2021
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Football Preview
EC BIG BOYS READY FOR DOMINATION
HORNETS SEEK TO BUILD ON GOOD SEASON
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Friday Nights back to normal this year
At least for the onset of the press box and in the gym and year, there will be no restric- home games will be broadcast tions when coming to Hornet live, Louise Athletic Director Field or Ricebird Stadium this Joe Bill said. Louise is also putseason. ting in a camera in the gym for While COVID-19 is still the potential broadcast of volpresent throughout the area leyball and basand the state, with ketball games. the Governor’s office Louise and El discounting masks Campo both were earlier this year and over .500 last seano University Interson for the first scholastic League time in six sea(UIL) guidelines, it’s sons. The Hornets back to 100 percent went 5-4 while El capacity for both El Joshua Reese Campo had a 9-2 Campo and Louise. record. Both teams have a good Full capacity in El Campo is chance of making it a repeat just under 5,500 fans while it’s performance with their oppoaround 500 in Louise. In addition to no restrictions nents’ strength of schedule unon fans, games this season are der .500. The schools are drastically allowed to be live-streamed online with the UIL lifting the different in size, but both will rely on the strength of returnFriday Night Football ban. El Campo will not have their ing offensive linemen to help games streamed. Louise will open holes and create a pocket have their games broadcast on passing plays. Look for both teams playing online, partnering with a local media company. Louise is in- games in November when the stalling a camera in the football playoffs roll around.
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The 2021 El Campo Ricebird and Louise Hornet Football Preview is a special section of the El Campo Leader-News. The El Campo Leader-News is published Wednesdays and Saturdays. For information, contact 979-543-3363 or visit www.leader-news.com. Copyright 2021 Front page photo counter clockwise: Juan Leal, Clarence Farrow, Kerry North, Lucus Pfeil and Jack Dorotik.
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Breaking
Go Ahead ... Try
unlike previous seasons, as they competed in the state lineman challenge. Despite no linemen on either side of the football being more than 300 pounds, they destroyed their opponents en route to a state championship. “Our whole offensive and defensive line core showed up every day (to summer workouts). We got in the weight room and lifted weights. We came outside and busted our tail and ran real hard to get in shape,” Hlavinka said. “The linemen challenge in Spring and Abilene were big morale boosters and gets everyone excited for the season and put some heat on our name. It (made) us feel good and we were accomplishing something (special), there is a lot of comradery between (us), we’re all returners.” “Everybody worked hard and (we) put in the work to get where we need to go,” Farrow said. “We most definitely got confidence (from winning) but we’re still going to be working hard and keep pushing.” The competition not only tested
thiS Line
F
By JOSHUA REESE sports@leader-news.com
ootball ended earlier than the El Campo Ricebirds wanted last year losing in the second round to Kilgore, but they still managed to win the district championship with a 5-0 record. Overall, the Ricebirds only lost twice in 2020. Coming back this season the Ricebirds have talent all over the field including a deep group of returning senior linemen on both sides of the football. Juan Leal, Kerry North, Jack Dorotik, Lucas Pfeil, Clarence Farrow, Carter Hlavinka, Carson Whit-
By Joshua Reese tington and Thomas Martinez all played as juniors in the trenches, on the offensive and defensive line. Leal has played since his freshman year and North since he was a sophomore. Dorotik was injured as a sophomore and despite missing a year of football, last season caught up to varsity sped quickly and took over the starting center position. With the hopes of an even better year in this season, the Ricebird football program in the offseason had highly attended strength and conditioning workouts along with a seven-on-seven squad that made the state championship tournament. The linemen weren’t left out of competition,
(See SENIORS, Page 6)
EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW
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EC offense turning it loose By JOSHUA REESE sports@leader-news.com
The Ricebird offense looks different this season. It’s an oversimplification, but the Ricebirds offense over the last few decades has consisted of run left, run right and run up the middle. With the athletes in El Campo, it didn’t matter if they pointed which way they were running, the linemen were going to steamroll forward and the running backs would power through linebackers or beat defensive backs to the edge. An oversimplification, but with the new coaching staff, the offense could run left, run right and pass. Since 2005 only one Ricebird quarterback has had a season throwing for more than 1,000 yards. Trey Krpec in 2010 threw for 1,016 yards in 10 games. “We don’t ever set a number on how many times we’re going to throw the ball going into a game, but the 10-15 range (is) what we’re trying to achieve,” Ricebirds Head Coach Chad Worrell said. If Worrell’s vision holds true, it would double El Campo’s air production from last season which averaged 4.8 pass at(See POINTS, Page 7)
—Seniors (Continued from Page 5) strength but also speed with the lineman acing nearly ev every test. At the Spring Linemen challenge to earn a spot at state, they finished first out of 30 other schools, mostly 5A and 6A programs. At state, the Birds big boys blew through competition winning the championship in a landslide by 50 points. El Campo’s offensive linemen paved the way for nearly
L-N Photo by Joshua Reese
That’s New
El Campo senior Dekoreyus Ward stumbles towards the sidelines away from a La Grange defender during the Ricebirds’ first scrimmage of the season after catching a long 40-yard pass from senior Isaiah Anderson on the final play of the night. Ward last season had zero yards on offense, but he could see more this season with a new offensive system.
