2018 Hill Country Football Preview

2018 HILL COUNTRY

football PREVIEW SPECIAL Thursday, August 30, 2018

Team Coverage:

TIVY INGRAM COMFORT CENTER POINT HARPER OUR LADY OF THE HILLS

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2018 Hill Country Football

Table of Contents • 4 — Center Point • 7 — Comfort • 9 — Tivy • 14 — Ingram • 18 — Harper • 22 — Our Lady of the Hills

a product of Publisher Neice Bell Managing Editor Travis Webb Assistant Managing Editor Jeanette Eastwood Nash Sports Editor Jonathan Toye Special Sections Editors Autumn Bernhard Chelsea M.K. Stack

Photographers Tom Holden Tony Gallucci Mike Keith Ruth Michalec Composing Manager Dean Heep Advertising Director John Doran Advertising Brandon Baldwin Jeff Herring Becky Kiner Luly Miller

ON THE COVER: Clutching his football helmet for the 2018 Hill Country Football cover is Tivy junior receiver Brooks McCoy. Photo by Tom Holden

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2018 Hill Country Football

Pirates ready for new district 2018 SCHEDULE

By Jonathan Toye

Sept. 1 @ St. Anthony Sept. 7 @ Brooks Sept. 14 @ TMI

Sept. 21 vs. Ingram

Sept. 28 vs. La Pryor (Homecoming) Oct. 5

OPEN

Oct. 12 @ Harper *

Oct. 19 vs. Bracketville* Oct. 26 @ Mason *

Nov. 2 @ Sabinal *

Nov. 9 vs. Junction * * Denotes district game

Bubba Walters has noticed an interesting phenomenon that occurs among teenage boys.

Whenever they exercise consistently, becoming a little stronger after each workout, their confidence starts to soar.

That confidence, in turn, spills into other aspects of their lives.

“When a boy walks by a mirror, looks at his reflection and sees that he’s got pecs now and his biceps are bigger, he thinks to himself, ‘Hey, all this workout stuff is working,’” said Walters, Center Point’s athletic director and head football coach. “It’s funny with boys. Once they see gains in their body, once their bench press goes up 10 pounds, once their squat goes up 30, it fuels them. They want to keep improving.”

According to Walters, that same phenomenon has taken root in his Pirates’ football program. His players have logged countless hours in the gym. As a result, they’re stronger and in better physical condition than they were a year before.

It explains why Walters is so excited about the upcoming season starting Sept. 1, even if they are moving up to Class 2A Division I. “It’s going to be different moving to big school (class) 2A. The competition is going to be a little stiffer, but we feel very confident as a coaching staff,” Walters said. “We are

really excited about what we can do this year.”

Besides the Pirates’ progress in the gym, there are even more causes for optimism. Their efforts in the weight room laid the groundwork for a productive offseason. They mastered different schemes on offense and defense during spring practice. They excelled in 7-on-7 games during the summer, defeating Harper, Ingram and Comfort.

Center Point also enjoys the luxury of returning several talented starters. Devin Geller, the Pirates’ fullback who savaged defenses for 1,135 yards last season, is poised to inflict even more punishment on defenses this year after adding 15 pounds to his frame during the offseason. Nick Moehle, Joe Castillo and Bryson Aguirre are returning starters on Center Point’s offensive line. The Pirates also bring back seven starters on defense, including first team all-district selections Riley Leifeste, Trenton Cabaniss and Damian Whitehead.

Perhaps most importantly, the Pirates are entering their second year running the flex bone veer, a triple-option offense that emphasizes misdirection and cut blocks. offensive line coach Sean Berry introduced the system when he started lasted year, believing the less traditional offense would help the Pirates overcome size deficiencies on the line. The Pirates experienced some growing pains

See PIRATES, page 6 The Center Point football team is ready for another push to the playoffs.

Kneeling, from left, are Gaby Lesonik, Angel Mederos, Kiersten Adams, Hannah Baker, Makenzi Daily and Madison Terry.

Standing in the first row, from left, are Kellie Smart, Rayvn Benfield, Jesse Goevea, Michale Albers, Joe Castillo, Alex Valadez, Sammy Bustamante, Emily Casillas, Kallie Benfield and Derrick Valadez.

In the second row, from left,are Avery Fielder, Rene Alvarado, Ramon Guiterez, Bryan Arreola, Clayton Vincent, Chris Geisen, Kolten Kitchens, Devin Geller, Josh Whitehead, Chance Cabaniss, Joe Mendoza, Hayden Johnson and Johan Gutierrez.

Standing in the third row are, from left, Steven Arreola, Bryon Aguirre, Omar Martinez, Fernando Martinez, Kevin Ceniceros, Leo Martinez, Trenton Cabaniss, Emilio Martinez, Riley Leifeste, Austin Lyman, Thomas Morales and Gavin Noble.

In the fourth row, from left, Alexys Angel, Alvaro Bustamante, Damien Whitehead, Michael Avant, Joseph Fielder, Michael San Miguel, Joseph Carmouche, Jake Laque, Kolby Vincent, Michael Haesse, Nick Mohle.

In the back row are coaches, from left, Cory Nichols, Sean Berry, Bubba Walters, Paul Harris, Mike Morrish and Mary Evans.

