High School Football

Final Four

Bryan-College Station’s four biggest high schools will share the same UIL district in football for what may be the final time in 2017.

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 2017

LoCaL bank. LoCaL bankerS. LoCaL Support.

B/CS Eagle/Copyright © 2017. All Rights Reserved. 8/17

At The Bank & Trust, we understand what local bank ng bank�ng means and how mportant �mportant t�t s �s to the v tal ty v�tal�ty o o� our commun ty. commun�ty. We bel eve bel�eve bank ng bank�ng s �s about people, relat onsh ps, relat�onsh�ps, ntegr ty �ntegr�ty and del ver ng del�ver�ng products that meet your financ al �nanc�al needs wh le wh�le o er ng o��er�ng super or super�or customer care. Come see or �or yoursel yoursel� what local bank ng bank�ng s �s all about.

g d g��� l c ���� s ����� �� � ������� s s ! ������� L c l L���� . ����. L c l L���� s. �������.

Corporate 1716 Br arcrest Br�arcrest Dr, Ste 400 Bryan, Texas 77802 (979) 260-2100

tx ave @ viLLa maria

Hwy 21

CoLLege Station

2900 S. Texas Avenue Bryan, Texas 77802 (979) 260-2100

3400 Hwy 21 East Bryan, Texas 77808 (979) 260-2100

2305 Texas Avenue South College Stat on, Stat�on, Texas 77840 (979) 260-2100

www.banktbt.com 2

High School Football 2017

ï‚«

TheEagle.com

tower point

4450 State Hwy 6 South College Stat on, Stat�on, Texas 77845 (979) 260-2100

Member fDiC

ï‚«

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Good Luck Brazos Valley

We

���� schoo hig ����� footbal ! ��������

979.693.6300 drelms.com Serving up Serving up smiles smiles in in the the Brazos Brazos Valley Valley since since 1991.

1991.

Thursday, August 31, 2017



TheEagle.com

Home of the Famous Dr. Elms Orthomobile!



High School Football 2017

3

One Last HurraH

INDEX

All indications point to 2017 as the final year Bryan, Consol, Rudder and College Station play football in the same district

By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com

A

&M Consolidated, Bryan, College Station and Rudder will play each other in District 18-5A for the fourth consecutive year in 2017. The annual four-way Bryan-College Station tango may be the last on the football field.

The University Interscholastic League will split Class 5A into Divisions I and II when the next alignment is released, and most expect that split to break up the four B-CS schools.

“I would think probably not,” College Station head football coach Steve Huff said of the chances all four B-CS teams remain together in the same district. “I don’t see how. I don’t know what the numbers are at Bryan High, but I’ve heard they are up.

I’ve heard Rudder’s are at Division II 5A, and I think us and Consol are probably 5A Division I.” Which means 2017 could be the conclusion of a brief but memorable era in B-CS football history.

“Until the UIL tells us the number, we have no clue,” first-year Consol coach Lee Fedora said. “I think we’re going to be right there on the bubble to be 5A Division I or 5A Division II.” There was never a framework for the four schools to play together.

In fact, when Bryan school district officials worked out the opening

4

COVERPHOTO Bryan’s Colton Campbell, from left, A&M Consolidated’s Kolby Peel, Rudder’s Mykedrian Ellis and College Station’s MarQuise Conchola will get a crack at each other on the gridiron this season as the Vikings, Tigers, Rangers and Cougars meet for the fourth — and possibly final — time as district rivals. of Rudder, they did not mean for the Rangers and Vikings to be in the same UIL district.

Things changed. In most cases, for the better.

2014 B-CS merger Consol and Bryan had been playing in the state’s largest classification (5A) for years before the biennial realignment in February 2014, which also included an expansion in the state’s classification hierarchy to include a new 6A. As expected, Consol and Bryan remained in 5A, while College Station’s and Rudder’s enrollments elevated them into the same class. The UIL assigned all four BCS schools to 18-5A. That created multiple in-town and crosstown matchups with district championships on the line. Bryan, College Station and Consol have won or shared titles since the merger.

The merger also forced

High School Football 2017

a few site changes.

The longtime neutralsite meeting between Bryan and Consol shifted from Kyle Field back to campus sites. Consol and College Station had planned to play their first district meeting in 2014 at Kyle Field before Texas A&M had to replace the grass on its field, pushing the game back to Tigerland Stadium. The series has been a home-andhome since.

Playing the games at home sites have led to large, enthusiastic crowds.

“I wouldn’t want it any other way now,” Huff said. “That first year, I didn’t want to play [at Kyle Field], and I just thought that this is how it is meant to be. To play in a bigger stadium is great, but playing in one as big as A&M’s — although it may seem like a big deal — I think we’d rather play in a nice stadium that’s pretty full.”

Most of the games have been competitive. Rudder is winless against its B-CS brethren over the first three seasons, but if the Rangers have fared poorly against the College Station school district schools, they have had some good tussles against their natural rivals, the Vikings.

How split is split?

Once they know who is going where, the local schools could set up nondistrict games to keep the in-town and crosstown se-



4NUMBERS GAME

Here are the four BryanCollege Station high schools’ enrollments under the current alignment in Class 5A; these numbers were used in 2016 in the biennial realignment and do not reflect current enrollments: Bryan................... 2,062 Consol ................. 1,774.5 College Station .... 1,743 Rudder ................. 1,663

ries alive, if they choose.

The long history of the original “Crosstown Showdown” — Bryan vs.

Consol — provides a compelling argument to continue that series should the Vikings and Tigers be separated by the UIL. “We’ll probably lose one or two of the crosstowns,” Bryan coach Ross Rogers said. “Then we’ll have to decide. Lee and I have talked, and [David] Raffield before him, that we would probably continue that game.”

Rogers speculates that Bryan school district officials might want his Vikings to continue meeting the Rangers in the annual all-Bryan matchup at Merrill Green Stadium.

And regardless of what the UIL does to the four B-CS schools’ district ties, the veteran coach who built Consol into a state power in the late 1980s and 1990s says the idea of keeping the BryanCollege Station-ConsolRudder connection going is very tempting as a scheduler.

TheEagle.com



“Are we going to play all three and keep [one or more] as a nondistrict game?” Rogers asked.

“That is awfully inviting when you don’t have to travel that much and get good crowds.”

Rogers, like most high school football coaches, takes gas mileage into consideration when putting together his nondistrict schedule — both for his own school’s budget but also for family, friends and fans of his program.

“I would hate to get in a scenario like Navasota did [in 4A Division I] and have to go all the way to the Sabine River,” Rogers said.

Rudder coach Greg Morgan can foresee the two Bryan schools meeting again, even if their districts send them opposite directions.

“That would be sort of like, ‘Why aren’t Texas and A&M still playing?’”

Morgan said of a possible future meeting with Bryan. “That would, to me, be one of the big games of the year regardless if we’re in the same division or classification.”

For Rudder to face the College Station schools, the Rangers’ ability to compete might determine if those series continue.

And now it gets confusing

Fedora coached at Navasota when 4A split into two divisions, and the UIL

See FINAL FOUR, Page 7

District 18-5A Cover story: The breaking up of B-CS’ Class 5A district . . . . 4 A&M Consolidated . . . . . . . . . 5 Bryan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 College Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Rudder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 District 19-5A Brenham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 District 10-4A Division I Navasota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 District 10-4A Division II Caldwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 District 11-4A Division II Madisonville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 District 10-3A Division I Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Franklin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Rockdale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 District 12-3A Division II Anderson-Shiro . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Hearne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Leon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 District 13-3A Division II Lexington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 District 12-2A Division I Centerville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 District 13-2A Division I Normangee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 District 10-2A Division II Bremond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 District 12-2A Division II Iola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 District 13-2A Division II Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Milano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Snook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Somerville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 District 16-A Division II Calvert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 TAPPS Division III District 4 Brazos Christian . . . . . . . . . . . 34 St . Joseph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 TAPPS 6-man Division II District 6 Allen Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 TAIAO BVCHEA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 ET CETERA 2016 records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Coaching changes . . . . . . . . . . 8 Players Brazos Valley poll . . 39

Thursday, August 31, 2017

A&M CONSOLIDATED TIGERS

Williams ready for move to slot receiver

By JEFFREY PERKINS jeffrey.perkins@theeagle.com

After leading their team three rounds deep into the playoffs, most returning high school quarterbacks wo u l d b e t a k i n g snaps and throwing passes the fo l l ow i n g August.

Not Cade Williams.

Williams earned secWILLIAMS ond-team All-District 18-5A honors at quarterback as a junior for A&M Consolidated, throwing for 1,828 yards and 17 touchdowns and rushing for 722 yards and eight more TDs. But he is moving back to slot receiver for his senior season, a switch he and Consol’s first-year head coach Lee Fedora believe will benefit both the team and Williams’ future.

“I’ve been watching him even when I was coaching at Navasota, and I think he’s an unbelievable slot receiver with a great skill set,” Fedora said. “I’ve talked to a lot of college coaches that have interest [in recruiting Williams], and that’s what they’re interested in, looking at him and wanting to see him at that receiver position.

FACTS Head coach — Lee Fedora (167-55-1 overall; 0-0 at A&M Consolidated) District — 18-5A 2016 record — 8-4 (4-2 in 18-5A) 2016 playoffs — 5A Division II bidistrict: def. Jacksonville, 30-15; Area: def. Brenham, 27-7; Regional: lost to Fort Bend Marshall, 28-21 Playoff appearances (34) — 194145, 1947-48, 1951, 1953, 1958, 1960, 1989-96, 2001-03, 2005-16 Returning lettermen — 27 (4 offensive, 9 defensive starters) All-time record — 472-348-24 Playoff record — 42-30-1

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Sept. 1 Copperas Cove Last year: canceled Sept. 8 at Richmond Foster Last year: L 34-28 Sept. 15 at Austin Last year: W 48-14 Sept. 22 College Park* Last year: W 33-14 District 18-5A Sept. 29 Waco Last year: W 21-7 Oct. 6 at Temple Last year: L 34-22 Oct. 13 College Station Last year: L 23-14 Oct. 20 at Bryan Last year: W 28-14 Oct. 27 Waco University Last year: W 42-7 Nov. 3 open Nov. 10 at Rudder Last year: W 59-20 *Homecoming

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

“He was talented at the quarterback position. I met with him when I got here [in the spring] and talked to him, and he was 100 percent on board with it, and he’s going to really showcase what he’s all about at the receiver position.”

Willia m s c a u g h t 27 passes for 393 yards and a touchdown during the

2015 regular season, and while he said it was difficult at first to switch back this spring, the receiver’s mindset is starting to return.

“I’m working back into it,” Williams said. “I’m relearning everything that I had to learn my freshman and sophomore years, but it’s fun. I think also from being a quarterback, I know as a receiver how to make it easier for them as well.”

Williams added that the hardest part of the transition is having to run a lot more in the heat at practice, but that it was easier “not having to remember everyone’s job, just my job.”

The shiftiness that made the dual-threat quarterback difficult to contain last season will serve him well from the slot.

With the Tigers’ uptempo offense aiming to catch defenses off-guard, Williams likely will have a lot of space to operate and plenty of chances to make big plays.

The veteran inside receiver will be heavily leaned on, for the Tigers’ quarterback will be seeing his first significant varsity action when Consol opens the season Friday against Copperas Cove at Tiger-

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand A&M Consolidated’s Kolby Peel, from left, Trevor Williams and Jordan Woodard are returning for their senior seasons with the Tigers.

Good Luck to all the Brazos Valley teams in the area

See CONSOL, Page 7

ROSTER 1 WR/DB Brian Darby, soph.; 2 WR/DB Steven Ray, jr.; 3 WR/DB Chase Martinez, sr.; 4 WR/DB Cade Williams, sr.; 5 Tre Newton, sr., RB/DE; 6 Caden Fedora, jr., QB/LB; 7 WR/DB Wyatt Pahl, sr.; 8 WR/DB Nate Floyd, soph.; 9 RB/LB Aaron Campbell-Love, sr.; 10 WR/ DB Ladeitrick Franklin, sr.; 11 WR/LB Will Harris, jr,; 12 Zach Frank, sr., RB/LB; 13 WR/DB Kolby Peel, sr.; 14 QB/LB Gage Pahl, soph.; 15 WR/DB Valen Jones, soph.; 16 WR/DB Devin Price, soph.; 17 RB/DB Charles Williams, sr.; 18 WR/DB Jamarquis Stewart, soph.; 22 QB/LB Daylan Faltysek, sr.; 24 WR/DB Sam Presnal, jr.; 25 WR/DB Chase Gibson, sr.; 26 RB/LB Hunter McGary, jr.; 27 WR/LB Gunnar Coker, jr.; 28 WR/DB Jordan Woodard, sr.; 33 RB/LB Vincent Sheffield, jr.; 34 RB/DE Devarion Guyton, sr.; 35 RB/LB Hunter McAvoy, sr.; 40 OL/DT Bryson Foust, jr.; 41 WR/LB Kaiden Williams, sr.; 42 RB/LB Caleb Garner, jr.; 44 RB/LB Trevor Williams, sr.; 50 OL/DT Myron Evans, sr.; 53 OL/DT Jordan Smith, sr.; 54 OL/DT Nick Smotherman, sr.; 55 OL/DT Chris Martinez, sr.; 60 OL/DT Josh Ellison, jr.; 67 OL/DE Jarod Williams, sr.; 66 OL/DT Zach Ruiz, sr.; 68 OL/DT Zane Montgomery, jr.; 70 OL/DE Tyler Stuart, jr.; 71 OL/DE Darius Terrell, sr.; 72 OL/DT Reid Francis, jr.; 74 OL/DE Kevin Leonard, sr.; 76 OL/DT Daylon Ratliff, jr.; 78 OL/DT Connor Hickson, jr.; 82 WR/DB Mauricio Navarro, sr.

Thursday, August 31, 2017



TheEagle.com

Thank you Brazos Valley for trusting us with your pest control needs for 70 Years 

High School Football 2017

5

BRYAN VIKINGS

Vikings mixing in new players with key veterans

By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com

When the Vikings move ashore for the 2017 football season, it will be with a new wave.

Bryan will start a new quarterback and running back, and will have some significant changes on its defense, including an unexpected one.

The Bryan defense suffered a blow when AllBrazos Valley safety Gus Hancock broke a bone in his leg less than two weeks before the start of the season. He will be sidelined early in the year.

“It’s 25 games that he’s started as our free safety since his sophomore year,” Rogers said. “Five playoff games, as well. Things happen in football and it happens in the NFL all the way down to middle school.

We just hope he can heal as quickly as possible and we get him back in October.”

Hancock had five interceptions and was also a top punt returner, averaging 30 yards on four punt returns.

Bryan’s defense had the most holes to fill.

“We probably had more to replace because of losing Luke Wallis at mike backer,” said Rogers of his old school inside linebacker, who is now at Kirbyville. “Sam Smith played a lot, but he played more at outside linebacker.”

Smith is set to start in the middle but if Preston Colford continues to develop, Smith might be able to move back outside.

De’Terious Bryant and Dekeedric Branch both saw playing time a year ago, but neither started.

“The linebacker position is going to be key with this

6

FACTS Head coach — Ross Rogers (241114-6 overall; 30-27 at Bryan) District — 18-5A 2016 record — 6-6 (3-3 in 18-5A) 2016 playoffs — 5A Division I bidistrict: def. Ennis 41-27; Area: lost to Cedar Park 42-20 Playoff appearances (25) — 192122, 1925, 1934, 1956, 1973-74, 1982, 1984, 1986-87, 1994-95, 1997-2000, 2004, 2006-07, 2009-10, 2014-16 Returning lettermen — 23 (4 offensive, 4 defensive starters) All-time record — 552-448-41 Playoff record — 21-23-0

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Sept. 1 Hutto Last year: L 59-28 Sept. 8 at Waller Last year: W 42-37 Sept. 15 Magnolia West Last year: L 31-14 Sept. 22 open District 18-5A Sept. 29 College Station Last year: L 65-7 Oct. 6 at Navasota (nondistrict) Last year: W 28-14 Oct. 13 at Waco University Last year: W 70-28 Oct. 20 A&M Consolidated* Last year: L 28-14 Oct. 27 at Rudder Last year: W 33-20 Nov. 3 Waco Last year: W 22-21 Nov. 10 at Temple Last year: L 37-34 *Homecoming

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

three-linebacker scheme we’re running and I feel like we’ve got four guys that can play there,” Rogers said. “We’ll probably have a fifth.”

At the end of Brya n’ s a re a playoff run last year, Jalynn Bell was one of the Vi k i n g s ’ BELL top defensive linemen. The Vikings have holes to fill up front with Ja’Various Sullivan, and Monyell Nutall. Sophomore Dylan Carroll (6-0, 275) has shown signs of being a top contributor.

High School Football 2017

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Senior offensive linemen Ylijaah Hall, left, and Colton Campbell are part of the Bryan Vikings’ strength on offense. Hall plays tackle, and Campbell moved from tackle to center this spring.

ROSTER 2 RB Jalen Davis, 5-4, 145, jr.; 3 RB Jermie Townsend, 5-11, 235, sr.; 4 WR Rashaud Harvey, 5-9, 165, sr.; 5 QB Randy Johnson, 6-0, 175, jr.; 6 WR Matt Moreno, 5-8, 150, jr.; 7 WR Keyfon Hornes, 5-11, 165, jr.; 8 QB Kerry Brooks, 6-1, 175, jr.; 9 QB James Petty, 5-11, 175, jr.; 10 LB Sam Smith, 5-10, 180, sr.; 11 DB Landon Plagens, 5-8, 140, sr.; 12 DB Melvin Brooks, 5-10, 175, jr.; 14 DB Tracy Bradford, 5-9, 160, sr.; 15 DB Gus Hancock, 6-0, 175, sr.; 16 WR Austin Herrera, 6-1, 180, sr.; 17 DB Xavier Johnson, 5-8, 155, soph.; 18 K Angel Quiroga, 5-10, 170, sr.,; 19 WR Craig Koenig, 6-3, 150, sr.; 20 RB Fernando Rangel, 5-6, 145, jr.; 22 RB Joseph Jones, 5-5, 145, jr.; 23 DB Reuben Arredondo, 6-0, 155, soph., DB; 24 DB Jonathan Sparkman, 6-1, 170, jr.; 25 RB Patrick Franklin, 5-8, 190, sr.; 26 DB De’Terious Bryant, 5-11, 175, jr.; 27 DB Samuel Hayes, 5-9, 170, sr.; 28 DB Christian Richardson, 5-10, 185, soph.; 29 LB Dekeedric Branch, 5-10, 195, sr.; 30 RB CJ Koontz, 5-9, 215, sr.; 31 DB David Parks, 6-0, 175, jr.; 32 LB Chris Court, 5-8, 140, jr.; 33 DL Jalynn Bell, 5-10, 225, sr.; 34 RB Alex Young, 6-1, 180, jr.; 35 DL Monyell Nutall, 5-9, 180, sr.; 37 DB Nicholas McDaniel, 6-0, 165, soph.; 38 DB Leonard Johnson, 5-8, 145, jr.; 40 LB Mike Barber, 5-8, 170, jr.; 41 LB Parker Davis, 6-0, 165, jr.; 42 DL Dequennce Hill, 5-10, 180, jr.; 43 LB Juan Cobos, 6-0, 180, sr.; 44 DL Prestin Colford, 5-10, 170, jr.; 45 DL Justin Arevalo, 5-6, 180, jr.; 46 DB Tedric Johnson, 5-9, 145, sr.; 47 LB Hayden Ehrhardt, 6-0, 160, jr.; 48 LB Beau Boswell, 6-0, 210, jr.; 50 OL Blaine Bright, 5-9, 250, jr.; 52 DL Ethan Wicht, 6-0, 240, jr.; 55 OL Marco Menjares, 5-11, 210, jr.; 56 OL Andres Reyna, 6-2, 205, sr.; 57 OL Troy Chumchal, 6-0, 200, jr.; 59 LB Patrick Gibson, 5-9, 205, jr.; 65 LB Joey Chavez, 5-9, 220, sr.; 70 OL Mason Minor, 6-0, 255, sr.; 71 OL Gage Grant, 5-9, 250, sr.; 73 OL Colton Campbell, 6-3, 305, sr.; 74 OL Jayson Sowell, 6-4, 335, jr.; 75 OL Ylijaah Hall, 6-5, 270, sr.; 77 OL Tyler Stone, 6-3, 305, sr.; 78 OL Aries Almaraz, 5-11, 250, sr., OL; 79 OL Tyler Allen, 6-4, 305, jr., OL; 80 WR Braden Mitchell, 5-8, 140, jr., WR; 81 WR Elyja Harper, 6-0, 160, soph., WR; 82 WR Auston Lawson, 5-11, 155, sr., WR; 83 DB Daylon Kessee, 5-6, 160, jr.; 85 TE Garrett Deatley, 6-1, 170, jr.; 86 WR Trevor Tocci, 5-11, 160, sr.; 87 WR Isaac Diaz, 5-9, 145, jr.; 88 DL Kemonte Ross, 6-3, 185, sr.; 89 WR Bryan Ponzio, 5-6, 145, jr.; 90 DL JaVarious Sullivan, 6-0, 275, jr.; 91 DL Dylan Carroll, 6-0, 275, soph.; 94 DL Tre Nobles, 6-1, 225, jr.

Tre Nobles and Patrick Gibson do a nice job of fitting needs at defensive end, but the defensive line will be one of the Vikings’ biggest question marks.

The secondary has more experience, with Tracy Bradford and Melvin Brooks back.



“Sophomore Christian Richardson, he’s the fastest guy in the high school and he’s really looked good at corner,” Rogers said.

“Xavier Johnson has, too, so we’ve got some sophomores at corners as well as the seniors, so we feel like we’ve got a little depth

TheEagle.com



there.”

Jonathan Sparkman has played well at safety and Samuel Hayes has earned playing time. Landon Plagens moves back from offense and a receiver spot in the wake of Hancock’s injury. LaTraveon Thomas returns from basketball

and will also contribute to the Vikings’ secondary play.

“It’s probably the fastest overall secondary we’ve had,” Rogers said. “All of the kids are in that 4.5, 4.6 range and can run. We’ve

See BRYAN, Page 7

Thursday, August 31, 2017

CONSOL: Tigers have BRYAN: Offensive line expected to be strength options at quarterback Continued from 6

Continued from 5 land Stadium.

Senior Daylan Faltysek, junior Caden Fedora and sophomore Gage Pahl are competing for Consol’s starting quarterback job.

Caden Fedora played quarterback during the Tigers’ run to the Texas state 7-on7 semifinals in early July, barely missing out on the championship game in a 4140 loss to Lake Travis.

Faltysek completed 3 of 4 passes for 21 yards and a touchdown in limited action last season.

The battle for the starting position continued through preseason scrimmages.

“Nobody’s been named

the starter,” Lee Fedora said. “The guys are working hard. They’re doing good things. I think some of them have to make adjustments, too. The big thing is when you get the pads on against opponents [that’s] when the guy is going to stand out, the guy that’s got the biggest mindset — meaning you’re going to make mistakes. If you throw an interception, [the starter] can’t be a guy that’s laying on the sideline upset and letting it get in his head.

“It’s got to be that leader that’s going to be able to handle himself, so right now it’s up for grabs.”

got speed and speed helps cover up some mistakes.”

With so many new players in the backfield, a veteran offensive line will be what keys the Vikings’ offensive chances. Colton Campbell moved from tackle to center in the spring.

Teamed with guard Aries Almaraz and Baylor recruit Ylijaah Hall, Campbell and the Vikings’ front might be one of their best units. Left guard Blaine Bright (5-9, 250) doesn’t have the size of his other line teammates, but he makes up for it.

“He’s a jarhead; looks like a little Marine,” Rogers said. “He plays well.

He’s got good football sense, whether he’s base

blocking, coming off on linebackers or pulling, he’s doing really well.”

Tyler Stone (6-3, 305) has been a varsity player and will be depended on for more playing time his senior season.

“You know, the offensive line, it’s got to be good for us,” said Rogers, who will go back to more of a read offense with quarterback Kerry Brooks.

“He’s got a super strong arm, but he’s a good runner.”

John Koontz (66 carries, 365 yards, two touchdowns) showed flashes of greatness in limited play as a junior. He’s a powerful tailback at 5-9, 215 pounds who is backed up by 5-4, 145-pound junior Jalen Davis.

“He’s a wildcat, a special

little back,” Rogers said.

“We feel like we’ve got a good tandem and that’s not even mentioning Joseph Jones, who we thought was as good of a tailback as we had but we’re playing him at flanker. But he does come in to tailback.”

Jones carried six times for 58 yards and a touchdown last year, and also caught 14 passes for 184 yards.

Running back Jermie Townsend was also a top receiver out of the backfield last season.

Randy Johnson, a movein from Bastrop, will compete at quarterback, too, with fellow junior James Petty also taking snaps. It gives the Vikings some of their best depth at quarterback.

Austin Herrera, back

from a labrum injury, will join a wide receiver corps that includes Beaumont Oze n move-in Keyfon Hornes. Ve rsatile Matt Moreno will catch passes, as well as see action as a runner.

The special teams could be good again. Kicker Angel Quiroga, who hit six of eight field goals and 46 of 47 extra points, got his first start late in his freshman season and is now a senior.

Punter Craig Koenig averaged 35.1 yards on 29 punts last season.

A late surge got the Vikings into the postseason last year, where they surprised Ennis at bi-district.

Bryan is bidding for its fourth straight playoff appearance.

FINAL FOUR: Possible realignment scenarios too numerous to predict Continued from 4 sent the same school in different directions for different sports.

“The thing that’s tough about the split is that a lot of times your football district isn’t the same as your basketball and your baseball [districts],” Fedora said. “It was neat when you were in just a regular district. The same kids you were competing against in football were the same kids you competed against in basketball and baseball. With them doing the split, it kind of makes it a whole different district [per sport].”

The 5A division split will apply only to football, and many variables remain in play before the four B-CS schools find themselves in multiple UIL districts divided not only by enrollment but also by sport.

Snapshots of each school’s enrollment will be taken in October, and where the UIL draws the lines between 5A Division I and II, or between 5A Division I and 6A, can’t be decided until those figures arrive in Austin. The largest 245 schools currently play in 6A, and the UIL typically starts there and works down. It’s rare when a small school is opened these days. Usually, new schools open at the 6A or 5A level.

Bryan is the most likely B-CS candidate to jump to 6A, and the chances of that are hard to figure.

“2,170 is what has been batted around,” Rogers said of a possible cutoff number for 6A, which is currently at 2,150 and above. “We’re 2,149 right now at the top of 5A. If it goes up another 20 to 25, would Temple be above that? They were bigger

Thursday, August 31, 2017

than us last time two years ago.”

Rudder, meanwhile, appears the most likely B-CS candidate to fall into a class or division below the others in the upcoming realignment, and that fall won’t be far.

“Our incoming freshman class is larger than the senior class that graduated, so we may bounce up there around 1,700,” Morgan said. “The chances of us going down [to 4A] don’t look very good, but we feel pretty confident that we’re going to be [5A] Division II.” Rogers points out Navasota’s move into a farreaching district, something no coach in any sport wants to deal with.

But travel in the new 5A Division II might not be too daunting for B-CS schools with several others, including Brenham, within easy reach.



It’s different for 6A and 5A Division I. “The Padilla Poll sends out his [realignment speculation], and he’s got us stretched from Waco to Temple back to the Magnolias and Waller,” Rogers said, adding that he does hope his Vikings end up in 5A Division I. “One I heard, if it’s us and somebody else [in B-CS], we’re going Waco, Temple and down through Georgetown.