“Everybody worked hard and (we) put in the work to get where we need to go,” – Clarence Farrow 4,000 yards of offense on the ground with the running backs averaging nine yards a carry. Having multi-year returners, along with the backs returning will be a boon for the Ricebirds. “They’ve run behind this line for three years each now. They’re familiar with us and we’re familiar on how they like to run,” Hlavinka said. “(The
6 EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW
lines) have worked with each other for so long that we understand how (each other) works and we work well as a unit.” The defense last year allowed fewer than 20 points a game. The line created a lot of havoc freeing up linebackers and safeties to make plays in the backfield. Hlavinka and Farrow combined for 60 tack-
les. Hlavinka and Whittington combined for five of the Ricebirds 23 sacks. “(Our chemistry) helps with defense and swimming to the ball and being able to trust the man beside you,” Farrow said. “I don’t think people are going to know how strong and powerful we are. I think we are a little looked down on because of how we finished last year, but we’re going to have a good year.” The new coaching staff’s motto is “Turn Them Birds Loose,” after a big offseason, both the offensive and defensive lines are primed and ready to be unleashed.
—Points
(Continued from Page 6)
tempts a game. Cullen Braden, now graduated, threw for 478 yards. With no incoming returner, junior varsity quarterback, Brock Rod, a junior, and varsity cornerback and backup quarterback (saw no action) senior Isaiah Anderson, have been splitting reps throughout the offseason, seven-on-seven and practice. As of press time, no starter has been announced However, Anderson started the Ricebirds’ first scrimmage against La Grange. While the Ricebirds will lack experience at quarterback, it won’t be the case with the of offensive line and running back positions with lots of returners. The entire offensive line returns with seniors Kerry North, Juan Leal, Jack Dorotik, Lucas Pfeil and Carter Hlavinka and sophomore Luke Wenglar. Finding depth and eventual replacements for the six seniors when they graduate will be a focus. The tight end slot will be manned by junior Sloan Hubert and sophomore Isaiah Battist. North, Leal and Dorotik are incoming first-team all-district players. Pfeil was named to the second-team all-district, last season. North was an all-state honorable mention. The offensive line paved the
Isaiah Anderson
L-N Photo by Joshua Reese
New Tool
El Campo senior Rueben Owens II runs through a padded “PowerBlast” during the first week of practice.The PowerBlast equipment aims to help train backs to keep their feet moving. way for El Campo to pile up 4,284 yards in total. It’s not hyperbole to say El Campo returns what could be two of the best backs in Texas. Senior fullback Johntre Davis and junior running back Rueben Owens II combined to rush for three yards short of 3,000 yards (2,997 yards) last season. Each time Davis or
Brock Rod
Owens ran the ball, they averaged nearly a first down a carry (9.2 yards). Davis was named to the second-team all-state team, Owens was given an all-state honorable mention. El Campo is deep at running back with senior Dekoreyus Ward and juniors Casen Braden, Reed Jung, Hal Erwin, and sophomore Stephen Norman expected to get snaps. “It should turn out to be an advantage having more people who can carry the football and give guys a break, with the of offense always seeing someone with fresh legs,” Worrell said. “Hopefully that will translate to bigger and more explosive plays.” Junior DK Norman and senior Jacob Lopez will see time at fullback this year. With the potential to throw the football more this season, Ward, Erwin, Owens, Battist, Hubert and senior Trey Clark could see passes coming their
way. During seven-on-seven, Hubert and Battist’s size stood out, making catches over defenders in the endzone. El Campo had a record-setting season (since 2005) last year, but it could be even better in 2021. Worrell’s offensive system will have the Birds running multiple different offensive styles. “We’re going to be based out of the I (formation),” Worrell said. “We’re going to be able to get into a lot of different formations, everything from a three-back set, a wishbonelooking set, to (an) empty (set) and everything in between.” Brock High School, which Worrell and some of his El Campo staff came from, scored 708 points last season, averaging 54.46 points per game. Brock threw the ball for 1,602 yards and ran for 5,283 yards. The Ricebirds last season had their most productive of offensive season since 2005 scoring 39.5 points a game.
EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW
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L-N Photo by Joshua Reese
Some Things Never Change El Campo senior middle linebacker Jacob Lopez lays a hit on the La Grange quarterback causing the football to pop out during the Ricebirds’ first scrimmage of the season. Also pictured
are senior Kerry North (left) and junior DK Norman (right). The Ricebirds defense last season allowed under 20 points a season for the 11th time in 16 seasons.
Bird defense handing out pressure By JOSHUA REESE sports@leader-news.com
The saying is defense wins championships. If the Ricebirds plan on going as far as they hope, the defense will be a big part of how far the season lasts. El Campo last season employed a zone style of defense. This year with the new
coaching staff, they’ll use more man concepts. “We bring a little bit more aggressive style of defense in with a little bit more man coverage on the back end,” Ricebirds Head Coach Chad Worrell said. “Hopefully we’re forcing the issue with people’s offense a lot of times instead of sitting and waiting.”
