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EXPERIENCED HAWKS SQUAD LED BY ALL-STATE PERFORMERS PAGE 10 RODRIGUEZ IS KEY TO EAGLE SUCCESS PAGE 17 STERLING CITY MAKE WAY TOWARD A CHAMPIONSHIP YEAR PAGE 19

CENTRAL BOBCATS RETURN TO THE

“LITTLE SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE” PAGE 11

Division ii

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WHAT’S TO COME THIS

WHAT’S INSIDE PAGE 9

HALL OF FAMER OWENS WORKS WITH YOUNG STEERS

PAGE 10

EXPERIENCED HAWKS SQUAD LEAD BY ALL-STATE PERFORMERS

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CENTRAL RETURNS TO THE LITTLE SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE TO MEET LONG TIME RIVALS

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SEASONED TEAM TO TAKE CHIEFS TO POST SEASON

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SAN ANGELO TCLA EAGLES AIM TO SOAR TO PAYOFFS

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RODRIGUEZ IS KEY TO EAGLE SUCCESS

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PREVIEW OF BIG SPRINGS STEERS PREVIEW OF MERNARD YELLOW JACKETS

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DIFFICULT YEAR FOR BULLDOGS LEFT BY GRADUATION STERLING CITY MAKE WAY TOWARD A CHAMPIONSHIP YEAR

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THE PLAYOFF PATH OF THE BLIZZARDS MAY BE CUT SHORT

A MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER

FOOTBALL SEASON Ah Football, the crunching of pads, the marching bands, and the excitement of watching a team take the field together on a Friday night.

Our aim with this publication is to bring you-the fans, all the excitement, and nuances of football right within these pages. In an effort to put out the best content possible we have collaborated with local schools as well as professional photographers as we anxiously await kickoff of the new season.

It has been amazing to watch the local schools lead by coaches and players who have been working extremely hard to bring us the spectacle that is high school football in the state of Texas. Our wish is that this magazine will help guide you through what promises to be an amazing seasonfeel free to mark the magazine with player autographs, scores, any other information you wish! This publication has been created with the fans in mind and has truly been a labor of love for our staff. Get ready, this season is sure to produce some unforgettable moments, as teams across the state compete for the brass ring!

DISTRICT REVIEW

ADVERTISERS For more information, please contact Ray Macareno at 325-227-7192

BIGGER AND STRONGER AT WINTER VALLEY 02

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TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP (DECEMBER 18-21)

24 schools from across the state of Texas came together at AT&T Stadium in Arlington to compete for the glory of winning a Texas state football championship. On December 18-21, 12 games were held at Jerry World, from the big 6A and 5A schools down to the smaller schools of 2 and 1A.

AT&T STADIUM

2019 UIL Championships

The most anticipated game of the weekend featured defending state champs North Shore taking on Duncanville, a solid performance from Dematrius Davis Jr. lead the North Shore Mustang's to their second consecutive state title, the final score being North Shore 31 Duncanville 17. Davis took home MVP honors for the 2nd year in a row.

The 5A Division 2 championship game saw history being made as Aledo High School defeated Fort Bend Marshall to become the first (11 players) school in Texas high school football history to win 9 state championships. An offensive shootout saw Aledo's Alabama signee Jase McClellan rush for 217 yards including two touchdowns in a nail-bitting 45-42 victory.

In Saturday's nightcap, Austin Westlake took on Denton Guyer for the 6A Division 2 championship. Austin Westlake dominated the game, winning 24-0 for the school's first state championship since 1996 when the chaps were lead by future NFL Hall of Famer Drew Brees.

In the 4A Division, one championship game Carthage capped a perfect 16-0 season with a solid 42-28 victory of La Vega High School. The Carthage Bulldogs have been one of the most successful programs in the state recently, the Bulldogs have gone 49-3 since 2016 and won six state championships dating back to 2008.

In the class 5A Division 1 Championship game contested on Friday night, Shadow Creek High School defeated Denton Ryan in a battle of 15-0 teams 28-22. The Shadow Creek Sharks have gone 31-1 the past two seasons with their only loss coming in last year's title game against Highland Park. The Sharks were led by MVP QB Kyle Drones who threw for 185 yards and rushed for an additional 133.

