ET Final Score Pigskin Preview 2014 by IN Magazine

ATTACK Gladewater's Daylon Mack

John Tyler Robert E. Lee State Championship Anniversaries

Pigskin Preview 2014

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Sports Editor Phil Hicks Staff Writers Chris Parry & Travis Yoesting Contributing Writers Joe Hale, Reid Kerr, Doc Smith Shane Stark & Phillip Williams Copy Editors Jamie Bridges, Joe Buie, Alexandra Dal, Chris Parry, Vanessa Pearson & Travis Yoesting Photographers Herb Nygren Jr., Sarah A. Miller & Victor Texcucano Creative Director/Graphic Designer Ben Huffine Cover photo by Herb Nygren Jr.

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Mack

Gladewater's Daylon Mack 6

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Photo by Herb Nygren Jr.

Attack By SHANE STARK & CHRIS PARRY

he question: “Has this been a whirlwind couple of years?” The answer: “First of all, it’s been a blessing.” Such responses have become trademark for Gladewater’s Daylon Mack, a blue-chip recruit and completely packaged Texas A&M pledge. Despite becoming one of the nation’s top players, the 6-1, 320-pound defensive lineman has remained humble. And folks throughout East Texas — and beyond — have taken notice. “He’s probably one of the most explosive athletes throughout the state of Texas,” said Chapel Hill coach Thomas Sitton, whose team rivaled Gladewater in district the past two seasons. “Definitely when he turns it on, he’s hard to block — almost impossible to block. And the other thing I’ve noticed about him; he seems like a wonderful kid and has a great attitude.” Observers from the stands might see a ferocious giant wrap up opposing players, might see his 4.8-second 40-yard dash speed on display, or his 385-pound bench press power push through walls to get to the ball. What they don’t see are his 3.5 gradepoint average and unbridled respect for others, among other attributes. “Well, on a personal level, he’s just a really nice kid and very friendly,” Bears coach John Berry said. “Everybody likes him. He’s intelligent. He’s well spoken. You have to put some background with it; he has two professional parents at home who’ve done an excellent job in raising him. He’s a lot of fun and everybody enjoys being around him.” Then there’s football. Mack, who gave A&M an oral pledge in October, is the 37th-ranked recruit in the nation in the Rivals100. He’s also the sixth-ranked defensive tackle and the fourth-ranked recruit in the Texas100 — behind Mesquite Poteet linebacker Malik Jefferson (undecided), Keller offensive

lineman Maea Teuhema (LSU) and Fort Bend Marshall defensive back Kendall Sheffield (undecided), respectively. College football began looking Mack’s way long before his senior season, which begins on Aug. 29 at Daingerfield and could potentially conclude deep in the Class 4A Division II playoffs. Also a standout on offense as a short-yardage running back, Mack helped lead Gladewater to the state quarterfinals last season. “When you ever have somebody who has that physical ability, it doesn’t take coaches at the next level long to recognize it,” Berry said. “I’ve been around a few that area in that league there. Of course you get all the attention on Daylon. But it’s also attention for our school and we have other kids who are good football players who get some looks.” En route to getting there with his team, he’s been singled out by college recruiters for quite some time. His junior year included 98 tackles, 35 tackles for losses, five sacks and eight forced fumbles. “At first it came out of nowhere,” Mack said of recruiting. “I only had three games on varsity film. Yes, it’s been hard to take care of at times. At this time last year coming into the season I was worried about the expectations, expectations I had for myself and expectations other people had for me, but coming into the season this year I feel very relaxed.” That said, expectations might be higher than ever right now. One of many reasons: Gladewater returns 10 starters on offense and eight on defense from a 7-7 team — including a 1,700-yard rusher in running back James Reese and defensive standouts such as free safety Daylon Gordon and defensive end Quanterious Turner, among others. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football has the Bears ranked seventh in Class 4A Division II and picked to win District 6-4A Division II, which also includes Tatum, Atlanta, Spring Hill, Center and Pleasant Grove. Aware of the praise, Mack wants the Bears to steer clear of overconfidence. Well, sort of.

“We want to take it one game at a time,” he said. “We don’t want to look ahead … but our mindset is we want to at least get to the state championship game. That is something we feel we are at least capable of doing. We lost to the state champs last year (Argyle, 42-8 in the quarterfinals) and we only lost three starters from last year.” When it comes to recruiting, Mack has been offered by the standard bearers: Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, Florida State, LSU, Miami (Fla.), Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, SMU, Stanford, TCU, Texas and Texas Tech. Before he pledged with A&M (which offered him first), he had Florida, LSU, Notre Dame and Oregon atop his list. What helped the Aggies garner the sweepstakes were factors such as early playing time and staying in-state and playing in the SEC. “I just named who my two official visits would be: Texas A&M and Florida,” Mack said. “Most people think I am just going to Florida for a good time, but I don’t want to waste anybody’s time. I thought about TCU and Texas as one of my two official visits, but I feel like I am an SEC talent and I don’t really want to play in the Big 12. “I was big on (Florida coach Will) Muschamp when he was at Texas and I was a big Tim Tebow fan, so I feel Florida will be a real nice place to go take a look at.” Like Tebow’s experience, the attention given to Mack has overshadowed what his teammates have received. “Coming into my sophomore year I felt like I had nothing to prove, except to myself. And then reporters and writers (started discussing me) and I watch and read all that stuff — I am not going to lie, it kind of got to me. We didn’t have that good of a start to the season (last year) and I think some of that was because of my play. As the season started going on, things started to slow down. “Looking back at that I learned not to really focus on proving myself as much, just focus on the team and everything will work its way out.” ETFinalScore.com | East Texas Football Preview

Into The

Photo by Herb Nygren Jr.

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STORM

Left to Right: Braylon Jones, Geovari McCollister, Nick Cain, Mason Parker, Brandon Durman and Matthew Weeks.

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Robert E. Lee's Brandon Durman Photo by Sarah A. Miller

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New District, Same Goal For Red Raiders

REL

By CHRIS PARRY // cparry@tylerpaper.com

RED RAIDERS

he last time Robert E. Lee moved into a radically new district with unfamiliar opponents it ended up being a very good thing. Like state championship good. Lee coach Darrell Piske will not go that high for expectations in 2014, but he does want the Red Raiders to return somewhere familiar — the playoffs. REL was a regular in the playoffs, going at least two rounds deep for 11 years between 1997 and 2009. Lee captured its first and only state football championship 10 years ago in 2004. Piske took over a REL team in 2011 that was coming off a 1-9 season. He has steered the Red Raiders toward incremental improvement in his first two seasons. Lee went 1-9 in 2012 and finished 4-6 last year while snapping a two-year district losing skid. But now he wants his team to take the next step in new District 11-6A. The Red Raiders are the lone 6A team in East Texas, so the UIL decided to place REL in a district with six Garland ISD schools (Garland, Lakeview Centennial, Naaman Forest, North Garland, Rowlett, Sachse) and Rockwall. REL will no longer be matching up against the likes of Longview and Mesquite Horn in league play, but Piske cautions his team is keeping things in perspective and understands the task at hand. “I told the kids that they are over there celebrating that they’ve got us in their district I’m sure just because of where we are in our program,” Piske said. “But I think it’s going to be a good district that

we can compete in. We’ve played Rockwall. … Sachse and Rockwall are probably the front-runners going in. The rest of us are kind of battling and getting after it (for the remaining two playoff spots.)”

Offense

The Red Raiders were a juggernaut at times in 2013, racking up 30 points or more in five games last season. Lee averaged 29.1 points per game with junior quarterback Zach Hall completing 75 passes for 1,131 yards and 10 touchdowns. But 43 of those completions and 762 of REL’s total 1,460 yards passing were courtesy of now graduated Bryce Wilkerson (Mary Hardin-Baylor). Lee also lost to graduation second-leading receiver Marquiston Williams (Henderson State). Piske said REL will fill that hole with a volume of inside and outside receivers. Instead of Hall looking mainly for two guys, Piske said REL is two-deep at all four receiver spots. Tavon Wesley is back after rushing for 718 yards and eight touchdowns as a sophomore as he and Hall combined for 1,457 yards rushing and 16 TDs. The remaining four returning starters on Lee’s offense are up front with tackles Justin Willoughby and Matthew Weeks, guard Jerry Villela and center Bryston Parker all ready to lead the way again for an offense that averaged 375 yards per game.

Defense

The Red Raiders struggled to get off the field on | Cont. on page 12 ETFinalScore.com | East Texas Football Preview

Cont. from page 11 | third down last season (teams enjoyed 43 percent conversion rate) with opponents regularly completing passes for long gains. REL surrendered 245 yards passing per game a year ago and gave up 27 passing touchdowns. Piske said the top priority during spring and to prepare for this season is improving pass coverage and putting more pressure on quarterback’s. He has tasked six returning starters on defense to lead the effort. Senior linebacker Brandon Durman (Louisiana Tech comRobert E. Lee's Matthew Weeks Photo by Sarah A. Miller

mit) and junior defensive end John Samples received all-district accolades a year ago. Also back are linebackers Teddy Matlock and Michael Dorsey and defensive backs Patrick Udofia and Deshaun Whitaker. “It (has been) pretty good competition between offense and defense when at the start we couldn’t beat air (on defense),” Piske said. “Our linebackers and secondary have got so much better in their pass drops. Last year we turned everyone into a passing team, so I think we will be (much improved) in the secondary.”

ROBERT E. LEE RED RAIDERS Coach:

Darrell Piske

2013 record: 4-6 (1-5) Records since 2009: 6-6, 2-9, 1-9, 1-9, 4-6 Last playoff appearance: 2010 All-time playoff appearances: 17 Returning starters: 6 offense / 6 defense Players to watch: QB Zach Hall, RB Tavon Wesley, LB Brandon Durman, DB Patrick Udofia What’s new: The Red Raiders are moving up into Class 6A and will compete in a new district 11-6A with Garland ISD schools and Rockwall Team strengths: Offensive skill positions, linebackers Mark your calendar: Garland Sachse at Lee (Sept. 19.) Welcome to the new district as REL plunges head first in with its league opener at home against defending 11-5A district champion Garland Sachse. This game will be a good measuring stick for how the Red Raiders will stack up against the Garland ISD teams Schedule: 8/30 vs. Fossil Ridge; 9/5 at Lufkin; 9/12 vs. John Tyler; 9/19 vs. Garland Sachse*; 9/26 at Rowlett*; 10/10 at Lakeview Centennial*; 10/17 vs. Garland*; 10/23 at North Garland*; 10/31 vs. Rockwall*; 11/6 at Naaman Forest*. * — District 11-6A

Robert E. Lee's Mason Parker Photo by Sarah A. Miller

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Lions look for leadership for deep

run T

wenty years ago, Ricklan Holmes was a freshman at John Tyler, called up to be a part of the Lions’ traveling team for the playoffs. Holmes saw firsthand how Cujo’s strong leaders led them to one of the most memorable seasons in school history. “We had leadership on that team that propelled us to win a state title that year,” Holmes said of the unbeaten 1994 team. “It helped me my sophomore, junior, senior year understanding what it takes to be on a winning team and to win a championship.” Holmes, who went on to play at Oklahoma State and later in the NFL with New England, is now in his third year as Lions coach. He knows what it takes to win at all levels and identified one chief area for the 2014 squad to improve from last season. “There are 16 guys returning that started last year, but those 16 that are coming back know their roles and understand leadership is a must to be a complete football team,” Holmes said. “We did not have the leadership taking control of the talented team we had last year. I think we have that this year. Guys learned from

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everything that went wrong last year and will build on what went right.” John Tyler went 7-4 last year — not a bad season but a step below the four years prior when they averaged 12 wins. The 2013 team had to replace a plethora of stars who started a new era with back-toback appearances in the state semifinals. To get back to that high level, the Lions will have to go through one of the state’s toughest districts. In addition to last year’s strong lineup of Whitehouse, Nacogdoches, Lindale, Corsicana and Jacksonville, former Class 5A playoff mainstay Lufkin and 2013 Class 4A semifinalist Ennis join the fold. “It’s tough, man,” Holmes said of District 16-5A. “We’ve got a pretty salty district.” Fortunately for the Lions, they have the personnel to stack up. On offense, quarterback Geovari McCollister (6-3, 210) returns after a strong first year behind center. McCollister threw for 2,605 yards, 22 touchdowns and six interceptions while also leading the Lions with 841 yards and 10 scores rushing. “The few mistakes he made last year he’s not making now,” Holmes said of his QB. “He’s matured. … He understands the game a lot more than he did last year. He understands his role a lot better.” As has been the case in recent seasons, John Tyler is loaded at the skill positions. Catching passes from McCollister will be a pair of Division I commits in Nick Cain (54-894-7, Louisiana-Monroe) and 6-5 Rodney Bendy (28-360-4, North Texas). Purdue commit Isaac Warren, previously an all-district cornerback, also will take snaps at receiver. It doesn’t stop there for the deep receiving corps. Junior joystick Duntayviun Gross, sophomore stud Damion Miller and junior jacks-of-all-trades Quaylan Brown and Ka’Darius Henderson will keep opposing defenses plenty busy. “Everybody’s coming back,” McCollister said of his receivers. “They put up big numbers last year and I’m expecting them to put up even bigger numbers this year. “I’m really looking for our baby brother, Duntayviun Gross, I’m really looking for him to step up. He’s a real game changer.” One name not mentioned is Jeremy Wilson, an influential receiver last year until switching to a more run-oriented role and finishing with 338 yards receiving and 442 rushing. This year, Wilson will be the pri-

mary ball carrier, along with the speedy Bryston Gipson and stout Pierre Leonard. Adding to the skill players is an offensive line that Holmes said will be bigger, stronger and faster than last year’s edition. New coach Dan Gay IV, a former Baylor lineman, will manage a starting five of seniors Kendall Holmes, Adrian Pulido and Teddy Attaway; junior Adrian Harris; and sophomore Dau’quawn Montgomery. “Line play will be more advanced than it has been with Gay as offensive line coach,” Holmes said. “It’s going to be the offensive line we’ve been needing.” The defense will be led by a fearsome front line with 6-4, 275-pound mammoth Braylon Jones and Leonard at the vanguard, both juniors. Add in Bendy and 6-4 Jassavia Reese on the ends and the Lions have a real strength in size. “We’re very big up front on the defensive line, something we’ve never had in the past several years,” Holmes said. The secondary will have to deal with the loss of leading tackler and interceptor Terry Ausborne, but Holmes said he expects Warren to become the defense’s leader. Gipson, Miller and Bryson Smith also are likely to start in the secondary. Senior Jaylon Reese (6-1, 230) leads the linebackers, joined by sophomore Shaundrick Williams in the middle and seniors Tony Johnson and Justin Session on the strong side. The Lions have a weapon on special teams in senior Luis Duran, an all-state punter (38.4 average, 14 inside 20) who will also take over the kicking duties this year. Holmes said he’s confident with him anywhere inside the 30 kicking field goals. John Tyler opens the season against Plano on Aug. 29 before facing Longview and Robert E. Lee in non-district. The difficult District 16-5A kicks off at defending league champ Whitehouse on Sept. 26 and concludes at home against Nacogdoches on Nov. 7. McCollister said he’s looking to win every game, just as the Lions did 20 years ago. To do so, they’ll need leaders like Warren and McCollister to step up. “This year, 16-0 — that’s what I’m looking for; we’re looking for 16-0,” McCollister said despite the daunting district slate. “It’s going to be fun but it’s going to be tough. You never want to take the easy way out. If we’re going to win we want to beat the best teams in the state to get to where we need to be at.”

Lions

John Tyler

John Tyler's Geovari McCollister Photo by Herb Nygren Jr.

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John Tyler's Braylon Jones Photo by Herb Nygren Jr.

JOHN TYLER LIONS Coach:

Ricklan Holmes

2013 record: 7-4 (4-1) Records since 2009: 12-2, 12-2, 11-4, 13-2, 7-4 Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 33 Returning starters: 9 offense / 7 defense Players to watch: QB Geovari McCollister, WR Nick Cain, DT Braylon Jones, K/P Luis Duran Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new: The Lions have a new offensive coordinator in William Blaylock, but most of the personnel will be the same. Team strengths: Offensive skill positions, defensive line Mark your calendar: John Tyler at Whitehouse, Sept. 26: The Lions look to avenge their only Class 4A district loss in school history with their first district game back in 5A. The Wildcats won the meeting last year 55-54 in memorable fashion after JT failed on a late two-point conversion attempt. Schedule: 8/29 vs. Plano; 9/5 at Longview; 9/12 at Robert E. Lee; 9/26 at Whitehouse*; 10/3 vs. Lindale*; 10/10 vs. Lufkin*; 10/17 at Ennis*; 10/24 vs. Corsicana*; 10/31 at Jacksonville*; 11/7 vs. Nacogdoches*. * â&#x20AC;&#x201D; District 16-5A

John Tyler's Nick Cain Photo by Herb Nygren Jr.

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Trojans

All Saints

All Saints' Griffin Greene Photo by Sarah A. Miller

By TRAVIS YOESTING // tyoesting@tylerpaper.com

n 2011 All Saints made the playoffs for the third straight year, ultimately losing in the first round 34-7. That was the last time the Trojans played a game that counted toward a state championship. Three players remain from that squad — seniors Victor Ortiz, Griffin Greene and Blake Bengston — three remnants from a different era. A new era starts now for All Saints, which makes a return to TAPPS play in TAPPS Div. II District 2 after a twoyear hiatus as independents. The three holdovers and quarterback Matthew Brunson are the Trojans’ main source of experience, the team’s only seniors. However, that’s one more senior than All Saints had last year. Nonetheless the Trojans head into the season eager to make their mark in district play. “We played a whole lot of youth (the last two years),” said Mike Hall, entering his third year as All Saints coach. “Even though we’re still young — we’ll play eight sophomores a lot on Fridays, six played a whole lot as freshmen. I think that’s the biggest thing, we are young, four seniors, but we’ve got a lot of playing experience.” After going 4-16 the last two years, the

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Trojans have made a few adjustments to aid them in their quest to return to the playoffs. Most visibly will be Brunson’s move under center and out of the shotgun to try to eliminate the potential of bad snaps and drive-killing negative plays. All Saints will also limit players that play on both sides of the ball, keeping them fresh with the hope of avoiding the injuries that plagued it last season. The Trojans return eight starters on offense and nine on defense, though that number won’t play itself out on the field with the changes to keep players on one side of the ball. Among the returners is Luke Lee, who could be the team’s best receiver but instead will focus on linebacker, where he was the team’s leading tackler a year ago, reaching triple digits. This year Hall will give Lee, a junior, more freedom to blitz while also utilizing his cover skills. He’ll also still have 10 to 15 plays per game on offense, Hall said. K.J. Bickham leads the way on the defensive line at nose where Hall said he believes he’ll be more effective this year since he won’t be gassed from playing on the offensive line. Greene will be the last line of defense for the Trojans as the most experienced safety.

On offense, Brunson will be protected by Ortiz (6-2, 325) and Bengston (5-9, 220). “We’re going to pound at people,” Hall said. “Getting back to some football like in the ’90s.” Hall said the key man on offense is running back Jace Evans, a sophomore who didn’t get to play last year after tearing his ACL in the second scrimmage. Logan Bradford can stretch the field at receiver. After two years of building the program to prepare for the return to a tough TAPPS district, the Trojans believe they’re now ready to play for the postseason. “It’s a good district,” Hall said. “I believe that we can fall somewhere in the middle tier that could be potentially a playoff team. I believe with the youth of our team, if we get some wins under our belt early, I think that’s our biggest challenge. We’ve got to start believing that we’re as good as I really believe we are. When we get to that point and we believe good things are going to happen we could potentially beat anybody in the district on any given night. “They put the work in in the weight room — by far the best offseason we’ve had. Now it’s time to see it on the field and believe on the field that good things are going to happen.”

