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2024 EAST TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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INSIDE THE ZONE SPECIAL CONTENT

2024 Football: Jack Stallard says covering football in East Texas is a labor of love. Page 8 Shake it up: Brandon Ogden writes about realignment and new and old rivalries. Page 11 Top Games: Phil Hicks previews the top games in East Texas for all 11 weeks. Page 15 Coaching Updates: Changes from 2023, Records. Page 18 Dream Team: Our 2024 East Texas fantasy team. Page 21 #bEASTTexas Fab 15: Unveiling our preseason East Texas Media Poll. Page 24 How We See It: M. Roberts Media staff’s 2024 picks. Pages 26-27 2024 Schedule: Pages 28, 29, 30

FEATURED SCHOOLS 10-6A Pages 32-36 Longview Tyler Legacy Rockwall Forney Rockwall-Heath North Forney Royse City

7-5A DI Pages 38-41 Tyler Highland Park Red Oak Midlothian Burleson Centennial Cleburn Joshua

7-5A DII Pages 42-48 Texas High Marshall Whitehouse Mount Pleasant Nacogdoches Hallsville Jacksonville

7-5A DI Page 49 Lufkin

9-4A DI Pages 50-57 Chapel Hill Kilgore Lindale Pine Tree Palestine Henderson Mabank

6-4A DII Pages 58-61 Sunnyvale Canton Ferris Wills Point Quinlan Ford Kemp

7-4A DII Pages 62-67 Gilmer Pleasant Grove Van Spring Hill North Lamar Pittsburg 6

East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

8-4A DII Pages 68-74

9-3A DI Page 107

Carthage Athens Brownsboro Rusk Center Bullard

Palestine Westwood

7-3A DI Pages 76-81 Malakoff Winnsboro Mount Vernon Commerce Mineola Rains Eustace

8-3A I Pages 82-87 Tatum Jefferson Atlanta Liberty-Eylau Gladewater Sabine White Oak

9-3A DII Pages 88-93 Harmony Edgewood Grand Saline Lone Oak Quitman Prairiland Chisum

10-3A DII Pages 94-98 Daingerfield Hooks De Kalb New Boston Queen City Redwater Hughes Springs

11-3A DII Pages 100-106 Arp Buffalo New Diana Elkhart West Rusk Troup Winona

8-2A DI Pages 108-111 Frankston Corsicana Mildred Kerens Cayuga Carlisle Cross Roads

9-2A DI Pages 112-113 Alba-Golden Paul Pewitt

10-2A DI Pages 114-121 Beckville Big Sandy Harleton Elysian Fields Hawkins Union Grove Waskom Ore City

11-2A DII Pages 122-127 Lovelady Tenaha Overton Mount Enterprise Cushing Grapeland Alto

A publication of

PRESIDENT Stephen N. McHaney PUBLISHER Justin Wilcox EDITORS Randy Ferguson and Santana Wood SPORTS EDITORS Phil Hicks and Jack Stallard SALES MANAGER Tracy Stopani PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Sherri Goodwin GRAPHIC DESIGNER Haley Holcomb-Capps WRITERS Tyler Morning Telegraph: Phil Hicks and Brandon Ogden Longview News-Journal: Jack Stallard and Thomas Bingham Panola Watchman: Ryan Silapan PHOTOGRAPHERS Longview News-Journal: Les Hassell Tyler Morning Telegraph: Michel Alfaro Henderson News: Audrey Blaschke SPECIAL THANKS Pine Tree High School football coach Jason Bachman and PT ISD athletic director Jacob Holder and Tyler High School football coach Rashaun Woods and Tyler ISD athletic director Greg Priest for use of facilities for The Zone photo shoots. Also to Jo Lee Smith and his TexasHighSchoolFootballHistory.com and Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine for helmet logos

ON THE COVER Longview's Brenden Reese and Tyler Legacy's Simeon Garner.

COVER PHOTO BY: Les Hassell COVER DESIGN BY: Les Hassell and Haley Holcomb-Capps 2024 EAST TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

TAPPS Pages 128-132 Grace Community Brook Hill Tyler Bishop Gorman Tyler All Saints

SIX MAN Pages 134-136 Union Hill Leverett’s Chapel Christian Heritage Classical School Trinity School of Texas

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© M. Roberts Media, 2024

Football

CHAMPIONSHIP ATHLETICS. ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE. CHRIST-LIKE CHARACTER. “Winning is the goal of competition, but that’s not why we play the game. My faith in Jesus Christ and my time serving in the armed forces have deeply influenced my coaching philosophy. We have a simple but powerful motto for Brook Hill Football called C4: Character.

Commitment. Confidence. Christ. If this sounds like the kind of virtues you want for your son, I would encourage you to join our team.”

– SCOTT RYLE, HEAD FOOTBALL COACH The Brook Hill School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin.

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2024 FOOTBALL IS HERE

T

he first email caught me by surprise.

A couple of texts and phone calls later in the day had me a little worried that maybe someone (the folks who sign my paycheck) knew something I didn’t know.

“Since you’re retiring, who do I contact now about information for my athletes,” the coaches on the other end of the texts, emails and calls asked.

I finally asked where they had gotten their information about my impending retirement, and turns out it was an honest mistake.

A week or so earlier, I had written a tribute column about a longtime coach where I grew up in Tennessee retiring after 52 years of coaching everything from Pee Wee football to Little League Baseball to high school and middle school softball.

The headline said “One of the best calling it quits,” and since it was an opinion column, my photo (we call them mug shots here at the newspaper) ran with the column.

The folks asking only read the headline and saw my photo, and they thought I was about to ride off into the sunset.

They seemed genuinely pleased and even thankful I was sticking around, so if the folks who sign my paycheck will let me, I’m not going anywhere.

Why would I? The publication you are holding in your hands (or reading online) is the 38th I’ve had the honor of helping put together, but this is actually my 39th season covering football in East Texas counting one year as a correspondent while I was a college student.

I say “honor” because that’s how I feel. The words “lucky” and “blessed” also come to mind.

This magazine, just like the coverage the Longview News-Journal and Tyler Morning Telegraph will provide over the next four months, is a labor of love and we hope you enjoy it.

It’s a team effort. Other contributing writers and photographers to The Zone are photographers Les Hassell of the Longview News-Journal,

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East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

Michel Alfaro of the Tyler Morning Telegraph and Audrey Blaschke of the Henderson News. Writers were Thomas Bingham of the Longview News-Journal, Brandon Ogden and Phil Hicks of the Tyler Morning Telegraph and Ryan Silapan of the Panola Watchman.

Hicks has covered sports in East Texas for 44 years, the last 41 at the TMP. Ogden is in his 25th season overall and seventh at the TMT. Hassell is in his 30th season overall and 24th at the LN-J. Bingham is in his 15th season overall and fourth at the LN-J. Silapan is a 13-year veteran and is in his third season at the Watchman, and Alfaro is in his ninth season overall and fifth with the TMT.

ALL-NAME TEAM

Now in its 38th season, the annual All-Name Team honors the most colorful and unusual names listed on rosters gathered from teams around East Texas.

Past gems have included Kokain Mothershead, Hickory Van Winkle, Hunter Hunter, Dakota Sandman and brothers Hunter and Trapper Kessinger.

Three-time MVP Willie Nelson of Longview has graduated, and this year’s MVP is A’Million Johnson of Lindale.

Joining Johnson on this year’s team are Ranger McKee of Eustace, Journey Carter of Huntington, Maverick Rowe of Longview, Maverick Clayton of Quinlan Ford, Nehemiah Savage of Mount Pleasant, Atlantis Sessions of Nacogdoches, Racer McCullough of Mabank, Rev Neighbors of Mabank, Sutherland Singer of Chapel Hill, Croix Hesskew of Canton, River Huggett of Quinlan Ford, Blaze Flanagan of Sunnyvale, Blaze Connel of Hooks, Jett Fletcher of Wills Point, Jett Surratt of Carthage, Jett Taylor of Grand Saline, Jet Bates of Gilmer, Trill Butler of Gilmer, Trail Wilkins of North Lamar, Crew Bowman of Bullard, James Studley of Malakoff, Ryder Bowers of Mount Vernon, Rhyder Richardson of Sabine, Ryder Welch of Grace, River Canaday of Winnsboro, Kingston Nelson of Jefferson, Justus Savage of Fairfield, Finn Smith of Fairfield, Madden McElroy of Fairfield, Ny’Land Coaster of Teague, Lucky

Jones of Teague, Reign Wallace of Daingerfield, Ripken Birdwell of Hooks, Noble Kendrick of Troup, Shiloh Peckham of Cayuga, Elvis Hernandez of Carlisle, Champ Bailey of Paul Pewitt, Champ Harris of Trinity Valley CC, Boone Hodges of Paul Pewitt, Wrigley Roberts of Union Grove, Springer Crouch of Hawkins, Slyder Sanders of Maud, Bruin Henry of All Saints and Smoke Bouie of Kilgore College.

Jack Stallard began covering sports in East Texas as a student at Kilgore College in 1986.

He became sports editor at the Kilgore News Herald in 1987 at the age of 21, and spent three years there before becoming sports editor at the Lufkin Daily News in 1990.

Stallard joined the sports staff at the Longview News-Journal in October of 1997, and has been sports editor there since 2006.

He was inducted into the East Texas Coaches Association Hall of Fame as the 2020 Distinguished Service Award Winner, the 2023 Kilgore College Athletic Hall of Fame as a Contributor for his nearly 40 years covering the college’s athletic programs and the Region 14 Conference 2024 Legend Class for his longtime coverage of that conference.

Stallard and his wife, Rachel, a longtime East Texas teacher and current marketing specialist at Kilgore College, have one son, Kyle, who is a graduate of Kilgore College.

Contact Stallard: jstallard@ news-journal.com

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Longview's Brenden Reese and Tyler Legacy's Simeon Garner.

(Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo) 10 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

SHAKE IT UP:

Realignment brings back old rivalries, creates new ones

BY BRANDON OGDEN | TYLER MORNING TELEGRAPH

A

group from Boston called The Cars told everybody to “Shake It Up” in the early 1980s.

Here in Texas, the University Interscholastic League and the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools do just that with districts every two years.

They move teams around based on enrollment and location, which creates new rivalries and rekindles some old ones.

And for teams like Tyler High, Brook Hill, Grace Community and Lufkin, get ready to “Drive” because some of those new district foes are located miles and miles away.

Let’s take a look at what this year’s realignment is giving us:

CLASS 6A

Longview and Tyler Legacy have met 64 times with the Lobos winning the last 19 meetings and leading the overall

series 48-14-2.

Since starting the series in 1960, they have played almost every year — not meeting in 2014 and 2015 but playing twice in 2002 and 2003. However, the Lobos and Red Raiders haven’t been in the same district since 2019.

But with Longview coming up to Class 6A, that will change.

“There’s going to be more teams we’re playing since we’re in a new classification,” Longview senior defensive back Bryan Peoples II said. “We will still play hard and fight to win, no matter who we go against.”

For Legacy, it’s looking to end its losing streak to Longview while also improving its playoff chances in the District 10-6A race.

“We want to change that big time,” Legacy senior linebacker Nathaniel Kirksey said. “I think this would be the year, especially since they just got in the district. It will

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| CONT. FROM PG. 11 be great to show them 6A. “There are a lot of friends down there and a lot of people we see every time we do something, so it’s going to be great that we actually get to have them on our record and have it mean something because I think we can do it this year. It will be great to see that we beat Longview in our district.”

CLASS 5A

The big changes came in Division I where the Tyler Lions went from being in a district with Forney, Lancaster, Longview, Lufkin, McKinney North, North Mesquite and West Mesquite to being in District 7-5A Division I with Burleson Centennial, Cleburne, Highland Park, Joshua, Midlothian and Red Oak. “I think it’s about going in the district and playing hard every game, not underestimating any team, playing hard and strong for four quarters,” Tyler junior quarterback Caden Granberry said. “We are the new team going in, so we’ve got to put our city back on the map.”

From Tyler High School to Joshua and Cleburne, it’s 142 miles each.

Lufkin was also supposed to be in the district, and outside of the 91-mile trip to Tyler, the closest trip would’ve been 172 miles to Red Oak with trips of 200 (Cleburne), 205 (Burleson Centennial) and 206 miles (Joshua).

Lufkin appealed to the UIL and was moved to District 9-5A Division I with Baytown Sterling, Beaumont United, Beaumont West Brook, Galveston Ball, Barbers Hill and Port Arthur Memorial. While all of the trips are more than 100 miles one way, the farthest is Galveston Ball at 170 miles.

CLASS 4A

East Texas has a lot of representation in Class 4A, so it’s no surprise that realignment created some interesting East Texas storylines in both divisions.

In District 9-4A Division I, Chapel Hill, Kilgore, Lindale, Palestine and Henderson are all still there, but Jacksonville and Athens exited while Pine Tree and Mabank entered.

Since 1964, Kilgore and Pine Tree have met 50 times with the Bulldogs leading the series 37-12-1 and winning 14 of the last 16.

“It’s going to make the game a lot better,” Kilgore junior defensive lineman Cameron Christian said. “It’s going to get everybody a lot more riled up.”

In last season’s game, Kilgore led 3-0 on Friday night when the game was suspended due to inclement weather and it picked back up on Saturday morning. Kilgore got a safety to go up 5-0 and eventually won 18-0.

“We all want revenge from last year,” Pine Tree senior linebacker Seth McFarland said. “We didn’t really get a full game with the storm delay thing that happened. We had to play half of our game on Friday night and half of our game on Saturday. We just think it kind of messed us up.

We just want to show people that Kilgore isn’t better than us.”

Lindale and district newcomer Pine Tree had developed a fun non-district rivalry over recent years, which will now turn into a district contest. The Pirates took a 42-22 win over Lindale in 2023. Lindale won the meeting 40-17 in 2022. In 2021, though, it came down to the wire and freshman Seth Baggett connected on a 28-yard field goal

12 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

with 20 seconds left to lift Lindale to a 31-29 road win over Pine Tree.

“I think it will be fun,” Baggett said of facing Pine Tree in district. “I think we’re going to win.”

Athens, which was previously in that district in Division I, dropped to Division II to join District 8-4A Division II with Brownsboro, Bullard, Carthage, Center and Rusk.

“I’m really excited to play new competition and hopefully go out and get dubs,” Athens senior linebacker/ running back Mason Shelton said.

Van left that district with state power Carthage and joined District 7-4A Division II with state powers Gilmer and Pleasant Grove, along with Spring Hill, Pittsburg and Paris North Lamar.

“We’re looking forward to it,” Van senior receiver Caden Rowe said. “We know there are going to be some good teams. We’re just putting in a lot of work in the offseason, and all of our guys are getting better, and we will see how it goes. It’s going to be fun, for sure. There’s going to be some good competition there.”

CLASS 3A

Malakoff, the reigning Class 3A Division I champion, is going from a district it absolutely dominated — not losing a district game since Nov. 9, 2018 — but now the Tigers are coming to an East Texas-based District 7-3A Division I with Winnsboro, Mineola, Rains, Mount Vernon, Eustace and Commerce.

“I think it’s going to be more fun, more challenging,” Malakoff senior defensive end/tight end Michael Elliott said. “The teams we played in the past, it was the same stuff, and it got really repetitive. I think this is going to be fun to play this year.”

With Malakoff entering the district, the other teams know they will have to step up to the challenge.

“I’m really excited,” Mineola senior receiver/defensive back Colton McMahon said. “It will be great to play a team like Malakoff. Obviously, they just won state, so they’re going to be solid. We’re going to play as hard as we can and see what the outcome is. It’s great being able to play in such a competitive district. That way when we do make the playoffs, we will be battle-tested for any competition.”

In Class 3A Division II, Harmony and New Diana, which were in a district together, will both be in new but separate districts.

Harmony is headed to District 9-3A Division II with Edgewood, Grand Saline, Lone Oak, Paris Chisum, Pattonville Prairiland and Quitman.

“I think we will do pretty good,” Harmony junior receiver/cornerback Blayne Hart said. “The only team I’m used to playing against is Quitman, so we really don’t know who we will be up against. It’s going to be all new teams, but it’s going to be fun.”

New Diana shifted to District 11-3A Division II with Arp, Buffalo, Elkhart, West Rusk, Troup and Winona.

“We played West Rusk in the playoffs, but the rest are new,” New Diana head football coach Jason Pitts said.

“We’re not going to really worry about who we’re playing, but just a do we do type of mentality. I know most of those coaches down there, (Wes) Schminkey at Arp and (Sam) Wells at Troup. They were on the FCA staff, one with me and one against me. And I know Coach (Rafe) Mata at West Rusk for being around him a couple years now. It will be nice to get out that way and let the kids see more.”

CLASS 2A

In Class 2A Division I, Frankston will be joining a new district, entering District 8-2A Division I with Cayuga, Kerens, Cross Roads, Mildred and Carlisle.

“Carlisle was in our district four years ago, but as far as Kerens, Cayuga, Cross Roads and Mildred, we haven’t been in a district with them,” Frankston head football coach Paul Gould said. “We’re in a district with them in basketball and everything else, but football, we’ve never been in a district with them, and we’re just right down the road from them, so we finally went to that district.

“Hopefully we can go in and play good football.

Obviously we don’t know a lot about any of these teams, so it’s going to be kind of fun. I think eight of the 10 teams we’re playing this year, we haven’t played, so it’s going to be a really fun season as far as seeing some new faces, especially seeing some new faces in our district.”

In Class 2A Division II, Tenaha is with familiar foes Alto, Cushing, Grapeland, Mount Enterprise and Overton in District 11-2A Division II, but Lovelady is also joining the district.

Lovelady took a 50-14 win over Tenaha in the third round of the playoffs last season.

“They left a bitter taste in our mouth,” Tenaha head football coach Marlon Byrdsong said. “With them being added to our district, we definitely have that game circled.

That’s the first district game, and they’ll be coming to The Pit, so we will be fired up and excited about that one.”

TAPPS

While TAPPS realignment doesn’t have the pomp and circumstance as the UIL realignment, it still has altered the landscape, especially for East Texas TAPPS programs.

Brook Hill and Grace Community will be TAPPS Division

II District 2 with Arlington Grace Prep, Dallas Bishop Dunne, Austin Brentwood Christian, Austin Hyde Park and Regents School of Austin.

The trips to the three Austin schools for Brook Hill and Grace are all more than 225 miles one way with the Regents School of Austin being more than 240 miles away.

“We just want to compete and have fun,” Brook Hill senior Luke McNeel said. “Those road trips will be fun. We will get to spend some more time with each other. We’re a really close group, so I think we all look forward to it, just competing, having fun in a new district, playing some new people and do the best we can.”

All Saints and Bishop Gorman are joining a district together and will be in TAPPS Division III District 2 with Dallas Christian, McKinney Christian, The Covenant School of Dallas and Dallas Shelton.

“It will be really fun, just more competition,” All Saints junior running back/defensive back Emerson Hadnot said.

“It will be a good experience.”

“It will be awesome,” All Saints head football coach Kyle Freeman said. “We feel like we’ve got a good schedule. Of course when we get into district play, it’s going to be exciting, too. We’re hoping to have some good success before district so we can work out all of the kinks.”

“It’s going to be fun,” Bishop Gorman senior wide receiver David Phillips said. “It’s a fun rivalry. And it could be for a playoff spot, so that adds some juice to the game.”

So whether it’s a traditional rivalry like Longview vs.

Tyler Legacy, Brook Hill vs. Grace Community or Bishop Gorman vs. All Saints or it’s a new matchup, there will be plenty of intriguing matchups for high school football fans in East Texas — both locally and miles away.

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TOP GAMES OF 14 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

Malakoff’s Mike Jones carries the ball against Brock Dec. 7 at the Ford Center in Frisco. Jones and the Tigers renew their rivalry with Grandview again this season. (Michel Alfaro/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

T

BY PHIL HICKS | TYLER MORNING TELEGRAPH

here's nothing like a summer road trip, with the exception of one in the fall.

Plus, adding a football game along the way makes it even more special.

While you already have mapped out your local team's schedule, the following is a list of possible great games of 2024.

While John Denver sang "Take Me Home, Country Roads" (1971), we'll make a lyric substitution and begin our football journey with "Almost Heaven, Piney Woods."

So let's get started with "On the Road Again" (1980) from Texas icon Willie Nelson.

WEEK 1

Longview vs. Lufkin

7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, John Outlaw Memorial Field at Abe Martin Stadium, Lufkin

"The Long and Winding Road" (The Beatles, 1970) toward a possible state championship begins here with two old rivals.

This is always a rock'em, sock'em contest.

This will be the 87th meeting of the Lobos and Panthers with Longview holding a 45-37-4 lead in the rivalry.

Longview has won the last six meetings, with the last two district battles (56-7 in 2022, 42-0 in 2023). This season, Longview is in 6A, while Lufkin is in 5A. Honorable Mention: Tyler Legacy at Texas High, 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29; Hallsville at Lindale, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29; Kilgore at Carthage, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30; Tyler at Marshall, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30.

Special Mention: On the junior college side, the TJC Apaches will just "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" (Judy Garland and the Munchkins, 1939) when traveling to Kansas to meet Dodge | CONT. ON PG. 16 The Zone | East Texas Football Preview

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City on Thursday, Aug. 29.

And on the way back to Texas, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" (Elton John, 1973) for the Apaches.

WEEK 2 WEEK 2 Tyler High vs. Tyler Legacy

7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, Earl Campbell Field at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium, Tyler "I've Been Down That Road Before" (Hank Williams, 1951) as the Rose City Rivalry is renewed as the Tyler schools meet for the 69th clash in the series that dates back to 1958 (even before I was born).

If you haven't taken in this game, please do and you will not be disappointed.

The only thing better would be if the teams were in the same district.

The field and stadium are awash in a patriotic blend of red, white and blue.

The game means so much to the players, students and community, along with the bands, drill teams, flag corps, etc. They even have a competition to see which school gathers the most food for the East Texas Food Bank.

The Lions lead the series 34-33-1 after last season's 28-14 victory that snapped a four-game win streak by the Red Raiders, including a four overtime 29-27 win in 2022.

This will be the 67th consecutive year the squads have met. They played twice in a season twice — 2002 and 2003.

The Lions are the home team again this year.

Plus, there are always some big-time players on the field.

Honorable Mention: Nacogdoches at Lufkin; Gilmer at Chapel Hill; Longview at Marshall.

16 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

WEEK 3 WEEK 3 Chapel Hill vs. Whitehouse

7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, Wildcat Stadium, Whitehouse For the first time in 5 years, Chapel Hill and Whitehouse are meeting on the football field.

In a game that is always special, fans can insert Lake Tyler into "Lake Shore Drive" (Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah, 1971) and think of driving around the lake instead of Chicago near Lake Michigan.

The last meeting between the teams was in 2019 with Whitehouse winning 46-39 at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium in Tyler.

Whitehouse has won eight straight in the series and leads the series 17-14-2.

Honorable Mention: Lindale at Van; Henderson at Jacksonville; Kilgore at Gilmer; Hawkins at Winona.

WEEK 4 WEEK 4 Malakoff vs. Grandview

7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, Zebra Stadium, Grandview Malakoff and Grandview have met nine times in the past five seasons, including the 2018 Class 3A Division I state championship game, which Grandview won. The Zebras won the first four meetings, including 31-24 in overtime in the 2020 regular season before Malakoff eliminated the Zebras 24-21 in the Class 3A Division I Region II semifinals in 2021.

Grandview won the 2022 regular season meeting 2117, but the Tigers eliminated Grandview 29-17 in the state quarterfinals. Then during the 2023 season, Malakoff won 5121 in Grandview.

So instead of being stuck

in traffic, "Take a Back Road" (Rodney Atkins, 2011) and catch this game between the 2023 state champion Tigers and the 2018 and 2019 state champion Zebras.

Honorable Mention: Carthage at Chapel Hill; Gilmer at Lindale; Hallsville at Pine Tree; Gladewater at Spring Hill.

WEEK 5 Troup vs. Arp

7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, Bill Herrington Tiger Stadium, Arp While the road is not dirt, we could replace red with maroon and sing "Red Dirt Road" (Brooks & Dunn, 2003) for the "Seven-Mile Rivalry" as Troup and Arp will meet for the 80th time.

Troup won last year's contest, 35-28, but Arp still leads the series, 40-38-1.

Honorable Mention: Rockwall-Heath at Tyler Legacy; Tyler at Highland Park; Kilgore at Pine Tree; Lindale at Chapel Hill.

WEEK 6 Brook Hill vs. Grace

7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, Orville Rogers Field at Clyde-Perkins Stadium, Tyler This is the first game of the annual Holy War series between the private Christian schools in the Rose City area.

The meeting between Grace and Brook Hill is always an entertaining contest as the Cougars and Guard hope to be singing "King of the Road" (Roger Miller, 1965).

Honorable Mention: Texas High at Whitehouse; Gladewater at Sabine; Mineola at Winnsboro.

WEEK 7 Brownsboro vs. Athens

7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, Bruce Field, Athens For Bears and Hornets, let's switch some numbers and make Bob Dylan's song now "Highway 31 (instead of 61) Revisited."

The Henderson Country squads should have another thriller.

HONORABLE MENTION: Longview at Forney; Tyler at Cleburne; Kilgore at Chapel Hill; Whitehouse at Jacksonville.

WEEK 8 All Saints vs. Bishop Gorman

7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, Bruce Field, Athens Part II of the Holy War is this week as "Loop 323 Trophy" is up for grabs.

The theme could be "The Loop Song" by Hungarian pianist Peter Bence.

HONORABLE MENTION:

Tyler Legacy at Longview; Lindale at Kilgore; Van at Gilmer.

WEEK 9 Gilmer vs. Pleasant Grove

7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, Hawk Stadium, Texarkana This could decide the District 7-4A Division II championship with the Buckeyes going for another league title and another state championship.

From "The Wiz", just "Ease on Down the Road" (Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, 1978) to Texarkana.

HONORABLE MENTION: Rockwall at Tyler Legacy; Tyler at Midlothian; Winnsboro at Mount Vernon; Alto at Overton; Frankston at Carlisle.

WEEK 10 Lindale vs. Pine Tree

7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, Pirate Stadium, Longview Let's use the Zac Brown Band's "Highway (Interstate) 20 Ride" (2009) for Lindale's

journey to Longview. But first the Eagles could drive by "Penny Lane" (The Beatles, 1967) in Lindale before heading out.

Honorable Mention: Tyler Legacy at Forney; North Forney at Longview; Hallsville at Marshall; Bullard at Brownsboro; Big Sandy at Hawkins.

WEEK 11 Malakoff at Winnsboro

7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, Red Raider Stadium, Winnsboro This could decide the District 7-3A Division I championship as both the Tigers and Red Raiders hope to have another successful season. Malakoff hopes to win another state championship as teams are "Born to Run" (Bruce Springsteen, 1975), perhaps toward a chance at glory.

Honorable Mention: Red Oak at Tyler; Marshall at Whitehouse; Van at Pleasant Grove; Athens at Bullard.

The Gilmer Buckeyes are hoping for another state championship. But first the Buckeyes play a key game with Texarkana Pleasant Grove during the regular season.. Here, the Gilmer cheerleaders support the Buckeyes at the Class 4A Division II state title game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Dec. 15, 2023. (Michel Alfaro/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

The Zone | East Texas Football Preview

17

COACHING CHANGES CORSICANA

New coach: Eugene Rogers Previous coach: Aric Sardinea

GREENVILLE

New coach: David Collins Previous coach: Randy Jackson

MARSHALL

New coach: Jason Hammett Previous coach: Jack Alvarez

PALESTINE

New coach: James Reyes Previous coach: Lance Angel

NORTH LAMAR

New coach: Patrick Watkins Previous coach: Brenton Whitaker

HUNTINGTON

New coach: Brian Coffman Previous coach: Josh Colvert

JEFFERSON

New coach: Ty Taylor Previous coach: Antwain Jimmerson

LIBERTY-EYLAU

New coach: Brad Willard Previous coach: Dewaski Davis

HARMONY

New coach: Brian Mauk Previous coach: Jeremy Jenkins

TIMPSON

New coach: Patrick Gandy Previous coach: Kerry Therwhanger

HUGHES SPRINGS

New coach: Blake Worley Previous coach: Joshua Willis

QUEEN CITY

New coach: David Wilbanks Previous coach: Eric Droddy

WINONA

New coach: Kenneth Cook Previous coach: Keylon Kincade

HAWKINS

New coach: Bill Cowley Previous coach: Kellan Carrell

JOAQUIN

New coach: Jared Jones Previous coach: Wade Lawson

PAUL PEWITT

UNION GROVE

New coach: Kyle Adams Previous coach: Bobby Chadwick

WASKOM

New coach: Wade Lawson Previous coach: Greg Pearson

LINDEN-KILDARE

New coach: Jason Ferguson Previous coach: Jarrick Farmer

TENAHA

New coach: Marlon Byrdsong Previous coach: Terry Ward

LEVERETT’S CHAPEL

New coach: Keith Hughes Previous coach: Matt Everett

New coach: Jeremy Russell Previous coach: Cedrick Dorsey

ORE CITY

New coach: Jeremy Kubiak Previous coach: Kyle Adams

RECORDS John King, Longview 222-45 Scott Surratt, Carthage 219-30 Jamie Driskell, Malakoff 158-35 Joe Drennon, Grand Saline 145-112 Tim Russell, Grace 142-92 Josh Finney, Winnsboro 130-47 Whitney Keeling, Tatum 126-50 Jared Moffatt, Van 117-48 Jeff Riordan, Chapel Hill 113-40 Gerry Stanford, Texas High 106-45 Josh Gibson, Pleasant Grove 102-35 John Bachtel, Fairfield 97-82 Lance Connot, Brownsboro 87-57 Todd Quick, Lufkin 85-50 Paul Gould, Frankston 72-51 Blake Morrison, Diboll 71-44 Sam Wells, Troup 66-61 Zack Hudson, Mabank 66-75 Wade Lawson, Waskom 64-35 J.D. Jordan, Crockett 62-48 Davin Nelson, Daingerfield 61-20 Chris Cochran, Lindale 53-33 Alan Metzel, Gilmer 52-8 Josh Bragdon, Union Hill 49-10 Scott Ryle, Brook Hill 47-39 Kyle Freeman, All Saints 46-33 Clay Baker, Henderson 45-25 Cody Ross, Beckville 44-17 18 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

Joe Cluley, Mount Pleasant 43-30 Bobby Chadwick, Union Grove 41-56-1 Ricky Meeks, Center 38-28 Griff Mauldin, Christian Heritage 36-16 Triston Abron, Pittsburg 36-35 Jerred Wallace, Shelbyville 36-41 Kyle Little, Harleton 34-23 Clint Fuller, Kilgore 33-8 Jonny Louvier, Gladewater 33-34 Darby House, Nacogdoches 32-44 Brandon Alvarez, Garrison 30-17 Josh Moore, Cushing 30-31 Heath Ragle, Canton 29-42 Cody Day, Elkhart 29-51 Josh Turner, Maud 28-24 Clayton George, Mount Vernon 28-26 James Reyes, Palestine 25-11 Zac Harrell, Athens 24-28 Drew Webster, Alba-Golden 24-28 Jason Holman, Jacksonville 22-29 Alex Guerra, Edgewood 19-14 Jacob Magee, Cayuga 19-14 Kyle Westerberg, Whitehouse 17-15 Scotty Laymance, Overton 17-24 Zack Linscomb, Teague 14-9 Tyler Morton, Atlanta 12-10 Jody Littleton, New Boston 12-12 Shane Webber, Quitman 12-18

Jordan Wood, Grapeland 12-28 Wes Schminkey, Arp 11-11 Josh Strickland, Hallsville 11-20 Rafe Mata, West Rusk 10-3 Jason Pitts, New Diana 10-11 Michael Ludlow, White Oak 9-31 Chance Blackburn, James Bowie 8-4 Troy Zeringue, De Kalb 8-3 Jason Bachman, Pine Tree 8-13 Herb Smith, Prairiland 7-13 Brock Grigsby, Alto 7-13 Michael Warren, Trinidad 7-23 Rashaun Woods, Tyler 6-4 Colt Bradford, Bullard 6-4 Cody Gilbert, Sabine 6-14 Logan Turner, Lone Oak 6-23 Kyle Adams, Ore City 5-5 James Boxley, Wills Point 5-8 Brandon Joslin, Spring Hill 5-16 Tory Barnes, San Augustine 5-25 Connor Sharp, Carlisle 4-7 Justin Crow, Elysian Fields 4-16 Brian Pullum, Big Sandy 3-7 Beau Trahan, Legacy 3-8 Ed Burns, T.K. Gorman 2-9 Zach Millsap, Chisum 1-8

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The Zone | East Texas Football Preview

19

Chapel Hill's Trevor Brooks.

(Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

Chapel Hill's Trevor Brooks.

(Les Hassell/News-Journal 20 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

2024 EAST TEXAS DREAM TEAM

BY JACK STALLARD | LONGVIEW NEWS-JOURNAL

T

he 17th annual East Texas High School Football Preseason Dream Team consists of players from the combined coverage area of the Longview News-Journal, Tyler Morning Telegraph, Marshall News Messenger, Kilgore News Herald and Panola Watchman.

The voting panel included Jack Stallard and Thomas Bingham of the Longview News-Journal and Phil Hicks and Brandon Ogden of the Tyler Morning Telegraph.

Preseason offensive MVP Jett Surratt of Carthage joins a list that includes Tyrik Rollison of Sulphur Springs (2008), Traylon Shead of Cayuga (2009), Trey Metoyer of Whitehouse (2010), Del Barnes of Henderson (2011), Greg Ward of John Tyler (2012), Patrick Mahomes of Whitehouse

(2013), Larry Pryor of Sulphur Springs (2014), Zach Hall of Tyler Lee (2015), Jeremiah Crawford of Mineola (2016), Keontay Ingram of Carthage (2017), Gunner Capps of Carthage (2018), Haynes King of Longview (2019), Jordan Jenkins of Lindale (2020), Brandon Tennison of Gilmer (2021), Jalen Hale of Longview (2022) and Taylor Tatum of Longview (2023).

Heading up the defensive side is preseason MVP Trevor Brooks of Chapel Hill. Previous defensive MVPs include Jamarkus McFarland of Lufkin (2008), Ashton Dorsey of John Tyler (2009), Steve Edmond of Daingerfield (2010), Dalton Santos of Van (2011), DeMarkus Lathan of Longview (2012), Josh Walker of Gilmer (2013), Daylon Mack of Gladewater (2014), Demarco Boyd of Gilmer (2015), Lagarryon Carson of Liberty-Eylau (2016), Demarvion Overshown of Arp (2017), Carl Williams of Lufkin (2018), Landon Jackson of Pleasant Grove (2019 and 2020), Kip Lewis of Carthage (2021), Jordan Renaud of Tyler Legacy (2022) and Travis Jackson of Tyler Legacy (2023).

OFFENSIVE MVP

DEFENSIVE MVP

JETT SURRATT Carthage Quarterback

By the numbers: Surratt got a few snaps in 2022 during the Bulldogs’ postseason run, but took over under center for Carthage in 2023 and put up video game numbers. He finished the year completing 261 of 387 passes (67.44%) for 3,807 yards, 46 touchdowns and nine interceptions — despite missing big chunks of the second half in several games during blowouts.

TREVOR BROOKS Chapel Hill Linebacker

By the numbers: Brooks was a tackling machine for the Bulldogs in 2023, finishing with 143 stops. He also had 39 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, four QB hurries, six pass breakups, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Brooks is also this year’s Preseason Dream Team punter.

| CONT. ON PG. 22

The Zone | East Texas Football Preview

21

for 1,346 yards and 19 touchdowns and rushed for 80 yards and a TD.

ZANE BOURQUE School: Arp Position: Receiver

By the numbers: Caught 61 passes for 1,287 yards and 11 touchdowns.

KAEGAN ASH School: Mount Enterprise Position: Fullback

By the numbers: Rushed for 2,837 yards and 38 touchdowns.

LANCE JACKSON School: Pleasant Grove Position: Tight End

By the numbers: Caught 20 passes for 320 yards and 7 TD. Also a Dream Team defensive lineman.

DEMARRION JOHNSON School: Tyler Legacy Position: Offensive Line

By the numbers: The 6-7, 300-pound sophomore started every game at left tackle for 6A Legacy a year ago as a freshman. Already has offers from Tennessee, Houston, North Texas, Texas Tech and Arkansas.

LUCAS CANO School: Gilmer Position: Offensive Line

Offensive MVP, Jett Surratt, Carthage 21 FROM PG. 21 | CONT.

OFFENSE DEMETRIUS BRISBON School: Chapel Hill Position: Quarterback

K.J. EDWARDS School: Carthage Position: Running Back

By the numbers: Graded out at 94 percent with 35 knockdowns in 2023.

KAMRAN WILLIAMS

School: Longview Position: Offensive Line

RICKEY STEWART

School: Winnsboro Position: Receiver

By the numbers: Rushed for 1,983 yards and 10 touchdowns.

CAMDEN CAPEHART By the numbers: Averaged 26.2 yards per catch, hauling in 39 passes for 1,022 yards and 17 touchdowns.

JAYDEN EDWARDS School: Overton Position: Receiver

By the numbers: Caught 75 passes

22 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

School: Carthage Position: Offensive Line

FERNANDO LONGORIA

School: Jefferson Position: Running Back

By the numbers: Carried 271 times for 2,856 yards and 40 touchdowns and caught 18 passes for 284 yards and four TDs.

KASH COURTNEY

By the numbers: Carried 169 times for 1,706 yards and 24 touchdowns and caught 18 passes for 170 yards.

By the numbers: Completed 144 of 216 passes for 2,055 yards, 26 touchdowns and five interceptions and carried 167 times for 1,760 yards and 13 touchdowns.

School: Chapel Hill Position: Running Back

By the numbers: Key blocker for a team that finished with 3,332 passing yards and 4,768 rushing yards.

By the numbers: Three-year starter for the Lobos. Graded out at 90 percent last season.

JOHNATHAN BATEMAN School: Henderson Position: Offensive Line

By the numbers: Graded out at 93.4 percent and recorded 27 pancakes a year ago.

DEFENSE LANCE JACKSON School: Pleasant Grove Position: Defensive Line

By the numbers: Recorded 69 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 12 QB pressures, three sacks and three forced fumbles.

SIMEON GARNER School: Tyler Legacy Position: Defensive Line

D’CANAAN SUEING

BRAYDEN PATE

School: Tyler High Position: Linebacker

School: Gilmer Position: Kicker

By the numbers: Finished with 116 tackles, a forced fumble and a sack in 2023.

JAYDEN SANDERS School: Kilgore Position: Defensive Back

By the numbers: Had 42 tackles, four interceptions and eight pass breakups in 2023. Has more than 20 college offers.

By the numbers: Recorded 69 tackles, 11 sacks, three fumble recoveries and an interception in 2023.

MICAH STRICKLAND

KALEB WALKER

By the numbers: First-team alldistrict player in 2023 has 10-plus college offers.

School: Lindale Position: Defensive Line

By the numbers: Racked up 49 tackles, nine sacks, five tackles for loss, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and 11 QB hits a year ago.

CAM CHRISTIAN School: Kilgore Position: Defensive Line

School: Brownsboro Position: Defensive Back

JAVON TOWNS School: Kilgore Position: Defensive Back

By the numbers: Picked off seven passes in 2023 to go along with 94 tackles, seven pass breakups and two tackles for loss.

By the numbers: Finished with 81 tackles, seven tackles for loss and four sacks last season.

DECORIAN THOMPSON

TYLER HAGLER

By the numbers: Earned all-district honors in Class 5A as a freshman a year ago after recording 24 tackles, four tackles for loss and eight pass breakups. Already has seven Division I college offers.

School: Gilmer Position: Defensive Line

By the numbers: Finished with 101 tackles, three sacks, 25 QB pressures and 15 tackles for loss last season.

SETH MCFARLAND

School: Mount Pleasant Position: Defensive Back

By the numbers: Led the nation with 130 points last season. Was perfect on all 11 field goal attempts and hit 97 of 100 extra points.

TREVOR BROOKS School: Chapel Hill Position: Punter

By the numbers: Dream Team Defensive MVP also averaged 41 yards on 31 punts last season.

KELVIN WASHINGTON School: Longview Position: Return Specialist

By the numbers: Averaged 30 yards on 10 kickoff returns, with a long of 95 yards. Also rushed for 13 touchdowns and caught four TD passes.