In the Class 3A Division 1 championship game held on Thursday, Grandview defeated unbeaten Pottsboro by a score of 42-35 to capture back to back state championships.

In the Class 2A Division 2 championship game Mart High School defeated Hamlin by a final score of 25-20, the Mott Panthers 6th state championship since 1999.

Wednesday saw the small schools play a couple of 6 man championship games. In 6 man Class 1A Division 1 Blum defeated McLean in a shootout 58-52. In the class 1A, Division 2 game Richland Springs completed an undefeated season by dominating Motley County 62-16.

2019 RESULTS 6A Division I State Championship Galena Park North Shore vs. Duncanville

31 - 07 6A Division II State Championship Austin Westlake vs. Denton Guyer

24 - 0 5A Division I State Championship Alvin Shadow Creek vs. Denton Ryan

28 - 22 5A Division II State Championship Aledo vs. Fort Bend Marshall

45 - 42 4A Division I State Championship Carthage vs. Waco La Vega

42 - 28 4A Division II State Championship Texarkana Pleasant Grove vs. Wimberley

35 - 21 3A Division I State Championship Grandview vs. Pottsboro

42 - 35 3A Division II State Championship Gunter vs. Omaha Pewitt

43 - 22 2A Division I State Championship Refugio vs. Post

28 - 07 2A Division II State Championship Mart vs. Hamlin

25 - 20 1A Division I State Championship Blum vs. McLean

58 - 52 1A Division II State Championship Richland Springs vs. Matador Motley County

62 - 16 04

STATE HIGH SCHOOL PRE-SEASON RANKINGS DIVISION 6A 1 Galena Park North Shore 2 Duncanville 3 Austin Westlake 4 Katy 5 Denton Guyer 6 Allen 7 Southlake Carroll 8 Alvin Shadow Creek 9 Lake Travis 10 Humble Atascocita 11 Arlington Martin 12 DeSoto 13 Spring Westfield 14 Converse Judson 15 Cypress-Fairbanks

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2020-2021 Schedule 1A - 4A Teams Wednesday, December 16th Saturday, December 19th - 2020 TBD 5A & 6A Teams Monday, January 11th - Saturday, January 16th - 2021 TBD UIL guidelines require schools to include UIL activities for the 2020-2021 school year as part of this plan and carefully plan for mitigating risk of spread as students and staff participate in them. Schools must post these plans on the homepage of the school website or other easily accessible area of the school website.

2020 FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AT&T STADIUM, ARLINGTON

DIVISION 5A-2 1 Ennis 2 Aledo 3 Lubbock-Cooper 4 Fort Bend Marshall 5 A&M Consolidated 6 Wichita Falls Rider 7 Mansfield Timberview 8 Frisco 9 Barbers Hill 10 Crosby 11 Boerne Champion 12 Huntsville 13 Marshall 14 Liberty Hill 15 Dallas South Oak Cliff

DIVISION 4A

DIVISION 3A

DIVISION 2A

1 Waco La Vega 2 Argyle 3 Lampasas 4 CC Calallen 5 Port Lavaca Calhoun 6 Springtown 7 Corpus Christi Miller 8 Dumas 9 El Campo 10 Decatur

1 Brock 2 Grandview 3 Pottsboro 4 Malakoff 5 Wall 6 Gladewater 7 Rockdale 8 Hallettsville 9 Troy 10 Jourdanton

1 Shiner 2 Refugio 3 Post 4 Cisco 5 San Augustine 6 Mason 7 Hawley 8 Ganado 9 Panhandle 10 San Saba

DIVISION II

DIVISION II

DIVISION II

1 Carthage 2 Pleasant Grove 3 West Orange-Stark 4 Wimberley 5 Gilmer 6 Celina 7 Sunnyvale 8 Silsbee 9 Geronimo Navarro 10 Graham

1 Gunter 2 Canadian 3 Daingerfield 4 Paul Pewitt 5 Newton 6 Abernathy 7 East Bernard 8 Franklin 9 Eastland 10 Holliday

1 Mart 2 Hamlin 3 Stratford 4 Wellington 5 Windthorst 6 Wink 7 Bremond 8 Albany 9 Falls City 10 Muenster

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Pandemics can be stressful

DISTANCE LEARNING The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could happen can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. However, these actions are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.

Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can sometimes cause the following: ● Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on. ● Changes in sleep or eating patterns. ● Difficulty sleeping or concentrating. ● Worsening of chronic health problems. ● Worsening of mental health conditions. ● Increased use of tobacco, and/or alcohol and other substances.

EVERYONE REACTS DIFFERENTLY TO STRESSFUL SITUATIONS How you respond to stress during the COVID-19 pandemic can depend on your background, your social support from family or friends, your financial situation, your health and emotional background, the community you live in, and many other factors. The changes that can happen because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ways we try to contain the spread of the virus can affect anyone.

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HEALTHY WAYS TO COPE WITH STRESS Know what to do if you are sick and are concerned about COVID-19. Contact a health professional before you start any self-treatment for COVID-19. Know where and how to get treatment and other support services and resources, including counseling or therapy (in person or through telehealth services). Take care of your emotional health. Taking care of your emotional health will help you think clearly and react to the urgent needs to protect yourself and your family. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting. Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.

Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Exercise regularly. Get plenty of sleep. Avoid excessive alcohol and drug use. Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy. Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations. While social distancing measures are in place, consider connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH You may experience increased stress during this pandemic. Fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions.

GET IMMEDIATE HELP IN A CRISIS Call 911 Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish), or text TalkWithUs for English or Hablanos for Spanish to 66746. Spanish speakers from Puerto Rico can text Hablanos to 1-787-339-2663.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chat National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522 National Child Abuse Hotline; 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453

K E E P S CO R E O F YO U R T E A M

San Angelo Central Football Schedule

_____ September 17 _____ Montwood (El Paso, TX)

Lake View Football Schedule

_____

August 28 Lamesa

_____

(Lamesa, TX)

Grape Creek Football Schedule

_____

August 28 @ Stanton

_____ September, 1 _____ _____ September, 8 _____

(Stanton, TX)

_____ September 4 _____

_____ September 4 _____

(Killeen, TX)

(Pecos, TX)

(Christoval, TX)

_____ _____

October 2 Clemens (Schertz, TX)

October 9

_____ _____

@ ASM Consolidated (McLane Stadium, Waco, TX)

_____ October 16* _____ Abilene

(Abilene, TX)

_____ October 23* _____ @ Frenship (Wolfforth, TX)

_____ October 30* _____ Odessa

(Odessa, TX)

_____ November 6* _____ @ Midland (Midland, TX)

@ Pecos

_____ September 11 _____

Christoval

_____ September 18 _____

_____ September, 22 _____

(Snyder, TX)

(Coleman, TX)

(Sweetwater, TX)

@ Snyder

_____ September 25 _____ @ Brownfield

_____ _____

(Brownfield, TX)

October 2 Fabens

(Fabens, TX)

October 9

@ Hereford

_____ _____

(Hereford, TX)

_____ October 22* _____ Fort Stockton (Fort Stockton, TX)

San Angelo Texas Leadership Charter Academy Coleman

_____ September 25 _____ @ Early (Early, TX)

_____ _____

October 9 Bangs

(Bangs, TX)

October 16 @ Ballinger (Ballinger, TX)

_____ October 23* _____ Brady

(Brady, TX)

Sonora

_____ November 6* _____

_____ November 6* _____

(Midland, TX)

(Big Spring, TX)

(Ingram, TX)

Season Final Scores

(Eastland, TX)

Iowa Park

@ Ingram Moore

Grape Creek 2019 Season Final Scores

@ Grape Creek (San Angelo, TX)

Crane

_____

October, 27 _____

Midland Christian

_____ November, 3* _____ @ Tornillo (Tornillo, TX)

_____ November, 10* _____ Kermit

Wall 2019

Season Final Scores

9/6: Del Rio (Del Rio, TX)

8/30: Lamesa (Lamesa, TX)

8/30:Maypearl (Maypearl, TX)

8/26: @ Monahans

9/13: Cedar Park (Cedar Park, TX)

9/6: @ Fabens (Fabens, TX)

9/6:@ Christoval (Christoval, TX)

9/2: Cisco

9/20: @ Pebble Hills (El Paso, TX)