There are several different ways to look at it, but it’s all for football.”

It’s easy to envision numerous destinations.

“Where I think it gets tough is in 5A Division I, because a lot of the schools in the area are going to be 6A — the Katys and the Conroes and all that,” Fedora said. “A 5A Division I [B-CS school] may be going up to the Killeen area or the Waco area.”

TheEagle.com



Fedora points out arguably the No. 2 factor in a school’s realignment fate.

The No. 1 factor is obviously a school’s own enrollment, and close on its heels is the enrollments of schools around it.

Trying to predict and forecast how all the factors work together? Impossible. Just figuring that No. 1 factor is not easy.

“Our enrollment has gotten consistently bigger,” Huff said, “but I don’t think it had jumped as much in the last year like it was first anticipated two years ago.”

While it is unlikely to happen this year, the best solution for the Vikings and Rangers might be to increase enrollment at Bryan and decrease it at Rudder, making Bryan a larger 6A school and putting Rudder into 4A Division I, where both schools could be their most com-

petitive in all extracurricular activities.

“We hope that we’ll be [5A] Division II, obviously,” Morgan said. “If they could wiggle some lines and we could drop down to a 4A, I’d be tickled about that.

“Most people are in agreement that Bryan is going 6A in the next alignment. They’d be a small 6A, and we’re a small 5A. It’s very tough to compete.”

If growth patterns remain the same and there’s no change is the schools’ alignments, College Station should grow to 6A levels quicker than Consol.

But the 5A division split is coming soon. It only applies in football, but for that sport, 2017 could in every respect be the final four.

High School Football 2017

7

Coaching changes around Brazos Valley

By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com

Here is a list of the new head varsity football coaches throughout the Brazos Valley.

RuddeR

• New coach: Greg Morgan • Previous coach: Will Compton Will Compton resigned after a 6-24 record over three seasons with the Rangers, returning to Conroe Oak Ridge as an assistant. Former Madisonville coach Greg Morgan, who has 20 years of experience as a head coach, returned to the profession after a one-year hiatus. Morgan, who officially took the Rudder job in January, has a career record of 102-107 and went 83-85 in 16 seasons at Madisonville. Rudder went 2-8 last year.

8

A&M ConsolidAted

• New coach: Lee Fedora • Previous coach: David Raffield David Raffield resigned in December after six seasons as the Tigers’ coach, coming off an 8-4 year and appearance in the third round of the playoffs. Raffield, who had a 46-26 record with the Tigers and is 102-65 overall in his career, takes over as coach of the Bridgeland Bears, who start their program this year in the CyFair school district. Consol alum Lee Fedora, who won two state championships at Navasota, has a 167-55-1 overall coaching record. He sat out last season after last coaching the Rattlers in 2015.

HeARne

• New coach: Ricky Sargent • Previous coach: Andrew Daily

High School Football 2017

Andrew Daily, who was named interim head coach last summer, led Hearne to a 5-6 record in 2016, returning the Eagles to the playoffs for the first time since 2012.

The Eagles also halted a 21-game losing streak during the run to postseason. Daily is remaining as an assistant for Ricky Sargent, who had a 78-57 record in 11 seasons at Hempstead, where he led his former school to the Class 2A Division I championship game and a 14-1 record in 2011. Hempstead also won its first district title in 38 years that season.

AndeRson-sHiRo

• New coach: Bradley Hodges • Previous coach: Sean Witherwax Sean Witherwax stepped down after one season at AndersonShiro to join the coaching staff of Lee Fedora at A&M Consolidated. Witherwax had previ-



TheEagle.com



ously coached with Fedora at Navasota. The Owls posted a 0-10 record in 2016. Bradley Hodges, a Bryan graduate who coached last season on Witherwax’s staff at Anderson-Shiro, was promoted to the head coaching position.

Hodges previously coached at Saginaw Boswell and Fort Worth Castleberry.

iolA

• New coach: Dwayne Ross • Previous coach: Pete Martinez Pete Martinez stepped down as head coach of the Bulldogs after posting a 32-14 record in four seasons. Martinez has an overall coaching record of 3927. Iola promoted Dwayne Ross, who had been Martinez’s defensive coordinator. Ross has head coaching experience with a career record of 39-62, including 10 years at Dublin. He started the

football program at AndersonShiro, where he last served as a head coach in 2013 when he led the Owls to a 5-5 season and their first playoff appearance.

soMeRville

• New coach: Darby House • Previous coach: Jesse House Jesse House had a record of 4-15 since coming in as an emergency replacement after the 2015 season had begun. His overall coaching mark is 15-43. He resigned to take a basketball coaching job at Petrolia but is now also the head football coach and athletic director. Darby House, who had been an assistant for his father and coached basketball, steps up for his first job as a head football coach.

See COACHES, Page 39

Thursday, August 31, 2017

COLLEGE STATION COUGARS

Cougars ready for another climb

By JEFFREY PERKINS jeffrey.perkins@theeagle.com

College Station almost made it to the peak of the mountain last season, and now the Cougars will renew the climb starting a bit closer to the bottom.

AftertheCougars’schoolbestpostseasonrunendedin a 31-30 Class 5A Division II state semifinal loss to Corpus Christi Calallen, their mindset for 2017 is about buildingfromthegroundup.

“The approach we’ve taken since the first time I talked to them after that game was we were climbing that mountain,” College Station coach Steve Huff said. “Starting this year, you go right back to the bottom with everybody else, and that’s what [the approach] should be. So it’s starting all over again, and now we go again.”

The Cougars have some great building blocks to help their ascension.

Senior running back DaDa Anderson rushed for 754 yards and nine touchdowns on 129 carries last season in a complementary role to now graduated Chris Monroe Jr., and senior wide receiver Jaelin Campbell returns after notching 26 catches for 358 yards and five scores.

Quarterback Marquez Perez also returns for his seniorseason.Burstingonto the scene after incumbent starter Ty Brock, now at SamHoustonState,suffered a season-ending leg injury in the second game of the season, Perez completed 173 of 257 passes for 2,220 yards and27touchdownswithjust four interceptions, and he rushed for 1,126 yards and 16 scores on 168 carries en route to being named firstteam All-District 18-5A.

FACTS Head coach — Steve Huff (131-78 in Oklahoma, Washington and Texas; 44-14 at College Station) District — 18-5A 2016 record — 14-1 (6-0 in 18-5A) 2016 playoffs — 5A Division II bi-district: def. Whitehouse 51-14; Area: def. Magnolia 63-25; Regional: def. Port Neches-Groves 52-28; Quarterfinal: def. Fort Bend Marshall 41-27; Semifinal: lost to Corpus Christi Calallen 31-30 Playoff appearances (2) — 2014, 2016 Returning lettermen — 28 (5 offensive, 6 defensive starters) All-time record — 44-14 Playoff record — 6-3

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Sept. 2 Austin Westlake Last year: did not play Sept. 8 at Killeen Shoemaker Last year: W 61-14 Sept. 15 at Houston St. Thomas Last year: W 49-14 Sept. 22 Pflugerville Last year: W 29-17 District 18-5A Sept. 29 at Bryan Last year: W 65-7 Oct. 6 Waco University* Last year: W 70-6 Oct. 13 at A&M Consolidated Last year: W 23-14 Oct. 20 Rudder Last year: W 48-0 Oct. 27 at Waco Last year: W 48-0 Nov. 3 Temple Last year: W 17-16 Nov. 10 open *Homecoming

Time 2 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

After participating in quarterback drills during the preseason, Perez made the move at the start of last season to wide receiver, where Huff says he was one of the best on the team. He wasn’t there long.

“We all knew what we had in Marquez last year,” Huff said. “Having Ty Brock back for his senior year was big, and then unfortunately [the injury] happened. Marquez took his gloves off, got behind the center and went to work. That’s him.

“His ability to make everyone around him better is very crucial, and he does that. He disperses the ball around very well to people.

Thursday, August 31, 2017

He’s very knowledgeable, but also he is very calmnatured. Talking to him on the sideline in the middle of a game, it can be a great touchdown pass, it can be a maybe not-so-good pass and you’re going to get the same demeanor out of him, which is good to have in a quarterback because then nobody’s ever too high, nobody’s ever too low around him. He keeps it even-keeled, and he goes so fast [on the field] that it’s definitely an asset he has.”

While Perez’s approach will remain largely the same as last season, the signal-caller’s final year will have a different feel as he begins under center from Day 1.

“A lot of pressure is going to be on me,” Perez said at The Eagle’s media day. “A lot of people are going to count on me. The spotlight is going to be more on me, but having my brothers and my teammates [and knowing] they believe in me, I just feel like we know what we can do is a special thing.”

The defense also returns several starters, including the entire front led by senior MarQuise Conchola, who recorded 52 tackles (eight for losses), six sacks and nine quarterback pressures last season while earning second-team AllBrazos Valley honors.

“Developing depth at all the spots is important, but to be able to run a rotation up front on defense is big,” Huff said. “It’s hard to get three or four guys that you can really trust, but having everybody come back plus a couple of backups in there ... those guys can rotate in and you don’t drop off and I think that’s really a big asset to have those guys.”



Eagle photos by Dave McDermand College Station’s Jaelin Campbell, clockwise from top left, Marquez Perez, Brandon Joseph and Austin Ham are part of a strong senior class primed to lead the Cougars on another playoff run.

ROSTER 1 QB Marquez Perez, sr.; 2 DB Keith Rose, sr.; 4 DB Ryan Stapp, jr.; 5 DB Quandree White, sr.; 7 LB Reid Stapp, sr.; 8 DB Tony Taylor, sr.; 9 RB Azarian Foght, sr.; 10 DB Travis Hester, sr.; 11 DB Jordon Bellows, jr.; 12 LB Garrett Draper, jr.; 14 WR Harrison Wellmann, sr.; 15 WR Jaelin Campbell, sr.; 16 DB Brandon Joseph, jr.; 17 QB Brandon Williams, jr.; 18 DB Justin Moore, sr.; 21 WR Keyland Reed, sr.; 22 DB Spencer Maxwell, jr.; 23 DB Tyler Lucas, sr.; 24 RB Tyler Van Buren, sr.; 25 LB Brendon Olson, sr.; 26 LB E.J. Mosley, sr.; 27 RB DaDa Anderson, sr.; 28 DB Kennedy Anorue, sr.; 31 PK Alan Guerrier, jr.; 32 WR J.T. Eppes, sr.; 33 LB Zach Sachy, jr.; 34 DB Ashanti Shepard, jr.; 40 LB Chris Williams, sr.; 41 LB Zeb Cassens, sr.; 42 LB Trey Barfield, sr.; 43 RB Daniel Tice, sr.; 44 LB Ty Watson, sr.; 46 OL Kevin Timoney, sr.; 48 LB Garrett Stone, sr.; 50 OL Austin Ham, sr.; 51 DL Truce Tumlinson, jr.; 52 OL Noah Miles, sr.; 53 DL Donovan Pierite, sr.; 54 OL Hayden Goodlett, soph.; 55 OL Nick Zahria, sr.; 56 DL Matt Rusk, sr.; 58 DL Chris Watson, sr.; 60 OL Davis Wood, sr.; 61 OL Seth Russell, sr.; 66 DL Jack Rivera, sr.; 67 Chris Arriola, sr.; 68 OL Logan Flasowski, jr.; 70 OL Erick Pereyra, jr.; 71 OL David Hahn, sr.; 73 OL Jeremiah Williams, sr.; 74 DL Jacob McKee, sr.; 75 OL Luke Gardner, jr.; 77 OL Xavion Lewis, jr.; 78 OL Anthony Zachria, sr.; 79 DL Jay Hannath, jr.; 80 WR Zach Williams, jr.; 85 WR Chris Whitley, sr.; 86 WR Austin McHarg, sr.; 88 WR Peyton Hudson, sr.; 91 DL KeKe Anderson, sr.; 94 DL Marquise Conchola, sr.; 99 DL Ben Wolz, sr.

TheEagle.com



High School Football 2017

9

RUDDER RANGERS

Former Mustang coach revamping Ranger offense ROSTER

By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com

There’s a lot of paperwork to fill out when you return to coaching after a year off. You have to cross Ts and dot Is. Greg Morgan has always known how to dot an I. The veteran coach, who last directed Madisonville in 2015, will incorporate his familiar multiple I-formation into Rudder’s offensive attack in his first year as coach of the Rangers.

“Obviously, we need an I-back, and we think we’ve got that guy in Kevonte Johnson,” Morgan said.

“Kevonte was a backup last year who played sparingly, but his yards per rush were pretty impressive when he did carry the ball. He might carry the ball more in one game than he did the entire season last year. That’s a change for him.”

Johnson is the prototypical big back. The 6-foot, 190-pounder rushed 40 times for 287 yards and two

Senior Colton McGary will help anchor Rudder’s offensive line in 2017 as the Rangers adopt new head coach Greg Morgan’s multiple I-formation attack.

1 WR/CB Markeist Johnson, jr.; 2 WR/CB Daveon Calhoun, sr.; 3 WR/S Jeremiah Manley, jr.; 4 QB Felix Conde, jr.; 5 WR/LB Keydron Caldwell, sr.; 7 WR/CB Isaiah Searcy, sr.; 8 WR/CB Jaden Luna, sr.; 10 TE/LB Dominiq Speer, sr.; 11 WR/CB Larry Brown, sr.; 12 WR/CB Giovonni Madison, sr.; 14 WR/S Brandon Tribble, sr.; 16 QB/ LB Bladen Reaves, jr.; 20 RB/CB Treaveon Green, jr.; 21 RB/LB Austin Long, sr.; 22 QB/LB Alejandro Lopez, sr.; 24 RB/S Kevonte Johnson, sr.; 26 WR/CB Korey Coleman, sr.; 27 RB/LB Chris Daniels, jr. 33 FB/LB CJ Wilson, sr.; 34 OLB/LB Jacoby Oliver, sr.; 35 TE/LB Colten Mushinski, sr.; 36 FB/LB Hunter Norris, sr.; 38 FB/LB Casey Shutt, jr.; 40 FB/DL Quanterric Woods, soph.; 42 QB Hunter Dobbins, sr.; 44 TE/DL Johnathon Peterson, jr.; 50 OL/DL Nate Wagner, sr.; 51 OL/DL Pedro Garcia, sr.; 52 FB/DL Thomas Carter, sr.; 53 OL/DL Brandon Quintero, sr.; 54 OL/DL Jakobe Nutall, jr.; 55 OL/DL Clifford Chambers, jr.; 56 OL/DL Justin Gomez, sr.; 58 OL/DL Caleb Hill, jr.; 59 OL/DL Andrew Lloyd, jr.; 63 OL/DL Philip Barnett, jr.; 72 OL/DL; 72 OL/DL Tyler Shutt, sr.; 77 OL/DL Kevin Kindt, soph.; 79 OL/DL Colton McGary, sr.; 85 TE/DL Oscar Bustamante, sr.; 99 K Pedro Deluna, sr.

FACTS Head coach — Greg Morgan (102107 overall; 0-0 at Rudder) District — 18-5A 2016 record — 2-8 (1-5 in 18-5A) 2016 playoffs — did not qualify Playoff appearances — none Returning lettermen — 12 (3 offensive, 3 defensive starters) All-time record — 19-58-1 Playoff record — 0-0

touchdowns last season, averaging 7.2 per rush.

“At our running backs, we’re focused on three guys right now — obviously Kev-

See RUDDER, Page 18

Eagle photo

by Dave McDermand

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Sept. 1 at Del Valle Last year: W 39-21 Sept. 8 at Hutto Last year: L 41-0 Sept. 15 open Sept. 22 Jasper* Last year: L 34-21 Sept. 29 at Houston St. Pius X Last year: L 61-20 District 18-5A Oct. 6 at Waco Last year: L 51-21 Oct. 13 Temple Last year: L 56-13 Oct. 20 at College Station Last year: L 48-0 Oct. 27 Bryan Last year: L 33-20 Nov. 3 at Waco University Last year: W 39-34 Nov. 10 A&M Consolidated Last year: L 59-20 *Homecoming

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Rudder junior Casey Shutt will work at fullback and linebacker this season.

10

High School Football 2017



TheEagle.com



Thursday, August 31, 2017

BRENHAM CUBS

Multi-sport Ray focused on quarterbacking Cubs

By ROBERT CESSNA robert.cessna@theeagle.com

For Brenham’s Kendarin Ray, it’s all about options.

The f irst-team all-district, 6-foot-3, 175-pound shooting guard could play basketball in college. Football is also a possibility for the quarterback, particularly if he can improve as a passer.

“I’m just going to RAY wait and see what happens,” Ray said. “Right now, all I care about is high school football for Brenham.”

Ray is playing football partly because he was too good of an athlete to be watching.

“He didn’t play football as a sophomore,” Brenham coach Glen West said. “We got him out of the gym, so this time last year he was an unknown commodity.

We knew he was a good athlete, but that was about it.”

Ray teamed up with Jacob Oehrlein last season to lead an offense that averaged 31.6 points per game as both shared 20-5A second-team all-district honors, a rarity for one team to have two of the league’s best quarterbacks.

“Last year, [Ray] played probably 60-65 percent of the time and Jacob Oehrlein played the other part,” West said. ”Jacob came in and he threw, Kendarin threw a little, but not very much, he was more of a runner.”

Ray rushed for 790 yards on 141 carries with eight touchdowns, but completed less than 50 percent of

FACTS Head coach — Glen West (220-80-1 overall; 179-57 at Brenham) District — 20-5A 2016 record — 8-4 (5-2 in 20-5A) 2016 playoffs — 5A Division II bidistrict: def. Georgetown, 31-29; Area: lost to A&M Consolidated, 27-7 Playoff appearances (43) — 1927, 1929, 1933, 1941-42, 1944-45, 1947, 1949-51, 1953, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1968-72, 1985-87, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1999-02, 2004-16 (zone playoffs 1968, 1987) Returning lettermen — 24 (5 offensive, 7 defensive starters) All-time record — 621-379-38 Playoff record — 45-38-1

his passes — 37 of 77 for 559 yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions.

“I worked out this whole summer with my offensive line, wide receivers and running backs,” Ray said.

“I got better in my passing.”

You name it — intermediate routes, long balls, short throws, reading defenses — Ray said he worked on it. And West sees the improvement.

“He’s really, really improved in his sharpness, his mechanics, just being a better thrower and being a better quarterback,” West said.

Brenham should be able to run the football since it returns those who accounted for 2,837 of the team’s 3,138 rushing yards last season. Ray again will be complemented by 188-pound running back Ralph Kallie (184 carries for 1,403 yards). Also back are senior running back Tamarcus Williams (80 carries-363 yards, five touchdowns) and 205-pound fullback Weldon Patterson (52 carries-257 yards).

“I think [our running game] is going to be there,” West said. “But the throwing part could take us from being OK to pretty good.”

Thursday, August 31, 2017

ROSTER

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Sept. 1 at Houston Westside Last year: W 39-6 Sept. 8 Elgin Last year: W 21-20 Sept. 15 at Houston Episcopal Last year: L 45-27 Sept. 22 open District 20-5A Sept. 29 at Magnolia West Last year: W 27-23 Oct. 6 Waller* Last year: W 42-25 Oct. 13 Tomball Memorial Last year: W 31-28 Oct. 20 at Tomball Last year: W 43-35 Oct. 27 Willis Last year: L 50-43 Nov. 3 at Huntsville Last year: W 47-31 Nov. 10 Magnolia Last year: L 28-21 *Homecoming

Time canceled 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Brenham graduated its top receiver, but returns 6-4, 195-pound junior Monterrious Moore (10 receptions-204 yards, 4 TDs), a second-team all-district pick. The Cubs also landed senior transfer Treveon Johnson from Giddings, who has pledged to Oklahoma. Johnson, a unanimous two-way all-district pick in 10-4A Division II, had 25 catches for 340 yards with three scores for the 103 Buffaloes.

“I think that’s another piece of the puzzle that will really help us also,” West said.

Brenham’s offense will be complemented by a defense that returns seven starters who had some rocky times last year, allowing 28.8 points per game, including 37.5 in four losses.

“That’s got to improve,” West said. “That’s an area I think, through the years, we’ve always played fine defense. In the last two years, particular, that hasn’t been the case. Better last year than the year before, but not near up to the standards that we’re used to.”

Brenham returns a trio



1 WR/DB Treveon Johnson, 6-1, 177, sr.; 2 DB Nick Henderson, 5-10, 164, sr.; 3 QB/DB Sidarius Johnson, 5-11, 170, jr.; 4 WR/DB Andrew Vasquez, 6-1, 157, sr.; 5 WR/DB Lazarus Green, 6-0, 154, soph.; 6 RB Tamarus McWilliams, 5-8, 184, sr.; 7 WR Pat DeLeon, 5-8, 139, sr.; 8 DB Daylonn McCowan, 6-0, 163, soph.; 9 TE Monterrious Moore, 6-3, 187, sr.; 10 LB/DL TJ Nickerson, 5-7, 199, sr.; 11 QB Kendarin Ray, 6-2, 176, sr.; 12 LB/RB Tyree Jackson, 5-9, 199, jr.; 13 WR/DB Andre Gilmore, 5-11, 181, jr.; 14 WR/DB Callen Martinez, 5-6, 132, sr.; 15 RB Ralph Kallie, 5-9, 182, sr.; 16 DB Ronnie Hopes, 5-9, 151, sr.; 17 WR Jontavion (Tookie) Sweed 4-10, 98, sr.; 18 TE Parker Puckett, 6-1, 176, jr.; 19 LB Xavier Houston, 5-9, 168, jr.; 20 DB Kris Baca-Hernandez, 5-10, 160, sr.; 21 WR/DB Eryk Preston, 5-8, 168, sr.; 22 LB/RB Colby Watts, 5-8, 180, jr.; 23 DL Jaylon Zwahr, 5-6, 185, sr.; 24 RB Landon Hopkins, 5-7, 172, jr.; 25 LB Jaydon Velasquez, 5-11, 180, jr.; 30 DL Andrew Batchman, 5-11, 180, sr.; 31 DB Lonterrious McClain, 5-10, 151, jr.; 33 WR/DB Kevon Mathis, 5-11, 150, sr.; 34 RB/DL Weldon Patterson, 5-9, 196, sr.; 35 DL Kelvin Mathis, 6-0, 197, jr.; 40 DL Zachary Smestuen, 5-7, 185, sr.; 44 QB Alldyn Schroeder, 6-1, 156, soph.; 48 QB/WR Garrison Weiss, 5-8, 131, soph.; 50 OL Hunter Fritz, 5-11, 247, jr.; 55 OL Adam Coker, 6-0, 227, sr.; 56 OL Kris Zissa, 5-8, 202, sr.; 58 OL Kelton Green, 5-11, 215, sr.; 60 OL Hunter Prazak, 6-0, 202, sr.; 62 OL Travis Davis, 6-3, 278, sr.; 65 OL Brett Forland, 6-0, 218, sr.; 70 OL/DL Chris Maldonado, 5-8, 215, sr.; 71 OL Jacob Joswiak, 6-3, 236, sr.; 72 DL Bubba McWilliams, 5-11, 266, soph.; 74 OL Garrett Wiesepape, 6-1, 284, soph.; 77 OL Bobby Mathis, 6-1, 274, jr.; 80 LS Devin Bennett, 6-1, 178, sr.; 82 K Victor Mendoza, 5-8, 134, soph.; 83 K Christian Garcia, sr.; 84 DL Dylan Goodner, 6-0, 206, sr.; 86 K/WR Jackson Mueller, 6-0, 147, soph.; 90 TE/DL Shannon Lambert, 6-2, 291, sr.

of players who earned second-team all-district honors — tackle Shannon Lambert (31 tackles), end Andrew Batchman (40 tackles, four sacks) and linebacker T.J. Nickerson (62 tackles) LAMBERT — but the strength of the unit is the secondary led

by Andrew Gilmore (65 tackles, three interceptions), Eryk Preston (43 PRESTON tackles) and Nick Henderson (25 tackles).

“It should be very athletic and as we gel it should be as good a secondary we’ve had in a while,” West said.

“The area that we’ve got to strengthen is our linebacking corps. It’s got to improve, we’ve got to play better at linebacker.”

One thing Brenham did well last year was handle pressure, winning f ive games by a touchdown or less.

That helped the Cubs

TheEagle.com



go 8-4, rebounding from a 4-7 record that is the lone losing season in West’s 19 seasons.

West remembers being optimistic for 2015 despite losing several key performers off a 9-4 team, including career rushing leader Earnest Patterson, who rushed for 2,332 yards and 31 touchdowns.

“I was talking to a coach that I was interviewing for a job and we were talking about our upcoming season,” West said. “And I said, ‘You know it’s not going to be a great year for us, it’s going to be kind of a down year, but I kind of feel we probably can go 2-3 rounds deep in the playoffs.’

“And that was just a really stupid statement on my part. I mean, it’s never that easy. And we paid for it dearly because we played bad, we thought way too highly of ourselves. So we went back to work that the offseason and humbled ourselves, saying we’ve got to straighten this out and the group last year got us back to 8-4 which if you look at us overall, that’s probably still average to below average. But from what happened the year before, that was a great turnaround. I’m hoping we can build off that.”

Magnolia, with 13 starters returning, is picked to repeat in 20-5A with Brenham second. Magnolia West and Willis, a pair of 7-4 teams last year, also return double-digit starters.

“Our district is going to be really tough,” West said. “We won several ball games by very close margins last year that could have easily gone the other way. We’ve just got to keep moving in the right direction. I hope we’ve turned [the corner], but the proof will be what happens starting in a couple of weeks.”

• NOTES — The only game last season in which Brenham was held under 21 points was a season-ending 27-7 setback to former district-rival A&M Consolidated in the area round. ... West said the Cubs have no one to replace end Marqez Bimage, the 20-5A defensive player of the year who signed with the University of Texas. The Cubs also lost offensive tackle Colson Altman, who signed with Houston, along with tackle Cade Simmons and guard Jose Aguado, second-team alldistrict picks, but returning is 6-3, 245-pound first-team alldistrict center Jacob Jozwiak. … Brenham is 132-42 since 2003, including 83-13 in league play. … Johnson originally pledged to Texas Tech.

High School Football 2017

11

NAVASOTA RATTLERS

Mission Rebound

Proud Rattler program determined to rediscover gridiron prowess in 2017

By RICHARD CROOME richard.croome@theeagle.com

T

he Navasota Rattlers will be elated to kick off the 2017 season, if for no other reason than 2016 is over.

After winning state titles in 2012 and 2014 and at least nine games a season over a nine-year span, the Rattlers lost nine games in 2016. It’s a fall not easily forgotten.

“We’ve been using it as a tool to build on, and we have to make sure it helped us going into the offseason,” said head

FACTS Head coach — Patrick Goodman (2-9 overall; 2-9 at Navasota) District — 10-4A Division I 2016 record — 2-9 (2-3 in 10-4A Division I) 2016 playoffs — Bi-district: lost to Kilgore 29-13 Playoff appearances (34) — 1936, 1940-41, 1943, 1948, 1955-56, 1974, 1982-85, 1987-91, 1994-96, 1998, 2002-04, 2007-16 Returning lettermen — 20 (7 offensive, 6 defensive starters) All-time record — 564-453-23 Playoff record — 48-30-1

coach Patrick Goodman, who had his players watch video from last

See NAVASOTA, Page 18

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Sept. 1 at Franklin 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 38-22 Sept. 8 at Magnolia West 7 p.m.

Last year: L 23-22 Sept. 15 Waller 7 p.m.

Last year: L 24-12 Sept. 22 at Stafford 7 p.m.