Football Preview

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2018 Hill Country Football

Pirates

2018 CENTER POINT PIRATES

Continued from page 4 last season learning the new system, but with a year having passed, Walters acknowledges his players have a better grasp of the offense. That could spell trouble for opposing defenses hastily preparing to face such an unusual offense. “(The system) fits our kids,” Walters said. “It’s hard for opposing teams to prepare for because most teams are spread now. It’s hard on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to get ready for a tripleoption offense.

“Like I said, we are looking forward to this year. Even the junior high and the freshman kids, real talented groups, have been a year in the system. We don’t have to teach as much offense; we can just coach the skills and stuff like that,” he said.

Still, if the Pirates hope to make the playoffs for the third straight season, they will have to replace Tye Carnes at quarterback. Hayden Johnson and Kolten Kitchens are the leading candidates to become the next starting quarterback. They will also need linemen to step up and fill the void left by departing seniors Ethan Ozuna and Paulo Valadez, both first team all-district selections.

Moreover, the competition will increase this

Hayden Johnson and Kolten Kitchens zip throws during a Center Point practice on Aug. 9. Both players are leading candidates for the quarterback position this fall. season. Center Point finds itself in the same District (14-2A) as Mason, one of the preeminent programs in Class 2A during the last decade.

These challenges, though, don’t seem to faze Walters and his Pirates. They’re confident after a productive offseason, possessing full command of an offense designed to inflict headaches on opposing defenses.

Kolten Kitchens launches a punt during practice on Aug. 9. The Pirates open the season on Sept. 1 against.

St. Anthony.

After all, they have made the playoffs the last two seasons — winning at Center Point has simply become an expectation.

“I don’t care if we move up to Class 4A. Our goal is to make the playoffs,” Walters said. “It’s an expectation now. Hopefully, the kids understand that. It provides an hunger for them. They want to keep it rolling.”

#1 Chris Geisen #3 Riley Liefeste #5 Alex Valadez #7 Hayden Johnson #9 Kolby Vincent #10 Kolten Kitchens #11 Sammy Bustamante #12 Michale Albers #20 Chance Cabaniss #21 Thomas Morales #34 Rene Alvarado #40 Devin Geller #44 Damien Whitehead #51 Trenton Cabaniss #57 Bryan Arreola #60 Nick Mohle #63 Tristan Steele #64 Joseph Carmouche #65 Fernando Martinez #66 Joseph Fielder #68 Bryson Aguirre #70 Joe Castillo #88 Leo Martinez

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Easterly eager to lead Bobcats 2018 SCHEDULE

By Jonathan Toye

Aug. 31 @ Lylte Sept. 6 vs. Hye Sept. 14 @ Lago Vista Sept. 21 vs. Bandera (Homecoming) Sept. 28 @ St. Mary’s Hall Oct. 5 OPEN Oct. 12 @ Johnson City* Oct. 19 vs.Blanco* Oct. 26 @ Sonora* Nov. 2 @ Brady* Nov. 9 vs. Ingram* (Parents Night) * Denotes district game

The Comfort crew is ready to rebuild this season.

Sitting in the front row, from left, are coach Andrew Corpus, Madeline Sharp, Gabe Beck, Ricardo Campos, Andres Colmenares, Kristian Godinez, Indio Castro, Ian Aguirre, Oscar Falcon, Trent Gwaltney, Marcos Romero, Johana Ceniceros and coach Andrew Collins.

Brandon Easterly has always felt an itch to coach in the Hill Country. So, when the athletic director position at Comfort High School became open, he quickly pounced on the opportunity.

Easterly knew Comfort Principal Darren Williams was a good boss from working with him while coaching at Texarkana Pleasant Grove. Williams, in turn, knew what Easterly could offer to Comfort athletics. His chance to coach in the Hill Country finally arrived this season.

So far, he hasn’t regretted his decision to move to Comfort.

He loves the community, the high school administration and his new players.

And yes, he’s thrilled about the opportunity to coach the 2018 Comfort football team.

“The kids have been awesome,” Easterly said. “They are very hard working, very dedicated, very mannerly. I have never been to a school where we go to the workout, and you have 15 kids come up to you and say thank you. It’s very unique here. It’s just a great area and a great place to be.”

Easterly will inherit a team that went 2-8 in 2017.

Fortunately for Comfort, Easterly spent last season

Standing in the second row, from left, are Lance Weyel, Lily Beth Ballard, Keegan Crawford, Konner Colemere, David Ashcraft, Jose Lozano, Zach Vilo, Mason Haffner, Tucker Weyel, Rodrigo Simental, Dylan Converse and coach Bryan New. In the third row, from left, are coaches Matthew Beschoner, Derek Tyner, Jay Rieken, Robbie

as the defensive coordinator for a Pleasant Grove team that captured the Class 4A Division II State title with a 16-0 record. Easterly won the state championship with a defense that played hard and swarmed to the ball every play.

He’s hoping to instill the same championship culture at Comfort.

“We want 11 guys flying to the ball on every play,” Easterly said. “We are going to play with a reckless abandonment to get to the football, while staying disciplined. On offense, we want to play fast; we want to play fearless. We want to play with a great level of excitement, but you have to be disciplined all around. You have to be in the right gap defensively. You have to make sure you are blocking the right guys on offense. When it comes down to it, it’s a game of blocking and tackling.”

He certainly possesses the one attribute essential to coaching on Friday nights: He’s brimming with energy. On Aug. 15, he emerges from his office after watching film.

When he sees a reporter, he sports a grin and extends his hand to shake. He agrees to an interview, but asks if he

See COMFORT, page 8

Alexander and Tut Wardlaw.