9/12: Snyder (Snyder, TX)

(W) 52 - 10 (L) 41 - 35

(W) 44 - 40

9/27: Weatherford (Weatherford, TX)

(W) 45 - 38

10/4: @ Trinity (Euless, TX)

(L) 49 - 24

10/11: Abilene (Abilene, TX)

(W) 38 - 30 (W) 27 - 7

(L) 28 - 0 (L) 47 - 0

(L) 46 - 20

(W) 19 - 18

(W) 32 - 19

9/13: Rocksprings (Rocksprings, TX)

(L) 60 - 21

9/27: @ Coleman (Coleman, TX)

9/16: Eastland

10/4: Bangs (Bangs, TX)

9/30: Iowa Park

10/7: @ Grape Creek

9/20: Fort Stockton (Fort Stockton, TX) 9/27: @ Llano (Llano, TX)

(L) 41 - 21

10/4: @ Brownfield (Brownfield, TX)

(L) 38 - 37

9/9: @ Lago Vista (Lago Vista, TX)

(W) 40 - 0

(W) 62 - 14

(L) 49 - 8

(W) 28 - 14

(L) 46 - 16

(L) 35 - 29 (OT)

(W) 35 - 13

10/12: Hereford (Hereford, TX)

10/11: San Angelo Texas Leadership Charter Academy

(L) 30 - 27

10/25: @ Seminole (Seminole, TX)

10/18: @ Ballinger (Ballinger, TX)

(W) 80 - 14

10/18: @ Richland (N. Richland Hills, TX)

(L) 45 - 14

10/25: Bell (Hurst, TX)

(L) 47 - 28

(L) 33 - 6

(L) 61 - 18

(L) 53 - 0

(L) 41 - 36

(L) 34 - 18

(W) 54 - 0

(L) 60 - 0

(W) 63 - 14

(W) 42 - 21

11/8: @ Haltom (Haltom City, TX)

(W) 34 - 31

11/15: @ Martin (Arlington, TX)

11/1: Andrews (Andrews, TX) 11/8: @ Big Spring (Big Spring, TX)

(L) 42 - 41

11/15: Clint (Clint, TX)

(L) 34 - 21

_____

October, 6

_____ October, 20* _____

_____ November 27* _____

Lake View 2019

_____

_____

(Sonora, TX)

@ Big Spring

@ Eastland

_____ October, 13* _____

(Andrews, TX)

Andrews

Lago Vista

_____

(Odessa, TX)

Central 2019

(Cisco, TX)

_____ September 18 _____

Sweetwater

_____ October, 30* _____

Season Final Scores

@ Cisco

_____ September, 15 _____

_____ October 30* _____

@ Midland Lee

Monahans

_____ September 11 _____

_____ November 20* _____ Odessa Permian

Wall Football Schedule

_____

_____ September 24 _____ @ Shoemaker

District Game = *

(L) 8 - 6

10/25: @ Cisco (Cisco, TX)

10/14: @ Crane (Crane, TX)

(W) 49 - 0

10/21: @ Midland Christian

11/1: @ Merkel (Merkel, TX)

10/28: Tornillo

11/8: Anson (Anson, TX)

11/4: @ Kermit (Kermit, TX)

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ROBERT LEE hall of famer owens works with young steers When legendary coach Karry Owens took over RLHS football team in 2019 he knew it would take time and practice to implement his new system and coaching philosophy, the Steers surprised many with a 6-4 overall record and an appearance in the playoffs, the bi-district round where they were blown out by May 56-8. Coming into 2020 the Steers roster is one of the most inexperienced in West Texas, Owens the hall of fame inductee (class of 2017) who has lead the teams he has coached to the playoffs 16 times while winning 11 district titles said he feels confident in regards to the team's adjustment to his program, however, he notes the team's tough position with a young roster in a strong division, a division that he feels is stronger tough to bottom than last years.

Robert Lee High School moved divisions as a part of the 2020-22 UIL realignment.