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Worrell credited the defensive line already being used to slanting on the snap. However, he now wants the kids to get upfield more. Playing faster is the goal. Through practices, Worrell was still trying to find where players are going to fit into their new system. They will continue (See FORCE, Page 9)
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—Force
(Continued from Page 8)
to tweak through the rest of the offseason and maybe even throughout the non-district part of their season, Worrell said. “It’s going to be several weeks before we get everyone in the right position. It’s like a puzzle. We’ve got to find the right pieces that fit. Right now we’re still searching for those and having meetings every day about moving kids around and that’s going to be an evolving process,” Worrell said. Senior defensive tackle Clarence Farrow returns this season. He made the all-district first-team last season. Also in the mix at defensive tackle this season are seniors Juan Leal, Kerry North, Jack Dorotik and junior Sloan Hubert. Potential defensive ends this season are seniors Carson Whittington and Alberine North, juniors DK Norman and Rhenner
Spenrath and sophomore Stephen Norman. The linebacker spot lost two impact players through graduation, but senior Jacob Lopez returns for his third season. Lopez last season earned firstteam all-district recognition. Senior Trey Clark and juniors Reed Jung and Cory Schooler also figure into the mix at linebacker this season. Lopez led the Ricebirds in tackles last season with 87 and he also had a team-high four fumble recoveries. Juniors Casen Braden and Hal Erwin along with seniors Dekoreyus Ward and David Ursery make up the secondary, with seniors Hendrick Hundl, Isaiah Anderson and Rueben Owens II, a junior, getting playing time this season. Anderson led the team with three interceptions, he was named to the all-district first-team. Ward was named to the alldistrict second-team. Even if Anderson is named the starting quarterback, Worrell sees him playing a role on defense,
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That Was Quick El Campo senior Juan Leal shoots through the offensive line on his way to the La Grange quarterback during the Ricebirds’ first scrimmage on Friday. L-N Photo by Joshua Reese but not on every down. Worrell’s defense last season with Brock High School recorded 31 sacks allowing 14.85 points per game. El Campo’s defense, year in and year out, has played well.
In the last 16 years have they allowed more than 20 points five times. Only once have they allowed more than 23 points a game. The Ricebirds last season had 23 sacks and forced 18 turnovers.
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2021
EL CAMPO RICEBIRDS ISAIAH BATTIST #10 SOPHOMORE CASEN BRADEN #8 JUNIOR
JOHNTRE DAVIS #3 SENIOR JACK DOROTIK #60 SENIOR
CONNER EWING #30 JUNIOR CLARENCE FARROW #5 SENIOR DIEGO GUTIERREZ #46 SOPHOMORE TRISTAN HARPER #56 SENIOR
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ISAIAH ANDERSON #9 SENIOR JUAN CANTU #42 SENIOR TREY CLARK #12 SENIOR
HAL ERWIN #6 JUNIOR EVAN ESTRADA #40 SENIOR
ALEXANDER FIGIROVA #62 JUNIOR JONATHAN FISHER #28 SENIOR CARTER HLAVINKA #75 SENIOR SLOAN HUBERT #11 JUNIOR
#TTBL HENDRICK HUNDL #85 SENIOR LOGAN JANSKY #25 JUNIOR RYAN JUNG #7 JUNIOR ZACHARY KING #73 JUNIOR TAYLOR MANNRIQUEZ #71 JUNIOR THOMAS MARTINEZ #74 SENIOR
ALBERINE NORTH #16 SENIOR KERRY NORTH #70 SENIOR RUEBEN OWENS II #4 JUNIOR LUCUS PFEIL #76 SENIOR
TURN THEM BIRDS LOOSE CHRISTIAN JASSO #55 SENIOR JACKSON JENSEN #19 SENIOR JUAN LEAL #66 SENIOR JACOB LOPEZ #20 SENIOR DK NORMAN #24 JUNIOR STEPHEN NORMAN #17 SOPHOMORE
FRANK O’CONNOR #32 SENIOR XAVIER OLVERA #34 SENIOR BRYCE RASMUSSEN #61 JUNIOR BROCK ROD #15 JUNIOR
EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW
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DILLAN ROMERO #78 SENIOR
MATTHEW STEWART #14 SENIOR
CORY SCHOOLER #33 JUNIOR
ANDRES TORRES #80 SENIOR
DAVID URSEY #21 SENIOR DEKOREYUS WARD #2 SENIOR
NOT PICTURED: Emanuel Velazquez #36 Aiden Zapata #72
A
LUKE WENGLAR #63 SOPHOMORE CARSON WHITTINGTON #44 SENIOR
#TTBL
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L-N Photo by Joshua Reese
2021 Ricebird Seniors Row one: (l-r) Jack Dorotik, Johntre Davis, Clarence Farrow, Carter Hlavinka, Dekoreyus Ward, Isaiah Anderson, Jonathan Fisher, Christian Jasso and Tristan Harper. Row two: Kerry North, Juan Leal, Jacob Lopez, Xavier Olvera, Trey Clark, Lucus Pfeil and Dillan Romero. Row three: Carson Whittington, Thomas Martinez,
Juan Cantu, Frank O’Connor, Matthew Stewart, Hendrick Hundl and Evan Estrada. Row four: Alberine North, Rueben Owens II (junior), Jackson Jensen, Aiden Zapata, Andres Torres and David Ursey.