BRENDAN WEBB School: Gilmer Position: Utility

By the numbers: Did it all for the Buckeyes on the way to a state title a year ago. Caught 60 passes for 886 yards and 12 TDs, carried 25 times for 257 yards and four TDs and recorded 50 tackles, five interceptions, six pass breakups, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble on defense.

Defensive MVP, Trevor Brooks, Chapel Hill

School: Pine Tree Position: Linebacker

By the numbers: Three-year starter recorded 106 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, four pass breakups, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and three QB pressures in 2023.

DA’QUIVES BECK School: Carthage Position: Linebacker

By the numbers: Finished with 132 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 16 QB pressures, two pass breakups, five sacks and a defensive TD last season.

KLAYTON INGRAM School: Carthage Position: Linebacker

By the numbers: Recorded 125 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, seven QB pressures, three interceptions, nine sacks and a defensive TD in 2023.

The Zone | East Texas Football Preview

23

#bEASTTexas FAB 15 POLL 24 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

#bEAST

BY BRANDON OGDEN | TYLER MORNING TELEGRAPH

C

arthage and Malakoff will start the 2024 season as the No. 1 teams in the #bEASTTexas Fabulous 15 polls.

Carthage received 10 first-place votes and 203 points to take the top spot in the Class 6A/5A/4A poll. Malakoff received 12 first-place votes and 208 points to sit atop the Class 3A/2A/TAPPS rankings.

Carthage, a nine-time state champion, went 13-1 last season and fell to eventual Class 4A Division II state champion Gilmer (47-44) in overtime in the state quarterfinals.

Longview (11-2) received one first-place vote and 173 points to come in at No. 2 in 6A/5A/4A. The Lobos are making the jump up to Class 6A this season.

Chapel Hill (13-3) received one first-place vote and 171 points to check in at No. 3. The Bulldogs advanced to the Class 4A Division I championship game last season.

Gilmer (13-3), which won its fourth state title, received two first-place votes and 170 points to start the season at No. 4.

Texas High (11-2) rounds out the top five with 147 points.

The rest of the top 15 for 6A/5A/4A are Pleasant Grove, Kilgore, Lindale, Lufkin, Van, Tyler, Whitehouse, Tyler Legacy, Pine Tree and Center. Sulphur Springs, Jasper, Brownsboro, Caddo Mills, Marshall, Canton, Spring Hill and Palestine all received votes.

Malakoff went 16-0 and won its first state title in program history in 2023, defeating Franklin in the Class 3A Division I championship game.

Winnsboro (12-1) received 170 points and checked in at No. 2 in Class 3A/2A/TAPPS. The Red Raiders’ only loss was to state champion Malakoff in the playoffs.

Timpson received the other two first-place votes and comes in at No. 3 with 162 points. The Bears went 16-0 and defeated Tolar in the Class 2A Division I championship game for their first state title.

Daingerfield (120 points) and West Rusk (117 points) round out the top five. The rest of the top 15 for 3A/2A/TAPPS are Garrison, Beckville, Lovelady, Hooks, Troup, Jefferson, New Diana, Harmony, Diboll and Cooper. Atlanta, Grace Community, Palestine Westwood, Liberty-Eylau, Overton, Tenaha, Tatum, Waskom, Frankston, Honey Grove, Brook Hill, DeKalb, Mount Vernon and Mount Enterprise all received votes.

Voters in the poll were Phil Hicks and Brandon Ogden of the Tyler Morning Telegraph, Jack Stallard and Thomas Bingham of the Longview News-Journal, Ryan Silapan of the Panola Watchman, Nathan Hague and John Krueger of the Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel, Edwin Quarles of the Lufkin Daily News, Jay Neal of the Jacksonville Progress, Serenity Douglas and Reagan Roy of CBS 19, Taylor Honea of the Palestine HeraldPress, Harlen the Sports Guy of the Friday Night Scoreboard Show and Bret Swinney of the Northeast Texas Sports Network/ NETSN.

6A/5A/4A Team

Points

2023 2023 Record Final 1. Carthage (10) 203 13-1 1 2. Longview (1) 173 11-2 2 3. Chapel Hill (1) 171 13-3 8 4. Gilmer (2) 170 13-3 5 5. Texas High 147 11-2 6 6. Pleasant Grove 145 12-1 3 7. Kilgore 143 12-2 4 8. Lindale 97 7-5 7 9. Lufkin 68 5-6 NR 10. Van

62 8-4 13 11. Tyler

59 6-4 14 12. Whitehouse 58 7-4 10 13. Tyler Legacy 43 3-8 12 14. Pine Tree 42 6-5 15 15. Center 37 7-4 9 Others receiving votes: Sulphur Springs 25; Jasper 13; Brownsboro 10; Caddo Mills 9; Marshall 8; Canton 3; Spring Hill 3; Palestine 1.

Dropped out: No. 11 Sulphur Springs

3A/2A/TAPPS Team

Points

2023 2023 Record Final 1. Malakoff (12) 208 16-0 2 2. Winnsboro 170 12-1 3 3. Timpson (2) 162 16-0 1 4. Daingerfield 120 11-4 12 5. West Rusk 117 10-3 6 6. Garrison 116 12-2 10 7. Beckville 112 10-2 4 8. Lovelady 106 13-1 5 9. Hooks 105 11-1 7 10. Troup 55 9-2 8 11. Jefferson 54 7-3 14 12. New Diana 50 9-3 NR 13. Harmony 48 10-3 9 14. Diboll 47 9-3 15 15. Cooper 37 11-2 11 Others receiving votes: Atlanta 30; Grace Community 26; Palestine Westwood 26; Liberty-Eylau 22; Overton 18; Tenaha 12; Tatum 8; Waskom 8; Frankston 7; Honey Grove 6; Brook Hill 5; DeKalb 2; Mount Vernon 2; Mount Enterprise 1.

Dropped out: No. 13 Grace Community.

The Zone | East Texas Football Preview

25

PHIL HICKS

Longview

Forney

7-5A Division I

Highland Park

Highland Park

7-5A Division II

Texas High

Whitehouse

9-4A Division I

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill

6-4A Division II

Sunnyvale

Sunnyvale

7-4A Division II

Gilmer

Gilmer

8-4A Division II

Carthage

Carthage

7-3A Division I

Malakoff

Malakoff

8-3A Division I

Jefferson

Jefferson

9-3A Division II

Harmony

Harmony

10-3A Division II

Daingerfield

Daingerfield

11-3A Division II

New Diana

West Rusk

8-2A Division I

Frankston

Frankston

9-2A Division I

Honey Grove

Honey Grove

10-2A Division I

Beckville

Beckville

11-2A Division I

Timpson

Garrison

SWJCFC Champ

Kilgore College

Tyler Junior College

SEC Champ

Georgia

Georgia

Big 12 Champ

Utah

Utah

National Champ

Ohio State

Ohio State

Heisman Trophy

Carson Beck

Dillon Gabriel

Earl Campbell

Haynes King

Ollie Gordon II

NFC Champ

San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers

AFC Champ

Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens

Super Bowl Champ

Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens

2024

JACK STALLARD

10-6A

26 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

BRANDON OGDEN THOMAS BINGHAM

REAGAN ROY

KERRI ESPOSITO

Longview

Rockwall

Longview

Forney

Highland Park

Highland Park

Highland Park

Highland Park

Texas High

Texas High

Texas High

Texas High

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill

Kilgore

Sunnyvale

Sunnyvale

Sunnyvale

Canton

Gilmer

Gilmer

Gilmer

Gilmer

Carthage

Carthage

Carthage

Carthage

Malakoff

Malakoff

Malakoff

Malakoff

Tatum

Tatum

Jefferson

Atlanta

Harmony

Harmony

Harmony

Harmony

Daingerfield

Daingerfield

Daingerfield

Daingerfield

New Diana

West Rusk

West Rusk

West Rusk

Frankston

Cayuga

Frankston

Mildred

Honey Grove

Cooper

Honey Grove

Cooper

Beckville

Beckville

Beckville

Waskom

Timpson

Timpson

Garrison

Timpson

Tyler Junior College

Kilgore College

Kilgore College

Kilgore College

Texas

Texas

Georgia

Texas

Kansas State

Utah

Utah

Oklahoma State

Texas

Texas

Oregon

Texas

Quinn Ewers

Quinn Ewers

Dillon Gabriel

Quinn Ewers

Quinn Ewers

Quinn Ewers

Quinn Ewers

Ollie Gordon

San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers

Dallas Cowboys

Kansas City Chiefs

Baltimore Ravens

Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs

San Francisco 49ers

Kansas City Chiefs

Dallas Cowboys The Zone | East Texas Football Preview

27

SCHEDULE (ALL GAMES AT 7:30 P.M. UNLESS NOTED) THURSDAY, AUG. 29

Hallsville at Lindale, 7 p.m.

Tyler Legacy at T. High, 7 p.m.

Daingerfield at Gladewater, 7 p.m.

Jefferson vs. Leonard, TBA (at Melissa)

FRIDAY, AUG. 30

Longview at Lufkin Tyler at Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

Jacksonville at Center Palestine at Nacogdoches W. Wilson at Whitehouse Mt. Pleasant at Crandall, 7 p.m.

Pine Tree at Gilmer Kilgore at Carthage Athens at Henderson Sabine at Spring Hill L-Eylau at Pittsburg, 7 p.m.

Van at Dallas Carter Rusk at Kaufman Q. Ford at Brownsboro Bullard at Mabank Wills Point at Krum, 7 p.m.

Community at Canton Shelbyville at Troup West Rusk at Malakoff Lovelady at Elkhart Harleton at Arp N. Diana at Mt. Vernon, 7 p.m.

Pleasant Grove at Atlanta Winnsboro at Tatum, 7 p.m.

Eustace at W. Oak, 7 p.m.

H. Springs at Chisum Hooks at Harmony, 7 p.m.

De Kalb at Mineola Lone Oak at Rains Ore City at Rivercrest Beckville at S. Augustine, 7 p.m.

Tenaha vs. E. Fields (at Gladewater) U. Grove at T.K. Gorman, 7 p.m.

Maud at Hawkins, 7 p.m.

A-Golden at Overton, 7 p.m.

Alto at Groveton, 7 p.m.

Carlisle at Mt. Enterprise, 7 p.m.

Frankston at Joaquin, 7 p.m.

Grapeland at Cayuga, 7 p.m.

P. Pewitt at L-Kildare, 7 p.m.

Q. City at Grace Redwater at Brook Hill, 7 p.m.

T.K. Gorman at Bay Area, 7 p.m.

Trinity School at L. Chapel, 7 p.m.

D. Lutheran at C. Heritage A. Saints at W. Hardin, 7 p.m.

28 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

SATURDAY, AUG. 31

Winona vs. B. Sandy, 6 p.m. (at Gladewater) Thursday, Sept. 5 Tatum at Daingerfield, 7 p.m.

Overton at Carlisle, 7 p.m.

W. Sabine at Tenaha, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 6

Longview at Marshall Tyler Legacy vs. Tyler High, 7 p.m.

Crandall at Hallsville Jacksonville at Brownsboro Nacogdoches at Lufkin Whitehouse at Kilgore Van at Pine Tree Lindale at Mt. Pleasant L-Eylau at Henderson Jasper at Palestine Center at Spring Hill Gilmer at Chapel Hill Pittsburg at De Kalb, TBA Mt. Vernon at Rusk Kaufman at Athens Caddo Mills at Bullard, 7 p.m.

Wills Point at Venus Canton at Life Waxahachie Troup at Edgewood Diboll at West Rusk Warren at Elkhart Arp at Garrison Gladewater at N. Diana, 7 p.m.

Winona at Lone Oak Atlanta at Hooks Harmony at Sabine, 7 p.m.

Newton at Jefferson, 7 p.m.

W. Oak at P. Pewitt, 7 p.m.

Ore City at H. Springs Malakoff at Lorena S. Rosser at Mineola Rains at Leonard Winnsboro at Redwater, 7 p.m.

Joaquin at Beckville, 7 p.m.

C-Pickton at B. Sandy, 6 p.m.

Maud at E. Fields Cumby at U. Grove, 7 p.m.

Q. City at Harleton J. Bowie at Hawkins, 7 p.m.

Cayuga at Alto Mt. Enterprise at A-Golden, 7 p.m.

Frankston at Huntington, 7 p.m.

L-Kildare at Colmesneil, 7 p.m.

Grace at Dallas First Baptist, 7 p.m.

Brook Hill at Legacy Christian, 7 p.m.

NB Christian at T.K. Gorman, 7 p.m.

C. Heritage at L. Chapel Hill, 7 p.m.

Trinity School at HEAT, 5:30 p.m.

All Saints at Detroit, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 12 Gladewater at West Rusk, 7 p.m.

H-Daisetta at Alto, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 13

Dallas SOC at Longview Marshall at Tyler Legacy Tyler at Seagoville, TBA Hallsville at Corsicana Mt. Pleasant at Terrell Henderson at Jacksonville Livingston at Nacogdoches C. Hill at Whitehouse Pine Tree at Dallas Carter Kilgore at Gilmer Lindale at Van Palestine at Athens Spring Hill at Quinlan Ford Grace at Pittsburg Carthage at L-Eylau Rusk at Diboll Brownsboro at Fairfield Bullard at S. Springs Mabank at Wills Point, 7 p.m.

North Lamar at Canton Harleton at Troup Elkhart at Kerens Mineola at Arp Sabine at N. Diana, 7 p.m.

Hawkins at Winona, 7 p.m.

N. Boston at Atlanta, 7 p.m.

Jefferson at De Kalb, 7 p.m.

Tatum at Newton, 7 p.m.

Quitman at W. Oak, 7 p.m.

H. Springs at L-Kildare Beckville at Harmony, 7 p.m.

Madisonville at Malakoff G. Saline at Rains H. Grove at Winnsboro, 7 p.m.

A-Golden at O. City, 7 p.m.

L. Oak at B. Sandy, 7 p.m.

E. Fields at Q. City U. Grove at Cushing, 7 p.m.

Overton at J. Bowie, 7 p.m.

Mt. Enterprise at Maud, 7 p.m.

Tenaha at Joaquin, 7 p.m.

Carlisle at S. Augustine Grapeland at Frankston, 7 p.m.

Cayuga at Itasca, 7 p.m.

Redwater at P. Pewitt, 7 p.m.

L. Chapel at Chester, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 14

Trinity School at P. Rockwall, 11 a.m.

All Saints at UME Prep, 7 p.m.

ETHS at C. Heritage

THURSDAY, SEPT. 19 Henderson vs. Gainesville (at A&M-Commerce)

FRIDAY, SEPT. 20

Ruston, La. at Longview Tyler Legacy at Crowley Lufkin at Tyler, TBA S. Springs at Mt. Plasant Hallsville at Pine Tree Marshall at Palestine Athens at Jacksonville Nacogdoches at Rudder Paris at Whitehouse P. Grove at Kilgore Gilmer at Lindale Gladewater at Spring Hill Pittsburg at Jefferson, 7 p.m.

Sunnyvale at Van Carthage at Chapel Hill Troup at Rusk Brownsboro at Caddo Mills Bullard at L-Eylau, 7 p.m.

W. Point at Farmersville, 7 p.m.

Canton at Mabank West Rusk at Tatum, 7 p.m.

Elkhart at C-Camden Arp at Sabine New Diana at Redwater Alto at Winona Atlanta at Mt. Vernon, 7 p.m.

W. Oak at Q. City P. Pewitt at H. Springs Harmony at De Kalb Malakoff at Grandview Mineola at N. Lamar Rains at Chisum Hooks at Winnsboro, 7 p.m.

B. Sandy at O. City, 7 p.m.

Beckville at Harleton, 7 p.m.

Hawkins at E. Fields, 7 p.m.

Waskom at U. Grove, 7 p.m.

Maud at Overton, 7 p.m.

Shelbyville at Mt. Enterprise, 7 p.m.

Carlisle at B. Hill, 7 p.m.

S-Rosser at Frankston, 7 p.m.

Italy at Cayuga, 7 p.m.

N. Boston at Grace, 7 p.m.

T.K. Gorman at TCA Willow Park, 7 p.m.

ET Homeschool at L. Chapel, 7 p.m.

King’s at C. Heritage Cumby at All Saints, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 21 L-Kildare at Tenaha, 4 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 26

Spring Hill vs. Grandview, 7 p.m. (at A&M-Commerce) Jefferson at Gladewater, 7 p.m.

Harleton at B. Sandy, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 27

R-Heath at Tyler Legacy, 7 p.m.

Tyler at H. Park, TBA Hallsville at T. High Nacogdoches at Jacksonville Whitehouse at Mt. Pleasant Kilgore at Pine Tree Lindale at Chapel Hill Palestine at Henderson Gilmer vs. Brenham, 7 p.m. (at Huntsville) Pittsburg at Dallas Christian Van at Brownsboro Jasper at Carthage Rusk at Canton Athens at Waco Connally Teague at Bullard Life Wax at W. Point, 7 p.m.

Troup at Arp West Rusk at Elkhart New Diana at Winona W. Oak at Atlanta Sabine at Tatum, 7 p.m.

H. Springs at De Kalb Quitman at Harmony, 7 p.m.

Mt. Vernon at Mineola, 7 p.m.

Rains at Eustace, 7 p.m.

Winnsboro at Commerce, 7 p.m.

O. City at Waskom, 7 p.m.

E. Fields at Beckville, 7 p.m.

U. Grove at Hawkins, 7 p.m.

Overton at Grapeland, 7 p.m.

Alto at Cushing, 7 p.m.

Lovelady at Tenaha, 7 p.m.

Shelbyville at Carlisle, 7 p.m.

Frankston at Groveton, 7 p.m.

Cayuga at Inspired Vision, 7 p.m.

P. Pewitt at Cooper, 7 p.m.

Celeste at L-Kildare, 7 p.m.

Grace at Aus. Brentwood, 7 p.m.

Regents at Brook Hill, 7 p.m.

T.K. Gorman at Sacred Heart, 7 p.m.

L. Chapel at A. Springs, 7 p.m.

HEAT at C. Heritage TCA at All Saints, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, OCT. 3

Tenaha at Overton, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 4

Rockwall at Longview Tyler Legacy at N. Forney, 7 p.m.

Joshua at Tyler, TBA Jacksonville at Hallsville Mt. Pleasant at Marshall T. High at Whitehouse Pine Tree at Mabank Henderson at Kilgore Chapel Hill at Palestine Carthage vs. San Benito, TBA Elkhart at Troup Winona at West Rusk Arp at Buffalo Atlanta at Jefferson, 7 p.m.

Gladewater at Sabine, 7 p.m.

Tatum at L-Eylau, 7 p.m.

Q. City at H. Springs Harmony at G. Saline, 7 p.m.

Commerce at Malakoff, 7 p.m.

Mineola at Winnsboro, 7 p.m.

Hawkins at O. City, 7 p.m.

B. Sandy at Beckville, 7 p.m.

E. Fields at U. Grove, 7 p.m.

Waskom at Harleton, 7 p.m.

Grapeland at Alto, 7 p.m.

Cushing at Mt. Enterprise, 7 p.m.

L-Kildare at Cumby, 7 p.m.

Brook Hill at Grace, 7 p.m.

UME Prep at T.K. Gorman, 7 p.m.

King’s at L. Chapel, 7 p.m.

Trinity School at Fairhill, 5 p.m.

THURSDAY, OCT. 10

Union Grove at Ore City, 7 p.m.

Austin Regents at Grace, 7 p.m.

ETHS at Trinity School

FRIDAY, OCT. 11

Longview at Forney Tyler at Cleburne, TBA Hallsville at Nacogdoches Marshall at T. High Whitehouse at Jacksonville Kilgore at Chapel Hill Palestine at Lindale Mabank at Henderson Spring Hill at Van, 7 p.m.

Gilmer at Pittsburg, 7 p.m.

Center at Carthage Bullard at Rusk Brownsboro at Athens Q. Ford at W. Point, 7 p.m.

Canton at Kemp, 7 p.m.

Troup at Winona West Rusk at New Diana Buffalo at Elkhart Sabine at Atlanta, 7 p.m.

L-Eylau at Gladewater, 7 p.m.

Jefferson at W. Oak, 7 p.m.

H. Springs at Hooks Malakoff at Mineola, 7 p.m.

Mt. Vernon at Rains, 7 p.m.

Winnsboro at Eustace, 7 p.m.

Beckville at Waskom, 7 p.m.

B. Sandy at E. Fields, 7 p.m.

Harleton at Hawkins, 7 p.m.

Overton at Lovelady, 7 p.m.

Alto at Tenaha, 7 p.m.

Mt. Enterprise at Grapeland, 7 p.m.

Carlisle at Cayuga, 7 p.m.

Frankston at Mildred, 7 p.m.

Boles at P. Pewitt, 7 p.m.

Brook Hill at Hyde Park, 7 p.m.

D. Christian at T.K. Gorman, 7 p.m.

L. Chapel at U. Hill, 7 p.m.

A. Christian at C. Heritage D. Covenant at All Saints, 7 p.m.

P. Grove at Spring Hill, 7 p.m.

Van at Gilmer, 7 p.m.

N. Lamar at Pittsburg, 7 p.m.

Carthage at Athens Rusk at Brownsboro Center at Bullard W. Point at Canton, 7 p.m.

New Diana at Troup Elkjart at Arp Winona at Buffalo Atlanta at L-Eylau, 7 p.m.

W. Oak at Sabine, 7 p.m.

Edgewood at Harmony, 7 p.m.

Eustace at Malakoff, 7 p.m.

Mineola at Commerce, 7 p.m.

Rains at Winnsboro, 7 p.m.

Lovelady at Alto, 7 p.m.

Tenaha at Mt. Enterprise, 7 p.m.

Carlisle at C. Roads, 7 p.m.

Kerens at Frankston, 7 p.m.

Cayuga at Mildred, 7 p.m.

P. Pewitt at C-Pickton, 7 p.m.

Detroit at L-Kildare 7 p.m.

All Saints at T.K. Gorman, 7 p.m.

Savoy at L. Chapel Hill, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 19 Brook Hill at Grace Prep, 1:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, OCT. 24

Waskom at Big Sandy, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 25 Longview at R-Heath

Rockwall at Tyler Legacy, 7 p.m.

Tyler at Midlothian, TBA Whitehouse at Hallsville Marshall at Nacogdoches Mt. Pleasant at Jacksonville Pine Tree at Chapel Hill Kilgore at Palestine Mabank at Lindale Spring Hill at N. Lamar, 7 p.m.

Gilmer at P. Grove, 7 p.m.

Pittsburg at Van, 7 p.m.

Bullard at Carthage Athens at Rusk Brownsboro at Center Kemp at W. Point, 7 p.m.

Canton at Ferris, 7 p.m.

Troup at West Rusk Arp at Winona Buffalo at New Diana Tatum at Atlanta, 7 p.m.

L-Eylau at W. Oak, 7 p.m.

Daingerfield at H. Springs Harmony at Chisum, 7 p.m.

Malakoff at Rains, 7 p.m.

Winnsboro at Mt. Vernon, 7 p.m.

E. Fields at O. City, 7 p.m.

Hawkins at Beckville, 7 p.m.

U. Grove at Harleton, 7 p.m.

Alto at Overton, 7 p.m.

Mt. Enterprise at Lovelady, 7 p.m.

Cushing at Tenaha, 7 p.m.

Frankston at Carlisle, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, OCT. 17

Gladewater at Tatum, 7 p.m.

C. Heritage at R. Providence, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 18

Tyler Legacy at Longview B. Centennial at Tyler, TBA Jacksonville at Marshall Nacogdoches at Whitehouse T. High at Mt. Pleasant Henderson at Pine Tree Lindale at Kilgore The Zone | East Texas Football Preview

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C. Roads at Cayuga, 7 p.m.

Rivercrest at P. Pewitt, 7 p.m.

L-Kildare at Clarksville, 7 p.m.

Austin Hyde Park at Grace, 7 p.m.

Brook Hill at Tomball Christian, 7 p.m.

T.K. Gorman at Shelton, 7 p.m.

L. Chapel at Saint Jo, 7 p.m.

C. Heritage at Fairhill, 5 p.m.

M. Christian at All Saints, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, OCT. 31

Naz. Christian at Trinity School, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, NOV. 1

N. Forney at Longview Tyler Legacy at Forney Hallsville at Marshall Jacksonville at T. High Nacogdoches at Mt. Pleasant Lindale at Pine Tree Chapel Hill at Henderson Palestine at Mabank Spring Hill at Gilmer, 7 p.m.

P. Grove at Pittsburg, 7 p.m.

N. Lamar at Van, 7 p.m.

30 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

Carthage at Rusk Bullard at Brownsboro Center at Athens Sunnyvale at W. Point, 7 p.m.

Q. Ford at Canton, 7 p.m.

West Rusk at Buffalo Winona at Elkhart New Diana at Arp Atlanta at Gladewater, 7 p.m.

Jefferson at L-Eylau, 7 p.m.

W. Oak at Tatum, 7 p.m.

H. Springs at N. Boston L. Oak at Harmony, 7 p.m.

Mt. Vernon at Malakoff, 7 p.m.

Eustace at Mineola, 7 p.m.

Rains at Commerce, 7 p.m.

Harleton at O. City, 7 p.m.

Beckville at U. Grove, 7 p.m.

B. Sandy at Hawkins, 7 p.m.

Waskom at E. Fields, 7 p.m.

Overton at Mt. Enterprise, 7 p.m.

Tenaha at Grapeland, 7 p.m.

Carlisle at Mildred, 7 p.m.

C. Roads at Frankston, 7 p.m.

Cayuga at Kerens, 7 p.m.

P. Pewitt at A-Golden, 7 p.m.

J. Bowie at L-Kildare, 7 p.m.

Bishop Dunne at Brook Hill, 7 p.m.

Dallas Covenant at T.K. Gorman, 7 p.m.

All Saints at D. Shelton, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 2 Grace at Arlington Prep, 1:30 p.m.

C. Heritage at G. Christian, TBA

THURSDAY, NOV. 7 Mabank at Kilgore, TBA

FRIDAY, NOV. 8

Longview at R. City Red Oak at Tyler, TBA Mt. Pleasant at Hallsville Marshall at Whitehouse T. High at Nacogdoches Pine Tree at Palestine Henderson at Lindale Pittsburg at Spring Hill, 7 p.m.

Gilmer at N. Lamar, 7 p.m.

Van at P. Grove, 7 p.m.

Brownsboro at Carthage Rusk at Center Athens at Bullard W. Point at Ferris, 7 p.m.

Canton at Sunnyvale, 7 p.m.

Buffalo at Troup Arp at West Rusk Elkhart at New Diana Gladewater at W. Oak, 7 p.m.

L-Eylau at Sabine, 7 p.m.

Tatum at Jefferson, 7 p.m.

Redwater at H. Springs Harmony at Prairiland, 7 p.m.

Malakoff at Winnsboro, 7 p.m.

Mineola at Rains, 7 p.m.

O. City at Beckville, 7 p.m.

U. Grove at B. Sandy, 7 p.m.

E. Fields at Harleton, 7 p.m.

Hawkins at Waskom, 7 p.m.

Cushing at Overton, 7 p.m.

Mt. Enterprise at Alto, 7 p.m.

Kerens at Carlisle, 7 p.m.

Frankston at Cayuga, 7 p.m.

H. Grove at P. Pewitt, 7 p.m.

L-Kildare at Maud, 7 p.m.

Grace at Bishop Dunne, 7 p.m.

Brentwood at Brook Hill, 7 p.m.

T.K. Gorman at M. Christian, 7 p.m.

Campbell at L. Chapel, 7 p.m.

Trinity School at A. Springs, TBA Tex. Christian at C. Heritage D. Christian at All Saints, 7 p.m.

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The Zone | East Texas Football Preview

31

DISTRICT 10-6A

Longview's Brenden Reese (Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

OUR PICKS: 1. LONGVIEW 2. ROCKWALL 3. FORNEY 4. ROCKWALL-HEATH 5. TYLER LEGACY 6. NORTH FORNEY 7. ROYSE CITY 32 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

LONGVIEW LOBOS

COACH: John King (21st year, 222-45) ALL-TIME RECORD: 781-356-20 STADIUM: Lobo Stadium, 3012 Airline Road, Longview, 75605 2023 RESULTS: 11-2 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 30/9 LETTERMEN LOST: 35 OFFENSE: Pro I OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Kelvin Washington, Sr., 5-9, 170 … OL Fernando Longoria, Sr., 6-3, 250 … WR Da’Marrion Williams, Sr., 6-5, 200 … RB Buster Mumphrey, Sr., 5-9, 190 … OL Jayden Jackson, Soph., 6-1, 245 … QB Maverick Rowe, Sr., 5-9, 155 … OL Jamarion George, Sr., 6-0, 300 … OL Cedric Wrighten, Sr., 5-11, 285 … TE Bryant Williams, Sr., 6-3, 240 … OL Eddie McMillion, Sr., 5-10, 245 DEFENSE: 4-2-5 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Brendon Reese, Sr., 6-1, 225 … LB Kason Brooks, Sr., 5-10, 210 … DL Krystin Williams, Jr., 5-10, 300 … DL Daryl Dolly, Jr., 5-11, 225 … DB Bryan Peoples, Sr., 5-11, 180 … DL Isaiah Horton, Sr., 5-10, 190 2024 OUTLOOK: Longview is making the jump back up to Class 6A, where it won a state championship in 2018.

The Lobos will have to replace a lot of production on both sides of the ball, losing four-star running back Taylor Tatum (Oklahoma) and defensive backs Willie Nelson (Oklahoma State) and Deadrian Garrett (Tulsa). Longview has four starters back on offense and five returning starters on defense as it looks to extend its postseason streak to 24 — a span where it won less than nine games just three times. King, who collected career win No. 200 in 2022, has been leading the way since 2004. Washington (737 yards, 13 touchdowns rushing; 368 yards, four touchdowns receiving) will take over the top spot at running back. Buster Mumphrey (180 yards, three touchdowns rushing) is another option in the backfield. Rowe (315 yards, one touchdown passing) is expected to take over at quarterback, and 6-5 Williams is an imposing target at receiver.

Three-year starter Longoria leads the way up front, where Jackson, George, Wrighton and McMillion will also man the offensive line. Defesively, Reese (64 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles) and Brooks (77 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, three sacks) return at linebacker. Williams (18 tackles), Dolly (10 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks) and Horton (46 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, six sacks) lead the way on the defensive line. Peoples will look to be a ball hawk in the secondary, where the Lobos will be looking for playmakers to step up. The Lobos were expected to be strong on both lines.

If production comes at quarterback, receiver and in the secondary, look for the Lobos to compete for another district title and have a chance to make a deep postseason run.

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TYLER LEGACY RED RAIDERS

COACH: Beau Trahan (2nd year, 3-8) ALL-TIME RECORD: 314-366-20 STADIUM: Earl Campbell Field at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium, 609 Fair Park Drive, Tyler, 75701 2023 RESULTS: 3-8 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 25/11 LETTERMEN LOST: 25 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: TE JP Rainer, Sr., 6-2, 210 … WR Za’Bryan Hood, Sr., 6-0, 160 … OL Eric Miller, Jr., 6-1, 320 … OL DeMarrion Johnson, Soph., 6-6, 310 … QB Von Lane, Soph., 6-3, 210 … QB Zach Davis, Jr., 6-0, 190 … WR DaCarryon Hollie, Soph., 5-10, 160 … OL Cash Acker, Sr., 6-2, 250 … OL Jadaelyn Jackson, Sr., 6-0, 250 … RB Micah Pierson, Sr., 5-10, 180 DEFENSE: 3-3 Stack DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Ethan Brown, Jr., 6-0, 190 … LB Nathaniel Kirksey, Sr., 5-11, 185 … DB Ke’Braylon Jackson, Sr., 5-11, 175 … DL Simeon Garner, Sr., 6-4, 235 … DB Zion Alexander, Jr., 5-9, 165 … LB Bauer Sivley, Jr., 6-0, 200 … LB Paul Ratliff, Sr., 6-0, 205 2024 OUTLOOK: Tyler Legacy returned to the playoffs in Trahan’s first season at the helm. It was the Red Raiders’ fourth postseason appearance in five years, missing in 2022. The Red Raiders return seven starters on offense, including the entire offensive line. Miller, Acker and Jackson are veterans, while Johnson started at left tackle as a freshman and already has offers from Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas Tech, Houston and North Texas. Lane got valuable experience at quarterback as a freshman, throwing for 313 yards and two touchdowns. Legacy also picked up Grace Community transfer Zach Davis in the offseason. Davis was 126 of 198 for 2,347 yards and 27 touchdowns in leading Grace Community to a 9-2 record as a sophomore. Pierson (54 carries, 130 yards) is back at running back. Hood (20 catches, 268 yards) is the top returning receiver, and Rainer (seven catches, 113 yards, one touchdown) and Hollie (five catches, 88 yards) are back as targets.

Kirksey (160 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, seven sacks) leads the linebackers, and Sivley and Ratliff are expected to step into larger roles. Garner leads the way on the defensive line after suffering a season-ending injury in the 2023 season opener.

Brown (124 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries) and Jackson (28 tackles) are back in the secondary. August Williford made five field goals last season with a long of 36 yards, including fourth-quarter winners in wins over Mesquite Horn (10-7) and Royse City (34-31). The Red Raiders have a lot of youth heading into the season, but an experienced offensive line is expected to be the strength, while the Red Raiders will look for some players to stand up in the secondary after graduation.

34 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

FORNEY JACKRABBITS COACH: Jeff Fleener (4th season, 27-10; 58-45 overall) ALL-TIME: 629-407-24 STADIUM: City Bank Stadium, 800 Farm-to-Market 741, Forney, 75126 2023 RESULTS: 13-2 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 32/10 LETTERMEN LOST: 41

OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Javian Osborne, Jr., 5-10, 185 … QB Nelson Peterson, Jr., 6-2, 191 … WR Imari Jehiel, Jr., 6-0, 178 … OL Jordan Carraway, Soph., 6-5, 295 ... WR Orin Gee, Sr., 6-1, 175 … OL Caden Newton, Sr., 5-9, 248 DEFENSE: Multiple DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Landry Hopkins, Jr., 5-11, 218 … LB Kelvion Riggins, Sr., 6-2, 204 … LB Xzavier Young, Jr., 5-9, 188 2024 OUTLOOK: Since Fleener arrived, Forney has made the playoffs all three years with a winning record in all three seasons after not making the playoffs since 2015 and going 0-9 in 2020, which was the year before Fleener’s arrival. In their final year in Class 5A, the Jackrabbits tied a school-record with 13 wins and advanced to the state semifinals. Even with the move up to Class 6A, Forney has some firepower to get back to the postseason. It starts with Osborne, who is regarded by the No. 1 running back in the nation in the Class of 2026, by On3Sports and ESPN. Osborne ran for 2,205 yard and 40 touchdowns a season ago. Jehiel (36 catches, 447 yards, eight touchdowns) is back at receiver. Nelson Peterson Jr. — the younger brother of former NFL great Adrian Peterson — who was 77 of 153 for 1,167 yards with 15 touchdowns and three interceptions and also had 83 carries for 648 yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore at Sunnyvale has transferred in and is expected to take over at quarterback for the Jackrabbits. Gee (21 catches, 385 yards, eight touchdowns) is another target at receiver, and Carrway and Newton are back on the offensive line. Carraway, a sophomore, already has offers from North Texas, Pittsburgh, SMU, Texas Tech and UTEP after playing for the 10-0 Forney junior varsity as a freshman. Hopkins (132 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two forced fumbles), Riggins (101 tackles, eight tackles for loss, six sacks) and Young (74 tackles, seven sacks) are back to lead the defense.

NORTH FORNEY FALCONS COACH: Marcus Shavers (1st year at school, 0-0; 55-37 overall) ALL-TIME RECORD: 69-80 STADIUM: Forney City Bank Stadium, 9067 FM 741, Forney, Texas, 75126 2023 RESULTS: 9-3 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 21/13 LETTERMEN LOST: 28 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Kellen Sanders, Sr., 5-9, 180 … RB Andi Asuquo, Jr., 5-10, 190 … OL Donovan Dory, Sr., 6-2, 280 … WR DeQualand Vaughn, Jr., 5-8, 170 … WR Eli Otenio, Jr., 5-9, 170 …

RB Dordai Woodard, Soph., 5-7, 180 … OL Gary Jefferson, Sr., 6-4, 280 … OL Charles Bright, Sr., 6-4, 285 … K Jake Guardiola, Soph., 5-10, 180 … QB Zage Gravitt, Sr., 6-1, 180 … QB Legend Bey, Jr.,

5-11, 185 DEFENSE: 4-2-5 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Gianni Edwards, Sr., 5-11, 185 … DB Caleb Holt, Sr., 6-2, 200 … DB Josiah Turner, Jr., 5-10, 180 … LB Jaylen Gray, Sr., 5-10, 190 … DB Kamaje Else, Sr., 5-10, 180 … DB Jackson Van Otten, Sr., 6-2, 200 … DL Jamal Joiner, Sr., 5-10, 265 … DeUndrea Putilla … DB Ryan Gilbert, Jr., 5-10, 170 2024 OUTLOOK: Every three years, North Forney has a season where it wins at least nine games and goes to the playoffs. In the two years in between, the Falcons have missed the playoffs. Will that trend continue or can North Forney make the playoffs in consecutive seasons? The Falcons will have a new head coach as Marcus Shavers was hired after six years at McKinney, where his team won 37 games. North Forney was explosive on offense last season with five games scoring at least 42 points and three games with more than 50 points. Seven of those starters are back on offense. Asuquo (771 yards, six touchdowns rushing) leads the backfield. Sanders (15 catches, 121 yards, one touchdown), Vaughn and Otenio are targets at receiver. Dory, Jefferson and Bright anchor a solid offensive line. The defense is led by Edwards (78 tackles). Edwards, who has offers from Arizona, Boise State, Colorado, Houston, SMU and Memphis, is the son of former Florida State star and NFL player Mario Edwards Sr. and the younger brother of Mario Edwards Jr., who also played at Florida State and is currently on the Houston Texans. Other defensive standouts are Holt (86 tackles, six tackles for loss, four interceptions) and DeUndrea Putilla (52 tackles, seven sacks, 19 tackles for loss). Late in June, North Forney added quarterback Bey and three-star cornerback Gilbert, both from Mesquite Horn. Bey accounted for 1,405 yards of total offense and 16 touchdowns for a 5-5 Horn team last season. He lists 17 offers, including Oregon, Missouri, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas Tech, Arizona State, Arkansas, Baylor, California and Colorado. Gilbert is rated the 31st-best cornerback in the nation in the Class of 2026 and lists 23 offers. His list includes Arkansas, Auburn, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, SMU, TCU, Texas A&M, Utah and Wisconsin.

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ROCKWALL YELLOWJACKETS COACH: Trey Brooks (5th year, 40-79 ALL-TIME RECORD: 622-433-31 STADIUM: Wilkerson-Sanders Memorial Stadium, 1197 T.L. Townsend Drive, Rockwall, Texas, 75087 2023 RESULTS: 11-2 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 43/7 LETTERMEN LOST: 48 OFFENSE: Multiple spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Landyn Locke, Sr., 6-4, 180 … WR Triston Gooch, Sr., 6-1, 185 … OL Chase Iwunze, Sr., 6-1, 330 … WR Jack Duckworth, Jr., 6-0, 175 … RB Jamir Wilson, Sr., 5-10, 175 … TE Jackson Stoner, Jr., 6-4, 225 … RB Kaydon Castro, Soph., 5-8, 170 … WR Camron Marsh, Sr., 6-0, 175 … OL Cameron Johnson, Sr., 6-1, 280 … TE Cale Anderson, Sr., 6-3, 220 … WR Jaiden Petrino, Jr., 6-2, 180 DEFENSE: 3-3-5 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Jack Duckworth, Jr., 6-0, 175 … DL Leander Parrish, Sr., 6-2, 225 … DL Jackson Stoner, Jr., 6-4, 225 … DB Will Ashworth, Jr., 5-11, 180 … DB Camron Marsh, Sr., 6-0, 175 … DB Kaden Warren, Sr., 5-10, 165 …

DB Eric Gabriel, Sr., 5-9, 160 … DL Edwin Gonzales-Salas, Sr., 6-4, 220 … LB Owen Brand, Sr., 5-10, 200 2024 OUTLOOK: Rockwall graduated 48 lettermen, but that is unlikely to slow down the Yellowjackets. Rockwall has made the playoffs in 11 straight seasons. In 2023, the Yellowjackets won at least 10 games for the fourth time in five years — they won nine in 2021. This is a program that simply reloads. Wisconsin commit Landyn Locke (97 of 160, 1,702 yards, 19 touchdowns) is back at quarterback, and he has Gooch (67 catches, 1,216 yards, 17 touchdowns) back as one of the more productive receivers around. Wislon (68 carries, 484 yards, five touchdowns) will take on a bigger role in the backfield. Iwunze and Johnson will anchor the offensive line. Defensively is where the Yellowjackets will need some people to really step up with just two starters returning.