The steers are projected to battle Westbrook and long-time rival Bronte for last in the district with the Sterling City projected as the favorite by Texas Football Magazine. Robert Lee returns only one senior and a total of five starters from last year's team (three on offense and two on defensive) which necessitates the need to play young, inexperienced players a process

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that could produce wonders in the future for Robert Lee. Junior tight end and linebacker Noah Escamilla is among the returning starters and is expected to have a standout season. Other notable players to look out for on Robert Lee include- Junior Quarterback Michael Munoz and a trio of sophomores- Ivan Escamilla, Ryan Mendoza, and Patrick Barrera.

The Steers opened the season playing one of Owens' former teams, at Water Valley, August 28th. The steers begin district play against historic rival Bronte on Oct. 16th.

WALL HAWKS ALL-STATE PERFORMERS WILL LEAD HAWKS TO CHAMPIONSHIP Jacob Balcomb and Luke Lipsey who along with Williams 3A-1 Region District 2 anchor a Iveteran and highly skilled offensive line.

Seniors Dominic Garcia, Jake Andrews, Justis Watkins, and Taven Espinosa are experienced and should compete for all-district honors.

The Hawks are ranked as the preseason #5 team in the state of Texas by Texas Football Magazine and the favorites to win their new division which includes tough competition in the form of Breckenridge, Clyde, Jim Ned, Early, and San Angelo TLCA. Looking further ahead the potential for a rematch between Wall and Pilot Point who knocked out the Hawks last year in the semi-finals looms as their districts cross paths on the way to the playoffs potentially offering the Hawks a chance at revenge. Before any potential rematch, however, coach Coming into this season the Wall High School Hawks look to build on last season's 12-1 overall record which featured a trip to the regional semi-finals. Coach Houston Guy leads an experienced hawks squad lead by all-state performers Tate Williams and Drew Morrison. Morrison a 6'4" 205 lbs., dual-position quarterback/linebacker filled in at quarterback late last season and lead Wall to fivr victories in relief including two in the playoffs, many former QBs under Guy noted how impressive Morrison's run last season was, coming in cold without having played meaningful snaps at the position in over a year and after playing the first half of the season exclusively at linebacker Morrison adjusted quickly, seeing the defensive sets and making subsequent play calls to deceive the defense. Williams is a highly regarded offensive lineman who received a scholarship from Baylor University this past spring to play football to throw the shot-put and discuss for the bear's track team. Williams also received several offers from other D-1 and D-1AA schools- Rutgers, UNLV, and Texas State among others. In addition to Morrison and Williams, the 2020 Wall High School Hawks will be lead by three-year varsity players- Bryson Ballard, Kye Herbert, and Chase Rios along with several other seniors including Joshua and

Guy knows that Wall's defense will be relatively inexperienced and question marks remain at some of the skill positions, however with the return of Morrison and Williams as well as six other starters on offense the Wall High School Hawks look to improve on last years semifinal run and aim for a state championship.

DISTRICT PREVIEW 2017

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CENTRAL

CENTRAL RETURNS TO THE LITTLE SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE 11

CENTRAL Although the San Angelo Central Bobcats are returning to their traditional district for the 2020 season it will be an unusual season full of firsts. As a by-product of the COVID-19 crisis, the big schools in Texas the Class 5A and 6A teams did not begin their football seasons until September 24th, four weeks after Class 1-4 A teams open up their seasons on August 28th. The Bobcats' first official practice was scheduled for Septemeber 7th, while they open the season against Killeen Shoemaker High on the road followed by a game against El Paso Montwood. Head Coach Brent Davis is trying to turn the season's oddities into a positive, noting that the late start is actually a blessing that gives the Bobcats more time to prepare.

In the spring, Central moved to the realigned District 2-6A which allows the Bobcats the chance to renew traditional rivalries with schools like Midland High, Midland Lee, Odessa High, and the Odessa Permian Panthers.

The district is rounded out by Wolfforth Frenship and Abilene High School. For a long period of time, decades, in fact, the Bobcats played in the same district with Abilene, Midland, and Odessa a highly regarded district that was known as the "Little Southwest Conference" a homage to the Southwest Conference of college

football which featured Texas, Texas A&M, and Arkansas among other Texas schools a nod to the district- schools' dominance and numerous state championships.