Ricebi icebiR Rds schedule Non-District • Friday, 8/27 7:30 Gonzales Apaches (home) • Friday, 9/3 7:30 Fulshear Chargers (home) • Friday, 9/10 7:30 Calhoun Port Lavaca Sandcrabs (home)
• Friday, 9/17 7:30 Wharton Tigers (away) • Friday, 9/24 7:00 Boerne-Champion Chargers (away)
2021 Ricebird Coaches Bottom row: (l-r) Chris Kerzee, Gary Figirova, Matthew Schoener, Cody Worrell, Chad Worrell (head coach), Matt Sohrt, Romero Jaime, Tyler Lawson, Audie Jackson and Tate Rhodes. Top row: Gabe Cavazos, Josh Lehde, Robby Perez,
District • Friday, 10/8 7:00 Stafford Spartans (away) • Friday, 10/15 7:00 Brazosport Exporters (home) • Friday, 10/22 7:00 Bay City Blackcats (away)
• Friday, 10/29 7:00 West Columbia Roughnecks (Away) • Friday, 11/5 7:00 Needville Bluejays (home)
L-N Photo by Joshua Reese
Derrick Cash, Mike Bowling, Jacob Clay, Kevin Lewis, Nolan Bond, Titus Gosset, Robert (Doc) Easter, Jesse Galvan, David Wilson,Trent Popp, Colt Ryle and Joshua Kurz. EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW
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2021 El Campo Ricebirds Varsity Roster Bottom row: (l-r) Juan Leal, Johntre Davis, David Ursey, Frank O’Connor, Matthew Stewart, Xavier Olvera, Jacob Lopez, Christian Jasso, Jonathan FIsher, Dillan Romero, Tristan Harper and Juan Cantun. Second row: Jackson Jensen, Rueben Owens
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II, Thomas Martinez, Evan Estrda, Andres Torres, Aiden Zapata, Kerry North, Clarence Farrow, Jack Dorotik, Trey Clark, Isaiah Anderson and Dekoreyus Ward. Third row: DK Norman, Taylor Mannriquez, Cory Schooler, Brock Rod, Conner Ewing, Zach-
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Contributed Photo by Connie’s by Glenn ary King, Emanuel Velazquez, Hendrick Hundl, Carter Hlavinka, Alberine North, Carson Whittington, Lucus Pfeil and Christian Vasqez. Fourth row: Raylynn Rodriguez, Danielle Earls, Alexander Figirova, Bryce Rasmussen, Reed Jung, Casen Braden, Diego
Gutierrez, Stephen Norman, Hal Erwin, Sloan Hubert, Issiah Battist, Luke Wenglar and Dara’nae Owens. Ricebirds made it to the 2nd round of the playoffs last season and have their sights on a return this year.
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2021 Cheerleaders Standing row (l-r) Angelena Solis, Skylar Dornak, Aubrey Samaripa, Anna Rod, Bethany Baker (Ricky Ricebird), Kennedy Ritz, Avery York, Kaylynn Mendez and Emmy Lou Russell.
2021 Derby Dolls First row:(l-r)Taylor Miller (historian),Emma Orozco (recording secretary), Juliana Vasquez,Aviah Jones (spirit committee president), Julisa Solis (junior lieutenant),Teara Cooper (senior lieutenant), Aiyana Gonzalez (lieutenant sergeant), Brianna Shanks (captain), Cambrie Priesmeyer (1st lieutenant),Ariana Magallan (junior lieutenant), Jasmine Canales (junior lieutenant), Dharma Sabrsula (senior lieutenant), Kaitlyn Galvan and Natalie Garcia. Second Row from bottom:Abigail Zapata,Ashley Acuna,Ariana Metoyer, Sydney Acosta,Angela Contreras, Hannah Sutton (so-
Bottom row: Shaylee Vaclavick, Holly Foegelle, Alexia Alcalais, Madisyn Cortez (head cheerleader), Ally Sohrt, Kinley Tompkins and Claire Crowell.
Contributed Photo by Carlino’s Photography
cial president), MaKaylaValenzuela (social vice president), Raven Colwell, MaKayla Vasquez (corresponding secretary), Ludivinia Hernandez, Karolyne Brown and Chloe Zahn.Third Row: Megan Collins, Valery Pesina, Emily Beechwood, Marley Babcock, Savannah Prihoda, Serenity Escochea, Esmeralda Avalos, Ariana Reyna, Jolie Konarik, Desiree Montes and Jaliyah Anderson. Top Row: Jenna Lawson (Director), Kristina Kocian, Ce’Azmin Hood, Madison Hoffer, Alaysia Robinson, Natalia Reyes, Mindy Freeman, Kaylie Bubela and Tristann Nusser. EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW
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#RICEBIRDBAND
2021 El Campo Ricebird Marching Band First row: (l-r) Eric Defriend (Director), Lorie Van Gorp (Color Guard Director), Avery Victorin, Daisy Case (Director) and Rolando Cantu (Director). Second Row: Ayden Richardson and Eliana Fonseca. Third Row: Adrian Cruz, Alex Montes, Joseph Johnson, Joa Janda, Matthew Reyna, Ryan Mejia, Elizabeth Cadena, Abigail Cantu and Anagayl Shumbera. Fourth Row: Regina Barnes, Christina Cole, Melody Espinosa, Karina Dominquez and Selene Rodrigue. Fifth Row: Chelsie Cobia, Yesinia Gutierrez, Iyanah Gonzalez, Lisette
Vargas, Samantha Hurtado, Jessie Lira, Liliana Medrano and Alma Rosales. Sixth Row: Valerie Gutierrez, Zona Huang, Brenda Gonzalez, Linda Rangel, Michelle Brito, Rylee Zapata and Gabby Sardelich. Seventh Row: Andres Oritz, Ashley Mancine, Eve Trevino, Chelsi Lucio, Morgan Tupa, Baylie Lopez, Hannah Prunell, Diana Mejia, Janaiya Williams, Karina Ramirez and Madi Breland. Eight Row: Felix Vargas, Antonio Ramirez, Sarah Osore, Elizabeth Flota, Jaylin Hawkins, Alex Fer Fernandez, Joaqin Ratcliff and Connor King. Ninth Row:
18 EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW
L-N Photo by Emily Lincke
Mia Cruz, Seth Mallory, Elijah Bustamante, Andres Guevara, Fabian Rojas and Luis Fonseca. Row 10: Robert Hopper, Miles Shaffer, Leah Breithaupt, Noah Martinez, Trace Matthews and Carter Arrambide. Row 11: Jason Martinez, Cedric Kimble, Alex Harper, Ashton Corn, Sophia Mclain and Shelby Krpec. Row 12: Eduardo Garcia, Philip Grier, Maci Bolletino, Ray Hernandez, Edvin Enriquez and Marcos Ontiveros Row 13: Jacob Munoz, Rosendo Munoz and Dana Barnes.
