 Cody Crabb 6-3 205 Justin Escobar 5-11 165 Alex Espinoza 5-3 145 Edwin Espinoza 5-7 150 Saul Gallegos 5-9 220 Nate Guerra 5-6 160 K.T. Hammons 6-1 155 Matt Hernandez 6-1 175 Kade Kitten 6-7 305 Nick Koontz 5-8 170 James. Jackson 6-4 195 Kellen Loftiss 6-2 265 Robert Mendez 5-10 175 Adrian Moreno 5-9 190 Eric Muniz 5-11 195 Jayme Murdock 5-11 385 Isreal Ortiz 5-9 200 Trev. Richardson 6-4 188 Josh Salazar 5-10 150 Marcial Salinas 6-1 175 Z.R. Smith 6-2 275 Chris Thomas 5-10 255 Jacob Terry 5-9 175 Sergio Uvalle 5-7 155 Javier Varela 5-11 140 Bryce Whaley 6-1 200 Ave’on Williams 6-0 185 Mike Williams 6-0 265 Tyree Williams 6-2 240

Yr. Pos. Sr. OL/DL Jr. FB/LB Jr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Sr. QB/DB Jr. FB/LB Sr. FB/LB Sr. OL/DL Sr. RB/DB Jr. WR/DB Sr. RB/DB Jr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL So. TE/DL Sr. OL/DL Sr. RB/LB Jr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Jr. OL/DL Sr. FB/LB Sr. WR/DB Jr. QB/LB Jr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL So. OL/LB Jr. RB/DB Sr. RB/DB Sr. QB/DB So. RB/LB Jr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL

DISTRICT 2-2A, DIV. I header

Terry, Tigers on verge of big things SLATON/Whaley, Richardson provide Tigers potential for big plays on offense

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

Chad Terry can hardly contain himself.

After seeing flashes of what his Slaton football team was capable of last year, and knowing the experience and talent he has returning, the second-year coach of the Tigers is as eager as the players to get out on the field.

“The spring was so good that we’re just excited about everything,” Terry said. “It’s a good feeling and a different atmosphere in the locker room and school. We’re expecting big things and I’m not going to lie to anybody. I feel we’re fixin’ to be somebody (teams) will have to

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

Idalou begins the 2013 season with its third coach in four years.

For most other schools that would mean a lack of consistency. But the Wildcats have seemingly gone out of their way to have head coaches who believe in and embrace what has worked for so many years.

Enter Jeff Lofton, a Wildcat player from 1993 to 1996 who has been on staff as an assistant the past four years.

And, oh yeah, he just happens to be longtime head coach Johnny Taylor’s sonin-law.

If anyone knows how well the system in place in Idalou

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 Cooper 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 Seminole 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Littlefield 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Friona 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 Shallowater 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Brownfield* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Denver City* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 Slaton* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Kermit* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 Lamesa* 7:30 p.m. * — District 2-2A, Division I game

works, it’s him.

“The best thing about what we do is the guys have done the same things since seventh grade,” Lofton said.

“By the time they come into their senior year and a varsity season, they are pretty well battle tested. We will have some greenhorns coming in but I think the experience on our offense and de-

fense will help offset that.”

It’s a system he’s seen work elsewhere, such as stops as an assistant Lofton at Midland Greenwood and Monterey, and he’s confident with what the Wildcats have returning from another district-championship season that it will continue to work.

The running game, obviously, will be the strength of the Wildcats offense behind senior tailback Koal Houchin, who rushed for 1.193 yards and 16 touchdowns during the regular season.

The offensive line, however, will have to be rebuilt as senior Tyler McCann is the only returning starter and moves from tight end to

good starting point with the return of talented dual-threat quarterback Bryce Whaley and receiver Treyvone

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 Wink 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 7 Van Horn# 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Post 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Dimmitt 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 New Deal 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Lamesa* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 Brownfield* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Idalou* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Denver City* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 Kermit* 7:30 p.m. # — at Wink * — District 2-2A, Division I game

deal with.”

It’s a pretty big statement considering the Tigers are coming off their second straight 5-5 record and fourth-place finish in district.

But the .500 record from the 2012 season seems to have a completely different feel to it from the one in 2011.

Talent-wise, Terry has a

New coach, same system for Idalou IDALOU/Former player Lofton takes over Wildcats looking to stay on top

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www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

center. Newcomer Chandler Craig, a junior, has promise, Lofton said.

If the front can hold, there are plenty of weapons surrounding Houchin.

Senior Alex Tarin moves in to take over at quarterback and has some solid receiving options in seniors Zac Fitzgerald, Darby Thornton and Haiden Johnson.

Like Houchin on offense, the defense will be led by standout senior defensive end Kleat Smith, who recorded 107 tackles in 2012.

“He’s a tough kid and does what you ask him to do,” Lofton said.

Thornton at linebacker and Fitzgerald in the secondary will play key roles as well, helping shape a defense that has been key to the Wildcats recent success and will be again this year.

Terry

Richardson.

Whaley, who Terry said was named the Offensive MVP of the NFL High School Developmental Camp at Coronado this summer, is back after throwing for 1,028 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushing for 1,016 yards and eight scores.

Richardson will be his main receiving target after catching 31 passes for 647 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Both will be key cogs in the defensive backfield as well. Richardson had 100 tackles, 31 solo, with six tackles for losses last year.

The rest of the offense will have to be almost totally rebuilt. Senior Chris Thomas returns to anchor the offensive line, but Terry will lean on a young unit overall as well as a couple of playmaking newcomers in receiver Justin Escobar, a member of the Tigers’s 800-meter statequalifying relay team, and senior Robert Mendez at running back and linebacker. Mendez is returning after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament three games into the 2012 season.

Despite the holes in key places, Terry remains confident the Tigers are poised for a big jump in 2013.

“I know it’s a bold statement, but I really feel we’ll be in the hunt (for a district championship),” Terry said.

“We could fail, I don’t know.

But it won’t be because of a lack of effort or talent.”

IDALOU WILDCATS COACHES

Head coach Jeff Lofton (Texas Tech), first season; 0-0 at Idalou and overall Assistant coaches Konrad Carroll, Garrett Heard, Tyler Helms, Gaines Magee, Russ Reagan, Dustin Schulte, Mark Turner, Newt Wheeler

TEAM INFO Team n 2012 season, district record: 8-3, 5-0 (first place District 2-2A, Division I) n District: District 2-2A, Division I n Basic offense: I/Spread n Basic defense: 4-3 n Year last won district: 2012 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Olin Reddell Stadium (Capacity 3,000)

Players n Returnees: 11 of 33 lettermen, six offensive starters, seven defensive starters n Returning starters: DE Kleat Smith, TE/LB Darby Thornton, QB/DB Alex Tarin, RB/DB Koal Houchin, WR/DB Donta Johnson, C/LB Tyler McCann, WR/DB Zach Fitzgerald n Other lettermen: FB/LB Connor Jones, FB/LB Icsael Gonzalez, G/DT Josh Rodriguez, C/DT Ethan Griffith, WR/DB Bryce Gunter n Top newcomers: C/DT Chandler

Craig, WR/DB Haiden Johnson

ROSTER Player Matthew Amador Stephen Amador Chandler Craig Hayden Davey Eric Fabila Zac Fitzgerald Ethan Fulton Zach Garcia Icsael Gonzalez Ethan Griffith Bryce Gunter Blake Guzman Chris. Hernandez Alej. Hernandez Koal Houchin Caleb Isbell Donta Johnson Haiden Johnson Connor Jones Tyler McCann Price McDonald Elijah McFarland Ian Modisette Jordan Piseno Kolton Pounds Josh Rodriguez Brady Schilling Edixon Serrano Kleat Smith Zach Sperry Branum Stephens Jared Stephens Alex Tarin Darby Thornton Tharon Woodard Joey Ybarra

Ht. Wt. 5-7 145 5-10 180 5-9 180 5-7 148 5-8 140 5-11 155 5-11 328 5-8 188 5-5 145 5-9 240 5-8 150 5-9 170 5-7 154 5-8 200 5-10 170 5-10 170 5-9 140 5-9 160 5-11 185 6-0 185 5-11 272 5-9 150 5-10 251 6-2 220 5-10 165 5-7 180 5-11 181 5-8 140 6-2 195 5-9 162 5-9 165 5-11 174 5-9 175 6-0 165 5-5 135 5-9 165

Yr. Pos. Sr. G/LB Sr. G/DE Jr. C/DT Jr. WR/DB Jr. WR/DB Sr. WR/DB Jr. OT/DT Jr. QB/DB Sr. FB/LB Sr. C/DT Sr. WR/DB Sr. FB/DT Jr. TE/DE Sr. OT/DT Sr. RB/DB Sr. OT/DT Sr. WR/DB Sr. WR/DB Jr. FB/LB Sr. C/LB Jr. OT/DT Sr. WR/DB Jr. OT/DT Sr. OT/DE Jr. FB/LB Sr. G/DT Jr. G/DE Sr. WR/DB Sr. TE/DE Jr. WR/LB Sr. WR/DB Jr. RB/LB Sr. QB/DB Sr. TE/LB Jr. WR/DB Sr. QB/DB

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Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

A-J SUPER TEAM header

OFFENSE Quarterback

PRESEASON Receiver

Sha’Colby Hill, Brownfield 6-1, 180, Jr.

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

Offensive lineMAN Austin Ross, Muleshoe

Jared Moore, Shallowater

6-0, 165, Sr.

5-11, 170, Sr.

Already ranked as one of the top 100 juniors in the state by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, Hill burst onto the scene in the Cubs’ spread system. He emerged as a top playmaker, rushing for 1,243 yards and 17 touchdowns and throwing for 1,045 yards and seven touchdowns.

The Mules face somewhat of a rebuilding task this season and will lean on several newcomers in key positions.

Ross is one of the veterans returning to the fold after catching 36 passes for 918 yards and 10 touchdowns a year ago.

Running back

Receiver

Jarek Black, Shallowater 5-11, 210, Sr.

Black set the South Plains on its ear the first two-thirds of the 2012 season and was well on his way to 3,000 rushing yards before being derailed by injury. He will be the focus of the Mustangs offense this season, but not necessarily easier to bring down.

Running back Travon Benton, Monterey 5-10, 200, Sr.

Cameron Knight, Shallowater

Someone had to clear some holes for Black, who did most of the rest when he broke into the open field. Still, a solid front line was key for the Mustangs, and Moore is back to lead the way again after helping Shallowater average 411 yards per game in 2012.

Offensive lineMAN Matthew Robinson, Frenship

6-3, 250, Sr.

6-4, 260, Sr.

Somewhat underrated as a playmaker due to Shallowater’s strength in running the ball, Knight is considered one of the top receiving talents in the area. He is listed as one of the state’s top 300 players by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football and one of only six tight ends on the list.

Another young lineman leading a strong running game, Robinson was key in opening holes for D’Maujeric Tucker a year ago, and will help anchor a line that will guide what is expected to be a more balanced Frenship offense in 2013.

Offensive lineMAN

Offensive lineMAN

Ryan Salinas, Estacado 5-9, 250, Sr.

Mondo Martinez, Post 6-7, 360, Sr.

Benton was the No. 2 back for the Plainsmen to begin last season but quickly asserted himself as the main rushing option, finishing with 1,494 yards and 15 touchdowns. Look for similar results again this season as he opens the year as the Plainsmen’s top threat.

Despite youth and injuries, the Matadors still had one of the top running games on the South Plains. Salinas was a big reason why, helping anchor a young offensive line that had players in and out of the lineup but still averaged 353.2 yards per game.

Post had one of the top rushing games in the area last season, and the Antelopes’ strength up front was a big reason why. Martinez anchored that front five and will be back to do so again in 2013 after leading a unit that averaged 371 yards per game.

Running back

Offensive lineMAN

Kicker

Da’Madrick Moore, Littlefield 5-9, 175, Jr.

Moore made a statement with a solid freshman campaign in the Wildcats’ Slot-I offense and followed that up with another solid season in 2012, rushing for 1,037 yards and nine touchdowns. He should again be a main focus in Littlefield’s push to the postseason.

Christian Howard, New Deal 6-3, 340, Sr.

With several backs rotating in and out due to injuries, the Lions still had one of the best running games in the area. Now, most of those backs return and will work in a rotation basis behind one of the top linemen in the area in Howard, who helped New Deal average 384 yards per game.

Davis Williamson, Monterey 6-0, 160, Sr.

Somewhat forgotten when it comes to offense, Williams is a valuable aspect in Monterey’s ability to put up points. As a junior last season, Williamson was perfect in 10 field-goal attempts and hit 43 of 45 PAT kicks in the regular season.

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

A-J SUPER TEAM header

SUPER TEAM DEFENSIVE LINEMAN Aaron Young, Estacado 5-10, 190, Sr.

Linebacker Jonathan Beck, Frenship

DEFENSE DEFENSIVE back Erin Lopez, Lubbock High

The Matadors relied on several newcomers to shore up their defense last year, and Young was one of those players who answered the call. Now, a year later, he leads what is an experienced Estacado defense after recording 59 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery.

Frenship the last few seasons has become a school known for churning out top-line defensive players, and Beck emerged last season as the next in line. He ended the 2012 campaign with 103 tackles, four sacks and seven tackles for losses.

Lubbock High broke a 36-year playoff drought in 2012 thanks to a group of players who have made the dedication to pull LHS out of the doldrums. Lopez is one of those players who led a secondary that allowed just 120 yards per game.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN

Linebacker

DEFENSIVE back

Travis Greathouse, Post 5-11, 190, Sr.

Not only did the Antelopes have a solid offense, but they were very good on defense, and that’s a big reason why they won the outright district championship. Greathouse returns to help lead that unit again after recorded 60 tackles, two sacks and three fumble recoveries.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN Monroe Luther, Springlake-Earth 6-0, 205, Sr.

5-11, 195, Sr.

Ray Parmer, Tahoka 5-10, 215, Sr.

Parmer has put up incredible numbers over the past two seasons, and will need to do so once again to put the Bulldogs back in the postseason. As a junior he recorded 175 tackles, eight tackles for losses, with a sack.

Linebacker Dru Lust, Abernathy 6-0, 185, Sr.

The Wolverines are expected to once again have one of the top teams in the area despite a coaching change, and Luther returns to help anchor the defensive front. As a junior he recorded 94 tackles, seven sacks and recovered two fumbles.

Lust enters his third season as one of the top defensive players on the South Plains in any classification, and again will anchor the Antelopes’ defense. As a junior, he recorded 111 tackles with eight sacks, three interceptions and four fumble recoveries.

punter

Linebacker Kaleb Reese, Ralls 5-11, 175, Jr.

In addition to being one of the top returning running backs on the South Plains, Reese is also a valuable weapon for the Jackrabbits on defense in terms of field position. His leg will again be as crucial kicking the ball as well as running it.

Jordan Silva, Monterey 5-10, 175, Sr.

Monterey couldn’t have done what it did during the 2012 season without a strong defense to go with its pounding offense. Silva helped lead the way on the defensive side, guiding a unit that allowed just 142 yards per game through the air.

5-11, 180, Sr.

Roderick Hall, Estacado 5-10, 170, Sr.

Another of the Matadors young players to step into key spots on defense in 2012, Hall was crucial to Estacado’s push to the playoffs. He finished his junior campaign with 36 solo tackles, six assists and six interceptions.

DEFENSIVE back Devonte Mathis, Littlefield 5-8, 170, Sr.

Talent abounds on the Wildcats’ roster, and much of it will now be starting for a third straight year, making Littlefield a favorite for a deep playoff run.

Mathis is one such talent after recording 80 tackles, four interceptions and three fumble recoveries a year ago.

DEFENSIVE back Elijah Ramon, Springlake Earth 5-8, 155, Jr.

Another solid defender for a Wolverines team that held opponents to fewer than 200 yards and 80 passing yards per game, Ramon returns for his senior season after totaling 72 tackles, eight interceptions, five pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

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Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

DISTRICT 2-2A, DIV. I header

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

Veteran coach Taylor has Mustangs pointed in right direction DENVER CITY/Experienced quarterback, players lead charge into promising season

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

In most places he’s coached, Steve Taylor has been able to get programs turned in the right direction pretty quickly.

So it should be no surprise that Taylor got Denver City back into the postseason in just his second year at the school. The exciting thing for the coaches and players is the potential ahead for

DENVER CITY MUSTANGS COACHES Head coach: Steve Taylor (Angelo State), third season; 9-12 at Denver City, 140-69 overall Assistant coaches: Judd Cathey, Craig Cooke, Doug Duncan, Tom Duncan, Dalyn Epperson, Daniel Fontenot, Bryce Green, Bryan Lewis, Mike Louis, Tony McCray, J.D. Milligan, Raul Santillan, Jarryd Taylor

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 Stanton 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 Levelland 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Pecos 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Coahoma 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 Post 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Kermit* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 Idalou* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Lamesa* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 Slaton* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 at Brownfield* 7:30 p.m. * — District 2-2A, Division I game

2012 RESULTS Date Opponent Result Aug. 31 at Stanton W 30-21 Sept. 7 at Levelland L 26-23 Sept. 14 Pecos L 23-15 Sept. 21 Coahoma W 26-0 Sept. 28 at Post W 35-32 Oct. 12 Kermit* W 29-22 Oct. 19 at Idalou* L 35-20 Oct. 26 Lamesa* W 49-14 Nov. 2 at Slaton* W 27-14 Nov. 9 Brownfield* L 45-44 Nov. 16 Muleshoe** L 47-22 ** — 2012 playoff game * — District 2-2A, Division I game

TEAM INFO Team

n 2012 season, district record: 6-5, 3-2 (third place District 2-2A, Division I) n District: 2-2A, Division I n Basic offense: Spread n Basic defense: 4-3 n Year last won district: 1997 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Mustang Stadium (Capacity 5,000)

Players n Returnees: 17 of 34 lettermen, six offensive starters, five defensive starters n Returning starters: FB/LB Kaleb King, QB/S Mason Milligan, TE/DL Keyshawn Hawkins, WR Jeremiah Mills, OL Blu Brumley, OL Victor Mendoza, DL Jordan Underhill, CB Devin Marion n Other lettermen: OL Britton Marin, TE Patrick Allen, WR Irving Orona, OL Austin Bachman, DL Tony Lopez, DL Nic Escalante, LB Ruben Garcia, CB Noel Corral, RB Daniel Garcia, OL Jai Lopez n Top newcomers: QB Saul Gutierrez, LB Ruben Garcia, OL/DL Steven De Leon, OL/DL Gus Ceniceros, WR Hunter Hemmeline, S Cole McLeroy, S Aaron Natividad

ROSTER Player Ht. Wt. Lino Aguilera 5-8 180 Patrick Allen 5-10 181 Austin Bachman 6-0 338 Collin Baldwin 5-8 135 Blu Brumley 6-0 231 Leo Caro 5-9 146 Gus Ceniceros 6-1 220 Noel Corral 5-10 155 Steven De Leon 6-0 330 Nic Escalante 5-10 178 Nic Espinosa 5-4 122 Ryan Espinosa 5-6 194 Daniel Garcia 5-10 145 Ruben Garcia 5-7 175 Chase Gibson 5-9 160 Omar Granados 5-7 135 Saul Gutierrez 6-0 165 Key. Hawkins 6-2 215 Hunter Hemmeline 6-1 175 Arath Hernandez 5-9 140 Flavio Hernandez 5-10 145 Kaleb King 6-0 180 Jai Lopez 5-9 212 Toby Lopez 5-9 200 Britton Marin 5-8 232 Devin Marion 5-10 175 Jose Martinez 5-9 240 Victor Mendoza 5-10 170 Mason Milligan 5-9 180 Jeremiah Mills 6-0 160 Jorge Monjes 5-9 190 Aaron Natividad 5-11 145 Adrian Olivas 5-10 140 Irving Orona 5-10 145 Jacob Orona 5-5 140 Aaron Salcido 5-8 140 Chris Shelton 5-10 170 Jordan Underhill 5-8 205

Yr. Pos. Jr. OL/DL Sr. TE/LB Jr. OL/DL Sr. WR/CB Sr. OL/DL Sr. WR/CB Sr. OL/DL Sr. WR/CB Sr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Jr. RB/LB Sr. OL/DL Jr. RB/S Sr. RB/LB Sr. WR/CB Sr. WR/CB Jr. QB/S Sr. TE/DL Jr. WR/DL Sr. WR/S Sr. WR/S Sr. RB/LB Sr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Jr. OL/DL Sr. RB/CB Sr. OL/DL Sr. OL/LB Sr. QB/LB Jr. WR/S Sr. TE/DL Jr. WR/S Sr. WR/CB Sr. WR/CB Sr. RB/LB Sr. WR/CB Sr. RB/LB Jr. OL/DL

the Mustangs in 2013.

“It takes awhile to get to know the kids and who will get in there and who won’t,” Taylor said. “We know what they can do and what they can’t do, and we’ve got that figured out now. I think we’ve got the program in the right direction.”

The good part about finding who can do what is many of those players will be back, some with up to three years of starting experience.

Leading that charge is senior quarterback Mason Milligan, a three-year starter who threw for 501 yards

and four touchdowns and rushed for 784 yards and 12 scores a year ago. He’ll be joined in the backfield by another third-year starter in senior running back Kaleb King, who amassed 577 yards on 94 carries with six touchdowns.

Add into the mix imposing tight end Keyshawn Hawkins (6-foot-2, 220), who had 26 catches for 285 yards and three touchdowns last year, and the potential is there for an explosive offense for the Mustangs.

“I think we’ll be pretty good with the skill people

we have offensively,” Taylor said. “Those kids will all be a big part of our game.”

Denver City also has an experienced offensive line back in the fold with returning starters Blu Brumley, a senior, at center, and tackle Victor Mendoza, also a senior. Taylor is also confident in letterman Jai Lopez, a senior, at the other tackle as well as newcomers Steven DeLeon and Gus Ceniceros at guard.

“We’ve got the biggest, most mobile linemen since I’ve been here,” Taylor said.

Defensively it’s much of

the same with the same talent.

It all starts up front with Hawkins at defensive end.

Hawkins had 82 tackles and 10 sacks for the Mustangs last year, while senior tackle Jordan Underhill added 33 tackles and two sacks. King also returns at middle linebacker.

The secondary should also be solid with senior Devin Marion at cornerback and Milligan at safety. Milligan was the second-leading tackler behind Hawkins with 80 tackles and two interceptions.

DISTRICT 2-2A, DIV. I header

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Head coach: David Ritchey (Texas Tech), second season; 0-10 at Lamesa, 21-31 overall Assistant coaches: John Alaniz, Serapio Arguijo, Juan Carrion, Jacob Hernandez, Jeremy Hernandez, Myles James, Zack Kirkland, Kevin Lewis, Grant Feaster, Gregg Moreland, Kurt Pierce, Jason Russell, Gerry Woodbury

Team

TEAM INFO

n 2012 season, district record: 0-10, 0-5 (sixth place District 2-2A, Division I) n District: 2-2A, Division I n Basic offense: Spread n Basic defense: 3-4 n Year last won district: 2000 n Year last made playoffs: 2001 n Stadium: Golden Tornado Stadium (Capacity 1,500)

Players

n Returnees: 22 of 35 lettermen, nine offensive starters, two defensive starters n Returning starters: RB/LB Brandon Lozano, TE/DE Jahlahni Edwards, TE/DB Quade Douglas, RB/LB Kendrick Hunter, OL/ LB Alex Ayala, OL/DE Ryan Caudillo, OL/DE Zach Vera, OL/DE Edward Enriquiz, OL/NG Reid McIlwain, OL/DE Nick Chapa, OL/DE Jason Gonzalez n Other lettermen: QB/DB Ramon Arguelles, RB/LB Caleb Sluder, OL/DE O’Sean Williams n Top newcomers: WR/DB Jake Samaniego, WR/DB K.J. Hunter, WR/DB Darius Jackson, WR/DB Stephen Zapata, WR/DB Isaac Paradez

ROSTER Player Rudy Alvarado Ramon Arguelles Staley Arredondo Alex Ayala Jaime Banuelos Julius DeLaCruz Alec Cates Ryan Caudillo Nick Chapa Michael DeAnda Quade Douglas Faraji Edwards Jahlahni Edwards Edward Enriquiz Kendrick Hunter K.J. Hunter Jason Gonzales Larry Iglesias Darius Jackson Ian Jenks Brandon Lozano Roger Martin Draven Martinez Reid McIlwain Matthew Mojica Devon Northcott Joseph Olvera Van Phan Isaac Paradez Roberto Rubio Nathan Salazar Malahi Salazar Roman Salazar Jake Samaniego Caleb Sluder Gilbert Valdez Zack Vera O’Sean Williams Stephen Zapata

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

Wt. 205 175 175 185 170 150 175 190 230 180 185 270 225 200 190 135 170 205 125 210 185 145 135 260 160 160 150 125 145 170 145 165 180 160 175 115 175 210 135

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

Pos. OL/DE QB/DB TE/LB OL/LB WR/LB RB/DB OL/DE OL/DE OL/DE OL/NG TE/LB OL/NG TE/DE OL/DE RB/LB WR.DB TE/NG OL/DE WR/DB OL/DE RB/LB QB/DB WR/DB OL/NG OL/LB WR/LB WR/LB WR/DB WR/DB OL/DE WR/DB WR/DB TE/LB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB OL/DE OL/DE WR/DB

LAMESA/Changes, hopefully improvement, ahead for defensive unit

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

To the naked eye, it would look like Lamesa is doing a big U-turn from the schemes and philosophies it used last season.