Last year: L 51-6 Sept. 29 open Oct. 6 Bryan* 7 p.m.

Last year: L 28-14 District 10-4A Division I Oct. 13 at Huffman Hargrave 7 p.m.

Last year: W 28-21 Oct. 20 Silsbee 7 p.m.

Last year: L 35-14 Oct. 27 at Cleveland 7 p.m.

Last year: W 37-9 Nov. 3 Bridge City 7 p.m.

Last year: L 49-31 Nov. 10 at Little Cypress Mauriceville 7 p.m.

Last year: L 42-41 *Homecoming

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Senior Ladadrien Walker watches a pass as he prepares to catch it during The Eagle’s high school football media day earlier this month at Merrill Green Stadium.

ROSTER 1 Lawson Hughlett, sr.; 2 Ja’Vonzae Jones, jr.; 3 Micah Mock, sr.; 4. Jeb Malek, sr.; 5 Ronnie Jackson, sr.; 6 Ka’Eric Moore, jr.; 7 Ladadrien Walker, sr.; 8. Donovan Rodriguez, sr.; 9 Cameron Douglas, jr.; 10 Quantavius Moore, jr.; 11 Keaun Eddings sr.; 12 Colson Hildreth, sr.; 14 Tru’Michael Sweed, jr.; 15 Thomas Robinson, jr.; 17 Joseph Gifford, sr.; 18 Tre’Mond Wells, sr.; 19 Tyren Preston, jr.; 20 Eric Estrada, sr.; 21 Jaylen Steptoe, sr.; 23 Sha’javon Taylor, jr.; 24 Marquise Range, sr.; 32 Payne Gessner sr.; 33 Tyrek Houston, jr.; 52 Alejandro Gonzales, sr.; 55 Anthony Pimentel, jr.; 61 Titus Terrell, sr.; 65 Jaycob Steels, jr.; 68 Willie Spriggs, sr.; 70 Felipe Alvarado sr.; 73 Ronald Lee jr.; 75 Jordan Jefferson, soph.; 76 Hillario Rodriguez, jr.; 77 Raiden Torres jr.; 19 Sebastian Pendaloza, sr.; 99 Luis Baeza, sr.

12

High School Football 2017



TheEagle.com



Thursday, August 31, 2017

CALDWELL HORNETS

Big senior class set to lead Hornets

By ROBERT CESSNA robert.cessna@theeagle.com

It’s really not much of a mystery where Caldwell’s Domonique Chambers will line up — just follow the football.

Chambers had 21 receptions last year, six of them for touchdowns, but the 175-pounder was used more at running back as the season progressed, e n d i n g with 1,462 yards rushing and 1 5 t o u chdowns.

CHAMBERS So is h e a running back or a wide receiver?

“That’s always in our discussions,” Caldwell coach Bobby Jack Goforth said. “We do want to utilize him, whether we use him at wide receiver or running back, because he’s done both the last two years. So we’re still probably going to use him as a wide receiver and running back.”

Goforth’s plan is for Chambers to play more in space where he’s made 76 career catches, 16 of them touchdowns. “[It’s] because we really like what he brings to the table as a receiver,” Goforth said. “As far as teams having to account for him, and also, just to try to keep people off-balance. We will mainly use him at wide receiver and insert him at running back at certain times in the game.”

Chambers doesn’t care about where he lines up, just as long as he’s part of the action.

“I like having the ball in my hands, as long as I can

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Caldwell has a 26-player senior class ready to lead it into the 2017 season. That group includes John David Royall, from left, Nathan Balcar and Ray Flores on the offensive line.

FACTS Head coach — Bobby Jack Goforth (43-61 overall; 20-25 at Caldwell) District — 10-4A Division II 2016 record — 5-6 (3-2 in 10-4A Division II) 2016 playoffs — Bi-district: lost to Robinson 77-59 Playoff appearances (21) — 1924, 1926, 1928, 1930-32, 1935, 1939, 1971, 1980, 1984, 1994, 1999, 200304, 2007-09, 2014-16 Returning lettermen — 22 (6 offensive, 2 defensive starters) All-time record — 457-454-32 Playoff record — 14-18-1

touch it, I’m OK,” he said.

“As soon as the whistle blows, wake me up, turn me up.”

He has the same approach on the basketball court as a point guard.

“My freshman to sophomore year, I was more of a distributor,” Chambers said. “My junior year, and hopefully this year, I like to

Thursday, August 31, 2017

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Sept. 1 at Teague canceled Last year: L 27-14 Sept. 8 Franklin 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 52-13 Sept. 15 at Madisonville 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 54-36 Sept. 22 Taylor 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 63-35 Sept. 29 at Mexia 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 48-36 Oct. 6 open District 10-4A Division II Oct. 13 Columbus 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 21-16 Oct. 20 at Giddings 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 42-14 Oct. 27 Smithville* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 35-28 Nov. 3 Gonzales 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 21-14 Nov. 10 at La Grange 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 41-0 *Homecoming

score.”

Chambers is hopeful he’ll join the basketball team late this season. He believes the football team is ready to accomplish big



ROSTER 1 RB Joseph Lara, 5-9, sr.; 2 RB Trey Scyrus, 5-8, soph.; 3 WR Weston Lilie, 5-9, sr.; 4 DB Brandon Powell, 5-8, sr.; 5 WR Domonique Chambers, 5-9, sr.; 6 QB Will Faust, 5-7, sr.; 7 LB Wade Tittle, 5-10, soph.; 8 WR Logan Knesek, 5-7, soph.; 9 WR Kyle Jennings, 5-7, soph.; 10 WR Logan Grigg, 5-8, sr.; 11 DE Ty Jungman, 5-10, jr.; 12 WR Trent Stefka, 5-10, jr.; 14 DB Christian Lopez, 5-10, sr.; 15 WR RJ Jurica, 5-8, sr.; 16 WR Kyle Cunningham, 5-10, soph.; 17 RB Colby Chaplin, 5-9, soph.; 18 WR Connor Hathaway, 5-10, sr.; 19 DB Lamar Green, 5-6, sr.; 20 DB Josh Burkhalter, 5-7, sr.; 21 DE Tyrese Day, 5-10, jr.; 22 DE Markeidres Clark, 5-9, sr.; 23 K Luis Sandoval, 5-9, sr.; 24 NG Charles Sleeth, 5-9 , soph.; 25 DE Jemarie White, 5-10, jr.; 30 LB Xavier Williams, 6-1, sr.; 32 LB Jared Aly, 5-10, sr.; 33 LB Gerardo Aleman, 5-8, sr.; 50 OT Andrew Telg, 6-2, sr.; 51 DT Josh-awa Petty, 5-10, sr.; 52 DE Cody Perry, 6-1, jr.; 54 DT Koby Strickland, 5-10, jr.; 56 DT Baudel Ortiz, 5-9, sr.; 60 OG Jacob Pena, 5-10, sr.; 61 DE Wyatt See, 5-10, sr.; 62 C Ray Flores, 5-9, sr.; 63 NG Eric Hurd, 5-9, sr.; 64 OG John David Royall, 6-2, sr.; 70 LB Luke Skrabanek, 5-10, jr.; 71 OG Nathan Balcar, 6-3, sr.; 72 DT Gabriel Martinez, 5-9, sr.; 76 NG Garrett Church, 5-9, fr.; 77 C Carson Gammage, 5-10, soph.; 78 DT Bryce Casteneda, 5-10, jr.

things after growing up last year with a mid-season push to make the playoffs.

“We all started listening, started getting it, listening to our coaches and started believing in the process,” he said.

Chambers is part of Caldwell’s big g est strength, a 26-player senior class that has been together since junior high.

“We hope that will give

TheEagle.com



us a leg up on depth this year, along with continuity and confidence,” Goforth said.

The Hornets would like to avoid the roller-coaster ride they took to the postseason last year. Caldwell star ted 1-3, losing to Teague, Franklin and Taylor. The Hornets then won three of the next four, but were blown out by district foes Giddings (42-14) and

La Grange (41-0).

“Last year, we had some injuries that slowed our progress, along with a pretty tough nondistrict schedule, ” Goforth said.

“We started to make some adjustments and gain some confidence getting close to the district schedule. We just kind of hung in there.”

Caldwell made some

See CALDWELL, Page 17

High School Football 2017

13

MADISONVILLE MUSTANGS

Coach wants Mustangs to add toughness to talent

By DAVID CAMPBELL david.cambell@theeagle.com

The Madisonville Mustangs have the skill and speed to make a run at a football championship.

What they need is someone to knock down their opponents and take a trophy away.

“This is as good of a skill group as I’ve ever had, Mart included,” said Madisonville coach Rusty Nail, who led the Mart Panthers to two state titles. “We’re just not as good as some teams that I’ve had up front. It’s not that we can’t be. As a unit, we’ve got to become more physical and really learn how to play every snap. It’s trying to learn those championship habits, not just in games but in practice.”

In the bi-district playoff game against Liberty last November, the Mustangs generated 456 yards of offense but lost 62-31. That offense steadily improved as the season progressed.

“We’re snapping it 92 times a game, which is great, but not if you’re snapping it because your defense [gives up quick touchdowns],” Nail said.

“You can call [our defensive formation] a 4-3, 4-2-5, 3-3 stack, 3-4 — whatever you want. The bottom line is you either want to run to the football and tackle or you don’t. We didn’t do a very good job of running to the football or tackling, and thus we gave up a lot of points.”

Zach Poe, a Sam Houston State baseball recruit, has Mustang football in his past and future and can show his teammates what physical play is about. A two-way starter at offensive tackle and defensive

14

Seniors Baylen Mills, from left, Cornelius Merchant and Kendell Moffett will help lead the Mustangs as they dive into District 11-4A Division II looking for another playoff berth.

FACTS Head coach — Rusty Nail (108-31 overall; 3-8 at Madisonville) District — 11-4A Division II 2016 record — 3-8 (2-2 in 11-4A Division II) 2016 playoffs — Bi-district: lost to Liberty 62-31 Playoff appearances (21) — 195759, 1975, 1983-84, 1986, 1994, 199698, 2000-01, 2004-07, 2010, 2013-14, 2016 Returning lettermen — 32 (10 offenive, 7 defensive starters) All-time record — 403-457-29 Playoff record — 9-21

Eagle photo

by Dave McDermand

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Sept. 1 Teague 7:30 p.m.

Last year: did not play Sept. 8 at Woodville 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 28-14 Sept. 15 Caldwell 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 54-36 Sept. 22 at Crockett 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 45-14 Sept. 29 Lorena* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 56-13 Oct. 6 at Rusk 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 35-24 Oct. 13 open District 11-4A Division II Oct. 20 at Shepherd 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 54-21 Oct. 27 Brookshire Royal 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 77-13 Nov. 3 at Bellville 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 63-14 Nov. 10 Tarkington 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 21-15 *Homecoming

end, the senior has seen action his first three seasons and had 16 solo tackles in 2016.

“He’s very quiet but a very aggressive, physicaltype kid,” Nail said. “He’ll mix it up. He’s one of the main kids that we’ve got that’s got a little fire about him and a little nasty in him.”

Three-year starter Ben Phillips returns at quarterback. As a junior, he hit 66 of 143 passes for 852 yards and three touchdowns with six interceptions. Phillips also ran for 559 yards and 12 touchdowns.

“Ben throws the ball extremely well,” Nail said.

“Ben’s issue has been our pass protection. If you give Ben Phillips time, he’s go-

High School Football 2017

ROSTER 2 TE/DE Brandon Larson, jr.; 3 WR/DB Jeremiah Gilbert, jr.; 4 WR/DB Gage Smith, jr.; 5 RB/LB Kendell Moffett, sr.; 6 RB/LB Aaron Nellums, jr.; 7 QB/DB Tyrese Brown, soph.; 8 QB/DB Ben Phillips, sr., 9 WR/LB Mat-thew Barrington, jr.; 10 WR/DB Kurt Gray, jr.; 11 WR/DB Marcus Dorman, jr.; 12 WR/DB Daniel Hernandez, sr.; 13 WR/DB Kasey Williamson, sr.; 14 OLB Andy Gonzales, jr.; 15 WR/DB Johnny Simpson, sr.; 16 TE/DE Keyon Johnson, jr.; 17 LB Efren Garza, sr.; 18 K Mauricio Aceves, jr.; 20 RB/DB Cornelius Merchant, sr.; 21 WR/DB Marcos Lopez, jr.; 22 RB/DB Uriel Willis, jr.; 28 WR/DB Joey Gonzales, sr.; 51 DT/OT Chris Scott, sr.; 53 C/DT Timothy Swonke, soph.; 54 OT/OLB Zach Poe, sr., DE/OT; 55 Baylen Mills, sr.; 56 C/DT Brad Roundtree, sr.; 57 OT/DT Kevin Martinez, jr.; 58 OG/ DT Trae Smith, jr.; 60 OG/DT Deion Crittendon, sr.; 62 OG/DT Kavodrick Issac, jr.; 75 OT/DT Joey McIver, sr.; 77 OG/DT Bryan DeLeon, sr.; 82 WR/DE Tommy Holiday, sr.; 88 WR/DB Tyzerian Young, jr.

ing to put the ball where it’s catchable.”

He’ll have capable receivers to throw to.

Brandon Larson will play tight end, a position the Mustangs didn’t use last season, and also will play defensive end. On offense, he’ll be a combo player as a blocker with good hands.

Versatile Kendall Moffett will play running back and flex into the slot position. On defense, he is shift-



ing from the secondary to linebacker.

Junior Aaron Nellums, a state track meet runner, came on late last football season and rushed for 440 yard and two touchdowns.

He picked up 142 yards on 18 carries in the bi-district contest.

After a strong freshman year, Tyrese Brown likely will start at safety and will be the Mustangs’ quarterback of the future, backing up Phillips this season.

TheEagle.com



Madisonville’s roster also includes junior slot receiver and linebacker Marcus Dorman — “the hardest worker in the program,” Nail says — and Kasey Williamson, a thirdyear wide receiver and big target at 6-foot-3. Speedy junior Uriel Willis and Tommy Holiday, a 6-4 post player on the Mustangs’ basketball team, join the returning receivers unit.

Johnny Simpson missed most of his junior season

with an injury, getting just 15 snaps in 11 games, and will return at running back to bolster an offense already primed for a big year.

During his sophomore season, Simpson rushed for 406 yards and six TDs and caught 31 passes for 526 yards (a 17.0 per-catch average) with three TDs. “There’s just an explosiveness,” Nail said. “He’ll play safety for us, but we

See MUSTANGS, Page 23

Thursday, August 31, 2017

CAMERON YOEMEN

Andress back at QB after fantastic debut as Yoe’s starter

By ROBERT CESSNA robert.cessna@theeagle.com

Cameron quarterback Zack Andress knows all about building something great from nothing.

Andress’ parents flip houses for a l iv i n g , getting help from uncles who are in cons tr uction. Andress, who i nve s t e d money he ANDRESS saved into one of the family’s recent projects, took great pride in building someone’s dream house.

“That’s kind of like our football team, we can come from nothing to something big,” Andress said.

That’s what happened last year as Andress helped the Yoe go 11-3, the program’s fifth straight season to win at least that many games. Andress took over for Jacob Smitherman, who transferred to Rogers, making for a potential rough transition for firstyear head coach Tommy Brashear since Smitherman as a junior completed 63 percent of his passes throwing for 2,586 yards with 25 touchdowns and only nine interceptions.

The Yoemen, though, didn’t miss a beat with Andress, who threw for 3,166 yards by completing 215 of 348 for 45 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He added 578 yards rushing on 143 carries with 11 touchdowns.

“I had a lot of weapons to help me out,” Andress said.

“Wide receivers Sicory Smith, Iverson Westbrook and my line, they stepped up big. At first, everyone

FACTS Head coach — Tommy Brashear (11-3 overall; 11-3 at Cameron) District — 10-3A Division I 2016 record — 11-3 (5-1 in 10-3A Division I) 2016 playoffs — Bi-district: def.

West 35-14; Area: def. Woodville 48-26; Regional: def. Teague 24-6; Quarterfinal: lost to Malakoff 37-34 (OT) Playoff appearances (43) — 1934, 1936, 1946-48, 1951, 1954, 1964-67, 1974-75, 1978, 1981-87, 1989-93, 1996-98, 2000-02, 2004-07, 2010-16 Returning lettermen — 19 (8 offensive, 7 defensive starters) All-time record — 708-346-42 Playoff record — 72-37-3

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Sept. 2 Bellville 11 a.m.

Last year: W 33-10 Sept. 8 Gatesville 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 69-31 Sept. 15 at China Spring 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 63-13 Sept. 22 at Bay City 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 30-27 District 10-3A Division I Sept. 29 at McGregor 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 44-20 Oct. 6 Franklin* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 42-38 Oct. 13 at Jarrell 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 46-0 Oct. 20 Rockdale 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 80-54 Oct. 27 at Academy 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 63-0 Nov. 3 Troy 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 56-20 Nov. 10 open *Homecoming

was saying they might not be very good, but they stepped up huge anytime I needed to deliver the ball.”

Andress, who last year went into fall drills competing with senior Caden Harris, prepared himself for the challenge by spending part of the summer watching film of former Yoe quarterbacks along with offensive coordinator Abe Vargas. The one who caught Andress’ eye most was Jason Kopriva, who helped get this run by the Yoe started by throwing for more than 8,000 yards in three years (2012-14).

“He’s one of the greats, and he helped me a lot the last two years, from the

Thursday, August 31, 2017

ROSTER

Cameron senior wide receiver and defensive back Levi May has some fun at The Eagle’s Media Day, leaping to catch a pass at Merrill Green Stadium earlier this month. May earned all-district honors at safety last season, finishing the year with 87 tackles and five interceptions.

1 WR/DB Kadrian Hammond, jr.; 2 QB/DB Zack Andress, sr.; 3 QB/DB Bryce Brashear, sr.; 4 RB/LB D.J. Fripp, sr.; 5 WR/LB Garrett Roeder, sr.; 6 WR/DB Bryce Welsh, sr.; 7 WR/DB D.J. Daniels, sr.; 8 WR/DB Levi May, sr.; 9 WR/ DB Dondrick Moore, sr.; 10 WR/DB Jeremy Glaser, sr.; 11 WR/DB KeAndrew Moore, sr.; 14 WR/DB Ki’Zirrius Holt, jr.; 15 WR/LB Jale Walzel, jr.; 16 LB Lan-don Anderson, sr,; 17 WR/DB Iverson Westbrook, sr.,; 20 WR/ DB Diego Martinez, sr.; 22 WR/DL Anthony Layne, jr.; 24 RB/LB Patrick England, soph.; 25 RB/LB Nico Vargas, soph.; 35 WR/LB Joel Mora, jr.; 36 LB Alex Aguillon, sr.; 50 OL/LB Ulices Cardona, jr.; 54 OL/DL Brodie Sexton, sr.; 56 OL/DL Chris Johnson, jr,; 60 OL/DL Nick Rangel, sr.; 64 OL/DL Kevin Avdic, jr,; 68 OL/DL Frank Ibarra, jr.; 70 DL John Santos, sr.; 74 OL/DL Caleb Hubnik, jr.; 75 OL/DL Alfredo Sierra, jr.; 76 OL/DL Quentin Ewing, sr.; 77 OL/DL Christian Reyes, sr.; 78 OL/DL Adrian Lewis, sr.; 90 WR Caleb Mueck, sr.

little stuff to the big stuff,” Andress said.

Andress is primed for a big senior year with seven other offensive starters returning.

“I think we have an even better line this year to protect me,” Andress said.

“Then, we’ve got a running back [Tydrick Williams] who is healthy this year and he can step up and take some of the burden off me.

And we have a lot of new weapons at wide receiver.”

Williams was a secondteam all-district pick last year after 524 yards rushing and six touchdowns along with wide receiver Bryce Welsh (10 receptions-199 yards, four TDs).

Garrett Roeder chipped in with eight catches for 148 yards, two of them touchdowns. Westbrook was a first-team pick after 41 catches for 525 yards and seven touchdowns as was 305-pound senior center Adrian Lewis, a threeyear starter who moves to tackle.

“He will lead a much improved unit this year,” Brashear said.

Cameron, which also returns seven starters on defense, enters the season as the prohibitive favorite to win state in Class 3A. The



Eagle photo

by Dave McDermand

Yoe in the Associated Press poll had a 37-point edge on second-place Brock, the largest of all classifications between the top two teams.

“The good thing about pressure is, it pushes us to strive to want to get there again,” Andress said. “People expect us to get there, so we’re going to do just that. I don’t see anything bad about it, I like the pressure. I like people coming after me, I don’t want to be chasing nobody.”

TheEagle.com



• NOTES — Cameron’s defense returns six all-district performers. Safety Levi May (87 tackles, five interceptions) was on the first team, while tackle Brodie Sexton (81 tackles), linebackers Garrett Roeder (101 tackles) and Nico Vargas and backs D.J. Daniels (32 tackles) and Westbrook (50 tackles, three interceptions) were on the second team. … Westbrook has been offered a scholarship by Sam Houston State,

Brashear said. … Cameron last year lost to Malakoff 3734 in the Division I regional semifinals, ending a streak of playing in four straight state title games, including state titles from 2012-14.

Malakoff’s Everado Garcia kicked a 30-yard field goal in overtime as the Tigers rallied from a 27-19 deficit to avenge a 45-44 loss in area action the previous year. … Cameron will get newcomers from its freshman and JV teams which each were 8-2.

High School Football 2017

15

FRANKLIN LIONS

Ground-bound Lions loaded for playoff push

By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com

The Franklin Lions don’t spend much time wondering what might have been.

And in 2017, they’ll hit the ground running.

The Lions averaged 8.2 yards every time they rushed the ball last season and a whopping 467 yards of total offense per game.

“Their work was good in the offseason in anticipation,” said Franklin head Mike Hedrick, whose Lions lost in the bi-district playoffs in 2016. “It was a disappointment to these kids.

They’re not used to just playing one playoff game.”

Clayton Rosprim, who had a strong freshman season in the 2015 playoffs

FACTS Head coach — Mike Hedrick (281153-11 overall; 102-31 at Franklin) District — 10-3A Division I 2016 record — 8-3 (4-2 in 10-3A Division I) 2016 playoffs — Bi-district: lost to Teague 42-20 Playoff appearances (29) — 1951, 1953, 1955, 1961, 1965, 1970, 1972, 1975, 1977-79, 1983-84, 1986, 1988, 1996-98, 2003, 2007-16 Returning lettermen — 18 (5 offensive, 4 defensive starters) All-time record — 550-369-37 Playoff record — 30-28-1

when Franklin advanced to the Class 2A Division II state championship game, overcame an early foot injury to rush for 992 yards and seven touchdowns on 129 carries last season. He ran for 240 yards in the Lions’ regular-season victory over McGregor.

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Sept. 1 Navasota 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 38-22 Sept. 8 at Caldwell 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 52-13 Sept. 15 Lorena 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 34-21 Sept. 22 at Waco Connally 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 48-42 District 10-3A Division I Sept. 29 Troy 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 42-12 Oct. 6 at Cameron 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 42-38 Oct. 13 McGregor* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 38-35 Oct. 20 open Oct. 27 at Jarrell 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 68-7 Nov. 3 Rockdale 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 27-21 Nov. 10 at Academy 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 41-6 *Homecoming

Junior halfback Jared Pedraza (71 carries, 729 yards, 12 TDs) was another key runner in the Lions’ stable of talented backs.

Pedraza also led Franklin

ROSTER 2 QB/CB Zach Kissinger, 5-5, 140, sr.; 3 TE/DE Casey Phillips, 6-6, 275, sr.; 4 TB/SS Datron Dixon, 5-10, 160, soph.; 5 TE/LB Hagen Aguilar, 5-11, 215, sr.; 6 SE/CB Tucker Gober, 5-11, 160, jr.; 7 TB/CB Rashawn Green, 5-9, 150, soph.; 8 HB/CB Tristian Moore, 5-10 185, sr.; 11 SE/SS Zach Simmons, 6-1, 160, sr.; 12 QB/FS Colton Ortner, 5-10, 170, jr.; 15 HB/FS Jared Pedraza, 6-1, 205, jr.; 16 SE/SS Blake Leamon, 5-11, 180, jr.; 20 HB/SS Jacob Cook, 5-11, 165, jr.; 24 HB/LB Will Fannin, 5-10, 180, jr.; 25 FB/LB CJ Smith, 5-8, 175, soph.; 30 TB/FS Richard Muhumuza, 5-8, 145, soph.; 31 HB/SS Lucas Rizzo, 6-0, 180, sr.; 32 OL/LB Josh Nelson, 6-0, 160, sr.; 38 FB/LB Clayton Rosprim, 6-0, 215, jr.; 40 FB/LB Nick Lopez, 5-9, 215, sr.; 51 OL/DL Dalton Watkins, 5-10, 215, sr.; 52 OL/DL Ryan Davis, 6-2, 195, jr.; 54 OL/DL William Deal, 5-10, 220, sr.; 60 OL/DL Jayden Brown, 5-11, 190, sr.; 63 OL/DL Kavan Dooley, 6-3, 255, sr.; 66 OL/DL Kolbe Watkins, 6-2, 245, jr.; 70 OL/DL Colton Rosprim, 5-11, 195, jr.; 72 OL/LB Matt Duewall, 6-1, 205, sr.; 75 OL/DL David Stegall, 6-0, 225, jr.; 77 OL/DL Cody Duewall, 6-2, 235, soph.; 80 OL/DL Allen Etheridge, 5-10, 185, jr.; 81 SE/SS James Little, 5-10, 165, soph.

in receiving with seven catches for 160 yards. He has started as a freshman and sophomore.

Datron Dixon (38-450-8) and Rashawn Green (37454-5) could take more handoffs this season from the slot-back position.

“They’re both sophomores and they’ve got a lot of wiggle,” Hedrick said.

James Little provides another pair of sure hands at tight end.

Baylor recruit Casey

Phillips is a top-notch o f f e n s ive lineman, but he’s moving to tight end for his senior season. The PHILLIPS 6-foot-6, 275-pounder will remain a key blocker but has good hands, allowing the Lions to maximize his ability.

“That’s a pretty good sized tight end,” Hedrick said. “He’s got good feet.

We’ve got other kids that can fill in, and we run a lot of power sweeps and stuff like that anyway. He’s an athlete who comes from an athletic family, and he’s got as good of hands as anybody we’ve got on the acreage here.”

