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A Different Kind of Season

2 • Football 2020, August 26, 2020

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Football 2020, August 26, 2020 • 3

10-4A Division I should be a wide-open race

By Van Wade Orange Leader

Out with one team, in with another, but one thing for certain the competition in District 10-4A Division I will be stout in the coming season with a lot of starters coming back in what was a tight district a season ago.

After battling hard for years and years in Class 5A and making the playoffs five times since 2009 under the direction of long-time head coach Jeff Mathews, the Vidor Pirates have moved down to the Class 4A ranks as they look to make a huge statement this season.

The Pirates are moving into their new league, replacing the Bridge City Cardinals, who dropped down to Class 4A Division II. The Pirates have been tabbed to finish first in their new district by Texas Football Magazine as

everyone else will be going after them.

The remainder of the district remains the same that includes Little Cypress-Mauriceville, Huffman, Lumberton, Livingston and Splendora.

The Pirates return six starters back on both sides of the ball from last season’s 5-4 unit.

The Pirates return a nice part of their backfield including back Trenton Conn, who zipped for 700 yards in just five games and quarterback Quentin Root.

The Pirate defense should be sparked by alldistrict linebacker Ty Vincent safety Dayton Whitmire and defensive lineman Jordan Smith.

After a 6-5 season, the LC-M Bears made the playoffs for the sixth time last season for long-time coach Randy Crouch. The Bears picked up their first playoff win since 1997 when they defeated Houston Stafford 48-21 in the

bidistrict round.

The Bears will definitely look to make some noise with seven starters back in the mix on each side of the ball.

The Bears lost Orange Leader Player of the Year in quarterback Ethan McCollum but the cupboard is far from bare in Bear Country.

LC-M has two quality young backs in the forms of Andy McDow and De’Marion Morris. Junior Ashton Landry and sophomore Dean Reynolds will see time at quarterback.

The Bears return three solid linemen in Kollyn Brown, Brandon LeBouef and Eric Garcia. The QBs will have a tremendous weapon to throw to in All-Orange Leader Team receiver Brendon Pollock.

Ball-hawk defensive back Ken’Teon Champine returns to help anchor the defense along with defensive end Anthony BandSee ‘10-4A,’ page 4

Ronnie Hughes/Orange Leader

LC-M running back Andy McDow dives for the end zone for a touchdown against Stafford last season.

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Bears look to dig in for exciting 10-4A D1 race

By Van Wade Orange Leader

LITTLE CYPRESS – After a solid campaign that saw them win their first playoff game since 1997, the Little CypressMauriceville Bears want to build on that and keep moving further ahead as they gear up for what could be an interesting season, which includes trying to keep the corona virus at bay for longtime head coach Randy Crounch and Co. “We had tremendous numbers up here throughout the summer and that reflected in our numbers when we started practice and that is a little over 100,” said Crouch. “The kids are excited. We al-

10-4A Continued from 3

iero.

The 10-4A team hit the hardest by graduation is definitely the Huffman Falcons. Thanks to a tremendous senior class, long-time coach Mike McEachern saw the Falcons go 11-1 last season as they stormed to the district crown with a perfect 5-0 loop record.

The Falcons return just three starters on each side of the ball.

Versatile athlete Luke Thomas will shift over to the quarterback position.

He had 611 yards receiving and six touchdowns last year and also had six interceptions on defense. He will have receiver in Will Allen and Gunnar Gates to get the

ways tell them right now that is a blessing that they can get to practice and play and that they need to cherish it, because with the virus thing going on, anything can happen from week to week.”

The Bear football program is doing everything possible to keep the players safe.

“The kids and coaches are doing a great job wearing their masks and have adjusted well,” said Crouch. “We’re dealing with so many new things during this. You have to make sure the shower situation for everyone is up to par and a lot of sanitizing goes into that. We make sure they turn in all of their workout clothes so they can immediately get

washed and ready to go for the next day. We have designated water areas on the field and in this heat, we want them to stay hydrated even more.

We always have that one person that kinda guards the water and make sure everyone stays safe while drinking it.”

The Bears will look to plow ahead with a solid veteran group leading the way. LC-M returns seven starters on each side of the ball from a 6-5 playoff unit, which included a big 48-21 bidistrict playoff romp over Stafford in the bidistrict round.

“We’ve got some solid leadership, especially from an experienced line on offense and an experi-

ball too.

Linebacker Caleb Pierson, who had 105 tackles, 13 for losses, will spearhead the defensive unit.

The Lumberton Raiders joined the playoff fray last season by going 7-4 and coach Chris Babin returns five starters on each side of the ball. The Raider backfield has some tremendous talent returning including quarterback Drake Boykin along with backfield mates Clay Jenkins and Cade Danna.

Danna returns as a big hitter on defense along with defensive lineman Bo Stucker.

After winning the district title in 2018, the Splendora Wildcats slipped to 5-4 in 2019 and just missed the postseason. The Wildcats were a young squad last season but coach Marcus Schulz

will see seven starters return on each side of the ball.

Jagger Kennedy, a jackof-all-trades, is expected to move to quarterback full-time this season. Kennedy threw for 485 yards and three TDs last season and also had 478 receiving yards and also had six interceptions on defense.

Zane Obregon is another Wildcat that will seldom leave the field.

He returns after rushing for 835 yards and six TDs while notching 110 tackles from his linebacker spot. All-district defensive back Andrew Hernandez returns to the mix as well and will see plenty of carries from the backfield as well.

After two back-to-back winless seasons, the Livingston Lions competed much better in 2019, pick-

See ‘Bears,’ page 5

Mark Pachuca/Orange Leader

LC-M receiver Brendon Pollock stretches for a first down last season.

ing up a pair of wins but they still went winless in district play.

Long-time veteran coach Finis Vanover should have plenty to look forward to this season as the Lions return more starters than any team in the district with eight back on offense and seven on defense.

Quarterback Damien Ruiz is back to guide the offense after being named the district Newcomer of the Year last season.

Wide receiver and defensive back Julian Gardner returns after being all-district at both positions.

Wide receiver and defensive back Chris Washington will be a four-year starter. He is a four-sport letter winner and is also a solid kicker.

The bottom line is that

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District 10-4A Division I should be even more competitive this season, compared to last, with all of the returning letter winners across the board. **

10-4A PREDICTIONS: 1. VIDOR: After competing so valiantly in Class 5A after all of the years, the Pirates are anxious for some 4A schools to walk the plank and they have 12 starters back off a highly competive 5A unit.

2. LC-M: The Bears have a wealth of starters back from last year’s playoff unit and have three vital district games at home with Splendora, Huffman and Lumberton, their trip to Vidor could solve the top mystery.

3. SPLENDORA: The Wildcats went from district champs in 2018 to

missing the playoffs last season. Fourteen starters return to the mix and will have a point to prove.

4 LUMBERTON: The Raiders could easily be the darkhorse after making the postseason last year and they return some valuable weapons on both sides of the ball.

5. HUFFMAN: The Falcons could be a long way from their 11-1 mark and district title last season with just three starters back on each side of the ball and they lost a slew of offensive skill talent.

6.