Duckworth (32 tackles) and Ashworth (54 tackles) are back in the secondary and will be joined by Marsh, Warren and Gabriel.

Parrish, Stoner, Gonzales-Salas (47 tackles) and Brand are expected to make an impact on defense.

ROCKWALL-HEATH HAWKS COACH: Rodney Webb (2nd year at school, 9-3; 175-85) ALL-TIME RECORD: 132-73-0 STADIUM: Wilkerson-Sanders Memorial Stadium, 1197 T.L. Townsend Drive, Rockwall, Texas, 75087 2023 RESULTS: 9-3 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 17/7 LETTERMEN LOST: 48 OFFENSE: Multiple spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Landen Dutka, Sr., 5-10, 165 … WR Jackson Traa, Sr. 6-1, 175 …OL Cooper Shepherd, Sr., 6-4, 290 … OL Marcus Saavedra, Jr, 6-1, 270 … RB Carter Zahm, Soph., 6-1, 195 … RB Ashton Bradford, Sr. … OL Logan Muck, Sr., 6-8, 245 … TE Riley Black, Jr., 6-2, 220 … WR Shawn Gary, Jr., 5-10, 165 … WR Jaylen Simpson, Jr., 5-9, 170 … K Bronson Mueller, Jr., 5-10, 190 … WR Christian Contreras, Soph., 5-9, 180 DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Layne Yudizky, Sr., 6-1, 200 … DL Devon Turner, Sr., 6-4, 220 … DL Isaac Martin, Sr., 6-1, 265 … LB Zeke Cannon, Jr., 6-2, 215 … LB Carter Zahm, Soph., 6-1, 195 … LB Landon Foster, Soph., 6-1, 200 2024 OUTLOOK: Rockwall-Heath had three different head coaches from 2021-23. The Hawks now have the same head coach for the second straight season as they are led by Rodney Webb, who was a head coach from 2003-21 at Royse City, Mesquite Horn, Rockwall and Denton Guyer, and 2003 was the only time his team didn’t reach the playoffs. Webb led Guyer to the state championship game in 2021. Rockwall-Heath’s two regular seasons in 2023 came to Webb’s former teams – Denton Guyer and Rockwall — but the Hawks were dominant defensively outside of those two games, holding six opponents to 14 points or fewer.

Rockwall-Heath then allowed 42 and 62 points in splitting playoff games against Sachse and Duncanville. The Hawks only bring back three starters from that defense. Yudizky (41 tackles), Turner (four sacks), and Martin lead the way on defense. Offensively, Dutka (51 of 84, 473 yards, three touchdowns; 59 yards rushing) is taking over at quarterback, and Traa (15 catches, 178 yards, three touchdowns) is the back. The strength for the Hawks is up front with Shepherd, Saavedra and Muck.

ROYSE CITY BULLDOGS COACH: Drew Colvin (1st year at school, 0-0) ALL-TIME RECORD: 475-520-37 STADIUM: Southwest Ford Field at Royse City ISD Stadium (700 FM 2642), Royse City Texas, 75189 2023 RESULTS: 3-7 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 32/9 LETTERMEN LOST: 30 OFFENSE: 11 Personnel (Spread 2 Back) OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Lukas Olvera, Sr., 5-11, 170 … TE Hudson Hays, Jr., 6-4, 220 … QB Jamion Richardson, Jr., 5-11, 165 … ATH Kadarian Clarke, Jr., 5-10, 165 … WR Braylon Chapman, Sr., 6-0, 170 … WR Ashton Haney, Soph., 6-0, 170 DEFENSE: 4-3 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Cordarian Powell, Sr., 6-1, 170 … DB Lukas Olvera, Sr., 5-11, 170 … DL Tyson Timmons, Sr., 6-3, 240 … DL Hudson Hays, Jr., 6-4, 220 … DL Sebastian Lopez, Sr., 5-11, 175 … LB Billy Jones Jr., 5-11, 175 … DL Caden Williams, Soph., 5-11, 250 2024 OUTLOOK: For the first time since 2012, the Bulldogs will have a different head coach other than David Petroff. Former Tyler Legacy and Rockwall offensive coordinator Andrew Colvin takes over for his first head coaching job. He takes over a Bulldogs team that had scored at least 400 points in three of four seasons before only scoring 268 last year. Richardson has bigplay ability at quarterback, and he’s got athletes like Olvera, Clarke, Chapman and Haney to distribute the football. The defense is where six starters return, led by Texas State commit Powell (three interceptions) and Olvera (two interceptions). Timmons, Hays, Lopez and Williams will be forces on the defensive line.

36 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

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37

DISTRICT 7-5A DI

Tyler High's D'Canaan Sueing.

(Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

OUR PICKS: 1. HIGHLAND PARK 2. RED OAK 3. TYLER 4. MIDLOTHIAN 5. BURLESON CENTENNIAL 6. CLEBURNE 7. JOSHUA 38 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

HIGHLAND PARK SCOTS COACH: Randy Allen (25 seasons Highland Park, 293-36; 43 years overall at Ballinger, Brownwood, Abilene Cooper, 446-95-6 overall) ALL-TIME RECORD: 886-265-27 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: 118-57-7 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 6 (1945, co-champs, 1957, 2005, 2016, 2017, 2018) TITLE GAME APPEARANCES: 9 PLAYOFF BERTHS: 65 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS: 58 STADIUM: Highlander Stadium, 4233 Grassmere, Highland Park, 75205 (Capacity: 9,600) 2023 RESULTS: 11-2, region semifinalist in Class 6A RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 35/3 offensive/5 defensive LETTERMAN LOST: 35 OFFENSE: Shotgun no-huddle OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: OL Gage Clark, Sr., 6-6, 285 ... WR Bryce Laczkowski, Sr., 5-11, 175 ...

OL Stuart Allday, Jr., 6-2, 275 ... WR Canon Bozeman, Jr., 5-11, 170 ... QB Buck Randall, So., 5-10, 170 ... QB Sam Montgomery, Sr., 5-10, 170 ... RB James Lancaster, Sr., 5-8, 185. ... OL Tripp, Jr., 6-0, 220 ... WR Benton Owens, Sr., 6-0, 165 ... WR Brandon Lilly, Sr., 6-2, 175 ... WR Case Messer, 6-4, 180 ... WR Issac Huthinson, JR., 6-0, 175 ... DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Jack Morse, Sr., 6-2, 215 ... LB Anders Corn, Sr., 6-2, 215 ... S Jackson McGinley, Sr., 6-0, 170 ... DL Daniel Turner, Sr., 6-3, 235 ... S Brady Ray, Sr. 6-0, 190 ...

2024 OUTLOOK: The Scots won and shared district titles in their two years in Class 6A. ... As usual HP loses a lot of letterman, but also return many. They must replace three key players in OL Case Pickelman (Georgetown), WR Steele Tobin (TCU) and RB Wilson Axey (Washington & Lee). ... Morse is the leader on defense as the linebacker was Defensive MVP in District 7-6A last season. ... Corn, McGinley and Turner were all all-district. ... Morse led with 55 tackles, along with 14 tackles for loss. ... Corn added 8.5 sacks. ... Highland Park has won 886 games, the most in Texas High School football history. ... Coach Allen is second in all-time wins at 446, trailing Phil Danaher (490). ... He is also second in playoff wins with 85 (Danaher leads with 93) and postseason appearances with 39 (Danaher leads with 41). ... The Scots have been in the playoffs every year since 1988. ... Texas Football Magazine has the Scots ranked No. 3 in the preseason poll. The publication also had Highland Park making the state semifinals.

RED OAK HAWKS

COACH: Melvin Robinson (2nd season at Red Oak, 12-1) ALL-TIME RECORD: 264-424-15 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: 13-12 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 TITLE GAME APPEARANCES: 0 PLAYOFF BERTHS: 13 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS: 7 STADIUM: Billy Goodloe Stadium, 154 Louise Ritter Road, Red Oak 75154 (Capacity: 7,118) 2023 RESULTS: 12-1, region semifinalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 25/7 offensive/5 defensive LETTERMAN LOST: 27 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Taz Williams, Sr., 6-1, 186 ... WR Brayden Robinson, Jr., 5-9, 165 ... TE Arvis Battle, Sr., 6-4, 230 ... WR Charles Taplin, Sr., 6-1, 170 ... OL DE'Anthony Jones, Sr., 6-2, 260 ... OL Kleton Elie, Sr., 6-2, 280 ... RB Lorenzo Holman, Jr., 5-10, 188 ... QB Billy Middleton, Jr., 6-1, 175 ... OL Clayton Duckworth, 6-8, 310 ...

DEFENSE: 4-2-5 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB TJ Stocker, Sr., 6-3, 200 ... DB Dhillon McGree, So., 6-2, 171 ... LB Desmond Cox, Jr., 6-0, 200 ... LB Courtney Gordon, Jr., 5-11, 205 ... DT Johnnie Fitzgerald, So., 6-3, 265 ... DB Jarius Bush, Sr., 5-8, 170 ... DE Dior Gammon, Sr., 6-4, 190 ... DT Anthony Smith, Jr., 6-4, 235 ...

2024 OUTLOOK: The Hawks are defending district champions, winning their first 12 games before falling to eventual state champion Aledo. They lost four key players — RB Chris Martinez (SFA), DT Kaiden Bates (UT Permian Basin), QB Reggie Moody (Mary Hardin-Baylor) and LB Zac Smith (SMU). ... Williams (63 catches, 898 yards, 11 TDs) is a preseason all-state player by Texas Football Magazine. The standout is a member of the Texas Football second-team Super Team. ... Robinson had 31 receptions for 519 yards and six touchdowns. Finding defensive linemen and a quarterback are keys for the Hawks. ... Texas Football Magazine has the Hawks ranked No 14 in the preseason poll.

JOSHUA OWLS

COACH: Danny DeArman (fourth year at Cleburne, 6-24; Overall 61-56, previously at Arlington Bowie ) ALL-TIME RECORD: 250-530-16 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: 3-2-1 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 TITLE GAME APPEARANCES: 0 PLAYOFF BERTHS: 4 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS: 3 STADIUM: Owl Stadium, 909 South Broadway, Joshua 76058 (Capacity: 9,318) 2023 RESULTS: 1-9 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 25/8 offensive/7 defensive LETTERMAN LOST: 17 OFFENSE: Flex Bone OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Eli Martinez, Sr., 5-11, 185 ... OL Noah Newman, Sr., 6-4, 275 ... QB Justin Tullis, Sr., 5-11, 160 ... ATH Braxton Roberts, So., 6-0, 185 ...

DEFENSE: 4-2-5 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DL Marquize Wilson, Sr., 6-1, 320 ... DB Te'Von Wilson, Sr., 5-10, 160 ... LB Erik Martinez, Jr., 5-11, 185 ... DL Michael Duran, Jr., 6-0, 280 ... ATH Brayden Payne, So., 6-1, 170 ... DL Pablo Arias, Jr., 6-1, 235 ... DB Peyton Noble, Sr., 5-10, 170 ... LB Jaxon Wells, Jr., 6-0, 170 ... DB Drew Wilson, 5-9, 160 ...

2024 OUTLOOK: The Owls hope to snap their 27 consecutive losing season streak. ... Martinez is the leading returning rusher afer garnering 763 yards and five touchdowns. ... Tullis returns at QB. Last season, he threw for 659 yards and six TDs with three interceptions.

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TYLER LIONS

COACH: Rashaun Woods (2nd season at Tyler, 6-4; Overall record 74-53) ALL-TIME RECORD: 736-416-41 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: 59-33-3 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 3 (1930, 1973, 1994) TITLE GAME APPEARANCES: 5 PLAYOFF BERTHS: 39 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS: 28 STADIUM: Earl Campbell Field at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium, 609 Fair Park Drive, Tyler 75701 (Capacity: 10,566) 2023 RESULTS: 6-4 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 28/7 offensive, 6 defensive OFFENSE: Power Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: OL Kabren Edwards, Sr., 6-3, 250 ... H-Back/TE Keondre Powers, Sr., 6-0, 220 ... QB Caden Granberry, Jr., 5-6 145 ... RB Ashon Arriaga, Jr., 5-6, 175 ...

DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB D'Canaan Sueing, Sr. 6-0, 210 ... LB D'crystian Sueing, Sr., 6-0, 205 ... DB Jeremiah Taylor, Sr., 5-11, 165 ... DB Amarion Spencer-Hood, Sr., 5-9, 160 ... RB Cadaruis McMiller, So., 6-1, 195 ... WR LaTreyson Haralson, So., 6-1, 160 ...

2024 OUTLOOK: The Lions had a turnaround last season going from two wins to six victories in Coach Woods' first season at the helm. Woods, a two-time All-America wide receiver at Oklahoma State, despite losing standouts Derrick McFall (SMU), Marquette Martin (Texas Wesleyan) and Zach Williams (Tulsa) expects his team to be stronger in 2024 and to break the two-year playoff drought. ... The Lions had a 1-2 punch on defense in the talented twins — linebackers D'Canaan Sueing and D'crystian Sueing. Both are three-year starters with Woods saying of first-team all-district performer D'Canaan, "He is the leader of the defense ... fast and physical player." He totaled 116 tackles last season. ... As for D'crystian, "He has the ability to play in space with his quickness and nose for the football." He 65 tackles and two sacks. ... Granberry took over at QB and led the Lions. He plays much bigger than his height, a very smart player with a strong and accurate arm with a dash of speed. Granberry competed 128 passes for 1,772 yards and 19 TDs with seven interceptions. ... Arriaga is a physical back who runs the ball between the tackles, rushing for 509 yards and five TDs on 114 carries last season. ...

McMiller, son of former JT standout running back Torrey McMiller, is tall and fast, already holding multiple Division I offers. ...

The Lions are expecting big things from Haralson, who was voted on the All-State 7-on-7 second team during the summer.

He also has multiple D-I offers as a sophomore. ... Davion Sirles is the top returning receiver with 25 catches for 254 yards and five TDs. ... Marvin Espinal is a reliable kicker, making 5 of 6 field goal attempts with 10 touchbacks on kickoffs. He was 24 of 29 on PATs. ... The Lions are tied with Corsicana for 13th place in all-time wins in Texas High School football history with 736 victories. ... Tyler opens the season with Marshall as the Lions did last year. Tyler won in five overtimes, 38-36. The five OTs is tied for second with the most extra periods in Texas High School football history. Jacksonville's 84-81 win over Nacogdoches in 12 OTs in 2010 is the record.

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MIDLOTHIAN PANTHERS COACH: Dave Wendel (9 years at Midlothian, 60-39; 108-82 overall, previously at Eustace and Ardmore, Oklahoma) ALL-TIME RECORD: 433-509-20 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: 9-16-1 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 TITLE GAME APPEARANCES: 0 PLAYOFF BERTHS: 17 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS: 7 STADIUM: Don Floyd Field at MISD Multi-Purpose Stadium, 1800 S. 14th, Midlothian 76065 (Capacity: 7,669) 2023 RESULTS: 8-3, bi-district RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 12/3 offensive/4 defensive LETTERMAN LOST: 34 OFFENSE: Spread Option OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Beau Wendel, Jr., 5-11, 185 ... OL Noah Best, Jr., 6-4, 300 ... OL Brody Massey, Jr., 6-3, 275 ... OL Nelson McGuire, Sr., 6-5, 200 ... OL Hayzen Shelton, Jr., 6-5, 290 ... DB Dejasper Webb, Sr., 5-10, 160 ... ATH Brendon Jackson, Fr., 5-10, 160 ... WR Zach Brown, Jr., 5-11, 165 ...

DEFENSE: Multiple DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DE Kyen Purser, Sr., 5-11, 260 ... S Zach Washington, Sr., 5-11, 170 ... S Carson Kemp, Jr., 6-0, 170 ... Slot Jayce McCoy, Sr., 5-9, 155 ... RB David Aborisade, Sr., 5-10, 175 ... LB Shelly Green, Jr., 5-10, 180 ... DE Cesera Williams, Jr., 6-0, 230 ...

2024 OUTLOOK: The Panthers lost a number of veteran players, but should restock with players from a 9-1 JV squad. Midlothian also lost playmaker Bryant Wesco to Clemson. ... Beau Wendel was Defensive Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore, but will move to quarterback this season. ... Coach Wendel said Best will be a high-level Power 5 recruit. ... The Panthers have a stellar offensive line, but a concern is at the skill position as Coach Wendel said they will see duty on both sides of the ball.

BURLESON CENTENNIAL SPARTANS COACH: Kyle Geller (14 years at Burleson Centennial, 93-55; 126-73 overall, previously at Mansfield Summit and Carrollton Creekview) ALL-TIME RECORD: 86-52 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: 10-10 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 TITLE GAME APPEARANCES: 0 PLAYOFF BERTHS: 10 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS: 1 STADIUM: Burleson Stadium, 100 Elk Drive, Burleson 76028 (Capacity: 9,553) 2023 RESULTS: 7-4, bi-district RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 31/6 offensive/6 defensive LETTERMAN LOST: 28 OFFENSE: Spread Option OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: OL Jaden Ferguson, Sr., 6-0, 270 ... WR Damien Long, Sr., 6-0, 175 ... RB/Slot Kellan Gregory, Sr., 5-10, 165 ... QB Jacob "JT"

Torres, So., 6-0, 170 ...

DEFENSE: Broken Stack DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DE Jack Long, Sr., 6-3, 235 ... OLB Blaine Smith, Sr., 6-1, 210 ... LB Meziah Ababio, Sr., 5-9, 185 ... S Jaylen Walker, Jr., 5-9, 180 ... DT Robert French, Jr., 5-9, 225 ...

2024 OUTLOOK: The Spartans were very young a year ago, but still made the playoffs. ... Coach Geller is the only coach in the history of the Centennial school, which opened in 2012. ... Centennial lost five key players to colleges — Safety/RB Aidan Hicks (Emporia State), CB Cole Confessore (TCU, walk-on), QB/CB Iverson Moore (Angelo State), RB Keyshaun Tucker (Eastern New Mexico) and S Mason Stancliff (East Texas Baptist). ... Geller said the Spartans are "tweaking the offense" because of special talent Torres who was a starter at QB on the JV last season as a freshman. ... Gregory is the leading rusher returning with 494 yards and 5 TDs on 44 carries. ... Long is the top receiver back (24-588, 8 TDs).

CLEBURNE YELLOW JACKETS COACH: Jim Woodard (third year at Cleburne, 3-17) ALL-TIME RECORD: 631-506-43 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: 31-24-7 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 2 TITLE GAME APPEARANCES: 2 PLAYOFF BERTHS: 28 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS: 19 STADIUM: Brooks Conover Field at Yellow Jacket Stadium, 1201 W. Henderson, Cleburne 76033 (Capacity: 5,776) 2023 RESULTS: 3-7 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 28/7 offensive/6 defensive LETTERMAN LOST: 19 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: OL Willie Duckett, Sr., 6-3, 315 ... WR CJ Kensley, Jr., 6-4, 185 ... WR Malachi Cunningham, Jr., 5-10, 180 ... RB Hayden Leifeste, Jr., 6-0, 175 ... QB Luke Stewart, Jr., 6-0, 175 ... WR Major Marvell, Jr., 5-10, 175 ... WR Cordae Simmons, Jr., 5-11, 175 ... OL Elias Tarango, Jr., 6-2, 250 ...

RB Kaj Anderson, Jr., 5-9, 205 ... OL Antonio Quiroz, Sr. 5-9, 225 ...

DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Jadaan Rodriguez, Sr., 6-0, 255 ... LB Beaux Douthitt, Jr., 6-0, 185 ... S Jayden Navarrete, Jr., 5-11, 180 ... DE Anthony Garza, So., 6-2, 200 ... LB Miguel Cardenas, Sr., 6-1, 190 ... DB Javari Meyer, Jr., 5-10, 175 ... DB Maddox Sheilds, Jr., 5-11, 170 ...

2024 OUTLOOK: After going 0-10 two seasons ago, the Yellow Jackets improve to three wins last year. They return experienced players (24 sophomores on last year's squad) and hope to continue to improve in Coach Woodard's third season at the helm. ...

Cleburne lost three players to colleges — OL Aidan Fuller (Texas Wesleyan), WR/DB Jaiden Reed (Colorado State-Pueblo) and OL John Paul Martinez (Wayland Baptist). ... QB Stewart started all 10 games last year as a sophomore, hitting on 108 of 188 pass attempts for 1,360 yards and five TDs. ... Leifeste rushed for 734 yards and five TDs on 148 carries. ...

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DISTRICT 7-5A DII

Texas High's Orlando Barnes (Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

OUR PICKS: 1. TEXAS HIGH 2. MARSHALL 3. WHITEHOUSE 4. MOUNT PLEASANT 5. NACOGDOCHES 6. HALLSVILLE 7. JACKSONVILLE

42 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

TEXAS HIGH TIGERS

COACH: Gerry Stanford (8th season, 59-23 at Texas High, 105-45 overall) ALL-TIME: 673-430-32 STADIUM: Tiger Stadium at Grim Park, Summerhill Road and West 12th Street, Texarkana, 75501 2023 RESULTS: 11-2 regional semifinalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 43/16 LETTERMEN LOST: 22 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB/WR Tradarian Ball, Jr., 5-11, 185 … RB Javari Johnson, Sr., 5-8, 170 … OL Damien Chisum, Jr., 6-4, 280 … WR Shavante Montgomery, Jr., 5-10, 165 … OL Donquavieus Ford, So., 6-5, 275 … OL Joshua Blackwell, Sr., 6-1, 300 … TE/HB Knox Pilgreen, Sr., 6-2, 190 … QB David Potter, Sr., 6-4, 200 DEFENSE: 4-2-5 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DL Duncan McGhee, Jr., 6-5, 285 … LB Isaiah Dowden, Sr., 5-9, 195 … LB Eshayland Cooper, Jr., 5-10, 180 … DB Kendrevion Boyce, Sr., 5-11, 165 … DL Sheldon Harris, Sr., 6-4, 200 … Edge Jamarion Hope, Sr., 6-0, 180 … DB Darnell Williams, Sr., 5-11, 185 … OLB Alex Jones, Sr., 6-0, 190 2024 OUTLOOK: Texas High will aim for a fifth straight district championship when it faces the 2024 7-5A Division II field.

The Tigers will charge with junior running back, receiver and kick return prospect Tradarian Ball (1,290 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns, 25 receptions, 411 receiving yards, six receiving touchdowns, one passing touchdown, and one punt return touchdown), senior running back Javari Johnson (194 carries, 1,376 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns) and junior defensive lineman Duncan McGhee (52 total tackles, 31 solo tackles, 13 tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, two sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one defensive touchdown) because they hold a number of FBS offers.

The team will also receive much-needed roster depth from football players like senior linebacker Isaiah Dowden (81 tackles, 49 solo tackles, 16 quarterback hurries, 14 tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries, two sacks, and one pick six), junior receiver Shavante Montgomery (18 receptions, 400 yards, and five touchdowns), junior linebacker Eshayland Cooper (74 tackles, 48 solo tackles, six quarterback hurries, four tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one sack), senior defensive back Kendrevion Boyce (64 tackles, 27 solo tackles, three interceptions, and two tackles for loss), senior tight end and halfback Knox Pilgreen (12 receptions, 203 yards and three touchdowns), senior defensive lineman Sheldon Harris (11 tackles, five solo tackles and three quarterback hurries), senior quarterback David Potter (2,371 passing yards, 60 percent completion, 23 passing touchdowns, and one rushing touchdowns), senior edge Jamarion Hope (59 tackles, 21 solo tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hurries, five sacks, and three forced fumbles), senior outside linebacker Alex Jones (45 tackles, 14 solo tackles, three tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one interception, and one blocked field goal).

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MARSHALL MAVERICKS

COACH: Jason Hammett (1st season, 0-0 at Marshall) ALL-TIME: 633-489-45 STADIUM: Maverick Stadium, 1900 Maverick Drive, Marshall, 75670 2023 RESULTS: 6-6 area round finalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 25/15 LETTERMEN LOST: 9 OFFENSE: Wing-T OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: TE David Carlisle, Sr., 5-10, 230 … TE Judson Illingworth, Sr., 6-1, 205 … RB Landen Jones, Jr., 6-1, 230 … WR Raijon Sims, Sr., 6-0, 170 … OL Eric Perkins, Jr., 6-4, 340 … ATH Alton Henderson, Jr., 5-8, 165 … WR Tyler Johnigan, So., 6-0, 175 DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: Edge Kaiden Rodgers, Sr., 6-0, 185 … Edge Jayden Cooks, Sr., 6-2, 185 … LB Judson Illingworth, Sr., 6-1, 205 … LB Landen Jones, Jr., 6-1, 230 2024 OUTLOOK: Marshall launched its long and successful football history in 1902, and plans to continue its playoff tradition during the first year of the Jason Hammett tenure in 2024. The Mavericks have reached 35 postseasons since 1924, and are a one-time state champion from the 1990 campaign. They reached their first 11 postseasons by 1966, and heated up after a 16-year absence to produce their other 24 playoff berths since 1982. Momentum remains on the program’s side because it has qualified for 10 of the past 11 UIL postseasons since 2013, and closed out the second and final season of former head coach Jack Alvarez’s tenure with a 2023 Class 5A Division II area round appearance. Hammett plans to lean on his recent experience on Alvarez’s staff as Marshall’s assistant athletic director and football defensive coordinator to keep the Maverick train flying down the track, navigate the challenging 2024 District 7-5A Division II schedule, and punch another playoff ticket this fall. Senior edges Jayden Cooks (36 tackles and two sacks) and Kaiden Rodgers, senior tight end David Carlisle, senior tight end and linebacker Judson Illingworth (nine catches, 98 yards, two touchdowns, 34 tackles, and one interception), junior running back and linebacker Landen Jones (562 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns), senior receiver Raijon Sims, junior offensive lineman Eric Perkins (set up team’s 187.84 rushing yards per game), junior athlete Alton Henderson (180 yards and two rushing touchdowns), and sophomore receiver Tyler Johnigan are other players to watch.

44 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

WHITEHOUSE WILDCATS

COACH: Kyle Westerberg (4th season, 17-15 at Whitehouse) ALL-TIME: 274-342-12 STADIUM: Wildcat Stadium, 106 Wildcat Drive, Whitehouse, 75791 2023 RESULTS: 7-4 bi-district finalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 22/10 LETTERMEN LOST: 34 OFFENSE: Multiple Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: OL Johnathan Bush, Sr., 6-3, 290 … TE Hudson Barron, Sr., 6-1, 208 …

OL De’Braylen McDonald, Sr., 5-11, 306 … QB Tyler LaCombe, Jr., 5-10, 188 … RB Za’Majeigh Mosley, Jr., 5-10, 174 … WR Layne Hooker, Sr., 6-1, 170 … OL Caleb Toombs, Jr., 6-2, 315 DEFENSE: Multiple 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Julius Simms, Sr., 6-3, 190 … LB Kaden Mackey, Sr., 5-10, 208 … LB Shawn Rios, 5-10, 197 … DL Jeremiah McClenton, So., 6-0, 251 … DB Noah Lindsay, Sr., 5-9, 170 … DL Markyle Johnson, Sr., 5-11, 285 … DL Kadavion Pickens, So., 6-1, 190 2024 OUTLOOK: Whitehouse has become an East Texas football postseason regular over the past half-century, so it plans to keep the tradition alive and celebrate the 50th anniversary of its first playoff team from 1974 this fall. The Wildcats earned their first three trips between 1974 and 1978 and bounced back from a 19-year drought to earn their next 16 appearances between 1997 and 2023. Current head coach Kyle Westerberg did miss the dance in his first season in 2021, but quickly put the puzzle back together with back-to-back 2022 and 2023 Class 5A Division II playoff bi-district finishes. His 2024 team should have a similar finish because of college recruits like senior defensive back Julius Simms (59 total tackles and one interception) and senior offensive lineman Johnathan Bush (15 pancakes and 11 knockdowns). The team will also have contributors like senior tight end Hudson Barron (five catches and 52 yards), senior linebacker Kaden Mackey (83 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and four sacks), senior linebacker Shawn Rios (74 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and one fumble recovery), senior offensive lineman De’Braylen McDonald (13 knockdowns and 12 pancakes), junior quarterback Tyler LaCombe (69 rushes, 457 yards, five touchdowns, four receptions, and 32 yards), senior defensive back Noah Lindsay (28 tackles, six pass breakups, and one interception), senior receiver Layne Hooker (23 catches, 346 yards and six touchdowns), and senior defensive lineman Markyle Johnson (37 tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack).

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MOUNT PLEASANT TIGERS

COACH: Joe Cluley (3rd season, 7-12 at Mount Pleasant, 40-28 overall) ALL-TIME: 528-492-27 STADIUM: Sam Parker Field, 2801 Old Paris Road, Mount Pleasant, 75455 2023 RESULTS: 5-4 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 24/11 LETTERMEN LOST: 27 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: OL Jonathan Amieva, Sr., 6-3, 255 … C/WR Decorian “Deuce” Thompson, Jr., 5-11, 170 … RB Tony Jones, Jr. 5-8, 175 … OL Corben Craig, Jr., 6-0, 260 … WR Brandon “BJ” Brannon, So., 5-8, 175 … OL Tyland Jones, Jr., 5-10, 265 … OL Evan Cota, Sr., 6-1, 270 DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DL Ayden Johnson, Jr., 6-3, 308 … LB Ashad Smith, Jr., 6-1, 180 … S Carter Cook, Jr., 5-11, 180 … DL Nehemiah “Nemo” Savage, So., 6-1, 265 2024 OUTLOOK: Mount Pleasant expects a motivated football program on its high school campus during the 2024 campaign because it missed the 2023 UIL postseason by only one game in the District 8-5A Division II race, and finished the year with a winning record. The Tigers have advanced to 24 playoffs since 1940, but are looking for their first appearance since 2021. They can achieve their 25th berth if they hold off Nacogdoches, Hallsville and Jacksonville this fall. The program plans to lean on senior offensive lineman Jonathan Amieva (94 percent grade and 53 pancakes), junior defensive lineman Ayden Johnson (25 tackles, 15 quarterback pressures, 10 tackles for loss, and three sacks), junior center and receiver Decorian “Deuce” Thompson (24 tackles, eight pass breakups, and four tackles for loss), junior running back Tony Jones (750 rushing yards, 150 receiving yards, and eight total touchdowns), junior offensive lineman Corben Craig (89 percent grade and 45 pancakes), junior linebacker Ashad Smith (75 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and four forced fumbles), junior safety Carter Cook (45 tackles and three tackles for loss), sophomore receiver Brandon “BJ” Brannon (525 receiving yards and five touchdowns), sophomore defensive lineman Nehemiah “Nemo” Savage (30 tackles, seven tackles for loss and two sacks), junior offensive lineman Tyland Jones (85 percent grade and 20 pancakes), senior offensive lineman Evan Cota (87 percent grade and 25 pancakes), junior kicker Alberto Avila (90 percent PAT and field goal success), and junior punter Gerardo Chavez (41 yards per punt).

NACOGDOCHES DRAGONS COACH: Darby House (2nd season, 3-7 at Nacogdoches, 32-44 overall) ALL-TIME: 463-579-36 STADIUM: Dragon Stadium, 4310 Appleby Sand Road, Nacogdoches, 75961 2023 RESULTS: 3-7 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 23/9 LETTERMEN LOST: 22 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Tyren Mathews, Sr. … OL Joshua Knepp, Jr. … WR Micah Lockett, Jr. …

RB Trae Page, Jr. … Slot RJ Whitaker, So. DEFENSE: 4-2-5 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DL Atlantis Sessions, Sr. … FS Quin’Charves Calhoun, Sr. … LB Landon Sherrard, Jr. … DE Joel Jones, Jr. 2024 OUTLOOK: Nacogdoches won two of its first three games in 2023 before a disappointing 1-6 finish to the season prevented a possible playoff appearance. The Dragons have also only qualified for 14 postseasons since 1921, but six of those appearances have occurred between 2006 and 2021. They need to extend their success from August to November to challenge for a possible 15th postseason berth in 2024. Senior quarterback Tyren Mathews (777 all-purpose yards, 51 total tackles, five touchdowns, two blocked field goals, and one interception) will guide this year’s offense, so he will need protection from junior lineman Joshua Knepp long enough to find junior receiver Micah Lockett and sophomore slot RJ Whitaker down the field, and hand the ball off to junior running back Trae Page. The defensive unit will be boosted by senior lineman Atlantis Sessions (30 total tackles, seven tackles for loss and three and a half sacks). He is expected to pressure opponents, and will be joined on that side by senior free safety Quin’Charves Calhoun, junior linebacker Landon Sherrard and junior defensive end Joel Jones. Ultimately, the team’s trek will be dependent on enough development of the roster to produce necessary depth at different player positions.

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HALLSVILLE BOBCATS COACH: Josh Strickland (4th season, 11-20 at Hallsville) ALL-TIME: 406-445-23 STADIUM: Bobcat Stadium, #1 Bobcat Lane, Hallsville, 75650 2023 RESULTS: 1-9 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 24/12 LETTERMEN LOST: 28 OFFENSE: Power Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Blanton Hale, Jr., 6-0, 175 … RB Ja’Cayden Bolden, Sr., 5-10, 180 … OL Slayten Donald, Sr., 6-3, 270 … WR/RB Coulter Evans, Jr., 5-11, 195 … WR Drew Linville, So., 6-1, 175 … QB Josh Seal, Sr., 6-0, 180 … RB Willie Shider, Sr., 5-11, 215 … OL Gabe Bennett, Sr., 6-2, 250 … OL Graham Black, Sr., 6-4, 330 … WR Landon Vineyard, Sr., 5-11, 180 DEFENSE: 4-2 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: S Blanton Hale, Jr., 6-0, 175 … CB Kobe Gaut, Sr., 6-3, 175 … DE Chris Hutton, Jr., 6-1, 205 … DL/LB Joel Hale, Sr., 6-1, 220 … DE Willie Shider, Sr., 5-11, 215 … LB Brennan Lewis, Sr., 6-1, 175 … LB Walt Surholt, Sr., 6-0, 190 2024 OUTLOOK: Hallsville has qualified for 20 playoff appearances since 1939, and usually makes the most of the winning touch. The Bobcats have advanced to multiple postseasons in a condensed period of time because they made three trips in five-season stretch between 1939 and 1943, three in four years between 1963 and 1966, two in three campaigns between 1971 and 1973, five in eight seasons between 1999 and 2006, and four in five campaigns between 2011 and 2015. They waited seven years for their most recent appearance in 2022, and don’t want to be slowed down by their disappointing 1-9 campaign in 2023. The Harrison County program is focused on finding a way to bounce back this fall, and return to the dance on multiple occasions over the next couple of years. It recognizes the tough road ahead in District 7-5A Division II, and will benefit from the play of junior safety and quarterback Blanton Hale (129 tackles, five forced fumbles, three tackles for loss, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and one sack), senior cornerback Kobe Gaut (35 tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery), senior running back Ja’Cayden Bolden (400 total yards), senior offensive lineman Slayten Donald, junior receiver and running back Coulter Evans, junior defensive end Chris Hutton, and sophomore receiver Drew Linville. The team’s depth will also include senior quarterback Josh Seal, senior defensive lineman and linebacker Joel Hale, senior defensive end and running back Willie Shider, senior linebackers Brennan Lewis and Walt Surholt, senior offensive linemen Gabe Bennett and Graham Black, and senior receiver Landon Vineyard.

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JACKSONVILLE INDIANS COACH: Jason Holman (3rd season, 3-17 at Jacksonville, 22-29 overall) ALL-TIME: 379-451-21 STADIUM: Tomato Bowl, 202 Austin Street, Jacksonville, 75766 2023 RESULTS: 0-10 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 17/12 LETTERMEN LOST: 26 OFFENSE: Power Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Elijah Whitaker, Sr., 6-1, 185 … RB Reese Hicks, Sr., 6-0, 185 … WR Andrew Diles, Sr., 6-1, 190 … RB Didier Mares, Sr., 5-7, 170 …

OL Luis Mancera, Sr., 6-4, 314 … OL Calvin Boyd, Jr., 5-10, 260 … OL Alex Parra, Jr., 5-8, 270 …

RB Radarrius Sirls, So., 5-9, 180 … WR Brendan Richards, Sr., 6-0, 140 … OL Jiovann Rangel, Sr., 5-10, 290 DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DE Jordan Dorsey, Sr., 6-3, 200 … DB Elijah Whitaker, Sr., 6-1, 185 … DB Reese Hicks, Sr., 6-0, 185 … LB Andrew Diles, Sr., 6-1, 190 … LB Didier Mares, Sr., 5-7, 170 … LB Radarrius Sirls, So., 5-9, 180 …

DB Brendan Richards, Sr., 6-0, 140 … LB Ty Lindsey, Sr., 6-0, 204 2024 OUTLOOK: Jacksonville has some work to do because it lost all 10 games during its District 9-4A Division I membership in 2023, and is making the jump to District 7-5A Division II competition for the 2024 and 2025 campaigns.

The Indians trust that a turnaround is possible under head coach Jason Holman because he led his former Tatum High School football program to back-to-back postseason appearances in 2020 and 2021 after a non-playoff year in 2019.

This year’s team will be boosted by senior defensive end Jordan Dorsey (24 solo tackles, nine quarterback pressures, six assisted tackles, six tackles for loss, and two sacks), senior receiver and defensive back Elijah Whitaker (35 solo tackles, 13 assisted tackles, one pass breakup and one forced fumble), senior running back and defensive back Reese Hicks (35 carries, 169 yards, three touchdowns, 26 solo tackles, and 25 assisted tackles), senior receiver and linebacker Andrew Diles (three receptions, 26 yards, nine solo tackles, seven assists, one tackle for loss, one sack, and one recovered fumble), senior running back and linebacker Didier Mares (83 tackles, 327 yards, one touchdown, eight solo tackles, and one assisted tackle), senior offensive lineman Luis Mancera, junior offensive linemen Calvin Boyd and Alex Parra, sophomore running back and linebacker Radarrius Sirls (72 carries, 440 yards, one yard, and 6.1 yards per carry), senior receiver and defensive back Brendan Richards (five receptions, 58 yards, seven solo tackles, and one pass breakup), senior linebacker Ty Lindsey (six solo tackles and five assisted tackles), and senior offensive lineman Jiovann Rangel.

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DISTRICT 7-5A DI

OUR PICKS: 1. PORT ARTHUR MEMORIAL 2. BARBERS HILL 3. LUFKIN 4. GALVESTON BALL 5. BEAUMONT WEST BROOK 6. BAYTOWN STERLING 7. BEAUMONT UNITED

LUFKIN PANTHERS COACH: Todd Quick (13th season, 85-50 at Lufkin) ALL-TIME: 727-377-38 STADIUM: Abe Martin Stadium, 309 South Medford Drive, Lufkin 75901 2023 RESULTS: 5-5 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 25/12 LETTERMEN LOST: 26 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Kriesan Preston, Sr., 6-3, 185 … K Nolan Hansard, Sr., 5-10, 175 … RB Gavin Phillips, Sr., 6-2, 250 DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DL Zion Williams, Sr., 6-4, 315 … DB Evan Young, Sr., 6-1, 185 … LB Kaden Hooper, Sr., 6-0, 225 … DL Elijah Alexander, Sr., 6-2, 300 … LB Desmond Hood, Jr., 6-1, 199 … DB Keshawn Waters, Jr., 5-11, 170 … DB Kenneth Timmons, Sr., 5-11, 165 … DB Mike Mosely, Sr., 5-11, 175 2024 Outlook: After 23 straight playoff appearances, Lufkin has missed the postseason in three consecutive seasons. The Panthers will go to a completely new league this year. Lufkin was originally placed in District 7-5A Division I with Tyler, Red Oak, Midlothian, Joshua, Highland Park, Cleburne and Burleson Centennial, but a successful appeal to the UIL got the Panthers shifted to District 9-5A Division I with Baytown Sterling, Beaumont United, Beaumont West Brook, Galveston Ball, Barbers Hill and Port Arthur Memorial. The Panthers graduated four-star running back Kedren Young to Notre Dame. Preston (28 catches, 515 yards, seven touchdowns) is the most productive returner on offense for the Panthers. Hansard (7 of 9 field goals) is also back as a scoring weapon. The Panthers return eight players on defense, led by Williams (35 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks), Hooper (106 tackles, five tackles for loss) and Young (30 tackles). Williams is a four-star defensive lineman with offers from LSU, Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame, Auburn, Texas, TCU, Tennessee, USC, Florida, Arkansas and more.

