Fellowship of the rings HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 2015 Eagle photo by Dave McDermand
Cameron’s Traion Smith (from left), Navasota’s Shelton Eppler, Bremond’s Dre Browning and Allen Academy’s Cody Vega earned coveted rings for helping their squads win state championships in 2014. The Eagle examines their chances of repeating and prepares you for the 2015 season in our annual special section.
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INDEX
A&M CONSOLIDATED TIGERS
Renewed purpose
Raniszeski hopes to lead improved Consol defense from free safety spot By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
Sometimes when TJ Raniszeski is in trouble, his parents call him Timothy John. Six years ago, football coaches at A&M Consolidated Middle School called him their No. 1 quarterback. L a s t y e a r, Consol’s varsity coaches, trying to avoid trouble, came up with another name for Raniszeski. Starting f ree safety. Raniszeski will RANISZESKI enter his second year in the Tigers’ secondary hoping to help Consol improve on a 5-6 season that included a third-place finish in District 185A and a first-round playoff exit. “All I can do is be excited about it,” Raniszeski said. “They said it’s going to come up on me quick, so I’m just going to enjoy my senior year, having a lot of fun spending time with my team. We’ve been playing together since flag football, and you want to take advantage of the last year.” Raniszeski played primarily quarterback or receiver in middle school, as a freshman and on the JV when he was a sophomore. In the spring of his sophomore year, coaches asked Raniszeski to switch to defense. “We weren’t sure whether he would stay and develop into the quarterback, but we knew he was a player,” Consol coach David Raffield said. “He’s a baseball player, too, and just a great kid. “We realized that his biggest impact as a junior was going to be as a safety. We never said we’d throw away the quarterback aspect of it if he were to evolve that
way, but he became a really good safety.” The strong arm that serves Raniszeski well in baseball made him a quarterback candidate in the seventh grade. He started for AMCMS and continued to take turns at the helm of the Tiger offense on the freshman B team and the JV. Raniszeski envisioned himself becoming a big, tall passer. “I have size 13 feet, so we thought I was going to grow more than I did,” Raniszeski said, grinning as he admits to being 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds. “That kind of fell through and hindered the quarterback deal. “I just found a better f it at safety. All they said they wanted was athletes, and I tried to give them that. Ever since we got here, we’ve been Tiger football players. Nobody’s confined to one position.” Since Raff ield arrived with his spread passing attack, Consol has been known as an offensive team. The Tigers’ defenders have given up plenty of points and yards, taking a lot of heat as a result. “Some people are down on the defense, but it’s about us at the end of the day,” Raniszeski said. “It’s just more fuel for the fire. When people doubt us, it should give us more energy, more incentive to do well.” The Tigers had to play last season without their top defender, Texas A&M linebacker recruit Riley Garner. Consol missed Garner greatly while allowing 147 points in nondistrict losses to Copperas Cove, Richmond Foster and Fort Bend Elkins. Same thing in a 58-14 bi-district loss to Temple. However, Raffield points out that the Tigers gave up the fewest points (151) in league play among 18-5A teams. “A lot of the [defense’s prob-
2 HighSchoolFootball 2015
FACTS
SCHEDULE
Head coach — David Raffield (85-57 overall; 29-18 at A&M Consolidated) District — 18-5A 2014 record — 5-6 (5-2 in 18-4A) 2014 playoffs — 5A Division I bidistrict: lost to Temple 58-14 Playoff appearances (32) — 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1947, 1948, 1951, 1953, 1958, 1960, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 Returning lettermen — 33 (8 offensive, 7 defensive starters) All-time record — 454-338-24 Playoff record — 40-28-1
Date Opponent Aug 28 Copperas Cove Last season: L 62-38 Sept 5 at Richmond Foster Last season: L 41-21 Sept 11 Fort Bend Elkins Last season: L 44-37 (2OT) Sept 18 Open Date District 18-5A Sept 25 Huntsville Last season: W 37-36 Oct 2 at Willis Last season: W 35-11 Oct 9 at Bryan Last season: L 56-44 Oct 16 Caney Creek* Last season: W 41-0 Oct 23 at College Station Last season: L 34-31 Oct 30 Rudder Last season: W 57-7 Nov 6 at Livingston Last season: W 63-7 *Homecoming
Time 7:30 p m 6pm 7:30 p m
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2 Rodney Jernigan, WR, sr ; 3 Kaleb Chandler, DB, sr ; 4 Cade Williams, WR, soph ; 5 Kennon Williams, WR, sr ; 6 Nich Vasquez, WR, sr ; 7 Josh Hart, QB, jr ; 9 Jared Earnest, WR, sr ; 10 Mason Hickson, QB, sr ; 11 David Gan, WR, sr ; 12 Layton Demery, WR, jr ; 13 Kolby Peel, DB, soph ; 14 Trevor Gonzalez, DB, sr ; 15 Tony Williams, WR, jr ; 16 Robert Franklin, RB, jr ; 17 Coy Winder, LB, sr ; 19 TJ Raniszeski, DB, sr ; 21 Victor Huff, DB, sr ; 22 Tyon Merchant, LB, jr ; 23 Jonathon Sylvester, DB, jr ; 24 Tyri Merchant, RB, sr ; 25 Austin Smith, WR, sr ; 26 Will Raffield, DB, sr ; 33 Christian Hunter, LB, sr ; 34 Abel Daily, LB, jr ; 35 Kyle Nash, LB, sr ; 36 Grant Johnson, WR, jr ; 40 Cooper Atkinson, LB, sr ; 41 Antonio Valadez, LB, sr ; 42 Gabe Cedena, DB, sr ; 43 Jason Jasperson, LB, jr ; 44 Trevor Williams, LB, soph ; 48 Kevin Leonard, LB, soph ; 50 Will Sullivan, OL, jr ; 52 Johnny Jefferson, OL, sr ; 53 Zacch Ransom, OL, sr ; 54 Roscoe McGregor, OL, sr ; 55 Preston Pearson, OL, sr ; 56 Kai Everett, DL, sr ; 57 Niall Creager, OL, sr ; 58 Sinathy Kao, DL, jr ; 60 Jayden Drisdale, DT, sr ; 65 Malik Williams, OL, sr ; 70 Joey Gerescher, OL, sr ; 74 Ryan Beavan, OL, sr ; 76 Phillip Jimenez, DL, sr ; 78 Travis Gonzalez, OL, sr ; 90 Jeremy Dantone, DL, sr ; 94 Hunter Kerr, DL, sr ; 95 Noah Langley, DL, sr
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backers Tyon Merchant and Abel Daily, both returning starters, along with senior cornerbacks Caleb Chandler and David Gan. Senior tackle Jayden Drisdale should anchor the defensive line. “We think Jayden has a chance to be one of the top D-linemen in the district,” Raffield said. The Tigers again should be dangerous on offense. Senior quarterback Mason Hickson will be surrounded by potential playmakers going into his second season as starter. Last year, Hickson led the district in passing with more than 2,000 yards while
2 4 6 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 17 19 21 22 23 24 24 26 27 28 29 30 31 35 36 37
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ROSTER
lems] the last two years has been about those nondistrict games, when we’re playing some war daddies,” Raffield said. “That’s the perception, because we’ve gotten into some shootouts. “We want to do better about giving up big plays. That’s happened a lot more than we’d like, and I think that’s what sticks in some people’s minds. But part of it is that’s the game of football now.” Consol is counting on Raniszeski and fellow safety Kolby Peel, a sophomore, to reduce those big plays. Other players expected to lead the defense include line-
A&M Consolidated Allen Academy Anderson-Shiro Brazos Christian Bremond Brenham Bryan Burton BVCHEA Caldwell Calvert Cameron Centerville College Station Franklin Hearne Iola Leon Lexington Madisonville Milano Navasota Normangee Rockdale Rudder Snook Somerville St Joseph
throwing for 20 touchdowns. “I watched film of last year’s [season-opening] Cove game, and Mason is a totally different quarterback than he was at that time a year ago,” Raffield said. “He had some success, and we know he’s better than he was last year. That makes you feel good.” Senior running back Tyri Merchant returns after rushing for 1,375yardsand20touchdownslast season. Robert Franklin will providequalitydepthatrunningback. Consol must replace its top two receivers, including 18-5A leader Derrick Dick, who signed with Texas-San Antonio. Raffield has high hopes for the new group, which will be led by Tony Williams, Cade Williams and Kennon Williams. “They’re all experienced from last year,” Raffield said. “They’re a very talented group, very explosive athletes.” The offensive line leaders likely will be returners Malik Williams and Nial Creager along with Phillip Jimenez, who switched from defense. Consol will open the season by hosting Copperas Cove on Aug. 28. The Tigers’ other nondistrict foes again will be Foster and Elkins.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
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HighSchoolFootball 2015
3
ALLEN ACADEMY RAMS
Vega wants to keep Rams’ state title run going FACTS
By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
Anyone tempted to describe Allen Academy athlete Cody Vega as a big fish in a small pond should know that Vega rose from the depths. Vega will enter his senior season as one of the area’s most successful high school athletes in years, having already been a part of nine state championship teams. That includes winning the Texas Christian Athletic League Division I 6-man football title last fall. Despite the fact that Allen Academy plays 6-man and competes in the small TCAL, Vega’s accomplishments are impressive. Vega grew up without a father in a low-income section of Bryan near Bryant Street, in what he calls the projects. At age 11, Vega was adopted by Joe and Amanda Scott, who enrolled him in the small private school within a couple of years. “I’m blessed,” Vega said. “I drive out there sometimes and look around and say this is what gave me my fight. I grew up with a pretty hard lifestyle. My past has helped me. That’s what pushes me, brings fire to me. Sometimes it’s bad for me. I’m always competitive no matter what I’m doing. I get mad if I lose. I’m going to fight to win in whatever it is. That’s just me.” Vega has played on five consecutive championship basketball teams since joining the Allen Academy varsity as a seventhgrader. The Rams have captured three consecutive TCAL baseball titles. Last spring, Vega pitched a no-hitter in the state final. In the fall, Vega ran for three touchdowns and threw a TD pass in the football championship. “If he hasn’t been the [main] guy on those teams, he’s been one of the [main] guys,” Allen Academy football coach Jason
SCHEDULE
Head coach — Jason Jolly (39-9 overall; 39-9 at Allen Academy) District — None: TCAL Division I 2014 record — 13-0 2014 playoffs — Bi-district: def. Houston Mount Carmel 58-8; Semifinal: def. BVCHEA 68-22; State championship: def. Greenville Phoenix 62-8 Playoff appearances (20) — 11-man (6): 1974, 1975, 1979, 1980, 1998, 2004; 6-man (14): 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 Returning lettermen — 7 (2 offensive, 2 defensive starters) Jolly said. “He’s our go-to guy pretty much on both sides of the ball. I feel like in every game last year he was the best player on the field, and I don’t expect that to be any different this year.” Vega’s best chance of playing a sport in college is baseball. A pitcher who has reached 88 mph on his fastball, he spent the summer playing travel ball for the well-known Banditos club in Houston. Vega has drawn interest from recruiters at Texas-Rio Grande Valley and Alvin Community College, and he would love to impress coaches at Texas A&M. At 5-foot-9 and 142 pounds, Vega has to overcome doubts about his size in baseball. It’s considered an even bigger detriment in football. “That’s what puts fire in me, guys doubting me, telling me I’m too small,” Vega said. “When I’m out there, I don’t care how big you are, I’m going to go head-up against you as hard as I can. I’m going to play like I’m 7-foot and 290.” Jolly has no doubts that Vega would be able to compete at larger schools, either public or private. “No matter where you put him, he’s a special kid,” Jolly said. “You can quantify his skill
4 HighSchoolFootball 2015
Date Opponent Time Aug 28 Coolidge 6 p.m. Sept 4 at Mount Calm 7:30 p.m. Sept 11 Buckholts 7 p.m. Last season: W 45-18 Sept 18 at Huntsville Alpha Omega 5 p.m. Last season: W 60-14 Sept 25 Orange Community 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 88-40 Oct 2 at Calvert 7:30 p.m. Oct 9 Temple Centex* 7 p.m. Last season: W 32-23 Oct 15 Bastrop Tribe Consolidated 7 p.m. Oct 23 at BVCHEA 7 p.m. Last season: W 74-18; W 68-22 Oct 30 at Clear Lake 7:30 p.m. Nov 6 Open *Homecoming
I’m blessed. I drive out there sometimes and look around and say this is what gave me my fight. I grew up with a pretty hard lifestyle. My past has helped me.
Eagle photo by Sam Craft Allen Academy’s Cody Vega has helped the school win nine TCAL state titles, including last year’s 6-man football title.
Cody Vega Allen Academy senior
set — how fast he runs, how fast he can throw a baseball — but it’s the intangibles that make him so special and make him a standout on the football field. “He’s our fire, our energy. He plays with such tremendous passion that it really brings the team up when he’s playing well and focused. We lean on him in that regard.” The Rams will lean more heavily on Vega this season after losing six seniors from last year’s team. “Last year we were comfortable and we could count on each other,” Jolly said. “The difference this year is we’re without
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ROSTER 2 Caleb Phillips, 5-5, 140, jr.; 3 Alex Lopez, 5-7, 140, soph.; 4 Isaiah Savala, 5-8, 150, fr.; 7 Blake Tucker, 5-7, 124, jr.; 8 Adam Acock, 5-10, 123, fr.; 10 Caleb Hogan, 6-1, 173, sr.; 11 Gareth Prescott, 6-0, 167, sr.; 12 Sam Dawson, 6-4, 190, fr.; 14 Kolby Dupont, 5-5, 128, soph.; 15 James Dunn, 5-11, 160, soph.; 20 Cody Vega, 5-9, 142, sr.; 22 Eric Vega, 5-7, 143, soph.; 30 Jaxon Rodell, 5-5, 141, fr.
those six seniors. We have some veterans that get it who I’m going to need to be able to throw in anywhere. We have a lot of younger, inexperienced guys that need to learn really quickly.” Allen Academy’s newcomers should be tested early, probably more than they will in TCAL games. The Rams’ nondistrict schedule includes perennial 6-man power Calvert along with Coolidge and Mount Calm. “We’re going to see what we’re made of pretty quickly,” Jolly said. In addition to his usual role as
spread back, Vega will be able to use his speed some at receiver because returning junior quarterback Caleb Phillips has a strong arm. The Rams also have another senior veteran in Gareth Prescott, a versatile player whose role will be determined by where the newcomers fit. Allen Academy’s small, speedy sophomore class includes Kolby Dupont, Eric Vega and Alex Lopez, who transferred last winter. Freshman Sam Dawson, a 6-4, 190-pound addition from the basketball program, should make an impact as well.
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HighSchoolFootball 2015
5
ANDERSON-SHIRO OWLS
Williams, Owls have playoffs in their sights ROSTER
By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
When he’s not running over or around opponents, AndersonShiro running back Daylan Williams would rather be fishing. Naturally, he understands the concept of a big one getting away. That’s how Anderson-Shiro looks at the end of the 2014 season, when the Owls were unbeaten in District 12-2A Division I before dropping their last two games and missing the playoffs on a tiebreaker. The closing loss to state semifinalist Centerville was one thing, but particularly painful was a 37-28 setback against Groveton, a team with a losing record that edged the Owls for a playoff berth. Williams ran for 197 yards and three touchdowns against Groveton, but a thigh injury cost him part of that game and the season finale. “We did pretty good for a new coach coming in last year, but our
FACTS
1 Hawkin Lolley, WR/OLB, soph.; 2 William Brooks, jr.; 4 Addison Hesterman, FS, jr,; 5 Bradley Johnson, QB/FS, jr.; 6 Dillon Hesterman, SS, jr.; 7 Randall Allgood, SB/OLB, jr.; 8 Eric Welch, jr.; 9 Preston Ojeda, jr.; 10 Luke Moy, CB, jr.; 11 Payton Igo, QB/SS, sr.; 12 Aaron Zenn, CB/WR, sr.; 17 James Cooper, soph.; 20 Darius Bookman, soph.; 22 Damon Chase, soph.; 25 Brayden Stanley, soph.; 27 Daylan Williams, RB/OLB, sr.; 32 Matt Lero, sr.; 34 Dustin Coleman, soph.; 45 Dylan Bohnert, DE/TE, sr.; 50 Tyler Parker, sr.; 52 Ray Smith, G/LS, sr.; 54 Austin Derrett, jr.; 55 Trent Sorsby, soph.; 56 Fernando Olguin, sr.; 60 Caleb Kubacak, G, jr,; 62 Payton Sorsby, K/P, sr.; 64 Colton Spinks, jr.; 66 Sam McClosky, T/G/DT, sr.; 72 Christian Burns, DE/G, soph.; 77 Justin Cooper, sr.; 79 Jackson Carrell, G/DT, sr.
goal was to get to the playoffs,” Williams said. “I got hurt at the end of the season and I couldn’t help my team get the victory at Groveton. That was hard because Centerville was a good team. It was painful because my team was looking to me to be the 200-yard running back every game and I couldn’t provide that.” Williams still gave the Owls plenty in his junior season. He was a second-team All-Brazos Valley selection after rushing for 1,801 yards and 24 touchdowns on 233 carries. “He grew up a lot between his sophomore and junior year,” An-
derson-Shiro coach Andy Sexton said. “We didn’t know what we had until the season went along and he carried the ball more.” Expect Williams to get plenty of carries this season. The Owls have four starters returning on the offensive line and started preseason practice trying to decide on a quarterback. In addition, the 5-foot-8, 205-pound Williams fits perfectly into Sexton’s desire to play power football. “He’s just got natural vision,” Sexton said. “He’ll be the first to tell you that he’s not a 4.5 [40-yard dash] guy, but he plays fast. He’s very strong, with a low center
SCHEDULE
Head coach — Andy Sexton (3586 overall; 6-3 at Anderson-Shiro) District — 12-2A Division I 2014 record — 6-3 (3-2 in 12-2A Division I) 2014 playoffs — did not qualify Playoff appearance (1) — 2013 Returning lettermen — 20 (9 offensive, 8 defensive starters) All-time record — 12-17 Playoff record — 0-1-0 of gravity and great vision and great lateral movement. “I don’t care if it’s Friday night, Saturday afternoon or Sunday, football is going to be won up front. You’ve got to control the line of scrimmage. We’re going to hang our hat on being physical and being tough.” Anderson-Shiro’s offensive line will feature Sam McClosky at center, Justin Cooper at guard, plus Jackson Carrell and Ray Smith at tackles. “They’re big and they’re strong
Date Opponent Time Aug 29 vs. La Pryor+ 7 p.m. Last season: W 25-15 Sep 4 Milano 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 28-14 Sept 11 at Iola 7:30 p.m. Sept 18 at Boling 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 20-0 Sept 25 open Oct 2 Palestine Westwood* 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 41-12 District 12-2A Division I Oct 9 at West Hardin 7 p.m. Last season: W 46-8 Oct 16 Lovelady 7 p.m. Last season: W 13-12 Oct 23 at Hull-Daisetta 7 p.m. Last season: W 51-20 Oct 30 Groveton 7 p.m. Last season: L 37-28 Nov 6 at Centerville 7 p.m. Last season: L 55-12 +at Bob Shelton Stadium, Buda *Homecoming
and they do a great job,” Sexton said. “It’s huge having those guys back.” As is the case at most 2A schools, the linemen will play of-
See ANDERSON, Page 18
BRAZOS CHRISTIAN EAGLES
Honnas to continue churning for Eagles By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
Jesse Honnas’ view may have changed, but his outlook hasn’t. “I don’t like getting in the three-point [stance],” said Honnas, who will shift from fullback to tailback for the Brazos Christian Eagles. “I like getting in the two-point. I feel like there’s more options and there’s a lot more plays I can run. I can see a lot better.” Teaming in the backfield with his brother Kenny, Jesse played fullback when Brazos Christian reached the TAPPS state title
game two years ago. A strong runner between the tackles, Jesse showed good quickness hitting his holes and continued that style most of his junior season. “I had to pick a hole and go, but this year I can JESSE HONNAS look around and see what I am doing,” Jesse Honnas said. What he is doing is rushing for big yardage. As a sophomore, he ran for 1,644 rushing yards. Last
6 HighSchoolFootball 2015
season with one less playoff game, Honnas added 1,606 more and scored 20 touchdowns. He also caught nine passes for 245 yards, scoring four times. “I think I’m hard-nosed,” Honnas said. “I think I know my position. I know what to do, and when things get hard, I encourage my teammates.” They encourage him, too. “All four years, I’ve had a great line,” Honnas said. “Watching them block, reading their blocks, we have great chemistry. I’m confident in them and confident in myself.” Said Brazos Christian coach
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Brandon Green: “He’s been the guy. He’s been out one game with a sprained ankle, and you could tell when he went down the air deflated. They knew, oh, man, we just lost a special guy. He’s a special, explosive player and is fun to watch.” Honnas has been an off-thefield leader for a long time. “He’s done that since he was in the eighth grade,” Green said. “He snuck in the weight room. We thought he was a freshman because his brother was in an upper class and we had a new
See BRAZOS CHRISTIAN, Page 18
FACTS
Head coach — Brandon Green (28-8 overall; 28-8 at Brazos Christian) District — TAPPS Division III District 4 2014 record — 9-3 (5-2 in TAPPS Division III District 4) 2014 playoffs — Bi-district: def. Hallettsville Sacred Heart 48-8; Regional: lost to The Woodlands Christian 40-14 Playoff appearances (12) — 6-man (2): 2000, 2001; 11-man (11): 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 Returning lettermen — 15 (7 offensive, 7 defensive starters)
Thursday, August 27, 2015
BREMOND TIGERS
Bremond has chance for rare state title repeat SCHEDULE
By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
A second state football championship in 33 seasons won’t have Bremond claiming it replaced Boston or Green Bay as Titletown, but that was enough to show the Tigers life is good there. “When you win, everything’s just easier,” Bremond coach and graduate Jeff Kasowski said. “Everybody wants to be a part. They all want to listen. They all want to be coached. They all want to win and be part of that. “The day you win the championship game, it’s really not real for quite a long time. It’s kind of that pinch-me kind of thing. For a long time — I’m talking a couple of weeks — you would wake up in the morning and have to convince yourself that happened.” TheTigerscouldcontinueliving thedreamforawhile.Bremondreturns most key players from the team that went 15-0 and won the Class2ADivisionIIchampionship game 28-21 over Albany at AT&T Stadium in December. After waiting since 1981 for a second state football title, could Bremond be in position to capture two in a row? “There’s a lot of confidence in the fact that we know we can be pretty good,” Kasowski said. “We have pretty grounded kids here in Bremond. They know what it takes. They’re confident in the things we do offensively and defensively. The kids enjoy playing, getting out there and competing. It’s just a part of Bremond culture. “The kids know that we have a target on our back, and I think they accept that. We’re excited about the possibility of being able to have another good year, however that ends for us.” Happy endings come much easier with talent, and Bremond has a bunch. The Tigers are loaded with proven playmakers, particularly on offense, returning nine starters from a unit
Date Opponent Time Aug 28 at Hearne 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 40-8 Sept 4 Thorndale 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 54-28 Sept 11 at Hubbard 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 20-6 Sept 18 Mart 7:30 p.m. District 13-2A Division II Sept 25 Granger* 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 72-6 Oct 2 at Somerville 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 53-7 Oct 9 Snook 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 54-14 Oct 16 at Burton 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 55-21 Oct 23 Milano 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 38-0 Oct 30 Open Nov 6 at Bartlett 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 51-6 *Homecoming
that scored 40 or more points 11 times last season and averaged 40.2 points in five playoff games. Bremond features a terrific tandem in junior quarterback Roshauud Paul and senior wide receiver Rayandre Browning. Last season the high-octane pair combined for 4,729 yards and 74 touchdowns. The development of Paul allowed Browning to make the Tigers more dangerous by playing primarily receiver after spending parts of his first two seasons at quarterback. Paul rushed for 1,618 yards and 23 touchdowns. He passed for 1,560 yards and 26 scores. “Roshauud was a great runner and he became a good passer,” Kasowski said. “He didn’t throw for a lot of yards because we ran the ball at lot, but he could have. His passing percentage was over 70 percent. “He’s really good with his head. He’ll take what you say and use it, and that’s not always the case with kids.” Browning’s bid to become Kasowski’s second 1,000-yard receiver came up just short (50 catches, 948 yards, 10 TDs), but he made a major impact running the ball as quarterback in the wildcat formation, scoring
Thursday, August 27, 2015
FACTS Head coach — Jeff Kasowski (4013 overall; 40-13 at Bremond) District — 13-2A Division II 2014 record — 15-0 (6-0 in 13-2A Division II) 2014 playoffs — Bi-district: Bye; Area: def. Rocksprings 48-0; Regional: def. Louise 47-6; Quarterfinal: def. Bruni 46-7; Semifinal: def. Tenaha 32-29; State championship: Bremond def. Albany 28-21 State playoff appearances (28) — 1951, 1955, 1957, 1962, 1963, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 Returning lettermen — 30 (9 offensive, 6 defensive starters) All-time record — 491-359-26 Playoff record — 59-24-2 15 times. “You get him the ball any way you can that week based on what we do well plus what the defense is giving you,” Kasowski said. “We get him the ball however we can, as much as we can.” Opponents likely will focus on Browning, but Bremond has other playmakers in wide receiver Josh White and slot receiver Joe Williams, who often lines up on the same side of the formation as Browning. The Tigers also have a returning starter in blocking fullback Josh Anderson. The Tigers return three starters up front in tackles JR Rocha and Garrison Tullos, along with guard Cayl Wagner. There is a significant hole in the middle, where junior Roosevelt Moore and sophomore Kellan Stuard will compete for the starting center job made more difficult by the shotgun snap. Like most 2A teams, the Tigers will rely on several players to contribute both ways. Bremond has more uncertainty on the defensive side, where most of those two-way starters occupy the secondary. The Tigers should be
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Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Quarterback Roshauud Paul helped lead Bremond to the Class 2A Division II state title last season, its first since claiming the crown in 1981.