LIVINGSTON: Though they won just two games last season, the Lions continued to make improvement with a young team throughout 2019 and they should be even better with 15 starters back and could spring an upset or two.

GOOD LUCK in the

2020 season!

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Football 2020, August 26, 2020 • 5

Pollock, Garcia strong anchors for Battlin’ Bears

By Caleb Adams Orange Leader

Last season the Little Cypress-Mauriceville Bears, lead by long-time coach Randy Crouch, finished the season 6-5, and had a 3-2 district record giving them a third seed playoff birth.

The Bears would get over their back-to-back losses to end the regu-

Bears

Continued from 4

enced secondary with so many kids returning in those spots,” said Crouch.

“We’re looking for some young guys to step up and fill some big shoes, especially at quarterback and at linebacker.”

The Bears are certainly losing one of the best weapons they had last year in the form of quarterback Ethan McCollum. McCollum, who signed to play at Houston Baptist University and who was the MVP on the All-Leader Football Team last year, rushed for 1,187 yards and 22 touchdowns on 202 carries and completed 149-of-269 passes for 1,625 and six scores.

“We’re looking for junior Ashton Landry and sophomore Dewan Reynolds to step in at quarterback for us,” said Crouch.

“Landry started for us on the JV last year and Reynolds on the freshmen team with both getting a lot of playing time and learning the system. Both have good athleticism and both have good arms. It’s just a matter of getting that experience under their belts.

That’s one reason why having just one scrimmage hurts a little because the more experience you get, the better you can grasp things.”

The offensive line is sparked by senior Kollyn Brown, junior Gunner Johnson, senior Brandarius Robinson, senior Eric Garcia and junior Kha-

lar season and take a big playoff win against the Stafford Spartans 48-21.

Unfortunately the run would end there as the Bears fell to the Crandall Pirates 24-7, in the Area round of the playoffs. After getting a taste of the playoffs last season, the Bears are looking to improve and take another step forward.

Before that next step

could be taken, the season got pushed back thanks to Covid-19 causing havoc on everything. Senior wide receiver Brendon Pollock says the delay is not an issue.

“There’s really not very many issues honestly,” said Pollock. “Other than social distancing and wearing a mask there’s really not any issues.”

When asked if the team

will be ready, even with the later start time for the season and practices, Pollok feels the Bears are ready to roll.

“Absolutely,” said Pollock. “I think we’ve been practicing really hard and we’ll be ready.”

The Bears had a solid season on defense last year, holding opponents to about 24.5 points per game while their offense

scored 24.8. That’s not an ideal margin for a defense, but it does give the offense a fighting chance to win games late. This year the Bears are looking to improve and increase the cushion for their offense.

Senior defensive tackle Eric Garcia says there’s a few upper classman he sees taking that next step on the defensive side, “Brandyn Lebouef is our

main guy, he’s on of the players you want to look for,” said Garcia. “Carson Peet, Nick Granger, Ken’teon Champine, these are all great players.”

Garcia went on to explain how the defense looks to improve on what they learned last season.

“Things we would like to improve on would be

“Each one of those guys got to play quite a bit last year, especially Brown and Gunner Johnson,” said Crouch. “They all know what it is about and to have that experience back will only give the young quarterback more confidence. They are a solid group.”

The Bears have young but experienced depth in the backfield.

Sophomore Da’Marion Morris and junior Andy McDow shined late last season after both got moved up to varsity late in district play. Each brought a lot to the table and Crouch has certainly been pleased with their progress during summer workouts.

“They could be a really good 1-2 punch, Da’Marion has a lot of speed and will play receiver some too.

Andy is one of those workhorse types, always fighting for those extra yards.”

The Bears return outstanding all-district receiver Brendon Pollock as well.

“Brendon is definitely one of those go-to reliable guys and has tremendous hands,” said Crouch.

Morris, along with Carson Peet and Keaton Rives will also see plenty of time at receiver.

The LC-M secondary has several key components back in three-year all-district cornerback Ken’teon Champine and Peet, who made several huge plays in big moments for the Bears last season and Nicholas Granger will look to make an impact as well.

The defensive line

should be sparked by Garcia, who made all-district, along with Brandyn Lebouef and Mickey Carrigan.

The linebacker group remains up in the air with several Bears scrapping for those starting slots.

“We’re looking for a few good men, as they say, to fill some key spots for us and we have a lot of confidence that they will grow and end up doing a good job for us,” said Crouch.

The kicking game will be led by the likes of Justin Rainey and Robby Wedel. Wedel kicked quite a bit for the Bears last season.

The Bears will look to crank things up Aug. 28 at home against HamshireFannett.

“We’ve got a tough nondistrict schedule,” Crouch said. “Hamshire-Fannett has gotten better each of the last two or three years. Then there are two home games with 4A Division II powerhouses WO-S and Carthage, two of the most tradition-rich winningest programs in the state. Woodville is always a test for us and Houston Kincaid is kind of the unknown factor. That’s a good stretch of games that will certainly get us ready for district.”

No doubt, 10-4A Division I will be competitive as always. Gone is Bridge City, which dropped to 4A Division II. Entering, will be the Vidor Pirates, dropping down from the 5A ranks.

“I know Coach (Jeff) Mathews is so happy to see his Pirates go down a classification,” said Crouch.

“Vidor was so competitive

for years at the 5A level, making the playoffs several times despite being the smallest school. They are going to be tough.

Anytime you drop down in classification, the expectations are going to be high.”

Crouch feels every game will be a battle.

“Huffman lost a lot to graduation after winning district but Coach (Mike) McEachern always has them ready,” said Crouch.

“Splendora has a lot of kids back and they have some excellent skill peo-

ple. Lumberton is always physical and they have a lot of depth and Livingston continues to improve and have a lot of kids

back. Games could easily go down to the last possession in a lot of instances, so limiting turnovers will be vital.”

See ‘LC-M,’ page 6

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Good Luck to our Orange County teams!!!!

6 • Football 2020, August 26, 2020

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LC-M senior receiver Brendon Pollock and senior defensive lineman Eric Garcia will look to help power the Bears to the playoffs again.

LC-M

Continued from 5

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goal line and red zone defense,” said Garcia. “We want to keep that strict and really lockdown the end zone all the time.”

As a whole the Bears defensive unit performed well last season. They only gave up 245 points while their offense scored 248 which is a net positive, but there were a few key games where the opposing team was able to find too many openings for the Bears to slow them down.

According to legendary football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, “Defense wins championships”, which is very true, but having an offense who can keep up with the best of them wouldn’t hurt either.

Last year the Bears offense ended on an up and down few weeks. Ending the season in a six-point loss to the Lumberton Raiders and then winning big in the first round of the playoffs against Staf-

ford when the offense put together one of its best games of the season.

This season junior quarterback Ashton Landry takes over this Bears offense. Pollock says he and a few others are ready to lead the team.

“Juniors like Carson Peet, Ashton Landry our quarterback, I feel they are going to play a very big part in the offense this year,” said Pollock.

“And our line has gotten a lot better than previous years. I think we will have a powerful offense this year.”

Pollock went on to say he thinks they have a very dynamic and smart offense this year.