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DISTRICT 9-4A DI

Pine Tree's Jordan Taylor.

(Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

OUR PICKS: 1. CHAPEL HILL 2. KILGORE 3. LINDALE 4. PINE TREE 5.PALESTINE 6. HENDERSON 7. MABANK

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CHAPEL HILL BULLDOGS

COACH: Jeff Riordan (6th year at school, 46-23; 113-40 overall) ALL-TIME RECORD: 357-424-12 STADIUM: Bulldog Stadium, 13172 State Highway 64 East, Tyler, 75707 2023 RESULTS: 13-3 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 22/12 LETTERMEN LOST: 16 OFFENSE: Spread/Gun OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Demetrius Brisbon, Sr., 6-1, 178 … RB Rickey Stewart, Sr., 6-0, 195 ... WR Trevor Brooks, Sr., 5-9, 185 … OL Keldrick Davis, Sr., 6-2, 305 … RB Ja’borian Cook, Sr., 5-7, 170 … OL Braylen Allen, Sr., 5-10, 270 … WR/KR Jonah Riordan, Sr., 5-9, 168 … WR Damarcion Blaylock, Jr., 5-8, 155 … OL Amari McCuin, Soph., 6-1, 255 … RB Tyrell Gause, Sr., 5-7, 155 … OL Sutherland Singer, Sr., 6-2, 240 … OL Derek Tovar, Sr., 5-9, 245 DEFENSE: 4-2-5 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Demetrius Brisbon, Sr., 6-1, 178 … LB/P Trevor Brooks, Sr., 5-9, 185 … DL Isaiah Collins, Jr., 5-10, 250 … LB Ja’borian Cook, Sr., 5-7, 170 … DL Braylen Allen, Sr., 5-10, 270 … DB Damarcion Blaylock, Jr., 5-8, 155 … DL Amari McCuin, Soph., 6-1, 255 … DL Henry Thirkhill, Jr., 5-7, 255 … DL Dallas Gipson, Jr., 5-9, 240 … DB Tyrell Gause, Sr., 5-7, 155 … DL Derek Tovar, Sr., 5-9, 245 … DL Matthew Walker, Sr., 6-0, 200 … DB Josh Castaneda, Jr., 5-11, 165 2024 OUTLOOK: Chapel Hill has been a force in the postseason the past three years, making two state semifinal appearances and then breaking through to the Class 4A Division I championship game in 2023, falling to Anna, 26-0.

Brisbon and Stewart have been the starting quarterback and running back duo the entire time, combining to go 13-3 in the playoffs in their career. Brisbon, a three-star Baylor commit, threw for 2,027 yards and 26 touchdowns last season while running for 1,733 yards and 13 touchdowns. Stewart, a four-star Texas commit, ran for 2,855 yards and 40 touchdowns, and he had 284 yards and four touchdowns receiving. Chapel Hill graduated the bulk of its receiving. Brooks, Riordan (20 catches, 141 yards) and Blaylock (18 catches, 202 yards, four touchdowns) will step into larger roles in the offense. Davis and Allen are back on the offensive line. McCuin is a sophomore who the coaching staff expects big things from, and Singer and Tovar are also on the offensive line. Cook (38 carries, 430 yards, five touchdowns) is another option in the backfield.

Defensively, Brooks is back after compiling 143 tackles, 39 tackles for loss and 15 sacks. He is also a weapon at punter, where he averaged 40.1 yards per kick. Cook (119 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions) is also back at linebacker. Collins (62 tackles, seven tackles for loss, five sacks), Allen (22 tackles), McCuin, Tirkhill (41 tackles, four tackles for loss), Gipson (42 tackles, seven tackles for loss), Tovar (15 tackles) and Walker (52 tackles, three tackles for loss) give the Bulldogs depth on the defensive line. Blaylock (16 tackles, eight passes broken up), Gause (15 tackles) and Castaneda (48 tackles, one interception) are in the secondary. Emmanuel Valencia is expected to take over at kicker after making six extra point attempts last year. Chapel Hill is ranked No. 2 in the preseason in Class 4A Division I, so the expectation is to once again compete for a district title and make a deep run through the postseason as the Bulldogs look to win their first state title since 2011.

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KILGORE BULLDOGS

COACH: Clint Fuller (4th year at school, 33-8) ALL-TIME RECORD: 588-376-30 STADIUM: R.E. St. John Memorial Stadium, Harris St. at Simmons St., Kilgore, Texas, 75662 2023 RESULTS: 12-2 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 24/13 LETTERMEN LOST: 21 OFFENSE: Multiple OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Jayden Sanders, Sr., 6-2, 185 … WR Javon Towns, Sr., 5-9, 160 … WR La’Keyleon Graves, Jr., 6-3, 185 … RB Rayshawn Williams, Soph., 5-8, 170 … RB Isaiah Watters, Jr., 6-0, 190 … OL Daniel Garcia, Jr., 6-3, 270 DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Jayden Sanders, Sr., 6-2, 185 … DL Wylie Mitchell, Sr., 6-2, 245 … DL Jackson TuckerPhillips, Sr., 6-2, 265 … DB Javon Towns, Sr., 5-9, 160 … DL Cameron Christian, Jr. 6-2, 285 … LB La’Keyleon Graves, Jr., 6-3, 185 … LB Isaiah Watters, Jr., 6-0, 190 … LB Laperrion Graves, Sr., 6-0, 185 … DB Ja’Kalen Sheffield, Jr., 5-8, 170 2024 OUTLOOK: Not many programs have operated on the level of Kilgore since 1995. In that span, the Bulldogs have missed the playoffs just twice (2006 and 2010), playing in the last 13 postseasons with three consecutive seasons of at least 10 wins. The Bulldogs also advanced to the state quarterfinals in the past two seasons and three of the past four seasons. In all four of those seasons, though, Kilgore has been eliminated by a district foe — Lindale in 2020 and Chapel Hill in the past three postseasons. Kilgore has eight players back on defense, including three-star cornerback Jayden Sanders (35 tackles, three interceptions), who has offers from Michigan, Vanderbilt, Baylor, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and more. Other key defenders are Twons (95 tackles, seven interceptions, Mitchell (71 tackles, six sacks, six tackles for loss), Tucker-Phillips (69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks), Christian (81 tackles, six tackles for loss, four sacks), La’Keyleon Graves (83 tackles, four tackles for loss), Laperrion Graves (65 tackles) and Sheffield (57 tackles). Sanders 927 catches, 697 yards, seven touchdowns) is also a factor on offense. Williams (80 carries, 612 yards, four touchdowns as a freshman) returns in the backfield, and the Bulldogs historically run the ball well. It will be a new-look offensive line that will be led by Garcia. Fuller said team speed and leadership should once again have the Bulldogs among the top teams in the district.

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LINDALE EAGLES

COACH: Chris Cochran (8th year at school, 53-33) ALL-TIME RECORD: 415-487-17 STADIUM: Eagle Stadium, 200 Stadium Dr., Lindale, Texas, 75771 2023 RESULTS: 7-5 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 27/13 LETTERMEN LOST: 15 OFFENSE: Spread with multiple TE OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Chad Ward, Sr., 6-0, 172 …

RB Nathan Bradford, Sr., 5-11, 195 … … WR Jackson Parker, Jr., 5-9, 165 … OL Cameron Griffin, Jr., 6-0, 276 … K/P Seth Baggett, Sr., 5-11, 198 … RB A’Million Johnson, Jr., 5-11, 178 … … TE Reed Carnathan, Soph., 6-2, 180 … WR Aiden Warnell, Sr., 5-10, 165 … OL Jack Kirk, Sr. 5-10, 162 … QB Hudson LeGrow, Sr., 6-4, 165 … QB David Lindig, Soph., 5-10, 150 … OL Trey Rozell,

Sr., 6-0, 265 DEFENSE: 4-2-5 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DL Kaleb Walker, Jr., 6-3, 245 … DB Chad Ward, Sr., 6-0, 172 … LB Nathan Bradford, Sr., 5-11, 195 … DB Jackson Parker, Jr., 5-9, 165 … LB A’Million Johnson, Jr., 5-11, 178 … LB Asher Medders, Jr., 6-1, 184 … DL Reed Carnathan, Soph., 6-2, 180 … DB Aiden Warnell, Sr., 5-10, 165 … DL Gunner Johnson, Sr., 5-9, 230 … DB Hudson LeGrow, Sr., 6-4, 165 … DL Matthew Kenney, Sr., 6-4, 190 … DB David Lindig, Soph., 5-10, 150 … DB Jaryn Eagans, Sr., 6-4, 165 2024 OUTLOOK: Lindale has won at least seven games and made the playoffs in six straight seasons after going without a winning record from 2012-17. The Eagles also have won at least one playoff game the past four years, including a state championship game appearance in 2020. Lindale has eight starters back on defense. Walker (45 tackles, nine sacks), Carnathan, Johnson (21 tackles) and Kenney ((20 tackles) will man the defensive line. Bradford (69 tackles, two forced fumbles), Johnson and Medders (21 tackles) are the linebackers. In the secondary, the Eagles have Ward, Parker (56 tackles, two interceptions), Warnell (39 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles), LeGrow (44 tackles, two interceptions), Lindig and Eagans (17 tackles) are in the secondary. LeGrow and Lindig are the candidates to take over at quarterback for the graduating Clint Thurman, who finished his Lindale career with 7,758 total yards, which ranks No. 1 in program history.

Caleb Hart (80 carries, 417 yards, five touchdowns), Bradford and Johnson are options at running back. Ward (31 catches, 636 yards, eight touchdowns) is a top target at receiver, and Parker, Warnell and Carnathan are other receiving targets.

Griffin, Rozell and Kirk will lead the offensive line. Baggett is a weapon at kicker and punter. Lindale will be young in 2024, but returning defensive linemen and linebackers give Lindale a chance to remain in playoff contention in a tough district, especially if the offense comes around.

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PINE TREE PIRATES COACH: Jason Bachman (3rd year at Pine Tree, 8-13) ALL-TIME RECORD: 400-456-19 STADIUM: Pirate Stadium, 3737 W Loop 281, Longview 75604 2023 RESULTS: 6-5 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 19/11 LETTERMEN LOST: 13 OFFENSE: Multiple OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Matt Cates, Sr., 6-2, 190 … OL Peyton Davis, Sr., 6-3, 265 … WR Jordan Taylor, Sr., 5-8, 150 … RB L’Marion Hunter, Sr., 5-7, 170 … RB Dalan Montgomery, Soph., 5-8, 167 DEFENSE: Multiple DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Seth McFarland, Sr., 6-3, 225 … DB Kalil Deckard, Sr., 5-9, 149 … LB Kesean Bowie, Jr., 5-9, 162 … DB Earl Williams, Jr., 5-7, 150 2024 OUTLOOK: Pine Tree had a big turnaround in year two under Bachman, going from 2-8 in 2022 to 6-5 in 2023, making the playoffs in the Pirates’ final season in Class 5A. Pine Tree drops down to Class 4A and returns seven starters on offense. Cates (1,421 yards passing, 13 touchdowns; 630 yards rushing) is back to lead the offense with Taylor (36 catches, 667 yards, eight touchdowns) as a target. Hunter (110 carries, 704 yards, eight touchdowns) and Montgomery (112 carries, 395 yards, two touchdowns as a freshman) give the Pirates explosiveness in the backfield. Davis will be a three-year starter up front and will guide the offensive line. Leading the defense is three-star Houston commit McFarland (82 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery) at linebacker. He is joined at linebacker by Bowie (41 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss). Deckard and Williams (20 tackles) return in the secondary. The Pirates graduated their defensive line of Dealyn Evans (Texas A&M), Brock Reddic (Northwestern State) and Quinton Clark (Kilgore College) and will look for new faces to step up.

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PALESTINE WILDCATS COACH: James Reyes (1st year at school, 0-0; 25-11 overall) ALL-TIME RECORD: 527-540-40 STADIUM: Wildcat Stadium, 1600 S. Loop 256, Palestine, Texas, 75801 2023 RESULTS: 4-6 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 20/9 LETTERMEN LOST: 17 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: OL Baylynn Williams, Sr., 6-5, 295 … QB Coyt Cooper, Jr., 6-2, 185 … ATH Julius Walker, Soph., 6-1, 175 … RB Dreylon Spurlock, Sr., 5-7, 170 … OL Ronnie Williams, Jr., 5-9, 240 DEFENSE: Multiple DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DL Carson Applewhite, Jr., 6-3, 220 … DB Si’Viorarean Martin, Jr., 6-3, 185 … DL Joseph Flynn, Sr., 5-10, 235 … DB J’Mauri Jackson, Sr., 5-10, 165 2024 OUTLOOK: Former Nacogdoches assistant Reyes returns to East Texas to take over the Wildcats after three seasons as the head coach at Lumberton, where he won 25 games and led the Raiders to the playoffs in all three seasons, including an 11-win campaign in 2022. Palestine missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 2018 but was eliminated by Lumberton in the first round in 2022. Palestine was dealt a huge blow in June when three-star running back Jon Denman, who holds offers from Oklahoma State, Houston, Michigan State, Arizona, Boston College, Utah and more, transferred across town to Palestine Westwood. But talent is still there for the Wildcats. Offensive lineman Baylynn Williams is choosing between Louisiana, Louisiana Tech and Sam Houston. He is joined on the line by Ronnie Williams.

Cooper is the signal caller with Spurlock joining him in the backfield, and Walker is a dynamic athlete. Defensively, Applewhite and Flynn lead the way up front with Martin and Jackson patrolling the secondary. Martin has offers from Arizona, California, Houston, Michigan State, North Texas, Texas State, Tulsa and UTEP.

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HENDERSON LIONS

COACH: Clay Baker (2nd year at school, 2-8; 45-25 overall) ALL-TIME RECORD: 590-436-54 STADIUM: 700 Lion St., Henderson, Texas, 75654 2023 RESULTS: 2-8 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 18/11 LETTERMEN LOST: 16 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Jesstin Starling, Jr., 5-4, 160 … OL Johnathan Bateman, Sr., 6-2, 383 … WR Lemarion Coleman, Jr., 5-10, 165 … TE Jordan Ervin, Jr., 6-1, 216 … WR Amauri Murphy, Jr., 5-11, 160 … QB Vince Howard, Jr., 6-0, 180 … WR Macen Jones, Jr., 5-10, 180 … ATH Brailon Walker, Soph., 6-0, 155 … RB Trevor Kind, Sr., 5-10, 225 … WR Aumaz Jackson, Soph., 5-9, 160 DEFENSE: Multiple DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Lemarion Coleman, Jr., 5-10, 165 … DL Jordan Ervin, Jr., 6-1, 216 … DL Kiyun Pellum, Sr., 6-1, 242 … DB Amauri Murphy, Jr., 5-11, 160 … DB Corey Harper, Jr., 5-8, 160 … DB Anthony Newman, Sr., 5-10, 155 …

DB LaKelton Freeney, Sr., 5-7, 160 … DL Isiah Vasquez, Jr., 6-0, 219 ... LB Trevor Kind, Sr., 5-10, 225 … DL Trae McAlister, Sr., 5-11, 239 ... DB Trey Sanders, Jr., 5-9, 150 … DB Aumaz Jackson, Soph., 5-9, 160 2024 OUTLOOK: Henderson has just 10 wins during the past four seasons, which all resulted in missing the postseason after going to the playoffs in eight of 10 seasons, including winning a state championship in 2010. Baker took over his alma mater in 2023 after he went 43-17 in five seasons at Carlisle. Starling (133 carries, 1,042 yards, six touchdowns) is back as the engine of the offense behind an offensive line that loses four starters and will be headlined by the 6-2, 383-pound Bateman. Howard (26 of 39, 198 yards, two touchdowns) is expected to be the starting quarterback, and he has Ervin (five catches, 159 yards), Coleman, Murphy, Jones, Walker and Jackson at his disposal. Newman (61 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks), Coleman (61 tackles five tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries), Pellum (39 tackles, four tackles for loss, three sacks), Ervin (48 tackles, three tackles for loss), Kind (34 tackles), McAlister (31 tackles) and Harper (two interceptions) are back on defense.

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MABANK PANTHERS COACH: Zack Hudson (7th year at Mabank, 22-36; 66-75 overall) ALL-TIME RECORD: 386-454-24 STADIUM: Panther Stadium, 822 W. Mason Street, Mabank, 75147 2023 RESULTS: 1-9 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 29/15 LETTERMEN LOST: 11 OFFENSE: Pistol OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Ty Perkins, Sr., 5-10, 150 … WR Noah Romero, Sr., 6-0, 190 … OL Aaron Roden, Sr., 6-1, 240 …

WR Daylon Gibbs, Sr., 6-3, 170 … OL Joseph Morrison, Jr., 6-2, 220 … QB Kaden Penland, Sr., 6-2, 180 … WR Brayden Linder, Sr., 5-7, 160 DEFENSE: 4-3 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Ty Perkins, Sr., 5-10, 150 … DB Case Holt, Sr., 5-6, 150 … DB Noah Romero, Sr., 6-0, 190 … DB Gavin Foote, Jr., 5-10, 170 … DB Wayne Langford, Jr., 5-10, 170 … DL Ray Brager, Jr., 6-0, 240 … DL Caden Polk, Sr., 6-1, 250 …

LB Race McCullough, Sr., 6-1, 190 … DL Rev Neighbors, Sr., 6-3, 190 … LB Cam Wilkinson, Sr., 6-0, 195 2024 OUTLOOK: Mabank hasn’t made the playoffs since 2007, and now the Panthers go from a district with 2023 Class 4A Division I champion Anna to one with Class 4A Division I runner-up Chapel Hill. Mabank will have to find some offense after scoring just 82 points in all of 2023. Linder (11 catches, 143 yards), Perkins, Romero and Gibbs will look to make plays on offense with Penalnd leading the way as the signal caller. The Panthers bring back 10 starters on defense, including Romero (75 tackles) and Polk (two sacks). The Panthers will be strong in the secondary.

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DISTRICT 6-4A DII

Canton's Zavier Santiago.

(Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

OUR PICKS: 1. SUNNYVALE 2. CANTON 3. FERRIS 4. WILLS POINT 5. QUINLAN FORD 6. KEMP

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SUNNYVALE RAIDERS

COACH: Cody Stutts (first year) ALL-TIME RECORD: 112-46-0 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: 11-10 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 TITLE GAME APPEARANCES: 0 PLAYOFF BERTHS: 10 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS: 6 STADIUM: Raider Stadium, 222 North Collins Road, Sunnyvale 75241 (Capacity: 3,500) 2023 RESULTS: 9-3, area finalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 33/7 offensive/6 defensive LETTERMAN LOST: 16 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: OL Blaze Flanagan, Sr., 6-0, 255 ... WR Owen Dlabaj, Sr., 6-3, 175 ... WR Cooper Eastman, Jr., 6-7, 270 ... QB Cayson Maupin, So., 5-11, 175 ... DEFENSE: 4-3 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DT Alyric Brown, Sr., 5-9, 255 ... S Cade Andrews, Jr., 5-11, 170 ... MLB Austin Helton, Jr., 5-11, 190 ... S Jaylon Sterling, Jr., 6-0, 175 ...

2024 OUTLOOK: Coach Stutts takes over the helm for longtime coach John Settle, who led the Raiders for 13 of the first 14 years of Sunnyvale program. Settle, who previously coached at Brownsboro, took over in 2011, the second year of the program.

Settle, who retired after last year, led the Raiders to the playoffs the last 10 years, while winning district six ties including in 2023. ... Stutts has been at Sunnyvale the last nine years as an assistant. ... Brown, a three-year starter at DT, was the district's defensive MVP. ... QB Maupin led the Raider JV to a 9-1 record as a freshman last season. ...

CANTON EAGLES

COACH: Heath Ragle (third year at Canton, 7-13; overall 29-42, previously at Eustace) ALL-TIME RECORD: 391-496-21 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: 10-16 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 TITLE GAME APPEARANCES: 0 PLAYOFF BERTHS: 16 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS: 4 STADIUM: Norris Birdwell Stadium, W. State Highway 243 at Cherry Creek Road, Canton 75103 (Capacity: 3,059) 2023 RESULTS: 3-7 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 18/6 offensive/5 defensive LETTERMAN LOST: 19 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Avery Wilson, Sr., 160 ... QB Nathan Parker, Sr., 5-11, 175 ... WR Carson French, Sr., 5-9, 165 ... UTL Lane Sides, Jr., 5-9, 170 ... OL Croix Hesskew, Sr., 6-1, 230 ... H Chase Whitehead, Sr., 5-8, 210 ... OL Sebastian Schmidt, Sr., 6-1, 235 ...

OL Dane Dial, Sr., 6-4, 260 ... DEFENSE: 4-2-5 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: FS Reed Vannorsdel, Sr., 5-9, 160 ... DE Keegan Angel, Sr., 5-9, 170 ... DT Aiden Hudson, Sr., 6-0, 220 ... DE Callan O'Neil, Jr., 6-0, 180 ... DB Issac Gebert, Sr., 5-10, 155 ...

DL Zavier Santiago, Sr., 5-8, 260 ... DL Austin Floyd, Sr., 5-8, 225 ...

2024 OUTLOOK: Wilson was near 1,000 yards last season, rushing for 946 yards and six TDs on 198 carries. ... Vannorsdel will be a three-year starter at free safety as is Angel at DE. ... This will also be Parker's third year as starter under center.

The 17-game starter with the strong arm hit on 97 of 191 attempts for 1,386 yards with 13 TDs and eight interceptions. ...

Schmidt is a three-year starter at OL. ... Ragal is a hometown kid who returned to coach his Eagles. His squad lost three one-score games last year and with experience, Canton could turn those contests into wins. The Eagles could contend for a playoff berth for the first time in three years as well as their first district title since 2005.

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WILLS POINT TIGERS COACH: James Boxley (second year at Wills Point, 5-6) ALL-TIME RECORD: 556-467-31 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: 15-28-1 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 1 (1965) TITLE GAME APPEARANCES: 1 (1965) PLAYOFF BERTHS: 30 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS: 18 STADIUM: Ken Autry Davis Field, 785 Wingo Way, Wills Point 75169 (Capacity: 4,047)

2023 RESULTS: 5-6 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 16/6 offensive/7 defensive LETTERMAN LOST: 22 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Jett Fletcher, Sr., 6-0, 185 ... OL Dakota Ryder, Sr., 5-9, 220 ... WR Cooper O'Neal, Sr., 5-10, 160 ... OL Brandon Deckshot, Sr., 6-5, 245 ... RB Reese Peterson, Jr., 5-10, 175 ... OL Preston Jeane, Jr., 5-11, 235 ... WR Brian Martinez, Jr., 5-9, 155 ...

DEFENSE: 4 Down DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: ILB Marcus Baker, Sr., 5-9, 170 ... DB Lathan Pruitt, Jr., 5-9, 160 ... DE Jake Samples, Sr., 6-1, 205 ... DB Casey Smith, Sr., 5-10, 165 ... DE Ashtin Miles, Jr., 6-2, 200 ... LB Isaiah Dominguez, Sr., 5-8, 165 ...

2024 OUTLOOK: Boxley was a four-sports athlete at Wills Point High School, leading the Tigers to the 1988 state basketball tournament. ... In Boxley first season as head coach, he led the Tigers to the playoffs for the first time since 2019, winning five games after a total of two wins the previous three seasons. ... Fletcher was the first-team all-district quarterback, rushing for 1,198 yards and 20 TDs, while passing for 1,153 yards and six TDs. ... Baker, Samples and Miles were first-team defenders, while Ryder was a first-teamer on offense.

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FERRIS YELLOW JACKETS

COACH: Tony Castillo (first year at Ferris, previous at Carrollton Creekview, 6-25) ALL-TIME RECORD: 453-534-40 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: 4-23-2 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 TITLE GAME APPEARANCES: 0 PLAYOFF BERTHS: 24 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS: 13 STADIUM: Yellow Jacket Stadium, 1008 E. 8th St., Ferris 75125 (Capacity: 3,106) 2023 RESULTS: 2-8 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 22/8 offensive/8 defensive LETTERMAN LOST: 11 OFFENSE: TBD OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Qui-Darwin Cotton, Jr., 6-5, 155 ... WR Gavin Garcia, Sr., 6-1, 175 ... OL Francisco Rodriguez, So., 6-5, 290 ... WR Adam Sasser, Jr., 5-7, 155 ...

DEFENSE: TBD DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: OLB Demetries Stanley, JR., 6-0, 180 ... CB Brandon McNeal, Sr., 5-9, 155 ... OLB Omari Tyner, Jr., 6-0, 170 ... LB Mariano Pedroza, Jr., 6-0, 185 ...

2024 OUTLOOK: Castillo was hired as head coach in April, taking over for Steven Greek who coached the Yellow Jackets the last three years. ... After four freshmen and seven sophomore starters last season, Castillo feels the Yellow Jackets will be stronger in 2024. ... Ferris does have to find a starting QB to replace the departed Joshua Greek who is now at Frisco Heritage High School.

QUINLAN FORD PANTHERS

COACH: Todd Wallace (13th season at Quinlan Ford, 57-69; Overall, 132-123, previously at Quinlan Boles) ALL-TIME RECORD: 235-389-15 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: 5-14 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 TITLE GAME APPEARANCES: 0 PLAYOFF BERTHS: 14 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS: 4 STADIUM: Hobart Lytal Memorial Stadium, 423 Panther Path, Quinlan 75474 (Capacity: 3,012) RESULTS: 5-6 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 13/5 offensive/5 defensive LETTERMAN LOST: 18 OFFENSE: Fly-T OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: OT Bryan Sanchez, Sr., 6-0, 290 ... QB Peyton Wallen, Jr., 6-2, 215 ... RB Lando Edwards, Sr., 5-7, 160 ...

OG Franklin Davis, Jr., 5-8, 255 ... G Beau Pierce, Jr., 5-8, 195 ...

DEFENSE: 50 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Austin States, Sr., 6-0, 210 ... LB Preston Chambers, Sr., 6-1, 170 ... DB Mason Tigue, So., 5-10, 150 ... OLB River Huggett, Sr., 5-10, 155 ...

2024 OUTLOOK: With inexperience at running back and secondary, the Panthers need some youngsters to step up. ... Strengths should be a solid offensive line, QB Peyton Wallen and inside linebackers.

KEMP YELLOWJACKETS COACH: BJ Rider (third year at Kemp, 4-16; Overall 24-55, previously at Dallas Adamson) ALL-TIME RECORD: 328-547-25 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: 10-12 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 TITLE GAME APPEARANCES: 0 PLAYOFF BERTHS: 14 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS: 5 STADIUM: Yellow Jacket Stadium, Turner Line, Kemp 75143 (Capacity: 2,376)

RESULTS: 2-8 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 14/8 offensive/4 defensive LETTERMAN LOST: 13 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Huston Cromer, 5-11, 162 ... WR Jayden Freeman, Sr., 5-9, 144 ... OL Enrique Apresa, Sr., 5-10, 245 ... OL Abel Gallegos, Jr., 5-10, 220 ...

DEFENSE: 4-25 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: S Daltyn Irwin, Jr., 5-5, 120 ... DL Aiden Kilgore, So., 5-9, 190 ... CB Carter Sullivan, Sr., 5-7, 135 ...

2024 OUTLOOK: Coach Rider enters his third season at the helm of the Yellow Jacket program. ... Cromer is the returning leading passer (918 yards, 9 TDs, 4 TDs) and rusher (264 yards, 4 TDs). ... Freeman returns as top receiver (20-560, 7 TDs).

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DISTRICT 7-4A DII

Gilmer's Brayden Pate.

(Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

OUR PICKS: 1.GILMER 2.PLEASANT GROVE 3.VAN 4.SPRING HILL 5.NORTH LAMAR 6.PITTSBURG

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GILMER BUCKEYES

COACH: Alan Metzel (5th season, 52-8 at Gilmer) ALL-TIME: 748-401-39 STADIUM: Jeff Traylor Stadium, 308 North Bradford Street, Gilmer, 75644 2023 RESULTS: 13-3 Class 4A Division II state champion RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 46/11 LETTERMEN LOST: 24 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Brendan Webb, Sr., 6-0, 179 … QB Cadon Tennison, Sr., 5-10, 183 … OL Lucas Cano, Sr., 6-3, 285 … K Brayden Pate, Sr., 5-7, 175 … WR Geramiah Noble, Sr., 5-10, 177 … WR Mykah Easley, Sr., 6-4, 179 … FB Grayson Bates, Sr., 6-1, 208 … RB Trill Butler, Sr., 5-10, 173 … OL Chance Walker, Jr., 5-9, 290 … OL Aidan Summers, Sr., 5-10, 240 ... QB Brady McCown, Sr., 6-2, 200 DEFENSE: 4-2/5 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Brendan Webb, Sr., 6-0, 179 … DB Cadon Tennison, Sr., 5-10, 183 … DL Tyler Hagler, Jr., 6-0, 315 … DL Trey Lee, Jr., 6-2, 230 … DL Davion King, So., 6-2, 255 … LB Geramiah Noble, Sr., 5-10, 177 … DB Mykah Easley, Sr., 6-4, 179 … LB Grayson Bates, Sr., 6-1, 208 … DB Trill Butler, Sr., 5-10, 173 … DL/LB Jet Bates, Jr., 6-2, 210 … DL Alex Guillen, Sr., 5-9, 200 2024 OUTLOOK: Gilmer broke through for its fourth football state championship during a resurgent 2023 season that snapped a nine-year drought and concluded with a thrilling 28-26 title game win against Bellville at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium on December 15. The Buckeyes will now aim for back-to-back crowns for the first time in program history in 2024.

Gilmer plans to lean on a balanced offense that features quarterback Cadon Tennison (180 completions, 2,703 passing yards, 27 passing touchdowns, 95 carries, 573 rushing yards, and six rushing touchdowns), receivers Brendan Webb (60 receptions, 886 receiving yards, 12 receiving touchdowns, and four rushing touchdowns), Geramiah Noble (35 receptions, 566 yards, and four touchdowns) and Mykah Easley, backfield threats Grayson Bates and Trill Butler, and linemen Lucas Cano (92 percent grade and 19 pancakes), Chance Walker and Aidan Summers. The Buckeyes expect to slow down opponents with defensive backs Easley (50 tackles, three pass breakups, and two interceptions), Webb (49 tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one recovered fumble), Butler (45 tackles, three tackles for loss, and two pass breakups) and Tennison, lineman Tyler Hagler (58 tackles, 25 quarterback pressures, 15 tackles for loss, and three sacks), Alex Guillen (46 tackles and seven quarterback pressures), Davion King (44 tackles, five quarterback pressures, and three tackles for loss) and Trey Lee (26 tackles, 10 quarterback pressures, and five tackles for loss), linebackers Noble (51 tackles, and two tackles for loss) and Grayson Bates (30 tackles, and three tackles for loss), and two-position threat Jet Bates (30 tackles and three tackles for loss). The team’s special teams unit will be boosted by kicker Brayden Pate (97 of 100 PAT attempts, 11 of 11 field goal attempts, long field goal of 36 yards, and won three games with kicks).

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PLEASANT GROVE HAWKS

COACH: Josh Gibson (11th season, 102-35 at Pleasant Grove) ALL-TIME: 251-207-1 STADIUM: Hawk Stadium, 5406 McKnight Road, Texarkana, 75503 2023 RESULTS: 12-1 regional semifinalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 18/4 LETTERMEN LOST: 23 OFFENSE: Multiple-Pro Style OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: TE Lance Jackson, Sr., 6-6, 263 … WR Jaidun Scales, Jr., 6-0, 175 … G Jaden Withered, So., 6-5, 283 … RB Nick Bells, Jr., 5-9, 165 … TE Jaylon Foster, Jr., 5-11, 220 … C KJ Greer, Jr., 6-4, 320 … OT Jayden Mathis, Jr., 6-3, 265 …

QB Walker Wright, Jr., 5-11, 175 … OT Kolton Lybrand, Sr., 5-10, 235 DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DE Lance Jackson, Sr., 6-6, 263 … FS Jaidun Scales, Jr., 6-0, 175 … DT BJ Rochelle, Sr., 6-0, 260 …

DB Jamarion Richardson, Jr., 5-10, 158 … DT/DE Dekori Cranford, So., 6-4, 245 … DE Jaylon Foster, Jr., 5-11, 220 … LB Landon West, Sr., 5-9, 188 … LB Buck Anderson, Jr., 6-0, 190 … FS Walker Wright, Jr., 5-11, 175 2024 OUTLOOK: Pleasant Grove continues to act as one of East Texas’ best football programs, but its 2023 District 7-4A Division II crown in the fall was eventually overshadowed by league mate Gilmer’s Class 4A Division II state championship during the wintertime. The Hawks enjoyed similar success as their league counterpart when they finished on top of the state during the 2017 and 2019 seasons, and need to improve their game to outmatch Gilmer in district and postseason play in 2024. Pleasant Grove’s strong defensive unit will keep the team competitive because it features linemen Lance Jackson (69 tackles, 12 quarterback pressures, seven and a half tackles for loss, three sacks, and three forced fumbles), BJ Rochelle (38 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, five and a half sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one touchdown), Dekori Cranford and Jaylon Foster, secondary standouts Jaidun Scales (33 tackles and one tackle for loss), Jamarion Richardson and Walker Wright, and linebackers Landon West (59 tackles, five tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and one interception) and Buck Anderson (36 tackles, two tackles for loss, and two sacks). The Hawks will also soar on the offensive side because quarterback Wright (12 completions, 182 passing yards, and three touchdowns) will team up with downfield threats Jackson (20 receptions, 320 yards and seven touchdowns), Scales and Foster, rushing force Nick Bells (86 carries, 708 rushing yards, eight touchdowns, and 8.2 yards per carry), and necessary blockers in lineman Jaden Withered, KJ Greer, Jayden Mathis, and Kolton Lybrand.

NORTH LAMAR PANTHERS

COACH: Patrick Watkins (1st season, 0-0 at North Lamar) ALL-TIME: 194-347-7 STADIUM: R. L. Maddox Stadium, 3201 Lewis Lane, Paris, 75462 2023 RESULTS: 5-5 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 20/16 LETTERMEN LOST: 7 OFFENSE: N/A OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Jackson Hoskins, Sr. … RB Cameron Widner, Sr. … WR Connor Brasseux, Sr. … OL Brayden Reynolds, Sr. … OL Trail Wilkins, Sr. … OL Levi McCloure, Sr. … WR Dallas Foster, Jr. … OL Tyler Antonio-Silva, Jr. … RB Jesse Jones, So. DEFENSE: N/A DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Jackson Hoskins, Sr. … LB Cameron Widner, Sr. … S Connor Brasseux, Sr. … DL Brayden Reynolds, Sr. … DL Trail Wilkins, Sr. … DL Levi McCloure, Sr. … S Dallas Foster, Jr. … DL Tyler Antonio-Silva, Jr. … LB Jesse Jones, So. 2024 OUTLOOK: North Lamar is in the middle of its third-longest playoff drought after it earned 10 of its 11 program playoff berths between 2002 and 2016. The Panthers launched their play for North Lamar ISD in 1970 after Powderly-Reno ISD and Central ISD consolidated, and worked hard for nine straight years to clinch their first playoff spot during the 1979 season. The program then waited 23 years for its second postseason appearance. Fast forward to the present day, North Lamar is trying to snap a lengthy playoff drought and avoid an eight-year absence. The Panthers did show some early 2023 season potential during a 4-1 non-district stretch, but they also struggled down the stretch, finished the year with a .500 record, and missed District 7-4A Division II’s fourth and final playoff spot by one game in the league standings after a 1-4 district record. The program wants to prove that last fall’s disappointing finish was a fluke, so it can make its long-awaited return to the dance in 2024. The team needs to incorporate a number of two-way versatile players into an all-hands-on-deck approach to remain competitive and stay in the hunt this fall. Jackson Hoskins, Cameron Widner and Jesse Jones will suit up at running back and linebacker, Brayden Reynolds, Trail Wilkins, Levi McCloure and Tyler Antonio-Silva will serve as offensive and defensive linemen, and both Connor Brasseux and Dallas Foster will act as a receiver and safety.

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VAN VANDALS COACH: Jared Moffatt (15th season, 117-48 at Van) ALL-TIME: 604-362-30 STADIUM: Van Memorial Stadium, 1085 North Maple Avenue, Van, 75790 2023 RESULTS: 8-4 area finalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 20/12 LETTERMEN LOST: 19 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Jaxon Moffatt, Sr., 5-10, 180 … WR Caden Rowe, Sr., 6-4, 190 … WR Easton Hinch, Sr., 6-0, 165 … RB/WR Austin Moffatt, Sr., 5-7, 165 … C Justus Anderson, Sr., 6-0, 255 … OL Collier Bryant, Jr., 5-9, 260 …

WR Blaise Lineberry, Jr., 5-10, 160 … OL Cooper Hullum, Sr., 6-1, 260 … WR Asher Hawkins, Sr., 5-10, 170 … OL Landon Robinson, Jr., 6-1, 290 DEFENSE: Even DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: SS Cade Christensen, Sr., 5-10, 185 … CB Easton Hinch, Sr., 6-0, 165 … CB Blaise Lineberry, Jr., 5-10, 160 … LB Carter Admire, So., 5-9, 170 … LB/DL Foster Rust, Sr., 6-1, 185 … DB Asher Hawkins, Sr., 5-10, 170 … LB Wyatt Dale, Sr., 5-10, 200 … LB Landon Smith, Sr., 5-11, 190 … DL Armando Lozano, Sr., 6-0, 245 … DL Josh Christian, Sr., 5-9, 200 2024 OUTLOOK: Van moved from District 8-4A Division II to 7-4A Division II during the biennial UIL realignment event on Feb. 1, and plans to overcome its new journey challenges to continue its active playoff streak this fall. The Vandals have reached all four UIL postseasons since 2020 and participated in the dance in 13 of the 14 seasons since Jared Moffatt took control of their head coaching reins in 2010. An experienced group of returning playmakers will lean on the program’s longtime winning ways to achieve a fifth straight playoff appearance in 2024. Van will be guided by third-year starting quarterback Jaxon Moffatt (1,897 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, 659 rushing yards, and nine rushing touchdowns), wide receivers Caden Rowe (41 receptions, 735 yards, and seven touchdowns), Easton Hinch (25 receptions, 353 receiving yards, and three touchdowns), Asher Hawkins (12 receptions, 202 receiving yards, and one touchdown) and Blaise Lineberry, running back and receiver Austin Moffatt (910 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, 326 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns), and linemen Justus Anderson, Collier Bryant, Cooper Hullum and Landon Robinson on the offensive side. The other side will be boosted by a secondary that features Cade Christensen (120 tackles and five pass breakups), Hinch (43 tackles, nine pass breakups, and two interceptions), Hawkins and Lineberry, a linebacking crew that includes Carter Admire, Wyatt Dale, Landon Smith and a two-position prospect in Foster Rust that also plays with Armando Lozano and Josh Christian on the defensive line.