Standing in the fourth row, from left, are coach Miguel Rosales, coach Kristian Ster, coach Brandon Mchalec, Roman Palazzo, Antoan Ibarra, Kaden Grosenbacher, Genaro Hernandez, Agustin Flores, Lucas Perez, Braeten Weyel, Sergio Cabral and head coach Brandon Easterly.

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2018 Hill Country Football

Comfort Continued from page 7 can walk and talk at the same time. As he marches to Comfort’s football field, he gives glowing reviews of his football players.

The Bobcats return seven starters on offense and six on defense. Easterly believes they are all poised to experience impressive seasons. During the interview, he praised Braeten Weyel, who registered 39 tackles on the defensive line and delivered 10 pancake blocks on the offensive line. He raved about lineman Rodrigo Simental’s performance in the preseason.

“Of course, I am partial to linemen,” Easterly admitted. “They don’t get much love, so I am giving those guys a shout out first.”

Those two linemen have a chance to open running lanes for running backs Zach Vilo and Trent Gwaltney, who both are coming off productive seasons in 2017. Vilo knifed through defenses for 739 yards and seven touchdowns. Gwaltney, meanwhile, savaged defenses for 700 yards and eight touchdowns.

Comfort’s linemen also will be pass protecting for quarterback Oscar Falcon, who led the Bobcats’ junior varsity team to a district title last year.

When Easterly reaches the football field, he smiles again and leaves to coach his players.

“The goal for year one is try to get better every single day,” Easterly said. “So far, on Day 10, we have. If we can keep doing that, we have a chance to play for awhile. … If we can keep coming together as a family, we have a chance to be OK.”

#1 Gabe Beck #2 Ricardo Campos #4 Andres Colmenares #7 Kristian Godinez #9 Joese Herrera #10 Indio Castro #11 Austin Navejas #13 Ian Aguirre #14 Oscar Falcon #17 Trent Gwaltney #21 Marcos Romero #22 Keegan Crawford #24 Konner Colmere #25 David Ashcraft #31 Jose Lozano #34 Zach Vilo #40 Mason Haffner #44 Tucker Weyel #51 Rodrigo Simental #54 Roman Palazzo #55 Antoan Ibarra ABOVE: Comfort’s Indio Castro attempts to bring down the #56 Kaden Grosenbacher ball carrier, Andres Colmenares, during a practice on Aug. #66 Genaro Hernandez 15. First-year coach Brandon Easterly has continued to #71 Agustin Flores preach 11 players swarming to the football this season. #72 Lucas Perez #77 Braeten Weyel LEFT: Comfort’s Tucker Weyel (left) and Luca Perez (right) #99 Sergio Cabral perform a drill during the Bobcats’ practice on Aug. 25.

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Aug. 31 @ Dripping Springs Sept. 6 vs. Fredericksburg (KPSF Night) Sept. 14 vs. Del Rio (Hall of Fame Night) Sept. 21 @ Boerne Champion * Sept. 28 vs. Kennedy * (Parents Night) Oct. 5 OPEN Oct. 12 @ Uvalde * Oct. 19 vs. Memorial * (Homecoming) Oct. 26 @ Alamo Heights* Nov. 2 @ Lockhart* Nov. 9 vs. Medina Valley * (Band/Spike Night) * Denotes district game

Tivy hungry to win in 2018

By Jonathan Toye

Photos by Tom Holden/ Times Photo Editor, photo@dailytimes.com

ABOVE: Josh Vela seeks to gain yards after a catch in a scrimmage against Boerne on Aug. 17.

ABOVE RIGHT: Senior Trey Layton storms through the C-gap to sack Boerne’s quarterback during a scrimmage.

With two hours to go until their first scrimmage of the season, the Tivy football players begin congregating on a patch of grass outside the entrance to the Antler field house.

They’re waiting for a yellow school bus to arrive and take them to Boerne, eager to finally play football again.

Football fans in Kerrville are waiting, too. They’re anxious to see if the Antlers can replace the nine starters they lost on defense. They’re hopeful that the same players who guided Tivy’s junior varsity squad to an undefeated record in 2017 can duplicate that success in 2018 at the varsity level. And they’re also wondering how the Antlers’ quarterback situation will unfold.

One of Tivy’s quarterbacks — senior Karson Valverde — addresses the team as the bus pulls into the parking lot at 5 p.m. Valverde, a team captain for the second straight year, operates as the team’s linchpin. When he speaks, his teammates listen.

“Make sure to sit in the same seats all year,” Valverde said.

Not much activity occurs within the bus as it chugs along Interstate 10. The majority of players use the 30-minute bus ride as an opportunity to nap or listen to their music.

Senior Jasen Zirkel is one of the few exceptions. Instead of sleeping, Zirkel stares straight ahead with his arms folded on the seat in front of him, giving the impression that he’s deep in thought. When the Antlers finally arrive at Boerne ISD Stadium and Zirkel hops off the bus, a reporter questions if he’s nervous.

“Not really,” replied Zirkel, who will likely start at slot receiver this year. “I am just ready to start playing.”

He’s not the only player who shares this sentiment. The last time the Antlers were on a football field, they fell to Corpus Christi Calallen, 31-24, in the Alamodome in the Class 5A Regional Semifinals. It was an agonizing way to end what was otherwise a sterling season for Tivy.