“We have more of a dynamic offense than we’ve had in previous years, said Pollock. “I feel like we can hit certain things at different angles, rather than sticking to simple things.

We’re a very smart team.”

When talking about underclassman who might impact the game, Pollock had one name in mind.

“Da’Marion Morris a

sophomore safety receiver and running back,” said Pollock. “He’s going to be a very big part of the team this year. He was last year, but he’s going to be different this season.”

The last week of the regular season left a bad taste in the Bears mouth.

They lost a heartbreaking overtime game to the Lumberton Raiders 20-14.

Pollock is looking forward to a rematch.

“They came back after we had a 14 point lead and we haven’t forgotten about it,” said Pollock.

This season is clouded in mystery thanks to the Covid-19 issue, but if football can overcome that, the Bears are looking to make a run for glory this postseason.

The Bears season kicks off with a non-district game versus the Hamshire-Fannett Longhorns at home Aug. 28. LC-M will crank up its District 10-4A Division I campaign Oct. 9 at home against Huffman.

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Football 2020, August 26,26, 2020 Football 2020, August 2020• •77

Go Bears Go! 10 Dean Reynolds

20 Justin Rainey

12 Cade Hamilton

13 Keaton Rives

14 Brendon Pollock

21 Ezavier Smith 22 Cayden Dunwoody 25 Carson Peet

15 Braiden Lilyquist

17 Ken’teon Champine

18 Robby Wedel

27 Jacob Burman

28 Nicholas Granger

3 Ethan Tant

Supporting our

Football 34 Andy Mcdow

59 Blaize Boram

73 Kollyn Brown

4 Jarrett Belden

48 Mickey Carrigan 51 Gunner Johnson 52 Ryan Wesolowski 53 Slayde Barker 58 Amier Washington

6 Brandyn LeBouef 60 Logan Gaddis 68 Jonathon Guilbeaux 7 Damarion Morris

74 Khaleen Johnson

75 Eric Garcia

77 Garrison Byerly

79 Brandarius Robinson

71 Jose Molina

72 Eduardo Mares

88 Evan Barborek

9 Ashton Landry

Teams

Go Bears!

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8 • Football 2020, August 26, 2020

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Mustangs, Tigers favorites in new-look 11-4A D2

By Van Wade Orange Leader

Without question, the new-look District 11-4A Division II district has the most Southeast Texas Golden Triangle area teams in it.

This season, old district rivals in the West OrangeStark Mustangs, Silsbee Tigers, Hamshire-Fannett Longhorns, Hardin-Jefferson Hawks and Liberty Panthers will welcome in a pair of “Orange County buddies� in the forms of the Bridge City Cardinals and Orangefield Bobcats.

The Cardinals join the fray after moving down from 4A Division II while the Bobcats return to their “old� district after competing in 3A Division I the last couple years.

There is no doubt that the Mustangs have ruled the roost in their district for years now as they have captured 10 straight district crowns going into the

season.

Long-time head coach Cornel Thompson has saw the Mustangs reach nine straight 4A Division III Region III Finals. And, of course, there are those four straight appearances in the 4A Division II State Championship Games (2014-2017) in which WO-S won state crowns in 2015 and 2016.

The Mustangs, after defeating Silsbee the last two years in district play en route to district titles, have come up short to those same Tigers in the Region III Finals the past two years.

Those two squads are definitely predicted to battle for the district crown again. The Mustangs have been ranked No. 3 in the state in Class 4A Division II while the Tigers chime in at No. 8.

The Mustangs return four starters on offense and six on defense from a 10-2 unit.

Offensively, the Mustangs should be sparked by quarterback Jerren Terrell and running back Elijah Gales.

Terrell passed for 1,453 yards and 12 touchdowns last season while Gales zipped for 1,389 yards and 14 TDs. Veterans Demetrius Hunter and Courtney Davis will help guide a young offensive front.

The WO-S defense is led by Baylor linebacker commit Tyrone Brown, who had 1489 tackles, and stellar defensive back Jadon Jones, who had four interceptions.

The Tigers lost a lot in their offensive trenches and a pair of 1,000-yard backs as four starters return on offense but their defense will return seven from a 9-5 state semifinalist squad.

Quarterback Raymond Foster returns for his third year as a starter and passed for 1,736 yards and 17 TDs. He will have help

Mark Pachuca/Orange Leader

WO-S quarterback Jarren Terrell looks for an open receiver against LC-M last season.

Mark Pachuca/Orange Leader

Bridge City quarterback Ethan Oceguera drops back to pass against Huffman last season.

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in the backfield in Antonius Arline, who had 827 yards and 10 TDs. The Tiger defense has nice experience including two-way all-district performer in defensive lineman Ayden Bell and linebackers Quincy Kelly, Jr. and Jayron Williams.

The Tigers also have a tremendous weapon in long-range kicker Diego

Gonzalez.

The Bobcats will look to make hay against the bigger schools again. Orangefield made the playoffs four straight years in 4 (3013-17) before moving down into 3A. Time coach Josh Smalley will see seven offensive and four defensive starters return to the mix from last season’s steallar 9-2

squad.

Quarterback Gunner Jones will head into his third season leading the Bobcat Slot-T offense and running back Hunter Ashworth is back after zipping for nearly 500 yards. The Bobcats should be strong up front with the return of lineman Kyler Metts and Coby Coulter.

See ‘11-4A,’ page 9

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

Football 2020, August 26, 2020 • 9

Mustangs set sights on 10th straight district title

By Van Wade Orange Leader

WEST ORANGE – Excitement always reigns supreme at West OrangeStark when it comes to each and every football season.

For the winningest program in the state by percentage, it has always been about traditions, and of course, streaks.

Right now, let’s just say the Mustangs want to continue that trend under the guidance of long-time head coach Cornel Thompson.

11-4A Continued from 8

Orangefield will be young on defense and will look for the experience of defensive end Logan Gipson and linebacker Tyler Washington to give them a boost early on.

Bridge City was a young team last season but surged late to make a bidistrict playoff appearance.

Coach Allen DeShazo will see six starters return on both offense and defense and will look towards a large junior class to help pave the way.

Quarterback Ethan Oceguera is back to power the offense. Running back Dorian Pruitt is back in the mix and the Cardinals have an excellent kicker in Oscar Carranza to help put points on the board.

Linebacker Trey Hebert brings back plenty of spunk on defense after making 80 tackles, including four sacks and 11 tackles for losses and Harrison Gauthier will also look to make an impact at linebacker.

Hamshire-Fannett returns five starters on each side of the ball after a solid 7-4 playoff season.

The Longhorns lost a ton of skill talent on offense.

WO-S has captured nine straight district championships and made nine straight trips to at least the Class 4A Region III Division II Finals.

And yes, those were those four straight trips to state from 2014-17 in which the Mustangs captured two state crowns in 2014-15.

“Hopefully we can carry on the great tradition set here and if we can do that again under this unique situation dealing with the Corona virus,” said Thompson. “The kids are just thrilled to get

the opportunity to get on the field and play some football. There may be a few kinks in the plans along the way for so many schools through all of this, but wouldn’t it be just great to get a whole season in.”