And it would be understandable, considering the Golden Tornadoes went winless in the first season under head coach David Ritchey, and that continuing to do the same things would again prove futile.

But the Tors aren’t changing schemes. They’re just changing what they do within them, and more importantly, their level of execution on both sides of the ball.

“We had a good spring, but it’s an uphill battle,” Ritchey said. “The kids have really bought in, and I think having been into it a second year with what we do, we’re a lot more comfortable. We have a good group that we’re

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 30 at Littlefield Sept. 6 Post Sept. 13 New Deal Sept. 20 at Clyde Sept. 27 Midland Greenwood Oct. 11 Slaton* Oct. 18 at Kermit* Oct. 25 Denver City* Nov. 1 Brownfield* Nov. 8 at Idalou* * — District 2-2A, Division I game

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

Brownfield head football coach Bryan Welps didn’t have a set number in mind for how long it would take to turn the Cubs around when he started in 2011.

It’s just worked out that the program has taken the necessary steps — and in some cases leaps — to becoming a competitive team in just two seasons.

“We feel like we’ve gotten over all the hurdles you can get over in football,” Welps said. “Last year we got over the hurdle to win games you maybe aren’t supposed to,

and that confidence is growing. You can tell by their work ethic and how things have changed.

They have a lot more expectations on themselves now.

They expect to be playing later Welps in the season, and those expectations are high going into this season.”

Those expectations are high because the Cubs have seven offensive and seven defensive starters back from a team that finished second in District 2-2A, Division I and was playing its best football at the end of the season.

Welps says the Cubs will be younger overall despite the returning starters but will possess some of the best skill-position players in the district.

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 Floydada 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 Greenwood 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 Andrews 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Levelland 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Pecos 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 Idalou* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Slaton* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 Kermit* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Lamesa* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 Denver City* 7:30 p.m. * — District 2-2A, Division I game

Leading the charge for Brownfield is one of the top young dual-threat quarterbacks in West Texas in junior Sha’Colby Hill. As a sophomore he rushed for 1,243 yards and 17 touchdowns and threw for 1,045 yards and seven touchdowns during the regular season.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Hill is listed by Dave Campbell’s magazine as one of the top 100 juniors in the state.

“He’s matured a lot the past two years,” Welps said.

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

looking forward to coaching.”

Scoring points was never the problem for the Tors in 2012, averaging 25.6 points per game. The problem was Lamesa gave up more than twice that amount — 546 — in 10 games, which led to the 0-10 record.

So Ritchey went back to the basics on defense.

“From the first day, we started working on developing them and pretending like we had never coached them,” Ritchey said. “We started from scratch, working on technique, stance, assignments, alignments, responsibilities. These kids are capable of being a good defense.”

Cubs seek continued progress, big leap

BROWNFIELD/ Confidence grows as team gets past hurdles, one by one

43

Tors go back to basics, hope for turnaround

LAMESA GOLDEN TORS COACHES

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

“I think he has a great season ahead of him.”

Hill will have some help both in the backfield and at receiver, where junior Jordan Demps returns after catching 30 passes for 391 yards and six touchdowns.

Senior Cole Garcia will be on the other side while juniors Simon Jacquez and J.T. Saenz will handle things in the backfield.

Most of Brownfield’s experience on offense is up front with the return of senior Tye Dodson and juniors Bradley Bandy and Gino Juarez.

Dotson and senior Tanner Cudd should give the Cubs a strong defensive line while Jacquez and senior Omar Alvarez are back at linebacker.

Brownfield has solid experience in the secondary between Garcia and Korey Nolan.

Up front will be the strength of the defense with returning starters junior Alex Ayala at nose guard and senior Jason Gonzales at defensive end. Senior Quade Douglas is back at one outside linebacker.

Ritchey entered the preseason with senior Ramon Arguelles and junior Roger Martin battling it out at quarterback, both of whom are more run-oriented than last year’s passing quarterback, Kolt Moreland.

Senior backs Brandon Lozano and Kendrick Hunter both return, with Hunter amassing 441 rushing yards and four touchdowns last season.

Four of the five starting offensive line are back in seniors Ryan Caudillo, Reid McIlwain and Nick Chapa and junior Zack Vera.

Lamesa will still be able to throw the ball with talented tight end Jahlahni Edwards, a senior who had 30 catches for 465 yards and three touchdowns a year ago.

“There’s a good chance we could be 50-50 (run vs. pass),” Ritchey said.

“It just depends on how things progress.”

BROWNFIELD CUBS COACHES

Head coach: Bryan Welps (West Texas A&M), third season; 7-14 at Brownfield, 55-90 overall Assistant coaches: Dustin Faught, Lance Hoyle, Todd Korchenko, Eric Morih, Cole Pharis, Bart Upchurch, Jesus Villanueva, Stacy Ward

TEAM INFO Team n 2012 season, district record: 5-6, 4-1 (second place District 2-2A, Division I) n District: 2-2A, Division I n Basic offense: Spread n Basic defense: 50 n Year last won district: 2002 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Cub Stadium (Capacity 5,000)

Players n Returnees: 14 of 31 lettermen, seven offensive starters, seven defensive starters n Returning starters: TE/LB Omar Alvarez, DL Tanner Cudd, OL Tye Dodson, LB Ethan Fuller, DB Cole Garcia, LB Anthony Gomez, OL Bradley Bundy, WR Jordan Demps, QB Sha’Colby Hill, RB/LB Simon Jacquez, OL Gino Juarez, DB Korey Nolan n Other lettermen: OL/DL Roman Alvarado, WR/DB Octavio Munoz

n Top newcomers: LB Prince Kim, WR/LB Nathan Besler, WR/DB Shanoah Bridges

ROSTER Player Jose Aguilera Aaron Aguirre Roman Alvarado Omar Alvarez Nathan Bessler Shanoah Bridges Robert Bevel Bradley Bundy Tanner Cudd Jordan Demps Tye Dodson Gary Duran Josh Fininen Ethan Fuller Cole Garcia Anthony Gomez Marcos Gonzales Carlos Gonzaes Sha’Colby Hill Simon Jacquez Rocky Jimenez Gino Juarez Prince Kim Carlos Martinez Alan McCrary Fernando Medina Zeke Morin Octavio Munoz Korey Nolan Josh Paiva Nate Reed Socorro Rivera JT Saenz Nate Saenz

Ht. Wt. 6-0 200 5-9 181 5-10 245 6-1 181 6-0 190 6-1 171 6-2 191 6-1 200 6-3 183 5-8 148 6-0 205 5-8 153 5-10 144 5-10 183 6-3 195 5-9 165 5-7 138 5-7 138 6-1 180 5-9 168 5-9 161 6-0 245 6-0 190 6-1 230 5-9 149 6-0 220 5-10 160 5-10 160 6-2 168 5-9 156 6-1 309 6-0 252 5-7 142 5-8 138

Yr. Pos. Jr. OL/DL Jr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Sr. TE/LB So. WR/LB So. WR/DB Jr. OL/DL Jr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Jr. WR/DB Sr. OL/DL So. LB So. WR/DB Sr. RB/LB Sr. WR/DB Sr. RB/LB Jr. WR/DB Jr. DB Jr. QB Jr. RB/LB Jr. RB/DB Jr. OL/DL So. LB Jr. OL So. RB/DB So. OL So. LB Sr. WR/DB Jr. WR/DB Sr. WR/DB So. OL/DL So. OL/DL Jr. RB/DB So. WR

44

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

ABERNATHY ANTELOPES COACHES

Head coach: Darrell Daily (Angelo State), fourth season; 29-17 overall and at Abernathy Assistant coaches: Ryan Bufe, Michael Clarkson, Clint Corbin, Jon Horne, Richard Rosales, Tony Simmons

TEAM INFO Team

n 2012 season, district record: 10-3, 4-1 (second place District 2-2A, Division II) n District: 2-2A, Division II n Basic offense: I n Basic defense: 4-3 n Year last won district: 2011 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Antelope (Capacity 1,500)

Players

n Returnees: 17 of 30 lettermen, five offensive starters, four defensive starters n Returning starters: LB Dru Lust, OL Tanner Dewbre, WR Clayton Lewis, QB Garrett Royal, LB Baylor Smith, S Kyle Mills, WR Kevin Carlisle, OL Ryan Soliz, DL Zion Torrez n Other lettermen: RB Nik Clarkson, K Zach Tovar n Top newcomer: RB Sawyer Knight

ROSTER

Player Kevin Carlisle Nick Clarkson

Ht. Wt. Yr. Pos. 6-1 165 Sr. WR/DB 5-10 145 Jr. RB/DB

DISTRICT 2-2A, DIV. II header

Playmakers give Antelopes boon Abernathy/District crown within reach in 2013 thanks to team’s defensive prowess

BY George watson

Daily Tanner Dewbre Tillman Ellsworth Isiah Hernandez Sterling Kitchens Sawyer Knight Ryan Lacy Clayton Lewis Dru Lust Lucas Macias Kyle Mills Zach Norris Gage Perez Adrian Pierson Alex Priest Chandler Priest Blaine Redwine Garrett Royal Leo Santellano Baylor Smith Ryan Soliz Tyler Stephenson Wyatt Ticer Zion Torrez Justin Tovar Zach Tovar Carter Turner Noah Webb Oscar Zapata

Lust 6-6 290 Sr. OL/DL 5-8 175 Sr. OL/DL 6-1 240 Sr. OL/DL 5-10 150 Jr. RB/LB 5-10 175 So. RB/LB 5-11 220 Jr. OL/DL 6-0 195 Sr. WR/LB 6-0 180 Sr. OL/LB 5-9 145 Jr. WR/DL 6-0 150 Sr. WR/DB 6-3 185 Sr. OL/DL 5-6 125 Sr. WR/DB 5-9 145 Jr. WR/DB 5-9 145 Sr. WR/LB 5-9 145 Sr. WR/LB 6-0 180 Jr. OL/DL 5-9 160 Jr. QB/DB 5-7 160 Jr. OL/DL 6-0 175 Sr. RB/LB 6-0 210 Jr. OL/DL 5-8 180 Sr. OL/DL 5-11 175 Sr. OL/DL 5-11 340 Jr. OL/DL 5-5 120 Jr. WR/DB 5-6 125 Sr. WR/DB 5-9 140 Jr. WR/DB 5-9 205 Sr. OL/DL 5-10 152 Jr. WR/DB

a-j media sports editor

Despite losing its last regular season game of the season, the Abernathy football team looked poised to go deep into the postseason.

But an injury to quarterback Garrett Royal, who was shredding Colorado at the time, derailed the Antelopes from going any further. Still, a 10-3 record and advancing three rounds deep in the postseason would be welcome by most teams.

For the Antelopes, 2013 is another chance to do it again.

“We have enough back that I still think we’ll be one of the top teams in the district,” said fifth-year head

coach Darrell Daily. “It just depends on how well our young players step up and how good they fill shoes for guys who are gone. But I think we’ll be competitive again.”

Abernathy should be more than just competitive.

Not only is Royal back off a sophomore campaign when he rushed for 945 yards and seven touchdowns and threw for 990 yards and 11 scores, but the Antelopes also have All-South Plains Class 2A Defensive Player of the Year Dru Lust back at linebacker.

Lust has been a defensive powerhouse the last two years and in 2012 recorded 148 tackles, nine sacks, three interceptions and 10 tackles

Year ahead, Bold Gold looks for more POST/Team exceeds coach’s expectations with championship; hopes for more in 2013

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

Funny thing about expectations — even coaches can be surprised sometimes.

Post head coach Steve Smith was expecting his Antelopes to be better in his second year in 2012, but not that much better. Not 9-1, district-championship better.

“Starting off two years ago, we’re having to play all these young kids and feeling sorry for ourselves,” Smith said. “A couple of years later you’ve got all that experience and now you feel really good about yourselves.

“Usually in my experience in taking over a pro-

gram before, it’s taken three years to get over .500 and see stuff happening.

Last year was a very pleasant surprise to have done it in year two.”

Now come the real expectations. With a talent- and experience-laden group back for year three, the goals for 2013 don’t include just a district championship but parlaying that into a long, successful playoff run.

The Antelopes return nine offensive and eight defensive starters from a year ago, including one of the top running backs in the area in D.J. Brown and four-fifths of the offensive line.

Brown led all area Class 2A rushers last year, gain-

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 Morton 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Lamesa 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 Slaton 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Tahoka 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Denver City 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 Roosevelt* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 Tulia* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Floydada* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 Olton* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 at Abernathy* 7:30 p.m. * — District 2-2A, Divison II game

ing 1,920 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns, and will have returning starters Travis Greathouse, Mondo Martinez, Jason Walden and Sergio Soliz opening holes for him.

“It doesn’t take much of a hole for him to squeeze through, and then he’s got a few good moves,” Smith said.

Also factoring into the mix is a returning starter at quarterback in Pake Jones, who threw for 591 yards

and eight touchdowns and rushed for 427 yards and six touchdowns.

As good as the Antelopes were on offense, they also had a solid defensive group that bent but did not break, and should be better with the what they have back.

Smith does have to replace a couple of key cogs on the defensive line, but does have all four starting linebackers, led by all-state honorable mention Bryan Smith. Smith recorded 106 tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries. Joining him on the inside is fellow starter Alejo Rodriguez.

Smith will also factor on offense after rushing for 904 yards and 10 touchdowns last year.

Brown will anchor the secondary after recording 60 tackles and picking off three passes last season.

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 at Plains 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Sundown 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 Canadian 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 Sanford-Fritch 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Spr.-Earth 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Tulia* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 Floydada* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Olton* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Roosevelt* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 Post* 7:30 p.m. * — District 2-2A, Division II game

for loses.

Lust will also have to play double-duty this year as the Antelopes’ starting center.

Clayton Lewis, a senior, will be Royal’s top receiving target after catching 28 passes for 457 yards and eight touchdowns a year ago. Senior Kevin Carlisle is Abernathy’s big-play threat after he averaged just shy of 16 yards per catch last season.

The key for Abernathy will be developing the offensive line. In addition to Lust,

Tanner Dewbre, a senior, returns at tackle, and Ryan Soliz, a junior, comes back at the other tackle. Filling the two guards will be crucial early in the season.

Senior Kyle Mills will anchor the secondary after picking off a team-high five passes a year ago, and senior Baylor Smith is alongside Lust at linebacker where he recorded 55 tackles in an all-district season.

Junior Zion Torrez returns to the defensive line.

Last year a touchdown made the difference in Post being the league winner, and it could come down to those two again in the final week of the season.

“We haven’t talked about Post but we have talked about losing those close games,” Daily said. “Hopefully it comes down to us and Post again.”

POST ANTELOPES COACHES

Head coach: Steve Smith (Texas Tech), third season; 11-10 at Post, 71-49 overall Assistant coaches: Toby Allen, Billy Garza, Ron Holson, Michael Pittman, Jerry Pyles, Beau Riker, Victor Soliz, Jimmy Toney

TEAM INFO Team n 2012 season, district record: 9-2, 5-0 (first place District 2-2A, Division II) n District: 2-2A, Division II n Basic offense: Pro I Option n Basic defense: 3-4 n Year last won district: 2012 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Jimmie Redman Memorial Stadium (Capacity 2,800)

Players n Returnees: 19 of 26 lettermen, nine offensive starters, eight defensive starters n Returning starters: QB Pake Jones, RB/DB D.J. Brown, LB/FB Bryan Smith, WR/DB Dylan Pearson, OL Mando Martinez, OL Jason Walden, C/DL Travis Greathouse, OL/DL Sergio Soliz, RB/LB Alejo Rodriguez, OL/DL Alan Alaniz, TE/LB Paden Babb, TE/LB Aron Lopez

n Other lettermen: DB Austin Garza, WR Carson Kirkpatrick, DB Campbell Kirkpatrick n Top newcomers: OL/DL Jabren Rodriquez, WR/DB Shandon Wiley, RB/S Cambry Gilbert

ROSTER Player Ht. Wt. Alan Alaniz 6-3 175 Paden Babb 5-9 160 T.J. Basquez 6-3 230 D.J. Brown 5-7 155 Blake Boren 5-9 149 Keaton Collins 6-0 165 Caleb Crenshaw 6-1 180 Marco Erives 5-6 172 Austin Garza 6-0 165 Cambry Gilbert 5-8 130 Travis Greathouse 5-10 200 David Hernandez 5-11 150 Camp. Kirkpatrick 5-11 160 Carson Kirkpatrick 5-10 155 Pake Jones 5-10 170 Aron Lopez 6-2 170 Mondo Martinez 6-6 270 Blaine Osborn 6-0 135 Dylan Pearson 5-8 142 Christian Perez 5-8 140 Alejo Rodriguez 5-8 158 Jabren Rodriguez 5-10 215 Stephen Rodriguez 6-0 150 Bryan Smith 6-1 185 5-10 221 Sergio Soliz Jason Walden 6-0 210 Shandon Wiley 5-7 131

Yr. Pos. Sr. OL/DL Sr. TE/LB Sr. OL/DL Sr. RB/DB Jr. OL/DL Jr. WR/DB Sr. OL/DL Sr. RB/LB Jr. QB/DB So. RB/DB Sr. OL/DL Sr. TE/DB Sr. WR/DB Jr. QB/DB Sr. QB/DB So. TE/LB Sr. OL/DL Sr. TE/LB Jr. WR/DB Jr. RB/DB Jr. RB/LB So. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Jr. RB/LB Sr. OL/DL Jr. OL/DL So. WR/DB

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Depth key issue for Whirlwinds

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

Going into the 2013 season, Floydada head football coach Todd Bandy is confident about what his top-line talent can accomplish.

The key to a successful season, he said, will be how much depth cares enough to show up, both literally and physically.

“We’re excited about it,” said Bandy, entering his fifth season with the Whirlwinds.

“If everybody shows up in shape we can make things happen. We want people to take notice of us and hopefully they have to. We were competitive in every game last year except Abernathy.

“If we can keep everybody healthy, and not just our SEE FLOYDADA, page 48

DISTRICT 2-2A, DIV. II header

FLOYDADA WHIRLWINDS COACHES Head coach: Todd Bandy (West Texas A&M), fifth season; 16-25 at Floydada, 34-50 overall Assistant coaches: Pake Freeman, Tom Logsdon, Armando Morales, Tate Riley, Brady Webb

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 at Brownfield 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 at San Jacinto 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Lockney 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 Childress 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 Crosbyton 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 Olton* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Abernathy* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 Post* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Tulia* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 Roosevelt* 7:30 p.m. * — District 2-2A, Divsion II game

TEAM INFO Team n 2012 season, district record: 3-7, 1-4 (fifth place District 2-2A, Division II) n District: 2-2A, Division II n Basic offense: Multiple n Basic defense: Split n Year last won district: 2001 n Year last made playoffs: 2009 n Stadium: Wester Field (Capacity 3,000)

Players n Returnees: 12 of 20 lettermen, six offensive starters, seven defensive starters n Returning starters: RB/LB Pedro Guerrero, DB Tucker Lowrance, RB Aaron Chavarria, WR/DB Danny Marti-

nez, OL Royce De Los Santos, OL/DL Librado Chavarria, OL/DL Joseph Rosa, TE/LB Matthew McGowen n Other lettermen: RB/LB Corbin Nutt, OL/DL Cristo Rosa, OL/DL Christopher Rodriguez n Top newcomers: QB/DL DeAndre McCann, WR/DB J.P. Segura

2012 RESULTS Date Opponent Result Aug. 31 Brownfield L 28-14 Sept. 7 San Jacinto W 56-6 Sept. 14 Lockney L 27-25 Sept. 21 at Childress L 46-22 Sept. 28 at Crosbyton W 44-25 Oct. 12 at Olton* W 35-22 Oct. 19 Abernathy* L 41-0 Oct. 26 at Post* L 26-16 Nov. 2 Tulia* L 43-28 Nov. 9 at Roosevelt* L 39-37 * — District 2-2A, Division II game

ROSTER Player Ricky Cervera Aaron Chavarria Librado Chavarria Robert Cuba L. De La Cerda R. De Los Santos Josh Gonzales Pedro Guerrero Angel Lorenzo Tucker Lowrance Danny Martinez Matt. McGowen DeAndre McCann Corbin Nutt Chris. Rodriguez Cristo Rosa Joseph Rosa J.P. Segura

Ht. Wt. Yr. Pos. 5-5 125 Jr. WR/DB 5-11 195 Jr. RB/DL 5-11 240 Sr. OL/DL 5-6 150 So. RB/LB 6-0 240 So. OL/DL 5-10 240 Sr. OL/DL 5-10 200 So. OL/DL 5-8 180 Sr. RB/LB 5-7 220 So. OL/DL 5-11 160 Jr. QB/DB 5-6 145 Jr. WR/DB 6-2 195 Sr. TE/LB 6-2 215 Jr. QB/DL 5-10 160 Jr. RB/LB 5-7 145 Sr. OL/DL 5-8 155 Sr. OL/DL 5-10 280 Jr. OL/DL 5-10 130 So. WR/DB

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

OLTON MUSTANGS COACHES

Head coach: Kent Torbert (Eastern New Mexico), first season; 0-0 at Olton, 38-60 overall Assistant coaches: Bryan Coltrane, Reyes Garza, Trey Groves, Nati Sandoval

TEAM INFO Team

n 2012 season, district record: 1-9, 0-5 (sixth place District 2-2A, Division II) n District: 2-2A, Division II n Basic offense: Split Backs/Gun n Basic defense: 4-2-5 n Year last won district: 1991 n Year last made playoffs: 2011 n Stadium: Olton Memorial (Capacity 2,000)

Players

n Returnees: 24 of 30 lettermen, nine offensive starters, eight defensive starters n Returning starters: QB/DB Jace Riney, OL/DL Esai Sandoval, OL/DL Sadler Pinkerton, RB/LB Skeets Mandrell, OL/DL Manny Munoz, OL/DL Kade Smith, RB/LB J.R. Sullivan n Other lettermen: QB/DB Eric Hernandez, RB/DB Bryan Valencia, WR/DB Elvis Lara, RB/LB Tony Jalamo, WR/DB Pa Loza, WR/DB Jon Michael Noack, WR/ DB Joey Reyna, RB/LB Damon Garzia, OL/DL Celestino Sanchez, OL/LB Sebastian GArza, OL/DL Jacob Jalamo, OL/DL Damon Jones, OL/DL Zepplin Smith, OL/DL Eusebio Sanchez, RB/DB Seth Salinas n Top newcomer: WR/DB Kyle Peggram

ROSTER

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Torbert fills coaching role again

Player Ht. Wt. Yr. Pos. Tristian Bueno 5-10 170 Sr. HB/LB Matthew Chavez 5-10 140 Sr. WR/DB Luis Cubiero 5-8 145 Sr. WR/DB Christopher Favela 5-10 180 Sr. RB/LB Damon Garza 5-8 175 Jr. RB/LB Sebastian Garza 5-8 195 So. OL/LB Eric Hernandez 5-9 150 Sr. QB/DB BY George watson Jacob Jalamo 5-10 180 So. OL/DL Tony Jalamo 5-9 170 So. RB/LB a-j media sports editor Damon Jones 5-8 160 So. OL/DL Kent Torbert was happy Elvis Lara 5-7 135 Sr. WR/DB Pa Loza 5-7 150 Jr. WR/DB in his administrative role Skeets Mandrell 5-10 180 Sr. RB/LB at Lamesa and wasn’t necTrevor McCall 6-0 180 Sr. TE/DL essarily looking to get back Manny Munoz 5-8 220 Sr. OL/DL into coaching.