ALL SAINTS TROJANS Coach:

Mike Hall

2013 record: 1-9 Last playoff appearance: 2011 All-time playoff appearances: 3 Returning starters: 8 offense / 9 defense Schedule: 8/29 vs. Timpson; 9/5 vs. Overton; 9/12 vs. Carlisle; 9/26 at Prince of Peace*; 10/3 vs. Frisco Legacy Christian*; 10/10 at Bishop Gorman*; 10/17 vs. Grace Community*; 10/24 vs. Dallas Shelton*; 10/31 at Dallas Christian*; 11/7 at Bullard Brook Hill*. * — TAPPS Div. II District 2

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Grace

Cougars

Grace's Call Florence Photo by Sarah A. Miller

by sophomore Ronnie Baker, one of the team’s strongest players. “They’re going to really supply the leadership there,” Maddox said of his four senior linemen, three of whom are returning starters. The offensive line will again be protecting quarterback Chandler Nutt, returning for his senior season. Nutt will have to hold off challenges from sophomore Chris Wilhelmi and Holbrook, a junior, both of whom could see playing time behind center. Nutt led the Cougars in rushing with 846 yards and 14 touchdowns while Tatman (698 yards, seven TDs) returns to the backfield. Josh Spitzer will also see carries. Another Spitzer, Jonny, returns after leading the team in receiving. He hauled in 38 passes for 467 yards and six scores as a junior, more than the rest of the team combined, so finding more options to throw to as the season progresses will be a priority. “Our goal is to have the best season we’ve ever had,” Maddox said. “That’d be a great goal. If we can achieve that, we’ll have a great year.”

GRACE COUGARS By TRAVIS YOESTING // tyoesting@tylerpaper.com

ast year, Grace Community’s season strategy went out the window in the second game when two-way star Kade Clayton suffered a seasonending ACL injury. The team battled on and made its fifth straight trip to the postseason, but the Cougars’ 7-4 record was their worst since 2009. This year, however, Grace coach Mike Maddox expects the tribulations of last season to propel the team to greater heights this season. “The good thing we took from it: we played a lot of young players,” Maddox said. “Going through the fire and the trials without Kade Clayton last year caused a lot of us to have to grow up more quickly than we otherwise would have.” Traditionally one of the best offenses in East Texas, the Cougars turned to defense last year without Clayton, a running back who racked up more than 2,000 yards as a junior in 2012. Grace returns five starters from a stop unit that allowed 288.1 yards per game. Maddox said he expects the defense to be stronger and quicker than last year, especially after what he described as the

East Texas Football Preview | ETFinalScore.com

program’s best summer strength program yet. “I think most of our guys have increased their strength probably 20 to 25 percent over last year,” Maddox said. The emotional leader of the defense is linebacker Call Florence, who heads a strong linebacker corps that includes fellow seniors James Edwards, Jonny Spitzer, Zach Tatman and Matt Houston as well as Andrew Cox and Josh Spitzer. The Cougars also welcome back key figures such as Adam Graham, Layton Sisemore (led team in interceptions), Blake Holbrook and Mason Dacus in the secondary. Up front Landon Ashbreck is the team’s leading returning tackler and he’ll be bolstered by newcomer Ben O’Neil and junior Caleb Wadle on the line. Ashbreck is one of a handful who will play both ways, including Jonny Spitzer, Houston and Tatman. Ashbreck leads an experienced offensive line featuring fellow seniors Matthew Parmlee, Will Bentley and Chris McLeod, the latter of whom won the “O” Course at this summer’s TAPPS Lineman Challenge. They’ll be joined

Coach:

Mike Maddox

2013 record: 7-4 (4-3) Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 5 Returning starters: 7 offense / 5 defense Schedule: 8/28 vs. Canton (at All Saints); 9/5 vs. New Diana; 9/12 vs. Harleton; 9/26 at Frisco Legacy Christian*; 10/3 vs. Dallas Christian*; 10/10 vs. Bullard Brook Hill*; 10/17 at All Saints*; 10/24 vs. Carrollton Prince of Peace*; 10/31 at Dallas Shelton*; 11/7 at Bishop Gorman*. * — TAPPS Div. II District 2

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Gorman's Connor Hobbs Photo by Sarah A. Miller

Bishop Gorman

Crusaders By TRAVIS YOESTING // tyoesting@tylerpaper.com

few points here or a few points there and Bishop Gorman was a playoff team last year. Instead, narrow losses to local rivals Grace Community and Bullard Brook Hill left the Crusaders on the outside looking in. In coach Coby Gipson’s third season in charge, Gorman is hoping to overcome those narrow margins to return to the postseason for the first time since 2011. The Crusaders enter 2014 without the record-setting duo of quarterback Tristan Saint and receiver Collin Parks, who together set school records for passing yards, passing touchdowns, receptions and reception yards. However receiver Connor Hobbs, who would have set the receptions marks last year if not for Parks, is set for a big year. Hobbs is the top returning receiver in TAPPS Division II after putting up 1,073 yards on 59 receptions last year, also hauling in 11 touchdowns. Who will be getting him the ball is the question. Gipson said junior Michael Goodwin, junior Josh Johnson and freshman Caleb Wages are in an open competition for the starting job, one with Goodwin the front runner.

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trict as a sophomore, will lead a strong defensive line, which returns all its starters. “We believe Jordan Morales is going to be the dominant force on the line,” Gipson said of the junior who is drawing interest from college recruiters. Linebackers Tyler Bate and Martin Guzman also return after earning alldistrict honorable mention while Devonte Milton and Christian Watkins are two to watch at defensive back after strong showings in 7-on-7. The Crusaders will be without former Whitehouse coach Randy McFarlin , who left to become the athletic director at Benton High School in Arkansas after serving as TKG defensive coordinator for one year. He’ll be replaced by co-coordinators Ty Barr, son of Gilmer defensive coordinator Todd Barr, and Booker Bowie, another former Whitehouse head coach who also coached Adrian Peterson at Palestine. They also added former Texas A&M running back Ja’Mar Toombs. Despite the change in defensive coordinators, the system and terminology will remain the same. Gipson is looking to overturn the 24-22 loss to Brook Hill in the final seconds and the 7-3 defeat in a slugfest with Grace to return to the playoffs. “We feel like we took a positive step last year and look to make another positive step this year,” Gipson said.

BISHOP GORMAN CRUSADERS Coach:

Goodwin was a first-team all-district selection at defensive back last year while Johnson is an all-state wrestler. Wages, meanwhile, has a bright future as a thrower, Gipson said. Whoever wins the job will have more than Hobbs to get the ball to. Josh Riegel is a returning starter at receiver while Martin Guzman will be a factor. Also factoring in is dynamic sophomore Judah Bell. But the strength of the offense will be the line, where four seniors are in position to start, led by Hunter Sattler. Gipson said the linemen will be crucial for finishing drives in the red zone instead of settling for field goals. “When they are seniors and they do know what it takes to be successful on Friday nights, then they’re ready to perform on fourth-and-1 and be able to pick up that first down that’s critical to winning ball games,” Gipson said. During the summer, the Crusaders dominated the TAPPS Lineman Challenge, with TKG big men winning four of the five events. Senior Cartrell Freeman won two of those events, with Sattler and Jordan Morales taking the others. Morales, who was second-team all dis-

Coby Gipson

2013 record: 5-5 (3-4) Last playoff appearance: 2011 All-time playoff appearances: 22 Returning starters: 6 offense / 9 defense Schedule: 8/30 vs. Eustace (at All Saints); 9/5 vs. Quitman; 9/12 at Troup; 9/26 at Dallas Shelton*; 10/3 vs. Carrollton Prince of Peace*; 10/10 vs. All Saints*; 10/17 at Bullard Brook Hill*; 10/24 vs. Dallas Christian*; 10/31 at Frisco Legacy Christian*; 11/7 vs. Grace Community*. * — TAPPS Div. II District 2

Brook Hill's Seth Brasher Photo by Sarah A. Miller

Guard

Brook Hill

second-team all district along with first-teamer Hale, who had five interceptions. “A lot of our kids who played last year on defense are back and are smarter, stronger and more savvy,” Brasher said. “I am excited about the expectation we have for them this year.” The Guard went 5-5 in the regular season a year ago and started district with three straight wins before dropping three of their next four. The new TAPPS Div. II District 2 features perennial power Dallas Christian, Frisco Legacy Christian, Carrollton Prince of Peace and Dallas Shelton. Brook Hill is in a district now with all three Tyler-area schools All Saints, Bishop Gorman and Grace Community. “I think it’s really good,” Brasher said. “I think it’s going to be good for the fans, good for the teams and good for attendance. I think it’s a winwin deal for everybody to be back together. It’s also going to help with the travel. We only have to go to Dallas twice.” Brook Hill opens its season on Aug. 29 against Edgewood in the Brook Hill Fall Football Classic at Herrington Stadium.

By CHRIS PARRY // cparry@tylerpaper.com

ullard Brook Hill moved up to TAPPS Division II prior to the 2012 season. The Guard were the defending Division III state champions and were state runner-up the year before that. But two years in, Brook Hill is still looking for its first Division II playoff win. The Guard met eventual state champion Midland Christian in an opening-round loss in 2012 and were put out by Fort Worth Christian last season. Guard head coach Bobby Brasher believes the key to getting over the hump is more success in the running game. Key to that will be senior Gabe Lucio , who carried 139 times for 821 yards and six touchdowns last season to earn first-team all-district honors. “We need to play good defense and we need to run the football; we just have to do a better job in the running game to be able to control the clock and take time off of the clock,” said Brasher, who oversaw an offense that rushed for 1,259 yards and 14 touchdowns a year ago. “Our offensive line is all back and they are stronger and bigger, so I feel like that is going to be a positive for us. We’ve also changed a couple things scheme-wise to

BROOK HILL GUARD Coach:

help us run the football, as well as keeping our passing game intact.” The Guard’s passing game yielded 1,259 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Junior quarterback Grant Hanks returns to pilot Brook Hill after he completed 126 of 211 passes a year ago for 1,701 yards and 17 TDs. His top two receivers are back with juniors Seth Brasher and Alex Hale looking to do even more after Brasher, another all-district first teamer, had 51 catches for 762 yards and six touchdowns. Hale finished with 54 receptions for 148 yards and three scores. On defense, Brook Hill surrendered an average of 34.4 points per game in its five losses. The Guard return 10 starters from that defense, which Brasher believes will be much-improved. Leading the way will be linebackers Blake Maddox and Ty Brown and junior defensive back Hale. Maddox was a first-team all-district defender after leading the Guard in tackles, an interception and a forced fumble. Brown finished as the team’s second-leading tackler with seven for loss to go with three sacks and a fumble recovery. He was

Bobby Brasher

2013 record: 6-5 Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 5 Returning starters: 9 offense / 10 defense Schedule: 8/29 vs. Edgewood; 9/5 vs. Tenaha; 9/12 at Alto; 9/26 at Dallas Christian*; 10/3 vs. Dallas Shelton*; 10/10 at Grace Community*; 10/17 vs. Bishop T.K. Gorman*; 10/19 vs. Frisco Legacy*; 10/31 at Carrollton Prince of Peace*; 11/7 vs. All Saints*. * — TAPPS Div. II District 2

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Whitehouse's Vincent Dunning (at left) & Justin Dunning Photo by Victor Texcucano

Whitehouse Wildcats By SHANE STARK // Sports Correspondent

atrick Mahomes. Hunter Taylor. Brady Attaway. Whitehouse football has produced its fair share of star quarterbacks over the years. Most recent to sport the pedigree was Mahomes, who amassed more than 4,000 total yards en route to state player of the year honors last fall. Enter Jackson Allen. The senior has the unenviable challenge of following in the footsteps of one of the area’s all-time greats, which might be similar to following a legendary act on stage. No worries. “I don’t feel bad for him,” Wildcats coach Adam Cook said. “He has to go out there and prepare himself mentally. When playing football at Whitehouse, it’s tough to be the quarterback.” In impressive fashion, Allen’s proven quite worthy of filling the role. That could especially be found true this summer, during which the 6-3, 190-pound lefty guided Whitehouse to the 7-on-7 state final. “Jackson has progressed really well,” Cook said. “I think over the course of 7-on-7 he’s gotten more comfortable with calling the plays. The thing I like about 7-on-7 is seeing how they respond … and time after time I think he responded very well.” Of course, football isn’t a one-on-one game; there’s more to the Wildcats than their quarterback. Four starters return on offense and three are back on defense from a 12-1

team, which claimed a district title and nearly climbed to the top of the Associated Press state rankings, finishing the regular season at No. 3. In addition to Mahomes , one of the best receiving corps in program history was almost completely wiped out by graduation, plus most of the defensive leaders have moved on as well. Among the top returning players is safety/wide receiver Justin Dunning, a 6-4, 205-pound blue chipper with 4.4 speed and an oral pledge to Texas A&M. Other key returning players include running backs Vincent Dunning (6-0, 205, 4.4 speed in 40) and Shemar Smith (5-8, 165, 4.3); linebackers Dominique Hollie (6-1, 215) and Chris Blaylock (6-2, 215); and defensive backs Nate Brooks (6-1, 150, North Texas commit) and Chris Sims (58, 155). Whitehouse has a difficult task in the season opener on the road against Texas High — a 9-2 team last season, picked by many to finish second behind Longview in District 15-5A. Following non-district, the Wildcats begin play in perhaps the state’s toughest league, 16-5A, and face the favorites right off the bat — John Tyler, Lufkin and Ennis, respectively. “We got to realignment and see the two teams that come in (Lufkin and Ennis) and see that Longview moves down … you know it’s going to be tough just trying to get out of district,” Cook said. “That’s just the way our business goes.”

WHITEHOUSE WIDCATS Coach:

Adam Cook

2013 record: 12-1 (5-0) Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 12 Returning starters: 4 offense / 3 defense Schedule: 8/29 at Texas High; 9/5 vs. Chapel Hill (TMF Rose Stadium); 9/12 vs. Sulphur Springs; 9/26 vs. John Tyler*; 10/3 at Lufkin*; 10/10 vs. Ennis*; 10/17 at Corsicana*; 10/24 vs. Jacksonville*; 10/31 at Nacogdoches*; 11/7 vs. Lindale*. * — District 16-5A

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Lindale's Stephen Clemmons Photo by Victor Texcucano

Eagles

lindale

risking injury to Neely. Among the weapons at Neely’s disposal is returning running back Aaron Jackson, who ran for more than 1,000 yards last year despite missing half the season to injury. Add in receivers like senior Kolton Pierce, sophomore Tayton Williams and senior Garrett Sir Louis and Lindale looks ready to build on an offense that averaged 28.0 points per game last year. Pierce in particular is poised for a big year after injuries forced him to sit out most of his first few seasons. On special teams, Jordan Lawless has impressed with his kicking ability and will also likely take over punting duties, giving Lindale a well-rounded team in all facets of the game. The key will be putting it all together at the right times in the ultra-competitive District 16-5A. “I don’t know if there’s many tougher; I venture to say it’s one of the toughest, if not the toughest,” Meador said. But that hasn’t hampered the Eagles’ eagerness to show they belong in the playoffs. “I’m just excited about their enthusiasm right now and their attitudes,” Meador said. “I think it’s going to be a fun year. We’ve got to go out and prove it though.”

LINDALE EAGLES Coach:

Mike Meador

2013 record: 3-8 (2-3) By TRAVIS YOESTING // tyoesting@tylerpaper.com

ast year Lindale only had three wins but made them count, reaching the playoffs as the fourthplace team from District 16-4A. This year, wins will be at even more of a premium for the Eagles in the new District 16-5A, which added former Class 5A playoff mainstay Lufkin as well as Ennis, which beat Lindale 62-17 in the bi-district playoffs last season. “We want to have a better record than 3-7, but our district got a little tougher,” Eagles coach Mike Meador said. “We just gotta again win the right games and play with some confidence and shoot for the playoffs again. “That’s our goal. In a district where you’ve got four teams in the Top 20, it’s going to be a challenge in itself.” The Eagles are excited about their prospects this year despite playing in one of, if not the, toughest districts in the state. That enthusiasm starts on the defensive side, where six starters return

East Texas Football Preview | ETFinalScore.com

led by senior inside linebackers De Jackson and Stephen Clemmons, the latter of whom racked up 116 tackles last year. Deandre Williams leads a strong secondary while Meador said the defensive line will be able to utilize its speed. “I think our defense is probably going to be one of our stronger points,” Meador said. “Both (Jackson and Clemmons) are extremely athletic. I think they’ll kind of anchor our defense.” Meador is looking to Kam Neely to run the offense, though he’s being pushed by a couple of potential quarterbacks. Neely has a strong arm and a competitiveness that has caught Meador’s eye. “He’s feisty and really doesn’t like to lose,” Meador said. “He’ll compete in anything he’ll do. … He’s just a fierce competitor.” Neely may not always be under center, however, as the Eagles could utilize the wildcat formation to run a little more from the quarterback position without

Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 18 Returning starters: 5 offense / 6 defense Schedule: 8/29 vs. Chapel Hill; 9/5 at Carthage; 9/12 vs. Van; 9/26 vs. Corsicana*; 10/3 at John Tyler*; 10/10 at Jacksonville*; 10/17 vs. Lufkin*; 10/24 at Nacogdoches*; 10/31 vs. Ennis*; 11/7 at Whitehouse*. * — District 16-5A

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Longview

Lobos

All-time playoff appearances: 42

for 2,241 yards and 33 TDs last year while also showing off his speed when needed, running for three scores. He has weapons downfield with senior Antonio Carter (6-3, 180), who has big range, and junior John Sorey, who adds speed. Tight end Emmanuel Gordon (62, 227) adds to the large offensive line up front and has great hands. Broderick Washington leads the offensive line and has committed to North Texas. The transition of going from the 3-4 defense to a new 4-2-5 was made last season. However don’t be surprised to see the old 3-4 mixed in as opposed to the passheavy, five-defensive back set.

Mavericks By DOC SMITH // Sports Correspondent

East Texas Football Preview | ETFinalScore.com

John King

Last playoff appearance: 2013

marshall

The Marshall Mavericks made a return to the playoffs last year after going 3-17 the two previous years. The Mavericks could be a sleeper in the playoff hunt, now having had a full offseason with head coach Clint Harper. Marshall returns seven starters on offense and seven on defense for a good nucleus that is particularly strong in the trenches. “Because we’re a young team, this spring has helped us improve a lot because we’re not starting from scratch in August,” Harper said. “The spring has given us enough time to familiarize ourselves with each other and the plays.” The offensive line returns three start-

Coach:

2013 record: 11-2 (6-0)

By DOC SMITH // Sports Correspondent The Longview Lobos have never had much trouble adjusting to new UIL alignments. Lobos coach John King has never had much trouble motivating winners. Longview was 11-2 overall and 6-0 in a tough District 14-4A, advancing to the regional semifinals last year. The Mean Green defense lost five starters to graduation, but a strong offensive crew and plenty of depth on defense will more than make up for the losses. The offense should be lethal with the return of running back JaMycal Hasty (189 carries, 1,413 yards, 13 TDs). Quarterback Dezmond Chumley (6-0, 200) threw completed 118 of 208 passes

LONGVIEW LOBOS

ers led by senior Chett Munden (6-7, 305), O.C. Powell (6-2, 295) and Tyler Hodges (6-0, 290). The line will be clearing the way for junior running back Deaundre Osbourne in the one-back spread attack. The quarterback spot is in good shape with the return of Justin Hart (5-11, 175), who had some big numbers last season. Defensively, the Mavs have a great base to build off of with the return of Antonio (6-0, 250) and Anthony Washington (6-3, 225). Last year’s Newcomer of the Year was defensive end Trey Valentine (6-4, 230), who also returns for a formidable front.

Returning starters: 6 offense / 5 defense Schedule: 8/29 at Lufkin; 9/5 vs. John Tyler; 9/13 at Neville; 9/26 at Pine Tree*; 10/3 vs. Greenville*;10/10 vs. Marshall*; 10/17 at Texas High; 10/24 vs. Mt. Pleasant*; 10/31 at Sulphur Springs*; 11/7 vs. Hallsville*. * — District 15-5A

MARSHALL MAVERICKS Coach:

Clint Harper

2013 record: 3-6 (2-3) Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 28 Returning starters: 7 offense / 9 defense Schedule: 8/29 vs. Royce City; 9/5 vs. Crandall; 9/13 at Bossier-Parkway; 9/26 at Hallsville*; 10/3 vs. Pine Tree*;10/10 at Longview*; 10/17 at Greenville*; 10/24 vs. Texas High*; 10/31 at Mt. Pleasant*; 11/7 vs. Sulphur Springs*. * — District 15-5A

LUFKIN PANTHERS

lufkin

Coach:

Panthers

By TRAVIS YOESTING // tyoesting@tylerpaper.com In 2004, Lufkin embarked on a new journey when realignment spurned traditional rivalries with the likes of John Tyler, Robert E. Lee and Longview, sending the Panthers into 10 years of battling Houston-area foes for district supremacy. Now, at least partially, Lufkin is back in East Texas. In the latest realignment the Panthers did not move up to 6A like many of their former district rivals. They were instead placed in a 5A district with some familiar faces, namely John Tyler, which holds a narrow 26-25-3 advantage in the all-time series. Lufkin joins up with fellow East Texas schools Nacogdoches, Jacksonville, Whitehouse and Lindale in District 165A. Also in the district are Ennis and Corsicana, creating quite the itinerary for the Panthers. Including trips to Nacogdoches, Tyler, Lindale and Corsicana, Lufkin will travel upwards of 700 miles just for its district games, a total that will include more than 13 hours of travel time.