ROSTER 1 Roshauud Paul; 2 Josh Anderson; 3 Caleb Sarcinella; 5 Andrew Bailey; 6 Deandre Hampton; 7 Josh White; 8 Rayandre Browning; 10 Brandin McGee; 11 Tanner Redus; 20 Kaidyn Peralez; 21 Joe Williams; 54 Jake VanDyke; 56 Dale Black; 58 Cody Waldrep; 60 Kellan Stuard; 63 Roosevelt Moore; 69 Terry Dismuke; 71 J.R. Rocha; 72 Cayl Wagner; 75 Garrison Tullos
stout in the back with Williams and Browning as the safeties, while Paul returns at cornerback with sophomore Kaidyn Peralez taking over on the other side. The key to the rebuilt defense should be White, who will switch to inside linebacker after playing well at corner last year. The 180-pound White made a typical keyplaylateinthestatetitlegame, helping set up a game-clinching interception by Williams. “Josh is not huge, but he’s big enough to do what we need him
to do in there,” Kasowski said. “He’ll be our leader, calling the shots up front.” Bremond can expect solid play in the middle from a group of tackles that include Tullos, Rocha, Wagner and Anderson. The Tigers’ biggest questions on defense will be at ends and linebacker. Tanner Redus played quite a bit as a reserve last season and should take one of the end positions. Caleb Sarcinella is the leading candidate for the other linebacker spot.
HighSchoolFootball 2015
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BRENHAM CUBS
Cubs know patience can pay off By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
Time often works against high school football teams, but it has been in the Brenham Cubs’ favor for quite a while. Veteran coach Glen West expects more of the same this year, and recent history says he will be proven right. Brenham may start slowly, but the Cubs usually find a way to finish fast. “It’s not any different than most years,” said West, who will begin his 18th season leading the program. “There are tons of questions on both sides of the ball. We honestly don’t know how we’ll be or who will play where. The one good thing is that we are used to being in this situation. We all know that we will get it figured out. “It’s a process that’s not a lot of fun, but it’s a yearly thing we go through.” In each of the last three years, Brenham has started with a loss and gone on to successful seasons. The Cubs began last season 0-2 and were 3-3 before surging to the third round of the Class 5A playoffs. Brenham dropped its opener in 2013 before reeling off 14 consecutive victories to reach the state final. The Cubs followed an opening loss in 2012 with nine wins in a row before being upset in bi-district. Players graduate. Lineups change. So do districts, and even classifications. The process continues to work. “It starts with the majority of the staff members having been with us forever,” West said. “Coach [Tim] Oehrlein and I have been working together 26 years. We have other key staff members, who this is the only place they’ve ever been. It’s not only your plan; it’s their plan also. “It makes it harder when you don’t know which way to turn. We do. Our true goal — who we are and what we’re about — is we
ROSTER
Brenham will count on senior defensive tackle Khevon Shepard to help lead the Cubs’ defensive front.
1 Devin Williams, LB/RB, 6-09, 172, jr.; 2 Jaquentin Powell, DB, 5-5, 150, sr.; 3 Darvis Watson, DB/WR, 6-0, 176, jr.; 4 Tien Pham, K, 5-6, 140, jr.; 5 Ja’Darrius Nunn, WR, 5-10, 155, jr.; 6 Tamarus McWilliams, RB, 5-8, 178, soph.; 9 Deon Earls, DB, 5-11, 164, sr.; 10 Deion Jefferson, WR, 5-8, 140, sr.; 11 Khevon Shepard, DL, 6-0, 222, sr.; 12 Jacob Oehrlein, QB, 6-1, 195, jr.; 13 Dillon Thielemann, TE/LB, 6-1, 187, sr.; 15 Garrett Longhofer, DB, 5-9, 150, sr.; 16 Halen Tilley, QB, 6-0, 200, sr.; 17 Jonathan Homan, WR/DB, 6-0, 162, sr.; 18 Marquez Bimage, DL, 6-1, 223, jr.; 19 Sam Gaertner, TE, 5-11, 160, sr.; 20 Tanner Little, LB, 5-10, 170, sr.; 21 Eryk Preston, DB, 5-7, 154, soph.; 22 Henry Kettler, P, 5-8, 145, sr.; 23 Saul Cruz, RB, 5-7, 170, sr.; 24 Hunter Allie, LB, 5-9, 200, sr.; 25 Ralph Kallie, DB, 5-8, 160, soph.; 30 Andrew Batchman, LB, 6-0, 193, soph.; 31 Holden Vega, RB, 6-0, 175, jr.; 33 Trumaine Sweed, RB/LB, 5-7, 173, sr.; 34 De’Brandon Charles, DB, 5-9, 155, jr.; 35 Zachary Winchell, DB, 5-8, 145, soph.; 40 Josue Hernandez, DB, 5-9, 185, jr.; 44 Keyonis Houston, DL, 5-9, 212, sr.; 50 Ricky Burns, OL, 5-9, 225, jr.; 52 Lane Vermillion, OL, 5-8 203, jr.; 55 Adam Coker, OL, 6-0, 208, soph.; 58 Raekwon Bell, OL, 6-0, 261, jr.; 62 London Crawford, OL, 5-7, 230, sr.; 63 Dejuan Ramirez, OL, 6-2, 275, sr.; 65 Alex Pittman, OL, 5-11, 235, sr.; 66 Noah Huston, DL, 6-0, 225, soph.; 72 Jose Aguado, OL, 5-11, 268, jr.; 73 Travis Davis, OL, 6-2, 263, soph.; 74 Colson Altman, OL, 6-0, 303, jr.; 75 Shannon Lambert, DL, 6-2, 281, soph.; 80 Monterrious Moore, DL, 6-2, 185, soph.; 82 George Newman, TE/DS, 5-11, 180, sr.; 84 Cade Simmons, DL, 6-2, 203, jr.
Eagle photo by Dave McDermand
SCHEDULE
FACTS
Date Opponent Time Aug 28 Houston Lamar 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 35-17 Sept 4 at Liberty Hill 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 49-47 Sept 11 at Houston Westside 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 32-12 Sept 18 open District 19-5A Sept 25 Tomball Memorial* 7 p.m. Last season: W 35-12 Oct 2 at Magnolia West 7 p.m. Last season: W 56-35 Oct 9 Houston Stratford 7 p.m. Last season: L 56-31 Oct 16 at Magnolia 7 p.m. Last season: W 63-24 Oct 23 Tomball 7 p.m. Last season: W 48-0 Oct 30 Waller 7 p.m. Last season: W 37-21 Nov 5 at Houston Spring Woods 7 p.m. Last season: W 42-13 *Homecoming
want to make sure we’re in the playoffs and we want to be playing our best football when the playoffs get here. If we’re playing our best at that part of the year, then we think we have a chance to advance. That’s all we really care about.” That isn’t to say that building a team is the same every season. It certainly won’t be this year, when the Cubs will start with a much different foundation than last season. Brenham went into 2014 with veteran playmakers in running back Earnest Patterson and quarterback Caleb Hill. Pat-
8 HighSchoolFootball 2015
terson ran for more than 2,000 yards as a senior and finished as the leading career rusher in school history. “We had those two key components coming back that really help you in a rebuilding status, because you’re going to be able to move the football and score,” West said. “Even though we didn’t know who our [offensive] line was and we were giving up points at the beginning of the year, we had those guys and that was where we started. “This year we have some people back, but we don’t have that. We’ve got to figure out what we
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can do offensively, and who we can do it with. I think we’ll find that out.” Senior Trumaine Sweed will take over at tailback for Patterson. Preseason camp began with junior Jacob Oehrlein and senior Halen Tilley competing for the quarterback job. “While Trumaine will not be breaking the school record for [career] yardage, he is a very good, dependable back,” West said. “He’s someone we’re going to lean on. He’s not a fumbler. He’s a hard runner and he has good vision. He’ll step in nicely. “Where we’ve got to get pretty good, and I think we will, is in our line play on both sides. That’s going to have to become a strength,
Head coach — Glen West (20869-1 overall; 167-46 at Brenham) District — 19-5A 2014 record — 9-4 (6-1 in 19-5A) 2014 playoffs — 4A Division II bidistrict: def. Houston Yates, 61-12; Area: def. Elgin, 45-42; Regional: lost to Crosby, 38-20 Playoff appearances (40) — 1927, 1929, 1933, 1941, 1942, 1944, 1945, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1953, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1968*, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1985, 1986, 1987*, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 (*zone playoffs) Returning lettermen — 20 (3 offensive, 8 defensive starters) All-time record — 608-365-38 Playoff record — 44-36-1 and I think it has the potential to do that.” Juniors Jose Aguado and Colson Altman, along with senior tackle Dejuan Ramirez, should lead the Brenham blockers. The defensive front will be bolstered by junior end Marquez Bimage, senior tackle Khevon Shepard and senior middle linebacker Dillon Thielemann. The secondary will have experience with safety Jonathan Homan joined by cornerbacks Deon Earls and Darvis Watson. Brenham has qualified for the playoffs in 11 consecutive seasons.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
BRYAN VIKINGS
Bryan’s defense relies on Johnson Middle linebacker had 74 tackles last year By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
Eagle photo by Sam Craft Linebackers Jordan Driver (from left), Cedric Johnson Jr. and defensive end are members of the senior class set to lead the Bryan Vikings in 2015.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
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The Bryan Vikings call Cedric Johnson Jr. “Red” because of his bright red hair. They also call on him as a takecharge guy, and it’s a role he is eager to fill on the football field for a third consecutive year. “It’s our last ride, so I know we’re going to give it our all,” the Vikings’ inside linebacker said. “The work that we put in is going to reflect what we do during the season.”
With Johnson, Bryan coach Ross Rogers has the kind of stability and experience he wants anchoring his defense. “He’s been in the middle for the good and the bad, and a lot of good,” Rogers said. “It gives you a secure feeling. Other linebackers are bigger, stronger and faster, but we know what he brings to a team with his head and his heart.” As a junior, Johnson had 74 tackles (27 solos) and threw oppo-
See BRYAN, Page 10
HighSchoolFootball 2015
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BRYAN VIKINGS
BRYAN: Johnson took advantage of opportunity to join starting lineup Continued from 9 nents for losses on 12 occasions. With today’s dangerous offensive attacks, Johnson believes a defense has to exert itself when the time is right and thinks Bryan has the defense to do it. “We’re more mature, and I know our work ethic is a lot better, ” Johnson said. “As you saw in the Consol game and the Conroe game with fourth-quarter stops, on fourth down, we’ve got it.” Johnson was thrown into the starting role, first by an injury to Coleman Johnson and then to Isaiah Vasquez, but he has carved out the spot as his own. “I was forced to play my second game,” Johnson said. “I had this idea that I was going to do what I wanted to do. I told my friends I was going to get a pick. The next thing you know, it’s the fourth quarter; I get an interception and the game was over. “I think if you put your mind to it, you can do it. Nothing’s impossible.” Johnson said it’s a play he had been thinking about all week. “I even told the quarterback of the team, ‘I’ll bet you won’t throw it over the middle,’” said Johnson with a smile. “He did it for me.” Johnson has put his mind to a successful high school experience apart from football. “I try to be a Christian young man and I read the Bible a little bit,” Johnson said. “My favorite scripture is in the Book of John, Chapter 4. It’s basically about Jesus and how he has his inner hunger. I try to apply that to everything I do.” He served as junior class president and participates in the Future Farmers of America. “Me as a leader I guess is natural because I’m pretty vocal,” Johnson said. “I don’t mind cussing somebody out on the field. I don’t even care sometimes. It just snaps. If I’ve got to get your attention doing that, we’re going to get it done.”
Said Rogers: “He starts by being a great kid in the classroom, in the halls of BHS. Whether it be the student body, the Key Club or the Ag Club, he starts by being somebody we can count on 24-7, which we talk about a lot. You commit to being a Viking.” Johnson’s foresight has been an inspiration in preparing what he believes could be a special defense. “Jordan Driver hasn’t been inside, but that kid is really athletic,” Johnson said. “Kesean Jefferson had some things going on, but he’s always come back and been persistent when he needed to be. He’s a freak DRIVER athlete. He’s been gone and come back and he has still been stronger than me. I don’t know how.” If you doubt Bryan’s defense, so be it. He won’t. “A lot of people question what we can do without my cousin KeeKee [Johnson], but he had bad games and we stepped up and got the ball back, so I think we’re going to be just fine.” He’s even all right when someone else is picked to take the district title away from the Vikings. “I thank them for that because that is just another driving force for us to even go harder,” Johnson said. “Just hearing stuff like that, that we can’t go back-toback or they pick somebody else, makes us go harder.”
QB B.J. Ross among Bryan’s key veterans
B.J. Ross will be a three-year starter for Bryan at quarterback. As a junior, he completed 108 of 205 passes for 1,692 yards and 16 touchdowns with three interceptions. Ross also rushed for 567 yards and 10 touchdowns. “He was all-district quarterback for a reason,” Rogers
10 HighSchoolFootball 2015
said. “He made big plays. He adlibbed.” Rogers said Ross is working to improve his game after he missed some open receivers on deep passes. His top receiver returns for an even bigger role. Fullback Jarvis Lister caught 32 passes for 474 yards and two TDs last season, while also rushing for 455 yards and four scores. A top blocker for Johnson during the former Viking’s 2,000-yard senior season, Lister plans to take over the key role in the running game. Hunter Batten should also be busy as a ball carrier. Batten transferred from St. Joseph, where he rushed for 1,314 yards and 15 touchdowns last year as a sophomore. “We’ve got two Mighty Mites,” Rogers said. “They are not going to scare anybody looking at them when they come out on the field, but they bring a lot of power. They’ve both got good ball skills, see the field real well, and they’ve got good hands. We’re not afraid to pitch the ball or send one of them into the flat to throw the ball to.” Versatile Joseph Hedge has played numerous positions for the Vikings and could be a bigplay threat at receiver. Tyler Slaydon is in his third season at receiver. Mason Ray, who is backup quarterback, will be another key pass-catcher. Center Jared Spivey starts his third season on the offensive line. Junior Guerrero returns at guard. Matt Sutherland, Patrick Craig and Cecil Banks give Bryan experience SPIVEY and great potential up front. “We’re getting to work against the best defensive line maybe I’ve had ever,” Rogers said. “In ’89, we had a great defensive front over at [A&M Consolidated], but they were smallish guys and quick
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ROSTER 2 Chris Sage, RB, 5-3, 115, sr.; 3 Jarvis Lister, RB, 5-8, 170, sr.; 5 Dillon Albright, DB, 6-1, 175, sr.; 6 Hunter Batten, RB, 5-9, 190, jr.; 7 Mason Ray, QB, 6-4, 195, jr.; 8 Garrett Dohnalik, DB, 5-10, 175, sr.; 9 Mark Taplette, DB, 5-9, 165, jr.; 10 B.J. Ross, QB, 6-0, 170, sr.; 11 Luke Martin, QB/WR, 5-10, 150, jr.; 12 Roderick Crenshaw, WR, 5-10, 180, jr.; 14 Myles Sheffield, WR, 5-10, 140, jr.; 15 Gus Hancock, DB, 6-0, 155, soph.; 16 Joseph Hedge, WR, 5-10, 165, jr.; 17 Cal Malone, DB, 6-1, 210, sr.; 18 Angel Quiroga, K, 5-9, 140, soph.; 19 Trey Blakey, WR, 5-11, 160, sr.; 20 Josh Spivey, FB, 5-8, 185, sr.; 21 DaQuincy Floyd, WR, 6-1, 160, jr.; 22 Joe Graves, DB, 5-10, 180, sr.; 24 Brendon Ward, DB, 5-11, 165, sr.; 25 Tyler Slaydon, WR, 6-4, 180, sr.; 26 Jaquita Thompson, DB, 5-8, 165, sr.; 27 Dylan Rivas, LB, 5-8, 165, sr.; 30 Dedrick Davis, DE, 6-1, 235, sr.; 35 Manny Ramirez, DE, 5-8, 170, sr.; 40 Jordan Driver, DE, 6-1, 245, sr.; 44 Trace Urquhart, LB, 5-11, 185, sr.; 45 Cedric Johnson Jr., LB, 5-8, 205, sr.; 46 Royce Gilreath, DE, 6-3, 200, jr.; 47 Andy Smith, LB, 5-10, 195, sr.; 48 Kesean Jefferson, DL, 5-11, 265, sr.; 50 Jared Spivey, OL, 5-10, 240, sr.; 52 Eamon McGregor, OL, 6-2, 205, jr.; 55 Noah Fazzino, DL, 5-10, 200, jr.; 57 Cory Isaacks, OL, 5-8, 180, sr.; 58 Christian Hernandez, DL, 5-10, 200, jr.; 59 Reggie Richardson, DL, 5-9, 225, jr.; 61 Ryan Boyle, OL, 6-0, 230, jr.; 62 Andreas Cortez, OL, 5-10, 255, sr.; 66 Matt Sutherland, OL, 6-0, 225, sr.; 67 Damien Oliva, OL, 5-8, 225, sr.; 70 Cecil Banks, OL, 6-1, 260, sr.; 73 Colton Campbell, OL, 6-3, 280, soph.; 74 Derrick Green, OL, 5-9, 250, sr.; 75 Ylijaah Hall. OL, 6-5, 270, soph.; 77 Junior Guerrero, OL, 6-0, 255, sr.; 78 Patrick Craig, OL, 6-0, 275, sr.; 79 Eddie Acosta, OL, 6-0 305, sr.; 80 Caelin Luckie, WR, 5-6, 150, sr.; 81 Aubrey Martin, WR, 5-9, 160, sr.; 85 Christian Kopf, DL/TE, 6-0, 215, sr.; 87 Juan Valadez, WR, 5-9, 160, sr.; 90 Tyson Washington, DL, 5-10, 255, sr.; 91 Jay Montoya, DL, 510, 215, jr.; 94 Jamarcus Thompson, DL, 6-2 310, sr.; 95 Darryl Anderson, DL, 6-1, 290, sr.; 99 Rodney Young, DL, 6-1, 250, jr.
SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug 28 at Montgomery Last season: L 52-24 Sept 4 Conroe Last season: W 35-29 Sept 11 at Temple Sept 18 Open District 18-5A Sept 25 Livingston Last season: W 48-0 Oct 2 at Huntsville Last season: W 34-27 Oct 9 A&M Consolidated Last season: W 56-44 Oct 16 Willis* Last season: W 34-13 Oct 23 at Caney Creek Last season: W 55-17 Oct 30 College Station Last season: W 41-34 (OT) Nov 6 at Rudder Last season: W 56-19 *Homecoming
FACTS Time 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
and we lived off our quickness. These kids have a lot of the same attributes, except they are 280 [pounds], 250, 230.” Tyson Washington and Darryl Anderson highlight the inside of Bryan’s defensive line. Dedrick Davis and Jordan Driver were outstanding outside linebackers a year ago. Driver has moved back inside to play alongside [Cedric] Johnson. Kesean Jefferson has been outstanding as the rush end. Athletic sophomore Gus Hancock joins a secondary that in-
Head coach — Ross Rogers (226109-9 overall; 15-17 at Bryan) District — 18-5A 2014 record — 10-2 (7-0 in 18-5A) 2014 playoffs — 5A Division I bi-district: def. Manor 48-27; Area: def. Magnolia West 49-34; Regional: lost to Richmond George Ranch 48-13 Playoff appearances (23) — 1921, 1922, 1925, 1934, 1956, 1973, 1974, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2014 Returning lettermen — 29 (7 offensive, 7 defensive starters) All-time record — 535-436-41 Playoff record — 18-21-0
cludes veteran Garrett Dohnalik. Cal Malone also saw lots of action at safety last season and had the game-clinching interception in the win over Consol. Dillon Albright moves from slot receiver to cornerback for a more physical presence there with Jaquita Thompson in line to man a corner position. Sophomore place-kicker Angel Quiroga, who kicked during the playoffs last season, also returns.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
BURTON PANTHERS
Newcomers ready to help key veterans at Burton By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
Adding a new crop of talented players to a soil rich with recent football success, Burton hopes to see its playoff streak grow this year despite losing a few staples to graduation. The Panthers expect continued success despite replacing three players who earned all-state recognition as seniors last season, when they helped Burton earn its fifth consecutive playoff berth and sixth in the last seven years. Burton went 8-4 and reached the second round of the Class 2A Division II playoffs. “One thing that we’ve really liked over the years is the attitude and mentality that has been instilled in our players, not only at the high school level but through our junior high program as well,” said head coach Jason Hodde, whose teams have gone 25-11 in three seasons at Burton. “These young men get to high school and expect to make the playoffs. They have a winning mentality. “There’s a lot of other good teams out there in our district, too, and we certainly respect that, but we come in with high expectations. We’re going to do the best we can and work as hard as we can to try to continue that playoff run.” District 13-2A Division II includes defending state champion and second-ranked Bremond, which presents a challenge as Burton must replace standouts Louis Brown, Luke Huffer and Brandon Salinas. Brown, who signed with Oklahoma State, was the 2A co-defensive player of the year. Huffer started at quarterback and safety. Salinas emerged as a standout at linebacker. “Those guys left their mark at Burton High School,” Hodde said. “I don’t know if we will truly 100 percent replace them, but we’re going to have guys that
FACTS Head coach — Jason Hodde (2511 overall; 25-11 at Burton) District — 13-2A Division II 2014 record — 8-4 (5-1 in 13-2A Division II) 2014 playoffs — Bi-district: def. Yorktown 18-13; Area: lost to Bruni 6-0 Playoff appearances (8) — 1992, 1995, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 Returning lettermen — 23 (6 offensive, 6 defensive starters) All-time record — 243-331-15 Playoff record — 10-8-0 bring different things to the table. We can collectively get that done. “We have some freshmen and sophomores that are emerging as leaders and filling some of those high-profile roles. We also have some guys that have been role players for most of their careers here who are going to continue that, guys that are very solid and dependable.” The Panthers have a couple of cornerstones in juniors Jamon Bradley and Cole Eckermann. Bradley, a running back and safety, has started every game for the last two seasons and was elected a captain by his teammates as a sophomore. Last year, he tore the medial collateral ligament in his knee and missed Burton’s playoff games, with his absence costly as the Panthers fell 6-0 to Bruni in the area round. “He is our most experienced player, and we’re going to count on him to do a lot of things on both sides of the ball,” Hodde said. “He’s got good speed, and he’s very good out of the backfield catching the ball. He can play cornerback or safety. He’s even stout enough to play inside linebacker if needed, and he’ll be our backup quarterback as well. He’s one of those kids who has a do-it-all mentality.” Eckermann will be expected to do plenty up front despite not be-
Thursday, August 27, 2015
SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug 28 at Thorndale 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 20-16 Sept 4 at Chilton 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 22-13 Sept 11 Louise 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 28-20 Sept 18 Hearne 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 54-6 District 13-2A Division II Sept 25 Snook* 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 22-6 Oct 2 open Oct 9 at Milano 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 43-6 Oct 16 Bremond 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 55-21 Oct 23 at Bartlett 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 44-0 Oct 30 Granger 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 35-0 Nov 6 at Somerville 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 38-14 *Homecoming
ing big for a lineman at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds. He will play center on offense and anchor the heart of the defensive line at tackle. “He’s not a big kid, but he’s very scrappy,” Hodde said. “I call him my motor guy. His motor is always running. He’s one of those guys who just seems to be hard to block.” Another key defensive player will be sophomore linebacker C.J. Briscoe, who earned first-team all-district recognition last year. Briscoe is part of the wave of young talent expected to boost Burton. So is freshman quarterback Caleb Harmel (5-11, 180), who made a strong bid early in preseason workouts to take over at quarterback. “He’s a very poised young man,” Hodde said. “He hasn’t played any games yet, so time will tell, but some guys just have that poise about them. We realize, and he realizes, that there’s some learning to do along the way. But we feel like maybe by district we can get him going.” Burton’s nondistrict schedule includes games against a pair of teams that narrowly beat the Panthers last year, Thorndale 20-
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Eagle photo by Sam Craft Junior Cole Eckermann (front) will anchor Burton’s offensive line at center this season and is one of a few key veterans the Panthers are counting on for leadership.
ROSTER 1 Edgar Lozano, WR/CB, jr.; 2 De’monderick Winters, WR/CB, fr.; 3 Damarcus Harrison, WR/ FS, fr.; 5 Caleb Harmel, QB/MLB, fr.; 6 Donnel Patterson, RB/CB, jr.; 8 Dustin Hall, WR/CB, sr.; 10 C.J. Briscoe, FB/MLB, soph.; 13 Jamon Bradley, RB/CB, jr.; 14 Montal Wilson, soph.; 21 Luke Salinas, FB/MLB, soph.; 50 Brazos Oberhoff, G/DT, jr.; 54 Isaiah Blue, DT, sr.; 66 Derrick Fisher, T, jr.; 70 Ryan Quinton, C/DT, jr.; 71 Draven Amann, G, sr.; 75 Kaylor Steele, DT, soph.; 76 Cole Eckermann, G/OLB, jr.; 79 Trey Carey, TE/DE, jr.
16 and Louise 28-20. The Panthers also face Chilton, which they beat 22-13 last season. With Harmel, a couple of other freshmen and some sophomores expected to play key roles, the early part of the season could be marked by growing pains. “Experience is not on our side at this point, but at the same time we’re excited about our talent level,” Hodde said. “We’re just
going to have to mold those guys and get them going.” There is additional experience up front among the six starters returning on each side of the ball. Isaiah Blue is a 6-1, 230-pound senior offensive and defensive tackle who was a major contributor last season. The Panthers also are counting on senior tight end Dustin Hall, who made first-team all-district last year.