With Phillips’ shift, Kolbe Watkins (6-2, 245)

See FRANKLIN, Page 23

William E. Privett, DDS 1111 Rock Prairie Road | College Station 979-775-7777 | Fax: 979-764-5689 www.heartoftexasdentistry.com

16

High School Football 2017



TheEagle.com



Thursday, August 31, 2017

DISTRICT 18-5A

2016 FINAL STANDINGS

District Overall W-L W-L PF PA College Station 6-0 14-1 693 220 Temple 5-1 12-4 499 330 A&M Consolidated 4-2 8-4 373 217 Bryan 3-3 6-6 353 409 Waco 2-4 5-5 283 232 Rudder 1-5 2-8 193 438 Waco University 0-6 0-10 181 491 Playoffs Division I Bi-district: Bryan 41, Ennis 27; Temple 34, Corsicana 10 Area: Cedar Park 42, Bryan 20; Temple 17, Pflugerville Connally 14 Regional: Temple 39, Port Arthur Memorial 7 Quarterfinal: Temple 24, Manvel 23 Semifinal: Temple 31, Richmond Foster 24 Championship: Highland Park 16, Temple 7 • Division II Bi-district: A&M Consolidated 30, Jacksonville 15; College Station 51, Whitehouse 14 Area: A&M Consolidated 27, Brenham 7; College Station 63, Magnolia 25 Regional: Fort Bend Marshall 28, A&M Consolidated 21; College Staton 52, Port Neches-Groves 28 Quarterfinal: College Station 41, Fort Bend Marshall 27 Semifinal: Corpus Christi Calallen 31, College Station 30

DISTRICT 10-4A DIVISION I

District Overall W-L W-L PF PA Bridge City 6-0 9-3 473 321 Silsbee 4-1 6-5 398 349 Little Cypress-Mauriceville 3-2 5-6 305 404 Navasota 2-3 2-9 240 349 Huffman Hargrave 1-4 4-6 272 344 Cleveland 0-5 3-7 186 316 Playoffs Bi-district: Kilgore 29, Navasota 13; Henderson 48, Little Cypress-Mauriceville 12; Carthage 34, Silsbee 30; Bridge City 35, Center 28 Area: Bridge City 39, Bay City 19 Regional: Stafford 37, Bridge City 28

DISTRICT 10-4A DIVISION II

District Overall W-L W-L PF PA Giddings 5-0 11-3 492 322 Caldwell 3-2 5-6 314 432 La Grange 3-2 4-6 219 225 Gonzales 2-3 5-6 227 287 Columbus 2-3 3-7 202 272 Smithville 0-5 0-10 178 356 Playoffs Bi-district: Robinson 77, Caldwell 59; Salado 35, La Grange 34 (OT); Lorena 48, Gonzales 3; Giddings 41, Waco Connally 18 Area: Giddings 28, Hardin-Jefferson 21 Regional: Giddings 26, Liberty 14 Quarterfinal: West Orange-Stark 48, Giddings 5

DISTRICT 11-4A DIVISION II

DISTRICT 20-5A

District Overall W-L W-L PF PA Magnolia 7-0 10-2 472 327 Brenham 5-2 8-4 379 346 Magnolia West 4-3 7-4 273 183 Willis 4-3 7-4 278 271 Tomball Memorial 3-4 6-4 288 242 Huntsville 3-4 4-6 247 259 Waller 2-5 3-7 209 314 Tomball 0-7 2-8 316 348 Playoffs Division I Bi-district: Cedar Park 49, Willis 14; Pflugerville Connally 34, Magnolia West 33 • Division II Bi-district: Brenham 31, Georgetown 28; Magnolia 54, Hutto 38 Area: A&M Consolidated 27, Brenham 7; College Station 63, Magnolia 25

District Overall W-L W-L PF PA Bellville 4-0 10-3 427 213 Shepherd 3-1 7-3 423 187 Madisonville 2-2 3-8 276 433 Tarkington 1-3 3-7 173 356 Brookshire Royal 0-4 2-8 123 439 Bi-district: Liberty 62, Madisonville 31; West OrangeStark 73, Tarkington 0; Hardin-Jefferson 30, Shepherd 28; Bellville 45, Orangefield 21 Area: Bellville 34, Salado 14 Regional: West Orange-Stark 49, Bellville 7

DISTRICT 10-3A DIVISION I Rockdale Cameron Franklin Troy McGregor Academy Jarrell

District Overall W-L W-L PF PA 6-0 11-2 546 334 5-1 11-3 590 377 4-2 8-3 440 271 3-3 5-6 248 373 2-4 4-6 356 275 1-5 4-6 200 316 0-6 1-9 140 459

Playoffs Bi-district: Teague 42, Franklin 20; Malakoff 47, Troy 16; Rockdale 42, Groesbeck 28; Cameron 35, West 14 Area: Rockdale 21, Coldspring-Oakhurst 13; Cameron 48, Woodville 26 Regional: Malakoff 27, Rockdale 14; Cameron 23, Teague 6 Quarterfinal: Malakoff 37, Cameron 34 (OT)

DISTRICT 12-3A DIVISION II

District Overall W-L W-L PF PA New Waverly 6-0 9-3 359 301 Leon 5-1 9-3 399 312 Buffalo 4-2 8-4 349 224 Hearne 3-3 5-6 288 290 Bruceville-Eddy 2-4 6-4 316 231 Marlin 1-5 3-7 168 388 Anderson-Shiro 0-6 0-10 167 391 Playoffs Bi-district: Clifton 35, Hearne 24; Buffalo 42, Dallas Triple-A Academy 0; New Waverly 30, Mildred 7; Leon 24, Rice 21 Area: Newton 50, Buffalo 7; Arp 49, New Waverly 8; Elysian Fields 63, Leon 21

Regional: Centerville 43, Lovelady 14 Quarterfinal: Centerville 23, Price Carlisle 17 Semifinal: Refugio 38, Centerville 14

DISTRICT 13-2A DIVISION I

District Overall W-L W-L PF PA 4-1 10-2 439 237 4-1 6-7 419 480 3-2 4-7 309 420 2-3 5-5 321 254 2-3 4-7 403 445 0-5 2-8 228 362 Playoffs Bi-district: Mason 49, Moody 7; Junction 46, Thorndale 20; Normangee 42, Brackettville 25; Thrall 61, Harper 28 Area: Ben Bolt 33, Thrall 16; Normangee 50, Yorktown 44 Regional: Mason 55, Normangee 18 Thrall Normangee Thorndale Holland Moody Rosebud-Lott

DISTRICT 10-2A DIVISION II

District Overall W-L W-L PF PA 5-0 11-3 721 276 3-2 6-5 253 278 3-2 5-6 195 319 2-3 3-7 113 263 2-3 3-8 166 306 0-5 3-7 215 321 Playoffs Bi-district: East Bernard 39, Rogers 0; Tidehave 27, Florence 7; Boling 49, Comfort 24; Lexington 32, Wallis Brazos 20 Area: Lexington 35, Stockdale 6 Regional: Lexington 38, East Bernard 35 Quarterfinal: Boling 34, Lexington 29

District Overall W-L W-L PF PA Bremond 5-0 16-0 762 206 Meridian 3-2 7-5 319 429 Frost 2-3 6-5 427 293 Chilton 2-3 5-5 216 247 Hubbard 2-3 4-7 239 309 Dawson 1-4 2-8 54 271 Playoffs Bi-district: Cumby 52, Hubbard 36; Maud 41, Frost 22; Meridian 68, Detroit 38; Bremond 56, Dallas Gateway 20 Area: Tenaha 76, Meridian 0; Bremond 48, Overton 13 Regional: Bremond 48, Maud 20 Quarterfinal: Bremond 31, Tenaha 7 Semifinal: Bremond 50, Burton 31 State championship: Bremond 49, Iraan 28

DISTRICT 12-2A DIVISION II

DISTRICT 12-2A DIVISION II

DISTRICT 13-3A DIVISION II

Lexington Comfort Florence Blanco Rogers Johnson City

District Overall W-L W-L PF PA Groveton 5-0 9-2 572 236 Centerville 4-1 11-4 599 290 Lovelady 3-2 9-3 382 242 West Sabine 2-3 5-6 365 391 Deweyville 1-4 5-5 197 252 West Hardin 0-5 1-9 72 426 Playoffs Bi-district: San Augustine 35, Groveton 34; Price Carlisle 38, West Sabine 30; Lovelady 33, Joaquin 16; Centerville 49, Alto 28 Area: Lovelady 36, Union Grove 27; Centerville 55, Kerens 6

District Overall W-L W-L PF PA 4-1 10-2 558 300 4-1 8-5 365 288 4-1 7-4 390 274 2-3 6-5 258 333 1-4 1-9 214 492 0-5 0-10 118 457 Playoffs Bi-district: Overton 33, Hull-Daisetta 18; Tenaha 82, Sabine Pass 0; Evadale 52, Timpson 41; Iola 23, Grapeland 6; Area: Maud 55, Evadale 28; Iola 28, Cumby 6 Regional: Tenaha 55, Iola 0 Evadale Iola Hull-Daisetta Sabine Pass Colmesneil Burkeville

DISTRICT 13-2A DIVISION II

District Overall W-L W-L PF PA Burton 5-0 13-2 679 289 Granger 4-1 9-3 401 318 Snook 3-2 6-6 266 362 Milano 2-3 4-8 251 362 Somerville 1-4 3-7 176 294 Bartlett 0-5 3-7 115 300 Playoffs Bi-district: Granger 38, Center Point 16; Snook 30, Rocksprings 29; Milano 30, D’Hanis 26; Burton 49, Leakey 14 Area: Bruni 16, Granger 6; Flatonia 49, Snook 6; Falls City 45, Milano 21; Burton 54, Riviera-Kaufer 12 Regional: Burton 34, Falls City 24 Quarterfinal: Burton 41, Flatonia 20 Semifinal: Bremond 50, Burton 31

DISTRICT 16-A DIVISION II

District Overall W-L W-L PF 3-0 12-1 773 2-1 7-3 403 1-2 7-3 496 0-3 2-7 345 Playoffs Bi-district: Milford 47, Oglesby 0; Calvert Oakwood 22 Area: Calvert 72, Iredell 24 Quarterfinal: Richland Springs 86, Calvert 36 Calvert Oglesby Prairie Lea Buckholts

PA 337 250 342 515 68,

TAPPS DISTRICT 4 DIVISION III

District Overall W-L W-L PF PA Waco Reicher 5-0 9-4 595 341 Brazos Christian 4-1 8-3 437 178 Marble Falls Faith 2-3 4-6 221 327 Texas School for the Deaf 2-3 4-7 248 361 St. Joseph 2-3 3-7 197 387 Central Texas Christian 0-5 0-10 129 487 Playoffs Division III Bi-district: Boerne Geneva School 42, Texas School for the Deaf 32; Waco Reicher 63, Houston Lutheran North 6 Regional: Waco Reicher 45, Cypress Community 41 Semifinal: Houston Northland Christian 53, Waco Reicher 20 • Division IV Bi-district: Shiner St. Paul 62, Marble Falls Faith 7; Brazos Christian – bye Regional: Brazos Christian 49, The Woodlands Legacy Prep 0 Semifinal: Shiner St. Paul 41, Brazos Christian 38

CALDWELL: Five talented seniors return to lead powerful offensive line Continued from 13

drastic changes, moving Chambers to running back when brother Keyshawn Chambers was injured, running more I formation rather than the spread Goforth would prefer. And with a healthy defensive line and an injury-riddled linebacking corps, the Hornets switched from a 4-3 alignment to a 5-2, which they’ve maintained and refined.

It all adds up for the potential for a special season.

Caldwell has never made

the playoffs four straight years.

“I expect to be playing in November for the district championship,” Goforth said. “That’s an expectation. That’s something we’ve built for the last two years. Last year, we fell off a notch, but I feel like we can get back up to that level.”

The strength of the offense along with Chambers is an offensive line of five seniors led by guard Ray Flores and tackle Andrew Telg, who were secondteam all-district picks,

Thursday, August 31, 2017

along with senior quarterback Will Faust, who threw for 1,400 yards last year.

The running backs lack experience, but there’s options. Se- FAUST nior Xavier Williams, who got injured last season, is back healthy and will be a starting linebacker. But the coaches would like the 205-pounder to carry the ball more.



Sophomore Trey Scyrus, who helped the freshmen go 8-2 last season, is another possibility in an attempt to keep Chambers at receiver.

Another ingredient for Caldwell’s success will be other receivers stepping up to create more room for Chambers, who patterns himself after the Los Angeles Rams’ Tavon Austin.

Chambers is dangerous in the return game, with kickoff returns for touchdowns against Bellville as a sophomore and Taylor last season, but teams kick

TheEagle.com



way from him, especially punters.

“It’s hard for him to get his hands on a punt,” Goforth said.

Chambers also is a standout defender, but the plan is to rest him on defense.

“He’s paired up at cornerback with another player who also plays wide receiver,” Goforth said.

“That way, he can get a break because he’s not going to get too many breaks on offense.”

Chambers thinks the defense with or without him

is primed for a big season.

“Our defensive line is getting real big and they don’t want to get run through [again],” Chambers said.

Caldwell allowed 270 yard rushing per game last season, but the good news is Flores at tackle and Telg at end also earned secondteam all-district honors on defense.

• NOTES — Caldwell’s best secondary player last season, Devin Morris, signed with Texas A&M. Keyshawn Chambers is at Mesabi Ranger JC.

High School Football 2017

17

RUDDER: Dobbins’ return helps give Rangers depth at quarterback Continued from 10 onte with Jeremiah Manley and Treaveon Green,” Morgan said. “Jeremiah will play multiple positions for us. Compared to Kevonte, they are smaller guys, kind of like water bugs. It’s quite a difference when you [run isolation plays] with Kevonte then ‘iso’ with those two.”

The Rangers got a significant bump in experience early in their August workouts. Quarterback Hunter Dobbins, an Arkansas baseball recruit, had planned to focus only on baseball his senior season, but after spending the first day of workouts watching the football team, he rejoined it.

“It’s nice to have somebody with some varsity experience back at quarterback,” Morgan said.

“That was a bonus for us.

We were working with some young guys who had JV experience, and both were doing really well.”

Before a knee injury ended his junior season, Dobbins had a strong run at quarterback after taking over the job when then-quarterback Manley was hurt in the District 185A opener against Waco.

Dobbins had a 90-yard touchdown run, outpacing three defenders at the end of it. He rushed for 80 yards or more in three consecutive games and concluded the year with 50 carries for 348 yards and three TDs. He also hit 34 of 82 passes for 273 yards and three TDs with four interceptions.

“He is very mature, and that was the biggest sense we got after the first scrimmage, how he manages, how he leads,” Morgan

said. “He’s very calm and doesn’t get up or get down.

He’s very steady.”

Morgan says that Dobbins, Bladen Reaves and Felix Conde all are “natural leaders” at quarterback. The Rangers played three different quarterbacks last season.

Overall numbers are down for Rudder this year, and it is likely that Reaves or Conde will play on defense if they are not taking snaps at quarterback.

Morgan won’t abandon the spread offense, which he brought in during his final year in Madisonville, where the Mustangs featured a potent attack.

“We’re going to bring some of that in with us, and if we start getting nine or 10 men in the box, we’ll go to some of those things to get people out of there,” Morgan said, although

the first thing the Rangers want to establish is the running game.

Skill players may work both ways at receiver and defensive back. Jaden Luna (16 catches, 184 yards, two TDs last season) started as a slot receiver last year.

Louisiana move-in Daveon Calhoun has been impressive as a receiver.

Giovanni Madison and Keydron Caldwell will also be in the mix, while Brandon Tribble played safety last season but has looked good at receiver in camp.

The offensive and defensive line pose a depth problem for Rudder. With 15 linemen overall, some will play both ways.

Jakobe Nutall, a 6-2, 290-pound junior, started last year and may play both ways this year.

“He’s a bull in a China

closet, but he’s got some natural defensive tendencies just in the way he conducts himself,” Morgan said. “If we can control that defensive side of him on the offensive line, I think he’s going to be a whale of an offensive lineman.”

Senior Colton McGary (6-2, 285) also brings experience up front offensively.

Justin Gomez joins Pedro Garcia, coming off a knee injury, among top line contenders.

Clif ford Chambers played middle linebacker for the Rangers his sophomore season and is one of several players swapping spots in the new scheme.

He’s learning to play fullback and defensive line.

Thomas Carter is also on the move with new position shifts.

Pedro Deluna returns at

kicker after hitting 17 of 20 extra-point kicks and a field goal.

Rudder is trying to improve on a 2-8 season, which included one win in 18-5A. “When a new person comes in and takes over a program, it’s about building a program, what’s going to happen in two or three or four years from now,” Morgan said. “We need some successes now, so that we sell what we’re preaching.

“I don’t want to waste this senior class. There are some talented seniors.

I want them to go out with more success than they’ve enjoyed, and I want the juniors, sophomores and freshmen to follow them and build off the successes they have.”

NAVASOTA: Senior WR Jackson says Rattlers motivated for turnaround Continued from 12

year’s games during the spring as motivation. “If you don’t want to [have] happen what happened last year, this is what you’ll do, and we had a good offseason and a good summer. When we finish [the last scrimmage], it’s the 2017 season and get ready for one game at a time, which starts with Franklin [on Friday].”

Senior wide receiver Ronnie Jackson, who has experienced the program’s highs and the lows, said he was more than ready to erase last season’s 2-9 showing with whatever it took in the offseason. As a team, Jackson says the Rattlers’ turnaround has already started.

With attitude.

“Why has it changed?

Because we are tired of

18

the community talking down on us,” Jackson said. “Everybody was saying stuff, classmates, and guys took that to heart.

We didn’t like that at all.”

Jackson and Goodman say they want to believe it’s a hard lesson learned, and that the Rattlers can get back to the lofty heights that for a painful short time they took for granted.

“We learned we have to work harder, because we didn’t have the talent we usually have, so that is the thing we did this summer,” Jackson said.

“Everyone came in during boot camp and put in a lot of work, so I think there is going to be a lot of change. [The leaders] are just telling everybody that it’s not going to come easy like it was, and ever since then we have worked harder.”

High School Football 2017

Hard work is key for a team Goodman says got pushed around in his first year. It’s the reason the team, especially the defense, watched tapes of last year’s Franklin, Bryan and Bridge City games.

It’s also why Goodman has made two noticeable changes. He will go back to what he knows best, which is being more hands-on with the defense, and Navasota’s offensive line will play out of three-point stances instead of standing up.

“Now they have to fire out and be more physical, pad levels down, and that’s what we need,” Goodman said. “They feel good about what we are doing ... wasn’t any griping, wasn’t any complaining about putting their hand in the ground after playing the two-point



stance. We’ve got to have a that mindset, because when it’s time to be physical we are going to be physical.”

Navasota returns four of five starters on the offensive line, including sophomore tackle and Texas A&M recruit Jordan Jefferson. Alejandro Gonzales, Felipe Alvarado and Willie Spriggs also return, and Ronald Lee and Raiden Torres are vying for the left guard opening.

A trio of backs and senior quarterback Jeb Malek should be the beneficiaries of better line play, and the Rattlers should benefit from Malek’s year of experience.

“He understands,” Goodman said. “He’s got to be better than he was last year, but I think having that experience, he will be there.”

TheEagle.com



Malek has Jackson’s backing. The two have worked together after practice and are hoping to add to the 23 connections they had last season.

“We’ve been together all [of our school years], but now we are closer because now we understand what we have to do,” Jackson said. “He’s more calm, feels more comfortable, and then our blockers are better, so he’s way better than last year.

He has more confidence also.”

Offensively for Navasota, it starts with protecting the ball. The Rattlers averaged four turnovers a game last season.

“One of the biggest things to me was the mental part of it, the number of turnovers we had each game,” Goodman said. “It was a little over four, and you are not going to beat

anybody with that many, and that explains to me a 2-8 and 2-9 record.”

Goodman said he’d like to avoid using two-way starters, but for now a couple of Rattlers will start both ways, and a few more will play on both sides of the ball. Jefferson is one of the few that will start both ways.

Tyrek Houston and Jaycob Steels return after gaining all-district honors. Linebacker Lawson Hughlett will figure in among the defensive front seven as should Titus Terrell.

Luis Baeza has made a push toward starting defensively, but Goodman said he and the coaching staff will be careful with him because of his importance at place-kicker.

Ladadrien Walker is Navasota’s lone returning starter in the secondary.

Thursday, August 31, 2017

ROCKDALE TIGERS

Crawford expects to have busy senior season

By ROBERT CESSNA robert.cessna@theeagle.com

Most sophomores are elated when they make the starting lineup — not Rockdale’s Jaqualyn Crawford.

Oh, he was happy to be slot receiver, but he wanted more, m u c h more.

“I didn’t start the season [on defense] and I was kind of upset about CRAWFORD it,” Crawford said.

“But when they put me, I just tried to do everything I could to solidify a starting job. And I’ve been starting both ways ever since.”

Crawford seemingly hasn’t taken a play off since, becoming one of the state’s best three-way players.

He had 54 receptions last season for 1,133 yards and 14 touchdowns, despite being double-teamed 80 percent of the time. On defense, he had six interceptions, returning four for touchdowns along with 10 passes broken up in allowing only three completions.

In special teams, he had kickoff returns of 77 and 95 yards for touchdowns and he added an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown, though teams tried to kick away from him.

“He was named 10-3A [Division I] MVP in arguably the toughest district in the state,” Rockdale coach Jeff Miller said. “He was dominating as a receiver, defensive back and return specialist. [Opposing] quarterbacks very rarely threw his way.”

Crawford didn’t rest on

FACTS

ROSTER

Head coach — Jeff Miller (113-72 overall; 78-51 at Rockdale) District — 10-3A Division I 2016 record —11-2 (6-0 in 10-3A Division I) 2016 playoffs — Bi-district: def. Groesbeck 42-28; Area: def.

Coldspring-Oakhurst 21-13; Regional: lost to Malakoff 27-14 Playoff appearances (25) — 1958, 1962-63, 1975-77, 1979, 1992-93, 1995, 1997-99, 2002-04, 2007-10, 2012-16 Zone playoff (1) — 1973 Returning lettermen — 20 (4 offensive, 8 defensive starters) All-time record — 519-452-25 Playoff record — 26-24-0

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Sept. 1 at West 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 33-21 Sept. 8 Taylor 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 37-28 Sept. 15 Lexington 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 62-35 Sept. 22 open Sept. 29 at Rogers 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 48-9 District 10-3A Division I Oct. 6 at Academy 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 56-13 Oct. 13 Troy* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 49-35 Oct. 20 at Cameron 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 80-54 Oct. 27 McGregor 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 41-34 Nov. 3 at Franklin 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 27-21 Nov. 10 Jarrell 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 45-7 *Homecoming

his laurels.

“I mean to do better than what I did last year,” Crawford said. “I feel like I’m a way better player than I was last year. I put in a lot more work than before for the season because I felt I had to prepare myself for what kind of football I’m going to be playing the next couple of years.”

Crawford, who pledged to Oklahoma in the summer, plans to have a senior season to remember.

“I feel like even if I am doubled I can still win the matchups,” he said. “I can still go win jump balls and stuff like that. I just put in a lot of work this summer to prepare myself for the

Thursday, August 31, 2017

1 WR/DB Quentin Hughes, jr.; 2 QB/WR Torry Locklin, sr.; 3 RB/DB Brajon Ayala, sr.; 4 WR/DB Nathan Newlin, jr.; 5 WR/DB Jaquayln Crawford, sr.; 7 WR/DB Will Story, jr.; 8 WR/DB Tyler Caldwell, jr.; 9 WR/DB Josh Springer, sr.; 10 RB/LB Jackson Perry, jr.; 11 RB/LB JR Harris, sr.; 12 RB/LB Dylan Rowe, sr.; 15 WR/DB Ross Loth, soph.; 18 WR/DB Mason Monzingo, jr.; 20 WR/LB Braden Moore, jr.; 22 RB/LB Austin Flores, jr.; 23 TE/LB Alvin Mitchell, sr.; 25 RB/DB Felix Barnes, jr., 30 RB/LB Dylan David, sr.; 31 K Luis Iruegas, jr.; 33 TE/DL Patrick Dean, sr.; 34 WR/LB Cesar Gonzalez, sr.; 40 WR/LB Arlando Ayala, jr.; 48 TE/LB Marcos Gutierrez, sr.; 50 OL/DL Justin Nelson, sr.; 51 OL/DL Jim Meraz, sr.; 52 OL/DL Doss Hasselbach, jr.; 53 OL/DL Josh Davenport, jr.; OL/DL 55 Robert Barrera, jr.; 57 OL/DL Leo Millan, jr.; 59 OL/DL Cayden McBride, jr.; 60 OL/DL Carson Offield, jr.; 61 OL/DL Adam Gomez, jr.; 62 OL/DL Angel Banda, sr.; 65 OL/DL Wyatt Chambers, sr.; 71 OL/LB Preston Debault, jr.; 80 WR/DB Quintin Myles, sr.; 84 WR/DB Chris Johnson, sr.; 88 TE/LB Tyler Lehmkuhl, sr.

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand SeniorTorry Locklin will play quarterback for theTigers after moving in from New Mexico.Locklin is the son of Kerry Locklin, who helped Rockdale win a state title in 1976. double-team matchups and the way I’m going to be schemed against defensively this year.”

Crawford and Rockdale aren’t going to sneak up on anybody after going 112 last season, including 6-0 in 10-3A, getting victories over Cameron and Franklin who started the season in the Top 10.

Crawford is one of only four returners from an explosive Rockdale offense that has to replace quarterback David Franklin, who threw for 2,086 yards and 22 touchdowns, and running back Davion Ford, who had 1,598 yards rushing and 31 touchdowns along with 19 receptions for 369 yards.

The Tigers received good news early this month when quarterback Torry Locklin was granted a transfer waiver. Locklin has been living in Rockdale since May after transferring from Las Cruces Mayfield (New Mexico).

Locklin is the son of Kerry Locklin, who helped the Tigers to a state title in 1976, and is currently the



defensive line coach for the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts.

The younger Locklin, at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, played with his future teammates in 7-on-7.

“He’s going to play D-1 football next season,” Crawford said. “I mean, our offense is really going to be hard to stop this year.”

The pair teamed up for the teams three touchdowns in a scrimmage with Giddings. Locklin and Crawford along with wide

receiver Tyler Lehmkuhl, also a first-team all-district player a year ago, might have to supply big plays early as Rockdale molds it running attack behind a revamped line.

In addition to losing Ford, the Tigers lost three linemen who were firstteam all-district picks and a second-team pick. The only returning lineman is 275-pound tackle Jim Meraz, who was a secondteam pick last year. The Tigers might run the ball

by committee with seniors Brajon Ayala and Dylan Rowe and juniors Jackson Perry and Felix Barnes the leading candidates.

With eight starters returning, the defense has a chance to be the best in Miller’s 12 seasons. Senior linebacker Dylan David was 10-3A’s defensive MVP. Senior linebacker J.R. Harris (148 tackles, 11 TFL, seven sacks, seven pressures) and junior linebacker

See ROCKDALE, Page 23

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON! Call Now to Schedule Your FREE

Hearing Test!

979.779.3070

Joe Crnkovic A.C.A

Treasure LaFollette BC-HIS

3600 Texas Ave Ste 400 • Bryan • www.audiblehearing.com

TheEagle.com



High School Football 2017

19

ANDERSON-SHIRO OWLS

Owls hope defense can help fuel turnaround

By JEFFREY PERKINS jeffrey.perkins@theeagle.com

The Anderson-Shiro Owls aren’t taking last season lightly.

The winless 2016 campaign will provide plenty of fuel for their fire.

“I think the kids have a real chip on their shoulder about last year and we’ve talked a lot about how last year doesn’t define who we are as a team and who we are as a program,” firstyear Anderson-Shiro head coach Brad Hodges said. “I think you’re going to see a bunch of guys who have set goals to get out there and be competitive and fight for a playoff spot.

“We know this is a work in progress. It’s not something that’s just going to happen overnight but it’s something that the kids have bought into.”

For the Owls, that fight starts on the defense, where sophomore linebacker Kreese Milligan will set the tone with his hard-nosed style of play. In his freshman season, Milligan was voted the team’s defensive most valuable player.

“He’s one of these kids that if he’s not up at school, the field or in the weight room, he’s probably doing rodeo,” Hodges said. “So that probably gives you an idea of the toughness of this kid. He’s going to go hit you in the mouth every time you put your hands on the ball and he’s not afraid to get in there and get a little dirty.”