Now the Mustangs, who went 10-2 last season and advanced to the 4A D2 Regional Finals, will look to continue the streaks and even try to go beyond them and will also try to deal with district rival Silsbee again. The Mustangs defeated the Tigers

Running back Jordan Denson is a young player that coach Mark Waggoner really likes and the return of receiver Garrett Picou will be a boost.

Free safety all-district pick Evan Viator is back after making 70 tackles and two picks and alldistrict lineman Blake Briggs returns after making 87 stops, including 11 for losses.

Liberty will return the most experience in the loop with eight starters back on offense and a whopping 10 on defense from a 3-6 squad.

The Panthers have a pair of speedy backs in the forms of Terrick Peterson, who had 853 yards and 12 TDs and Johnny HarrisHines, who darted for 709 yards and eight TDs in the Wing-T offense.

Defensive end Devin Fregia powers the defensive arsenal along with linebacker Jaydon Harris and defensive back Josh Chandler.

Hardin-Jefferson made the playoffs last year despite a 1-9 record.

Coach Dwayne Dubois will welcome back six starters on each side of the ball.

Running backs Sam Dickerson (482 yards, five TDs) and Dakota McNair (465 yards, six TDs) return to the backfield while

Brady Trotter and Cade Jeanes will both see early time at quarterback.

Linebacker Luke McCullough returns after making 73 tackles while Dickerson and McNair also see plenty of time on defense after combining for 95 tackles last season.

When push comes to shove, the Mustangs and Tigers are definitely the front-runners of the loop as the other five teams will be chasing, looking for an upset. It could be a great battle for the top two spots once again and an even greater battle for the third and fourth-place playoff seeds.

• ** 1.

WO-S : Mustangs seeking 10th straight district title, the tale of the tape could be decided after a road trip to Silsbee Oct. 9.

2. SILSBEE: The Tigers have been on the prowl of late and they would love to find a way to finally defeat the Mustangs in district.

3. BRIDGE CITY: The Cardinals hope the drop down could be to their liking as they look to fly into the postseason again.

4. O R A N G E FIELD: With the move up, the Bobcats will try to be the darkhouse again against the “bigger guys

See ‘Stangs,’ page 10

Mark Pachuca/Orange Leader

WO-S running back Elijah Gales heads for the end zone against LC-M last season.

on the block” and have done well in the role in the past.

5. LIBERTY: The Panthers slipped a notch and missed the postseason last year but with 18 starters returning, they could cause some head-

aches and notch some upsets.

6. H A M S H I R E FANNETT: The Longhorns lost a slew of talent at the skill positions but have climbed the ladder in recent years to become very competitive.

7. H A R D I N - J E F FERSON: It was a struggle for the Hawks last year as they managed just one win but still made the playoffs in a watereddown playoff system, but they are capable of pulling an upset or two.

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10 • Football 2020, August 26, 2020

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Mustangs’ Brown, Terrell on a quest for big run

By Caleb Adams Orange Leader

The West Orange-Stark Mustangs, lead by longtime coach Cornel Thompson, had another great season in 2019 and are looking to keep it business as usual heading into to this new season.

Last year the Mustangs went 10-2 in the regular season and 4-0 in district play.

Defense has always been a big part of Mustang football. Senior middle linebacker and Baylor commit Tyrone Brown says stopping the run is a big part of doing well for

Stangs Continued from 9

to win the district title the last two seasons but have fallen to Silsbee in the last two Region III Finals.

Despite the ongoing battle with the COVID-19 virus, Thompson was pleased how the Mustangs worked during the first several weeks of practice.

“We’ve had a super turnout, which we’re grateful for,” said Thompson.

“Dealing with the virus, I’m pretty sure we’re going to have the most deepest varsity team we’ve had in years. We’re going to have a lot of JV kids on standby, you just have to plan that way in case anyone runs into trouble and

them.

“We have a good runstop defense,” said Brown.

“Hopefully we can do that first and be a good defense this year.”

Unfortunately, last season the Mustangs aspirations for another trip to the State Championship Game fell short in the 4A Division I Region III Finals. It was a close 35-28 loss to the Silsbee Tigers.

Brown says that he learned a few things that he hopes to carry into this season.

‘I learned we got to play hard for four quarters, and don’t let up on the gas,” said Brown. “We

have to play hard the whole game.”

Along with himself, Brown sees a few players that will step up for the defense in leadership roles. “Junior Jadon Jones is a great player and I think he’ll be a good leader, along with senior Jasachin Harris,” said Brown.

Overall the Mustang’s defense was great in the 2019 campaign. They only gave up 202 points to opposing offenses, which averages out to just 15.5 points per game over their 13 games. Those great numbers led the way for their offense to take control of games and hold

their leads.

This year’s offense is lead by senior quarterback Jarren Terrell. Along with himself, Terrell says there’s a few guys who will step up for the offense this season.

“Senior Jerrold Brown, Jasachin Harris, senior Artavious Samuel, and a few more I expect to see, should give us a big lift,” said Terrell. “We all push each other to improve.”

With so many deep runs into the playoffs, the Mustangs always have the unique advantage of extra experience on the field. Last season was no different with a 12-game

season.

When asked about how they’re approaching this season, Terrell says it’s simple.

“We need to just capitalize on what we did last year and then step it up even more, because that extra experience always helps,” said Terrell..”

The Mustangs always have good upperclassman leadership and the same should be expected this season.

Much like the New England Patriots would say, the Mustangs have a simple answer for who they are looking forward toward playing this season.

Both Brown and Terrell both agreed that they are looking forward to playing everyone.

As always the hopes for the Mustangs are high and their eyes are set on a trip to the big dance.

Brown isn’t worried about individual goals but on goals for the team.

“Not individually, but team wise I definitely want to go to state and win, that’s the only goal we have,” said Brown.

A culture set on winning and anything less than that is coming up short. A high bar to set, but one the Mustangs

I’m sure that is happening all over the state.”

The Mustangs return four starters on offense and six on defense from last season’s unit.

Senior quarterback Jerren Terrell will guide the offense again after a solid junior campaign which saw him pass for 1,453 yards and 12 touchdowns.

“Jerren is going into his third year at quarterback and his second year starting and he has shown tremendous progress over the summer,” said Thompson.

“His arm has gotten better along with his accuracy and the kids can really lean on him as far as leadership goes.”

Junior running back Elijah Gales is back in the mix and is one of Southeast Texas’ most danger-

ous all-purpose players.

He zipped for 1,389 yards and 24 TDs last season.

“Elijah was so solid for us last year and we expect the same again this year,” said Thompson. “He’s got pretty good speed and it’s hard to wrap him up.”

JaQuailon Chaney is also back in the mix after zipping for 292 yards and three TDs on just 46 carries and Quinton Walker is also expected to make an impact.

“All three of those guys are juniors and they can each help up in so many ways,” said Thompson.

Powering the offensive trenches will be returning all-district linemen Courtney Davis and Demetrius Hunter. Other expected to make an impact includes Bryson Jordan, Casen Barnes, Evan Gray and

Floyd Mouton.

Jaylen Thompson is back at receiver after hauling in 17 passes for 319 yards and four scores along with Artavious Samuel and Jacob Dominguez.