HighSchoolFootball 2015 11
BVCHEA MUSTANGS
Big, young roster set to lead BVCHEA By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
The BVCHEA Mustangs have a significant measure of experience to go along with a stillyoung team. Now they also have depth. “We’re a young team,” BVCHEA coach Skipper Harris said. “We have three seniors and everybody else are juniors and sophomores. We’re going to have 19 players this year. This is the biggest turnout we’ve ever had.” It could correct a problem that plagued the home-school organization’s team last year, when teams with more players had an advantage late in games. Three new team members joined from organizations that did not have numbers to field their own team this year, including two former Aggieland Homeschool players.
The Mustangs also have proven standouts, with seven of the eight returning starters on the TCAL Division I all-state team. Granger Harris proved to be one of the most dangerous players in TCAL 6-man football last season as a sophomore. Harris had 32 receptions for 814 yards and 17 touchdowns. He averaged 25.4 per catch. “He was the number one receiver in TCAL football,” Skipper Harris said. “He also led TCAL in tackles on defense.” He also rushed for 176 yards and passed for 160. Granger Harris is one of the returning players from the allstate list that highlights the Mustangs’ talent. Andrew Kocmoud, who intercepted seven passes for the Mustangs’ defense, was a first-team selection on both sides of the ball. Kocmoud rushed for 538 yards,
passed for 203 and caught passes for 200. He scored 14 touchdowns and passed for three others. The Mustangs’ punter and kicker, Kocmoud had 79 total tackles on defense. Junior Garcia was a kick return standout. Quarterback Teeko Craft was a second-team pick despite missing four games. He played in seven games and hit 59 of his 162 passes for 1,296 yards and 23 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. He also rushed for 195 yards and two TDs. The guy who began every play, center Caleb Lestrapes, was also a second-team selection. Jordan and John Hendrick, along with Matthew Michaels, bring back more experience to the Mustangs. The former Aggieland players could be major contributors. Eann Felder rushed for 915 yards and 14 TDs. Will Santini caught
ROSTER 2 Adam LaStrapes, 5-7, 185, fr.; 3 Andrew Kocmoud, 5-11, 179, jr.; 8 Junior Garica, 5-11, 155, soph.; 14 Matthew Michaels, 6-2, 175, jr.; 16 John Hendricks, 6-2, 180, sr.; 17 Teeko Kraft, 5-7, 185, soph.; 21 Harrison Armstrong, 6-0, 160, sr.; 23 Eann Felder, 5-11, 160, sr.; 24 Seth Platt, 5-10, 150, soph.; 25 Will Santini, 6-0, 165, sr.; 32 Jarrett Brown, 5-9, 195, sr.; 40 Caleb LaStrapes, 6-0, 158, jr.; 42 Kristopher Cowles, 5-10, 169, soph.; 44 Granger Harris, 6-2, 210, jr.; 52 Rabon Metcalf, 5-7, 165, fr.; 54 Sean Cox, 6-2, 265, fr.; 55 Jordan Hendricks, 6-0, 155, soph.
FACTS
SCHEDULE
Head coach — Skipper Harris (4-7 overall; 4-7 at BVCHEA) District — none: TCAL Division I 2014 record — 4-7 2014 playoffs — Bi-district: def. Tyler King’s Academy 60-26; Semifinal: lost to Allen, 68-22 Playoff appearances (5) — 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 Returning lettermen — 12
21 passes for 385 yards and five touchdowns. BVCHEA lost in the second round of the playoffs to eventual state champion Allen Academy last year. “That’s a good draw,” Skipper Harris said. “I want to play the best. It brings the better players outof us.Idon’twanttoplaysome-
Celebrate Celebrate with us after the game!
Date Opponent Aug 29 San Antonio FEAST+ Last season: L 98-52 Sept 4 at Bellville Faith Sept 11 Fort Bend Chargers Sept 18 open Sept 25 Conroe Lifestyle* Oct 2 at Houston Texas Christian Oct 9 Crosby Victory & Praise Oct 17 Tyler King’s Academy# Last season: W 60-26 Oct 23 Allen Academy Last season: L 74-18; L 68-22 Oct 30 at Lockhart Lightouse Last season: W 63-18 Nov 6 at BastopTribe Consolidated *Homecoming +at Allen Academy #at Oakwood
Time 9:30 a.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m 7:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 1 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
body that we [beat via the 45-point mercy rule]. I want to be sure that the boys have some good competition, and that makes them step up and play a better game, too.”
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12 HighSchoolFootball 2015
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Thursday, August 27, 2015
CALDWELL HORNETS
Fryrear gives Hornets foundation on offense ROSTER
By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
Jake Fryrear might make the move from guard to center for his senior football season with the Caldwell Hornets, but Fryrear figures to be in the middle of things regardless of his starting position. There is no place Fryrear would rather be as he enters his fourth season on the varsity with hopes of a big finish and a future in college football. Caldwell coach Bobby Jack Goforth calls Fryrear a cornerstone in the building project he took on when he returned to his alma mater as head coach two years ago. That role is second nature for Fryrear, who also plays defensive tackle. “My dad has been my coach throughout my whole life,” Fryrear said. “He shoved it down my throat every day from Little League that you’ve got to be a leader. You’re not born a leader, but I feel like my dad made me a leader. “You’ve got to risk a few friends if you’re a leader, because a few friends will kill your team. If you see people messing around, you’ve got to jump on them and make sure it doesn’t happen again. You’ve got to tell them that they’re not going to play on your team.” The 6-foot-2, 295-pound Fryrear played well enough at guard last year to earn third-team allstate recognition in Class 4A. He helped Keyshawn Chambers rush for 1,835 yards as the Hornets qualified for the 4A Division II playoffs after winning only one game the previous season. Fryrear started at guard as a freshman, when Caldwell won one game then went through its third coaching change in three years. Goforth took over and expected Fryrear to play a key role as a sophomore, but he suffered a slight tear of the medial col-
1 Weston Lilie, WR/DB, soph.; 2 Keyshawn Chambers, RB/DB, Jr.; 3 Bobby Henderson, RB/DB, sr.; 4 AJ Zboril, DB/WR, jr.; 5 Tanner Stefka, DB/WR, sr.; 6 Will Faust, QB/LB, soph.; 7 Joseph Crnkovic, QB, sr.; 8 Domonique Chambers, WR/DB, soph.; 9 Xavier Williams, RB/DE, soph.; 11 Devin Morris, WR/DB, jr.; 16 Curtis Williams, WR/DB, sr.; 17 Dalton Armstrong, WR/DB, jr.; 18 Mike Ashley, LB/ FB, sr.; 19 Trevon Woods, WR/DB, sr.; 23 William Deleon, FB/DE, jr.; 44 Josh Hitchcock, LB/FB, sr.; 50 Andrew Telg, OL/DE, soph.; 54 Dylanger Harris, OL/DL, jr.; 56 Chase Scamardo, OL/DL, jr.; 60 Dennis Engelmann, LB/C, jr.; 62 Ray Flores, DL, soph.; 66 Brandon Anderson, DL/FB, sr.; 70 Charles Chrietzberg, OL/DL, soph.; 71 Nathan Balcar OL/DL, soph.; 72 Jacob Pena, OL/DL, soph.; 76 Jake Fryrear, C/DL, sr.; 78 Tucker Ellsworth OL/DE, jr.; 88 Keanu Robinson, OL/DE, jr.
FACTS Head coach — Bobby Jack Goforth (30-51 overall; 7-13 at Caldwell) District — 11-4A Division II 2014 record — 6-5 (3-1 in 11-4A Division II) 2014 playoffs — Bi-district: lLost to Sweeny 32-27 Playoff appearances (18) — 1924, 1928, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1935, 1939, 1971, 1980, 1984, 1994, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2014 Returning lettermen — 12 (6 offensive, 6 defensive starters) All-time record — 443-443-32 Playoff record — 12-16-1 lateral ligament in his knee four days before the season opener. Six weeks later, Fryrear returned to the lineup, but he played less than a half before hurting his knee again to finish his season. “It was just devastating,” Fryrear said. “You put in all that work and then just sit on the sideline and watch every game. We only won one game my sophomore year, and it’s heartbreaking to see a team that you could help out.” The lost season and his comparative lack of height have hindered Fryrear in the recruiting process. He has drawn attention from Rice and Sam Houston State and hopes he made a good impression on TCU coaches at a midsummer camp. “He is going to end up playing college football,” Goforth said. “All he needs is an opportunity. He’s not 6-foot-5, but you see guys all the time make it all the way to the highest level at 6-2. Maybe
Thursday, August 27, 2015
SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug 28 at Bellville 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 3-0 Sept 4 at Hearne 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 42-0 Sept 11 at Madisonville 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 28-7 Sept 18 Teague 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 49-34 Sept 25 at Rockdale 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 38-31 Oct 2 at Mexia 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 42-32 District 11-4A Division II Oct 9 Salado* 7:30 p.m. W 65-23 Oct 16 at La Grange 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 56-34 Oct 23 Smithville 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 35-14 Oct 30 Open Nov 6 at Giddings 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 33-32 *Homecoming
after this year, with more accomplishments for him and our team, he might get more notice.” If he winds up in scouts’ sights, Fryrear should be prepared for the scrutiny. His father, Shawn Fryrear, played for the Panhandle team that upset Art Briles’ Hamlin squad in the 1984 Class 2A quarterfinals. “If you ask anybody from here, they’ll tell you he pushes me really hard,” Jake said. “I love it, because if my dad hadn’t pushed me I would not be the person I am today. I would not be the football player I am today. Sometimes I hate his guts, but that’s the kind of person that you want for a dad. At the end of the day, you love him.” The Hornets have good talent along with Fryrear and the rest of the offensive line. Senior quarterback Joseph Crnkovic and junior speedster Chambers
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Eagle photo by Sam Craft Senior Jake Fryrear earned third-team Class 4A all-state honors at guard last season but is working out at center. Wherever he plays, the 6-2, 295-pounder will be a major cornerstone of the Caldwell offense in 2015. return, as does senior tight end Josh Hitchcock, who was an alldistrict selection at linebacker last season. Other defensive standouts include senior linebacker Mike Ashley, who led the Hornets last year with 96 tackles. Caldwell’s
entire linebacker corps should be strong, with returning starters in senior Tanner Stefka (56 tackles, four interceptions) and junior Dennis Engelmann (54 tackles). The other returning starter on defense is Curtis Williams, a back with 4.5 speed in the 40.
HighSchoolFootball 2015 13
CALVERT TROJANS
New coach taking over a winner in Calvert ROSTER
By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
Calvert athletic director Michael Cotton was joking when he introduced new Trojans football coach Wayne Ware as the man hired to win state, or at least Cotton smiled at the idea. State championships are hard to come by, even at a traditionally strong program such as Calvert, which won the 6-man title in 2002. It doesn’t get easier when a new coach is WARE hired less than two weeks before the start of preseason workouts, as was Ware at Calvert. The Trojans and Ware do have some things going for them, however. Start with the fact that Calvert reached the Class A 6-man Division II semifinals last year, and returns several key players. And then there’s that history. “I’ve stepped into a program that understands 6-man football, and they’re ahead of the curve,” Ware said. “They’re very competitive, very athletic, and that helps out a lot. “The last school I went to, Covington, was accustomed to losing. The kids didn’t really have the winning attitude. We were fortunate enough to go 6-4 the first year with them, and the light went on. Here, the light’s already on. Now it’s just keeping the motor going.” Calvert, which finished last season at 10-3, is ranked third in the state by sixmanfootball.com. “There are probably five schools in each classification that have a legitimate shot at winning state,” Ware said. “Calvert is one of those schools that this year has a true legitimate shot at winning a state title. The ball is going to have to bounce our way.
1 Coylin Grimes, B, soph.; 4 Xavier Laury, B, sr.; 5 Carnel Thompson, QB/B, sr.; 6 Darius Brooks, B, fr.; 7 JaQuan Thompson, QB/DB, jr.; 8 James Lloyd, C/B, sr.; 10 Zacchaeus Williams, B/E, sr.; 11 Jaquez Green, C, soph.; 12 Jadarrian Flentroy, WR/B, sr.; 13 Trevon Schells, QB/S, jr.; 14 Christon Luster, L/B, jr.; 15 DeMarcus, Benson, E/B, soph.; 16 Chris Luster, B/E, sr.; 18 Jordan Chopp, E, jr.; 20 Matthew Steamer, E/B, fr.; 22 Davion Huffman, E, soph.; 23 Favion Thompson, T, soph.; 24 JaMarquis, Brooks, B/E, soph.; 25 Tre’Darrian Kinney, C/B, sr.
SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug 29 Marshall Christian+ 8:30 p.m. Sept 4 Open Sept 11 Abbott 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 44-36 Sept 18 at Waco Methodist Home 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 74-26 Sept 25 Waco Live Oak 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 64-52 Oct 2 Allen Academy* 7:30 p.m. Oct 10 Crowell# 2 p.m. Last season: L 44-16 Oct 16 Fayette County 7:30 p.m. District 16-1A Division II Oct 24 at High Island 2 p.m. Last season: W 32-0 Oct 30 at Buckholts 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 52-0 Nov 6 Prairie Lea 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 78-0 *Homecoming +at Allen Academy #at May
We’re going to have to have some luck. Most of all, we have to stay injury-free. “The road to that state championship is going to be tough. No one is going to lie down for us. Jonesboro, Richland Springs, Mount Calm and Trinidad will have the same aspirations about the state championship as Calvert has.” Coaches at those other contenders had more time to prepare for the season than Ware. He took the job late in the summer after Marcus Wortham was dismissed because of eligibility issues within the athletic department that landed Calvert on three years’ probation. Ware said his late arrival has not been much of a concern since the Trojans began practice. A roster that includes seven seniors has helped Calvert work through the unusual timing of Ware’s hiring.
14 HighSchoolFootball 2015
FACTS Head coach — Wayne Ware (9251 overall; first year at Calvert) District — 16-A Division II 2014 record — 10-3 (3-0 in 16-A Division II) 2014 playoffs — Bi-district: def. Trinidad 62-16; Regional: def. Jonesboro 32-26; Quarterfinal: def. Richland Springs 64-46; Semifinal: lost to Throckmorton 76-72 Playoff appearances (29) — 11-man (14): 1923, 1938, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1952, 1958, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1994; 6-man (15) — 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014 Returning lettermen — 15 (3 offensive, 4 defensive starters) Playoff record (11-man and 6-man) — 30-26-2 “If you’re walking into a new scenario with a senior-laden team like this one, those kids are going to understand more,” Ware said. “I ask them things that they believed in, things that they did well last year. We kept that philosophy, along with adding in a few of my things that I feel will work. We met halfway and that made it a smoother transition for us. “The sophomores and freshman have really bought in and accepted it. The senior class has had a lot of success, but there’s no way that we can go back and grasp last year. It’s time to move forward.” Junior JaQuan Thompson is likely to lead the charge. Thompson will play quarterback, running back and safety. “JaQuan Thompson is proba-
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Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Senior Jadarrian Flentroy ‘is a coach’s dream,’ according to new Calvert head coach Wayne Ware. Flentroy plays end on offense and defense for the Trojans. bly one of the most highly touted young men in the state for 6-man football,” Ware said. “He’s going to be our true Mr. Everything on both sides of the football. He’s talented enough to play pretty much any position if need be.” Because 6-man rules require quarterbacks to hand off, pitch or throw the ball before it crosses the line of scrimmage, the Trojans will need other ball-handlers. Senior Chris Luster also can play running back and quarterback and should form a potent
combination with Thompson. Calvert has more options to run the football, including senior fullback Zacchaeus Williams. Senior Xavier Laury, who is coming off knee surgery, could bolster the Trojans at running back and nose guard. Another key player for Calvert will be senior Jadarrian Flentroy, who will play end on offense and defense. “Jadar rian F lentroy is a coach’s dream,” Ware said. “He does everything we ask of him.”
Thursday, August 27, 2015
CAMERON YOEMEN
Doing Yoemen’s work
Already on incredible run, Cameron sets sights on fourth straight state title
Eagle photo by Dave McDermand
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SEASON TICKET
A 70-40 win over Mineola in the Class 3A Division I title game gave the Cameron Yoemen a third consecutive state football championship. Having elevated themselves to elite status — only 16 teams in any classification have won three straight championships — the Yoemen, top ranked in the
preseason 3A poll, are poised to raise their accomplishments to an even more refined status. Only four programs in Texas high school football history have captured four in a row. “We’re very proud of the fact that we won three in a row, but we don’t spend a whole lot of time talking about it,” Cameron coach Rick Rhoades said. “We’re
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HighSchoolFootball 2015 15
CAMERON YOEMEN
CAMERON: Yoe have big-time playmakers on offense in Smiths Continued from 15
trying to put together the very best football team we can for this year. That’s the thing about this profession. You have a big win and you get to celebrate for about a day before you get started getting ready for another game. It’s the same way with a season. You celebrate a little while with the Christmas holidays, and you come back and get ready for the next one.” The next one is brimming with potential. There are significantly fewer question marks than what faced the Yoemen a year ago. Senior running back Traion Smith, who rushed for 123 yards and five touchdowns in the championship game, provides a potent center piece to C a m e ro n’ s o f fense. He ran for 2,250 yards and 34 TRAION SMITH touchdowns last season. “He’s a very tough kid,” Rhoades said. “For the last two years, he started every game for us at the running back position. We’re a spread offense, so there’s only one running back there. It’s no big secret who is going to carry the football. For him to go through two seasons of 16 games and not miss a start in any of those games, I think that’s a testament to his toughness.” Receiver Aaron Sims edged out Smith for the offensive MVP of the championship game last season, but Smith already had an MVP trophy in hand from his sophomore season. Jacob Smitherman, an injury fill-in at quarterback for two key games his sophomore year, takes over that spot. In limited play, Smitherman hit 41 of 69 passes for 530 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions last season. He also started at safety. “He started the Whitney
ROSTER 1 Jordan Wells; 2 Jalon Bryant; 3 Tyrik Johnson; 4 Caden Harris; 5 Chris Ramirez; ; 6 Chris Valdez; 7 Danny Perez; 8 Carlos Herrera; 9 Logan Boyett; 10 Jacob Smitherman; 11 Keyshawn Bell; 12 Ramon Rodriguez; 14 Carlton Braziel; 16 Zach Andress; 17 Iverson Westbrook; 18 Sicory Smith; 20 Jordan Young; 22 Titus Lewis; 24 Traion Smith; 25 Vincent Vargas; 30 Casey Greene; 32 Tydrick Williams; 34 Noah Kostroun; 35 Johnny Alexander; 36 Travis Mason; 42 Tyler Bennett; 44 Jesse Valdez; 45 Branden Wilkins; 50 Eddie Luna; 52 Alex Ibarra; 54 Brandon Moore; 55 Keaton Hundle; 56 Eduardo Bautista; 58 Xavier Torres; 60 DeAndre Adams; 62 Jason Anastasiades; 64 Isaac Cervantes; 66 Marcus Lara; 68 Dortavis Lewis; 70 Tomas Salomon; 72 Brian McDonald; 74 Pablo Rodriguez; 75 Cody Eichenhorst; 76 Paul Lopez; 77 Frank Llanas; 78 Adrian Lewis
SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug 28 Waco Connally 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 63-49 Sept 4 Lexington* 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 47-13 Sept 11 at China Spring 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 23-14 Sept 18 at Whitney 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 47-27 Sept 25 Refugio 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 27-20 Oct 2 open District 10-3A Division I Oct 9 at Rockdale 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 34-27 Oct 16 Troy 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 42-3 Oct 23 at Lago Vista 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 33-14 Oct 30 Florence 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 48-7 Nov 6 at Academy 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 47-7 *Homecoming
game and the Refugio game for us — that brings comfort to me, knowing he’s been in a big game like the Refugio game,” Rhoades said. “When he wasn’t starting at quarterback, he started for us at safety and played a big part. He had 10 tackles in the state championship game.” Junior Sicory Smith had a strong playoff presence in 2014. The breakaway receiver caught 61 passes for 1,272 yards and 15 TDs last season. Four members of the offensive line return — center Jason Anastasiedes, guards Tomas Salomon and Pablo Rodriguez and tackle Cody Eickenhorst, who has a touchdown to his credit. He recovered a fumble to score against Edna in the state semifinal. “At this point last year, we didn’t return anybody on the
16 HighSchoolFootball 2015
FACTS Head coach — Rick Rhoades (110-36 overall; 68-15 at Cameron) District — 10-3A Division I 2014 record — 12-4 (4-1 in 10-3A Division I) 2014 playoffs — Bi-district: def. Glen Rose 41-21; Area: def. Teague 42-31; Regional: def. East Chambers 54-21; Quarterfinal: def. Rockdale 44-25; Semifinal: def. Edna 70-34; State championship: def. Mineola 70-40 Playoff appearances (41) — 1934, 1936, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1951, 1954, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1974, 1975, 1978, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 Returning lettermen — 42 (7 offensive, 7 defensive starters) All-time record — 681-341-42 Playoff record — 64-35-3 offensive line,” Rhoades said. “That’s huge, because you’re only going to be as good as your offensive line.” The defense allowed 23 points per game while the Yoemen offense rolled up big totals, scoring 321 points in six playoff games. “Last year was a growing season for our defense,” Rhoades said. “We started off the season and [Waco] Connally put 63 points on us. We got better, constantly got better, and they made some big plays for us, especially in the Teague game, which gave us a chance to advance.” Teague was unbeaten until los-
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Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Cameron’s Jacob Smitherman will take over at starting quarterback this season. Last year’s starting safety has some experience under center with the Yoemen. ing to Cameron 42-31 in the area playoffs. The defense should improve with the return of standout noseguard D’Andre Adams (169 tackles). The line is also bolstered by junior Jesse Valdez at defensive tackle. Valde z jumped into the lineup during the playoffs his freshADAMS man year. He had 98 tackles and 25 quarterbackpressureslastseason. Linebacker Alex Ibarra had 148 tackles and was District 103A’s defensive newcomer of the year in 2014. Defensive back Jay’Lon Bryant picked off six passes and had 73 tackles. “Jay’Lon may be the best natural athlete of any kid that we have in our program,” s a i d R h o a d e s, who considered playing Bryant at BRYANT receiver. “I didn’t know that he was going to be tough enough to play in the secondary for us, and he ended up being one of our better
4consecutive crowns
Here are the high schools that have won at least three straight state titles in football: FIVE Lake Travis (2007-11) FOUR Fort Hancock (1988-2001) Sealy (1994-97) Celina (1998-2001) THREE Amarillo (1934-36) Abilene (1954-56) Big Sandy* (1973-75) La Marque (1995-97) Midland Lee (1998-2000) Southlake Carroll (2004-06) Carthage (2008-10) Daingerfield (2008-10) Aledo (2009-11) Richland Springs (2010-12) Cameron (2012-14) Allen (2012-14) *One co-championship
players on defense.” Rhoades admits the chance to get a fourth straight title is in the back of his mind, but up front is getting set to open against the Connally Cadets on Aug. 28. “The key is getting better each and every week,” Rhoades said. “If we can do that, at the end of the season we may have a chance to play for the fourth one.”
Thursday, August 27, 2015
CENTERVILLE TIGERS
Centerville not ready to surrender spot on ladder By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
Many of the players who helped the Centerville football program get over the hump last season have graduated, but the Tigers are determined not to take a step back, or down, this year. Centerville advanced to the Class 2A Division I state semifinals for the first time last season, breaking through after being eliminated in the third round in each of the two previous seasons. The Tigers reached that higher ground with a strong senior class leading the way. “We lost a great senior class,” Centerville coach Kyle Hardee said. “Not only were they good athletes, they were heavy on skill and they were good leaders, good kids. But that’s not to say that we don’t have good kids coming back. We do. “The good news is I think our younger kids have continued to learn from these older kids. I thought we had a great offseason. We had some guys that are going to be seniors this year who stepped up to fill those leadership roles.” The run to the state semifinals boosted Centerville’s profile and made the Tigers a bigger name opponent this season. It’s a role Hardee is happy for his team to fill. “It probably does put a target on you, but at the same time there’s so many benefits,” Hardee said. “One is that we got to practice football until the second week of December. Another is building that winning tradition. Our kids expect to be good. We know that we have a lot of holes to fill, but we feel good about the kids that we have competing to fill those spots.” Centerville must replace its starting quarterback and top running back, but the Tigers have the foundation of a good offense with tailback C.J. Den-
man operating behind a powerful offensive line and good blockers in fullback Trevor Goolsby and tight end Coleman Robinson. Goolsby also rushed for 1,022 yards and 19 TDs last season. The line will be anchored by senior tackles Kenny Searcy and Tracer Largent. The 280-pound ROBINSON Searcy ear ned honorable mention all-state honors last year. “We feel good about our running game,” Hardee said. “It starts with what we p r i d e o u rselves on. I feel good that we’re SEARCY going to play a physical brand of football.” The Tigers went into preseason workouts with junior Koy Howle and sophomore Hunter Free competing for the starting job at quarterback. Howle, an alldistrict pick at outside linebacker last year, was the favorite to earn the position. “We feel good about the guys that are competing at that quarterback spot,” Hardee said. O n d e f e n s e, Hardee expects Centerville to be solid up front. ThatgroupwillinWAGER clude Goolsby and Howle at outside linebackers, with Garrett Wager at inside linebacker. The ends will be Robinson and Denman. The secondary must be completely rebuilt. That group was a team strength last season, led by All-Brazos Valley selections Cade Harris and Tully Pickens.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Eagle photos by Sam Craft Fullback Tevor Goolsby (left) blocking for tailback C.J. Denman (right) promises to be a solid combination for Centerville. “We know what kind of shoes we have to fill in the secondary, but we feel good about the guys that are working there,” Hardee said. “They are getting after it and competing.” The back end of the defense and all of the Tigers should be challenged early and often with a nondistrict schedule that includes Corrigan-Camden, Trinity, Marlin, Troy and Mart. It was billed as the Iron Sharpens Iron Tour last season, when Centerville dropped three of its first five games. “Wow, we’re throwing young kids into the fire early,” Hardee said. “Last year we got a little beat upduringthatstretchandwent2-3, butIdon’tthinkwecouldhavebeen the team we were without having gone through that. It was tough, because the kids just weren’t used to losing. We don’t ever want to get used to it, but I think our kids do realizethatwe’reoutthereplaying topteamsthatareexpectedtobein the playoffs. It’s going to make us better down the road.”
