High School Football Preview 2019

WHO’S GOT A SHOT?

2019 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

The Eagle

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Which of the area’s football teams has the best chance to bring a state title back to the Brazos Valley this season? For more, see Page 2.

INDEX Features

Cover story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Brazos Valley’s new coaches . . 19 Preseason All-Brazos Valley . . . 43 Media Day Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

UIL

District 14-6A Bryan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 District 8-5A Division I College Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 District 10-5A Division II A&M Consolidated . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Rudder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 District 13-5A Division II Brenham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 District 12-4A Division I Navasota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 District 8-4A Division II Madisonville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 District 12-4A Division II Caldwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 District 10-3A Division I Rockdale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 District 11-3A Division I Franklin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 District 8-3A Division II Lexington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 District 12-3A Division II Anderson-Shiro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 District 9-2A Division I Leon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Centerville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Normangee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 District 13-2A Division I Hearne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Milano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 District 13-2A Division II Bremond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Iola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 District 14-2A Division II Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Snook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Somerville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 District 14-A Division II (6-man) Calvert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Unaffiliated (6-man) Dime Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

TAPPS

Division IV District 4 Brazos Christian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 6-man Division II District 3 Allen Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 St . Joseph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

TAIAO 6-man

BVCHEA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Can the Valley return to state?

Several area football teams have enough talent to get to Texas’ biggest stage this season

By JEFF PERKINS jeffrey.perkins@theeagle.com

ON THE COVER

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ens of thousands of fans filed into AT&T Stadium last December to see some of the best teams Texas high school football had to offer.

For the first time since 2011, none of them saw a team from the Brazos Valley.

Don’t count on that happening again in 2019, though, as there are more than a few teams capable of making a deep run and perhaps coming out of the tunnel at the home of the Dallas Cowboys at the end of the season. The Brazos Valley’s talent is deep this year, and it spans across classifications big and small.

A&M Consolidated is a trendy preseason pick after claiming the Division I title with a dominant performance at the Texas 7-on-7 Championships in June.

The Tigers are seventh in the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football preseason rankings for Class 5A Division II, a position earned with their well-known talent at the skill positions on both sides of the ball. Brian Darby, Devin Price, Nate Floyd and quarterback Gage Pahl showed over the summer they stack up well with any team’s passing game.

Consol has a tough road that goes through District 10-5A Division II foe Huntsville as well as Region III powers Fort Bend Marshall and Manvel. To beat those teams, the Tigers will have to improve on the offensive line, which had difficulty

Rockdale’s Cam’Ron Valdez, from left, Cameron’s Nico Vargas, A&M Consolidated’s Devin Price, Calvert’s Danielshijon Hurst and Hearne’s Damion Dunn hope to do quite a bit more than pose for the cover shot of The Eagle’s annual high school football section this season. The quintet represents five of the Brazos Valley’s strongest teams, and all five players will play pivotal leadership roles as they try to lead the Tigers of Rockdale, Yoemen, Tigers of Consol, Trojans and Eagles on a deep playoff run — possibly all the way to state.

— Eagle photo

by Laura McKenzie

See COVER, Page 5

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Thursday, August 29, 2019

COVER: Cameron, Rockdale among Brazos Valley’s best teams this year Continued from 2 handling the pass rush in its lone two losses last season to Huntsville and FB Marshall.

“If you don’t come out on fire [in the playoffs], you can lose a game first round,” Consol coach Lee Fedora said.

“Where you get prepared for that is starting in FEDORA your first game and getting better each week.

You don’t want to be seeing the same mistakes in Week 6 as in the first week. The other big thing is staying healthy.”

Other possible contenders in 5A include

College Station (Division I) and Brenham (Division II). The Cougars narrowly lost to eventual state champion Highland Park — even holding a 13-7 lead at halftime — in the area round last season. College Station lost several key players on defense, including defensive backs Brandon Joseph and Ryan Stapp, but an improved offense will help make up for it while the young defense finds its footing. Brenham made it three rounds deep last year before falling to Corpus Christi Calallen and returns quarterback Garrison Weiss to an experienced offense.

In 3A, the Battle of the Bell should again be one of the best regular-season games in the area, and there’s a decent chance

Thursday, August 29, 2019

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Cameron and Rockdale could meet each other a second time in the state quarterfinals. The Tigers lost most of the key pieces off their 2017 title team last year, but came on strong late in the season before losing to eventual 3A Division I champion Grandview in the playoffs.

Cameron, ranked No. 4 by Texas Football in 3A Division I, looked like it was headed to the state quarterfiWEISS nals and poised for a possible run to Arlington last year before losing to East Chambers on a miracle sequence in overtime in the third round.

“It gave us a hunger

going into offseason,” Cameron coach Tommy Brashear said. “I think our kids learned a lot from that game.”

Both teams return experienced squads led by excellent quarterbackrunning back combos in the Yoemen’s Braden Brashear and Nico Vargas and the Tigers’ Jace Robinson and VALDEZ Cam’ron Valdez.

That’s before even mentioning Franklin, which is No. 9 in Texas Football’s preseason rankings. The Lions lost key starters in Jared Pedraza, Colton Rosprim, Will Fannin and Colton Ortner, but Datron

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Dixon will head what will likely be another strong rushing attack for Franklin.

Several teams in lower classifications look primed for deep playoff runs this year. In 2A Division I, Hearne junior Micah Smith enters his third year as the starting quarterback, and he has plenty of help. Justin Camper leads a solid offensive line, and receivers Jalen Gonzales and Damion Dunn and tight end Tyquez Tindle headline an electric group of pass catchers that helped lead Hearne to the Division II semifinals at state 7-on-7.

Burton lost playmakers Dee Winters and Caleb Harmel off a championship-contending squad in 2A Division II, but the eighth-ranked Panthers still have Cash Callahan,

Cooper Lucherk and Cade Weiss as a solid core and look to build on their recent success.

Seventh-ranked Calvert has hit some tough playoff roads recently, losing to Richland Springs twice in the last three seasons, but the Trojans pushed the Coyotes last year in a 60-47 area loss. If Calvert can finally get past Richland Springs early, the path to the end in Class A Division II looks easier to navigate.

While there are no preseason state title favorites in the Brazos Valley, the field of contenders and dark horses is deep and spans several classifications. It’s a decent bet that at least one local fan base will be loading up with their team gear and driving to Arlington in December.

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BRYAN VIKINGS

Big, bad defense back at Bryan Vikings hope to get offense going with powerful running game, improving Bulhof at QB

By RICHARD CROOME richard.croome@theeagle.com

Points came at a premium last season in Bryan football games, both for the opponents and the Vikings.

Statistically, the Vikings had the best defense in District 14-6A and surrendered just 16 points per game. But they also suffered three shutouts and scored 20 or fewer points in seven games overall.

It would be difficult to believe the Vikings can duplicate, both good and bad, those numbers again.

With a secondary in a 4-2-5 defense that returns

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four starters, Dylan Carroll anchoring the defensive line and Nick McDaniel leading at linebacker, Bryan head coach Ross Rogers sees an opportunity for his defense CARROLL to again dominate.

“Our defensive front is going to get better and better,” Rogers said. “We’ve got some sophomores, big Tanner Allen up there and Nic Caraway. We are build-

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ing depth there, so I want to think with our secondary that we are going to be OK.” Junior Austin Bailey and senior Caleb Merrell start on either side of Car- MERRELL roll, while McDaniel plays alongside Patrick Menjares at middle linebacker and newcomer Jack Blackburn as the second line of defense.

Seniors Xavier Johnson and Christian Richard-

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son return at cornerback along with safeties Kenny Collins and Darius Peterson.

Sophomore Du’wayne Paulhill rounds out the secondary that only RICHARDSON lost David Parks from last year’s sterling unit.

“Menjares has looked good at middle linebacker and has made the plays, and Kenny ... when you play a Tampa defense, you have to have a safety lineback-

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er who can run through the middle,” Rogers said.

“Paulhill will get better and better at safety, and Peterson is a good safety anyway. It’s fun to have a secondary that we had last year, and now back to back we got guys that can really make plays.”

The Vikings’ offensive struggles showed last season. Adding to the rebuilding project on that side of the ball, Bryan lost starting quarterback Kerry Brooks and backup quarterback and top receiver Matt Moreno over the offseason.

See BRYAN, Page 30

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SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 30 at Waller Last year: W 20-10 Sept. 5 A&M Consolidated Last year: L 20-0 District 14-6A Sept. 20 at Tomball Memorial Last year: L 21-14 Sept. 27 Langham Creek Last year: L 28-14 Oct. 3 at Bridgeland* Last year: W 42-21 Oct. 11 Cypress Lakes Last year: L 3-0 Oct. 17 at Cypress Park* Last year: W 42-7 Oct. 25 Cypress Springs^ Last year: W 36-0 Nov. 1 at Cypress Ranch* Last year: L 27-0 Nov. 8 Cypress Woods Last year: L 20-19 *Cy-Fair FCU Stadium ^Homecoming

Time TBA 7 p.m.

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COLLEGE STATION COUGARS

Handing down tradition

Veteran Cougars taking over teaching role as squad prepares to handle tough 8-5A-I

By MARIA MCILWAIN maria.mcilwain@theeagle.com

Austin Sosa remembers his first varsity action.

He laughs about it now, but in the moment, he was struck by the level of football players suddenly facing him and fired off what he remembers as a bad pass.

T he Colle g e Station quarterback and fellow senior running back Kolbe Cashion had older mentors, including Brandon Williams, Zach Williams and Daniel Tice, to guide them in their early days in Cougar head coach Steve Huff’s high-octane offense.

Now they’re the mentors, and they like what they’re seeing from their younger teammates.

“Everyone thought that we weren’t going to [connect] with the younger guys, but we do; we love them,” Sosa said. “They’re like our little brothers to us, and we wouldn’t want anyone else playing and filling those positions for us.”

College Station’s sophomores, including 6-foot-4 Houston Thomas, 6-0 Kyle Walsh and Dalton Carnes, impressed Sosa and Cashion throughout the offseason.

“We’ve got some upcomingsophomoresthatarejust really impressive guys,” Cashion said. “They’re working their butts off every day. It’s really impressive to see, especially since they’re younger.”

Cashion and junior Roderick Brown will lead the ground game after working

FACTS Head coach — Steve Huff (142-76 overall; 55-12 at College Station) District — 8-5A Division I 2018 record — 9-3 (5-2 in 8-5A Division I) 2018 playoffs — bi-district: def.

Mesquite Poteet 41-38; area: lost to Dallas Highland Park 28-20 Playoff appearances (5) — 201418 Returning lettermen — 20 (6 offensive, 4 defensive starters) Key returners — LB Traevon Thompson (8-5A D1 Def. NOY), RB Kolbe Cashion (A-D), TE Peyton Rusk (A-D), OL Hayden Goodlett (A-D), RB Roderick Brown (2nd A-D), OL Payton Blair (2nd A-D), LB Michael Medlin (2nd A-D), RB/LB Bubba Carter, Austin Sosa Key newcomers — QB Jett Huff, WR Kyle Walsh, WR Houston Thomas, WR Traylen Suel, WR Dalton Carnes, LB Jaxson Slanker, DE Caleb Skow, K Dawson Shremp, RB/WR Trey Winn, DB Khebrian Rumph, OL Corey Hendrix Key losses — K Alan Guerrieri (specialist of the year), OL Logan Flasowski (A-D), QB/P Brandon Williams (A-D), DE Jay Hannath (A-D), LB Garrett Draper (A-D), DB Ryan Stapp (A-D), DB Brandon Joseph (A-D), WR Zach Williams (2nd A-D), DE Truce Tumlinson (2nd A-D), LB Zach Sacky (2nd A-D), DB Jordon Bellows (2nd A-D) All-time record — 55-12 Playoff record — 13-4

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Eagle photo by Laura McKenzie College Station’s Michael Medlin,Austin Sosa and Kolbe Cashion are among the Cougars’ most important leaders, a group that says they’re trying to teach the underclassmen the same way they were taught by team veterans in past seasons. through injuries last season, helping College Station go 9-3 and reach the area round of the playoffs. Senior Hayden Goodlett will anchor the offensive line, paving the way for them.

With Brown and Cashion returning after solid seasons, Huff said he is exper-

Thursday, August 29, 2019

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imenting with packages that feature both backs and hopes they each can get multiple carries per game.

“We’re finding more ways to put those two on the field at the same time, because they complement each other so well, and they both deserve to be out there,” Huff

said. “But we’re still doing our same stuff. I think it takes that preseason, those first three games, to totally find your identity.”

Sosa is moving back to quarterback from wide receiver, where he had 19 catches for 247 yards last year. Though he loved re-

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ceiver, he said he is excited to move back to the position he played growing up, and Cashion is looking forward to having him there, too.

“Whenever I first got to seventh grade with him,

See COUGARS, Page 9

Date Opponent Time Aug. 29 at Richmond Foster 6 p.m.

Last year: W 42-38 Sept. 13Huntsville 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 20-7 Sept. 20Nuevo Leon* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 42-19 District 8-5A Division I Sept. 26at Conroe Caney Creek^ 7 p.m.

Last year: W 70-0 Oct. 4 Waller 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 49-7 Oct. 11 at Lufkin 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 35-3 Oct. 18 Magnolia 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 41-38 (OT) Oct. 25 at Willis 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 55-7 Nov. 1 at Tomball 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 21-0 Nov. 8 Magnolia West 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 27-21 *Homecoming ^at Wood Forest Bank Stadium

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A&M CONSOLIDATED TIGERS

Confidence brimming in Tigerland

Taste of area playoffs over last two seasons has Consol veterans excited for 2019

By JEFF PERKINS jeffrey.perkins@theeagle.com

A&M Consolidated’s football team could be in for a season to remember, especially if seniors Devin Price, Brian Darby and Nate Floyd have anything to say about it.

The trio of three-year starters suffered a pair of painful area-round losses the past two seasons, first to Hutto then to Fort Bend Marshall. Now its their last chance at a deep playoff run, and with a team filled with college-bound talent, they think it’s the Tigers’ time.

“State’s in our mind, but you’ve got to take it one game at a time,” Darby said. “I feel like we can hang with any team in the state. I believe that. It’s just about staying healthy and disciplined.”

The high expectations aren’t new to Consol, though this season may be the most highly anticipated since head coach Lee Fedora took over in 2017.

The Tigers spent most of last year in the AP Top 10 before falling to the Buffalos. They made Texas Football’s Preseason Top 10 in Class 5A Division II earlier this summer for the second straight year.

It may seem like a lot of fanfare for a team coming off two straight area-round exits, but outside of a dismal second quarter, Consol was up to the task in the 49-31 loss to FB Marshall.

The Buffalos went on to a runner-up finish in 5A Division II, falling to perennial power Aledo in the title

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Eagle photo by Laura McKenzie A&M Consolidated’s Brian Darby,from left,Valen Jones,Gage Pahl,Devin Price and Nate Floyd are key members of aTiger team hoping to venture past the area round of the playoffs this season. game.

Price, Darby and Floyd have been inseparable in their three years as starters, and as Power Five conference recruits, they also are the face of this year’s Tigers. But the closeness of the trio is a reflection of the bonds of friendship and camaraderie of the senior class as a whole. It’s that

High School Football 2019

chemistry that they believe sets the tone for the team and will be the difference in mounting a deep playoff run and competing for a state title.

“We’ve got a different brotherhood on this team than in the past few years,” Floyd said.

Consol’s offense is poised for another high-scoring

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season despite losing starting quarterback Caden Fedora, now at North Texas.

Senior Gage Pahl has the most experience in Lee Fedora’s system among those vying for the starting quarterback job with senior Bryan transfer Kerry Brooks and junior Kyle Willis also in the mix. Pahl had an excellent showing at the Texas

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7-on-7 Championships in June, leading Consol to the Division I state title. He completed 70 of 117 passes for 822 yards and six touchdowns with one interception while filling in for Fedora the past two seasons.

The Tigers have some re-tooling to do on the offensive line with all-state left tackle Reid Francis

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now at Incarnate Word, but Lee Fedora is pleased with how quickly the unit is gelling in practices. In losses to Huntsville and FB Marshall last season, the Tigers struggled to protect the quarterback, so their title hopes likely depend on how much progress the

See CONSOL, Page 18

Thursday, August 29, 2019

ROSTER 1 RB Roderick Brown, jr.; 2 DB Khebrian Rumph, sr.; 3 QB Jett Huff, soph.; 4 DB Keshaun Cooper, jr.; 5 DB Grayson Lange, sr.; 6 WR Kennedy Cashion, sr.; 7 QB Carson Dewitt, sr.; 8 LB Michael Medlin, sr.; 9 DB Mark Taplette, sr.; 10 RB Terry Green, jr.; 11 WR Trey Minor, sr.; 12 LB Bubba Carter, jr.; 14 WR Peyton Rusk, sr.; 15 QB Austin Sosa, sr.; 16 DB Caden Brice, sr.; 17 WR Kyle Walsh, soph.; 18 WR Dylan Becton, sr.; 19 P/K Dawson Schremp, soph.; 20 RB Kolbe Cashion, sr.; 21 LB Traevon Thompson, sr.; 22 DB Enrique Fuentes, sr.; 23 WR Trey Winn, sr.; 24 DB Marquis McCray, sr.; 25 DB Aaron Nutall, sr.; 26 DB Mo’ Merchant, sr.; 27 WR Dalton Carnes, soph.; 28 DB David Horn, sr.; 29 WR Caden Miller, sr.; 30 DB Byron Johnson, soph.; 31 P/K Jackson Boring, sr.; 32 RB Jacob Halling, sr.; 33 LB Jarrett Jordan, sr.; 34 LB Jaxson Slanker, soph.; 40 LB Kiko Johnson, sr.; 41 LB Brady Self, sr.; 42 WR Kunwar Singh, sr.; 43 DL Christian Monroe, sr.; 44 LB Jackson Borowiec, sr.; TREY WINN 46 DL Grant Hoffman, sr.; 50 OL Devin Simmons, jr.; 52 DL Ashton Jones, sr.; 54 OL Hayden Goodlett, sr.; 55 DL Colton Smith, sr.; 58 OL David Wiens, sr.; 60 OL Gavin Olivares, sr.; 62 OL Tyler Christensen, jr.; 66 DL Jaylen Davis, sr.; 67 OL Noah Hahn, sr.; 71 OL Dylan Yendrey, sr.; 72 OL Payton Blair, sr.; 73 OL Ever O’Neill, jr.; 74 OL Logan Kasper, jr.; 75 OL Josh Padilla, sr.; 77 OL Cory Hendrix, soph.; 78 OL Landon Melesky, sr.; 79 OL Luke Penick, jr.; 80 WR Traylen Suel, soph.; 81 WR Garrett Hall, sr.; 85 WR Jacob Hamilton, sr.; 86 WR AJ Corcoran, sr.; 88 WR Houston Thomas, soph.; 91 DL Caleb Skow, soph.; PAYTON BLAIR 94 DL Isaac Almaraz, jr.; 99 DL Jo’Vaughn Holmes, jr.

Trainers: Chelsea Frashure, Ross King Coaches: head coach Steve Huff, offensive coordinator Stoney Pryor, defensive coordinator Chance Locklear, Kyle Walsh, Dwight Mincher, Trent Vittrup

COUGARS: Rusk back on offense at tight end Continued from 7 he’s been my quarterback until sophomore year,” Cashion said. “Junior year, he was at receiver, and it was kind of weird getting the ball from someone else, but I’m excited to get it from him now.”

Senior tight end Peyton Rusk also is back after earning all-state honors last season as the Cougars’ leading receiver with 40 receptions for 518 yards.

On defense, College Station has to replace a talented secondary that featured a pair of NCAA Division I recruits in Brandon Joseph and Ryan Stapp as well as Blinn’s Jordon Bellows, but Huff said he is confident in the players coming up from the JV squad, including safeties Khebrian Rumph and Aaron Nutall. The Cougars also have return-

ing cornerbacks Mark Taplette and Marquis McCray.

Along the defensive front, Keshaun Cooper, Christian Monroe, Isaac Alvarez, defensive tackle Colton Smith andlinebackersBubbaCarter and Michael Medlin will help lead the Cougars under first-year defensive coordinator Chance Locklear.

“I really liked some of the younger guys that were playing on our JV Black last year,” Huff said. “Rather than pull them up [to varsity] and not play [them], we wanted them to play every rep of every game last year.

We felt like that was great for them, and then coming into spring ball was really, really good.”

Penalties in critical situations proved a major issue for College Station last year.

Huff said he simplified the offensive playbook to maintain the pace he and the

team want.

“I think for us, simple is fast, and we like that,” Huff said. “We want them to go as fast as we can go, being under control.”

College Station likely could find itself in another tight race for the first two spots in the District 8-5A Division I standings and home-field advantage in the bi-district playoffs.

The Cougars’ key district matchupswillbeginagainst the defending champions at Lufkin on Oct. 11. The next week College Station will host Magnolia, which the Cougars beat 41-38 in overtime last season. The Bulldogs feature a strong offensive line anchored by center and last year’s district newcomer of the year Travis Moore.

And College Station’s final regular season game could be a big one as the

Cougars host Magnolia West, which won last year’s game 27-21. The Mustangs lost a large graduating class but return talented playmaker Payton Finch at wide receiver.

Despite their daunting district schedule, Huff said the Cougars are focused on just one matchup: the opener against Richmond Foster at 6 p.m. Thursday at Katy Legacy Stadium.

“I think [fans are] going to see our brotherhood,” Cashion said. “They’re going to see on the field that we play for each other, that we play to make ourselves better and we pick each other up when we’re down.

They’re going to see the pride that we have in each other and in our school and in our band and our cheerleaders and our strutters, everyone because we’re all here for each other.”

Good Luck this season!

3840 Corporate Center Dr. • Bryan • 979.774.3900 Rodney Hurt ‘77 • Bradley Hurt ‘00 • Nick Lutz • Ryan Carr • Gary Griffin Donna Beeler • Kathy Savell ’04 • John Thames • Ricky Greer

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High School Football 2019

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RUDDER RANGERS

New coach building up confidence Rangers showed signs of turnaround in 2018, now Ezar wants them to believe playoffs possible FACTS

By JEFF PERKINS jeffrey.perkins@theeagle.com

Despite being on its fourth head coach in 12 seasons and still searching for its first playoff appearance, there is a different buzz within the Rudder football program under Eric Ezar.

The Rangers aren’t trying to win a few games in 2019; they’re thinking playoffs.

“I like how when people ask us if we are going to make the playoffs,” senior running back James Ayers said. “The last couple years, I’ve been hesitant to say, ‘Yeah,’ but this year, I’ve been saying, ‘Yeah,’ without doubting myself.”

Rudder finished fifth in both of former head coach Greg Morgan’s two seasons, first in District 18-5A then in 10-5A Division II last year. Before retiring in the offseason, Morgan had Rudder on the cusp of the playoffs in 2018, leading the Rangers to a 4-6 record, their best season since going 7-3 in 2010. He also oversaw several program firsts, including Rudder’s first victory over crosstown rival Bryan in 2017.

Heading into his first season as Rudder’s head coach, Ezar says he likes what he’s inherited from Morgan and believes his team is capable of surprising its doubters and doing something no team in school history has done before — play an 11th game.

“We’re looking at playoffs,” Ezar said. “We’ve been talking with the kids, and it may be a little presumptuous, but we feel like we’ve got the team to do it.

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Head coach — Eric Ezar (14-26 overall; 0-0 at Rudder) District — 10-5A DII 2018 record — 4-6 (3-4 in 10-5A Division II) 2018 playoffs — did not qualify Playoff appearances — none Returning lettermen — 33 (5 offensive, 4 defensive starters) Key returners — LB Alvin Dunn (10-5A D2 2nd A-D), DE Desmond Murphy (2nd A-D), TB James Ayers, WR Malcolm Manley, WR Keithron Lee Key newcomers — QB E.J. Ezar, L Jason Batiste, FS Marcus Heard, Tre McLenton.

Key losses — RB Byron Moore (A-D), OL Jakobe Nutall (2nd A-D), WR Markiest Johnson (2nd A-D), LB Casey Shutt (A-D) All-time record — 25-72-1 Playoff record — 0-0

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Wide receiver Keithron Lee is back for Rudder after a successful first season of football last year as a sophomore.

Our kids are hungry.”

Ezar is bringing a multiple-set offense which features many spread formations to Rudder, and he is pleased with how his team executed the new scheme during 7-on-7 season and has continued to improve in it this preseason.

Ayers, who rushed for 13 touchdowns last season as

High School Football 2019

the Rangers’ goal-line hammer, likely will be the lead running back this season.

Under Morgan, Rudder had a strong run game led first by Kevonte Johnson, then by Byron Moore last season. Despite being used mainly for short-yardage situations, the 5-foot-9, 180-pound Ayers averaged a healthy 5 yards per carry

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last season, and Ezar is impressed with Ayers’ bigplay ability as he broke off a pair of long TDs, both rushing and receiving, during an intrasquad scrimmage in training camp.

The Rangers also return top receiver Keithron Lee, the longtime basketball player who played his first season of football as a soph-

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Eagle file photo

omore last year. Lee followed up a successful debut by playing with the Texas Air Raid 7-on-7 travel team, which features several of the area’s top skill players.

Lee believes his experience this summer playing with and against players of that caliber helped him become a better football player.

“I’ve been working on

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

Last year: L 36-14 Sept. 6 Elgin 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 51-32 Sept. 13at Navasota 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 27-7 District 10-5A Division II Sept. 27at Montgomery 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 46-22 Oct. 4 Lamar Consolidated 7:30 p.m.

Last year: 35-28 Oct. 11 at Katy Paetow 6:30 p.m.

Last year: W 53-14 Oct. 18 Montgomery Lake Creek* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 61-14 Oct. 25 at Cleveland 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 52-10 Nov. 1 at A&M Consolidated 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 75-21 Nov. 7 Huntsville 7 p.m.

Last year: L 50-7 *Homecoming

the deep routes,” Lee said.

“Last year I scored on shallow routes, slants and quick outs and stops. This year we’re looking to get the ball deep down the field.”

Ezar also has high expectations for slotback Alvin Dunn and slot receiver Malcolm Manley, and he

See RUDDER, Page 13

Thursday, August 29, 2019

BRENHAM CUBS

Experienced Cubs want to make noise in 2019

By MARIA MCILWAIN maria.mcilwain@theeagle.com

Everybody in the Brenham football program knows the expectations this year.

Preseason practices have gone smoothly as the Brenham coaching staff moves from teaching the playbook to refining it in Year 2 under head coach Eliot Allen.

“Coming in last year at this point, we didn’t have a base,” Allen said. “We didn’t have our basic offense, defense, kicking game in, so we feel much better about that.”

Now the Cubs will find out if that translates to more success on the field.

After losing three straight to start last season, Brenham put together a five-game winning streak that included four straight in District 13-5A Division II. The Cubs eventually finished as the runner-up in district then won a pair of thrillers in the playoffs before falling to perennial powerhouse Corpus Christi Calallen in the third round.

“Our district has gotten better,” Allen said. “I think overall you don’t h ave a week off. Every week, you’d better come to play, and I think we’re all pretty evenly matched, and so you better just be playing your best football every single Friday night.”

The Cubs showed their grit in the playoffs when they rallied from a thirdquarter deficit to beat Boerne Champion 23-20 in the bi-district round. Brenham then needed two overtimes to take down Mission Sharyland, with then-senior Colby Watts sacking

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 30 at Magnolia West Last year: L 61-21 Sept. 6 Waller Last year: L 28-21 Sept. 14at Houston Heights* Last year: W 13-12 District 13-5A Division II Sept. 27Bastrop Cedar Creek Last year: L 31-26 Oct. 4 at Georgetown East View Last year: W 35-34 Oct. 11 Marble Falls Last year: W 41-21 Oct. 18 Elgin Last year: W 35-20 Oct. 25 at Bastrop Last year: W 24-20 Nov. 1 Leander Glenn Last year: L 21-7 Nov. 8 at Pflugerville Weiss Last year: W 34-7 *at Delmar Stadium

FACTS Time 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

6 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

the Sharyland quarterback to end the game. The Cubs trailed just 6-0 at halftime against Calallen in the regional round but couldn’t hold on, falling 42-13.

Brenham returns six offensive and five defensive starters from that squad, including quarterback Garrison Weiss, an honorable mention all-district pick last season. Along with his football accolades, Weiss also plays second base for the Cubs’ baseball team and was a Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association first-team all-state pick last season.

“We encourage all of our kids to be multiple-sport athletes, and he certainly excels at it,” Allen said.

Alldyn Sch roeder returns at quarterback as well, and Allen likes his and Weiss’ leadership skills and expects both of them to see time under center.

All-district wide receivers Jackson Mueller and Yann Toussom and center Garrett Wiesepape will help lead the offense, while younger players such as

Thursday, August 29, 2019

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Head coach — Eliot Allen (12667 overall; 8-5 at Brenham) District — 13-5A Division II 2018 record — 8-5 (5-2 in 13-5A D2) 2018 playoffs — bi-district: def.

Boerne Champion 23-20; area: def. Mission Sharyland 42-35 (2OT); regional: lost to Corpus Christi Calallen 42-13 Playoff appearances (45) — 1927, 1929, 1933, 1941-42, 194445, 1947, 1949-51, 1953, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1968-72, 1985,87, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1999-2002, 2004-18 (zone playoffs 1968, 1987) Returning lettermen — 21 (6 offensive, 5 defensive starters) Key returners — WR/P Jackson Mueller (13-5A D2 A-D), C Garrett Wiesepape (A-D), DE Lonnie Brown (A-D), RB Daylon McCowan (2nd A-D), DL Tamarcus McWilliams (2nd A-D), LB Dane Howk (2nd A-D), WR Yann Toussom (HM A-D), TE Zyron Smith (HM A-D), QB Garrison Weiss (HM A-D), Key losses — RB Tyree Jackson (A-D), OL Bobby Mathis (A-D), LB Colby Watts (A-D), DB Hayden Allen (A-D), DB Lonterrious McClain (A-D), DE Kelvin Mathis (2nd A-D), DB Arreyus Smith (2nd A-D), LB Xavier Houston (HM A-D) All-time record — 635-388-38 Playoff record — 47-40-1

Eagle photo by Laura McKenzie Brenham center Garrett Weisepape, left, and receiver and punter Jackson Mueller return this season.

running back Javon Dixon have stepped up so far.