Luckily for Lufkin, the Panthers have some positives to build on from last season. Despite a 5-6 record, Lufkin came on strong late in the year, winning its final four games of the regular season to reach the playoffs for the 16th straight year. In a district sure to feature plenty of offensive firepower, Lufkin is no different. Trey Cumbie returns under center after throwing for 2,738 yards with 27 touchdowns. Though star receiver Jamal Jeffery is now at Texas A&M, Cumbie still has Texas recruit Keke Coutee to throw to. The 5-8, 165-pound speedster caught 77 passes for 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns a season ago. Running back Steven Sowell also is back after racking up more than 1,500 total yards last year. Cumbie, Coutee and Sowell are the district’s top returning skill players at their respective positions in terms of yardage.

nacogdoches

Dragons

By TRAVIS YOESTING // tyoesting@tylerpaper.com Nacogdoches’ secondary is going to be good. Scary good. Not only do the Dragons feature Brandon Jones, rated the No. 2 safety and the No. 32 player overall in the Class of 2016 by Rivals, but senior cornerback Jaylon Lane, an Oklahoma State commit, transferred in from San Angelo Central. Include in the equation, senior corner Tae Forest and junior safety Corey Lane, and coach Bobby Reyes believes he has four future Division I athletes in his secondary. “We’ve got four pretty good players in the back end, and they’re all physical, all can run, and they all have decent height,” Reyes said. “We haven’t played a game yet, but athletically we’re pretty good.” Between them, Jones and Jaylon Lane have nearly 60 FBS offers, including some of the biggest names in college football and pretty much everyone in the Big 12 and SEC. Corey Lane has two of-

fers, already while Reyes expects Forest also to play in college. On offense, senior quarterback Hunter McClellan is back after throwing for more than 1,000 yards with 15 touchdowns and one interception before missing the last half of the season injured. Slot receivers Tae Thomas and Sam Morgan will be McClellan’s top targets. Bryce Matthews, who filled in at QB last year, is another receiver to watch, as is Alex Gregory, who won Class 4A bronze in the 4x200 relay with Jones in the spring. Also returning are three-year starters: running back Coronado Tolbert (1,000+ rushing yards) and kicker Rudy Fuentes (5 for 6 FGs, 42 for 43 PATs). “We don’t hope to make the playoffs anymore — we expect to make the playoffs,” Reyes said. “We want to advance in the playoffs and take it week to week and see how far we can go with it. Our kids feel good about where we are and the direction we’re headed.”

Todd Quick

2013 record: 5-6 (4-2) Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 32 Returning starters: 6 offense / 6 defense Schedule: 8/29 vs. Longview; 9/5 vs. Robert E. Lee; 9/13 vs. John Curtis (La.) (in Shreveport); 9/26 at Nacogdoches*; 10/3 vs. Whitehouse*; 10/10 at John Tyler*; 10/17 at Lindale*; 10/24 vs. Ennis*; 10/31 at Corsicana*; 11/7 vs. Jacksonville*. * — District 165A

NACOGDOCHES DRAGONS Coach:

Bobby Reyes

2013 record: 7-4 (3-2) Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 10 Returning starters: 6 offense / 5 defense Schedule: 8/29 vs. Kilgore; 9/5 at Hallsville; 9/12 at Carthage; 9/26 vs. Lufkin*; 10/3 at Ennis*; 10/10 vs. Corsicana*; 10/17 at Jacksonville*; 10/24 vs. Lindale*; 10/31 vs. Whitehouse*; 11/7 at John Tyler*. * — District 16-5A

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pine tree

Pirates

David Collins

Last playoff appearance: 2001

under center, and he is backed by Dylan Lightfoot, also noted for several positive plays in the spring finale. Running the ball, Quay Ward (5-9, 185) had a great spring game and is the incumbent as the go-to back. Last year in a limited role, he rolled up 179 yards, scored four TDs and caught nine passes. Another ‘Quay-to-go’ is backup RB Quay Henderson (5-7, 150), who is making a name for himself getting the ball in space and making some plays, also having a memorable spring outing. The defensive front should be a huge asset this season, if healthy. Collins is extremely high on defensive tackle Irving Shen (6-0, 200), along with Jakorey Sherow and Alex Kuitko (6-0, 230). “That’s one of our strengths as a team is our defensive front,” Collins said.

jacksonville

Indians

Coach:

2013 record: 3-7 (0-5)

By DOC SMITH // Sports Correspondent After two years of going winless in District 14-4A, it doesn’t get any easier for the Pine Tree Pirates. But things are looking up with new coach David Collins, who comes in after being the offensive coordinator at Lake Travis. He takes over a program that has gone 5-14 in the past two years, 0-10 in league play, but had strong spring practices. “I think they were picking up some of the new things that I brought with me,” Collins said. “We are going to be a fun team to watch, and we have got a lot of players back in some key positions that will make a difference.” At quarterback the Pirates have the luxury of two capable of making the plays. Mason Hays (6-1, 185) had a good spring game and should draw the starts

PINE TREE PIRATES

All-time playoff appearances: 7 Returning starters: 6 offense / 7 defense Schedule: 8/29 vs. Jacksonville; 9/5 at Gilmer; 9/12 at Kilgore; 9/26 vs. Longview*; 10/3 at Marshall*; 10/10 vs. Texas High*; 10/17 at Mt. Pleasant*; 10/24 vs. Sulphur Springs* ; 10/31 at Hallsville*; 11/7 vs. Greenville*. * — District 15-5A

JACKSONVILLE INDIANS Coach:

Chris Taber

2013 record: 0-10 (0-5) Last playoff appearance: 2012

By TRAVIS YOESTING // tyoesting@tylerpaper.com

All-time playoff appearances: 25

Jacksonville took a step back in 2013, going winless a year after reaching the playoffs. It was the second straight year in which a District 16-4A team went 0-10 after Nacogdoches did it in 2012. The Indians wouldn’t mind again following in the Dragons’ footsteps this year — Nacogdoches went 7-4 and reached the postseason a year after failing to win a single game. To do that, Jacksonville will need to greatly improve on defense, where they allowed a staggering 48.4 points per game. The offense, meanwhile, put up 425 yards per game, but was only able to convert that into an average of 26.8 points. Unlike the 2013 Nacogdoches team that returned 18 starters, Jacksonville will look to turn things around with just eight returning starters. Among those is third-year quarterback Carter McCown, who threw for 2,289 yards as a junior af-

Returning starters: 5 offense / 3 defense

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ter going for 1,305 yards as a sophomore. Indians coach Chris Taber hopes McCown continues that trend and throws for more than 3,000 yards as a senior. Unfortunately for McCown and the Indians offense, Jacksonville graduated its top three pass catchers: Claude Franklin, Tony Lane and Trent Sansom, all of whom were all-district selections, who combined for 1,719 yards. At least McCown can run the ball, putting up 853 yards and nine scores rushing last year as Jacksonville’s leading rusher. Returning senior Braylon Parish was second on the team with 437 yards and five touchdowns. On defense, Taber will turn to youth. Juniors Datavian Thacker and Dedrick Tatum will lead the secondary and linebackers, respectively. Sophomore Jadarius Blake, already 6-4, 225 with 4.7 speed, will look to be a force on the defensive line for years to come.

Schedule: 8/29 vs. Pine Tree; 9/5 vs. Palestine; 9/12 at Mount Pleasant; 9/26 vs. Ennis*; 10/3 at Corsicana*; 10/10 vs. Lindale*; 10/17 vs. Nacogdoches*; 10/24 at Whitehouse*; 10/31 vs. John Tyler*; 11/7 at Lufkin*. * — District 165A

HALLSVILLE BOBCATS

Hallsville

Coach:

Bobcats

2013 record: 6-5 (3-2) Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 21

By DOC SMITH // Sports Correspondent Having made the playoffs for three straight seasons after a four-year drought is one thing, but getting over the hump and winning an outright league top spot is going to be a tough mission in the new District 15-5A alignment, with Longview and Greenville thrown in. Should things fall in the right spot for coach David Plunk, his Bobcats could be the surprise of the league. The Bobcats passing game is back intact with quarterback Wyatt Wolverton and his top two receivers returning in senior Dionte Johnson (5-10, 165) and Jamil Young (6-2, 180). Back also is running back Kha’lil Sneed (5-7, 170), going from backup to a starter. After taking over as starter later in the year due to injuries, Sneed gained 476 yards on 73 carries and grabbed 12 passes for another 196 yards.

Wolverton returns but there is a young gun creating some excitement in Roger McCuller. “We are in a good spot at quarterback and both of them had great springs and are working hard this summer, and we just wait and see how it plays out when we get back after it in August,” Plunk said. Another key will be the offensive line, and there is plenty of size coming back and only one spot up for grabs. On the defensive front, Dewayne Johnson (6-2, 220) made the move from outside linebacker to defensive end this year and is receiving a lot of college attention. In the defensive backfield, Plunk is looking for some big things from his safeties and premier recruit Dionte Johnson at cornerback.

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Returning starters: 8 offense / 5 defense Schedule: 8/29 vs. Carthage; 9/5 vs. Nacogdoches; 9/12 at Athens; 9/26 vs. Marshall*; 10/3 at Texas High*; 10/10 vs. Mt. Pleasant*; 10/17 at Sulphur Springs*; 10/24 vs. Greenville*; 10/31 vs. Pine Tree*; 11/7 at Longview*. * — District 15-5A

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Van's Wyatt Santos Photo by Sarah A. Miller

VAN VANDALS

Van

Vandals

Coach:

Jared Moffatt

2013 record: 4-7 (4-1) Last playoff appearance: 2013

By SHANE STARK // Sports Correspondent

All-time playoff appearances: 23

Returning starters: 9 offense / 9 defense

ollowing a nine-win campaign in 2012, Van struggled from the beginning last season. But when district rolled around, the Vandals got back on track and returned to the postseason. The tradition-rich program entered district with an uncharacteristic 0-5 record, but turned things around and won four of their last five games — their only league setback coming to Athens (28-23). Though the season ended with a 42-point defeat to state finalist Kilgore in bi-district, 18 starters are returning to a team that should enter the fall with plenty of momentum and high expectations. On offense, running back Matt Savis (5-10, 190, 4.5 in 40) is back after finishing third in the area in rushing last season behind Elkhart’s Jeffery Wilson and West Rusk’s George Anthony. The hard-running senior wowed fans game after game

en route to finishing with 290 carries for 1,901 yards and 20 touchdowns. Quarterback Peter Maddox earned valuable experience during the bad times and the good times last season, passing for 1,844 yards and 16 touchdowns. Savis and Maddox should shine even brighter this fall, but offensive lineman Wyatt Santos likely will continue getting the most attention from college football. The younger brother of Texas Longhorns linebacker Dalton Santos, the 6-3, 315-pound Santos is getting attention from multiple Big 12 and SEC programs. On the other side of the ball, linebacker Hunter Redmond (6-2, 175) and defensive end Brice Borgeson (6-3, 225) are expected to anchor things after registering 145 tackles and five sacks and 116 tackles and four sacks, respectively.

Schedule: 8/29 at Palestine; 9/5 vs. Spring Hill; 9/12 at Lindale; 9/19 vs. Brownsboro; 9/26 vs. North Lamar; 10/10 vs. Athens*; 10/17 at Crandall*; 10/24 vs. Mabank*; 10/31 at Wills Point*; 11/7 Kaufman*. * — District 8-4A Division I

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Chapel Hill

Bulldogs

tine, Kilgore, Henderson and Carthage, respectively, in district. “With our district, we feel like it’s the toughest 4A in the state of Texas,” Sitton said. A tradition that’s become annual at Chapel Hill during the offseason included a boot camp. “That’s a word we used a lot during our boot camp,” Sitton said. “Our boot camp is one of the most special things we do in our program. The biggest part of our boot camp is seeing those guys start as a group coming closer and closer together.” Konner Hitchcock, who’ll be a newcomer to the Friday night lights, will take over for Black as the starting quarterback. “He throws the ball very well,” Sitton said. “He’s one of the top kids in his class as far as academics. He’s a great leader and a great worker — a very positive kid.” Perhaps the most explosive returning player is wide receiver Jeffery Minor, who hauled in 43 receptions for 474 yards last fall and qualified for the UIL state track and field championships (high jump) during the spring. Other notables include: linebackers Deundre Phillips and Delenis Garrett (transfer from Lindale who also plays running back); defensive backs Jabraylon Franklin and Kenyotta Henderson; and linemen A.J. Mosely and Rex Cicero.

CHAPEL HILL BULLDOGS Coach:

Thomas Sitton

2013 record: 9-5 (4-2) Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 13

Chapel Hill's Jeffery Minor Photo by Sarah A. Miller

By SHANE STARK // Sports Correspondent

hapel Hill has a new-look team this season. That being said, the Bulldogs have the same outlook as be-

fore. “We’re really excited about this group of kids,” coach Thomas Sitton said before to preseason practice. “They are a fun group of kids. They really love each other and love playing the game together — and love football.” Chapel Hill, which begins the season at Lindale, returns three starters on each side of the ball from a 9-5 team. The Bulldogs were eliminated by district rival Kilgore — which finished as the state runner-up — in the Class 3A Division I

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quarterfinals. They were hit hard by graduation in the spring, losing several players to the college ranks. The list includes quarterback Andrew Black (Henderson State), defensive back Joseph Clark (Texas Tech), athlete Wesley Thompson (Louisiana-Monroe) and defensive linemen Keith Minor (Cincinnati) and Shaquille Warren (LouisianaMonroe). Because of a tough non-district and district schedule, the new-look Bulldogs will have to learn on the spot. The schedule includes Lindale, Whitehouse, Paris, Port Neches-Groves and Tatum, respectively, in non-district; and Brownsboro, Pales-

Returning starters: 3 offense / 3 defense Schedule: 8/29 at Lindale; 9/5 at Whitehouse; 9/12 vs. Paris; 9/19 at Port Neches-Groves; 9/26 vs. Tatum; 10/10 at Brownsboro*; 10/17 vs. Palestine*; 10/24 at Kilgore*; 10/31 at Henderson*; 11/7 vs. Carthage*. * — District 9-4A Division I

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Mabank

Jared Wingfield

Panthers

Coach:

By TRAVIS YOESTING // tyoesting@tylerpaper.com

All-time playoff appearances: 19

Mabank was looking for more than a one-win improvement last year; the Panthers will be doing the same this year. Coach Jared Wingfield’s squad won one game in his first year in 2012 and doubled that to two in 2013. Fortunately for Wingfield and Co., Mabank returns nine starters on defense, including junior linebacker Zane Koskelin, who led the Panthers with 129 tackles, eight for loss. Koskelin has plenty of help at the position with senior linebackers Stephen Tucker (73 tackles, seven for losses) and Hayden Burnett (72 and three) also returning. Mabank will hope to improve upon last year’s average of 39.4 points allowed per game in 2013. Similarly, the offense will hope to boost the 20.4 points per game it scored. Aiding that cause will be return-

Returning starters: 4 offense / 9 defense

ing quarterback Cody Thompson, who threw for 965 yards and eight touchdowns with 10 interceptions. Unfortunately, the Panthers will have to rework the offensive line completely after the graduation of five linemen. Thompson will have returning receiver Dalton Reeder to pass to after he hauled in 33 passes for 366 yards and three scores during his junior campaign. A young player to watch is quarterback/defensive back Pearson Johannesen. The Panthers haven’t been to the postseason since 2007 and haven’t won more than five games since. Their last season with more than six wins came back in 1998. To turn that around Wingfield will need more than a one-game improvement. Doubling their total would be a good start.

Wills Point

Tigers

Last fall, Wills Point snuck into the playoffs with a 41-34 victory against Rains in the regular-season finale. The Tigers then played one of the year’s most thrilling games in bi-district, a 54-49 loss to Pittsburg. That said, few players on the current roster contributed in those games. Only three starters are back on each side of the ball to keep the momentum going. The Tigers also have a new head coach in Greg Cranfill, who took over for Kevin Garvin. Cranfill came to East Texas after serving as Flower Mound Marcus’ offensive coordinator, a staff the Itasca native joined in 2007. With quarterback Chase Pemberton East Texas Football Preview | ETFinalScore.com

2013 record: 2-8 (1-4) Last playoff appearance: 2007

Schedule: 8/29 at Whitney; 9/5 vs. Canton; 9/12 vs. Eustace; 9/19 at Kemp; 9/26 vs. Teague; 10/10 at Wills Point*; 10/17 vs. Athens*; 10/24 at Van*; 10/31 at Kaufman*; 11/7 vs. Crandall*. * — District 8-4A Division I

WILLS POINT TIGERS Coach:

Greg Cranfill

2013 record: 3-8 (2-2) Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 26

By SHANE STARK // Sports Correspondent

MABANK PANTHERS

and receiver Tre Smith now gone, receiver Jah Golden is the top skill player returning. The 6-0, 185-pound all-district selection caught 41 passes for 883 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Fresh faces will be all over the field attempting to get the program to the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. One of them is receiver Ranger Wilcoxson, who’s getting looked at by multiple Division I programs and could enjoy a breakout season. Jacob Rowland (6-5, 300), who’s fielded offers from Texas State, Louisiana-Monroe and Arkansas State, headlines one of the district’s top offensive lines.

Returning starters: 3 offense / 3 defense Schedule: 8/29 at Forney; 9/5 at Ferris; 9/12 vs. Wilmer-Hutchins; 9/19 Mineola; 9/26 at Canton; 10/10 vs. Mabank; 10/17 at Kaufman; 10/24 vs. Crandall; 10/31 vs. Van; 11/7 at Athens. * — District 8-2A Division I

BROWNSBORO

Bears

BROWNSBORO BEARS Coach:

Jason Hooker

2013 record: 2-8 (0-6) Last playoff appearance: 2010

By SHANE STARK // Sports Correspondent

All-time playoff appearances: 20

Moving into one of the state’s toughest districts should make it tough for the Brownsboro Bears to snap their threeyear playoff skid. After all the new District 9-4A Division I is the new East Texas “District of Doom.” But with six starters returning on offense and five on defense, second-year coach Jason Hooker has plenty of Friday night experience. Will Bailey split time at quarterback and receiver last season; fellow quarterback Jared Bragdon graduated. The 6-3, 185-pound junior is listed as a receiver this season after catching 40 passes for 524 yards and six touchdowns in 2013. Bailey also is a weapon in the kicking game, having averaged 33.8 yards per punt. Sophomore Wyatt Rinehart might be the Bears quarterback of the future — and the present. Rinehart starred for the

Returning starters: 6 offense / 5 defense

freshman team last fall, plus had a strong 7-on-7 season this summer. Meanwhile, running back Damien Thompson ran for 447 yards and seven TDs last season. On defense, Brownsboro is expected to be led by linebacker Braylon Wehrman. The 5-10, 185-pound senior registered 95 tackles a year ago. Bailey also is a QB in the defensive backfield having 65 tackles and two interceptions from his free safety position. LOOKING BACK: Three Brownsboro players have participated in the annual Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star Game — Jessie Williams (1968), Allen Pace (1995) and Lonnie Edwards (2007). … Brownsboro’s first playoff appearance was in 1948 when the Bears lost to Corsicana State Home 6-0. … In 2006, the Bears advanced to the quarterfinals before falling to Celina.