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ROSTER 4 Kendall Dunn, RB/CB; 6 CJ Denman, RB/DE, sr.; 7 Jared Martin, RB/FS, sr.; 8 Billy Richards, WR/FS, sr.; 11 Ethan Taylor, FB/DE; 14 Koy Howle, OLB/RB, jr.; 24 Coleman Robinson, TE/DE, sr.; 25 Caleb Holden, WR/CB, sr.; 44 Trevor Goolsby, FB/DE/MLB, sr.; 51 Tyler Parker, C/DT; 53 Garrett Wager, sr.; 54 John Persaud, G/T, sr.; 57 Derian Guzman, MLB/G, sr.; 77 Kenny Searcy, T/DT, sr.; Calam Early, TE/DE, sr.; Cristian Zarate, G/OLB, jr.
FACTS
SCHEDULE
Head coach — Kyle Hardee (6150 overall; 61-50 at Centerville) District — 12-2A Division I 2014 record — 10-4 (5-0 in 12-2A Division I) 2014 playoffs — Bi-district: Bye; Area: def. San Augustine 69-36; Regional: def. Price Carlisle 41-0; Quarterfinal: def. Alton 23-20; Semifinal: lost to Mason 27-7 Playoff appearances (14) —1964, 1965, 1966, 1969, 1993, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 Returning lettermen — 15 (4 offensive, 4 defensive starters) All-time record — 347-418-20 Playoff record — 12-14-0
Date Opponent Time Aug 28 Corrigan-Camden 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 60-40 Sept 4 at Trinity 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 51-35 Sept 11 at Marlin 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 38-21 Sept 18 at Troy 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 17-14 Sept 25 Mart 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 49-35 Oct 2 Open District 12-2A Division I Oct 9 Lovelady 7 p.m. Last season: W 13-0 Oct 16 at Groveton 7 p.m. Last season: W 53-6 Oct 23 West Hardin* 7 p.m. Last season: W 61-0 Oct 30 at Hull-Daisetta 7 p.m. Last season: W 56-16 Nov 6 Anderson-Shiro 7 p.m. Last season: W 55-12 *Homecoming
HighSchoolFootball 2015 17
BRAZOS CHRISTIAN: Mather back for third season at quarterback Continued from 6 coach in there. After three or four weeks, we realized he was a junior high kid but said, well, you’ve already been in here and you’ve been doing so good, why not let you keep going.” He’s still going, with 100 tackles last season at middle linebacker, along with three interceptions and three sacks. With his play on defense and in the offensive backfield, Honnas is on the field often. “You’ve got to stay in shape and it’s really a mental game,” Honnas said. “You’ve got to keep going. Especially in the heat, it’s awful, but you’ve got to do it for your brothers. That’s who I’m doing it for.” Well, at least there are those special teams breaks, right? “I return on kickoffs,” Honnas said. “Not on punts. Yeah, I do get a little bit of rest during kickoffs, punts and PATs. That’s about it. Sometimes on defense. I try to stay in on offense as much as possible.” He has a routine that keeps him ready for the rugged sched-
SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug 28 Cypress Christian 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 36-31 Sept 4 Snook 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 23-19 TAPPS Division III District 4 Sept 11 at Bay Area Christian 7 p.m. Last season: L 48-7 Sept 19 vs. McKinney Christian+ 1 p.m. Last season: W 35-14 Sept 25 at The Woodlands Christian 7 p.m. Last season: L 57-14; L 40-14 Oct 2 Magnolia Legacy* 7 p.m. Last season: W 41-14 Oct 9 at Tomball Rosehill 7 p.m. Last season: W 42-14 Oct 16 Houston Lutheran North 7 p.m. Last season: W 59-26 Oct 23 open Oct 30 Beaumont Legacy 7 p.m. Last season: W 56-21 Nov 6 St. Joseph 7 p.m. Last season: W 41-0 *Homecoming +nondistrict in China Spring
ule. “I work out as much as possible, at least three or four times a week,” Honnas said. “I rest on Thursdays and Fridays for the games. I ice bath. I stretch and all of that. And I do yoga.” The latter is a portion of the schedule he added recently. “I started doing that this summer and I feel really confident,”
Honnas said. “I’ve heard that it keeps you healthy and makes you faster also — stretching your muscles out. It helps you ... not hurt your muscles, straining.” Honnas is a muscular 205 pounds and a tackle-breaking runner. “He’s one of those great guys who has speed and explosion, but he loves contact,” Green said. “He really enjoys blocking. That sophomore season was really neat because he was blocking for his big brother, who was a smaller big brother.” Honnas has a goal to play college football. He has drawn some interest from the Air Force and Trinity and hopes this season could open more eyes. “I’ve got to play lights out,” Honnas said. “Play the best I can and win.” Brazos Christian will again bid for a playoff run in a tough district. Again, Honnas will be a key for opponents to try to hold Brazos Christian in check. It might become even more pronounced with him at tailback. “I love the pressure,” Honnas said. “Pressure is good and
ANDERSON: Williams gives the Owls defensive centerpiece at LB Continued from 6 fense and defense. The defensive front will be bolstered by the return of ends Dylan Bohnert and Tyler Parker. Bohnert made first-team all-district last season. Sexton calls Williams a great linebacker, and the senior will play more defense this season. That’s fine with Williams, who has a linebacker mentality when he’s at running back. “I’m not the fastest guy, but I’m not slow,” Williams said. “I’m a bigger guy. I’m 205 and I’ve got some meat on my bones. I’ll juke you and I’ll run over you. It just depends on how I feel. I love being physical.” Williams should be a comfort to whoever plays quarterback for the Owls. Early in preseason workouts, senior Payton Igo and junior Brad Johnson were competing for the
18 HighSchoolFootball 2015
starting position. Sexton expects his team to benefit from a second season in the coaching staff’s system. Sexton took over the program last year after coaching in Magnolia and has adjusted to working at a small school without much football tradition. “People have to remember that these kids didn’t grow up playing football,” Sexton said. “There’s not little league football here. We’ve only had football for six years. This is all kind of new to them, and that’s part of the growing process. “We’ve just got to get more consistent. Our kids have to understand the game of football a little better, how everything fits together and how all the positions have to work together. As every year goes by, I think we do better and better at that.”
ROSTER 2 Tyler Chism, WB/CB, jr.; 4 John Mather, QB/SS, sr.; 7 Will Lockett, WR/CB, jr.; 8 Jeyton McNair, sr.; 9 Ben Weber, soph.; 11 Brayden Cook, WR/DE, soph.; 12 Truitt Baldwin, CB/WR, sr.; 15 Chris Coleman, soph.; 22 Russ Mather, soph.; 23 Jesse Honnas, RB/OLB, sr.; 25 Noah Swope, soph.; 26 Zach Oelze, WR, soph.; 28 Garrett Fleming, jr.; 50 Konner Garrett, soph.; 51 Travis Head, jr.; 63 Ryan Steel, DE/G, jr.; 64 Taylor Magourik, soph.; 68 Kyle Foster, C, sr.; 71 Drew Price, C/DT, jr.; 75 Zach Gillett, G, jr.; 77 Luke Thomas, DE/T, sr.; Garrett Fowler, DE, fr.; Jake Mueller, MLB, sr.; Tucker Hartis, RB, soph.
makes it better. I like competition. Yeah, I like it.”
Eagles have several returners set to lead
Brazos Christian’s only losses last season were to district opponents, but the Eagles dropped two games to The Woodlands Christian, with the second coming in the second round of the playoffs. The Eagles have solid returning players for their competition in the formidable district,where Bay Area Christian reached the state title game. “John Mather, this will be his third year to start at quarterback,” Green said. “He started our playoff game his freshman year and he’s been a starter ever since.” Jeyton McNair, who played running back last season, will be a receiver
but also should contribute to the running game. McNair has breakaway ability. He rushed 94 times for 623 yards and five touchdowns as a junior. Mather added 497 rushing yards and nine TDs. He also passed for 544 yards and eight touchdowns. Green says he will have a smaller line than the Eagles have had, but tackle Zach Gillette is 6-5, 260. Center Drew Price is also 260 pounds. Kyle Foster is a three-year starter at right guard. He is the only senior in the offensive line. The Eagles will have several twoway players. Mather and McNair will return in the secondary. “We’re probably not as big as we’ve been on defense, but we’re probably more athletic,” Green said. “We try to get turnovers and fly around and hit people.”
BRAZOS VALLEY TOP 10 4COACHING VICTORIES • Here are the Top 10 coaches in terms of all-time victories currently coaching in the Brazos Valley: 1. Mike Hedrick, Franklin . . . . . 257 2. Ross Rogers, Bryan . . . . . . 226 3. Glen West, Brenham . . . . . 207 4. Lee Fedora, Navasota . . . . . 155 5. Rick Rhoades, Cameron . . . . 110 6. Steve Huff, College Station . . 107 7. Greg Morgan, Madisonville . . 101 8. Jeff Miller, Rockdale . . . . . . 93 9. David Raffield, A&M Consolidated 85 10. Kyle Hardee, Centerville . . . 61
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4PlAyOff VICTORIES • With back-to-back-to-back state titles, the Cameron Yoemen have taken over the Brazos Valley lead in all-time playoff victories: 1. Cameron. . . . . . 2. Bremond. . . . . . 3. Navasota . . . . . 4. Brenham. . . . . . 5. A&M Consolidated . 6. Calvert. . . . . . . 7. Lexington . . . . . 8. Franklin . . . . . . 9. Rockdale . . . . . 10. Bryan. . . . . . .
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. 64 . 59 . 46 . 44 . 40 . 30 . 27 . 25 . 23 . 18
Online For coverage of the 2015 high school football season from Week 0 to the state title games, visit TheEagle.com.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
COLLEGE STATION COUGARS
Precise Preciado
Cougar senior works hard at safety By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
College Station senior Rajah Preciado has a checklist for success. “I like to be a perfectionist,” Preciado said. “I have this goal sheet at my house. I write down all my goals for the day — daily goals, monthly goals, yearly goals. You know, future goals, and it’s fun each day to scratch off a new goal. I like to try to be perfect, even though I know perfect is unattainable.” Preciado, who has committed to Baylor, had an outstanding junior season at safety as a 16-year-old (he will not turn 17
until September this year). He had 119 tackles, breaking up eight passes and picking off two. He grew up in Stockton, California, and started school earlier than he would have in Texas, so when Fresno State offered a scholarship, it was appealing. “The Fresno State offer, when I got that I was pretty ecstatic,” said Preciado, who has been here for six years. “My Grandpa lives in Fresno and Stockton is about 45 minutes away. My primary family now lives in College Station — Mom, Dad, two brothers — and this is family. These people are my family. I’ve learned Eagle photo by Dave McDermand
See COUGARS, Page 20 College Station’s Rajah Preciado (right) and Timarcus Davis are key returners for the Cougars in the secondary.
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HighSchoolFootball 2015 19
COLLEGE STATION COUGARS
COUGARS: Preciado also gives Cougars a playmaker on special teams Continued from 19 so much from the people in this area.” His head football coach, Steve Huff, was impressed early. “When I got here, he was going to be a ninth-grader,” Huff said. “He’s been one of the workhorses the whole time. He’s not only a great athlete and a great kid but he’s also a lead-by-example guy. He goes out and works, like Jeremiah Booker would.” Because of that, Preciado has seen significant action for the Cougars since his freshman season. “I was nervous and didn’t know what to expect,” Preciado said. “I was so young coming in and playing against grown men. I guess I did the best I can do.” He has continued that. Preciado has the ability to play under control mixed with the understanding of when to gamble for a big play. “It’s years of footwork for him,” Huff said. “He’s dad’s been working on his footwork, like his little brother now, since they could walk. The other thing is reps and confidence. Any kid that has the confidence to break on a ball and take those chances ... you may get one behind you every now and then. You’re going to get more plays made in front of you and still make plays behind you just because of the confidence level.” Preciado will also do the hard work. He had 19 tackles against Bryan last season, serving as the Cougars’ primary tackler against the Vikings’ standout runner KeeKee Johnson. “I was playing last season at 175-ish,” Preciado said of his weight. “I don’t know how much KeeKee weighed, but it seemed like it was two times as much. Every tackle I made, it was down low.” Preciado believes he has learned a lot on the football field but remains anxious to learn more in any endeavor.
ROSTER 1 Marquez Perez, soph.; 2 Quandree White, soph.; 3 Reece Easterling, jr.; 4 Rajah Preciado, sr.; 5 Chris Sennette, sr.; 6 Charlie Glover, sr.; 7 Timarcus Davis, jr.; 9 Cedrick Williams, sr.; 10 Chris Monroe, jr.; 11 Ty Brock, jr.; 12 Alex Miller, sr.; 14 Joe Sellers, sr.; 15 Mark Golladay, sr.; 20 Grant Stepan, sr.; 21 Braden Tschirhart, jr.; 22 Justin Gosch, sr.; 23 Casey Fernandez, sr.; 24 Jerron Jones, jr.; 25 Evan Crockett, sr.; 30 Anthony Flores, jr.; 31 Ryan Bowersox, jr.; 32 Dylan Carnes, jr.; 33 Wyatt Bishop, sr.; 40 Mark Wagner, jr.; 41 Patrick Clouston, sr.; 42 Jordan Fox, jr.; 44 Chase Spaw, sr.; 46 K.J. Grimes, sr.; 48 Bailey Simmons, sr.; 50 Austin Mincher, sr.; 52 Travis Bettiol, sr.; 54 Will Efendiev, sr.; 55 Brenner Walichowski, sr.; 61 Ian Wooley, jr.; 62 Traes Hogan, sr.; 70 Garrett Grant, jr.; 71 David Hahn, soph.; 72 John King, sr.; 74 Jacob Cervantes, sr.; 75 Josh Donovan, jr.; 76 Jordan Seymore, sr.; 78 Paul Eugene, sr.; 79 David Ornelas, sr.; 80 Christian Alexander, jr.; 85 Noah Herring, jr.; 91 KeKe Anderson, soph.; 94 Marquise Conchola, sr.; 99 Jordan Brumley, sr.
“I like to obtain knowledge in any way possible,” Preciado said. “I like to get smarter, not just football-smart. I want to get better at speaking and I like to read. I like to read self-help books.” For one more season, he will be a big help to the Cougars. Preciado also excels on special teams. He averaged 39.4 yards on nine kickoff returns, taking back one for a touchdown. He added another score on a punt return, averaging 21.3 yards on 11 tries. His enthusiasm and work ethic are infectious. “Kids sometimes are blessed withtalentanddon’tfosterit,”Huff said. “Raj was definitely blessed with talent, but what he has done with his talent is why he is where heisrightnow.Icanrememberlast year before all of these combines and stuff were going on, it would be in the middle of the afternoon in summertime. I’d hear the door in the field house, and I’d look out and see Raj pulling his sled. He’d have two or three guys with him, just doing extra stuff.”
Easterling to take reins at quarterback
Reece Easterling, a 6-foot-2 junior, takes over at quarterback after starter Ty Brock broke his leg in the Cougars’ scrimmage at Bastrop earlier this month. Brock, who completed 32 of 47 passes for 528 yards and eight touchdowns last season, had locked down the starting spot in spring practice. Even before Brock’s injury, Huff talked about the quality depth at the position. Easterling was the JV quarterback last season. Marquez
20 HighSchoolFootball 2015
Perez, who quarterbacked the freshman team, could back up Easterling as well as play receiver. Jacob Blaha, a junior, could also contribute. Chris Sennette is College Station’s leader among running backs returning. He rushed 32 times for 581 yards and five touchdowns last season and also caught 19 passes for 190 yards and one score. “He’s big Chris now,” Huff said. “We’ve got little Chris, which is Chris Monroe.” Sennette played last season at inside slot receiver and will play wherever the Cougars determine his highest value will be. Charlie Glover pulled in eight passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns last year and returns to the receiving corps. Glover was a multi-position player a year ago, but coaches will try to make his role more focused in 2015. Travis Bettiol returns on the offensive line, while the promoted JV players have the advantage of a year working together. The defense is bolstered by the return of Mark Wagner, a junior linebacker who caused six fumbles and recovered three. He is the Cougars’ top returning tackler with 120, including six for losses. He will move from outside to inside. Defensive end K.J. Grimes recorded 52 tackles including a pair of sacks. Evan Crockett will play end with the Cougars using a rotation on the defensive line. Cornerback Cedrick Williams will also highlight a big-play defense. He had four interceptions, eight pass breakups and 57 total
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Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Chris Sennette is College Station’s leading returning rusher after running for 581 yards and five touchdowns last season.
FACTS
SCHEDULE
Head coach — Steve Huff (10774 in Oklahoma, Washington and Texas; 20-10 at College Station) District — 18-5A 2014 record — 8-3 (6-1 in 18-5A) 2014 playoffs — 5A Division II bidistrict: lost to Hutto 56-52 Playoff appearances (1) — 2014 Returning lettermen — 18 (4 offensive, 6 defensive starters) All-time record — 20-10 Playoff record — 0-1 tackles last season. Williams may see extended time on offense because of his game-breaking ability. Glover, whose priority position is on offense, will play defense, too. Timarcus Davis, a junior who plays the other cornerback spot, had three picks. Junior kicker Ryan Bowersox connected on all eight of his field goal tries last season. He was al-
Date Opponent Aug 28 Rosenberg Terry Last season: L 35-19 Sept 4 at Waco Last season: W 48-17 Sept 11 Open Sept 18 at Elgin Last season: W 51-34 District 18-5A Sept 25 Willis Last season: W 59-21 Oct 2 at Rudder Last season: W 83-20 Oct 9 Livingston* Last season: W 71-17 Oct 16 at Huntsville Last season: W 48-27 Oct 23 A&M Consolidated Last season: W 34-31 Oct 30 at Bryan Last season: L 41-34 (OT) Nov 6 Caney Creek Last season: W 63-7 *Homecoming
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.
so good on 65 of 69 extra points. Crockett will punt. Joe Sellers came over from the soccer team and is in the mix to take over kicking duties.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
FRANKLIN LIONS
Defense ready to pull its weight in Franklin By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
Franklin’s hard-charging, runbased offensive attack has made the Lions a high school football powerhouse, and a good offense can be the best defense. This year, though, a good defense could be the Lions’ strength. Second-team all-state linebacker Will Phillips, who has committed to Rice, is a big-time performer for Franklin. He was District 12-3A Division II defensive player of the year last season. “Defensively, of course I’ve got Will starting at linebacker and Jacob Dorsett either as a corner or a free safety, because we kind of rotate those cats around,” Franklin coach Mike Hedrick said. “Two of our defensive ends are back, Rodney Rogers and Bobby Graham, and they are pretty solid kids. They are pretty mobile kids. They can run, and they are real strong.” Both Rog ers and Graham weigh in around 190 pounds, while 260-pound Blake Johnson returns at defensive tackle. T h e o f f e n s e, wh i ch l o s t 2,200-yard rusher Morgan Brewer to graduation, may be more diverse this season. “This kid that moved in last year, Kameron Fuller, right now is our first quarterback,” Hedrick said of his transfer from California. “It’s going to give us a little versatility. It gives us another dimension that you’ve got to cover. We’re pretty pleased with that.” Franklin remains loaded with backfield talent, including fullbacks Brandon Graham (92 carries, 533 yards) and Drew Fannin (65-449). They rotated as starters last year. At tailback, Jacob Dorsett and Roderick Green will get action with freshman Jared Pedraza waiting to back them up. Phillips and Stephen Com-
Eagle photo by Sam Craft
Franklin will use defensive back Jacob Dorsett at cornerback or free safety depending on the situation.
ROSTER 2 Kameron Fuller, QB/FS, sr.; 3 Will Phillips, HB/LB, sr.; 4 Jacob Dorsett, TB/CB, sr.; 5 Cody Wilson, QE/SS, jr.; 6 Austin Davis, QE/FS, jr.; 7 Rodrick Green, TB/CB, jr.; 8 Zane Wallace, QE/ DE, sr.; 10 Stephen Commander, FB/LB, sr.; 11 Thomas Box, TE/SS, jr.; 15 Jared Pedraza, TB/ DB, fr.; 16 Kade Mitchell, QB/CB, sr.; 22 Jacob Bush, QE/SS, sr.; 24 Will Fannin, HB/LB, fr.; 30 Blane McCullough, HB/SS, jr.; 32 Rodney Rogers, HB/DE, sr.; 33 Bobby Graham, FB/DE, jr.; 34 Drew Fannin, FB/LB, jr.; 38 Clayton Rosprim, HB/LB, fr.; 40 Nick Lopez, FB/LB, soph.; 44 Brandon Graham, FB/DE, sr.; 50 Anthony Stokely, C/DT, jr.; 51 Dalton Watkins, G/DT, soph.; 52 Cole Tarver, T/DT, jr.; 54 Clayton Swonke, C/DT, sr.; 55 Trey Endsley, T/DT, sr.; 60 Bryant Mathis, T/DT, jr.; 62 Clint Duewall, C/DE, sr.; 65 Raheem Green, G/DE, jr.; 66 Lane Morgan, T/ DT, jr.; 68 Jacob Marchbanks, G/DT, soph.; 70 Tim Lockhart, G/LB, jr.; 75 Casey Phillips, T/DT, soph.; 77 Blake Johnson, T/DT, jr.; 80 Ian Knight, TE/DT, sr.; 81 Julian Garcia, QE/DE, sr.; 82 Que Morrow, DE/TE, sr.
mander will share time at halfback. Commander rushed for 418 yards last season, when eight Lions gained at least 200 yards each on the ground. “Stephen is a smart kid, so he can play fullback and play halfback for us,” said Hedrick, the Brazos Valley’s leader in career coaching victories with 257. “He’s kind of our rotational guy.” Phillips has been a threat in the passing game, catching seven passes for 260 yards as a junior. Dorsett is a triple threat who
Thursday, August 27, 2015
also kicks. As a back and kicker, Dorsett scored 74 points last season. “He’s a real quiet kid, but he’s a real competitor,” Hedrick said. “He’s a good kicker. Heck, he’s one of the best kickers I’ve ever had.” The interior of the offensive line, often a strength for the Lions, is rebuilding this year. Franklin will incorporate some young players in other key roles. “Thomas Box is our backup
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SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug 28 at Rogers 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 37-7 Sept 4 Madisonville 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 59-31 Sept 11 at Arp 7:30 p.m. Sept 18 Marlin 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 35-33 District 12-3A Division II Sept 25 at Buffalo 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 77-0 Oct 2 Hearne 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 61-0 Oct 9 Open Oct 16 at Trinity 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 70-0 Oct 23 New Waverly* 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 36-0 Oct 30 at Lexington 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 79-14 Nov 6 Leon 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 21-20 *Homecoming
quarterback, but he also is our best strong safety on defense,” Hedrick said. “He can play tight end and quick end. He’s a versatile kind of kid.” The Lions have won at least 10 games each of the last three seasons, and players willing to fill
FACTS Head coach — Mike Hedrick (257150-11 overall; 79-27 at Franklin) District — 12-3A Division II 2014 record — 10-2 (5-1 in 12-3A Division II) 2014 playoffs — Bi-district: def. Garrison 57-13; Area: def. Maypearl 51-13; Regional: lost to Newton 49-21 Playoff appearances (27) — 1951, 1953, 1955, 1961, 1965, 1970, 1972, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 Returning lettermen — 21 (6 offensive, 7 defensive starters) All-time record — 524-363-38 Playoff record — 25-26-1
key roles as backups have played a large part in that success. “Early on, it’s so hot,” Hedrick said. “I’m trying to get as many kids as I can with somebody right behind them that’s pretty good, too, so we can get them off the field.”