J. Michael Noack 5-4 130 So. WR/DB But just like many opKyle Peggram 6-0 160 Jr. WR/DB Victor Perez 5-7 145 Jr. WR/DB portunities come about, a Sadler Pinkerton 6-4 200 Sr. OL/DL phone call from a former Joey Reyna 5-4 140 Jr. WR/DB player started the ball rollJace Riney 5-7 135 Sr. QB/DB ing, and suddenly Torbert Celestino Sanchez 5-9 190 Jr. OL/DL was back on the sidelines, Eusebio Sanchez 5-11 230 Jr. OL/DL becoming the third coach in Seth Salinas 5-6 150 So. RB/DB Esai Sandoval 6-3 215 Sr. OL/DL three years at Olton.

“The superintendent Kade Smith 6-0 230 Sr. OL/DL Zepplin Smith 5-11 170 Jr. OL/DL played for me at Perryton J.R. Sullivan 6-0 160 Sr. RB/LB and he called me and visBryan Valencia 5-6 145 So. RB/DB SEE OLTON, page 54 Juas Villanueva 5-10 250 Sr. OL/DL

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

CLASS 1A,header TAPPS, SIX-MAN

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

Class 1A

46

PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH District 2-1A, Division I

1. New Deal: If Lions can stay healthy, look for a long run in the postseason thanks to experience 2. Sundown: Talent at skill positions will once again give Roughnecks shot at district championship 3. Tahoka: Bulldogs have solid offensive weapons, need defense to develop quickly 4. Hale Center: Owls offense can put up incredible numbers, but need to find some playmakers on defense 5. Lockney: Coaching change, position switches keep Longhorns out of postseason

District 3-1A, Division II

1. Springlake-Earth: Continuity is the key for Wolverines as another Caffey takes the reins 2. Sudan: Solid running game, experienced OL keep Hornets in hunt for league crown 3. Farwell: Steers have enough talent, experience to challenge for district title 4. Morton: Another coaching change, more new schemes will slow Indians in 2013 5. Bovina: The Mustangs could very well be in the postseason hunt if things fall right

District 4-1A, Division II

1. Ralls: Jackrabbits lost some big names, but majority of squad returns with eyes on deep run 2. Crosbyton: Chiefs have top playmakers returning but have huge holes to fill on offensive side 3. Seagraves: Despite coaching change, Eagles should be in contention for postseason berth 4. Smyer: Bobcats will be most experienced team in district, need skill players to keep improving 5. Plains: If Cowboys can fill defensive gaps quickly, the playoffs are not out of the question

IN THIS SECTION Class 1A/TAPPS Crosbyton...........................................................................55 Hale Center........................................................................49 Lockney................................................................................51 Lubbock Christian............................................................57 Morton.................................................................................53 New Deal............................................................................48 Plains...................................................................................53 Ralls......................................................................................55 Seagraves...........................................................................54 Smyer...................................................................................56 Springlake-Earth..............................................................52 Sundown............................................................................49 Tahoka................................................................................50 Six-Man Amherst................................................................................61 Anton....................................................................................59 Borden County..................................................................60 Christ the King..................................................................58 Dawson................................................................................63 Jayton...................................................................................63 Kingdom Prep...................................................................58 Klondike................................................................................61 Lazbuddie............................................................................61 Loop......................................................................................62 Lorenzo.................................................................................61 Lubbock Harmony...........................................................60 Meadow...............................................................................59 Motley County....................................................................61 New Home.........................................................................62 O’Donnell...........................................................................60 Petersburg..........................................................................58 Ropes..................................................................................60 Southland...........................................................................62 Spur......................................................................................58 Wellman-Union................................................................63 Whiteface...........................................................................59 Whitharral............................................................................61 Wilson...................................................................................62

Communities rally around BY krista pirtle A-j media

There are four seasons: summer, winter, spring and football.

When the Friday night lights are switched on, the rays of football illuminate the entire town.

And it’s the larger cities that most people think about.

In small Texas communities, those lights transform a quiet town into a rowdy group of fans sporting the team colors, shaking noisemakers and cowbells and supporting the team.

Young men step onto the field and are no longer boys who offer to mow lawns and feed your dog while you’re away on vacation.

They become playmakers and heroes.

“Football really changes the atmosphere in the fall,” Lockney head coach Jay Ragland said. “It’s a neat experience.”

While the excitement culminates each week on the field, it begins to grow at the weekly pep rally.

Bands play the Hey Song, Danger Zone and whatever current pop song they could talk their band directors into letting them play.

Cheerleaders yell into their megaphones, asking the crowd who they’re rooting for.

The team sits in a row or two with their jerseys on and smug faces, eating up the love from the community yet trying to remain focused on the task at hand later that night.

Elementary school girls wear their cheerleading uniforms and jump up and down while the boys in their football jerseys stretch out their hands, eager to highfive someone on the football team.

“We have a community pep rally,” Hale Center head coach Paul Chandler said.

“The elementary through the high school plus people in the community come. It’s lots of fun.”

The town is decorated by streamers in school colors, school flags are put out on the curb and will only be taken down when the American flag should be displayed. T-shirts are sold by the stack and fences have team

names spelled out in Styrofoam cups.

“In a small community, everyone gets excited about football season,” Ralls head coach Tim James said. “We’re very fortunate that we’ve had success over the past few years. The kids work hard every day and put in a lot of time. I appreciate the support the community gives.”

The week seems to drag on until Friday.

Game day.

For small towns, the highest form of entertainment is football.

As if movie prices weren’t expensive enough, add in gas and the time to go to the city, watch the movie, eat something because you’ll be hungry and then return home.

“I think that’s some of the main entertainment for the townspeople, to come watch what happens at our school,” Sudan head coach Gordon Martin said. “Athletics are at the top of their entertainment.

We’re fortunate that the culture of the town is the way that it is.”

For some communities, support comes from surrounding areas to cheer on the football team.

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

CLASS 1A,header TAPPS, SIX-MAN

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH

District 2-IA

1. Valley: Patriots have enough talent, experience to hold off Buffaloes for district championship 2. Petersburg: Buffs have solid quarterback, but too many holes to fill around him to win district.

3. Paducah: Dragons may be just about a year away from being a dominant program in West Texas 4. Spur: Experience will be on the side of the Bulldogs, but not many will be seniors 5. Kress: Kangaroos will be improved, but too much inexperience to compete for a playoff berth

District 3-IA

New Deal is one of the area’s top Class 1A traditions.

For smaller communities, Friday nights become a way of life during football season.

Stephen spillman  A-j media

teams in football season

“Smyer is not a very big town, but we have a lot of our people that live in outlying areas of Smyer and even some in Lubbock that transfer out here and in Levelland, so people are kind of spread out pretty good,” Smyer head coach Rick Price said. “But, when it’s game day and it’s time for the Bobcats to play, the community comes out and is very supportive.

It’s exciting. The community out here, they’re pretty tight knit emotionally. It’s not geographically. They really support the school in all ways.”

When it’s time for kickoff, the size of the town seems to expand as it’s hard to find a place to sit in the home stands to watch the game.

People even stand at the fence surrounding the field to catch a better glimpse of the action.

“We get awesome support here in Tahoka,” Tahoka head coach John Cornelius said. “Since we’ve had success lately, the town really has come together to show their support. Rarely is there a Friday night when the stands aren’t full

47

or nearly full. They support the kids and support the program.”

This support doesn’t happen only at home games.

When a road game is next on the schedule, the whole town knows what time the buses carrying the football team, band and cheerleaders are leaving.

Working until 5 p.m. is thrown out the window.

If the team is leaving at 4:30, you had better have everything ready to go when you come home for lunch or else you’ll miss your departure window.

Cowbells, noisemakers, stadium seats and a blanket or two are packed in the car along with some snacks for the road.

By the time the buses pull out from the school parking lot, a train of cars are behind them, ready to take on the opposing team.

“We have unreal community support,” Crosbyton head coach Brannon Rodgers said. “It’s unmatched on a Friday night.

Wherever we go, our town shuts down and travels really well.”

Once the road game is over, half of the cars decide to head on home while the other half decide the concession stand hotdog and nachos didn’t quite cut it.

After finding out where the team will stop for supper, the rest of the fans head on over to grab a table and greet the team when it arrives.

Once the last teenage boy has had his sixth chicken fried steak covered in gravy, everyone loads up and returns home.

Sure, the team either won or lost, but the pride of the community remains despite the result.

Because, when the lights turn off and the football players return home, they are teenagers with a curfew, girlfriends and homework.

“This is a place that loves football and loves their kids,” Springlake-Earth head coach John David Caffey said. “They want to support them in all that they do.” krista.pirtle@lubbockonline.com  766-8735 Follow Krista on Twitter @AJ_KristaPirtle

1. Ropes: A solid 1-2 punch in the backfield will carry Eagles past Broncos for district championship 2. Meadow: Broncos shouldn’t lose too much with coaching change, but need to fill holes on offense 3. Anton: Bulldogs need to find way to build off momentum gained from winning season in 2012 4. Whiteface: Antelopes have plenty of returning starters, but they need to step up in order to reach postseason 5. Lubbock Harmony: If the Tigers are going to break through, this needs to be the year with plenty of starters back

District 4-IA 1. Borden County: If Coyotes can replace offensive output from last year, they could go deep in the postseason 2. Klondike: Cougars will be faster on offense, need defense to come around to hold off Wildcats for berth 3. Grady: Wildcats will have to beat Cougars again for the second playoff spot and have offense to do so 4. O’Donnell: Eagles have experience returning but it’s still likely a year away from reaching postseason

District 2-IIA 1. Motley County: Matadors have key spots to fill on both sides of the ball, but depth with not be a problem 2. Groom: If things fall right, Tigers could give Motley County a run for the district championship 3. Silverton: Owls have plenty of talent, but teams in front of them do as well, so making playoffs will be tough 4. Hedley: Too much youth and inexperience for Hedley to be postseason contender

District 3-IIA 1. Whitharral: Coaching change for Panthers shouldn’t derail plans for league crown, deep playoff run 2. Lazbuddie: Longhorns could have pieces in place to earn first postseason berth since 2000 3. Amherst: Bulldogs lost quite a bit from last season that could take awhile to replace 4. Cotton Center: Elks could be markedly better this season, but tough district still make keep them out of playoffs

District 4-IIA 1. New Home: Leopards should have enough talent and experience to match, and likely exceed, last season 2. Lorenzo: Coaching change for Hornets shouldn’t keep them from holding off Southland for second berth 3. Southland: Eagles took their lumps in 2012, and that could lead to a playoff berth in 2013 if things fall right 4. Wilson: Too many losses from last season leaves lots of inexperience for Mustangs to deal with

District 5-IIA 1. Dawson: Dragons could be poised for deep run in postseason with return of most of starting lineup 2. Loop: Longhorns have too many key holes on offense to fill to challenge Dragons for league title 3. Wellman-Union: Coaching change shouldn’t keep Wildcats from pushing Loop for second playoff berth 4. Sands: Depth of talent keeps Sands in the mix for playoffs

District 9-IIA

1. Guthrie: Edge in experience goes to Jaguars, who return all six starters from last season 2. Aspermont: Hornets are doing a complete rebuilding job with just one returning starter 3. Jayton: If Jaybirds can fill holes on offense, defense is strong enough to challenge for playoff berth 4. Patton Springs: Rangers basically starting over again, which means another year out of the postseason

48

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

DISTRICT 2-1A, DIV. I header

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

New Deal poised to end ‘one-and-done’ streak NEW DEAL LIONS COACHES Head coach: Ron Mayo (West Texas A&M), 17th season; 141-42 at New Deal and overall Assistant coaches: Kyle Carver, Matt Hill, Dewayne Sexton, David Turner, Rex Whitfield

2013 SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 Springlake-Earth 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 Tulia 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Lamesa 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 Farwell 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Sudan 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Slaton 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 Tahoka* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Hale Center* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 Lockney* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 at Sundown* 7:30 p.m. * — District 2-1A, Division I game

TEAM INFO Team

n 2012 season, district record: 6-5, 3-1 (tied first place District 2-1A, Div. I) n District: 2-1A, Division I n Basic offense: Wing-T n Basic defense: 3-3-5 n Year last won district: 2012 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Faubian Stadium (Capacity 1,500)

Players

n Returnees: 17 of 30 lettermen, 12 offensive starters, 11 defensive starters n Returning starters: WR/CB Xavier Hernandez, RB/LB LaDareon Hunter, LB Dylan Massey, LB Gage Melendez, RB/CB V.J. Gamez, RB/CB Demetrius Jackson, RB/LB Hunter Harper, TE/DL Braxton Agnew, LB Darius Jackson, DL Kris Vasquez, OL Zech Alonzo,

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

OL Jonathan Coronado, OL Michael Rodriquez, OL Cole Jackson, OL Christian Howard, WR/CB Eddie Gutierrez n Other lettermen: QB Jeff Manahan, WR/CB Alex Rodriguez, WR/CB Dominic Pina, WR/CB Kade Massey n Top newcomers: K/DB Blake Meil, WR/CB Michael Looney

ROSTER Player Ht. Wt. Yr. Pos. Braxton Agnew 6-3 210 Sr. TE/DL Zech Alonzo 5-10 235 Sr. OL/DL Baylor Bean 5-9 140 Jr. QB/CB Bobby Bentle 6-1 140 Sr. WR/CB Eric Briseno 5-8 175 Jr. TE/LB Jonathan Coronado 5-8 215 Sr. OL/DL V.J. Gamez 5-10 165 Sr. RB/CB Adam Garcia 5-8 140 Jr. OL/DL Mickey Gladden 5-8 160 Jr. WR/LB Eddie Gutierrez 5-7 130 Sr. WR/CB Hunter Harper 5-10 150 Sr. RB/LB Xavier Hernandez 6-0 140 Sr. WR/DB Christian Howard 6-3 340 Sr. OL/DL LaDareon Hunter 5-11 190 Sr. RB/LB Cole Jackson 6-3 210 Sr. OL/DL Darius Jackson 5-11 160 Jr. RB/LB Demetrius Jackson 5-10 160 Jr. RB/CB Michael Looney 5-7 135 Jr. WR/CB Jeff Manahan 6-0 190 Sr. QB/LB Dylan Massey 5-10 160 Sr. WR/LB Kade Massey 5-11 160 Sr. WR/CB Blake Meil 5-8 140 Jr. K/WR/DB Gage Melendez 5-9 160 Sr. WR/LB Alejandro Nunez 5-9 190 Jr. WR/LB Dominic Pina 5-10 160 Sr. WR/CB Nicholas Ponciano 5-10 215 Jr. OL/DL Alex Rodriguez 5-10 140 Sr. WR/DB Abi Rodriguez 5-9 180 Jr. OL/DL Michael Rodriguez 5-11 215 Sr. OL/LB Phillip Rodriquez 5-10 220 Jr. OL/LB Adrian Romero 5-10 210 Jr. OL/DL Sabian Romero 5-10 200 Jr. OL/DL Andy Valdez 5-8 160 Jr. TE/LB Kris Vasquez 6-1 225 Jr. OL/DL Robert Vasquez 5-6 130 Jr. WR/CB Trent Williams 5-9 130 Jr. WR/LB Josh Woodard 5-10 230 Jr. OL/DL

FLOYDADA: Winds feel improvement near FROM page 45

skill kids, then I think we’re going to surprise.”

It starts with junior running back Aaron Chavarria, who was averaging 7.4 yards per carry last year before suffering a high ankle sprain at midseason.

Most of Floydada’s offensive experience lies in its front line with seniors

Librado Chavarria and Matthew McGowen, junior Joseph Rosa and senior tight end Matthew McGowen.

Defensively, Librado Chavarria (115 tackles) and Rosa return to anchor the defensive line.

“We’ve got a cohesiveness that we haven’t had in the past,” Bandy said.

In two of the past three seasons, New Deal head football coach Ron Mayo has put together a team he felt was good enough to go at least three rounds deep in the playoffs, or even farther.

But even one of the South Plains perennial district championship contenders is not immune to the issue of depth, especially when it strikes so frequently.

“Three years ago I felt we had a team that had a chance to win a state championship, and we just got decimated by injuries,” Mayo said.

“Last year we lost some key players, but we had kids that stepped up, too, to take their spots. We started (1-3) and turned around in time to tie for the district championship.”

But with depth still an issue for the Lions, they found themselves bounced out of the playoffs in the bi-district round for the third straight season. Having that happen two straight years going into 2012 was hard enough for Mayo, and he reminded his players of that every day this spring.

“Our motto this spring was ‘Are we going to be one and done or are we going to make a run?’” Mayo said.

“Anytime I felt they were slacking off I asked them if they were going to be one and done, and they’d pick it back up.”

If the Lions can keep their top talent on the field for an entire season, then getting past the first round of the playoffs shouldn’t be a problem.

New Deal (6-5, 3-1 in 2-1A, Division I) welcomes back a total of 12 offensive and 11 defensive players who started either all or part of the 2012 campaign. That in-

cludes the entire starting offensive line, a stable four solid running backs and a wealth of talent in the linebacking corps and secondary.

This from a group that, despite losing several players to season-ending injuries over the course of the season still managed to earn a share of the league crown.

So Mayo has as much anticipatory excitement about this group as he did the one 2010 that he felt had a shot to win it all.

“I really feel better than I have in the last three years,” Mayo said. “We’ve got a lot of players coming back and the ones that have replaced the ones who left, I feel a lot of confidence in them.”

That doesn’t necessarily mean, however, that the Lions are going to be able to just roll out on a Friday night and cruise to a victory.

There are some areas that have to be shored up going into the season.

The biggest one will be on defense where that same secondary that is returning also surrendered a ton of points last season.

New Deal gave up an uncharacteristic 324 points last season, 251 of which (77 percent) came in nondistrict play when the Lions struggled to a 3-3 mark.

Included in that stretch are games where they gave up 44 points to Tulia, 40 points to Farwell, 37 points to Slaton and a whopping 70 points in a shootout with Lamesa. New Deal won two of those games, which allowed for some momentumbuilding confidence going into district.

“Nobody wanted to be (1-3) but we never gave up,” Mayo said. “All of a sudden things started to happen after the See NEW DEAL, page 50

 A-j media File Photo

Senior LaDareon Hunter (12), who is also a solid running back, leads the corps of returning linebackers at New Deal.

DISTRICT 2-1A, DIV I header

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

SUNDOWN ROUGHNECKS COACHES

Head coach Jerry Palmore (East Texas State), fourth season; 26-8 at Sundown, 56-49 overall Assistant coaches Cory Barnes, Travis Buchanan, Carlton Henderson, Kyle Igo, Carlos Munoz, Barry Newton, Kevin Torres

2013 SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 at Olton 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 McCamey 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 Abernathy 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Crosbyton 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Farwell 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 Forsan 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Tahoka* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 Hale Center* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Lockney* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 New Deal* 7:30 p.m. * — District 2-1A, Division I game

TEAM INFO Team

n 2012 season, district record: 8-3, 3-1 (tied first place District 2-1A, Div. I) n District: 2-1A, Division I n Basic offense: Spread/Wing-T n Basic defense: 3-4 n Year last won district: 2012 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Slaughter Field (Capacity 1,500)

Players n Returnees: 13 of 23 lettermen, seven offensive starters, six defensive starters n Returning starters: WR/DB Maurice Sanchez, WR/DB Kyler Rabel, RB/DB Landon Morgan, QB/DB Chad Hodge, RB Edward Torrez, LB Drew Berry, OL/DL Timothy Rodriguez, OL/ DL Eddie Rodriguez, OL/DL Riley Thompson n Other lettermen: DB Martin Ocanas, LB Paul Varner, DL Christian Taylor, OL Justin Chavez n Top newcomers: QB/DB Cameron Chance

ROSTER Player Drew Berry Cameron Chance Justin Chavez Triston Davis Xavier Garza Jet Grant Heath Green Chad Hodge Landon Morgan Martin Ocanas Kyler Rabel Eddie Rodriguez Tim. Rodriguez Maurice Sanchez Christian Taylor Riley Thompson Edward Torrez Paul Varner

Ht. Wt. 5-9 170 5-10 145 5-8 230 5-5 120 5-7 195 5-7 215 5-6 180 5-9 170 5-6 145 5-7 150 5-10 160 6-0 230 5-8 200 5-4 145 6-0 170 6-3 290 5-7 150 5-9 165

Yr. Pos. So. RB/LB Jr. QB/DB Sr. OL/DL Jr. WR/DB So. OL/DL So. OL/DL Jr. OL/DL Sr. QB/DB Sr. RB/DB Sr. WR/DB Sr. WR/DB So. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Sr. WR/DB Sr. RB/DE Sr. OL/DL Sr. RB/DB So. RB/LB

BY krista pirtle A-j media

After finishing last season 5-5, the Hale Center Owls look to get over .500 in 2013.

The key is defense.

“We’ve got to play better defense,” Hale Center head coach Paul Chandler said. “We’ve struggled the last three years on defense and have given up lots of yards and points.”

A young front seven on defense will be led by a pair of juniors: linebacker Steven Espinosa and defensive lineman Jace Johnson.

Espinosa recorded a whopping 133 tackles last season.

The offensive line is full of holes that need filling after losing pretty much all of its starters to graduation last year.

Despite the question marks in the

49

Roughnecks primed for big season SUNDOWN/Depth will be crucial factor in quest for another championship BY krista pirtle A-j media

After winning the district championship the past three years in a row, it helps to have 13 starters returning for Sundown.

With that amount back for the Roughnecks, head coach Jerry Palmore believes it will lead to a big year for his 2013 squad.

Depth plus experience at the skill positions equals hope for another deep run in the playoffs.

“We think that we have a good group of kids coming back,” Palmore said. “They’ll be ready to play when the season starts.”

Headlining that group is a pair of All-South Plains members: senior running back and defensive back Edward Torres and senior wide re-

ceiver and defensive back Kyler Rabel.

Torres, who recorded 930 total yards and 10 touchdowns, returns as the reigning district Offensive MVP. Palmore Senior running back and defensive back Maurice Sanchez, who earned all-district honors on both sides of the ball, will help with the ground game on offense alongside Torres.

“This group brings Rabel good leadership,” Palmore said. “We’ve been district champs for three years, so they bring a lot of experience for our younger kids.”

While the skill positions have depth, the offensive line for Sundown lacks it.

“We’ve got to get some depth in our offensive line positions,” Palmore said. “We’ve got a good group of kids back. We’ve got to get depth.”

Defensive improvement key for Owls HALE CENTER/QB Rossi, WR Garcia back to lead explosive offensive attack

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

line, the Owls expect big numbers offensively this season.

Senior quarterback Lane Rossi returns in the pocket for Hale Center after throwing Chandler for 2,394 yards and 28 touchdowns.

Rossi earned secondteam All-District 2-1A, Division I honors last season.

With senior wide receiver Jason Garcia returning as well off a Garcia season with 830 total yards and eight touchdowns, the passing game is established.

Adding another threat offensively for Hale Center is senior running back Kevin Castillo.

Castillo “Hopefully he is going to have a good year,” Chandler said. “If he can do

a good job running the football, it helps take pressure off Lane Rossi.”

Last year the ball was in the air more than on the ground for Hale Center, with 2,317 yards passing compared to 1,220 yards rushing.

As far as goals go for the Owls in 2013, Chandler summed them up into one word.

“Win.” That will be necessary for Hale Center to reach the playoffs, something it hasn’t done in the past three years.

To not make the postseason a fourth year in a row would resurrect a drought that took place from 1991-94.

For now, Chandler is just excited for the start of the season.

“I’m ready to get started, come together, see what we can do and compete.” krista.pirtle@lubbockonline.com  766-8735 Follow Krista on Twitter @AJ_KristaPirtle

Senior Chad Hodge, after being more of a utility player last year, moves to the pocket this season for the Roughnecks.

Defensively, linebackers Drew Berry, a senior, and sophomore Tim Rodriguez return after receiving all-district honors last season.

With 18 kids on the roster and the threat of injury always hovering, depth will be important in Sundown’s quest for another district championship.

“We can’t afford to have injuries across the board,” Palmore said.

“We need to keep the players on the field.”

After an 8-3 finish last season as area finalists, the goal remains the same for the Sundown Roughnecks.