Carthage

Bulldogs By SHANE STARK // Sports Correspondent Another season. Another state title for Carthage. In front of 17,641 fans at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium, the Bulldogs beat Kilgore 34-23 to claim the Class 3A Division I title last December. The championship was the program’s fourth in six years, but many of the contributing players graduated in May. That includes the backbone of the past three seasons, quarterback Blake Bogenschutz (UT San Antonio), running back Tevin Pipkin (Tyler Junior College), offensive lineman Adrian Goodacre (Louisiana-Monroe) and wide receivers Tee Goree (North Texas) and O’Keeron Rutherford (Louisiana-Monroe). In all, nine Bulldogs signed national letters of intent. Despite bringing back only five start-

ers, Carthage returns the most overall lettermen in the district (35) and has built a powerhouse tradition — and might simply be reloading. Defensive lineman Jarod McLin registered 75 tackles and 10 sacks last fall, while defensive back Bryian Bolton contributed 66 stops and two interceptions. Bulldogs coach Scott Surratt is expected to work his magic again. The state coaches feel he will as Carthage is ranked No. 1 in the coaches’ poll, while nailing down the fourth spot in Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine ranking. Tight end Marquise Guinn (6-4, 200, junior) is a big talent and big target. He is projected as a big recruit and is on the radar of Texas, Michigan, Texas A&M and Arkansas, among others.

Schedule: 8/29 vs. Crandall; 9/5 vs. Bullard; 9/12 at Quinlan Ford; 9/19 at Van; 9/26 vs. Rusk; 10/10 vs. Chapel Hill*; 10/17 at Henderson*; 10/24 vs. Carthage*; 10/31 vs. Kilgore*; 11/7 at Palestine*; *District 9-4A Division I

CARTHAGE BULLDOGS Coach:

Scott Surratt

2013 record: 15-1 (5-0) Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 30 Returning starters: 2 offense / 3 defense Schedule: 8/29 at Hallsville; 9/5 vs. Lindale; 9/12 vs. Nacogdoches; 9/19 at Gladewater; 9/27 at Gilmer; 10/10 vs. Henderson*; 10/17 vs. Kilgore*; 10/24 at Brownsboro*; 10/31 vs. Palestine*; 11/7 at Chapel Hill*. *District 9-4A Division I game

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Bullard's Connor Mebane Photo by Herb Nygren Jr.

were last year and not really worry about what our district is. “We have to worry about how we play right now.” Bullard quarterback Connor Mebane is a do-it-all player for his team. He led the Panthers on defense (29 tackles and two interceptions) and as Bullard’s top rusher (784 yards, six TDs) and passer (732 yards, four TDs). Junior Mikah Hughes received district Newcomer of the Year honors for offense last season while also being chosen second-team linebacker. Senior William Baker, like Mebane and Hughes, is a Swiss army knife of sorts in that the Panthers ask him to do a variety of things on offense and defense and he’s also coming off a season in which he was first-team all district as utility. A year ago the Panthers scored more than two touchdowns per game three times in nine outings. Not surprisingly, those three games all ended up being wins for Bullard, which went 3-6 and 1-5 in district. Bullard could feel aggrieved the last two years with their lot in life thanks to UIL’s realignment, but that is over. The Panthers should challenge for a playoff spot and could surprise even further with a top 2-3 finish in district.

BULLARD PANTHERS Coach:

Shannon Wilson

2013 record: 3-6 (1-5) Last playoff appearance: 2011

BULLARD

Panthers By CHRIS PARRY // cparry@tylerpaper.com

he Bullard Panthers languished in arguably the most difficult 3A district in the state the past two years, which put a halt to any more playoff appearances after breaking through in 2011. Not to say that Bullard’s new district will be a cakewalk, but it also will not be comprised of four state powerhouses (Kilgore, Chapel Hill, Gilmer, Henderson) gobbling up all of the playoff spots. The Panthers were moved in to Dis-

East Texas Football Preview | ETFinalScore.com

trict 5-4A Division II, along with Rains, Nevada Community, Canton, Melissa and Gilmer. Gilmer remains as the clear league favorite, but one out of four gives Bullard better odds to pilot the Panthers back into the postseason. “I don’t know if we can say this district is easier or whatever, but I do know that it’s solid at each end,” Bullard coach Shannon Wilson said. “I think we have to worry about improving from where we

All-time playoff appearances: 5 Returning starters: 8 offense / 7 defense Schedule: 8/29 vs. Groesbeck; 9/5 at Brownsboro; 9/12 vs. Edgewood; 9/26 vs. White Oak; 10/10 at Rains*; 10/17 at Nevada Community*; 10/24 vs. Gilmer*; 10/31 at Melissa*; 11/7 vs. Canton*. * — District 5-4A Division II

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Kilgore

in District 9-4A Division I, along with defending 3A Division I state champion Carthage. Many playmakers off teams that combined to go 27-2 the past two seasons are gone as Kilgore welcomes back three starters on defense and five on offense. Senior linebacker Kris Haynes led Kilgore with 131 tackles, five tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Junior LB Mason Shelton followed with 97 tackles and senior tackle Jacobie Wafer added four sacks. Running back Kevrin Justice, a University of Houston commit, rushed for 1,966 yards and 36 touchdowns. Last year’s backup quarterback Xavier Ganoa entered preseason work as the starter after earning three starts last year. As in the past, success at Kilgore starts with the running game and the defense’s ability to make stops. “We have a good group of seniors who understand what it takes to be a good football team,” Wood said. “We’re working to get better.”

Bulldogs

KILGORE BULLDOGS Coach:

Mike Wood

2013 record: 14-1 (6-0) Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 25 Returning starters: 5 offense / 3 defense

Kilgore's Kevrin Justice Photo by Herb Nygren Jr.

By JOE HALE // Sports Correspondent

he last couple seasons have been particularly good for Kilgore, reaching the state semifinals in 2012 and the title game last year. The Bulldogs are now in Class 4A, where they won a state championship 10 years ago. “We’re young with a lot of holes to fill,” coach Mike Wood said. “That’s our

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focus now to shore up those holes. We’ve got to work in those areas to build this football team. The biggest thing for us is working on fundamentals early.” Again, a lot is expected of Kilgore, ranked as high as third in the state in one preseason poll and fifth in another ranking service, and one of the favorites

Schedule: 8/29 at Nacogdoches; 9/6 vs. Corpus Christi Flour Bluff (in Galena Park); 9/12 vs. Pine Tree; 9/19 at Texas High; 9/26 vs. Gladewater; 10/10, Palestine*; 10/17 at Carthage*; 10/24 vs. Chapel Hill*; 10/31 at Brownsboro*; 11/7 vs. Henderson*. * — District 9-4A Division I

PALESTINE

Wildcats

PALESTINE WILDCATS Coach:

Jay Brown

2013 record: 7-4 (3-1) Last playoff appearance: 2013

By SHANE STARK // Sports Correspondent

All-time playoff appearances: 16

Jacksonville native Jay Brown is excited about taking over the Palestine Wildcats program. He takes over for Lance Angel, who left the Anderson County school to become athletic director for the Bryan ISD school district. Palestine is perhaps the most experienced team in a league full of inexperience. The Wildcats’ 11 returning starters are the most in District 9-4A Division I, plus they return a starter at perhaps the most important position. Quarterback Gee Clark is back after leading the team to the playoffs for the second consecutive season. The 6-1, 180-pound senior is coming off a season in which he passed for 1,636 yards and 18 touchdowns. Clark, who has started 20 games for the Wildcats, also rushed for 290 yards and seven TDs in 2013. Of course, the Wildcats will have to replace plenty of talented starters from

Returning starters: 6 offense / 5 defense

last seasons’ team. That includes four players who signed national letters of intent to play college football, Jarrell Owens (Oklahoma State), Ben Luckett (Louisiana-Monroe), Brian Thlang (Louisiana-Monroe) and Sheldon Watson (Henderson State). Players expected to help fill the void include defensive lineman Dakendrick McMorris, offensive lineman Patrick Cross, wide receiver Chris Weaver and linebacker Marquis Hernandez, among others. McMorris was a first-team all-district player on both offense and defense, registering 10 tackles for loss and two sacks for the ‘Cats. LOOKING BACK: This is the 50th anniversary of the 1964 Palestine state championship team, a squad that was led by Super Bill Bradley, who went on to star at the University of Texas and with the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL.

PITTSBURG

Pirates

PITTSBURG PIRATES Coach:

Dickey Meeks

2013 record: 5-7 (2-3) Last playoff appearance: 2013

By REID KERR // Sports Correspondent Head coach Dickey Meeks is in his second year in Pittsburg, but his first full season after coming in late in 2012. “When you come in as a new coach you get a short offseason,” Meeks said. “Now I’ve had a full year with the kids, and we’ve had a full offseason to get to know each other.” In Year 2, Meeks said his team will be deeper than last year. “We’ll probably be able to withstand an injury or two,” Meeks said. “We’ve got three returners on the line, so that’ll help us shore things up.” Senior Jermal Jefferson and junior Ryan Fueston both return as starters on the line and Meeks knows having experience up front gives him options. “The big thing about having three offensive linemen back is that two of them have to be next to each other,” Meeks said. “That gives you a go-to side and

Schedule: 8/29 vs. Van; 9/5 at Jacksonville; 9/12 vs. Fairfield; 9/26 at Kaufman; 10/10 at Kilgore*; 10/17 at Chapel Hill*; 10/24 vs. Henderson*; 10/31 at Carthage*; 11/7 vs. Brownsboro*. *District 9-4A Division I

that gives your coaching staff some confidence in what plays you can call.” Pittsburg returns six starters on offense and even though the Pirates will be starting a new quarterback, Trey Walker is back at tailback. “Trey would have started last year,” Meeks said. “But he tweaked his knee, and we wound up sitting him out all year. He had started a couple of games for us as a freshman and he’s a good receiver, too. It’ll really help having him back.” Another skill player returning is senior Sir Charles Perkins, who’ll catch passes and run sweeps for the Pirates. Pittsburg brings back six starters on defense, including linebacker Frezzarion Harrison, who started as a sophomore last year. Senior defensive back Tyler Lafayette also will return after a junior season cut short after three games and three interceptions.

All-time playoff appearances: 26 Returning starters: 6 offense / 6 defense Schedule: 8/29 at Pleasant Grove; 9/5 at Gladewater; 9/12 at New Boston; 9/19 vs. Atlanta; 9/26 vs. Mount Vernon; 10/10 vs. Paris North Lamar*; 10/17 at Liberty-Eylau *; 10/24 vs. Paris*; 10/31 vs. Princeton*; 11/7 at Quinlan Ford*. * — District 7-4A Division I

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ATHENS HORNETS

Athens

Coach:

Hornets By SHANE STARK // Sports Correspondent Athens accomplished many things in 2013, including the best regular season in program history. The Hornets have plenty of pieces to repeat that success in 2014. With 14 starters set to return, Athens is widely considered the favorite to claim the District 8-4A Division I title. The ground-oriented offense is expected to be headlined by a pair of running backs who crossed the 1,000-yard mark last fall. Logan Fuller, a junior, broke the program record for single-season rushing yards last fall; his 1,727 yards (27 touchdowns) snapped the long-standing mark of 1,293 yards by Kenneth Session, which had been held since 1976. Backfield mate Devin Hall, a senior, is back as well after producing 1,235 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior. Because

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of graduation, the offense will be without its biggest leader for the past two seasons, quarterback Anthony Sanders. Defense is where the Hornets could be even more dangerous. Eight starters are back from a stop unit that ranked second in East Texas (Class 3A-2A-1A programs) last season, limiting opponents to 238 yards per game. All-state cornerback Travon Fuller is back after registering 53 tackles and seven interceptions as a sophomore, which was enough to garner an early scholarship offer from Texas A&M and interest from other major college programs. Defensive ends Chris Prox (6-2, 225) and Tyler Trussell (6-2, 265) give the Hornets size and talent up front, alongside lineman Timothy Tanner (6-1, 200) and others.

Paul Essary

2013 record: 10-1 (5-0) Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 22 Returning starters: 6 offense / 8 defense Schedule: 8/29 vs. Henderson; 9/5 at Diboll; 9/12 vs. Hallsville; 9/19 at Rusk; 9/26 vs. Waco Robinson; 10/10 at Van*; 10/17 at Mabank*; 10/24 vs. Kaufman*; 10/31 at Crandall*; 11/7 vs. Wills Point*. * â&#x20AC;&#x201D; District 8-4A Division I

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Henderson

Lions

Phil Castles

Last playoff appearance: 2012 All-time playoff appearances: 20

Castles points to the offensive line as a key area. Returning starters are Trevor Still and Jordan Givens. The Lions should be strong in the kicking game as Boles handles the punting and Edgar Sanchez is a consistent weapon on field goals (3 of 4 last season) and extra points (24 of 27). LOOKING BACK: Now a district rival, Henderson defeated Chapel Hill 28-21 in the Class 3A Division I state championship in 2010. … Henderson’s first playoff appearance was in 1953. … Lions taking part in the THSCA All-Star game were JW Bolton (1937), JT Watson (1944), Marvin Leath (1949), Joe Frank Allison (1953), Joe Wylie (1969), Billy Wayne Lee (1972), Joe Paul Paige (1974), Toby Mills (1990), Cord Fletcher (2011) and LaMarcus Brown (2012).

Returning starters: 6 offense / 5 defense Schedule: 8/29 at Athens; 9/5 vs. Atlanta; 9/12 vs. Rusk; 9/19 at Newton; 9/26 vs. Daingerfield; 10/10 at Carthage*; 10/17 vs. Brownsboro*; 10/24 at Palestine*; 10/31 vs. Chapel Hill*; 11/7 at Kilgore*. * — District 9-4A Division I

CANTON EAGLES

CANTON

Coach:

Eagles

Coach:

2013 record: 3-7 (2-4)

By SHANE STARK // Sports Correspondent After three consecutive trips deep into the postseason (including a state title in 2010), the Henderson Lions took a major step back in their three-win campaign last fall. Having said that, the squad brings back one of the league’s top quarterbacks — Zane Boles. The 6-2, 215-pound senior threw for 2,492 yards and 24 touchdowns last season. Linebacker Dalton Goode (5-11, 185) is the team’s top returning tackler after supplying 106 stops and two sacks last fall. He’s expected to form a strong linebacker corps alongside teammate Seth Hensley (6-0, 220). Entering his second year at Henderson, Phil Castles, a former coach at Chapel Hill and Corsicana, expects a much better season.

HENDERSON LIONS

Robert Ivey

2013 record: 4-6 (3-2) Last playoff appearance: 2013

By CHRIS PARRY // cparry@tylerpaper.com

All-time playoff appearances: 10

The Canton Eagles are synonymous with strong dual-threat quarterback play, tall and gifted wide receivers and lighting up the scoreboard. That should continue with one of Class 3A’s top returning quarterbacks. Senior Chandler Eiland was first-team all-district last year in a season in which he passed for 1,861 yards and 18 touchdowns while rushing for 790 yards and 15 scores. Eiland lost two top targets to graduation but waiting in the wings is 6-2 Garrett Denbow, who had 608 yards receiving and eight touchdowns last year. Eiland also will be looking for senior Keanon Ivory and junior Jordan Jackson. “Having Chandler back and this will be his fourth year as starting quarterback makes it an exciting time for us and exciting time for him,” coach Robert Ivey said. “Chandler is an exciting football player, a tough football player and

Returning starters: 8 offense / 8 defense

East Texas Football Preview | ETFinalScore.com

he’s very intelligent (on and off) the field. We’re just excited to have him back and he’s just one of many (on offense).” While the offense scored 21 points or more in district play, Canton surrendered 37.5 points per game thanks to a non-district 57-0 loss to Fairfield and a 48-0 loss in the opening round of the playoffs. Senior Sam Miller leads the way after earning first-team all district at linebacker with 89 tackles (26 for loss) and 24 quarterback pressures. He is joined by juniors Brazos Hesskew and Tre Fitzgerald. Both garnered second team all-district – Heskew at inside linebacker and Fitzgerald at defensive back. “We were a young football team last year and struggled in some areas, but coming into this year we have veteran guys with some field experience on Friday nights,” Ivey said.

Schedule: 8/28 vs. Grace Community (at All Saints); 9/5 at Mabank; 9/12 vs. Crandall; 9/19 vs. Spring Hill; 9/26 vs. Wills Point; 10/10 vs. Nevada Community*; 10/17 at Gilmer*; 10/24 vs. Melissa*; 10/31 vs. Rains*; 11/7 at Bullard*. * — District 5-4A Division II

GLADEWATER

Bears

John Berry

Last playoff appearance: 2013

tire defensive backfield, including Daylon Gordon, who had 135 tackles last season. On offense, the Bears bring back ten starters, including running backs James Reese and Justice Centers. “We have about three guys who’ll rotate in there, but James being a senior, he’ll have a great year,” Berry said. “We’ll have a solid offensive line in front of him with five good players there and some young depth behind them.” Wide receiver Caleb Williams also returns and Berry said they’ll get the ball into his hands a lot. “Caleb should really be a playmaker for us,” Berry said. “We used him at several different positions in the spring.” One thing Berry feels works in Gladewater’s favor is the new district alignment.

All-time playoff appearances: 22 Returning starters: 10 offense / 8 defense Schedule: 8/29 at Daingerfield; 9/5 vs. Pittsburg; 9/12 vs. St. Thomas Moore (in Shreveport, La.); 9/19 vs. Carthage; 9/26 at Kilgore; 10/10 vs. Tatum*; 10/17 at Atlanta*; 10/24 vs. Pleasant Grove*; 10/31 vs. Spring Hill*; 11/7 at Center*. * — District 6-4A Division II

TATUM EAGLES

TATUM

Coach:

Eagles

Andy Evans

2013 record: 11-1 (5-0) Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 31

By REID KERR // Sports Correspondent In 10 years under Andy Evans, the Tatum Eagles have won more than 100 games and never missed the playoffs. Tatum has become a football machine, with the younger brothers and cousins of yesterday’s champions falling right in line to keep up the tradition. “It’s been a great deal for us at Tatum,” Evans said. “A lot of our kids grow up watching these older guys and we can call on some of the successes we’ve had. We’ve coached them all.” The Eagles were 11-1 last season, with five offensive starters returning, including junior quarterback J.D. Taylor. “J.D. threw the ball a lot in 7-on-7 and looked good,” Evans said. “He’s due.”

Coach:

2013 record: 7-7 (2-4)

By REID KERR // Sports Correspondent There’s a new head coach for the Bears, but a very familiar face in charge. After four years as an assistant, John Berry takes over a program that he feels is already moving in the right direction. “I don’t need my personal stamp, I just need the kids to keep going,” Berry said. In 2013, a young cast of Bears took a 4-6 regular season and parlayed it into a four-round run in the playoffs, finishing 7-7. This season, Gladewater brings back eight starters on defense, including Texas A&M commitment Daylon Mack. “He’s a special player,” Berry said. “He puts a lot of pressure on himself to make plays. If we can just get him to go out there and be who he is, he’ll have another fantastic year.” Mack had 35 tackles for loss last year. Behind him, Gladewater returns its en-

GLADEWATER BEARS

Taylor started all 12 games as a sophomore, with more than 1,300 yards passing and 800 yards on the ground. His main targets will include Deyante Roberson, Martin Williams and the explosive Chaston Brooks, who had five punt returns for touchdowns last season. On defense, the Eagles return six starters, including leading tackler Keyshawn Smith. “I think if things happen like we hope, we’ll have really good depth,” Evans said. “Our junior and senior classes are both pretty good. We might be two-platoon for the first time since 2005 when we won it in Class 3A. We’re blessed with quite a few skill kids.”

Returning starters: 5 offense / 6 defense Schedule: 8/29 vs. Newton; 9/12 vs. Gilmer; 9/19 at Liberty-Eylau; 9/26 at Chapel Hill; 10/3 vs. Hardin-Jefferson; 10/10 at Gladewater*; 10/17 vs. Center*; 10/24 at Spring Hill*; 10/31 at Atlanta*; 11/7 vs. Pleasant Grove*. * — District 6-4A Division II

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EMORY RAINS

Wildcats By CHRIS PARRY // cparry@tylerpaper.com The Rains Wildcats ended a five-year playoff drought last year and proved sometimes it’s not about winning every game you play, but winning the right one. Rains won one district game in 2014, but thanks to tiebreakers, used its single league victory to punch its ticket to the playoffs. The Wildcats will have to do much more to return to the playoffs this season as Rains moves into an entirely new district comprised of perennial playoff teams like Gilmer (2012 3A state runnerup) and Melissa (2011 2A state champion). Rains returns 10 starters, six of those on offense. The Wildcats need that side of the ball to pick up the slack while an inexperienced defense catches up. Junior quarterback Ryan Ratliff was the district newcomer of the year last

season after accounting for nearly 1,000 total yards and 20 touchdowns. His backfield mate senior Dakota Miller received second-team recognition last season after combining for 735 total yards, rushing and receiving, with 12 touchdowns. Ratliff also has a receiving weapon in 6-1 senior tight end Dilan House, who was first team all district a year ago. The defense will be Rains’ biggest question mark although senior Nick Grell, last season’s defensive newcomer of the year, will do his best to answer them. He finished with 95 tackles (15 for loss) and three sacks a year ago. Rains graduated four all-district players on defense, meaning others will have to step up and/or Ratliff and Miller could be asked to contribute on both sides of the football.