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SPRING HILL PANTHERS

COACH: Brandon Joslin (3rd season, 5-16 at Spring Hill) ALL-TIME: 454-376-23 STADIUM: Panther Stadium, 3101 Spring Hill Road, Longview, 75605 2023 RESULTS: 4-7 bi-district finalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 7/15 LETTERMEN LOST: 8 OFFENSE: Pistol Flex Bone OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Trevor Allen, Sr., 6-0, 195 … QB Travis Allen, Jr., 6-1, 165 … OL Talan Ferguson, Sr., 6-2, 240 … OL Joshua Otujor, Jr., 6-1, 240 … RB Coleman Stout, Jr., 6-0, 200 … RB Jaxon Copeland, Jr., 6-0, 180 … WR Karson Staley, So., 6-3, 180 … C Cayden Rhodes, Sr., 6-2, 180 … OL Jace Jones, Sr., 6-2, 220 … OL Brady Johnson, Jr., 6-1, 230 DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DL Joshua Otujor, Jr., 6-1, 240 … LB Levi Mackey, Sr., 6-2, 200 … LB Arsh Singh, Sr., 5-10, 185 … LB Hayden Congdon, Sr., 5-10, 185 … S Alex Jacquez, Sr., 6-0, 170 … DL Jace Jones, Sr., 6-2, 220 … LB Cayson Fincher, Jr., 6-1, 190 2024 OUTLOOK: Spring Hill snapped a two-year postseason drought with a run to the Class 4A Division II bi-district round in 2023, and is expected to keep the good times rolling during the upcoming 2024 campaign. The Panthers enter the third season of head coach Brandon Joslin’s tenure with back-to-back playoff aspirations, and plan to lean on a program history that’s on their side. Spring Hill has qualified for consecutive playoff berths five times since 1946. It produced postseason appearance streaks between 1946 and 1947, 1982 and 1983, 2000 and 2004, 2006 and 2007, and 2019 and 2020. The 2024 Panthers will lean on an offensive unit that still features quarterback Travis Allen (833 passing yards, 337 rushing yards, seven passing touchdowns, and four rushing touchdowns), running backs Trevor Allen (1,455 rushing yards, 11.46 yards per carry, 18 rushing touchdowns, five receptions, 103 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown, and 132.27 yards per game), Coleman Stout and Jaxon Copeland, linemen Talan Ferguson, Joshua Otujor, Cayden Rhodes, Jace Jones and Brady Johnson, and receiver Karson Staley. The team’s defensive approach will benefit from contributions from linemen Otujor (87 tackles, 70 assisted tackles, 17 solo tackles, seven sacks, and one fumble recovery) and Jace Jones, and linebackers Levi Mackey, Arsh Singh, Hayden Congdon and Cayson Fincher. Alex Jacquez is also expected to suit up for the defense at safety, and has other experience on special teams as a kicker (one field goal made and attempted). Spring Hill's 2024 roster also features a strong group of experienced upperclassmen that will continue to develop and lead the team’s charge.

Rhodes (three defensive interceptions), Trevor Allen, Ferguson, Mackey, Singh, Congdon, Jacquez and Jones will be stellar seniors this fall, while Travis Allen, Otujor, Stout, Copeland, Johnson and Fincher will be juggernaut juniors.

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PITTSBURG PIRATES

COACH: Triston Abron (4th season, 8-25 at Pittsburg, 36-35 overall) ALL-TIME: 500-515-33 STADIUM: Pirate Stadium, 300 North Texas Street, Pittsburg, 75686 2023 RESULTS: 2-8 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 19/15 LETTERMEN LOST: 14 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Jaylen Holloway, Sr., 5-11, 198 … OL Zeke Crane, Sr., 6-0, 245 … OL Kollin Posey, Sr., 6-1, 265 … RB Lane Hall, Jr., 5-8, 180 … QB Kord Johnson, Jr., 6-2, 180 … OL Ty’rell Wilson, Jr., 6-2, 305 … WR Dayle Jones, Jr., 5-11, 150 DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: ILB Jordan Vickers, Sr., 5-7, 180 … DL Ty’rell Wilson, Jr., 6-2, 305 … DB Dayle Jones, Jr., 5-11, 150 2024 OUTLOOK: Pittsburg launched the current four-year tenure of head coach Triston Abron with back-to-back playoff appearances in 2021 and 2022, but it couldn’t extend its multi-year streak during a 2-8 season and a winless 0-5 district campaign in 2023. The experienced leader on the sideline will play a role in the Pirates’ comeback attempt in 2024, but he also needs to work with his athletes on the gridiron to return to the postseason dance this fall. The team’s on-field effort will start with an offensive side that features quarterback Kord Johnson (127 completions, 2,476 passing yards, and 16 touchdowns), running backs Jaylen Holloway (157 carries, 1,020 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns, nine receptions, 93 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown) and Lane Hall (64 carries, 338 yards, six touchdowns, and 5.3 yards per carry), receiver Dayle Jones, and linemen Zeke Crane, Kollin Posey, and Ty’rell Wilson. Pittsburg also has to address the offseason lack of depth across its defensive unit. It does have a solid starting point due to the return of inside linebacker Jordan Vickers (92 tackles, 64 solo tackles, 28 assisted tackles, and four tackles for loss), lineman Wilson (11 solo tackles, three assisted tackles, and two tackles for loss), and defensive back Jones this season.

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DISTRICT 8-4A DII

Brownsboro's Javarius Bell.

(Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

OUR PICKS: 1. CARTHAGE 2. ATHENS 3. BROWNSBORO 4. RUSK 5. CENTER 6. BULLARD

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CARTHAGE BULLDOGS

HEAD COACH: Scott Surratt (18th season, 219-30) ALL-TIME RECORD: 690-367-40 2023 RESULTS: 13-1 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 24/15 LETTERMEN LOST: 23 OFFENSE: Multiple/Pro OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB KJ Edwards, JR., 5’9, 180, OL Kash Courtney, SR., 6’4 275, QB Jett Surratt, JR., 6’2, 175, OL/DL Colt Hodges SR., 6’3 245, RB Benny Smith JR., 5’10, 195, WR JR., Keymarian Henderson 6’4 185, OL Brandon Allison, SR., 6’0, 305, TE Cade Ross, JR., 6’1, 195 DEFENSE: 4-2-5 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Klayton Ingram, SR., 6’0, 210, DL James Morrow, SR., 6’1, 280, LB DaQuives Beck, JR., 6’2, 200, DL Braylin Allison, SR., 6’0, 270, SS Carson Crawford, JR., 6’4, 195 2024 OUTLOOK: Carthage is coming off a 13-1 season and seventh-straight undefeated title but the Bulldogs came up short of their ultimate goal which was claiming a 10th state title in the Scott Surratt era. This season Carthage looks to return to their 2022 glory and have all the weapons, experience and talent to do so. Junior running back KJ Edwards (1,706 yards, 24 touchdown) has emerged into one of the premiere running backs in the class of 2025, Jett Surratt (3,807 yards passing and 46 touchdowns) is another year older and much stronger and the Bulldogs return a combined 15 starters (seven on offense, eight on defense). Opening paths for Edwards and protecting Surratt will be the likes of University of Arkansas verbal commit Kash Courtney, Brandon Allison and Colt Hodges who will also see time on defense. Defensively the Bulldogs will be led up front by the likes of James Morrow, Braylin Allison and Hodges who on top of giving opposing quarterbacks fits will open up holes for the likes of Klayton Ingram and DaQuives Beck to roam sideline to sideline. If Surratt can get in tuned with a young receiving core the Bulldogs could get on the same page there’s no reason for the Bulldogs to give defending 4A Division II state champion Gilmer a run and stake claim to Scott Surratt’s 10th state title at Carthage, one that would set him atop the hierarchy of Texas High School football.

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ATHENS HORNETS COACH: Zac Harrell (sixth season, 24-28) ALL-TIME RECORD: 497-541-29 2023 RESULTS: 6-5 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 17/8 LETTERMEN LOST: 23 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB David Richardson, JR., 6’2, 200, C Jaden Trigg SR., 5’11, 305, OL Jayden Davis, JR., 6’1, 305, OL Jose Pimentel, JR., 6’2, 225, WR Drayvon Russell, SR., OL Jamarzia Hill, JR., 6’2, 295, OL Gus Wickel, JR., 6’2, 245, WR Emanuel Moore, JR., 6’1, 175, OL Brandon Casas, JR., 5’10, 250 DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Jase Warren, SR., 6’2, 200, LB, Mason Shelton, SR., 5’11, 195, LB Jabory Taylor, SO., 6’1 195, Julius Brewer, JR., 5’9, 165, DB Jayvn Jackson, SO., 5’11, 170, DL Charles Livingston, 6’0, 215, LB Eli Carnes, JR., 5’1l, 215, DB Rhys Groom, JR., 5’10., 175 2024 OUTLOOK: Athens is coming off a 6-5 season which was their first above .500 finish since 2019 and now the Hornets look to build even further above the .500 mark this season. Athens will be competing in 4A D-II after being moved down from 4A D-I in the previous alignment. The Hornets will be led by David Richardson who combined for 1,587 yards (1,021 passing, 566 rushing) of total offense and 18 touchdowns. Emmanuel Moore (15 catches, 298 yards, six touchdowns) is Athens’ top returning receiver and Mason Shelton (94 tackles) is the Hornets’ leading returning tackler from a season ago.

Jase Warrant (77 tackles) Jabory Taylor (47) look to improve upon last season’s totals on defense.

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BROWNSBORO BEARS COACH: Lance Connot (fourth season at school, 12-19, 87-57) ALL-TIME RECORD: 379-485-25 2023 RESULTS: 5-5 RETURNING LETTERMENS/TARTERS: 8/8 LETTERMEN LOST: 13 OFFENSE: Multiple OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: OL Cam Anderson, SR., 6’2, 310, QB Adam Thompson, JR., 5’10, 160, OL Bradley Hudler, SR., 5’10, 240, WR Gabe Hendricks, JR., 5’9, 160, WR Danton Wright, JR., 5’10, 170, OL Robert Spencer, SR., 6’2, 230, OL Israel Medina, JR., 6’5 285 DEFENSE: Multiple DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Micah Strickland, SR., 6’1, 175, LB Bralen Kirkpatrick, SR., 6’0, 185, DL Javarius Bell, 6’2, 255, LB Jack Anderson, JR., 6’1, 210, LB/DB Reagan Ford SO., 6’0, 180, DB Curtis Warren, JR., 6’0, 170, DL Andrew Cabrera SO., 6’1, 250, LB Cade Williams, JR., 5’10, 180, LB William Sherman, SO., 6’1, 210, DL Dante Romero, SR., 6’0, 300 2024 OUTLOOK: Brownsboro saw a three game improvement in the win column from the previous year but the Bears only managed a single win in district play. This season Brownsboro is looking to top last season’s five wins by relying on their talented offensive line as junior quarterback Adam Thompson gels the offense. Thompson threw for 1,475 yards and 12 touchdowns last season but the Bears’ top returning running back rushed for just 192 yards on 31 carries in a feat that was accomplished by Micah Strickland. Strickland will make more of a lasting impact on the defensive side of the way where the incoming senior has received over 10 Division I offers.

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RUSK EAGLES COACH: Thomas Sitton (fifth season, 26-19) ALL-TIME RECORD: 494-380-36 2023 RESULTS: 6-5 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 16/10 LETTERMEN LOST: 12 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Brayden Grimes, SR., 6’0, 165, OG Jacob Lopez, JR., 5’10, 280,

DEFENSE: Odd DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: CB Spencer Barnett, SR., 5’10, 170, CB Aiden Barnett, SR., 5’9, 165, LB Jermichael Sturns, SR., 5’9, 200, Carter Holland, SR., 6’1, 260 2024 OUTLOOK: Rusk is coming off back-to-back 6-5 seasons and reached the postseason for the eighth straight season and look to make it nine-straight. Thomas Sitton enters his fifth season as head coach and will rely on his very athletic and fast defense that will be led by four-year player Spencer Barnett and Jermichael Sturns. Sturns combined for 115 tackles while Barnett will look to shutdown the opposing teams’ top wide out after recording five interceptions last season. The Eagles return an equal number of starters (five) on both the offense and defense.

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BULLARD PANTHERS COACH: Colt Bradford (second season, 6-4) ALL-TIME RECORD: 157-292-1 2023 RESULTS: 6-4 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 7/14 LETTERMEN LOST: 29 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Crew Bowman, SR., 6’0, 180, TE Campbell Pawlak, SR., 6’6, 230, RB Trey Wheeler, JR., 5’9, 160, OT JP Gardner, JR., 6’4, 275, OT Will Scroggins, SO., 6’6, 305, WR Jay Crain, SR., 5’9, 165, WR Hendrix Smith, SR., 6’1, 170 DEFENSE: 3-3 stack DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Trey Martin, SR., 6’0, 205, DE Dylan Fowler, SR., 6’1, 205, Neo Thomas, SR., 5’11, 240, DE Ben Villani, JR., 6’0, 215, DL Dylan Ayers, SR., 6’1, 230, LB Hudson Hykel, SR., 6’1, 190 2024 OUTLOOK: Bullard is coming off a three game improvement from the previous season but even with a 6-4 overall record, the Panthers didn’t qualify for the 4A D-II postseason. Bullard was hit hard by graduation and will return only seven starters including just two on offense. The Panthers did go 9-1 on Junior Varsity so there’s reason for optimism for a very young team. Senior Crew Bowman takes over behind center and is a dual threat with the ball in his hands. Defensively Bullard will be led by senior linebacker Trey Martin who led the Panthers in tackles with 105 to go along with two sacks and five forced fumbles.

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CENTER ROUGHRIDERS COACH: Ricky Meeks (third season, 16-16, 38-28) ALL-TIME RECORD: 445-558-30 2023 RESULTS: 7-4 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 12/18 LETTERMEN LOST: 22 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR TJ Belin, SR., 6’0, 170

DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: S Timothy Johnson, SR., 6’1, 165, LB Cody Adkinson, SR., 6’0, 225, LB Grant Gregory, JR., 6’0, 180, LB Caleb Mosley, SR., 6’1, 170, LB Easton Wolf, SO., 5’9, 180, DE Jimmarion Smith, SR., 6’5, 190, DE Jakelvin Robinson, SR., 6’3, 210 2024 OUTLOOK: After a tremendous six win turnaround and going from 1-9 the previous year, Center went 7-4 this past season. However Center will be replacing their quarterback, leading running back and leading wide receiver this year. A team that relied so heavily on their offense last season will do so on their defense out of peer necessity this season. Senior linebacker Cody Adkinson who recorded 182 tackles a season ago will lead the Roughriders defense this season while senior safety Timothy Johnson will anchor the secondary. Senior TJ Belin is the top offensive returner from last season after recording 25 catches for 491 yards and six touchdowns.

Center Roughriders — (From left) Caleb Mosley (10), Kaden Dixon, Osvaldo Diaz (76), and David Trejo (72).

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DISTRICT 7-3A DI

Malakoff's Evan Loper (Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

OUR PICKS: 1. MALAKOFF 2. WINNSBORO 3. MOUNT VERNON 4. COMMERCE 5. MINEOLA 6. RAINS 7. EUSTACE

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MALAKOFF TIGERS

COACH: Jamie Driskell (15th year at school, 158-35) SCHOOL ALL-TIME RECORD: 498-443-28 STADIUM: Tiger Stadium, 15201 FM 3062, Malakoff 75148 2023 RESULTS: 16-0 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 19/14 LETTERMEN LOST: 13 OFFENSE: Multiple Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Mike Jones, Sr., 6-1, 200 … OL Shawn Meadows, Sr., 5-11, 225 … TE Evan Loper, Sr., 6-2, 210 … RB Jerrion Hall, Jr., 5-8, 175 … RB Jason Tennyson, Sr., 5-10, 195 … WR Kayland Davis, Sr., 6-1, 185 … OL Jamyron Walker, Sr., 6-3, 270 … WR Jack Hustead, Sr., 6-3, 170 … OL Andrew Adams, Sr., 6-2, 230 … OL Hunter Reeves, Sr., 6-4, 250 … WR Davion Johnson, Jr., 5-7, 170 … WR Wyatt Wallace, Jr., 5-10, 175 DEFENSE: 4-3 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Mike Jones, Sr., 6-1, 200 … LB Parker Poteete, Sr., 6-3, 200 … DL Michael Elliott, Sr., 6-1, 200 … DL Evan Loper, Sr., 6-2, 210 … LB James Studley, Sr., 5-9, 175 … LB Jerrion Hall, Jr., 5-8, 175 … DL Daniel Norrell, Jr., 6-0, 280 … DB Jason Tennyson, Sr., 5-10, 195 … DB Kayland Davis, Sr., 6-1, 185 … DB Jack Hustead, Sr., 6-3, 170 … DL Andrew Adams, Sr., 6-2, 230 … DL Hunter Reeves, Sr., 6-4, 250 … LB Davion Johnson, Jr., 5-7, 170 … DB Wyatt Wallace, Jr., 5-10, 175 2024 OUTLOOK: Since taking over as head coach in 2009, Coach Driskell has led the Tigers to at least eight wins each season, plus eight double-digit victory seasons The Tigers were 0-10 in 2008 and during Driskell's first season in 2009, they won eight games. In 2023, the Tigers won their first state championship, rolling through the season with a 16-0 record, outscoring opponents 798-159 and defeating Franklin 14-7 in the championship game. The bad news for the rest of Class 3A Division I is the Tigers bring back eight offensive starters and six defensive starters from that championship squad. Mike Jones, who was 171 of 251 for 2,621 yards with 31 touchdowns and two interceptions and had 112 carries for 831 yards on 14 touchdowns, is back at quarterback after being named the Offensive MVP in the Class 3A Division I championship game. Hall (168 carries, 1,490 yards, 31 touchdowns) returns at running back), and Tennyson, who ran for 1,389 yards and 26 touchdowns on 213 carries as a sophomore, is back for the Tigers after tearing his ACL on the first day of practice in 2023. Davis (20 catches, 234 yards, four touchdowns), Hustead, Johnson and Wallace are the targets at receiver. Meadows, Walker, Adams and Reeves will handle things on the offensive line. Poteete (131 tackles, 15 tackles for loss), who was the Class 3A Division I championship game Defensive MVP, is back at linebacker. Elliott (84 tackles, 24 tackles for loss), Norrell (80 tackles, 34 tackles for loss) and Studley (120 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries) are also back on defense. Malakoff has won 27 consecutive district games, last losing a district game on Nov. 9, 2018, before winning five straight games to reach a state championship game for the first time. Now, the Tigers enter a new district that includes Winnsboro and Mount Vernon, both of which Malakoff defeated in last year’s playoffs.

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WINNSBORO RED RAIDERS

COACH: Josh Finney (6th year at Winnsboro, 45-15; 130-47 overall) ALL-TIME RECORD: 497-492-37 STADIUM: Red Raider Stadium, 409 Newsome St., Winnsboro 75494 2023 RESULTS: 12-1 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 21/11 LETTERMEN LOST: 25 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Camden Capehart, Jr., 5-7, 145 … RB Tyson Johnson, Sr., 5-9, 190 … OL Payton Turner, Sr., 6-1, 340 … K Rudy Calderon, Soph., 160 … OL Kanyon Russom, Sr., 5-11, 225 … OL Keagan McNeil, Sr., 6-3, 225 … QB Nolee Carroll, Jr., 5-10, 170 … RB Neree Castleberry, Soph., 6-1, 190 DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DL Gage Fulmer, Jr., 6-1, 200 … DL Dylan Seay, Sr., 6-1, 240 … DB Chayne Tedford, Sr., 5-10, 185 … DB Cole Batchelor, Sr., 5-9, 165 … DL Karson McNeil, Soph., 6-3, 260 … LB River Canaday, Soph., 6-1, 190 2024 OUTLOOK: Winnsboro was elite on offense last season, averaging 52.2 points per game and starting the season 12-0 before falling to Class 3A Division I state champion Malakoff in the third round of the playoffs. Star quarterback Kyler Finney (190 of 298, 3,526 yards, 38 touchdowns, three interceptions; 118 carries, 1,016 yards, 14 touchdowns) and receiver Will Wilcox (67 catches, 1,301 yards, 14 touchdowns) are gone, but the cupboard is not bare for the Red Raiders. Capehart (39 catches, 1,022 yards, 17 touchdowns) is one of the more electric receivers in the state. The Class 3A champion in the 100-meter dash in a time of 10.44 seconds, Capehart is a three-star recruit in the class of 2026 with offers from Mississippi State, Arizona State, California, Marshall, North Texas, UTSA, UNLV, UTEP and Sam Houston. Johnson (195 carries, 1,301 yards, 14 touchdowns) is back at running back, and sophomore Castleberry will also contribute in the backfield. Carroll is expected to take over at quarterback behind an offensive line that features Turner, Russom and Keagan McNeil. Fulmer (27 tackles for loss) and Seay (21 tackles for loss) are monsters up front on the defensive line. Fulmer was a state qualifier in wrestling, which helps him against opposing offensive linemen. Sophomore Karson McNeil will join Fulmer and Seay up front. Tedford and Batchelor patrol the secondary, while sophomore Canaday will be a key player at linebacker. Calderon made 11 field goals and 92 extra points as a freshman and is a weapon on special teams. The rematch with Malakoff won’t have to wait until the playoffs this year as the Tigers are in the district now and will visit Winnsboro in the regular season finale on Nov. 8.

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MOUNT VERNON TIGERS

COACH: Clayton George (2nd year at school, 8-4; 28-26 overall) ALL-TIME RECORD: 546-429-28 STADIUM: Don Meredith Stadium, 1 Tiger Drive, Mount Vernon 75457 2023 RESULTS: 8-4 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 25/13 LETTERMEN LOST: 18 OFFENSE: Multiple spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Daweson Witherspoon, Jr., 5-10, 180 … OL CJ Clayton, Jr., 5-9, 230 … QB Cade George, Jr., 6-2, 170 … OL Son Tran, Jr., 5-10, 245 … OL Connor McCurdy, Soph., 6-5, 250 … WR Wesley Salinas, Jr. 6-3, 170 … OL Gage Todd, Sr., 6-0, 200 DEFENSE: 4-2-5 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Ryder Bowers, Jr., 6-1, 180 … DL CJ Shelton, Sr., 5-9, 235 … LB Will Tucker, Sr., 5-10, 175 … DL Abraham Ciraiz, Sr., 5-11, 225 … DB Carsen Summerlin, Sr., 5-9, 155 … DB Jayden Doss, Sr., 5-11, 160 … DB Abraham Posada, Jr., 5-10, 155 … DL Landry Moss, Jr., 6-2, 180 … DB Scott Sigala, Jr., 5-10, 170 … DL Andres Diaz, 5-9, 215 2024 OUTLOOK: Mount Vernon has enjoyed a run of success under the late Dickie Meeks, Josh Finney, Art Briles and Brad Willard. Meeks left Mount Vernon in 2005 after guiding the Tigers to the playoffs in all of his six seasons. After he left, the program didn’t return to the playoffs 10 straight seasons. Meeks went back to Mount Vernon in 2015 and led the program to the playoffs in 2016. The Tigers made the playoffs in the two seasons apiece for Finney, Briles and Willard to make it seven consecutive postseason appearances. Willard left after the 2022 season to take the offensive coordinator post at Tyler Legacy, and he’s now the head coach at Liberty-Eylau. To replace Willard, Mount Vernon called on former Tyler Lee (now Legacy) head coach Clayton George. George was the head coach of the Red Raiders in 2016 when they went 2-8. George was the head coach at Dallas Hillcrest in 2004-05 and then at Haltom in 2006. He then joined the staff at the University of North Texas. George was most recently the offensive coordinator at Plano. In George’s first season at Mount Vernon, the Tigers went 8-4 before losing in the playoffs 66-21 to Class 3A Division I champion Malakoff, which is now in a district with Mount Vernon. Witherspoon (226 carries, 1,627 yards, 25 touchdowns; 12 catches, 206 yards, one touchdown) is back at running back behind an offensive line of Clayton, Tran, McCurdy and Todd. Cade George (55 of 77, 865 yards, five touchdowns) returns at quarterback after suffering a season-ending injury in Week 6 of 2023. Salinas takes over as the top target at receiver. Defensively, Bowers (61 tackles), Shelton (44 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four sacks) and Doss (nine interceptions) are all back for the Tigers.

COMMERCE TIGERS

COACH: John McSheffery (5th year, 19-21) ALL-TIME RECORD: 540-517-45 STADIUM: Ernest Hawkins Field at Memorial Stadium, 1606 Hwy 24, Commerce 75428 2023 RESULTS: 7-4 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 21/15 LETTERMEN LOST: 18 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB KD Ford, Sr., 6-3, 220 … WR Wyatt Marker, Jr., 6-0, 160 … RB Jordan McMurray, Jr., 5-9, 170 … RB Sedarrius Love, Sr. 5-11, 190 … OL Jacori Hearn, Jr., 6-0, 280 … WR Donovan Maria, Soph., 5-11, 160 … WR Tey Nash, Sr., 5-11, 160 … WR Drelon Crosby, Sr., 6-2, 205 … OL Jaddan Coleman, Jr., 5-11 250 … K Rey Maldonado, Sr., 5-11, 165 … WR Malik Garcia, Jr., 5-10, 165 … RB Daqualan Colbert, Sr., 5-7, 165 … WR Tyler Wheeler, Sr., 6-3, 175 DEFENSE: 4-2-5 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DL KD Ford, Sr., 6-3, 220 … DB Wyatt Marker, Jr., 6-0, 160 … LB Jordan McMurray, Jr., 5-9, 170 … LB Parker Wilcox, Sr., 6-1, 185 … DB Sedarrius Love, Sr. 5-11, 190 … DL Mar’Kadden Mapps, Jr., 5-9, 235 … DL Markease Aubrey, Jr., 5-5, 220 … DB Donovan Maria, Soph., 5-11, 160 … DB Tey Nash, Sr., 5-11, 160 … DB Drelon Crosby, Sr., 6-2, 205 … DL Xavier Fugitt, Sr., 6-4, 220 … DB Malik Garcia, Jr., 5-10, 165 … DB Daqualan Colbert, Sr., 5-7, 165 … DL Tyler Wheeler, Sr., 6-3, 175 2024 OUTLOOK: Last season, Commerce had its first winning season since 2014 and went to the playoffs for the first time since 2019. The Tigers also scored more than 300 points in a season for the first time since 2017. Eight starters are back on that offense.

McMurray (721 yards, five touchdowns) is back at running back. Marker (366 yards, two touchdowns), Maria, Nash and Crosby are among the options at receiver. Hearn and Coleman lead the offensive line. Ford (347 yards passing, 127 yards rushing) is a rare quarterback/defensive end combo. Wilcox (77 tackles, nine tackles for loss), Crosby (38 tackles, four sacks, eight tackles for loss) and Love (two interceptions) lead the defense.

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MINEOLA YELLOWJACKETS COACH: Aaron Slider (2nd year at school, 4-6; 5-25 overall) ALL-TIME RECORD: 530-536-49 STADIUM: Meredith Memorial Stadium, 1044 W. Loop 564, Mineola 75773 2023 RESULTS: 4-6 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 14/14 LETTERMEN LOST: 13 OFFENSE: Gun T OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Colton McMahon, Sr., 6-2, 185 … WR Ainsley Steward, Jr., 5-11, 165 … OL David Reyes, Sr., 6-0, 200 … OL Juan Cervantes, Jr., 6-0, 310 … OL Juan Villanueva, Jr., 5-10, 245 … QB Braelyn Geremonte, Soph., 5-9, 160 … K Noah Turner, Sr. … TE DJ McDowell, Sr. … OL Javaryon Brumsey, Sr. DEFENSE: Even DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Eddie Guerra, Jr., 6-0, 190 … DB Ainsley Steward, Jr., 5-11, 165 … DL Juan Cervantes, Jr., 6-0, 310 … DL Juan Villanueva, Jr., 5-10, 245 … DB Braelyn Geremonte, Soph., 5-9, 160 … LB Blaine Harris, Sr. … DL DJ McDowell, Sr. … DL Javaryon Brumsey, Sr. 2024 OUTLOOK: In 2023, Mineola missed the playoffs for the first time since 2019 and just the second time since 2012.

The Yellowjackets return nine starters on offense, but will have to replace the quarterback position. In steps sophomore Braelyn Geremonte. He will have a dynamic weapon at his disposal in McMahon, who had 36 catches for 879 yards and seven touchdowns and 49 carries for 398 yards and four touchdowns after coming over from Whitehouse. Steward (20 catches, 215 yards) can also make plays. Reyes, Cervantes, Villanueva and Brumsey form a solid offensive line. Turner is one of the better kickers in the area. Defensively, Guerra (90 tackles, four sacks) is back at linebacker, where he will be joined by Harris. Cervantes, Villanueva, McDowell and Brumsey play up front, while Steward (three interceptions) and Geremonte will patrol the secondary.

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RAINS WILDCATS COACH: Bryan Oakes (2nd year at school, 1-9; 2-47 overall) ALL-TIME RECORD: 329-500-28 STADIUM: Wildcat Stadium, 371 FM 3299, Emory 75440 2023 RESULTS: 1-9 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 14/12 LETTERMEN LOST: 9 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Tylin Oakes, Sr., 5-11, 180 … WR Trinton McKinney, Sr., 5-10, 170 … WR Trent Kirby, Sr., 5-10, 165 … OL Kam Vinson, Sr., 5-11, 250 … OL Carson Blalock, Sr., 5-6, 235 … WR Danny Centeno, Sr., 5-8, 170 … WR Kenneth Griffith, Jr., 5-10, 165 … OL Jason Jones, Jr., 5-9, 225 … RB Jabari Shields, Soph., 180 DEFENSE: 3-4 multiple DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Trinton McKinney, Sr., 5-10, 170 … DB Trent Kirby, Sr., 5-10, 165 … DL Kam Vinson, Sr., 5-11, 250 …

DL Carson Blalock, Sr., 5-6, 235 … DB Danny Centeno, Sr., 5-8, 170 … DB Kenneth Griffith, Jr., 5-10, 165 … DL Jason Jones, Jr., 5-9, 225 … LB Jabari Shields, Soph., 5-10, 180 2024 OUTLOOK: Rains is looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2019. The Wildcats averaged 16.6 points per game last season while allowing 38.6 points per game. Tylin Oakes gives Rains experience at quarterback, while McKinney, Kirby, Centeno and Griffith form a veteran receiving corps. Rains returns four starters on the offensive and defensive lines with Vinson, Blalock and Jones among those. Rains lost a lot of production at running back and linebacker, and Shields, a sophomore, will look to step up at both of those positions.

EUSTACE BULLDOGS COACH: Jimmy Cantrell (1st year at Eustace, 0-0; 47-42 overall) ALL-TIME RECORD: 228-418-11 STADIUM: Bulldog Stadium, Henderson St. at FM 316 S, Eustace 75124 2023 RESULTS: 0-10 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 25/16 LETTERMEN LOST: 8 OFFENSE: Multiple OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: TE Bryson Nichols, Jr., 6-2, 200 … OL Colten Carpenter, Sr., 5-6, 275 … OL Hunter Lane, Sr., 6-2, 300 … OL Adan Maltos, Sr., 5-7, 300 … OL Ranger McKee, Sr., 6-0, 240 … RB Colton Lawson, Jr., 6-3, 175 … RB Mason Patek, Soph., 5-8, 160 … QB Rhett Dyer, Sr., 6-0, 160 … RB Ethan Marquez, Jr., 5-8, 175 … RB Andrew Lowe, Sr., 6-0, 170 DEFENSE: 5-2 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DL Bryson Nichols, Jr., 6-2, 200 … LB Nick McKee, Sr., 5-9, 215 … DL Hunter Lane, Sr., 6-2, 300 … DL Adan Maltos, Sr., 5-7, 300 … DL Ranger McKee, Sr., 6-0, 240 … DB Colton Lawson, Jr., 6-3, 175 … LB Ethan Marquez, Jr., 5-8, 175 … DB Andrew Lowe, Sr., 6-0, 170 2024 OUTLOOK: Eustace hasn’t made the playoffs since 2018 and went winless last season, averaging 7.8 points per game and allowing 54.8 points per game. The Bulldogs will have a new leader as Jimmy Cantrell, who was the head coach at Mabank from 2004-11 will take over. Eustace has eight starters back on both sides of the ball. Dyer (7 of 16, 59 yards, one touchdown), will be the quarterback with Rummel (eight catches, 85 yards, one touchdown) as the top returning receiver. Patek (80 carries, 372 yards, five touchdowns) will handle running back duties. Nick McKee (53 tackles) and Ranger McKee (two sacks) are back on defense, along with Nichols, who will be a force on both sides of the football. Carpenter, Lane, Maltos and Ranger McKee form a strong offensive and defensive front.

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DISTRICT 8-3A DI

Gladewater's Mason Budro.

(Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

OUR PICKS: 1. TATUM 2. JEFFERSON 3. ATLANTA 4. LIBERTY-EYLAU 5. GLADEWATER 6. SABINE 7. WHITE OAK

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TATUM EAGLES

COACH: Whitney Keeling (3rd season, 12-10 at Tatum, 125-50/126-50 ALL-TIME: 499-363-26 STADIUM: Eagle Stadium, 483 Hill Street, Tatum, 75691 2023 RESULTS: 6-5 area round finalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 17/14 LETTERMEN LOST: 16 OFFENSE: Flexbone OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Luke Sigler, Sr., 6-2, 175 … QB Jacorie Bradley, Sr. 6-1, 190 … WR Quincy Davis, So., 160 … RB Cayden Tatum, Sr., 5-6, 150 … OL Taylor Rutherford, Sr., 6-0, 240 … WR Jordan Chambers, Sr., 6-5, 200 DEFENSE: 4-3 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DL Xavior Moore, Sr., 5-11, 190 … LB Dameon Pippins, Jr., 5-8, 170 … LB Qwardai Peoples, Jr., 6-2, 190 … DB ZaQuaylon Smith, Sr., 5-10, 150 … DL Kenneton Harrison, Sr., 6-2, 180 2024 OUTLOOK: Tatum has a long and storied playoff history, so it didn’t let a 1-3 start to the 2023 season prevent its 39th postseason berth since 1940. The Eagles rallied for a 5-2 finish to last year’s campaign to win the District 6-3A Division I title, advance to the area round of the postseason, and earn a 6-5 season record. The battle-tested Eagles now have their sights on a special 40th playoff trip in 2024. They will benefit from the play of senior defensive lineman Xavior Moore (56 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, four sacks, 230 rushing yards, and five touchdowns), senior receiver Luke Sigler (13 catches, 213 yards and three touchdowns), senior quarterback Jacorie Bradley (241 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, nine completions, 112 passing yards, and two passing touchdowns), junior linebackers Dameon Pippins and Qwardi Peoples (47 tackles and 11 tackles for loss), and sophomore receiver Quincy Davis in 2024. Their flight back to another district crown and postseason appearance will also come down to the deep senior class that also features running back Cayden Tatum (298 rushing yards and four touchdowns), defensive back ZaQuaylon Smith (eight pass breakups and three interceptions), offensive lineman Taylor Rutherford, receiver Jordan Chambers (13 catches, 198 yards and three touchdowns), and defensive lineman Kenneton Harrison (56 tackles, eight tackles for loss and seven sacks).

JEFFERSON BULLDOGS COACH: Ty Taylor (1st season, 0-0 at Jefferson) ALL-TIME: 554-426-31 STADIUM: W.F. Lockett Stadium, #1 Bulldog Drive, Jefferson, 75657 2023 RESULTS: 7-4 bi-district finalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 27/15 LETTERMEN LOST: 10 OFFENSE: Spread (10, 11, 29 personnel) OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Kamran Williams, Sr., 5-10, 185 … WR Chris Love, Sr., 6-4, 175 … QB Tihmyus Taylor, Sr., 5-10, 170 … WR Jermaine Hopkins, So., 5-9, 155 … QB Kobin Tomlinson, So., 5-10, 185 … OL Hayden Ray, Jr., 6-3, 275 … OL Keiland Williams, Jr., 6-0, 275 … WR Travis Gray, So, 5-11, 160 … WR Jakyrie Johnson, Sr., 5-9, 155 … OL Devonte Marshall, Sr., 6-4, 285 … OL Zack Hulscher, Sr., 6-4, 208 … RB Ameron Bruce, Sr., 6-0, 185 … OL Kingston Nelson, So., 6-1, 287 DEFENSE: Even Front DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Kobin Tomlinson, So., 5-10, 185 … DE Keshawn Whitaker, Sr., 6-0, 195 … DB Travis Gray, So, 5-11, 160 … DL Devonte Marshall, Sr., 6-4, 285 … CB Daniel Smith, Sr., 6-0, 165 … LB Ameron Bruce, Sr., 6-0, 185 … NG Alexzavieor Pryor, Sr., 5-10, 250 … CB Dallas Lewis, Sr., 6-1, 165 … DL Kingston Nelson, So., 6-1, 287 2024 OUTLOOK: Jefferson will bring some momentum to the first year of the Ty Taylor head coaching era because it qualified for all last three postseasons since 2021, and produced 34 playoff appearances since 1939. The Bulldogs plan to lean on those experiences, and receive a boost from a tone-setting senior class that includes running back Kamran Williams (1,983 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns), receiver Chris Love (31 receptions, 641 yards and seven touchdowns), quarterback Tihmyus Taylor (1,914 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns), and defensive end Keshawn Whitaker (80 tackles and four sacks). They will play alongside important 2026 prospects and offensive linemen Hayden Ray and Keiland Williams.

Jefferson’s continued success will also depend on other 2025 prospects like receiver Jakyrie Johnson and two-way lineman Devonte Marshall. Offensive lineman Zack Hulsscher, cornerback Daniel Smith, running back and linebacker Ameron Bruce, nose guard Alexzavieor Pryor (92 tackles), and cornerback Dallas Lewis are others that will play big roles this year. The Bulldogs’ future is also bright due to the talented 2027 Class that features receiver Jeramaine Hopkins (573 yards and seven touchdowns), linebacker and quarterback Kobin Tomlinson (116 tackles and one interception), wide receiver and defensive back Travis Gray (382 receiving yards and five touchdowns), and two-way lineman Kingston Nelson.

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ATLANTA RABBITS COACH: Tyler Morton (3rd season, 12-10 at Atlanta) ALL-TIME: 584-428-33 STADIUM: Rabbit Stadium, 705 Rabbit Boulevard, Atlanta, 75551 2023 RESULTS: 5-6 bi-district finalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 22/18 LETTERMEN LOST: 5 OFFENSE: Multiple OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Markeylin Bratton, Sr., 5-11, 185 … WR Jayden Riley, Jr., 5-7, 175 … QB Peyton Harrison, Sr., 6-2, 181 … RB Landon Johnson, Sr. 5-8, 190 … RB Jamarion Austin, Sr. 6-0, 200 … TE Kameron Williams, So., 6-3, 230 … RB Marshawn Woodberry, Jr., 5-9, 185 … WR Kayden Linwood, Jr., 5-9, 175 … OL Jaylen Finley, So., 5-9, 280 … OL Ty Waldon, Sr., 6-0, 230 … OL Chris Hale, Sr., 6-0, 225 … WR Sy Stroman, Sr., 5-11, 150 … OL Marcellous Kirk, Sr., 6-3, 255 … RB Eli Mitchell, Jr. 5-9, 180 … WR Asher Wells, Sr., 6-1, 190 DEFENSE: Multiple DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Markeylin Bratton, Sr., 5-11, 185 … DB Jayden Riley, Jr., 5-7, 175 … FS Peyton Harrison, Sr., 6-2, 181 … LB Landon Johnson, Sr. 5-8, 190 … DE Kameron Williams, So., 6-3, 230 … LB Marshawn Woodberry, Jr., 5-9, 185 … Star Kayden Linwood, Jr., 5-9, 175 … DL Jaylen Finley, So., 5-9, 280 … DL Ty Waldon, Sr., 6-0, 230 … DL Chris Hale, Sr., 6-0, 225 …

DB Sy Stroman, Sr., 5-11, 150 … DL Marcellous Kirk, Sr., 6-3, 255 … DT Kheaton Kinney, Sr., 6-3, 327 … NG Zamarion Ivery, Sr., 5-9, 270 … LB Eli Mitchell, Jr. 5-9, 180 … Star Asher Wells, Sr., 6-1, 190 2024 OUTLOOK: Atlanta finished with a losing record in 2023, but it still showed its determination when it qualified for its third postseason appearance in the four seasons since 2020. This shouldn’t have been a surprise because the Rabbits have a long history of late season success and 38 playoff berths since 1941. The program will now aim for first winning record since 2022 and its first playoff victory since 2018. Atlanta’s season-long attack for 2024 will feature senior running back and defensive back Markeylin Batton (81 carries, 610 rushing yards, nine rushing touchdowns, 16 receptions, 255 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns), junior receiver and defensive back Jayden Riley (55 receptions, 1,012 receiving yards, 12 receiving touchdowns, 24 carries, 131 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns), senior quarterback and free safety Peyton Harrison (105 completions, 2,039 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, 57 carries, 101 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns), senior linebacker and running back Landon Johnson, senior running back Jamarion Austin (57 carries, 421 rushing yards and three touchdowns), defensive end and tight end Kameron Williams (40 tackles and six tackles for loss), junior running back and linebacker Marshawn Woodberry (29 carries, 130 rushing yards and 39 tackles), junior star and receiver Kayden Linwood (24 tackles, four tackles for loss and one interception), and sophomore two-way linemen Jaylen Finley.