The Antlers, though, are hoping to replace that loss with happier playoff memories in 2018. They don’t have much of a choice, though. Tivy has made the playoffs for

See TIVY, page 10

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2018 Hill Country Football

Tivy Continued from page 9 21 straight seasons. They don’t want to be the ones responsible for ending that streak.

“Last year, we had a really good record (at 10-3),” Valverde said. “But as seniors, you want to top the class before you. We are hungry to get some wins.”

A NEW LOOK DEFENSE Halfway through the scrimmage against the Greyhounds, Jeremy Hickman is animated.

Yes, Tivy’s defensive coordinator is aware that, for the majority of his players, this is their first taste of varsity football.

And yes, he also knows that it’s going to take some time for them to acclimate to playing at this level — that they aren’t just going to transform into all-district players over night.

But he detects that his defenders are a little tentative against the Greyhounds.

So when they settle on a bench on Tivy’s sideline, Hickman audibly reminds them to play until they hear the whistle.

“It’s important that once these kids get to varsity, they understand the whole concept of giving 100 percent every play,” Hickman said. “Until you are on varsity, and you see that and do that, you don’t understand what it’s about. Right now, we are in the process of acclimating these kids to give 100 percent blue swarm effort to the football on every snap.

“Our main objective is from snap to whistle, no one plays harder than us.”

His message is received, as the Antlers’ defenders proceed to dominate Boerne for the remainder of the scrimmage. Senior linebacker Trey Layton records a sack and a tackle for loss on back-to-back plays.

Sophomore safety Coleson Abel delivers a hit on a receiver, knocking the football out of his arms. Senior Defensive end Armand Lockaby rushes off the left edge to sack the quarterback, and pressures him on several more occasions.

The second half of the Boerne scrimmage might have been a baby step, but it was a step in the right direction. Hickman acknowledges that his defenders will experience more growing pains in the future, that they still need to master the little details in order to become great football players.

But the scrimmage in Boerne, at the very least, revealed that the Antlers are flush

with defensive talent.

Senior middle linebacker James Huff, one of Tivy’s two returning starters on defense, was second on the team last year in tackles (161). The Antlers’ other returning defensive starter, junior safety Race Risinger added 15 pounds to his frame during the offseason, and also blossomed into a vocal leader.

Senior Kameron Wilson made several starts at linebacker in 2017 and even snagged a crucial interception in the Antlers’ win over rival Boerne Champion.

Junior Cole Mixon is another linebacker that shows promise, gaining 25 pounds of muscle.

The talent might explain why Risinger is tired of hearing about how Tivy has to replace nine starters on defense. In his mind, it simply represents an opportunity for younger players to step up and lead the defense “You know what? There are guys who are going to fill those spots. And honestly, they are going to do a great job,” Risinger said.

“I can already tell by looking at them that we are coming together as a team. Hats off to last year’s guys, they were exceptional.

But like I said, every single year there are new starters.”

QUARTERBACK QUANDRY While Hickman lectures the defense on the sidelines, Cole Miears is slicing through Boerne’s defense. First, the junior quarterback uncorks a 23-yard pass to junior Brooks McCoy. Then, he reads the defense perfectly, tucks the ball under his arm and runs for about 15 yards. He only runs six plays at quarterback, but that was enough for him to look like a seasoned veteran.

His clinical performance underscores a sort-of dilemma for the Tivy coaching staff: The Antlers essentially possess three starting quarterbacks.

Valverde has been a starter since his sophomore year. Last season, he completed 102 of 192 passes for 1,310 yards and nine touchdowns. Junior Trapper Pannell also impressed at the position, completing 63 percent of his passes for 703 yards and five touchdowns. Miears led the junior varsity team to an undefeated record.

Tivy coach David Jones has said that all three will have a chance to play this season. Valverde doesn’t seem to mind the possibility of a three-quarterback system.

“If this team wants to win, then everyone has to do their job,” Valverde said. “If

Armand Lockaby smashes a pad during a defensive drill on Aug. 13.

Photos by Tom Holden/Times Photo Editor, photo@ dailytimes.com

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2018 tivy antlers

Trapper is better than me at doing something, or I am better than Cole at something, you have to respect that, and you have to go fill in somewhere else and get the job done. We are all three close friends. We respect each other, and respect that some of us are better at certain things.”

The Antlers aren’t lacking in skill players, either. They return McCoy and senior Josh Vela, who enjoyed productive seasons last year. Zirkel will also be an intriguing option at slot receiver.

“If we air it out,” Vela said. “We are going to score a lot of points.”

TEAM CHEMISTRY On the bus ride back to Kerrville, Risinger’s phone continues to buzz with texts from teammates, all of them asking a variation of the same question.

Could they come unwind at his house tonight?

Tivy’s players often frequented Risinger’s home during the summer. And after the Boerne scrimmage, they stay awake until 4:30 a.m., despite the fact that they have to practice again in less than five hours.

“I was trying to go to bed, and my friends were shooting (my little brother’s) nerf guns around the house,” Resigner said. “But you kind of learn to live with no sleep during football season.”

In a way, the scene at Risinger’s house illustrates the allure of high school football.

11

Tivy’s Karson Valverde receives a snap during the Antlers first practice on Aug. 6 Valverde

has started a quarterback since his sophomore year, and will lead the Antlers in 2018.

At its core, the sport is about the relationships between teammates. It’s about adolescents trying to find ways to win together.

“It’s a pure experience,” Jones said. “They feel like it’s special to be a Tivy Antler. I think high school football allows these kids to be a part of something that gives them an identity,

makes them belong to something bigger than themselves.