HighSchoolFootball 2015 21
HEARNE EAGLES
Contreras giving Hearne something to build on ROSTER
By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
Coaches facing the task of rebuilding a high school football program such as Hearne’s Chip Baker could use a few blue-chip prospects, but in most cases the more likely keys to success are blue-collar guys. Christian Contreras is one of those players for Baker’s Eagles, the type of leader by example upon whom the second-year coach wants to build. Contreras, a senior who plays offensive and defensive tackle, earns high marks from Baker for his contributions on the field and off. “It means a lot to have a guy like him,” Baker said. “He’s the picture of what you want your athletes to be. In our program, we want every athlete to be like him. If we have a lot more like that guy, we’ll be in a good place. The kids will be doing everything they can do and giving 100 percent effort in everything they do every day.” Baker raves about Contreras’ work ethic and commitment. If the weight room is open for business, Contreras almost always is there working. “It’s just a thing I learned from my family,” Contreras said. “It came easy to me to be responsible and stuff like that. It makes me feel great that coach feels that way about me.” Contreras embraces his role as a leader and a role model, managing to earn his coaches’ approval without alienating teammates. “I’m very supportive of the other guys,” Contreras said. “I always try to talk to them, keep their head up and be their friend. If I’m
FACTS
1 Tu’Darrius Miles, WR/DB, soph.; 2 Alex Ramirez, QB/DB, jr.; 3 Jadarrius Adams, TE/OLB, jr.; 5 Ty’nnerick Miles, RB/LB, soph.; 6 Cedrion Golden, RB/ILB, soph.; 8 Corvian Workman, WR/DB, sr.; 11 Dwain Miller, FB/OLB, jr.; 15 David Castilleja, WR/DB, soph.; 21 Da’shon Young, WR/DB, jr.; 22 Ed’raeshon Tindle, WR/DB, soph.; 23 Nic Castilleja, WR/DB, jr.; 24 Nevin Dunn, RB/ILB, sr.; 26 Tobiance Thomas, TE/OLB, sr.; 28 Keandre Foley, RB/ILB, soph.; 44 DeVandru Seymore, TE/OLB, jr.; 52 Jeremy Nelson, OL/DL, jr.; 53 Arthur Pryor, OL/ILB, jr.; 54 Orlando Alvarado, OL/DL, sr.; 55 Paul Lopez, OL/DL, sr.; 56 Anthony Williams, OL/DL, jr.; 58 Dylan Woods, OL/DL, soph.; 60 Steven McCravy, OL/DL, jr.; 63 Steven Sifuentes, OL/DL, jr.; 74 Cristian Contreras, OL/DL, sr.
on time and doing what I’m supposed to do, that’s probably going to help me out and the team.” Contreras is 5-foot-7 and weighs 240 pounds. He qualified for the regional powerlifting tournament each of the last two years. “He’s a solid kid,” Baker said. “He works very hard. He’s very dependable. A lot of times you hear about kids getting into trouble, but he’s one of those who is just so consistent on doing things right. You don’t hear a lot about those guys. He is always that kid. He’s always on point. When you need something to be done, he gets it done. You don’t have to worry about it.”
22 HighSchoolFootball 2015
Contreras hopes to attend college and become a coach. He sees Baker as an excellent example. “I think it’s great for him to be here,” Contreras said. “Him being from Hearne is great. I think it helps him connect with the players even better. He’s doing real good. He’s always there and supporting. I think the program is moving forward.” Baker was hired late last summer to replace Clinton Smith, who made a surprising decision to return to Burton as an assistant coach. Baker, who spent 15 years as an assistant coach at Conroe, had less than a month to prepare for the start of preseason
Senior wideout and defensive back Corvian Workman will try to help the Hearne Eagles get off to a good start when they host Bremond on Friday in their seasonopener. Eagle photo by Dave McDermand
workouts. With little experience returning from a team that went 4-6 and missed the playoffs, the Eagles struggled to an 0-9 mark in Baker’s first year. Hearne absorbed lopsided beatings in each game in District 123A Division II. “I’m very pleased with the progress that we’ve made,” Baker said. “Are we where we want to be? No, but I’m pleased with what we’ve done so far, because
SCHEDULE
Head coach — Chip Baker (0-9 overall; 0-9 at Hearne) District — 12-3A Division II 2014 record — 0-9 (0-6 in 12-3A Division II) 2014 playoffs — Did not qualify. Playoff appearances (15) — 1936, 1937, 1939, 1952, 1954, 1961, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1988, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2012 Returning lettermen — 17 (8 offensive, 6 defensive starters) All-time record — 467-433-39 Playoff record — 7-15-0
we’ve put some work in. “I’mproudof thefactthat our kids finished the football season and did things the right way. We want to win games, but more than that we’ve got to teach them how to win in life. I think we’ve done a very good job of that. The wins will come on the field and on the court
Date Opponent Aug 28 Bremond Last season: L 40-8 Sept 4 Caldwell Last season: L 42-0 Sept 11 at Rosebud-Lott Sept 18 at Burton Last season: L 54-6 Sept 25 Open District 12-3A Division II Oct 2 at Franklin Last season: L 61-0 Oct 9 Trinity* Last season: L 51-0 Oct 16 at New Waverly Last season: L 51-12 Oct 23 Lexington Last season: L 54-0 Oct 30 at Leon Last season: L 60-0 Nov 6 Buffalo Last season: L 63-14 *Homecoming
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.
when you teach them those things like hard work, sacrifice and doing things for the good of the team.”
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Thursday, August 27, 2015
IOLA BULLDOGS
Veteran defense will help Iola reload on run ROSTER
By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
There might not be another high school football team in the Brazos Valley with as big a hole to fill as Iola, but the Bulldogs are uniquely equipped to plug the gap. Iola returns 10 starters from a defense that dominated at times as the Bulldogs reached the Class 2A Division II state quarterfinals. That strength should help Iola deal with the loss of quarterback Hayden Martinez, who graduated after three years as the starter and focus of the ground-based offense. Senior Will Nevill is slated to take over at quarterback but won’t be asked to carry the team. The Bulldogs will pin their high hopes on the defensive unit led by senior end Ryan Renick. “The expectations are very high,” said head coach Pete Martinez, who has taken Iola to the playoffs in each of his first three seasons. “We feel like we’re going to hang our hat on the defense. We feel like that can keep us in games, and hopefully we’ll be able to fill some holes on the offensive side and scratch out some points and put together some wins.” Last year the Bulldogs went 111, roaring through District 12-2A Division II to earn a first-round bye, then beating Muenster and Chilton before falling 35-28 to traditional power Tenaha in the fourth round. Bidding for the program’s first trip to the semifinals since 1998, the Bulldogs were stopped on a fourth-andgoal with about 3 minutes left against Tenaha. “We didn’t play like we were capable of playing against Tenaha, and we came up just short,” Coach Martinez said. “Having the success and advancing as far as we did, we really feel like it’s going to pay off for us this year. We just feel like there’s no substitute for the experience under
1 Canyon Ramirez, WR/CB, 5-8, 155, sr.; 2 Tyler Dykes, WR/DB, 5-10, 165, soph.; 3 Andrew Crenshaw, QB/DB, 5-11, 165, fr.; 4 Coy Creamer, WR/DB, 6-0, 165, jr.; 5 Colton Renick, RB/ OLB, 5-10, 185, soph.; 6 Cole Johnson, WR/CB, 5-11, 175, sr.; 7 Cameron Darby, WR/FS, 6-0, 180, jr.; 8 Kaiden Halley, QB/LB, 6-0, 185, fr.; 9 Hector Arzola, WR/OLB, 5-10, 175, sr.; 10 Dalton Burke, WR/OLB, 5-7, 160, jr.; 11 Will Nevill, QB/DB, 6-4, 205, sr.; 15 Ryan Renick, WR/ DE, 6-4, 240, sr.; 20 Kody McKnight, WR/DB, 5-6, 145, soph.; 22 Cameron Degrate, RB/DE, 6-0, 190, soph.; 24 JD Funderburk, K/CB, 5-10, 125, fr.; 28 Kyle Meadows, WR/DB, 5-11, 165, jr.; 34 Ryan Bennett, RB/ILB, 6-0, 180, jr.; 40 Dylan Riojas, RB/LB, 5-8, 165, soph.; 44 Taylor Stabler, OL/DL, 6-1, 220, jr.; 50 Benton Keller, OL/DL, 5-10, 185, jr.; 52 Dawson Utz, OL/DL, 6-0, 220, sr.; 53 Kurtis Bradicich, OL/ILB, 5-11, 175, jr.; 54 Tyler Raley, OL/DL, 6-0, 245, jr.; 55 Preston Futrell, OL/LB, 5-8, 175, fr.; 56 Trace Wolf, OL/DE, 6-3, 190, sr.; 57 Donnie Wade, OL/ DE, 6-1, 185, sr.; 58 Quinn Costello, OL/DL,5-10, 165, fr.; 70 Cody Ozbolt, OL/DL, 6-0, 185, fr.; 72 Josh Glass, OL/DL, 6-1, 175, jr.; 74 Ethan Perry, OL/DL, 6-2, 290, soph.; 75 Cain Carter, OL/DL, 5-9, 175, soph.; 76 Zach Dingledine, OL/DL, 5-7, 145, fr.; 77 Ryan Lawrence, OL/DL, 6-1, 205, fr.; 78 Greg Degrate, OL/DL, 6-1, 265, so.
FACTS Head coach — Pete Martinez (2319 overall; 16-6 at Iola) District — 12-2A Division II 2014 record — 11-1 (5-0 in 12-2A Division II) 2014 playoffs — Bi-district: Bye; Area: def. Muenster 35-21; Regional: def. Chilton 34-9; Quarterfinal: lost to Tenaha 35-28 Playoff appearances (15) —1939, 1960, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2012, 2013, 2014 Returning lettermen — 22 (6 offensive, 10 defensive starters All-time record — 360-331-17 Playoff record — 15-14-1 the lights, especially that deep in the playoffs. The kids are really hungry to get back there. I think they believe they can get that deep again, if not deeper.” Over the last three years, the Bulldogs went mostly where Hayden Martinez’ sturdy legs led them. The development of last year’s defense filled with underclassmen should smooth the transition to a more balanced team. “We’re very, very optimistic,” Coach Martinez said. “We almost feel more team unity now that they feel like we’ve got to depend on everyone. We’re going to be stronger in our numbers more than in one dimension. It’s a really nice feeling we have with the kids right now. I don’t think
Thursday, August 27, 2015
SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug 28 at Somerville 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 65-0 Sept 4 Open Sept 11 Anderson-Shiro 7:30 p.m. Sept 18 at Milano 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 26-0 Sept 25 at Thrall 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 59-7 Oct 2 Cross Plains 7 p.m. District 12-2A Division II Oct 9 Evadale* 7 p.m. Last season: W 50-14 Oct 16 at Sabine Pass 7 p.m. Last season: W 73-0 Oct 23 Burkeville 7 p.m. Last season: W 69-6 Oct 30 Colmesneil 7 p.m. Last season: W 73-14 Nov 6 at Normangee 7 p.m. Last season: W 57-12 *Homecoming
we’ve blinked an eye about it at all.” It’s easier not to blink with a shut-down defense, and Iola has the makings. The Bulldogs have one significant defender to replace in the graduated Reed Fairbanks, but they feature a potential star in the 6-foot-4, 240-pound end Renick, who is athletic enough to play slot receiver on offense. “He’s the kid that as a coach you dream about getting, wish you had more of him,” Martinez said. “He moves really well. Probably more than anything, he’s just a great kid, very coachable, very intelligent.” The Bulldogs also should be stout up the middle. Martinez has great expectations for inside line-
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Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Sophomore Tyler Dykes placed fourth in the 100 meters at the state track meet last spring and will use that speed in the Bulldogs’ secondary and receiving corps this year. backers Colton Renick, a sophomore, and Ryan Bennett, a junior. Colton Renick led Iola with 147 tackles last year. Both linebackers received honorable mention all-state honors last season. “Colton Renick will be another key part of what we do,” Martinez said. “He was a little light in the britches last year, but he has blossomed and put on some weight. He’s very, very athletic. Ryan Bennett is always at the right place at the right time.” Ball carriers who manage to clear the defensive front could have a difficult time running away from a secondary led by speedster Tyler Dykes. He finished fourth in the 100 meters at
the state track meet last spring as a freshman. He will play corner and safety this season. “I think Tyler Dykes is going to be an eye-opener,” Martinez said. Dykes also figures prominently into the new offensive scheme at wide receiver. The receiving corps also will feature juniors Cory Creamer and Cameron Darby. “We’re taking a different approach,” Martinez said. “We just need Will to get the ball to those guys in space. Instead of hanging our hat so much on the run, we’re going to try to move it around and get the ball in space to the guys that we feel like can make things happen.”
HighSchoolFootball 2015 23
LEON COUGARS
Cougars poised to show some offensive punch By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
The Leon Cougars won’t be bothered if you find them more offensive this year. The Cougars, best known for their defense in 2014 when they held opponents to under 17 points per game, have numerous standout offensive players returning. “I’m not certain that this isn’t the best offensive team that we’ve had here in the number of years I’ve been here,” Leon coach Keith Sitton said. “We’ve got two rushers coming back that rushed for almost 1,100 yards apiece. Our quarterback threw nine touchdowns. We’ve got the core of our receiving corps back. We’ve got a lot of weapons coming back.” Peyton Archibald is a punish-
ing runner at fullback. The offensive MVP in District 12-3A Division II rushed for 1,069 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior last season. “We’ve got a danged battering ram at fullback,” Sitton said. “Peyton has improved from last year ARCHIBALD a n d h e wa s a horse last year.” Archibald also caught five passes for 99 yards and a touchdown. Corbin Watson provides the counterpunch to Archibald’s power game. The running back rushed for 1,054 yards and 12 TDs last season. Watson has the abil-
24 HighSchoolFootball 2015
ity to turn the corner. “He’s our best athlete,” Sitton said. “He’s got good speed. We can get him out on the edge. He’s got great hands. He was a big part of our passing game. I’d like to see him be a little more physical in our running game and on defense. If he does that, I think he can go play somewhere when he graduates.” Watson caught 11 passes for 181 yards and four touchdowns last year. Quarterback Blake Lowry completes the set. The junior will be more of a direct factor in the offense after completing 32 of 69 passes for 502 yards last season. Lowry threw nine TD passes and was picked off five times. “He’s grown up a whole lot from last year,” Sitton said. “We
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SCHEDULE
FACTS Head coach — Keith Sitton (42-51 overall; 42-51 at Leon) District — 12-3A Division II 2014 record — 8-3 (5-1 in 12-3A Division II) 2014 playoffs — Bi-district: lost to Corrigan-Camden 38-8 Playoff appearances (13) — 1982, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1992, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2014 Returning lettermen — 14 (7 offensive, 5 defensive starters) All-time record — 237-276-11 Playoff record — 4-13-0 can invest a lot more in our passing game. With the guys in the backfield we’ve got coming back, that’s going to make them a lot better. If we can be consistent passing the ball, we’re going to
Date Opponent Aug 28 Normangee Last season: W 30-6 Sept 4 at Elkhart Last season: W 34-14 Sept 11 at Riesel Last season: W 27-0 Sept 18 Lovelady* Last season: L 35-12 District 12-3A Division II Sept 25 Trinity Last season: L 42-26 Oct 2 at New Waverly Last season: W 18-14 Oct 9 Lexington Last season: W 20-14 Oct 16 open Oct 23 at Buffalo Last season: W 34-0 Oct 30 Hearne Last season: W 60-0 Nov 6 at Franklin Last season: W 21-20 *Homecoming
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.
be hard to defend.” Standout offensive tackle
See LEON, Page 25
Thursday, August 27, 2015
LEXINGTON EAGLES
Backfield shuffle has chance to flourish this season ROSTER
By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
Lexington coach Kirk Muhl shuffled the deck. In a move made at the end of last season, Muhl removed Nic Dillon from quarterback to running back and replaced him with Walker Hess, a sophomore this season. Dillon, who rushed 269 times for 1,285 yards, is now the Eagles’ top returning running back. “Walker kind of reminds me of Kogan Garrett, who was so good,” Muhl said. “We needed a running back, and really the only running back we had was our quarterback, so it made sense for us.” Hess took over at quarterback prior to the final regular-season game against district tri-champion Trinity. His coach believes the younger quarterback, who led the Eagles into the state 7-on-7 tournament, will stretch the defense. Muhl will alter his offensive attack to fit Dillon’s skills, as well as those of a completely rebuilt offensive line.
1 Joey Kelley, sr.; 2 Trevor Patschke, jr.; 3 Colby Bexley, soph.; 4 Cameron Milligan, jr.; 5 Berto Lara, sr.; 6 Nate Jones, soph.; 7 Gavin Thomas, soph.; 8 Jacob Muhl, sr.; 9 Ryan Garrison, jr.; 10 Nic Dillon, jr.; 11 Dylan Dussetschleger, jr.; 12 Walker Hess, soph.; 13 Jay Cooper, sr.; 14 Jacob Townsend, jr.; 15 Jacob King, jr.; 17 Grant Peimann, sr.; 22 Sam Perry, soph.; 24 Henry Esquivel, jr.; 28 Jaden Tucker, soph.; 35 Nathanael Clifford, jr.; 44 Nathan Vo, sr.; 48 Chase Allert, jr.; 50 Jordan Higgins, soph.; 51 DeSean Jackson, jr.; 55 Kyle Brewer, sr.; 57 Wesley Sanders, soph.; 63 Tyler Krenek, sr.; 65 Austin Thomas, sr.; 70 Barrett Lerche, jr.; 72 Micah Higgins, jr.; 77 Wyatt Retzlaff, soph.
“What we really concentrated on is making sure [defenses] respected everybody on the field, and the entire field,” Muhl said. It may open up things for talented pass-catchers, including Grant Peimann who caught 34 passes for 343 yards last season “Peimann’s probably our best receiver,” Muhl said. “I have my nephew (Jacob Muhl), and he’s been catching the ball really well.” Nathaniel Clifford is also back. Clifford only caught five passes last season, but averaged 26.6 yards per reception. “He’s one of those kids that can play anything on the field, offense or defense,” Muhl said. “If we need a tight end look, we can throw it in there out of the spread, but he can also split out. He runs really good routes, and he catches the ball as well as any-
body out there.” Sophomores at wideout positions could also be key contributors. “The kids have got to understand that it’s all timing, but they’re getting good at it and working their tails off,” Muhl said. Lexington’s swarming defense has its leader still in his usual position. Chase Allert led the Eagles with 123 tackles as a sophomore. Like Dillon, Allert will open the season playing in his 21st straight game. “He’s probably more important than the quarterback is on offense to our defense,” Muhl said. “He’s instinctive, and a lot of times he’s so instinctive that he’s too fast. I tell him ‘slow down.’ He reads well and gets where he needs to be in a hurry. “He understands how to see
FACTS
SCHEDULE
Head coach — Kirk Muhl (5-15 overall; 5-15 at Lexington) District — 12-3A Division II 2014 record — 3-7 (2-4 in 12-3A Division II) 2014 playoffs — did not qualify Playoff appearances (15) — 1964, 1968, 1978, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 Returning lettermen — 15 (6 offensive, 6 defensive starters) All-time record — 392-422-26 Playoff record — 27-15-0
the football and see what’s coming at him at the same time. He understands how to put his body in position to make sure he gets off blocks. I can’t tell you how many tackles he has made when he’s got people on his legs and has got somebody on his hip. He’s still making tackles.” Berto Lara is a top two-way player. Lara had 34 tackles his junior year and rushed 28 times for 127 yards. He is also a three-year starter. Because of an injury, Lara has moved from his usual linebacker spot to free safety. “He’s another one of those kids that’s very versatile,” Muhl said. “He can play anything.” Fellow safety Ryan Garrison is beginning his third season as a
Date Opponent Aug 27 Teague+ Last year: L 76-33 Sept 4 at Cameron Last year: L 47-13 Sept 11 Academy Last year: W 26-21 Sept 18 Shiner Last year: L 41-34 District 12-3A Division II Sept 25 New Waverly Last year: L 31-26 Oct 2 Open Date Oct 9 at Leon Last year: L 20-14 Oct 16 Buffalo* Last year: W 49-27 Oct 23 at Hearne Last year: W 54-0 Oct 30 Franklin Last year: L 79-14 Nov 6 at Trinity Last year: L 41-22 *Homecoming +Waco ISD Stadium
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.
starter. He’s an athletic hurdler during track season and like Allert, has grown physically. Lexington’s schedule is brutal at the start. The Eagles will play the Teague Lions at Waco ISD Stadium on the first Thursday night of the season. The Lions’ only loss last season came against state champion Cameron in the playoffs, and the Yoemen are the second team up on Lexington’s slate this year.
LEON: Tight end Read completes formidable bunch of blockers at Leon Continued from 24
Sergio Sanchez (6-foot-2, 280 pounds) has been partnered with Matthew Roach (6-2, 215) on the strong side, after Roach shifted from tackle to guard. Sanchez is a powerful blocker, and the highenergy Roach will pull to lead running plays. He’s also a big hitter at defensive end. All-district center Tobe Zientek also is back, effectively giving Leon one side of the offensive line filled with veterans. Junior tight end Rhett Read (6-3, 220) is part of that group of blockers. With his size and some of the best hands on the team, he presents matchup problems for
Leon’s opponents. “That gives us the ability to line up on the strong side and run at people and feel certain that you can handle what people put in front of you,” Sitton said. “Rhett was a big part of our offense in the passing game because you really have matchup problems with him. He’s a big target, easy to see. You can put him in different spots and try to exploit the mismatches.” While Leon lost a stellar linebacker corps to graduation, the Cougars have a strong junior class that could strengthen their chance to repeat as district champions this season. Leon’s win over Franklin in the final district game
Thursday, August 27, 2015
earned the Cougars a portion of the tri-championship in District 123A Division II last season. Archibald will move to middle linebacker, with Christopher ZIENTEK Nash and Zientek also playing linebacker. “There’s going to be some growing pains for us at linebacker,” Sitton said. “As the season moves forward, we’re going to improve tremendously. You’re going to see a big jump in our production, but I think we’re going to be solid there from the start.”
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ROSTER
2 Jeremy Bradbury, WB/CB, jr.; 5 Kelbee Cupit, SE/S, sr.; 6 Bradley Berryhill, RB/CB, sr.; 10 Blake Lowry, QB/OLB, jr.; 11 Cash Crane, SE/CB, jr.; 12 Peyton Archibald, RB/LB, jr.; 14 Jared Theis, RB/OLB, jr.; 15 Corbin Watson, TB/CB, jr.; 22 Dominic Cole, SE/CB, sr.; 32 Madison Mason, TE/DE, jr.; 38 Sam Runge, SE/CB, jr.; 44 Rhett Read, TE/DE, jr.; 45 Christopher Nash, FB/LB, sr.; 51 Nick Martin, G/DL, jr.; 52 Jacob Anzaldua, G/OLB, jr.; 55 Josh McAllister, G/T/ LB, soph.; 56 Zant Tatum, C/DT, jr.; 60 Adolpho Martinez, T/DT, jr.; 61 Tobe Zientek, C/LB, sr.; 67 Jacob Norgaard, T/DT, jr.; 75 Matthew Roach, G/DE, jr.; 77 Trevor McBroom, T/DT, jr.; 78 Dalton Cunningham, T/DT, soph.; 79 Sergio Sanchez, T/DT, sr.; 81 Josh Ucci, SE/CB, jr.
Cornerback Bradley Berryhill, whose speed contributes to his receiving ability on offense, has been an excellent defender and moves to what Sitton calls Leon’s “raider backer” to better utilize his athletic ability. His stunting should be a factor. He’ll have lots of work on offense, too.
“Bradley Berryhill is going to explode out there for us,” Sitton said. “He looks real explosive at our halfback spot, and we’re trying to find more ways to get him the ball.” Junior Cash Crane is back at cornerback after missing all last season with a leg injury suffered during two-a-days.
HighSchoolFootball 2015 25
MADISONVILLE MUSTANGS
Culbreath in race to catch Mustang record FACTS
By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
When Madisonville linebacker Robert Culbreath chases down opposing running backs, he’s also taking aim on a close family friend. Former Nebraska starting linebacker Alonzo Whaley holds Madisonville’s career record for tackles and Culbreath wants that mark. “Coach [Greg] Morgan told me midway or maybe three-quarters of the way through the season last year that I was putting up numbers like he did his junior year,” said Culbreath, who was informed by his coach that 180 tackles topped the record book. “All right. That’s my goal. I’m going to get that by my senior year.” Culbreath had 147 tackles in 11 games as a junior and led the Mustangs by far with 83 solo tackles. He caused four fumbles and recovered one. “The crazy thing is that me and Alonzo’s family are really close,” Culbreath said. “Me and Alonzo text back and forth all of the time and visit with each other on the phone. Me and Chris [Whaley, former Texas defensive lineman], we go fishing all of the time. I told [Alonzo] that’s my goal and mindset, and he said, ‘Good, make it be.’ He’s mentored me with knowledge about the game and football attributes that a leader should have.” Culbreath is middle linebacker in the Mustangs’ defense and made 18 of those tackles for losses his junior season. “He’s def initely the
SCHEDULE
Head coach — Greg Morgan (101-98 overall; 82-76 at Madisonville) District — 8-4A Division II 2014 record — 4-7 (3-2 in 8-4A Division II) 2014 playoffs — Bi-district: Lost to Waco Connally, 35-14 Playoff appearances (20) — 1957, 1958, 1959, 1975, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2014 Returning lettermen — 16 (5 offensive, 6 defensive starters) All-time record — 399-438-29 Playoff record — 9-20 up.’ I also go to the coaches at halftime and tell them my opinion of what is happeningonthefieldvs. whatthey see in the press box.” Often, decision-making is on the fly. “Reads are very important, whether you go above the block or cut under-
neath it,” Culbreath said. “That’s everything, because the angle of pursuit is how linebackers get to the running backs, because your running backs may run a 4.5 or 4.6 (40-yard dash), but your linebackers are topping out at 4.7 or 4.8.”
Date Opponent Time Aug 28 Fairfield 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 47-15 Sept 4 at Franklin 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 59-31 Sept 11 Caldwell 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 28-7 Sept 18 at Crockett 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 35-28 Sept 25 open Oct 2 Rockdale* 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 40-14 District 8-4A Division II Oct 9 Diboll 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 25-14 Oct 16 at Huntington 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 41-7 Oct 23 Shepherd 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 28-27 Oct 30 at Tarkington 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 29-14 Nov 6 Coldspring-Oakhurst 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 27-0 *Homecoming
And a good block can change that dynamic.