By JOE HALE // Sports Correspondent

East Texas Football Preview | ETFinalScore.com

Derek Smith

2013 record: 3-8 (1-3) Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 10 Returning starters: 6 offense / 4 defense Schedule: 8/29 at Mount Vernon; 9/5 at Cooper; 9/12 vs. Farmersville; 9/19 at Quitman; 9/26 vs. Sabine; 10/10 vs. Bullard*; 10/17 at Melissa*; 10/24 vs. Nevada Community*; 10/31 at Canton*; 11/7 vs. Gilmer*. * — District 5-4A Division II

Coach:

Buckeyes

Coach:

GILMER BUCKEYES

GILMER

Change is pretty inevitable with the UIL’s biennial realignment. That was true this past February in more than one instance for the Gilmer Buckeyes. Not only did Class 3A schools move up a classification, but Gilmer, an original member of East Texas’ District of Doom, moves into a new environment altogether, with an entirely new cast of district opponents with the exception of Bullard in District 5-4A Division II. “It’ll be different; we weren’t expecting that,” Gilmer coach Jeff Traylor said. The Buckeyes enter 2014 ranked as high as No. 1 in some publications. “We’re thrilled to be out of the District of Doom, but we lost a lot of great players so we will just have to see how good we will really be,” Traylor said. “We’re ranked high because we have been good for so long. But, remember, this team has done nothing yet.” The Buckeyes welcome back three

EMORY RAINS WILDCATS

starters on both sides of the ball from last season’s 11-2 team, which reached the regional semifinals, though they’ll be boosted by move-in athlete Blake Lynch from Troup, an oral commit to Baylor. Replacing Tanner Barr at quarterback will be either senior McLane Carter or junior Zack Spears, with Carter getting more first-team reps in the offseason. Kris Boyd, who rushed for a teamhigh 1,191 yards and 19 touchdowns, and Jamel Jackson are expected to get most of the carries. The defense will be led by cornerback Kris Boyd (13 FBS offers) and linebacker DeMarco Boyd (47 tackles, 11 for losses, six sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries). “Both Kris and DeMarco are really maturing and we want to see if they can become leaders on our team like we hope they can,” Traylor said.

Jeff Traylor

2013 record: 11-2 (5-1) Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 33 Returning starters: 3 offense / 3 defense Schedule: 8/28 vs. Liberty- Eylau (at Rose Stadium, Tyler); 9/5 at Pine Tree; 9/12 at Tatum; 9/19 at Daingerfield; 9/27 vs. Carthage (at Lobo Stadium, Longview); 10/10 at Melissa*; 10/17 vs. Canton*; 10/24 at Bullard*; 10/31 vs. Nevada*; 11/7 at Rains*. * — District 5-4A Division II

SPRING HILL

Panthers By REID KERR // Sports Correspondent Spring Hill was 3-7 last season and second-year head coach Mark Sartain knows that getting some kind of continuity is key to building his program. “These kids haven’t done the same thing in a row in five years,” Sartain said. “It took us until midseason to understand everything last year, so we’re already better than that. That’ll be a great advantage to us; that’s our biggest asset.” Sartain also thinks the UIL’s new district alignments will help his team, which turned in an enrollment of 480. “We won’t be playing people who will have more seniors than we have players,” he said. “It’s leveled the playing field a bit.” The Panthers bring back eight starters on offense, including their entire wide receiver corps. Senior Waylon McFadden caught 30 balls for 479 yards and a touchdown as a junior, but Sartain said they’ll move him into the backfield for 2014. “We feel like that’ll let him touch the

ball more often,” Sartain said. At quarterback, senior Garrett Plumlee will take over the starting job after playing backup last season, including a game against Bullard where he rushed for more than 200 yards. On defense, seven Panthers return, including senior Hagen Tucker, who had 63 tackles and seven sacks last year. “He’s 6-2, 225 and the kind of player that other coaches have to game plan for,” Sartain said. “He’s one of our college prospect guys.” Spring Hill also returns a major weapon in all-district punter and kicker Troy Duran. “If you win the field position battle, your odds of winning go up astronomically,” Sartain said. “He’s the best in East Texas in my opinion. He’s gotten personal invitations from Texas A&M and Baylor to come and try out for a scholarship. The coach from Stanford called and asked if he’d come out to Palo Alto. He’s genuinely a weapon.”

Coach:

Mark Sartain

2013 record: 3-7 (1-5) Last playoff appearance: 2007 All-time playoff appearances: 13 Returning starters: 8 offense / 7 defense Schedule: 8/29 at Winnsboro; 9/5 at Van; 9/12 vs. White Oak; 9/19 vs. Canton; 9/26 at Hughes Springs; 10/10 vs. Center*; 10/17 at Pleasant Grove*; 10/24 vs. Tatum*; 10/31 at Gladewater*; 11/7 vs. Atlanta*. * — District 6-4A Division II

RUSK EAGLES

RUSK

Coach:

Eagles

Ted Patton

2013 record: 2-8 (0-4) Last playoff appearance: 2011

By TRAVIS YOESTING // tyoesting@tylerpaper.com Rusk struggled through a two-win season in 2013. With seven returners on both sides of the ball, coach Ted Patton will hope the Eagles are ready for a turnaround year. Leading the way for Rusk is a strong group of running backs. Junior Isiah Francis (5-8, 165) leads the way having rushed for 575 yards last year to be named to the all-district second team last year, the only returning player with all-district honors. Joining Francis in the running game are D.J. Glenn (5-9, 160, 4.6), who ran for 503 yards, and Drew Dorsey, who racked up 311 yards. The group will run behind an experienced offensive line that includes Bryce Hoffman (6-2, 250), Sean Bixler (6-2, 192), Parker Clark and Tyler Wilbanks. Manning the quarterback position is

SPRING HILL PANTHERS

senior Bryan Paddock, who doubles as a defensive back. He’ll look for Wade Burris in the passing game. The defense will be spearheaded by defensive lineman Auston McKinney, who turned in 52 tackles last year, and Bixler, a linebacker/defensive end who tallied 45 tackles a year ago. Dorsey will be one of the team’s top linebackers alongside Wilbanks, while Hoffman will utilize his size on the defensive line. Rusk will need all of those players firing on all cylinders to return to the postseason for the first time since 2011. The Eagles averaged just 10.8 points per game and were shut out three times last year, including two by teams that are again on the schedule (Athens, 49-0; Fairfield, 61-0).

All-time playoff appearances: 18 Returning starters: 7 offense / 7 defense Schedule: 8/29 vs. Troup; 9/5 vs. Crockett; 9/12 at Henderson; 9/19 vs. Athens; 9/26 at Brownsboro; 10/10 at Mexia*; 10/17 vs. Lorena*; 10/24 at Fairfield*; 10/31 vs. Groesbeck*; 11/7 at Waco Connally *. * — District 7-4A Division II

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Mineola's Trevor Keener Photo by Herb Nygren Jr.

and offensive tackles Austin Anderson and Riley Anderson will be clearing the way for the Yellowjackets attack. The defense will run out of the 4-25 and several key players will be seeing double duty for the Bulldogs to succeed. Gilbreath at DE is a returning all-district pick while Vargas and Shane Burge at linebacker are big play makers. Up front, Trevor Keener and Matt Smith at DT will plug up the opposing run. The defensive backfield was one area of concern for Drennon, but Kourtland Sinches and Perkins return and are being looked at to lead the defensive ball-hawks. The Yellowjackets have been to the playoffs three of the past six seasons. “We want to be as good or better than we are supposed to be,” Drennon said. “Our goal is to win district and be in playoffs and see where we can go from there. “I believe our kids have high expectations of what this season is supposed to be.”

MINEOLA YELLOWJACKETS Coach:

Joe Drennon

2013 record: 5-6 (2-3) Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 8

Mineloa

Yellowjackets

Returning starters: 5 offense / 5 defense Schedule: 8/29 at Elysian Fields; 9/5 vs. Winnsboro; 9/12 vs. Lone Oak; 9/19 at Wills Point; 9/26 vs. PaulPewitt ; 10/10 at White Oak*; 10/17 at Harmony*; 10/24 vs. Jefferson*; 10/31 at Sabine*; 11/7 vs. Quitman*. * — District 8-3A Division I

By DOC SMITH // Sports Correspondent

ineola could possibly be a surprise for White Oak when the Yellowjackets travel to Roughneck Stadium on Oct. 10 for what could decide the eventual District 8-3A Division I champion. Mineola lost to Gilmer in last year’s bidistrict playoffs but return several key players at the skill spots and the Yellow-

jackets are big in the trenches. Quarterback Jeremiah Crawford returns and will look to his returning tight end Casey Gilbreath as one outlet in the passing game. Chantz Perkins will see duty in the backfield and also will line up as a wide out for head coach Joe Drennon. Juan Vargas is the top returning ball carrier ETFinalScore.com | East Texas Football Preview

Arp's Marcalas Johnson Photo by Victor Texcucano

By DOC SMITH // Sports Correspondent

fter another trip to the playoffs and a 7-5 record in 2013, Tigers coach Dale Irwin knows two things his team must do to play in an eighth straight postseason, 19th overall. “As always with us, stay healthy and have young kids step up,” Irwin said. “We are really gonna be short on depth and that is my biggest concern overall, but like all coaches in our league I think we need some young players to really step it up for us in spots and we can all use depth at this level.” Leading rusher and District MVP Marcalas Johnson, a third-team all-state running back last year, returns after producing 1,941 yards and 27 touchdowns on 224 carries, adding six catches for a score and another 34 yards. Adding backup to Johnson are two seniors, Deandre Jones, who will handle the kick return duties, and Kalik Hines, who will provide blocking as well as running in shortyardage situations. Hines also is one of the top retuning tacklers on the defense. A trio of big two-way players upfront are led by defensive end Tyrone Hunt (6-5, 235, UT San Antonio commit), Tristen Bowens (6-3, 245) and Landon Atchley, a defensive tackle that doubles at tight end. Who plays quarterback, however, is Irwin’s biggest offseason concern. Four candidates that bring their own attributes vie for the job.

ARP TIGERS Coach:

Dale Irwin

2013 record: 7-5 (5-1) Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 18 Returning starters: 5 offense / 5 defense

ARP

Tigers 54

East Texas Football Preview | ETFinalScore.com

Schedule: 8/29 vs. Paul-Pewitt ; 9/5 at Hughes Springs; 9/12 at Franklin; 9/26 at West Rusk*; 10/3 vs. Winona*; 10/10 at Waskom*; 10/17 vs. Troup*; 10/24 at New Diana*; 10/31 vs. Elysian Fields*; 11/7 at Frankston*. * — District 8-3A Division II

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WHITE OAK

Roughnecks By DOC SMITH // Sports Correspondent White Oak could find it difficult to repeat last season’s success when the Roughnecks lost in the state semifinals to Cameron Yoe, 24-21. Lost from that team are 18 seniors, 10 of whom drew some type of all-state kudos at season’s end. Kris Iske is the new head coach after two years as the defensive coordinator. Looking to fill numerous spots while implementing a new spread offense should prove challenging early on. “We’ve still got a lot of learning to do to get back to where we were,” Iske said. “We have got a lot of players with not much varsity playing experience, so we are slowing down to learn the new terminology of the offense and we have to be patient and not expect too much early on.” One of the top returnees is Jake Pul-

len. An all-state at free safety last year, Pullen will double-up as one of the Roughnecks’ receivers on offense. Cordelle Smith and Zach Rowe swapped snaps in the early going at practices and Rowe can also double as a running back. When White Oak gets into field-goal range, having versatile kicker Jack Rogers will be a huge plus. The defense will be led by the return of linebackers Josh Hampton and Rowe. Hampton will work the inside linebacker spot and Rowe may make a shift to the outside linebacker position to bolster the defensive squad. “The kids came in and you could see they have put the work in this summer,” Iske said. “We are just going to work hard like we do. … I think we can be a good team that can get back to the playoffs again.”

Harmony

Coach:

Kris Iske

2013 record: 13-2 (4-1) Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 11 Returning starters: 0 offense / 3 defense Schedule: 8/29 vs. Redwater ; 9/5 at Mt. Vernon; 9/12 at Spring Hill; 9/19 vs. Tenaha; 9/26 at Bullard; 10/10 vs. Mineola*; 10/17 at Sabine*; 10/24 vs. Harmony*; 10/31 at Quitman*; 11/7 vs. Jefferson*. * — District 8-3A Division I

HARMONY EAGLES

Tim Russell

Eagles

Coach:

By PHILLIP WILLIAMS // Sports Correspondent

All-time playoff appearances: 9

Despite being greener experience-wise than an avalanche of avocados, head coach Tim Russell believes his team has a good chance of reaching playoff paradise in its new District 8-3A Division I. Some 16 lettermen return from a 7-4 squad, but only two offensive starters and four defensive first-stringers are back. Nonetheless, Russell is confident. “I think we have a good shot (at the playoffs). I think the district is really a toss-up,” Russell said. “It was a good season. I think this season has a chance to be as good as that one. “We think we’re going to kind of start off slow and finish strong because of the inexperience.” Russell cites several reasons for surmising that his troops can reach postseason play. “I think that our biggest strength is our tradition of winning that we've es56

WHITE OAK ROUGHNECKS

East Texas Football Preview | ETFinalScore.com

2013 record: 7-4 (3-2) Last playoff appearance: 2013

tablished. The kids have a strong belief that we’ll be successful,” said Russell, in his eighth year in two separate stints as Harmony head honcho. “Physically, we’re a strong team,” said Russell, whose prime asset will probably be a defensive line averaging about 225 pounds and featuring all-district senior left tackle Landon Wigington.” And while “we’re inexperienced in the secondary and at the receiver positions,” the 4-2-5 defense “should have a really good pass rush,” Russell said. He also anticipates the offensive line, which averages about 260 pounds, to be propitious in the landlubbing multiple-I offense. On that offense, “We look for big things from” returning senior tailback Eric Contreras, who possesses good speed, the coach said. Other speedsters include junior running back Ethan Dean and junior receiver Zac Thompson.

Returning starters: 2 offense / 4 defense Schedule: 8/29 vs. Hooks; 9/5 at Palestine Westwood; 9/12 at Grand Saline; 9/19 vs Hawkins; 9/26 at Prairiland; 10/10 at Quitman*; 10/17 vs. Mineola*; 10/25 vs. White Oak (Lobo Stadium)*; Oct. 31 at Jefferson*; Nov. 7 vs. Sabine*. * – District 8-3A Division I

ELKHART

Elks

Sam Wells

Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 15

district selections, as was senior lineman Zack McFarland. All-district linebacker Chris Box leads the returning starters on defense. Last season Box had 126 tackles, three sacks and four caused fumbles. “Chris is a great player and just a super kid,” Wells said. “He’s got great intangibles. He’s really a leader for us.” The defense also returns senior linebacker Cameron Wilson, with 76 tackles last year, and senior Taner Tunstall , who returns from a knee injury. “Getting Taner back is a big boost,” Wells said. “He’s a humongous kid and he’s ready to go again. He’s a real anchor up front for us.”

EUSTACE

Bulldogs By REID KERR // Sports Correspondent Although Heath Ragle is entering his second year as head coach at Eustace, he’s been there and a part of the program for four years and he feels like this year is the year everything comes together. “We’ll be more consistent this year,” Ragle said. “We’ve got our offensive staff in place and the kids know the terminology. I think we’ve got a lot to build on.” It’s been six straight years in the postseason for Eustace and the 2014 squad returns 14 lettermen, including senior Zach Hughes, who earned district Defensive Lineman of the Year honors as a junior with 92 tackles. “He’s been a starter since he was a freshman,” Ragle said. “He’s a leader for us. He’s played a lot of games and he knows what’s going on out there. He’s another coach out on the field.” On the other side of the line, senior

Coach:

2013 record: 7-4

By REID KERR // Sports Correspondent Elkhart went 7-4 last season and made the playoffs for the first time since 2004. This year’s Elks have eight starters on offense and seven on defense returning. “Last year was a breakthrough year for us,” head coach Sam Wells said. “We got a lot of experience last year and we’ll be fun to watch this year. We’ve got some speed, and we’re going to throw it a bit more than we have in the past.” Austin Sheridan, who played defensive end for the Elks last year, will be moving to quarterback. Eight starters return on offense, including senior receiver Cullen Adams and junior running back Zack Gray, who collected 727 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore. Both players were all-

ELKHART ELKS

Thomas Hyde was the district’s Offensive Lineman of the Year last season. “We’re going to be very physical on the offensive line,” Ragle said. “It’s the strength of our team, definitely. We’ll be a ball-control type of team.” The Bulldogs will put the ball in the hands of two juniors, Keenan Hargest and Lance Rogers, who combined for nine touchdowns and almost 1,000 yards last season. Ragle is encouraged by the new UIL alignments and divisions and says Eustace was undermanned last year against bigger schools. “Depth is always a problem for us,” Ragle said. “We’re hoping to get some kids who will come out. We were down to about 17 or 18 kids at one point last year, and that’s tough.”

Returning starters: 8 offense / 7 defense Schedule: 8/29 at Buffalo; 9/5 at Leon; 9/12 vs. Mildred; 9/19 vs. Trinity; 9/26 at Huntington; 10/10 vs. Eustace*; 10/17 vs. Malakoff*; 10/24 at Kemp*; 10/31 vs. Palestine Westwood*; 11/7 at Teague*. * —District 11-3A Division I

EUSTACE BULLDOGS Coach:

Heath Ragle

2013 record: 5-6 (3-3) Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 11 Returning starters: 4 offense / 3 defense Schedule: 8/30 vs. Bishop Gorman (at All Saints); 9/5 vs. Sunnyvale; 9/12 at Mabank; 9/19 vs. Scurry-Rosser; 9/26 at Mildred; 10/10 at Elkhart*; 10/17 vs. Kemp*; 10/24 at Palestine Westwood*; 10/31 vs. Teague*; 11/7 at Malakoff*. * — District 11-3A Division I

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MALAKOFF

Tigers

are senior lineman Rene Aguilar and two experienced skill positions players in quarterback Stephan Wolfe and running back Marcus Dowell. “Stephan got a back injury last year and only got six games; we’re looking forward to having him back all year,” Driskell said. “And Marcus has been on the varsity since he was a sophomore. He’s a big, strong runner.” Malakoff brings back six players on defense, including junior defensive tackle Colton Barker and junior linebacker Dylan Grim. “Colton started for us as a sophomore and he’s got a motor that you just can’t teach or coach,” Driskell said. “He’ll make a lot of plays inside. Dylan is very fast, reads things well and is a good tackler.”

Panthers By REID KERR // Sports Correspondent

East Texas Football Preview | ETFinalScore.com

Jamie Driskell

Last playoff appearance: 2013

WESTWOOD

After going 1-9 in 2013, the Palestine Westwood Panthers brought in a new head coach in former Athens offensive coordinator Kevin Hayes, who arrived in January. “I was able to get here early,” Hayes said. “We were able to change things to the way we wanted them run for the offseason. We got a lot accomplished and we were able to teach the kids the basics of our offense and defense.” Westwood returns five starters on each side of the ball and Hayes said a lot of his players logged some Friday night action last season, even if it wasn’t as a starter. “When you go 1-9, you wind up playing a lot of kids for parts of the season,” Hayes said. “Some of those kids have had good offseasons, and there are some that will probably surprise me.” Even with returning seniors like

Coach:

2013 record: 11-2 (5-1)

By REID KERR // Sports Correspondent In 2008, Malakoff was a 0-10 team before Jamie Driskell arrived. With five playoff appearances in the next six years as head coach, Driskell knows the bar has been raised. “This crop of seniors we got in the seventh grade,” Driskell said. “It feels really good as a coaching staff to know that they don’t know any other way to do things other than the way we do them. Once your kids are bought in, that gives you some consistency. The difference in now and then is they expect to win. There’s no doubt in their minds that we can win. “This year, we’ve got the hardest working group of players we’ve ever had. We have good senior leadership and some veteran linemen, and that’s a great start.” Among the five returners on offense

MALAKOFF TIGERS

Colton Frazier, Caden Countryman and Micah Ellerbee, Westwood still has lots of holes to fill, and Hayes said the competitions are wide open. “I’ve told the kids, ‘Show me what you can do.’” Hayes said. “Everybody looks good working out in shorts and T-shirts — it’s when we put the pads on that we find out what we’ve got. I’m trying to reserve judgment until we can see them on the field. “We started building with the offseason. When the kids see themselves get bigger and stronger and better working every day, and you keep pushing them, then they start believing in themselves. Once you get that, you can start to turn that corner and put a good football team together. We’ve already seen a big change in attitude and work ethic, we’ve just got to transfer that onto the field.”