“I would think we probably have a little bit more experience coming back offensively,” Allen said. “I think as our young kids grow, especially in the secondary, we’ll get better on defense.”

All-district defensive end Lonnie Brown and secondteam all-district defensive lineman Tamarcus McWilliams along with linebacker Dane Howk will lead the Cubs’ defense, while Allen said cornerback Eric Hemphill has had an im-

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High School Football 2019

11

NAVASOTA RATTLERS

Year 2 under Dacus already has promising feel Rattlers ranked 24th in ‘Texas Football’ after overcoming early losing streak to open last season ROSTER

SCHEDULE

FACTS

1 Keith Steptoe, sr.; 2 La’Darrin Thomas, sr.; 3 Aaron Nichols, jr.; 4 Darick Henderson, sr.; 5 Darius Randle, jr.; 6 Donovan Thomas, sr.; 7 Cal Acosta, sr.; 8 Tavarus Baker, sr.; 9 Truman Garza, sr.; 10 Jamar Jessie, soph.; 11 Terrick Palmer, sr.; 12 Zack Dyer, sr.; 14 Jerald Adams, jr.; 15 Jaboris Mock, jr.; 18 Ja’Eric Beasley, sr.; 20 Jerran Carr, sr.; 21 Joel Castaneda, jr.; 22 Zion Minor, jr.; 23 Nathan Ybarra, sr.; 24 Hayden Woodard, jr.; 25 Logan Arrington, jr.; 29 David Turner, jr.; 36 Ty’Drayvion Hester, jr.; 44 Mark Martinez, sr.; 45 Clayton Oncken, jr.; 48 Kegan Lavander, jr.; 49 Derek Henderson, sr.; 50 Tyler Miller, jr.; 52 Hector Flores, jr.; 54 Alex Santos, soph.; 55 Paul Hamaker, sr.; 57 Xavier Sinegal, sr.; 58 Curtis Hackett, sr.; 60 Aiden Baldobino, Trainers: Ryan Attridge, Alysia Pennartz Student trainers: Cecaly Contreras, Hannah Dimmel, Ivetth Fernandez, Chloe Mittag, Areli Ostigin, Leslee Soto, Evelin Torres Coaches: head coach Casey Dacus, Mike NIchols, Cody Morrison, Donn MIller, Ian Day, Matt Fisher, Isaiah Thompson, Zac Nichols, Chris Randolph, Lee Lipscomb, Dillon Gonzales, D’Ante Meeking, Chase Ganske

Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 at Bellaire Episcopal 7 p.m.

Last year: L 34-28 Sept. 6 Sealy 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 38-14 Sept. 13 Rudder 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 27-7 Sept. 20 at Madisonville 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 48-14 District 12-4A Division I Sept. 27 at Houston Furr* 7 p.m.

Last year: W 41-8 Oct. 4 Houston North Forest^ 7 p.m.

Last year: W 28-14 Oct. 11 at Houston Worthing+ 7 p.m.

Last year: W 29-20 Oct. 18 Stafford 7 p.m.

Last year: W 9-7 Oct. 26 at Houston Yates# 1 p.m.

Last year: W 47-6 Nov. 1 Houston Wheatley 7 p.m.

Last year: L 24-21 *Cowart Stadium ^Homecoming +Butler Stadium #Barnett Stadium

Head coach — Casey Dacus (6-6 overall; 6-6 at Navasota) District — 12-4A Division I 2018 record — 6-6 (5-1 in 12-4A Division I) 2018 playoffs — bi-district: def.

Little Cypress-Mauriceville 38-7; area: lost to Midlothian Heritage 49-9 Playoff appearances (36) — 1936, 1940-41, 1943, 1948, 1955-56, 1974, 1982-85, 1981-91, 1994-96, 1998, 2002-04, 2007-18 Returning lettermen — 21 (8 offensive, 6 defensive starters) Key returners — OL/DL Jordan Jefferson (12-4A D1 A-D), OL Alfredo Villasenor (A-D), TE Mark Martinez (A-D), RB DJ Randle (A-D), LB Darick Henderson (A-D), K/P Miguel Alvarado (A-D) WR/CB La’Darrin Thomas (2nd A-D), DL Ja’Eric Beasley (2nd A-D), QB Zack Dyer (2nd A-D), LB Cal Acosta (2nd A-D), S Keith Steptoe (2nd A-D) Key newcomers — OL/DL Jaquarian Williams, LB Joel Castaneda, QB Jamar Jesse, WR Orlando Martinez, Ty Hester Key losses — Tyrek Houston (Def. POY), WR Johnny Sweed (A-D), DL Tyrin Preston (A-D), LB Javonzae Jones (A-D), DB Christian Johnson (2nd A-D), DB Ke’Eric Moore (2nd A-D) All-time record — 576-464-23 Playoff record — 49-32-1

By ROBERT CESSNA robert.cessna@theeagle.com

The Navasota Rattlers have battled through some lean times on the football field and now appear poised for the good times to return.

The Rattlers went 14-20 over the last three seasons, a big letdown on the heels of the greatest stretch in school history as they went 94-12 and won two state championships over the previous eight years.

Navasota is back in the state’s limelight this season, ranked 24th in Class 4A Division I by Texas Football on the strength of 14 returning starters, all but one having earned first- or second-team all-district honors last year.

“We feel like we’re in a good place starting the year this year,” coach Casey Dacus said.

That wasn’t the case a year ago when Dacus, a former multi-sport standout for the Rattlers, lost his first four games in charge of his alma mater.

“We never felt like we ever lost the kids,” Dacus said.

“We just needed something good to happen.”

That turned out to be a 41-8 victory over Houston Furr in the District 12-4A Division I opener that jumpstarted a 6-2 finish. The run included a 38-7 bi-district victory over Little CypressMauriceville, earning the program’s first gold football in three years. That validated all the things Dacus and his staff were doing.

Dacus’ first full offseason back home then included switching the defense from an even to an odd front. An-

12

Eagle file photo Navasota quarterback Zack Dyer,right,hands off to running back Darius Randle against Madisonville last season. The Rattlers lost that game 48-14, but it marked the end of a four-game losing streak as they strung together five straight wins en route to a 6-2 finish that included a bidistrict playoff victory over Little Cypress-Mauriceville. choring the revamped 3-5 alignment will be 305-pound Texas A&M pledge Jordan Jefferson, who will go both ways after playing only on the offensive line the last two years.

“He’s on the field the whole time, and we’re going to try to take advantage of him,” Dacus said. “We feel like the scheme really fits what he does really well.

He’s really big. He’s hard

High School Football 2019

to move. He’s explosive.”

Jefferson is poised to end his high school career with a bang after dropping 40 pounds.

“He was always fairly agile, but now he’s moving really, really well,” Dacus said.

Returning defensive end Ja’Eric Beasley joins Jefferson on the line, and they’re supported by linebacker Cal Acosta, defensive back



Darick Henderson and safety Keith Steptoe.

“We feel like our best players right now [on defense] are our linebackers and DBs,” Dacus said. “We want to get as many of those guys on the field as we can.”

Navasota hopes its speed leads to more turnovers, jump-starting an offense led by quarterback Zack Dyer, a second-team all-district pick who threw for 1,088 yards and 14 touchdowns in the regular season. He added 280 yards rushing with five touchdowns last year.

“Last year was a tough situation for him,” Dacus said. “He moved in [from Iola] really in the summertime. When you’re installing a spread offense, a lot of that is going to hinge on quarterback play. It just always will.”

Dyer had a solid season, and the offseason allowed him to gain a better grasp of the offense.

“He’s got athleticism,” Dacus said. “He’s got a good arm. If you would race him in the 40, he would be average. Where he’s really dangerous is when plays break down. He has the ability, the athleticism, to extend plays.

A lot of times, defenses can cover for 3-4 seconds, but then if the play breaks down and [receivers] get loose, he can really hurt people doing that kind of

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thing.”

An experienced offensive line featuring guard Alfredo Villasenor, tight end Mark Martinez and Jefferson should give Dyer more time and open lanes for running back Darius Randle, who was one of five Rattler backs who rushed for at least 100 yards last season.

“We didn’t have a true offseason really until this year,” Dacus said. “The amount of strength we’ve gained since football season until now has been terrific, and we feel that’s really going to bode well for us.”

Navasota has the speed and quickness to complement the extra muscle on offense. Wide receiver La’Darrin Thomas averaged 24.9 yards on 15 catches with four touchdowns.

Randle caught five passes, averaging 24.2 yards a catch with a touchdown.

• NOTES — Dacus, a former



offensive coordinator at Graham, had a tough a start to his homecoming last season.

Many of his assistants didn’t arrive until late July, and they opened with back-to-back losses to Houston Episcopal and Sealy, which combined for a 19-3-1 record. The Rattlers also got a little beat up and lost a couple players,contributing to the 0-4 start. ... Even though last season ended with a 499 loss to Midlothian Heritage, Dacus said Navasota gained something positive out of the area playoff game. The Rattlers got to play in Baylor’s McLane Stadium, and they competed well after a poor start, laying the foundation for what proved to be a great offseason.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

CUBS: Depth slight issue RUDDER: Murphy helps lead Ranger defense Continued from 11

thinks both the offensive and defensive lines have pressive training camp. potential to mesh well with Allen acknowledged that his veteran skill players. depth could be an issue for “Ultimately,wewanttoget his young team as it looks bettereverysingleweek,”Alto replace key players at len said. “If we get better evsafety and gain experience ery week, we give ourselves at running back, but he a chance to be successful.”

ROSTER 2 DB/QB Garrison Weiss, 5-8, 155, sr.; 3 DB/WR Trayveon Britton, 6-1, 175, sr.; 4 DB/RB Trey Lawhun, 5-9, 170, jr.; 5 LB/FB Zyron Smith, 5-8, 190, sr.; 6 QB/WR Alldyn Schroeder, 6-0, 180, sr.; 7 LB/RB Dane Howk, 5-10, 190, sr.; 8 LB/RB Daylonn McCowan, 6-1, 195, sr.; 9 DB/WR Keanu Jones, 5-10, 165, jr.; 10 DB/WR Yann Toussom, 6-3, 180, sr.; 11 DB/WR Javon Dixon, 5-8, 175, soph.; 12 LB/RB Carson Draehn, 5-10, 170, sr.; 13 LB/WR Cole Ragonis, 6-1, 180, sr.; 16 DB/WR Cameron Richardson, 6-0, 190, jr.; 18 DB/WR Lane Perez, 5-8, 150, sr.; 19 DB/WR Dean Rees, 5-10, 155, sr.; 20 DB/WR Eric Hemphill, 5-10, 170, soph.; 21 DB/WR JaQuan Jones, 5-9, 165, jr.; 22 DB/WR Kaden Watts, 5-8, 170, soph.; 23 DB/WR Adan Villatoro, 5-6, 155, soph.; 24 DL/TE Lorenzo Vega, 5-8, 185, jr.; 27 DL/OL Jonteveon Brown, 6-2, 220, sr.; 28 DL/TE Lonnie Brown, 6-2, 220, sr.; 30 DB/WR Alandrick Andrade, 5-6, 155, soph.; 33 LB/RB Hayden DiGregorio, 5-9, 175, jr.; 35 LB/RB Ethan Kuhn, 5-9, 220, jr.; 37 LB/WR Justin Garza, 5-10, 275, soph.; 44 DL/TE Blake Jones, 6-0, 190, soph.; 50 DL/OL Trevieon Phillips, 5-9, 235, soph.; 52 DL/OL Jathynn Bennett, 5-8, 250, soph.; 54 DL/OL Derrick Chovanec, 5-10, 230, jr.; 56 DL/OL Jyron Davis, 5-11, 210, sr.; 58 DL/OL Jared Zwahr, 5-10, 255, jr.; 62 DL/OL Logan Wooten, 5-10, 200, sr.; 64 DL/OL Maysen Fontenot, 6-2, 240, sr.; 70 DL/OL Lee Graves, 6-3, 275, jr.; 71 DL/OL Jorge Villatoro, 5-9, 280, sr.; 72 DL/OL Tamarcus McWilliams, 6-1, 300, sr.; 73 DL/OL Keaton Altman, 6-4, 260, jr.; 74 DL/OL Garrett Wiesepape, 6-2, 310, sr.; 75 DL/OL Willie Pennygraph, 5-11, 320, sr.; 76 DL/OL Lance Maxie, 5-8, 380, soph.; 78 DL/OL Dustin Hunter, 6-4, 340, sr.; 81 DB/WR Jackson Mueller, 5-9, 165, sr.; 82 K Victor Mendoza, 5-10, 155, sr.

Manager: Cameron McWilliams, sr.

Continued from 10 and Ayers agree that one of Rudder’s strengths on offense is the depth of its playmakers. The abundance of options should provide plenty of support for whoever starts at quarterback. Competing for the job are junior incumbent Brant Roberts and sophomore transfer EJ Ezar, Eric’s son.

“I feel like they both could go to nearly any school in this area and start,” Eric Ezar said.

“Quarterback’s one of those positions that you’re going to have to have two good ones because one might get hurt. We feel like they’re picking up [the offense]. It’s a blessing to have two good ones.”

D e f e n s i v e l y, 6 - 0 , 225-pound senior end Desmond Murphy will be a

ROSTER 2 QB Brant Roberts, jr.; 3 WR/DB Malcolm Manley, sr.; 4 WR/DB Marcus Heard, soph.; 5 WR/DB Keithron Lee, jr.; 6 WR/LB Tre McLenton, soph.; 7 RB/LB James Ayers, sr.; 8 WR/DB Milton Mooring, jr.; 9 WR/DB Jeremiah Johnson, soph.; 10 RB/LB DJ Wallace, jr.; 11 WR/LB Alvin Dunn, sr.; 12 WR/DB Marcus Diles, jr.; 13 QB/DB EJ Ezar, soph.; 14 WR/DB Desnick Williams, jr.; 15 WR/DB RJ Rubio, sr.; 16 WR/DB De’Andre Heard, jr.; 18 WR/DB Nicholas Oliva, soph.; 20 WR/DB Dre’Kavian Minor, soph.; 22 RB/LB La’Montre Newton, hr,l 23 RB/LB JaMarcus Jones, soph.; 24 WR/RB/ LB Jonathan Watkins, jr.; 26 WR/DB Carlos Moreno, sr.; 27 WR/DB Josh Ramirez, sr.; 28 WR/DB Octavious Taylor, jr.; 32 WR/DB Quincy Daniels, jr.; 34 WR/DB Gage Schwartz, jr.; 38 WR/DB Kaleb Martin, sr.; 42 WR/DB Jacob Oliver, sr.; 44 RB/LB Tyreike Nickerson, jr.; 45 RB/LB Kristoffer Kindt, sr.; 5- OL/DL Jalen Thierry, sr.; 51 OL/DL Joseph Ruffino, soph.; 52 OL/DL Desmond Murphy, sr.; 54 OL/DL Stanley Gilbert, jr.; 55 OL/DL Jason Batiste, soph.; 56 OL/DL Colton Stewart, sr.; 58 OL/DL DeQuintus Wilson, sr.; 59 OL/DL CJ Sims, sr.; 60 OL/DL Victor Cabrera, sr.; 65 OL/DL Clayton Sikorski, jr.; 70 OL/DL Lyndon Williams, soph.; 72 OL/DL Tommy Markwadt, soph.; 75 OL/DL Joshua Wilts, jr.; 77 OL/ DL Kevin Kindt, sr.; 80 WR/DB Jaxsen Brown, jr.; 84 WR/DB Terrance Williams, sr.; 88 WR/DB Devion Howard, soph.

Trainers: Justin Mullinnix, Brian Smith Graduate assistant trainers: Sarah Tolley, Erin Bradley Coaches: head coach Eric Ezar, offensive coordinator Edgar Vazquez, defensive coordinator Jarry Poth, Matt Garza, Wes McKnight, Shane Fluter, Michael Ibrahim, Jihad Wright, Christopher Hargrove, Stewart Donley, Calvin Hill, Andy Throne, Time George, Eric Jones, Bryan Douglas

difficult assignment for opposing linemen, and he will receive help at tackle from sophomore Jason Batiste, who will play on both lines.

Sophomore safety Marcus Heard is h aving a good preseason and is carving out a role in the secondary alongside senior cornerbacks Carlos Moreno and Octavious Taylor.

Ezar emphasizes playing fast and aggressive, and he is encouraged by how his young defense has made that style its identity ahead of the season. The Rangers are likely to start four sophomores on that side of the ball, but he sees potential in the group. They’ll need to capitalize on that potential if Rudder is to

make its first playoff appearance.

“You’re not going to see us in the same thing twice [on defense],” Ezar said. “We’re going to move around a lot. We don’t have a lot of size, which we’re fine with. We’re just going to be fast and quick and put our kids in the right place for those strengths.”

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High School Football 2019

13

MADISONVILLE MUSTANGS

New head coach building on former boss’ foundation With solid returning core including versatile Brown, Urbantke hoping to lead Mustangs back to playoffs

By RICHARD CROOME richard.croome@theeagle.com

One of the traits Madisonville’s first-year head coach Russell Urbantke loved about the Mustang football team’s former boss Rusty Nail was the freedom he gave his coordinators.

Of course, Urbantke served as one of those coordinators. But now that he’s in charge, he says the program is that much further along because of the experience Nail allowed him to gain as his subordinate.

“There haven’t been any bumps in the road as far as transition for me from coordinator to head coach, and that is all props to Coach Nail, because he let us talk to and address the team,” Urbantke said. “We are all in this together. It’s not just all about him or me or anybody.”

After three years as the Mustangs’ offensive coordinator, Urbantke said it’s been difficult for him to quit his former role cold turkey.

Hepointstoachalkboardbehind his desk as proof, offensive plays scrawled across it displaying his first love.

“I was over with the offensive line yesterday for 10 minutes, because that is where my heart is,” Urbantke said. “Coach [Joey] Renner was the quarterbacks coach, and I did the offensive line, and now I’m taking the same approach as Coach Nail, letting coordinators coach.”

No matter who is drawing up the offensive plays, they will involve Tyrese Brown, last year’s quarterback whom Renner and

14

ROSTER

SCHEDULE

FACTS

2 TE/DE Asa Surface; 3 QB/DB Armando Juarez; 4 WR/DB Larry Childress; 5 Rb/LB Roderick Holiday; 6 RB/LB Elijah Nauls; 7 QB/DB Tyrese Brown; 8 WR/DB Corey Johnson; 10 WR/DB Micheal deBoisblanc; 11 WR/DB Nathan Chappell; 12 WR/DB Colby Sheppard; 14 WR/DB Jonathan Boone; 15 WR/DB Donavan Young; 16 WR/DB Andarius Morning; 20 RB/DB Ronnie Mosley; 21 RB/LB Doug’kyrin Johnson; 24 RB/LB Matthew Johnson; 32 TE/LB Andres Lopez; 45 TE/LB Jace Snook; 51 OL/DL Ki’Vycia Purvis; 53 OL/DL Ethan Williams; 54 OL/DL Micheil Harrell; 55 OL/LB Timothy Swonke; 56 OL/LB Patrick Brazzell; 58 OL/DL Austin Longoria; 60 OL/DL Avery Scott; 62 OL/K Juan Polanco; 64 OL/DL Tyrece Merchant; 65 OL/ DL Jer’Tavius Brown; 72 OL/DL Konner Atkins; 75 OL/DL Alejandro Angeles; 78 OL/DL Q’Narius Butcher; 82 TE/LB Josh Griffin; 85 DL/TE Ke’Andre Dunn; 99 DL/OL Da’Voszia Mock Coaches: head coach Russell Urbantke, offensive coordinator Joey Renner, defensive coordinator Heath Brittain

Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 at Bellville 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 10-7 Sept. 6 at Woodville 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 34-13 Sept. 13 Caldwell 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 49-7 Sept. 20 Navasota* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 48-14 District 8-4A Division II Sept. 27 at Mexia 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 35-28 Oct. 4 Fairfield 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 20-17 Oct. 11 at Waco Connally 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 42-21 Oct. 18 Waco Robinson 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 34-21 Oct. 25 at Salado 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 42-41 Nov. 1 Lorena 7:30 p.m.

Last year: 40-10 *Homecoming

Head coach — Russell Urbantke (0-0 overall; 0-0 at Madisonville) District — 8-4A Division II 2018 record — 5-5 (3-3 in 8-4A Division II) 2018 playoffs — did not qualify Playoff appearances (22) — 1957-59, 1975, 1983-84, 1986, 1994, 1996,98, 200-01, 2004-07, 2010, 201314, 2016-17 Returning lettermen — 22 (6 offensive, 7 defensive starters), Key returners — QB Tyrese Brown, WR Donovan Young, WR Colby Sheppard, LB/RB Roderick Holiday, DL Da’voszia Mock, DL Micheil Harrell, OL Konner Atkins, DL Tyrece Merchant, DL Asa Surface, OL Ki’vycia Purvis, OL Q’Narius Butcher, RB/LB Matthew Johnson, DB/WR Michael DeBoisblanc, OL Tim Swonke, OL Avery Scott Key newcomers — WR Ronnie Mosley, QB Armando Juarez Key losses — K/P Mauricio Aceves (8-4A-2 A-D), TE Marcus Dorman (2nd A-D) All-time record — 419-464-29 Playoff record — 11-22

Eagle photo by Laura McKenzie Madisonville’s core of returning players includes Roderick Holiday, front row from left, Da’voszia Mock, Ki’Vycia Purvis, Tyrese Brown, back row from left, Asa Surface and Michael de Boisblanc.

Urbantke plan to line up just about everywhere but on the offensive line this season.

“Tyrese plays in the slot,” Urbantke said. “He plays running back, and he plays quarterback, and he never leaves the field on defense at safety, because he is the quarterback at the back end of the secondary. He is the program man — [his grades are] awesome, best behaved, here early, late to leave. He can handle it, because he’s not just an athlete.”

As strictly the quarterback last season, Brown rushed for 932 yards, passed for 550 and accounted for 24 touchdowns.

High School Football 2019

He’s taking on his new assignment with the mindset Urbantke loves.

“I do enjoy it,” Brown said. “I just want to put myself in the best situation possible to make a play and make sure my team comes out with a win. Slot receiver, in the backfield, whatever the play call is, that is what I’m going to do.”

Armando Juarez will play quarterback when Brown shifts around the field.

“I have plenty of confidence in Armando Juarez, because he can throw the ball,” Brown said. “He’s confident when he throws the ball, and he’s been playing quarterback for a long



time as well.”

The Mustangs’ strength should be up front, which is more than fine with Urbantke. Madisonville went 5-5 last season, and not one of the five offensive linemen had varsity experience entering the year. When the Mustangs open at Bellville, four of those same linemen will have 10 starts under their belts.

“The heart of the team on both sides of the ball is up front,” Urbantke said. “I tell everybody you’re only be as good as your offensive linemen and defensive linemen.

Eighteenor19yearsof doing this, I’ve found that out. If you can make it go up front, then you’ve got a chance.”

Junior Konner Atkins and Ki’Vycia Purvis will star t at tackle, Avery Scott at center and Tyrece Merchant and newcomer Q’Narius Butcher at guard.

Asa Surface and Andres Lopez will share the new Hback position. Madisonville also will use one running back rather than two with Matthew Johnson, Roderick Holiday and newcomer Ronnie Mosley splitting the carries.

The defense, which has seven returning starters, will change from a 4-2-5 to 3-4 alignment under new defensive coordinator Heath Brittain. Da’Voszia Mock willplaynoseguardwithMicheil Harrell and Jer’Tavius

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Brown at tackle. Urbantke described the trio as having a motor that won’t stop.

Roderick Holiday, Surface, Austin Longoria, Lopez and Jace Snook also will help lead the defense.

Brown, who may be more valuable on defense despite his offensive versatility, will play safety alongside Michael deBoisblanc. Corey Johnson will start at cornerback, while the other corner position is one of the few still up for grabs entering the season.

“I enjoy playing safety, and I feel like I have an advantage, because I’m also an offensive player and I can see things coming before they happen,” said Brown, whom Urbantke expects will play safety in college. “I can tell if a receiver is running a route or coming to block me.”

The Mustangs return 13 starters overall, many of whom played on the JV team that went 10-0 two seasons ago. That core and players called up from a JV team that went 8-2 last sea-



son should give Madisonville an opportunity to return to the playoffs despite competing in District 8-4A Division II that has two top 10 teams in Texas Football’s rankings — No. 6 Waco Connally and No. 8 Lorena.

“Someone asked me the other day what is the measure for success this year, and I said I want to play in the playoffs,” Urbantke said.

“That is success, and if that is hoisting the district championship trophy, of course, we all want to win a district championship, but to me what is important is we are playing Week 12 that first playoff game. That is successtomewhetheryoufinish thirdorfourth.If youmakeit out of our district, there is a very good chance you are goingtoplayacoupleof rounds before you meet up with one of the state powers.”

Thursday, August 29, 2019

CALDWELL HORNETS

New coach, new attitude in Caldwell Seasoned veteran Langley says Hornets embracing his system, mindset for championship football

By ROBERT CESSNA robert.cessna@theeagle.com

Caldwell needed a fresh start after a 3-7 record and its 12th losing season in the last 24 years, so it hired Matt Langley, a longtime assistant across Texas.

His mission is to turn around a football program that’s won just four district championships in the last four decades, reaching 10 or more victories in a season only twice.

Langley started from the ground floor.

“We talk a lot as a group about having a championship mentality,” Langley said. “To me that means how we work, how we prepare every day, where we go from here. It’s not where we start but where we can get to. You don’t win a championship and then develop championship habits. It doesn’t happen that way.”

Things have been in motion since Caldwell hired Langley in late January.

“The overall process has been as smooth as can be, considering the amount of changes that we’ve made,” said Langley, who was offensive coordinator at Class 6A San Antonio Brandeis the last two seasons. “We have changed a lot of things within the structure of our program from how we handle things in the spring and our offseason program and our weightlifting program to our summer program to our football staff. There’s been a ton of changes, but our kids have transitioned well. They’ve done an awesome job. I couldn’t be any prouder of the kids.”

Langley and his staff

Eagle photo by Laura McKenzie

Caldwell’s Kyle Jennings, from left, Wade Tittle, Logan Knesek and Kyle Cunningham return this season. a position that they’ll help us be successful.”

That started with mov1 Kyle Jennings, sr.; 2 Tabor Dowell, sr.; 3 Dale Moore, sr.; 4 Dontavian Johnson, jr.; 5 Chris Carroll, sr.; 6 Nicolas Johnson, jr.; 7 Wade Tittle, sr.; 8 Logan Knesek, sr.; 9 Kyle Cunningham, sr.; 10 Chase Jackson, sr.; 11 Brandon Williams, sr.; 12 Tristan Ballard, jr.; 14 Marshall Armstrong, sr.; 15 ing Cunningham to quarLarry Davis, jr.; 16 Collin Gammage, sr.; 17 Kolby Chaplin, sr.; 18 Jose Rubio, sr.; 19 Travis Owens, sr.; 20 Kwame King, sr.; 21 Mark Revilla, jr.; 22 terback to run Langley’s Jakob Aly, sr.; 23 Bobby Leroux, sr.; 24 Charles Sleeth, sr.; 25 Antonio Vavara, jr.; 26 Malachi Jones, jr.; 27 Junior Mathis, sr.; 30 Cadarius Williams, fr.; 32 Cadarius Pieper, soph.; 33 Jace Aly, soph.; 35 Dyson Drgac, soph.; 50 Daniel Torres, jr.; 51 Kyle Pecht, sr.; 52 Adam Gonzales, soph.; 54 Caden multiple spread offense.

Maxwell, fr.; 56 Carson Gammage, sr.; 60 David Schienemann, jr.; 61 Anthony Sandoval, jr.; 62 Garrett Tittle, soph.; 63 Ryan Broaddus, jr.; 64 Alex Arguello, sr.; 72 Esequiel Flores, sr.; 74 Efrain Coronado, jr.; 76 Gauge Faust, sr.; 77 Dakota Wolf, sr.; 79 Delvin Morris, fr.

“We’re a gun offense, but Coaches: head coach Matt Langley, defensive coordinator Clay Ferguson, offensive coordinator Nick Smith, Casey McDaniel, Craig Smith, Justin we’re very multiple with Hale, Tanner McGee, Wayland Jenkins, Kyle Toney, Marcus Escalante formations and personnel only have seven returning safety last season in District good backs and some receiv- and the schemes we run,” starters led by Kyle Cun- 12-4A Division II. ers who can make plays,” Langley said. “We would ningham, a first-team wide “We feel we have a good Langley said. “We’re hope- love to have some balance, receiver and a second-team nucleus of skill kids, some ful to be able to put them in but we are going to play to

Thursday, August 29, 2019

ROSTER

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our strengths from a personnel standpoint.”

The 160-pound Cunningham at signal-caller is one of those strengths.

“He’s a very bright kid, and to be honest with you, right now we have a whole lot on his plate as far as the mental aspect of trying to catch up,” Langley said. “I

See CALDWELL, Page 47

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15

ROCKDALE TIGERS

Far from satisfied

Rockdale reached playoffs last season, but Tigers have greater expectations for 2019

By JEFF PERKINS jeffrey.perkins@theeagle.com

ROSTER

R

ockdale learned last season that it’s harder to stay on top than to get there.

The Tigers lost the bulk of their key contributors from the 2017 Class 3A Division I state championship team, including Kansas quarterback Torry Locklin and Oklahoma receiver Jaquayln Crawford, and suffered through what head coach Jeff Miller described as a state title hangover last season to go 7-4 with a first-round exit against eventual state champ Grandview.