See MUSTANGS, Page 27
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Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Senior Robert Culbreath is a tackling machine for the Madisonville Mustangs at linebacker, collecting 147 tackles last season. leader on our defensive side, and he’s got the most e x p e r i e n c e, ” M o r g a n said. “He’s got the understanding of our defensive scheme down.” And Morgan said the family ties carry over to the coaching staff. “Russell Smith, our defensive coordinator, has two daughters and Robert’s kind of like that son he never had,” Morgan said. “The Culbreath family and Russell Smith’s family are really close. They are actually business partners in another venture. It really tied in well with him being
26 HighSchoolFootball 2015
our linebacker. He started as a sophomore and had a terrific year.” Culbreath passes on the defensive signals and runs the show on that side of the ball. “The pressure is on me, just like the quarterback, getting the play-call in and making sure everybody is lined up and prepared,” Culbreath said. “I’ve been told to not only be a player onthefieldbuttobeacoach. It’s not only the person to bumpthetacklesortellyour ends how to line up. It’s like, ‘Guys, we’ve got to fix this, or we’ve got to change this
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Thursday, August 27, 2015
MILANO EAGLES
Tough schedule doesn’t scare hardened Eagles By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
Milano football coach Chad LaGrone believes in his team’s toughness and resiliency, which is good because the Eagles have a schedule to test both traits. The Eagles proved their mettle last season, bouncing back from an 0-4 start to qualify for the playoffs as a member of a deep district that featured eventual state champion Bremond and traditional power Burton. “There’s a lot of teams that will pack it in by the time they get to 0-4, but these kids work hard,” LaGrone said. “I just kept being positive, telling them it was going to prepare us for district, and we got into district and put some wins
together and got in the playoffs. That gave them a lot of confidence going forward. “It’s just like in life: You’re going to have valleys and you’re going to have hills. When it’s tough, you’ve just got to keep your head down and keep working and pull yourself out of it. That’s what these kids do.” Milano should know what it’s getting into with the same group of nondistrict opponents. The Eagles will face Chilton, Anderson-Shiro, Thrall and Iola before starting District 13-2A Division II play. Chilton and Iola both won district titles last season, with Iola reaching the state quarterfinals. Thrall made the playoffs in Class
2A Division I. The Eagles recovered from the bad start to go 4-2 in district, capturing the league’s third playoff spot. Milano lost its bi-district game to Louise 25-6. It was the fourth time in five seasons that Milano made the playoffs. “We’re expecting to get back in the playoffs,” LaGrone said. “That’s our goal, to get in the playoffs and win a playoff game. Expectations are high. Just like every other team that plays, they want to do better than the team before them. “This group of seniors expects to get there. Everything we do, every day in the offseason, every day in practice, I want to get the most out of them. It’s hard
FACTS
SCHEDULE
Head coach — Chad Lagrone (49-44 overall; 49-44 at Milano) District — 13-2A Division II 2014 record — 4-7 (4-2 in 13-2A Division II) 2014 playoffs — Bi-district: lost to Louise 25-6 Playoff appearances (11) — 6-man (3): 1965, 1966, 1975; 11-man (8): 1999, 2000, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014 Returning lettermen — 10 (8 offensive, 5 defensive starters) All-time record (11-man) — 196-314-10 Playoff record (11-man and 6-man) — 5-11-0 to push through and to get that, but that creates a mental toughnes s that no matter how tough GRIMES things are, they know they can overcome it.” Milano’s chances should
improve if its key players remain healthy. That didn’t happen last year, when two-way starter Christian Grimes suffered a broken ankle two games into the season. Grimes, expected to be a major contributor at wide receiver and safety, didn’t return until the playoff game. “On our level, when you lose a kid like that, it hurts,” LaGrone said.
Date Opponent Time Aug 28 Chilton 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 30-8 Sept 4 at Anderson-Shiro 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 28-14 Sept 11 at Thrall 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 33-18 Sept 18 Iola 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 26-0 District 13-2A Division II Sept 25 Somerville 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 27-20 Oct 2 at Snook+ 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 2-0 Oct 9 Burton* 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 43-6 Oct 16 Open Oct 23 at Bremond 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 38-0 Oct 30 Bartlett 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 28-22 Nov 6 at Granger 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 55-6 *Homecoming +at Allen Academy
“Getting him back at full speed will make a difference. This is a kid that went
See MILANO, Page 33
MUSTANGS: Madisonville moving to spread offense this season Continued from 26
“One false move and a running back can beat you up field,” Culbreath said. “[But] starting about 5 yards back where a linebacker sits, that gives you a whole lot of advantage.” It has taken more than positioning to lead to Culbreath’s success. “With the experience he has now and the understanding of our scheme, he kind of senses things,” Morgan said. “The game has slowed down for him a lot and he’s a terrific high school football player.” The Mustangs had a struggle to qualify for the playoffs last season, and Culbreath readily admits that he would rather have the preferred draw at the
top of the district when the playoffs begin. But it doesn’t always go that way. “You know, you’ve got to work for everything,” Culbreath said. “At least that’s how I’ve been raised. There’s nothing handed to you as you’re growing up. You always have to work for what you want.”
Mustangs to use spread in 2015
The Mustangs have taken the old adage seriously: There is no “I” in team. The Mustangs, who have produced outstanding tailbacks — David Underwood, Chris Whaley, Dontae Crist, Brock Taylor — will switch from the Iformation to the spread for the first time in Morgan’s
Thursday, August 27, 2015
ROSTER 2 Corey Craft, RB/LB, soph.; 3 Alan Jarmillo, WR/DB, sr.; 4 R’Kelian Wiley, WR/DB, sr.; 5 Kendall Moffett, WR/DB, soph.; 6 Michael Alvarado, WR/K, sr.; 7 Tyler Stover, OLB/WR, sr.; 8 Ben Phillips, QB/DB, soph.; 10 Kyle Poe, WR/DB, sr.; 11 Darren Blakley, QB/DB, jr.; 12 Kasey Williamson, WR/DB, soph.; 13 Ellis Reyes, WR/DB, jr.; 14 Isaiah Berry, WR/DB, jr.; 15 Johnny Simpson, WR/DB, soph.; 16 Daniel Gannaway, WR/DB, jr.; 18 Dylan Hoffman, OLB/WR, soph.; 20 Conelius Merchant, WR/CB, soph.; 21 Victor Doubrovski, OLB/ WR, sr.; 22 Gabriel Smith, RB/DB, jr.; 24 Charkeith Wiley, RB/OLB, sr.; 28 Jeroid Washington, RB/DB, soph.; 32 Hollis Anderson, LB/WR, sr.; 33 Ian Morrow, FB/OLB, sr.; 44 Robert Culbreath, LB/FB, sr.; 45 Garrett Long, RB/LB, soph.; 51 Charles Le, OL/DL, soph.; 53 Steve Robinson, OL/DL, sr.; 54 Zach Poe, OL/DL, soph.; 55 Hector Gonzalez, OL/DL, sr.; 56 Brad Roundtree, OL/DL, soph.; 57 Christian Arjon, OL/DL, sr.; 58 Chris Scott, OL/DL, soph.; 60 Pedro Franco, OL/DL, sr.; 61 Matthew Longoria, OL/DL, jr.; 62 Kevin Issac, OL/DL, jr.; 64 Dustin Harkrider, OL/DL, sr.; 65 Oskar Garcia, OL/DL, sr.; 72 Luis Murillo, OL/DL, sr.; 73 Anthony Anderson, OL/DL, sr.; 75 Joey McIver, OL/DL, soph.; 77 Jerod Merchant, OL/ DL, sr.; 78 Kieon Salas, OL/DL, sr.; 85 Mark Mayorga, DL/OL, sr.; 88 Clayton Taylor, WR/DB, jr.; 90 James Hayes, DL/OL, jr.; 99 Michael Phillips, LB/FB, sr.
16 seasons at the school. All but Taylor were big backs, and Madisonville returns 6-3, 240-pound Charkeith Wiley at the position. “Everybody says spread and your mind immediately goes to throwing the ball,” Morgan said. “Our game plan is to run the ball, and if you give us one of those RPOs, a run-pass option, then we’re going to throw the ball.” Sophomore quarter-
back Ben Phillips has been quick to adapt to the offensive shift. He’ll be aided up front. Keion Salas (6-3, 350) and athletic Hector Gonzales are the key components returning on the offensive line. “[Phillips] is a little guy, so we’re not going to bang on him too much, but we have some runs built in for our quarterback,” said Morgan, whose team will play on a new home turf field. “Keion is a very sharp,
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intuitive young man.” Oskar Garcia will see extensive action on both the offensive and defensive lines. It will be Garcia’s third year starting. A pair of first-team alldistrict defenders return in linebackers Culbreath and Michael Phillips (6-1, 230), who moved from defensive end. Tyler Stover joins them at defensive end. Stover was hampered by a knee injury last season. R’Kelian Wiley brings
experience to cornerback and plays outside receiver on offense. As a sophomore, Wiley ran a 10.4 time in the 100 meters during track season and will be a three-year starter in the secondary. Kyle Poe returns at safety and should share time with the offense at receiver. The sophomore class could be busy. Morgan calls it “maybe one of the more talented classes we’ve had in the last seven years.”
HighSchoolFootball 2015 27
NAVASOTA RATTLERS
No backing down
Defending state champions from Navasota loaded for title defense in 2015 By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
Take a picture. It will last longer. Actually, getting in a picture is the goal for the Navasota Rattlers. “If you come into our weight room, we have a championship picture wall,” Navasota coach Lee Fedora said. “The only picture that goes up is someone that wins a championship [district or beyond]. We hold that to everybody because if you look at the last eight years, every team is on that, and we tell the seniors: ‘You don’t want to be the group that 20 years from now you come back to look in the weight room and there’s an open spot.’”
As the defending Class 4A Division I state champions, the Rattlers’ exposure is great. So is the focus. Shelton Eppler begins his third season as Navasota’s starting quarterback. He triggered an offense that averaged 57.5 points per game last year, completing 286 of 426 passEPPLER es for 5,444 yards and a state-record 71 touchdowns to just 11 interceptions. “He ought to have [college] offers off the table because I think
he’s that type of athlete in that position of quarterback that has the mental makeup and great arm strength,” Fedora said. “Shelton is one of those guys who is going to be out there pushing his team, trying to get them better,” Senior Tren’Davian Dickson set a single-season national record for touchdown catches with 39 last year, catching 89 passes overall for 2,163 yards. His one-handed scoring grab in the state championship game became a sensation online. “We’ve held him out of scrimmages and practices,” Fedora said. “He had a little tweaked hamstring, not too serious. He’s back
Senior Tren’Davian Dickson is coming off a record-setting season at receiver for the state champion Navasota Rattlers. Eagle photo by Dave McDermand
See NAVASOTA, Page 29
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Thursday, August 27, 2015
NORMANGEE PANTHERS
Panthers primed for another playoff run under new coach By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeaglecom
A 30-24 overtime bi-district win over Overton was a springboard for Normangee’s three-round playoff run in 2014. The Panthers will try to use that as their jumping-off point for a promising 2015 campaign. First-year head coach Nelson Kortis, who coached the last two seasons at Maud, has a strong crew of returning veterans. “That success that they had last year makes them hungry to come back this year,” Kortis told KBTX. “It’s obviously a different scheme, obviously a different thing with a new coaching staff and some new changes, but those kids, they’ve been there, and we hear them talk all the time about wanting to get past the third round.”
ROSTER 1 Austin Aguirre, sr.; 3 Ty Jordan, RB/SS, jr.; 4 Bryson Cornish, DE/RB, sr.; 5 Cameron Ranton, QB. soph.; 6 John Garlick, OLB/WR, jr.; 8 Cj Rosales, CB/WR, soph.; 11 Joshua Noey, WR/ OLB, WR/OLB, sr.; 12 Jake Shaw, soph.; 13 Zac Caldwell, WR/FS, sr.; 55 Hunter Payne, G, soph.; 55 Trent Navarro, DT, jr.; 61 Anthony Banda, soph.; 62 Michael Curtner, G/DT, jr.; 63 Robin Hewitt, T, jr.; 75 Tyce Alexander, T, soph.; 77 Austin Nichols, T/DE, sr.; Andy Hemphill, jr.; Austin Breest; Boston Wren, sr.; Brandon Walker, WR/OLB, soph.; Chayse Smith, soph.; Cobeyi Powell; Cole Garrett; Coltin Reed, sr.; Gunner Patterson, sr.; Layton Noey; Lj Young, DT, fr.; Logan Andrews; Michael Curtner; Najujwan Reyes, soph.; Sam Merkel, soph.; Tanner Donahoe; Tristan Young, WR/CB, soph.; Tyler Vaught, fr.
Austin Aguirre was the District 12-2A Division II utility player of the year. He caught 24 passes for 341 yards and five touchdowns and picked off four passes on defense. Bryson Cornish is the returning rushing leader for Normangee. He gained 553 yards and scored eight rushing touchdowns last season to go with 38 tackles at defensive end. Junior running back Ty Jordan (272 rushing yards, five TDs) also returns for
the Panthers’ offense. Sophomore quarterback Cameron Ranton, who will direct the experienced backfield, threw for 303 yards and two touchdowns. The offensive line includes senior tackle Austin Nichols and junior guard Michael Curtner. The defense is led by outside linebacker Alex Noey, who also plays receiver. He had 42 tackles. In the secondary, Coltin Reed had 34 tackles. He broke up six passes and had one fumble re-
SCHEDULE
FACTS
Date Opponent Time Aug 28 at Leon 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 30-6 Sept 4 Mart 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 60-8 Sept 11 Snook 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 14-13 Sept 18 New Waverly* 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 34-6 Sept 25 at Grapeland 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 36-15 Oct 2 open District 12-2A Division II Oct 9 at Colmesneil 7 p.m. Last season: W 34-12 Oct 16 at Burkeville 7 p.m. Last season: W 51-18 Oct 23 Evadale 7 p.m. Last season: W 42-14 Oct 30 at Sabine Pass 7 p.m. Last season: W 74-0 Nov 6 Iola 7 p.m. Last season: L 47-7 *Homecoming
Head coach — Nelson Kortis (12-9 overall; first year at Normangee) District — 12-2A Division II 2014 record — 8-5 (4-1 in 12-2A Division II) 2014 playoffs — Bi-district: def. Overton 30-24 (OT); Area: def. Lindsay 40-21; Regional: lost to Tenaha 47-7 Playoff appearances (18) — 11-man (16): 1932, 1984, 1985*, 1986*, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1997, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2014 (*zone playoffs); 6-man (2): 1963, 1964 Returning lettermen — 21 (5 offensive, 5 defensive starters) All-time record — 270-366-15 (11man) Playoff record — 8-14-0
covery. Fellow defensive back C.J. Rosales recorded 23 tackles, including three for losses.
Zac Caldwell should also contribute at receiver and defensive back.
NAVASOTA: Blair, Meyers, Bauer back to help high-powered offense Continued from 28
100 percent. When he wasn’t full speed, he still was behind the line, talking and coaching these younger guys who are stepping in his role.” The highlights show the public Dickson. The behind-the-scenes approach fills more of the story. “He said, ‘Coach, it’s not only about me, but about this whole team,’” Fedora said. “‘Any guy can go down at any time and everybody’s got to be ready.’” On most other teams, Sammy Blair would be the standout pass-catcher. The athletic 5-8 ½, 165-pound receiver caught 42 passes for 720 yards and eight touchdowns last year. Blair’s speed enhances his versatility. “Tren’s going to get a lot of talk and that’s going to open up the game for a lot of other people,” Fedora said. “When you look at a guy like Sammy Blair, there are not many out there that have that explosiveness that they can turn
ROSTER
1 D.J. Collins, sr.; 2 Tren’Davian Dickson, sr.; 3 Tremayne Creeks, jr.; 4 Deeldre Richardson, jr.; 5 Ronnie Jackson, soph.; 6 Tyrese Steptoe, jr.; 7 Dalton Acosta, sr.; 8 Sammy Blair, sr.; 9 Adrian McDonald, sr.; 10 Shelton Eppler, sr.; 11 Jarvis Norman, sr.; 12 De’von Jones, sr.; 14 Da’tron Taylor, jr.; 15 Kae’Ron Baker, sr.;17 Joseph Gifford, soph.; 18 Eric Lattimore, jr.; 19 Ivan Moran, sr.; 20 D.J. Harris, sr.; 21 Trey Serna, jr.; 22 Noah Steptoe, sr.; 23 Keyondrick Philio, jr.; 24 Ladadrien Walker, soph.; 29 Tra’vorrius Curley, sr.; 32 Taylor Soto, sr.; 40 Brandun Ramos, jr.; 50 Bishop Hejl, sr.; 52 Johnathan Flores, sr.; 54 Shamar Paulhill, sr.; 55 Dorion Meyers, sr.; 58 Raymond Lee, sr.; 61 Christon Jones, sr.; 65 Anthony Acosta, sr.; 66 Tyler Lang, jr.; 67 Jared Clay, jr.; 68 Willie Spriggs, soph.; 75 Corey Ross, sr.; 77 Cal Bauer, sr.; 79 Angel Molina, soph.
on at any moment, and that’s what really stands out to me.” Center Dorian Meyers and right tackle Cal Bauer both started on the offensive line as juniors last year. Keyondrick Philio and Jarvis Norman are in a battle for the top running back spot, but both should play. The heart of the defense is back in place. Linebacker Taylor Soto had 182 tackles (42 solos) last year, with 11 tackles for losses. D.J. Harris had 132 tackles, with eight for losses. “Taylor has put on the size,”
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Fedora said. “He looks like a whole different person from last year’s film to this year, just in the amount of muscle and the strength he’s put on.” They back up a strong, experienced front, which includes athletic defensive end Jabril Hunter. Hunter, who had 10 sacks, totaled 100 tackles last year. Christon Jones (99 tackles) and Jonathan Flores (51) are both back at defensive tackle spots. Defensively, the Rattlers allowed 13.3 points per game, which included the 42-35 double overtime win over Argyle for the
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SCHEDULE
Date Opponent Aug 29 Nuevo León Last season: W 62-0 Sept 4 Houston Yates Last season: W 66-13 Sept 11 at Coldspring-Oakhurst Last season: W 35-14 Sept 18 Lake Area New Tech (La.) Sept 25 Fort Worth Castleberry* Last season: W 56-3 Oct 2 open District 11-4A Division I Oct 9 Houston Sterling Last season: W 87-12 Oct 16 Sealy Last season: W 65-6 Oct 23 at Houston Furr+ Last season: W 85-0 Oct 30 Houston Wheatley Last season: W 56-0 Nov 7 at Houston Washington# Last season: W 77-0 *Homecoming +Cowart Stadium #Delmar Stadium
FACTS
Time 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m.
state title. The Rattlers will start the season as the No. 1 team in the 4A state rankings. Because few teams were willing to play them in nondistrict, Navasota has one of the most eclectic regular-sea-
Head coach — Lee Fedora (15554-1 overall; 97-29 at Navasota) District — 11-4A Division I 2014 record — 16-0 (5-0 in 11-4A Division I) 2014 playoffs — Bi-district: def. Needville 55-15; Area: def. Chapel Hill 49-28; Regional: def. El Campo 54-36; Quarterfinal: def. Henderson 34-14; Semifinal: def. Liberty Hill 49-26; State championship: def. Argyle 42-35 (2 OT) Playoff appearances (32) — 1936, 1940, 1941, 1943, 1948, 1955, 1956, 1974, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 Returning lettermen — 18 (5 offensive, 5 defensive starters) All-time record — 550-443-21 Playoff record — 46-28-1 son schedules in 2015, including a home date against New Orleans Lake Area New Tech on Sept. 18.
HighSchoolFootball 2015 29
ROCKDALE TIGERS
Playoff success buoys Tigers’ rebuilding plan ROSTER
By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
Rockdale is coming off back-toback runs to the state quarterfinals, but many of the Tigers who played on those teams wore caps and gowns this year and won’t be in football uniforms. “We have very few kids playing this year that were on the varsity,” Rockdale coach Jeff Miller said. “I think there’s only eight. So many of the kids that are playing this year, where they got their work was during the extra four weeks [during last season’s playoffs]. Many of the freshman and JV guys that we moved up the varsity, they actually started practicing as varsity players, and that’s a full month of varsity practice.” Cristian Lara is the only returning offensive starter for the Tigers but is coming off an all-state season in which he set the school record for receiving. The speedy Lara caught 44 passes for 1,216 ya r d s a n d 1 2 LARA touchdowns last season. “At [6-foot-6 and 210 pounds] and to be able to run like he can puts him in a different category,” Miller said. “He’s so strong. He’s just got some great tools. He is definitely a threat.” The Tigers do everything else fast and hope a rapid reconstruction is in order. Sophomore Jaquayln Crawfo rd , wh o a n chored the Tigers’ gold medalist 4x100-meter relay at last season’s state track meet, joins Lara in a game-breaking CRAWFORD receiving corps. “We need the speed,” Miller
1 David Franklin, QB/DB, 5-9, 160, jr.; 2 Cade Lambright, WR/DB, 6-0, 160, jr.; 3 Ray Trevino, WR/ DB, 6-0, 150, sr.; 4 Will Payne, WR/DB, 6-2, 150, sr.; 5 Jaquayln Crawford, WR/DB, 5-9, 160, soph.; 6 Gunner Miller, QB/DB, 5-10, 150, soph.; 7 Zac Zoeller, WR/DB, 6-0, 150, sr.; 8 Alex Guzman, TE/ LB, 5-11, 175, jr.; 9 Josh Springer, WR/DB, 5-7, 135, soph.; 10 Andrew Perez, QB/LB, 5-8, 185, sr.; 11 Junior Hinojosa, RB/LB, 6-0, 180, 14 Alex Mendoza, WR/DB, 5-6, 130, jr.; 18 Cristian Lara, WR/ DB, 6-6, 210, sr.; 20 Davion Ford, RB/DB, 6-0, 180, jr.; 22 Ethan Krumnow, WR/DB, 6-6, 180, sr.; 25 Fred Henderson, RB/LB, 5-8, 180, jr.; 30 Dylan David, RB/LB, 6-1, 195, soph.; 31 Chase Pickett, RB/ DB, 5-11, 180, sr.; 34 Joey Pontelongo, RB/LB, 5-10, 190, sr.; 50 Josh Barker, OL/LB, 5-8, 210, jr.; 52 Zach Montelongo, OL/LB, 5-6, 175, jr.; 57 Patrick Dean, OL/DL, 6-1, 210, soph.; 60 Xavian Ellison, OL/DL, 5-8, 200, jr.; 61 Jacob Aguirre, OL/DL, 5-4, 240, sr.; 62 Luke Ellison, OL/DL, 6-0, 185, jr.; 64 A.J. Rutledge, OL/LB, 5-10, 200, sr.; 68 Braxton Moore, OL/DL, 5-11, 220, jr.; 70 Braden Hartley, OL/ DL, 6-0, 250, jr.; 71 Travis Morgan, OL/DL, 6-3, 200, sr.; 72 Quentin White, OL/DL, 5-9, 260, jr.; 88 Tyler Lehmkuhl, TE/DL, 6-3, 210, soph.; 99 Marco Sanchez, WR/LB, 5-10, 160, sr.
SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug 28 at Smithville 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 49-0 Sept 4 Taylor 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 24-21 Sept 11 at Salado 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 35-0 Sept 18 open Sept 25 Caldwell 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 38-31 Oct 2 at Madisonville 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 40-14 District 10-3A Division I Oct 9 Cameron 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 34-27; L 44-25 Oct 16 Lago Vista 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 33-21 Oct 23 at Academy 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 42-35 Oct 30 Troy* 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 28-6 Nov 6 at Florence 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 54-10 *Homecoming
said. “This is the smallest we’ve ever been.” The Tigers won the Battle of the Bell against rival Cameron in district play but fell to the eventual state champion Yoemen in the playoffs. It marked Rockdale’s second straight quarterfinal appearance, the first in what is now Class 3A. The Tigers’ JV went 7-3 last year and has already proven its potency at the next level. Davion Ford, a good power runner who played on the JV most of last season, moved up for the playoffs and rushed for 188 yards in the quarterfinals. Despite his tackle-breaking ability, Ford is also a speedster. “He started off on our varsity, and we felt he would benefit by going to the JV so he could carry it more,” Miller said. “He had a
30 HighSchoolFootball 2015
FACTS Head coach — Jeff Miller (93-67 overall; 58-46 at Rockdale) District — 10-3A Division I 2014 record — Rockdale 12-2 (4-1 in 10-3A Division I) 2014 playoffs — Bi-district: def. Comanche 48-24; Area: def. Buna 55-28; Regional: def. Kirbyville 27-20; Quarterfinal: lost to Cameron 44-25 Playoff appearances (24) — 1958, 1962, 1963, 1973*, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 (*zone playoff ) Returning lettermen — 10 (1 offensive, 2 defensive starters) All-time record — 493-442-26 Playoff record — 23-22-0 really good year, realized how good he was and gained a lot of confidence. When we had to have him there due to injury in the playoffs, he really stepped up.” David Franklin, a standout at safety, will start at quarterback, although Crawford may take snaps under center in special situations. “[Franklin] hasn’t played a lot of quarterback, but he was quarterback as a freshman,” Miller said. “He’s played a lot of safety for us. He was working early [last] year at quarterback but didn’t get many reps the rest of the year. He’s a sharp kid who plays hard and understands the game. “ Sophomore Gunner Miller, the head coach’s son, had been the
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Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Junior David Franklin will take over at quarterback for Rockdale in 2015. projected starter, but Miller will miss the season in a battle with Ewing’s sarcoma, a bone cancer in his shin. Miller faces five more months of chemotherapy. “He’s pretty tough,” Jeff Miller said. “He’s a MORGAN tough ol’ kid.” Two returning starters will have to lead a maturing defense early — linebackers Andrew Per-
ez and Joey Montelongo. Senior Travis Morgan (6-3, 205), who started some games on the offensive line last season, has looked good on both sides of the ball in practice and will add defensive line duties. “Once teams and programs start having success, generally they raise their expectations,” Miller said. “The kids in the program, even though they didn’t directly contributed to the success, they were a part of it. You feel like you’re supposed to be successful, and that’s the attitude we’ve had.”