Cheerleaders keeping energy high By EMILY LINCKE reporter@leader-news.com
Attempting a backflip on turf can be dangerous, for those who don’t know what they’re doing, or beautiful and impressive, when mastered. El Campo High School’s cheerleading squads are so adept at performing backflips on the sidelines that they did about 1,400 in last year’s football season alone. “El Campo cheerleading is just above and beyond,” Cheer Coach Terese Tompkins said. “Probably the best in the state, to be honest, as far as the talent and the skill of the kids.” Tompkins has high hopes for the teams’ performances at football games, pep rallies and competitions, two in the upcoming school year. ECHS has one varsity and one junior varsity cheerleading team, with 15 and six students on the teams, respectively. Being a cheerleader requires serious athletic ability and talent, Tompkins said. At football games, the ECHS varsity cheer team performs an assortment cheers. Again this year cheerleaders will tuck once for each touchdown scored, along with their normal tricks and traditions that are fan favorites. The cheerleaders may compete in chic skirts and with big bows in their hair, but they are fierce competitors and talented athletes – as much, if not more so, than any other athletes at
ECHS, according to Tompkins. “Sometimes we’ll have some boys that (say,) ‘cheerleading’s not a sport,’” she said. “I’m like, ‘OK, come to practice. Do what we do.’ People definitely have that mentality. They just don’t know how much time it takes.”
Tuck
“The football players may think that they’re there to win the football game, but (the cheerleaders are) actually there to win against the other (team’s) cheerleaders,” Tompkins said. Practices began in the sum-
L-N File Photo
El Campo cheerleaders perform a tuck routine before a game last season (l-r) Julia Foegelle, Madisyn Cortez and Alexia Alcalais (upside down). Most Ricebird fans love interacting with the squad during football games as they recite peppy chants. Many sitting in the stands may not realize, however, that the smiling girls are also engaged in a battle while they cheer on the teams.
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mer for the cheer teams and will continue throughout football season, basketball season and other events. Varsity Head Cheerleader Madisyn Cortez, a senior, is confident in her teams’ abilities and optimistic about the
upcoming year. “I’m excited to get the year started and help out my team and be that role model for them to follow,” Cortez, a four year veteran, said. She and a few of her teammates have undergone recent surgeries, so that will be one challenge they face this season. She hopes to see her team compete at least one of the National Cheerleaders Association competitions this year, as last year they were unable to due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. “We are going to be an awesome team this year,” Cortez said. “I really hope that the crowd will join us in cheers and have a fun time with us on the sidelines.” Tompkins has only been a cheer coach at ECHS for two years, but she has been coaching cheerleading for almost 10 years. She is tough on the girls, enforcing punishments for students who are late to practice or who don’t follow instructions. The strict rules are intended to mold her team into not only good athletes, but good people, Tompkins said. Most of her students have been involved with private cheerleading teams since they were young kids, and she wants to see them forge a future in the sport. “That’s always a goal of mine to make sure that all this (See RALLY, Page 20)
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—Rally
(Continued from Page 19)
time that they’ve put in since they were babies pays off and they get awarded with some sort of college scholarship or opportunity to cheer in college,” Tompkins said.
The ECHS cheer team is in charge of painting spirit signs for pep rallies and games, and Tompkins likes to give the girls daily challenges during the school year like “thank a teacher” or “talk to someone new.” Spreading kindness and positivity in the school is part of being on the squad, according to Tompkins.
The first ECHS varsity football game will be on Aug. 27 in Ricebird stadium. The Ricebird cheerleaders will be there to cheer on El Campo and get the fans excited – and to compete with the other cheerleaders. “We just appreciate the community’s support and recognition of our athleticism and
the amount of time and talent it takes to do the things we do on the sidelines,” Tompkins said. “The football players think that (the fans) are there to watch them play football, but we all know that they’re there to watch us,” she added, laughing.