All-time playoff appearances: 14 Returning starters: 5 offense / 6 defense Schedule: 8/29 at Mildred; 9/5 vs. Daingerfield; 9/12 at Kerens; 9/19 at Edgewood; 9/26 vs. Scurry-Rosser; 10/10 vs. Palestine Westwood*; 10/17 at Elkhart*; 10/24 vs. Teague*; 10/31 at Kemp*; 11/7 vs. Eustace*. * — District 11-3A Division I

PALESTINE WESTWOOD PANTHERS Coach:

Kevin Hayes

2013 record: 1-9 (0-5) Last playoff appearance: 2008 All-time playoff appearances: 4 Returning starters: 5 offense / 5 defense Schedule: 8/29 vs. Huntington; 9/5 vs. Harmony; 9/12 at Buffalo; 9/26 at Maypearl; 10/3 vs. Anderson- Shiro ; 10/10 at Malakoff*; 10/17 at Teague*; 10/24 vs. Eustace*; 10/31 at Elkhart*; 11/7 vs. Kemp*. * — District 11-3A Division I

QUITMAN

Bulldogs By DOC SMITH // Sports Correspondent Last season, the Bulldogs finally started to turn things around in district, yet failed to make a playoff bid at 2-4. First season head coach John Woodard has size on his side, and is hoping the players can gain experience quickly for a possible playoff run. Offensively, Quitman will count heavily on a big line for a 3-yards-and-a-cloudof-dust approach. The quarterback spot is up for grabs with Cameron Peak and Warren Lacy both adding his own prowess to the position. Peak saw limited duty last season while also playing safety for the defense. The running back will be Neal Davenport and at fullback will be Joel Head. Both backfield mates double as linebackers. Wide receiver has a plethora of stand-

outs in Rosendo Preciavo, Brad Hamrick and Andrew Chappell. Tight end position has depth with J.T. Taylor and Tanner Gilbreath showing both blocking ability and good hands. Victor Ramirez and Hill Norris are two mainstays for the offensive and defensive fronts that will be game-changers. The defense will be sparked by returning players at the all-important linebacker spots. Head and Davenport return with all-district honors on the inside of the 3-3 stacked defensive set. The defensive backfield also returns two-year starters in Peak at safety and Chappell at cornerback. Woodard said he feels as though his squad could be the team to turn around the program and get the Bulldogs in a playoff scenario.

Coach:

John Woodard

2013 record: 2-8 (2-4) Last playoff appearance: 2011 All-time playoff appearances: 6 Returning starters: 6 offense / 6 defense Schedule: 8/29 vs. Big Sandy; 9/5 at Bishop Gorman; 9/12 at Winnsboro; 9/19 vs. Rains; 9/26 at Caddo Mills; 10/10 vs. Harmony*; 10/17 at Jefferson*; 10/24 vs. Sabine*; 10/31 vs. White Oak*; 11/7 at Mineola*; * — District 8-3A Division I

SABINE CARDINALS

SABINE

Coach:

Cardinals By DOC SMITH // Sports Correspondent The Sabine Cardinals making the playoffs have been a rarity. The Cardinals fielded their only playoff team in the school’s history in 1985. This year, coach Mark Comfort is hoping with the new alignment and eight starters returning on both sides of the ball, a true football tradition can kick in. “The kids have all showed up in great shape and they are ready to make it happen,” Comfort said in his fourth year on campus, third as head coach and athletic director. “They have all apparently put the work in over the summer … and the kids are ready to bring the program to a new level.” Offensively, Sabine will stick with the flex-bone triple option of the past three years. Operating the scheme will be quarterback Tanner Sharp, a two-way

QUITMAN BULLDOGS

stalwart. A stable of running backs has Comfort smiling, with each having his own attribute to throw at the opposition. Paving the way up front is am experienced line that returns four of its five starters. Tackle Bo Bates will be flanked by Max Pyle at guard while Grant Stansberry returns for all the snaps. The defense has changed from the 3-4 to a 5-3 set to utilize the talents of three head-hunting linebackers. Brennan Watkins, Grant Key and Sam Smith will lead the defense. “Our pre-district schedule is going to be a test for us because we have got some good teams to play,” Comfort said. “But if we come through them and stay healthy, I think these kids want to be a part of trying to leave here as a part of a new football tradition.”

Mark Comfort

2013 record: 1-9 (0-5) Last playoff appearance: 1985 All-time playoff appearances: 1 Returning starters: 8 offense / 8 defense Schedule: 8/29 vs. Queen City; 9/5 at Frankston; 9/12 at West Rusk; 9/19 vs. Winnsboro; 10/10 vs. Jefferson*; 10/17 vs. White Oak*; 10/24 at Quitman*; 10/31 vs. Mineola*; 11/7 at Harmony*. * — District 8-3A Division I

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ALBA-GOLDEN

Panthers

Coach:

Gary Schultz

2013 record: 5-6 (3-3) Last playoff appearance: 2013

BY PHIL HICKS // phicks@tylerpaper.com

All-time playoff appearances: 4

When Alba-Golden played their first varsity season in 1984, the expectations were like any first-year program. They wanted to gradually build from the ground up and eventually make the postseason. Well, the Panthers fooled everyone, making the playoffs under Danny Baker. They then made the postseason again in 1988 under current Grace Community coach Mike Maddox. They went on a dry spell until recently. Now, sixth-year coach Gary Schultz has the Panthers in gear. Alba-Golden has made the playoffs two of the past three years, including registering its first postseason victory (33-22 over Leonard) in 2011. The Panthers advanced out of district again last year, but were stopped in bidistrict. Now, they want to set a new school record with back-to-back playoff

Returning starters: 8 offense / 7 defense

appearances for the first time. And it appears that Schultz has the horses for the Panthers to do so as A-G has eight starters on offense and seven on defense returning. Leading the way on offense is running back Dalton Wright and offensive lineman Taylor Campbell. Pacing the defense is all-district defensive lineman Gus Peacock. He also helps on offense, playing tight end. Kyle Morrow, a defensive lineman, is also a key to the Panthers returning to the playoffs. Four teams advance in District 6-3A Division II. Cooper is the solid favorite after going 13-1 and reaching regionals in 2013. But the Panthers should be one of the contenders as well. Last year, the Panthers scored 227 points, but gave up 245.

EDGEWOOD

Bulldogs BY PHIL HICKS // phicks@tylerpaper.com Edgewood always has been known for its wizardry on the basketball court, but Ryan Simmons, the Bulldogs’ eighthyear football coach, has shown the squad can work some magic on the gridiron. Under Simmons, the Bulldogs have earned a district championship and been to the playoffs four times. The postseason awaits again in 2014 and Edgewood should battle Cooper for the District 6-3A Division II championship. Returning at quarterback is dualthreat Jackson Tyner, who is the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Offensive MVP for the district. Tyner, who not only excels on the football field but also in the classroom, has 60

ALBA-GOLDEN PANTHERS

East Texas Football Preview | ETFinalScore.com

committed to play at Rice University. Tyner (6-5, 225) is projected to play tight end or defensive end for the Owls. However, as long as he is a Bulldog, he will be the signal caller. Last season, he threw for 1,373 yards and 14 touchdowns. He is also fleet of foot (4.8 40 yard dash), rushing for 518 yards and eight touchdowns. Leading the way up front is offensive linemen Christian Davison and Taylor Brown. Defensively, Wyatt Bass leads at linebacker. He had 42 tackles a year ago. His linebacking mate is Tye Elie, who played as a freshman. Elie had two interceptions last season.

Schedule: 8/29 at Cumby; 9/5 vs. Hawkins; 9/12 vs. Quinlan Boles; 9/19 vs. Whitewright; 9/26 at Big Sandy; 10/10 at Edgewood*; 10/17 vs. Grand Saline*; 10/24 at Paris Chisum*; 10/31 at Cooper*; 11/7 vs. Lone Oak*; *— District 6-3A Division II

EDGEWOOD BULLDOGS Coach:

Ryan Simmons

2013 record: 8-3 (5-1) Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 17 Returning starters: 5 offense / 7 defense Schedule: 8/29 at Bullard Brook Hill; 9/5 vs. Clarksville; 9/12 at Bullard; 9/19 vs. Malakoff; 9/26 at Commerce; 10/10 vs. Alba-Golden*; 10/17 at Cooper*; 10/24 vs. Lone Oak*; 10/31 vs. Paris Chisum*; 11/7 at Grand Saline*; *—District 6-3A Division II

GRAND SALINE

Indians

Michael Ridge

Last playoff appearance: 2009

Leading the way on offense is quarterback Austin Truett and his favorite receiver, Lane Davis. There is also running back Andy Gibson. Defensively, a familiar name in Van Zandt County Laprade (Jonathan) leads the way at his linebacking position. Also, there is fellow linebacker Justin Simmons. Sophomore defensive end Elijah Cook (6-3, 190) brings size and quickness on the line. The enthusiasm is returning, but the Indians must get past four teams that made the playoffs in 2013 (Cooper, Edgewood, Lone Oak and Alba-Golden) and another (Paris Chisum) that just missed the postseason. The District 6-3A Division II race will keep the fans interested.

All-time playoff appearances: 21 Returning starters: 7 offense / 7 defense Schedule: 8/29 at Frankston; 9/5 vs. Winona; 9/12 vs. Harmony; 9/19 vs. Kerens; 9/26 at Hawkins; 10/10 at Paris Chisum*; 10/17 at Alba-Golden*; 10/24 vs. Cooper*; 10/31 at Lone Oak*; 11/7 Edgewood*; *— District 6-3A Division II

TROUP TIGERS

Troup

Coach:

Tigers

Dennis Alexander

2013 record: 6-5 (2-3) Last playoff appearance: 2013

By DOC SMITH // Sports Correspondent Third-year coach Dennis Alexander anticipates the return of five offensive and three defensive players. However, the offseason did not treat the Tigers well. Quaterback Blake Lynch transferred to Gilmer. The senior committed to Baylor after his sophomore season but did not play as quarterback last year due to a broken hand. Offensive returnees include team leading rusher Marquis Davis. Davis, who also is a defensive tackle, will have extra duty on both sides of the ball. D’Luis West, in his second year after transferring from Bullard Brook Hill, will share carries with Davis. Coaches will decide who will take over as quarterback before the season opener. The Tigers return several receivers with accolades and experience. Sophomore Dustin Perry, who also played running back, came on late last year and

Coach:

2013 record: 0-10 (0-7)

BY PHIL HICKS // phicks@tylerpaper.com In the 1980s and 1990s, the Indians were as much a fixture in the playoffs as the Salt Palace is in downtown Grand Saline. Former coach Carter Elliott had the Indians in the postseason 11 straight years. They were known around the state for their “Agent Orange” defense. They were as salty as they come. Now, coach Michael Ridge has taken on the project of turning the program around. The Indians were winless a year ago, but they return a host of lettermen, including seven starters each on offense and defense. In Ridge’s first season at the helm, he must have felt the way Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington does now. The Indians were felled by injury after injury.

GRAND SALINE INDIANS

Brett Martin was an all-district honorable mention. Tight ends Nate Jenkinson and Corey Bonner provide sure hands, good blocking and depth to the receiving corps. The front line will need to hunker down to give time for the offense to succeed. Returning offensive starters Raveen Garcia, Charlie Rouden and Joey Gray will play sparingly on defensive. The experience of Marquis Davis upfront will aid a somewhat inexperienced defensive unit. Leading Troup from one linebacker spot will be Martin. The backfield will be led by Marcus Kincade and Perry. LOOKING BACK: With a record of 322-126-11, Alexander is the fourth winningest coach in Texas history and second among active coaches.

All-time playoff appearances: 19 Returning starters: 5 offense / 3 defense Schedule: 8/29 at Rusk; 9/5 at Alto; 9/12 vs. Bishop Gorman; 9/26 vs. New Diana*; 10/3 at Elysian Fields*; 10/10 vs. Frankston*; 10/17 at Arp*; 10/26 vs. Winona*; 10/31 at Waskom*; 11/7 vs. West Rusk*. * — District 8-3A Division II

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FRANKSTON

Indians

All-time playoff appearances: 9

er threat at wideout and also will be in the defensive backfield. In the trenches, seniors Caden Bruton and John Ross will go both ways as will Chris Thompson. Joe Rivera also will add valuable experience on the offensive front and spell the defensive front. Defensively, Frankston gave up 26.3 points per game last year and will hope to improve with its 3-4 alignment. “If we can stay healthy, I think we can make a good run with the new alignment,” said coach Matt Nally, now in his third year. “And we have got to improve in all aspects of our kicking game, and if we can focus on all three facets of the game, we can be a really good team this season.”

Raiders

East Texas Football Preview | ETFinalScore.com

Returning starters: 9 offense / 6 defense Schedule: 8/29 vs. Grand Saline; 9/5 vs. Sabine; 9/12 at Cayuga; 9/26 at Winona*; 10/4 vs. Waskom*; 10/10 at Troup*; 10/17 vs. New Diana*; 10/24 at Elysian Fields*; 10/31 at West Rusk*; 11/7 vs. Arp*. * — District 8-3A Division II

WEST RUSK RAIDERS Coach:

John Frazier

2013 record: 2-8 (1-5) Last playoff appearance: 2011 All-time playoff appearances: 11

By DOC SMITH // Sports Correspondent

Matt Nally

Last playoff appearance: 2013

WEST RUSK

Injuries derailed a season with high expectations last year en route to a 2-8 record for West Rusk. This year, coach John Frazier said the key to success will be growing up quick and staying healthy. After a 1-5 district record in 2013, the Raiders are hoping a new league lineup will offer a playoff spot. “We need experience quickly and if the defensive line progresses well, we will have a chance,” Frazier said. “We have got some great leaders on the team and if we can stay focused and … we may surprise some people.” The offense will run out of the pistol set with junior signal-caller Dee Starling returning to lead the attack. Senior Colton Brady, who sees doubleduty as a top-notch safety, is joined in

Coach:

2013 record: 4-7 (4-2)

By DOC SMITH // Sports Correspondent Last year the Indians got hot late in the year, saving all four wins for the district run. A bi-district loss to Hughes Springs ended the 2013 campaign but left a young Indians team hungry for a new year. The return of a deadly passing duo and the strength of some quality returning linemen should make the Indians a contender for at least a playoff spot in the tough District 8-3A Division II. Quarterback Ozzie Buckner made a habit of using the 6-4 size of wide receiver Kendrick Rogers to account for 727 yards on 47 completions. Buckner was good on 152 of 240 throws, accounting for 2,207 yards and 17 scores. Justice Bean (29-471, 3 TDs) is anoth-

FRANKSTON INDIANS

the receiving corps by junior D.J. Hicks, senior Steven Wright and lanky 6-3 junior Breyon Thurman. A pair of hard-nosed linebackers will run the ball for the Raiders as two-way players: senior Courtland Brady and junior Joe Wright. Clearing the way up front is a projected D-I signee Cory Brewster (6-1, 250), a junior. “Our offensive line is big and experienced, but we need to stay healthy,” Frazier said. “If our skilled positions continue to progress, I expect big things out of our offense. Defensively, we are really excited about the play of Courtland and Colton. They bring a great mentality to our defense that we have been missing for a couple of years.”

Returning starters: 7 offense / 6 defense Schedule: 8/29 vs. Harleton; 9/5 at Sabine; 9/12 vs. Union Grove; 9/26 vs. Arp*; 10/3 at New Diana*; 10/10 at Winona*; 10/17 vs. Elysian Fields*; 10/24 at Waskom*; 10/31 vs. Frankston; 11/7 at Troup*. * — District 8-3A Division II

WINNSBORO

Red Raiders

By CHRIS PARRY // cparry@tylerpaper.com Winnsboro was rolling last season, enjoying a six-game win streak that included going 5-0 in district. The Red Raiders lost their district finale by double digits to Malakoff and were unceremoniously dumped out of the playoffs in the first round by Redwater, also in a double-digit loss to finish with a 7-4 record. A young team was able to overachieve a little and now those same returning players have been thrust into new district 7-3A Division I that features perennial powers New Boston and Daingerfield. Oh, and also Redwater. The Red Raiders return 12 starters from last year’s team and will need even more from its traditional triple-option running game. Tedrick Shepherd earned first-team all-district honors last season at fullback with 700 yards rushing and

five touchdowns. He will be running behind returning senior offensive lineman Tyson Gearner (first-team all district) and senior Cain Langhoff (second-team all district). Junior Lucas Pinnell saw time at quarterback last season as a backup, but steps into the starting role this season. He will be looking for 6-2 senior tight end Quintin King, who earned first-team alldistrict honors last season with 14 catches for 300 yards and five touchdowns. In the Red Raiders’ seven victories last year, Winnsboro gave up an average of 17.8 points. In their four losses, they surrendered 39.7 points per game. The Red Raiders return seven starters from that unit, led by Pinnell, a firstteam all-district defensive back. Also playing both ways and a force on defense is Shepherd, who was a first-team linebacker last season.

WINONA

Wildcats By DOC SMITH // Sports Correspondent Keylon Kincade will play a special game on Oct. 3, returning to his hometown of Troup as the new head coach of Winona. Kincade made a name for himself on the gridiron for Troup, later at SMU and then the Dallas Cowboys. Kincade now faces a challenge to get Winona football in the win column. After a 4-6 season (1-5 in district), the Wildcats are prowling for a playoff resurgence. Kincade is a former all-district, AllEast Texas star and two-time all-state selection who ended his career as an NFL running back. The first-year head coach will be implementing the idea of “playing as a family and believing in themselves,” said Kincade, a former assistant at Mansfield Timberview. “We are a young talented

team with more experience to gain.” Kincade will open up the Wildcats offense with a spread system this season. The offense returns five starters and the skill positions are in good hands with the return of two-way starters senior running back/safety Tyson Kinsey and running back/linebacker Tyler Pullum. Also, junior quarterback Joe Marsh returns with experience. Up front, the Wildcats are experienced and deep. Seniors Tim Wilson (6-1, 220) and Kyle Boyd (5-9, 240) and junior Joseph Hart (5-9, 240) are all twoway returnees. Tacorian Simmons is a big sophomore at 6-2, 285 who may play both ways and Keith Thorn (6-1, 265) is no pushover on the line.