“Our goal is like it is every year,” Palmore said. “We need to have a successful season in order to make the playoffs.” krista.pirtle@lubbockonline.com  766-8735 Follow Krista on Twitter @AJ_KristaPirtle

HALE CENTER OWLS COACHES Head coach Paul Chandler (West Texas State), 17th season; 81-96-1 at Hale Center and overall Assistant coaches Cash Fortune, Brad McGann, Marc Puente, Scott Royal, Kendall Thomas

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 at Smyer 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Sudan 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Farwell 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 Olton 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 Bovina 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 Crosbyton 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Lockney* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 New Deal* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Sundown* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 Tahoka* 7:30 p.m. * — District 2-1A, Division I game

TEAM INFO Team n 2012 season, district record: 5-5, 1-3 (fourth place District 2-1A, Divison I) n District: 2-1A, Division I n Basic offense: Spread n Basic defense: 5-2

n Year last won district: 1995 n Year last made playoffs: 2009 n Stadium: Jeffries Stadium (Capacity 2,000)

Players n Returnees: 14 of 26 lettermen, four offensive starters, five defensive starters n Returning starters: WR/DB Jason Garcia, RB Kevin Castillo, QB Lane Rossi, DB Zephan Garcia, DL Jace Johnson, OL/LB Steven Espinosa n Top newcomers: RB/LB Max Lucero

ROSTER Player Chris Balderas Tyler Beasley Kevin Castillo Chris Davalos Steven Espinosa Jason Garcia Zephan Garcia Jace Johnson Mario Leyva Gage Licerio Max Lucero Kyle Mansell Dalton Needham Zach Richardson Lane Rossi CJ Thompson JJ Williams

Ht. Wt. Yr. Pos. 6-0 210 Jr. OL/DL 6-1 187 Jr. RB/LB 5-5 153 Sr. RB/LB 5-7 132 Sr. WR/DB 5-8 180 Jr. OL/LB 5-7 135 Sr. WR/DB 5-11 150 Sr. WR/DB 5-11 255 Jr. OL/DL 5-7 142 Sr. RB/LB 5-4 138 Sr. WR/DB 5-8 165 So. RB/LB 5-4 125 Sr. RB/LB 5-8 155 Jr. WR/LB 5-8 250 Jr. OL/DL 6-3 178 Sr. QB 6-2 182 Sr. WR/DL 5-10 142 Sr. WR/DB

50

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Strong base helps Bulldogs aim high Tahoka/Experience on offense, defense has team setting sights on district trophy BY krista pirtle A-j media

With eight returning starters on the offensive side of the ball and some players at the skill positions that have played since their freshmen years, Tahoka is setting its sights high for this season.

“We’ve got extremely high expectations for this year’s team,” head coach John Cornelius said. “We’re looking at competing for the district championship and making a deep run in the playoffs.

Anything less than that will be a disappointment.”

Going into two-a-days, Cornelius was confident in the strides his team would take leading up to the beginning of the season.

“We’ve got a good nucleus and a good base,” Cornelius said. “I feel like we can focus a little more on some details and not so much teaching stuff the whole time. We will be fine-tuning instead of trying to reinvent the wheel.

I feel good about our experience and what that allows us to do.”

Senior running back KeShawn Hood, who led the district with 1,399 yards and 18 touchdowns will be big for

the Bulldogs.

In the backfield with him will be senior quarterback Trystan Hilger who recorded 1,500 total yards a year ago.

He will have at trio of senior wide receivers Isiah Vega, Kordell Baker and Preston Hammonds as targets on the outside.

For the force in front of them, the line will be strength to reckon with.

Junior Jeremiah Deleon and senior Mikkel Garza will anchor the offensive line.

“On the offensive line, we’ve got four starters back and another guy that played a lot,” Cornelius said. We have lots of experience and good size, with 240 on the offensive line across the board. This is good size at a 1A school. They’re also smart and experienced.”

While the offense is loaded, the defense is a bit more green for Tahoka.

“Defensively, we have our leader back in Ray (Parmer,)” Cornelius said. “He had close to 200 tackles last year.

He’s going to be our nucleus there, and we will build around him. We have lots of good players and kids. We have good guys we’re grooming to fill in.”

DISTRICT 2-1A, DIV I header

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

TAHOKA BULLDOGS COACHES

Head coach: John Cornelius (Texas Tech), fifth season; 19-24 at Tahoka, 37-38 overall Assistant coaches: Steven Gray, Brandon Hopper, BC Lee, Michael Mckee, Caleb Nies, Stephen Overstreet

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 at Crosbyton 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 Ralls 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Roosevelt 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 Post 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Plains 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 Anson 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 at New Deal* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 Sundown* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Hale Center* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 Lockney* 7:30 p.m. * — District 2-1A, Division I game

TEAM INFO Team

n 2012 season, district record: 6-6, 3-1 (tied first place District 2-1A, Division I) n District: 2-1A, Division I n Basic offense: Triple Gun/Wishbone n Basic defense: 4-3 n Year last won district: 2012 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Kelley Field (Capacity 1,000)

Players n Returnees: 12 of 20 lettermen, eight offensive starters, four defensive starters n Returning starters: WR/DB Kordell Baker, QB Trystan Hilger, WR Preston Hammonds, LB Ray Parmer, RB KeShawn Hood, RB/DL Mikkel Garza n Other lettermen: WR/DB Isiah Vega, OL/LB Ryan Mendez, OL/DL Caelan Decker, OL/DL AJ Rohlfs, OL/

DL Tyler Perez n Top newcomers: DB Dillon Trevino, OL/DL Jeremiah Deleon

2012 RESULTS Date Opponent Result Aug. 31 Crosbyton L 26-20 Sept. 7 at Ralls L 27-13 Sept. 14 Roosevelt W 34-27 Sept. 21 at Post L 22-13 Sept. 28 Plains W 29-14 Oct. 5 at Anson L 56-21 Oct. 12 New Deal* L 44-13 Oct. 19 at Sundown* W 19-6 Nov. 2 Hale Center* W 27-24 Nov. 9 at Lockney* W 42-51 Nov. 15 Sunray** W 43-30 Nov. 23 Stamford** L 67-13 * — District 2-1A, Division I game ** — 2012 Playoff game

ROSTER Player Ht. Wt. Kohl Angeley 5-6 115 Jordan Arriazola 5-8 175 Kordell Baker 5-9 160 Jessie Calvillo 5-11 220 Caelan Decker 5-7 230 Jeremiah Deleon 5-9 230 Zach Garcia 5-8 220 Michael Garza 5-4 220 Mikkel Garza 5-11 185 Preston Hammonds 6-3 175 Trystan Hilger 5-9 175 KeShawn Hood 5-8 195 Anthony Martinez 5-9 140 Santiago Martinez 5-9 165 Ryan Mendez 5-9 240 Ray Parmer 5-10 215 Roman Parmer 5-11 135 Tyler Perez 6-1 220 Xavier Pinkyard 5-11 170 AJ Rohlfs 6-5 240 Dillon Trevino 5-8 165 Isiah Vega 5-5 150 Marcus Vega 5-9 205

Yr. Pos. Jr. WR/DB Jr. RB/LB Sr. WR/DB Jr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Jr. OL/DL Sr. RB/DL Sr. RB/WR Sr. QB Sr. RB Jr. WR/DB Jr. TE/LB Jr. OL/LB Sr. LB Jr. QB/CB Sr. OL/DL Jr. RB/DB Sr. OL/DL Jr. CB Sr. WR/DB Jr. OL/DL

New DEAL: Seniors bolster offensive line Continued FROM page 48 injuries, filled some roles and we started clicking.”

The good news for New Deal is the secondary returns in tact, and New Deal will have several starters returning at linebacker. Senior V.J. Gamez and junior Demetrius Jackson return as starters in the secondary joined by seniors Eddie Gutierrez and Xavier Hernandez.

Seniors LaDareon Hunter and Hunter Harper lead the

corps of returning linebackers along with Dylan Massey and Gage Melendez. Massey led the group with 67 tackles a year ago.

Mayo said with so many returning starters in the back eight of the defense, he will be able to do plenty of platooning with players as long as they stay healthy.

New Deal has two solid returning starters up front in senior end Braxton Ag-

See LIONS, page 52

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

LOCKNEY LONGHORNS COACHES

Head coach: Jay Ragland (UT-Permian Basin), first season; 0-0 at Lockney and overall Assistant coaches: Isaiah Barrera, Kyle Browne, Willie Luna, Marc Puente, Keegan Reynolds

2013 SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 at Lub. Christian 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 Ama. High. Park 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 Floydada 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Morton 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Olton 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 Tulia 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 Hale Center* 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 at New Deal* Nov. 1 Sundown* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 at Tahoka* 7:30 p.m. * — District 2-1A, Division I game

TEAM INFO Team

n 2012 season, district record: 3-7, 0-4 (fifth place District 2-1A, Division I) n District: 2-1A, Division I n Basic offense: Wing-T n Basic defense: 4-3 n Year last won district: 2004 n Year last made playoffs: 2005 n Stadium: Mitchell Zimmerman Field (Capacity 3,000)

Players n Returnees: 10 of 22 lettermen, four offensive starters, five defensive starters n Returning starters: QB Ky Teeter, Collin Fulton, Paul Martinez, Michael Guerrero, Darin DeLeon n Other lettermen: Mauricio Davila, Dillon DeLeon n Top newcomers: Daylen Gatica, Nic Sherman

ROSTER Player Cody Amador Josh Andrade Ruben Ascencio Mauricio Davila Darin DeLeon Dillon DeLeon Collin Fulton Daylen Gatica Eli Guerra Michael Guerrero Javier Guerrero Levi Kasner Paul Martinez Tevin Phillips Ryan Poole Nic Sherman Justin Suarez Ky Teeter Leo Vargas Colby Verdine

Ht. Wt. 6-4 340 5-9 165 6-2 235 6-1 154 5-5 135 5-6 220 6-3 245 5-7 135 5-6 140 5-7 170 5-10 225 5-9 150 5-8 255 5-5 120 6-0 160 5-8 175 5-7 135 6-1 170 5-7 230 6-0 210

Yr. Pos. Sr. OL/DL Jr. OL/LB So. OL/DL Jr. WR/DB Jr. RB/DB Sr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL So. WR/DB Jr. WR/DB Jr. OL/LB Jr. OL/DE So. RB/LB Jr. OL/DL So. WR/DB Jr. WR/LB Jr. RB/DE So. WR/DB Sr. QB/DB Jr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL

DISTRICTheader 2-1A, 3-1A, DIV. I

BY krista pirtle A-j media

Last year, Sudan went all the way to the quarterfinals before falling to Wellington.

“I expect our kids to come in and go to work,” head coach Gordon Martin said. “They’ve got some goals for the team that’s going to require them to be focused about what we’re doing. We want to get in the playoffs again. That’s been stressed since day one.”

Returning from that 2012 team are four senior starters on the offensive line: Luke Tiller, Damion Montes, Dex Baker and Uriel Delgado.

Not returning from last year’s team is Osmar Diaz who graduated.

“We’re putting our next

group of quarterbacks through drills that will determine who gets the job next season,” Martin said.

Fisher “There are a couple of young kids that I feel like will be able to handle the job.

They’re playing behind a Johnson really strong offense line.”

Also behind the line is junior running back Barry Johnson who had 520 yards last year.

Johnson should take full advantage of the experience and talent in front of him this season.

51

Lockney turns reins over to Ragland LOCKNEY/Longhorns DC hopes to bring program back up to high level of play BY krista pirtle A-j media

The Jay Ragland era begins in Lockney as he takes over his first head coaching gig for the Longhorns’ long-time coach Malcom Moerbe.

“The biggest problem I’ve had adjusting to being a head coach is staying organized,” Ragland said. “I usually do a pretty good job at it. There’s a lot more to it than being an assistant coach.”

Ragland was the defensive coordinator at Lockney before getting the nod to take over as head football coach.

Teeter

Guerrero

That being said, the transition for his football team has gone rather smoothly.

“I’ve been here the last four years, so the kids are comfortable,” Ragland said.

“We aren’t making a lot of changes, just a few

small ones.”

Senior quarterback Ky Teeter is back for his final season after leading the

Hornets hope to build on 2012’s run SUDAN/Youth will have to plug key holes, but enough talent is back to aim for repeat

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

Senior wide receiver Tanner Fisher will offer a reliable target on the outside for Martin whoever is named the starting quarterback.

“He’s a tall receiver with good hands and good speed,” Martin said.

With the amount of talent the Hornets have on the offensive line, the talent should overflow to the defensive side of the ball, since each offensive lineman will play on the defensive line as well.

Senior defensive end Ty Shaw and senior linebacker Ethan Herrera will play big roles for Sudan’s defense.

“Ty Shaw was the leading tackler last year on defense,” Martin said. “He’s just got a motor. You can’t

get him blocked. He plays wide open. Another returning starter we’re counting on is Ethan Herrera. He’s playing linebacker for us. He’s started for us two years now.”

For Martin, while he’s excited about what 2013 will bring, he’s most looking forward to working with his seniors.

“We had 15 seniors show up on Monday morning,” Martin said. “As we put them on the board and were personelling them, we couldn’t find a selfish player among them. Win or lose, I’ll have a fun time coaching them. They don’t care whose name gets in the paper. They just want to play. It will be a real fun year jus to work with this group of boys.” krista.pirtle@lubbockonline.com  766-8735 Follow Krista on Twitter @AJ_KristaPirtle

team in total yards as a running back.

Expect him to play both positions this season.

There’s talent in front of Teeter in the offensive line with seniors Cody Amador and Collin Fulton and junior Paul Martinez.

Junior Michael Guerrero returns at linebacker for the Longhorns.

For Lockney, returning six starters on offense and six on defense, there is plenty of opportunity for players to step up and fill those roles.

“Anytime you don’t have the experience, there’s a bigger learning curve,” Ragland said. “I think that once we get going, and the younger kids

will get experience under their belts, that curve will pick up.”

Last season, the Longhorns went 3-7 overall and winless throughout its four district games.

Ragland’s main goal for this season is improvement.

“We need to compete in every ball game,” Ragland said. “Our goal is to win. Even if you don’t win, make sure you’re improving every game.

Never go into a game saying that you’re not going to win. We need to make sure we’re improving every week.” krista.pirtle@lubbockonline.com  766-8735 Follow Krista on Twitter @AJ_KristaPirtle

SUDAN HORNETS COACHES

Head coach: Gordon Martin (Texas Tech), third season; 18-6 at Sudan, 33-22 overall Assistant coaches: Dean Edwards, Guthry Edwards, Patrick Odom, Corey Wallace

2013 SCHEDULE Aug. 30 at Ralls 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 Hale Center 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Crosbyton 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 Plains 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 New Deal 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Smyer 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Spr.-Earth* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 Farwell* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Bovina* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 Morton* 7:30 p.m. * — District 3-1A, Division II game

TEAM INFO Team n 2012 season, district record: 11-3, 3-1 (tied first place District 3-1A, Div. II) n District: 3-1A, Division II n Basic offense: Pro I n Basic defense: 4-3 n Year last won district: 2012 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Hornet Stadium (Capacity 1,000)

Players n Returnees: 13 of 24 lettermen, five offensive starters, six defensive starters n Returning starters: RB/LB Barry Johnson, WR Tanner Fisher, DL Cole

Helton, OL/DL Dex Baker, LB Uriel Delgado, OL Isiah Conley, OL Luke Tiller, LB Ethan Herrera, DL Ty Shaw n Other lettermen: WR/DB Adam Martin, RB/LB Wyatt Joyce, WR/DB Xaiver Trillo, OL/DL Damion Montes, OL/DL Edwin Delgado n Top newcomers: WR/DB Harris Chester, OL/DL Xaiver Baker

ROSTER

Player Ht. Wt. Dex Baker 6-0 180 Xavier Baker 5-10 150 Jeremy Binion 5-10 140 Daniel Bradley 5-7 140 Harris Chester 5-9 150 Isiah Conley 6-2 180 Edwin Delgado 5-10 180 Uriel Delgado 5-10 180 Kendon Drennan 5-11 150 Brady Fields 5-8 130 Tanner Fisher 6-2 160 Marcos Gonzales 5-8 130 Cole Helton 6-0 180 Ethan Herrera 5-10 170 Walker Howard 5-11 160 Barry Johnson 5-8 150 Rance Johnson 5-7 140 Wyatt Joyce 5-8 180 Noah Lance 5-8 150 Adam Martin 5-8 140 Damion Montes 6-0 200 Edgar Nunez 5-10 140 Carson Phillips 5-8 140 Ty Shaw 6-0 175 Ross Steadman 5-8 160 Matthew Thompson 5-8 150 Luke Tiller 6-0 170 Xavier Trillo 5-8 145 Landon Williamson 5-10 150 Greg Wood 6-0 150

Yr. Pos. Sr. OL/DL So. OL/DL So. WR/DB Jr. OL/DL So. WR/DB Sr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Sr. OL/LB Jr. OL/DL So. RB/LB Sr. WR/DB So. QB/DB Sr. OL/DL Sr. WR/LB So. OL/DL Jr. RB/LB So. RB/DB Sr. RB/LB Jr. TE/DL Sr. WR/DB Sr. OL/DL Sr. WR/DB So. RB/LB Sr. TE/DL So. OL/DL So. OL/DL Sr. OL/LB Jr. WR/DB So. OL/DL So. OL/DL

52

DISTRICT 3-1A, DIV II header

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

SPR-EARTH WOLVERINES COACHES

Head coach John David Caffey (Sul Ross State), first season; 0-0 at Springlake-Earth and overall Assistant coaches Val Acree, Jerry Bass, Brent Rider

2013 SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 at New Deal 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 Seagraves 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Panhandle 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 Smyer 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Ralls 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 Abernathy 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Morton* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 Sudan* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Farwell* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 Bovina* 7:30 p.m. * — District 3-1A, Division II game

2012 RESULTS

Date Opponent Result Aug. 31 New Deal W 38-14 Sept. 7 at Seagraves W 45-7 Sept. 14 Panhandle W 28-13 Sept. 21 at Smyer W 42-0 Sept. 28 Ralls W 21-0 Oct. 5 at Abernathy L 20-7 Oct. 12 Morton* W 28-0 Oct. 19 at Sudan* W 31-7 Nov. 2 Farwell* L 7-6 Nov. 9 at Bovina* W 28-7 Nov. 23 Wheeler** W 38-6 Nov. 30 Wellington** L 47-13 ** — 2012 playoff game * — District 3-1A, Division II game

TEAM INFO Team

n 2012 season, district record: 9-3, 3-1 (first place District 3-1A, Division II) n District: 3-1A, Division II n Basic offense: Multiple n Basic defense: 3-4 n Year last won district: 2012 n Year last made playoffs: 2012

n Stadium: Wolverine Stadium (Capacity 2,500)

Players n Returnees: 20 of 32 lettermen, six offensive starters, five defensive starters n Returning starters: OL/DL Shane Roberson, WR/DB Elijah Ramon, TE/ DL Monroe Luther, RB/LB Andy Garcia, WR/DB JT Weldon, OL/LB Evan Riley n Other lettermen: RB/LB Nathan Longoria, RB/DL Ethan McLain n Top newcomers: QB/DB Zach Rowan, WR/DB Kanan Winders, WR/ DB Zack Riley

ROSTER

Player Ht. Wt. Yr. Pos. Chris Everett 5-10 225 Jr. OL/DL Andy Garcia 6-0 200 Sr. RB/LB Austin Garza 5-7 135 Fr. WR/DB Treylr Jackson 5-10 155 So. QB/DB Estefan Juarez 5-7 135 Fr. RB/LB Zach Juarez 5-6 145 Fr. RB/DB Nathan Longoria 5-8 165 So. RB/LB Eriq Lopez 6-0 155 Sr. RB/LB Grayson Luther 5-6 130 Fr. WR/DB Monroe Luther 6-0 205 Sr. TE/DL Julio Maldonado 5-11 180 Fr. OL/DL Ethan McLain 5-11 185 Jr. RB/DL Dominic Montoya 5-11 200 Jr. OL/DL Kanye Nutt 6-0 180 Fr. QB/LB Ross Ontivares 5-10 210 Fr. OL/DL Jacob Polando 5-8 200 Sr. OL/DL Mauro Porras 5-6 145 So. WR/DB Robert Porras 5-7 180 Jr. OL/DL Elijah Ramon 5-8 155 Jr. WR/DB Jesus Reyes 5-9 165 So. OL/DL Evan Riley 6-4 230 Sr. OL/LB Zack Riley 5-8 150 Jr. WR/DB Shane Roberson 6-6 280 Sr. OL/DL Zach Rowan 6-1 165 Jr. QB/DB Marcos Sandoval 5-9 245 Jr. OL/DL Jake Shaw 5-9 250 Sr. OL/DL Luis Silva 5-8 180 Sr. OL/LB Tanner Sloan 5-10 190 Fr. OL/DL Isiah Trevizo 5-8 160 Jr. WR/DB JT Weldon 6-2 165 Sr. WR/DB Kanan Winders 5-10 160 Jr. WR/DB Ethan Zackoski 6-2 205 Jr. OL/DL

lions: Deep running game will be team strength FROM page 50 new and junior lineman Kris Vasquez.

New Deal should be able to display one of the strongest and deepest running games in West Texas.

Leading that group will be seniors Gamez and Jackson, the team’s top two rushers from last year as well as seniors Hunter and Harper, who combined for 527 rushing yards and 10

TDs. They’ll all be running behind an offensive line that has all five starters returning, led by senior tackle Christian Howard, who is one of the area’s top collegiate recruits.

“I feel good about them,” Mayo said. “ I feel good about the team. The defense is going to be one of the quickest and fastest, and most aggressive, we’ve had in awhile.”

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

New Caffey, same high expectations SPRINGLAKE-EARTH/John David Caffey takes over after father’s exit to Winters BY krista pirtle A-j media

A different Coach Caffey is making the calls for Springlake-Earth football this year.

After Stan Caffey’s departure to Winters this offseason, his son, John David, is now the head coach for the Wolverines.

“It’s an honor to take over for my father,” John David said. “He’s laid a great foundation and is the man that I want to hopefully emulate. He’s a great role model for young men.

I hope I can continue to do the same.”

John David said that his transition to head coach has been easy for his players since he served as the offensive coordinator for a year.

“They’re the kind of kids that are always going to respect whoever is in a position of authority,” John David said. “It’s always ‘Yes, sir’ and ‘No, sir.’ It’s been a seamless transition. They knew me well and knew my expectations already.”

While the Wo l v e r i n e s have won 40 games in the past four years, John David says it’s safe to call Luther this season a rebuilding one.

SpringlakeEarth returns six starters on offense and five starters Roberson on defense.

Junior quarterback Zach Rowan will take over under center after starting every game for the junior varsity last year.

Senior offensive lineman Shane Roberson, junior Marcus Sandoval and their fellow linemen will help Rowan out in his first varsity year.

The backfield took a hit, losing running back Nathan Garcia, now at West Texas A&M. However, junior running back Ethan McClain is ready to take his place.

Defensively, Springlake-

‘

It’s an honor to take over for my father. He’s a great role model for young men.

’

John David Caffey Springlake-Earth Head Coach

Earth returns a solid trio of hurt that combined for 254 tackles last year: defensive end senior Monroe Luther and senior linebackers Andy Garcia and Evan Riley.

“We’re really strong defensively,” John David said.

“But we don’t have a lot of depth. Our juniors and seniors are our main guys,

but there’s really not a lot of them.”

While there are changes at the head coaching position, the goals and expectations for this season remain the same according to John David.

“We need to get better week by week,” he said.

“We need to continue the tradition.”