LIBERTY-EYLAU LEOPARDS

COACH: Brad Willard (1st season, 0-0 at Liberty-Eylau) ALL-TIME: 86-110 STADIUM: Harris Field, 2901 Leopard Drive, Texarkana, 75501 2023 RESULTS: 3-7 bi-district finalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 21/11 LETTERMEN LOST: 15 OFFENSE: Multiple OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Jaquan Johnson, Sr. … OL Meckhi Chatman, Sr. … RB Kavion Hall, Sr. … WR JaShun Weatherall, Sr. … WR Dequane Prevo, Jr. … WR Victor Shaw, Jr. … RB Arian Taylor, So … OL Zamanthyre Haire, Jr. … OL Keston Griffith, So. … QB Byron Sanders, Jr. DEFENSE: Multiple DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Jaquan Johnson, Sr. … DB JaShun Weatherall, Sr. … DL Selerio Creer, Sr. … LB Britain Pipes, Sr. …

DL Avion Golston, Sr. … DL Zamanthyre Haire, Jr. … DB Zabrien Hawkins, Sr. … DL Deauntra Martin, Jr. … DB Trayden Bragg, So. … DB Malachi Lowery, So. … DB Byron Sanders, Jr. 2024 OUTLOOK: Liberty-Eylau’s move from District 7-4A Division II to 8-3A Division I will add some intrigue to an already competitive playoff race in 2024 because it will bring playoff experience from the past four seasons since 2020. The Leopards have the track record of catching a couple opponents off guard each season. That was evident in 2023, when they finished with both a 3-7 record and a bi-district berth. Liberty-Eylau claimed its first three playoff trips between 1959 and 1974 and followed an 18-year drought with the most recent 22 appearances between 1992 and 2023. The Leopards expect a lot out of a senior class that will feature running back/linebacker Jaquan Johnson, running back Kavion Hall, wide receiver/defensive back JaShun Weatherall, offensive lineman Mecki Chatman, defensive lineman Serleio Creer, and linebacker Britain Pipes. Their junior class will continue the upperclassmen trend with a pair of receivers in Dequane Prevo and Victor Shaw. Sophomore running back Arian Taylor, junior two-way lineman Zamanthyre Haire, senior defensive lineman Avion Golston, senior defensive back, Zabrien Hawkins, junior defensive lineman Deauntra Martin, sophomore defensive back Trayden Bragg, sophomore offensive lineman Keston Griffith, sophomore defensive back Malachi Lowery, and junior quarterback and defensive back Byron Sanders are expected to extend the team’s depth.

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GLADEWATER BEARS

COACH: Johnny Louvier (5th season, 23-22 at Gladewater, 33-34 overall) ALL-TIME: 558-430-33 STADIUM: Jack V. Murphy Stadium, 2406 Hendricks Street, Gladewater, 75647 2023 RESULTS: 3-8 bi-district finalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 24/16 LETTERMEN LOST: 8 OFFENSE: I Formation OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Brayson Woods, Jr., 6-2, 180 … RB Carsin Cooper, Jr. 6-0, 205 …

QB Luke Brown, Jr., 6-0, 185 … TE Mason Budro, Jr., 6-1, 190 … OL Mason Thompson, Sr., 6-0, 215 … OL Corey Stanley, Sr., 6-0, 240 … TE Kayson Harris, Jr., 6-2, 205 … OL Aaron Chavarria, Jr., 5-10, 250 … RB Tray Watts, So., 5-11, 170 DEFENSE: 4-2-5 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Brayson Woods, Jr., 6-2, 180 … DE Carsin Cooper, Jr. 6-0, 205 … LB Mason Budro, Jr., 6-1, 190 … DL Kayson Harris, Jr., 6-2, 205 2024 OUTLOOK: Gladewater have been a football playoff regular over the past five and half decades, and needs to bring its best to continue that trend this fall. The Bears have 31 postseason appearances since 1969, but they also face a strong 2024 version of District 8-3A Division I that features five programs with 2023 playoff experience. That’s why Gladewater coaches, players and fans can’t just assume that they’ll automatically advance to this year’s dance based on tradition. This year’s group is definitely capable of breaking through again, but all its members need to be in sync from the first practice through the final whistle of district play. Luckily, Gladewater has plenty of confidence from its six straight playoff appearances to grab one of the available spots this fall. The Bears plan to boost their chances with a lineup that includes versatile players like receiver and linebacker Brayson Woods (31 tackles and 268 receiving yards), running back and defensive end Carsin Cooper (1,263 rushing yards), and linebacker and tight end Mason Budro (66 tackles). Quarterback Luke Brown (452 passing yards) will also rely on strong offensive linemen like Mason Thompson and Corey Stanley. The team’s attack will also feature tight end and defensive lineman Kayson Harris (109 receiving yards), running back and free safety Tray Watts, and offensive lineman Aaron Chavarria.

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SABINE CARDINALS

COACH: Cody Gilbert (3rd season, 6-14 at Sabine) ALL-TIME: 320-529-22 STADIUM: James Bamburg Stadium, 5424 Farm to Market 1252 West, Gladewater, 75647 2023 RESULTS: 4-6 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 17/14 LETTERMEN LOST: 8 OFFENSE: Multiple OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Colt Sparks, Sr., 6-5, 215 … RB Cason Patterson, Sr., 5-10, 180 …

TE Zane Shearer, Sr., 6-5, 220 … OL Isaac Hubbard, Sr., 5-10, 220 … OL Mason Gatlin, Sr., 6-0, 225 … OL Hudson Coker, Sr., 5-11, 230 … WR Bryce Pobuda, Jr., 6-2, 170 … OL Kelton Lee, Jr., 5-11, 250 … K Jovany Jaimes, Sr. … TE Kadin Voss, Sr. … TE Myles Bradley, Sr. … RB Tyler May, Sr. … RB Rhyder Richardson, Sr. … WR Tyler Beebe, Sr. DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Colt Sparks, Sr., 6-5, 215 … LB Cason Patterson, Sr., 5-10, 180 … LB Zane Shearer, Sr., 6-5, 220 … DL Isaac Hubbard, Sr., 5-10, 220 … DL Mason Gatlin, Sr., 6-0, 225 … DL Hudson Coker, Sr., 5-11, 230 … DB Bryce Pobuda, Jr., 6-2, 170 … DL Kelton Lee, Jr., 5-11, 250 … LB Kadin Voss, Sr. … DL Myles Bradley, Sr. … Tyler May, Sr. LB …

LB Rhyder Richardson, Sr. … DB Tyler Beebe, Sr. 2024 OUTLOOK: Sabine earned a 3-2 non-district record during the 2023 season, but its early year success was eventually countered by a 1-4 district stretch that served as the main two-game difference between it and the league’s fourth and final playoff participant. The Cardinals will need to finish stronger in 2024 to soar high enough against a deep District 8-3A Division I field. Sabine’s surge will start with a senior class that features quarterback and defensive back Colt Sparks (1,620 passing yards and 12 touchdowns, 960 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns, and three receiving touchdowns), running back and linebacker Carson Patterson (63 total tackles and 10 rushing touchdowns), tight end and linebacker Zane Shearer (60 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss and six sacks), and two-way linemen Isaac Hubbard and Mason Gatlin and Hudson Coker. The leadership of the Class of 2025 will also continue with senior tight end and linebacker Kadin Voss, tight end and defensive lineman Myles Bradley, running back and linebacker Tyler May, running back and linebacker Rhyder Richardson, receiver and defensive back Tyler Beebe, and kicker Jovany Jaimes. The Cardinals will also be boosted by juniors like receiver and defensive back Bryce Pobuda (28 receptions, 400 yards and three touchdowns) and two-way lineman Kelton Lee.

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WHITE OAK ROUGHNECKS COACH: Michael Ludlow (2nd season, 0-10 at White Oak) ALL-TIME: 578-336-26 STADIUM: Roughneck Stadium, 200 South White Oak Road, White Oak, 75693 2023 RESULTS: 0-10 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 19/18 LETTERMEN LOST: 9 OFFENSE: Power Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Jaxsen Ludlow, Jr., 6-0, 165 … TE Dillon Sanchez, Sr., 6-2, 215 …

WR Logan Ladwig, Jr., 5-9, 155 … OL Dakota Greene, Jr., 6-2, 215 … WR Tysen McClain, So., 6-1, 160 … WR Levi Sipes, Jr., 6-0, 195 … WR Tyson McKinney, Jr., 5-9, 145 … OL Tanner Lappin, So., 6-2, 240 … OL Lucas Frazier, Sr. … OL Collin Wheat, Sr. … OL Gavin Meadows, Sr. … WR Scotty Breitenberg, Sr. … OL Caden Durham, Jr. … OL Dylan Anderson, Jr. ATH Junior Allen, Jr., 6-1, 175 DEFENSE: Multiple Odd DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Jaxsen Ludlow, Jr., 6-0, 165 … LB Dillon Sanchez, Sr., 6-2, 215 … DB Logan Ladwig, Jr., 5-9, 155 … DE Dakota Greene, Jr., 6-2, 215 … DB Tysen McClain, So., 6-1, 160 … S/LB Levi Sipes, Jr., 6-0, 195 … CB Tyson McKinney, Jr., 5-9, 145 … DL Tanner Lappin, So., 6-2, 240 … DE Lucas Frazier, Sr. … DE Collin Wheat, Sr. … DL Gavin Meadows, Sr. … CB Scotty Breitenberg, Sr. … DL Caden Durham, Jr. … ILB Kelton Cates, Sr. … DL Dylan Anderson, Jr. …

OLB Bryce Morgan, Jr. 2024 OUTLOOK: White Oak is coming off a winless season, but its loyal fanbase is patiently waiting for the program’s first return to the postseason since 2020. On the right night, the Roughnecks have the necessary tenacity and toughness to trip up any opponent. They have earned 38 playoff appearances since 1939, and are not far off from their combined 10-8 stretch between the 2020 and 2021 campaigns. White Oak’s comeback attempt in 2024 will start with a group of two-way players. Jaxsen Ludlow (2,486 passing yards) will suit up at quarterback and defensive back, Dillon Sanchez will be a tight end and linebacker, Logan Ladwig and Scotty Breitenberg will both be a wide receiver and defensive back, Dakota Greene will be a defensive end and offensive lineman, Tysen McClain will be a wide receiver and defensive back, Levi Sipes will be a safety, linebacker and receiver, Tyson McKinney will be a cornerback and receiver, Tanner Lappin, Lucas Frazier, Collin Wheat, Gavin Meadows, Caden Durham, and Dylan Anderson will serve as offensive and defensive lineman, and the roster’s versatility continues with athlete Junior Allen. The team’s defense will also receive important midfield play from inside linebacker Kelton Cates and outside lienbacker Bryce Morgan.

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DISTRICT 9-3A DII

Harmony's Wesley Sweaney.

(Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

OUR PICKS: 1. HARMONY 2. EDGEWOOD 3. GRAND SALINE 4. LONE OAK 5. QUITMAN 6. PRAIRILAND 7. CHISUM

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HARMONY EAGLES

COACH: Brian Mauk (1st season, 0-0 at Harmony) ALL-TIME: 364-368-18 STADIUM: Eagle Stadium, 9788 Texas State Highway 154 West, Gilmer, 75644 2023 RESULTS: 10-3 regional semifinalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 6/9 LETTERMEN LOST: 11 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: OL Casen Cox, Sr., 6-1, 260 … WR Amare Jones, So., 5-10, 170 … OL Konner Ellison, Sr., 6-0, 225 … RB Victor Rodriguez, Sr., 5-7, 180 … QB Jordan Escalante, Sr., 6-2, 185 … RB Sammar Jones, Jr., 5-10, 170 … WR/C Blayne Hart, Jr., 6-5, 210 … QB Cy Stracener, So., 6-0 … WR Amare Jones, So., 5-10, 170 … OL Tegan Wise, So. … OL Ethan Pool, So. … RB Reese Ellison, Jr. … TE Jake Rider, Jr., 6-5, 235 … RB Wesley Sweaney, Sr., 5-9, 170 … WR Ryan Wagner, Sr., 6-0, 160 … OL Christian Rendon, Sr., 5-10, 190 … C/WR Kaleb Potter, Jr., 6-0, 165 DEFENSE: 4-2-5 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DL Casen Cox, Sr., 6-1, 260 … DL Keelan Coleman, Sr., 6-5, 300 … DL Konner Ellison, Sr., 6-0, 225 … S Sammar Jones, Jr., 5-10, 170 … LB Cy Stracener, So., 6-0 … DL Tegan Wise, So. … Ethan Pool, So. … LB Reese Ellison, Jr. … DE Jake Rider, Jr., 6-5, 235 … DE Wesley Sweaney, Sr., 5-9, 170 … S Ryan Wagner, Sr., 6-0, 160 … LB Christian Rendon, Sr., 5-10, 190 2024 OUTLOOK: Harmony hadn’t qualified for a UIL playoff berth until the 1986 season, but it has reached the point of 19 postseason appearances, and is in the middle of its longest playoff streak in program history. It has claimed nine straight UIL postseason berths since 2015, and produced its deepest drive to date when it advanced all the way to the 2022 state semifinal. It followed that up with another solid stretch to the 2023 Class 3A Division II Region III semifinal, and now enters the 2024 season as the clear favorite in the District 9-3A Division II race. Offensive and defensive linemen Konner Ellison (29 tackles) and Casen Cox will set the tone for the Eagles as two-way players, and Keelan Coleman will line up alongside them on the defensive line. The team’s offensive attack will also feature quarterback Jordan Escalante, running back Victor Rodriguez and receiver Amare Jones (25 receptions, 450 yards and five touchdowns). Harmony will also lean on versatile prospects like junior safety and running back Sammar Jones (40 tackles), junior receiver and center Blayne Hart, and sophomore quarterback and linebacker Cy Stacener. The roster depth will also be on display in sophomore twoway linemen Tegan Wise and Ethan Pool, junior running back and linebacker Reese Ellison, junior tight end and defensive end Jake Rider, senior running back and defensive end Wesley Sweaney, senior safety and receiver Ryan Wagner, senior offensive lineman and linebacker Christian Rendon, junior center and reciever Kaleb Potter.

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EDGEWOOD BULLDOGS

COACH: Alex Guerra (4th season, 19-14 at Edgewood) ALL-TIME: 456-465-28 STADIUM: I.T. James Memorial Stadium, 804 East Pine Street, Edgewood, 75117 2023 RESULTS: 4-7 bi-district finalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 15/10 LETTERMEN LOST: 19 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Trevor Golightly, So., 6-0, 185 … WR Tony Smith, Jr., 6-4, 185 … WR Brayden Trlica, Sr., 6-3, 195 …

WR Jathen Johnson, Jr., 5-10, 165 … RB Lucas Pippen, Jr., 5-11, 190 … WR Aiden Fincher, So., 175 … OL Triston Linzy, So., 6-0, 220 … OL Terry Thompson, Jr., 6-4, 210 … RB Bryan Paniagua, Jr., 5-9, 180 … OL Dylan Jones, Sr., 6-0, 305 … RB Jayden Koller, Sr., 6-1, 215 … OL Preston Sluder, Jr. 6-1, 205 DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: FS Tony Smith, Jr., 6-4, 185 … FS Brayden Trlica, Sr., 6-3, 195 … DB Jathen Johnson, Jr., 5-10, 165 …

OLB Lucas Pippen, Jr., 5-11, 190 … DB Aiden Fincher, So., 175 … DL Mason Riddle, So., 6-4, 210 … DL Triston Linzy, So., 6-0, 220 … DL Terry Thompson, Jr., 6-4, 210 … OLB Bryan Paniagua, Jr., 5-9, 180 … LB Jayden Koller, Sr., 6-1, 215 … DL Preston Sluder, Jr. 6-1, 205 2024 OUTLOOK: Edgewood is one of two District 9-3A Division II programs that return UIL playoff experience from the 2023 season, so it expects to clinch another postseason berth in 2024. The Bulldogs have produced 27 playoff teams since 1933, and are riding a wave of 12 straight appearances, so all the necessary momentum is on their side. They also plan to lean on an impactful roster that will navigate all the challenges that come with a football campaign during the fall. The many talents include sophomore quarterback Trevor Golightly (1,762 passing yards, 17 passing touchdowns, 225 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns), junior free safety and receiver Tony Smith (600 receiving yards, five touchdowns, 65 tackles, and three interceptions), senior receiver and free safety Brayden Trilica and junior receiver and defensive back Jathen Johnson. The team’s roster depth will also be displayed by junior outside lienbacker and running back Lucas Pippin, sophomore receiver and defensive back Aiden Fincher, junior two-way offensive and defensive linemen Terry Thompson and Preston Sluder, sophomore two-way lineman Triston Linzy, sophomore defensive lineman Mason Riddle, sophomore kicker Adam Luna, junior outside lienbacker and running back Bryan Paniagua, senior offensive lineman Dylan Jones, senior linebacker and running back Jayden Koller.

LONE OAK BUFFALOES

COACH: Logan Turner (4th season, 6-23 at Lone Oak) ALL-TIME: 398-293-25 STADIUM: Buffalo Stadium, 8160 U.S. Highway 69, Lone Oak, 75453 2023 RESULTS: 4-5 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 15/15 LETTERMEN LOST: 7 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Tre Hubbard, Sr., 6-3, 195 … TE Brice Forgy, Sr., 6-1, 180 … OL Camden Norris, Sr., 6-1, 240 … OL Clayton Wallace, Sr., 5-11, 210 … QB Slayde Parnell, Jr., 6-1, 160 … WR Christian Morris, Jr., 6-0, 165 … OL Tyson Hampton, Jr., 6-0, 165 … WR Max Ramirez, Jr., 6-0, 185 DEFENSE: 3-4 Multiple DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: CB Tre Hubbard, Sr., 6-3, 195 … LB Brice Forgy, Sr., 6-1, 180 … DL Camden Norris, Sr., 6-1, 240 … DL Clayton Wallace, Sr., 5-11, 210 … DB Christian Morris, Jr., 6-0, 165 … LB Tyson Hampton, Jr., 6-0, 165 … DB Max Ramirez, Jr., 6-0, 185 2024 OUTLOOK: Lone Oak has qualified for 26 postseasons since 1970, but it needs to snap a long drought that hasn’t produced a berth since the 2018 campaign. There’s some hope that the program can reemerge as a contender in 2024 because it showed some promise as a four-win squad during the 2023 season. The Buffalos were just below the .500 mark last fall, and can push past and top that mark over the next couple of months. They will need great efforts from the entire roster to chase after their dreams. That will start with senior receiver and cornerback Tre Hubbard (42 receptions, 538 yards, eight touchdowns, 12.81 yards per reception, and 60 yards per game), senior tight end and linebacker Brice Forgy, senior offensive and defensive linemen Camden Norris, Clayton Wallace amd Cason McBride, junior quarterback Slayde Parnell, junior receiver and defensive back Christian Morris, junior offensive lineman and linebacker Tyson Hampton, junior receiver and defensive back Max Ramirez, senior receiver and defensive back Corbin Johnson, senior receiver and defensive back Nick Counts, senior receiver and linebacker Brady Holder, junior two-way lineman Travis Scott, junior running back and linebacker Moises Perez, senior offensive lineman and linebacker Morgan Cruces, and junior running back and linebacker Sammy Rodriguez.

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GRAND SALINE INDIANS COACH: Joe Drennon (4th season, 17-22 at Grand Saline, 145-112 overall) ALL-TIME: 475-532-33 STADIUM: Carter Elliott Field at Indian Memorial Stadium, 500 Stadium Drive, Grand Saline, 75140 2023 RESULTS: 4-6 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 15/15 LETTERMEN LOST: 11

OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Colt Byrd, Sr., 6-0, 215 … OT Carson Brown, Sr., 6-3, 255 … QB Jett Taylor, Jr., 6-2, 175 … WR Kolton Prox, So., 6-3, 160 … OG Gabe Lewis, Jr. 6-0, 245 … WR Blane Thompson, Jr., 6-0, 245 … C Eric Rios, Jr., 5-10, 220 … TE Gavin Rodriguez, So., 6-5, 220 DEFENSE: 4-3 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Colt Byrd, Sr., 6-0, 215 … LB Carson Brown, Sr., 6-3, 255 … DB Jett Taylor, Jr., 6-2, 175 … DB Kolton Prox, So., 6-3, 160 … DL Gabe Lewis, Jr. 6-0, 245 … DE Francisco Elizalde, Sr., 6-0, 210 … DB Blane Thompson, Jr., 6-0, 245 … DL Eric Rios, Jr., 5-10, 220 … DE Gavin Rodriguez, So., 6-5, 220 2024 OUTLOOK: Grand Saline has recent postseason experience from its four playoff appearances in the five-season stretch between 2018 and 2022, so it is expected to return to the dance in 2024 after a one-year absence. The Indians will be guided by junior quarterback and defensive back Jett Taylor (1,375 passing yards, 12 passing touchdowns, 167 carries, 1,466 rushing yards, 8.8 yards per carry, 17 rushing touchdowns, 23 tackles, and two interceptions), sophomore receiver and defensive back Colton Prox (28 receptions, 594 receiving yards, six receiving touchdowns, 21.2 yards per reception, 6 carries, 62 yards, 40 tackles, six pass breakups, two interceptions and one forced fumble), senior running back and linebacker Colt Prox (53 carries, 440 yards, nine touchdowns, 13 receptions, 211 yards, two touchdowns, 89 tackles, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and one defensive touchdown), junior receiver and defensive back Blane Thompson (nine receptions, 233 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns, 51 tackles, 11 pass breakups, one fumble recovery, one interception, and one extra point block for a two-point return) senior offensive tackle and linebacker Carson Brown (27 pancake blocks, 81 tackles, two tackles for loss, and two pass breakups), offensive guard and defensive lineman Gabe Lewis (31 pancake blocks, 16 tackles), senior defensive end Francisco Elizalade (82 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and two forced fumbles), sophomore tight end and defensive end Gavin Rodriguez (23 tackles and four tackles for loss).

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QUITMAN BULLDOGS

COACH: Shane Webber (4th season, 12-16/12-18 ALL-TIME: 352-441-15 STADIUM: Bud Moody Stadium, Morris Avenue, Quitman, 75783 2023 RESULTS: 4-6 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 12/10 LETTERMEN LOST: 20 OFFENSE: Slot T OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Klayton Meadows, Jr., 6-1, 183 … OL Cade Papez, Jr., 6-2, 207 … WR Bryson Hobbs, Jr., 6-2, 171 … RB Jacob Breding, Jr., 5-10, 173 … RB Ben Boisclair, So., 5-8, 181 … WR Davis Watson, Jr., 5-10, 167 … TE Lane Harkins, Jr. 6-0, 163 … RB Preston Flores, Jr. 5-7, 173 … OL Fransisco Zurita, So., 5-8, 223 DEFENSE: 4-2-5 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Klayton Meadows, Jr., 6-1, 183 … DL Cade Papez, Jr., 6-2, 207 … DB Bryson Hobbs, Jr., 6-2, 171 … LB Jacob Breding, Jr., 5-10, 173 … LB Ben Boisclair, So., 5-8, 181 … DB Davis Watson, Jr., 5-10, 167 … LB Lane Harkins, Jr. 6-0, 163 … LB Preston Flores, Jr. 5-7, 173 … DL Fransisco Zurita, So., 5-8, 223 2024 OUTLOOK: Quitman hasn’t advanced to the UIL postseason since 2010, but it will have its best opportunity in nearly a decade and a half to snap that long drought. The Bulldogs have only earned 12 program playoff appearances since 1974, and are coming off a 2023 four-win season, but they are still expected to be in the middle of the five-team race for District 9-3A Division II’s final two playoff spots in 2024. They can bulldoze to one of those positions because they have a number of quality playmakers at different positions across the field. Their boosts will come from junior quarterback and defensive back Klayton Meadows (830 rushing yards, 723 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns), junior offensive and defensive lineman Cade Papez, junior receiver and defensive back Bryson Hobbs (566 receiving yards and three touchdowns), junior running back and linebacker Jacob Breding (533 rushing yards, 230 receiving yards, 83 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and five sacks), sophomore running back and linebacker Ben Boisclair (73 tackles, three tackles for loss, and one sack), junior receiver and defensive back Davis Watson (35 tackles, two pass breakups, and one tackle for loss), junior tight end and linebacker Lane Harkins, junior running back and linebacker Preston Flores, and sophomore Fransisco Zurita.

PRAIRILAND PATRIOTS

COACH: Herb Smith (3rd season, 7-13 at Prairiland) ALL-TIME: 187-320-2 STADIUM: Patriot Stadium, 446 FM 196 South, Pattonville, 75468 2023 RESULTS: 3-7 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 17/17 LETTERMEN LOST: 55 OFFENSE: Slot-T OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Aiden Youngblood, Jr., 6-0, 160 … OL Ty Shannon, Sr., 6-0, 275 … TE Fischer Morison, Sr., 6-1, 185 … RB Easton Newman, Jr., 5-11, 170 … TE Luke Rhoades, Jr., 6-1, 175 … RB Callan Bridges, Jr., 6-0, 175 … RB Jayden Whitaker, Jr., 5-10, 170 … QB Keeton Kinabrew, Jr., 6-1, 175 … OL Cayden McQueen, So., 6-2, 250 DEFENSE: 3-3 Stack DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Aiden Youngblood, Jr., 6-0, 160 … DL Ty Shannon, Sr., 6-0, 275 … DE Fischer Morison, Sr., 6-1, 185 … LB Easton Newman, Jr., 5-11, 170 … LB Luke Rhoades, Jr., 6-1, 175 … LB Callan Bridges, Jr., 6-0, 175 … LB Jayden Whitaker, Jr., 5-10, 170 … DB Keeton Kinabrew, Jr., 6-1, 175 … DL Cayden McQueen, So., 6-2, 250 2024 OUTLOOK: Prairiland has gone nearly a decade without a playoff trip, but it can challenge for and clinch a postseason berth for the first time since 2015. The Patriots will succeed with junior running back and defensive back Aiden Youngblood (21 carries, 100 yards, two touchdowns, 36 tackles, and five interceptions), senior offensive and defensive lineman Ty Shannon (25 pancakes and 22 tackles), senior tight end and defensive end Fischer Morrison (31 tackles, 10 pancakes, and one forced fumble), junior running back and linebacker Easton Newman (94 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and one interception), junior tight end and linebacker Luke Rhoades (44 tackles and two tackles for loss), junior running back and linebacker combos Callan Bridges (56 carries, 220 yards, 28 tackles, five tackles for loss, and two sacks) and Jayden Whitaker (57 tackles, five tackles for loss, and two sacks), junior quarterback and defensive back Keeton Kinabrew (37 carries, 85 yards, one touchdowns, 21 completions, 306 yards, and two touchdowns), sophomore offensive and defensive lineman Cayden McQueen, senior running back and defensive back Mason Pusateri (98 carries, 424 yards, and four touchdowns), sophomore running back and defensive back Adam Anderson, and junior running back and linebacker Austen Gorden (22 tackles, three interceptions and two tackles for loss).

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CHISUM MUSTANGS

COACH: Zach Millsap (2nd season, 1-8 at Chisum) ALL-TIME: 135-205-1 STADIUM: Mustang Stadium, 3250 South Church Street, Paris, 75460 2023 RESULTS: 1-8 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 10/11 LETTERMEN LOST: 9 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Gavin Johnson, Jr., 5-7, 150 … WR Ryan Urizar, Jr., 5-7, 165 … RB Tanner Spear, So., 5-9, 160 …

QB/WR Kyle Kelley, Sr., 5-11, 150 … OL Matthew Rolen, Sr., 5-11, 250 … OL Carmen Chennault, Jr., 6-0, 240 … WR Zeke Baird, So., 5-8, 160 DEFENSE: Multiple DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DE Hunter Holland, Jr., 5-11, 200 … DB Gavin Johnson, Jr., 5-7, 150 … LB Ryan Urizar, Jr., 5-7, 165 …

LB Tanner Spear, So., 5-9, 160 … LB Aiden Jones, Jr., 5-10, 165 … DB Zeke Baird, So., 5-8, 160 2024 OUTLOOK: Chisum has a better season outlook for 2024 compared to other programs that are coming off a one-win year and only have six playoff appearances since 1998. That’s why it is expected to shoot its own shot during a wide-open District 9-3A Division II race this fall. The Mustangs don’t have much playoff experience or history to lean on, but luckily for them only two of their 2024 league counterparts are coming off a 2023 postseason appearance. Chisum plans to learn from all the previous coaches and players that guided it to the dance as recently as 2020. The Mustangs will also lean on junior receiver and linebacker Ryan Urizar (16 carries, 47 yards, 16 receptions, 140 yards, and 35 tackles), junior receiver and defensive back Gavin Johnson (51 tackles, 28 assisted tackles and 23 solo tackles), junior defensive end Hunter Holland, sophomore running back and linebacker Tanner Spear, senior quarterback and receiver Kyle Kelley, senior offensive lineman Matthew Rolen, junior offensive lineman Cannan Chennault, junior linebacker Aiden Jones, sophomore receiver and defensive back Zeke Baird, senior receiver Casen Bult, sophomore quarterback and defensive back Gunner Termin, sophomore linebacker and running back Luke Lamb, sophomore receiver and linebacker Hayes Chalaire, senior linebacker Ismael Thiessen, sophomore defensive lineman Lukaas Dickson, and sophomore offensive lineman Alex Tovar.

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903-825-3200 | 903-825-3201 (fax) 18949 State Hwy. 155 S. | Flint, TX www.jkstorages.com The Zone | East Texas Football Preview

93

DISTRICT 10-3A DII

Daingerfield's Bryson Wallace.

(Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

OUR PICKS: 1. DAINGERFIELD 2. HOOKS 3. DE KALB 4. NEW BOSTON 5. QUEEN CITY 6. REDWATER 7. HUGHES SPRINGS

94 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

DAINGERFIELD TIGERS

COACH: Davin Nelson (7th season, 61-20 at Daingerfield) ALL-TIME: 658-366-25 STADIUM: Mickey Mayne Tiger Stadium, 202 Tiger Drive, Daingerfield, 75638 2023 RESULTS: 11-4 state semifinalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 21/14 LETTERMEN LOST: 14 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Chase Johnson, Sr., 6-1, 207 … WR Kenny Mosley, Sr., 6-0, 180 … RB Ashton Williams, Jr., 5-10, 180 … C Nick Wallace, Sr., 5-11, 279 … WR Reign Wallace, So., 5-8, 150 … G Trey Anderson, Sr., 6-8, 349 …

WR Mason Williams, Jr., 6-2, 165 … OL Devin Gholston, Jr., 6-1, 317 … WR Jakyrin Craver, So., 5-11, 155 … WR Tyler Brown, Sr., 6-2, 177 … RB Bryson Lee, Sr., 5-9, 193 … RB Tamar Palmer, So., 5-10, 164 … RB Trent Boyd, Sr., 5-7, 153 … RB CT Elkins, So., 5-7, 151 … OL Markell Reeves, Jr., 6-3, 297 DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: SS Kenny Mosley, Sr., 6-0, 180 … DT Nick Wallace, Sr., 5-11, 279 … FS Reign Wallace, So., 5-8, 150 … DT Trey Anderson, Sr., 6-8, 349 … CB Mason Williams, Jr., 6-2, 165 … DL Devin Gholston, Jr., 6-1, 317 … FS Jakyrin Craver, So., 5-11, 155 … SS Tyler Brown, Sr., 6-2, 177 … LB Bryson Lee, Sr., 5-9, 193 … OLB Tamar Palmer, So., 5-10, 164 … CB Trent Boyd, Sr., 5-7, 153 … So., CB CT Elkins, So., 5-7, 151 … DL Markell Reeves, Jr., 6-3, 297 2024 OUTLOOK: Daingerfield advanced all the way to the state semifinal in 2023, and is motivated to march further in 2024. The Tigers can inch closer to a state championship game appearance because of the returns of senior quarterback Chase Johnson (153 completions, 2,953 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, 94 carries, 768 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns), senior receiver and strong safety Kenny Mosley (60 receptions, 1,126 receiving yards, 14 touchdowns, 78 tackles, seven interceptions, five pass breakups, two tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery), junior running back Ashton Williams (118 carries, 1,242 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, three receptions, 18 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown, four returns, 346 yards and two return touchdowns), senior center and defensive tackle Nick Wallace (56 pancakes, 39 tackles, four quarterback pressures, two tackles for loss, and one sack allowed), sophomore receiver and free safety Reign Wallace (six receptions, 57 yards, and one touchdown), senior guard and defensive tackle Trey Anderson (26 tackles, two quarterback pressures, one sack, and one fumble recovery), junior receiver and cornerback Mason Williams (19 receptions, 286 yards and three touchdowns), junior offensive and defensive lineman Devin Gholston (36 pancakes), sophomore receiver and free safety Jakyrin Craver, senior receiver and strong safety Tyler Brown, senior running back and linebacker Bryson Lee (153 tackles, seven quarterback pressures, five forced fumbles, four sacks, four fumble recoveries, and one defensive touchdown), sophomore running back and outside linebacker Tamar Palmer (28 tackles, four pass breakups, two tackles for loss and one sack), senior running back and cornerback Trent Boyd (16 carries, 91 yards, one touchdown, 33 tackles, and two interceptions), sophomore CT Elkins (seven tackles), and junior offensive and defensive lineman Markell Reeves.

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HOOKS HORNETS

COACH: Chris Birdwell (10th season, 62-39 at Hooks) ALL-TIME: 424-371-4 STADIUM: Hornet Stadium, 601 East Avenue, Hooks, 75561 2023 RESULTS: 10-1 area round finalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 18/14 LETTERMEN LOST: 14

OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Rod Bailey, Sr., 6-1, 175 … QB Ripken Bidwell, Jr., 5-11, 190 … WR Jorge Velazquez, Sr., 6-0, 172 … RB Dontravious Coulter, Sr., 5-8, 193 … OL Blaze Connel, Jr., 6-0, 231 … OL Grant Rampy, Jr., 5-9, 245 DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Rod Bailey, Sr., 6-1, 175 … LB Ripken Bidwell, Jr., 5-11, 190 … Ra’Kadrian Minter, Sr., 6-3, 227 … LB Dontravious Coulter, Sr., 5-8, 193 … DL Carlos Patino, So., 5-11, 237 2024 OUTLOOK: Hooks plans to build on the momentum of its current five-season playoff streak in 2024. The Hornets have a great football history because it has advanced to 32 postseasons since the 1959 campaign. They expect to excel again this fall because of senior receiver and defensive back Rod Bailey (20 receptions, 401 receiving yards, six receiving touchdowns, 309 return yards, two return touchdowns, 35 tackles and 10 pass breakups), junior quarterback and linebacker Ripken Birdwell (110 completions, 2,239 passing yards, 28 passing touchdowns, 60 carries, 497 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns, 90 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two sacks), senior defensive end Ra’Kadrian Minter (89 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries), junior linebacker Jasper Crain (107 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery), senior receiver Jorge Velazquez (17 receptions, 255 yards and three touchdowns), senior running back and linebacker Dontravious Coulter (27 carries, 386 yards, five touchdowns, 52 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles), junior offensive linemen Blaze Connel (23 pancakes) and Grant Rampy (17 pancakes), and sophomore Carlos Patino (51 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery).

DE KALB BEARS

COACH: Troy Zeringue (2nd season, 8-3 at De Kalb) ALL-TIME: 472-433-30 STADIUM: Bear Stadium, 200 Southwest Neighbors Street, De Kalb, 75559 2023 RESULTS: 8-3 bi-district finalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 17/15 LETTERMEN LOST: 13

OFFENSE: H-Back OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: OT/DT Tanner Hawkins, Sr., 6-4, 325 … QB Jalen White, Sr., 6-1, 180 … G Cole Triplett, Sr., 6-2, 250 …

RB Dom Dunn, Jr., 5-9, 205 DEFENSE: 10-1 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: S Kobe Spurgeon, Sr., 6-3, 170 … S Walker Matteson, Jr., 5-9, 160 … S Tanner Copeland, Jr., 6-0, 170 2024 OUTLOOK: De Kalb knows what it takes to advance to the University Interscholastic League postseason because it has qualified for 27 playoff appearances since 1940. The high school’s long tradition has also translated to recent success. That has been on display during the first three football seasons since the school’s current senior class arrived on campus in 2021. The group understands that playing beyond the regular season and district play and making consecutive playoff appearances are the expectations, and plans to add a fourth straight postseason chapter in 2024. The Bears will be boosted by experienced leaders and Class of 2025 prospects like quarterback Jalen White, two-way tackle Tanner Hawkins, guard Cole Triplett, and safety Kobe Spurgeon. White fits into the important role that will guide the team’s offensive unit, and will be protected by Hawkins and Triplett. Spurgeon will also team up with Hawkins on the defensive side to cover the area from the secondary to the trenches.

The team will also top the competition because it has the necessary depth to compete with the region’s best. A lot of the extra backing will come from the team’s junior class. Walker Matteson and Tanner Copeland are expected to step into their defensive secondary roles as safeties, while Don Dunn will be a rushing force that will keep opponents on their toes.

96 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

NEW BOSTON LIONS

COACH: Jody Littleton (3rd season, 12-12 at New Boston) ALL-TIME: 410-506-16 STADIUM: Lion Stadium, Sunset Street and College Street, New Boston, 75570 2023 RESULTS: 6-6 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 16/15 LETTERMEN LOST: 11 OFFENSE: Multiple I OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Ashton Rowden, Jr., 6-0, 195 … RB Jomar Smith, Sr. … OL Eli Walker, Jr. … QB Justin Allen, Sr. … OL Evan Stuppard, Jr. … OL Westin Pepper, So. … OL Jockoby Kasitati, Jr. … OL Kenny Hoffman, Jr. … OL Dakota Fowler, Sr. … OL Tristian Stovall, Sr. DEFENSE: 4-3 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Will Erwin, Sr. … DL Shawn Veals, Sr. … DL Eli Walker, Jr. … DL Evan Stuppard, Jr. … DB Kason Campbell, Jr. … DL Westin Pepper, So. … DB Adrian Myrks, Sr. … DL Jockoby Kasitati, Jr. … LB Kenny Hoffman, Jr. … DL Dakota Fowler, Sr. … DL Tristian Stovall, Sr. 2024 OUTLOOK: New Boston expects to advance to and win in the 2024 UIL postseason after its 2022 and 2023 area round playoff finishes. The Lions have come a long way since the current millennium and 21st century began because they have earned 10 of their 13 postseason appearances since 2002. Previously, they only qualified for the 1942, 1953 and 1984 playoff events.

This year, they will receive a season-long attack from junior running back Ashton Rowden (1,106 total rushing yards, 100.5 yards per game, 114 points, and 19 touchdowns), senior running back Jomar Smith (473 total rushing yards, and 43 yards per game), senior defensive back Will Erwin (73 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles, and two pass breakups), senior defensive lineman Shawn Veals (64 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, five sacks, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble), junior offensive and defensive linemen Eli Walker and Evan Stuppard, senior quarterback Justin Allen, junior defensive back Kason Campbell (38 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one interception, one pass breakup, and one blocked kick), sophomore Westin Pepper, senior defensive back Adrian Myrks, junior offensive and defensive lineman Jockoby Kasitati, junior offensive lineman and linebacker Kenny Hoffman, and senior two-way linemen Dakota Fowler and Tristian Stovall.