“We’re pretty good as far as our skill positions, and we’re still looking to find depth across the board in all of our positions,” said Thompson.

“Our biggest concern going into the season is the depth on our offensive and defensive lines. We have a few guys returning that played well last year, but we’re looking to find them some help and looking for some of our young guys to step up in there.”

Powering the returning defensive unit is senior linebacker Tyrone Brown.

Brown, the 2019 All-Leader Team’s Defensive MVP and Baylor commit is back after notching 149 tackles, 88 of them solo, for the top-ranked defense in district.

He also had five sacks, seven more QB pressures and four tackles for losses.

Kaiden Berry is also expected to make a nice impression stepping in at the other LB spot.

“Tyrone had a great year last year in setting the tone for our defensive unit and he will look to do that again, not only with

his skills but his leadership too,” said Thompson.

“Berry has been doing a good job too. They could be a good tandem.”

Floyd Mouton returns to the defensive front as a noseguard with Dontrey McClain at rover and Carmelo Jones at the tackle as the Mustang staff continues to develop and evaluate other defensive linemen to fill the gaps and for depth.

The secondary is paced by junior Jadon Jones, who made all-district as a sophomore at cornerback along with Samuel at the other corner. Jaschin Harris will look to play at one of the safety slots.

Kicker-wise, the Mustangs have one of the best in the district in Angel Ibarra. Ibarra booted 47 extra-points and made four field goals last season.

As usual, the Mustangs have a formidable nondistrict schedule that includes the likes of Waco La Vega, LC-M, Jasper and Newton.

“We’re going to bring a few good men up to Madisonville, Texas and try to get after those La Vega Pirates,” said Thompson.

“It hurts a little to not be able to host Nederland in our opener but it is what it is. La Vega has about 13 starters back from a

state finalist team so we’ll get our mettle tested early. Then we have LC-M, Jasper and Newton, that non-district schedule is no joke.”

The Mustangs will be in a revamped District 11-4A with Orange County foes Bridge City, which is moving down from 4A D2, and Orangefield, which moved up from 3A DI, along with Silsbee, HamshireFannett, Hardin-Jefferson and Liberty.

“We always tell our kids that you are only as good as your last game and the Silsbee Tigers have handled us in that one the last two years, even though we got them in district, so you know that will be a good test and game at their place,” said Thompson. “I glad to see those Orangefield and Bridge City guys back in our league and each school will look forward to playing again and staying closer to home.

I’m just glad we have seven teams in our district again, it makes it easier on all of us, instead of trying to find six non-district games, you’re only looking for four now. Those district games are going to count much sooner this time around and hopefully the Mustangs can finish on top again and keep that district streak going.”

See ‘WO-S,’ page 12

TheOrange Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com The Leader • www.orangeleader.com

Football 2020, August 26, 2020 • 11 Football 2020, August 26, 2020 • 11

Go Mustangs Go! 10 Dakarion Judge

13 Jadon Jones

14 Artavious Samuel

15 Jailon Brown

16 Jerrold Brown

17 Tyrone Wilson

19 Jayson Zeigler

2 Jubar Ross

20 Marquarious Garrett

21 Jasachin Harris

22 Bradon Gant

23 Isiah Thomas

24 Quinton Walker

25 Jamaal Shaw

29 Darren Anderson

3 Jaqualion Chaney

30 Clint Williams

32 Cameron Judge

34 Demarcus Thibodeaux

38 Miguel Villeda

Supporting 4 Elijah Gales

our

Football Teams

42 Kaiden Berry

43 Dontry McClain

44 Carmello Jones

48 Jomari Davis

5 Patrick Mickey

52 Courtney Davis

59 Demetrius Hunter

6 Jalen Thompson

60 Floyd Mouton

63 Andrew Simon

67 Jakailan Jenkins

7 Jake Dominguez

71 Casen Barnes

72 David Heard

73 Issac Medina

74 Issac Morris

76 Jacolby Breed

77 Evan Gray

8 Jarren Terrell

84 Lonny Louis

9 Tyrone Brown

12 • Football 2020, August 26, 2020

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

WO-S

Continued from 10

have come to find familiar in the best way possible.

Between that final game and this new season the Mustangs, and everyone, faced another opponent in COVID-19. Terrell had this say on the unique challenges they faced.

“Football wise, finding people to play, competition, that’s what it is all about.” said Terrell.

“Some people don’t want to play because of the pandemic but I think it helps things get back to normal a little bit. Hopefully we can get in all of the games, it could definitely be a different kind of season for sure.”

The Mustangs open their season Aug. 28 to face Waco La Vega at a neutral site at Madisonville High School.

The Mustangs will begin District 11-4A Division II play Sept. 25 at Hamshire-Fannett.

Van Wade/Orange Leader

WO-S senior quarterback Jarren Terrell (8) and senior linebacker Tyrone Brown (9) look to finish their last campaigns as Mustangs with a big run.

37

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

Football 2020, August 26, 2020 • 13

Cardinals anxious to test new 4A Division II waters

By Van Wade Orange Leader

BRIDGE CITY – Football season is drawing near for the Bridge City Cardinals and they are ready to lace it up after scrapping hard to make the playoffs in Class 4A Division I last season.

Bridge City was the smallest school in the state in Class 4A Division I last season but the Cardinals, a young squad last season, still managed to “will” their way into the postseason for thirdyear head coach Allen DeShazo.

This time around, the Cardinals will be the “big boys on the block” as they have moved down to the Class 4A Division II ranks as Bridge City will be the largest school in District 11-4A Division II. “It was nice to make the move down because we were battling the numbers

game at times in Division I, but the kids always battled hard,” said DeShazo.

“But dropping down is no bargain when you think of playing WO-S and Silsbee, who are in the hunt every year in chasing regional and state titles.

Hamshire-Fannett has been really good the last couple years. Liberty always has some great athletes and have had a good run of late. Hardin-Jefferson is going to get better and of course, we have the Bayou Bowl again with Orangefield. That always gets both schools pumped up. You have to be ready to lace it up and get after every single Friday night.”

The Cardinals have worked hard all summer long, despite having to deal with all of the COVID-19 protocols and the coaching staff has done an excellent job in keeping the athletes safe.

“At first, you wondered

how the kids were going to handle it and they’ve done really well,” said DeShazo. ““There is a lot that goes in to it but the kids have responded to everything so well, starting with wearing the masks, we’ve had very little issues with that. “They also bring their own water to practice and we have a designated water person to make sure all of it remains safe. When practice is over, we try to get them in, let them take showers as quickly as possible and then getting them out of the fieldhouse as soon as possible. It’s tough for them to not stick around and mingle like they used to, but it is what has to be done and they understand.”

The Cardinals will dive into the season with six starters back on each side of the ball from last seaSee ‘Cards,’ page 14

Van Wade/Orange Leader

Bridge City junior quarterback Ethan Oceguera (3) and senior defensive lineman Cody Howard look forward to a big season in Cardinal Country.

Oceguera, Howard eager for Cardinals’ chances in 11-4A

By Caleb Adams Orange Leader

Van Wade/Orange Leader

Bridge City quarterback Ethan Oceguera and defensive lineman Cody Howard expect big things from the Cardinals this season.