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

MORTON INDIANS COACHES

Head coach Jimmy Randolph (Angelo State),first season; 0-0 at Morton, 20-41 overall Assistant coaches Paul Finley, Jonathan Haseloff, Mark Olbert

2012 RESULTS

Date Opponent Result Aug. 31 Post L 31-7 Sept. 7 Stanton L 34-14 Sept. 14 at Lub. Christian L 36-12 Sept. 21 at Lockney W 36-22 Sept. 28 Smyer W 29-0 Oct. 5 at Plains W 42-28 Oct. 12 at Spr.-Earth* L 28-0 Oct. 19 Farwell* L 12-7 Oct. 26 at Bovina* L 14-6 Nov. 9 Sudan* L 49-6 * — District 3-1A, Division II game

TEAM INFO Team

n 2012 season, district record: 3-7, 0-4 (fifth place District 3-1A, Division II) n District: 3-1A, Division II n Basic offense: Spread/Wing-T n Basic defense: Multiple n Year last won district: 2011 n Year last made playoffs: 2011

n Stadium: Indian Stadium (Capacity 3,000)

Players n Returnees: 14 of 23 lettermen, five offensive starters, four defensive starters n Returning starters: DB Jamatrick Joyce, OL/DL Robert Alvarez, OL/ LB Kody Kuehler, OL Isaac Valencia, TE Chris Pina, OL/DL Logan Garner n Other lettermen: OL/LB Saul Moreno, OL/DL Joe Zapata, WR/DB Darius Hall, WR/DB Donovan Ruiz, RB/LB Kaeden Taylor, RB/LB Matt Ochoa n Top newcomers: QB/DB Adam Soliz, RB/DB Kalin Bracken

ROSTER Player Ht. Wt. Yr. Pos. Robert Alvarez 6-0 240 Sr. OL/DL Kalin Bracken 5-11 160 So. RB/DB Logan Garner 5-10 215 Jr. OL/DL Darius Hall 5-11 165 Jr. WR/DB Jamatrick Joyce 6-0 155 So. RB/DB Kody Kuehler 6-2 195 Sr. OL/LB Saul Moreno 5-8 160 So. OL/LB Matt Ochoa 5-7 160 So. RB/LB Chris Pina 6-0 185 So. TE/LB Donovan Ruiz 5-10 160 Jr. WR/DB Adam Soliz 5-8 145 So. QB/DB Kaeden Taylor 5-11 170 Jr. RB/LB Isaac Valencia 5-11 220 Jr. OL/DL Pax. Willingham 6-0 170 Sr. QB/DB Joe Zapata 5-8 200 So. OL/DL

DISTRICTheader 3-1A, 4-1A, DIV. II

BY krista pirtle A-j media

Experience is the strength of this Plains team for 2013.

Junior quarterback Zack Wilkins returns after earning second-team alldistrict after running for more than 700 yards last year.

“He has run our offense since the seventh grade,” head coach Tom Harvey said. “He is able to play and not slow down and pick things out in the huddle. His younger brother is a freshman and one of the back-up quarterbacks. Zack can help coach him.”

The Cowboys are loaded with guys who can run the football: junior Cole Gatzki, senior Alex Barrientes and sophomore Jesse Garcia who had 534 yards on the ground last year.

Junior Laz Escobar and senior Colby Bearden will anchor the of-

53

Indians dealing with another change MORTON/Randolph takes over helm as third coach in four seasons for Tribe BY krista pirtle A-j media

Enter head coach Jimmy Randolph, Morton’s third in four seasons.

“The transition has been awesome,” Randolph said. “These kids are very acceptable to anything I have to say.”

Turns out, the fact that he’s technologically savvy has gone a long way with the team.

“We do some things with a Facebook page for them,” Randolph said.

“They’re all into that, Facebook and Twitter. Anything we try to communicate out to them, we post online.

They read it and they think you’re smart that you can do all that.”

Randolph joins a team that went 3-7 overall and winless in district.

Five starters return on each side of the ball for the Indians.

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 30 at Post Sept. 6 at Stanton Sept. 13 Lubbock Christian Sept. 20 Lockney Sept. 27 at Smyer Oct. 4 Plains Oct. 11 Springlake-Earth* Oct. 18 at Farwell* Oct. 25 Bovina* Nov. 8 at Sudan* * — District 3-1A, Division II game

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 30 Abernathy Sept. 6 at Forsan Sept. 13 Wink Sept. 20 at Sudan Sept. 27 Tahoka Oct. 4 at Morton Oct. 11 Smyer* Oct. 18 at Seagraves* Oct. 25 Ralls* Nov. 8 at Crosbyton* * — District 4-1A, Division II game

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

fensive line.

There will be some kids changing positions for this new season.

“A couple of them are changing positions,” Harvey said. “The offense is so simple that it shouldn’t be a factor.

Several kids got playing time this year.

They’ve worked hard in the weight room. We’ve got kids that can move around and have a good amount of strength.”

Last season, Plains didn’t win a single game, something Harvey attributes to the amount of injuries his team sustained.

“These kids have a good attitude,”

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The offensive line should be the strength of this team for 2013.

Seniors Kodey Kuehler and Robert Alvarez, and juniors Logan Garner and Isaac Valencia will hold down the offensive front.

“Our center, Kody Kuehler and tackle Robert Alvarez return,” Randolph said. “As those kids get better at what we’re asking them to do, they will lead us and the offensive line will get better.”

The line should be a big help for sophomore quarterback Adam Soliz.

His main target should be sophomore wide receiver Kalin Bracken.

Harvey hopes experience lifts Plains PLAINS/Cowboys have weapons to dig way out from winless 2012 season

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

Harvey said. “They work hard and know that we’re dealing with a lot of injuries. We not only have to be good but in shape and lucky enough to be healthy. We haven’t lost Harvey any faith. We’re ready to start over. We don’t have a big senior class but it’s really good. There’s high character in there.”

To battle all the injuries last year, Harvey says the main reason they’re on the road to Wilkins recovery is due to their trainer, Craig Brock.

“Our trainer is as good as any 5A trainer in the state of Texas,” Harvey said. “He has a passion for rehab.

With the concussion problems we’ve had, he has pulled up and been ready to handle all of them. The safety of the kids comes first. He’s good about that. He’s great at paying attention to details. He teaches them how to take care of themselves and stay healthy.”

“We’ve got some sophomore kids that are going to step up and make us pretty good,” Randolph said.

Kuehler also plays linebacker and returns Garner as the top tackler with 146 tackles last season.

For Randolph in his first season at Morton, he wants to keep the numbers up.

“My goals are to have a good turnout,” Randolph said. “We’ve had Ruiz a good turnout. About 32 kids came out. I hope to keep all of the kids out and maybe play some sub-varsity games if possible. Then, I need to make sure that our kids are well-prepared and wellconditioned. The wins and losses will take care of themselves.” krista.pirtle@lubbockonline.com  766-8735 Follow Krista on Twitter @AJ_KristaPirtle

PLAINS COWBOYS COACHES

Head coach Tom Harvey (Eastern New Mexico), eighth season; 32-41 at Plains and overall Assistant coaches Michael Davis, Jarret DeBusk, Kevin Reed, Dave Wilkins

TEAM INFO Team n 2012 season, district record: 0-10, 0-4 (fifth place District 4-1A, Division II) n District: 4-1A, Division II n Basic offense: Slot-T n Basic defense: Multiple n Year last won district: 2010 n Year last made playoffs: 2010 n Stadium: Cowboy Stadium (Capacity 1,500)

Players n Returnees: 21 of 31 lettermen, seven offensive starters, four defensive starters n Returning starters: QB Zack Wilkins, OL Colby Bearden, OL Miguel Garcia n Other lettermen: RB Jacob Garcia, OL Pepe Lozano, LB Brandon Pereyra n Top newcomers: LB Alex Barrientes, LB Manuel Chavira, DL Luis Lozano

ROSTER

Player Ht. Wt. Yr. Nicholas Anna 5-10 190 Sr. Steven Anna 5-7 125 Fr. Alex. Barrientes 5-8 175 Sr. Colby Bearden 5-8 175 Sr. William Boyles 5-11 160 Jr. Jaston Brink 5-11 140 Sr. Moises Burgoin 5-6 150 So. Manuel Chavira 5-6 135 Jr. Kristian Cueto 5-11 150 Jr. Laz Escobar 5-5 165 Jr. Jonathan Fierro 5-10 195 Jr. Jacob Garcia 5-10 130 Sr. Jesse Garcia 5-11 155 Jr. Miguel Garcia 5-11 330 Sr. Cole Gatzki 5-9 175 Sr. Nick Gscheidle 6-7 300 So. Chris Holland 5-10 135 So. Trevor Lewis 5-10 145 So. Jaydon Lira 5-9 165 Fr. Trevor Locklin 5-10 145 Jr. Hagen Lowery 5-3 165 Fr. Luis Lozano 6-1 240 Fr. Pepe Lozano 6-8 315 Jr. Hector Pando 5-4 165 Fr. Brandon Pereyra 5-9 160 So. David Ramirez 5-7 240 Sr. Aaron Ramos 5-3 100 So. Austin Reed 5-7 125 Jr. Brock McWhirter 5-10 240 Jr. Pey. McWhirter 5-2 135 Fr. Will Wilkins 5-6 125 Fr. Zack Wilkins 6-0 170 Sr. Dustin Wilson 5-8 205 So.

Pos. TE/DL TE/DL RB/LB OL/DL QB/OL TE/OL RB/LB RB/LB RB/OL OL/DL OL/DL RB/OL RB/LB OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL TE/OL OL/DL RB/LB TE/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL RB/LB TE/OL OL/DL RB/LB QB/DB QB/DB OL/DL

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Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

SEAGRAVES EAGLES COACHES

Head coach Steve Heryford (Angelo State), first season; 0-0 at Seagraves and overall Assistant coaches Eugene Brown, Bo Bryant, Jamie Humphries, Blake Tittle, Nate Wheeler, Billy Wilson

TEAM INFO Team

n 2012 season, district record: 4-7, 3-1 (tied first place District 4-1A, Division II) n District: 4-1A, Division II n Basic offense: Wing-T n Basic defense: 4-3 n Year last won district: 2012 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Eagle Stadium (Capacity 3,000)

Players

n Returnees: 14 of 18 lettermen, seven offensive starters, eight defensive starters n Returning starters: TE/S Adrian Quezada, S Tanner Rodriguez, S Uriel Martinez, RB/LB Robby Pinon, RB/LB Cory Kyle, OL/DL Anthony Ontiveros, OL/LB Rolando Miranda, OL/DL Joe Cruz, TE Alexis Gonzalez

n Other lettermen: OL/LB Eli Rodriguez, OL/DL Rolando Gutierrez, OL/DL Israel Rosalez, RB/CB Kolton Davila n Top newcomers: OL/LB Jordan Ruiz, RB/LB Michael Lopez

ROSTER Player Ht. Wt. Yr. Pos. T.J. Aguilar 6-0 230 Sr. OL/DL Joe Cruz 5-9 215 Sr. OL/DL Ethan Chavez 5-8 150 Jr. OL/DL Kolton Davila 5-8 170 Sr. RB/CB Alexis Gonzalez 6-0 180 Sr. TE/S Rolando Gutierrez 6-2 225 Sr. OL/DL Cory Kyle 6-1 180 So. RB/LB Jose Longoria 5-6 165 Sr. TE/LB Michael Lopez 5-10 150 Jr. RB/LB Ralph Lovington 5-5 140 Jr. TE/CB A.J. Martinez 6-1 220 Sr. OL/DL Uriel Martinez 6-0 165 So. RB/S Rolando Miranda 6-0 200 Sr. OL/LB Anthony Ontiveros 5-8 190 Jr. OL/DL Robby Pinon 5-9 170 So. RB/LB Adrian Quezada 5-9 160 Sr. TE/S Alex Quinonez 6-1 225 So. OL/DL Eli Rodriguez 5-10 170 Jr. OL/LB Tanner Rodriguez 5-8 155 Jr. QB/S Augie Romero 5-8 210 So. OL/LB Israel Rosalez 5-8 215 So. OL/DL Jordan Ruiz 5-6 165 Sr. OL/LB Blady Sanchez 5-10 185 Jr. OL/LB Kyle Sierra 5-9 185 Sr. OL/DL Quashas Williams 5-11 190 Fr. TE/DL

DISTRICT 4-1A, DIV. II header

Seagraves hopes to build upon crown SEAGRAVES/Eagles return solid group that hit stride in time to win district in 2012 BY krista pirtle A-j media

Despite finishing 4-7 overall and 3-1 in district last year, the Seagraves Eagles were area finalists in 2012.

New head coach Steve Heryford sees that statistic as one to expand on.

“We had a losing record but we won district,” Heryford said. “We have the opportunity to take this program to the next level. We could have a winning record this year. Plus, we could possibly win all of our games if the kids continue to show up and work hard like they are right now.”

Junior Tanner Rodriguez will be under center for the

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 at Iraan 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Spr.-Earth 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 14 Van Horn# 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Wink 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 Stanton 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 Farwell 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Ralls* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 Plains* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Crosbyton* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 Smyer* 7:30 p.m. # — at Ratliff Stadium, Odessa * — District 4-1A, Division II game

Eagles.

Sophomore running back Cory Kyle returns after having a big freshman season in 2012, running for 698 yards and seven touchdowns.

Joining him at running back are sophomore Robby Pinon and senior Kol-

OLTON: Torbert inherits group ready to work

FROM page 45 ited with me about it,” Torbert said. “I thought about it and visited, and really liked what we saw. I liked what I saw in the kids, and before we knew it, I was here.”

What he saw in the players was hunger, a hunger to be successful and put last year’s disappointing 1-9 season squarely and quickly in the rear-view mirror.

“The kids work hard and they have that look in their eye that they are eager to learn and want to win,” Torbert said. “I think last year kind of hit them between the eyes ... and got their attention.”

The Mustangs return nine offensive and eight defensive players who saw starting time at one point or another during the 2012 campaign.

But they’ll also be learning new offensive and defensive schemes for the third time in three years, so the learning curve will be steep if Olton

wants to make the playoffs this season.

Leading the way will be senior offensive and defensive lineman Sadler Pinkerton, one of the few Mustangs with playoff experience from the team two seasons ago that reached the playoffs before moving up in classification to start the 2012 season.

Olton also has some talent in the backfield. Going into two-a-days the quarterback battle was between seniors Eric Hernandez and Jace Riney and junior Kyle Peggram.

Behind them are solid backs in J.R. Sullivan and Skeets Mandrell and newcomer Christopher Favela.

Running the split-back gun formation, Torbert is looking to improve on the 9.9 points per game the Mustangs averaged last season offensively.

Defensively it’s much of the same talent that returns — Pinkerton is a first-team all-district pick on the line.

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

Sandoval and Mandrell return at linebacker while Peggram, Hernandez and Riney

are back in the secondary.

Last year that unit allowed 35.5 points per game.

ton Davila.

The offensive line looks to be a source of strength as well with senior Kyle Sierra Sierra serving as the anchor of the group of experience up front.

Seagraves returns seven starters on offense and eight starters on defense.

While that number is high, it holds a lot of youth.

“We’re pretty talented, but we’re young,” Heryford said.

“A lot of our players did play varsity football. That helps this year because they’ve already experienced the full-speed game. So they’re returners but they’re young.

We look to be good this year and build the program.”

The Eagles are looking to make their 10th straight playoff berth, but Heryford doesn’t want to quit playing football until December.

“I’m excited about the chance to make a deep run in the playoffs and play December football,” Heryford said. “I’m just working daily with coaches and players that are fully committed to putting in the work. We’ve made a daily commitment to accomplish that. We have a great group of coaches and young men. It will be a long journey to December football, but it’s already been a blast in the first week. I know it’s going to be a great run.” krista.pirtle@lubbockonline.com  766-8735 Follow Krista on Twitter @AJ_KristaPirtle

DISTRICT 4-1A, DIV II header

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

RALLS JACKRABBITS COACHES

Head coach Tim James (West Texas State), fifth season; 18-24 at Ralls, 87-90 overall Assistant coaches Bobby Feaster, Blake Henry, Seth Johnson, Mike Scott, Lynn Turner

TEAM INFO Team

n 2012 season, district record: 7-4, 3-1 (tied first place District 4-1A, Division II) n District: 4-1A, Division II n Basic offense: Split Back Veer n Basic defense: 5-2 n Year last won district: 2012 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Doc Mize Stadium (Capacity 500)

Players

n Returnees: 20 of 25 lettermen, 10 offensive starters, seven defensive starters n Returning starters: S Brayton Jones, WR Demitrius Romero, QB Josh Velasquez, RB/S Kaleb Reese, OL/LB Mikey Reyes, OL/DL Jacon Deason, OL Jeremiah Zavala, WR Josh Rojas, LB J.T. Cavazos, OL/DL Matthew Casias, OL/DL Michael Owen, TE Eli Van Gundy n Other lettermen: TE/DL Ricky Flores, WR/S Devon Garcia, WR/DL Je-

sus Villarreal, WR/DL Zane Lara, WR/S Joseph Salinas, OL/DL Julian Zavala, OL/LB Brodee Massey n Top newcomers: TE/DE Ricky Flores, TE/DL Bryson Turner, WR/S Devon Garcia

ROSTER Player Ht. Wt. Yr. Pos. Matthew Casias 5-9 195 Jr. OL/DL Joseph Contreras 5-7 130 Fr. QB/LB J.T. Cavazos 5-5 151 Jr. RB/LB Jacob Deason 6-5 274 Jr. OL/DL Ricky Flores 5-8 150 Jr. TE/DL Devon Garcia 5-7 125 So. WR/S Andrew Guzman 5-6 150 Fr. OL/DL Brayton Jones 5-7 130 Sr. RB/S Zane Lara 5-5 140 So. WR/DL Matt Lopez 5-5 125 Fr. RB/S John Lugo 5-5 130 Fr. RB/LB Justin Martinez 6-1 160 Fr. TE/DL Brodee Massey 5-8 154 So. OL/LB Michael Owen 6-0 284 Jr. OL/DL Kaleb Reese 5-11175 Sr. RB/S David Reyes 5-8 180 Fr. OL/DL Mikey Reyes 5-6 170 Sr. OL/LB Josh Rojas 5-5 145 Jr. WR/DL Demitrius Romero 5-8 138 Sr. WR/DL Joseph Salinas 5-4 115 So. WR/S Jadon Tullis 5-10165 Sr. WR/DL Bryson Turner 5-11180 Jr. TE/DL Eli Van Gundy 5-6 183 So. TE/DL Josh Velasquez 5-5 130 Sr. QB/S Jesus Villarreal 5-6 150 So. WR/DL Jeremiah Zavala 5-6 190 Jr. OL/DL Julian Zavala 5-9 252 So. OL/DL

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

Jackrabbits aiming for another title RALLS/Strong running game with solid OL key to Ralls’ pursuit of district gold BY krista pirtle A-j media

With starters returning on both sides of the ball, the Ralls Jackrabbits look to contend for the district title this season.

“The kids have been in the program for four years now and understand what we’re doing,” head coach Tim James said. “They feel comfortable with the system that we’re running on offense and defense. We just have to keep everyone healthy and go out and improve. When district comes, we want to fight for the championship.

This year is our year.”

The strength of this team is its offensive line as the all-district trio of juniors Matthew Casias and Jacob Deason, and senior Mickey

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 30 Sudan Sept. 6 at Tahoka Sept. 13 vs. Menard# Sept. 20 at Lub. Christian Sept. 27 Springlake-Earth Oct. 4 Bovina Oct. 11 Seagraves* Oct. 25 at Plains* Nov. 1 Crosbyton* Nov. 8 at Smyer* #— ­­­ at Roscoe H.S. * — District 4-1A, Division II game

BY krista pirtle A-j media

The Crosbyton Chiefs are looking to advance to the playoffs for the third consecutive year, something that has never been done in school history.

“It’s big to establish tradition with these kids,” head coach Brannon Rodgers said. “They can see it in front of them. Now, this is a part of their self-motivation for them to see if they can do it again.”

Only three players return as starters for the offense.

Senior quarterback Austin Moreno returns under center and a pair of running backs join him in the backfield: senior Michael Gutierrez and junior Nathan Childers.

Paving the way for the run are junior Dominique Flores and seniors Marquis Montemayor and Brody

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 30 Tahoka Sept. 6 at Memphis Sept. 13 Sudan Sept. 20 Sundown Sept. 27 at Floydada Oct. 4 at Hale Center Oct. 18 at Smyer* Oct. 25 Seagraves* Nov. 1 at Ralls* Nov. 8 Plains* * — District 4-1A, Division II game

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Galloway.

While they have some strength returning, many holes remain that need to be filled.

“We have a real strong group of players that were lettermen last year,” Rodgers said. “We graduated a bunch of kids that played big roles.

Now we have guys ready to step in spots and move forward. They know what they’re supposed to do to play faster.”

On defense, the Chiefs have much more experience with seven starters coming back.

Rodgers

Gutierrez

Childers

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Reyes are back.

“The offensive line is a big part of our offense,” James said. “We have five returning starters back.

Those guys will do a great job for us.”

A big part of the Jackrabbit offense is the run game.

Senior running back Kaleb Reese will lead the ground attack.

Last year, he racked up 1,141 yards for 11 touchdowns.

“We run the ball more than we throw it,” James said. “We have the

Youth, tradition define Chiefs in 2013 CROSBYTON/Chiefs seek third straight playoff berth with few returning starters

55

Junior defensive end Isaiah Henn is set to have a big year this season.

With all the new faces on the team, “Together” is the motto of this year’s Crosbyton team.

Plus, with 10 total starters returning, this team is closer than you would expect.

“One of our goals is the camaraderie of these kids,” Rodgers said. “Together is our motto this year. We have a tight-knit group. They enjoy being around each other. Out there with them, it doesn’t feel like I’m working. It feels more like I’m having fun.” krista.pirtle@lubbockonline.com  766-8735 Follow Krista on Twitter @AJ_KristaPirtle

backs to run the ball well.”

Defensively, junior linebacker J.T. Cavazos looks to have a big year after a huge 2012 season where he James recorded 199 tackles, four interceptions and four forced fumbles.

He is currently on several pre-season allstate teams.

With six seniors on the team, James knows that will benefit his Reese team throughout the season.

“I’m looking for our senior leadership,” James said. “We have six seniors that can really play and improve their role in our success.

Their leadership is very beneficial to this team.” krista.pirtle@lubbockonline.com  766-8735 Follow Krista on Twitter @AJ_KristaPirtle

CROSBYTON CHIEFS COACHES

Head coach Brannon Rodgers (Texas Tech), eighth season; 36-38 at Crosbyton and overall Assistant coaches Aaron Bass, Todd Bass, Ruben Munoz, Chad Young

2012 RESULTS Date Opponent Result Aug. 31 at Tahoka W 26-20 Sept. 7 Memphis W 35-14 Sept. 14 at Sudan L 31-7 Sept. 21 at Sundown L 48-6 Sept. 28 Floydada L 44-25 Oct. 5 Hale Center L 58-27 Oct. 19 Smyer* W 39-14 Oct. 26 at Seagraves* L 34-20 Nov. 2 Ralls* W 13-12 Nov. 9 at Plains* W 41-16 Nov. 16 Sudan** L 42-14 * — District 4-1A, Division II game * — 2012 playoff game

TEAM INFO Team n 2012 season, district record: 5-6, 3-1 (tied first place District 4-1A, Div. II) n District: 4-1A, Division II n Basic offense: Wing-T n Basic defense: Split n Year last won district: 2012 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Chieftain Stadium (Capacity 750)

Players n Returnees: 14 of 24 lettermen, five offensive starters, seven defensive starters n Returning starters: OL Brody Galloway, DL Joseph Garcia, RB/LB Michael Gutierrez, DE Marquis Montemayor, QB/DB Austin Moreno, RB/ DB Nathan Childers, OL/DL Dominique Flores, DE Isaiah Henn n Other lettermen: RB/LB Donovan Miranda, RB/DE Brien Berry, WR/DB Bobby Childers n Top newcomers: RB/LB Blake Guzman

ROSTER Player Ht. Wt. Yr. Brien Berry 5-6 165 Sr. Matt Castillo 6-0 160 Sr. Bobby Childers 6-2 160 Jr. Nathan Childers 5-9 185 Jr. Dominique Flores 6-1 310 Jr. Desmond Garza 5-8 170 Jr. Brody Galloway 6-0 220 Sr. Joseph Garcia 6-0 210 Sr. Michael Gutierrez 5-8 195 Sr. Blake Guzman 5-9 160 Jr. Isaiah Henn 6-0 195 Jr. Donovan Miranda 5-9 160 Jr. Mar. Montemayor 6-0 205 Sr. Austin Moreno 6-0 165 Sr. Tyler Reed 6-0 150 Jr. Jonathan Salas 6-0 200 Jr. Zack Stewart 5-9 190 Sr.