Thursday, August 27, 2015
RUDDER RANGERS
Growing season
After dealing with personal growth spurt, defensive end Peoples wants to help Rudder find one as team ROSTER
By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
Josh Peoples can envision success for the Rudder Rangers. It’s what he does. The Rudder defensive end sees the final product and takes the steps necessary to achieve it. “I want to go to college to get a degree in technology,” said Peoples, who is interested in computer animation. “Like being able to create video games or TV shows or beta testing. I love to draw. My mom bought me a sketch book, and I would sit there all day filling up pages with drawings.” To transfer it to computers, he’ll need the software. “And a big, big imagination,” Peoples said. “In technology, you have to think out your next movement before you do it. The slightest mistake could contaminate the whole database.” He can relate that to football. “We watch film before we go out,” Peoples said. “I see what I’ve done, and sometimes I’ve done something wrong, so I think constantly before I go out about the next movement to make.” There is rarely a linear path to a goal and challenges abound. Peoples’ own growth spurt reminds him of that. Now a senior, he is 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds and thinks he will get taller. “I’ll probably tap out at 6-7,” he said. “I used to be short, really short. I was a short, chubby guy. When I started football in middle school at [Sam] Rayburn, I played noseguard. As the year went on, I started getting slimmer and faster, so they moved me to defensive end. When they moved me, I felt like I was in my area.” But the rapid growth was not without setbacks. “I was 5-5 and about 290,”
1 Eric Peterson, WR, jr.; 2 David Hobson, QB, sr.; 3 Ladarius Johnson, WR, jr.; 4 Brian Williams, WR, sr.; 5 Kaidrion Latson, RB, jr.; 6 Jamall Collins, RB, sr.; 7 J.T. King, DB, sr.; 8 Deshawn McMillan, WR, sr.; 9 Tim Tennell, WR/DB, sr.; 10 Kevin Ford, QB/TE, sr.; 11 Josh Johnson, WR, jr.; 12 Josh Farris, DB, sr.; 13 Ke’shon Griffin, LB, jr.; 14 Jaquarius Garner, DB, sr.; 15 Vincent Sandle, WR, sr.; 16 Bailey Giffen, K, sr.; 17 Milton Elarms, LB, sr.; 20 C.J. Hill, DB, sr.; 21 Dequarius White, DB, jr.; 22 DeMarcus Dates, DB, jr.; 23 Jaylen Steele, DB/RB, sr.; 26 Matt Everett, DB, soph.; 27 Za’Quarius Glover, DB, sr.; 28 Jamarcus King, LB, jr.;29 Ryan Lopez, DB, sr.; 32 Malik Woodard, LB, jr.; 33 Cortne Campbell, LB/H, sr.; 34 Devarion Guyton, RB, soph.; 35 Jer’mikal Walden, LB, soph.; 36 Hunter Norris, LB, soph.; 38 Adam Hausman, K, jr.; 40 Chris Burgess, DE, sr.; 45 J.T. Wagner, LB, sr.; 50 Brady Roberts, OL, jr.; 51 Pedro Garcia, OL, soph.; 53 Noe Garcia, OL, jr.; 55 Alex Arevalo, DL/OL, jr.; 57 Dylan Arredondo, OL, sr.; 67 Bailey Reid, OL, jr.; 75 Nikedrek Gooden, OL, sr.; 77 Shaquon Warren, OL, sr.; 79 Colton Thurmon, DL, sr.; 81 Mykedrian Ellis, WR, soph.; 84 Jaden Luna, WR, soph.; 85 Sinai Woods, DE/LB, sr.; 88 Layne Outlaw, WR, sr.; 90 Josh Peoples, DE, sr.; 98 Braedon Smith, DE, jr.; 99 Charles Owens, DL, sr.
FACTS Head coach — Will Compton (1-9 overall; 1-9 at Rudder) District — 18-5A 2014 record — 1-9 (0-7 in 18-5A) 2014 playoffs — did not qualify Playoff appearances — none Returning lettermen — 30 (9 offensive, 7 defensive starters) All-time record — 14-43-1 Playoff record — none Peoples said. “I hit about six foot my eighth grade year and was having growing pains. I thought it was normal, but I went to the doctor and they said parts of my body were not connected, because they had to grow together. My heel was never attached to my foot because it wasn’t grown in. It was like agonizing pain.” He wore orthotic footwear in his heel and padded his shoes, which helped. “My arms and legs were getting there, but my heels and feet were the most far apart,” Peoples said. He’s gotten there now, in many ways. “Josh Peoples is 6-4 and has a wingspan of about 17 yards,” Rudder head coach Will Compton said. “He’s become a great lead-
Thursday, August 27, 2015
SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug 28 Killeen Shoemaker Last season: L 40-14 Sept 4 at Killeen Ellison Last season: L 33-13 Sept 11 Bastrop Cedar Creek Last season: W 48-20 Sept 18 open District 18-5A Sept 25 at Caney Creek Last season: L 43-36 Oct 2 College Station Last season: L 83-20 Oct 9 at Willis Last season: L 49-14 Oct 16 at Livingston Last season: L 26-13 Oct 23 Huntsville* Last season: L 34-10 Oct 30 at A&M Consolidated Last season: L 57-7 Nov 6 Bryan Last season: L 56-19 *Homecoming
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.
er for us this year, through boot camp and peer council. He was one of the peer council leaders.” Peoples learned some of those skills from Rudder’s all-state linebacker Spencer Choka, who graduated last spring. “The aura around him was humble and peaceful,” Peoples said. “At the same time, there was a raw talent that made you want to be a better person and try as hard as you can.”
See RUDDER, Page 32
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Eagle photo by Sam Craft Rudder senior Josh Peoples says he hit a growth spurt late in middle school and early in high school and is now 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds.
HighSchoolFootball 2015 31
RUDDER RANGERS
RUDDER: Hobson, Ford competing for starting quarterback position Continued from 31 It has affected every aspect of Peoples’ game, as well as his persona. “He’s come a long way and is probably the most improved kid I’ve seen since I have been here,” Rudder defensive line coach Calvin Hill said. “He’s always wanting to learn, always eager to learn. The big change with him this last year is that he’s actually jumping in and helping the younger kids. He knows the philosophy of the team and the ins and out of playing his position.” Peoples played in nine games his junior season and had 23 tackles, including 11 solos. Four of the tackles were for losses and he caused one fumble. His coaches think his best season is coming this year. “He’ll be on the move,” Hill
said. “He’s going to be a runstopper. Another thing he’s improved on is his pass rush. He’s long and he loves to make tackles, to make plays. Josh is a team guy. He doesn’t take anything solely. He celebrates offense as much as defense, and that’s the kind of guy we need.”
Rangers looking for better results in 2015
Rudder is still seeking a turnaround after one win over the last two seasons. The Rangers were 1-9 in Compton’s first season last year. “It’s a process trying to turn a program around,” Compton said. “We’re at that point if we can win a couple of games at the beginning of the year to really build that confidence, I really see this program being able to slingshot.”
He has battle-tested veterans to help lead the way. Quar terback D av i d H o b s o n was a late-season starter last year. He started and played well in the final g ame against Bryan, rushing for 150 yards and passing for 152. HOBSON Hobson and Kevin Ford have split repetitions at quarterback. If Hobson wins out, Ford will play tight end. “One guy who is extremely explosive and I think is going to have a breakout year is Eric Peterson, our little slot receiver,” Compton said. Peterson scored three touchdowns last season (two receiv-
ing, one rushing). An infusion of taller basketball players should strengthen the outside receiving corps, too. Theoffensiveline,hitbyinjuries in an erratic season last year, has been a pleasant surprise to Compton.BaileyReid,sonof newspecial teams coach Jonathan Reid, joins the offensive front this year. “He was a regional powerlifter and it’s fun to watch him and Charles Owens go after each other,” Compton said. “Charles made it to state for us in powerlifting. Those two guys can push some weight.” Jamall Collins, who opened Rudder’s scrimmag e against Giddings with an 80-yard run, will be a leader in the offensive backfield. As a junior, Collins rushed for 248 yards and three touchdowns. The linebacker corps is new,
with Choka now at Stephen F. Austin. “Our biggest question is at linebacker,” Compton admits. “We’ve got several guys competing for that spot.” Still, key members of the defense return. Safety J.T. King s t a r t e d e ve r y game as a sophomore. Cor nerback DeMarcus KING Dates recorded 35 tackles and had a 95-yard interception return for a score last year. There’s a good kicking competition between Adam Hausman and senior Bailey Giffen, who had concentrated on baseball since last playing football as a freshman.
It Pays to Stay Program! High School Seniors Win With Senior Year Perfect Attendance!
Grand Prize is a Scion tC or Win Scholarship Funds
2016 Seniors Registration Ends September 30, 2015 at www.atkinsonitpaystostay.com Winners will be drawn during the end of school banquet on June 5, 2016. Must be present to win.
32 HighSchoolFootball 2015
The Eagle.com
Thursday, August 27, 2015
2014 FINAL DISTRICT STANDINGS DISTRICT 18-5A
District Overall W-L W-L PF PA Bryan 7-0 10-2 493 344 College Station 6-1 8-3 562 306 A&M Consolidated 5-2 5-6 418 356 Huntsville 4-3 7-4 393 294 Willis 3-4 6-4 296 200 Caney Creek 2-5 3-7 221 451 Livingston 1-6 2-8 216 419 Rudder 0-7 1-9 194 441 Division I bi-district: Bryan 48, Manor 27;Temple 58, A&M Consolidated 14 Division II bi-district: Elgin 24, Huntsville 20; Hutto 56, College Station 52 Division I area: Bryan 49, Magnolia West 34 Division I regional: Richmond George Ranch 48, Bryan 13
DISTRICT 19-5A
District Overall W-L W-L PF PA Houston Stratford 7-0 8-4 406 265 Brenham 6-1 9-4 534 349 Waller 4-3 8-4 411 335 Magnolia West 4-3 6-6 517 467 Tomball Memorial 3-4 4-6 251 231 Magnolia 3-4 3-7 228 302 Tomball 1-6 3-7 287 428 Houston Spring Woods 0-7 2-8 200 406 Division I bi-district: Houston Stratford 48, Houston Waltrip 0; Magnolia West 45, Houston Madison 36 Division II bi-district: Brenham 61, Houston Yates 12; Waller 17, Houston North Forest 14 Division I area: Bryan 49, Magnolia West 34; Temple 47, Houston Stratford 35 Division II area: Brenham 45, Elgin 42; Hutto 39, Waller 14 Division II regional: Crosby 38, Brenham 20
DISTRICT 11-4A DIVISION I
District Overall W-L W-L PF PA Navasota 5-0 16-0 921 212 Sealy 4-1 5-6 310 210 Houston Wheatley 3-2 4-7 192 334 Houston Furr 2-3 5-5 235 269 Houston Sterling 1-4 3-7 164 335 Houston Washington 0-5 3-7 154 361 Bi-district: Navasota 55, Needville 15; Stafford 33, Sealy 3;West Columbia 63, HoustonWheatley 0; El Campo 49, Houston Furr 6
Area: Navasota 39, Tyler Chapel Hill 28 Regional: Navasota 54, El Campo 36 Quarterfinal: Navasota 34, Henderson 14 Semifinal: Navasota 49, Liberty Hill 26 State championship: Navasota 42, Argyle 35
DISTRICT 8-4A DIVISION II
District Overall W-L W-L PF PA Coldspring-Oakhurst 5-0 9-3 375 186 Shepherd 3-2 6-5 359 232 Madisonville 3-2 4-7 228 337 Tarkington 2-3 7-5 338 268 Diboll 2-3 2-8 218 410 Huntington 0-5 1-9 215 381 Bi-district: Coldspring-Oakhurst 28, Lorena 21; Tarkington 27, Mexia 24; Fairfield 24, Shepherd 16; Waco Connally 35, Madisonville 14 Area: Tatum 35, Coldspring-Oakhurst 12; Atlanta 49, Tarkington 26
DISTRICT 11-4A DIVISION II
District Overall W-L W-L PF PA La Grange 4-0 13-1 545 238 Caldwell 3-1 6-5 371 286 Giddings 2-2 7-5 413 355 Smithville 1-3 2-9 141 382 Salado 0-4 0-10 102 437 Bi-district: La Grange 35, Columbus 0; Giddings 31, Wharton 14; Sweeny 32, Caldwell 27; Bellville 24, Smithville 7 Area: La Grange 49, Orangefield 7;West Orange Stark 34, Giddings 14 Regional: La Grange 36, Hardin-Jefferson 28 Quarterfinal:West Orange-Stark 42, La Grange 7
DISTRICT 10-3A DIVISION I
District Overall W-L W-L PF PA Rockdale 4-1 12-2 525 288 Cameron 4-1 12-4 695 390 Academy 3-2 7-5 261 271 Troy 2-3 5-5 249 227 Lago Vista 2-3 5-6 250 259 Florence 0-5 3-7 239 336 Bi-district: Cameron 41, Glen Rose 21; Rockdale 48, Comanche 24; Academy 24, McGregor 21; Whitney 42, Lago Vista 14 Area: Cameron 42, Teague 31; Rockdale 55, Buna 28; East Chambers 24, Academy 14 Regional: Cameron 54, East Chambers 21; Rock-
dale 27, Kirbyville 20 Quarterfinal: Cameron 44, Rockdale 25 Semifinal: Cameron 70, Edna 34 State championship: Cameron 70, Mineola 40
DISTRICT 12-3A DIVISION II
District Overall W-L W-L PF PA Franklin 5-1 10-2 603 181 Leon 5-1 8-3 290 183 Trinity 5-1 7-4 376 320 New Waverly 3-3 4-7 221 253 Lexington 2-4 3-7 285 383 Buffalo 1-5 2-8 208 420 Hearne 0-6 0-9 40 476 Bi-district: Franklin 57, Garrison 13; CorriganCamden 38, Leon 8; Crockett 34, Trinity 27; Newton 46, New Waverly 6 Area: Franklin 51, Maypearl 13 Regional: Newton 49, Franklin 21
DISTRICT 12-2A DIVISION I
District Overall W-L W-L PF PA Centerville 5-0 10-4 556 299 Lovelady 3-2 9-3 315 158 Anderson-Shiro 3-2 6-3 235 202 Groveton 3-2 4-7 256 409 Hull-Daisetta 1-4 4-6 371 339 West Hardin 0-5 2-8 194 391 Bi-district: Centerville, bye; Lovelady 17, Kerens 16; Price Carlisle 30, Groveton 13 Area: Centerville 69, San Augustine 36; Union Grove 14, Lovelady 7 Regional: Centerville 41, Price Carlisle 0 Quarterfinal: Centerville 23, Alto 20 Semifinal: Mason 27, Centerville 7
DISTRICT 12-2A DIVISION II
District Overall W-L W-L PF PA Iola 5-0 11-1 633 132 Normangee 4-1 8-5 387 318 Evadale 3-2 7-4 385 315 Colemesneil 2-3 2-8 194 425 Burkeville 1-4 1-9 159 453 Sabine Pass 0-5 1-9 31 477 Bi-district: Iola, bye; Normangee 30, Overton 24 (OT); Timpson 45, Evadale 39 Area: Iola 35, Muenster 21; Normangee 40, Lindsay 21 Regional: Iola 34, Chilton 9; Tenaha 47, Normangee 7 Quarterfinal: Tenaha 35, Iola 28
BRAZOS VALLEY TOP 10
DISTRICT 13-2A DIVISION II
District Overall W-L W-L PF PA Bremond 6-0 15-0 679 159 Burton 5-1 8-4 333 167 Milano 4-2 4-7 164 271 Bartlett 3-3 3-7 194 366 Snook 2-4 4-6 229 175 Granger 1-5 1-9 89 433 Somerville 0-6 0-10 103 522 Bi-district: Bremond, bye; Burton 18, Yorktown 13; Louise 25, Milano 6 Area: Bremond 48, Rocksprings 0; Bruni 6, Burton 0 Regional: Bremond 47, Louise 6 Quarterfinal: Bremond 46, Bruni 7 Semifinal: Bremond 32, Tenaha 29 State championship: Bremond 28, Albany 21
DISTRICT 16-A DIVISION II
District Overall W-L W-L PF PA Calvert 3-0 10-3 659 357 High Island 1-2 5-6 397 422 Buckholts 1-2 2-8 302 481 Prairie Lea 1-2 2-8 105 488 Bi-district: Calvert 62, Trinidad 16; Mount Calm 102, High Island 56 Regional: Calvert 32, Jonesboro 26 (OT) Quarterfinal: Calvert 64, Richland Springs 46 Semifinal: Throckmorton 76, Calvert 72
TAPPS DIVISION III DISTRICT 4
DistrictOverall W-L W-L PF PA The Woodlands Christian 7-0 12-1 593 225 Bay Area Christian 6-1 12-2 7-5 226 Brazos Christian 5-2 9-3 416 292 St. Joseph 4-3 7-4 403 354 Tomball Rosehill 2-5 4-6 217 258 Magnolia Legacy 1-6 1-9 166 403 Beaumont Legacy 3-4 4-6 258 395 Houston Lutheran North 0-7 0-9 79 436 Bi-district: The Woodlands Christian 41, Irving The Highlands 7; Bay Area Christian 62, Schertz John Paul II 7; Brazos Christian 48, Hallettsville Sacred Heart 8; Shiner St. Paul 74, St. Joseph 48 Regional: The Woodlands Christian 40, Brazos Christian 14; Bay Area Christian 59, Shiner St. Paul 31 Semifinal: Bay Area Christian 39,TheWoodlands Christian 14 State championship:Trinity Christian Cedar Hill 54, Bay Area Christian 18
4district streaks • Navasota has the longest current winning streak in district games among teams across the Brazos Valley. Here are the Top 10 current streaks: 1. Navasota . . 2. Centerville . . 3. Bremond. . . 4. Bryan . . . . 5. Iola . . . . . 6. (tie) Leon . . Brazos Christian 8. Cameron. . . 9. (tie) Burton . Calvert . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . .
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. . . . . . . . . .
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. 24 . 10 . .9 . .7 . .6 . .5 . .5 . .4 . .3 . .3
4scoring leaders • Navasota’s 921 points last season tops the all-time chart for single-season scoring by a team in the Brazos Valley. Here are the Top 10 efforts: 1. Navasota, 2014, 921 points (16 games) 2. Iola, 1994, 714 (13 games) 2. Navasota, 2012, 714 (16 games) 4. Cameron, 2013, 700 (16 games) 5. Bremond, 2014, 669 (15 games) 6. Cameron, 2010, 645 (15 games) 7. Franklin, 2012, 637 (13 games) 8. Franklin, 2011, 636 (13 games) 9. Franklin, 2013, 630 (14 games) 10. Brenham,2013,613 (16 games)
MILANO: Sophomore King set to direct spread offense for Eagles Continued from 27 to the state meet in the pole vault last spring. He brings mental toughness. He’s a leader.” Adjusting to the loss of Grimes, the Eagles changed offenses at midseason, going from the spread to a slot-T. Milano will return to the spread this season, hoping to mix the run and the pass under the direction of 6-foot-2 sophomore quarterback
Kyle King, who started every game last year. “During the offseason and the summer he worked his tail off and has put on about 15 pounds of muscle,” LaGrone said. “He’s about 185 now. He is going to run it for us, and he can throw it. Our offense is going to go through him.” King will have help from receivers Blake Harless and Grimes, along with running
Thursday, August 27, 2015
back Cole Sheppard, all seniors and returning starters. The offensive line will be led by veterans in center Josh Lewis, guards Dillan Liscum and Brian Jutson, and tackle Tyler Gann. On defense, Gann and Jutson will help anchor the line, with Sheppard at middle linebacker. The Eagles also expect contributions from freshman Arthur Soto at end.
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ROSTER 1 Kyle King, QB/DB, soph.; 2 Tim Demmerit, WR/DB, soph.; 5 Zack Smith, WR/DB, soph.; 5 Eddie West, RB/LB, soph.; 6 Keaton Popham, WR/LB, soph.; 7 Ronnie Messer, WR/DB, soph.; 8 Christian Grimes, WR/DB, sr.; 9 Caleb Stephenson, WR/LB, soph.; 10 Arthur Soto, WR/LB, fr.; 11 Wesley Morgan, WR/DB, sr.; 12 Devonte Jones, WR/DB, fr.; 17 Mason Von Goten, TE/DL, sr.; 20 Elijah Smith, WR/DB, fr.; 20 Sethe Pugh, RB/LB, jr.; 22 Clay Sheppard, RB/LB, fr.; 28 Cole Sheppard, RB/LB, sr.; 30 Ben King, LB/FB, fr.; 34 Gus Downey, WR/ DB, fr.; 34 Cody Starkey, WR/DB, soph.; 44 Shane Hollingsworth, TE/DE, sr.; 50 Luke Hollingsworth, OL/DL, fr.; 51 Josh Lewis, OL/DL, sr.; 52 Brian Jutson, OL/DL, sr.; 54 Dillan Liscum, OL/DL, sr.; 55 Edgar Hernandez, OL/LB, jr.; 56 Trebeaux Brussard, OL/DL, soph.; 60 John Zawadzke, OL/DL, fr.; 62 Jake Turnage, OL/DL, fr.; 64 Brandon Bui, OL/DL, jr.; 70 Jacob Harless, OL/DL, soph.; 72 Cade Popham, OL/DL, jr.; 77 Colby Doelitsch, OL/DL, fr.; 78 Tyler Gann, OL/DL, sr.; 80 Blake Harless, WR/DB, sr.; 83 Iain Hart, TE/DE, sr.
HighSchoolFootball 2015 33
Coaching shuffle SCHOOL: Normangee
SCHOOL: Snook
SCHOOL: Somerville
SCHOOL: Calvert
FORMER COaCH:
Kevin Morton
FORMER COaCH:
Scott Cummings
FORMER COaCH:
James Richardson
FORMER COaCH:
Marcus Wortham
Nelson Kortis
NEW COaCH:
Chad Lechler
NEW COaCH:
Rex Sharp
NEW COaCH:
Wayne Ware
NEW COaCH:
Morton’s contract was not extended at Normangee after an 8-5 season in which the Panthers had a three-game playoff run. He finished a three-year stint at Normangee with a 15-18 record. Kortis, a former assistant at Navasota, has been the head coach at Maud the last two seasons, where he posted a 129 record, including 4-6 in 2014.
In three seasons at Snook, Cummings led the Bluejays to an 8-22 record, including a 4-6 mark in 2014. He resigned to accept an assistant coaching position at Navasota. Lechler is a former Brenham player and assistant coach for Glen West. An offensive line coach with the Cubs, Lechler also coached for six seasons as an assistant at Hempstead.
The Somerville Yeguas went 0-10 in Richardson’s only season as head coach. His career record fell to 16-16. Sharp, who was hired to be Richardson’s top assistant, took over the head job when Richardson accepted another position in the school. Sharp had been the defensive coordinator at Gladewater Sabine and is a former head coach at Price Carlisle and at Bullard, where his overall record is 14-35.
TOP: A&M Consolidated’s Noah Langley (from left), Jayden Drisdale and Cooper Atkinson.
Wortham, 20-5 in two seasons at his alma mater of Calvert, led the Trojans to the Class A Division II semifinals with a 10-3 mark in 2014. Wortham was fired and is now interim basketball coach and an assistant football coach at Allen Academy. After coaching Covington to a 6-4 season, Ware departed after one year to coach the Trojans, a job he accepted in July. Ware has a 92-51 career record.
College Station’s Alex Miller.
RIGHT: Rudder’s Brian Williams. Eagle photos by Dave McDermand and Sam Craft
Brazos Christian’s John Mather.
St. Joseph’s Hunter Konderla.
Bryan’s Cecil Banks.
34 HighSchoolFootball 2015
The Eagle.com
Thursday, August 27, 2015
SNOOK BLUEJAYS
New coach ready to fly Bluejays into playoffs ROSTER
By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle,com
Barely a month into his tenure as Snook’s head football coach, Chad Lechler seems to have a lot of answers. Lechler easily explains his decision to take over a program that’s never been to the playoffs. Ask about the Bluejays’ lack of experience, and Lechler says it works in his favor. Lechler’s biggest and best answer may be Darrion Swain, who will switch from receiver to quarterback for his senior season and Lechler’s first as a head coach. Swain figures to be a key part of the plan as the recently hired coaching staff starts a new era for the Snook football program. A productive receiver last season, Swain became the heir apparent when his quarterback graduated. The move became more complicated when Scott Cummings resigned as Snook’s coach in late June, and quickly was replaced by former Brenham assistant Lechler. “We just kind of took it and ran with it,” Swain said. “What can we do? We don’t have a choice, just take the good with the good and go with it. “It’s way better than last year, and this is just the beginning. The atmosphere is great and we’ve become so close as a team. We’re starting to trust each other and the coaches are trusting us. It’s just our attitude, basically. Everybody has a positive attitude and wants the same thing.” The Bluejays went 4-6 last season, finishing fifth in District 13-2A Division II. Snook has not reached the state playoffs since reviving the program in 2010 after nearly 50 years without football. That history wasn’t enough to prevent Lechler from leaving a solid program in Brenham for his first head coaching job. A couple of weeks into preseason workouts, Lechler feels good about his decision, and about the
1 Jamarion Flowers, RB/DB, 5-4, 130, jr.; 2 Darrion Swain, QB/WR/DB, 6-0, 175, sr.; 3 Michael Ramirez, WR/OLB, 6-0, 195, soph.; 4 Michael Conerway, WR/DB, 6-0, 165, jr.; 5 Joseph Lara, RB/DB, 5-8, 155, soph.; 8 Paul Arredondo, FB/LB, 5-9, 200, sr.; 10 Damon Allen, RB/LB, 5-9, 155, fr.; 12 Moises Davila, RB/LB, 5-6, 140, jr.; 13 K.J. Macik, QB/WR/DB, 6-1, 170, fr.; 14 Justin Hooper, TE/DE, 6-0, 185, sr.; 15 Cole Junek, WR/DB, 5-7, 135, fr.; 16 Jaden Brewer, WR/OLB, 5-6, 145, fr.; 20 Carey Markeedrone, RB/DB, 5-9, 160, soph.; 22 Dylan Alwell, WR/LB, 5-7, 140, fr.; 23 Charles Ramirez, TE/DE, 6-2, 230, soph.; 24 Ricky Gonzalez, WR/OLB, 5-7, 150, soph.; 26 Damonta Allen, WR/DB, 5-10, 155, fr.; 30 Chris Ramirez, FB/LB, 5-6, 170, sr.; 33 Jaqua’veon Louis, RB/LB, 5-9, 160, soph.; 50 Chris Sebesta, OL/LB, 5-9, 205, jr.; 51 John Keese, OL/DE, 5-9, 145, soph.; 52 Shavon Cole, OL/DL, 6-1, 265, jr.; 54 Ricky Castaneda, OL/DL, 5-10, 210, sr.; 55 Adam Edders, OL/DL, 5-10, 230, jr.; 60 Jose Castillo, OL/DL, 5-8, 245, fr.; 62 Jake Young, WR/DB, 5-6, 135, fr.; 64 Colten Orsak, OL/DL, 6-1, 235, sr.; 65 Shemar Barnes, OL/DL, 5-6, 260, soph.; 68 Jose Ramos, OL/DL, 5-7, 245, fr.; 70 Matthew Schoppe, OL/DL, 6-1, 3-5, jr.; 72 Nathan Sprouse, WR/DB, 5-7, 135, jr.; 74 Devonze Franklin, OL/DL, 5-10, 320, soph.