QUEEN CITY BULLDOGS COACH: David Wilbanks (1st season, 0-0 at Queen City) ALL-TIME: 269-449-9 STADIUM: Smith-Wall Stadium, 905 Houston Street, Queen City, 75572 2023 RESULTS: 5-6 bi-district finalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 15/13 LETTERMEN LOST: 13 OFFENSE: Multiple Gun OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Hunter Parker, Sr., 6-2, 185 … RB Jason Joffray, Jr., 5-9, 175 … WR Brayden Wiley, Sr., 5-8, 170 … OL Willie Grundy, Sr., 5-10, 215 … OL Levi Byrum, Jr., 6-2, 245 … OL David Jackson, So., 6-3, 285 … WR DJ Henson, Jr., 5-11, 150 … OL Riley Newkirk, So., 5-11, 290 … OL Noah Williams, Sr., 6-1, 250 … WR DeKetrick Smith, Sr., 6-0, 165 … RB Kordell Fredrick, Jr., 5-8, 190 … WR Bryce Belk, Sr., 5-11, 175 … WR Trenton Belk, So., 5-10, 145 … QB Malaki Richardson, Jr., 5-10, 160 … WR Derell Sewell, So., 5-9, 145 … OL Xander Brown, Jr., 6-2, 295 DEFENSE: 4-3 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Jason Joffray, Jr., 5-9, 175 … DB Brayden Wiley, Sr., 5-8, 170 … DE Levi Byrum, Jr., 6-2, 245 … DL David Jackson, So., 6-3, 285 … LB TJ Guest, Jr., 5-8, 150 … DE Noah Williams, Sr., 6-1, 250 … DB DeKetrick Smith, Sr., 6-0, 165 … LB Kordell Fredrick, Jr., 5-8, 190 … DB Bryce Belk, Sr., 5-11, 175 … DB Trenton Belk, So., 5-10, 145 … DB Malaki Richardson, Jr., 5-10, 160 … DB Derell Sewell, So., 5-9, 145 … DL Xander Brown, Jr., 6-2, 295 2024 OUTLOOK: Queen City had a slow start to its program because it didn’t qualify for a postseason until 1977, but things have changed in the past four and a half decades. The Bulldogs heated up in the 1990s and 2000s before advancing to their ninth and most recent appearance in 2023. They are coming off their seventh bi-district finish, and advanced as far as the area round in 1989 and 1991. Queen City snapped a 10-year postseason drought last fall, and has the necessary group to punch consecutive tickets for the third time in program history (1991-1993 and 2000-2001) in 2024. The Bulldogs’ offensive unit will be guided by quarterbacks Hunter Parker and Malaki Richardson, running backs Jason Joffray and Kordell Fredrick, receivers Brayden Wiley, DJ Henson, DeKetrick Smith, Bryce Belk, Trenton Belk and Derell Sewell, and offensive linemen Willie Grundy, Levi Byrum, David Jackson, Riley Newkirk, Noah Williams and Xander Brown. The team will also need to slow down opponents, and will lean on a defensive unit that features linebacker Jason Joffray, defensive back Brayden Wiley, defensive end Levi Byrum, defensive lineman David Jackson, linebacker TJ Guest, defensive end Noah Williams, defensive back DeKetrick Smith, linebacker Kordell Fredrick, defensive backs Bryce Belk, Trenton Belk, Malaki Richardson and Derell Sewell, and defensive lineman Xander Brown.

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REDWATER DRAGONS COACH: Bryce Haugh (1st season, 0-0 at Redwater) ALL-TIME: 164-325-3 STADIUM: Dragon Stadium, 120 Red River Road, Redwater, 75573 2023 RESULTS: 4-6 bi-district finalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 17/13 LETTERMEN LOST: 13 OFFENSE: Multiple Pro OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Marquez Jones, Sr., 5-10, 160 … QB Gavin Carrell, Sr., 6-2, 210 … RB Nick Farrar, Sr., 5-7, 165 …

RB Colt Morrow, Sr., 5-8, 165 … TE Mason Rampy, Jr., 6-1, 220 … OL Maddox Matkoff, So., 5-9, 235 … WR JJ Vaughn, So., 5-10, 160 … OL Colton Tutor, Sr., 6-1, 260 … OL Austin Ingram, Sr., 6-2, 255 … TE Ryan Satterfield, Sr., 6-0, 205 … OL Nick Yim, Sr., 5-9, 310 DEFENSE: Multiple 4-3 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Braelan Morgan, So., 6-1, 190 … DL Lawson Angel, Jr., 5-8, 216 … LB Colt Morrow, Sr., 5-8, 165 …

DB Tanner Ingram, Jr., 5-10, 150 … DE Mason Rampy, Jr., 6-1, 220 … DL Maddox Matkoff, So., 5-9, 235 … DB JJ Vaughn, So., 5-10, 160 … DL Colton Tutor, Sr., 6-1, 260 … DL Austin Ingram, Sr., 6-2, 255 … LB Ryan Satterfield, Sr., 6-0, 205 … DL Nick Yim, Sr., 5-9, 310 2024 OUTLOOK: Redwater has a very recent playoff history, and snapped a five-year postseason drought and appeared in the bi-district round in 2023. The Dragons didn’t clinch a playoff berth until 1993, but they used that moment as a launching pad to set up their 11 appearances between then and last fall. They now want take the next step towards more late season success in 2024. The Dragons will heat up with senior receiver and defensive back Marquez Jones (37 receptions, 776 yards, 1,138 all-purpose yards, and 19 touchdowns), senior quarterback Gavin Carrell (79 completions, 1,350 passing yards, 17 passing touchdowns and seven rushing touchdowns), senior running back Nick Farrar (179 carries, 1,002 rushing yards, and seven touchdowns), sophomore linebacker Braelen Morgan (55 tackles and one forced fumble), junior defensive lineman Lawson Angel (59 tackles, five tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one interception), senior linebacker and running back Colt Morrow (73 tackles, five tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one interception), junior defensive back Tanner Ingram, junior tight end and defensive end Mason Rampy, sophomore offensive and defensive lineman Maddox Matkoff, sophomore receiver and defensive back JJ Vaughn, senior two-way linemen Colt Tutor Austin Ingram and Nick Yim, and senior tight end and linebacker Ryan Satterfield.

HUGHES SPRINGS MUSTANGS COACH: Blake Worley (1st season, 0-0 at Hughes Springs) ALL-TIME: 463-461-34 STADIUM: Mustang Stadium, 701 Russell, Hughes Springs, 75656 2023 RESULTS: 0-10 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 27/22 LETTERMEN LOST: 1 OFFENSE: TBD OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB EJ Searcy, Sr., 5-10, 142 … RB Chris Collins, Sr., 6-3, 160 … FB Tanner Westmoreland, Sr., 5-10, 190 … RB Murrow Bryson, So., 6-1, 180 … OL Joe Jedlick, Jr., 5-9, 230 … OL Trent Akers, Jr., 5-9, 300 … TE Isaac Pemberton, So., 6-1, 185 … FB O’Zarion Hudson, Sr., 5-11, 190 … QB Hayden Smith, So., 5-9, 140 DEFENSE: TBD DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: CB EJ Searcy, Sr., 5-10, 142 … DB Chris Collins, Sr., 6-3, 160 … LB Tanner Westmoreland, Sr., 5-10, 190 … DB Murrow Bryson, So., 6-1, 180 … DL Joe Jedlick, Jr., 5-9, 230 … DL Trent Akers, Jr., 5-9, 300 … OLB Isaac Pemberton, So., 6-1, 185 … LB O’Zarion Hudson, Sr., 5-11, 190 … DB Hayden Smith, So., 5-9, 140 2024 OUTLOOK: Hughes Springs has some work to do in a top-heavy district in 2024, but it gets a fresh start with new head coach Blake Worley starting his tenure. The Mustangs luckily have a lot of history on their side because they have galloped to 21 playoff victories in 25 postseason appearances since the 1941 season. They can learn from their predecessors to demonstrate the necessary district success in 2024 because 23 of their program’s playoff berths have occurred since 1985. They will also need to find their footing again, and their next stride can begin with their current senior class. Hughes Springs expects a lot out of their 2025 prospects. Some of them include senior running back and cornerback EJ Searcy, senior running back and defensive back Chris Collins, and senior fullback and linebacker Tanner Westmoreland. Their charge back attempt will also depend on roster depth and players in different age groups. Fans can expect important efforts on both sides of the ball because of the playmaking abilities of sophomore running back and defensive back Murrow Bryson, experience of junior two-way linemen Joe Jedlick and Trent Akers, youthfulness of sophomore tight end and outside linebacker Isaac Pemberton, leadership of senior fullback and linebacker O’Zarion Hudson, and sophomore sensation quarterback and defensive back Hayden Smith.

98 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

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99

DISTRICT 11-3A DII

West Rusk's Logan Mills.

(Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

OUR PICKS: 1. WEST RUSK 2. NEW DIANA 3. TROUP 4. ARP 5. ELKHART 6. WINONA 7. BUFFALO

100 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

WEST RUSK RAIDERS

COACH: Rafe Mata (2nd year at school, 10-3) ALL-TIME RECORD: 315-300-5 STADIUM: Bruce Bradshaw Stadium, 10705 Main Street, New London 75682 2023 RESULT: 10-3 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 18/11 LETTERMEN LOST: 13 OFFENSE: Power spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Cole Jackson, Sr., 5-10, 195 … WR Jud Dotson, Jr., 6-0, 185 … RB Hunter McCandless, Jr., 5-11, 180 … OL Christian Ludes, Jr., 6-2, 340 … WR Jase Reasoner, Jr., 5-6, 160 … WR Kemontrea McGregor, Soph., 5-10, 165 DEFENSE: Odd-multiple DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Cole Jackson, Sr., 5-10, 195 … DB Jud Dotson, Jr., 6-0, 185 … LB Hunter McCandless, Jr., 5-11, 180 … DL Cameron Robinson, Sr., 6-0, 225 … DB Jase Reasoner, Jr., 5-6, 160 … DB Kemontrea McGregor, Soph., 5-10, 165 2024 OUTLOOK: West Rusk has been consistently operating at a high level for nearly the past decade. The Raiders have made nine consecutive playoff appearances, have three straight double-digit win seasons and have made the third round of the playoffs in three straight seasons. Until something changes, it’s safe to assume West Rusk is going to win a lot of games, contend for a district championship and win in the playoffs. Jackson (191 carries, 1,274 yards, 15 touchdowns) is back at running back. Dotson, McCandless, Reasoner and McGregor are other offensive threats with big Christian Ludes leading the way up front Defensively, Jackson had 122 tackles. Robinson (71 tackles, three sacks), McCandless (72 tackles), Dotson (38 tackles, four interceptions) and McGregor (25 tackles) are other notable returners. Reasoner is dangerous on special teams with three return touchdowns last season.

The Zone | East Texas Football Preview 101

NEW DIANA EAGLES

COACH: Jason Pitts (3rd year at school, 10-11) ALL-TIME RECORD: 428-358-8 STADIUM: Eagle Stadium 11826 Hwy 154 E, New Diana 75650 2023 RESULT: 8-3 RETURNING LETTERMAN/STATERS: 36/17 LETTERMEN LOST: 7 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Jaidyn Johnson, Sr., 5-11, 170 … QB DeJuan Johnson, Soph.

5-10, 165 … TE Ayden Hamilton, Sr., 6-5, 245 … OL Roberto Aguilar, Sr., 6-0, 280 … RB Dayvon Mapps, Sr., 5-10, 175 … OL Andy Orona, Jr., 6-3, 280 … OL Hunter Davis, Soph., 6-2, 250 … RB Tavarus Williams, Sr., 5-9, 185 … WR Landon Holly, Sr., 5-10, 170 … OL Canon Willeford, Sr., 6-3, 290 … WR Colt McDowell, Sr., 6-0, 175 DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Jaidyn Johnson, Sr., 5-11, 170 … DL Ayden Hamilton, Sr., 6-5, 245 … LB Angel Ruiz, Sr., 5-10, 185 … LB Dayvon Mapps, Sr., 5-10, 175 … DB Rickey Evans, Jr., 5-9, 155 … LB Tavarus Williams, Sr., 5-9, 185 … LB Hadley Overby, Sr., 5-10, 180 … DL Jamarion Johnson, Jr., 6-0, 250 … DB Landon Holly, Sr., 5-10, 170 … DL Braylen Peoples, Sr., 5-11, 235 … DB Colt McDowell, Sr., 6-0, 175 … LB Brayan Olivares, Sr., 5-10, 175 2024 OUTLOOK: The Eagles made a huge turnaround in 2023. After winning three total games in the previous three seasons, New Diana won eight games and made the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Also, after scoring outputs of 50, 131 and 148 points in those three previous seasons, New Diana scored 371 points in 2023. A big reason for that was the Johnson and Johnson duo of DeJuan and Jaiydyn. As a freshman, DeJuan Johnson was 63 of 146 for 1,177 yards with 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also had 141 carries for 1,181 yards and 17 touchdowns. Jaiydyn Johnson had 33 catches for 704 yards and 18 touchdowns and 10 carries for 85 yards and two touchdowns. Mapps (125 carries, 887 yards, six touchdowns) and Hamilton (seven catches, 161 yards two touchdowns) are other offensive threats. Aguilar, Oronga, Davis and Willeford are solid up front.

Davis, a sophomore, has a size 16.5 cleat and a fourextra large glove, leaving New Diana coaches gushing about his potential.

Williams (71 tackles, 10 tackles for loss), Jaidyn Johnson (47 tackles, six interceptions), Hamilton (60 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, six sacks), Mapps (45 tackles, 13 tackles for loss), Ruiz (21 tackles, five sacks) and Overby (70 tackles, six tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries) are back on defense.

BUFFALO BISON

COACH: Jamin Savell (3rd year at school, 8-14) ALL-TIME RECORD: 401-449-26 STADIUM: Brewer Field, 242 Stadium St., Buffalo 75831 2023 RESULT: 3-8 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 22/16 LETTERMEN LOST: 8 OFFENSE: Wing T OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Cole Davis, Jr., 6-1, 180 … RB Donte Lott, Soph., 6-1, 165 … RB/WR Hayden Shaw, Jr., 6-0, 176 … OL Bryan Gonzalez, Soph., 6-0, 285 DEFENSE: 50 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Donte Lott, Soph., 6-1, 165 … DL Joe Caceres, Sr., 5-8, 290 2024 OUTLOOK: Despite winning just three games, Buffalo advanced to the playoffs for the second straight year and for the eighth time in the last nine years. The Bison come to a new district and have nine starters back on offense and seven starters back on defense. Davis returns at quarterback with Lott and Shaw at running back. Gonzalez is a young offensive lineman with a lot of potential. Lott and Cacares are key players on the defense.

102 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

TROUP TIGERS

COACH: Sam Wells (3rd year at school, 15-7; 66-61 overall) ALL-TIME RECORD: 483-489-35 STADIUM: Tiger Stadium, 927 Arp Drive, Troup 75789 2023 RESULT: 9-2 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 15/6 LETTERMEN LOST: 14 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR/K Bryce Wallum, Sr., 5-9, 180 … RB Brett Wells, Soph., 5-8, 165 … RB/TE Shane Jasper, Sr., 6-0, 170 … OL Kaden Mayo, Sr., 5-10, 225 … OL Andre’a Dewberry, Soph., 6-2, 270 … WR Kameron Kendrick, Jr., 5-10, 150 … OL Sean Flood, Sr., 5-10, 225 … WR Hayden Huml, Jr., 6-1, 185 … WR Caden Claburn, Sr., 5-10, 195 … WR Louis Daniels, Sr., 5-9, 150 … RB Jayden Hart, Sr., 5-8, 150 … OL Cason Nichols, Sr., 6-3, 200 DEFENSE: 4-2-5 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Bryce Wallum, Sr., 5-9, 180 … LB Brett Wells, Soph., 5-8, 165 … LB/TE Shane Jasper, Sr., 6-0, 170 … DL Caden Starkey, Jr., 5-11, 225 … LB Kaden Mayo, Sr., 5-10, 225 … DL Andre’a Dewberry, Soph., 6-2, 270 … LB/ DL Noble Kendrick, Jr., 6-1, 180 … DB Kameron Kendrick, Jr., 5-10, 150 … DL Sean Flood, Sr., 5-10, 225 … DB Hayden Huml, Jr., 6-1, 185 … DL/LB Caden Claburn, Sr., 5-10, 195 … DB Louis Daniels, Sr., 5-9, 150 … LB Jayden Hart, Sr., 5-8, 150 … DL Cason Nichols, Sr., 6-3, 200 2024 OUTLOOK: Graduation hit Troup hard after the Tigers’ sixth straight postseason appearance. Troup graduated veteran quarterback Grayson Hearon (more than 7,000 career passing yards), dynamic receiver Trae Davis (Kansas State), who set the Troup single-season records with 67 catches for 1,245 yards and 20 touchdowns and also holds the career marks in those categories, and Ty Lovelady, who had 29 catches for 432 yards and seven touchdowns. But there is still talent around for the Tigers. Wallum is an all-district performer at receiver, cornerback and kicker. He had 24 catches for 580 yards and eight touchdowns; 132 yards rushing and three touchdowns; 32 tackles, two interceptions, four passes broken up; and was 3 of 4 on field goal tries and 64 of 66 on extra points. Brett Wells made his mark on both sides of the ball as a freshman with 1,155 rushing yards, 158 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on offense and 93 tackles and eight tackles for loss on defense. Jasper had 149 tackles, six forced fumbles and eight tackles for loss, and he also scored four touchdowns on offense. Starkey (52 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, five sacks), Noble Kendrick (62 tackles, 10 tackles for loss), Kameron Kendrick (27 tackles) and Flood (36 tackles, four tackles for loss) are other defensive standouts. Mayo, Dewberry, Flood and Nichols are key players on the offensive line.

The Zone | East Texas Football Preview 103

ARP TIGERS

COACH: Wes Schminkey (3rd year at school, 11-11) ALL-TIME RECORD: 500-422-14 STADIUM: Bill Herrington Tiger Stadium, 420 E. Front Street, Arp 75750 2023 RESULT: 8-4 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 18/16 LETTERMEN LOST: 9 OFFENSE: Multiple OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Zane Bourque, Jr., 5-10, 165 … WR Demarcus Wade, Sr., 6-1, 170 … RB Josh Smith, Jr., 5-10, 165 … TE Jaxon Schminkey, Jr., 6-1, 210 … RB Zeshaun Reed, Sr., 6-0, 165 … OL Bryce Everett, Sr., 6-2, 340 … RB Casen Burgins, Jr., 5-7, 150 … OL Zyon Washington, Jr., 5-10, 190 … WR Cornelius Pierce, Jr., 5-11, 145 … OL Eli Ladd, Jr., 5-11, 250 … WR Wyatt Johnson, Jr., 5-10, 160 … OL AB Martin, Sr., 6-0, 260 DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Zane Bourque, Jr., 5-10, 165 … DB Demarcus Wade, Sr., 6-1, 170 … DB Josh Smith, Jr., 5-10, 165 … LB Jaxon Schminkey, Jr., 6-1, 210 … DB Zeshaun Reed, Sr., 6-0, 165 … DB Casen Burgins, Jr., 5-7, 150 … DL Zyon Washington, Jr., 5-10, 190 … LB Julian Barocio, Sr., 5-9, 185 … DB Cornelius Pierce, Jr., 5-11, 145 … DL Emmanuel Ponce, Sr., 5-10, 195 … DB Wyatt Johnson, Jr., 5-10, 160 … DL AB Martin, Sr., 6-0, 260 2024 OUTLOOK: Arp made a five-win improvement from 2022 to 2023 made the playoffs last year for the second time in three years after. The Tigers also picked up their 500th win in program history. The Tigers graduated some key players, including at quarterback, but there are still nine starters back on offense and seven starters returning on defense. Whoever is the starter at quarterback will have solid targets at receiver in Bourque (61 catches, 1,287 yards, 11 touchdowns) and Wade (31 catches, 583 yards, six touchdowns). Reed (74 carries, 498 yards, five touchdowns) and Burgins (59 carries, 377 yards) form a two-headed attack in the backfield behind an offensive line that features Everett, Washington and Martin. Smith (100 tackles), Barocio (95 tackles, two sacks), Scminkey (47 tackles), Ponce (67 tackles), Washington (37 tackles), Bourque (56 tackles, two interceptions) and Pierce (two interceptions) are back on defense.

104 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

ELKHART ELKS

COACH: Cody Day (2nd year at Elkhart, 4-6; 29-51 overall) ALL-TIME RECORD: 437-473-27 STADIUM: Jerry Ives Memorial Stadium, Sheridan Street, Elkhart 75839 2023 RESULTS: 4-6 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 18/14 LETTERMEN LOST: 8 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: ATH Bryant Lipsey, Sr., 5-9, 185 … WR Jayden Chapman, Sr., 5-9, 160 … ATH Dalton Walker, Soph., 5-9, 165 … OL Cooper Harris, Sr., 5-11, 250 … QB Trystyn Tidrow, Sr., 6-3, 180 … RB Jackson Denney, Jr., 5-10, 190 … OL Hayden Pittman, Jr., 5-10, 240 … ATH Dalton Walker, Soph., 5-9, 165 … OL Eric Lira, Sr., 5-9, 215 … OL Slade Hall, Sr., 5-11, 250 … WR Brannigan Blackmon, Jr., 5-8, 145 … RB Cody Thomas, Sr., 5-9, 170 … TE Kaden Luce, Sr., 5-8, 150 … WR TJ Calhoun, Sr., 5-9, 145 … WR Johnny Franklin, Jr., 5-8, 145 …

OL Braden Wiggins, Jr., 6-2, 190 DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Jayden Chapman, Sr., 5-9, 160 … LB Cooper Harris, Sr., 5-11, 250 … LB Jackson Denney, Jr., 5-10, 190 … DL Hayden Pittman, Jr., 5-10, 240 … DL Eric Lira, Sr., 5-9, 215 … DL Slade Hall, Sr., 5-11, 250 … DB Brannigan Blackmon, Jr., 5-8, 145 … LB Cody Thomas, Sr., 5-9, 170 … LB Kaden Luce, Sr., 5-8, 150 … DB TJ Calhoun, Sr., 5-9, 145 …

DB Johnny Franklin, Jr., 5-8, 145 … DL Braden Wiggins, Jr., 6-2, 190 2024 OUTLOOK: Elkhart hasn’t made the playoffs since 2014 and hasn’t had a winning season since 2013. Both of those years, the Elks were coached by Sam Wells, who is the head coach at Troup. After being in a district with Buffalo, Lexington, Florence, Clifton and Rogers for the past two years, Elkhart joins Troup’s district, and Buffalo is coming along, also. Tidrow (1,155 yards passing, 11 touchdowns), Denney (85 carries, 502 yards) and Chapman (36 catches, 556 yards, six touchdowns) are back to lead the offense around an offensive line of Harris, Pittman, Lira, Hall and Wiggins. A lot of the same guys are also standouts on defense. Lipsey and Walker are dynamic athletes.

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WINONA WILDCATS

COACH: Kenneth Cook (1st year at school, 0-0) ALL-TIME RECORD: 273-391-13 STADIUM: Wildcat Stadium, 605 Wildcat Drive, Winona, Texas, 75792 2023 RESULT: 1-8 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 14/14 LETTERMEN LOST: 5 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB LurBryson Ross, Sr., 5-7, 165 … QB Josh Rice, Sr., 6-0, 190 …

WR Jakai Timmons, Sr., 5-10, 160 … WR Jordan Pullum, Sr., 5-10, 165 … WR Adon Warren, Sr., 5-11, 175 … OL Dkaylon Decker, Sr., 5-9, 220 … WR Datavian Williams, Jr., 5-7, 145 … FB Jesse Barton, Jr., 5-7, 150 … FB Jared Hernandez, Jr., 5-7, 160 … QB Easton Smotherman, Jr., 5-9, 150 … OL Dalton McClung Jr., 5-10, 220 … WR Juan Ordorica, Sr., 5-6, 140 DEFENSE: Multiple DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB LurBryson Ross, Sr., 5-7, 165 … LB Josh Rice, Sr., 6-0, 190 … DB Jakai Timmons, Sr., 5-10, 160 … DB Jordan Pullum, Sr., 5-10, 165 … LB Adon Warren, Sr., 5-11, 175 … DL Dkaylon Decker, Sr., 5-9, 220 … DB Datavian Williams, Jr., 5-7, 145 … LB Jesse Barton, Jr., 5-7, 150 … LB Jared Hernandez, Jr., 5-7, 160 … DB Easton Smotherman, Jr., 5-9, 150 … DL Dalton McClung Jr., 5-10, 220 … DB Juan Ordorica, Sr., 5-6, 140 2024 OUTLOOK: The last four seasons have been tough for Winona with six total wins after having previously reached the playoffs in five consecutive seasons. The Wildcats took a step forward on offense last season, averaging 19.1 points per game after averaging 14.8 points per game in 2022 and just 9.6 points per game in 2021. The defense, however, took a big step back, allowing 55.1 points per game after giving up 39.1 points per game in 2022 and 38.0 points per game allowed in 2021. Winona will have a coaching change as Keylon Kincade is out after 10 seasons. Cook, who has been at Winona the past seven seasons, will take over as the head coach. The Wildcats return seven starters on each side of the ball. Rice threw for 718 yards with eight touchdowns and three interceptions before suffering a season-ending injury in the sixth game of the season. Ross (174 carries, 887 yards, 12 touchdowns; 23 catches, 337 yards, three touchdowns) is a dynamic weapon. Timmons, Pullum, Warren and Williams are also expected to be big offensive contributors with an offensive line that includes Decker and McClung. Ordorica (56 tackles, two interceptions), Warren (53 tackles) and Barton (56 tackles) are key returners on defense.

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DISTRICT 9-3A DI

PALESTINE WESTWOOD

PANTHERS

COACH: Richard Bishop (7th year at Westwood, 24-39) ALL-TIME RECORD: 243-385-9 STADIUM: Westwood Panther Stadium, 1812 Panther Road, Palestine 75801 2023 RESULTS: 9-3 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 18/13 LETTERMEN LOST: 12 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Kavian Bryant, Soph., 6-2, 180 … WR Boston Anderson, Sr., 6-3, 190 … WR Kasyn Dial, Jr., 6-0, 180 … OL Lucas Smith, Sr., 5-10, 220 … RB David Russell, Jr., 5-10, 180 … WR Chris Carter, Jr., 5-7, 160 … OL Camarion Beavers, Soph., 6-1, 215 … OL Leonard Sandifer, Sr., 6-3, 225 … OL Sean McCartney, Jr., 6-3, 250 … OL Preston Lacy, Jr., 6-1, 260 … TE Hugh Adams, Sr., 6-1, 210 … OL Landen Russell, Soph., 6-1, 205 … WR QaShaun Shepard, Jr., 5-8, 165 … RB Jon Denman, Sr., 5-10, 193 DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Boston Anderson, Sr., 6-3, 190 … LB Myron Melton, Sr., 5-11, 225 … DB Kasyn Dial, Jr., 6-0, 180 … LB Brayden Barron, Sr., 5-10, 185 … DL Lucas Smith, Sr., 5-10, 220 … DB David Russell, Jr., 5-10, 180 … DB Chris Carter, Jr., 5-7, 160 … DL Camarion Beavers, Soph., 6-1, 215 … DL Leonard Sandifer, Sr., 6-3, 225 … DL Sean McCartney, Jr., 6-3, 250 … DL Hugh Adams, Sr., 6-1, 210 … DL Landen Russell, Soph., 6-1, 205 … DB QaShaun Shepard, Jr., 5-8, 165 … DB Caiden Walker, Sr., 5-9, 150 2024 OUTLOOK: Westwood broke through in a big way in 2023, winning nine games for the first time since 1992 and advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2007. The Panthers averaged 40.2 points per game in large part to freshman sensation quarterback Bryant, who was 158 of 231 for 2282 yards with 33 touchdowns, and he had 78 carries for 812 yards and nine touchdowns. Bryant has football offers from SMU, Texas State, Tulsa and UNLV and a basketball offer from California. Bryant will have Anderson (16 catches, 192 yards, five touchdowns), Dial (48 catches, 754 yards, nine touchdowns) and Carter (16 catches, 156 yards, two touchdowns) at his disposal.

Russell (seven carries, 136 yards, two touchdowns; two catches, 112 yards, one touchdown) is back at running back. The Panthers also got a late add with three-star running back Jon Denman coming over from Palestine. Denman has offers from Oklahoma State, Houston, Michigan State, Arizona, Boston College, Baylor, California, Kansas State, Louisiana Tech, North Texas, SMU, TCU, Vanderbilt, UTSA, Utah and more. Smith, Beavers, Sandifer, McCartney and Lacy form a solid offensive front for the Panthers.

Defensively, Melton (88 tackles, four tackles for loss), Russell (33 tackles, four sacks, six tackles for loss), Anderson (59 tackles, two sacks, nine tackles for loss), Barron (70 tackles) and Smith (54 tackles) are all back.

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DISTRICT 8-2A DI

Frankston's Timothy Ryals.

(Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

OUR PICKS: 1. FRANKSTON 2. CORSICANA MILDRED 3. KERENS 4. CAYUGA 5. PRICE CARLISLE 6. CROSS ROADS

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FRANKSTON INDIANS

COACH: Paul Gould (seventh year at Frankston, 30-34; Overall 72-51, previously at Alto) ALL-TIME RECORD: 292-323-16 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: 7-13 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 TITLE GAME APPEARANCES: 0 PLAYOFF BERTHS: 13 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS: 5 STADIUM: Jeff and Opal Austin Stadium, 100 W. Perry St., Frankston 75763 (Capacity: 1,341) 2023 RESULTS: 7-4 bi-district finalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 20/8 offensive/7 defensive LETTERMAN LOST: 9 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Tyler Rogers, Sr., 5-10, 190 ... WR A.J. Donnell, Jr., 6-2, 170 ... OL Tucker Palmer, So., 6-2, 195 ... TE David Holladay, Jr., 5-11, 190 ... QB Carson Bizzell, Jr., 5-10, 185 ... OL Brayden Dotson, Sr., 6-2, 255 ... K Coleman Merritt, Sr., 5-11, 190 ... OL Carson Allen, Sr., 6-1, 235 ...

DEFENSE: 3-3 Stack DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Reese Hicks, Sr., 6-0, 190 ... DB Bradlee Gould, Jr., 5-9, 195 ... DL Hudson Smith, Jr., 6-2, 195 ... DB Brayden Gray, So., 6-1, 165 ... LB Timmy Ryals, Sr., 5-9, 185 ... DB Tristan McCoy, Jr., 5-10, 160 ... LB Aydan Lewis, Jr., 6-1, 205 ... LB Braylon Donnell, Jr., 5-8, 175 ...

2024 OUTLOOK: The Indians can look to Rogers as a consistent rusher after he rushed for 956 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2023. ... Playmaker Donnell is back after a stellard sophomore season in which he was named Offensive MVP of the district, rushing for 710 yards with 11 TDs, passing for 586 yards and 4 TDs with 715 receiving yards and six TDs. ... Bizzell is back as QB. He was first-team all-district, throwing for 1,158 yards and 13 TDs. ... Merritt booted 52 of 57 PATs. ... Bradlee Gould had two interceptions last season. ...

MILDRED WILDCATS

COACH: Jeff Callahan (third year at Mildred, 11-9) ALL-TIME RECORD: 407-463-30 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: 12-22-1 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 TITLE GAME APPEARANCES: 1 PLAYOFF BERTHS: 23 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS: 10 STADIUM: Asby Field at Eagle Stadium, 5475 US 287, Mildred 75109 (Capacity: 1,941) 2023 RESULTS: 6-4 bi-district finalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 17/8 offensive/7 defensive LETTERMAN LOST: 5 OFFENSE: Multiple OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Ashton Frye, Sr., 5-9, 165 ... QB Ashton Moore, Sr., 5-10, 180 ... TE Brennan Moore, Sr., 6-2, 185 ... WR Justin Ovalle, Sr., 5-11 185 ..

DEFENSE: 4-3 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DE Barron Tatum, Jr., 6-1, 195 ... DL Joseph Centeno, Jr., 5-9, 240 ... LB Trenton Harris, So., 5-10, 165 ... FS Caleb Hallmark, Jr., 5-11, 185 ...

2024 OUTLOOK: The Eagles have two Ashtons in the backfield — RB Frye (603 yards, 6 TDs) and QB Moore (635 passing yards, 4 TDs). ... Defensive back Ashton Moore had four interceptions last season. ...

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KERENS BOBCATS COACH: Brent Watkins (first year) ALL-TIME RECORD: 572-410-41

ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: 28-37 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 TITLE GAME APPEARANCES: 0 PLAYOFF BERTHS: 39 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS: 24 STADIUM: A.G. Godley Field, 200 Bobcat Lane, Kerens 75144 (Capacity: 1,318) 2023 RESULTS: 6-5 bi-district finalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 11/5 offensive/6 defensive LETTERMAN LOST: 6 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Muziq Gunnell, Sr., 5-10, 170 ... RB Nehemiah Massey, Sr., 5-11, 170 ... TE Isaiah Carter, 6-1, 205 ... OL Kooper Hill, Jr., 6-0, 210 ...

DEFENSE: 4-3 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Mykel Lattimore, Sr., 5-10, 170 ... DE Daniel Lewis, 6-1, 225 ... DL David Limon, Sr., 5-10, 230 ... DE Isiah Jordan, Jr., 6-2, 190 ...

2024 OUTLOOK: After finishing fourth the last two years, the Bobcats are expected to contend for the district championship.

CARLISLE INDIANS

COACH: Connor Sharp (second year at Carlisle, 4-7) ALL-TIME RECORD: 496-405-26 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: 25-21 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 TITLE GAME APPEARANCES: 0 PLAYOFF BERTHS: 24 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS: 16 STADIUM: Arrowhead Stadium, 8960 FM 13, Price 75687 (Capacity: 1,282) 2023 RESULTS: 4-7 bi-district finalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 16/8 offensive/8 defensive LETTERMAN LOST: 9

OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Antonio Ibarra Jr., So., 5-11, 175 ... WR Roberto Camacho, Sr., 5-10, 185 ... WR Trent Eaves, Sr., 5-9, 160 ... RB Jonathaon Lopez, Sr., 5-8, 170 ... WR Ivan Garza, So., 5-10, 165 ... RB Sevyn Medford, Jr. ...

DEFENSE: 4-3 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DL William Ibarra, Jr., 6-1, 250 ... LB Elvis Hernandez, So. ... DL Bryan Garza, So. ... DL Chuy Enriquez, Jr. ...

2024 OUTLOOK: The Indians are four wins away from 500 victories in school history. ... Three players from last year are in the collegiate ranks — WR/DB Clayton Hart (Air Force Academy), TE/DE/K/P David Deleon (East Texas Baptist) and QB Fernando Espinoza (East Texas Baptist). ... Coach Sharp expects Ibarra big year both at quarterback and linebacker. ... With five offensive linemen returning, the Indians are expecting big things in 2024.

CROSS ROADS BOBCATS

COACH: Brett Zamzow (second year at Cross Roads, 3-7) ALL-TIME RECORD: 103-328-4 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: 0-1 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 TITLE GAME APPEARANCES: 0 PLAYOFF BERTHS: 1 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0 STADIUM: Rock Tower Stadium, 14434 Hwy 59, Cross Roads 75148 (Capacity: 900) 2023 RESULTS: 3-7 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 12/6 offensive/5 defensive

LETTERMAN LOST: 16 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Riley Brown, Sr., 5-9, 165 ... C Angel Vazquez, 5-10, 290 ... RB Oliver Tilley, So., 5-10, 175 ... RB Tristin Himes, Sr., 5-7, 165 ...

DEFENSE: Multiple DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DE Owen Perry, Jr., 6-0, 225 ... LB Ethan Smith, Jr., 5-9, 150 ... LB Hunter Joslin, Sr., 5-9, 170 ...

2024 OUTLOOK: QB Brown will be a four-year starter and is hopeful of guiding the Bobcats to their first playoff appearance since 2003. He connected on 85 of 152 passing attempts for 1,044 yards with 11 TDs and just four interceptions. ... Perry earned first-team all-district at defensive end. ... Vazquez has been a three-year starter at center. ... Himes and Smith are anxious to get back on the field after mssing all of 2023 due to injury. ... Tilley rushed for 793 yards and 8 TDs on 136 attempts.

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CAYUGA WILDCATS

COACH: Jacob Magee (fourth year at Cayuga, 19-14) ALL-TIME RECORD: 211-280-5 ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: 16-14 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 1 (2009) TITLE GAME APPEARANCES: 2 PLAYOFF BERTHS: 15 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS: 4 STADIUM: Scarborough Stadium, 17750 US 287, Cayuga 75832 (Capacity: 1,888) 2023 RESULTS: 7-5 area finalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 16/7 offensive/8 defensive LETTERMAN LOST: 7 OFFENSE: Multiple wing OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Gunner Douglas, Jr., 6-4, 175 ... OL Zach Johnson, Sr., 5-10, 220 ... C Cameron Thompson, Jr., 6-2, 260 ... OL Dylan Crawford, Jr., 6-2, 195 ... FB Harris Reynolds, Jr., 5-9, 160 ... RB Ethan Castaneda, Fr., 5-8, 150 ... RB Logan Villa, Fr., 6-2, 185 ...

DEFENSE: 4-3 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: CB Dominic Johnson, 6-5, 175 ... DE Camron Stegall, Jr., 6-6, 215 ... Shiloh Peckham, Sr., 5-11, 205 ... LB Jaden Davis, Sr., 5-8, 165 ... DE Hayden Schranck, Jr., 6-0, 165 ... FS Brady Harrison, So., 6-1, 160 ... Lb Harlan Walzel, So., 5-11, 185 ... LB Trace Sims, So., 6-0, 165 ...

2024 OUTLOOK: The Wildcats have one of the tallest teams in Class 2A — 6-4 quarterback Gunner Douglas, 6-5 CB Dominic Johnson and 6-6 DE Camron Stegall. ... Douglas tossed for 622 yards and 5 TDs. ... Peckham rushed for 648 yards and 9 TDs.

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DISTRICT 9-2A DI

Alba-Golden’s Ayden Blalock (Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

OUR PICKS: 1. HONEY GROVE 2. COOPER 3. PAUL PEWITT 4. ALBA-GOLDEN 5. RIVERCREST 6. QUINLAN BOLES 7. COMO-PICKTON 112 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

ALBA-GOLDEN PANTHERS COACH: Drew Webster (6th season, 24-28) ALL-TIME RECORD: 122-285-2 STADIUM: Alba-Golden Stadium, 1373 CR 2377, Alba 75410 2023 RESULTS: 7-4 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 24/20 LETTERMAN LOST: 7 OFFENSE: Multiple OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Cameron Lennon, Sr., 5-9, 151 … TE Wyatt Sutton, Sr., 6-3, 185 … RB Luke Jones, Jr., 5-8, 160 … OL Hector Delgadillo, Sr., 5-10, 276 … QB Sam Olson, Jr., 5-11, 178 … WR Kaden “Boogie” Trimble, Jr., 5-10, 160 … OL Simon Ortega, Soph., 230 DEFENSE: 3-3-5 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DL Jaxen Carver, Sr., 6-3, 278 … DB Cameron Lennon, Sr., 5-9, 151 … LB Mason Smith, Jr., 6-0, 178 … DB Wyatt Sutton, Sr., 6-3, 185 … LB Luke Jones, Jr., 5-8, 16 2024 OUTLOOK: Three straight years with a winning record … that had never happened in Alba-Golden history, until now. Webster has the Panthers rolling, getting to the playoffs in two of the past three years for a program that didn’t make the postseason from 2016-20 and also went from 1989-2010 without a playoff appearance. An elite defense has been the catalyst for Alba-Golden’s success as the Panthers didn’t allow a point until the fourth game of the season in 2023 and posted a fourth shutout later in the season. But the offense also came around for the Panthers in 2023 as they scored a program-record 337 points in a season. Jones (45 carries, 515 yards, six touchdowns), Trimble (26 catches, 480 yards, four touchdowns) and Sutton (19 catches, 460 yards, five touchdowns) are back. Olson is expected to take over at quarterback.

Delgadillo is experienced on the offensive line, and Ortega started at tackle as a freshman and will move to center as a sophomore. Defensively, Smith (115 tackles, 14 tackles for loss), Nikolai Kent (six sacks), Garrett Wright (five interceptions), Lennon (116 tackles, four interceptions), Carver (65 tackles, four sacks, 15 tackles for loss), Sutton (37 tackles, four interceptions) and Jones (60 tackles) all return for the Panthers.