Birds schedule includes two 5A schools Week One: Aug 27 7:30 p.m. (home)
Team: Gonzales Apaches (1-9, did not make the playoffs) 4A DII District 13 Head Coach: Michael Waldie (42-43, 9-12 at Gonzales) What happened last year: El Campo won 35-0. El campo came out of the gate with a kickoff return touchdown from now graduated Charles Shorter and never looked back. All-District returners - First-team punter Jared Cook (senior), second-team inside linebacker Cesar Matamoros (senior) and second-team wide receiver Braden Barfield (senior).
the playoffs) 5A DII District 10 Head Coach: Nick Codutti (first-year head coach, was the offensive coordinator at Tomball previously) What happened last year: El Campo was supposed to play Fulshear, but when the UIL split 4A and 5A the game was canceled. Two years ago, the two shared the same district and El Campo won 20-14. All-District returners - First-team: wide receiver Jax Medica (junior), second-team: wide receiver Parker Williams (junior), defensive lineman Seth Smith (junior), inside linebacker Luke Guzetta (senior) and outside linebacker Cade Carter (senior).
Team: Fulshear Chargers (5-5, did not make
Team: Calhoun Sandcrabs (9-3, made it to the
Week Two: Sept 3 7:30 p.m. (homecoming)
Week Three: Sept 10 7:30 p.m. (home)
third round losing to Boerne 27-24) 4A DI District 15 Head Coach: Richard Whitaker (164-88, 13259 at Calhoun) What happened last year: El Campo lost 3927. Touchdowns came in bunches. Both teams scored nearly at will. El Campo could not slow down the triple-option attack and Calhoun was able to stop El Campo twice, the difference in the game. All-District returners - First-team: guards Matthew Colley and Vinson Samudio (seniors), defensive end Esteban Cruz (senior), inside linebacker Kirk Stringham (senior) and corner Adrian Chambers (senior), second-team: run-
(See THREE, Page 20)
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El Campo Independent School District
700 West Norris, El Campo, Texas 979-543-6771
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—Three
(Continued from Page 20)
ning back and safety Min Htway (senior).
Week Four: Sept 17 7:30 p.m. (road)
Team: Wharton Tigers (0-10, did not make the playoffs) 4A DII District 12 Head Coach: Chad Butler (14-27 all at Wharton) What happened last year: El Campo won 55-35. Wharton was able to get in some offense, but they couldn’t slow El Campo as they rushed the ball for 558 yards. El Campo returning senior fullback Johntre Davis had 221 yards on 16 carries on defense he had two sacks. All-District returners - No returning all-district players.
Week Five: Sept 27 7:00 p.m. (away)
Team: Boerne Champion Chargers (7-3, made it to the third round of the playoffs, lost to Liberty Hill 41-0) 5A DII District 15 Head Coach: Keith Kaiser (79-48, 70-24 at Boerne Champion) What happened last year: El Campo was supposed to play Boerne
Champion but when the UIL split 4A and 5A this game was canceled and replaced with St. Thomas Catholic. All-District returners - Offensive MVP running back Alex Rodriguez (senior), first-team: quarterback Karson Kaiser (senior), wide receivers Ryan Brandon and Davis Pike (seniors) and offensive line Ryan Lira (senior), defensive lineman Carson Schwartz (senior) and special teams Cade Gault (senior). Second-team: wide receiver Aidan Pickett (senior), kicker Will Wallace (senior), inside linebacker Jacob Gresham (senior) and outside linebacker Connor Holtorf (senior).
Week Seven 7: Oct 8 7:00 p.m. (away)
Team: Stafford Spartans (5-7, made the playoffs, went two rounds deep, lost to Tyler Chapel Hill 40-14) Head Coach: Ken Savannah (1627 all at Stafford) What happened last year: El Campo won 35-13. El Campo struggled early against Stafford only leading by one point at the half. Out of the locker room, the defense came on strong forcing four turnovers to help them increase their lead and
(See DISTRICT, Page 21)
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—District (Continued from Page 22) hold off Stafford. Incoming senior defensive backs Dekoreyus Ward and Isaiah Anderson both had interceptions. All-District returners - Newcomer Of The Year sophomore running back Jamaal Wiley, first-team: senior defensive line and tight end Quardale Patt, senior defensive end Isaiah Bogerty and senior wide receiver Jaydon Johnson. Second-team: senior defensive line Zach Bryant, junior defensive end Andrew Huff, junior linebacker Nick Rideau, senior defensive back Jaydon Johnson, junior quarterback Brayden Batiste and junior wide receivers Jordan Barrett and Terrance Lewis.
Week Eight: Oct 15 7:00 p.m. (home)
Team: Brazosport Exporters (4-7, made the playoffs, lost in the second round to Huffman Hargrave 42-12) Head Coach: Mark Kanipes (2547, 10-12 at Brazosport) What happened last year: El Campo won 35-14. Brazosport rotated a pair of sophomore quarterbacks
that kept El Campo off-balance early. Once El Campo’s running attack got going they grinded the game away, junior running back Rueben Owens ll led the way with three touchdowns. All-District returners - First-team: senior running back Paul Woodard, senior of offensive lineman BJ Moore, junior defensive lineman Christian Sharrer and junior defensive back Randon Fontenette. Secondteam: senior defensive lineman BJ Moore and junior linebacker Darius Roberson.