Millig an is complemented up front by senior defensive end Darius Bookman, and with support in the secondary by junior Chalon Pratt and senior

20

ROSTER 1 WR/LB Garrett Johnson, jr.; 2 QB/DB Grant Wilson, soph.; 3 WR/DB Tre Hightower, jr.; 4 RB/DB Zacarrius Haynes, soph.; 5 WR/DB Tyler Derrett, jr.; 6 WR/DB Eric Cooper, sr.; 7 QB/DB Cole Werner, fr.; 8 WR/DB Nick Collins, jr.; 9 WR/DB Chalon Pratt, soph.; 11 RB/LB Rance Imhoff, fr.; 15 WR/ DB Lamar Lytle, sr.; 17 WR/DB Clay Combs, jr.; 18 WR/DB Tyler McPherson, jr.; 21 WR/DB Shadeed Jones, soph.; 22 WR/DB Keith Smith, jr.; 27 RB/ DL Darius Bookman, sr.; 30 WR/DL Dustin Coleman, sr.; 33 WR/DB Kelvin Adair, fr.; 37 RB/LB Kreese Milligan, soph.; 40 RB/DL Tommy Kays, sr.; 50 OL/LB Logan Soltow, jr.; 52 OL/DL Andrew Seaback, jr.; 54 OL/DL Ja’Colby Matthews, soph.; 55 OL/DL Shyheim Jones, fr.; 56 OL/DL Tanner Heyman, jr.; 60 OL/DL Chad Roeback, soph.; 65 OL/DL Dustin Tagudin, jr.; 66 OL/DL Sven Levin, sr.; 74 OL/DL Bailey Alexander, jr.; 75 OL/DL Trent Sorsby, sr.; 79 OL/DL Zane Moriarty, fr.

FACTS Head coach — Brad Hodges (0-0 overall; 0-0 at Anderson-Shiro) District — 12-3A Division II 2016 record — 0-10 (0-6 in 12-2A Division I) 2016 playoffs — did not qualify Playoff appearance (2) — 2013 and 2015 Returning lettermen — 18 (6 offensive, 6 defensive starters) All-time record — 16-34 Playoff record — 0-2-0

Tre Hightower.

Pratt will quarterback the defense at safety. Hightower is a returning starter at cornerback, where he is joined by sophomore Woody Haynes. Junior Gar rett Johnson will take on a hybrid position, bouncing between safety and outside linebacker.

“Chalon Pratt is a real

High School Football 2017

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug 31 Beckville+ canceled Last year: L 55-27 Sep 8 Lovelady 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 48-20 Sept. 15 at Iola 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 27-20 Sept. 22 Brazos Christian 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 28-0 District 12-3A Division II Sept. 29 at Hearne 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 46-6 Oct. 6 New Waverly 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 47-14 Oct. 13 at Bruceville-Eddy 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 42-20 Oct. 20 Marlin* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 38-33 Oct. 27 at Leon 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 30-27 Nov. 3 Buffalo 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 30-0 Nov. 10 open *Homecoming + at Lufkin

athletickid,realsmartanda greatkidtohavethereinthe back overseeing everything on the defensive side of the ball,” Hodges said. “We’re



pretty excited about what we’ve got on that side. Tre Hightower is not your typical corner that kind of shies away from contact. He’s a guy that wants to come up and make that big hit every time. He’s had a great summer and great camp so far, sowe’reprettyexcitedtosee whathe’sgoingtodoaswell.

“We don’t have a whole lot of experience with our team, so really it’s kind of funny, our secondary is where we have a lot of experience and they’re sophomores and juniors.

We’ve got some pretty talented kids back there that we’re excited about.”

On offense, Bookman and Haynes will carry much of the load as a 1-2 running back punch. Book-

TheEagle.com



Eagle photos by Dave McDermand Senior Darius Bookman, from left, junior Tanner Heyman, freshman Shyheim Jones and sophomores Zacarrius Haynes and Kreese Milligan are focused on leading the Anderson-Shiro Owls to a turnaround season after a winless 2016 campaign. man is the thunder to Haynes’ lightning, a combination that Hodges expects to be effective with Bookman wearing down defenses for Haynes to take advantage of with his speed and quickness.

They’ll try to take pressure off first-year quarterback Grant Wilson who Hodges said had a strong summer and preseason.

The sophomore, moving up from JV, has turned heads with his preparation and dedication.

“We talked to him and he said ‘Coach, I want to go out and win this quar-

terback position.’” Hodges said. “He’s a kid that always wants to do a little bit more. You even have to kind of back him off a little bit and say ‘Grant, that’s enough. You’ve thrown enough,’ and he’ll say ‘two more. Let me get two more.’

So, he’s always wanting to go that extra mile, get that extra rep and do whatever it takes for him and the team to be successful.

“He’s been great all through the summer and 7-on-7 and he’s been a great leader for our team. [The job is] his right now to step up and take.”

Thursday, August 31, 2017

HEARNE EAGLES

Sargent taking over Hearne program on rise ROSTER

By BRAD COX Special to The Eagle

Hearne might be opening 2017 with its third head football coach i n three years, but Ricky Sargent wasn’t e x a c t ly a stranger to the program when he officially took over the program.

The former HempSARGENT stead coach had already been with the school for three months as an administrator and mentor to head basketball coach-turned-interim head football coach Andrew

FACTS

1 WR/DB Tu’Darrius Miles, 5-10, 165, sr.; 2 WR/DB Jalen Gonzales, 5-1, 150, soph.; 3 RB/DB Damian Dunn, 5-10, 160, soph.; 4 WR/DB Ed’draeshon Tindle, 5-7, 160, sr.; 5 RB/LB Anquan Boxley, 5-8, 165, jr.; 6 QB/WR/DB Cedrion Golden, 5-10, 175, sr.; 7 QB/LB/K Josiah Green, 5-10, 175, sr.; 8 RB/DB Alijah Miles, 5-9, 165, soph.,; 9 RB/LB Jaylon Leblanc, 5-8, 165, soph.; 10 WR/ DB Gerald Ross, 5-8, 170, sr.; 11 WR/DB Javareyon Bailey, 6-2, 175, jr.; 12 WR/DB Jakendrick Eddie, 5-8, 155, jr.; 13 WR/DB Charles Palmo, 5-11, 180, sr.; 14 QB/DB Micah Smith, 6-1, 160, fr.; 15 TE/DE Quinston Owens, 6-2 220, soph.; 16 TE/DE Tyquez Tindle, 6-1, 215, soph.; 21 WR/DB Alex Davis, 5-5, 130, soph.; 22 RB/LB Milton Redmon, 5-8, 160, fr.; 23 RB/DB Zaquavion Golden, 5-6, 145, jr.; 24 WR/DB Jermiha Foley, 5-7, 155, jr.; 28 RB/LB Keandre Foley, 5-10, 235, sr.; 35 WR/DB Jacoby Campbell, 5-7, 140, fr.; 40 RB/LB William Ehlers, 5-5, 150, fr.; 44 RB/LB Mario Gomez, 5-7, 160, soph.; 50 OL/DL Leron Thomas, 5-8, 235, fr.; 52 OL/DL Dwyon Davis, 5-8, 215, sr.; 55 OL/DL Lance Hamm, 5-7, 260, fr.; 58 OL/DL Dyland Woods, 6-0, 250, sr.; 60 OL/ DL Justin Camper, 5-10, 285, fr.; 63 OL/DL Victor Killebrew, 6-0, 275, jr.; 66 OL/DL Monterrius Smith, 6-0 , 275, fr.; 72 OL/DL Quan’terrius Moten, 6-2, 280, sr.; 73 OL/DL Charles Cooks, 5-10, 230, soph.; 74 OL/DL Ray-mond Serna, 5-7, 275, soph.; 82 WR/DE Broderick Flentroy, 5-8, 165, jr.

Daily.

Now Sargent looks to continue the Eagles’ unexpected success under Daily, who transitions back to defensive coordinator, the post he held in 2013-15 before leading Hearne to its best season in four years.

“It’s a very unique [opportunity],” said Sargent, who led Hempstead to the playoffs seven times in 11

years. “I respect Coach Daily and certainly appreciate the job his staff did with the Hearne Eagles last season.

We’re just building off their success from last year and he’s been very supportive of the transition for me.

I’m just looking forward to the season.”

Hearne had gone 0-19 over 2014 and 2015 and was riding a 20-game skid when

it turned to Daily. The Eagles dropped their opener at Centerville but finished 5-6 overall, including 3-3 in District 12-3A Division II, making the playoffs for the first time since 2012.

Hearne lost to Clifton in the first round, but still took a huge step forward.

An experienced group of returning starters, many of them all-district

Head coach — Ricky Sargent (78-57 overall; 0-0 at Hearne) District — 12-3A Division II 2016 record — 5-6 (3-3 in 12-3A Division II) 2016 playoffs — Bi-district: lost to Clifton 35-24 Playoff appearances (16) — 193637, 1939, 1952, 1954, 1961, 1982-83, 1985, 1988, 2002, 2005-06, 2008, 2012, 2016 Returning lettermen — 25 (8 offensive, 7 defensive starters) All-time record — 473-450-39 Playoff record — 7-16-0

selections, will be the key to Hearne adding to last year’s success. The Eagles also could benefit from running the same schemes — a rarity when there’s a coaching change — as offensive coordinator Alfonso Jackson also remained on the staff.

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Sept. 2 Centerville* 2 p.m.

Last year: L 56-0 Sept. 8 Trinity 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 26-14 Sept. 15 at Snook+ 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 42-8 Sept. 22 at Rogers 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 42-14 District 12-3A Division II Sept. 29 Anderson-Shiro** 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 46-6 Oct. 6 open Oct. 13 at New Waverly 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 26-21 Oct. 20 Bruceville-Eddy 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 28-21 Oct. 27 at Marlin 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 56-3 Nov. 3 Leon 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 49-18 Nov. 10 at Buffalo 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 30-13 * at Franklin **Homecoming + at Allen Academy

Senior quarterback Josiah Green, who earned honorable mention all-

See HEARNE, Page 23

www.btutilities.com

Thursday, August 31, 2017



TheEagle.com



High School Football 2017

21

LEON COUGARS

Pedigo ready to help lead young Cougar team

By RICHARD CROOME richard.croome@theeagle.com

There is something to be said about not overanalyzing everything.

As a sophomore, linebacker Dylan Pedigo fell into that category, playing aggressively and just chasing down every one he could.

“Last year he just didn’t know any better. Seriously he just kind of jumped in there and rose to the top early on in the season and showed he could handle it,” Leon coach Jeremy Colvert said.“Itwasjust100percent, energetic, throw caution to the wind. He did make some mistakes being young but his aggressiveness, he was able to fight through all that and that’s what allowed him to flourish. And, I will say this he didn’t have to worry about offense, which allowed him to go harder on defense. He knew when he came off on defense he had a series to rest.”

Pedigo, who was undersized at 140 pounds last season, managed more than 100 tackles and was voted District 12-3A Division I Defensive Newcomer of the Year.

He accepted the honor with the same kind of attitude of not really thinking much about it.

“At first I kind of didn’t know what it really meant and I kind of still don’t know,” Pedigo said. “But I guess it means I’m pretty good.”

Pedigo is going to have to be pretty good again as a junior with the Cougars having lost a majority of their team that was 9-3 and made it to the second round of the playoffs.

Pedigo, who says he’s 5-foot-9 and up to 154

22

FACTS Head coach — Jeremy Colvert (9-3 overall; 9-3 at Leon) District — 12-3A Division II 2016 record — 9-3 (5-1 in 12-3A Division II) 2016 playoffs — Bi-district: def. Rice 24-21; Area: lost to Elysian Fields 63-21 Playoff appearances (14) — 198283, 1985, 1987, 1992, 1998-99, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2009-10, 2014, 2016 Returning lettermen — 7 (2 offensive, 3 defensive starters) All-time record — 252-283-11 Playoff record — 5-14-0

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Sept. 1 Kerens 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 41-21 Sept. 8 at Elkhart 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 49-7 Sept. 15 Axtell* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 42-28 Sept. 22 at Lovelady 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 20-12 District 12-3A Division II Sept. 29 at Bruceville-Eddy 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 48-28 Oct. 6 Marlin 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 41-36 Oct. 13 open Oct. 20 at Buffalo 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 29-22 Oct. 27 Anderson-Shiro 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 30-27 Nov. 3 at Hearne 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 49-18 Nov. 10 New Waverly 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 21-13 *Homecoming

pounds this season, is only one of six returning lettermen for a squad that has only seven seniors.

“I was joking with the coaches because on Friday [Aug. 18] we had our first scrimmage and right before we started I got the team together and I was looking at them and they were real pale white and that’s when I realized, oh my gosh, 90 percent of these kids have never seen a Friday night,” Colvert said. “They didn’t know what to expect from the other team or what to expect from themselves.

A lot of teams want to scrimmage because they are tired of hitting each other. We just wanted to see somebody else because

High School Football 2017

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Leon’s key leaders on the 2017 team include: (front row from left) Harris Sherrod, Peyton Pruett, Cam Aldridge; (back row from left) Keaton Caveness, Justin Massey, Raul Hernandez and Nathan McCoslin. we needed some sort of measuring stick to judge ourselves against.”

Colvert saw a lot of things he liked, including new quarterback Peyton Pruiett. He also liked the young junior receivers — Justin Massey and Keaton Caveness — and some defensive backs that were still playing “with white helmets,” they are so inexperienced.

“I thought our quarterback managed the team really, really well,” Colvert said. “We were very conservative offensively but I was impressed with how he ran the offense and the decisions he made. Some outside receivers with no varsity experience stepped up and made a couple of huge plays, good catches downfield and we had a couple we didn’t really know if they would play and do



good things against their varsity.”

Pedigo, who is being asked to be a leader despite only being a junior, understands the youth of the team, but believes there is an upside.

“This year is going to be a good year because we have a lot of underclassmen coming in but they are easier to work with,” Pedigo said. “Last year in power camp throughout the whole summer we only had five or six people and this year we’ve had 12 to almost everybody there all summer.”

Pedigo will have to work harder, lining up at running back as well as linebacker, although he will get help on the offensive side with Colvert’s backfield by committee.

The Cougars already lost one offensive lineman, se-

TheEagle.com



ROSTER 2 WR/DB Mason Vick, jr.; 4 WR/DB Raul Hernandez, sr.; 5 RB/LB Dylan Pedigo, jr.; 6 WR/DB Cameron Berryhill, jr.; 7 QB/LB Peyton Pruett, jr.; 8 WR/LB Nathan McCoslin, sr.; 10 WR/DB Justin Massey, jr.; 11 WR/LB Keaton Caveness, jr.; 12 WR/LB Cameron Aldridge, jr.; 14 WR/DB Ryan Ahearn, soph.; 15 WR/DB Harris Sherrod, soph.; 18 RB/DB Callaghan Sherrod, sr.; 20 QB/LB Jacob Robinson, fr.; 22 WR/DB Tyson Cornett, fr.; 26 QB/DB Aidan Turner, soph.; 32 WR/DB Corey Daniel, soph.; 33 WR/DB Logan Saulters, fr.; 35 WR/DB Jacob Shuler, soph.; 38 RB/LB Mikey Jaurez, soph.; 40 RB/LB Zaid Jackson, jr.; 44 RB/LB Jeremy Haven, sr.; 48 WR/DB Mario Rodriguez, sr.; 50 OL/DL Nick Ucci, jr.; 51 OL/DL Michael King, soph.; 52 OL/LB Curtis Stanford, soph.; 54 OL/DL Donnie Alexander, jr.; 55 OL/ DL Josh McAllister, sr.; 56 OL/LB Grant Walker, soph.; 57 OL/DL Jumno Choyy, jr.; 60 OL/DL Jose Rodriguez, fr.; 61 OL/DL Walter Beltran, jr.; 62 OL/DL Jason Smith, jr.; 64 OL/DL Anthony Perry, jr.; 65 OL/DL Alex Chhoy, sr,; 66 OL/DL Kris Winstead, jr.; 70 OL/DL Colby Garcia, sr.; 77 OL/DL Aron Orndorff, jr.; 78 OL/DL Coalton Lafoy, fr.

nior Alex Choyy, to a hand injury and will lean on another senior, Colby Garcia, who didn’t play much last season because of an illness, and underclassmen Donnie Alexander and Nick Ucci.

Despite being young and maybe not having the numbers to field a junior varsity, Colvert and the Cougars mindset hasn’t changed from last season

when the team was dominated by seniors.

“We tell our kids every day that the expectations don’t change no matter whose last name is on the roster. We don’t care,” Colvert said. “Our first and foremost goal is to make the playoffs. It doesn’t matter how many numbers come out or how young we are our expectation does not change.”

Thursday, August 31, 2017

MUSTANGS: Scott HEARNE: Green, Foley, line will power offense returns at linebacker Continued from 21

Continued from 14 can move him all around the offense for us. He’s extremely intelligent. He can play in the backfield, take some snaps at quarterback, can play in the slot and can stretch the field. When the ball gets in his hands, he’s as fast as anybody that [opponents] can put on the field against us.”

Receiver Cornelius Merchant, who had a big scrimmage against Cameron last year, was hurt and never fully recovered but is set to return.

Brad Roundtree will return at center, playing his third year up front, where he’s joined by Deion Crittendon at guard and Joey McIver at tackle. All five

starting linemen are back.

The Mustangs also return a top kicker and punter in Mauricio Aceves.

Linebacker Chris Scott might be the Mustangs’ top defensive veteran in his third year on the varsity.

With limited depth and the ever-present risk of injury, Nail says he wants his team to build up its mental and physical toughness to handle what the Mustangs hope will be a long season for a more aggressive, hard-hitting team. “[And] we need some success early,” Nail said.

“We’ve been in pants and pads every day since the pads started. We’ve got to see if we’ve corrected [our toughness] and moved forward.”

ROCKDALE: Key starters back on defense Continued from 19

Jackson Perry were firstteam all-district picks.

Second-team all-district players returning are end Patrick Dean (122 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 11 pressures), senior defensive back Josh Springe r and junior SPRINGER d e f e n s ive back Will Story.

“Our defense is returning a lot of starters so I feel we’re going to stop a lot of people,” Crawford said.

“We’re not going to have a lot of points scored on us and our offense scores a lot of points. All our defense

needs is two or three stops and we win the football game. But I feel we’ll get way more stops than that throughout the process of a game. So our defense is going to be really good and our offense is going to be really good. Both of those are strengths, so we really don’t have a weakness this year.”

• NOTES — Rockdale failed to make the Associated Press Top 10 poll that had Cameron first and Lexington fifth. Rockdale was third in those receiving votes. Malakoff was 10th with 62 points. ... J.R. Harris changed his name from J.R. Hinojosa. ... Franklin is at Mary Hardin-Baylor and Ford at the University of Houston where he’s changed his last name to Mitchell.

Thursday, August 31, 2017

district honors last year, will lead a balanced attack that Sargent is hopeful will be equally potent.

Green and senior running back Keandre Foley (second team all-district) certainly will run behind a big offensive line, which is anchore d by seniors Dyland Woods (6-foot, 250 pounds) and Quan’terrius Moten (6-2, 280). Both were all-district selections a year ago, along with junior lineman Victor Killebrew (6-0, 275).

“One of the guys we’re looking to step up is our quar terback, Josiah Green, who has been doing an outstanding job for us,” Sargent said. “Keandre Foley will play fullback for us, halfback basically, and the offensive line — we have Dyland Woods coming back, as well as Q u a n’ Te r r i u s M o t e n .

We’re looking for those seniors to step up for us on offense and to be the leaders that I know they can be.”

Green’s targets at re-

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Cedrion Golden,from left,DraeTindle and Gerald Ross are part of a senior class that helped the Hearne Eagles have some success last season under interim head coach Andrew Daily, who will run the defense this year. ceiver include senior Javareyon Bailey, senor Cedrion Golden, junior Jermiha Foley and sophomore Jalen Gonzales, with Bailey and Golden earning all-district honors.

Golden also will anchor the defensive backs. He’ll be joined by senior free safety Gerald Ross and sophomore cornerback Damian Dunn.

Many on the offensive

line also will play on the defensive line.

“Defensively we’re going to be fine,” Sargent said.

“We have a really good corps of defensive backs coming back. On our defensive line, those guys are coming back. That will help us.”

After breaking the losing streak last year and reaching the playoffs, Hearne is hungry to put together a

second solid run and take it even further.

“Getting a taste of the playoffs last year is such a momentum builder for our team,” Sargent said.

“The guys got a chance to taste that last year and of course we’re going to build on that. Our goal is to be champions at whatever we do, in the classroom, on the football field, we don’t just want to make the playoffs.”

FRANKLIN: LB Fannin key leader on defense Continued from 16

moved into the strong tackle position beside William Deal (5-10, 220) at strong side guard. Dalton Watkins, who has been at center for two years, returns. On the quick side, Matt Duewall moves into a starting role at guard after spot duty last year. Sophomore Cody Duewall, Matt’s brother, plays tackle. “[Cody Duewall’s] a big child; I’ll say that,” Hedrick said. “We’ve got a little size.”

Colton Ortner takes over at quarterback. Franklin may not throw often, but Hedrick says Ortner



throws well.

Defensively, inside linebacker Will Fannin is a standout every week. The junior had 154 tackles (five for losses), six sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery last season. “ H e ’ s j u s t g o t t h at danged instinct,” said Hedrick, who now has 281 career coaching victories.

“You can’t coach instinct.

I can’t — I know that. He’s around the football.”

C.J. Smith moves up from the JV to claim another linebacker spot. He will also be Franklin’s kicker, filling a need.

Franklin will try to platoon two players in one po-

TheEagle.com



sition where possible, and Haden Aguilar, a transfer from Rudder, should also contribute at linebacker.

So will Nick Lopez.

Pedraza, Dixon and Green will play in the secondary and will be joined

by Zach Kissinger, who did not play football last year but should be busy at cornerback.

JuniorRyanDavismoves up from the JV at defensive end, with Colton Rosprim, Clayton’s twin, also playing there. Kavan Dooley (6-4, 255) plays defensive tackle, along with junior David Stegall, a move-in from Utah. Jayden Brown will also play often.

• NOTES — The 48-20 loss to Teague in bi-district was a jolt for Franklin in its first season moving up to 3A Division I. The Lions finished the year at 8-3, ending a string of five straight seasons with at least 10 victories. But the record came against high-quality opposition, including opponents in one of the state’s toughest districts, 10-3A Division I. Three teams in the loop, including Franklin, averaged over 40 points per game. ...

Franklin’s entire nondistrict schedule this season will be against 4A schools. ... The Lions have won eight games or more every year since 2007.

High School Football 2017

23

LEXINGTON EAGLES

Eagles primed to build on state quarterfinal run The Lexington Eagles never really thought they left the ranks of championship contender.

Now everyone agrees with them.

The Eagles return a strong cast from the highest-scoring team in Class 3A Division II last season.

“We played young kids, and we knew they were going to be good eventually if we could just keep them out,” Lexington coach Kirk Muhl said of his first two seasons as head coach.

“When you get beat, trying to keep that winner’s mentality is the hardest things to do, but those kids did it.

It finally paid off for them.”

FACTS

ROSTER

By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com

1 Sam Perry, sr.; 2 Garrett Stamport, jr.; 3 Colby Bexley, sr.; 4 Conner Dodd, jr.; 5 Keshun Cooper, sr.; 6 Nate Jones, sr.; 7 Walker Hess, sr.; 8 Caleb Meyer, jr.; 9 Jaylind Briles, jr.; 11 Noah McLendon, jr.; 12 Dylan Atkins, jr.; 14 Clay Boettcher, jr.; 15 Jordan Kerr, jr.; 17 Zachary Thornton, jr.; 19 Tanner Meuth, sr.; 20 Ja’Kobe Cooper, jr.; 28 Jaden Tucker, sr.; 44 Aaron Allert, soph.; 45 Stephen D’Amora, soph.; 50 Jordan Higgins, sr.; 51 Dylan Dominy, sr.; 57 Wesley Sanders, sr.; 60 Jordan Cranston, jr.; 62 Johnson Bricker, sr.; 64 Clayton Faske, jr.; 65 Jessie Flowers, soph.; 72 Cade Hawley, jr.; 77 Wyatt Retzlaff, sr.

Lexington had records of 3-7 and 5-6 before breaking through with an 11-3 mark and a state quarterfinal appearance last season. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football ranks the Eagles No. 1 in 3A Division II this year.

Much of Lexington’s offensive success was built around quarterback Walker Hess. Thrust into the starting role as a freshman, he was fully in control of the Eagles’ potent offense as a junior last season.

Hess earned the 13-3A Division II MVP as Lex-

ington swept unbeaten through the district while averaging 65.8 points per league game. He hit 183 of 339 passes for 3,389 yards and 44 touchdowns — both school records.

“Walker’s got a lot more comfortable in the passing game than he was last year,” Muhl said. “He’s that much better of a quarterback than he was last year, just a tremendous leap I think he made, and I think our offensive line is going to be way better this year, also.”

Four of the five starters return on Hess’ line.

“They’ve been in the weight room, so we actually have some size and strength now,” Muhl said.

“Those dadgum linemen are really setting the tone for us.”

All-state lineman Jordan Higgins moved to center, although all five can snap the ball to give the Eagles multiple options. The group includes guards Wyatt Retzlaff and Jordan Cranston and tackles Cade Hawley (6-foot-3,

Head coach — Kirk Muhl (21-24 overall; 21-24 at Lexington) District — 13-3A Division II 2016 record — 11-3 (5-0 in 14-3A Division II) 2016 playoffs — Bi-district: def.

Wallis Brazos 32-20; Area: def.

Stockdale 35-6; Regional: def. East Bernard 38-35; Quarterfinal: lost to Boling 34-29 Playoff appearances (17) — 1964, 1968, 1978, 1997, 1999, 2002-07, 2009-12, 2015-16 Returning lettermen — 22 (8 offensive, 8 defensive starters) All-time record — 403-425-26 Playoff record — 30-16-0

235 pounds) and Wesley Sanders.

Despite the high expectations, the Eagles lost a bevy of impact players to graduation, including running back Nic Dillon, receiver Nathanael Clifford and safety Ryan Garrison.

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Sept. 1 Mart 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 22-20 Sept. 8 at Thorndale 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 67-7 Sept. 15 at Rockdale 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 62-35 Sept. 22 Jarrell 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 76-7 Sept. 29 Weimar 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 60-26 Oct. 6 open District 13-3A Division II Oct. 13 at Blanco 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 70-21 Oct. 20 Comfort* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 70-14 Oct. 27 at Rogers 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 67-14 Nov. 3 at Johnson City 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 62-0 Nov. 10 Florence 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 60-8 *Homecoming

Ja’Kobe Cooper will take over for Dillon.

“Ja’Kobe is a different type of running back, more

See LEXINGTON, Page 25

Lighting the Friday Night Lights BEST OF THE BRAZOS VALLEY

Best Electrician •2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017

THE EAGLE’S READERS’ CHOICE

Best Elect cian ri • 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2017

979.693.4076 briceco.net 979.693 .40 76•• briceco.net bri ceco.net 979.693.4076 •• briceco.net

3002 Longmire Dr. College Station, TX & MASTERCARD accepted accepted | TECL# 18458 3002 Longmire Dr. College Station, TX| VISA | VISA & MASTERCARD | TECL# 18458

3002 Longmire Dr. College Station, TX | VISA & MASTERCARD accepted | TECL# 18458 24

High School Football 2017



TheEagle.com



Thursday, August 31, 2017

CENTERVILLE TIGERS

RB Madison, Tigers hungry for more success

By RICHARD CROOME richard.croome@theeagle.com

Senior running back Brandon Madison is not satisfied with second team all-state.

“Last year I only made [Class 2A] second-team s t at e r u n n i n g b a ck , ” Madison said. “This year I want to make first team.