“They have an attitude of selflessness.

There doesn’t seem to be a lot of kids who are concerned about themselves,” he said. “That’s pretty uncommon nowadays. It’s a pretty special group of kids.”

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PROCESS Dr James Lussier • KerrvilleOMS.com • 830-895-3494 Senior Brock Barnett hauls in a reception during the Antlers’ first practice on Aug. 6

#1 Kameron Wilson #2 Braden Jaeger #4 Cole Miears #5 Karson Valverde #6 Josh Vela #7 Jasen Zirkel #8 Jared Zirkel #10 Trey Layton #11 Colten Drake #12 Aaron Fugazzi #14 Jeremiah Limehouse #15 Ezekiel Cassillas #17 Brooks McCoy #20 Jonah Shantz #21 Logan Green #22 Race Risinger #23 Josh Pena #24 Trinity Weyand #25 Caden Villarreal #27 Coleson Abel #32 Jese Munoz #33 Zach Layton #34 Nick Espinoza #35 Damian Hernandez #40 James Huff #42 Regan Robertson #44 Gonzalo Hernandez #50 Cole Mixon #51 Tyler Jenschke #52 Brad Beaty #54 Kirkland Connally #55 Christopher Mander-Jones #56 Dominic Jefferson #57 Alex Bennett #61 Jeremiah Aguirre #62 Cary Easley #63 Joseph Garrett #64 Ray Ramirez #65 David Ramirez #67 Matt Wienke #70 Noah Flores #71 Andres Castillo #72 Jyles Williams #80 Stony Rhodes #85 Alex Guardiola #86 Frank Molina #87 Brock Barnett #88 Rigo Sandoval #99 Armand Lockaby

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The Tivy Antlers, trainers, ballboys and coaches are ready to extend their playoff streak to 22 years. Seated in the front, from left are ball boys Carson Jones, Hunter Brackeen and Cade Jones.

Kneeling are, from left, Jordan Derrick, Jordan Wesling, Jessican Zuniga, Adara Walker, Kylan Harmon, Christine Lockwood, Harley Baccus, Abboy Borden, Adam Paredes and Amy Sralla.

Standing in the front row are, from left, Karis Harmon,

Alena Tran, Feliz Rendon, Valerie Rodriguez, Ashley Rodriguez, Rigo Sandoval, MacKenzee Traylor, Samantha Martinez, Avery Ashier, Kayla Davila, Juleah Villarreal and Carson Jones.

Standing in the second row, from left, are Trinity Weyand, Dominic Jefferson, Noah Flores, Jyles Williams, Caden Villarreal, James Huff, Coleson Abel, Jasen Zirkel, Jesse Munoz, Brock Barnett, Ray Ramirez, Alex Bennett and Cary Easley.

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Standing in the third row, from left, are Brad Beaty, Gonzalo Hernandez, Nick Espinoza, Cole Miears, Josh Vela, Karson Valverde, Josh Pena, Alex Guardiola, Zach Layton, Ezekial Cassillas, Damian Hernandez, Christopher Mander-Jones.

In the fourth row, from left, are Kirkland Connally, Stoney Rhodes, Trey Layton, Braden Jaeger, Joseph Garrett, Andres Castillo, Matt Wienke, Regan Robertson,

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Standing in the fifth row, from left, ar Kameron Wilson, Colten Drake, Armand Lockaby, Trapper Pannell, Logan Gree, Jeremiah Aguirre, Race Risinger, Jared Zirkel, David Ramirez, Brooks McCoy, Frank Molina and Cole Mixon.

Standing in the sixth row, from left, are Jason Crawford, Adam Brackeen, Chris Russ, Ty Taylor, Charles Feller, David Jones, Jeff Kubacak, Austin Galifaro, Justin Mendoza, Kameron Arnold and Jeremy Hickman.

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2018 Hill Country Football

Warriors ready for competition

2018 SCHEDULE

Staff Reports

Aug. 31 @ Junction Sept. 7 vs. D’Hanis Sept. 14 vs. Harper

Sept. 21 @. Center Point Sept. 28 @ San Saba Oct. 5

OPEN

Oct. 12 vs. Brady*

Oct. 19 vs. Sonora* (Homecoming) Oct. 26 @ Johnson City * Nov. 2 vs. Blanco *

Nov. 9 @ Comfort * * Denotes district game

Unless a team are riding a championship, every year is a building year. But, when you combine a disappointing 2017 season with the graduation of a core group of skill players, rebuilding takes on a new level of urgency.

For head coach Duane Kroeker and the Ingram Tom Moore Warriors though, that effort has a load of bright spots, including a new, more competitive district; a host of talented players at key positions; and some new coaches who are expected to bring some fine-tuning to the game plan.

THE NEW DISTRICT This year, the Warriors find themselves in District 13-3A Division II, which includes Brady, Sonora, Johnson City, Blanco and Comfort.

“We were very surprised when it came out,” said Kroeker.

“Nobody predicted the direction we would go. I don’t think anyone had us going with Sonora, but we’re excited about it. We feel like we’ll be a lot more competitive in the district now.”

Although some people see dropping in district classification as a negative, Kroeker and the team have a different view.

“We see it as a positive, as far as just being able to be competitive night in and night out,” Kroeker said. “I tried

to make sure we would be competitive in our pre-district as well. We’re pretty blessed that we’re able to play the schools that are close by early (Junction, D’Hanis, Harper and Center Point). We have good relationships with all of those schools, so we’re excited about that part of it.”