Coming off of a mediocre 6-5 overall and 4-2 in the district season in 2019, coach Brent Davis and the entire Bobcats team hope to revive the level of success they had just a few years ago in 2017 when Central went a perfect 10-0 in the regular season capping a 5th straight district title for the Bobcats. The past two seasons for Davis and San Angelo Central have been difficult with consecutive blowout playoff losses but Davis' track record proceeds itself having lead the Bobcats to 10 consecutive playoff appearances following his first and only non-playoff qualifying season in 2009 and hopes are high coming into the season. The pundits at Texas Football magazine have predicted Central to finish 4th in the district following Midland Lee, Permian, and Frenship.

Looking at Central's personnel heading into the season it is easy to get excited about senior and three-year starting quarterback Malachai Brown. Last season, Brown threw for over 2,600 yards while tossing 26

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Continued from page 12 touchdowns, he did, however, throw 14 interceptions an area of his game that he has been working on in the offseason. In addition to his passing number, Brown was the Bobcats leading rusher for the 2nd straight year last season which saw him rush for 772 yards and 15 touchdowns. Catching Brown's passes will be a strong receiving core, always a strength for Central, lead by slot receiver Jalen Leifeste, and fellow senior Joseph Gathecha. Other senior receivers to look out for are Malik Haywood and Tripp Noble as well as junior Cayden Box. The offensive line comes into the season without much-proven experience or depth so getting them in-tune this offseason has been a major priority for the Bobcats, Chris Muns a three-year letterman on the offensive line will be looked at to provide leadership upfront. Running behind that offensive line in addition to Brown will be Ashton Hartsfield a senior who ran for over 300 yards and a couple of scores last season, a big kid at 6'0" 215 pounds Hartsfield provides the bobcats with a deadly combination of power and speed.

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On the defensive side of the football for San Angelo Central the Bobcats will be looking towards Bryson McNutt who had a whopping 93 tackles last season to continue with his impressive numbers, as only a junior the ceiling is very high for McNutt. The secondary is experienced and should be a strong point for Central this season, lead by junior Ty Casey who had 85 tackles along with two interceptions last season and senior Kyson Snelson who recorded 46 tackles along with two interceptions.

DISTRICT PREVIEW 2017

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LAKEVIEW CHEFS seasoned team to take chiefs to post season It's been a long time since the San Angelo Lake View Chiefs have brought a district title to the northside, George W. Bush was in office and the war in Iraq was just underway when San Angelo Lake View captured the district crown for the last time in 2004.

Current head coach Hector Guevara believes going into his 5th season as head coach that 2020 is the year the Cheifs can end that drought saying he believed the Chiefs have improved every year, and expects them to do more than they did last year and compete in a district where the players have an opportunity to be district champion. Last season the Cheifs got out to a quick 3-0 start before succumbing to eight straight losses to finish the season.

Last season's slide was disappointing, however, Guerra and his players know they have the talent back to make the playoffs again with 14 starters returning from last season. Talented Quarterback Albert Rodriguez threw for nearly 2,500 yards last season and tossed 21 touchdowns, his primary target this season will likely be the speedy Austin Bandy, Tristan Franklin is another solid receiver to look out for while 6'3" 254-pound offensive lineman Cody High provides excellent

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protection upfront. Guevara expects the offense to be explosive this season with the experience these players have in his system and the talent and experience coming back on offense, eight returning starters, while the defense will try and play aggressive yet sound football and will be lead by six returning starters.

Due to the district they play in, the Chiefs are guaranteed a playoff berth in 2020, however their not content with just making the playoffs the focus this offseason has been on getting a high seed in the playoffs and seeing how far they can go from there.

The Cheifs opened their season on August 28th at home against Lamesa, while their first district game sees the Cheifs take on Fort Stockton at home on October 23rd.

SAN ANGELO TLCA San Angelo TCLA Eagles aim to soar to payoffs The Eagles of San Angelo TCLA come into this year looking to build their confidence under a new first-year coach, while also hoping to improve on last season's 1-9 record. A former assistant at Miles High School, Matt Jones, takes over for former head coach and current athletic director Kent Sherrill. Jones who received a degree from Angelo State then interestingly enough ended up coaching football and softball at Miles High. Jones was reported as saying in effect that his number one goal is to install confidence in his players and within his system and coaching philosophy, eventually developing a winning program which will be difficult due to San Angelo TCLA's small size which Jones talked about briefly highlighting San Angelo TCLA's small enrollment and the subsequent quality of the Eagles opponents. Jones' plans for a program turnaround are sorely needed as the school has not made the playoffs since 2013 the same year it last won a district championship.

important task, made especially difficult by the fact that a starting quarterback has not been named with the job still up for grabs. Overall the Eagles return six starters from last season on both offense and defense.