Pos. RB/DE WR/LB WR/DB RB/DB OL/DL RB/DB OL/DL OL/DL RB/LB RB/LB TE/DE RB/LB OL/DE QB/DB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL

56

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

SMYER BOBCATS COACHES

Head coach Rick Price (West Texas State), seventh season; 16-35 at Smyer, 136-94-1 overall Assistant coaches Lonnie Burnam, R.C. Mills, Mike Schaap

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 Hale Center 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 Lub. Christian 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Claude 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Spr.-Earth 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 Morton 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 Sudan 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Plains* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 Crosbyton* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Seagraves* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 Ralls* 7:30 p.m. * — District 4-1A, Division II game

TEAM INFO Team n 2012 season, district record: 1-9, 1-3 (fourth place District 4-1A, Division II) n District: 4-1A, Division II n Basic offense: Multiple I n Basic defense: 4-3 n Year last won district: 1994 n Year last made playoffs: 2011 n Stadium: Bobcat Field (Capacity 900)

Players n Returnees: 15 of 17 lettermen, 10 offensive starters, 10 defensive starters n Returning starters: RB/DB Johnny Paiz, OL/DL Timothy Escobedo, WR/DB Fredrick Villegas, QB/DL Brennen Fowler, OL/LB Bryce Jones, OL/ LB Marcos Diaz, RB/DB Xavier Lozano, OL Zack Childers, OL Zach Craven, DB Alex Escobedo, LB Pablo Moreno, QB Bobby Joe Boggs, RB/DB Gilbert Gonzales n Other lettermen: WR/DB Braxton Murphy, OL/DL Marcus Cervantes n Top newcomers: RB/LB James Albus

ROSTER

Player James Albus B. Joe Boggs Mar. Cervantes Zack Childers Zach Craven Marcos Diaz Carey Greene Alex Escobedo Tim. Escobedo Brennen Fowler Gil. Gonzales Bryce Jones Xavier Lozano Lor. Maldonado Pablo Moreno Brax. Murphy Johnny Paiz Fred. Villegas

Ht. Wt. Yr. 5-7 145 Jr. 5-11 145 Jr. 5-8 180 Jr. 5-8 170 Jr. 5-7 185 Jr. 5-7 180 Jr. 5-6 150 Jr. 5-9 150 Jr. 5-10 245 Sr. 6-5 250 Jr. 5-6 150 Jr. 6-2 250 Jr. 5-5 125 Sr. 5-5 215 Jr. 5-7 135 Sr. 5-8 145 Jr. 5-6 145 Sr. 5-7 150 Sr.

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

DISTRICT 4-1A, DIV. II header

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

Bobcats loaded with experience BY krista pirtle A-j media

Smyer will be very experienced for this season and is looking to parlay that into a playoff berth.

“We had a really young team last year,” head coach Rick Price said. “We’re bringing back 10 starters on offense and defense. We’re really excited for this year.”

While 20 starters return for the Bobcats, things will be changed schematically from their 1-9 finish in 2012.

Smyer only 6.9 points per game.

“We’re going to spread the ball out formation-wise and throw the ball more than we did last year.”

To do that, junior Brennan Fowler is moving to quarterback.

Running backs Gilbert Gonzales, a junior, and senior Xavier Lozano will add to the threat of the run game, both of whom were second team all-district a year ago.

The defensive front will also house some power for the Bobcats with junior Bryce Jones and senior T.J. Escobedo.

“Our sophomore class, well, our junior class now, they won a lot of games all

the way through junior high as seventh- and eighth-graders,” Price said.

TAPPS DIV. III-1 header

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

57

New Stone plans to keep Lubbock Christian rolling LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN EAGLES COACHES

Head coach Pete Stone (Virginia Military Institute), first season; 0-0 at Lubbock Christian and overall Assistant coaches Mark Breaux, Leric Eaton, Rick Furr, Eric Hardesty, Jordan Heusinkveld, Ben Lack, Riley White

2013 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 Lockney 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Smyer 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Morton 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 Ralls 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 26 Ama. San Jacinto* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 at FW Lake Country* 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 11 Muenster Sac. Heart* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 at FW Calvary Christian* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 25 Kennedale Fellowship* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 at FW Temple Christian* 7:30 p.m. * — TAPPS Division III-I game

2012 RESULTS Date Opponent Result Aug. 31 at Lockney L 28-20 Sept. 7 Smyer W 20-8 Sept. 14 Morton W 36-12 Sept. 21 at Ralls L 23-14 Sept. 27 at Ama. San Jacinto* W 40-8 Oct. 5 FW Lake Country* L 21-7 Oct. 12 at Muenster Sac. Heart* L 20-6 Oct. 19 FW Calvary Christian* W 38-19 Oct. 26 at Kennedale Fellowship* W 48-0 Nov. 2 FW Temple Christian* W 42-51 Nov. 16 First Baptist** L 45-14 ** — 2012 playoff game * — TAPPS Division III-I game

TEAM INFO Team

n 2012 season, district record: 6-5, 4-2 (third place TAPPS Division III-1) n District: TAPPS Division III-1 n Basic offense: Flexbone n Basic defense: 4-2-5 n Year last won district: 2008

Pete Stone takes over this season as head coach of the Lubbock Christian Eagles.

n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Lena Stephens Field (Capacity 1,000)

Players n Returnees: 21 of 32 lettermen, two offensive starters, eight defensive starters n Returning starters: RB/LB Tyler Corbin, S Brooks Pitaniello, RB/DL Brannson Moore, RB/CB Davis Delaney, S Zach Stone, OL/DL Bryce Adkins, OL Zach Baker, OL/DL Tanner Thompson n Other lettermen: DL Caleb Dansby, RB/S Conner Adkins, OL Jake Hardin, OL Alex Wyatt, OL/DL Taylor Thompson n Top newcomers: RB/LB Gabe Lopez

ROSTER Player Bryce Adkins Conner Adkins Brady Baker Jake Baker Zack Baker Chris Boren Stetsen Coffman Tyler Corbin Caleb Dansby Davis Delaney Tyler Fant Andrew Forsythe Caleb Gilster Jake Hardin Justin Lack David Landtroop Gabe Lopez Brannson Moore Peter Pendergrass Brooks Pitaniello Brock Ricks Travis Smith Zach Stone Tanner Thompson Taylor Thompson Blake Walker Bryson Watts Luke Womble Alex Wyatt Ryan Wyatt

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

Wt. 180 185 165 150 230 165 140 250 165 180 105 165 160 175 150 130 200 145 215 155 150 150 170 225 180 165 200 145 240 170

Yr. Pos. Sr. OL/DL So. RB/S Jr. OL/DL So. RB/CB Sr. OL/DL Jr. RB/CB So. RB/LB Sr. RB/LB So. QB/DL Sr. RB/CB Fr. RB/CB Fr. OL/DL Fr. OL/DL So. OL/DL Fr. RB/S Sr. RB/CB Sr. RB/LB Jr. RB/DL Sr. OL/DL Jr. QB/S So. RB/S So. RB/LB Sr. RB/S Sr. OL/DL So. OL/DL Jr. RB/DL Jr. OL/DL Fr. RB/S So. OL/DL So. RB/DB

zach long  A-j media

LCHS/Eagles settled, ready for playoff run

BY George watson a-j media sports editor

When it came to finding a new head football coach, Lubbock Christian Schools left no Stone unturned.

In fact, they just traded one for another.

Pete Stone was hired in May to replace Aaron Stone (no relation) as the Eagles head football coach and athletic director after the latter Stone left abruptly for family reasons. Pete Stone had been an assistant with the program for the past five years and survived an exhaustive process from the search committee that looked at both inside and outside candidates, with administrators ultimately wanting to keep continuity in the program with a solid nucleus returning.

“There were a lot of questions during the spring and the time until I was hired in May,” Stone said.

“People just wanted to know what was next and what the direction was going to be. I think a lot of that settled down once we got a coach hired and we figured out we were, in a lot of ways, going to stay the course.”

Stone said the players were caught off-guard by their former coach’s announcement, especially coming off yet another playoff season. But all that was forgotten once the new coach took over, and the numbers remained the same with about 30 kids turning out for two-aday workouts.

“They’ve worked hard all summer,” Stone said. “We were able to do our team camp and work out some stuff. We’re putting in a new offense but with eight starters and the starters we have back on defense ... we’re going to hang our hat on defense.”

Not to say that Stone won’t implement some changes, most notably a renewed focus on discipline. That will translate well as the Eagles (6-5 last season) transition from one end of the offensive spectrum to the other offensively, going from

zach long  A-j media

Brooks Pitaniello will be tasked with running the new LCHS run offense. the spread to the Flexbone.

Stone has what he feels is appropriate talent to be able to run the option-based offense.

Leading the charge offensively will be returning running back Tyler Corbin, who had 279 yards and three touchdowns on 51 carries for a team that racked up more passing yards than rushing a year ago.

Junior Brooks Pitaniello takes over at quarterback after having a standout season last year in the defensive backfield. Stone said Pitaniello’s athleticism — he’s one of the school’s top baseball players — makes him a perfect fit at quarterback, and Stone plans to throw the ball a little more than traditional Flexbone teams.

It will also help to have threeyear returning starter Davis Delaney back at receiver after he caught 24 passes for 305 yards and four touchdowns.

Up front the Eagles welcome back senior guard Zack Baker to anchor the offensive line.

“We’re small up front but we’re going to make a lot of noise,” Stone said. “(The Flexbone) is a good of-

fense for teams that are small up front, and the same reason that Georgia Tech and Navy run it, it’s hard to prepare for when you see it only once a year.”

On defense, Delaney will be counted upon after making all-district at cornerback since his freshman year. He’ll be joined in the secondary by senior Zach Stone, while Benson Moore leads the unit up front at defensive end.

“We’ve got a great senior class,” Pete Stone said. “Those guys have played a lot of football and they’ve stepped up and provided a lot of leadership.”

Though newcomers will be counted upon in several key spots, Pete Stone said he is not concerned.

“We’re going to be a faster team than we were last year,” Stone said. “Actually we’re pretty excited about some of the freshmen we’ve gotten to look at already that will help us at the varsity level. We’re fired up to play some football.” george.watson@lubbockonline.com  766-2166 Follow George on Twitter @AJJorge

58

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Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

CHRIST THE KING TROJANS Christ the King head coach Justin Ochoa is ready to change things in his first season.

“We have a new attitude,” Ochoa said.

“We want to be a force to be reckoned with in district instead of seen as a fill in.”

His determination has rubbed off on his 12 players, which has made some goals on their own for this season.

“I challenged them to create goals for themselves,” Ochoa said. “Last year we were 2-8. This coming year, the boys have made it a goal to get to the playoffs.

“We’re known more as a basketball school,” Ochoa said. “I’ve talked to the boys so far with two-a-days and they want to be there. If the kids want to be there, that means that they want to win, want to listen, learn and be coached. I see a different team. This team wants to be there. They want to win. I think on Fridays we will see a lot more CTK pride, and that’s what we want. We want pride and tradition in the program.”

—Krista Pirtle Head coach Justin Ochoa (Texas Tech), first season; 0-0 overall and at Christ the King Assistant coaches Blake Jackson, Patrick Pachiano Date Opponent Aug. 30 at Whiteface Sept. 6 Lorenzo Sept. 13 Lubbock Harmony Sept. 27 Wilson Oct. 4 at WF Christian Oct. 18 Cotton Center Oct. 25 Plainview Christian* Nov. 2 EP Jesus Chapel* Nov. 8 Kingdom Prep* * — TAPPS Six-Man Division II-1

Time 7:30 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

5 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

n 2012 season, district record: 2-8, 0-3 (third place TAPPS Six-Man Division II-1) n District: TAPPS Six-Man, Division II-1 n Basic offense: N/A n Basic defense: N/A n Year last won district: 2009 n Year last made playoffs: 2010 n Stadium: St. John Neumann Field n Returnees: 10 of 11 lettermen, six offensive starters, five defensive starters n Returning starters: Tommy To, Daniel Mendoza, Blake Leatherwood, Ryan Moreno, Tyler Cruce, Joshua Holguin n Top newcomers: David Pyle, Joseph Marzak and Jonathan Andrew Player Jonathan Andrew Nicholas Botello Tyler Cruce Joseph Marzak Joshua Holguin Daniel Mendoza David Mendoza Khaled Metwally Ryan Moreno David Pyle Tommy To

Ht. Wt. 5-8 120 5-3 171 5-6 172 5-9 168 5-6 214 5-8 130 5-6 173 5-8 188 5-5 117 5-10 127 5-10 167

Yr. Pos. Jr. QB/S Fr. WR/LB So. FB/LB So. FB/LB So. C/NG Jr. WR/DE Fr. WR/DE Sr. WR/DE So. WR/S Fr. QB/DE Sr. RB/LB

KINGDOM PREP WARRIORS In his first year as head coach, Brian Sepkowitz is expecting Kingdom Prep to have its first winning season.

“We were 5-5 last season, and that was the best year we’ve had so far,” Sepkowitz said. “This is my first year as head coach, and I fully expect to get our first winning

season and win district and go on to win in the playoffs.”

Three of his players are coming in fresh off their eighth-grade year.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the eighth graders that came up this year,” Sepkowitz said. “It’s a good group that came up to play in high school. The first couple of practices and the first couple of games, they will have a bit of a learning curve trying to get used to the speed of high school football. But these kids are smart and fast learners and are willing to work hard. It won’t be a problem.”

—Krista Pirtle Head coach Brian Sepkowitz (Lubbock Christian), first season; 2-2 at Kingdom Prep Academy and overall Assistant coach Ricky Salas Date Opponent Time Aug. 31 Buena Vista# 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Cotton Center 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 Midland Trinity 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 21 Lubbock Harmony 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 Amarillo Holy Cross TBA Oct. 4 at Anton 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Loop 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 26 at EP Jesus Chapel* 2 p.m.

Nov. 1 Plainview Christian* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 at Christ the King* 4:30 p.m. * — TAPPS Six-Man Division II-1 game # — at McCamey n 2012 season, district record: 5-6, 2-1 (second place TAPPS Six-Man Division II-1 n District: TAPPS Six-Man Division II-1 n Basic offense: Unbalanced Wing n Basic defense: 2-3-1 n Year last won district: N/A n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Home games played at Wilson’s Mustang Stadium (Capacity 300) n Returnees: seven of eight lettermen, five offensive starters, five defensive starters n Returning starters: E/S Gabe Gonzales, RB/DE Carson Squires, RB/LB Garrett Jenkins, QB/LB Peter Griffith, C/CB Jeremy Brown n Other lettermen: OL/DE Caden Schroeder, OL/DE Nathan Schroeder n Top newcomers: E/S Daniel Pruitt, RB/ CB Sawyer Squires, OL/DE Riley Glass, QB/ CB Nick Gallardo Player Jeremy Brown Nick Gallardo Riley Glass

Ht. 6-3 5-6 6-2

Wt. 155 135 168

Yr. Pos. So. C/CB Fr. QB/CB Fr. OL/DE

Gabe Gonzales Peter Griffith Garrett Jenkins Daniel Pruitt Caden Schroeder Nathan Schroeder Carson Squires Sawyer Squires

5-11 150 5-9 165 5-9 180 5-8 135 5-7 150 5-11 200 6-0 175 5-9 150

Jr. E/S Jr. QB/LB So. RB/LB Jr. E/S Sr. OL/DE So. OL/DE Sr. RB/DE Fr. RB/CB

PETERSBURG BUFFALOES After the Buffaloes’ successful postseason run to the state quarterfinals last year, new head coach Kyle Wood heads a squad with a wealth of experience in big games.

Junior quarterback Brett LaBadie returns to command the offense after throwing an impressive 31 touchdowns to just four interceptions in his first year as a starter.

The Buffaloes will also have three three-year starters on the defense this season. One of those defensive players, senior running back Chris Sharples, will also be a returning starter on offense.

Wood is pleased with his teams’ depth, especially at the skill positions, and thinks the wealth of experience the younger players got during 2012’s postseason run will pay dividends in 2013.

“Some sophomores and juniors filled some very important roles for us last year in district and in the playoffs because of the injury bug,” said Wood. “They give us great experience that we weren’t anticipating on having.”

—Preston Wickersham Head coach Kyle Wood (Wayland Baptist), first season; 0-0 at Petersburg and overall Assistant coaches Stephen Hooten, Marcos Rendon Date Opponent Time Aug. 29 Throckmorton** 8 p.m.

Sept. 6 at Nazareth 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Anton 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 New Home 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Crowell 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 Amherst 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Spur* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 Valley* 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Kress* 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 Paducah* 7:30 p.m. * — District 2-IA, six-man game ** — at Jayton n 2012 season, district record: 11-2, 3-1 (second place District 2-IA, six-man)

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

n District: 2-IA, six-man n Basic offense: I n Basic defense: 2-3 n Year last won district: 2011 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Buffalo Stadium (Capacity 1,000) n Returnees: nine of 13 lettermen, two offensive starters, four defensive starters n Returning starters: RB/LB Chris Sharples, DL Juan Luis Banuelos, DL Ryan Smith, QB Brett LaBadie, S Marcos Hinojos n Other lettermen: E/DE Steven Resendiz, RB/LB Andres Reyes, OL/DE Brandon Cavazos n Top newcomers: E/S Issac Salas, OL/ DE Michael Rangel Player Juan Luis Banuelos Caleb Boyd Jared Cantu Brandon Cavazos Zane Chavez Skyler Dunn Marcos Hinojos Brett LaBadie Cristian Livar Zach Luna Michael Rangel Steven Resendiz Andres Reyes Issac Salas Chris Sharples Ryan Smith Raul Vega

Ht. Wt. 5-11 160 5-10 220 5-6 145 5-8 151 5-11 215 5-3 120 5-9 145 6-0 185 5-7 200 5-7 115 5-6 155 5-9 155 5-9 165 5-5 125 6-0 190 5-8 155 5-5 250

Yr. Pos. Sr. E/DL Fr. OL/DE So. OL/DE Sr. OL/DE So. OL/DE Fr. E/DE So. RB/S Jr. QB/DE Fr. OL/DE Fr. E/S Jr. OL/DE Sr. E/DE Jr. RB/LB So. E/S Sr. RB/LB Sr. RB/DL Jr. OL/DE

SPUR BULLDOGS This might only be Wayne Ware’s second season as head coach of the Bulldogs, but he’s already eager to get back on the field to avenge a four-point loss to Petersburg that kept the Bulldogs out of the playoffs last year.

“Last year, we felt that we let that game against Petersburg get away from us, and that ended up being for second place,” Ware said. “They ended up going three rounds deep in the playoffs, and we felt like that should have been us. Not could have been us — should have been us.”

Ware and his squad have a tough road ahead of them in a district that produced a state quarterfinalist (Petersburg) and a state semifinalist (Valley) last season.

To get into the playoffs, Spur will need some young returning starters to play big

roles. Caelen Gutierrez, the sophomore quarterback who started his freshman season, and Eric Sanchez, junior running back and another returning starter, will need to make plays consistently on offense for the Bulldogs to push beyond a brutal district.

—Preston Wickersham Head coach Wayne Ware (McNeese State), second season; 6-4 at Spur, 83-29 overall Assistant coaches Russell Conrad, Jason Riley Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27

Opponent at Wellman-Union Ropes at Crowell Guthrie at Rotan

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 Petersburg* Oct. 18 at Aspermont Oct. 25 at Valley* Nov. 1 Kress* Nov. 8 at Paducah* * — District 2-IA, six-man game

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

n 2012 season, district record: 6-4, 2-2 (third place District 2-IA, six-man) n District: 2-IA, six-man n Basic offense: Multiple n Basic defense: Multiple n Year last won district: N/A n Year last made playoffs: 2011 n Stadium: Jones Stadium (Capacity 500) n Returnees: 12 of 18 lettermen, five offensive starters, four defensive starters n Returning starters: C Bryan Beaty, QB/ DE Caelan Gutierrez, RB/LB Eric Sanchez, RB/S Jakob Sanchez, G/LB Austin Via Gomez

SIX-MAN header

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal n Other lettermen: RB/DE Michael Apodaca, E Isaac Mercado, RB/S Vance Parsons, C/LB Ryan Wall n Top newcomers: QB/S Jett Cabler Player Michael Apodaca Bryan Beaty Jett Cabler Caelan Gutierrez Donathan Martinez Isaac Mercado Vance Parsons Eric Sanchez Jakob Sanchez Mario Segura Jordan Velez Austin Via Gomez Ryan Wall

Ht. Wt. 5-7 180 5-8 185 5-10 155 5-10 175 6-0 160 6-4 165 5-9 170 5-10 185 5-7 155 5-11 170 6-4 210 5-9 180 5-10 175

Yr. Pos. Jr. RB/DE Sr. C/DE Fr. QB/S So. QB/DE Sr. LB Sr. E Jr. RB/S Jr. RB/LB So. RB/S Jr. S Sr. E Sr. G/LB Jr. C/LB

MEADOW BRONCOS After conceding the district title to Ropes last season, the Meadow Broncos want to get back on top of the pile.

Meadow at Ropes on Oct. 18 could once again determine the district champion in District 3-IA. Brandon Flores and Mason Davila will be the players to watch for the Broncos, but look out for sophomore quarterback Trey Herrera as well. Despite his age, Herrera returns some experience to the position for the Broncos, and new head coach Bobby Avery likes how he sees the young quarterback commanding the offense in practice.

Flores will still be the star in his last season at Meadow, though, and Avery believes people are going to take notice of the senior tailback this year.

“As the season gets going, we’ll hear a lot about Brandon Flores,” said Avery. “I think he’s going to be something to reckon with.”

—Preston Wickersham Head coach Bobby Avery (Texas Tech), first season; 0-0 at Meadow, 185-135-4 overall Assistant coaches Edward Aviles, Kyle Johnson Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13

Opponent Follett** Paducah at Wellman-Union

Time 6 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Rankin Oct. 4 at Nazareth Oct. 11 Anton* Oct. 18 at Ropes* Oct. 25 Whiteface* Nov. 1 White Deer Nov. 8 Lubbock Harmony* * — District 3-IA, six-man game ** — at Happy

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

n 2012 season, district record: 8-3, 3-1 (second place District 3-IA, six-man) n District: 3-IA, six-man n Basic offense: Unbalanced I n Basic defense: 3-2 n Year last won district: 2011 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Bronco Memorial Stadium (Capacity 300) n Returnees: six of 15 lettermen, three offensive starters, four defensive starters n Returning starters: OL/DL Luis Torrez, RB/DB Brandon Flores, OL/DL Mason Davila, DL Eddie Hernandez n Other lettermen: QB/DB Gavon Gardner, OL/DL Stephen Sanchez, WR/LB Tyler Harrison n Top newcomers: QB/DB Trey Herrera, RB/LB Adrian Flores, QB/DB Chanse Smith, OL/DL Robert Herrera, QB/DB Abel Portales Player Ray Aguilar Mason Davila Bryce Dover Adrian Flores Brandon Flores Gavon Gardner Corbin Garza RaSeel Gonzales Treton Harrison Tyler Harrison Eddie Hernandez Robert Herrera Trey Herrera Jose Maya Grant McNiel Cameron McQueen Cayden Melton Ethan Mullin Adrian Perez Abel Portales Colton Rodgers Angel Rodriguez Arturo Rodriguez Stephen Sanchez Chanse Smith Luis Torrez Leeroy Valencia Derrick Vela

Ht. Wt. 5-6 125 5-11 145 6-0 165 5-7 130 5-8 140 5-8 140 6-0 165 5-6 140 5-2 100 6-1 165 5-10 185 5-11 200 5-9 130 5-9 180 5-6 120 5-9 150 5-9 150 5-6 130 5-6 130 5-5 130 5-7 180 5-8 140 5-9 140 5-9 180 6-1 175 5-5 175 5-6 130 5-8 125

Yr. Pos. So. RB/DB Jr. OL/DL Jr. OL/DE So. RB/LB Sr. RB/DB Sr. QB/DB Fr. RB/DE Fr. OL/DL Fr. RB/LB Sr. E/LB Jr. OL/DL Fr. OL/DL So. QB/DB So. OL/DL Fr. OL/DL Fr. QB/LB Fr. OL/DL Jr. QB/LB Fr. RB/LB Jr. QB/DB So. OL/DL Fr. OL/DL Jr. E/DB So. OL/DL Fr. QB/LB Sr. C/DL So. RB/DB Fr. OL/DB

WHITEFACE ANTELOPES The Whiteface Antelopes return all but two starters this season. They also return their experienced coach, Chris Mendez, who is entering his 14th year at Whiteface and his sixth year as the school’s head coach.

Mendez said that injuries derailed the team’s goals last season.

“If we were full strength, I think our season would’ve been a lot better off,” said Mendez.

“If we stay healthy, we can compete with anybody.”

Senior running back Lane Scoggins, who scored 10 touchdowns last year, will need to be a focal point of the Whiteface offense if the Antelopes want to compete against Ropes and Meadow within the district. Mendez says he is looking forward to the game against Meadow in particular.

“We were very close,” he said, “and to me that’s just a little bit of unfinished business.”