THE OFFENSE Ingram, like any other team, will have to rely on a strong offensive line to be competitive, and it’s here that the Warriors may shine best in 2018.

“We’ve got two seniors coming back (Chris Slaughter and Danny Hernandez),” said Kroeker. “They’re kind of the cornerstone of that group. They’re two of the hardest workers and two of the strongest kids we’ve got. Chris is one of the big leaders on our team.”

In addition to the strength in the line, it will be coached by one of the new additions to the staff, freeing up offensive coordinator Steve Marbach to get a better overview of the offense. And they will be focused on a bringing up the youngsters.

“That will be a big focal point this year. We were young last year, and when you look at our team overall and roster, we’re still going to look pretty young,” Kroeker said. “But, we’ve got a lot of young kids coming back from last year who have taken varsity snaps. We’ve got a sophomore playing up already, Caleb (Carlile).

“We have more depth in the line right now than anywhere

Ingram football team members, trainers and coaching staff are ready to kick off the football season.

Kneeling in the front row, from left, are Naomi Quevedo, Anika Topfer, Bailey Gundlach, Libby Templeton, Riley Gordon, Karlie Bonam, Abbygail Ratliff, Alletta Cathey, Breeana Sens and Shania Mosley.

Standing in the second row, from left, are Kayla Bradock and Alissa Keith.

Standing in the third row, from left, are Patricia Williams, Cody Gumbert, Elijah Dubois, Bryce Sparks, Greg Macias, Kameron Carrington, Andrew Burroughs, Miguel Perez-Maricano, Vicente Briseno and Shania Mosley Standing in the fourth row, from left, are Dylon Cerda, Tyler Frazar, Carlos Segura Gonzalez, Fernando Boites, River Williams, Chris Slaughter, Devin Menchaca, Joel Williams, DJ Chapman and Omar Padilla.

Standing in the fifth row, from left, are Caleb Carlile, Tim Leatherman, Troy Wagner, Beau Bocock, Alex Steele, Clay Templeton, Danny Hernandez, Carlos Barron and Sam Carpenter.

Standing in the fifth row, from left, are coaches Jesse Hinton, Travis Bell, Kenny Mulkey, Kevin Landgrebe, TR Varando, Duane Kroeker, Steve Marbach, Danny Dubois, Phillip Paramore and Anthony Ramirez.

Football Preview

Ingram’s Andrew Burroughs turns upfield during a Warriors’ preseason practice.

Tony Gallucci/ photo@dailytimes.com

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else — both offensive and defensive lines.”

On the receiving side, the Warriors graduated several experienced starters, including Daulton Thomas and Riley McGee. But there’s still a positive, Sam Carpenter already has varsity experience under his belt, and Cam Carringtton is varsity eligible, as well as Tyler Frazar.

“Our concern there is just depth.

At a smaller school, if the injury bug hits, (it really hurts),” Kroeker said, “That’s just part of it, you just pray it doesn’t.”

As of August, Tim Leatherman stood as quarterback with Elijah Dubois next to him at the back.

“Those two are probably the most explosive guys that we have. We’re going to try to do some different things with them,” Kroeker said. “We’re going to try to get them some space, and hopefully those linemen will create a crease for them, and they’ll be able to hit it. We’re really excited about them.”

15

THE DEFENSE Ingram’s defense will be laden with youth. Still, Kroeker is excited about this group’s potential.

“We’re going to be young again,” said Kroeker. “Andrew Burroughs is kind of running the show as a sophomore at that inside linebacker position. And of course our two skill guys, our (tail)backs, are both safeties for us, Elijah and Tim, so, again, they’re two playmakers in the middle of the field.

“You don’t always want your defensive backs making all the tackles, but they’re going to make a lot of them just because they like to stick their nose in there,” he said.

“We’ll be much more athletic in the back, both quicker and speedwise.

“Our corners will be Sam and Cam. We’re looking at Cody (Miller) and we’ve got Carlos Segura coming back from last year. And we’ll be checking out a couple of other seniors in the scrimmage. So we have more

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Ingram Continued from page 15 depth at corner than we do at safety,” he continued.

COACHING Kroeker thinks there is a major stand out in this year’s season — the coaches.

“I’m going to go ahead and say here, in Ingram America, this is the best football coaching staff that we’ve ever had — just the amount of experience these guys have, the knowledge they have. A lot of us have been at larger schools which gives you kind of a different perspective. ... As far as knowledge, experience, things that the staff is able to bring to the table, we’ve never had anything like it. We’re very blessed, very blessed, staff-wise.”

Coach Anthony Ramirez is responsible for running backs and linebackers. Kroeker will assist Coach FR Varnado with the Offensive line. Coach Kenneth Mulkey coaches receivers.

Defensively, Coach Travis Bell is in charge of safeties, while Kroeker instructs the

corner backs. Coach Phillip Paramore is doing linebackers.

“We’re able to be a lot more specific now with our teaching time and to get a lot more things done in the time that we have,” Kroeker said.

GOALS It’s every coach’s wish to have a team that has good chemistry, and the Warriors definitely have that this season.

“Our kids really seem to like each other.

They like being around each other; they like working together. They’ve got a positive attitude, and that’s something that we’re really trying to build on,” Kroeker said.

“What we’ve really been talking to the kids about, since we finished last November, is being a team that deserves to have success — what it takes to deserve to have success.