“The offseason of 2018 was probably the worst offseason we’ve had since I’ve been coaching,” Miller said, “and the offseason of 2019 was probably the best I’ve ever had. A lot of that is the fact that we fell short of our expectations.”

For most teams, a playoff year isn’t a bad one, but Rockdale’s success from 2013 to 2018 raised the bar for the program.

The Tigers fielded a young team that showed flashes of promise last season, such as a nondistrict win over a ranked Lexington squad, but also experienced growing pains in back-to-back losses to District 10-3A Division I foes Troy and Cameron. Miller believes those growing pains will pay dividends this year for a team that, while still fairly young, now has plenty of experience.

Junior Cam’ron Valdez rushed for 1,164 yards

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1 QB/DB Jace Robinson, 6-0, 170, jr.; 2 WR/DB Landon Towns, 6-0, 145, sr.; 3 RB/LB Cam’ron Valdez, 5-9, 175, jr.; 4 WR/DB Ross Loth, 6-2, 190, sr.; 5 WR/DB Malakai McKenzie, 6-0, 160, sr.; 6 WR/DB Ethan Hughes, 5-9, 145, sr.; 7 WR/DB Kesean Raven, 5-9, 150, jr.; 9 WR/DB Kobe Mitchell, 5-9, 165, soph.; 10 WR/DB Anthony Dansby, 6-2, 165, jr.; 11 WR/DB Quashawn Crawford, 5-11, 160, sr.; 12 WR/DB Jose Young, 5-8, 170, sr.; 13 TE/LB Christian Briggs, 6-0, 165, jr.; 14 WR/DB Levi Baggerly, 5-9, 150, sr.; 15 WR/DB Enrique Rivera, 6-2, 175, jr.; 16 WR/DB Nathan Thomas, 5-10, 170, jr.; 19 WR/DB Hagen Land, 5-9, 145, jr.; 20 WR/LB Chase Mayfield, 5-9, 160, jr.; 23 TE/LB Drayton Castaneda, 5-10, 190, jr.; 25 WR/ LB Aldon Bangert, 6-0, 170, sr.; 30 TE/DL Keylan Hairston, 6-0, 210, sr.; 32 RB/LB Brandon Hernandez, 5-10, 225, sr.; 33 WR/LB Bruce Mayfield, 5-4, 175, jr.; 44 TE/LB Chris Vargas, 5-9, 220, soph.; 48 LS Jake Hasselbach, 5-10, 175, soph.; 50 OL/DL Cole Rickman, 6-2, 290, sr.; 51 OL/DL Chris Reyes, 5-8, 215, sr.; 52 OL/DL Jose Rivera, 6-0, 225, jr.; 55 OL/DL Aaron Avila, 5-5, 235, jr.; 60 OL/DL Alex Ellison, 5-8, 220, jr.; 62 OL/DL Joe Vargas, 5-9, 250, sr.; 68 OL/DL Keymani Hamilton, 5-8, 250, jr.; 70 OL/DL Ty Mayberry, 6-1, 240, jr.; 77 OL/DL Ethan Taylor, 6-4, 310, jr.; 79 OL/DL Kaden Kruse, 6-1, 275, sr.; 80 TE/DL Colby Monroe, 6-1, 210, sr.; 88 RB/DB Jabez Dunn, 5-9, 175, sr.

Coaches: head coach Jeff Miller, Jacob Campsey, Ethan Noel, Bart Gibbs, John Hooser, Mitch Flores, Charlie Hall, Ethan Brinkley, Brandon Gibbs, David Monroe

Eagle photo by Laura McKenzie Rockdale quarterback Jace Robinson, left, and running back Cam’ron Valdez return after all-district seasons. with 17 touchdowns last season and likely will be the Tigers’ top offensive threat again in 2019. The 5-foot-8, 165-pound running back, who already is fielding college offers from the likes of Michigan and Texas Tech, has great vision and the top-end speed to score from anywhere on the field, Miller said. Valdez is joined in the backfield by fellow junior running back Kesean Raven, who has a similar build and running style to Valdez, allowing them to spell each other or create matchup problems for defenses by lining up together.

Junior quarterback Jace Robinson will do his fair share of handing off to that tandem, but he proved last year he can make plays in the passing

High School Football 2019

game, throwing for 1,650 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Robinson was only the third sophomore to start at quarterback for Miller in his 27 years as a head coach and offensive coordinator, the other two being University of Tulsa quarterbacks coach Beau Trahan at Bay City in the late 1990s and Ethan Brinkley, now an assistant coach under Miller, in 2010 at Rockdale.

“Jace had a really good year,” Miller said. “He’s had a tremendous offseason, and he’s one of our hardest workers. He wants to know the game and learn the game, and we really feel like he’s done the stuff needed to close out games. We have all the confidence in the world in his abilities.”

Robinson will have a pair of 6-foot-3 targets

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to throw to in senior Ross Loth, who scored 11 touchdowns last season, and junior Anthony Dansby, a first-time starter.

The offensive line, which Miller described as inexperienced but with potential, is anchored by 6-1, 270-pound senior Cole Rickman.

The Tigers return less experience on defense, but the secondary should be a strong unit. Senior safety Levi Baggerly had five interceptions last season and is the veteran of the group. Sophomore Kobe Mitchell, cousin of Texas A&M men’s basketball guard Wendell Mitchell, shined at cornerback as a freshman, and Raven also will play corner some.

Junior Ty Mayberry, who started on the offensive line as a freshman during Rockdale’s title

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SCHEDULE

FACTS

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

Last year: L 17-16 Sept. 6 Caldwell 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 35-17 Sept. 13 at Lexington 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 29-27 Sept. 20 Hyde Park 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 41-36 District 10-3A Division I Oct. 4 at Manor New Tech 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 70-6 Oct. 11 Lago Vista* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 49-28 Oct. 18 at Troy 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 21-17 Oct. 25 Cameron 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 33-14 Nov. 1 at Jarrell 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 56-17 Nov. 8 Little River-Academy 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 44-22 *Homecoming

Head coach — Jeff Miller (133-79 overall; 98-58 at Rockdale) District — 10-3A Division I (4-2 in 10-3A Division II) 2018 record — 7-4 (4-2 in 10-3A Division I) 2018 playoffs — bi-district: lost to Grandview 45-21 Playoff appearances (27) — 1958, 1962-63, 1975-77, 1979, 1992-93, 1995, 1997-99, 2002-04, 2007-10, 2012-18 Returning lettermen — 18 (8 offensive, 5 defensive starters) Key returners — RB Cam’ron Valdez (10-3A D1 off. NOY), WR/P Ross Loth (A-D), WR/CB Kesean Raven (A-D), QB Jace Robinson (A-D), S Levi Baggerly (A-D), OL/DL Ty Mayberry (2nd A-D) Key losses — K Luis Iruegas (A-D), OL Carson Offield (A-D), DL Josh Davenport (A-D), DL Caden McBride (A-D), LB Jackson Perry (A-D), DB Will Storey (A-D), DB Nathan Newlin (2nd A-D), LB Preston Debault (2nd A-D), OL Robert Barrera (2nd A-D), WR Quentin Hughes (2nd A-D) All-time record — 539-459-25 Playoff record — 32-25

run, is now on the defensive line, where Miller envisions him being a laneclogging force at defensive tackle. Senior Brandon Hernandez also shifted down from linebacker to help fortify the defensive line.

With a talented roster on both sides of the ball, Miller is hoping that last season’s experience can help push the Tigers over the top in their toughest games.

“In all four of [our losses last year] we were within a score in the

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fourth quarter,” Miller said. “We just didn’t finish or figure out a way to win those games that in the past we’ve often figured out ways to win. Right now, we feel like we’re better than we were at this time last year ... and we feel like there’s certainly the potential to have a pretty good year.”

Thursday, August 29, 2019

CAMERON YOEMEN

Last year’s finish fuel for Yoemen fire this season Cameron fell to East Chambers in regionals, but experienced squad returns with new focus

By JEFF PERKINS jeffrey.perkins@theeagle.com

With the bitter taste of their improbable thirdround playoff loss still lingering, the Cameron Yoemen can’t wait to turn the page to 2019.

Cameron head football coach Tommy Brashear and his team, which saw its 2018 season end in overtime against East Chambers thanks to a conversion off a tipped pass on third-and-22, believe last season’s squad was capable of winning a state title, and they’re aiming just as high this year.

“It gave us a hunger going into offseason,” Brashear said. “We had a really good offseason. We felt like we didn’t play our best game ... and we felt like maybe we let an opportunity slip away last year. We’re really excited and looking forward to this year and hopefully trying to right what happened last year.”

Brashear said in addition to providing motivation, the game was a learning experience for his team in what it takes to win deep in the playoffs. The Yoemen let several opportunities to seal the victory — a potential winning field goal in regulation, a missed extra point in overtime and the third-down conversion late — slip away. Brashear is hopeful his team can take advantage of similar opportunities this season, and the Yoemen will have to in order to reach their aspirations.

Leading the charge for an experienced squad is a core of key seniors coming off excellent seasons. Quar-

terback Braden Brashear, the coach’s son, leads a fastpaced, high-scoring offense, coming off a 2,300-yard passing season with 25 t o u c h d ow n s a n d j u s t eight interceptions. The elder Brashear liked the decision-making and accuracy the younger Brashear displayed last season as a first-time starter and said he has looked even better so far this season. The signal-caller won’t have big target Kadrian Hammond to throw to this season, but the offense still features a pair of speedy receivers in Kobe Young and Thomas Melton and a bruising running back in Nico Vargas.

Vargas is a bowling ball up the middle, but the 5-foot-9, 215-pound running back also has plenty of speed in the open field and catches the ball well out of the backfield. Vargas will run behind an offensive line that has a wealth of experience on the left side, led by 6-3, 260-pound tackle Will Scott. Cameron also returns 5-11, 225-pound center Dominic Lewis, who also can play tackle, and 5-10, 250-pound guard Ricard Acosta, who was a swing lineman last season, plugging in at different spots when teammates were injured. The three returners should make the line a strength and allow the new faces on the right side to gain their footing early in the season.

On defense, Cameron will have a stout front seven led by senior nose guard Dominique Borgas and junior tackles Eduardo Gil and Cade Mars. The Yoemen also have seniors Heath Hol-

Thursday, August 29, 2019

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FACTS

Eagle photo by Laura McKenzie Cameron’s Braden Brashear, left, and Nico Vargas again will be key leaders for the Yoemen this season.

ROSTER 1 WR/DB Zakorien Spikes, jr.; 2 WR/DB Billy Collier, sr.; 3 WR/DB Calvin Stewart, sr.; 4 WR/DB Kobe Young, sr.; 5 RB/LB Heath Hollas, sr.; 6 RB/LB James DeBose, sr.; 7 RB/LB Malik Thomas, jr.; 8 WR/DB Thomas Melton, sr.; 9 WR/DB Edgar Carrillo Martinez, jr.; 10 WR/DB Randy Flores, jr.; 11 QB/DB Zane Zeinert, soph.; 12 QB/DB Braden Brashear, sr.; 14 WR/K Axel Martinez, sr.; 15 K/DB Simbad Millan, sr.; 16 LB/DB Brent Wright, jr.; 17 WR/K Juan Hernandez, sr.; 18 LB Daman Smith, sr.; 20 WR/DB Iverson Braziel, jr.; 22 RB/DB JaCorrien Melton, sr.; 24 RB/LB Patrick England, sr.; 25 RB/LB Nico Vargas, sr.; 30 WR/LB Phaibian Bynaum, soph.; 32 WR/DB Jaidyn Sanchez, soph.; 34 LB Mark Borgas jr., sr.; 35 WR/DB Fabian Salomon, soph.; 36 RB/LB Martin Castro, jr.; 42 RB/LB Henry Hubnik, jr.; 44 RB/DB Davioun Scott, soph.; 45 RB/DL Kendall Fincher, sr.; 50 OL/LB Tyler Burt, sr.; 52 OL/DL Trenton Nix, jr.; 54 OL/DL Brayden Holloman, sr.; 55 OL/DL Diego Vargas, sr.; 56 OL/DL Domanique Borgas, sr.; 58 OL/DL Jeremy Seymore, jr.; 60 OL/DL Cade Mars, jr.; 62 OL/LB Marcos Vargas-Perez, jr.; 64 OL/DL Garfield England, soph.; 66 OL/DL Colby Charanza, jr.; 68 OL/DL Richie Acosta, sr.; 70 OL/DL Will Scott, sr.; 72 OL/DL Anthony Oviedo, jr.; 74 OL/DL D’Montre Jackson, jr.; 76 OL/DL Eduardo Gil, jr.; 77 OL/DL Kash Gelner, jr.; 78 OL/DL Dominic Lewis, sr.; 89 WR/DB Esteban Martinez, jr.

Coaches: head coach Tommy Brashear, defensive coordinator Eric Balch, offensive coordinator Gary Zeinert, special teams coordinator Pete Magre, Jarryd Garza, Lance Hause, Jayce Rasberry, John Marek, Micheal Evan, Rene Cantu, Trey Young, Brandon Thiry, Hector Delgadillo, Kirk Wagner Trainer: David Schiller Student trainers: Brittany Hatter, Selene Vargas, Courtney Ward, Destiny Weathersby, Minnie Blair, Alloison Willoughby, Ebonique House, Mackenzie Lara, Eliza Garcia

las and Pat England back at linebacker. Vargas, who was an all-state linebacker as a sophomore in 2017 before playing more running back last season, again will see occasional use on defense in

key situations. Cameron also has a pair of senior playmakers in the secondary in cornerback Billy Collier and safety Calvin Stewart.

“We feel really good about our experience in the spots

TheEagle.com

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we’ve got it,” Brashear said.

“We’ve just got to grow and gain that experience with the young ones as we go, and so far we’re off to a good start.”

Head coach — Tommy Brashear (26-12 overall, 26-12 at Cameron) District — 10-3A Division I 2018 record — 11-2 (6-0 in 10-3A Division I) 2018 playoffs — bi-district: def.

Whitney 49-28; area: def. Diboll 59-34; regional: lost to East Chambers 35-34 (OT) Playoff appearances (23) — 1924, 1926, 1928, 1930-32, 1935, 1939, 1971, 1980, 1984, 1994, 1999, 200304, 2007-09, 2014-18 Returning lettermen — 18 (6 offensive, 5 defensive starters) Key returners — RB/LB Nico Vargas (10-3A D1 MVP), DL Eduardo Gil (10-3A-1 def. NOY), QB Braden Brashear (A-D), WR Kobe Young (A-D), OL Dominic Lewis (A-D), LB Patrick England (A-D), DB Calvin Stewart (A-D), WR/S Thomas Melton (A-D), OL Will Scott (2nd A-D), CB Billy Collier (HM A-D), OL Richard Acosta (HM A-D), DL Dominique Borgas (HM A-D) Key newcomers — S Zane Zeinert, CB Jakorian Melton, DE Trenton Nix, WR Zakorian Spikes, WR Iverson Braziel, S Brent Wright Key losses — LB/RB Anthony Steamer (Def. MVP), WR Kadrian Hammond (A-D), LB/KUlices Cardona (A-D), LB Alex Alonso (A-D), OL Frank Ibarra (A-D), OL Caleb Hubnik (A-D), WR/DB KaZirrius Holt (A-D), RB Jadaris Wilson (2nd A-D), RB Davion Bynaum (2nd A-D), WR Anthony Layne (2nd A-D), OL Alfredo Sierra (2nd A-D), LB Jale Walzel (2nd A-D), QB Kirk Lara (HM A-D), DL Chris Johnson (HM A-D) All-time record — 472-462-32 Playoff record — 16-20-1

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 Mexia 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 49-34 Sept. 13 Gatesville 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 41-21 Sept. 20 at Giddings 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 22-21 District 10-3A Division I Sept. 27 Troy* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 39-26 Oct. 4 Katy St. John XXIII (nondistrict)7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 49-0 Oct. 11 at Jarrell 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W54-7 Oct. 18 Little River Academy 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 35-16 Oct. 25 at Rockdale 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 33-14 Nov. 1 Manor New Tech 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 76-0 Nov. 8 at Lago Vista 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 49-28 *Homecoming

High School Football 2019

17

CONSOL: Bryan transfer Brooks in line to play both ways for Consol Continued from 8 line makes over the course of the season.

Darby and Price return as one of the top receiving duos in the state and are joined by Valen Jones, who amassed 458 receiving yards and scored four TDs last season. Floyd, who primarily plays cornerback, also plays receiver and could see an expanded role on offense after a stellar performance during the 7-on-7 season. The Tigers plan to employ the versatile Darby in an array of alignments and positions, including in the backfield with junior Sutton Lake and possibly Brooks.

Brooks, who has been embraced by his new teammates since transferring during the spring semester, also will play a key role on the Tigers’ defense.

ROSTER 1 Brian Darby, sr.; 2 Gage Pahl, sr.; 3 Devin Price, sr.; 4 Jamarquis Stewart, sr.; 5 Valen Jones, sr.; 6 Kerry Brooks, sr.; 7 Bryce Linder, sr.; 8 Nate Floyd, sr.; 9 Sutton Lake, jr.; 10 Kyle Willis, jr.; 11 Vince Sheffield, jr.; 12 Colby McBerty, sr.; 13 Quan Williams, jr.; 14 Ricarddo Minns, sr.; 15 Jaylan Walter, jr.; 16 Calvin Haas, sr.; 17 Justin Conrad, sr.; 18 Colton Love, sr.; 19 Truman Jasperson, jr.; 20 Cooper Fedora, jr.; 21 Anaiah Daily, sr.; 22 Xavier Stewart, sr.; 23 Makel Williams, sr.; 24 Dawson Hilliard, jr.; 25 Ja’Mikel Moore, sr.; 26 Jude Lake, jr.; 27 Joseph Perez, jr.; 28 Diego Moya, jr.; 33 Jaden Thomas, soph.; 34 Eric Goodman, jr.; 36 JOnathon Jackson, sr.; 43 Logan Riccitelli, sr.; 44 Haydn Witherwax, sr.; 50 Dylan Wesson, sr.; 52 Patrick Dourghty, jr.; 54 Matt O’Neil, sr.; 55 CJ Harmon, sr.; 57 Joseph Garcia, sr.; 65 Jacob Brooks, sr.; 66 Malik Ross, jr.; 70 Rhett Larson, soph.; 72 Jonathan Hitt, sr.; 74 Brandon Waggoner, sr.; 76 Trey Zimmerman, sr.; 77 Barton Melder, soph.; 78 Khol Watson, jr.; 99 Antonio Cardenas, jr.

Trainers: Karl Kapchinski, Elli Dinkmeyer Student trainers: Lucy Raiann, Haylen Gurode, Zach Yeager, Kamryn Ashcraft, Julie Pembleton, Christina Ridenhour, Bre Ratcliff, Leana Lindahl, Carly Piccolo, Emma Walton, Nicole Foster Coaches: head coach Lee Fedora, offensive coordinator Sean Witherwax, defensive coordinator Bill Hoppers, Chris Collins, John Branch, Keath Magee, Bart Harris, Mike Mullins, Ray Kavanaugh, Sonny Soltis, Chad Bruggman, Bo Jackson, Brandon Phillips. Trainers: Karl Kapchinski, Michael Patke

“When I sat down after he enrolled, I said, ‘Kerry, what position do you want to play?’ And he said, ‘Coach, I’ll play anything.

It doesn’t matter,’” Fedora said. “Here’s a guy who was the starting quarterback [at Bryan], and he’ll jump in at linebacker. He’s just an allaround athlete.”

Brooksaddsanotherpiece toanalreadyexperienceddefense,whichgaveupjust 13.2 points per game last season.

Seniors Makel Williams and Anaiah Daily return at linebacker, and junior defensive end Vince Sheffield looks to build on a breakout sophomore campaign. Former defensive tackle Josh Ellison

is at Blinn, but Lee Fedora says he is encouraged by the play of the Tigers’ defensive line during the preseason, particularly that of senior tackle Matt O’Neil, who had 50 tackles and three sacks last season.

Consol returns its entire secondary, which features plenty of talent. Floyd and senior safety Bryce Linder both earned TSWA all-state honors last season, and safety Jamarquis Stewart and cornerback Xavier Stewart, both seniors, made significant contributions.

Despite returning arguably the most talented Consol team in recent years, the Tigers won’t have an easy road to reach their title aspirations. District 10-5A Division II foe Huntsville stands in the way, as do fellow Region III powers FB Marshall and Manvel.

How can the Tig ers

SCHEDULE

FACTS

Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 Killeen Ellison 7 p.m.

Last year: W 48-7 Sept. 5 at Bryan 7 p.m.

Last year: W 20-0 Sept. 20 Leander Rouse 7 p.m.

Last year: W 42-9 District 10-5A Division II Sept. 27 at Huntsville 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 27-7 Oct. 4 Montgomery* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 39-6 Oct. 12 at Lamar Consolidated 6 p.m.

Last year: W 34-28 Oct. 18 Katy Paetow 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 48-0 Oct. 25 at Montgomery Lake Creek 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 76-10 Nov. 1 Rudder 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 75-21 Nov. 8 at Cleveland 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 77-7 *Homecoming

Head coach — Lee Fedora (186-60-1 overall; 19-5 at Consol) District — 10-5A DII 2018 record — 10-2 (6-1 in 10-5A Division II) 2018 playoffs — bi-district: def.

Whitehouse 40-12; area: lost to Fort Bend Marshall 49-31 Playoff appearances (36) — 194145, 1947-48, 1951, 1953, 1958, 1960, 1989-96, 2001-03, 2005-18.

Returning lettermen — 25 (6 offensive, 7 defensive starters) Key returners — WR Brian Darby (10-5A D2 A-D), WR Devin Price (A-D), WR Valen Jones (A-D), QB Gage Pahl, DE Matt O’Neil (2nd A-D), S Jamarquis Stewart (A-D), S Bryce Linder (A-D), CB/WR Nate Floyd (A-D), LB Makel Williams (A-D), Haydn Witherwax (A-D), DE Vince Sheffield (Def. NOY), RB Sutton Lake, OL Trey Zimmerman (A-D), K Colby McBerty Key newcomers — QB/LB Kerry Brooks (transfer from Bryan).

Key losses — DL Josh Ellison (Def. MVP), OL Reid Francis (A-D), QB Caden Fedora (A-D), C Zane Montgomery (2nd A-D), OL Connor Hickson (2nd A-D), WR Sam Presnal (2nd A-D), RB Julius Howard (2nd A-D), LB Gunnar Coker (A-D), LB Vincent Sheffield (2nd A-D) All-time record — 491-353-24 Playoff record — 44-32-1

handle them and possibly more?

“Confidence,” Price said.

“None of us really lack that.

We all think we’re going to state this year. That’s just a big thing with us, confidence and knowing we’re going to beat every team that we play.”

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High School Football 2019

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Thursday, August 29, 2019

Brazos Valley has 9 new head coaches Former Brenham Christian coach Rick Frey in charge of new 6-man football program in Dime Box

By MARIA MCILWAIN maria.mcilwain@theeagle.com

Here is a look at the nine new head football coaches in the Brazos Valley this season:

RUDDER • NEW COACH: Eric Ezar • PREVIOUS COACH: Greg Morgan The Rangers saw steady improvement during Greg Morgan’s two-year tenure and hope to continue that trend under Eric Ezar, who comes to Rudder after four years as Willis’ athletic director. During his time in purple, Ezar helped the Wildkat football program grow in numbers, something that would greatly benefit Rudder, which has suffered a lack of depth of late.

Morgan announced his retirement in February after going 6-14 at Rudder. He also coached at Madisonville from 2000-15, winning three district titles.

CALDWELL • NEW COACH: Matt Langley • PREVIOUS COACH: Bobby Jack Goforth Matt Langley comes to Caldwell from San Antonio Brandeis, where he was the offensive coordinator. He’s taking over a Caldwell squad that hasn’t finished above .500 since 2015, posting a 3-7 record last season.

Langley helped Brandeis to the Class 6A state quarterfinals and won a district title at Maud. He replaces Bobby Jack Goforth, who retired after the 2018 season to spend more time with his younger daughters.

district, where he most recently was the wellness coach at Aldine Blanson CTE. He previously coached Aldine Eisenhower from 2013-17, winning back-to-back district titles in 201415. He had a 26-27 overall record at Eisenhower.

Bamburg replaces Dwayne Ross, who resigned July 4 after BAMBURG two years at Iola. The Bulldogs went 4-5 last year and lost to Flatonia 30-28 in the bi-district round of the 2A Division II playoffs.

NORMANGEE • NEW COACH: Keith Sitton • PREVIOUS COACH: Nelson Kortis Keith Sitton is no stranger to the Brazos Valley as he coached at Leon for 24 seasons, the last 10 as the head coach. He posted a 48-55 record in that time.

Sitton most recently was an assistant football and head baseball coach at Madisonville and led the Mustangs to the 4A Region III quarterfinals and a 26-9 record on the diamond last season.

Nelson Kortis resigned after four seasons and a 23-24 record at Normangee.

SNOOK • NEW COACH: Boone Patterson • PREVIOUS COACH: Chad Lechler

After 17 years in coaching, Russel Urbantke will take the reins for the first time as a head coach this season.

He takes over for Rusty Nail, who moved into an athletic director/facilities coordinator role with the school district. Nail went 19-15 in three years at Madisonville, including a 5-5 record in 2018.

Urbantke previously served as the Mustangs’ offensive coordinator, and his relationship with Nail dates back to when the two coached Mart to a state title in 2006.

Boone Patterson takes over a Snook squad that had a solid 2018, posting a 9-3 record and reaching the area round of the playoffs. Patterson and the Bluejays also will usher in a new era as Snook will play in its own stadium this season after two years of playing home games at Allen Academy. He replaces Chad Lechler, PATTERSON who left to pursue opportunities with a family-run business.

Kerry Bamburg comes to Iola from the Aldine school

Thursday, August 29, 2019

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TheEagle.com

Cal Neatherlin is Somerville’s seventh head coach since 2013, and he inherits a program that went 1-9 last season.

Neatherlin was an assistant for four years at San Antonio Southwest and before that was a longtime assistant at Midland, where he helped the Bulldogs snap a 51-year playoff drought.

He replaces Greg Bagby, who left after one season.

DIME BOX • NEW COACH: Rick Frey • PREVIOUS COACH: none Rick Frey is making history as the first head football coach at Dime Box, but he isn’t new to coaching 6-man football. He coached at Brenham Christian in 2014 and was the wide receivers coach at Houston Westbury and athletic director at Bob Hope School in Port Arthur.

He is 6-5 overall as a head coach.

FREY

BVCHEA • NEW COACH: Joshua Ray • PREVIOUS COACH: Gerald Hancock

MADISONVILLE • NEW COACH: Russell Urbantke • PREVIOUS COACH: Rusty Nail

IOLA • NEW COACH: Kerry Bamburg • PREVIOUS COACH: Dwayne Ross

SOMERVILLE • NEW COACH: Cal Neatherlin • PREVIOUS COACH: Greg Bagby

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Joshua Ray is entering his first season as head coach, taking over for Gerald Hancock, who led BVCHEA to a 12-9 record over two seasons.

The Mustangs have made the playoffs every year since 2010, and they hosted a playoff game for the first time last season.

BVCHEA went 5-5 last season and lost to Fort Worth THESA 52-46 in RAY the first round of the TAIAO Division I playoffs.

High School Football 2019

19

FRANKLIN LIONS

Confident returners ready to reload

Lions lost big graduating class but have veteran leaders in place to lead in 2019

By MARIA MCILWAIN maria.mcilwain@theeagle.com

After 42 years of coaching, Franklin head football coach Mike Hedrick has been through this before.

The Lions graduated eight defensive starters, including Northwestern State defensive back Jared Pedraza and second-team all-state linebacker Will Fannin. Franklin also lost key players offensively, including first-team all-state fullback Clayton Rosprim.

“We’re going to rebuild,” Hedrick said. “We’re going to take the kids that we’ve got, the kids that want to play, and we feel like we’ll do well with these kids.”

Datron Dixon is one of them.

The senior running back and free safety took on a bigger leadership role this summer and led the other defensive backs through offseason drills. All of them play both ways, so Dixon had them running in parachutes to weigh them down and working through drills to improve footwork as they prepare for bigger roles.

“Yeah, they’re younger, but they can fly around,” Dixon said. “They have experience, so not a lot of people are going to be able to throw the ball [against us].”

Cody Duewall, a thirdteam all-state pick, will help lead the offensive and defensive lines, while Seth Spiller returns at halfback, and CJ Smith will line up at fullback. Like Dixon, Duewall said he is pleased with

20

ROSTER

FACTS

2 K Julio Bribescas, 5-8, 145, sr.; 3 TE/DT Charlie Scarpinato, 5-11, 200, soph.; 4 TB/C Datron Dixon, 5-10, 165, sr.; 5 QB/C Marcus Wade, 6-1, 160, soph.; 6 QE/C Zach Davis, 6-1, 150, sr.; 7 HB/SS Seth Shamblin, 5-9, 145, soph.; 8 TB/C Richard Muhumuza, 5-11, 160, sr.; 11 TB/C Nick Hrncir, 5-8, 150, jr.; 12 FB/LB Bobby Washington, 5-9, 150, soph.; 15 TB/FS Bryson Washington, 5-0, 165, fr.; 16 HB/SS Devin Barnes, 5-8, 150, jr.; 20 TB/C Justin Carrier, 5-10, 160, jr.; 24 TB/C Malcolm Murphy, 5-10, 165, soph.; 25 FB/LB CJ Smith, 5-10, 170, sr.; 30 HB/LB Mason Banister, 5-10, 165, sr.; 31 QE/SS Haze Tomascik, 6-0, 160, soph.; 32 TB/LB Felix Rojas, 5-10, 170, sr.; 33 HB/SS Seth Spiller, 6-1, 170, jr.; 34 FB/DE Ashton Ferguson, 5-11, 185, jr.; 44 FB/LB Kade Hebert, 5-10, 165, jr.; 50 OL/DT Trey Corn, 5-10, 290, jr.; 51 OL/DT Tyler Evans, 5-6, 150, sr.; 52 OL/DE Cody Owens, 5-10, 180, soph.; 54 OL/DE Keegan Wilson, 6-1, 215, jr.; 55 OL/LB Kobe Lebreche, 5-10, 210, sr.; 60 OL/DT Joseph Vega, 5-11, 210, jr.; 62 OL/DT Isaac Suarez, 5-10, 200, sr.; 70 OL/DE Russell Stegall, 6-0, 185, soph.; 77 OL/DL Cody Duewall, 6-2, 250, sr.; 80 TE/DE Anthony Czech, 5-11, 180, sr.; 81 QE/SS James Little, 5-10, 175, sr.; 82 TE/DE Asher Ward, 6-2, 170, sr.