I’ve been working hard. I got 2,000 yards last year, a little bit over 2,000 and this year I want to try and get 3,000. I think I can make it.”

Madison also thinks Centerville can improve on last season, when the Tigers were 11-4, making the semifinals of the Class 2A Division II playoffs for the second time in three years.

“Our expectation is to go all the way this year, nothing less than to go all the way,” Madison said. “Win it all, our goal is an undefeated season. I want to go out with a bang.”

Centerville coach Kyle Hardee likes his star back’s optimism. Whether his goal can be achieved is another question for a couple of reasons. Madison might not get enough carries, especially early in the seson,

ROSTER

FACTS

1 WR/DB Jason Zarate, sr.; 2 RB/DB Cade Pate, sr.; 5 RB/OLB Sergio Villarreal, sr.; 6 RB/LB Calvin Gunselman, jr.; 8 RB/OLB Pate Leathers, soph.; 9 QB/OLB Coleman Simpson, jr.; 10 RB/DB Bryce Williams, soph.; 11 TE/DE Ethan Williams, soph.; 12 QB/DB Hunter Free, sr.; 15 RB/DB Roland Davis, jr.; 20 TE/DE Cameron Williams, sr.; 22 RB/OLB Payton Rhoden, jr.; 25 WR/DE John Vardeman, sr.; 42 RB.DE Brandon Madison, sr.; 50 OT/DT Jose Hernandez, sr.; 52 OG/DE James McCoslin, sr.; 55 OG/DT Cash Parker, soph.; 56 OG/LB Cristian Zarate, sr.; 58 OG/LB Gabe Castillo, jr.; 60 OT/DT Korey Grisham, jr.; 70 C/DT Connor Cox, sr.; 75 OG/DE Justin Bowen, jr.; 76 OG/DT Zac Reyes, sr.; 99 TE/DT Daniel Byrd, sr.

Head coach — Kyle Hardee (78-61 overall; 78-61 at Centerville) District — 12-2A Division I 2016 record — 11-4 (4-1 in 12-2A Division I) 2016 playoffs — Bi-district: def.

Alto 49-28; Area: def. Kerens 55-66; Regional: def. Lovelady 43-14; Quarterfinal: def. Price Carlisle 24-17; Semifinal: lost to Refugio 38-14 Playoff appearances (16) —1964-66, 1969, 1993, 2000-03, 2007, 2011-16 Returning lettermen — 16 (6 offensive, 6 defensive starters) All-time record — 367-429-20 Playoff record — 18-16-0

so he can be more effective in the playoffs.

“We’ll see how the yards go but our goal is more team oriented,” Hardee said. “We could have given him a few more carries last year but at MADISON the same time we expect to be playing for a little while so we are going to take care of him and we’ll see how that goes. We have a lot of capable kids and we are going to spread the ball around.”

Even with a stable of talented runners, Madison again will be the featured back. He burst on the season last year for 2,253 yards and 28 touchdowns.

“My 10th grade year I really didn’t play that much,” Madisonsaid.“Ireallycame

up out of nowhere. Coach didn’t even know I was going to be the guy last year. I got a lot of experience from last year and I think I can be really good this year.”

In order for Madison to approach last season’s numbers he will have to depend on a line that has to replace the starting guards and two-time all-state tight end Coleman Robinson, who moved on to Houston Baptist.

The Tigers do return tight end Daniel Byrd and linemen Joe Hernandez and Connor Cox. Hardee is excited about the returnees, but is really looking forward to how last year’s role players handle bigger roles.

“Even though they didn’t start last year, they got significant playing time,” Hardee said. “We had a 15-game season, so they had a lot of practices after the regular season to continue to get better. Some of

the guys we leaned on they just may not have been starters. At our size school, when playing on both sides of the football you have to rest some kids on one side or the other, so several of them had significant snaps last year and we think they are ready.”

Madison was used primarily on offense last year, but the 5-foot-10, 200-pounder will play more defensive end. So again, depth at running back and how well the line develops will be vital. “[O f fens ive line] is where we hang our hat and our kids not only take a lot of pride in blocking for Brandon but all our running backs,” Hardee said.

‘They’ve worked hard all year, getting stronger and outside getting better feet.

Our success this year will be determined by how well we play up there.”

The line is one reason

Madison is optimistic about repeating or topping last year’s yardage.

“My offensive line looks pretty good,” Madison said.

“I’d pick them over any offensive line in the district.

I love them and they work hard for me and I wouldn’t have all these yards without them.”

Hardee agrees wholeheartedly, but knows he has someone special in Madison, who is powerfully built and can run the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds.

“First of all he is strong, a very strong kid but he is also a very explosive kid,” Hardee said. “One of his big strengths is he takes care of the football. Some-

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Sept. 2 at Hearne* 2 p.m.

Last year: W 56-0 Sept. 8 Corrigan-Camden 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 44-22 Sept. 15 at Trinity 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 35-24 Sept. 22 open Sept. 29 Mart 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 43-12 Oct. 6 at Thrall 7:30 p.m.

Last year: did not play District 12-2A Division I Oct. 13 West Hardin** 7 p.m.

Last year: W 63-0 Oct. 20 at West Sabine 7 p.m.

Last year: W 55-29 Oct. 27 Lovelady 7 p.m.

Last year: W 29-21 Nov. 3 Groveton 7 p.m.

Last year: L 34-27 Nov. 10 at Deweyville 7 p.m.

Last year: W 51-0 * at Franklin **Homecoming

thing we’ve done a good job as a team and we need to continue to do that this year is take care of the football and finish drives.”

If the Tigers can do both they will again be the favorites to win District 122A Division I, and maybe take it a step further in the playoffs, where they fell 38-14 to eventual state champion Refugio.

“We have a chance to have a special season,” Hardee said. “We have a chance to be a good football team this year, but there is a lot of work to be done.”

LEXINGTON: Cooper, Perry, Kerr, Stamport will help QB Hess Continued from 24

of a slasher and cutter,” Muhl said. “He’ll bring a different dynamic to the team big time. You could give Nic the ball 25 or 30 times a game, and he’s just going to keep on going and going. This year is a little different because Ja’Kobe is a little bit smaller than what Nic was, but the dynamics are good as far as being able to spread the

ball and throw the ball.”

Cooper rushed 33 times for 165 yards and eight touchdowns in 2016, while grabbing 38 passes for 648 yards and 10 TDs. Hess will throw to Sam Perry (33 catches, 751 yards, 12 TDs), who can stretch defenses with his speed. Jordan Kerr (15371-3) plays on the same side and is a big target with great hands. Garrett Stamport also will see time

Thursday, August 31, 2017

at receiver.

Muhl’s coordinated defense has been part of what makes the Eagles’ special, but the high-pressure defense comes with a chance for breakdowns.

“We’re going to give up some big plays early just because we are not going to be in the exact right position,” Muhl said. “They don’t have the game time underneath them, but I think as we go through



they are going to get better and better.”

The high-paced offense sets the stage for how long the defense plays, and it’s more than in past seasons because the offensive attack is so potent and can score quickly.

Aaron Allert had no high school football experience when he was thrust into a linebacker spot as a freshman to help fill in for his injured brother Chase. The

TheEagle.com



younger Allert became a leader on the spot.

“It was initiation by fire,” Muhl said of his middle linebacker. “Because of that, he’s going to be that much better.”

Jaden Tucker and Nate Jones (259 rushing yards) at tackle bolster the Eagles’ defensive front. Caleb Meyer is back at free safety, joined by Tanner Meuth. Colby Bexley and Keshun Cooper man the

cornerback spots, where the Eagles challenge with man-to-man coverage.

Cooper and Meyer might also see time at receiver, powering up an already strong position.

Ag ain, it’s a brutal schedule for Lexington, which will play Mart and Rockdale in nondistrict, the only teams to hand the Eagles losses until their quarterfinal game last season.

High School Football 2017

25

NORMANGEE PANTHERS

Panthers proved program can weather early storm ROSTER

By JEFFREY PERKINS jeffrey.perkins@theeagle.com

As Normangee can attest, it’s not how you start but how you finish.

With star running back Ty Jordan out for the first five games last season, the Panthers got off to an 0-6 start before winning their final four regular-season games and the District 132A Division I title en route to reaching the regional round of the playoffs.

While getting off to a better start this season is certainly a goal for the Panthers, it’s not what they’re focusing on as preseason practices and scrimmages come to a close.

“It’s important to go one game at a time and that’s what we did last year and they know that,” Normangee head coach Nelson Kortis said. “You’re always going to say how you start is not as important as how you finish and [last year is] proof. We started poorly, but finished great. It had nothing to do with our kids and had nothing to do with our performance, we just came up short in some of those games.

“It would be great to say,

1 WR/DB Jake Shaw, sr.; 2 WR/DB CJ Rosales, sr.; 4 RB/DL Cedrick Brice, jr.; 5 QB/ DB Cameron Ranton, sr.; 6 RB/DB Tyler Vaught, jr.; 7 WR/LB Evan Pate, jr.; 9 WR/ DB Tristan Young, sr.; 11 WR/DB Brandon Brooks, soph.; 12 WR/DB Chayse Smith, sr.; 13 WR/DB Logan Andrews, jr.; 15 WR/DE Brandon Walker, sr.; 17 WR/DE Jose Aguilar, sr.; 21 WR/DB Dylan Hoffman, sr,; 22 WR/DB Brady Harris, soph.; 23 WR/ DE Sam Merkel, sr., 55 OL/DL Hunter Payne, sr.; 59 OL/DL Tyce Alexander, sr.; 61 OL/DL Anthony Banda, sr.; 65 OL/DL Bubba Mayes, jr.; 69 OL/DL Austin Breest, jr.

FACTS Head coach — Nelson Kortis (28-19 overall; 16-10 at Normangee) District — 13-2A Division I 2016 record — 6-7 (4-1 in 13-2A Division II) 2016 playoffs — Bi-district: def.

Brackettville 42-25; Area: def.

Yorktown 50-44; Regional: lost to Mason 55-18 Playoff appearances (20) — 11-man (16) — 1932, 1984-89, 1997, 2002-04, 2007-08, 2010-11, 2014-16; 6-man (2) — 1963-64 (zone playoffs: 1984-86) Returning lettermen — 18 (8 offensive, 8 defensive starters) All-time record — 288-377-15 (11man) Playoff record — 12-16-0

‘Hey, let’s start off great,’ and we’re going to talk about that, but our focus is going to be more on that first game and how well we do, how well we go compete and how we set the tone that way, rather than focus on overcoming for last year.”

With Jordan having graduated, the Panthers will have to come up with a new plan on offense.

“We played five games

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Sept. 1 Snook* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 28-26 Sept. 8 at Buffalo 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 31-8 Sept. 15 at Chilton 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 29-8 Sept. 22 Burton 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 48-14 Sept. 29 Groveton 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 55-0 Oct. 6 open District 13-2A Division I Oct. 13 at Thorndale 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 50-36 Oct. 20 at Thrall 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 40-13 Oct. 27 Moody* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 78-62 Nov. 3 at Holland 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 48-26 Nov. 10 Rosebud-Lott 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 51-14 * at Bremond **Homecoming

because we had to grow up.

“I think it’s going to be our kids just focusing on each other and a team concept, doing it together. I don’t think we’ll have one person that’s going to win the game for us, it’s going to be execution, it’s going to be the ins and outs, it’s going to be attention to detail.”

The offensive line returns four starters. Senior offensive tackle Tyce Alexander was a second-team, all-district pick. The 6-4, 240-pounder is joined by fellow four-year starters Hunter Payne at guard and Anthony Banda at tackle.

Junior Austin Breest will start at center and senior fullback Dylan Hoffman is a great blocker, coming off an all-district season.

last year without [Jordan] and that was basically this year’s team that played those five games,” Kortis said. “We lost a couple guys on the offensive line and, yeah, we lost Ty and he was a great player. But at the same time, we got to play five games last year with this year’s team and that was a huge thing for us

The line and Hoffman will be leading the way for senior CJ Rosales, who is coming back from a collarbone injury, and Tyler Vaught. Senior quarterback Cameron Ranton and senior receiver Jake Shaw, both coming off secondteam, all-district seasons, will be the focal points of the passing game.

Shaw and Hoffman headline a defense that should be much improved. Shaw also made the all-district second team at cornerback and Hoffman was first team at defensive end.

“Defensively our kids have kind of wrapped their mind around how that’s going to be our ticket to help us [win],” Kortis said. “That’s kind of a shift

in mindset from last year.

Last year, they were learning under a new defensive coordinator, trying to figure some things out and restructure things.

“We’ve got some kids who are filling a role that they played last year but now they’re going to be a starter this year. I think as a group we have a lot of kids that have really bought into playing defense and really bought into their role.”

Rosales will make the move from safety to defensive end this season.

Tristan Young and Chase Smith will man the cornerback spots and Cedrick Brice returns to clog the running lanes at defensive tackle.

E a glE s Football 2017

St. Joseph Eagles Football HEAD UP • CHEST UP • BLESSED UP Head Coach: Alec Castilleja Athletic Director: Patrick Hazlett St. Joseph Catholic School 600 S. Coulter, Bryan, TX 77803 Phone: 979-822-6641 Full game schedule: stjosephschoolbcs.org

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Normangee’s Anthony Banda, from left, Hunter Payne and Tyce Alexander are key returners on an offensive line ready to fuel the Panther attack in 2017.

26

High School Football 2017



TheEagle.com



Thursday, August 31, 2017

BREMOND TIGERS

A new era begins

With QB Paul gone, Bremond still has foundation for strong season ROSTER

By JEFFREY PERKINS jeffrey.perkins@theeagle.com

H

ow do you replace Mr. Texas Football?

Bremond coach Jeff Kasowski says you don’t.

Tigers three-year starting quarterback Roshauud Paul, now a freshman at Texas A&M, leaves behind quite a legacy as a KASOWSKI three-time District 13-2A Division II MVP, the 2016 AP Class 2A offensive player of the year and winner of the aforementioned moniker awarded every year by Texas Football Magazine. Paul helped Bremond to a 47-game winning streak and three consecutive state titles.

Instead of trying to find the next Paul, Kasowski says the Tigers will rely on two staples of the program.

“We’ve always leaned on our defense to keep us in games,” Kasowski said. “[We want to] play good defense and not turn the ball over. You’ve always got a shot to win if you can do that.”

The Tigers’ strength on offense will be in the trenches, with seniors Cayl Wagner, Ryan Jones, Gerardo Ponce and Kellan Stuard returning on the line. Stuard is making the move to right tackle from center, where sopho-

1 WR/DB Michael Pruitt, sr.; 2 Seth Kasowski; 3 WR/DE Jared Stellbauer, sr.; 4 Eric Wilganowski; 5 Jayce Green; 6 KK Peralez, sr.; 8 Casey Garrett, soph.; 9 BB Czajkoski; 10 WR/DB KeKe Paul, jr.; 12 Dalton Wilgo; 13 Jessie Carrizales; 20 Jeremy Hopcus; 22 Trent Biggerstaff; 23 Daniel Suarez; 24 Felix Rojas, soph.; 50 Ryan Jones; 51 OT/DT Neiman Johnson, 5-5, 210; 52 Nick Bancroft; 53 Nolan Hopcus, 5-10, 175, soph.; 54 Gerardo Ponce; 55 Eric Wilganowski; 58 Holden Fuller, soph.; 60 C Kellan Stuard, 6-4, 285, sr.; 63 Matt Bancroft; 72 Cayl Wagner, sr.; 74 OG/DT TJ Lee, 5-9, 190, sr.; 75 Cameron Wills; 78 OT/DT Jon Kinard, 6-1, 196, jr.

FACTS Head coach — Jeff Kasowski (72-13 overall; 72-13 at Bremond) District — 10-2A Division II 2016 record — 16-0 (5-0 in 10-2A Division II) 2016 playoffs — Bi-district: def.

Dallas Gateway 46-20; Area: def.

Overton 48-13; Regional: def. Maud 48-20; Quarterfinal: def. Tenaha 31-7; Semifinal: def. Burton 50-31; State championship: def. Iraan 49-28 Playoff appearances (30) — 1951, 1955, 1957, 1962-63, 1981-83, 198688, 1990, 1993-96, 2000-02, 2005-08, 2010-16 Returning lettermen — 35 (7 offensive, 7 defensive starters) All-time record — 524-361-26 Playoff record — 71-24-2

more Nolan Hopcus is expected to start. With the most experienced position group being the offensive line and playmakers Paul and receiver Joe Williams having moved on, the Tigers will turn to the ground game.

Senior running back Kaidyn Peralez, a secondteam All-Brazos Valley pick after rushing for 1,301 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, returns and will shoulder a large portion of the offensive load, but it might not only be from his familiar spot deep in the backfield.

Senior Michael Pruitt, expected to be the Tigers’ starting quarterback, suffered a hip injury during basketball season and

Thursday, August 31, 2017

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 31 Whitewright+ 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 29-10 Sept. 8 Iola 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 42-0 Sept. 15 at Milano 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 40-7 Sept. 22 at Waco Reicher 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 56-14 Sept. 29 Thorndale* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 55-7 Oct. 6 open District 10-2A Division II Oct. 13 at Chilton 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 48-0 Oct. 20 at Frost 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 56-22 Oct. 27 Meridian 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 51-8 Nov. 3 at Hubbard 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 56-6 Nov. 10 Dawson 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 47-13 *Homecoming + at Ferris

aggravated it at the beginning of summer, revealing a stress fracture in his pelvis.

Peralez has been taking snaps at quarterback in the preseason PERALEZ and played well in a scrimmage against Moody.

Pruitt is aiming to be ready for the opener against Whitewright on Thursday, but Peralez may have worked his way into at least a timeshare at quarterback. Regard-



Eagle photo by Dave McDdermand Cayl Wagner, left, and Kellan Stuard are two of Bremond’s four returning senior starters on the offensive line. Stuard will be moving from center to right tackle, with sophomore Nolan Hopcus taking over at center. less of the breakdown of snaps and positions, both will have starring roles.

“Peralez has been [in the backfield] with Roshauud for two years now, so he knows everything inside and out,” Kasowski said. “He’s very experienced, very level-headed, a tough, slashing runner with speed. When we get Pruitt back with him, I feel pretty good about that tandem behind our offensive line if we can keep everybody healthy.

“I really feel like Pruitt will probably work his way back into [the quarterback spot]. Those two in some form or fashion

TheEagle.com



are going to be the running back and the quarterback.”

About to begin his final high school season, Peralez says he is ready to rise to the occasion no matter what position he plays.

“I can’t rely on the older classes to do anything, so I have to step up and become a leader now,” Peralez said. “[Losing Paul] is definitely going to put a lot more weight on my shoulders to carry the offense.”

On defense, the secondary is inexperienced and supplemented by a talented front seven. First team All-Brazos Valley line-

backer Eric Wilganowski headlines the group after recording 157 tackles, three sacks and an interception last season.

“We bring back all those same big guys on the offensive line, [and they] will also play on the defensive line,” Kasowski said. “You add to that Eric Wilganowski, who’s an all-state linebacker who’s got three years of experience there, along with Michael Pruitt, again when he gets back, and those are two pretty good linebackers to help us out. We feel pretty confident if we can stay injury-free about defending the run.”

High School Football 2017

27

IOLA BULLDOGS

Dykes returns to help push Bulldog offense ROSTER

By RICHARD CROOME richard.croome@theeagle.com

Tyler Dykes does just about everything for the Bulldogs, except act as if he does everything. “ H e ’ s never going to pound his chest or draw attention to himself,” said Dwayne Ross, who after leadDYKES ing the Bulldog defense for three years has taken the reins of the program. “He always wants somebody else to have an opportunity to make a play.

He’s had times where he’s

1 WR/DB Zach Hollingsworth, soph.; 2 WR/DB Tyler Dykes, sr.; 3 WR/DB Andrew Crenshaw, jr.; 4 WR/DB Bryn Roberts, jr.; 5 RB/LB Colton Renick, sr.; 6 WR/DB Adam Crenshaw, soph.; 7 RB/LB Brayden Stanley, sr.; 8 QB/LB Kaiden Halley, jr.; 9 WR/ DB Zach Archer, jr.; 10 QB/DB Zack Dyer, soph.; 11 QB/LB Blake Driver, soph.; 15 WR/DB Levi Gariepy, sr.; 17 WR/DB Colton Boullion, soph.; 20 WR/DB Kody McKnight, sr.; 22 WR/LB Dylan Stanley, soph.; 24 K J.D. Funderburk, jr.; 25 QB/DB Cale Gould, fr.; 28 RB/DL Chris Holmes, jr.; 30 WR/DB Case Creamer, fr.; 33 RB/DE Cameron Degrate, sr.; 34 WR/LB Colby Sechelski, fr.; 40 RB/LB Dylan Riojas, sr.; 44 TE/DL Cody Ozbolt, jr.; 50 OL/DL Spencer Quinlan, fr.; 52 OL/LB Kurtis Landry, soph.; 53 OL/DL Anthony Rob-bins, fr,; 55 OL/LB Preston Futrell, jr.; 56 WR/LB Edward Putz, soph.; 60 OL/DL Stetson Goodman, jr.; 70 OL/DL Reece Hiett, fr.; 72 OL/DL Caleb Ellis, jr.; 73 OL/DL Taden Luce, fr.; 74 OL/DL Ethan Perry, sr.; 75 OL/DL Clayton Costello, soph.; 76 OL/DL Tyler Westbrook, soph.; 77 OL/DL Ryan Lawrence, jr.

said let so-and-so play, give him an opportunity to play.

I don’t know if I’ve ever coached anybody who is a better all-around person than Tyler Dykes.”

Dykes, a wide receiver who gets his fair share of carries, accounted for 1,300 yards and 20 touchdowns offensively as a junior, a season after being named the district offensive MVP when his line read 708 yards receiving, 820 yards

rushing and 29 touchdowns. So the 5-foot-10, 155-pounder has plenty of reason to take a bow now and then.

“He’ll do anything for you, very humble, never worries about the individual accolades,” said Ross, whose direct contact with Dykes has been coaching him as a starting cornerback. “He’s a complete team player and that has rubbed off on the other

SCHEDULE

FACTS

kids where they are not so concerned about how many catches or touchdowns they get. Tyler will be the first one there to celebrate when somebody else scores. It’s not a deal about the ‘me, me, me, me’ mentality. It’s team first.”

The team is why Dykes is looking forward to his fourth and final season with the Bulldogs. Iola made it to the third round of the playoffs last season

Head coach — Dwayne Ross (38-62 overall; 0-0 at Iola) District — 12-2A Division II 2016 record — 8-5 (4-1 in 12-2A Division II) 2016 playoffs — Bi-district: def.

Grapeland 23-6; Area: def. Cumby 28-6; Regional: lost to Tenaha 55-0 Playoff appearances (17) —1939, 1960, 1991-95, 1998-99, 2001, 200506, 2012-16 Returning lettermen — 18 (6 offensive, 9 defensive starters) All-time record — 381-335-17 Playoff record — 18-16-1

and returns the majority of its starters, including twotime all-state linebacker Colton Renick, who at the pace he brings down opponents will become Iola’s all-time leader in tackles a couple of games into the nondistrict schedule.

“My class, we have a lot

Date Opponent Time Sept. 1 The Woodlands John Cooper 7 p.m.

Last year: L 20-7 Sept. 8 at Bremond 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 42-0 Sept. 15 Anderson-Shiro 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 27-20 Sept. 22 Milano 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 34-6 Sept. 29 Burton 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 49-13 Oct. 6 open District 12-2A Division II Oct. 13 at Colmesneil 7 p.m.

Last year: W 40-12 Oct. 20 Sabine Pass* 7 p.m.

Last year: W 55-14 Oct. 27 at Burkeville 7 p.m.

Last year: W 62-14 Nov. 3 at Evadale 7 p.m.

Last year: L 35-28 Nov. 10 Hull-Daisetta 7 p.m.

Last year: W 48-20 *Homecoming

of seniors, a lot of experience coming back and we have a couple of new people, a couple of young

See IOLA, Page 29

Good Luck This season

INSURING AGGIELAND FOR OVER 30 YEARS!

Service Insurance Group, Inc.

Business·Property·Home·Auto

Rodney Hurt ‘77 • Bradley Hurt ‘00 • Nick Lutz • Ryan Carr • Gary Griffin • Donna Beeler • Kathy Savell ’04

3840 Corporate Center Dr. • Bryan • 979.774.3900 • Fax: 979.774.3955 • www.sigBCs.Com 28

High School Football 2017



TheEagle.com



Thursday, August 31, 2017

BURTON PANTHERS

Successful youngsters now key veterans in Burton

By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com

Two years ago, the Burton Panthers went 5-6 in their first losing campaign since 2006.

Last season, the 13-2 Panthers reached the Class 2A Division II state semifinals, falling to eventual champion Bremond in a turnaround season for the ages.

“A couple of years ago, it wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t up to what our standards are,” Burton coach Jason Hodde said. “We knew playing a lot of freshmen early that we were going to take some lumps. At the same time, we knew we would be ahead of schedule at this point by the time they were sophomores and juniors.”

Since starting at quarterback as a freshman, junior Caleb Harmel’s steady improvement has coincided with the Panthers’ rise back to statewide prominence.

“Caleb Har mel is a

FACTS Head coach — Jason Hodde (43-19 overall; 43-19 at Burton) District — 13-2A Division II 2016 record — 13-2 (5-0 in 13-2A Division II) 2016 playoffs — Bi-district: def.

Leakey 49-14; Area: def. Riviera Kaufer 54-12; Regional: def. Falls City 34-24; Quarterfinal: def. Flatonia 41-20; Semifinal: lost to Bremond 50-31 Playoff appearances (10) — 1992, 1995, 2008, 2010-16 Returning lettermen — 18 (6 offensive, 5 defensive starters) All-time record — 261-339-15 Playoff record — 14-10-0

dream to coach,” Hodde said. “He’s always on time, hard-working and is a very intelligent young man.

He’s always really respectful, and you know, he’s got a lot of talent.”

Harmel exceeded 2,000 yards as a rusher (205 careers, 2,003 yards, 27 touchdowns) last season and also connected on 103 of 185 passes for 1,811 yards and 26 touchdowns with four interceptions.

“He’s not a real rah-rah guy, but he does what he has to on the field to earn the respect of his team-

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Sept. 1 at Holland 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 28-16 Sept. 8 Wallis Brazos 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 46-36 Sept. 15 Louise 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 55-24 Sept. 22 at Normangee 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 48-14 Sept. 29 at Iola 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 49-13 Oct. 6 open District 13-2A Division II Oct. 13 Snook* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 51-6 Oct. 20 at Somerville 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 63-18 Oct. 27 Milano 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 43-13 Nov. 3 at Granger 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 63-19 Nov. 10 Bartlett 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 34-0 *Homecoming

mates and his peers,” Hodde said. “He’s a big asset to our football team, and he’s really prepared himself over the summer.”

You’ll see him playing defense, too, at outside linebacker, and he’ll put his hand on the ground as a pass rusher on occasion.

De’Monderick Winters is one of the Brazos Valley’s most complete players.