—Preston Wickersham Head coach Chris Mendez (Texas Tech), sixth season; 16-34 at Whiteface and overall Assistant coaches Bill Brown, Jason Fortner, Micah Murphy Date Opponent Aug. 30 Christ the King Sept. 6 at Loop Sept. 13 at Whitharral Sept. 20 Dawson Sept. 27 at Amherst Oct. 4 at New Home Oct. 11 Ropes* Oct. 25 at Meadow* Nov. 1 Lubbock Harmony* Nov. 8 at Anton* * — District 3-IA, six-man game

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

n 2012 season, district record: 2-8, 1-3 (fourth place District 3-IA, six-man) n District: 3-IA, six-man n Basic offense: J-Bird n Basic defense: 4-2

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

n Year last won district: 1990 n Year last made playoffs: 2002 n Stadium: Duggan Field (Capacity 300) n Returnees: five of seven lettermen, five offensive starters, five defensive starters n Returning starters: RB/DE Lane Scroggins, E/S Payton Perez, RB/DL Marcus Ruff, RB/S Brent Butler, OL/DL Ivan Delgado n Other lettermen: OL/DL Mark Garcia, RB/DE Nathaniel Acfalle, RB/DE Victor Resendez, OL/DL Seth Hargrove n Top newcomers: QB/S Garrett Baker, E/S Evan Gomez Player Nathaniel Acfalle Garrett Baker Raul Borunda Brent Butler Alberto Castillo Tano Castillo Brandon Cox Dahel Davila Jesus Davila Ivan Delgado Logan Falkenberry Frank Freisen Brady Gandy Mark Garcia Evan Gomez Seth Hargrove J.T. Holder Fabian Honesto Jeremiah Morales Payton Perez Victor Resendez Marcus Ruff Lane Scroggins Alex Villanueva

Ht. Wt. 5-8 160 6-0 160 5-5 120 5-6 140 5-10 175 5-9 165 5-11 260 5-6 190 5-6 170 5-6 190 5-11 175 5-7 140 5-5 220 5-5 125 5-5 140 5-11 190 5-11 190 5-7 140 5-6 120 5-11 160 5-6 140 5-8 150 5-10 170 5-4 130

Yr. Pos. Jr. RB/DE Jr. QB/S So. OL/DL Jr. RB/S So. OL/DL So. OL/DL Sr. C/DL Jr. OL/DL Sr. K Sr. OL/DL Sr. E/DE So. QB/S So. OL/DL Jr. OL/DL So. E/S Jr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Jr. RB/DE So. E/S Sr. E/S So. RB/DE Jr. RB/DL Sr. RB/DE So. OL/DL

ANTON BULLDOGS Anton finished its first winning season in six-man in 2012. Coach Clint Linman and his squad are entering the 2013 season with confidence and higher expectations than ever.

“We want to get in the postseason, rule number one,” Linman said. “Our kids’ confi-

dence is really, really high, and they just know they’re going to be successful.”

The Bulldogs will return seven starters and 11 lettermen this year. Linman believes the team’s experience will give them a chance to do big things this season.

—Preston Wickersham Head coach Clint Linman (Colorado State), third season; 11-9 at Anton, 15-15 overall Assistant coaches Dusty Grantham, Maurice Harvey, Armando Solis Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Nov. 1

Opponent at Hart Amherst Petersburg Whitharral Wellman-Union Kingdom Prep at Meadow* Lubbock Harmony* at Ropes*

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 Whiteface* * — District 3-IA, six-man game

59 7:30 p.m.

n 2012 season, district record: 6-4, 2-2 (third place District 3-IA, six-man) n District: 3-IA, six-man n Basic offense: Multiple n Basic defense: Multiple n Year last won district: 2003 n Year last made playoffs: 2003 n Stadium: Bulldog Stadium (Capacity 500) n Returnees: 11 of 14 lettermen, three offensive starters, four defensive starters n Returning starters: RB/LB Canan Wood, E/DE Rigo Barrera, QB/DB Javier Savedra, DB Jon Paul Lorenz n Other lettermen: RB/DB Fabian Amalla, RB/LB John Paul Castillo, QB/DB Jon Paul Lorenz, QB/LB Tanner Stover, RB/DB Brandon Rios, OL/LB Patrick Fleming, OL/DL Jaime Maldonado, OL/DL Dalton Gray, E/LB Jordan Haston n Top newcomers: RB/DE William Cole, WR/DB Zach Matthews

60

SIX-MAN header

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Player Fabian Amalla Rigo Barrera Aaron Campos John Paul Castillo Sean Castillo William Cole Ricardo Davila Patrick Fleming Tony Granados Dalton Gray Jordan Haston Jon Paul Lorenz Jaime Maldonado Zach Matthews Manuel Reyna Brandon Rios Javier Savedra Tanner Stover Canan Wood Jace Wood

Ht. 5-4 6-0 5-9 5-8 5-5 5-7 5-5 5-8 6-0 5-6 6-2 5-8 5-5 5-8 5-8 5-9 5-9 5-9 6-0 5-8

Wt. 130 195 160 155 125 160 135 140 150 200 155 145 220 140 140 140 150 160 170 160

Yr. Pos. So. RB/DB Jr. E/DE Fr. OL/DL So. RB/LB Fr. RB/DB Jr. RB/DE Fr. RB/LB So. OL/LB Fr. E/DE So. OL/LB So. E/LB Sr. QB/DB Sr. OL/DL Sr. WR/DB Fr. QB/LB So. RB/DB So. QB/DB So. QB/LB Sr. RB/LB Fr. E/LB

ROPES EAGLES Ropes benefits from having one of the most experienced six-man coaches in the state in Lane Jackson. The Eagles lost multiple starters last year, including a top player in tight end Levi Perry, and Jackson knows his young squad will have to step up.

“We only have four guys returning who have real varsity experience, so we’re going to have to make sure the guys coming from our JV are ready,” Jackson said.

The Eagles will return two top-quality players in Lawrence Cruz and Jovan Molina, both juniors this year. Cruz was named District Offensive MVP last season, while Molina earned Newcomer of the Year honors.

—Preston Wickersham Head coach Lane Jackson (Texas Tech), 16th season; 10370 at Ropes and overall Assistant coaches Jay Bingham, Robert Kyle, Taylor Wilson Date Opponent Aug. 30 Grady Sept. 6 at Spur Sept. 13 Ira Sept. 20 at Nazareth Sept. 27 at Garden City Oct. 4 Rankin Oct. 11 at Whiteface* Oct. 18 Meadow* Oct. 25 Harmony* Nov. 1 Anton* * — District 3-IA, six-man game

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

n 2012 season, district record: 7-4, 4-0 (first place District 3-IA, six-man) n District: 3-IA, six-man n Basic offense: Multiple n Basic defense: 3-2-1 n Year last won district: 2012 n Year last made playoffs: 2012

n Stadium: Eagle Stadium (Capacity 1,000) n Returnees: four of 11 lettermen, three offensive starters, four defensive starters n Returning starters: RB/S Lawrence Cruz, RB/DL Jovan Molina, E/CB Caleb Richardson n Other lettermen: DL Dylan Belyeu, LB Blake Harris n Top newcomers: QB/S T.J. Medrano Player Dylan Belyeu Scott Cavitt Lawrence Cruz Nathan Dubois Jacob Escobedo Gary Ferris Cole Glenn Wesley Hancock Blake Harris Angel Hernandez Jake Holtman Nathan Holtman Brogen Johnson Kasey McCann Colton McNabb T.J. Medrano A.J. Mendez Jovan Molina Landon Myatt C.J. Reyna Caleb Richardson Terrance Sands Anthony Villesca Ben Waller Christian Willmon

Ht. Wt. 5-9 160 5-10 225 5-9 165 5-6 115 5-8 130 5-0 105 5-9 165 6-1 170 5-10 150 5-7 160 5-10 115 6-0 150 5-5 100 5-7 115 5-6 136 5-10 140 5-6 110 5-8 160 6-1 190 5-4 180 5-10 170 5-8 135 6-1 160 5-9 230 5-0 90

Yr. Pos. Jr. RB/DL So. OL/DL Jr. RB/S Fr. E/DL So. E/S Fr. RB/LB So. E/DL So. E/DL Jr. E/LB So. RB/DL Fr. E/DL Fr. E/DL Fr. QB/S Fr. E/DL Fr. RB/LB Jr. QB/S Fr. RB/LB Jr. RB/DL Jr. E/DL So. E/DL Sr. E/LB So. E/LB Sr. E/DL So. OL/DL Fr. RB/LB

HARMONY TIGERS Times have been tough for the Lubbock Harmony Tigers, and although the school is still looking for its first win, interim head coach John Seay says his team is laying the groundwork to become a competitor.

“We need to come together as a team, for our older students to help our younger students up and basically start a transition period,” said Seay.

Although the Tigers will have new starters at every position this year, the team is excited about quarterback Jeremy Medrano, who is one of the Tigers’ two senior players along with Nick Whisner. Medrano and Whisner will need to play well and bring some leadership to the inexperienced Tigers if Harmony is to secure its first win this season. With only 10 players on its roster, Harmony will have its hands full this season in a tough Division I district.

“It’s all in the mind, what we’re overcoming,” said Seay. “It’s all about being prepared.”

—Preston Wickersham Head coach John A. Seay (Texas A&M), first season; 0-0 at Lubbock Harmony and overall

Date Opponent Aug. 30 at Cotton Center Sept. 6 at Plainview Christian Sept. 13 Christ the King Sept. 21 Kingdom Prep Sept. 27 at Silverton Oct. 4 at Lazbuddie Oct. 18 at Anton* Oct. 25 at Ropes* Nov. 1 at Whiteface* Nov. 8 at Meadow* * — District 3-IA, six-man game

Time 7:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5 p.m.

1 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

n 2012 season, district record: 0-10, 0-4 (fifth place District 3-IA, six-man) n District: 3-IA, six-man n Basic offense: J-Bird n Basic defense: 4-3 stack n Returnees: three of eight lettermen, no offensive starters, no defensive starters n Returning lettermen: Anferny Alvarez, Abram Elizondo, Joey Sifuentes n Top newcomers: Jeremy Medrano, Carlos Rico, Michael Gonzales, Dominic Reynolds, Damian Lucero Player Jeremy Medrano Anferny Alvarez Damian Lucero Jeremiah Jones Dominic Reynolds Carlos Rico Abram Elizondo Joey Sifuentes Nick Whisner Micheal Gonzales Aaron Ham

Ht. 5-6 5-5 5-4 5-6 5-3 5-6 5-4 5-8 5-8 5-5 6-1

Wt. 130 136 189 158 105 155 110 190 150 149 190

Yr. Pos. Sr. QB/CB Fr. TB/S Fr. FB/DL Fr. CT/DL Fr. RB/S Jr. WR/LB So. FB/DL So. FB/DL Sr. WB/DL Fr. WR/DL Jr. NG

O’DONNELL EAGLES O’Donnell was hurt by inexperience last year when the Eagles did not return any of their starters. This year, however, the team lost just two starting players on defense and one on offense.

New coach Brad Bell said the key to bringing O’Donnell back to power will be

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

consistency, and believes that having daily, weekly and season-long goals will give the Eagles focus.

Bell has a precise plan to return the Eagles to the playoffs for the first time since 2006.

“We really want to win five of the seven non-district games,” Bell said. “In district, we want to win two out of three and make the playoffs, so if we do all those things, we have a shot.”

The team’s two biggest playmakers, A.J. Rivas (RB/LB) and E.J. Morales (E/LB), are both only sophomores this year. If they can find the consistency that Bell wants to see, O’Donnell could make a big leap this season and gain experience for the future.

—Preston Wickersham Head coach Brad Bell (Texas Tech), first season; 0-0 at O’Donnell, 28-33 overall Assistant coaches Blandon Hancock, Blake Nichols Date Opponent Aug. 30 at Southland Sept. 6 Dawson Sept. 13 Loop Sept. 20 Latter Rain Christian Sept. 27 Sands Oct. 10 Patton Springs Oct. 18 at New Home Oct. 25 at Grady* Nov. 1 Klondike* Nov. 8 at Borden County* * — District 4-IA, six-man game

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

n 2012 season, district record: 1-9, 0-3 (fourth place District 4-IA, six-man) n District: 4-IA, six-man n Basic offense: T/Spread n Basic defense: 2-3 n Year last won district: 1990 n Year last made playoffs: 2006 n Stadium: Johnson Field (Capacity 1,000) n Returnees: eight of 10 lettermen, four offensive starters, four defensive starters n Returning starters: RB/LB Michael Rivas, QB/S Sterlyn Wilkies, RB/LB A.J. Rivas, E/LB E.J. Morales

n Other lettermen: C/DE Jack Franklin, RB/LB Adrian Perales, QB/S Brandon Rosales, E/DE Marcus Castillo, C/DE Jerrod Jacquess n Top newcomers: RB/LB Donovan Pesina Player Marcus Castillo Jack Franklin Nick Gilead Jerrod Jaquess Jamie Morado Hagen Montgomery E.J. Morales Donovan Pesina Gary Pina Adrian Perales Jacob Perez A.J. Rivas Michael Rivas Brandon Rosales Bry Todd Donovan Vasquez Sterlyn Wilkies

Ht. Wt. 5-8 170 5-9 190 5-10 210 6-4 260 5-7 155 5-8 160 5-8 170 5-6 150 5-6 150 6-0 165 5-8 215 5-6 140 5-9 170 5-8 155 5-9 190 6-0 155 5-8 140

Yr. Pos. So. E/DE Jr. C/DE Fr. E/DE Jr. C/DE Sr. C/DE Fr. RB/LB So. E/LB Fr. RB/LB Sr. RB/LB Jr. RB/LB Sr. E/DE So. RB/LB Jr. RB/LB So. QB/S Fr. E/DE Fr. E/DE Jr. QB/S

BORDEN CO. COYOTES Coach Trey Richey knows he lost a wealth of experience to graduation this year, but he believes the young core of the 2013 squad will still be able to replicate the success of recent teams and push for a sixth straight district championship.

Tristen Benavidez, who saw time on the Coyotes’ 2011 state runner-up team as a sophomore, has come into his own as a leader on both sides of the ball. Benavidez is one of three seniors on the team this year, and Richey hopes the upperclassmen will help the younger players grow as the season progresses.

“We’ve got a lot of kids that are going to

have to grow into positions,” said Richey. “I know it’s not any kind of huge battle cry or anything like that, but we’ve just got to be patient and understand that learning in the first seven weeks of the season is going to be much more important for the long-term.”

—Preston Wickersham Head coach Trey Richey (McMurry), seventh season; 6413 at Borden County and overall Assistant coaches Bubba Edwards, Michael Skelton, Peter Benavidez Date Opponent Aug. 29 Newcastle** Sept. 6 Garden City Sept. 13 at Rankin Sept. 20 Hermleigh Sept. 27 at Dawson Oct. 4 Water Valley Oct. 17 Plainview Christian Oct. 25 at Klondike* Nov. 1 at Grady* Nov. 8 O’Donnell* * — District 4-IA, six-man game ** — at Jayton

Time 6 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

n 2012 season, district record: 9-3, 3-0 (first place District 4-IA, six-man) n District: 4-IA, six-man n Basic offense: J-Bird/Shotgun n Basic defense: 2-3 n Year last won district: 2012 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Coyote Den (Capacity 600) n Returnees: four of 11 lettermen, zero offensive starters, two defensive starters n Returning starters: LB Tristen Benavidez, DE Frank Banman n Other lettermen: RB/S Korbin Martinez, FB/CB Jordan Martinez n Top newcomers: QB/CB Riley Herridge, E/DE Thomas Harrison, RB/CB Hunter Jones

SIX-MAN header

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Player Joel Andrade Frank Banman Tristen Benavidez Diego Bernal Steven Carrillo Braxton Coor Mason Coor Nathan Ham Thomas Harrison Riley Herridge Hunter Huse Jayden King Hunter Jones Robert Jordan Jayton Lewis Kace Lott Korbin Martinez Jordan Martinez Dylan Murphy Colby Pennell Jacob Phinizy Nathan Souder Corbin Summers Michael Taylor Merik Valentine Kale Yarbro

Ht. Wt. 5-8 231 5-11 175 5-9 195 6-0 215 5-10 162 5-10 151 5-9 135 5-10 161 6-0 171 5-10 158 5-8 171 5-10 151 5-9 145 5-10 145 5-9 141 5-10 155 5-10 145 5-8 149 5-4 111 5-10 155 5-6 135 5-9 156 5-9 131 6-4 225 5-11 171 5-10 167

Yr. Pos. So. E/DE Jr. C/DE Sr. FB/LB Fr. E/DE Fr. FB/LB Fr. C/DE Jr. QB/S Jr. E/DE So. E/DE Jr. QB/CB Fr. C/DE Fr. E/CB Fr. RB/CB So. E/CB Fr. FB/CB Fr. C/LB So. RB/S Sr. FB/CB Fr. E/CB So. E/DE Fr. E/S So. FB/DE Fr. RB/CB Sr. C/DE So. E/DE Fr. E/DE

KLONDIKE COUGARS This year looks to be a major test for Klondike as the Cougars return four starters on both sides of the ball. A strong group of seniors, led by running back Nathan Sevedge and quarterback Wyatt Tidwell, brings a wealth of experience to a team that has improved steadily over the past few years under coach Chad Fouts.

“We’ve won a few more games each year that we’ve been here,” said Fouts, “and last year we just barely missed the playoffs.

We’re just building on that. We know we’re a playoff-caliber team.”

Fouts says his squad needs to pull an upset this year if the Cougars want to make the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

“We need to come across with a win in a game we’re not supposed to win,” he said. “I think those kinds of games really change the outlook of the kids in the program.”

Klondike will have home-field advantage in its two toughest district matches against Borden County and Grady. Winning one of those games would go a long way toward securing a playoff spot for the Cougars in 2013.

—Preston Wickersham Head coach Chad Fouts (Eastern New Mexico), third season; 10-10 at Klondike and overall Assistant coaches Chris Roberts, Andrew Tijerina Date Opponent Aug. 31 Marfa** Sept. 6 Water Valley Sept. 13 at Dawson Sept. 20 Wellman-Union Sept. 27 at Ira Oct. 4 Whitharral Oct. 11 at Sands Oct. 25 Borden County* Nov. 1 at O’Donnell* Nov. 8 Grady* ** — at McCamey * — District 4-IA, six-man game

Time 5:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

n 2012 season, district record: 6-4, 1-2 (third place District 4-IA, six-man) n District: 4-IA, six-man n Basic offense: Spread n Basic defense: 4-2 n Year last won district: 1996 n Year last made playoffs: 2008 n Stadium: Jim and Pat Nance Field (Capacity 500) n Returnees: seven of 13 lettermen, four offensive starters, four defensive starters

n Returning starters: RB/LB Nathan Sevedge, QB/DB Wyatt Tidwell, E/DE John Turner, RB/LB Klayton Fielding n Other lettermen: RB/DE Erick Barkowsky, C/DE Shawn Solis, E/DB Chris Arismendez n Top newcomers: RB/S Aaron Skiles Player Hayden Archer Chris Arismendez Erick Barkowsky Klayton Fielding Marcos Molina Nathan Sevedge Aaron Skiles Shawn Solis Wyatt Tidwell John Turner

Ht. Wt. 6-1 175 5-10 140 6-0 180 6-1 175 5-8 175 5-10 175 6-0 170 6-1 220 5-9 155 5-10 150

Yr. Pos. Jr. C/DE So. WR/DB Jr. RB/DE Sr. RB/LB So. RB/CB Sr. RB/LB So. RB/S Jr. C/DE Sr. QB/DB Sr. E/DE

MOTLEY CO. MATADORS After accumulating an 11-2 record and making the regional playoff round last season, Motley County is aiming to return to the Division II state championship game this year.

With nearly half of last years’ starters returning, along with a whopping 18 lettermen, the Matadors have a good chance to make their second state title game in three years.

Senior running back and linebacker Jamie Jameson will be the team’s top returner from last year’s squad.

—Preston Wickersham Head coach Mike Bigham (McMurry), eighth season; 6922 at Motley County, 84-27 overall Assistant coaches Kenton Johnson and Chuck Ream Date Opponent Aug. 31 Highland** Sept. 6 Kress Sept. 13 at Advantage Acad.

Sept. 20 Paducah Sept. 27 Midland Greenwood Oct. 11 Slaton* Oct. 18 at Kermit* Oct. 25 Denver City* Nov. 1 Brownfield* Nov. 8 at Idalou* ** — at Roscoe * — District 2-IIA, six-man game

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

n 2012 season, district record: 11-2, 3-0 (first place District 2-IIA, six-man) n District: 2-IIA, six-man n Basic offense: T and I n Basic defense: 3-2 n Year last won district: 2012 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Burleson Field (Capacity 1,200) n Returnees: 18 of 22 lettermen, two offensive starters, three defensive starters Note: No roster was available by press time.

AMHERST BULLDOGS Robert Herrera will take over the head coaching position in 2013 after working as an assistant coach on last year’s team. The Bulldogs made the area round of the playoffs last season, so Herrera will have high expectations in his first year at the helm.

Amherst returns only two starters on both sides of the ball this year, so some of the newcomers will need to develop quickly and make an impact in district play if Amherst wants to return to the playoffs in 2013.

—Preston Wickersham

Head coach Robert Herrera, first season; 0-0 overall and at Amherst Date Opponent Aug. 30 at Happy Sept. 6 at Anton Sept. 14 at Lefors Sept. 27 Whiteface Oct. 4 at Petersburg Oct. 11 at Lorenzo Oct. 25 at Whitharral* Nov. 1 at Lazbuddie* Nov. 8 Cotton Center* * — District 3-IIA, six-man game

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

n 2012 season, district record: 6-6, 3-0 (first place District 3-IIA, six-man) n District: 3-IIA, six-man n Basic offense: J-Bird n Basic defense: 2-4 n Year last won district: 2012 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Bulldog Stadium (Capacity 1,200) n Returnees: Two of seven lettermen, two offensive starters, two defensive starters Note: No roster was available by press time.

LAZBUDDIE LONGHORNS A new season brings a new coach for the Lazbuddie Longhorns. Kevin Roberts has 20 years of coaching experience and likes what he sees from his players so far, but with experience and talent come high hopes.

“We want to win a district championship and start there,” Roberts said. We don’t want to make that our just-good-enough. We’ve got the people to do it, and from what I’ve seen so far ... there isn’t any reason why we can’t.”

The Longhorns were one win away from winning their district last year and will need to rely on the talent and experience of junior quarterback Reagan Roberts and junior running back Albert Solano to move into first place this season.

—Preston Wickersham Head coach Kevin Roberts (Angelo State), first season; 0-0 at Lazbuddie, 8-12 overall Assistant coaches Todd Rutledge Date Opponent Aug. 30 at Silverton Sept. 6 Hart Sept. 13 at Southland Sept. 20 at Plainview Christian Sept. 27 at Hedley Oct. 4 Lubbock Harmony Oct. 11 Fort Elliott Oct. 25 Cotton Center* Nov. 1 Amherst* Nov. 8 Whitharral* * — District 3-IIA, six-man game

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

n 2012 season, district record: 5-5, 1-2 (third place District 3-IIA, six-man) n District: 3-IIA, six-man n Basic offense: I n Basic defense: 3-1 n Year last won district: 1997 n Year last made playoffs: 1997 n Stadium: Longhorn Stadium (Capacity 1,000) n Returnees: six of nine lettermen, four offensive starters, three defensive starters n Returning starters: C/DL Gabe Beckerink, OL/DL T.J. Beckerink, E/DB Haldon Ivy, RB/LB Albert Solano n Other lettermen: OL/DL Gabriel Reza, RB/DB Eric Sanchez n Top newcomers: QB/LB Reagan Roberts, OL/DL Luis Godinez, RB/DB Macoy Ruthardt Player Gabe Beckerink T.J. Beckerink Luis Godinez Haldon Ivy Gabriel Reza Reagan Roberts Macoy Ruthardt Eric Sanchez Albert Solano

Ht. 6-1 6-0 6-0 6-2 5-8 6-0 5-8 5-9 5-8

Wt. 189 200 279 145 176 198 145 145 160

Yr. Pos. So. C/DL Jr. OL/DL Sr. OL/DL Jr. E/DB So. OL/DL Jr. QB/LB Sr. RB/DB So. RB/DB Jr. RB/LB

WHITHARRAL PANTHERS This might be Michael Brand’s first year as Whitharral’s head coach, but he sees an immediate opportunity to improve on last year’s record and build a team for the future.