Coaches: head coach Mike Hedrick, Mark Fannin, Will Hedrick, Joe Hedrick, Matthew Anderson, Don Miller, Terry Maxwell, Jake Russ, Daniel Brewer, Zack Lierman, Jesse Rowell, William Bruns Manager: Devante Cain Trainer: Daniel Anderson

Head coach — Mike Hedrick (300-159-11 overall; 122-36 at Franklin) District — 11-3A Division I 2018 record — 10-2 (6-0 in 11-3A Division I) 2018 playoffs — bi district: def.

Hardin 43-0; area: def. Troy 34-7; regional: lost to Grandview 24-21 Playoff appearances (31) — 1951, 1953, 1955, 1961, 1965, 1970, 1972, 1975, 1977-79, 188384, 1986, 1988, 1996-98, 2003, 2007-18 Returning lettermen — 16 (6 offensive, 3 defensive starters) Key returners — RB/DB Datron Dixon (11-3A D1 A-D), OL/DL Cody Duewall (A-D) Key losses — RB/DB Jared Pedraza (MVP), LB Will Fannin (Def. MVP), RB Clayton Rosprim (Off. MVP), QB Colton Ortner (A-D), OL/DL Kolbe Watkins (A-D), OL Colton Rosprim (A-D), DL Legrand Stegall (A-D), DL Ryan Davis (A-D), RB/DB Ethan Spiller (A-D) RB/DB Avery Archibald (A-D), DB Blake Leamon (2nd A-D), DB Jacob Cook (2nd A-D), DL Cade Stewart (HM A-D) All-time record — 570-374-37 Playoff record — 34-30-1

the effort the underclassSCHEDULE men have shown.

“We’ve got a lot of Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 Hearne 7:30 p.m. younger Last year: W 50-6 guys,” Due- Sept.

6 at Lorena 7:30 p.m. wall said.

Last year: L 30-20 Sept. 13 Mart 7:30 p.m.

“I need to Last year: W 21-0 show them District 11-3A Division I the ropes Sept. 27 Coldspring-Oakhurst 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 61-0 and take 7:30 p.m. them under Oct. 4 at Elkhart Last year: W 48-0 my wing Oct. 11 Palestine Westwood* 7:30 p.m. and show Last year: W 78-0 Oct. 25 at Trinity 7:30 p.m. them what SMITH Last year: W 75-0 to do.”

Nov. 1 Diboll 7:30 p.m.

Hedrick Last year: W 34-20 7:30 p.m. and his staff aren’t mak- Nov. 8 at Crockett Last year: W 73-28 ing any “earth-shattering” *Homecoming changes to the offensive or defensive schemes, regional round of the playbut he hopes to see some offs with a younger players grow into tough 24-21 their roles. Dixon said he loss to the is confident that will hapeventual pen, especially among his Class 3A fellow defensive backs.

Division I So far, he said he’s been champion proud of sophomores MalGrandview, colm Murphy and Marcus and HedWade, freshman Bryson rick knows Washington and senior LITTLE the key James Little for improvto g etting ing their skills. back to that Last season ended in the point or further starts in

High School Football 2019

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district play. Franklin, which went 10-2 last season, outscored its District 11-3A Division I opponents 369-48 last season, a run that featured four straight shutouts. In fact, the Lions didn’t allow a point from Sept. 14 to Oct. 25 counting a 21-0 victory over eventual 2A-II state champion Mart to end nondistrict play.

A streak like that might be more difficult this season, but Duewall and Dixon say they excited about the team’s overall speed.

Franklin will open the season at home against Hearne at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

TheEagle.com

Eagle photo by Laura McKenzie Franklin offensive lineman Cody Duewall,left,again will block for dynamic tailback Datron Dixon this season.

“We’ve got key kids back that played real well last year, and I think if we get the leadership out of those younger guys, then I think the other guys will buy in, and I think we’ll be OK,” Hedrick said.

Checking in at No. 9 in Texas Football’s 3A-I rankings potentially puts a tar-

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get on the Lions’ backs, but Hedrick likes the challenge, and Dixon said he is ready to let his game do the talking.

“It maybe puts a little pressure on you, but it’s going to put some pressure on the kids,” Hedrick said.

“We’ve got to go out and prove ourselves.”

Thursday, August 29, 2019

LEXINGTON EAGLES

Muhl confident younger Eagles can maintain flight

By ROBERT CESSNA robert.cessna@theeagle.com

The numbers don’t add up, but the Lexington Eagles’ expectation remains the same, and that’s winning big.

The Lexington football team has to replace 20 seniors who made four straight playoff appearances. Overall they won 37 games and reached the state quarterfinals twice, a talented group that included 12 players who earned alldistrict honors, including the team’s leading passer, leading rusher and leading receiver.

Lexington returns only five starters from an 8-3 team that suffered a heartbreaking 30-27 loss in area to Gunter, the eventual state champion.

“There’s a nucleus of them that are kind of carrying everybody right now,” Lexington head coach Kirk Muhl said. “There’s a lot of new, but I think it’s exciting for a lot of them, because they’re learning new things and doing new things.”

More importantly, they have the tools to be successful.

“So really for us it’s about

See LEXINGTON, Page 38

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

Last year: W 54-20 Sept. 6 Troy 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 49-28 Sept. 13 Rockdale 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 29-27 Sept. 20 at Hearne 7:30 p.m.

Last year: did not play Sept. 27 Caldwell 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 42-27 Oct. 4 at Shiner 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 35-21 District 8-3A Division II Oct. 11 at Florence 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 63-7 Oct. 18 Clifton* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 27-19 Oct. 25 at Rogers 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 41-20 Nov. 1 Hamilton 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 45-7 *Homecoming

Eagle photo by Laura McKenzie Lexington sophomore Sheldon Springer backed up All-District 8-3A Division II quarterback Jordan Kerr last season, but he saw enough action to throw for 1,142 yards and 12 touchdowns on 55-for-121 passing.

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High School Football 2019

21

ANDERSON-SHIRO OWLS

Owls eyeing grander heights Players, head coach seizing momentum from their breakthrough season in 2018

By MARIA MCILWAIN maria.mcilwain@theeagle.com

Anderson-Shiro senior running back/cornerback Zacarrius Haynes might go by “Woody,” but his dedication to the Owls is ironclad.

Haynes organized and led a group of his teammates to school for summer workouts, even if it meant walking or running the approximately two miles to campus. At practice, he tries to keep everybody locked in.

“That was basically my job,” Haynes said. “Being a senior this year, that was very important for me and my teammates to make sure everybody is up here to get the work done. That way when two-a-days come up, we don’t have to slow down, just get right into it.”

After the breakthroughs of last season, it was important to Haynes to keep the team together. The Owls snapped a 21-game losing streak last season with a 13-6 win in Week 1 over Rosebud-Lott and eventually earned a playoff berth, losing Daingerfield 64-13 in the Class 3A Division II bidistrict round to finish the season 6-4.

“Nobody would have faulted them for being satisfied with the season, and about the time the clock hit zero, they were ready to go again,” head coach Brad Hodges said. “As a coach, that’s a good feeling to have when you see those guys ... they’re still hungry and they want more.”

That led to Haynes and his group faithfully attending offseason workouts.

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FACTS

1 WR/DB Shadeed Jones, sr.; 2 WR/DB Logan Shead, sr.; 3 WR/DB Bud Walter, fr.; 4 Zacarrius “Woody” Haynes, sr.; 6 WR/DB Charlie Cox, fr.; 7 QB/DB Cole Werner, jr.; 8 WR/DB Jaco Borski, fr.; 9 WR/DB/P Chalon Pratt, sr.; 10 WR/DB Trent Hightower, sr.; 11 QB/DB Ca’Darrius Williams, jr.; 12 TE/DL Kelvin Adair, jr.; 15 WR/DB Brant Werner, fr.; 17 WR/RB Corbin Shead, soph.; 19 TE/ DB Dylan Whittle, fr.; 20 RB/LB Andre Nguyen, fr.; 22 WR/DB Grayson Moody, soph.; 25 WR/DB Auston Cooper, soph.; 30 RB/LB Randy Harger, fr.; 32 WR/LB Rance Imhoff, jr.; 34 WR/DB Dalton White, fr.; 37 RB/LB Kreese Milligan, sr.; 40 FB/DL Chad Roebuck, sr.; 44 TE/LB Shyheim Jones, jr.; 45 LB/FB Landon Stem, jr.; 50 OL/DL Travis Anderson, fr.; 52 OL/DL Jerrimy Wilkerson, fr.; 54 OL/DL Ja’Colby Matthews, sr.; 55 OL/DL Joseph Mancuso, sr.; 56 OL/DL Evan Moody, fr.; 60 OL/ LB Seth Benton, soph.; 61 OL/LB Christian Lora, fr.; 64 OL/DL Cobi Wright, fr.; 65 OL/DL Duncan Benton, fr.; 66 OL/DL Louis Leggett, soph.; 70 OL/DL Camren Klawinsky, soph.; 74 OL/DL John Fairbanks, jr.; 75 OL/DL Braden Adair, fr.; 78 OL/DL Tyler Martin, soph.; 79 OL/DL Zane Moriarty, jr.; 88 WR/DL Martavion Offing, soph.

Managers: Alyssa Phelps, Ann-Marie Backus, Reality Molina, Mickel Marquard, Jenna Strode, Avery Buenger, Dalaney Pavlock, Kadence Caskey, Taylor Brewer Trainer: Bri Holtkamp Coaches: head coach Brad Hodges, offensive coordinator Taylor Beadles, defensive coordinator Bill Cowley, Robert Jackson, Kevin Macik, Barry Bennett, Mason Jarrell, Jeffrey Trant

Head coach — Brad Hodges (7-13 at overall; 7-13 at Anderson-Shiro) District — 12-3A Division II 2018 record — 6-4 (3-2 in 12-3A Division II) 2018 playoffs — bi-district: lost to Daingerfield 64-13 Playoff appearances (3) — 2013, 2015, 2018 Returning lettermen — 20 (8 offensive, 5 defensive starters) Key returners — RB/CB Zacarrius Haynes (12-3A D2 A-D), QB Cole Werner (2nd A-D), OL/DL Zane Moriarty (A-D), WE/S/K Chalon Pratt (A-D), DL Chad Roebuck (A-D), LB Landon Stem (A-D), LB Kelvin Adair (2nd A-D), OL/DL Ja’Colby Matthews (HM A-D), DL Shyheim Jones (HM A-D), WR/S Ca’Darrius Williams (HM A-D), LB Rance Imhoff (HM A-D) Key newcomers — OL/LB Seth Benton, OL/LB Duncan Benton, WR Auston Cooper Key losses — OL Andrew Seabeck (A-D), LB Tre Hightower (A-D), OL Bailey Alexander (2nd A-D), Tyler Derrett (2nd A-D) All-time record — 22-47 Playoff record — 0-3

Werner is entering his third year starting in the pocket, and all-state tight end Kelvin Adair, linemen Ja’Colby Matthews, Chad Roebuck, Shyheim Jones and Zane Moriarty, wide receiver/ safety Ca’Darrius Williams and the Owls’ jack-of-alltrades Chalon Pratt also return from last season. In all, the Owls have eight returning starters on offense and a whopping 10 returning starters on defense.

Not much is changing schematically, and though Hodges feels like his squad was branded as a runheavy team last year, he wants his squad to play to its strengths.

“A lot of these guys were forced into early playing time when they really shouldn’t have been, but the Eagle photo by Laura McKenzie licks they took early on are Anderson-Shiro’s Zacarrius Haynes spent the summer organizing work- paying off,” Hodges said. outs for his teammates as the Owls prepared for what they hope will be “We saw it last year. We’ve another big season after returning to the playoffs last year. already seen it. They’ve The Owls have plenty of to his family in Anderson- really taken ownership of practice, and that was pretexperience as they return Shiro blue on the field. several key players who “It feels very good, and ty exciting to see because were thrust into big roles I respect them the same as a coach that’s what you early in their careers. That way,” Haynes said of his strive for. They’re holding includes Haynes, whom leadership role. “There’s each other accountable.

Hodges said is the team’s no one man above the other, They’re pushing each other.

They know what it takes to rock. Family is important and we’re all equal.” to Haynes, and that extends Junior quarterback Cole be successful.”

High School Football 2019

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TheEagle.com

Anderson-Shiro also will get a boost from the return of senior Kreese Milligan, an All-Brazos Valley linebacker in 2017 who was seriously injured in a car accident during the summer of 2018 and missed all of last season.

A few wins under Anderson-Shiro’s belt helped generate more community interest in the team last year. Hodges remembers seeing the stands and area around the stadium more full than usual for the Owls’ home opener, and he wants his squad to take another step this year to build more excitement around the program. That starts with a home game against Rosebud-Lott at 7:30 p.m. Friday and includes a matchup against defending 3A Division II champion Newton on Nov. 8 to close out the regular season.

“Making the 3A playoffs for the first time was really big for this program, but we really want that to be the expectation,” Hodges said. “The playoffs are a minimum floor there, and we want to raise that ceiling to where we’re one of those teams people are talking

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SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 Rosebud-Lott 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 13-6 Sept. 6 at Leon 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 14-13 Sept. 13 Iola 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 6-0 Sept. 20 Brazos Christian 7 p.m.

Last year: did not play Sept. 27 at Granger* 7 p.m.

Last year: L 21-6 District 12-3A Division II Oct. 11 at Hemphill 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 6-0 Oct. 18 New Waverly 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 28-0 Oct. 25 at Corrigan-Camden 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 27-0 Nov. 1 at Kountze 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 32-0 Nov. 8 Newton 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 47-0 *Homecoming

about making a deep run and not just, ‘Hey, we’re in the playoffs for one game and kicked out.’ We made us into the dance last year, but they kicked us out pretty early and took our dates, and so we’d like to stay around and dance a

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Thursday, August 29, 2019

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High School Football 2019

23

LEON COUGARS

Good nucleus of veterans set to lead Cougars

Leon lost several key players to graduation but learned from lessons of 2017 how to rebuild on fly

By JEFF PERKINS jeffrey.perkins@theeagle.com

The Leon Cougars, coming off a standout 2018 football season in which they contended for a district title, are in a similar spot to where they were two years ago — fielding an inexperienced squad.

Despite returning just eight starters, Leon won’t be starting from scratch this time as it returns a handful of impactful starters, including All-Brazos Valley linebacker and District 9-2A Division I defensive player of the year Curtis Stanford.

“I remember at the first scrimmage[in2017],Ilooked down and these ghost-white faces were looking at me,” Leon head coach Jeremy Colvert said. “I asked them ‘How many of you saw the field on varsity last year?’

Andthreepeopleraisedtheir hands,sowebasicallyplayed that season with a JV. This year’salittledifferentinthat … we’re bringing back a nucleus of kids that we didn’t have two years ago.”

The core of last year’s area-round team began the 2017 season with little to no experience, and Stanford, a 6-foot, 210-pound senior, said the growth from that year was a big reason for the Cougars’successlastseason.

“It was just our knowledge,” Stanford said was the difference between the two seasons. “Because the year before that we were all shoved into varsity, and none of us had any experience. That’s what [these new guys] have got to do. They’ve got to learn and pick it up.”

Helping Stanford set the tone on defense are seniors

24

FACTS Head coach — Jeremy Colvert (19-15 overall; 19-15 at Leon) District — 9-2A Division I 2018 record — 8-4 (4-1 in 9-2A D1) 2018 playoffs — bi-district: def. Big Sandy 55-42; area: lost to San Augustine 46-14 Playoff appearances (15) — 1982-83, 1985, 1987, 1992, 1998-99, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2009-10, 2014, 2016, 2018 Returning lettermen — 10 (3 offensive, 5 defensive starters) Key returners — Curtis Stanford (9-2A D1 Def. MVP), Brock Beamer (Def. NOY), WR/RB Harris Sherrod (A-D), RB/WR/DB Tyson Cornett (A-D), OL Michael King (HM A-D), OL Grant Walker (HM A-D), DL Walter Beltran (HM A-D), CB Ruben Gonzalez (HM A-D) Key newcomer — QB Jacob Robinson Key losses — QB Peyton Pruett (co-Off MVP), DB Keaton Caveness (co-Off. NOY), Nick Ucci (lineman of the year), OL/DL Donnie Alexander (A-D), OL/LB Terrance Smith (A-D), DL Aron Orndorff (A-D), RB/LB Dylan Pedigo (A-D), WR/LB Cameron Aldridge (2nd A-D), WR/DB Justin Massey (2nd A-D), TE Cole Ware (2nd A-D), DL Kris Winstead (2nd A-D), DL Jumno Choy (HM A-D), DB Mason Vick (HM A-D) All-time record — 262-295-11 Playoff record — 6-15

ROSTER 2 RB/LB Walter Beltran, sr.; 4 QB/DB Luke Middleton, fr.; 5 WR/DB Tyson Cornett, jr.; 6 WR/ DB Cruz Tellez, jr.; 7 WR/DB Luis Guillen, soph.; 8 WR/DB Micah Burleson, jr.; 10 WR/DB Tito Gonzalez, soph.; 11 WR/LB Myles Mendoza, soph.; 12 QB/DB Jacob Robinson, jr.; 14 RB/LB Nate Pedigo, fr.; 15 WR/DB Harris Sherrod, sr.; 18 RB/LB Jesus Carranza, jr.; 20 WR/DB Ruben Gonzalez, sr.; 22 WR/DB Jairo Rodriguez, soph.; 26 RB/LB Curtis Stanford, sr.; 50 OL/DL Jose Rodriguez, jr.; 51 OL/DL Michael King, sr.; 52 OL/LB Brock Beamer, sr.; 54 OL/DL Trey Weiler, soph.; 55 OL/D: Alex Balderas, soph.; 56 OL/LB Grant Walker, sr.; 61 OL/DL Esteban Gonzalez, jr.; 64 OL/DL Callan Shrode, soph.; 68 OL/DL Cody Williams, jr.; 70 OL/DL Nic Galbraith, jr.; 77 OL/DL Alexia Carrizales, fr.; 78 OL/DL Jose Vidales, jr.

Managers: Cory Hogan, Madison King, Connor Colvert, Levi Middleton, Truss Waldrup Coaches: head coach Jeremy Colvert, Jeff Middleton, Jesse House, Lonny Wright, Dustin Simpson, Robert Welsh

Brock Beamer and Harris Sherrod and junior Tyson Cornett. Beamer earned 9-2A Division I newcomer of the year as a linebacker while Sherrod and Cornett provide stability in the secondary, which lost Texas Sports Writers’ Association all-state cornerback Keaton Caveness.

Beamer will take on an even larger role at linebacker this season with Stanford’s running mate and fellow TSWA all-state honorable mention Terrence Smith graduating last year. The luxury of plugging Beamer into that role means the Cougars again will be strong at linebacker.

Colvert said the Cougars’ depth in the trenches is thin with several underclassmen having to contribute, but

High School Football 2019

seniors Michael King and Walter Beltran will start at defensive end with junior Jose Rodriguez at one of the tackle spots. Sophomore Alex Balderas will start alongside Rodriguez.

In addition to his linebacker duties, Stanford also will be Leon’s lead back this season, and in true linebacker fashion, he likes to hit people when he has the ball in his hands.

“I just run north and south,” Stanford joked.

“That’salltheytellmetodo.”

Colvert sees Stanford as a complete back, though, and expects him to do well with blocking assignments as well as catching the ball out of the backfield.

Leon’s strongest unit on offense is its slot receivers, Sherrod and Cornett, who

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will both play both ways SCHEDULE extensively. Sherrod had a starring role on offense last Date Opponent Time 30 Mildred 7:30 p.m. season and, according to Aug. Last year: W 35-33 7:30 p.m.

Colvert, is the Cougars’ best Sept. 6 Anderson-Shiro Last year: L 14-13 weapon,whileCornettistak- Sept.

13 at New Waverly 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 48-0 ingonmoreoffensiveresponSept. 20 at Lovelady 7:30 p.m. sibilitiesthisyear.Thosetwo Last year: L 44-0 7:30 p.m. will be relied on heavily in Sept. 27 at Bremond Last year: W 42-14 the passing game until help District 9-2A Division I 7:30 p.m. arrives midway through the Oct. 11 Normangee* Last year: W 41-17 season in the form of 6-3 re- Oct. 18 at Kerens 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 43-6 ceiver Micah Burleson.

Oct. 25 Cross Roads 7:30 p.m.

Burleson transferred Last year: W 57-0 Nov. 1 Cayuga 7:30 p.m. back to Leon in the middle Last year: W 49-19 of last season and will be Nov. 8 at Centerville 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 38-29 eligible to play varsity be- *Homecoming ginning Oct. 11 against Normangee. Colvert praised ed, tall outside receiver.

Burleson’s play on the JV Distributing the ball to all squad and said he will give these weapons will be junior the Cougars a much-need- quarterbackJacobRobinson.

The 6-3, 205-pound gunslinger replaces All-Brazos Valley pick Peyton Pruett, who was more of a dual-threat compared to Robinson’s prostyleapproach.Robinsonimpressed coaches last season on JV, and Colvert believes he is ready to lead the varsity squad, thanks in part to learning under Pruett.

“He’s doing a really good job right now,” Colvert said.

“Our biggest thing right now is getting the feel for the system. It’s not about him breaking off a big run.

It’s can he run the system, can he communicate, make the right reads and right calls? And right now, he’s doing a really good job.”

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Thursday, August 29, 2019

CENTERVILLE TIGERS

Tigers have nucleus back from district title team Offensive line again will be important cog in Centerville machine, while veterans return to lead defense

By RICHARD CROOME richard.croome@theeagle.com

In his 15 years as head football coach of the Centerville Tigers, Kyle Hardee has made playing in the trenches a glorified position.

It’s no secret that his success — 96-69 record with multiple deep runs into the playoffs — goes hand-inhand with how well his offensive line performs week in and week out. This year will be no different as the Tigers look to defend their District 9-2A Division I title.

“For what we do, we have to be good up front, and we feel good about our offensive line,” Hardee said.

“We are bringing back some big kids that had good years for us last year. To run our multiple wing offense, it all starts there.”

Senior Dillon Brent has taken note of how well the offensive line performs since he moved to Centerville as a youngster. He is now the cornerstone of the line as a guard, which often is the least glorified position on offense but for the Tigers gets plenty of recognition from the sideline and in the stands.

“We’ve always had a good running game, and I guess it’s because of our line,” Brent said. “We’ve always had a good line as far back as I remember. I moved to Centerville when I was in fourth grade, and I’ve been watching football ever since. I’ve always wanted to be part of it. It’s great.

I love it. You get to attack, just make your blocks and let the running back do his job.”

FACTS

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 Elkhart 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 22-14 Sept. 6 Corrigan-Camden 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 43-8 Sept. 13 Trinity 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 42-13 Sept. 27 Groveton* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 36-30 Oct. 4 San Augustine 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 20-0 District 9-2A Division I Oct. 11 Cayuga 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 29-7 Oct. 18 Malakoff Cross Roads 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 52-0 Oct. 25 Normangee 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 22-0 Nov. 1 Kerens 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 45-6 Nov. 8 Leon 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 38-29 *Homecoming

Eagle photo by Laura McKenzie Centerville’s Cannon Robinson, from left, Caidenn Boss, Alan Skipworth and Dillan Brent were important players last season for the Tigers, who went 8-4 overall and 5-0 to win District 9-2A Division I.

Head coach — Kyle Hardee (9669 overall, 96-69 at Centerville) District — 9-2A Division I 2018 record — 8-4 (5-0 in 9-2A Division I) 2018 playoffs — bi-district: def. Cushing 51-18; area: lost to Tenaha 41-38 Playoff appearances (18) — 1964-66, 1969, 1993, 2000-03, 2007, 2011-18 Returning lettermen — 11 (5 offensive, 5 defensive starters) Key returners — OL Dillan Brent (9-2A D1 co-Off NOY), DE Brian Rutledge (A-D), OL BJ Kelly (2nd A-D), OL Jabez Fills (2nd A-D), QB Dillon Denman, S Kaden Dunn (2nd A-D), RB Caidenn Boss (2nd A-D), WR Cannon Robinson (2nd A-D), DL Bryson Crowley (HM A-D), LB Pane Leathers (HM A-D), RB Alan Skipworth Key losses — TE/DE Tristan Rudell (MVP), FS/RB Roland Davis (co-Def. MVP), RB Gabe Castillo (A-D), FB Calvin Gunselman (A-D), OL Korey Grisham (A-D), OL Justin Bowen (A-D), WR Perry Minor (HM A-D), All-time record — 385-437-20 Playoff record — 22-18

height and are proven tacklers. Boss likely will move from safety to cornerback, switching spots with Denman.

Senior Brian Rutledge is coming off an all-district season as the leader of the defensive line. The Tigers will get a boost from the return of Alan Skipworth at linebacker after he missed last season with an injury.

He likely will be joined by Kaden Dunn.

The nondistrict schedule again will be challenging for Centerville, but in the second year of the UIL twoyear realignment cycle the Tigers get four of five opponents at home this season.

It’s a preferable scenario to Hardee, although he warns

it doesn’t guarantee anything.

“That will help, but I think San Augustine and Corrigan-Camden will be just as fast on our turf as they are on their turf and probably hit just as hard,” Hardee said.

C o r r i ga n - C a m d e n reached the Class 3A Division II regional playoffs last season, and San Augustine made it to the 2A-I state semifinals.

The Tigers went 2-3 in nondistrict play, won their five 9-2A-I games and a bidistrict game before falling to Tenaha 41-38 in area.

The final g ame of the season against Leon decided the district championship, and Hardee said he

Joining the 270-pound Brent up front will be sophomore BJ Kelley, senior center Jabez Fills, senior Bryson Crowley and sophomore James Bodine. Kelley started as a freshman and adds size at 260 pounds.

Directing the running game will be second-year quarterback Dillon Denman. The Tigers went into last season with plenty of candidates at quarterback, and Denman emerged as the leader midway through the nondistrict season and improved with each game, Hardee said.

“We went into last season with three kids, and Dillon stepped up,” Hardee said. “He seemed to just get better and better, and that

Thursday, August 29, 2019

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is what we expect of him.

He’s gotten faster, and he’s gotten stronger, so we are excited about what he can do this year.”

One of his challengers for the quarterback spot last season was Cannon Robinson, who will be Denman’s go-to receiver. He is a big target at 6-foot-3 and can block. Fullback Caidenn Boss played a key role late last season for the Tigers and should get the brunt of the carries.

Robinson, Denman and Boss also are veterans in the secondary, which is arguably the best unit on the team with everyone receiving all-district accolades last season. Robinson and Denman give the Tigers

TheEagle.com

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ROSTER 1 WR/DB Clayton Bell, jr.; 2 RRB/LB Caidenn Boss, sr.; 3 WR/DB Cannon Robinson, sr.; 6 QB/DB Dillon Denman, jr.; 7 RB/LB Alan Skipworth, sr.; 8 RB/LB Landynn Andrews, soph.; 9 RB/LB Paxton Hancock, fr.; 10 WR/DB Daniel Robinson, sr.; 11 RB/LB Cody MOrgan, jr.; 12 RB/DB Kaden Dunn, jr.; 13 RB/LB Arnold Gomez, jr.; 22 TE/E Brian Rutledge, sr.; 25 TE/LB Pane Leathers, sr.; 42 WR/DB Skylar Parrish, sr.; 51 OL/DL Harrison Hobbs, jr.; 52 OL/DL Jabez Fills, jr.; 55 OL/ DL BJ Kelley, soph.; 56 OL/LB Jace Lacey, jr.; 58 OL/DL Jared Williams, sr.; 59 OL/ DL James Bodine, soph.; 66/44 FB/OL/DL Bryson Crowley, sr.; 79 OL/DL Dillan Brent, sr.; 88 WR/DB Daniel Villarreal, sr.

Coaches: head coach Kyle Hardee, Rusty Robinson, Scooter Fortner, Luther Kirkpatrick, Demond Denman, Stephen Harrison, Jeremy Hammock

expects another tough slog through 9-2A-I that features improved Normangee and Cayuga, which returns most of its players from a playoff team.

“We know we got some kids that have been through the fire and we know we can hang our hats on, but we also know there are a lot of holes there, and we got to fill those spots,” Hardee said. “We are going to need some young kids to step up. Depth is a big issue.

The kids will work hard, but it’s going to be a battle every game.”

High School Football 2019

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High School Football 2019

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Thursday, August 29, 2019

NORMANGEE PANTHERS

Power football still en vouge in Normangee With new head coach in place, Panthers excited for chance to build on last year’s run to playoffs ROSTER

By ROBERT CESSNA robert.cessna@theeagle.com

Many teams run the spread offense to create mismatches in space for the passing game, but not Normangee. The Panthers not only want to run the football from the spread but do it between the tackles.

“I want us to be a powerbased team,” first-year coach Keith Sitton. “I want us to be able to exert our will on our opponent. I want us to be able to control the pace of the game, whether we speed up or slow down.