The Eagles play in a division that consists of themselves along with Early, Jim Ned. Clyde, Wall, and Breckenridge highs.

The regular-season schedule features 6 home games three of which are district games and a total of 5 road games including two district road trips to Clyde High School and Early High School. The team's opener will be against Brandy High School at Brandy on August 28th.

Eddie Carranco a running back and linebacker will be looked at to continue his solid play from last season, another running back/linebacker combination player Duante Skyes is one to watch for along with receiver Tristian Bond. Finding someone to get the Eagles receivers and other skill players the ball will be an

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GRAPE CREEK rodriguez is key to eagle success The 2-3A Division II Grape Creek Eagles of San Angelo Texas opened up their 2020 season on August 28th under third-year head coach Tanner Thiel, who hopes to turn around a disappointing 4-19 record over two seasons. A strong senior class hopes to lead the push to get the Grape Creek Eagles back to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. The Eagles return six starters on offense and seven on defense from a team that went a disappointing 1-9 overall last season, coach Thiel's 2nd at the helm. The Eagles' strengths in 2020 according to Thiel lay with the strong senior class and their leadership as well as the team's athleticism.

Player size and the overall small size of the roster are the biggest weaknesses facing the Eagles right now Thiel says.

Jorge Rodriguez last year's leading passer and rusher returns and is expected to do a lot for the Eagles, playing on both sides of the ball. Rodriguez ran for an outstanding 1,228 yards of total offense which included nine touchdowns. The four-year letterman, notes coach Thiel and his teammates, is a leader and positive example on and off the playing field. Grape Creek kicked off the season against Stanton on August 28th, we got a glimbs of Rodriguez as a key determinant in the team's overall success.

Lucky Vargas, and Landon Crow as well as promising Sophomores Colton Walker and Cougar Jetton.

This year Grape Creek's division includes Ballinger, Bangs, Brady, Ingram More (whom the Eagles are unfamiliar with), and Sonora, the Eagles open up division play at home on October 9th against Bangs.

Outside of Rodriguez, potential standouts includeBrandon Proctor and Adam Farmer on the offensive line as well as two-way player Isaiah Briones who earned all-district honors at linebacker last season.

Coach Thiel will also be counting on junior receivers

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DISTRICT PREVIEW 2017

MENARD

yellow jackets Former offensive coordinator at Tahooka, Justin Gorman takes over the head coaching job at Menard High School. Gorman was anxious to begin his first season as a combo head coach and athletic director, last season the team he coordinated won the district championship and finished with an 8-3 overall record.

Menard will be lead by a pair of seniors Kallin Kothmann and Jasper Salas, Kothman who plays tight end had six touchdowns on 20 catches for a total of 442 yards last season was rewarded with all-west Texas honors. Salas also received all-west Texas honors as a utility player, Salas ran for 572 yards and 5 touchdowns last season. Coming off a disappointing 3-8 season Menard looks to rely on its senior leadership to lead them to a winning season.

Menard will play in a district this season against fellow 2A schools Miles, Rocksprings, Eldorado, and Christoval, the district is officially known as 2A II District.

BIG SPRINGS The good news for the Big Spring High School Steers is that before they even play a game this season they know one thing for certain- they will be headed to the playoffs. As a result of playing in a four team district, the Steers will automatically make the playoffs for the third consecutive season. Most Texas football pundits expect the Steers to battle with Lake View high school for third place this season, Big Springs was able to win a nailbiter last season by a final score of 42-41.

the district the past two seasons combining for a total of 34 wins, compared to the 11 wins garnered by San Angelo Lake View and Big Spring. This season Seminole which moved to Division II has been replaced by Fort Stockton in the district.