Week Nine: Oct 22 7:00 p.m. (away)
Team: Bay City Blackcats (5-5, did not make the playoffs) Head Coach: Robert Jones (5-5, second year in Bay City) What happened last year: El Campo won 42-8. El Campo shutdown Bay City’s, then senior, dual-threat quarterback, holding him under 100 total yards of offense. El Campo’s offense was explosive beginning to end scoring 42 points, senior Johntre Davis picked up another 200-yard plus game. All-District returners - No return-
22 EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW
ing all-district players What Jones says “We will be young this year on both sides of the ball lost a lot of seniors this past season. The kids had a great offseason and have been working hard in strength and conditioning all summer so I look for us to improve from last year’s turnaround. We have some speed in the skills positions and our linebackers are going to be our strength of the team so it’s going to be exciting to get to see so many of the young guys getting a chance to develop during the preseason so that we will be ready to go during district.
Week 10: Oct 29 7:00 p.m. (away)
Team: West Columbia Roughnecks (4-5, did not make the play playoffs) Head Coach: Brent Mascheck (8285, 28-21 at West Columbia) What happened last year: El Campo won 41-13. El Campo dominated West Columbia, who went to their backup quarterback to try and catch a spark. Incoming junior running back Rueben Owens
ll had 202 yards rushing and now graduated Nathan Willis had two sacks. All-District returners - Firstteam: senior running back Jordan Woodard. Second-team: senior outside linebacker Jabari Mack, junior offensive lineman Konner Owens and senior punter Konner Owens.
Week 11: Nov 5 7:00 p.m. (home, senior night)
Team: Needville Bluejays (7-5, made the playoffs, lost in the second round to Lindale 70-56) Head Coach: Mike Giles (4533, all at Needville) What happened last year: El Campo won 40-21. Offense, 61 points between the two schools. El Campo junior running back Rueben Owens II strung together a second-straight 200-yard game, rushing for 214 yards and three touchdowns. Owens also picked off a pass and now graduated Kaden Alcalais had two sacks. All-District returners - Firstteam: senior defensive end Bryant Jones, place kicker Pete Cavazos and wide receiver Blake Marsh. Second-team: senior offensive lineman Eddie Jones.
Hornets seek continued growth By JOSHUA REESE sports@leader-news.com
The Louise Hornets haven’t experienced winning seasons often, however, last year’s 5-4 record was their best finish since 2015. Despite losing key players, the Hornets hope to keep the momentum going in 2021. This season’s start has been a little rocky with Louise shutting down three days after a couple of coaches tested positive for COVID-19 and their first scrimmage canceled due to High Island not making the trip to Louise. With the slight setbacks, the Hornets have their sights set on matching or besting their 2021 record and they have a good chance at it. Louise’s strength of schedule is 36.9 percent. Meaning the teams Louise’s plays this year only win 36.9 percent of the time. The Hornets last season only had two non-district games before starting district play after opponents canceled. The UIL’s guidance is different this season regarding COVID-19 and games should go on as scheduled. Louise will have the hard task of replacing two impact seniors who graduated, accounting for four positions with the Hornets playing iron man football. Needing a new quarterback, (See DEFENSE, Page 31)
Louise Big’s
L-N Photo by Joshua Reese
Pictured (l-r) Louise senior linemen Chris Vasquez and Daniel Gaona III engage in a blocking drill during a Hornets practice during the preseason. BothVasquez and Gaona are multi-year starters on both sides of the football and are two of five seniors in Louise this season.
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2021 LOUISE HORNETS KYLE ANDERSON #8 SOPHOMORE ROY ARRAMBIDE #11 JUNIOR TREY DROZD #15 SOPHOMORE D’ADRIAN ESPITIA #68 SENIOR DAMIAN GUNDELACH #56 JUNIOR ANDREW HUERTA #13 JUNIOR
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EZEQUIEL MEDINA #72 SOPHOMORE ETHAN RESENDEZ #9 JUNIOR JAIRO ROSAS #74 JUNIOR TANNER STAFF #10 JUNIOR
ANGEL REYES #21 SOPHOMORE ALAN ROSAS #7 SOPHOMORE MARCO TORRES #55 JUNIOR CHRIS VASQUEZ #57 SENIOR
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Louise 2021 Football Coaching Staff & Seniors Pictured above: front row (l-r) Danny Gaona Jr, Chris Chromcak, Head Coach Joe Bill and Brian Blank. Top row Ethan Zezula and Corey Golen. Pictured below: front row: (l-r) Josh Gomez and Blayke Yager. Top row: Daniel Gaona III, D’Adrian Espitia and Chris Vasquez. L-N Photos by Joshua Reese
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2021 Hornet Cheerleaders Top row (l-r) Brooke Yeager (mascot), Kianna Cortez, Madilyn Kana, Nattalee Yackel, Shae Kidwell, Rhiley Drozd and Jullian Howard. Bottom row: Mona Rodriguez, Natalie Sanchez,
Contributed Photo Tracy Appling
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GOOD LUCK TO OUR GRIDIRON GLADIATORS. As we kick off another exciting football season, we wish the Louise Hornets and El Campo Ricebirds good luck and much success. We’ll be cheering for you all the way to championships!