WINNSBORO RED RAIDERS Coach:

Steve Pinnell

2013 record: 7-4 (5-1) Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 18 Returning starters: 5 offense / 7 defense Schedule: 8/29 vs. Spring Hill; 9/5 at Mineola; 9/12 vs. Quitman; 9/19 at Sabine; 9/26 vs. Lone Oak; 10/10 at Daingerfield*; 10/17 vs. Mount Vernon*; 10/24 at Redwater*; 10/31 vs. New Boston*; 11/7 at Prairiland *. * — District 7-3A Division I

WINONA WILDCATS Coach:

Keylon Kincade

2013 record: 4-6 (1-5) Last playoff appearance: 2012 All-time playoff appearances: 9 Returning starters: 5 offense / 5 defense Schedule: 9/5 vs. Hawkins; 9/12 at Grand Saline; 9/19 at Ore City; 9/26 vs. Frankston*; 10/3 at Arp*; 10/10 vs. West Rusk*; 10/17 vs. Troup*; 10/24 at Waskom*; 10/31 vs. New Diana*; 11/7 vs. Elysian Fields*. * — District 8-3A Division II

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BISHOP THOMAS K. GORMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL 2 Clayton Bochow 3 Josh Johnson 4 Devonte Milton 5 Hunter Pilgrim 6 Christian Watkins 7 Josh Riegel 8 Martin Guzman 9 Ethan Milton 10 Tyler Bate 11 Judah Bell 12 Andrew Watts 14 Isaiah Haggerty 15 Michael Goodwin 16 Blake Johnson 18 Caleb Wages 19 Reed Navarra 20 Matthew Chaump 21 James Olson 22 Garland Levering 24 Payton Fanning 25 Logan Maloney 28 Jackson Davis 32 Logan Botello 34 Sean Cunningham

2014 VARSITY SCHEDULE

42 Daniel McKnight 50 Conor Wright 51 Nick Gale 54 Joseph Goodwin 55 Jordan Morales 56 Andrew Culpepper 62 Garrett Smith 64 John Paul Ruesewald 65 Brennan Fanning 70 Hunter Sattler 72 Robbie Chiasson 74 Zach Wheeler 75 Matthew Robertson 76 Cartrell Freeman 77 Brad Earls 78 Zach Van Cleef 79 David Costanza 80 Connor Hobbs 85 Daniel Schmitt

8-15

HARMONY (S) (H)

8-21

KEMP (S)

8-30

EUSTACE (H)

9-5

QUITMAN (H)

9-12

TROUP

9-26

SHELTON

10-3

PRINCE OF PEACE (H)

10-10 ALL SAINTS (H) 10-17 BROOK HILL 10-24 DALLAS CHRISTIAN (H) 10-31 FRISCO LEGACY 11-7

www.bishopgorman.net 64

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GRACE COMMUNITY (H)

Alto's Tyarius Hackett (left) and Ja Vie'Ontae Mumphrey Photo by Victor Texcucano

ALTO

Yellowjackets By DOC SMITH // Sports Correspondent

eplacing all-staters — quarterback Zack Sturns and running back Jacolby Whitaker — will be a tough job for the Alto Yellowjackets. The two were instrumental in the ’Jackets advancing to the regional semifinals. The squad dropped a heartbreaking 42-41 shootout to Bosqueville. Despite losing those offensive standouts to graduation, second-year head coach Paul Gould is ready for another season. The Yellowjackets also are the favorites to win a tough District 11-2A Division I, which includes Cayuga, Carlisle, Kerens, Cross Roads and Grapeland. “I feel like the new district we are in will be a very competitive one,” said Gould, who was an assistant at the Cherokee County school for 12 years before becoming head coach. “We will have 15 seniors returning; I think they will give us great senior leadership.” A strong winning tradition is incentive for the underclassmen to keep the “Mean

Sting” going. Alto has appeared in three state title games, winning two — Class 2A championships in 2006 and 2007. The Yellowjackets also were in the Class 3A championship game in 1995, falling on a cold Saturday night to Celina, 32-28, at Texas Stadium in Irving. Odds-on favorite for the quarterbacking slot is Kennan Johnson. Johnson was a wide receiver last year and got some reps at QB in game situations. Alto has a senior monster in JaVie’Ontae Mumphrey (6-3, 230), who plays wide receiver and outside linebacker. Others running in the wide receiver rotation include the speedy trio of Tyarius Hackett, Darius Pope and David Berryman. The line play is a stronghold for the Yellowjackets. Up front, the ’Jackets will be led by returning offensive tackle Luis Alverado.

ALTO YELLOWJACKETS Coach:

Paul Gould

2013 record: 9-4 (4-1) Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 33 Returning starters: 6 offense / 6 defense Schedule: 8/29 at Crockett; 9/5 vs. Troup; 9/12 vs. Bullard Brook Hill; 9/19 vs. Buffalo; 9/26 at Tenaha; 10/10 at Grapeland*; 10/17 at Carlisle*; 10/24 vs. Cayuga*; 10/31 at Kerens*; 11/7 vs. Cross Roads*; *—District 11-2A Division I

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Union Grove's Garrett Bowery Photo by Herb Nygren Jr.

UNION GROVE

Lions

UNION GROVE LIONS Coach:

Roger Allen

2013 record: 5-6 (3-3) Last playoff appearance: 2013

By PHILLIP WILLIAMS // Sports Correspondent

All-time playoff appearances: 3

They are “paper lions” no more, having landed their first playoff post in 45 years last season, but now the once-perennially downtrodden Union Grove Lions find themselves in the highly unaccustomed position of favorite on paper to bag the blue ribbon in their new district. With eight starters returning on both offense and defense, “We should be pretty good” in 2014, coach Roger Allen forecasts as he opens another campaign as the Lions’ leader. Then, noting that two magazines have anointed the Lions to win District 9-2A Division I — and that one pundit even ranks them 25th in Class 2A — Allen cautioned, “Ink doesn’t win games. All that does is put a target on our back.” Bull’s-eye on them or not, the Lions possess more assets than mere ratings. Allen noted he has 20 returning letter-

Returning starters: 8 offense / 8 defense

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men, having lost only seven seniors from last year’s 5-6 platoon, which lost in the playoffs’ inaugural round to Waskom. Thus, senior leadership from 15 seniors and playoff experience are arrows in the Union Grove quiver, Allen said. In Allen’s view, so are quarterback Tristen Thompson, two-way tackle Garrett Bowery, running back/defensive end Corey Sturrock, center Triston Adkins and guard/linebacker Micah Brantley. Besides such personnel, the Lions also have overall traits that could help propel them into postseason play. For one, they possess better speed this year — above average, although his squadron is not “the fastest team in the district,” Allen said. And they’re bringing back the shotgun offense, which was newly installed last year and “a big part of our success,” the coach added.

Schedule: 8/29 at Carlisle; 9/5 vs. West Rusk; 9/12 vs. Mount Enterprise; 9/19 at Rivercrest; 9/26 at Beckville; 10/10 vs. Big Sandy*; 10/17 at Hawkins*; 10/24 vs. Ore City*; 10/31 at Simms Bowie*; 11/7 vs. Harleton*. * — District 9-2A Division I

HAWKINS

Hawks

HAWKINS HAWKS Coach:

Marty Moore

2013 record: 5-5 (1-5) Last playoff appearance: 2009

BY PHIL HICKS // phicks@tylerpaper.com

All-time playoff appearances: 28

Fifty years ago, the Hawkins Hawks had one of their best clubs. Legendary coach Robert Lowrance, who coached at HHS from 1948 to 1974, directed the team to a regional championship. The late Lowrance, who is in the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor, led the Hawks to a 34-13 bidistrict win over New Diana. They then followed with a gritty 19-14 victory over Carlisle. Under UIL rules in 1964, Class B teams could only play for regional titles. Hawkins went on to capture regional titles in 1966 and 1967 as well. The Hawks advanced to the quarterfinals in 1951 when they were in an upper division. Also, Hawkins was in the quarterfinals in 1978. Fast forward a half-century and the 2014 group of Hawks are wanting to start a legacy of their own under coach

Returning starters: 8 offense / 6 defense

Marty Moore. After missing the playoffs the last four years, the Hawks, with a good group returning, are expected to contend for the District 9-2A Division I crown. Union Grove, Harleton and Simms James Bowie all made the playoffs a year ago and the fight for the postseason should be entertaining. One of the top players in the district is defensive end Cole Harwell (6-0, 210). He recorded 76 tackles in 2013, along with two sacks. Backing him up is linebacker Jesse Harwell (42 tackles). Offensively, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football pegs running back Kardalyn Tennyson as the Preseason Offensive MVP. He rushed for 1,005 yards and eight touchdowns a year ago. Directing the offense is junior Jason Hess. He started every game last year, tossing for 773 yards.

CUSHING

Bearkats By REID KERR // Sports Correspondent Cushing went 1-9 last season under first-year head coach Bill Jehling, but with a full year under his belt he hopes Year 2 brings big improvements. “I feel a lot better about things after last year,” Jehling said. “We’ve had a full offseason and kids know me, and our numbers are up. Our senior leadership should be huge this year. “When the seniors buy in, the other classes fall in. Our program took a giant step with that.” Cushing brings back six starters on each side of the ball, led by all-district running back and linebacker Jacob Smelley. “He’ll be a two-way starter,” Jehling said. “He may take some snaps at quarterback, too.”

At quarterback, most of the snaps will go to junior Brandon Matlock, who was the starter last year as a sophomore. “His progression was huge last year,” Jehling said. “He’s really grown as a player and as a man.” The Bearkats have just seven wins in the last six seasons, so Jehling knows the first step in building a winner is to change the culture. “We’ve been preaching change around here,” Jehling said. “We know it’s not going to happen overnight, but our seniors want to be the ones to make the change. More kids showed up for our off-season workouts and our senior leadership is much stronger this year. “I just want our kids to know that they can’t settle.”

Schedule: 8/29 at Winona; 9/5 at Alba-Golden; 9/12 vs. DeKalb; 9/19 at Harmony; 9/26 vs. Grand Saline; 10/10 vs. Harleton*; 10/17 Union Grove*; 10/24 at Simms James Bowie*; 10/31 Big Sandy*; 11/7 at Ore City*; *— District 9-2A Division I

CUSHING BEARKATS Coach:

Bill Jehling

2013 record: 1-9 (0-5) Last playoff appearance: 1997 All-time playoff appearances: 2 Returning starters: 6 offense / 6 defense Schedule: 8/29 vs. Sabine Pass; 9/5 vs. Wortham; 9/12 at Burkeville; 9/19 vs. Detroit; 9/26 at Evadale; 10/10 at Beckville*; 10/17 vs. Shelbyville*; 10/24 at West Sabine*; 10/31 vs. Joaquin*; 11/7 at San Augustine*. * — District 10-2A Division I

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CAYUGA WILDCATS

CAYUGA

Coach:

Wildcats

2013 record: 8-2 (4-1) Last playoff appearance: 2013

By DOC SMITH // Sports Correspondent

All-time playoff appearances: 8

Head coach Russell Holden is back for his second season at the helm, his seventh-year overall at Cayuga. Winning football is nothing new to Cayuga since the Wildcats have become somewhat of a playoff fixture, making it to the postseason seven of the last eight seasons. “We lost some great players off of last year’s team, but we are returning some talented people as well and look to improve in our second year in this offense,” Holden said. “Our line is the strength of the team and if we can get behind those big guys, we know we can move the ball.” The Wildcats offense should be set to hit stride with the return of all-state running back Keshawn Jackson, a speedster that can change the score quickly. Last season Jackson led the Wildcats with 1,878 yards rushing and 27 TDs, while averaging close to 10 yards per carry.

Returning starters: 8 offense / 7 defense

The switch from the spread offense to a more ground-oriented attack has paid dividends for Cayuga as they averaged more than 400 yards of offense and 46 points per game last season. Taking over the QB position likely will be Tristan Croft. He played in a backup role last season. “Tristan is one of our hardest working athletes and is a student of the game. He knows the offense, so I have the confidence in him to get the job done,” Holden said. The strength of the team lies in the massive offensive and defensive lines. “Our defense was pretty consistent last year, but we see room for us to improve,” Holden said. “We have been working hard in the offseason and I know that the guys want to come out on defense and get after it.”

Big Sandy

Wildcats

By PHILLIP WILLIAMS // Sports Correspondent The Big Sandy Wildcats were once the gridiron goliaths of East Texas, snapping up state titles like frenzied bargain-hunters grabbing garments at a half-price sale. And then last season, the unthinkable: the Wildcats went 0-10. Coach Larry Minter, while not using the term “Murphy’s Law,” quoted the axiom in observing that everything which could go haywire did, including injuries and off-the-field issues. Despite all that, Minter said his team was competitive in eight of its defeats. And he says he expects a much better season in 2014 in the Wildcats’ new loop, District 9-2A Division I. Although young — 26 freshmen comprise about half a roster that includes nine seniors — Minter said he believes his team will be in the running for one of 68

Russell Holden

East Texas Football Preview | ETFinalScore.com

the district’s three playoff slots. “I think we’ll be competitive every week,” he said. “We’re young, but we’re big and strong.” Players Minter considers standouts include senior offensive lineman/defensive end Charlie Ramsey, senior fullback/ linebacker Caleb Smith, sophomore quarterback/defensive end Shawn Isaac, junior tight end Mason Maxwell, sophomore tight end Grayson White, junior quarterback/defensive back Preston Beason and sophomore quarterback/defensive back Kamryn Cuevas. Despite being young, the squad has veterans. Thus, 2014 promises to be better than last year. “Right now, our Super Bowl’s Quitman (in the season’s) first game,” Minter said. “We need to win one.”

Schedule: 8/29 vs. Hubbard; 9/5 at Legacy Christian; 9/12 vs. Frankston; 9/19 vs. Joaquin; 9/26 at Rice; 10/10 at Kerens*; 10/17 vs. Cross Roads*; 10/24 at Alto*; 10/31 vs. Carlisle*; 11/7 at Grapeland*. *—District 11-2A Division I

BIG SANDY WILDCATS Coach:

Larry Minter

2013 record: 0-10 (0-5) Last playoff appearance: 2011 All-time playoff appearances: 20 Returning starters: 5 offense / 8 defense Schedule: 8/29 at Quitman; 9/5 vs. Rivercrest; 9/12 at Como- Pickton ; 9/19 at Carlisle; 9/26 vs. Alba-Golden; 10/10 at Union Grove*; 10/17 at Ore City*; 10/24 vs. Harleton*; 10/31 at Hawkins*; 11/7 vs. Simms Bowie*. * — District 9-2A Division I

GRAPELAND

Sandies

By DOC SMITH // Sports Correspondent After posting a 2-8 season in 2013, the Grapeland Sandies are hoping to see improvement. Second-year coach Shawn Brown said he has young players and a coaching staff that will rebuild the program. “Effort and execution,” said Brown about his team’s biggest needs. “We have worked hard in the offseason to get stronger, and just like everyone else, we will need to be in good condition because we depend on so many two-way players.” The offense should showcase the team’s overall speed and athleticism. The spread should showcase the arm and wheels of sophomore quarterback Riley Chapman and his bevy of receivers.

The backfield has junior Wesley Lord and sophomores Kamari Smith and Jermorris Davis. Targets for Chapman are Jaquez Faulk, Rodney Davis and Jason Walker. All three are game-changers, Brown said. “We are trying to be aggressive in our attitude and in every phase of the game,” Brown said. The defense will show varied looks. Heading the defense is the linebacking crew of Wesley Lord, Smith and Davis. Up front are Daniel Johnson (6-4, 200) and Dustin Ackley (6-0, 200). They will be called upon to fill the gaps.

CROSS ROADS

Bobcats By DOC SMITH // Sports Correspondent Jim Bradford, in his second year at the helm of the Cross Roads program, is ready to see a big change this season. With eight starters back on both sides of the ball, Bradford feels he has the tools to scratch up plenty of trouble in their new league — District 11-2A Division I. After 10 consecutive losing seasons and no year with more than three wins, the Bobcats are ready to garner their secondever playoff berth for the program that began in 1980. “I think mental toughness, staying focused for the entire game and we focus on playing as a team will be a big step for us,” Bradford said. “We are going to be very young and we are going to need to be in better shape than the other team with several two-way players, but we have got some good returning talent and that is a great head start.”

A huge asset is the offensive line, led by center Justin Disotel (6-0, 220). He is joined by guards Luke Carnes (6-2, 245) and Colby Dooly (6-2, 275) and tackles Clayton Flowers (6-2, 235) and Will Van Dusen (5-10, 185). Aaron Arden, a second-team all-district quarterback a year ago, returns to direct the offense. Arden has played five positions for the Bobcats since starting as a freshman. With no returning running backs, Tyler Johnson, Tristian Matheny and LaTrey Chaney need to step up, Bradford said. The receiving core is led by Trey Hazelip. Others expected to contribute are Taylor McKenzie, Blake McCracken and Hunter Davis. The defense will try to improve on allowing 37.1 points per outing in 2013.

GRAPELAND SANDIES Coach:

Shawn Brown

2013 record: 2-8 (1-4) Last playoff appearance: 2011 All-time playoff appearances: 21 Returning starters: 5 offense / 5 defense Schedule: 8/29 vs. West Hardin; 9/5 at Beckville; 9/12 vs. Lovelady; 9/19 at Mount Enterprise; 9/26 at Normangee; 10/10 vs. Alto*; 10/17 at Kerens*; 10/24 vs. Carlisle*; 10/31 at Cross Roads*; 11/7 vs. Cayuga*. *—District 11-2A Division I

CROSS ROADS BOBCATS Coach:

Jim Bradford

2013 record: 3-7 (2-3) Last playoff appearance: 2003 All-time playoff appearances: 1 Returning starters: 8 offense / 8 defense Schedule: 8/29 at Moody; 9/5 vs. Dawson; 9/12 at Overton; 9/26 vs. Mount Enterprise; 10/3 vs. Burkeville in Beckville; 10/10 vs. Carlisle*; 10/17 at Cayuga*; 10/24 vs , Kerens*; Oct. 31 vs. Grapeland*; 11/7 at Alto*. *—District 11-2A Division I

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CARLISLE

Indians

Coach:

Rocky Baker

2013 record: 8-3 (5-0) Last playoff appearance: 2013

By DOC SMITH // Sports Correspondent

All-time playoff appearances: 14

The Carlisle Indians made believers out of their District 9-1A Division I foes last season. Coach Rocky Baker led the Indians to a 5-0 mark, with several members of their 2013 state baseball championship squad playing key roles. However this season, Baker faces a rebuilding year and he must replace several skill position players. Gone are quarterback Caleb Colley and leading rusher Gustavo Martinez. Looking to step up in the backfield are Michael Savalla and Bryce McGowan. McGowan will line up at receiver and also will be a key returning kicks. The quarterback spot will likely fall into the hands and arm of Collin Gray. “Collin (Gray) is a very, very intelligent player,” Baker said. “He is familiar with the offense as a receiver for us before and I think he may surprise some people.”

Returning starters: 6 offense / 6 defense

“We have the potential to be a really good team, but it is just going to depend on those younger players stepping in and making plays for us,” Baker said. Defensively, the Indians are led by head-hunting linebackers Ben Goss, Dalton Sanders and Savalla along with defensive tackles Tiburcia Garcia, and Joel Garza. Top defensive backs are McGowan and Gray. Garza will handle all of the their kicking duties. “Our kicking game will be as good as any in the state,” Baker said. “If we get inside the 30-yard line, he can get some points for us. … He can make a big difference in a close game. He will also (help us win the field position battle) punting the ball. But we can’t get into a scoring game where we match each other scorefor-score, our team doesn’t adapt really well to that style of play.”

FRUITVALE

Bobcats

CARLISLE INDIANS

Schedule: 8/29 vs. Union Grove; 9/5 at Mount Enterprise; 9/12 at All Saints; 9/19 vs. Big Sandy; 9/26 vs. Overton; 10/10 at Cross Roads*; 10/17 Alto*; 10/24 at. Grapeland*; 10/31 at Cayuga*; 11/7 vs. Kerens*. *—District 11-2A Division I

FRUITVALE BOBCATS Coach:

Ben Lassiter

2013 record: 5-5 (2-2) Last playoff appearance: 2000

By REID KERR // Sports Correspondent

All-time playoff appearances: 3

In their first year up from six-man football to Class 2A, Ben Lassiter’s Fruitvale Bobcats have a lot of things to change. “We had to go get more jerseys because we didn’t have enough linemen jerseys,” Lassiter laughed. Regardless of the new challenges, Lassiter said Fruitvale is looking forward to moving to 11-man football as a team and a town. “We’ve got a new scoreboard and they’re redoing the track,” Lassiter said, “And the kids are really excited about it.” Lassiter moves to football this season after serving as head basketball coach last year and he estimates he’ll have seven starters back on each side from last year’s 5-5 team, including all-state senior quarterback Dustin Earl. “He probably only weighs about 135, but he’s a football player,” Lassiter said. “He’s really quick, and he’ll run you over

Returning starters: 7 offense / 7 defense

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if he gets a chance.” While their numbers won’t be large, the Bobcats return some seniors at key positions in Eric Lane and Trinstan Aleman. “Eric is a smart kid who’ll do whatever he has to do to help his team win — he might play some quarterback for us, too,” Lassiter said. “We’re pretty excited about Trinstan. He’s a big, strong runner, not scared of contact at all. We’ll ride him.” Fruitvale missed the cutoff to remain a six-man team by four students, but Lassiter said the fundamentals will remain the same at the higher level. “We have kids who have played some football,” Lassiter said. “It’s not 11-man, but you still have to block and tackle and catch the ball. We’ve got some speed, so that’s a good place to start. Six-man is so wide open, we’re used to breaking big runs and outrunning people. I hope that’ll translate for us.”