BRIDGE CITY – The Bridge City Cardinals, led by coach Allen DeShazo, ended the season at 3-7 overall and 2-3 in district in 2019. The Cardinals had a playoff berth, but fell short in the first round against the Navasota Rattlers 41-12. Bridge City made a nice run late in the district season to punch in a playoff ticket.

The Cardinals are looking to leave Class 4A Division I behind them and look to have a good start to this 2020 season in which they are dropping down to Class 4A Division II but the Covid-19 pandemic has made that tough.

Second-year starter junior quarterback Ethan

Oceguara says they’ve faced a few hurdles on the way to starting the season.

“It’s hard to get in the weight rooms during this pandemic, couldn’t get in there and touch anything really,” said Oceguera.

“Just getting in workouts on your own and working.

It’s just something we had to overcome.”

When asked about who to be on the lookout to get this offense going, Oceguera had one name to mention.

“Joey Murty, he’s really stepped up his game,” said Oceguera. “He’s going to be one our starting receivers this year. You know during the summer, just me and him have just been working every day and it’s really showing off.”

A few other underclassmen will have a role to play this season as well and to be on the lookout for them, according to Oceguera.

“J.S. Bearden, he’s a sophomore and he’s going to play a lot at fullback,” said Oceguera. “He’s gotten big over the summer and I’m really excited to see what he does this year.”

Defensively the Cardinals struggled at times early with a young team last season but really stepped up their game late in the season to push for the playoff spot.

Senior defensive lineman Cody Howard says the only way to gain something from a loss is to See ‘BC,’ page 14

14 • Football 2020, August 26, 2020

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

All-Time Orange County Coaching Records, 1977-2020

By Van Wade Orange Leader

It’s that time of year when everyone is starting to turn their focus on the upcoming exciting high school football season.

Former Orange County football players will always remember their head coach and what they meant to them.

So here is a flashback from some glory days that local fans and former players can remember.

West Orange-Stark, which has competed in eight state title games, winning four of them, is flying in rare air.

The Mustang program is now the win-

Cards

Continued from 13

son’s 3-7 bidistrict playoff unit.

Leading the way on offense again will be junior quarterback Ethan Oceguera. Oceguera made some huge plays in creative ways after starting as a sophomore.

“Ethan is a tremendous athlete and he can do so many things with his legs and arm,” said DeShazo.

“He learned so much starting all of those games last season and since then, a lot of things have clicked in his head from what he

ningest team by percentage in the state all-time now after its 500th game in program history in 2018.

Here is a list of all of the head football coaching records in the Orange County area from 1977-2019.

WO-S Cornel Thompson: 2011-present 110-19-0 .853 Dan Hooks: 19812010 277-71-2 .794 Steve McCarthy: 1977-1980 29-10-1 .725 SCHOOL: 416-100-3 .804 ***

Todd Moody: 20052008 8-28-0 .222 David Williams: 1994-2004 56-58-0 .491 Rhodney Russell: 1991-1993 19-11-1 .629 Lucky Gamble: 1989-1990 9-10-1 .475 Pat Wozniak: 19851988 11-28-0 .282 Ron Dupree: 19811984 20-20-0 .500 a-Lidney Thompson: 1977-1980 17-22-1 .438 SCHOOL: 191-2403.444 ***

Terry Townzen: 1990-1994 19-31-0 .380 Fred Bolton: 19841989 21-37-1 .364 Gary Sutton: 19811983 8-21-0 .276 b-Andy Griffin: 19771980 22-16-1 .577 SCHOOL: 199-239-3 .455 ***

1990-1991 1-19-0 .050 Dennis Robbins: 1988-1989 15-6-0 .714 Julian Bush: 19861987 13-7-2 .636 c-Ed Peveto: 19771985 57-33-2 .630 SCHOOL: 220-2163..505 Notes: a- Lidney Thompson took over at LC-M in 1976 and coached for five years and posted an overall record of 20-26-3 (.439); b- Andy Griffin took over at Bridge City in 1974 and coached for seven years and posted an overall record of 39-29-1 (572); c- Ed Peveto took over at Orangefield in 1975 and coached for 11 years and posted an overall record of 67-42-3 (612);

LC-M Randy Crouch: 2009-present 51-63-0 .447

VIDOR Jeff Mathews: 1999-present 100-1110 .474 Kevin Johnson: 1997-1998 3-17-0 .150 Pat Murphy: 19941996 7-23-0 .233 Jay Law: 1989-1993

BRIDGE CITY Allen DeShazo 2018-present 5-15-0 .250 Dwayne DuBois: 2015-17 17-14-0 .548 Cris Stump: 20072014 35-47-0 .427 Claude Tarver: 20022006 36-19-0 .655 Curtis Conway: 1999-2001 20-16-0 .556 Les Johnson: 19951998 16-23-1 .413

ORANGEFIELD Josh Smalley: 2012-present: 45-40-0 ..529 Brian Huckabay: 2009-2011 16-14-0 .533 Blake Morrison: 2004-2008 12-34-0 .261 Kevin Flanigan: 2000-2003 24-17-0 .585 Randy Theriot: 19961999 23-20 .535 Charlie Wallace: 1992-1995 14-26-0 .350 Mark Foreman:

saw last year and he has worked so hard to improve in all areas. He had a great offseason, he picked up about 15 pounds, basically all muscle.”

The backfield will have experience back in the forms of running back Dorian Pruitt and fullback Logan Ply. JS Bearden, a sophomore, will also try to make an impact.

“Dorian and Logan, they know what it is all about now after the experience they gained last season and both are so reliable in everything that we want to do. Bearden has the capability to fit in well and become a good one.”

The Cardinals have an array of receivers that will include Austin Richardson, Blake Moore, Joey Murty, Gavin Garrett, Kyler Garlaska and Jaden Martinez.

Tight ends will be JT Fielder and Sam Carpenter, a Lamar University baseball commit, who is making a return to the gridiron. The offensive line should be occupied by center Julian Dillow, right guard Ethan Play, right tackle Shaun Hallman, left guard Hunter Bellanger and left tackle Isai Cantu.

“We have the potential to be very good on offense, especially with most of our

key skill people back,” said DeShazo. “We’re looking for some younger kids to step in and fill roles, especially up front on both the offensive and defensive lines.”

The defensive line will look to be paced by tackles Cody Howard, Fielder, Ethan Play and Clayton Whatley.

The Cardinals look to be deep at linebacker which includes inside guys Dillow and Harrison Gauthier and outside guys Trey Hebert, who had 80 tackles last season, 11 for losses, including four sacks, Bearden and Alberto Mungia.

The secondary has

a wealth of experience back in returning starters Pruitt, Deegan King and Gavin Garrett with Richardson and Carpenter expecting to see plenty of times as well.

The Cardinals are also blessed to have one of the best kickers in the district in Oscar Carranza while Oceguera looks to handle the punting chores again after a solid campaign there last year.

DeShazo anticipates a good season for the Cardinals as this will be a “new” kind of season were every football program across the state.