“We’re hoping for a district championship,” Brand said. “They’ve made the playoffs the last few years, but we want to take it a step further and win district and win that bidistrict game ... It’ll be a rebuilding year, but I still think we have a chance to win district.”

Landon Rodgers, a running back who is the only senior on the team, will spearhead the Panthers’ offensive attack. With strong young players like Matt Pinkert, Chad Wisdom and Kyle Nisbet blocking for him, Rodgers looks to rack up lots of yardage on the ground in his last year at Whitharral.

—Preston Wickersham Head coach Michael Brand (Howard Payne University), first season; 0-0 at Whitharral, 9-11 overall Assistant coach Clayton Fryar Date Opponent Aug. 30 at Dawson Sept. 6 Wellman-Union Sept. 13 Whiteface Sept. 20 at Anton Sept. 27 at Southland Oct. 4 at Klondike Oct. 11 Wilson Oct. 25 Amherst* Nov. 1 at Cotton Center* Nov. 8 Lazbuddie* * — District 3-IIA, six-man game

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

n 2012 season, district record: 5-6, 2-1 (second place District 3-IIA, six-man) n District: 3-IIA, six-man n Basic offense: J-Bird n Basic defense: 2-3-1 n Year last won district: 2006 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: McCormack-Doshier (Capacity 500) n Returnees: Three of 11 lettermen, two offensive starters, two defensive starters n Returning starters: RB/LB Landon Rodgers, C/NG Matt Pinkert, QB/DE Chris Rodgers, RB/S Nathan Gage n Top newcomers: FB/DE Chad Wisdom, G/NG Kyle Nisbet Player Yr. Pos. Kevin Albus So. WR/S Jamen Day So. WR/DE Kordell Doshier So. C/CB Nathan Gage Jr. RB/S Jerry Gonzales So. WR/DE Chad Moore So. WR/DE Kyle Nisbet Jr. G/NG Matt Pinkert So. C/N Austin Price So. WR/CB Landon Rodgers Sr. RB/LB Chris Rodgers Jr. QB/DE Chad Wisdom Jr. FB/DE Note: Heights and weights were not provided.

LORENZO HORNETS The Hornets had a successful first year in Division II last season, advancing to the bi-district round of the playoffs. With a new

61

coach and some returning starters, the Hornets hope to continue to improve their record in the district.

New coach Felix Martinez isn’t all that new, though — he was the coach for Lorenzo in the 1990s and 2000s, when the school played 11-man football. He has been an assistant on six-man teams since the school dropped down, and he said that while the game has a lot of differences, football is still football.

Martinez says there is no single standout player on the roster, but he believes that a team-first attitude among the players will pay dividends for Lorenzo this year.

“I think our kids are pretty equal in ability,” Martinez said. I think the thing we’re trying to get better at is trying to get the kids closer and understanding that we all need each other, because we don’t have that one superstar.”

—Preston Wickersham Head coach Felix Martinez (Eastern New Mexico), first season; 5-6 overall and at Lorenzo Assistant coach Tommy DeLeon Date Opponent Aug. 31 Sands Sept. 6 Christ the King Sept. 13 at Hermleigh Sept. 20 Loop Sept. 27 at Hart Oct. 4 Kress Oct. 11 Amherst Oct. 25 Southland* Nov. 1 Wilson* Nov. 8 at New Home* * — District 4-IIA, six-man game

Time 5 p.m.

5 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

62

n 2012 season, district record: 5-6, 2-1 (second place District 4-IIA, six-man) n District: 4-IIA, six-man n Basic offense: Multiple n Basic defense: 3-2 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Hornet Field (Capacity 1,100) n Returnees: six of 10 lettermen, three offensive starters, three defensive starters n Returning starters: C/LB Ramiro Gonzales, RB/DE Jamarcus Gonzales, E/NG Michael Miranda, QB/DB Beto Champion n Other lettermen: E/DE Michael Phillips, RB/LB Avel Castillo n Top newcomers: RB/LB Tony DeLeon Player Armando Alcala Phillip Alverado Avel Castillo Josue Castillo Beto Champion Alejandro DeLeon Tony DeLeon Cody Donahue Anthony Gonzales Jamarcus Gonzales Michael Gonzales Ramiro Gonzales Lorenzo Hernandez Justin Hinojos Michael Miranda Michael Phillips Abel Salinas

Ht. Wt. 5-5 120 5-11 170 5-8 150 5-9 130 5-8 140 5-9 140 5-10 150 6-2 240 5-8 130 5-8 170 5-9 125 5-11 180 5-9 120 5-7 120 5-8 150 6-0 140 5-6 120

Yr. Pos. So. E/DB So. C/DE So. RB/LB So. E/DE Sr. QB/DB So. E/LB So. RB/LB So. C/NG So. RB/LB Sr. RB/DE Fr. E/DE Sr. C/LB Fr. RB/DE Fr. QB/DB Sr. E/NG Jr. E/DE So. RB/S

NEW HOME LEOPARDS After earning both district and bi-district titles in 2012, the New Home Leopards have high hopes for a deep playoff run in the 2013 season.

Two seniors, running back Clayton Walden and offensive lineman Chris Alaniz, will lead the Leopards potent rushing attack. Alaniz is the team’s only returning two-way starter and looks to benefit from the new power scheme under second-year coach J.K. Hester.

“We’re probably going to look a lot different on offense from last year,” said Hester.

“We were a finesse football team, and this year we’re going to focus on a power running game. Last year we ran a lot of spread with the ball and this year we’re going to try to run downhill.”

—Preston Wickersham Head coach J.K. Hester (West Texas A&M), second season; 9-3 at New Home, 29-33 overall Assistant coaches Koby Abney Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4

SIX-MAN header

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Opponent Miami** Latter Rain Christian at Petersburg at Grady Whiteface

Time 8 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Wellman-Union Oct. 18 O’Donnell Oct. 25 Wilson* Nov. 1 at Southland* Nov. 8 Lorenzo* ** — at Happy * — District 4-IIA, six-man game

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

n 2012 season, district record: 9-3, 3-0 (first place District 4-IIA, six-man) n District: 4-IIA, six-man n Basic offense: T n Basic defense: 2-3-1 n Year last won district: 2012 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Leopard Field (Capacity 500) n Returnees: 10 of 16 lettermen, two offensive starters, one defensive starter n Returning starters: OL Chris Alaniz, RB/LB Clayton Walden n Other lettermen: QB/S Blaine Watts, E/LB D.J. Ussery, E/LB Brad Walden, RB/LB Victor Martinez, OL/DL Parker Smithson, OL/ DL Caleb Ibarra, OL/DL Austin Reyes, WR/S Mariano Torres n Top newcomers: E/LB Eric Baker, RB/ LB John Flores Player Jackson Abney Chris Alaniz Eric Baker John Flores Miguel Gomez Caleb Ibarra Garrett Jameson Victor Martinez Austin Reyes Emanuel Rosa Michael Silva Parker Smithson Mariano Torres D.J. Ussery Brad Walden Clayton Walden Blaine Watts

Ht. Wt. 5-10 160 5-11 240 6-0 140 5-6 150 5-8 130 5-5 230 5-4 150 5-8 195 5-9 230 5-10 150 5-9 130 5-11 180 5-6 115 5-11 140 5-7 150 5-10 175 5-5 140

Yr. Pos. Fr. E/LB Sr. OL/DL Sr. E/LB So. RB/LB Fr. RB/LB So. OL/DL Fr. E/DL Jr. RB/LB So. OL/DL Fr. E/S Jr. E/LB So. OL/DL Jr. E/S Jr. E/LB Jr. E/LB Sr. RB/LB Jr. QB/S

SOUTHLAND EAGLES Southland will be afforded a rare luxury in 2013 as it returns all of its starters from last year. Coach Craig Hamilton hopes his team’s depth of experience in both starters and non-starters will translate to success this season.

“We have some kids that are returning that ended up getting some starting experience due to injury,” said Hamilton. “Yeah, they may not be starters coming back, but we’ve got a lot of time on the board. It’s coming. They’ve worked really hard and done a good job.”

After finishing fourth in the district last year, Southland will need junior Cale Folgerson, senior Jason Collazo and sophomore Kevin Dorman, all two-way returning starters, to be key contributors if the Eagles want to reach the playoffs.

—Preston Wickersham

Head coach Craig Hamilton (Lubbock Christian), third season; 4-16 at Southland and overall Assistant coaches Bob Davis, Kyle Fogerson, Justin Rucker Date Opponent Aug. 30 O’Donnell Sept. 6 at Silverton Sept. 13 Lazbuddie Sept. 20 at Cotton Center Sept. 27 Whitharral Oct. 4 at Loop Oct. 11 Dawson Oct. 25 at Lorenzo* Nov. 1 New Home* Nov. 8 at Wilson* * — District 4-IIA, six-man game

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

n 2012 season, district record: 1-9, 0-3 (fourth place District 4-IIA, six-man) n District: 4-IIA, six-man n Basic offense: Tight n Basic defense: 3-2 n Year last won district: 2007 n Year last made playoffs: 2007 n Stadium: Eagle Stadium (Capacity 350) n Returnees: 12 of 12 lettermen, six offensive starters, six defensive starters n Returning starters: QB/S Kevin Dorman, DE Zachary Vizcaino, C Wyatt Benham, DE Demaria Fisher, E/LB Cale Fogerson, S Zaron Garza, G Bryce Meurer, G Adam Avila, RB/LB Jason Collazo, n Other lettermen: RB/LB Hayden Benham, C/NG Zackree Reeves, RB/S Gavin Schniers, E/S Richard Ramirez, E/DE Allen Schniers n Top newcomers: RB/DE Remy Rodriguez Player Adam Avila Hayden Benham Wyatt Benham Walker Booth Jason Collazo Nathan Collazo Kevin Dorman Demaria Fisher Gilbert Flores Cale Fogerson Dallyn Fogerson Zaron Garza Robbie Haney Tyler Johnson Bryce Meurer Richard Ramirez Zackree Reeves Michael Rocha Remy Rodriguez

Ht. Wt. 6-2 220 5-6 125 5-7 130 5-6 125 5-8 165 5-7 140 5-9 130 5-9 185 5-8 210 6-0 185 5-9 185 5-9 150 5-10 185 5-7 150 6-2 185 5-10 160 5-10 205 5-6 220 5-7 185

Yr. Pos. Sr. G/DE So. RB/LB Jr. C/DE Fr. RB/LB Sr. RB/LB Fr. E/DE So. QB/S Jr. G/DE Jr. G/DE Jr. E/LB Fr. G/NG Jr. RB/S Sr. C/DE Fr. RB/S Jr. G/NG Sr. E/S So. C/NG Fr. G/NG Sr. RB/DE

Allen Schniers Gavin Schniers Zachary Viscaino Chance Wood

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013 5-8 5-5 5-7 6-3

175 115 125 140

Sr. E/DE So. RB/S So. RB/DE Sr. E/DE

WILSON MUSTANGS If Wilson can stay healthy this year, second-year coach Chase Ryan believes his team can finally break a 27-year playoff drought. However, with only seven players on the roster, Ryan knows his team will need to play an ironman season to achieve that goal.

“The challenge is practice,” Ryan said.

“We have no scout team to go up against, so it’s hard to get a good look before. The good thing is, they understand that, and they show up every day to work out. They know they have each other’s backs.”

Despite the challenges, Ryan says his team is practicing with a tenacity that impresses him.

“This has been the best week of two-adays ever,” he said. “It’s fun to watch, it really is, and they’re soaking it up like a sponge.

They know what they’re walking into with seven of them.”

Senior running back Austin Castillo and junior quarterback Cedric Aguirre will be the centerpieces of the Mustangs’ offense.

Zackk Mendez, a 6-foot, 220-pound freshman center and nose guard, will need to learn the playbook quickly but could be a key contributor when district play arrives.

—Preston Wickersham Head coach Chase Ryan (Texas Tech), second season; 5-5 at Wilson, 5-5 overall Assistant coaches Corey Williamson, Nick Comey Date Opponent Aug. 29 Latter Rain Christian Sept. 6 Westbrook Sept. 13 at Jayton Sept. 20 Patton Springs Sept. 27 at Christ the King Oct. 4 Wellman-Union Oct. 11 at Whitharral Oct. 25 at New Home* Nov. 1 at Lorenzo* Nov. 8 Southland* * — District 4-IIA, six-man game

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

n 2012 season, district record: 5-5, 1-2 (third place District 4-IIA, six-man) n District: 4-IIA, six-man

n Basic offense: Spread n Basic defense: 2-4 n Year last won district: 1986 n Year last made playoffs: 1986 n Stadium: Mustang Stadium (Capacity 250) n Returnees: two of six lettermen, two offensive starters, two defensive starters n Returning starters: QB/LB Cedric Aguirre, RB/LB Austin Castillo n Top newcomers: RB/LB Pete Esparza Player Cedric Aguirre Austin Castillo Pete Esparza Zackk Mendez Chris Nino Bailey Steen Joshua Trice

Ht. Wt. 5-8 160 5-8 175 5-8 185 6-0 220 5-9 200 5-10 150 6-1 150

Yr. Pos. Jr. QB/LB Sr. RB/LB So. RB/LB Fr. C/NG Sr. FB/LB Fr. WR/LB Jr. WR/S

LOOP LONGHORNS After losing about half of their starting lineup and their head coach, the Longhorns will have a tough time dethroning Dawson for the district title.

Despite the challenges, new head coach David Donnell, who has 15 years of experience in six-man football, thinks this year’s squad can do great things.

“Expectations are high for them,” Donnell said. “They made the playoffs last year, and we have four returning starters. At the least, we’ll make the playoffs again.”

Donnell is worried about injuries with a small team, but he says it’s just the nature of the game.

“It’s great,” he said. “That’s what six-man football is all about. You have to think about pace and make sure they’re in great condition.”

Donnell expects big things from offensive centerpiece Leo Ramirez, a junior running back who earned a second-team all-region berth last year when he accumulated 1,403 yards and 29 touchdowns. Donnell also sees promise in new quarterback Jackson Tupin, a senior who switched to the position this offseason.

Ramirez and Tupin should provide a balanced offensive attack to complement Loop’s big defensive line, but someone will need to step up as a top receiving threat. Donnell hopes that newcomer Dustin Griffin, a 6-foot2, 215-pound sophomore tight end, will be able to fill that role.

—Preston Wickersham Head coach David Donnell (Angelo State University), first season; 0-0 at Loop, 12-8 overall Assistant coaches Isaiah Archer Date Opponent Sept. 6 Whiteface Sept. 13 at O’Donnell Sept. 20 at Lorenzo Sept. 27 at Grandfalls-Royalty Oct. 4 Southland Oct. 11 Kingdom Prep Oct. 25 Sands* Nov. 1 Wellman-union* Nov. 8 at Dawson* * — District 5-IIA, six-man game

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

n 2012 season, district record: 7-4, 2-1 (second place District 5-IIA, six-man) n District: 5-IIA, six-man n Basic offense: J-Bird n Basic defense: 3-2-1

SIX-MAN header

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Lubbock Avalanche-Journal n Year last won district: 2010 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Cub Stadium (Capacity 5,000) n Returnees: seven of 10 lettermen, four offensive starters, three defensive starters n Returning starters: RB/S Bobby Joe Perez, RB/LB Leo Ramirez, QB/DE Jackson Tupin, FB/LB Alejandro Burrola n Other lettermen: WR/LB Colby Scott, TE/DL Oscar Basquez n Top newcomers: TE/DL Dustin Griffin Player Oscar Basquez Caithen Bodey Shane Bodey Alejandro Burrola Case Clark Bobby Joe Perez Dustin Griffin Leo Ramirez Colby Scott Lee Scott Jackson Tupin

Ht. Wt. 6-0 265 6-0 145 6-3 165 6-3 250 5-10 230 5-7 145 6-2 215 5-11 175 5-10 150 5-5 105 5-10 165

Yr. Pos. So. TE/DL Fr. QB/S Sr. WR/S Sr. FB/LB So. C/DL Sr. RB/S So. TE/DL Jr. RB/LB Sr. WR/LB Fr. WR/S Sr. QB/DE

WELLMAN -UNION WILDCATS The Wildcats only won one game last season, but former assistant and new head coach Isaac Martinez believes that this year’s squad will be able to improve dramatically if it can avoid injuries.

“We were really young last year and the injury bug really hit us hard,” Martinez said.

“We only graduated two seniors. The bulk of our talent is back and I think with all the young experience it’ll definitely help us.”

Wellman-Union will play in a tough district that includes Dawson, Loop and Sands, but if the senior class members can build on their experience from last season, Martinez thinks that his squad has a chance to compete for its first district title since 2005.

—Preston Wickersham Head coach Isaac Martinez (West Texas A&M), first season; 0-0 at Wellman-Union and overall Assistant coaches Kyler Ellison, Eric Erwin, Joe Bob Ussery Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20

Opponent Spur at Whitharral Meadow at Klondike

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Anton Oct. 4 at Wilson Oct. 11 New Home Oct. 25 Dawson* Nov. 1 at Loop* Nov. 8 Sands* * — District 5-IIA, six-man game

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

n 2012 season, district record: 1-9, 0-3 (fourth place District 5-IIA, six-man) n District: 5-IIA, six-man n Basic offense: Multiple n Basic defense: Multiple n Year last won district: 2005 n Year last made playoffs: 2006 n Stadium: Wildcat Stadium (Capacity 750) n Returnees: 15 of 17 lettermen, five offensive starters, five defensive starters n Returning starters: QB/S Kirby Bailey, RB/LB Kaleb Chase, RB/LB Kolby Chase, E/ DE Robert Steiger, C/DE Luis Gonzalez n Other lettermen: QB/LB Nathaniel Steiger, C/DE Hunter Walters, E/DE Steve Olivas n Top newcomers: Braden Caldwell, Martin Loewen, Luis Jaramillo Player Albert Alaniz Kirby Bailey Landon Bradley Braden Caldwell Kaleb Chase Kolby Chase Luis Gonzales Luis Jaramillo Martin Loewen Esan Macias Steve Olivas Nathaniel Steiger Robert Steiger Vincent Tedford Hunter Walters

Ht. Wt. 5-7 150 5-8 150 6-0 150 5-9 155 5-11 180 5-11 175 6-1 220 5-10 155 6-2 150 5-7 155 5-7 155 5-7 150 5-9 170 6-2 165 6-0 165

Yr. Pos. Fr. Sr. QB/S Jr. E/DE So. Sr. RB/LB Sr. RB/LB Jr. C/DE So. So. Fr. So. E/DE So. QB/LB Sr. E/DE Jr. E/DE So. C/DE

DAWSON DRAGONS The Dawson Dragons have some of the highest expectations of any team in the region in 2013, but coach Ed Robison says he and his team like it that way.

“We have a target on our back,” said Robison. “I try to tell the kids they deserve that. You’ve got to show up every week and keep showing them that’s what you deserve.

We kind of take that as real exciting.”

Early preseason rankings have the Dragons at eighth in the state in the Division II six-man rankings. Some of that has to do with experience, as the Dragons will return five starters on

www.lonestarvarsity.com Football Fever 2013

both sides of the ball and a head coach who has held the position for 12 years.

Nick Garcia, senior quarterback, and David Valero, an honorable mention all-state senior running back in 2012, will be four-year starters for Dawson this season. As the school goes for its sixth consecutive playoff berth, Robison and his experienced team will be hoping for a deep postseason run and, if healthy, a possible state title.

“We’ve got those expectations,” said Robison. “We think we’re going to be right there in the hunt when it comes down to it.”

—Preston Wickersham

Abel Guzman Evan Martinez Peyton McKnight Trey Sessums Zack Slocum Michael Vera David Valero James Valero

Head coach Edward Robison (Angelo State), sixth season; 38-22 at Dawson, 50-30 overall Assistant coaches Bradyen Courtney, Sali Shellman, Todd Wall

After advancing to the area round of the playoffs last season, coach Josh Stanaland believes his team is playing football at the right level. Now he wants his players — especially the younger ones — to take the next step.

“We graduated some good kids, but our kids have a goal this year,” Stanaland said.

“They want to win three gold footballs ...

It’s going to depend on those kids coming around and improving throughout the year.

We want those freshmen playing like sophomores and those sophomores playing like juniors once the district schedule starts.”

Jayton will start three non-seniors on each side of the ball, but the Jaybirds do have a star in senior Jacob Galart, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound center and nose guard who was honorable mention all-state on defense last season.

With Aspermont, last year’s District 9-IIA champion, returning just one starter on offense and defense, Jayton has a chance to take command of the district in 2013 if its young players can step up.

—Preston Wickersham

Date Opponent Aug. 30 Whitharral Sept. 6 at O’Donnell Sept. 13 Klondike Sept. 20 at Whiteface Sept. 27 Borden County Oct. 4 at Westbrook Oct. 11 at Southland Oct. 25 at Wellman-Union* Nov. 1 at Sands* Nov. 8 Loop* * — District 5-IIA, six-man game

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

n 2012 season, district record: 8-3, 3-0 (first place District 5-IIA, six-man) n District: 5-IIA, six-man n Basic offense: J-Bird n Basic defense: 3-1 n Year last won district: 2011 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: McCauley Field (Capacity 500) n Returnees: six of seven lettermen, six offensive starters, six defensive starters n Returning starters: TE/CB Ernie Falcon, QB/CB Nick Garcia, RB/DE David Valero, RB/S Michael Vera, RB/S James Valero, C/DE Justin Contreras n Other lettermen: TE/S Hunter Baker, RB/DE Evan Martinez, OL/DL Abel Guzman, OL/DL Peyton McKnight n Top newcomers: RB/DE Austin De La Rosa Player Justin Arenivar Hunter Baker Justin Contreras Austin De La Rosa Matthew De La Rosa Ernie Falcon Nick Garcia

Ht. Wt. 5-9 170 5-10 140 5-11 170 5-9 150 5-8 120 5-10 150 5-8 160

Yr. Pos. Fr. C/DT So. E/S So. C/DE Fr. RB/DE Fr. RB/S Sr. E/CB Sr. QB/CB

6-3 250 5-9 130 5-9 150 5-10 140 5-10 150 5-10 150 5-9 150 5-9 150

Sr. C/DT So. RB/DE Sr. G/DT Fr. QB/S Fr. E/DT Sr. RB/S Sr. RB/DE Jr. RB/S

JAYTON JAYBIRDS

Head coach Josh Stanaland (Hardin-Simmons), fourth season; 18-16 at Jayton and overall Assistant coaches Ryan Bleiker, Justin Gibson

Date Opponent Aug. 30 Sterling City Sept. 6 Blackwell Sept. 13 Wilson Sept. 20 at Moran Sept. 27 Cotton Center Oct. 4 at Rule Oct. 11 Chillicothe Oct. 25 Aspermont* Nov. 1 Guthrie* Nov. 7 at Patton Springs* * — District 9-IIA, six-man game

Time 8 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

n 2012 season, district record: 10-2, 2-1 (second place District 9-IIA, six-man) n District: 9-IIA, six-man n Basic offense: Unbalanced n Basic defense: 4-2 n Year last won district: 2010 n Year last made playoffs: 2012 n Stadium: Jaybird Stadium (Capacity 1,000) n Returnees: nine of 15 lettermen, two offensive starters, two defensive starters n Returning starters: C/NG Jacob Galart, SE/LB Garrett Reynolds

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n Other lettermen: RB/LB Nicholas Fincher, RB/S Travis Scogin, QB/DE Slade Coulter, E/DE Tony Casillas n Top newcomers: QB/S Sheldon Burchett, RB/LB Gabriel Garcia, C/DE Kobe Lisenbee, RB/LB Colton Shipp Player Tristan Benavides Sheldon Burchett Tony Casillas Slade Coulter Nicholas Fincher Jacob Galart Gabriel Garcia Colten Gerald Kobe Lisenbee Noah Morales Seth McGee Aaron Napier Garrett Reynolds Tanner Rutledge Travis Scogin Colton Shipp Dustin Winebrinner

Ht. Wt. 6-0 150 6-0 145 5-9 240 6-3 180 5-10 150 6-4 230 5-7 140 5-8 140 5-9 175 5-9 140 6-2 240 5-7 135 6-0 150 5-7 140 5-11 150 5-7 160 5-11 140

Yr. Pos. Fr. C/NG Fr. QB/S Sr. E/DE So. QB/DE Sr. RB/LB Sr. C/NG Fr. RB/LB Fr. SE/LB Fr. C/DE Fr. RB/LB So. C/NG So. RB/LB Jr. SE/LB So. RB/S Jr. RB/S So. RB/LB Sr. QB/S

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

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