Schedule: 8/29 vs. Honey Grove; 9/5 at Trenton; 9/12 at Dallas Gateway; 9/19 at Dallas A+ Academy; 9/26 vs. Dallas Life Oak Cliff; 10/10 vs. Overton*; 10/17 at Tenaha*; 10/24 vs. Maud*; 10/31 vs. Mount Enterprise*; 11/7 at Timpson*. * — District 11-2A Division II

MT. ENTERPRISE

Wildcats By REID KERR // Sports Correspondent Mount Enterprise went 4-7 last year for its third straight playoff appearance under head coach Scott Holzhauer, who has now been with the team eight years in some capacity. “It’s a family,” Holzhauer said. “That’s how we feel around here.” The Wildcats bring back nine offensive starters, including all-state running back Justin Johnson, who also was allstate as a kick returner. Mount Enterprise punter Ty Gam also was all-state, which gives the Wildcats an advantage most Class 2A teams can’t match. “Ty averaged over 40 yards a punt last year,” Holzhauer said. “He can flip the field in a hurry. Between him and Justin, we got great results out of our special teams.”

In the backfield, wide receiver Christian Hammett will be moving into the quarterback role. “Christian was coming off of ACL surgery, and it took him a while to get confidence back in that knee,” Holzhauer said. “He’s healed up now, and he’ll be more of a drop-back passer than we’ve had.” The Wildcats return four linemen, including senior Tony Burns and junior Mikey Grubbs. “That’s huge,” Holzhauer said. “Last year was our first year in the spread, so having those guys back with that experience is huge. Our seniors have been in the playoffs every year, and those extra weeks of practice really add up.”

OVERTON

Mustangs

MOUNT ENTERPRISE WILDCATS Coach:

Scott Holzhauer

2013 record: 4-7 (2-2) Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 11 Returning starters: 9 offense / 7 defense Schedule: 8/29 at Warren; 9/5 vs. Carlisle; 9/12 at Union Grove; 9/19 vs. Grapeland; 9/26 at Cross Roads; 10/10 vs. Timpson*; 10/17 at Maud*; 10/25 vs. Overton*; 10/31 at Fruitvale*; 11/7 vs. Tenaha*. * — District 11-2A Division II

OVERTON MUSTANGS Coach:

Josh Barton

2013 record: 3-7 (3-1) Last playoff appearance: 2013

By REID KERR // Sports Correspondent

All-time playoff appearances: 16

Overton has spent two years under coach Josh Barton and made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1995. “The kids haven’t had any stability here since the early 2000s,” Barton said. “So this is the longest anyone’s been here in a while. We’ve had two full season and offseasons and our schemes are installed. We’re really in a good place.” The Mustangs were 3-7 last year, but all three wins came in district, when it counted. This year, seven offensive and six defensive starters return. One senior in a big role for Overton will be quarterback Brayton Pierce. “He’s really experienced,” Barton said. “His sophomore year we had a quarterback who went to Louisiana College and he got to back him up and learn. He took every snap last year, and he’s a

Returning starters: 7 offense / 6 defense

real leader for us.” Do-everything skill position player Julian Herndon also returns. “He’s a tremendous athlete,” Barton said. “He can do a lot of things. He’s played tight end and H-back already and he’ll play some quarterback, too. We’ve got a package where he even plays some quarterback. He’s grown up a lot in the last two years.” Barton said the strength of his team should be up front, even if the defense needs to find more consistency. “Even though we’re young, we should be good up front,” Barton said. “The freshmen and sophomores on the line last year are now sophomores and juniors with game reps and 10 games’ experience. We didn’t have any depth last year, but because of that, this year, we should be able to run it right at you.”

Schedule: 8/29 at Ore City; 9/5 vs. All Saints; 9/12 vs. Cross Roads; 9/19 vs. Beckville; 9/26 at Carlisle; 10/10 at Fruitvale*; 10/17 vs. Timpson*; 10/24 at Mount Enterprise*; 10/31 at Tenaha*; 11/7 vs. Maud*. * — District 11-2A Division II

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UNION HILL

Bulldogs

By PHILLIP WILLIAMS // Sports Correspondent The shopworn cliché that “it’s a whole new ball game” is literally true for the Union Hill Bulldogs as they convert to six-man football in 2014 in the hopes of bettering last year’s gruesome winless mark. Coach Nate Carter acknowledges he’s never coached the six-man game, but he has two assistants with experience coaching six-man — and he has prepared by talking to coaches of it and going to clinics. In Texas, the six-man option is available to high schools with enrollments less than 100. So how is Carter’s 18-player squad — none of whom have played this type of ball — reacting to the changeover? “They’re loving it,” Carter said. “They’re enjoying something different. We’re planning to have fun.” Not only that, in his new four-team

District 15-1A Division I, Carter said the team plans to be in the mix for the playoffs. He cites size, speed and power as ammunition to get there. “Our guys have gotten a lot bigger, faster and stronger,” Carter said. Entering his third year at Union Hill (his second as head coach), Carter said he has about seven returning lettermen. He is particularly counting on four gridders: senior running back Datravion Duffey, junior power back/linebacker Adam Davis and two who will share quarterback duties, sophomore Colton Wade and junior Corey Rhymes. So now, representing a school with a proud gridiron tradition (Union Hill won several state championships a few decades ago), the Bulldogs hope they can display deftness in a type of football somewhat different from the 11-man type they once dominated.

Leverett's Chapel

Lions

Coach:

Nate Carter

2013 record: 0-7 (0-4) Last playoff appearance: 2007 All-time playoff appearances: 14 Schedule: 8/29 vs. Tyler HEAT; 9/12 vs. King’s Academy; 9/19 at Fannindel; 10/3 vs. Paris ROMEO Prep; 10/10 at Leverett’s Chapel; 10/17 vs. Athens Christian; 10/24 at Irving Universal Academy*; 10/31 vs. Campbell*; 11/7 at Savoy*. * — District 15-1A Division I

LEVERETT'S CHAPEL LIONS Coach:

Matt Everett

2013 record: 8-3 (2-2) Last playoff appearance: 2013 Returning starters: 5 offense / 4 defense

BY PHIL HICKS // phicks@tylerpaper.com Back in the 1940s and 1950s, the Leverett’s Chapel Lions were a powerhouse in East Texas football, earning seven playoff berths during the era. And back then, only one team from each district advanced to the postseason. Now, the Lions are aiming to make their mark in six-man football. Head coach Matt Everett has positioned LC to contend for the District 161A Division II crown. The Lions are in a three-team district with Apple Springs and Chester. After making the playoffs last season the Lions loved the postseason, but they finished runner-up. Defense should be a strength of the Lions as safety Paco Chavez, who was second-team all region a year ago, returns. Other potential standouts include defen-

UNION HILL BULLDOGS

sive tackle Colby Shaw, middle linebacker Billy Hall and defensive tackle Blake Myrick. Chavez is the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football’s Preseason District MVP. Junior running back Keiton Vaugh (4.6 in the 40) is expected to carry the load on offense. In 1950, the Lions won the regional title (that was as far as some classifications could advance then) with a 40-0 victory over Pine Tree. Twenty years later they pulled off the feat again, a 19-0 win over Crandall. … Four LC players have participated in the Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star game — Earl Easley (1942), Bobby Page (1951), Jerry Northcut (1957) and Jerry Broom (1960).

Schedule: 8/29 at Longview Trinity; 9/5 at Karnack; 9/13 at Athens Christian; 9/26 Tyler King’s Academy; 10/3 vs. Fannindel; 10/17 vs. Campbell; 10/24 at Chester*; 10/31 Karnack; 11/7 Apple Springs*. *—District 16-1A Division I

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OAKWOOD

Panthers BY PHIL HICKS // phicks@tylerpaper.com After winning the district title a year ago, the Oakwood Panthers have their sights set on another gold ball. However, the Panthers lost a great deal of their team and, when you are a six-man squad, that can make matters difficult. Defense will be a strength as Jordan Hawkins (6-3, 225), the Panthers’ nose guard, is one of the top players in the area. Despite playing only five games in 2013, he registered 13 tackles.

Trojans

BY PHIL HICKS // phicks@tylerpaper.com

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Coach:

Mike Heckathorn

2013 record: 7-5 (3-0) Last playoff appearance: 2013 Returning starters: 2 offense / 3 defense Schedule: 8/28 vs. Baytown Christian; 9/6 vs. Emery-Weiner; 9/12 vs. Coolidge; 9/19 at Milford; 9/26 vs. Chester; 10/11 at Community Christian; 10/17 vs. Mount Calm*; 10/24 at Trinidad*; 10/31 vs. Fannindel*; 11/7 at Karnack*. *—District 15-1A Division II

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football named Hawkins the District 15-1A Division II Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Expected to direct the attack is quarterback David Allen. When he is not passing, he will be handing off to running back Kolt Haley. Leading the way up front is center Cameron Litchfield. Helping Hawkins on defense are linebacker Will Barnett and defensive end Arthur Robinson.

TRINIDAD

Nestled near the Trinity River, Trinidad High School has had some great sixman football teams through the years. The Trojans have contended for state titles and in fact won it all in 1998. Second-year coach Tom McVey is looking to get the Trojans back on track and back in the playoffs. After missing the postseason last year, Trinidad is hoping to be in the fight for the District 15-1A Division II crown. The district is loaded with Fannindel and Mount Calm, the favorites to gain the two playoff spots. However, Trinidad, Oakwood and Karnack should be in the hunt as well. “We should be better than last year,” said McVey, who has been in coaching 22

OAKWOOD PANTHERS

years and has compiled a career record of 71-42. But he did say it was hard to replace three seniors. The 2013 Trojans compiled a mark of 5-5. He said the team knows the offense and defense this season and the club will have good senior leadership. Leading the way is quarterback T.J. McVey, a 6-4, 215 pounder who threw for 864 yards and 23 touchdowns a year ago. The Trojans also have running back JoVante Hornbuckle (5-7, 145), who rushed for 678 yards and 14 touchdowns as a sophomore. Other leaders include wide receiver Matt Snider (5-8, 147) and linebacker Chris Bannister (6-0, 178).

TRINIDAD TROJANS Coach:

Tom McVey

Last Season Record: 5-5 (1-2) Last playoff appearance: 2012 Returning Starters: 3 offense / 3 defense Schedule: 8/29 vs. Athens Christian; 9/6 at Greenville Christian; 9/12 at Penelope; 9/18 vs. Universal Academy; 9/26 at Abbott; 10/3 vs. Methodist Children’s Home; 10/11 vs. Fannindel*; 10/17 at Karnack*; 10/24 vs. Oakwood*; 10/31 at Mount Calm*. *— District 15-1A Division II

TYLER HEAT

Tyler

Coach: Bill Beggs

HEAT

2013 record: 10-3 (3-0) Last playoff appearance: 2013 All-time playoff appearances: 2

By TRAVIS YOESTING // tyoesting@tylerpaper.com Tyler HEAT is now an established name in six-man football, reaching the state semifinals in their first two playoff appearances. The squad has most of its players back from those two seasons and now expects to vie for a state championship — they’ll just have to do it in a different league. Tyler HEAT is now in TAIAO Division I, which features a few familiar faces and a few new ones. They’ll play Tyler rival King’s Academy in non-district play. Leading the way for the senior-laden team are Isaiah Neidrauer, Phillip McKinney and Nathan Beggs, whose form the core of a group that’s been together since eighth grade. Beggs led the team in passing (1,355 yards, 24 TDs, two INTs) and rushing (1,657, 28 TDs) last year while Neidrau-

er was second in both categories (401 yards, nine TDs passing; 1,140 yards, 18 TDs rushing). McKinney was the team’s second-leading tackler (103) behind Neidrauer (109). The HEAT will have an experienced team with good all-around speed and an aggressive defense. Most notably, the team has a familial atmosphere. Beggs’ brother, Daniel, had 434 receiving yards last year while their dad, Bill, is the coach. Neidrauer’s brother Nathan is a junior on the team while twins Levi (500 yards) and Connor Taylor (148 yards) are the two starting receivers. Is the family affair a good thing? “Yeah — well, sometimes,” coach Bill Beggs said. “Sometimes there’s a little brother rivalry. It’s good. I think we work together as a team pretty well.”

King's Academy

Knights

By TRAVIS YOESTING // tyoesting@tylerpaper.com It’s not a phrase offered up by too many coaches. Most, in fact, would love to have this problem. “I’ve got too many playmakers,” said Matt Thigpen, first-year coach of King’s Academy. Thigpen, a lawyer whose coaching experience has thus far been in 11-man, has the challenge of formulating a plan to make the most of his young and talented squad that comes in with high hopes. The Knights enter the 2014 campaign after going 6-6 a year ago. They return leading rusher Ronnie Cox (783 yards, 17 TDs) and add in his twin brother, Larondrick Cox. The duo is just two of five potential tailbacks at Thigpen’s disposal to go along with three quarterbacks. The number of playmakers means King’s Academy will be versatile and al-

ways have fresh legs available. “We’ve got a nice mixture of speed but also a significant amount of size, which is not typical in a six-man team,” Thigpen said. “We’ve got an embarrassment of speed, which this is a speed game at all times. You can’t coach speed so we’ve been blessed with that aspect.” Thigpen said he’s most pleased about the chemistry on a team that has no seniors and includes players from a wide variety of backgrounds. “My kids have gelled,” Thigpen said. “We’ve got kids from all walks of life, and I’m really proud in the limited amount of practice how close these kids have come together. “Our players have literally become a very cohesive unit in a small amount of time.”

Returning starters: 5 offense / 5 defense Schedule: 8/29 at Union Hill; 9/6 vs. King’s Academy; 9/12 at Granbury Cornerstone; 9/20 at Athens Christian; 9/27 vs. Karnack; 10/4 at Greenville Phoenix Charter; 10/10 at Fort Worth Nazarene Christian; 10/17 at Apple Springs; 10/24 at Plano CHANT HomeSchool *; 11/1 at Fort Worth Tarrant Home Education Sports Association*. * — TAIAO Division I

KING'S ACADEMY KNIGHTS Coach:

Matt Thigpen

2013 record: 6-6 (2-1) Last playoff appearance: 2013 Last state championship: 2007 Schedule: 8/29 at Karnack; 9/6 at Tyler HEAT; 9/12 at Union Hill; 9/19 at Apple Springs; 9/26 vs. Leverett’s Chapel; 10/4 at Athens Christian; 10/11 vs. Greenville Phoenix Charter*; 10/17 at Bryan Allen Academy*; 10/31 vs. Paris ROMEO Prep. * — TCAL Division II District 5

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Remembering

Former head coach Mike Owens (left) and defensive coordinator Jay Law. Photo by Herb Nygren Jr.

BY CHRIS PARRY // cparry@tylerpaper.com

obert E. Lee began the 2004 season as a program that had never been able to achieve the heights that its cross-town rival John Tyler enjoyed. A reminder for Red Raiders fans and alumni of this was prominently displayed just underneath the old scoreboard in the end zone at the newly christened Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. A big sign commemorated the Lions’ three state championships: 1930, 1973 and 1994. The Red Raiders had come close recently, reaching the semifinals in 2002 and quarterfinals in 2003. But that sign in the end zone remained unchanged. The 2004 Red Raiders featured several players who had gone out in triple overtime in the 2003 quarterfinals, but according to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, they were not even picked to win their district and began the season ranked No. 23 in Class 5A. Lee began the season with a bang, rolling up big wins over Port Arthur Memorial and Waco High. Back-to-back road losses followed at Lufkin and Euless Trinity. In district play, REL went 1-1 to start with a win over Rockwall and heartbreaking overtime loss at Longview. So, sitting at 1-1 in district and 3-3 over-

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all, the Red Raiders were not exactly anyone’s pick to win in it all. But Lee did not lose another game. The Red Raiders rolled through the rest of district to finish as runner-up and get the top seed in the Division I playoff bracket. Then the Red Raiders defense and running game took over. Tyrone Ross rushed for 468 yards and seven TDs in Lee’s five playoff wins. The Lee defense simply shut down opposing offenses, not allowing more than 14 points in any one game during the playoffs. Locked in a rematch against Euless Trinity in the state semifinals, Lee’s Jason Stripling intercepted a pass in the third quarter and returned it for a 63-yard touchdown for a 21-7 lead on the way to REL’s first state championship appearance in school history. In the final against Spring Westfield, Stripling struck again, returning this interception 69 yards for a touchdown. REL’s second interception, this time by REL’s Warren DeHaven, sealed the victory and Lee’s first state championship. That sign in the end zone was soon amended with two halves and now represents both Tyler high schools.

2004 ROBERT E. LEE RED RAIDERS Class 5A Division I State Football Champions Non-District Robert E. Lee 41, Port Arthur Memorial 0 Robert E. Lee 35, Waco 14 Lufkin 44, Robert E. Lee 33 Euless Trinity 42, Robert E. Lee 39 District 12-5A Robert E. Lee 41, Rockwall 7 Longview 34, Robert E. Lee 31 (OT) Robert E. Lee 37, North Mesquite 6 Robert E. Lee 44, John Tyler 13 Robert E. Lee 44, Mesquite 13 Robert E. Lee 41, Mesquite Horn 21 Playoffs Robert E. Lee 28, Garland 10 Robert E. Lee 34, Richardson- Berkner 6 Robert E. Lee 38, Round Rock McNeil 13 Robert E. Lee 28, Euless Trinity 7 Robert E. Lee 28, Spring Westfield 14

The Champs

Former head coach Allen Wilson celebrates with his players. Courtesy File Photos

BY PHIL HICKS // phicks@tylerpaper.com

ormer John Tyler head football coach Allen Wilson does not believe in the term “team of destiny.” He always said it takes away from all the hard work and preparation by the players, coaching staff and trainers. JT’s 1994 season may not have been destined for greatness but it was magical nonetheless for Wilson, the Lions, the fans and the city of Tyler. The legend of Cujo was born that season and JT football was known nationwide. The result of that season was one of the craziest games in high school history and the school’s third state football championship. On Dec. 17, 1994, JT scored a 35-24 victory over Austin Westlake at the Astrodome in Houston to capture the Class 5A Division II state title and complete the 16-0 season. But that was just the final chapter of a season-long drama that rekindled the spirit of the Rose City, something that had not been seen since JT’s last state title run in 1973. Although there were many highlights during the season, the game that stands

out is the wild 48-44 regional playoff win over Plano East on Thanksgiving weekend at Texas Stadium in Irving. There were some 20,000 fans there that night and there are probably 100,000 people now who say they were there despite the fact the stadium held just 65,000. Many fans left the game thinking JT had wrapped up the game. It was before the Internet boom, Twitter and Facebook, so many did not know what had happened until picking up their Tyler Morning Telegraph the next day. Roderick Dunn scored on a 97-yard kickoff return with 11 seconds left to lift John Tyler to the win over Plano East in one of the wackiest games in the history of high school football in Texas. JT led 41-17 with 3:30 left before Plano East recovered three consecutive onside kicks en route to going ahead, 44-41, with 24 seconds left. Dunn then returned the ensuing kickoff the distance and was joined by a mob of teammates in the Texas Stadium tunnel. It may have not been destiny, but it was truly an unforgettable season.

1994 JOHN TYLER LIONS Class 5A Division II State Football Champions Non-District John Tyler 14, Fort Worth Wyatt 6 John Tyler 56, Dallas Smith 13 John Tyler 29, Dallas Kimball 28 John Tyler 41, Jacksonville 21 John Tyler 35, Dallas Skyline 7 District 13-5A John Tyler 42, Nacogdoches 6 John Tyler 34, Marshall 0 John Tyler 31, Lufkin 30 John Tyler 19, Longview 7 John Tyler 35, Tyler Lee 14 Playoffs John Tyler 19, Waco 14 John Tyler 45, A&M Consolidated 21 John Tyler 48, Plano East 44 John Tyler 27, Richardson Lake Highlands 7 John Tyler 45, Arlington 20 John Tyler 35, Austin Westlake 24

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Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;M READY

TO GO THE DISTANCE

2014 Apache Football Schedule Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8

@ Trinity Valley CC 7 p.m. @ Blinn College 7 p.m. Arkansas Baptist 7 p.m. Northeastern Oklahoma A&M 7 p.m. Cisco Junior College 7 p.m. @ Southeast Prep Academy 7 p.m. @ Georgia Military College TBA @ Navarro College 3 p.m. Kilgore College (Homecoming) 3 p.m. @TBA (SWJCFC Playoffs-Semifinals) @TBA (SWJCFC Playoffs-Championship)

YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE READY FOR THIS. Tyler Junior College gives equal consideration to all applicants for admission, employment and participation in its programs and activities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, veteran status or limited English proficiency (LEP). Tyler Junior College respects the legal rights of each person to work and learn in an environment that is free from unlawful sexual discrimination including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

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in is sta su nt e!

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