PAUL PEWITT BRAHMAS COACH: Jeremy Russell (1st season, 0-0) ALL-TIME RECORD: 469-351-13 STADIUM: Brahmas Stadium, 1330 U.S. Highway 67, Omaha 75571 2023 RESULTS: 3-7 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 16/12 LETTERMEN LOST: 13 OFFENSE: Gun T OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: OL KC Watson, Sr., 6-2, 270 …

QB/RB JD Smith, Sr., 5-7, 175 … OL Joseph Browne, Sr., 5-9, 270 … OL Jameson Cox, Sr., 5-10, 275 … WR Champ Bailey, Sr., 5-8, 160 … TE Trace Goforth, Sr., 6-1, 195 … TE Chris Bowski, Jr., 5-11, 175 … RB KD Watson, Jr., 5-7, 170 … RB Zahkevion Betts, Soph., 5-9, 170 … RB Terry Versailles, Soph., 5-6, 150 … RB Charles McGill, Soph., 5-7, 150 … QB Cade Nix, Soph., 5-8, 165 … TE Boone Hodges, Jr., 5-8, 165 … K Ian Mares, Sr., 5-7, 150 DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DL KC Watson, Sr., 6-2, 270 … LB JD Smith, Sr., 5-7, 175 … DL Joseph Browne, Sr., 5-9, 270 … DL Jameson Cox, Sr., 5-10, 275 … DB Champ Bailey, Sr., 5-8, 160 … DL Trace Goforth, Sr., 6-1, 195 … LB Chris Bowski, Jr., 5-11, 175 … LB KD Watson, Jr., 5-7, 170 … LB Zahkevion Betts, Soph., 5-9, 170 … DB Terry Versailles, Soph., 5-6, 150 … DB Charles McGill, Soph., 5-7, 150 … DB Cade Nix, Soph., 5-8, 165 … LB Boone Hodges, Jr., 5-8, 165 2024 OUTLOOK: Paul Pewitt missed the playoffs in 2023 after 15 consecutive postseason appearances. The Brahmas have not been in the postseason just twice — 2007 and 2023 — since 1995. A lot changed for Paul Pewitt in the offseason. The Brahamas dropped down to Class 2A and hired Newton offensive coordinator Jeremy Russell as the new head coach. Depth will be a key factor for the Brahmas in their new district. KC Watson (34.5 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries) and Hodges (37.5 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, four fumble recoveries) are two of the key returners on defense. KC Watson, Browne and Cox also lead the offensive line. KD Watson (889 yards rushing, 13 touchdowns) is back at running back and will be joined in the backfield by Smith, Betts, Versailles and McGill. Smith and Nix will also be in the mix at quarterback, while Bailey is the team’s top returning passer.

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DISTRICT 10-2A DI

Big Sandy's Aidan Brown.

(Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

OUR PICKS: 1. BECKVILLE 2. BIG SANDY 3. HARLETON 4. ELYSIAN FIELDS 5. HAWKINS 6. UNION GROVE 7. WASKOM 8. ORE CITY

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BECKVILLE BEARCATS COACH: Cody Ross (sixth season, 44-17, 45-36) ALL-TIME RECORD: 401-451-20 2023 RESULTS: 10-2 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 14/8 LETTERMEN LOST: 14 OFFENSE: Power Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB/DB Aiden Harris, SR., 6’0, 166, RB/LB Jorden Prince, JR., 6’0, 170, WR JT Smith, SR., 6’6, 190, TE/LB Tyson Oden, SR., 6’2, 200, QB Braxton Bullock, JR., 6’3, 195, RB Rudy Watts, SO., 5’10, 160, OL/DL Mason Dyer, SR., 6’1, 170, OL/DL Grayson Shivers, 5’10, 190, OL/DL Canaan Schmidtz, SR., 6’3, 200 DEFENSE: 4-3 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DL Devan Koger, JR., 6’2, 215, S Grayson Hicks, JR., 5’10, 165, LB Dillon Koger, SO., 5’10, 170, OL Trace Chamness, SR., 6’2 240, DB Aiden Brantley, SR., 5’10, 140, DB Jordan Mojica, JR., 5’10, 170 2024 OUTLOOK: After a stellar run of regular season success the last three seasons, Beckville will have their hands full in trying to repeat last season’s 10 win total. The Bearcats will look very different this season after graduating generational talent J’Koby Williams and the loss of nearly all of the offensive and defensive line starters. Beckville will have playmakers such as Aiden Harris and Jorden Prince along with 6’6 wide receiver JT Smith who will get a lot more looks this season as the Bearcats will look to air it out more this season. It will be a patchwork line on both sides of the ball but Beckville has enough talent to vie for a fourth-straight district title.

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BIG SANDY WILDCATS COACH: Brian Pullman (one season, 3-7) ALL-TIME RECORD: 446-496-19 2023 RESULTS: 3-7 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 12/11 LETTERMEN LOST: 6 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: TE Logan Brown, SR., 6’1, 205, OL Brennon Ference, JR., 6’0, 240, QB Kayden Smith, SR., 6’1, 190, FB/LB Landen Hartman, JR., 6’0, 205, RB Malijah Francis, SR., 5’10, 180, WR Ky’Marie Fountain, SR., 155 DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Zachary Murry, SO., 5’10, 175, LB Layden Hartman, SR., 5’11, 180, DL Dylan Gallaher, JR., 6’0, 245, DL Ayden Akin, SR., 6’1, 195 2024 OUTLOOK: Big Sandy is looking to build off a 3-7 mark last season and rely on their interior strength to set the tone.

Kayden Smith (1,676 yards passing, 15 touchdowns) is back for his second year behind center and will look to get the ball in the hands of running back Malijah Francis and wide receiver Logan Brown. In a year where the district title is up for grabs the Wildcats could be in the mix for a playoff spot.

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HARLETON WILDCATS

COACH: Kyle Little (sixth season, 34-23) ALL-TIME RECORD: 321-351-6 2023 RESULTS: 7-4 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 17/10 LETTERMEN LOST: 9 OFFENSE: Pro OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: OL, Noel Fajardo, SR., 5’10, 220, TE Landon Johnson, SR., 6’2, 210, ATH Alijah Johnson, JR., 6’0, 175, RB Gage Shirts, SR., 5’8, 165, RB Izayah Farris, JR. 5’9, 165, FB Tyler Lowe, SR., 5’8, 175 DEFENSE: 3-3 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Tyler Crossley, SR., 6’2, 200, DB Kayden Skaggs, JR., 5’10, 165, LB Alex Holt, JR., 5’8, 165, DE Bryan Taylor, SO., 5’10, 175, 2024 OUTLOOK: Harleton is coming off a 7-4 season and after finishing in second place in district last season and Beckville possibly coming back to the pack, this could be the Wildcats’ year. Coach Kyle Little is in his sixth season as head coach and his team will mask their lack of speed and athleticism with sheer size and power. Senior Gage Shirts will anchor the offense while Harleton figures out who will be taking the snaps behind center. Junior Alijah Johnson will be getting the ball in both the passing and running and is expected to make plays for the Wildcats.

ELYSIAN FIELDS YELLOWJACKETS COACH: Justin Crow (third season, 4-16) ALL-TIME RECORD: 405-299-18 2023 RESULTS: 2-8 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 15/17 LETTERMEN LOST: 5 OFFENSE: Gun-T OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: WR Brandon Kennedy, JR. 5’10, 165, QB Brody Parker, SR., 5’11, 180, OL Kendall Trost, SR., 6’1 235, OL Landon Lawless, JR., 5’11, 205, OL/DL Jamarion Johnson, JR., 6’2, 240, DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Collin Caudle, SR., 5’7, 155, DE Deuante Harrison JR., 6’1, 225, K Daniel West, JR., 5’8, 160 2024 OUTLOOK: After a tough 2-8 season last year Elysian Fields was moved down from 3A to 2A and are looking for a bounce back year. The Yellowjackets will also benefit from returning their entire offensive line who will look to protect senior dual-threat quarterback Brody Parker (672 yards, five touchdown passes, 419 rushing yards, two scores). Parker will look to get the ball to leading receiver Brandon Kennedy (33 receptions, 550 yards, five touchdowns).

Junior Deuntae Harrison, Trevor Riddle and Collin Caudle will anchor the defense this season for Elysian Fields.

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HAWKINS HAWKS

COACH: Bill Cowley (first season) ALL-TIME RECORD: 438-386-24 2023 RESULTS: 2-8 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 20/14 LETTERMEN LOST: 8 OFFENSE: 11 Personnel OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Josiah Welch, SR., 5’10, 175, QB Eli Smith, SO., 5’11, 190, WR Brayden Givens, JR., 6’4 180, OL Julien Griffin, 6’7, 350, WR Coby Latta, SR., 6’2, 170, FB Troy Conley, SR., 6’1, 205 DEFENSE: 4-3 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DL Isley Jackson, SR., LB Juan Juarez SR., DL Cameron Johnson, SR., RB Springer Crouch, SO., 2024 OUTLOOK: Bill Cowley takes over a Hawkins program for his endeavor as a head coach and inherits a team that has nowhere to go up but up following a 2-8 season. Hawkins will return with 14 starters including running back Josiah Welch who rushed for 1,475 yards last season. Sophomore quarterback Eli Smith threw for 1,400 yards and 13 touchdowns last season.

Hawkins will have one of the biggest linemen in the entire UIL in junior Julien Griffin who stands at 6-foot-7 and weighs in at 350 pounds. Hawkins is the last team prior to Beckville’s run of three-straight district titles to win a district title.

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UNION GROVE LIONS

COACH: Kyle Adams (first season) ALL-TIME RECORD: 387-517-23 2023 RESULTS: 4-6 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 23/18 LETTERMEN LOST: 3 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Jace Roberts, SR., 6’4, 190, WR Judson George, SR., 5’8, 170, WR Wrigley Roberts, JR., 6’0, 160, OL Gaige Polen, SR., 5’10, 245 DEFENSE: Split DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Cooper Carter, JR., 5’9, 170, DL Kayden Day, SR., 6’0, 190, OLB Jacob Griffin, SR., 6’4, 200, DL Dalton Hawkins, JR., 6’0, 270, DB Hudson Wrightman, SO., 5’10, 160, DE Morgan Mayhan, SR., 6’4, 190, DL Alston Mullins, SR., 5’9 175, 2024 OUTLOOK: Union Grove won their first four games of the 2023 season but closed the season going winless in district play. This year the Lions return 18 starters and lost just three players from last season’s team and look to be amongst the top teams in District 10-2A Division I. Jace Roberts returns to lead the team after throwing for 823 yards and eight touchdowns and rushing for 800 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Lions took some tough bumps in the road last season and are hopeful all the experience they gained last season paid dividends.

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WASKOM WILDCATS COACH: Wade Lawson (first season, 64-35) ALL-TIME RECORD: 656-374-25 2023 RESULTS: 3-7 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 9/9 LETTERMEN LOST: 5 OFFENSE: Pistol/Flexbone OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: FB Nate Espy, JR., 5’11, 195, RB Joe Irving, JR., 5’10, 175, OT Harley Martin, SR., 6’3, 218, OL Kalob Mann, JR., 6’1, 270, QB Chris Hernandez, JR., 5’8, 145, TE Jayden Minor, JR. 5’11, 170 DEFENSE: 4-3 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: CB Kelton Williams, SR., 5’8, 150, DB Montez Thompson, SO., 5’9, 165, LB Bubba Jones, JR., 5’8, 155 2024 OUTLOOK: First-year Waskom Coach Wade Lawson is looking to bring the success he had at Joaquin (64-35) to a Wildcats program that is moving down from 3A Division II to 2A Division I. Waskom returns a lot of talent and speed in the skilled positions led by two-way star Nate Espy who rushed for 1,205 yards and 14 touchdowns on offense while combining for 88 tackles on defense. Lawson traditionally likes to run the ball and play a very physical style and if the Wildcats can stay healthy for the most part, expect Waskom to be in the mix for a playoff spot.

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ORE CITY REBELS

COACH: Jeremy Kubiak (first season) ALL-TIME RECORD: 287-336-9 2023 RESULTS: 5-5 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 16/12 LETTERMEN LOST: 8 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Gage Cavanaugh, SR., 6’0, 185, WR Kyler Rowe, 6’3, 180, RB Angel Velasquez, JR., 6’0, 180, DEFENSE: 4-3 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: Slayden Wright, SR., 5’9, 195, DB Aydin Thomas, SR., 5’8, 160, LB Don Veasley, JR., 5’8, 250, 2024 OUTLOOK: Ore City had a three-game turnaround from the previous season and made the playoffs last season.

Senior quarterback Gage Cavanaugh (1,000 yards passing and 13 touchdowns) led the Rebels with 17 touchdowns and also rushed for 650 yards last season. Ore City will have the services of Slayden Wright who returns after missing the majority of the season after being in a car accident. Angel Velasquez will get his share of carries and will look to ease the burden off of Cavanaugh who also plays safety on defense. The Rebels have the experience, talent and size to make a run at a district title this season.

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DISTRICT 11-2A DII

Teneha's Jaylon Williams .

(Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

OUR PICKS: 1. LOVELADY 2. TENAHA 3. OVERTON 4. MOUNT ENTERPRISE 5. CUSHING 6. GRAPELAND 7. ALTO

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TENAHA TIGERS

COACH: Marlon Byrdsong (1st season, 0-0 at Tenaha) ALL-TIME: 548-421-27 STADIUM: Raymond Jackson Stadium, 138 College Street, Tenaha, 75974 2023 RESULTS: 10-3 regional semifinalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 22/12 LETTERMEN LOST: 7 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Brikelian Kenney, Sr., 5-11, 165 … TE Seth Stokes, Sr., 6-5, 245 … OL Jaylon Williams, Sr., 5-11, 310 … C CJ Suell, Sr., 6-0, 230 … WR/RB A’vante Fredieu, Sr., 5-9, 165 … TE Trace Holmes, Jr., 6-0, 200 … RB Kajavion Ross, Jr., 5-9, 165 … OL Keren Cato, So., 5-10, 250 DEFENSE: 4-3 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: S Brikelian Kenney, Sr., 5-11, 165 … DE Seth Stokes, Sr., 6-5, 245 … DT Jaylon Williams, Sr., 5-11, 310 … DL CJ Suell, Sr., 6-0, 230 … DB A’vante Fredieu, Sr., 5-9, 165 … E Trace Holmes, Jr., 6-0, 200 … LB Kajavion Ross, Jr., 5-9, 165 … DL Keren Cato, So., 5-10, 250 2024 OUTLOOK: Tenaha has qualified for 35 postseason appearances since 1941, and is coming off its second regional semifinal in a four-year stretch between 2020 and 2023, so it has deep season expectations in 2024. The Tigers are scratching and clawing at the right time, and has the necessary roster to build on their recent success. Brikelian Kenney (134 completions, 1,609 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns, 76 carries, 529 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, 71 tackles and five interceptions) is the team’s offensive leader at quarterback, and also plays safety in the defensive secondary. Tight end and defensive end Seth Stokes, offensive lineman and defensive tackle Jaylon Williams, center and defensive lineman CJ Suell, tight end and defensive end Trace Holmes, and offensive and defensive lineman Keren Cato play important roles on both sides of the trenches. A’vante Fredieu (10 carries, 119 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, 20 receptions, 185 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns, and 41 tackles) is all over the field at wide receiver, running back and defensive back, so keep an eye on him on offense and defense. Another key piece that provides depth and success on both sides of the ball is running back and linebacker Kajavion Ross.

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LOVELADY LIONS

COACH: Will Kirchhoff (5th season, 47-15 at Lovelady) ALL-TIME: 371-448-18 STADIUM: Lion Stadium, 11839 Texas State Highway 19, Lovelady, 75851 2023 RESULTS: 13-1 regional finalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 13/10 LETTERMEN LOST: 12 OFFENSE: Gun Run OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: OL Tyler Gilchrist, Sr., 5-10, 210 … WR Kye Terry, Sr., 6-2, 180 … QB Lance Pierce, Sr., 6-0, 175 … RB Cortavies Whitaker, Sr., 5-11, 175 … WR CJ Wiley, Jr., 6-2, 170 DEFENSE: 4-3 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DE Tyler Gilchrist, Sr., 5-10, 210 … DB Kye Terry, Sr., 6-2, 180 … DB Cortavies Whitaker, Sr., 5-11, 175 … OLB Alan Baskin, Sr., 5-10, 170 … MLB Lane Wilson, Jr., 5-10, 185 … LB Cason Watson, Jr., 5-9, 170 … DB CJ Wiley, Jr., 6-2, 170 2024 OUTLOOK: Lovelady didn’t advance to the postseason until 1979, and had to wait until 2005 to experience its second playoff berth, but times have changed enough in its favor to allow its young fans to only be familiar with football playoff appearances. The Lions have advanced to every postseason event since the 2009 season to mark off 15 of their 19 appearances. The program’s expectations definitely don’t change for the upcoming 2024 campaign because it marched all the way to the 2023 regional final. This year’s lineup wants to prove that there’s more up its sleeves, and will lean on a varsity of versatile players to move closer to a possible state championship game appearance. Kye Terry is a senior receiver, defensive back, kick returner and punt returner, Tyler Gilchrist is a senior offensive lineman and defensive end, Cortavies Whitaker is a senior running back and defensive back, and CJ Wiley is a junior receiver and defensive back. The team also has talented solo acts like senior quarterback Lance Pierce, senior outside linebacker Alan Baskin, junior middle linebacker, and junior linebacker Cason Watson. Ultimately, Lovelady’s late 2024 landing spot will come down to the continued development of depth across the team roster.

MOUNT ENTERPRISE WILDCATS

COACH: Scott Ponder (3rd season, 6-14 at Mount Enterprise; 145-11 overall) ALL-TIME: 247-370-10 STADIUM: B.W. Jackson Field at John Webb Stadium, 1002 West Rusk, Mount Enterprise, 75681 2023 RESULTS: 5-5 bi-district finalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 19/20 LETTERMEN LOST: 6 OFFENSE: Slot T OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: FB Kaegan Ash, Jr., 6-0, 195 … HB Tracey Thompson, Sr., 6-0, 195 … TB Aadin Alsup, Jr., 5-10, 165 … TB Konner Pollard, Sr., 5-9, 155 …

FB Aiden Rogers, Sr., 5-9, 180 DEFENSE: 44 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DE/LB Kaegan Ash, Jr., 6-0, 195 … FS Tracey Thompson, Sr., 6-0, 195 … OLB Aadin Alsup, Jr., 5-10, 165 … ILB Konner Pollard, Sr., 5-9, 155 … OLB Tanner Wilburn, Jr., 5-8, 155 … ILB Aiden Rogers, Sr., 5-9, 180 2024 OUTLOOK: Mount Enterprise has spikes of success throughout its history, and one of those occurred last fall. The Wildcats celebrated the 60th anniversary of their first ever postseason appearance in 1963 with their 16th overall in 2023. They have had to go the extra mile to earn each and every one of those playoffs berths, and want to build on their bi-district finish from a year ago. The team’s versatile lineup of players starts with Kaegan Ash (2,837 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns) at the fullback position on offense and at both the defensive end and linebacker on defense. Tracey Thompson (786 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns, and 42 tackles) splits his time between halfback and free safety, Aadin Alsup (299 rushing yards, 23 tackles, and two touchdowns) and Konner Pollard (88 tackles) will play for the same tailback and linebacker groups, and Aiden Rogers (61 tackles) is nearby at fullback while also serving as inside linebacker. Mount Enterprise’s depth also needs singlefocused players, and outside linebacker Tanner Wilburn is a player to watch in that category. The players’ hard work paid off on the field in 2023, but head coach Scott Ponder deserves similar praise for his sideline and practice leadership and direction before his third season begins this fall.

GRAPELAND SANDIES COACH: Jordan Wood (4th season, 8-22 at Grapeland) ALL-TIME: 473-480-34 STADIUM: Grapeland Sandies Stadium, 1007 North Olive Street, Grapeland, 75844 2023 RESULTS: 2-8 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 20/17 LETTERMEN LOST: 6 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: RB Maleek Johnson, Jr., 5-8, 170 … OL Jesse Ellington, Jr., 6-2, 305 … WR Keavy Burns, OL Rickie Gilmore, Sr., 6-4, 265 … QB Sean Walker, Jr., 5-9, 165 DEFENSE: Multiple DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: LB Trey Gilmore, Sr., 6-3, 235 … LB Diego Fajardo, So., 5-8, 165 … LB Bryson Johnson, Sr., 6-0, 180 … DL Semaj Wagner, Sr., 6-0, 185 2024 OUTLOOK: Grapeland produced all 27 of its postseason berths between 1936 and 2020, but it’s in the middle of a down period that hasn’t produced a playoff appearance since. The Sandies have one of the best Texas high school mascots, and need to bounce back from the 8-22 start to the Jordan Wood head coaching tenure that began in 2021. The climb back will depend on improvement in district play that has produced a 3-14 mark during the same stretch of time. The 2024 on-field effort will come from experienced upperclassmen players all across Grapeland’s roster. The list of talents include 2025 and 2026 prospects like junior running back Maleek Johnson, senior linebacker Trey Gilmore, junior offensive lineman Jesse Ellington, junior receiver Keavy Bruins, senior offensive lineman Rickie Gilmore, junior quarterback Sean Walker, senior linebacker Bryson Johnson, and senior defensive lineman Semaj Wagner. The team also needs to develop talents, so current sophomore linebacker Diego Fajardo can team up with them once the other Sandies’ athletes have graduated high school.

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OVERTON MUSTANGS

COACH: Scotty Laymance (2nd season, 11-11 at Overton, 17-24 overall) ALL-TIME: 455-456-24 STADIUM: Coach Chetster Roy Stadium, 501 East Henderson, Overton, 75684 2023 RESULTS: 10-2 area round finalist RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 17/14

LETTERMEN LOST: 12 OFFENSE: Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Bryce Still, Sr., 5-8, 160 … WR Jayden Edwards, Sr., 6-0, 170 … OL Vance Fletcher, Sr., 6-0, 280 … WR Rylan Holleman, Jr., 6-1, 180 … RB Justin Weir, So., 5-10, 185 … OL Ethan Oates, So., 6-3, 290 …WR Brody Brown, Jr., 6-0, 165 … OL Tucker Dike, Jr., 6-0, 230 … OL Elijah Dorsey, So., 5-10, 245 DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Bryce Still, Sr., 5-8, 160 … DB Jayden Edwards, Sr., 6-0, 170 … DL Vance Fletcher, Sr., 6-0, 280 … DB Rylan Holleman, Jr., 6-1, 180 … LB Justin Weir, So., 5-10, 185 …DL Ethan Oates, So., 6-3, 290 …DB Brody Brown, Jr., 6-0, 165 … DL Tucker Dike, Jr., 6-0, 230 … DL Elijah Dorsey, So., 5-10, 245 2024 OUTLOOK: Overton snapped a five-year playoff drought and appeared in the bi-district round in 2022 before he eventually topped those accomplishments with an even better area round finish in 2023. Now, the Mustangs are aiming for deeper run as the 2024 season approaches. The program plans to make the most of its hot streak with a confident group of athletes. The team’s trek will begin with senior quarterback and defensive back Bryce Still (227 completions, 3,200 passing yards, 38 passing touchdowns, 80 carries, 456 rushing yards, and nine rushing touchdowns), senior receiver and defensive back Jayden Edwards (75 receptions, 1,346 yards and 19 touchdowns), two-way senior in the trenches Vance Fletcher, deep offensive and defensive threat in receiver and defensive back Rylan Holleman (42 receptions, 563 yards and three touchdowns, 20 tackles, and two interceptions), two-way attacker in running back and linebacker Justin Weir (103 tackles, nine tackles for loss, two sacks, one interceptions and one fumble recovery), two-way lineman Ethan Oates (69 tackles, five tackles for loss, and two sacks), receiver and defensive back Brody Brown (39 tackles, eight pass breakups, two tackles for loss, and two interceptions), and an offensive and defensive line duo in Tucker Dike and Elijah Dorsey.

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CUSHING BEARKATS

COACH: Josh Moore (7th season, 30-31 at Cushing) ALL-TIME: 266-482-9 STADIUM: J F Whitaker Field at Bearkat Stadium, #1 Bearkat Drive, Cushing, 75760 2023 RESULTS: 4-6 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 13/11 LETTERMEN LOST: 7 OFFENSE: Flexbone OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: QB Eli Dawson, Sr., 5-11, 160 … RB Gavin Crumpton, Sr., 5-10, 170 … OL John Lawerence, Sr., 5-10, 180 … OL Jacob Conway, Jr., 6-0, 185 … OL Gatlin Anthony, Sr., 5-10, 180 …. FB Landon Castillo, Jr., 5-10, 190 … FB Ja’keiss Mitchell, Jr., 5-11, 205 … RB Caigin Angelo, So., 5-5, 150 DEFENSE: 3-4 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Eli Dawson, Sr., 5-11, 160 … OLB Gavin Crumpton, Sr., 5-10, 170 … LB John Lawerence, Sr., 5-10, 180 … DL Jacob Conway, Jr., 6-0, 185 … LB Daiden Perry, Jr., 5-8, 160 … DL Gatlin Anthony, Sr., 5-10, 180 …. LB Landon Castillo, Jr., 5-10, 190 … DL Ja’keiss Mitchell, Jr., 5-11, 205 2024 OUTLOOK: Cushing had to wait a very long time for its first ever playoff appearance, but it finally broke through in 1990 and 1997, and followed a 21-year drought with four more between 2018 and 2022 to extend their playoff berth total to six. The Bearkats were bi-district finalists during their first five playoff appearances before they broke through and advanced to the area round in 2022. The Nacogdoches County program took a step back in 2023, but it can still navigate the 2024 slate with a versatile group of players. It plans to quickly regroup, so it can continue to rise up the playoff charts for years to come. That trend starts with quarterback and defensive back Eli Dawson (80 carries, 703 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, 30 completions, 695 passing yards and 13 passing touchdowns), and running back and outside linebacker Gavin Crumpton (63 carries, 712 yards and eight touchdowns). The team’s depth continues with offensive lineman and linebacker John Lawerence, two-way linemen Jacob Conway and Gatlin Anthony, linebacker Daiden Peery, full back and linebacker Landon Castillo, and full back and defensive lineman Ja’keiss Mitchell. Running back Caigin Angelo falls in an individual category, but he’s explosive as well.

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ALTO YELLOWJACKETS

COACH: Brock Grigsby (3rd season, 7-13 at Alto) ALL-TIME: 605-394-34 STADIUM: Cam’ron Matthews Field, Jacket Road, Alto, 75925 2023 RESULTS: 0-10 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 20/18 LETTERMEN LOST: 3 OFFENSE: 11 P Spread OFFENSIVE NOTABLES: ATH Zack Battle, Sr., 6-2, 180 … WR Tim Bond, Sr., 5-10, 155 … OL Jordan Guevara, Sr., 6-0, 240 … QB Camdyn Almond, Jr., 6-0, 165 DEFENSE: 4-2-5 DEFENSIVE NOTABLES: DB Anthony Battle, Sr., 6-0, 165 … DE JJ Rollins, Sr., 6-2, 180 2024 OUTLOOK: Alto struggled throughout the 2023 football season, and eventually suffered a winless campaign, but it’s still not far off from a successful playoff era. The Yellowjackets stung the competition enough between 1992 and 2021 to produce 28 of their 40 program postseason appearances. They advanced to 11 consecutive playoffs between 1992 and 2002 before another double-digit stretch of 16 straight between 2004 and 2019.

Prior to that, they clinched their first 12 playoff berths between 1935 and 1990. Their most dominant period included four consecutive berths between 1983 and 1986. Alto’s 2024 comeback charge will start with a group of upperclassmen on the offensive side of the ball. Junior quarterback Camdyn Almond plays the most important position for his team’s offensive unit, and will benefit from senior offensive lineman Jordan Guevara’s blocking as he connects with senior athlete Zack Battle and senior receiver Tim Bond at different spots on the field. The Yellowjackets will also need to slow down opponents.

Luckily, they have playmakers at multiple defensive positions. Two of them are senior defensive back Anthony Battle and defensive end JJ Rollins. The experience across Alto’s roster can make waves at the right moments this fall, so opponents can’t overlook this feisty squad.

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TAPPS 128 East Texas Football Preview | The Zone

All Saints' Emerson Hadnot (Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

TYLER GRACE COMMUNITY

COUGARS

COACH: Tim Russell (3rd year at Grace, previously at Harmony, Pine Tree, 22nd season as a head coach, 142-92-0; At Grace, 19-4) DISTRICT: TAPPS Division II, District II STADIUM: Orville Rogers Field at Clyde-Perkins Stadium, 3001 University Blvd., Tyler, 75701 (Capacity: 1,507) 2023 RESULTS: 9-2 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 22/8 offensive/7 defensive LETTERMEN LOST: 12 OFFENSE: Spread DEFENSE: 3-4 TOP SENIORS: ATH/QB JT Williams, 6-0, 185 ... DL Nic Boone, 6-3, 235 ... DB Lawson Livingston, 6-0, 170 ... OL Luke Wilson, 6-2, 240 ... OL Colton Masters, 6-3, 255 ... OL Jack Crawford, 6-4, 245 ... LB/RB Konnor McCoy, 6-0, 190 ... DB/WR Casey Stover, 6-0, 180 ... WR/DB Ryder Welch, 5-9, 160 ... Austin Alexander, 6-2, 225 ... QB/LB/TE McCade Stinson TOP JUNIORS: DB/WR Doak Porter, 6-0, 185 ... OL Brayden Wells, 6-1, 240 ... RB/DB Justus McQuay, 6-0, 190 TOP SOPHOMORES: LB Andrew Gardner, 6-0, 225 ... OL GerCaleb Gossett, 6-0, 250 2024 OUTLOOK: Veteran East Texas coach Tim Russell, who built a solid program at Harmony, enters his third season at Grace, leading the Cougars to the playoffs both years with a combined record of 19-4. Gone are three leaders in kicker/ punt/linebacker Blake Harmon (Navarro College), LB Dylan Taylor (Hardin-Simmons) and slot Grant Turner (Midwestern State). ... Still, the Cougars have plenty of talent. With previous quarterback Zach Davis having transferred to Tyler Legacy High School, JT Williams is expected to take over signal calling duties. Russell says Williams is "going to be a high level college player." ... The Cougars are more inexperienced this year, but Russell expects the squad to improve each week. ... According to Texas Football Magazine, Grace is picked to finish second in district behind Austin Regents. ... Boone (6 sacks) and Livingston are leading returning tacklers with 65 and 63 stops, respectively. ... Livingston and Porter each had four interceptions last season.

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BROOK HILL GUARD

COACH: Scott Ryle (9th year at Brook Hill, 47-39; Overall, 47-39) DISTRICT: TAPPS Division II, District II STADIUM: Young Field at Herrington Stadium, 22450 FM 2493 (Old Jacksonville Highway), Bullard, 75757 (Capacity: 2,500) 2023 RESULTS: 7-4 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 29/6 offensive/9 defensive LETTERMEN LOST: 13 OFFENSE: Spread

DEFENSE: 3-4 TOP SENIORS: LB Marcelo Martinez ... RB Braxton Durrett ... QB Cam Ryle ... DL/FB Beckin Westbrook ... LB/FB Samuel Williams ... OL/DL Aaron Pakarinen ... RB/DB Carlos Afre ... WR/DB Tyler Vining ... LBWR Luke McNeel ... DL/RB Dylan Ouzts TOP JUNIORS: WR/DB Blake Whitten ... LB Joona Sarajavi TOP SOPHOMORES: WR/DB Jio Orrico 2024 OUTLOOK: Last season, Coach Scott Ryle had one of his most inexperienced squads of his tenure at the Bullard school and still the Guard won seven games and made the playoffs. Now, those youngsters are veterans. The leader on defense is Martinez, who had 82 tackles last year, along with nine tackles for loss, an interception and fumble recovery. ... Cam Ryle said action at QB last year, passing for 842 yards witih eight TDs and one interception. ... Durrett rushed for 671 yards with 13 TDs last season. ... The top returning receiver is Westbrook (15 catches, 160 yards, 2 TDs. ...McNeel had three sacks last season with eight tackles for loss and Afre had two interceptions with eight defections. ... "We have to replace some key pieces from a year ago, however, we feel as if some of our younger guys are ready to step into key roles," Coach Ryle said. ... The biggest need is replacing three offensive starters, he said. According to Texas Football Magazine, Brook Hill is picked to finish fourth in the district behind Austin Regents, Grace Community and Arlington Grace Prep. ... The Guard will host the 10th Annual Warrior Bowl to begin the season on Aug. 30 against Redwater.

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TYLER BISHOP GORMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL CRUSADERS COACH: Ed Burns DISTRICT: TAPPS Division III District 2 STADIUM: McCallum Stadium, 405 ESE Loop 323, Tyler 75701 (Capacity: 2,500) 2023 RESULTS: 2-9 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 18/6 offensive/6 defensive LETTERMEN LOST: 7 OFFENSE: Spread DEFENSE: 4-2-5 TOP SENIORS: QB/LB Chance Harrison, 5-11, 198 ... LB/OL Sam Kerzee, 6-0, 195 ...

TOP JUNIORS: WR/DB David Phillips, 6-2, 170 ... DB/WR Manuel Lozano, 5-9, 165 ... LB Sean O'Neill, 5-10, 175 TOP SOPHOMORES: LB/RB Kennedy Davis, 5-8, 165 ... DB/WR Jack Coan, 5-10, 150 ... DE Caleb Hill, 6-2, 190 2024 OUTLOOK: Burns spent the two seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Crusaders as well Burns also served as the head middle school football, basketball and track coach, high school assistant basketball and track coach and strength and conditioning coach. Last year, he became head coach of the Crusaders. ... Burns has coached football for seven years overall. He was the offensive coordinator for Willowbend Center RTC. He was also a running backs coach at his alma mater, Texas College. ... Burns was a four-sport athlete at Texas College, playing football, basketball and baseball, while also running track. Burns was a running back and wide receiver for the Steers and earned team MVP honors. He participated in the FCS Division I Senior Bowl All-Star Game. ... Phillips was a standout for the Crusaders, grabbing 41 receptions for 832 yards and nine touchdowns. He had 1,169 all-purpose yards with 28 tackles and three interceptions. He was the Built Ford Tough Player of the Week last year during the third week of the season. ... Lozano had 105 tackles with 10 tackles for loss and three interceptions. ... Last season, Harrison connected on 67 passes for 486 yards passing while rushing for 292 yards and a TD on 41 carries. ... Davis rushed for 279 yards and a TD on 50 carries.

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TYLER ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

TROJANS

COACH: Kyle Freeman (1st year at All Saints, eight year as head coach with previous stints at Bruni, Ozona and Linden-Kildare, 46-33) DISTRICT: TAPPS District III, District 2 STADIUM: Mewbourne Field, 2695 S.SW Loop 323, Tyler, 75701 (Capacity: 1,628) 2022 RESULTS: 1-8 RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 19/8 offensive/9 defensive LETTERMAN LOST: 3 OFFENSE: I formation and multiple sets

DEFENSE: 4-2-5 TOP SENIORS: TE/DE Calvi Courtney, 175 ... C/DT Hunter Martin, 250 ... OL/DT Peyton Hernandez, 245 ... OL/LB Hudson Layne ... RB/DB Darek Kaminski, 175 TOP JUNIORS: RB Emerson Handnot, 185 ... TE/OLB Sam Walters, 170 ... LB/FB Jackson Daniels, 185 ... DB Cole Phillips, 170 ... QB/OLB Manny Mizer, 195 TOP SOPHOMORES: RB/LB Bruhn Henry, 65 ... QB/FS Sawyer Buske, 160 TOP FRESHMEN: RB/OLB Nate Mienk, 160 ... WR/DB Tate Scully, 160 2024 OUTLOOK: After spending last season as an assistant coach for the Trojans, Kyle Freeman takes the reins as head coach from Drew Starnes, who coached there for seven years. ... In five of his seven years as a head coach, Freeman has taken his teams to five playoff appearances (2 district championships at Bruni and one league title at Ozona. 2 runnerup spots at Ozona.). ... Freeman was All-America in track and football at Angelo State and was the NCAA Division II National Champion in shot put twice. ... In addition, after his years of playing linebacker and track at Angelo State, he was picked in the seventh round of the 1991 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. His playing career was cut short after a few years with an injury and that is when he got into coaching. ... After several seasons as a TAPPS Independent, the Trojans will be in a district with Dallas Christian, Dallas Covenant, Dallas Shelton and Tyler Bishop Gorman. ... Mizer and Buske both saw action at QB last year with leading rushers Henry (710 yards, 2 TDs) and Handnot (697 yards, 6 TDs). ...

Returning top tackler is Courtney (36 tackles, 12 assists). ... The Trojans are picked sixth in district behind Dallas Christian, Dallas Covenant, Dallas Shelton, McKinney Christian and Bishop Gorman.

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LRMC IS IS PROUD TO SUPPORT LRMC SUPPORT

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Union Hill's Jacob Brewster.

(Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo)

UNION HILL BULLDOGS COACH: Josh Bragdon STADIUM: Bill Bass Stadium, 2197 FM 2088, Gilmer 75644 2023 RESULTS: 11-1/3-0 district RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 10/3 offense, 4 defense LETTERMEN LOST: 3 OFFENSE: Tight DEFENSE: 4-2 NOTABLES: Spreadback E.J. Mowery (6-1, 155) … TE/DE Abel Montero (5-9, 216) … QB/DB Payton Dunn (6-0, 150) …

TE Eli Meneoza (6-1, 190) … LB/RB Jacob Brewster (5-7, 165) 2024 OUTLOOK: Mowery is back to head up the offense after passing for 1,272 yards and 22 touchdowns with just two interceptions and rushing for 1,134 yards and 34 TDs in 2023 … Mendoza rushed for 536 yards and 9 TD and will be another weapon on offense, and both players will play a big part of the success on defense after Mendoza recorded 3 sacks and Mowery came away with 70 tackles and four interceptions.

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LEVERETT'S CHAPEL LIONS

COACH: Keith Hughes STADIUM: Lion Stadium, 8956 Highway 42/135 North, Leverett’s Chapel 75666 2023 RESULTS: 8-3/3-0 district RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 12/3 offense, 1 defense LETTERMEN LOST: 4 OFFENSE: Multiple DEFENSE: Multiple NOTABLES: Spreadback Trent Wheat (5-10, 190) 2024 OUTLOOK: The Lions have been consistent winners, carving out a 32-14 record over the past five seasons … New coach Hughes, who has made stops at Savoy, Louise and Whiteface, brings back a solid piece to the puzzle in Wheat, but LC lost heavily to graduation and will have to grow up quickly.

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE SENTINELS

COACH: Griff Mauldin STADIUM: Sentinel Field, 2715 FM 1855, Longview 75604 2023 RESULTS: 8-2/4-0 district RETURNING LETTERMEN/STARTERS: 12/4 offense, 4 defense LETTERMEN LOST: 2 OFFENSE: Spread DEFENSE: 2-1-3 NOTABLES: RB/LB Thomas Peeler (5-7, 170) … ATH/DB Luke Stone (5-7, 155) … RB/LB Mays McDill …

WR/DB Eli Roraback … OL/DL Slayde Hopson … RB/LB Matthew Mauldin … OL/DL Griffin Holt … QB/ LB Owen Holcomb 2024 OUTLOOK: The Sentinels have the talent and depth to make a long run in the playoffs. Peeler is a dynamic game-changer on both sides of the ball, having rushed for 980 yards and 21 TD, caught a TD pass and recorded 47 tackles, 12 TFL and two interceptions in 2023 … Stone will pace the defense after racking up 49 tackles, three interceptions and three defensive TDs, but expect him to play a bigger role on offense also … McDill (48 tackles, 2 TD on offense) is a physical athlete with a high motor, and Roraback had 43 tackles, seven receptions on offense and hit on 50 of 56 extra points.

TRINITY SCHOOL TITANS COACH: Austin Blackwell STADIUM: Titan Field, 215 Teague Street, Longview 75601 2023 RESULTS: Did not play RETURNING LETTERMEN/ STARTERS: LETTERMEN LOST: NA OFFENSE: Spread DEFENSE: 2-4 NOTABLES: QB/WR Cooper Ivy (6-0, 180) …

WR Grayson King (5-6, 160) … QB/WR Hudson Heath (6-0, 180) … T Zac Daniel (6-2, 210) 2024 OUTLOOK: The Titans took two seasons off, returned for a year and then took last year off, but will return to the field with a new coach in Blackwell. Ivy, King and Heath are all freshmen, and Daniel is a junior, so youth will be an issue as the program tries to find its footing.

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