“We’ve had a lot of young men that showed up at 6:45 in the morning for powerlifting workouts, who really dedicated themselves to it, and I tell them all the time that I just pray the Lord will just bless their work,” Kroeker said. “We’re not praying for victories or playoffs. I’m just praying that they’re rewarded for the work they’ve put in.”

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Harper sets sights on come back At times, Harper’s 2017 season devastated Josh Talavera.

In fact, he even considered giving up football entirely.

The woes began as early as Harper’s season opener.

Talavera rose to intercept a pass before awkwardly landing, tearing his anterior cruciate ligament. His junior season had ended before the Longhorns could even finish the first game.

He was then forced to watch his teammates experience similar fates. What had started as a season with high expectations, ended with Harper missing the postseason altogether due to season-ending injuries. The adversity gnawed at Talavera.

“I was wondering if it was all worth it,” Talavera said.

Then, something changed. He was no longer moping over 2017’s misfortunes. The injury eventually produced the opposite effect — it inspired him to be a leader in 2018, to not allow a single second of his senior year go to waste.

“It made me want to come into my senior year faster and stronger, so I could lead my team,” he said.

His teammates possess a similar mentality, a willingness to work as hard as ever to bounce back in 2018. That’s evident when attending a Harper practice. On one particular August morning, the Longhorns were in the field house lifting weights, hollering encouragements at teammates as they push through exercises. Last season taught the Longhorns that the sport of football can be fleeting. This season, they are savoring every practice, every workout and every moment.

“This year, our theme is ‘Take it back,’” Harper coach Dusty Gibbs said in his office. “(Last year) was tough -there’s no doubt about it, especially when the expectations are that high and you have some injuries that happen. …

But our kids are great. They forget that stuff pretty quick and look past it. They are ready for 2018.”

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine predicts Harper to finish second in District 14-2A Division I, only behind perennial powerhouse Mason. That’s probably because when healthy, Harper is flush with talent. Talavera, who goes by his initials “JT,” is a dynamic receiver and defensive back. Linebacker Carson Sivells returns after leading Harper

Harper football team members, trainers and coaching staff are ready to bounce back.

Kneeling in the first row, from left, are cheerleaders Kaylee Kramer, Quinn Stevenson, Kora Young, Savannah Everett, Callie Koenig, Carolina Bacon, Marti Lumpkins and Hannah Cox. In the second row, from left, are Matthew Gehrlein, Carson Sivells and Dylan Sivells.

Standing in the third row, from left, are Coach Cade

Tatsch, Bryceson Elliot, Josh Reyes, Keegan Iturizza, Alex Aguilar, Kelton Marek, Braden Strickland, Josh Moore, Christian Boyington and coach Dusty Gibbs.

In the fourth row, from left, are Sean Baethge, Connor Lange, Wyatt Foster, Slade Dermody, Charlie Clark, Jamand Clark, Noah Minor, Joshua Talavera and Dylan Ahrns In the back row, from left, are coaches Nick Whatley, Scott Lake, Vance Millican and Chad Zenner.

2018 SCHEDULE

By Jonathan Toye

Aug. 31 vs. Christoval (Parents Night) Sept. 7 @ San Saba Sept. 14 @ Ingram

Sept. 21 vs. Ozona (Homecoming) Sept. 28 @ Menard Oct. 5

OPEN

Oct. 12 vs. Center Point * Oct. 19 @ Sabinal*

Oct. 26 vs. Junction * Nov. 2 vs. Mason

Nov. 9 @ Brackettville* * Denotes district game

Harper’s Dylan Sivells carries the ball during a preseason practice.

Football Preview

in nearly every defensive category last year (69 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions). Dylan Sivells, meanwhile, is a gamechanger at running back. He savaged defenses last season for 1,117 yards on only 98 carries before his season was hampered by injuries.

Now, Sivells is healthy. And his coach is expecting more big plays from the senior tailback.

“He wants to have a good senior year,” Gibbs said. “He wants the team to do well, and he wants to do well for himself.

And he is the big part of what we do. We saw that last year when he was on the field, our point total was up. When he was out, our point level dipped.”

Last season, while frustrating, also offered another benefit for this season — the injuries gave younger players an opportunity to receive playing time. For example, sophomore Sean Baethge became the Longhorns’ starting quarterback after former

player Chance Lange suffered a season-ending injury in the third game. Baethge, like any normal freshman, experienced growing pains. But, that experience is sure to come in handy this season as a sophomore.

“It’s tough anytime you become a varsity player for the first time, especially when you are a freshman,” Gibbs said. “It’s something that you don’t even see at the 2A level very much. Sean handled it well, and he’s going to handle it well this year. Having that experience from last year is tremendous. Where he is at now compared to where he was at last year is 10 times better.”

And that’s why Talavera and his senior comrades are excited about the upcoming season.

Every Wednesday, they meet for youth group. The seniors decided to discuss their expectations for their final season at Harper.

One thing was for sure: 2017 is

Sean Baethge hands off to Dylan Sivells during drills.

The Longhorns open the season against Christoval on Aug. 31.

Photos by Tom Holden/Times Photo Editor, photo@dailytimes.com

See HARPER, page 20

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Harper Continued from page 19 behind them. They are confident that 2018 is going to be their year.

“Senior year is going to be our time to shine,” they told each other. “We have to come to God, and do this for us. We have to come together as a team.”

Their coach is no less optimistic.