FACTS Head coach — Chad Lechler (first year as head coach; first year at Snook) District — 13-2A Division II 2014 record — 4-6 (2-4 in 13-2A Division II) 2014 playoffs — did not qualify State playoff appearances — none Returning lettermen — 15 (3 offensive, 3 defensive starters) All-time record — 10-40-0 Playoff record — 0-0 Bluejays’ future. “I started coaching in Hempstead when they were not very good, and my last year there we went to the state championship,” Lechler said. “This really feels like a similar experience here. You’ve got a lot of talented kids, a lot of size and speed. “It feels like once you get them going in the right direction and once you get them on a roll, you could be really successful. The community and my administration are very supportive. I think if we can get the ball rolling a little bit, this could be a very special place.” The Bluejays returned only three offensive and three defensive starters, leaving the new staff with lots of green wood to use in their building project. “That’s probably an advantage, because you don’t have
Thursday, August 27, 2015
SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug 27 Hallettsville Sacred Heart 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 29-6 Sept 4 at Brazos Christian 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 23-19 Sept 11 at Normangee 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 14-13 Sept 18 Weimar 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 23-3 District 13-2A Division II Sept 25 at Burton 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 22-6 Oct 2 Milano 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 2-0 Oct 9 at Bremond 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 54-14 Oct 16 Bartlett 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 32-27 Oct 23 at Granger 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 69-0 Oct 30 Somerville 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 48-0 Nov 6 Open NOTE — All home games at Allen Academy
kids that are set in their ways,” Lechler said. Swain’s experience will come in handy, even with his position switch. Swain will get some time at receiver, as the Bluejays have another quarterback prospect in freshman K.J. Macik, but Swain was a natural choice to run the offense. “I needed a leader in that position,” Lechler said. “I think if he keeps going on the right track, he’ll be really, really good for us. So far, he’s been everything that we hoped he would be.” Swain started playing youth league football in Caldwell when he was in the fifth grade. He
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Eagle photo by Sam Craft Snook senior Darrion Swain has been a productive receiver for the Bluejays, and he will slide over to play quarterback this season. joined the fledgling Snook program as a sixth grader and spent one season at quarterback, when he was in the eighth grade. “I just basically embraced it,” Swain said of this year’s switch. “I have to do whatever I can for my team to succeed, and I’m willing to do that. We want more wins than last season. We’re going to the playoffs this year. It would mean a lot because no team before us has been able to do that. It would be incredible for us to go to the playoffs.” Lechler expects the Bluejays
to be potent offensively, praising the ability of junior running back Jamarion Flowers, junior receiver Mike Conerway and senior tight end Justin Hooper. The blockers include 315-pound sophomore Devonze Franklin. “We’ve got some weapons, if we can just get them going in the right direction,” Lechler said. Snook’s defensive leaders likely will be senior linebacker Paul Arredondo, sophomore end Charles Ramirez and sophomore outside linebacker Jaqua’veon Louis.
HighSchoolFootball 2015 35
SOMERVILLE YEGUAS
Sharp trying to mold experienced Yeguas into winners ROSTER
By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
With the number of players Somerville has returning — 17 lettermen, eight offensive starters and seven on defense — the Yeguas may be ready to turn the corner. The block they’ve been on has been longer than they could have imagined, and it has been steadily uphill. The Yeguas begin the football season on a 29-game losing skid. “It’s not just about Xs and Os here,” firstyear head coach Rex Sharp said. “ We ’ re t r y i n g t o ch a n g e t h e culture and the mindset of the SHARP community but most importantly kids who haven’t experienced much success.” Sharp felt he needed to get back to basics, beginning with small steps. “We had to start over fundamentally, teaching the game and becoming football savvy,” said Sharp, who sees a willingness to improve. “That just doesn’t happen in one week, two weeks, three weeks. It’s a process. They’ve had a great attitude, and we’re working their tails off.” The Yeguas will employ the pistol-spread offense, with veteran Marlin Nutall as the deep back. “He’s a good hand coming back,” said Sharp of his quick tailback, who rushed for 800 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. “He’s going to be one of our main ones, no doubt, offensively.” Senior Malik Roy is working at running back and quarterback. “He’s got really good speed, and he’s one of those that we’ve got to get the ball in his hands,” Sharp said. Marlin’s younger brother,
2 Isaiah Martinez, WR/DB, 135, soph.; 3 Marquis Nutall, QB/DL, 180, jr.; 4 Seven Steels, WR/ DB, 150, fr.; 5 Cody Poehl, WR/DB, 155, jr.; 6 Malik Roy, QB/RB/DB, 150, sr.; 7 Eric Poehl, WR/ DB, 180, sr.; 8 Tyler Pharr, WR/LB, 175, sr.; 9 James Bernal, RB/LB, 165, sr.; 10 Trenton Ballard, OL/DL, 155, fr.; 11 A.J. Barnett, OL/DL, 165, fr.; 12 Devin Sparks, RB/DB, 170, fr.; 16 Hunter Dawson, OL/DL, 160, fr.; 17 Anthony Balboa, WR/DB, 135, sr.; 22 Marlin Nutall, RB/LB, 160, sr.; 24 Kevin Miles, WR/DB, 135, soph.; 26 Daniel SanMiguel, RB/DL, 180, soph.; 33 Erick Perez, WR/DB, 120, jr.; 34 Clifford Burns, Jr., RB/DL, 175, jr.; 36 Caleb Allison, RB/LB, 215, fr.; 50 Cain Zuniga, OL/DL, 210, fr.; 52 Gage Zuniga, OL/DL, 220, fr.; 53 Mark Hargrove, OL/DL, 265, sr.; 55 Coleton Galbreth, OL/DL, 195, jr.; 56 Eathan Neely, OL/DL, 180, sr.; 58 Preston Sprouse, OL/DL, 200, fr.; 62 Isidro Donate, OL/DL, 245, jr.; 64 Josh Urbanosky, OL/DL, 205, fr.; 65 Cameron Tucker, OL/DL, 230, sr.; 76 Josh Gomez, OL/DL, 315, soph.; 78 Cody Muggenborg, OL/DL, 215, jr.; 79 Nick Vasquez, OL/DL, 260, fr.
FACTS
SCHEDULE
Head coach — Rex Sharp (14-34 overall; first year at Somerville) District — 13-2A Division II 2014 record — 0-10 (0-6 in 13-2A Division II) 2014 playoffs — did not qualify Playoff appearances (8) — 1939, 1960, 1965, 1976, 1982, 1983, 1990, 2006 Returning lettermen — 28 (9 offensive, 9 defensive starters) All-time record — 306-485-24 Playoff record — 4-8-0 Marquis Nutall, has also worked at quarterback, splitting time with Roy. Experience could help Somerville leave behind its bad previous experiences. The Yeguas bring back three starting offensive linemen, some of whom were pressed into duty as young players. “Even though they played young, at least that’s a year of varsity experience and we do have some returning O-linemen,” said Sharp, who has size up front with his blockers Cameron Tucker (230 pounds) is joined by guard Mark Hargrove (265). Both are seniors. Josh GoTUCKER mez weighs in at 315. “Josh is just a good-sized kid, just a sophomore, and he had to play as a freshman some,” Sharp said. “He’s got a lot of growing
36 HighSchoolFootball 2015
Date Opponent Time Aug 28 Iola 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 65-0 Sept 4 at Buffalo 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 71-6 Sept 11 Shiner St. Paul* 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 76-21 Sept 18 at Yorktown 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 59-14 District 13-2A Division II Sept 25 at Milano 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 27-20 Oct 2 Bremond 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 53-7 Oct 9 at Bartlett 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 52-14 Oct 16 Granger 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 33-7 Oct 23 open Oct 30 at Snook+ 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 48-0 Nov 6 Burton 7:30 p.m. Last season: L 38-14 *Homecoming +Allen Academy
to do, but he has pretty good feet and size and strength. The ‘it’ factor on him is huge, if he decides to use it.” The Yeguas plan to throw more this season. “We’re going to try to get the ball in space and get out there and make somebody miss, we hope,” Sharp said. “Anthony Balboa, a senior receiver, has good skills. He’s a good kid and a good route runner. With Isaiah Martinez and Cody Poehl, we’ve got some there that we hope to get the ball in their hands. Balboa, being a senior, is probably the leader of that group.” Somerville will count on several two-way players and will play the 4-3 on defense. The defensive ends are athlet-
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Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Junior Marquis Nutall (3) is practicing at quarterback alongside senior Malik Roy. Nutall will also play defensive end for Somerville in 2015. ic, with Clifton Burns and Marquis Nutall manning those spots. “We have a sophomore that moved in that we think will help us, Daniel SanMiguel,” Sharp said. “We’ve got some depth at the defensive tackles, our twotechniques. We plan to rotate and keep those big guys fresh.” Eric Poehl, part of another sibling combination for Somerville, should also play significantly at defensive end.
Marlin Nutall, who will get some rest defensively, will still be needed often at linebacker. He is teamed with fellow senior James Bernal and Tyler Pharr, who had 62 tackles. Coleton Galbreath, the son of assistant coach Tim Galbreath, joined the Yeguas this season as a move-in and will also play linebacker. Roy will play safety with Balboa at corner.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
ST. JOSEPH EAGLES
St. Joseph adding youth to solid veteran nucleus FACTS
By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
New faces take on the same challenges for the St. Joseph Eagles. With an infusion of younger players, it is the familiar faces in the lineup who should ease the transition as St. Joseph plays in a state powerhouse district, TAPPS District 4 Division III. Safety Hunter Konderla and defensive tackle Quentin Casarez will be four-year starters on the Eagles’ defense. Konderla led St. Joseph with 90 tackles and also had a knack for big plays. The second-team All-Brazos Valley defender intercepted four passes and scored two touchdowns on defense. He forced three fumbles and recovered two. “He’s the quarterback of our defense,” St. Joseph coach Kyle Alexander said. “He’s our fiery leader, both by the way he plays and the way he talks.” He’ll be needed with some young players joining him and Jeremy Martinez (three interceptions) in the secondary. Casarez (6-foot-2, 310 pounds) has been an obstacle for opposing teams throughout his high school career. As a junior last season, he had 33 tackles, two sacks and seven tackles for losses. “Quentin is our big guy and is getting some college interest,” Alexander said. “He’s athletic for a kid that size and can move really well. He’s getting more interest on the defensive side of the ball from colleges, but he’s going to be starting both ways for us.” He’ll get help, as former Rudder Ranger Chris Espinoza, who transferred to St. Joseph last December, will play up front for the Eagles. As a junior for the Rangers, Espinoza had 62 tackles, including 42 solos, while playing in all 10 games. He posted 11 tackles for losses and two sacks. Espinoza’s addition should bolster St. Joseph’s run defense,
Head coach — Kyle Alexander (7-4 overall; 7-4 at St. Joseph) District — TAPPS Division III District 4 2014 record — 7-4 (4-3 in TAPPS Division III District 4) 2014 playoffs — Bi-district: lost to Shiner St. Paul 74-48 Playoff appearances (11) — 6-man (3): 1999, 2000, 2001; 11-man (7): 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014 Returning lettermen — 21 (6 offensive, 6 defensive starters) which Alexander admits needs to improve. “I think we’re going to have a really good combo right there, because they can’t just concentrate on Quentin,” Alexander said. “In the linebacker corps, Kyle Lock (87 tackles, two forced fumbles) has always been huge. He plays our strong side linebacker and he’sourbiggesthitterondefense.” John Navjar moves to the quarterback spot, after the sophomore played wide receiver his freshman season. He will give the Eagles a different look at quarterback after the graduation of four-year starter Luke McClure, who was a pocket passer. McClure is now playing in college at Wisconsin Lutheran. Navjar is a shifty player, who may give St. Joseph more running options from the position. It’s a move that St. Joseph coaches have been preparing for since Navjar’s eighth-grade year. “He’s a great passer, but we add a new threat with the offense, to have a more mobile guy back there,” Alexander said. “We added some new wrinkles. There are some more designed plays for the quarterback, where he has readrun option or a run-pass option.” Espinoza will also play running back. Alexander expects a running back corps to highlight the ground attack. “With the loss of Hunter Batten (who transferred to Bryan),
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Senior Chris Espinoza transferred to St. Joseph from Rudder and is expected to be a key contributor for the Eagles at running back and on the defensive line this season. Eagle photo by Dave McDermand
ROSTER
SCHEDULE
2 Michael Krause, WR/QB/OLB, 6-0, 175, sr.; 3 John Najvar, QB/CB/K, 6-1, 162, soph.; 4 Noah McClure, WR/CB, 5-10, 130, fr.; 5 Coltin Slenk, WR/CB, 6-0, 165, soph.; 7 Chris Espinoza, RB/DL, 5-9, 223, sr.; 10 Kyle Locke, WR/OLB, 5-10, 171, sr.; 12 Hunter Konderla, WR/S, 5-10, 145, sr.; 15 Nick Dimarco, RB/ CB/S, 5-7, 135, soph.; 20 Josh Saldua, WR/CB/S, 5-10, 148, soph.; 22 Jaxon Hayles, WR/CB, 5-3, 100, fr.; 24 Bryson Peddicord, WR/CB, 5-9, 130, soph.; 25 Jeremy Martinez, RB/CB/S, 5-7, 155, sr.; 34 Logan Lipscomb, WR/OLB, 6-1, 155, soph.; 50 Philip Blaszak, OL/DL, 5-7, 158, soph.; 51 Ryan Ernst, OL/DL, 5-8, 180, jr.; 52 Nick Adam, OL/DL, 5-11, 178, jr.; 53 Samuel Gonzalez, OL/DL, 5-7, 190, soph.; 54 Jack Clements, OL/DL, 6-0, 230, jr.; 55 Cristian Olvera, OL/MLB, 5-6, 223, soph.; 56 Cameron Cooper, OL/ MLB, 5-8, 155, jr.; 58 Matthew Taylor, OL/DL, 6-0, 253, sr.; 60 Eric Rodriguez, OL/DL, 5-11, 275, sr.; 63 Patrick Patke, OL/DL, 6-0, 195, soph.; 70 Robert Healing, OL/DL, 6-0, 315, sr.; 72 Quentin Casarez, OL/ DL, 6-2, 305, sr.
it will be by committee,” Alexander said. “We have three guys who we will split reps, between Chris Espinoza, Jeremy Martinez and Nick Dimarco, who is a sophomore. We’ll get all three of them rotating in.” Sophomores will be expected to carry a strong load. “We definitely lost some pretty good kids from that senior class last year that we are looking to replace, but the cupboard is definitely not bare,” Alexander said. “We had some good talent com-
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ing up.” When the Eagles do throw, Michael Krause will be the chief target after the graduation of Reuben Fernandes. Krause caught 30 passes for 459 yards last season. “Our next big weapon is Michael Krause,” Alexander said. “He’s a slot receiver more than an outside receiver, but he’s a big threat in both the run game and the pass game.” Krause rushed for 132 yards last season in a limited rushing role.
Date Opponent Time Aug 28 Central Texas Christian 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 47-25 Sept 4 at Shiner St. Paul 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 33-27 Sept 11 Open Sept 18 Schertz John Paul II 7:30 p.m. Last season: W 33-13 TAPPS Division III District 4 Sept 25 at Magnolia Legacy 7 p.m. Last season: W 48-7 Oct 2 The Woodlands Christian 7 p.m. Last season: L 48-34 Oct 9 at Houston Lutheran North 7 p.m. Last season: W 47-0 Oct 16 Tomball Rosehill* 7 p.m. Last season: W 47-20 Oct 23 at Beaumont Legacy 7 p.m. Last season: W 50-27 Oct 31 Bay Area Christian 7 p.m. Last season: L 72-16 Nov 6 at Brazos Christian 7 p.m. Last season: L 41-0 *Homecoming
Navjar will kick and could also be the punter. “Not that we’re going to do it, but the drop-kick, he’s unbelievable at it,” Alexander said. “My coaches are egging me on, so I’m sure we’ll end up trying it.”
HighSchoolFootball 2015 37
Media Day Questions THE QUESTION
THE QUESTION
What is your favorite college football team?
What is your favorite NFL team?
A lot of Brazos Valley players decided to rally around the Maroon & White. Texas A&M was a runaway winner among the players who voted for their favorite college team at The Eagle’s second annual Media Day. The Aggies had 63 votes, but there are eyes on Texas, too. The Longhorns came in a comfortable second place with 23 votes. Baylor finished third and was the only other team to get double-digit votes, although TCU, Oregon and LSU were close.
TOP VOTE-GETTERS
TOP VOTE-GETTERS SCHOOL VOTES 1. Texas A&M 63 2. Texas ....................... 23 3. Baylor....................... 10 4. (tie) Oregon ................ 8 TCU................................ 8 LSU................................ 8 7. Alabama..................... 5 8. Florida State............... 4 9. Texas Tech.................. 3
Here are all of the teams that received four or more votes: Dallas Cowboys ............ 48 Houston Texans ............ 26 New England Patriots .... 11 Seattle Seahawks ......... 11 Denver Broncos .............. 7 Green Bay Packers .......... 5 Baltimore Ravens............ 5 San Francisco 49ers ....... 5 Pittsburgh Steelers ......... 4 Carolina Panthers ........... 4
HARDTOPICKJUSTONE
BIMAGE
GLOVER JR.
Some players hedged their bets by listing multiple schools, and voting proved there is a nationwide following for college football: Texas/Texas A&M/Kansas/SMU/TCU — Marqez Bimage, Brenham TCU/A&M/Baylor — Charlie Glover Jr., College Station Texas or Baylor — Shelton Eppler, Navasota TCU — Rashauud Paul, Bremond (“That’s where I’m currently committed,” Paul added.) Georgia Tech — Jesse Honnas, Brazos Christian Southern Cal — John King, College Station Mary Hardin-Baylor — Jarrett Brown, BVCHEA Tulsa — Grant Peimann, Lexington Army — Dre Browning, Bremond Notre Dame — Derian Guzman, Centerville Stanford — William Efendiev, College Station
38 HighSchoolFootball 2015
You may argue whether the Dallas Cowboys are still “America’s Team.” There is little argument that the Cowboys are the most popular team in the Brazos Valley, based on voting of high school football players at The Eagle’s second annual Media Day. The Cowboys outdistanced their rivals in the state, the Houston Texans, by a 48-26 vote. Last season’s Super Bowl teams, the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, tied for third.
Lone Wolf
Many Brazos Valley players went off the beaten path, or at least outside the borders of the state of Texas, but some players were really on an island. These five teams had just one supporter among our voters: Miami Dolphins — Quentin White, Rockdale Atlanta Falcons — Tyler Dykes, Iola New York Jets — Charlie Glover, College Station Indianapolis Colts — Xavier Laury, Calvert Philadelphia Eagles — Quandree White, College Station
The Eagle’s Media Day sponsored by Caldwell Country
ODDS&ENDS William De Leon of Caldwell couldn’t pin it down to one: “Panthers or 49ers” was his vote for favorite NFL team. Franklin’s Jacob Dorsett added an editorial comment: “Patriots (Tom didn’t do it).” And College Station’s Timarcus Davis abstained, saying, “I just enjoy the game.” Two voters threw in the name J.J. Watt to strengthen their Texans’ vote. • The following NFL teams were shut out in voting by Brazos Valley football players: Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams, Washington Redskins, Tennessee Titans.
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Thursday, August 27, 2015
Media Day Questions THE QUESTION
THE QUESTION
What is the first thing you would buy if you won $20 million in the lottery?
What is your favorite movie?
Some of the Brazos Valley football players at The Eagle’s Media Day kept it simple and practical when asked how they would spend their lottery winnings: Harrison Armstrong, BVCHEA — a house with land Tyler Dykes, Iola — shoes Niall Creager, A&M Consolidated — new helmets for the offensive line Criston “Cheeseburger” Jones, Navasota — food Hunter Konderla, St. Joseph — a Twix candy bar Cole Sheppard, Milano — probably a Gatorade • Some thought big: Grant Peimann, Lexington — a golf course DYKES Garrison Tullos, Bremond — a yacht Josh Hitchcock, Caldwell and Tyler Raley, Iola — a ranch • The outdoorsmen showed up: Sam Gaertner, Brenham — A fishing pole Cal Bauer, Navasota — Bass boat and a hundred-acre lake • Numerous players said vehicles. Some were specific: Cameron Tucker, Somerville —Dodge Viper Kennon Williams, A&M Consolidated — C63 Mercedes-Benz Andrew Perez, Rockdale —Camaro Kyle Foster, Brazos Christian — 2015 Corvette Stingray Mark Hargrove, Somerville — 1998 Dodge Ram 3500, 12-valve, tricked out FOSTER Joshua White, Bremond — ’69 Pontiac GTO Ty Brock, College Station — 1965 Shelby Cobra • Several players suggested opening a savings account and some would invest. Some directly pinpointed their future education. Many others planned to buy a house for their mom. Some would also get her a car. Mothers were very popular on the wish list, although fathers, family and friends were also mentioned. College Station’s Quandree White and Caldwell’s Devin Morris also wanted a new house for grandma. For some, a house wasn’t quite enough. John Mather of Brazos Christian said he would buy “a mansion.” • One wanted a new home base: Colton Orsak, Snook — Donate a majority to the school for a football field (Orsak was one of several anxious to donate to his school.) • Another wanted to get away from it all: LASTRAPES Caleb LaStrapes, BVCHEA — my own island
• One covered the most popular trio of things (house topped the list) with one answer: Quentin Casarez, St. Joseph — a big truck, a house and a fast car • And two Franklin guys just wouldn’t be willing to settle for $20 million: Jacob Dorsett and Ian Knight — another lottery ticket
Thursday, August 27, 2015
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Who needs Rotten Tomatoes to grade movies? Not the high school football players who voted for their favorite movie at Media Day. Many of the movies selected had a sports theme and the top two were football movies. Friday Night Lights, the 2004 film about Texas high school football, topped the list with Remember the Titans a strong second. You don’t have to dig far down the list to find movies that received Academy Award acclaim, with Shawshank Redemption, The Blind Side, Braveheart and Forrest Gump among the vote-getters. Here are all of the movies that received more than one vote in our gridironplaying, movie-watching poll: Friday Night Lights.................... 25 Remember the Titans ............... 12 The Sandlot............................... 5 The Shawshank Redemption ....... 4 Southpaw .................................. 4 Friday ........................................ 4 When the Game Stands Tall ........ 4 Gridiron Gang ............................ 3 American Sniper ........................ 3 Ant-Man .................................... 3 Joe Dirt ..................................... 3 The Waterboy............................. 3 The Blind Side ........................... 3 Forrest Gump............................. 2 Braveheart ................................ 2 Smokey and the Bandit .............. 2 The Longest Yard ....................... 2 8 Seconds................................. 2 Shooter..................................... 2 The Avengers............................. 2 Mama’s House .......................... 2 The Lion King............................. 2 Tombstone ................................ 2 Paid in Full ................................ 2 Stepbrothers ............................. 2 Bad Boys................................... 2
DON’TFORGETTHESE Other football players at Media Day recommended these movies: The Incredibles — Dre Browning, Bremond Godzilla — J.T. King, Rudder Pearl Harbor — Colton Orsak, Snook Scary Movie — Tyson Washington, Bryan Ted — Kyle Poe, Madisonville The Green Mile — Colton Renick, Iola Act of Valor — Logan Lipscomb, St. Joseph Talladega Nights — Ryan Bennett, Iola
The Terminator — William Efendiev, College Station Pirates of the Caribbean — TreBeaux Broussard, Milano Anchorman — Kyle King, Milano Stand By Me — Cristian Lara, Rockdale Star Wars — Cameron Tucker, Somerville Nightcrawler — Eann Felder, BVCHEA Space Jam — Dillon Thielemann, Brenham Old Yeller — Jonathan Flores, Navasota Iola’s highlight film — Canyon Ramirez, Iola
HighSchoolFootball 2015 39
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40 HighSchoolFootball 2015
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