And those are all things you do from the front. I mean, that’s all instilled from your

1 RB/S Wyatt Van Volkinburg, fr.; 2 RB/LB Jose Monsibais, soph.; 3 SE/CB Garrette Douga, jr.; 4 QB/S Mark Walker, fr.; 5 RB/QB/FS Izaha Jones, soph.; 6 REC/OLB Dalton Stewart, fr.; 7 SE/CB Blain Sadecky, sr.; 8 RB/LB/S Luke Yellott, sr.; 9 TE/LB Logan Luna, soph.; 10 RB/LB Hunter Dudley, jr.; 11 SE/CB Brandon Brooks, sr.; 12 SE/OLB Jacob Shuler, sr.; 13 SE/CB Jacob Schmidt, sr.; 14 QB/S Mason Hardy, jr.; 17 SE/OLB Nathan Bosley, jr.; 10 REC/OLB John O’Neal, jr.; 21 SE/LB James Padgett, jr.; 22 REC/LB Denton Young, jr.; 23 SE/OLB Tate Franks, soph.; 24 SE/CB Tyler McAllister, soph.; 25 REC/CB Jacob Ray, fr.; 28 TE/DE Aiden Solomon, fr.; 50 OL/LB Ethan De La Garza, sr.; 52 OL/DE Brady Harris, sr.; 55 OL/DT Clifton Boatright, sr.; 57 OL/DT Vinnie Navarro, jr.; 59 OL/DT Julius Plotts, jr.; 60 OL/DE Jose Molina, soph.; 61 OL/DT Bryson Cornish, soph.; 65 OL/DE Kade Stone, fr.; 67 G/DT Juan Capetillo, soph.; 69 OL/DT Royce Tanner, fr.; 70 OL/DE Erik Holifield, soph.

Film Tech: Wyatt Pickering Managers: Lincoln McAllister, Trey Noack Coaches: head coach Keith Sitton, defensive coordinator Derek Thomas, offensive coordinator Jonathan Saldana, Clay Todd, Quentin Lankford, Keith Klaus, Luis Luna, Ben Boykin

offensive line.”

Normangee returns four starting offensive linemen, three of them seniors who have played in the spread their whole high school career, but in a pass-oriented attack.

“Offensively, a lot of what we do is very similar to what they did,” Sitton said.

“I think that’s going to go a

long way to make our transition easier.”

Clifton Boatright (225 pounds), Brady Harris (225) and Ethan de la Garza (185) are senior offensive linemen who earned honorable mention all-district honors.

“We have some experience there, and they are extremely smart kids,” Sitton said. “And they have a lot

of desire to be successful.

I think we’re going to get there. Right now, there’s growing pains. We’ll look really polished sometimes, then the next day it isn’t.”

Normangee’s firepower starts with junior Mason Hardy who was 9-2A Division I’s all-district quarterback and has done a good job grasping the new of-

fense and getting everyone on the same page.

“We’re different now,” Hardy said. “Everybody is one, we can play as a team and we’ve got athletes all around, people selling out for each other.”

Sitton has high aspirations for Hardy.

“As he gets more comfortable with the reads we put in front of him, I think he’s really going to blossom,” Sitton said. “We would like to be able to open things up for him. I think he gives us a lot of options. Eventually, I think we can be a little more open.”

Sitton said he has struggled in his career with how

much to pass to complement the power run game.

“I think we have the ability to throw it a little bit and throw it down field a little bit more than I’ve been accustomed to,” Sitton said.

Wide receivers Garrette Douga (6-2, 175) and Brandon Brooks (6-2, 165), a second-team, all-district pick, are reasons Normangee would want to throw.

“What intrigues me is we’ve got two long, tall receivers outside,” Sitton said. “So I think we can stretch the field out long ways and width wise.”

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Thursday, August 29, 2019

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High School Football 2019

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NORMANGEE: Yellott moves from WR to RB to help power offense Continued from 27 is senior Luke Yellott, who was a first-team, all-district wide receiver.

“Luke Yellott was probably our most explosive player last year, and we’ve got him in the backfield so he can get more touches,” Sitton said. “But he’ll be somebody we’ll move around once we get comfortable in the system.”

Also carrying the ball will be 170-pound Izaha Jones.

“We’re not going to be a quick-striking offense,” Hardy said. “But, we’ve got athletes to make those plays and fill their roles.”

Normangee made the playoffs last season because its defense shut out three of its last four opponents in the regular season.

“I think our strength is going to be the defensive line,” Sitton said. “I think

28

we have exceptional defensive ends in Brady Harris and Julius Plotts.”

Normangee returns eight defensive starters, including promising sophomore tackle Brylon Cornish (210) as the Panthers switch to a 4-2-5 alignment.

“We’re running an entirely different defense,” Sitton said. “And I think the experience level of having a lot of kids back on defense makes that transition easier because you know, they understand concepts, they understand techniques. It’s just some changes in where you’re playing from.”

Normangee is a veteran team gunning for the program’s fifth playoff trip in six years. The Panthers were only 5-6 last season, but that was a three-win improvement.

“Our conf idence [is high],” Yellott said. “You

High School Football 2019

FACTS Head coach — Keith Sitton (48-55 overall; 0-0 at Normangee) District — 9-2A Division I 2018 record — 5-6 (3-2 in 9-2A Division I) 2018 playoffs — bi-district: lost to Alto 47-16 Playoff appearances (21) — 11-man (17) — 1932, 1984-89, 1997, 2002-04, 2—7-08, 2010-11, 2014-16, 2018; 6-man (2) 1963-64 (zone playoffs 1984-86) Returning lettermen — 23 (8 offensive, 8 defensive starters) Key returners — RB/WR/LB Luke Yellott (9-2A D1 A-D), OL/DL Clifton Boatright (A-D), WR/LB Denton Young (A-D), QB/S/P Mason Hardy (A-D), WR/S Izaha Jones (2nd A-D), T/DE Brady Harris (2nd A-D), SE/CB Brandon Brooks (2nd A-D), OL/DL Ethan De La Garza (HM A-D), OL/DL Julius Plotts (HM A-D), LB Jacob Shuler (HM A-D) Key newcomers — TE/LB Logan Luna, 5-10, 170, soph Key losses — RB Tyler Vaught (A-D) WR Logan Andrews (2nd A-D), DL MIchael Hill (HM A-D) All-time record — 295-391-15 (11-man) Playoff record — 12-17

know you’ve been in that situation many times before. You learn from it and you get better. You get 1% better every day. That’s what I think it’s all about.

• NOTES — Junior wide receiver/linebacker Denton Young, a second-team, all-district pick, had ACL surgery in May and is in rehabilitation. “That’s a big loss for us,” Sitton said. “He was one of the more consistent, better two-way players last year.

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That’s a big hole to fill for us.” ...

Sitton spent the last three seasons as an assistant at Madisonville, learning a lot about the spread offense power running game from Madisonville coach Rusty Nail, who won a pair of state titles at Mart. “I’ve been fortunate enough to coach for and with some outstanding people,” said Sitton, who also was assistant at Leon for Mike Hedrick, who runs the a Slot T. Sitton was head coach at Leon, his alma mater,from 2006-2015

TheEagle.com

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 30 Bremond Last year: L 64-23 Sept. 6 at Iola Last year: W 26-13 Sept. 13 Lovelady Last year: L 66-15 Sept. 20 at Grapeland Last year: L 47-18 Sept. 27 New Waverly* Last year: W 23-3 District 9-2A Division I Oct. 11 at Leon Last year: L 41-17 Oct. 18 Cayuga Last year: W 6-0 Oct. 25 at Centerville Last year: L 22-0 Nov. 1 at Cross Roads Last year: W 57-0 Nov. 8 Kerens Last year: W 28-0 *Homecoming

Time 7:30 p.m.

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after Hedrick left for Franklin. Sitton said working at Madisonville with Nail and offensive coordinator Russell Urbantke gave him the itch to return to coaching after watching the philosophy and mindset change at Madisonville.

“I hope to nail that together into something successful here,” Sitton said. ... Normangee opens the season with marquee

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games against Bremond and Iola, followed by games against Lovelady and Grapeland, which combined to outscore Normangee 113-33 last season in a pair of victories. But maybe the season’s biggest game will be Oct. 11, the district opener at Leon, where Sitton spent 24 seasons and his wife, Teresa, teaches and coaches. “There’s going to be a lot of mixed emotions when we go over there,” Sitton said. ... Normangee has 17 upperclassmen, but only five of them are linemen. The Panthers are counting on younger guys in the trenches. “With our limited numbers, that’s why we’re looking so hard to see where our depth is and how we can develop more, so we can give those younger guys a blow,” Sitton said. “We’ve got some very good young linemen that we need to contribute on both sides of the football. We have to figure out how and when they need to be out there and maximize what they can do.”

Thursday, August 29, 2019

HEARNE EAGLES

Big stage experience

Hearne veterans want to convert state appearances in other sports to success on football field ROSTER

By MARIA MCILWAIN maria.mcilwain@theeagle.com

D

amion Dunn is no stranger to representing Hearne at the state level.

Just a couple months after starting for the Eagles’ basketball team that reached the state semifinals last season, Dunn finished fourth in the 200-meter dash at the Class 2A state track meet in Austin.

Now heading into his senior season, Dunn hopes to take Hearne to new heights on the football field.

“We have a lot of confidence,” said Dunn, who plays running back and wide receiver. “We know what everybody’s going to do. Our chemistry is good.”

Dunn, senior wide receiver Jalen Gonzales and junior quarterback Micah Smith are among Hearne’s leaders who will try to push the Eagles past the area round of the playoffs, which they reached the past two seasons.

The trio are veteran starters under head coach Ricky Sargent, and all three have embraced their leadership roles after learning from departed seniors, including Javareyon Bailey and Victor Killebrew. They’ve also learned a lot from Sargent, recalling his motivational acronyms such as REAL men (Respect all people, Especially women, Always do the right thing, Live a life that matters) as helping them become

1 QB/DB Micah Smith, 6-2, 185, jr.; 2 WR/DB Jalen Gonzales, 6-0, 165, sr.; 3 WR/RB/DB Damion Dunn, 5-10, 170, sr.; 4 WR/DB Jabari Dunn, 6-0, 160, soph.; 7 QB/WR/DB Keyshawn Langham, 5-9, 155, fr.; 8 RB/LB Alijah Miles, 5-10, 225, sr.; 10 WR/DB Elvarado Gomez, 5-8, 145, soph.; 11 WR/LB Leonardo Rizzo, 5-11, 170, soph.; 12 WR/DB Marcanthony Ferman, 5-5, 140, soph.; 15 TE/DE Quinston Owens, 6-3, 235, sr.; 16 TE/DE Tyquez Tindle, 6-2, 245, sr.; 22 K Omar Leon, 5-7, 165, soph.; 23 WR/DB Damian Gunnels, 5-8, 160, soph.; 24 WR/DB JeCory McGrew, 5-7, 150, fr.; 32 RB/LB Milton Redmon, 5-8, 175, jr.; 33 RB/LB David Brown, 5-11, 180, jr.; 35 RB/LB William Ehlers, 5-7, 165, jr.; 44 OL/DL Steven Craft-Mitchell, 5-10, 225, soph.; 50 OL/DL LEron Thomas, 5-8, 235, jr.; 52 OL/DL Donavan Langston, 5-8, 230, sr.; 55 RB/ LB Charles Cooks, 5-11, 230, sr.; 58 OL/DL Lance Hamm, 5-8, 245, jr.; 60 OL/DL Justin Camper, 6-0, 285, jr.; 62 OL/DL Cory Workman, 6-2, 240, soph.; 63 OL/DL Rylan Burris, 6-1, 230, soph.; 66 OL/DL Anthony Jackson, 6-2, 230, soph.; 72 OL/DL Raymond Serna, 5-9, 315, sr.; 73 OL/ DL Monterrius Smith, 6-0, 310, jr.; 74 OL/DL Desmond Hammond, 5-8, 250, jr.; 82 WR/DB Ayden Hover, 5-7, 140, fr.

Managers: Devon Burris, Nalalie Carroll, Jamia Ellison, Marilyn Garcia, Jenny Johnson Coaches: head coach Ricky Sargent, defensive coordinator Agapito Montelongo, offensive coordinator Alfonso Jackson, special teams coordinator Kyle Castilleja, Terrence Toliver, Patrick Berlan, Kenneth Dunn, Kevin Johnson, Cameron Turner

Eagle photo Hearne’s Charles Cooks, from left, Damion Dunn and Alijah Miles along with the rest of their teammates have taken to heart head coach Ricky Sargent’s message of PRIDE — Positive Results in Demanding Excellence. strong teammates. This year, Sargent said the focus is PRIDE (Positive Results In Demanding Excellence).

“It really goes back to discipline, because you can’t just talk to everybody how you want to,” Gonzales said. “You have to give respect to get it.”

Added Smith: “You’ve got to lead and pick people up when they feel down or when they feel defeated.

Pick them up when hard times come, especially on the field.”

Those leadership qualities rub off on younger players, and there are plenty of underclassmen

Thursday, August 29, 2019

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starting on defense. That doesn’t faze the Eagles.

Dunn, Gonzales and Smith agreed that their run to the Division III semifinals of the state 7-on-7 tournament helped the younger players such as JeCory McGrew and Keyshawn Langham adapt to their roles and build confidence.

“With the younger group of guys, they’ve come out with a really great work ethic,” Sargent said. “They’re not afraid of anything, and they’ve really bought into what these older guys are showing them.”

Sargent said he is looking forward to a number

of things this season, but he’s especially excited about Hearne’s depth along the offensive and defensive lines. Anthony Jackson and Cory Workman stepped up admirably as freshmen last season after Justin Camper and Monterrius Smith suffered injuries against Thorndale. All four linemen along with tight end Tyquez Tindle are back after good offseasons in the weight room.

Quinston Owens and Steven Craft-Mitchell also return to anchor the defensive line.

Dunn, Gonzales and Smith remember the sup-

TheEagle.com

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SCHEDULE

FACTS

Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 at Franklin 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 50-6 Sept. 6 at Groesbeck 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 28-6 Sept. 13 Houston Legacy 7:30 p.m.

Last year: forfeit loss Sept. 20 Lexington 7:30 p.m.

Last year: did not play District 13-2A Division I Sept. 27 Holland 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 40-32 Oct. 4 at Thrall 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 54-6 Oct. 11 Milano* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 27-21 Oct. 25 at Thorndale 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 41-34 Nov. 1 Marlin 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 59-7 Nov. 8 at Rosebud-Lott 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 46-0 *Homecoming

Head coach — Ricky Sargent (87-58 overall; 14-8 at Hearne) District — 13-2A Division I 2018 record — 5-6 (4-2 in 13-2A Division I) 2018 playoffs — bi-district: def.

Brackett 49-6; area: lost to Shiner 55-20 Playoff appearances (18) — 193637, 1939, 1952, 1954, 1961, 1982-83, 1985, 1988, 2002, 2005-06, 2008, 2012, 2016-18 Returning lettermen — 19 (8 offensive, 7 defensive starters) Key returners — QB/S Micah Smith (13-2A D1 off. MVP), Steven CraftMItchell (13-2A-1 def. NOY), CB/WR Damion Dunn (A-D), DL Quinston Owens (A-D), TE Tyquez Tindle (A-D), LB Alijah Miles (A-D), WR/CB Jalen Gonzales (A-D), OL Justin Camper (2nd A-D), OL Raymond Serna (2nd A-D) Key losses — WR Javareyon Bailey (A-D), DL Victor Killebew (A-D), RB/S Anquan Boxley (A-D), LB Jakendrick Eddie (2nd A-D), Martin Lozano (HM A-D) All-time record — 487-459-39 Playoff record — 9-18

port they received during their basketball run, and they said they want to bring the community together over football.

Hearne again will face a tough schedule starting with Franklin, which is ranked ninth in Class 3A Division I in Texas Football. The Eagles, who play in District 13-2A-I, will face another 3A-I team in Groesbeck as well as 3A-II’s Lexington before taking on a tough league schedule that includes Holland, Thorndale and

Milano.

The Eagles want to bring home a 13-2A-I title and hope their strong nondistrict schedule prepares them for it.

“That’s what we want to do, win every game, but even if we don’t win each game, playing against tough opponents is going to help us,” Sargent said.

“Staying healthy is going to help us.”

High School Football 2019

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BRYAN: Fagan, Bennett, McMath, Flores, Sheridan make up strong line Continued from 6 Brooks transferred to A&M Consolidated, and Moreno graduated.

Rogers is hoping the difference this season is a solid running game powered by a senior-laden line and three strong running backs.

“Our offensive line has got to stay healthy; I like the guys that are up there right now,” Rogers said. “I think we’ve got three good running backs that can hit the hole with a lot of power.

They’re strong backs. We just got to give them creases, and [quarterback Nico Bulhof] just has to manage the game.”

Bryan’s offensive line, from left to right, features Colby Fagan, Jacob Bennett, Mark McMath, Jonathan Flores and Justin Sheridan. The five should enjoy a little different philosophy than in the past.

“We are coming off the ball going downhill a lot more,” Rogers said. “Last year we were more zonal blocking, which we still will do some of, but we are trying to go forward, give our backs a crease, wear people’s defenses down with big backs.”

The Vikings also will line up two good-sized receivers in Camden Gray (215 pounds) and Chase Wager (210), both juniors, on the flanks to help block in the running game.

Ja’lijah Tyler will start at tailback. The 5-foot-8, 210-pounder showed his effectiveness between the tackles with a 125-yard game in the season finale against Cypress Woods.

Richardson (205 pounds) and Paulhill (185) have proven to be quality backups when coming over from the defensive side.

Bulhof has a couple of games under his belt at the varsity level after directing

30

Bryan’s Xavier Johnson, left, and Christian Richardson, right, attempt to stop Cypress Ranch’s Justin Carmouche during their game on Nov. 2, 2018, at Merrill Green Stadium. The Viking cornerbacks return this season as seniors to help lead a defense expected to be stout again in 2019.

Eagle file photo

the JV to a winning record last year.

“Nico’s got the whole package. We’ve just got to get him there,” Rogers said. “He is better on sprintouts. We haven’t got where we want to be when in the pocket or out of the shotgun, so we have to take that into consideration.”

Bulhof ’s main targets will be Gary Lynch, all-purpose player Jose Gandara, sophomore Carnellius Lawrence and senior Jalen Davis, who gives the Vikings another option with his speed and running ability on the jet sweep.

An inconsistent kicking game contributed to Bryan’s offensive woes last season. The Vikings’ punting fell below par, and they failed to kick a field goal.

Bulhof will help in both

High School Football 2019

disciplines, having kicked more than a handful of field goals on the JV team.

“The kicking game killed us last year,” Rogers said.

“We lost probably three games with bad punting situations along with not kicking any field goals all year.”

Cypress Ranch knocked Bryan (4-6, 3-5) out of the playoff chase in the penultimate week of the regular season last year. The Mustangs went on to win the eight-team league.

The Vikings enter this season again believing they can peg one of the four playoff spots, a first since 2016.

Overall the district should be more competitive with relatively new schools Bridgeland and Cypress Park having a senior class for the first time.

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ROSTER

FACTS

2 WR Isaiah Rodriguez, 5-8, 150, jr.; 3 WR Gary Lynch, 6-2, 195, sr.; 4 DB Kenny Collins, 6-1, 185, jr.; 5 RB Jalen Davis, 5-5, 155, sr.; 6 WR Cory Lynch, 5-11, 170, sr.; 7 WR Camden Gray, 6-1, 215, jr.; 8 WR Carnellius Lawrence, 6-1, 175, soph.; 9 WR Me’Kye Kao, 5-7, 155, jr.; 10 K Cesar Silva, 5-7, 140, sr.; 11 RB Ja’lijah “Jay” Tyler, 5-8, 210, sr.; 12 WR Blake Faldyn, 6-2, 175, jr.; 14 RB Chase Wagner, 5-11, 210, jr.; 15 QB/K Nico Bulhof, 6-0, 175, jr.; 17 DB Xavier Johnson, 5-8, 160, sr.; 19 WR Willie Jones, 5-10, 160, jr.; 20 DB/RB Du’wayne Paulhill, 6-1, 185, soph.; 21 DB/QB Darius Peterson, 6-0, 165, jr.; 22 LB Jack Blackburn, 5-6, 145, jr.; 23 DB Nicholas McDaniel, 6-1, 205, sr.; 24 DB Levi Neal, 6-0, 160, jr.; 25 WR Jose Gandara, 5-9, 180, sr.; 26 DB Decorian Lott, 5-11, 165, jr.; 27 LB Caleb Merrell, 6-1, 200, sr.; 28 DB/RB Christian Richardson, 5-10, 205, sr.; 30 DL Tanner Allen, 6-2, 205, soph.; 31 RB Keaton Young, 5-10, 165, sr.; 32 LB Cameron White, 5-10, 165, jr.; 33 LB Caden Heil, 5-8, 155, jr.; 35 LB/RB Patrick Menjares, 5-9, 205, sr.; 38 LB Tristin Myles, 5-4, 145, sr.; 40 DB Michael Garcia, 5-8, 145, jr.; 41 LB Chauncey Harrison, 5-4, 175, jr.; 42 LB Hayden Wicht, 5-11, 180, sr.; 44 DL Aaron Balandran, 5-6, 200, sr.; 45 LB Jacob Incardona, 6-0, 200, sr.; 50 DL/OL Austin Bailey, 5-7, 210, jr.; 52 OL/DL Ishmeal Ealoms, 6-1, 220, soph.; 55 OL Colby Fagan, 6-4, 210, sr.; 60 OL Seth Reynolds, 5-5, 205, sr.; 61 L Ricky Martinez, 5-10, 220, jr.; 62 OL Randy Wagnon, 5-10, 225, jr.; 63 OL Justin Sheridan, 6-3, 245, sr.; 66 OL Josh Pineda, 5-9, 215, sr.; 67 OL Jacob Bennett, 6-1, 235, sr.; 68 OL Mark McMath, 6-1, 279, sr.; 70 OL Devin Banks, 5-9, 250, jr.; 71 OL Jonathan Flores, 6-1, 240, sr.; 73 OL Joseph Cruz, 5-11, 255, sr.; 77 OL Talon Crouse, 6-0, 300, jr.; 78 OL Charlie Buban, 6-2, 225, sr.; 80 WR Sloan Vavra, 5-11, 170, sr.; 83 WR Dylan Benson, 5-10, 155, sr.; 87 WR Carlos Reyna, 5-10, 160, sr.; 91 DL Dylan Carroll, 6-1, 275, sr.; 93 DL Leroy Lewis, 5-11, 245, soph.; 94 DL Nic Caraway, 6-2, 255, soph.; 95 DL Josiah Bosley, 5-10, 265, sr.; 97 DL Daniel Castillo, 5-8, 215, jr.; 98 DL Jaylin Morris, 6-0, 240, soph.

Trainers: Josh Woodall, Trent Cox Coaches: head coach Ross Rogers, offensive coordinator Keith Muehlstein, defensive coordinator Bret Page, Matt Rice, Benito Gallego, Paul Ruiz, Michael Woodward, Scott Garcia, Cody Wilson, Chris Biggs, Michael Gibson, Enrique Luna (head JV), Columbus Harris

Head coach — Ross Rogers (248132-6 overall; 37-41 at Bryan) District — 14-6A 2018 record — 4-6 (3-5 in 14-6A) 2018 playoffs — did not qualify Playoff appearances (25) — 1921-22, 1925, 1934, 1956, 197374, 1982, 1984, 1986-87, 1994-95, 1997-2000, 2004, 2006-07, 2009-10, 2014-16 Returning lettermen — 19 (6 offensive, 6 defensive starters) Key returners — DL Dillon Carroll (14-6A Def. NOY), CB Xavier Johnson (A-D), LB Nick McDaniels (2nd A-D), CB/RB Christian Richardson, QB Niko Bulhof, RB Jay Tyler, WR Gary Lynch, QB/FS Darius Peterson, RB/K Jalen Davis, OL Mark McMath, OL Justin Sheridan, OL Jonathan Flores, DL Jacob Incardona, OL Jake Bennett, RB Duane Paulhill Key newcomers — S/WR Kenny Collins, DE Caleb Merrill Key losses — DL Ja’Various Sullivan (14-6A A-D), De’Terious Bryant (A-D), DL Alex Young (2nd A-D), LB David Parks (2nd A-D), QB Kerry Brooks All-time record — 558-462-41 Playoff record — 21-23

TheEagle.com

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Thursday, August 29, 2019

MILANO EAGLES

A little less speed, a bit more savvy Eagles losing state track medalists but hope experienced nucleus can continue playoff streak ROSTER

SCHEDULE

FACTS

1 QB/DB Josh Millar, fr.; 2 WR/DB Drew Demeritt, jr.; 4 WR/DB Nick Grimes, soph.; 6 WR/LB Hayden Heckler, jr.; 7 WR/DB Chris Vazquez, fr.; 8 WR/DB Jeremyah Tafao, sr.; 9 HB/LB Taylor Tucker, jr.; 11 QB/DB Ethen Knight, soph.; 12 WR/LB Braylon Jones, fr.; 15 QB/DB Noah Benavides, jr.; 19 WR/DB Ethan Gordon, fr.; 22 RB/DB Marquise Jones, jr.; 28 WR/DB Alan Maldonado, fr.; 32 RB/LB Danny Cloud, sr.; 34 FB/DL Darius West, jr.; 44 WR/LB Colt Reagan, soph.; 50 OL/DL Haivyn Boring, soph.; 51 OL/DL Alec Hernandez, sr.; 52 OL/LB Jeremy Reyes, jr.; 54 OL/DL Tristan Massey, sr.; 55 OL/DL Marcos Ruelas, jr.; 56 OL/DL Marco Mederos, fr.; 60 OL/DL Ryan Blakely, jr.; 62 OL/DL Layne Ferrell, fr.; 65 OL/DL Irvin Juarez, fr.; 68 OL/DL Ryan Tate, fr.; 70 OL/DL Jeremy Burns, jr.; 72 OL/DL Brett Czajkowski, sr.; 77 OL/ DL Isaac Atkinson, fr.; 83 WR/LB Major Bui, sr.

Coaches: head coach Chad Lagrone, Nicholas Morehead, Ryan Warner, Matthus Lopez, Lee Essman, Travis Gage

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

Last year: L 27-0 Sept. 6 at Burton 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 47-16 Sept. 13 Bremond 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 25-22 Sept. 20 at Iola 7:30 p.m.

Last year: did not play District 13-2A Division I Sept. 27 Thrall* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 14-13 Oct. 11 at Hearne 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 27-21 Oct. 18 Thorndale 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 35-14 Oct. 25 at Marlin 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 38-13 Nov. 1 Rosebud-Lott 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 35-28 Nov. 8 at Holland 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 52-6 *Homecoming

Head coach — Chad Lagrone (70-68 overall; 70-68 at Milano) District — 13-2A Division I 2018 record — 4-6 (3-3 13-2A D1) 2018 playoffs — bi-district: lost to Mason 63-0 Playoff appearances (15) — 6-man (3) — 1965-55, 1975; 11-man (11) — 1999-2000, 2005, 2007, 2010-11, 2013-18 Returning lettermen — 18 (5 offensive, 6 defensive starters) Key returners — CB Kameron Funburg (13-2A D1 2nd A-D), DL Darius West (HM A-D), S Noah Benavides (HM A-D), LB Danny Cloud (HM A-D) Key losses — WR Devonte Jones (A-D), WR/DB Christian Thurman (A-D), QB/LB Kathen Funburg (2nd A-D), OL/DL/P Kevin Garcia (2nd A-D), DE Ben King (HM A-D) All-time record (11-man) — 228-340-11) Playoff record (11-man and 6-man) 8-15

By RICHARD CROOME richard.croome@theeagle.com

M

ilano opponents won’t need any film to know they will be facing a different kind of Eagles football team this season.

“There is no secret that we lost a lot of the speed that we had,” Milano coach Chad Lagrone said.

“We were very blessed to be able to win the state track championship back to back, but that speed is actually gone.”

Not entirely, but of the relay teams that earned state medals the past two seasons, only wide receiver Drew Demeritt returns.

The Eagles made the playoffs before winning gold on the track in Austin, so they do plan on adding to their string of six straight appearances and eight in nine years. They may simply go about it in a different manner.

“We preached from the time they are in junior high that we may not be the most talented team, but we want to work very hard and be disciplined, and that hasn’t changed,” Lagrone said.

“So if they are still doing those things now, then we will be successful.

You can’t replace a kid like Devonte Jones. We don’t have that guy, but these guys come out and do what they do and do it well ... just do what they do and play together as a team and we will be

fine.”

Jones, who is now a member of Prairie View A&M’s track team, won four career medals at the state track meet and earned all-district honors at wide receiver last season. He’s one of the speedsters who graduated, and overall Milano has just six seniors on its roster, but the Eagles do have experience with six returning starters on defense and five on offense.

Lagrone also has to replace quarterback Kathen Funberg, who BENAVIDES is playing at Tabor in Hillsboro, Kansas. The responsibility of directing the Eagles falls in the hands of junior Noah Benavides, who will get his first varsity start under center this season.

“Our freshman year a lot of us played on JV together, and that gave us a lot of training,” Benavides said. “We were able to develop more skills with each other, and it has really helped us at this point.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

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You could say we don’t have a ‘star’ athlete. We are all just a team here, and no one is better than the other, and that is the way it should be period.”

The Eagles will have to depend more on sustaining drives this season, and they have the line and bigger backs to do it. Danny Cloud has led the defense at linebacker and will CLOUD take on double duty with a move to running back, where he will be joined by Marquise Jones.

“I’ve never been in the backfield in my life, so it will be eye opening, but I think I’m ready for it,” Cloud said. “I’m getting in the groove of it. Basically it’s running at people the same way except trying to get away from them instead of get to them. When someone comes at me full speed, I love that, love contact.”

Cloud will run behind a veteran line led by senior Alec Hernandez and ju-

nior Jeremy Reyes, both of whom have started since they were freshmen.

Tristan Massey and Brett Czajkowski also return up front where the Eagles hope to control games.