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2021 Louise Hornets Varsity Roster First row: (l-r) Jaden Brown, Ethan Resendez, Alan Rosas, Kyle Anderson, Holden Watson, Ben Blanco, Blayke Yeager and Tanner Staff. Seond row: Marco Torres, Angel Reyes, Andrew Huerta, Matt
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Contributed Photo Tracy Appling
2021 Louise Marching Band Row one (l-r): Erica Melchor, Haley Luna, Audrey Castro, Kianna Cortez, Kelly Lemus, Nattalee Yackel, Matthew Sulak and Ethan Chitmon. Row two: Brooke Yeager, Reign Edison, Blake Beeson, Monica Montes, Esbeydi Barron, Kennedy Long-Brown, Madilyn Kana, Vanessa Villeda, Fatima Feregrino, Kyle Beeson, Ethan Resendez and Jayden Cionek. Row three: Damian Gundelach, Andrew Huerta, Jesus Flores, Gizelle Balderas, Joshua
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Cook, Evan Jacinto, Benjamin Medina, Ivan Briano, Richard “Scooter” Kight and Megan Trochta. Row four: Kobe Gussman, Ezequiel Medina, Alex Farias, Hayden Jones, Kennedi Broman, Riley Meyen, Imanol Mendez,Alejandro Balderas,Aedyn Gaona and Elijah Gonzales. Not Pictured: Destiny Roberts, Francisca Vasquez, Julie Warzecha, Kassie Sheard and Preston Bodungen.
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—Defense (Continued from Page 25) the Hornets got sophomore Tayveon Kimble up to speed during seven-on-seven. Kimble was a wide receiver and defensive end last season, but Louise Head Coach Joe Bill felt he would adapt to their system. “We’re looking for some special things from him,” Bill said. “He’s going to make some mistakes, but he’s going to make some big plays as well. He’s very talented and a very strong young man.” Junior Roy Arrambide will be his backup. The Hornets will have several running backs who bring different styles. Arrambide, senior Blayke Yeager and junior Ethan Resendez will get carries this season. Yeager ran the ball for 230 yards last season picking up almost five yards a carry. He was named to the first-team all-district team as a full-back last season. A strength for Louise’s offense will be all five offensive linemen returning this season. Seniors Chris Vasquez, Daniel Gaona III, juniors Marco Torres and Damian Gundelach and sophomore Pete Galvan will open up holes for running backs and keep defensive linemen from putting pressure on their new quarterback. Gaona and Vasquez were named to the all-district first-team last season. Gundelach was named to the all-district second-team. “We’re so excited about our
Blayke Yeager offensive line,” Bill said. “They look like they haven’t missed a beat.” Junior Andrew Huerta and sophomores Holden Watson, Kyle Anderson and Jaden Brown all figure into the Hornets’ plan at wide receiver. The defense will be new again this season with coach Taylor Gray leaving. However, instead of looking outside, the Hornets promoted assistant coach Chris Chromcak to de-
Good Luck to Louise Hornets & El Campo Ricebirds!
fensive coordinator. “We’ve changed coordinators almost every year so that will be a little bit more of a challenge learning a new defense and terminology,” Bill said. On the defensive line, Louise will have a lot of size in senior D’Anrian Espitia and Vasquez, Torres, Kimble, Gundelach and sophomore Jairo Rosas. Gaona, who was a big part of the defensive line last year, slimmed down, according to Bill, and is moving to middle linebacker along with Yeager, sophomores Trey Drozd and Ben Blanco, and juniors Tanner Staff and Alan Rosas. Yeager was a first-team all-district utility defensive player last season. Rosas was a first-team alldistrict outside linebacker. Sophomore Angel Reyes along with, Brown, Huerta, Anderson and Watson will cover the back end of the defense. Anderson was a firstteam all-district defensive back last season. The Hornets averaged 28.5 points per game and allowed 21.5 points last season, their best offense and defense in the last three seasons. “Winning builds confidence and our (motto) is one day at a time,” Bill said. “Compete and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. We want to get into the playoffs and play on Thanksgiving. If you’re playing on Thanksgiving, you’ve had a good season.” The last time Louise played around Thanksgiving was in 2017.
LOUISE 2021 SCHEDULE Non-District • Friday, 8/27 - 7:30 Danbury Panthers (away) Game canceled last season. • Friday, 9/3 - 7:30 Bloomington Bobcats (away) Louise won 20-13 last season. • Friday, 9/10 - 7:00 High Island Cardinals (away) Louise won 34-0 last season. • Friday, 9/17 - 7:30 Sacred Heart Indians (home) Game canceled last season. District • Friday, 9/24 - 7:30 Runge Yellowjackets (away) Louise lost 26-24 last season. • Friday, 10/1 - 7:00 Agua Dulce Longhorns (home) Louise won 41-19 last season. • Friday, 10/8 - 7:00 Woodsboro Eagels (away) Louise won 56-13 last season. • Friday, 10/15 - 7:00 Falls City Beavers (home) Louise lost 47-0 last season. • Friday, 10/22 - 7:30 Pettus War Eagles (away) Louise won 47-13 last season. • Friday, 10/29 - 7:00 Yorktown Wildcats (home) Louise lost 35-14 last season.
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