“We really love the group we have and we are

trying to create as much depth as we possibly can and we feel like we really have the opportunity to have a really good season,” said DeShazo. “I, like so many coaches across the state, is going to be concerned as soon as we see kids walk in with the snorts and the sniffles but it is the sign of the times these days. Hopefully we can have a smooth season and not have to adapt too much as far as changing schedules are moving games around. The kids are ready and so are the coaches, we’re just so happy to have a chance to go out and play and coach in the game we all love.”

Just see how you can get better for the next season.

We got better as the season went along last year and the experience really helped us.”

Every new season brings new talent to high school teams, and according to Howard this year is no different, “Mason Pruitt and J.S. Bearden they really seem

like their coming along and can really help the team,” said Howard.

The Cardinals’ late 2019 push is hopefully a stepping stone to something better in 2020. According to Oceguera the team has high hopes of getting past district and making a deep run.

“Just win district every time, that’s my personal

goal,” said Oceguera. “And of course state, it’s always a big goal, but district comes first, that’s always our goal.”

The Bridge City Cardinals are slated to face off against the Buna Cougars in thei first game of the season Aug. 28 and will start 11-4A Division II play Oct. 2 against Hamshire-Fannett.

We Support Our Area Teams!

BC

Continued from 13

Best Locksmith in Orange County 155 ROBERTS AVE. BRIDGE CITY, TEXAS 77611

5-45-0 .100 Nolan Viator: 19871988 3-16-0 .158 J.R. Jones: 19851986 5-13-2 .300 Phillip Brown: 19781984 36-35-0 .507 Ronnie Thompson: 1977 6-4-0 .600 SCHOOL: 165-264-2 .385 ***

409-735-4424

learn from them.

“It was tough, but in the end it makes you better and helps you learn from your mistakes,” said Howard. “Just watch film, study, and work hard and see how you can improve.

The Leader • www.orangeleader.com TheOrange Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

Football 2020, August 2020• •15 15 Football 2020, August 26,26, 2020

Go Cardinals Go! 1 Deegan King

10 James McAbee

20 Alberto Mungia

22 JS Bearden

11 Joey Murty

15 Gavin Garrett 16 Harrison Gauthier

18 Logan Ply

19 Kyle Moore

23 Jaden Martinez 25 Sam Carpenter 3 Ethan Oceguera 32 Noah Broussard 4 Austin Richardson

Supporting our

42 Clayton Whatley

5 Dorian Pruitt

50 Cody Howard

64 Shaun Hallman

70 Hunter Beall

72 Isai Cantu

9 Kyler Garlaska

52 Julian Dillow 55 Kameron Bertrand 58 Hunter Bellanger 6 Oscar Carranza

74 Jeffrey Howard

78 Ethan Ply

8 Trey Hebert

82 JT Fielder

Football Teams

16 • Football 2020, August 26, 2020

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

Bobcats aiming to claw ahead in 4A ranks

By Van Wade Orange Leader

ORANGEFIELD – After matching a school-record nine wins last season, the Orangefield Bobcats will turn to a much younger team to navigate the Class 4A waters again.

The Bobcats clawed their way to an impressive 9-2 mark last year in Class 3A Division I, now they are moving back up to Class 4A Division II, where they will rekindle some old rivalries against teams they were once accustomed to playing.

The Bobcats will now go up against neighborhood foes Bridge City, West Orange-Stark and also Silsbee, HamshireFannett, Hardin-Jefferson and Liberty.

Long-time head coach

Josh Smalley feels the Bobcats could be up for the 4A task again.

“In my first eight years here, the first six were in 4A and we made the playoffs five times,” said Smalley. “This time around the district is a little bigger and that makes each game count even more and I think our kids always love a challenge and they are looking forward to it.”

The Bobcats simply just want to play some football during different times, dealing with the Corona virus.

“It’s different for sure,” said Smalley. “We’re trying to make sure the kids get water and stay hydrated as much as possible. We go through temperature checks every day. We’re social distancing as much See ‘Cats,’ page 18

Tommy Mann, Jr./Orange Leader

Orangefield quarterback Gunner Jones turns the corner against Anahuac last season.

Bobcats’ Jones, Jenkins eager to make noise in 4A

By Caleb Adams Orange Leader

Caleb Adams/Orange Leader

Orangefield quarterback Gunner Jones (left) and defensive end Trever Jenkins are both anticipating another strong season for the Bobcats.

The Orangefield Bobcats football team, led by coach Josh Smalley, was excellent in the 2019 campaign. They ended the regular season at 9-2 and 6-1 in district play.

The team was firing on all cylinders until their round one playoff lose to the Franklin Lions in a close 23-14 final derailed their great season.

The Bobcats scored a total of 376 points on offense and their defense gave up less than half of that at 163 points scored against them. With that differential the Bobcats were able either take care of some opponents or keep their offense within striking distance late in to games.

Orangefield wrapped up a great season in Class 3A Division I but will look to continue its success in the rough-and-tumble Class 4A Division II. Before moving down to 3A the last two years, the Bobcats proved they could play with the “big boys”, when they made the playoffs in 4A in five of those previous six years.

On the offensive side, returning senior quarterback Gunner Jones says that replicating their success last year is all about how much work they put in now.

“We’re just an offense that gets to it, and just need to make sure we stay with that hard-nose football, said Jones. “Getting to the line, getting to it fast and working hard.”

The Bobcats run an uptempo Slot-T style offense that excels at running the clock down, wearing out defenders and taking advantage of defensive mistakes. Continuing to keep that up and even improve that process will be key for the Bobcats to do well this season.

Jones says the one of the most important help for a quarterback is a defense who can create turnovers, and he says that their defense is great at that.

“They’re great with turnovers,” said Jones.

“They are really good at creating turnovers and getting the ball back in the offenses hands.”

Defensively the Bobcats did a great job of slowing down offenses and keepSee ‘Ofield,’ page 18

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

Football 2020, August 26, 2020 • 17

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

Football 2020, August 26, 2020 • 17

Go Bobcats Go! 1 Evan Spears

10 Garrison Hughes

11 Matthew Engle

12 Tyler Shearin

14 Gavin Perry-Koci

18 Tyler Washington

20 Macoy Marze

22 Logan Gipson

24 Lane Evans

3 Dakota Williford

32 Hunter Ashworth

34 Mason Sampson

Supporting our

Football 4 Dwight Davis

40 Clayton Westbrook

41 Trever Jenkins

45 Koen Maddox

50 Dylan Whitman

52 Lane Ponfick

56 Cutler Hubbard

58 Tyler Bailey

6 Cade Smith

65 Grant Metts

66 Kyler Metts

7 Cameron Dischler

72 Coby Coulter

75 Hunter Norwood

8 Gunner Jones

84 Quade Clark

9 Brayden Babineaux

Teams

18 • Football 2020, August 26, 2020

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

Pirates aiming for big things in 4A D1

By Van Wade Orange Leader

VIDOR – After years and years of battling much bigger Class 5A schools hard and making the playoffs several times, the Vidor Pirates are looking to make waves by dropping down to the Class 4A Division I ranks.