Big Spring returns several key players including Orlando Sanchez who rushed for 700 yards last season. Gabriel Baeza a junior, is back at quarterback this season looking to build on a solid finish to the 2019 season which he finished with 13 total touchdowns. In total, the Steers return 12 starters, six on both offense and deffense. The four-team district 2-4A Division 1 has been lead by two powerhouse programs Seminole and Andrews who have dominated

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BRADY BULLDOGS difficult year for Bulldogs left by graduation Last season the Brady High School Bulldogs lead by a class of seniors and third-year head coach Shay Easterwood achieved a 5-6 overall record including birth in the state playoffs after an impressive 4-1 district campaign, Coach Easterwood knows that this season will be difficult as last years team featured a bevy of seniors who had been with coach Easterwood since their sophomore years improving on their win total in each season from 0-10 in 2017 to 2-8 in 2018 and of course the five win season last year. This season the Bulldogs return a lot of experience from last season especially in the trenches, the big question mark for this team being who will step up at the skill positions?

Easterwood hopes that behind an experienced offensive line lead by senior Cesar Reza, Daniel Hernandez, and D.J. Powell will allow the bulldogs to

run the ball effectively while dispersing the ball to as many skill players as possible. Starting the season at QB is all-district linebacker Cutter Johnson.

STERLING CITY

on the championship road There's a lot of hype surrounding the Sterling City High School Eagles football team coming into 2020, Texas Football Magazine has them ranked #4 in the state in its preseason poll. Lead by third-year starter Hudson Cox at quarterback the Eagles look to be explosive on offense, also featuring running back Francisco Gonzales. On the defensive side of the ball, Sterling will be lead by last year's regional defensive player of the year- lineman Chance Ferguson who received all-state honors as well after last Iseason.

3A-1 Region District 3 Jarrett Justiss is another player who anchors the Eagles solid defensive line Sterling City finished last season with a 9-2 record and an appearance in the playoffs where the Eagles feel to Rankin High School in a shootout 86-60. Rankin remains a primary target for Sterling City as they enter the 2020 season at #1 in the polls. Due to the realignment in the spring, Sterling City now plays in District 8-1A where it will compete against Robert Lee, Westbrook, Bronte, and Highland. Texas Football Magazine predicts that the Eagles will win the district title with their toughest competition expected to come from Highland and Westbrook

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DISTRICT PREVIEW 2017

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WINTERS the playoff path of the blizzards may be cut short The Winters High School Blizzards made the playoffs for the third straight season in 2019 despite a poor finish in which they lost four out of five games. This season the Blizzards have the difficult task of competing against state powerhouses San Saba and Cisco within their own division. According to Texas Football Magazine, Winters is expected to finish fourth in their district which would earn them a fourth consecutive postseason appearance.

talented this season with Malakye Kelly at running back, Matt Jacob at fullback, and Chaney Bahlman at wide receiver. The question on offense for the Blizzards is can they replace three starters on the offensive line? Coach Matt McCarty is hopeful and pleased with the way the team has come into shape over the offseason. The Winters High defense will be lead by junior defensive Trent Hamilton who recorded 3.5 sacks as a sophomore last season.

The Blizzards run a flexbone offense which is triggered by quarterback Alex Salas a senior who is a threat to run and throw the ball. The skill positions are especially

The Blizzards kickedoff against Anson at Blizzards Stadium on August 28th. Their district opener will be held on October 9th.

WATER VALLEY bigger and stronger The Water Valley Wildcats high school team had a tough season last year with the new head coach Nathan Hayes. With a 4-6 overall record and a painful 0-4 record in the District 8-1A Division. Luckily, we all know Hayes is a champion maker shown by his back-to-back state titles with the Crowells in 2013-2014.

In 2020, Hayes' expectations are much higher than last year. Most of the talented kids are juniors now becoming stronger, bigger, and more experienced every game. The offensive juniors Harley Davis (6-2, 210), Kyle Banister (6-1, 185), and Josiah Padilla (6-1, 180) are the leading example of the power in the offensive front. The defense looks more solid now too with Max Bradley on one end while Gunner takes care of the other end to keep the opposition at bay.

And they have to be ready because Blackwell, Borden County, and Garden City are among the tough competition for the upcoming season. It promises to be an exciting year for Hayes' Water Valley football team.

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Division ii

GO DALLAS COWBOYS

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