“No doubt, we are just going to have to pound HERNANDEZ the ball down the throat and get what we can get because we don’t have as much speed as we did,” Cloud said. “But we have the strength and size, and I think we can march down on people. They are kind of depending on me a little bit this year, so I’m going to have to buckle down.”

Tucker Taylor, another junior, is moving from tight end to H-back.

“If we put a drive together, that is awesome because we want to control time possession if we can,” Lagrone said. “That doesn’t mean we don’t have a quick-strike ability, because we have a couple guys [who do], but we want to control it.”

Cloud and Tucker are

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two of a handful of Eagles who will see a lot of action on both sides of the ball.

The defense will count heavily on Darius West, a 6-foot-2, 240-pound junior nose guard, whose brother Eddie West earned allstate honors at the same position.

Freshman Josh Millar, whose brother Jordan Millar was an All-American linebacker on Mary Hardin-Baylor’s 2016 national championship team, is the best of a very good class, according to Lagrone, but he will have to wait a few weeks for an injury to heal. He will be a backup quarterback and defensive back.

The Eagles could use everyone they’ve got to open the season with nondistrict games against Grapeland, Burton and Bremond.

“We’ve had a [playoff] streak for a while, and it’s something we set as a goal, so we can hold that pride that Milano has,” Benavides said. “This year we have to believe in ourselves. We play a very tough nondistrict schedule. Grapeland is an amazing team, lost a few seniors but still have amazing players as does Bremond and Burton.

They are definitely going to make us tougher for district.”

District 13-2A Division I won’t be much easier with Hearne up first and Holland in the final week.

Milano went 4-6 last year, losing in the bidistrict round of the playoffs.

High School Football 2019

31

BREMOND TIGERS

Leading roles well manned in Bremond

Depth a concern, but last season’s experience with injuries has team focused on rebounding

By ROBERT CESSNA robert.cessna@theeagle.com

Bremond typically has some of the state’s best football players for its classification, and this year is no exception. A half dozen Tigers could start for any Class 2A team in Texas and, for that matter, probably most 3A or even 4A teams.

Depth, however, is another story.

It’s always a concern with smaller schools, but Bremond has firsthand experience of what happens when you can’t adequately replace key players. The Tigers were ranked eighth in 2A Division II by Texas Football to start last season, but injuries to three players early in the year put the Tigers on a rollercoaster journey that ended with a 36-34 bi-district loss to Snook. Bremond’s 5-6 record was its worst in seven seasons.

The good news is Bremond returns nine starters each way. The concern is that the newcomers have yet to distinguish themselves.

“We were in the same boat last year,” Bremond coach Jeff Kasowski said.

“We don’t have a whole lot of depth, and that’s a common problem at our level.

If we can keep everyone healthy, they’ve been in the program — they know what they’re doing. They know how to do it, and they play extremely hard, just like Bremond Tigers do. So if we can just stay healthy, I feel like we have a chance to do really good.”

The team’s seniors lead the way.

32

Eagle photo by Laura McKenzie Bremond quarterback Seth Kasowski, standing, is ready to operate again behind an offensive line that includes Riley Slafka, from left, J.D. McNutt, Nolan Hopcus and Garrett Mitchell.

Running back/safety JT Anthony, wide receiver/defensive end Casey Garrett, wide receiver/linebacker Dalton Wilganowski and linemen Nolan Hopcus, Garrett Mitchell and JD McNutt are two-way starters with all-state aspirations.

“There’s a lot of quality there in those six,” Kasowski said.

Add juniors Hunter Wil-

High School Football 2019

ganowski (WR/LB), Riley Slafka (OT/DT) and quarterback Seth Kasowski, the coach’s son, and that’s nine quality players. Bremond just needs to find others to complement them.

“We’re just so thin with kids who are sure enough good football players that are ready to go on the varsity level,” Kasowski said.

The Tigers had to lean on untested players last

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season after losing Garrett to a broken ankle, Anthony to a broken leg and centerdefensive tackle Holden Fuller to a knee injury.

“It definitely made us tougher,” Seth Kasowski said. “We were slim around midseason last year. We had four or five guys out with injuries. It really helped us push through. We won some big games in there. It really helped us mold and

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mature as the year went on and hopefully pushes into this year.”

Seth Kasowski, who played wide receiver his sophomore season, threw for 1,638 yards and 19 touchdowns with four interceptions on 102-of-183 passing.

He also rushed for 332 yards and four touchdowns.

Seth Kasowski said he was more than prepared mentally to play quarter-

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back.

“You’ve been around the game your whole life and kind of know how everything works,” the 160-pounder said. “But you’re always expected [to do] more as a coach’s kid.

There’s always been more pressure put on you, but I like the pressure.”

Coach Kasowski expects

See BREMOND, Page 42

Thursday, August 29, 2019

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High School Football 2019

33

IOLA BULLDOGS

New coach settling in on fly

Bamburg says Bulldogs working hard to handle his system since he took job July 23

By JEFF PERKINS jeffrey.perkins@theeagle.com

Any time a football team goes through a coaching change, there’s a transition period. For Iola and new head coach Kerry Bamburg, it’s been more of a whirlwind.

Bamburg officially took the Iola job on July 23, less than two weeks before UILsanctioned practices started in early August when the former Aldine Eisenhower coach first was able to get to know his team.

“I’m still learning names,” Bamburg joked.

“I’m trying to put names with numbers and faces, so I’m still learning that.

Some of these kids I only met a week ago. It says a lot about the coaches that were here before me and the ones still here. They kept the program going. I was the last guy in, and we hit the ground running.”

Despite the quick turnaround, Bamburg’s Iola squad is hopeful it can get back to its winning ways after a disappointing 4-5 season last year, when the Bulldogs finished second in District 13-2A Division II and bowed out in the bi-district round of the playoffs.

The Bulldogs aren’t starting from scratch during the transition as Bamburg will run similar offensive and defensive schemes to his predecessor, Dwayne Ross, with most of the changes being in terminology rather than execution.

“T hey’ve responded well,” Bamburg said. “Everything we’ve asked them to do, they’re doing. We

34

ROSTER 1 WR/DB Zach Hollingsworth, sr.; 2 WR/DB Cale Creamer, fr.; 3 WR/DL Colby Sechelski, jr.; 4 WR/DB Case Creamer, jr.; 5 QB/DB Ricky Flores, sr.; 6 WR/LB Adam Crenshaw, sr.; 7 RB/LB Cale Gould, jr.; 8 WR/LB Clayton Stafford, soph.; 9 WR/LB JR. Putz, sr.; 10 WR/DB Phillip England, soph.; 11 QB/ DB Blake Driver, sr.; 15 WR/DB Chad Guidry, jr.; 17 RB/DB Colton Boullion, sr.; 20 QB/DB Brian Crosby, fr.; 22 WR/DB Scott McDougald, fr.; 25 RB/ LB Robert Perez, jr.; 28 WR/LB Daniel Rios, fr.; 33 RB/LB Coy Elliott, soph.; 34 RB/DB Blake Crocker, fr.; 40 RB/LB Anthony Womack, soph.; 44 WR/ LB Wesley Alexander, fr.; 50 OL/DL Spencer Quinlan, jr.; 52 OL/LB Kurtis Landry, sr.; 53 OL/DL Anthony Robbins, jr.; 56 OL/LB Cade Walton, fr.; 57 OL/DL Levi Hunn, fr.; 58 OL/DL Brandon Perez, fr.; 60 OL/DL Jackson Doucet, jr.; 70 OL/LB Reece Heitt, jr.; 72 OL/DL Chris Bosquez, soph.; 75 OL/ DL Clayton Costello, sr.; 76 OL/DL Tyler Westbrook, sr.; 77 OL/DL Joe Leveridge, fr.

Managers: Rileigh Mabry, Mackenzie Mitts, Cullen Walton, Dustin Crosby, Zaybryn Barrera Coaches: head coach Kerry Bamburg, athletic director Kent Benedict, offensive coordinator John Reed, defensive coordinator Isaiah Barrera, special teams coordinator Marc Minatrea

Eagle photo by Laura McKenzie Iola seniors Zachary Hollingsworth and Adam Crenshaw provide the Bulldogs a pair of key targets in the passing game. didn’t change a whole lot offensively. We’ve got some experienced guys back, so they already kind of know the scheme.

Defensively, we’re making changes here and BAMBURG there, but those guys have responded.”

Iola will have to replace

High School Football 2019

starting quarterback Randy Johnson, who returned from injury midseason to lead the Bulldogs on a three-game winning streak to reach the playoffs. Blake Driver is the likely candidate to lead the offense, but the 5-foot-10, 175-pound senior will have to beat out senior Ricky Flores and freshman Brian Crosby.

The winner of that competition will have plenty of help at receiver with seniors Adam Crenshaw and Zach



Hollingsworth and junior Case Creamer returning.

Bamburg said he likes the 6-2 Crenshaw’s strength, and Hollingsworth and Creamer can break off big plays with their speed.

Senior Colton Boullion will be the lead running back for Iola operating behind a line that features a pair of returning starters on the left side in junior tackle Spenser Quinlin and senior guard Tyler Westbrook.

Boullion played behind seniors KaiWESTBROOK den Halley and Andrew England on the depth chart last season, but Bamburg said he is excited about his speed and ability in the open field.

Boullion w i l l p l ay an important role in all three phases as he will handle place-kicking duties BOULLION and also start in the secondary, the Bulldogs’ most experienced position group with four re-

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SCHEDULE

FACTS

Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 at Somerville 7 p.m.

Last year: W 34-6 Sept. 6 Normangee 7 p.m.

Last year: : 26-13 Sept. 13 at Anderson-Shiro 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 6-0 Sept. 20 Milano 7:30 p.m.

Last year: did not play Sept. 27 Burton 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 61-14 Oct. 4 at Tomball Rosehill Christian 7 p.m.

Last year: did not play District 13-2A Division II Oct. 11 at Granger 7 p.m.

Last year: L 28-7 Oct. 18 Chilton* 7 p.m.

Last year: W 41-22 Oct. 25 open Nov. 1 at Bremond 7 p.m.

Last year: W 34-27 Nov. 8 Bartlett 7 p.m.

Last year: 49-0 *Homecoming

Head coach — Kerry Bamburg (2627 overall; 0-0 at Iola) District — 13-2A Division II 2018 record — 4-5 (3-1 in 13-2A Division II) 2018 playoffs — bi-district: lost to Flatonia 30-28 Playoff appearances (19) — 1939, 1960, 1991-95, 1998-99, 2001, 100506, 2012-18 Returning lettermen — 16 (5 offensive, 5 defensive starters) Key returners — WR/S Zach Hollingsworth (14-2A D2 A-D), WR/ LB Adam Crenshaw (A-D), WR/S Case Creamer(2nd A-D), OL Spencer Quinlan (2nd A-D), OL Tyler Westbrook (2nd A-D), DL Clayton Costello (2nd A-D), RB/S Colton Boullion (HM A-D), CB Chad Guidry (HM A-D), LB Coy Elliott (HM A-D) Key newcomers — QB Blake Driver Key losses — QB/RB Andrew England (Off. POY), DE Kaiden Halley (Def POY), QB/FS Randy Johnson (NOY), WR/DB Andrew Crenshaw (A-D), OL/DL Cody Ozbolt (A-D), OL Jaggar Vaughn (A-D), OL/DL Ryan Lawrence (A-D), LB Preston Futrell (A-D), DL Zach Archer (A-D), DL Lee Goodman (A-D), K JD Funderburk (2nd A-D), P Bryn Roberts (2nd A-D) All-time record — 393-345-17 Playoff record — 20-18-1

turning starters. Boullion and junior Chad Guidry will line up at cornerback with Creamer and Hollingsworth at safety.

The defense returns six starters overall, with sophomore Coy Elliot and Crenshaw coming backatoutside linebacker in the Bulldogs’ 3-4 scheme. Iola’s experience in the back end of its defense should help the new COSTELLO starters in the trenches, led by Westbrook at nose guard. Elliot, Crenshaw and Clayton Costello also will

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help the line put pressure on the quarterback from the edges.

Boullion said he is encouraged by how the team has handled the coaching transition and performed on both sides of the ball during preseason practices.

“I feel like at this point in the season, a week and a half into [practices], we’re better than we were three or four weeks into last year,” Boullion said.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

BURTON PANTHERS

High expectations remain in place for 2019 season

By MARIA MCILWAIN maria.mcilwain@theeagle.com

The personnel may be different, but the expectations are the same for the Burton football team.

Gone are four-year standouts Caleb Harmel and Dee Winters with the rest of the talented 2019 class, but head coach Jason Hodde says he is confident the Panthers will have plenty of success with their lineup, which includes six returning starters on either side of the ball.

“Numbers are down a little bit from last year as far as how many kids we have, but at the same time, I think we have equal enthusiasm if not more,” Hodde said.

“They have just a real bluecollar approach, which from a coaching standpoint is what you want. Kids are really coachable, and they’re willing to get their feet and hands dirty, and they work really hard.”

Much of that starts up front with senior lineman Cade Weiss anchoring both lines, and all-district linemen Caleb Fuchs and Weston Hinze also taking on key roles. They’ll block for first-year starting quarterback Jackson Kalkhake, who said the veteran line gives him confidence heading into his first season as the starter. They spent the offseason working together as a unit, and Weiss has seen it pay off through training camp.

“Forming a bond with each other, having trust in each other to know that this person’s going to get the job done even though they’re filling big shoes, knowing that they’re going to get the job done to the best of their ability makes you feel a lot better about your team,”

ROSTER

FACTS

SCHEDULE

2 RB/LB Rodney Wilson, fr.; 3 RB/DB Tremane Daniels, soph.; 4 RB/LB Pierson Spies, fr.; 5 RB/DL Damarcus Wilson, jr.; 6 WR/LB Erik Lopez, jr.; 7 QB/DL Lane Baker, jr.; 8 QB/DB Jackson Kalkhake, sr.; 9 WR/DB Eli Saunders, soph.; 10 WR/DB Hector Cabrales, jr.; 11 WR/DB Tanner Gore, fr.; 12 WR/LB Troy Patterson, soph.; 13 RB/DB Cash Callahan, sr.; 14 WR/DB Mason Simank, sr.; 17 WR/ DL Westen Muske, fr.; 18 TE/LB Matt Morrison, jr.; 20 RB/DB Carter Callahan, jr.; 22 RB/LB David DeLeon, soph.; 44 TE/DL Weston Hinze, soph.; 50 OL/DL Tucker Saunders, sr.; 51 OL/DL Kaiden Kalkhake, fr.; 52 OL/LB Cooper Lucherk, jr.; 54 OL/DL Raylan Parker, fr.; 55 OL/LB CJ Smith, jr.; 60 OL/DL Carson Lautr, fr.; 66 OL/DL Joey Tavary, soph.; 70 OL/DL Eric Flores, soph.; 71 OL/ DL Tristan Alexander, jr.; 72 OL/DL Caleb Fuchs, sr.; 75 OL/DL Jackson Dixon, soph.; 76 OL/DL Cade Weiss, sr.

Coaches: head coach Jason Hodde, offensive coordinator Clinton Smith, Jaime Smith, Carl Faigle, John Weatherstone, Allan Richard, Zack Zorn

Head coach — Jason Hodde (68-24 overall; 68-24 at Burton) District — 14-2A Division II 2018 record — 11-3 (4-0 in 14-2A D2) 2018 playoffs — bi-district: def. Chilton 59-13; area: def. La Pryor 74-14; regional: def. Granger 47-7; quarterfinal: lost to Falls City 30-28 Playoff appearances 12 — 1992, 1995, 2008, 2010-18 Returning lettermen— 20 (6 offensive, 6 defensive starters) Key returners — TE/LB Cooper Lucherk (14-2A D2 NOY), QB/WR/DB Cash Callahan (A-D), OL/DL Cade Weiss (A-D), OL/DL Caleb Fuchs (A-D), OL/DL Weston Hinze (2nd A-D, QB/DB Jackson Kalkhake Key losses — WR/DB/P Dee Winters (co-MVP), QB/DE Caleb Harmel (co-MVP), OL/DL Cameron Riggins (co-Def. MVP), TE/LB Chase Mathis (A-D), WR/DB/K Tristan Brantley (A-D), OL/DL Tyler Hall (A-D) Jose Castillo (2nd A-D), Remington Harris (2nd A-D), OL/LB Reynaldo Miranda (2nd A-D) All-time record — 285-344-15 Playoff record — 21-12

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

Last year: L 54-20 Sept. 6 Milano* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 47-16 Sept. 13 Shiner 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 63-32 Sept. 20 at Weimar 7:30 p.m.

Last year: did not play Sept. 27 at Iola 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 61-14 Oct. 4 at Rogers 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 56-14 District 14-2A Division II Oct. 11 at Flatonia 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 41-8 Oct. 18 Louise 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 54-7 Nov. 1 at Somerville 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 49-0 Nov. 8 Snook 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 69-32 *Homecoming

Weiss said.

Weiss and Kalkhake also are learning new positions on defense with Weiss lining up at defensive tackle and Kalkhake at safety.

Last season’s 30-28 loss to Falls City in the Class 2A Division II quarterfinals motivated the Panthers through offseason training and into fall practice, Hodde said.

Putting together another deep playoff run won’t be an easy task with Flatonia and Snook awaiting Burton in District 14-2A Division II then Falls City and Bremond looming in Region IV once the postseason begins.

“Six starters return from [last season], so six guys were on the field when that kick went through the first time and then [Falls City] called timeout and we missed it,” Hodde said, referring to the end

of Burton’s quarterfinal game against Falls City when the Panthers missed a game-winning kick. “So they remember that. I think the competitive guys that they are, that’s certainly set the tone for practice because I’ve seen them probably work harder than they ever have before. Now a lot of that’s some maturity, but I just think it’s a great motivational factor, so we can get back to that game and hopefully win it this time.”

Along with winning in football, Burton has boasted a successful baseball team the past few seasons, including winning the 262A title last spring. Weiss thinks success on the diamond will help this fall as the Panthers try to handle the highs and lows of football season.

“It’s not like, ‘Oh my

gosh, we won,’” Weiss said.

“You win, but you have to get stuff done and go on to the next game.”

Hodde also thinks that experience of handling success will help the Panthers quickly find their bearings as the season progresses.

“We have six guys that have won 37 games since they’ve been here playing for Burton High School in three years,” Hodde said.

“That’s a pretty good number. There’s not a lot of senior classes coming into this season that can say

that. Those kids bring a lot of experience. They bring a lot of tenacity, toughness, just senior grit. They’ve done a great job leading this football team so far.”

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Thursday, August 29, 2019

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SNOOK BLUEJAYS

Passing the baton

Patterson taking over successful Snook program for friend Lechler ROSTER

By ROBERT CESSNA robert.cessna@theeagle.com

When former Snook coach Chad Lechler decided to change professions, he called his good friend, La Porte offensive coordinator Boone Patterson.

“If you’ve got it set up, I’ll look into it,” Patterson said Lechler told him.

“And the chips kind of fell where they did and it all worked out.”

Six months later, Patterson has the Bluejays poised to build on last season’s record-setting 9-3 season.

“I mean, I’m kind of shifting into second gear, rolling with what foundation [Lechler] gave me,” Patterson said. “It’s been really, really smooth.”

Patterson is reaping the benefits of crossing paths with Lechler.

“I kind of walked into a dream situation for any coach that’s taking over a program,” Patterson said. “Coach Lechler and I coached together at Hempstead. We’ve got a lot of similarities as far as offseason, weight room, our expectations and standards for kids. So when I came in, a lot of that culture was already established.”

Snook, which didn’t play football from 1952 to 2009, is coming off its first winning season since reinstating the program. Along with replacing Lechler, who in four years steadied a program that had won only 10 games in five seasons, the Bluejays graduated

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1 QB/DB Garrett Lero, soph.; 2 RB/DB David Davila, jr.; 3 WR/DB Justin Supak, jr.; 4 RB/DL Qwan Young, sr.; 6 WR/DB Sidney Mack, sr.; 7 WR/DB DeShun Hamilton, jr.; 8 WR/DB Dre’Raud Rogers, sr.; 9 RB/LB Matthew Jordan, sr.; 10 RB/LB Jaxson Brisco, jr.; 11 WR/DB Chevy Barker, soph.; 13 WR/LB Jermaine Kearney, jr.; 14 WR/DB Danny Davila, fr.; 15 WR/LB Davion Waters, soph.; 20 QB/LB Ryder Becka, fr.; 40 RB/LB Caleb See, fr.; 50 OL/ LB Jonathon Quevado, soph.; 51 OL/DL David Davis, sr.; 52 OL/DL David James, sr.; 55 OL/DL Jason Barker, jr.; 56 OL/DL Russell Stevens, fr.; 60 OL/DL Matthew Daigle, sr.; 64 OL/DL Cody Noriega, soph.; 65 OL/DL Darrell Moore, jr.; 66 OL/DL Seth Groce, fr.; 67 OL/DL Luke Jakubik, fr.; 70 OL/DL James Young III, sr.; 72 OL/DL Adrain Perez, sr.; 74 OL/DL Gabriel Martinez, fr.; 75 OL/DL David Toler, soph.

Coaches: head coach Boone Patterson, offensive coordinator Jacob Powell, defensive coordinator Travis McFarland, Cameron Besetzny, Matthew Kana, Brian Paul

SCHEDULE

FACTS

Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 Granger 7 p.m.

Last year: W 28-13 Sept. 6 at Brazos Christian 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 44-8 Sept. 13 Waco Texas Wind 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 62-0 Sept.20 San Saba* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 47-6 Sept. 27 Chilton 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 56-0 Oct. 4 at Bartlett 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 44-0 District 14-2A Division II Oct. 11 Somerville 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 49-0 Oct. 25 at Flatonia 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 50-30 Nov. 1 Louise^ 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 46-13 Nov. 8 at Burton 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 69-32 *at Georgetown ^at Caldwell

Head coach — Boone Patterson (0-0 overall; 0-0 at Snook) District — 14-2A Division II 2018 record — 9-3 (3-1 in 14-2A Division II) 2019 playoffs — bi-district: def.

Bremond 36-34; area: lost to Falls City 63-8 Playoff appearances (2) — 2016, 2018 Returning lettermen — 15 (5 offensive, 5 defensive starters) Key returners — RB Qwan Young (14-2A D2 A-D), RB Matt Jordan (A-D), OL David James (A-D), OL James Young III (A-D), OL Darrell Moore (2nd A-D), DB Justin Supak (2nd A-D), RB/ LB Jaxson Brisco, DL David Davis, QB Garrett Lero, DB David Davila Key newcomers — RB Troy Krolczyk, WR Darion Barnes, WR DeShun Hamilton, DB Sydney Mack, LB Jonathan Quevedo, DL Cody Noriega Key losses — Damon Allen (Off. MVP), KJ Macik (co-Def. MVP), Damonta Allen (A-D), Remington Harris (A-D), Jose Castillo (2nd A-D), Antonio Davis (2nd A-D), Kohl Junek (2nd A-D), Lance Vajdak (2nd A-D) All-time record — 36-79-1 Playoff record — 2-2

eight players who earned all-district honors. That included running back Damon Allen, who was District 14-2A Division II’s most valuable player, and linebacker KJ Macik, who was the district’s co-defensive most valuable player along with being the team’s starting quarterback for two seasons.

“The senior class was a large class and a very talented class and they did some great things,” Pat-

High School Football 2019

terson said. “They established a tradition and set a bunch of school records and they were successful in all sports, which is kind of a testament to the kind of program Chad was running. He also had a JV, which is something not typical of your 2A the size

See SNOOK, Page 42

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Eagle photo by Laura McKenzie Snook’s Justin Supak, left, Matthew Jordan and Garrett Lero will help lead the Bluejays in 2019.

Good Luck to all the Brazos Valley teams in the area

Thank you Brazos Valley for trusting us with your pest control needs for over 70 years

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Thursday, August 29, 2019

SOMERVILLE YEGUAS

Program still searching for stability

Yeguas responding well to new head coach’s philosophy starting in weight room

By RICHARD CROOME richard.croome@theeagle. com

The players at Somerville have grown accustomed to adjusting to new head coaches, having seen seven come and go in less than a decade. For Cal Neatherlin, though, being called upon to direct a program after five years as an assistant at San Antonio Southwest and 13 years at Midland is something new.

Getting a late start — he was hired in mid-June — couldn’t have helped the process, but Neatherlin insists almost everything has gone smoother than he expected.

“It’s been a whirlwind, and we’ve had to hire a whole new coaching staff and all that kind of stuff,” Neatherlin said. “I didn’t have a staff, and I was trying to get everybody rounded up. It’s been good, though.”

Neatherlin’s first order of business while looking for a staff was getting the players into a strength and conditioning prog ram.

The response has given the first-year coach optimism.

“They haven’t had that in I don’t even know how long,” Neatherlin said.

“We’ve had a really good turnout, been averaging 20 to 23 the last couple of weeks [going into official practices].”

Somerville was 1-9 last season and has made the playoffs just once, two seasons ago, since 2007. Neatherlin is also working with

FACTS

ROSTER

Head coach — Cal Neatherlin (0-0 overall; 0-0 at Somerville) District — 14-2A Division II 2018 record — 1-9 (0-4 in 14-2A-2) 2018 playoffs — did not qualify Playoff appearances (9) — 1939, 1960, 1965, 1976, 1982-83, 1990, 2006, 2017 Returning lettermen — 15 (5 offensive starters) Key returners — QB Philip Haba, RB Jeremiah Teague, WR/ QB Johnny Legg, OL/DL Hunter Milburn, OL/DL Cedric Hudgen Key newcomers — WR Dominic Tucker, OL/DL Cadan Espinoza, RB/LB Deven Green, OL/DL Andrew Espinoza All-time record — 315-522-24 Playoff record — 4-9-0

1 QB/DB Philip Haba; 2 RB/DB Jeremiah Teague; 3 WR/LB Austin Horsley; 4 WR/DB Johnny Legg; 5 Verkobe Woodbury; 6 WR/DB Richard Rivera; 7 WR/DB Jesus Gomez; 8 RB/LB Deven Green; 10 WR/DB Isaac Sanchez; 11 TE/LB Fabian Gutierrez; 12 TE/DE Jacob Moline; 13 WR/ DB Hunter David; 14 WR/DB Braylon Price; 21 WR/DB Dominic Tucker; 25 WR/LB Payton Sprouse; 50 OL/ DL Ross Dubois; 53 OL/DL Jayden Villanova; 55 OL/DL Riley Eldridge; 56 OL/DL Caden Espinosa; 60 OL/ LB Evan Garay; 65 OL/DL Jesus Espinosa; 70 OL/DL MJ Rubio; 72 OL/DL Hunter Milburn; 76 OL/DL Cedric Hudgen; 79 OL/DL Nick Ray Coaches: head coach Cal Neatherlin, Charlie Gomez, Trey Marik, Ethan Watson

“I’m excited to get everything started and rolling,” Haba said. “It’s been tough with new head coaches coming in and out, but I feel very confident about [Neatherlin]. No matter, I’m going to do my job, pick my teammates up a little bit and just play the game of SCHEDULE football.”

Haba broke his hand as Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 Iola 7 p.m. a freshman but says he Last year: L34-6 feels stronger for getting Sept. 6 at Waco Texas Wind 7 p.m. through it and the tough Last year: W 27-0 Sept. 13 Campbell* 7 p.m. run last season.

Last year: did not play “I’ve learned a lot from Sept. 20 Woodsboro 7 p.m.

Last year: L 52-6 the past year, and I feel Sept. 27 open Oct. 4 at Brazos Christian 7 p.m. like going through what Last year: L 27-6 I did go through is going District 14-2A Division II Oct. 11 at Snook 7:30 p.m. to help,” Haba said. “Lot Last year: L 49-0 of challenges, losing and Oct. 18 Flatonia 7 p.m. overcoming a lot.”

Last year: L 49-0 Building confidence in Oct. 25 at Louise 7 p.m.

Last year: L 51-6 a young corps that hasn’t Nov. 1 Burton^ 7 p.m. had much success in the Last year: L 49-0 Nov. 8 Peaster (nondistrict) 7 p.m. win-loss column is one of Last year: did not play Neatherlin’s biggest chal*at Teague ^Homecoming lenges. He believes repetition is the most important the second smallest enroll- thing when dealing with a ment in the five-team Dis- new team, and having an trict 14-2A Division II and 11-year-old son who likes in his first season will have to play video games helped him make a connection no seniors.

He does have a return- with the Yeguas through ing quarterback, though, Fortnite.

“I think when you start in junior Philip Haba, who has shown he can run and executing and you get conpass, which gives Neather- fidence with repetition and lin options. repetition, that brings con-

Thursday, August 29, 2019

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fidence in itself because you know you’ve done it a 100 times,” Neatherlin said. “It’s like when you play the Fortnite game, they are building confidence. They are sitting there practicing all the

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time, and they get good at it, and they know they are good at it, so we are just going to rep, rep, rep.”

Joining Haba in the backfield are junior Jeremiah Teague and freshman Deven Green.

Neatherlin likes his receiving crew, and because of the depth, four could be on the field at one time.

Verkobe Woodbury, Dominic Tucker, Johnny Legg and Jesus Gomez should all be targets for Haba.

When the Yeguas go with a tight end, it will be Jacob Moline.

T h e o f f e n s ive l i n e, which averages about 265

pounds, includes Jesus Espinoza at center, Caden Espinosa and Cedric Hudgen at guard and Hunter Milburn and Riley Eldridge at tackle. Two of the five, Espinosa and Espinoza, are freshmen, which makes four freshmen starting on offense.

Most of the offensive starters will double up on defense, according to Neatherlin.

“We don’t have any seniors, and I feel like this is a building block that we can start now,” Haba said.

“Hopefully my senior year, we will keep progressing and it will carry on.”

High School Football 2019

37

LEXINGTON: Eagles need offensive line to carry load in 2019 Continued from 21 staying in the system,” Muhl said. “Whether they’re athletic or not, if they’ll play as a team and buy in, then they’ll be successful. It boils down to them buying into the system and being coachable.”