The 6-2 junior caught 52 passes for 1,118 yards and

ROSTER 1 TE/LB Chase Mathis, jr.; 2 WR/DB De’Monderick Winters, jr.; 3 WR/DB Bailey Deramus, sr.; 4 WR/DB Jakori Mathis, fr.; 5 RB/LB Demarcus Wilson fr.; 6 WR/DB Jackson Kalkhake, soph.; 7 TE/DL C.J. Briscoe, sr.; 8 WR/DB Nate Jones, sr.; 9 WR/LB C.J. Smith, fr.; 10 WR/LB Cooper Lucherk, fr.; 11 WR/DB Tristan Brantley, jr.; 12 WR/DB Trinten Rolling, jr.; 13 WR/DB Jordan Mathis, jr.; 14 WR/LB Montal Wilson, sr.; 20 WR/DB Lukas Decavitch, soph.; 21 QB/LB Caleb Harmel, jr.; 22 TE/LB Lane Baker, fr.; 23 RB/DB Cash Callahan, soph.; 50 OL/LB Charlie Reyes, sr.; 52 OL/LB Reynaldo Miranda, jr.; 54 OL/DL Luke Salinas, sr.; 55 OL/DL Tyler Hall, jr.; 60 OL/DL Jacob Chandler, jr.; 63 OL/LB Haydon Boecker, soph.; 66 OL/DL Brayten Rolling, fr.; 69 OL/ LB Deante Fisher, soph.; 70 OL/DL Carlos Gomez, sr.; 71 OL/DL Tristin Alexander fr.; 72 OL/DL Caleb Fuchs, soph.; 75 OL/ DL Ben Schmidt, sr.; 76 Cade Weiss, soph., OL/DL; 77 OL/DL Cameron Riggins, jr.; 78 OL/DL Brandon Gober, sr.; 79 OL/DL Kolby Vavrecka, fr.

18 touchdowns last season. Playing at linebacker, Winters had 154 tackles, including 98 solo tackles.

He scored three defensive touchdowns, intercepting three passes and recovering three fumbles.

“De’Monderick is the same type of kid that Caleb is,” Hodde said. “He was outside linebacker and we moved him to safety. He can do all kinds of things.

He takes reps at quarterback and will probably be the backup running back.

They both have that mentality that they want to play football, and they’re not too good to play any position. They take pride in it and want to do it right.”

Senior Luke Salinas, a three-year contributor,

moved from receiver and running back to the offensive line and also will be a top contributor on the defensive line. Senior C.J. Briscoe will start on the defensive line, moving up from safety and bringing that kind of quickness up front. Montal Wilson was named Associated Press honorable mention allstate in the secondary and returns.

Burton’s strong core of players in a close-knit junior class includes tight end Chase Mathis.

Sophomore Cash Callahan played JV ball as a freshman but took charge of the running back position early. His good mesh with Harmel should strengthen Burton’s zone-

read attack.

Senior Bailey Deramus will start both ways at receiver and in the defensive backfield.

“He had seven interceptions and is a great leader for us,” Hodde said.

Deramus picked off two passes in last season’s 34-24 playoff win over Falls City.

With only a few seniors, several members of this Panthers’ team will return for another year after the 2017 season.

“One of the strong points of a team is their experience, and they’re still not seniors yet,” Hodde said.

“You look around and say, hey, those guys have been around awhile. And they’re just juniors.”

IOLA: Bulldogs return Crenshaw in secondary, Perry on defensive line Continued from 28

ones going to play for us, so experience is going to be key,” Dykes said. “We look to improve each game playing some top teams in Bremond and Burton in preseason and then go undefeated in district for sure, be the district champs and hopefully we can get to Jerry’s World and win a state championship this year.”

Dykes is one of six returnees on offense and nine on defense, which should allow the Bulldogs to go deep into the playoffs

again.

Along with Dykes, the Bulldogs boast junior Andrew Crenshaw, who had four interceptions, in the secondary and senior Ethan Perry, who at 6-foot-1, 300 pounds will lead the way up front. Iola also should shine on special teams with Dykes as a kick-returner and with place-kicker J.D. Funderburk.

The three big differences from last year’s team, which went 8-5 and made it to the regional semifinals is having Ross in charge of

Thursday, August 31, 2017

the whole program rather than just the defense, new offensive coordinator Walt Mangum is bringing back the spread over the slot-T and having two new quarterbacks step in for Cam Darby.

Junior Kaiden Halley and sophomore movein Zach Dyer will share quarterback duties. Dyer is more of a passer and uses his speed, while Dyer is the big bruising runner that is hard to bring down according to Ross.

A couple of other newcomers for the Bulldogs



are junior receiver Bryn Roberts and senior linebacker/r unning back Brayden Stanley.

“It’s a little different,” Dykes said. “I started playing football at Iola under Coach Pete’s [Martinez] wing, being our head coach since junior high. It will be different not seeing him out there but we will be fine with Coach Ross.

I’m confident he will get the job done” Ross didn’t wait long to officially start his tenure, having a midnight madness session the minute

TheEagle.com



after teams were eligible to officially practice.

“We’ve kind of set the bar pretty high and when you talk to our kids they talk about a state championship,” Ross said. “Got to be good, got to have a little luck and have a few breaks in order for that to happen, but that is the way we want them thinking because if you don’t ever think about it, its sure not ever going to happen.”

A couple of those breaks Ross is talking about is getting past two giants, Tenaha and defending state

champion Bremond, in their Class 2A Division II region.

Dykes is one of those players who can make his own breaks with his topend speed. It’s the one subject in which he will talk about himself even though he is being brought along slowly at the beginning of the season after having his left knee scoped over the summer.

“Speed is key for me,” Dykes said. “A lot of people can’t keep up with me and if I get in space I’m gone for sure.”

High School Football 2017

29

MILANO EAGLES

Seniors want another taste of success in Milano ROSTER

By JEFFREY PERKINS jeffrey.perkins@theeagle.com

After winning the first playoff game of their high school football careers last season, the seniors on the Milano football team are ready for more.

“We wound up going two rounds deep in the playoffs [last season],” Eagles head coach Chad Lagrone said.

“That gave us a little momentum and gave us some excitement for the offseason, so our expectations are high. We’ve got a lot of seniors on this team. We’ve got a quarterback who’s a four-year starter in Kyle King and we’re looking for some good things.”

King, who was named All-Brazos Valley in football, basketball and baseball last school year, is coming off a season in which he had 1,035 passing yards and 13 touchdowns while rushing for 741 yards and 10 scores. King rushed for 154 yards and two touchdowns and added 118 yards and two touchdowns passing in Milano’s 30-26 bi-district win over D’Hanis.

He was selected to the All-District 13-2A Division II first team as a safety and punter and was the secondteam quarterback.

“Going into the last three years, [I’ve thought] ‘Oh, I’ve got next year,’” King said. “Well, this year I don’t have next year, so it’s different with preparation.

You work harder knowing this is your last chance. You want to go out with a bang.”

With King getting a full offseason of workouts and practices, Lagrone is expecting that bang to be plenty loud.

“He broke his foot as a freshman and he had surgery on it at the end of the

30

Milano junior Kathen Funburg, left, and senior Ronnie Messer will try to help the Eagles pick up where they left off in 2016, when they earned a playoff berth and won a bi-district game.

1 QB/DB Kyle King, sr.; 2 WR/DB Timothy Demeritt, sr.; 5 TE/LB Ben King, jr.; 7 TE/DE Keaton Popham, sr.; 8 RB/LB Ronnie Messer, sr.; 9 WR/LB Cody Starkey, sr,; 10 TE/DE Arthur Soto, jr.; 11 WR/DB Christian Thurman, jr.; 12 WR/DB Devonte Jones, jr.; 17 WR/DB Desmond Crawford, sr.; 19 RB/LB Kathen Funburg, jr.; 21 WR/ DB Kameron Funburg, soph.; 30 RB/LB Donald Grosshans, sr.; 32 TE/LB Danny Cloud, soph.; 34 TE/DL Eddie West, sr.; 50 OL/DL Luke Hollingsworth, jr.; 51 OL/ DL Alec Hernandez, soph.; 52 OL/LB Jeremy Reyes, fr.; 54 OL/DL Caleb Stevenson, sr.; 55 OL/DL Kevin Garcia, jr.; 56 OL/DL Trebeaux Broussard, sr.; 60 OL/DL Jacob Turnage, jr.; 70 OL/DL Jacob Harless, jr.

FACTS Head coach — Chad Lagrone (55-60 overall; 55-60 at Milano) District — 13-2A Division II 2016 record — 4-8 (2-3 in 13-2A Division II) 2016 playoffs — Bi-district: def.

D’Hanis 30-26; Area: lost to Falls City 45-21 Playoff appearances (13) — 6-man (3) — 1965-66, 1975; 11-man (10) — 1999-00, 2005, 2007, 2010-11, 2013-16 Returning lettermen — 22 (9 offensive, 9 defensive starters) All-time record (11-man) — 213332-11 Playoff record (11-man and 6-man) — 6-13-0

school year [his sophomore season],” Lagrone said. “So throughout last summer he was not able to do much.

It took probably about 8-10 weeks into the football season before he got really ready to run. This year he can start off that way.

“He’s healthy and he has mobility and he can move around. So, just being healthy is going to be a plus for him.”

After suffering through a pair of bi-district losses in 2014 and ‘15 and three straight sub-.500 campaigns, last season’s comeback bi-district victory could be the perfect springboard for what the Eagles hope will be their best season since the 10-3 squad that made it to regionals in 2013.

“Wehadalotof gamesthe last few seasons where we were right there but just a lackof focusfortwoorthree minutes [cost us],” King said. “Winning that playoff

High School Football 2017

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Sept. 1 Thorndale 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 40-27 Sept. 8 at Thrall 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 27-0 Sept. 15 Bremond 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 40-7 Sept. 22 at Iola 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 34-6 Sept. 29 at St. Joseph 7 p.m.

Last year: W 41-20 Oct. 6 open District 13-2A Division II Oct. 13 Bartlett 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 45-8 Oct. 20 Granger* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 46-25 Oct. 27 at Burton 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 43-13 Nov. 3 Snook 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 26-7 Nov. 10 at Somerville 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 29-7 *Homecoming

game has boosted our confidence and I think that’s going to give us [the feeling of] just knowing that we can do it. I think that and being a year older, it’s going to turn into some great things.”

King will get help from another pair of two-way seniors in Trebeaux Broussard and Ronnie Messer.

Broussard will anchor both sides of the trenches, starting at offensive tackle and defensive tackle. The 6-foot, 240-pounder is coming off a first-team, all-district season at both spots and is in even better shape, said Lagrone. Messer leads the back half of the defensive front seven after a firstteam, all-district season at linebacker. Messer also rushed for 403 yards and a touchdown and caught 15 passes for 240 yards and a score, earning a secondteam selection at running back.



Eagle photo

by Dave McDermand

NOW OPEN TILL 1 AM

PAPAJOHNS.COM @PapaJohns_CS

@ppjcs

TheEagle.com

1741 University Dr. • (979)846-3600 1740 Rock Prairie Rd. • (979)680-0508



@ppj_cs

Papa John’s College Station

Thursday, August 31, 2017

SNOOK BLUEJAYS

Snook coming off historic 2016

By BRAD COX Special to The Eagle

Ask any high school football player in Texas about the history of their school’s football program and many of them will tell stories about their fathers, uncles and grandfathers.

The four seniors on this year’s Snook football squad have their own tale to share, and it’s one they hope gets even better. That quartet was in third grade in 2008 when the Bluejays first fielded a football team, and they made history in helping the program to its first playoff appearance and first playoff victory last year. Now they’re ready to build on their first taste of success.

“We actually return some players with experience for a change,” thirdyear coach Chad Lechler said. “This is the first year that I’ve been here that we have a majority of upperclassmen, of juniors and seniors. We’ve been playing a lot with a lot of freshmen and sophomores since I’ve been here. They’ve gained a lot of experience on the field.”

Snook was still a relatively new program trying to find its way and build a football tradition when Lechler took over in 2015.

After going 3-7 in that first season, the Bluejays turned it around last year, going 3-2 in District 13-2A-II and upending Rocksprings 30-29 in a bi-district playoff.

With four returning starters on the offensive line and some key returners in the skill positions, Snook will aim for the program’s first winning season and a return trip to the playoffs.

FACTS Head coach — Chad Lechler (9-13 overall; 9-13 at Snook) District — 13-2A Division II 2016 record — 6-6 (3-2 in 13-2A Division II) 2016 playoffs — Bi-district: def.

Rocksprings 30-29; Area: lost to Flatonia 49-6 Playoff appearances (1) — 2016 Returning lettermen — 19 (9 offensive, 8 defensive starters) All-time record — 25-69-1 Playoff record — 1-1

The Bluejays will lean on that experience as junior KJ Macik takes over quarterback duties. Macik stood out as a freshman to Lechler, but the signal-caller missed last season after having elbow surgery.

Michael Ramirez stepped up last year and was a second team alldistrict quarterback, but wrist surgery in the summer has sidelined the senior and returned Macik to center stage. “[Macik] has looked really good early on,” Lechler said. “He’s really going to help us be a dual-threat offense as far as running and passing goes.”

A cadre of experienced and talented skill position players will give Macik plenty of options. Lechler said junior Damon Allen will play running back and receiver for the Bluejays and can be very explosive.

Sophomore Al’Zavier Hall will also contribute out of the backfield as a fast and physical ball carrier.

Qwanterrius Young was a second team all-district receiver as a freshman last year and could get some carries at running back.

Junior Damonta Allen was a first team all-district receiver and will be one of Snook’s primary receiving threats along with Young

Thursday, August 31, 2017

SCHEDULE (home games at Allen Academy) Date Opponent Time Sept. 1 Normangee* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 28-26 Sept. 8 at Brazos Christian 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 35-14 Sept. 15 Hearne 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 42-8 Sept. 22 at St. Joseph 7 p.m.

Last year: W 49-21 Sept. 29 Ganado 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 27-6 Oct. 6 open District 13-2A Division II Oct. 13 at Burton 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 51-6 Oct. 20 at Bartlett 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 27-14 Oct. 27 Somerville** 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 52-15 Nov. 3 at Milano 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 26-7 Nov. 10 Granger 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 46-14 * at Bremond **Homecoming

and junior Kohl Junek.

The offense will be anchored by three seniors on the line with Jordan Bryan and Shemar Barnes joining first team all-district selection Devonze Franklin. Junior Jose Castillo and sophomore Colby Lee also helped Snook reach the postseason.

“We brought a lot of guys back that really gained a lot of experience last year,” Lechler said. “We feel like they’re ready to take the next step on the offensive side of the ball.”

Franklin will be a factor on defense as well. At 6 feet, 320 pounds, the state power lifting meet-qualifier is a daunting force for offensive lines at nose tackle.

Damon Allen also will be a key player in Snook’s 3-4 defense as the second team all-district selection leads the linebacker corps.

Junek was a secondteam all-district selection at cornerback last year along with Barnes on the defensive line and Jaqu’aveon Lovis at outside linebacker.

Though the Bluejays



ROSTER 1 WR/DB Dreraud Rogers, soph.; 3 RB/LB Al’Zavier Hall, soph.; 4 RB/LB Qwanterrius Young, soph.; 5 QB/LB KJ Macik, jr.; 7 WR/DB Damonta Allen, jr.; 8 WR/DB Jake Young, jr.; 10 RB/LB Jaxson Brisco, fr.; 11 QB/LB Justin Supak, fr.; 12 WR/DB David Davila, fr.; 13 K/WR Lance Vadjak; 14 WR/DB Juan Arias, fr.; 15 WR/DB Kohl Junek, jr.; 16 WR/DB Jaden Brewer, jr.; 20 WR/ DB Jermaine Kearney, fr.; 22 WR/CB Deshaun Hamilton, fr.; 23 WR/LB Matthew Jordan, soph.; 24 RB/LB Damon Allen, jr.; 26 WR/LB Troy Krolczyk, fr.; 30 TE/DL Darrell Moore, fr.; 33 RB/LB Jaqu’averon Lovis, sr.; 50 OL/DL Roberto Villegas, fr.; 51 OL/LB David Davis, soph.; 52 OL/DL David James, soph.; 54 OL/LB Beau Gill, fr.; 55 OL/DL Jason Barker, fr.; 60 OL/DL Jose Castillo, jr.; 62 OL/DL JoJo Ramon, jr.; 64 LB Matthew Daigle, soph.; 65 OL/DL Shemar Barnes, sr.; 68 DL Brandon Sprouse, soph.; 70 OL/DL James Young III, soph.; 72 OL/DL Adrian Perez, soph.; 74 OL/DL Devonze Franklin, sr.; 75 OL/DL Jordan Bryan, sr.

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Snook junior wide receiver and defensive back Damonta Allen tracks down a pass during The Eagle’s football media day earlier this month at Merrill Green Stadium. have a good-sized group of playoff-experienced players, Lechler admits that the team is still fairly young. While the existing experience will be crucial to Snook’s attempt to improve on last year’s 6-6 season, things are look-

TheEagle.com



ing even brighter for the future. Lovis is the team’s lone starting senior not in the offensive line.

“We won’t g raduate one skill position player this year,” Lechler said.

“That’s definitely a plus on building for the future.

We will graduate offensive linemen, but we feel like we have some younger guys that are really learning what to do. They have a different role this year but they’ll really be able to step in next year and help us out.”

High School Football 2017

31

SOMERVILLE YEGUAS

House home coaching Yeguas ROSTER

By RICHARD CROOME richard.croome@theeagle.com

If Darby House runs for mayor of Somerville, he might want to hire Josh Gome z as his campaign manager.

House took over as Somerville’s head football coach in the middle of HOUSE June after his father and previous coach, Jesse, took the head coaching job at Petrolia. The Somerville football players, including the 6-foot-4, 330-pound Go-

FACTS

1 RB/DB Kevin Miles, sr.; 2 WR/DB Jeremiah Teague, fr.; 3 WR/LB Ruben Espinoza, jr.; 5 QB/DB Philip Haba, fr.; 6 TE/LB Daniel SanMiguel, sr.; WR/LB 8 Jacob Cor-bett, sr.; 10 WR/DB Austin Horsley, fr,; 11 TE/LB A.J. Barnett, jr.; 12 RB/LB Devin Sparks, jr.; 13 WR/DB Willie Carroll, soph.; 14 WR/DB Cassius Conoway, jr.; 20 WR/DB Justin Warmke, fr.; 34 WR/LB Elijah Hallford, soph.; 44 TE/LB Cain Zuniga, jr.; 53 OL/DL Gage Zuniga, jr.; 55 OL/LB Riley Eldrige, fr.; OL/DL 56 Caleb Allison, jr.; 58 OL/DL Preston Sprouse, jr.; 62 OL/LB Fabian Gutierrez, fr.; 64 OL/DL Mason Rosser, fr.; 65 OL/DL Jef-fery Warmke, sr.; 71 OL/DL Vodney Miller, fr.; 72 OL/DL Mason Bailey, fr.; 76 OL/DL Josh Gomez, sr.; 77 OL/DL Josh Urabnosky, jr.; 78 OL/DL Hunter Milburn, fr.; 79 OL/DL Nick Vasquez, jr.

mez, did more than hope House would get the job; they became proactive in House’s and the board’s decision.

“The kids came to me and supported me and got behind me and encouraged me to go for it, so that was a big deal for me,” said House, who served as the Yeguas’ offensive coordinator last season. “The kids

had come in and bought into me and were going out there and talking to board members and the community, and that was huge, them believing in me, and it made a world of difference.”

Gomez, a senior and three-year starter, says he and his teammates wanted a head coach they were familiar with, someone they

SCHEDULE

Head coach — Darby House (0-0 overall; 0-0 at Somerville) District — 13-2A Division II 2016 record — 3-7 (1-4 in 13-2A Division II) 2016 playoffs — did not qualify Playoff appearances (8) — 1939, 1960, 1965, 1976, 1982-83, 1990, 2006 Returning lettermen — 15 (8 offensive, 8 defensive starters) All-time record — 312-504-24 Playoff record — 4-8-0

felt comfortable with and someone who could maintain stability in a program that has sent just once team to the playoffs since the turn of the century.

“We did well [last year], and [House] was definitely the guy we wanted in here,” Gomez said. “He knew us on and off the field, and

Date Opponent Time Sept. 2 Brackett+ 7 p.m.

Last year: L 49-0 Sept. 8 New Waverly 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 34-6 Sept. 15 Waco Texas Wind* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 10-0 Sept. 21 at Rudder JV 7 p.m.

Last year: W 31-7 Sept. 29 at Brazos Christian 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 26-13 Oct. 6 open District 13-2A Division II Oct. 13 at Granger 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 34-28 Oct. 20 Burton 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 63-18 Oct. 27 at Snook# 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 52-15 Nov. 3 at Bartlett 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 48-0 Nov. 10 Milano 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 29-7 *Homecoming + at Jourdanton # at Allen Academy

that really helps our relationship with him as far as him being coach. I had a

conversation with my goddad, who is on the school board, about him getting in there. It was more like, I know you are all still debating on the head coach and I think Coach House would be a good choice for us. I told him about the offense and the defense and how we were used to it and just asked him if he could keep that in mind when he’s voting, and that was it.”

House, who considered other options including following his father to Petrolia, got the vote and immediately went to work running the Yeguas.

He will again lean on the loyalty of Gomez, who

See SOMERVILLE, Page 33

Making memories to last a lifetime!

www.fedstarcu.com

979.846.7456 MEMBER NCUA

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1961

32

High School Football 2017



TheEagle.com



Thursday, August 31, 2017

CALVERT TROJANS

Trojans hope to keep winning under new coach ROSTER

By BRAD COX Special to the Eagle

Calvert’s last four years have been among the best in the state with the Trojans going 43-7, winning eight playoff games, including a run to the state semifinals in 2014, So it might be a surprise that the Class A Trojans will be playing for their fourth head coach in four years. That’s the oddly enviable position Chris Bennett is filling as he takes over a program that knows how to win in the midst of transition.

“It’s the kids,” Bennett said. “They have adjusted to the fact that, every year since they were freshmen, they were like, ‘Hey, we’re getting a new coach.’ They practice and they play like that doesn’t matter. They’re there to play football.”

Having quarterback JaQuan Thompson — last season’s District 16A Division II offensive most valuable player — at the helm certainly helped, but

1 Coylin Grimes, sr.; 2 Cody Gilmore, soph.; 3 Matthew Steamer, jr.; 4 James Green, jr.; 5 Erwin Jones, fr.; 6 Billy Thompson, fr.; 8 Jacobe Schells, jr.; 10 Kevin Whooten, soph.; 11 JJ Green, sr.; 12 Trey-Quinton Green, fr.; 13 Deonte Schells, fr.; 14 Davien Flentroy, fr.; 15 DaMarcus Benson, sr.; 20 Christopher Edwards, jr.; 22 Davien Huffman, sr.; 23 Favion Thompson, sr.; 24 JaMarcus Brooks, sr.

FACTS Head coach — Chris Bennett (18-40 overall; 0-0 at Calvert) District — 16-A Division II 2016 record — 12-1 (3-0 in 16-A Division II) 2016 playoffs — Bi-district: def.

Oakwood 68-22; Area: def. Iredell 72-24; Quarterfinal: lost to Richland Springs 86-36 Playoff appearances (31) — 11-man (14) — 1923, 1938, 1946-47, 1949, 1952, 1958, 1967-68, 1970, 1989-91, 1994; 6-man (17) — 1998-99, 200111, 2013-16 Returning lettermen — 10 (2 offensive, 2 defensive starters) All-time record — 552-366 Playoff record — 33-28-2 (11-man: 3-12-2; 6-man: 30-16-0)

Bennett knows how years of success can snowball to change attitudes and raise expectations. Bennett, who had coaching stops at 6-man Buckholts and Coolidge earlier in his career, spent the last three seasons as the wide receivers coach at Class 3A pow-

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Sept. 1 at San Marcos Hill Country Last year: did not play Sept. 8 at Coolidge Last year: did not play Sept. 15 Borden County+ Last year: W 62-60 Sept. 22 at New Braunfels Christian Last year: did not play Sept. 27 Waco Live Oak Last year: W 47-44 Oct. 6 Chester* Last year: W 60-0 Oct. 13 at Watauga Harvest Last year: W 53-8 Oct. 20 open District 16-A Division II Oct. 27 at Oglesby Last year: W 62-14 Nov. 3 at Buckholts Last year: W 70-6 Nov. 10 Prairie Lea Last year: W 50-0 *Homecoming + at Zephyr

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

er Cameron Yoe. He helped lead the Yoemen to a state title in 2014 and a return trip to the championship game in 2015.

It’s Calvert’s high expectations that Bennett hopes keeps the snowball rolling

even without Thompson, who graduated last year.

Along with those high expectations Bennett was greeted by an athletic group ready to have success.

The Trojans will look to junior James Green to step up in the quarterback role in Bennett’s new multipronged, spread-oriented offense. Experienced receivers are expected to help Green quickly find his way.

Senior JaMarcus Brooks will be the Trojans’ go-to receiver whether they’re launching it deep or keeping it close with a screen pass. Senior CJ Grimes will provide on-the-field leadership at slot receiver and tailback, while seniors DaMarcus Benson and Davien Huffman are other options at receiver. Junior Matthew Steamer will be another key option on offense.

“Steamer is going to be a slot receiver and tailback — we can’t keep his athleticism in the backfield,” Bennett said. “We’ve got to get

him in space and get him to get the defense scared of more than one person, which is what they’ve done the last four years with JaQuan Thompson. He’s a great athlete, but we’ve got to get everybody involved.”

Senior Favion Thompson and junior Christopher Edwards will contribute at tight end, while junior Jacobe Schells and senior JJ Green both can play center.

Though Calvert will look to be explosive offensively, which is to be expected if a team is going to be competitive in 6-man, but Bennett is optimistic the Trojans can have an equally explosive defense.

Whether it’s Benson at defensive end, Schells at linebacker, JJ Green at free safety or 6-1, 230-pound Favion Thompson at tackle, Bennett likes about how hard his team can hit.

“In 6-man you don’t think about defense,” Bennett said. “You think, let’s go score 70 points and see if the other guy only scores 69. We are focused on de-

fense. Our best players are on defense. We assign positions defensively first, just like we did in Cameron.

These guys want to play defense. That’s not very common. They like the hard hits.”

Bennett speaks highly of JJ Green’s ability to read offenses and defenses and said he and Grimes, who will play some cornerback, are like having coaches on the field. Edwards will also contribute at defensive end.

Defense will be the key for Calvert as they try to match last year’s undefeated regular season. The Trojans also hope to make a deeper postseason run than last year’s state quarterfinals loss to eventual Class A Division II champion Richland Springs.

It’ll be tough as Calvert plays its first four games on the road, including a neutral-site game against reigning Class A Division I champion Borden County, and just three home games all year.

SOMERVILLE: Gomez, Warmke, Sprouse, Vasquez power offensive line Continued from 32

leads an offensive line that will play a huge part in how far the Yeguas go under House, who also has coached at Beeville.

“One of our big strengths is going to be our teamwork and working hard together,” Gomez said.

“We come in on weekends and look specifically at the offensive line and look at things we need to do to get better. You win games with the offensive line, and I feel that is one of our biggest strengths this year.”

Gomez is not the only lineman with size, especially for a Class 2A Division II team.

Guard Jeffery GOMEZ Wa r m ke and 290-pound center Preston Sprouse return on the right side. Junior Nick Vasquez returns at left tackle, which leaves left guard to be filled after the unit helped Kevin Miles rush for more than 1,200

Thursday, August 31, 2017

yards last season.

“They’re big ol’ boys that can bl ow yo u up,” House said of the line. “We are start- SPROUSE ing two new kids on the left side, and they are coming along well. With Josh, he is a devastating run blocker.”

The running game will be leaned on in part because House isn’t the only one in his first year. Fresh-



man Philip Haba gets the nod at quarterback, having gained the confidence of House and Gomez.

“There are no politics here,” Gomez said. “It’s more you step in, show me you want to play, work hard, and the position is yours. I’m rooting for him all the way. Philip was here all summer, and he did everything needed to do to get that position.”