“It’s all good feelings right now,” Gibbs said “We are ready to get going.”

Taylor Hernandez storms off the edge during a Harper practice.

Tom Holden/Times Photo Editor, photo@dailytimes.com

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2018 Hill Country Football

Hawks look to senior players 2018 SCHEDULE

By Jonathan Toye

Aug. 31 @ Corpus Christi Wings

Sept. 7 vs. Bulverde Living Rock

Sept. 14 vs. Round Rock Concordia Sept. 21 @ Medina Sept. 28 vs. Leakey Oct. 5

OPEN

Oct. 12 vs. New Braunfels Christian * Oct. 19 @ Bulverde Bracken *

Oct. 26 @ Temple Holy Trinity *

Chris Ramirez brimmed with optimism during the spring.

Football season was still four months away, but even then, the Our Lady of the Hills coach knew that the Hawks’ season could be special.

So, he challenged his returning players before the school year ended, imploring them to become faster and stronger during the summer. The only way the Hawks could reach their potential in the fall, he knew, was through hard work in June and July.

Fast forward to August, and Ramirez is still giddy about the trajectory of Hawks’ football. His three seniors — Hunter Taylor, Mason Sirianni and Triston Schubert — increased their bench press and squats by significant margins. His younger players — Cody Davis, James Ibarra and Jake Chapman — also added muscle to their frames.

The result: Ramirez possesses a group of players hungry to return to the postseason after failing to qualify the last two season. To accomplish that goal, Ramirez knows his players have to continue to embrace the daily grind.

“You don’t look too far ahead. You take care of the first task on your list,” Ramirez said. “The only way to improve is to take one opponent at a time, one day at a time and

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one week at a time. That’s the focus right now. We have to take care of what we can take care of right now — getting stronger, getting faster and getting more productive on the practice field.”

It remains to be seen whether the Hawks will end their two-year playoff drought. But Taylor, Sirianni and Schubert provide a solid blueprint to success for the Hawks. After all, strong leadership is a chief ingredient to any prosperous season. And Ramirez believes he has three of the best in Taylor, Sirianni and Schubert.

All three seniors have enjoyed decorated careers at OLH. Taylor switched from receiver to quarterback at the beginning of 2017 and performed admirably in his new position, accounting for 1,821 total yards and 30 touchdowns. He received second team all-state honors and was a first team all-district selection. Sirianni, meanwhile, recorded 450 receiving yards and collected 63 tackles on defense, earning second team all-district honors.

Schubert was an all-district honorable mention selection.

Those three seniors continue to lead OLH in the preseason, with Taylor making a conscious effort to be the first to cross the finish line during every team sprint.

“It starts with leadership,” Ramirez said. “Those are three of the best all-around students in the school. You are talking

Nov. 9 @ Waco Live Oak * * Denotes district game

Hunter Taylor carries the football during practice on Aug. 1.

Our Lady of the Hills football team and coaching staff are ready to tackle a new season.

Kneeling in front row are, from left, Brent Bode, William Tran, Chase Ballay, Clayton Gillen and Joe Mein.

Standing in the second row are, from left, Principal

Therese Schwarz, Brian Casias, Evan Houdeshell, Noah Spino, Jake Chapman and Stefan Sirianni.

In the third row, Triston Schubert, Matthew Romero, Hunter Taylor, James Ibarra, Cody Davis and Anthony Jones.

about high character kids who are strong in their faith and who are strong academically. When you have those kind of quality kids as your senior leaders on the football field, you are leaning on them to lead by example in everything they say and do. You are leaning on them to oversee the team when coaches aren’t around.

“I am definitely proud of them and what they have accomplished. I am definitely excited for them because I think these three guys have a chip on their shoulder to go out and exceed expectations, to go out with a memorable senior season and uphold the winning tradition we have here at OLH.” Ibarra, a junior receiver, is also hoping to produce a memorable season after earning second team all-district honors in 2017.

Chapman and Davis were both honorable mention selections last year, and received praise from Ramirez for their efforts during

the preseason.

“I would take those two guys and go to battle with anyone else — that’s how good those two guys look,” Ramirez said. “They bring that effort every single day and every single practice. We are looking forward to seeing how that translates to game day.”

The Hawks are going to need that level of intensity if they hope to contend in TAPPS Division II - District 2. During district play, OLH will play the reigning state champion (Waco Live Oak), the state runner-up (Bulverde Bracken Christian) and a state quarterfinalist (New Braunfels Christian Academy).

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine pegged OLH to finish fifth in the district.

Ramirez isn’t complaining about that prognosis, though.

He’s been eager to prove outsiders wrong as early as the spring. That feeling hasn’t changed.

“We are pleased with what we have right now,” Ramirez said.

Photos by Tom Holden/Times Photo Editor, photo@ dailytimes.com

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Football Preview OLH senior Mason Sirianni holds the pad for his younger brother Stefan Sirianni.

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2018 Our Lady of the Hills Hawks #2 Joe Mein #3 MIchael Chapman #7 Mason Sirianni #8 Luke Martinez #9 Chase Ballay #10 Evan Houdeshell #11 Brian Casillas #12 James Ibarra #14 Anthony Jones #17 Clayton Gillen #22 Hunter Taylor #24 Cody Davis #27 William Tran #30 Andrew Houdeshell #33 Triston Schubert #35 Alessio Wilson #40 Jake Chapman #45 Charles Walker #55 Matthew Romero #74 Noah Spino #77 Stefan Sirianni

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