And Muhl says they’ve been that. The Eagles have moved around a few players, plugged in some newcomers and had a solid effort in their first scrimmage against Class 4A Division II Madisonville.

Lexington’s strengths include the of fensive line. There’s size in the middle with center Jessie F lowers flanked by guards Juan Lara (242 pounds) LARA and Ian White (281).

Kaden Schimank (210) started as a freshman and played so well he’s been moved to left tackle SCHIMANK to protect the quarterback’s blind side.

“I try even at our level not to have those offensive linemen play defense, because it’s so important for them to be a unit,” Muhl said, adding that the group is good at making adjustments on the sideline while the Eagle defense is on the field.

Lexington has used a platoon system over the last five years to avoid keeping players on the field the entire game.

“This year, I think we’re down to three kids who are starting on both sides right now,” Muhl said. “And I’m trying to get away from that,

38

but Schimank right now is starting on both sides. He’s just a player’s player.”

That also describes senior Aaron Allert, who had 170 tackles last season and was named the Associated Press Sports Editors’ 3A Defensive Player of ALLERT the Year.

The Eagles are moving the 6-foot, 198-pounder from middle linebacker to free safety.

Linebacker Jeremiah DILLON Dillon, a secondteam, all-district pick last season, is now in Allert’s old spot.

“We lost a lot of people, but we’ve got new people coming up,” Allert said. “If we just stick to our roots, we’ll be all right.”

Muhl is confident Lexington will play good defense, though it returns only one more starter, defensive end Rowdy Pearson, who earned PEARSON secondteam, alldistrict honors last year.

“To me, it’s about tackling,” Muhl said. “We’re undersized at some spots, especially in the secondary, but they all tackle well. It’s a matter of getting people on the ground.”

Triggering Lexington’s fast-paced offense is Sheldon Springer, who threw for 1,142 yards on 55-of-121

High School Football 2019

ROSTER

FACTS

1 Coby Robertson, sr.; 2 Jeremiah Jackson, jr.; 4 Kaden Noe, sr.; 5 Amarion Cooper, jr.; 6 Caden Huckabay, soph.; 8 Hayden Ramsey, sr.; 9 Dakota Smith, jr.; 12 Sheldon Springer, soph.; 13 Rowdy PEarson, sr.; 15 Colby King, sr.; 17 Kason Bayer, soph.; 20 Devin Jackson, soph.; 21 Jeremiah Dillon, jr.; 22 Cole Huddleston, soph.; 24 Evan Patschke, soph.; 44 Aaron Allert, sr.; 45 Stephen D’Amora, sr.; 48 Ty Hawley, jr.; 50 Kaden Schimank, soph.; 51 Lane Kellar, jr.; 54 Juan Lara, jr.; 55 Zach White, soph.; 60 Jacob Poston, jr.; 62 BRaden Exner, jr.; 63 Jeremy Chastain, sr.; 65 Jessie Flowers, sr.; 77 Ian White, jr.

Coaches: head coach Kirk Muhl, B.L. Miller, Chris Koester, Wade Gillis, Garrett Sherrill, Chance Sherrill, Kogan Garrett, Courtney Ward

Head coach — Kirk Muhl (42-28 overall; 42-28 at Lexington) District — 8-3A Division II 2018 record — 8-3 (3-1 in 8-3A D2) 2018 playoffs — bi-district: def. Palmer 57-12; area: lost to Gunter 30-27 Playoff appearances (19) — 1964, 1968, 1978, 1997, 1999, 2002-07, 2009-12, 2015-18 Returning lettermen — 11 (2 offensive, 3 defensive starters) Key returners — LB/RB Aaron Allert (8-3A D2 Def. POY), RB/LB Jeremiah Dillon (2nd A-D), WR/DE Rowdy Pearson (2nd A-D), OL Juan Lara (2nd A-D), OL Kaden Schimank, QB Sheldon Springer Key newcomers — Evan Patschke, Ty Hawley, Ian White, Hayden Ramsey Key losses — OL/DL Cade Hawley (lineman of the year), FS Caleb Meyer (A-D).

FS Hunter Hurtig (A-D), QB/WR Jordan Kerr (A-D), WR Jermarie White (A-D), DL Clayton Faske (A-D), WR Garrett Stamport (A-D), SS Zach Thornton (2nd A-D), DE Kyle Spencer (2nd A-D), WR Clay Boettcher (2nd A-D), CB Dylan Atkins (2nd A-D), RB Ja’Kobe Cooper All-time record — 424-429-26 Playoff record — 34-18

passing with 12 touchdowns and four interceptions as a backup last year to Jordan Kerr, the all-district quarterback in 8-3A Division II. “[Springer] came in and got some experience last year, and he’s really got a live arm,” Muhl said. “He’s got a really good arm. I’m really looking for that maturity that hopefully this year will kick in some with him.”

Allert also will play some running back along with Dillon.

“I think they’re going to be major players for us,” Muhl said.

Lexington’s only experienced receiver is Jeremiah JACKSON Jackson, a secondteam all-district pick. The Eagles used five or six more receivers who played well in the scrimmage against Madisonville, Muhl said.

“We throw and catch enough throughout the year with 7-on-7,” Muhl said. “We took a bunch of kids who when they started out it wasn’t real pretty, then all of a sudden they started catching balls, and they’ve gotten to where they need to be.”

Lexington’s retooled offense might not be able to match the 41.7 points per game scored by last year’s team, but Muhl says he is confident it will be successful if the line leads the way.

“If I don’t have those five

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play well this year, then we’re not going to be very good,” Muhl said. “It always boils down to that offensive line.”

• NOTES — Texas Football ranks the Eagles 14th in 3A Division II. ... Lexington is picked to finish third in district behind Clifton and Rogers. “I’d say we’re in the underdog area this year,” Allert said. “That’s what I like, having a chip on your shoulder.” ... Lexington has only nine seniors. ... Lexington had several defensive reserves earn extended playing time last year, and Muhl said he expects them to carry

TheEagle.com

more of the load this season. ... Lexington’s newcomers will break in against a stout nondistrict schedule that features five tough opponents. Burton (14-2A-II) and Shiner (15-2AI) are picked to win their districts. Troy is picked second and Rockdale third in 10-3A-1, and Hearne is picked third in 13-2A-I. Caldwell is the Eagles’ only nondistrict opponent not

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picked to reach the playoffs, but the Hornets (12-4A-II) are in a higher classification than the Eagles. “We could be 5-1 coming out of preseason, or we could be 1-5 or anywhere in-between,” Muhl said. “I told them one of the biggest things is keeping their heads up and staying together even if we come up short on some things.”

Thursday, August 29, 2019

CALVERT TROJANS

Powerhouse 6-man squad bent on state title With nine experienced upperclassmen on roster, Trojans have everything they need for long playoff run FACTS

By ROBERT CESSNA robert.cessna@theeagle.com

The Calvert Trojans have been thinking about a state championship since walking off the field after last year’s 60-47 loss to Richland Springs.

“It was tough last year takingthatlossinthesecond round. It was very tough,” said Corderrius Gilmore, who plays fullback and cornerback. “But this year, it’s nothing but state. If we lose, it’s gotta be in state, but we ain’t going to lose in state.”

The 5-foot-11, 160-pound Gilmoreisoneof fourseniors onanexperiencedsquadthat also includes five juniors.

Sophomore quarterback David Williams (6-2, 220) and junior wide receivers Tre’Quinton Green (6-2, 180) and Billy Thompson (6-2, 165) are the other returning starters on offense.

Williams is moving from center to under center to replace Matthew Steamer who was District 14-A Division II’s most valuable offensive player. The new offensive starters are senior slot back Danielshijon Hurst (5-11, 170) and junior center Davien Flentroy (5-11, 165).

Joining Gilmore as returning starters on defense are Green at end, Flentroy at cornerback and Thompson at safety. Hurst is the other starting end and Williams is the nose guard.

“Ifeelthatwehaveenough talent and overall football IQ to do something special this season,” Calvert coach Ja’Marcus Ashley said.

Gilmore earned secondteam, all-state honors at fullback and Flentroy as a linebacker. Thompson

Head coach — Ja’Marucs Ashley (8-3 overall; 8-3 at Calvert) District — 14-A Division II 2018 record — 8-4 (3-0 in 14-A Division II) 2018 playoffs — bi-district: def.

Trinidad 48-14; area: lost to Richland Springs 60-47 Playoff appearances (33) — 11-man (14) — 1923, 1938, 1946-47, 1949, 1952, 1958, 1967-68, 1970, 1989-91, 1994; 6-man (18) — 1998-99, 2001-11, 2013-18 Returning lettermen — 9 (4 offensive, 4 defensive starters) Key returners — C/CB Davien Flintroy (14-A D2 Def. MVP), TE Trequinton Green (A-D), FB/CB Corderrius Gilmore (A-D), WR/S Billy Thompson (A-D), TE/S Danielshijon Hurst (2nd A-D), QB/NG/P David Williams (2nd A-D) Key newcomers — Da’Vion Allen, Antonio Porter, Tavares Lyles, Cohan Thompson, Giovanni Diaz Key losses — Matthew Steamer Jr. (Off. MVP), C Darrius Brooks (2nd A-D), LB Derrick Stewart (2nd A-D) All-time record — 569-372 Playoff record — 34-30-2 (11-man 3-12-2; 6-man 31-18)

SCHEDULE Eagle photo by Laura McKenzie Calvert’s Corderrius Gilmore,Tre’Quinton Green and Danielshijon Hurst have spent the offseason focused on making another — and deeper — run in the Class A Division II playoffs this season after losing to Richland Springs in area last year. earned all-district honors both ways and Green was a first-team pick on offense.

“Wehavemoretalentthan we did last year,” Green said.

“I want to help the team to state, I want to do more than just be on the field.”

Green and Gilmore said attitude will have just as big a role as talent in the team’s success.

“I feel like leadership will take us a longer way than lastyear,”Greensaid.“Leadership will be a big help.”

Gilmore said he’s now a leader.

“Leadership will help push these guys through,” Gilmore said. “I’m way more a leader this year. You become a leader by just sitting back, playing your role

Thursday, August 29, 2019

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and learning. You just have to absorb everything and become a leader.”

The seniors have absorbed plenty. As sophomores they bounced back from a rare bi-district loss to Oakwood to get revenge against the Panthers in the regular season last year.

Now this year’s goal is to have a deep playoff run. The Trojans expect a rematch against Richland Springs in bi-district since the Coyotes are ranked third by Texas Football and the Trojans seventh. All the Trojans players who attended The Eagle’s Annual Media Day talked about a possible rematch with Richland Springs, but also making sure they reach bi-district..

ROSTER 2 FB/CB Corderrius Gilmore, sr.; 3 QB/DT Antonio Porter, fr.; 4 RB/S JaQuarious Ford, soph.; 5 FB/CB Erwin Jones, jr.; 6 SB/LB Danielshijon Hurst, sr.; 7 WR/DE Tavares Lyles, fr.; 8 QB/DT David Williams, soph.; 9 WR/DE Billy Thompson Jr., jr.; 10 QB/DT Kevin Wooten, sr.; 11 C/DT Raylin Demerit, sr.; 12 WR/DE Tre’Quinton Green, jr.; 13 WR/S Deonte Schells, jr.; 14 FB/CB Davien Flentroy, jr.; 17 RB/S Cohan Thompson, fr.; 23 C/ DT Da’Vion Allen, fr.; Coaches: head coach Ja’Marcus Ashley, Michael Thomas

“Discipline helps make us a better football team,” Green said.

Instilling discipline into the Trojans is second-year coach Ashley, a former Trojan standout who made Texas Football’s Texas 40 Under 40, which identified the best young football coaches in the Lone Star State under 40 years of age.

Ashley was humbled by the honor, but said its shows his players what can be accomplished if they put

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in the work.

• NOTES — Calvert freshmen Da’Vion Allen and Antonio Porter lend muscle to the team’s speed. “Da’Vion is 6-3, 300,” Green said. “Antonio, he’s not as big, but he’s big.” ... This UIL biennial realignment put Calvert in District 14 and Richland Springs in District 16,setting up a second-round collision course.

Their meeting last season was the 10th in postseason since 2002. Calvert, which starting playing 6-man football in 1998,

Date Opponent Time Aug. 31 St. Joseph* 6 p.m.

Last year: did not play Sept. 6 TBA Sept. 13 at Bastrop Tribe 7:30 p.m.

Last year: did not play Sept. 20 at San Marcos HCC 7:30 p.m.

Last year: did not play Sept. 27 Oakwood^ 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 46-35 Oct. 4 at Coolidge 7:30 p.m.

Last year: 28-19 Oct. 11 at Milford 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 54-28 District 14-A Division II Oct. 25 at Oglesby 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 53-8 Nov. 1 at Buckholts 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 45-0 Nov. 8 McDade 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 55-8 *at Allen Academy 6-Man Showcase ^Homecoming

has won three, including a 6057 victory in 2002 when the Trojans won a state championship.

Richland Springs has won eight state titles since 2005, tying with Katy, Southlake Carroll and Celina. ... Last year, Richland Springs lost to Oakwood in the regional final 66-56. ... Calvert’s schedule includes Milford, the top-ranked team in Division I, last year’s runner-up.

High School Football 2019

39

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Good luck on a winning season!

Thursday, August 29, 2019

DIME BOX LONGHORNS

New era beginning in Dime Box Community excited for Longhorns to blaze new trail as they kick off inaugural season of football

By JEFF PERKINS jeffrey.perkins@theeagle.com

It’s the time of year where small Texas towns are abuzz with anticipation of high school football season. In Dime Box, that buzz has reached a fever pitch for the first time.

The Longhorns will field a 6-man team in 2019, the first in school history, and the excitement surrounding the program is through the roof before its even played its first game.

Dime Box will play a halfseason outlaw schedule this season, with its first game set for 7 p.m. Friday at Bellville Faith Academy.

If there i s enough support for the program after its inaugural season, the Longhorns will enter UIL realignment in the spring and play in a new district beginning in 2020. So far, so good on that front.

The Longhorns have 17 players on their roster, exceptional turnout for a 6-man squad at a school with roughly 50 students, and the support extends beyond the team to faculty, administration and the community. A solid contingent of about 50 fans even made the trek to McDade for Dime Box’s first scrimmage.

“I’ve never been at a scrimmage where you actually had fans,” Dime Box head coach Rick Frey said. “The support from the school and community has been extremely positive.”

With so many kids never having played football before, Frey and his coaching staff started fall camp teaching fundamentals from how

FACTS Head coach — Rick Frey (6-5 overall; 0-0 at Dime Box) District — N/A (can join UIL in 2020) 2018 record — N/A (Dime Box is in its first season of football) 2018 playoffs — N/A Playoff appearances — N/A Returning lettermen — N/A Key players — QB Jer’Perion Gilbert, QB/WR Masyn Spacek, QB/WR Blake Scott, RB Ray Gilbert, RB/DL Dustin Frey, WR/CB Kerry Clemons, C Jesus Mata, DL Robby Supak All-time record — 0-0 Playoff record — 0-0

SCHEDULE Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 27 Oct. 5

Opponent Time at Bellville Faith Academy 7 p.m. at Round Rock Christian 7:30 p.m. at Houston Texas Christian 7 p.m. at San Antonio Atonement 7:30 p.m.

Houston Mount Carmel 2 p.m.

to carry a football to wrapping up on tackles. The Longhorns quickly picked up the basics and even surprised coaches with how well they’ve performed in the preseason. Dime Box outscored McDade, a likely future district opponent, in the live portion of the scrimmage with several players emerging as potential focal points this season.

Sophomore Michael Cox had an excellent showing on defense, including a pick-six to seal the Longhorns’ victory in the live portion, and also played well on offense, hauling in a 40-yard touchdown pass.

Frey said sophomore CJ Straughter was a “monster on defense,” regularly getting in the backfield and causing disruption in McDade’s offense.

Frey expects senior running back Ray Gilbert to have an excellent season, and Gilbert showed reason for the coach’s confidence with approximately 160

Thursday, August 29, 2019

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Eagle photo by Laura McKenzie Dime Box coach Rick Frey, center front, already has a group of players ready to lead the Longhorns in their first season of football, a core that includes Blake Scott, from left, Dustin Frey, Jer’Perion Gilbert, Masyn Spacek and Ray Gilbert. yards and four TDs in the scrimmage.

“Any of these guys can step up at any time, and that’s what makes us so dangerous,” Frey said.

Junior Jer’Perion Gilbert and sophomore Masyn Spacek are vying for playing time at quarterback.

Both are excellent runners, and Frey is pleased with how each is learning the position as well as the offense. With the Longhorns ineligible for the playoffs

A n d wh i l e w i n n i n g games, won’t translate to 1 QB Jer’Perion Gilbert, sr.; 2 WR/S Michael Cox, soph.; 3 WR/RB/S Nick Gilbert, jr.; the playoffs this year, Frey 4 QB/RB/DE Masyn Spacek, soph.; 5 RB/LB Ray Gilbert, sr.; 7 WR/S Kerry Clemons, is confident in the Longjr.; 11 WR/DE CJ Straughter, soph.; 13 WR/QB Blake Scott, soph.; 15 WR/LB Dilyn horns’ ability to compete Kieschnick, fr.; 17 WR/RB Brandon Scott, sr.; 44 FB/LB Kalep Toney, sr.; 51 OL/DL at a high level.

Joe Bradshaw, fr.; 52 OL/DL Dustin Frey, jr.; 54 OL/DL Jesus Mata, sr.; 55 OL/DL “I think all the teams that Bradley Lehmann, jr.; 60 OL/DL Robby Supak, sr.; 70 OL/DL Tyrese Patterson, jr. are on our schedule, we can Coaches: head coach Rick Frey, Nicholas West, Zach Zgabay match up with,” Frey said. this season, Frey anticiWith 17 players on his “I think they’re all winnapates both will receive sig- roster, Frey plans to use ble games. For us, it’s get nificant playing time, giv- that approach at most better every game. That’s ing each of them valuable positions, allowing every our goal ... to be prepared experience for next year, player to get much-needed for next year. But do I think when they likely will play experience before next sea- we can run the table? Yes, I do.” a UIL-sanctioned schedule. son.

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ROSTER

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High School Football 2019

41

BREMOND: Kasowski wants defense to show improvement Continued from 32

our three defensive linemen. That’s also three of his son to be even better this the five offensive linemen season. who are returning starters “Seth got a lot of experi- from last year. They’ve got ence last year at quarter- loads of experience, been in back, again, with Casey and the program, know how evJT out for most of the year,” erything goes. The key for Jeff Kasowski said. “We us is whether we can have were robbin’ from Peter to bumps and bruises and play pay Paul a lot. He grew and through them.” learned a lot. He makes a Seth Kasowski, who had lot of calls. Of course as a 70 tackles and four intercoach’s kid, there’s a lot of ceptions from his safety talk that goes on behind the spot in 2018, would like to scenes [between us] about see better play on that side this and that you just don’t of the ball after the Tigers get with other kids. So allowed 25 points or more in there’s a special bond there seven games last year. for me and him to be able to “Defense was a struggle go do that.” for us last year,” he said.

Seth Kasowski’s im- “We’d go score 34 and provement will be tied to somebody would score 40. how much better the offen- Our defense has really got sive line can play. to step up. That’s going to be “Again, it’s a depth fac- one of the big keys dependtor,” Coach Kasowski said. ing on how many games we “Riley Slafka and Garrett want to win.”

Bremond does return Mitchell are back. Nolan Hopcus is back. Those are its two leading tacklers in

Hunter Wilganowski (123) and Dalton Wilganowski (109). Dalton Wilganowski also led the team in receptions with 48 for 651 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for 238 yards on 46 carries with five more TDs. With losses to Granger and Iola, Bremond had to settle for third place in District 13-2A Division II, ending a string of five straight league championships. Texas Football picks the Tigers to win this year followed by Granger and Iola.

“We always have high expectations. You know in Bremond you always do,” Seth Kasowski said. “We always put that on ourselves and we pride ourselves on it, that we want to be the best we can be. We expect a district championship.

That’s what we want, to go as far in the playoffs as we can. That’s what everybody

ROSTER

SCHEDULE

FACTS

1 Hunter Wilganowski; 2 Seth Kasowski; 3 Dalton Wilganowski; 4 Chase Brewer; 7 Cade Haring; 8 Casey Garrett; 9 JT Anthony; 51 JD McNutt; 52 Cory Estrada; 53 Nolan Hopcus; 55 Miles Minor; 59 Garrett Mitchell; 63 Riley Slafka; 74 Tyran Scott; 75 Erik Rogers Coaches: head coach Jeff Kasowski, Chuck Caskey, Robbie Kasowski, Jordan Revill, Taylor Rowe, Donald Morgan

Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 at Normangee 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 64-23 Sept. 6 Thorndale 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 34-8 Sept. 13 at Milano 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 25-22 Sept. 20 at Waco Reicher 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 34-27 Sept. 27 Leon* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 42-14 Oct. 4 at Hamilton 7 p.m.

Last year: W 42-22 District 13-2A Division II Oct. 11 at Bartlett 7 p.m.

Last year: W 47-0 Oct. 18 Granger 7 p.m.

Last year: L 38-13 Oct. 25 at Chilton 7 p.m.

Last year: W 54-13 Nov. 1 Iola 7 p.m.

Last year: L 34-27 *Homecoming

Head coach — Jeff Kasowski (87-21 overall, 87-21 at Brenham) District — 13-2A Division II 2018 record — 5-6 (2-2 in 13-2A D2) 2018 playoffs — bi-district: lost to Snook 34-32 Playoff appearances (32) — 1951, 1955, 1957, 1962-63, 1981-83, 198688, 1990, 1993-96, 2000-02, 2005-08, 2010-18 Returning lettermen — 24 (9 offensive, 9 defensive starters) Key returners — WR/LB Dalton Wilganowski (13-2A D2 A-D), QB/S Seth Kasowski (2nd A-D), OL/DL Nolan Hopcus (2nd A-D), WR/S/P JT Anthony (2nd A-D), OL/DL Riley Slafka (2nd A-D), LB/WR Hunter Wilganowski (2nd A-D), OL/DL Garrett Mitchell (2nd A-D), WR/CB/K Casey Garrett Key newcomers — TE/DE Miles Minor Key losses — WR Rykenderia Paul (A-D), DL Trent Biggerstaff (A-D), OL Ancel Smith (HM A-D) All-time record — 539-369-26 Playoff record — 72-26-2

in the town of Bremond wants, and we want to give it to them.”

• NOTES — Texas Football ranks Bremond 14th in 2A Division II. ... Bremond went into its final scrimmage against Crawford with 29 players. The plan is to have 11 or 12 of them play JV games. ... Jeff Kasowski said the players who suffered season-ending injuries last year had a good scrimmage against Moody.

Anthony said it felt good to be back on the field. “It was hard watching them play without me [last year], because I really wanted to be out there,”

Anthony said. “But they did a good job, and I was happy to come back.” ... There’s basically one subject spoken between the Kasowskis. “We talk [football] at the house all the time, about what we can do, certain people, where we’re going to put people,” Seth Kasowski said. “It’s awesome. It’s always football

most of the time. You get to see how everything works, then you get to [be on the varsity] and your dad gets to coach you. I think that’s pretty awesome.”

SNOOK: Young returns at tackle, James at guard to lead offensive line Continued from 36 of Snook. So we had some younger kids who had game experience playing a JV schedule last year, so that’s really helped us out.”

Snook’s experienced players include seniors James Young III, David James and Adrian BARKER Perez, along with juniors Darrell Moore and Jason Barker, who form an offensive line that averages more than 300 pounds.

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“When your big guys are good and experienced, it tends to make everything a lot easier,” Patterson said.

The 400-pound Young and 260-pound James were first-team, all-district picks a year ago. Young is a tackle, while James, dubbed the best overall lineman by Patterson, will play guard.

“Young also plays basketball,” Patterson said.

“So for a 400-pounder he can move.”

Running behind them will be Qwan Young and Matt Jordan, who are both 5-foot-11, 205 pounds and run the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds.

“They’re going to be good behind that big ol’

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line,” Patterson said.

Young has a little more finesse to his game, though he’ll run people over, Patterson said, and “Matt is more of a defensive-minded kid, he wants to be physical and tackle, a real aggressive type kid.”

Snook will run a two-back spread set without a tight end.

“We’ve got a JORDAN plethora of skilled guys,” Patterson said.

“Our philosophy is to go fast and take advantage of our speed and kind of

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spread the love on offense and keep everybody involved.”

Snook’s offensive coordinator is Jacob Powell, who as La Porte’s quarterback coach worked with Patterson. Powell had stops at Coldspring and Diboll, which prepared him to call plays at Snook, Patterson said.

Snook’s experienced linemen and running backs will be working with sophomore quarterback Garrett Lero, a JV running back last year who won the job in the offseason and was Snook’s 7-on-7 quarterback in the summer.

“We’ll run our quarterback quite a bit, so that kind of fits that,” Patter-

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son said.

Junior Justin Supak, who will be the starting free safety, is the backup quarterback.

Supak is one of five defensive starters returning.

“What we need SUPAK is our younger skilled guys to kind of grow quickly and learn the offense and learn the defensive coverage schemes,” Patterson said.

“And once they do that, I think that’ll take us over the top.”

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NOTES — Texas Football ranked Snook 23rd in 2A Division II. Burton, which was the only 14-2A Division II team to beat Snook a year ago, is Texas Football’s pick to win district with the Bluejays runners-up. ... Snook had planned to move into its own stadium this season, but it won’t be complete until January. The Bluejays will play their home games at Allen Academy’s Baker Field.

Snook, though, was able to move into its new state-of-the art weight room. ... Patterson and Lechler were assistants at Hempstead in 2011 when the Bobcats were 14-1, losing in the Class 2A Division I state title game to Melissa.

The head coach was Ricky Sargent, current Hearne head coach. ... Patterson’s wife, Ashley, is from Caldwell.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

BRAZOS CHRISTIAN EAGLES

Fitting into the flock

Hancock brothers enjoying roles with veteran Brazos Christian squad

By MARIA MCILWAIN maria.mcilwain@theeagle.com

Grant Hancock doesn’t have as much room to run anymore.

Hancock, a former standout with BVCHEA, transferred to Brazos Christian over the summer, and the change in schools also meant a switch from 6-man to 11-man football.

He hasn’t missed a beat, though, and he and his brother, sophomore quarterback/defensive lineman Levi Hancock, look to make a difference this season for the Eagles.

“I’m excited to be at a new school for my senior year,” said Hancock, who last year was a second-team all-state running back in TAIAO. “I’m going to miss my old team, but I’m excited for the new year.”

Levi Hancock is one of several sophomores who could play key roles for the Eagles this season. Brazos Christian head coach Ben Hoffmeier said defensive backs Harris Powers and Sam Kinnard and line-

backers Stryker Gay and Davis Carroll earned valuable experience last season as freshman on a 3-6 team that reached the first round of the TAPPS Division IV playoffs. Junior Blake Burtin also played a significant amount last season and returns.

Brazos Christian will open the 2019 season at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Brentwood Christian in Austin.

Grant and Levi Hancock both were elected to the team’s leadership council by their peers after just a couple months with the team, Hoffmeier said. Grant Hancock said he was able to adjust so quickly because of the veterans around him. Brazos Christian returns a TAPPS Division IV all-state wide receiver in senior Jacob Smith along with senior wide receiver Trevor Collins and senior quarterback Bryce Steel, a three-year starter. Powers, Kinnard, Burtin, Gay and Carroll also are listed as wide receivers, potentially adding to Steel’s options in the passing game.

“[Steel] gives them so much conf idence, and we’ve put a lot on his plate,” Hoffmeier said. “In the 7-on-7 tournament when we finished in the highest bracket for TAPPS, fourth overall, he was calling all the plays on that tournament day, and we didn’t miss a beat.”

Steel said he enjoyed the experience of calling his own plays and has taken his increased leadership role seriously. Collins likened catching Steel’s passes to “picking up candy” — if he or his fellow receivers are ready, the ball will be in their hands.

“It was a whole lot of fun for me just being able to call the plays,” Steel said.

“It honestly helped me calm down knowing what’s called and just seeing it in my mind.”

Hoffmeier wants to see a quicker pace in his second year at Brazos Christian, and he likes what he’s seen so far. He also said he likes the team chemistry and how the squad has responded to the schemes on both

ROSTER 1 DB/WR Harris Powers, 5-11, 175, soph.; 2 DB/WR Jacob Smith, 5-10, 155, sr.; 3 DB/WR Blake Burtin, 5-10, 160, soph.; 4 DB/WR Ryan Burtin, 5-6, 135, fr.; 5/50 QB/DL Levi Hancock, 6-2, 210, soph.; 7 DB/WR Sam Kinnard, 5-10, 160, soph.; 8 DB/WR Hayden Tillery, 6-0, 165, soph.; 11 LB/WR Stryker Gay, 5-9, 160, soph.; 12 QB Bryce Steel, 6-0, 200, sr.; 13 LB/WR Davis Carroll, 6-0, 170, soph.; 17 DB/WR Luke Oelze, 5-4, 115, fr.; 20 LB/RB Clayton Jackson, 5-5, 135, jr.; 21 LB/RB John Mark Gallagher, 5-8, 150, fr.; 22 DB/WR Coby Clark, 5-11, 155, sr.; 23 DB/WR Trevor Collins, 5-11, 175, sr.; 25 LB/RB Grant Hancock, 6-0, 200, sr.; 28 DB/WR Luke Braswell, 5-6, 135, fr.; 30 DB/WR Aspen Aguilar, 5-7, 135, fr.; 32 DB/WR Collin Thornton, 5-8, 140, fr.; 33 LB/WR Tyler Prince, 5-8, 140, fr.; 51 OL/DL Andrew Saenz, 5-10, 185, jr.; 52 LB/OL Greg Young, 5-10, 195, fr.; 53 OL/DL Christian Funderburk, 5-7, 150, soph.; 55 LB/OL Will Sharpe, 5-7, 170, soph.; 62 OL/DL Weston Fowler, 5-9, 185, soph.; 63 OL/DL Preston Conley, 5-7, 170, soph.; 64 OL/DL Mason Clark, 6-0, 185, jr.; 65 OL/DL Jax Bacak, 6-0, 225, sr.; 68 OL/DL Camp Wright, 5-9, 170, soph.; 71 OL/DL Ethan Reeves, 6-0, 235, jr.; 72 OL/DL Preston Vaughn, 6-3, 235, fr.; 75 OL/DL Cam Rugh, 5-8, 170, jr.