House, who coached the young quarterback last season on a junior high team that fared well, said Haba learned a lot about

TheEagle.com



the speed of varsity-level football in his first scrimmage and handled himself admirably, completing 7 of 15 passes. When it gets tough, though, the line and Miles know to have his back.

“Sometimes things get hard with him being quarterback and with him being young, and I do have to pull him aside and let him know that things are all right and to keep his head up and let the game come to him,” Gomez said.

Haba has fellow freshman Jeremiah Teague to

throw to and will count on senior Daniel SanMiguel, an all-district performer at H-back, to help keep the offense moving.

D e f e n s ive l y, D e v i n Sparks and Jacob Corbett will be key leaders. Willie Carroll is an experienced cornerback despite being only a sophomore, and Haba and Teague will play safety.

The Zuniga twins, Cain and Gage, will also play a major role at linebacker and on the line, respectively.

High School Football 2017

33

BRAZOS CHRISTIAN EAGLES

Eagles learning Bell’s mentality After successful debut season, coach wants Brazos Christian to continue methodical approach Sophomore Bryce Steel returns after a solid season playing both ways, starting at safety and quarterback for Brazos Christian.

By JEFFREY PERKINS jeffrey.perkins@theeagle.com

Following a successful debut season in which he led his team to the TAPPS Division IV state semifinals, second-year Brazos Christian head football coach Andy Bell and the Eagles are fixated on the number three.

“A lot of times you set your goals so far out,” Bell said. “You bet everybody wants to hoist that trophy at the end, but I think a lot of times if you don’t break it into small segments of trying to hit measuring sticks as you move forward, sometimes you can kind of lose the pace of where you want to be.

“So [our approach] is pretty simple. Each week let’s take it three days at a time, and let’s get better as we move forward. I’ve got a phrase that I coined a long time ago — take your life in threes. Three days, three weeks, three months. In the game of football, kind of where it came about is three downs gets you another three downs, so if you execute on those three downs, then it allows you to get to that next place.”

Navigating the season in small chunks worked well for the Eagles last year.

After suffering a 26-0 road loss to Cypress Christian in Bell’s debut, Brazos Christian won eight of its next nine games, including a 49-0 shutout of Legacy Prep Christian in the second round of the playoffs.

The Eagles dropped a 41-38 heartbreaker to eventual state champion Shiner St. Paul in the semifinals.

“We were OK at the be-

34

Eagle photo

by Dave McDermand

FACTS Head coach — Andy Bell (16-15 overall; 8-3 at Brazos Christian) District — TAPPS Division III District 4 2016 record — 8-3 (4-1 in TAPPS Division III District 4) 2016 playoffs — TAPPS Division IV bi-district: Bye; Regional: def.

The Woodlands Legacy Prep 49-0; Semifinal: lost to Shiner St. Paul 41-38 Playoff appearances (15) — 6-man (2): 2000-01; 11-man (13): 2002-03, 2005-06, 2008-16 Returning lettermen — 13 (7 offensive, 6 defensive starters) All-time record — 134-76 Playoff record — 12-14 (11-man: 11-12; 6-man: 1-2)

ginning of last year,” Bell said. “Then we just continued to get better and better and better. One thing I’ve always tried to preach to our kids is the things we can control are our attitude and our effort.”

Effort is not in short supply for Brazos Christian as many players have to play both ways for a team that has about 27 players.

Senior Zach Oelze returns as one of the team’s best at cornerback and outside receiver. “[Playing multiple positions] really puts us in a mentality that we can play anywhere,” Oelze said.

High School Football 2017

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Sept. 1 McKinney Christian* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 26-0 Sept. 7 at Snook+ 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 35-14 Sept. 15 open Sept. 22 at Anderson-Shiro 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 28-0 Sept. 29 Somerville 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 26-13 TAPPS Division III District 4 Oct. 6 open Oct. 13 at Texas School for the Deaf 7 p.m.

Last year: W 44-12 Oct. 20 at Central Texas Christian 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 56-13 Oct. 27 Waco Reicher* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 45-43 Nov. 3 at Marble Falls Faith 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 56-14 Nov. 10 St. Joseph 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 62-0 * at Rudder **Homecoming + at Allen Academy

ROSTER 1 RB/LB Gib Tucker, jr.; 2 WR/LB Blake Smith, sr.; 3 QB/DB Blake Burtin, fr.; 4 WR/LB Cooper Kay, sr.; 8 RB/DB Tucker Hartis, sr.; 9 WR/DE Ben Weber, sr.; 11 WR/DE Brayden Cook, sr.; 12 QB/DB Bryce Steel, soph.; 13 WR/DB Tyler Oelze, fr.; 15 WR/LB Chris Coleman, sr.; 18 K Blake Griffin, sr.; 21 RB/LB Isaiah Saenz, jr.; 22 WR/DB Coby Clark, soph.; 23 WR/LB Sutton Lake, fr.; 26 WR/DB Zach Oelze, sr.; 33 TE/DB Parker Smith, sr.; 50 OL/LB Garrett Fowler, jr.; 51 OL/DL Andrew Saenz, fr.; 53 OL/DL Konner Garrett, sr.; 54 OL/DL Sam Cooper, soph.; 55 OL/DL AJ Salwen, fr.; 58 OL/DL Jack Doucet, fr.; 60 OL/LB Trey Fisher, sr.; 62 OL/DL Clayton Jackson, fr.; 64 OL/DL Taylor Magouirk, sr.; 71 OL/DL Ethan Reeves, fr.; 72 OL/DL Logan Waggoner, jr.; 75 OL/DL Micah Coleman, jr.; 77 OL/DT Hudson Holcombe, soph.

of coming up with timely defensive plays. According to Bell, he’s also the kind of coachable player and leader every team needs.

“He was one of our leading defensive players as far as interceptions last year,” Bell said. “They were just critical. There were two or three times where if we needed a big catch, it seemed to be all of a sud-

TheEagle.com

linebacker, with Smith also earning a second-team allstate nod at tight end. Steel made the second team as a safety and also returns at quarterback.

Senior running back Tucker Hartis returns to headline the offense and is coming off a district coMVP and f irst-team allstate season in which he rushed for over 1,900 yards.

E a glE s Football 2017

“Whether you are f irststring starting receiver or lineman or third string on defense, it really teaches you to play everywhere and be ready in an instant to go wherever coach throws you.

“It really gets me more into the ball game being on both offense and defense. It really gets me focused and gets me pumped up for the game and ready to work hard.”

Oelze, a second-team all-district cornerback last season, has a habit



den he was one of the kids who was right in the mix to do it. He’s one of those kids who you can count on to run the right routes, be in the right place.”

Senior Parker Smith, junior Garrett Fowler and sophomore Bryce Steel also earned all-district honors and return on defense.

Fowler and Smith each made the second team at

St. Joseph Eagles Football HEAD UP • CHEST UP • BLESSED UP Head Coach: Alec Castilleja Athletic Director: Patrick Hazlett St. Joseph Catholic School 600 S. Coulter, Bryan, TX 77803 Phone: 979-822-6641 Full game schedule: stjosephschoolbcs.org



Thursday, August 31, 2017

ST. JOSEPH EAGLES

New coach, new system

Castilleja installing I-formation offense in first season at St. Joseph ROSTER

By RICHARD CROOME richard.croome@theeagle.com

T

he saying “it’s a snap” took on a different meaning for senior quarterback John Najvar and the St. Joseph Eagles offense this fall camp.

New coach Alec Castilleja has turned back the clock with his offense and has Najvar taking snaps under center after he operated out of the shotgun his two previous CASTILLEJA seasons.

“Progresswise I’m really happy,” Castilleja said of the adjustments. “It’s a new system, and a lot of the boys, especially [Najvar], have never been under center. We are bringing back a little older style of football, and they’ve stepped up to the challenge and are buying into the program.”

Najvar has taken the task head on but admits something that sounds simple requires an adjustment period.

“It’s taken a little bit to learn, but I’m getting it and it’s interesting,” Najvar said. “The first weeks we had to work on the snaps a lot, getting it down, and I fumbled with it a little bit, but I’ve figured it out now. It’s different, too ... you really have to get back quick because you are starting at the line, taking a five-step

3 QB/DB John Najvar, sr.; 5 WR/DB Coltin Slenk, sr.; 6 WR/LB Matthew Nelson, soph.; 8 QB/LB Chad Guidry, fr.; 12 WR/DB Joe Tyler Saladiner, fr.; 11 WR/DB Paul Hutka, fr.; 15 RB/DB Nick Dimarco, sr.; 16 WR/DB Justin Krystinik, fr,; 20 RB/DB Josh Saldua, sr.; 22 WR/DB Jaxon Hayles, jr.; 28 RB/DB Thomas Dimarco, fr.; 34 WR/ LB Logan Lipscomb, sr,; 35 RB/LB Twister Barrington, fr.; 52 OL/LB Phillip Baszak, sr.; 55 OL/DL Cristian Olvera, sr.; 56 OL/DL Jake Drabek, fr.; 58 OL/DL Roland George, soph.; 60 OL/DL Adam Labowitz, soph.; 63 OL/DL Patrick Patke, sr.; 64 OL/DL Jack Grunkemeyer, fr.; 68 OL/DL Johnathan Rey-nosa, jr.

FACTS Head coach — Alec Castilleja (0-0 overall; 0-0 at St. Joseph) District — TAPPS Division III District 4 2016 record — 3-7 (2-3 in TAPPS Division III District 4) 2016 playoffs — did not qualify Playoff appearances (11) — 6-man (3): 1999-01; 11-man (8): 2006-11, 2013-14 Returning lettermen — 14 (6 offensive, 7 defensive starters) All-time record — 96-105 Playoff record — 3-11 (11-man: 2-8; 6-man: 1-3)

drop instead of three. “ Ironically, Castilleja served as the quarterbacks coach at Hearne last season when the Eagles ran a spread offense, using it to end a 21-game losing streak and make the playoffs for the first time in three years.

“With the personnel we have, it is perfect for being in the [I-formation],” said Castilleja, who played quarterback for St. Joseph from 2006-09. “We used to run it here in St. Joseph and were successful, and I feel like it’s one of those offenses that will push the boys to be more physical and to be more mentally tough. We are blessed enough that we can go into spread if we need to, but we are looking to control the clock and getting downhill and fighting for the yardage we can get.”

And Castilleja says having Najvar run the of-

Thursday, August 31, 2017

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Sept. 1 at Waco Texas Wind 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 23-0 Sept. 8 Shiner St. Paul 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 56-14 Sept. 15 at Houston Village School 7 p.m.

Last year: L 34-22 Sept. 22 Snook 7 p.m.

Last year: L 49-21 Sept. 29 Milano 7 p.m.

Last year: L 41-20 Oct. 6 open TAPPS Division III District 4 Oct. 13 at Marble Falls Faith 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 27-14 Oct. 20 Texas School for the Deaf* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 41-35 Oct. 27 at Central Texas Christian 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 35-20 Nov. 3 Waco Reicher 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 70-0 Nov. 10 at Brazos Christian 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 62-0 *Homecoming

fense should help it work.

“He’s one of our better athletes, a great senior leader, one of those guys whose really quiet but definitely a leader in the sense of do-as-I-do, leading by example, always pushing others,” Castilleja said. “You will never see him out in front hooting and hollering, but he will be in the back watching his teammates be successful, and that’s the best thing I can ask for a quarterback coming in, especially me and him coming in and bonding in the first year.”

Castilleja has a seniorladen offense to work with in his first season, a group that includes an experienced line led by seniors Patrick Patke



Eagle photo by Dave McDermand St. Joseph is moving to an I-formation offense this season, and senior wide receiver Logan Lipscomb will play a big role in the unit’s aerial attack as a key target for quarterback John Najvar. and Christian Olvera, a vocal leader. Sophomore Adam Labowitz and junior move-in Johnathan Reynosa will join them.

Najvar has a big receiver, senior Logan Lipscomb, as a target when the Eagles go to the air.

The Eagles lost running back Nick Dimarco because of concussions suffered last year but have moved receiver Josh Saldua to the tailback position. Saldua will get help from Dimarco’s younger brother freshman Thomas. Freshman Twister Barrington will line up at fullback.

A lot, though, will depend on Najvar and how he runs the offense.

“I do feel I can be suc-

TheEagle.com



cessful with it,” Najvar said. “Right now I am a little uncomfortable, but as the season goes along, I think it will be more comfortable and it will work out. We don’t have as much speed as we’ve had in the past, so the spread doesn’t work to our advantage anymore and the pro I-formation works better with our personnel.”

With only 21 players on the roster, Castilleja will need a lot of his offensive starters to play defense.

Barrington will be a linebacker, and a majority of the offensive line will also be in the trenches on defense. Senior Phillip Baszak will help lead the defensive line,

and Castilleja says freshman Justin Krystinik has progressed well at cornerback.

Castilleja also said he liked what he saw in the team’s scrimmage and is hoping this is the year his team can get back at rival Brazos Christian, which hasn’t lost to St. Joseph since Castilleja was under center with the Eagles.

Najvar is hopeful, too, and says he’s confident the Eagles can have a good run in TAPPS Division III District 4.

“I think we are going to excel,” Najvar said.

“We have a great senior class and a lot of freshmen that are stepping up, and it’s going to be a good season.”

High School Football 2017

35

ALLEN ACADEMY RAMS

Rams excited to be back on football field

By RICHARD CROOME richard.croome@theeagle.com

For most with any connection to Friday Night Lights,thefootballoffseason is way too long, so it’s not difficult to understand why the Allen Academy Rams eagerly await this season’s first weekend of games.

Not long before the first scheduled game last year the Rams made the difficult decision to forfeit the season. The 365 extra days without football gave not only the players but the fans an added appreciation of what they were missing.

“I think people last year kind of underestimated the kind of power and energy that is around football season and I noticed how people would say I really miss it, really miss having a football g a m e ev ery Friday night,” junior Sam Dawson said. “I think that energ y is back at AlDAWSON len and back with our team as well. We are ready to play.”

The Rams will be back playing 6-man football this year thanks to a freshman class that is not as big as Allen Academy coach Jason Jolly had anticipated, but at least it allows the Rams to field a team.

“A major factor is our eighth-graders coming up that are now freshmen,” Jolly said. “We have five of them that are on the squad and that is [almost] half our team. We will be young for sure. I’m not underselling us [because] we are young.”

36

FACTS Head coach — Jason Jolly (40-18 overall; 40-18 at Allen Academy) District — TAPPS 6-man Division II District 6 2016 record — did not play 2016 playoffs — did not play Playoff appearances (21) — 11-man (6): 1974-75, 1979-80, 1998, 2004; 6-man (15): 1990-91, 1993-97, 200815 Returning lettermen — 0

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug. 31 Calvert JV 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 Temple Centex 7 p.m.

Sept. 14 Houston Emery-Weiner 7 p.m.

Sept. 22 *Buckholts 7 p.m.

TAPPS 6-man Division II District 6 Sept. 29 Orange Community 7 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Huntsville Alpha Omega 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 open Oct. 20 Lake Jackson Brazosport 7 p.m.

Oct. 27 Conroe Covenant 7 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Alvin Living Stones 7 p.m.

Nov. 10 at Baytown Christian 7 p.m. *Homecoming

ROSTER 2 Brandon Boyd, soph.; 6 Bob Tong, soph.; 7 Philip Dai, jr.; 8 Sam Deupree, fr.; 9 Ryan Hassell, fr.; 12 Wane Jang, sr.; 13 Jacob Langston, sr.; 14 Kolby Dupont, sr.; 20 Cade Brown, fr.; 22 Brent Tucker, fr.; 32 Sam Dawson, jr.; 34 Gabriel Tsui, soph.

Young or not, the upperclassmen who didn’t get to play because of the lack of numbers will more than welcome the four newcomers. “[I’m] thrilled the freshmen are coming in,” Dawsonsaid.“[It’s]alotof young talent for us to take under our wing and we will use theirtalenttoouradvantage this season. The great thing about this year is we don’t really have any pressure.

There is no pressure from previous years to build on something. We get a fresh slate,startbrandnew,goout thereandplayourgameand do basically what we want, play and have fun with it.”

In a manner of speaking the freshmen have an

High School Football 2017

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Members of the Caldwell Hornet football team watch in the background as Allen Academy sophomore Brandon Boyd prepares to catch a pitch on the fly during The Eagle’s annual high school football media day earlier this month at Merrill Green Stadium. advantage over the rest of the squad, having played in junior high last season and done well. It’s something Jolly is excited about, but at the same time he has only three players who have suited up for a varsity game.

“The good thing is we run the same system at middle school as we do at the varsity level, so they are familiar with the terminology. They are familiar with our base sets on offense and defense,” Jolly said.

“The biggest challenge at the beginning is going to



be adapting to the speed of the game for the eighthgraders. Varsity football is way different than junior high football, but we had a pretty talented group of middle-schoolers. The other thing is they didn’t face much adversity because we had a really strong group, so it’s going to be a big leap for them.”

Allen will have three seniors, led by tailback Kolby Dupont, who as one of the better athletes will be counted on as the playmaker. The other two

TheEagle.com



seniors are Wane Jang and Jacob Langston. Dupont and Langston are what Cox calls his primary throwers.

Dawson, the center and anchor of the defensive line, and Philip Dal are the lone juniors.

Considering the team’s inexperience, Jolly isn’t looking for miracles in TAPPS 6-man, but he does believe the Rams will compete.

“Realistically I think we are middle of the pack and that is exciting because it could very easily be where

we are bottom-feeders as a young new team, so to speak,” Jolly said. “With the group of upperclassmen we have and the smart talented bunch we have all together we can contend for a playoff spot.”

At this point a playoff berth would be icing on the cake for a team and its fans who also are eagerly awaiting the opening kickoff.

“There are going to be nerves as always,” Dawson said. “I’m marking off the days on my calendar to get out there.”

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Thursday, August 31, 2017



TheEagle.com



High School Football 2017

37

BRAZOS VALLEY CHRISTIAN HOME EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION MUSTANGS

LaStrapes to lead young Mustangs ROSTER

By RICHARD CROOME richard.croome@theeagle.com

Junior quar terback Adam LaStrapes fancies himself more of a runner than passer, although he’s capable of beating opponents both ways.

“I think scrambling is one of my strengths,” LaStrapes said. “I watched [Texas A&M quarterback] Johnny Manziel a lot and saw his highlights and I try to imitate him sometimes and run around. I’m probably a little bit better runner than passer, but if I have time to set my feet I can usually throw pretty good as well.”

Brazos Valley Christian Home Educators Association first-year coach Gerald Hancock, who coached LaStrapes at the eighthgrade level, would agree, which at the 6-man level is not a bad thing at all.

“He can throw the ball, but he’s quick so we are hoping that is the advantage we’ll have with him at quarterback,” Hancock said. “He’s quick, has some good athletic ability and he’s aggressive as well. Our first downs being 15 yards we can’t really run an offense where we are going to gain 4 yards a play. Just line up and a cloud of dust doesn’t really work here.”

LaStrapes, at 5-foot-9 and 150 pounds, also will have to be a leader for the Mustangs, who enter their second season in the Texas Association of Independent Athletic Organizations without a senior and only a couple of juniors.

“It’s a little bit harder having no seniors but me and Sean [Cox], we played with most of the sophomores in junior high so we know them and they know

38

2 Adam LaStrapes, 5-9, 150, jr.; 3 Dominic LeJeune, 5-11, 160, fr.; 4 Nathanael Simpson, 5-10, 160, soph.; 7 Michael Duron, 6-1, 175, soph.; 8 Samuel Self, 5-7, 125, fr.; 14 Payton Binion, 5-7, 125, fr.; 16 Cody Davis, 5-11, 150, soph.; 17 Conner Hamilton, 5-10, 225, fr.; 21 Chase Mickelson, 5-6, 120, fr.; 23 Will McElhaney, 5-10, 145, soph.; 24 Jack Erdner, 5-10, 140, fr.; 25 Grant Hancock, 5-11, 165, soph.; 32 John Lloyd, 6-1, 175, fr.; 38 Matthew Koenig, 5-11, 205, soph.; 40 Ben Brandon, 6-1, 180, fr.; 42 Josh Tipton, 5-8, 190, fr.; 44 Daniel Lafollette, 5-10, 180, fr.; 54 Sean Cox, 6-1, 240, jr.; 55 Joseph Octerback, 5-6, 125, fr.

us,” LaStrapes said. “Sean and I have played together since we were in the eighth grade and the sophomores also help with leading because they have known us and are on the same page as us.”

The Mustangs are going to have to lean on those sophomore, a few of whom saw action as freshmen after BVCHEA had to rebuild after winning state two years ago in the TCAL. Cox, a 6-1, 240-pound junior, is the Mustangs’ biggest player and is coming off an appearance in the TAIAO all-star game. He is the center on offense and is one of three defensive linemen in the team’s base defense.

“He moves pretty well for a big boy so we will be counting on him,” Hancock said. “He just kind of anchors the inside for us.”

Hancock’s oldest son, Grant Hancock, is another of the youngsters who has experience. He will line up at running back and is the starting linebacker. Another sophomore, Cody Davis, is a receiver and defensive back along with LaStrapes.

LaStrapes, who was on the field for every play in at least three games last season, enjoys the opportunity to do the chasing after all the scrambling he has to do.

“It tires you out but you get used to it,” said LaStrapes, who played special teams and was the thirdstring quarterback on the team that won state.

“I like playing both ways

High School Football 2017

[Adam LaStrapes] can throw the ball, but he’s quick so we are hoping that is the advantage we’ll have with him at quarterback.

He’s quick, has some good athletic ability and he’s aggressive as well.

Gerald Hancock First-year BVCHEA varsity football coach

FACTS Head coach — Gerald Hancock District — TAIAO Playoff appearances (7) — 2010-16

because you kind of get to get back with some hits of your own. I like both ways because you don’t have to strictly focus on offense.”

The Mustangs have already suffered an injury, which will af fect who Hancock plays. Matthew Koenig, a 5-11, 205-pound sophomore, is out with a torn labrum.

“The issue for us is going to be depth because it’s not unusual for us to have six guys on the field who just really have to play the entire game both ways,” Hancock said. “We’ll have some freshmen and a couple of sophomores that really haven’t played before and so it limits us. We spend a lot of time conditioning because those guys that start will have to play 90



SCHEDULE (all home games at Bryan Regional Athletic Complex) Date Opponent Time Sept. 1 Chester+ 6 p.m.

Last year: did not play Sept. 8 Victoria Homeschool# 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 68-19 Sept. 15 Houston Texas Christian* 7:30 p.m.

Last year: did not play Sept. 22 at Austin Summit 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 50-48 Sept. 29 Austin Achieve** 7:30 p.m.

Last year: did not play Oct. 6 at Prairie Lea 7 p.m.

Last year: did not play Oct. 13 Bastrop Tribe Consolidated 7:30 p.m.

Last year: L 64-19 Oct. 20 Johnson County Sports^ 7:30 p.m.

Last year: did not play Oct. 28 Corpus Christi Wings## 1:30 p.m.

Last year: did not play Nov. 3 Austin Royals 7:30 p.m.

Last year: W 33-24 Nov. 10 open + at Allen Academy # at Brenham * at Bellville **Homecoming ^ at Waco ## at Victoria

to 95 percent of the game.”

If LaStrapes gets a break it might be at quarterback.

Hancock likes the throwing ability of Ben Brandon, a 6-1 freshman. Another freshman Hancock says will help if he can stay healthy is 5-11,160-pound

TheEagle.com



Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Adam LaStrapes returns for his junior season to quarterback the BVCHEA Mustangs, a job he likes to do with his legs as much as his arm.

Dominic LeJeune.

The Mustangs won three games last season, but still made the playoffs, where they lost to eventual champion Stephenville Faith in the first round.

Hancock, who played and coached at Franklin and coached at Bryan under Merrill Green for a year and Marty Criswell, believes Stephen Faith, Bastrop Tribe and San

Antonio FEAST will be the teams to beat again this season.

The goal for the Mustangs is to make the eightteam playoffs.

“I expect to be over .500, definitely and make the playoffs as well,” LaStrapes said. “This would be the seventh straight year BVCHEA would go to the playoffs, so we want to keep that streak up.”

Thursday, August 31, 2017

COACHES: St. Joseph, Calvert, BVCHEA also have new coaches Continued from 8

St. JoSeph

• New coach: Alec Castilleja • Previous coach: Bill Hoppers Veteran coach Bill Hoppers left St. Joseph after one season as its head football coach and athletic director to return to Consol, where he won a state championship with Ross Rogers. Hoppers also worked on Lee Fedora’s championship staffs at Navasota, and the two will be reunited with the Tigers. Former St. Joseph quarterback Alec Castilleja, who played college ball at Howard Payne, gets his first head coaching job. Castilleja had been quarterbacks coach at Hearne and takes over a program that went 3-7 last season.

Calvert

• New coach: Chris Bennett • Previous coach: John Cherry John Cherry departed after his only

season in Calvert, leading the Trojans to a 12-1 season. The Trojans’ only loss was to Richland Springs, where Cherry now is an assistant. His head coaching record is 32-6. Chris Bennett takes over; he has been Cameron’s wide receivers coach and won a state championship with the Yoemen in 2014. Bennett was a head coach in 6-man football for one year in Buckholts and for four seasons with Coolidge. He also served as offensive coordinator at 11-man Rosebud-Lott.

all-BraZoS valleY FootBall poll

Players selected our second annual Brazos Valley poll at The Eagle’s football media day in early August. Players voted for five teams on a 5-4-3-2-1 point system.

Players who voted for just one team had their voted counted. If they tried to cast all of their votes for one team, only one vote counted. We’re not the Russians.

College Station appeared on the greatest number of ballots at 105. A&M Consolidated was second, receiving votes on 82 ballots. Bremond was named on 65 ballots and Franklin 64. Navasota, the top-ranked team in the inaugural poll in 2016, is eighth in this year’s preseason poll.

Here is the poll with last season’s records and total points via the vote: school 1. College Station 2. A&M Consolidated 3. Bremond 4. Franklin 5. Cameron 6. Rockdale 7. Bryan 8. Navasota 9. Brenham 10. Lexington

BvChea

• New coach: Gerald Hancock • Previous coach: Skipper Harris Skipper Harris concluded a three-year stint as head coach of the BVCHEA Mustangs with a 17-15 overall record, directing them to the Texas Christian Athletic League 6-man Division I state championship in 2015. Gerald Hancock has been the head coach of BVCHEA’s junior high team the past three seasons.

PoiNts 394 282 206 158 134 116 96 95 79 73

2016 record 14-1 8-4 16-0 8-3 11-3 11-2 6-6 2-9 8-4 11-3

also receiviNg votes Caldwell (62 points); Iola (62); Burton (52); Madisonville (51); Centerville (50); Milano (48); Anderson-Shiro (45); Leon (44); Hearne (42); Normangee (42); Rudder (34); Calvert (32); Somerville (28); Snook (24); Brazos Christian (23); St. Joseph (23); Allen Academy (12); BVCHEA (12).

e h t l l a o ! t s k m c a u e L T d l l o Go a Footba are

979.260.7663 for a free, no-obligation inspection of your roofing system.

Call Today for a local reference list!

www.stateroofingtexas.com Thursday, August 31, 2017



TheEagle.com



High School Football 2017

39

ATKINSON ATKINSON TOYOTA

“Helping Folks in the Brazos Valley Go Places”

936-349-0909 • 1-877-349-0909 • 204 I-45 South • Madisonville, TX 979-776-0404 • 1-877-824-0404 • 728 N. Earl Rudder Fwy • Bryan, TX

www.atkinsontoyota.com 40

High School Football 2017



TheEagle.com



Thursday, August 31, 2017