Coaches: head coach Ben Hoffmeier, Andrew Santillian, Ryne Lamb, Eric Alvarez, Matt Alvarado

sides of the ball.

“Last year we had a tight end and a fullback that we liked, so that led us into some pro sets,” Hoffmeier said. “This year, those kids have g raduated, and so we’ve gone completely to more of a spread air-raid look on offense and that helped tailor to the fact that we had a lot of young kids playing receiver last year who matured and are playing really well in those positions.”

Collins says practices are more efficient, which will make the team better.

Having veterans at skill positions adds an element of confidence, too.

And he appreciates the changes Hoffmeier has made to the offense.

SCHEDULE

FACTS

Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 at Brentwood Christian 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 21-0 Sept. 6 Snook 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 44-8 Sept 13 at KIPP Houston 7 p.m.

Last year: did not play Sept. 20 at Anderson-Shiro 7 p.m.

Last year: did not play Sept. 27 Legacy School Sport Sciences* 7 p.m.

Last year: did not play Oct. 4 Somerville 7 p.m.

Last year: W 27-6 TAPPS Division IV District 4 Oct. 19 at Galveston O’Connell 7 p.m.

Last year: W 48-6 Oct. 25 Beaumont Legacy Christian 7 p.m.

Last year: L 34-20 Nov. 1 at Tomball Rosehill 7 p.m.

Last year: L 41-0 Nov. 8 The Woodlands Legacy 7 p.m.

Last year: L 28-6 *Homecoming

Head coach — Ben Hoffmeier (3-6 overall; 3-6 at Brazos Christian) District — TAPPS Division IV District 4 2018 record — 3-6 (1-3 in TAPPS Division IV District 4) 2018 playoffs — TAPPS Division IV bi-district: lost to Muenster Sacred Heart 32-29 Playoff appearances (17) — 6-man (2): 2000-01; 11-man (14): 2002-03, 2005-06, 2008-18 Returning lettermen — 22 (5 offensive, 6 defensive starters) Key returners — WR/DB Trevor Collins (TAPPS 11-Man Division IV District 4 A-D), WR Jacob Smith (A-D), QB/P Bryce Steel, DL Jax Bacak (HM A-D), LB Stryker Gay (HM A-D) Key newcomers — RB Grant Hancock, QB Levi Hancock Key losses — OL/DL Mason Hitt (A-D), LB Garrett Fowler (A-D), DL Micah Coleman (2nd A-D), LB/RB Gib Tucker (2nd A-D), Jeb Miller (2nd A-D), OL/DL Peter Fisher (HM A-D), OL Logan Waggoner (HM A-D) All-time record — 146-84 Playoff record — 14-16 (11-man 13-14; 6-man 1-2)

“We’re growing as a team through him as our head coach,” Collins said. “We’re just puzzle pieces all fitting in together.”

PRESEASON ALL-BRAZOS VALLEY FOOTBALL TEAM Here is the 2019 preseason All-Brazos Valley Football Team OL — Justin Camper, Hearne; Trey Zimmerman, Consol; Barrington, St. Joseph; Traevon Thompson, College Station as voted on by The Eagle sports staff: DB — Nate Floyd, Consol; Christian Richardson, Bryan; Cody Duewall, Franklin; Jordan Jefferson, Navasota Bryce Linder, Consol; Brent Tucker, Allen Academy C — Hayden Goodlett, College Station UTILITY — Zacarrius Haynes, Anderson-Shiro ALL-PURPOSE — Brian Darby, Consol QB — Braden Brashear, Cameron RB — Nico Vargas, Cameron; Cam’ron Valdez, Rockdale DL — Vince Sheffield, Consol; Chad Roebuck, AndersonK — Jack Erdner, BVCHEA WR — Devin Price, A&M Consolidated; Damion Dunn, Shiro; Dillon Carroll, Bryan; Wade Tittle, Caldwell P — Chalon Pratt, Anderson-Shiro Hearne; Jacob Smith, Brazos Christian LB — Aaron Allert, Lexington; Curtis Stanford, Leon; Twister RS — Keithron Lee, Rudder TE — Peyton Rusk, College Station

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Thursday, August 29, 2019

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TheEagle.com

SPECIAL TEAMS

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ALLEN ACADEMY RAMS

Rams ‘set tone’ for more this year Boyd, Tucker, Boegner back to help lead offense, while Chapa, Marshall joining from other sports

By JEFF PERKINS jeffrey.perkins@theeagle.com

T he Allen Academy Rams are ready for more in 2019.

Under first-year head coach Adrian Adams, the Rams had a surprising 7-4 season in 2018, making the playoffs and coming within a win of a district title.

Allen Academy reached those heights despite fielding just nine players, a small team even for 6-man football, and coming off a 2017 season in which it forfeited its last few games because of a lack of players.

Those problems are in the rearview mirror as Allen Academy has 16 players on its roster, including eight returners from last year’s squad.

“Last year set the tone with the group that we had of what we want to accomplish,” Adams said, “and the guys coming in are already jumping on board. We’re seeing results of them believing in the program, believing in the system.”

The Rams featured several offensive playmakers last season, led by quarterback Brandon Boyd, running back Brent Tucker and wide receiver Aaron Boegner. The trio led a fastpaced attack that found a healthy balance between the run and the pass. The dualthreat Boyd put pressure on opposing defenses to defend the entire field, throwing for 2,108 yards and rushing for 416 yards with 46 total touchdowns and just eight interceptions. Tucker rushed for 980 yards and added 721 receiving yardsoutof thebackfield, and Boegner emerged

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FACTS Head coach — Adrian Adams (76-38 overall; 7-4 at Allen Academy) District — TAPPS 6-man Division II District 3 2018 record — 7-4 (4-1 in TAPPS 6-man Division II District 3) 2018 playoffs — TAPPS Division II first round: lost to Live Oak Classical 62-36 Playoff appearances 22 — 11-man (6): 1974-75, 1979-80, 1998, 2004; 6-man (15): 1990-91, 1993-97, 200815, 2018 Returning lettermen — 8 (5 offensive, 5 defensive starters) Key returners — QB/FS Brandon Boyd (TAPPS 6-Man Division II District 3 A-D), RB/DB Brent Tucker (A-D), WR Aaron Boegner (A-D), RB/LB Ryan Hassell (2nd A-D), C/DL Luke Meadows (2nd A-D), K Cuatro Hanover (2nd A-D), WR/DB Sam Deupree (HM A-D), WR Jihu Lee Key newcomers — DB/RB Elias Chapa, DB/WR Quinton Marshall, RB/ MLB Aidan Field, DB/WR Kyle Dupont, TE/DL Ryan Lasell, C/DL Jackson Petty, DL/TE Luke Miller, Jonathan Nguyen Key losses — DL/C Sam Dawson (A-D)

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 29 Sugar Land Logos Prep 6 p.m.

Last year: did not play Sept. 6 McDade 7 p.m.

Last year: did not play Sept. 13 at Tyler East Texas Christian 4:30 p.m.

Last year: W 64-18 Sept. 20 Temple Holy Trinity 7 p.m.

Last year: W 55-25 Sept. 27 at BVCHEA 7 p.m.

Last year: L 67-22 TAPPS 6-MAN DIVISION II DISTRICT 3 Oct. 4 Brazosport Christian 7 p.m.

Last year: W 30-16 Oct. 11 at St. Joseph 7 p.m.

Last year: W 72-37 Oct. 25 at Conroe Covenant 7 p.m.

Last year: W 56-47 Nov. 1 Houston Grace Christian 7 p.m.

Last year: W 26-6 Nov. 8 Huntsville Alpha Omega 7 p.m.

Last year: L 42-13

Eagle photo by Laura McKenzie Allen Academy’s Ryan Hassell, from left, Brent Tucker and Brandon Boyd led the Rams to a 7-4 record last year, including 4-1 in district.

The Rams added a pair of players from other sports in junior Elias Chapa, who helped Allen Academy to the TAPPS 2A state basketball title in March, and junior Quentin Marshall, who plays soccer. Adams praised both their athleticism and maturity, and both will play defense, helping to as the Rams’ most effective spell Boyd. But the rest isn’t weapon on the outside. the only benefit for Boyd.

But after dropping its fi“We didn’t get the ability nal two games last season, last year to talk about inAllen Academy is hoping game adjustments because its increased depth will al- [Boyd] had to be on the field low the starters to get rest all the time,” Adams said. when they need it, especial- “That’s where the subbing ly Boyd, who played nearly comes in as well. We can every snap at quarterback sub a guy in for a play or two and free safety last year. and talk to the other guy and

High School Football 2019

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make a correction instead of going on the fly and figure it out for themselves.”

With Chapa playing in the secondary, Tucker moved from defensive back to linebacker, and Hassell shifted from linebacker to defensive lineman, putting those players in their more natural positions.

The addition of Chapa, who will playing running back, also allows the Rams the benefit of a new wrinkle on offense. Power back Ryan Hassell is shifting to center after all-state center Sam Dawson graduated. Hassell is much smaller than Dawson and not a prototypical center, but the center is an

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eligible receiver in 6-man football, allowing Hassell to make an impact blocking and receiving out of the backfield. The added threat also opens the field for tight end Luke Meadows.

“I feel like as a past running back, it’s really helpful to have that speed, and allows me to beat the defense in almost every way,” Hassell said. “I can block, and I can go out on routes. I’m just a versatile threat to the defense.”

For all of the on-field benefits of the Rams’ added depth, perhaps where it will help most is in the general excitement surrounding the program.

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ROSTER 2 QB/FS/DB Brandon Boyd, 5-9, 152, sr.; 3 HB/DL Ryan Lasell, 5-9, fr.; 4 K Cuatro Hanover, 5-8, 150, jr.; 5 TE/DL Cam Phillips, 5-10, 165, fr.; 6 WR/DB Kyle Dupont, 5-5, 135, fr.; 7 WR/FS Aaron Boegner, 5-9, 137, jr.; 8 WR/ DB Sam Deupree, 5-10, 138, jr.; 9 C/DE Ryan Hassell, 5-8, 153, jr.; 10 WR/DB Jihu Lee, 6-1, 168, soph.; 11 RB/DB Elias Chapa, 5-9, jr.; 12 C/DT Luke Meadows, 5-10, 205, soph.; 13 C/ TE/DL Jackson Petty, 5-8, 187, fr.; 14 RB/MLB Aidan Field, 5-11, 143, fr.; 15 DB/WR Quinton Marshall, 5-9, jr.; 22 RB/MLB Brent Tucker, 5-11, 165, jr.; 25 DL/TE Luke Miller, 6-1, 170, fr.; 32 NG/TE Jonathan Nguyen, 6-0, 225, fr.

Coaches: head coach Adrian Adams, defensive coordinator Jason Jolly, special teams coordinator Trae Powell, Nick Stromeyer, Ross O’Hanlon, Seth Thomas

“This year’s team is super motivated,” Boyd said.

“I’ve never really seen an atmosphere like we have this year. It’s pretty scary honestly, and this year we hope to shoot big.”

Thursday, August 29, 2019

ST. JOSEPH EAGLES

Versatile veterans ready for grueling district

After switching to 6-man last season, Eagles feel better prepared to chase more success in 2019 ROSTER

By MARIA MCILWAIN maria.mcilwain@theeagle.com

St. Joseph went through plenty of changes when it switched to 6-man football last season, and senior center Adam Labowitz may have enjoyed the biggest novelty of the transition.

Linemen are eligible to catch passes in 6-man, and Labowitz had two receptions for 20 yards last season and enjoyed the fame the format brings to his position. He isn’t alone — the Eagles have four centers who can make catches.

FACTS

6 Matthew Nelson, 20 Roland George, 22 James Najvar, 80 Adam Labowitz, 2 Trace Brightwell, 8 Jake Drabek, 11 Rylee Hutka, 35 Twister Barrington, 12 Joe Tyler Saladiner, 15 Justin Kristynik, 34 Jack Grunkemeyer, 25 Grayson Glass, 10 Reid Millhollon, 24 Gabe Stratta Coaches: head coach Alec Castilleja, Kyle Castilleja, Marcjavion McGrew, Jackson Pierce, Robert Mandujano, Nathan Jones, Dylan Woods, Stefon McCray

That’s just an example of how versatile the Eagles will be, something Labowitz, junior quarterback Trace Brightwell and head coach Alec Castilleja agree is a defining trait of this year’s St. Joseph squad.

The Eagles will open the season against Calvert, which was ranked seventh

Head coach — Alec Castilleja (8-14 overall; 8-14 at St. Joseph) District — TAPPS 6-man Division II District 3 2018 record — 7-5 (2-3 in TAPPS 6-man Division II District 3) 2018 playoffs — TAPPS Division II first round: def. Granbury North Central Texas Academy 72-38; quarterfinals: lost to Huntsville Alpha Omega 64-22 Playoff appearances (11) — 6-man (3): 1999-2001; 11-man (8): 2006-11, 2013-14 Returning lettermen — 15 (6 offensive, 4 defensive starters) Key returners — QB/K Trace Brightwell (TAPPS 6-Man Division II District 3 2nd A-D), RB/LB Twister Barrington (A-D), WR/DB James Najvar (A-D), TE/DL Matthew Nelson (A-D), DB Justin Krystinik (2nd A-D) Key losses — WR/DL Noah McClure (2nd A-D), DB/RB Cole Gibson (HM A-D) All-time record — 106-121 Playoff record — 4-12 (11-man: 2-8; 6-man: 2-4)

in Texas Football’s Class A Division II top 10, at 6 p.m.

Saturday at Allen Academy’s Baker Field.

“You never know when crisis is going to strike, so we’re expected to know every position, every play,” Labowitz said. “The other day at practice I was playing wide receiver, which was totally different. Just than having to block and being on the line and know- then be ready to expect the ing I could have the ball ball.”

That deeper understandcoming to me was different

ing is reassuring for Brightwell, who is entering his second season as the starting quarterback. It helps that St. Joseph, which went 7-5 in its return to 6-man, features a large chunk of its core from 2018, including a trio of all-staters in seniors James Najvar and Matthew Nelson, who will line up at wide receiver and tight end, respectively, and junior Twister Barrington at running back.

“I feel like last year not everybody really knew fully what we were doing, and I didn’t know fully what I was doing, because we were

See ST. JOSEPH, Page 47

Eagle photo by Laura McKenzie St. Joseph’s James Najvar, from left, Twister Barrington and Matthew Nelson helped lead the Eagles to the TAPPS playoffs in their return to 6-man football last season.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

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45

BRAZOS VALLEY CHRISTIAN HOME EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION MUSTANGS

New coach in place at BVCHEA Mustangs lost Hancocks but Ray says squad handled transition well during offseason

By RICHARD CROOME richard.croome@theeagle.com

When Gerald Hancock stepped down as the head football coach of the Brazos Valley Christian Educators Association Mustangs this spring, it had a domino effect. With him went two players, his sons Grant and Levi, who were a big part of a 6-man football team that like any other program in the smallest division of Texas football can use everybody available.

“The Hancocks were a major part of the team, both because he was the head coach and Grant and Levi were such great players,” senior Ben Brandon said. “They went over to [Brazos Christian], and I really hope they do well over there. They are lucky to have them over there.”

Hancock had coached the Mustangs two years, extending the team’s playoff run to nine straight seasons. The job of extending that streak is now in the hands of Joshua Ray, who coached the junior high team the past two years and was set to join Hancock at the varsity level before getting asked to be the head coach of the program that participates in the TAIAO. “Yeah, it did hurt, and they are talented, and I coached Levi when he was in junior high,” Ray said. “I never got a chance to coach Grant, but obviously he was a significant factor as well.

We’ve had a couple of boys step up and take their place, and it’s like every other school, kids get older and they grow into their bodies, so we have some talent

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Eagle photo by Laura McKenzie Seniors Ben Brandon, left, and Cody Davis return to help lead the BVCHEA Mustangs under new head coach Joshua Ray. Brandon plays quarterback and linebacker, while Davis lines up at wide receiver and linebacker. to replace them.”

As a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Ray also has a bit of a different approach, one the players have taken to with enthusiasm in the short time Ray has been running the show.

“Initially, I was kind of sad because I love Coach Hancock. He is an awesome guy and a great coach,” said Brandon, who will take most of the snaps this season. “Coach Ray came in for spring training, and it was a lot of fun. He pushed us more than we had been pushed and brought a whole new aspect to the table with his background in the Marines and as a Texas Rang-

High School Football 2019

ROSTER 1 QB/DB Owen Davis, 5-6, 130, soph.; 5 MLB/RB/AB Cody Davis, 6-0, 165, sr.; 9 QB/RB/LB Ben Brandon, 6-3, 195, sr.; 10 RB/DL Dominic LeJune, 6-0, 195, sr.; 11 K Jack Erdner, 5-10, 150, jr.; 17 WR/CB Ethan LaStrapes, 6-0, 140, soph.; 35 DE/RB Benjamin Freund, 5-11, 140, soph.; 51 DL/ WR PJ Dooley, 5-9, 155, soph.; 52 CB/DL Joseph Kitts, 5-7, 130, soph.; 59 C/DL Josh Tipton, 5-11, 200, sr.; 99 OL/DL Connor Hamilton, 5-11, 240, sr.; DB/WR Caleb Kocmoud, 5-6, 110, fr.; DB/WR Colton Henderson, 5-8, 135, fr.; LD/RB/WR Ethan Ray, 6-0, 160, fr.; DB/DL/RB Jered Lavender, 5-8, 155, fr.; DB/WR Joseph Grief, 5-8, 130, fr.; OL/DL Raymond “Bubba” Stokely, 5-8, 200, soph.

Coaches: head coach Joshua Ray, Howard Tipton, Tim Brandon

er. He had brought another whole plate to the table, a little more discipline, and he definitely keeps us shipshape. I’m really excited for this year.”

Despite the Mustangs’ playoff run, of late they have not fared as well once there. And although it’s a long way down the road, it is something Ray hopes he can change.

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“I told coaches [before practices began], average and mediocre is not good enough, and I’m not saying making the playoffs is average, I’m not, but I always say shoot for the highest goal and if we fail to get to that goal then there is something to be learned from failure,” Ray said.

“Some of the best learning moments I’ve had in my

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life were when I haven’t accomplished my objectives, but I always shoot for the top. I want to build on what Gerald has done, and we consistently get into the playoffs but we usually don’t advance, so I’d like to advance. Of course getting to the playoffs is important and you want to win each game, but I definitely set my sights pretty high.”

Ray has worked with the defense in his two previous seasons and so the few changes on the field for the varsity will come on that side of the ball. One thing that won’t change is who will lead that defense. Cody Davis will be back at linebacker, where he has led the team in tackles the past two seasons.

“Cody Davis is our defensive threat,” said Brandon, who will play defensive end. “He will play mike linebacker and he will be a force. That will be one of our strongest positions.”

S e n i o r Jo s h T i p t o n at center and Dominic LeJeune at tailback will play a major role, especially in getting the tough yards in a game that is usually wide open. LeJeune or Brandon will do the kicking for the Mustangs.

“Dominic, he adds another whole component with strength as well as speed,” Brandon said. “He’s more of a head-on runner. We have a couple guys super quick and he’s more run you over. He will be good for short yardage or surprise plays.”

The Mustangs will be counting on a couple of sophomores in the defensive backfield with Owen

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FACTS Head coach — Joshua Ray (0-0 overall, 0-0 at BVCHEA) District — TAIAO Division I 2018 record — 5-5 2018 playoffs — first round: lost to Fort Worth THESA 52-46 Playoff appearances (9) — 2010-18 Returning lettermen — 10 Key returners — QB/LB Ben Brandon, WR/LB Cody Davis, RB/DL Dominic LeJune, K Jack Erdner Key newcomers — QB/DB Owen Davis, QB/RB/LB Ethan Ray, DE/DB Joseph Kitts.

Key losses — C Sean Cox, QB Adam LaStrapes, RB Grant Hancock, QB Levi Hancock

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 30 Tyler East Texas Christian* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: did not play Sept. 6 Victoria Homeschool^ 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 46-0 Sept. 13 Huntsville Alpha Omega+ 7:30 p.m.

Last year: did not play Sept. 20 at St. Joseph 7:30 p.m.

Last year: did not play Sept. 27 Allen Academy# 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 67-22 Oct. 4 Fort Bend Chargers@ 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 40-16 Oct. 11 Bastrop Tribe 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 52-6 Oct. 18 TBD Oct. 25 Austin Royals 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 43-34 Nov. 1 Wilco Falcons$ 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 28-24 NOTE — Home games at Bryan Regional Athletic Complex *at Allen Academy 6-Man Showcase ^ in Brenham + location TBD # Homecoming @ in Katy $ in Georgetown

Davis and Ethan LaStrapes.

“For 6-man football we don’t have to have 10 studs to play, and so I think I have a good core to build around, and in addition to that, we’ve got some freshmen and sophomores coming up,” Ray said. “Ethan is going to be one of our upand-comers as will Owen Davis, who will also play quarterback. I think we have a pretty good shot of doing some good things this year.”

Thursday, August 29, 2019

ST. JOSEPH: Eagles’ district fully loaded Continued from 45

still learning,” Brightwell said. “But this year, I’ve definitely noticed running plays outside that everybody knows what they’re doing. It’s a huge difference from last year. It’s going a lot more smooth.”

Barrington also anchors the defense at linebacker alongside Nelson, while Najvar and Brightwell line up in the secondary at cornerback and safety.

Castilleja, who is in his third year at St. Joseph, adjusted the weightlifting program for a q u i c ke r game plan and said BRIGHTWELL this year’s squad is leaner and more explosive. He said he adapted schemes from his 11-man days and experimented until he found a simple strategy that plays to his team’s strengths. This year, the idea is to lean on the Eagles’ speed, something they worked to improve even more during offseason conditioning. Labowitz and Brightwell said they learned how not to appear tired — no hands on waist or knees after sprints, for example. Brightwell estimates that 90% of the team showed up to almost all of the summer workouts, which he says is evidence of the culture change around St. Joseph football.

“At a certain point we were tired of being mediocre,” Brightwell said. “Our ultimate goal this year is a district title, but it won’t be easy because Allen Academy and [Huntsville] Alpha

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 31 Calvert* 6 p.m.

Last year: did not play Sept. 6 Temple Holy Trinity 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 44-14 Sept. 13 Victoria Faith 7:30 p.m.

Last year: did not play Sept. 20 BVCHEA 7:30 p.m.

Last year: did not play TAPPS 6-man Division II District 3 Sept. 27 at Houston Grace 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 51-0 Oct. 4 at Conroe Covenant 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 36-32 Oct. 11 Allen Academy 7 p.m.

Last year: L 72-37 Oct. 19 at Trinidad^ 6:30 p.m.

Last year: did not play Oct. 25 at Huntsville Alpha Omega 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 21-8 Nov. 1 Brazosport Christian 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 61-34 *at Allen Academy 6-Man Showcase ^nondistrict game

Omega, they’re really wellcoached teams and they have great athletes.”

The hope is that if the Eagles don’t appear tired over the course of the game, they will intimidate their opponents. That will be a tall task this year as St. Joseph faces arguably one of the toughest districts in TAPPS 6-man Division II with Allen Academy and state runner-up Alpha Omega along with Conroe Covenant. While the rivalry with the Rams always will be exciting, St. Joseph has its matchup with Alpha Omega circled, too.

After losing the regularseason matchup 21-8, the Eagles lost the rematch in the playoffs 64-22 on Nov. 23, 2018. That game was St. Joseph’s first taste of the playoffs in five years, and Castilleja is confident he’s built a program that’s ready for more.

“That schedule on paper is like, ‘Wow! That’s pretty grueling,’” Castilleja said.

“But we’re very excited for it, because I think that’s going to build us to become a better team later on in the season.”

Thursday, August 29, 2019

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MEDIA DAY QUESTION Which film would you pick to pump Rocky IV 3 up your team before playing in a state Friday 3 championship game?

Coach Carter 3 Rocky 2 RESULTS A Star is Born 2 Remember the Titans 34 The Hangover Trilogy 2 Friday Night Lights 27 Creed 2 2 When the Game Stands Tall 23 The Lion King 2 Waterboy 13 Creed 2 The Longest Yard 9 Avengers: Endgame 2 Carter High 7 15 others: 1 Facing the Giants 5 Gridiron Gang 5 It’s movie night in the Brazos Valley, The Blind Side 4 and Disney’s 2000 hit Remember the TiMy All-American 3 tans is the top pick among local football

players for a team movie before playing in a state championship game. Many players cited its inspirational message and themes of coming together and overcoming adversity as the reasons for picking the film, which chronicles an Alexandria, Virginia, football team’s season as it breaks the color barrier in 1971.

Remember the Titans wasn’t the only inspirational football movie chosen by Brazos Valley athletes. Friday Night Lights had the second-most votes with 27, while When the Game Stands Tall garnered 23.

— Staff report

CALDWELL: Carroll, Knesek return at running back Continued from 15 expect him within the next few weeks to become more and more comfortable and it all to slow down for him.”

The running backs will be Kris Carroll and Logan Knesek. Carroll had 34 carries for 134 yards in his sophomore season last year, and Knesek was an alldistrict wide receiver with 36 receptions for 416 yards and four touchdowns.

“We have two backs that we feel do a good job, but within the same personnel we have the ability to split out into quite a bit of one back and show a little bit of empty [backfield] as well,” Langley said.

The lead receiver is junior Larry Davis, who had nine catches for 189 yards and two touchdowns in limited action last year.

“He can run a little bit and is pretty smooth getting releases off of coverage and adjusts to the ball well in the air,” Langley said.

Caldwell’s most experience is on defense with five starters returning. Senior linebacker Wade Tittle, junior cornerback Kyle Jennings and senior safety Knesek were all first-team all-district selections.

SCHEDULE

FACTS

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

Last year: L 42-21 Sept. 6 at Rockdale 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 35-17 Sept. 13 at Madisonville 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 49-7 Sept. 20 Columbus* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 40-27 Sept. 27 at Lexington 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 42-27 District 12-4A Division II Oct. 11 at Giddings 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 22-6 Oct. 18 at La Grange 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 14-6 Oct. 25 Bellville 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 33-25 Nov. 1 at Brookshire Royal 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 43-0 Nov. 8 Smithville 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 30-20 *Homecoming

Head coach — Matt Langley (6-6 overall; 0-0 at Caldwell) District — 12-4A Division II 2018 record — 3-7 (2-3 in 12-4A Division II) 2018 playoffs — did not qualify Playoff appearances (22) — 1924, 1926, 1928, 1930-32, 1935, 1939, 1971, 1980, 1984, 1994, 1999, 2003-04, 2007-09, 2014-17 Returning lettermen — 14 (2 offensive, 5 defensive starters) Key returners — RB/S Logan Knesek (12-4A D2 A-D), QB/WR/S Kyle Cunningham (A-D), TE/DE Wade Tittle (A-D), DL Charles Sleeth (2nd A-D), LB/DL Collin Gammage (2nd A-D), DE Brandon Williams, RB Kris Carroll Key newcomers — CB Dontae Johnson, OL Ryan Broaddus Key losses — QB Trent Stefka (Off. MVP), WR/DE Ty Jungman (A-D), OL Luke Skrabanek (2nd A-D), OL Cody Perry (2nd A-D), DE Tyrese Day (2nd A-D), CB Omar Menchaca (2nd A-D), K Omar Calderon (2nd A-D) All-time record — 464-467-32 Playoff record — 14-19-1

“We feel like we’ve got a strong defense that can help us stay in ballgames,” Langley said. “We’re definitely an aggressive defense. We’re not a blitz-oriented defense, but we’re definitely a penetrating, aggressive defense up front. We have pretty simple keys defensively that should allow our kids to play pretty fast, hopefully for them to line up and go attack the football and get as many hats as possible [on the ball carrier].”

Langley expects the pressure to start up front in the 4-2-5 alignment with tackle Charles Sleeth and ends Brandon Williams and Carson Gammage.

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“We expect those guys to do a really good job and command double teams and penetrate gaps and to keep people off our linebackers,” Langley said.

• NOTES — Caldwell would have made the playoffs for the fifth straight time last year had it defeated Smithville but lost 30-20 as the teams tied for fourth with Smithville getting the district’s last playoff spot. ... Texas Football picks the Hornets to finish fifth in 12-4A-II this year, ahead of Royal. ... Cun-

ningham is replacing Trent Stefka, the district’s most valuable offensive player last season. ...

Langley said he was happy to hire The Colony’s Clay Ferguson as defensive coordinator.

“You always want to emphasize turnovers. I mean truthfully, that’s the name of the game as much as anything,” Langley said. “Our defensive coordinator does a good job simplifying things for our kiddos.” ... Langley also served as an assistant coach at Georgetown East View before moving to Maud in 2012, winning district in his lone season as its head coach.

“I couldn’t have felt any more prepared to have an opportunity to be an AD/head coach again,” he said of taking the Caldwell job. He also served as an assistant coach at Henderson for three years before moving to Brandeis. He also coached at Corsicana, Chapel Hill and Elysian Fields. “I’ve coached at every level,” Langley said. “[Class 4A’s] probably my favorite level that I’ve ever been at. My wife and I both grew up in small towns, so we’re comfortable in a small community environment, having our kids at a small school.” Langley is from Palestine and his wife Rebecca is from Elysian Fields. “I’ll say what went into making our decision was a whole lot of prayer,” Langley said.

High School Football 2019

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High School Football 2019

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Thursday, August 29, 2019