Instead of battling larger schools such as PN-G, Nederland, Barbers Hill, Port Arthur Memorial and Crosby, the Pirates will now big the biggest school on the block against new District 10-4A counterparts LC-M, Huffman, Splendora, Lumberton and Livingston.

Vidor is also one of the few places that was belted hard by both Tropi-

Ofield

Continued from 16

ing the lead for their offense. A big reason for their success is attributed, in large part, to the culture change of the team.

Cats

Continued from 16

much as possible on and off the field and in school. It’s a lot of changes for them, but they have shown up with great attitudes.”

The Bobcats return seven starters on offense with most of their offensive line back but must replace eight starters on defense.

“Our strength going in is on the offensive line and at quarterback with Gunner Jones,” said Smalley.

“We need to replace some key offensive skill people.

Defensively, we have just one back in the secondary and we have to replace all of our linebackers. We’re looking for some young guys to step in and perform. That’s why I wish we could have two scrimmages instead of one so we

cal Storms Harvey and Imelda, and it hampered their enrollment numbers quite a bit but the Pirates continued to battle hard through it all and will now have more depth than anyone in their new district.

The Pirates made the postseason in both 2016 and 2017 but didn’t quite make it the last two years but competed hard. They were a solid 5-4 overall and 4-3 in their 5A league last year.

With so many key weapons back, the Pirates will be looking for some of their 10-4A counterparts to walk the plank this season as they are the earlyon favorite to capture the district title for long-time head coach Jeff Mathews,

who is entering his 22nd season as the head coach.

Vidor will be in the hunt for only its fifth district title in history since the program started in 1940.

“It’s more important to be No. 1 at the end of the season then it is in the beginning,” said Mathews.

“You have to go out and out hustle and outwork everyone you play. Kids are excited and the expectations are high but you have to go out there and earn it and you try to earn it for all 10 weeks.”

Mathews, who is entering his 22nd year, will look forward to six starters on each side of the ball.

On offense, the Pirates return several key components for their vaunted Slot-T attack.

Senior quarterback Quentin Root is back to lead the Pirate offense.

The backfield will be paced by the likes of running back Trenton Conn who had nearly 700 yards last season, fullback Layne Wilhelm, halfback Brady Price, running backs Devin Peterson and Jason Watson along with fullback Chris Dilly.

Senior tackle Tyler Webb, a first team all-district selection, is back to anchor the offensive front and center Caiden Veazey is also back at his spot and the Pirates should have solid guard play from Bryce Munoz, Aaron Avery and Trace Greathouse.

When the Pirates decide to put it in the air they will be looking likely for

tight end Logan Bell and split ends Easton Walker and Jaedon Woodard.

“We have some great kids returning and they put in a lot of work in the summer,” said Mathews.

“The kids are well-trained as far as our offense goes and we’re pretty deep in the backfield and have some good guys up front.”

Six starters return to help spark the Pirates’ 3-4 defense.

The line should be sparked by returning starters in nose guard Jordan Smith and defensive end Colby Smith with Tristan McGowan also in the mix.

First team all-district linebacker Ty Vincent returns to anchor the linebacker group that will also

feature Connor McKay, Lane Copeland and Ayden Mathews.

Safety Dayton Whitmire, who made second team all-district, returns to an experienced secondary that also includes fellow safety Seth Nunez and cornerbacks Dylan Dial and Logan Coon.

With so many key weapons back, the Pirates will be looking for some of their 10-4A counterparts to walk the plank this season as they are the earlyon favorite to capture the district title.

The Pirates open their 2020 campaign on the road at Silsbee Aug. 28 and will start 10-4A play Oct. 9 at home against Splendora.

How they approach each game, practice, and even just watching film more.

Senior defensive end Trever Jenkins says the culture change during 2019 was a big reason behind their success and how they will do even better this year.

“The work everyone is putting in and the culture change last season has really paid off,” said Jenkins. “The coaches made sure we were on our points and weren’t doing anything wrong.”

The Bobcats are looking forward to taking on old

rivals in the Buna Cougars in non-district and Orange County rival in the Bridge City Cardinals in Class 11-4A Division I action.

“Bridge City, Bayou Bowl again,” said Jones.

It’s used to be one of the most exciting games

around and I’m glad to see it back,” said Jones.

Orangefield had a near perfect season last year, just dropping one game to the East Chambers Buccaneers in district. This season they are hoping to improve even more and to make a deeper run into

the playoffs.

The Bobcats are scheduled to face off against the Anahuac Panther on Aug. 28 on the road for their season opener and will open up District 11-4A play Sept. 25 at Silsbee.

could get a look at some of our young guys a little more.”

Jones, a senior, is definitely an anchor at quarterback and will guide the Bobcat Slot-T Offense.

“Gunner came in and started the last half of his sophomore year and all year last year,” said Smalley.

“He knows our offense up and down. He’s so important in our kicking game too, handling the extra-points, field goals and punting.”

In the backfield, fullback Hunter Ashworth returns with the most experience after he bruised his way to 462 yards and six touchdowns.

Tyler Washington, Dwight Davis, Macoy Marze and Brayden Babineaux will look to fit in nicely at tailback and halfback.

“We like our depth we

have in the backfield, we just need to get those guys more experience and get them some carries on Friday nights,” said Smalley.

The offensive line should be stout. First team all-district selection Kyler Metts returns and is moving from tackle to center.

Kyler will be joined by his twin brother Grant Metts along with Coby Coulter, who was a second team all-district pick last year, Cutler Hubbard, Dylan Whitman and Hunter Norwood.

Tight end Mason Sampson and receivers Logan Gipson and Quade Clark will look to haul in a few passes while blocking hard in the Bobcat running scheme.

The defensive line as a little experience led by Ashworth and Trever Jenkins with Coulter, Norwood and Whitman also looking to be a factor in

the trenches.

The linebacker group will be inexperienced for sure but Smalley has confidence that they will learn on the fly and produce well.

The linebacker slots will likely be filled by Mars, Babineaux, Cameron Dischler and Clayton Westbrook.

Washington is the lone returning starter in the Bobcat secondary and looking to fill some big shoes in what was a strong secondary last season will be Davis, Cade Smith, Tyler Shearin and Evan Spears.

As usual, the Bobcats will be leaning on players to play offense and defense.

“We always have kids playing on both sides of the ball, we do our best to make sure they can step in and fill roles wherever we need them and they have

been great doing that over the years,” said Smalley.

The Bobcats have a solid non-district schedule that includes old 3A district rivals Anahuac, Woodville and Buna and a road trip to 4A Livingston.

“We’re glad to able to continue to play some of those guys, especially Buna, a rival game that goes back a long time,” said Smalley. “Livingston will be a good test for us too.”

Smalley wants to keep the Bobcats healthy for a nice, long six-game District 11-4A Division II stretch.

“There are going to be big battles every week and you better be ready to bring everything you’ve got,” said Smalley. “We already have two teams in WO-S and Silsbee that are both ranked in the top 10 in the state and everyone knows their history

of late. Bridge City has a lot of kids out and you know they will be ready to compete, being the largest school in the district.

Hamshire-Fannett continues to get better each year after tasting the playoffs.

Coach (Dwayne) DuBois will get Hardin-Jefferson moving up and Liberty didn’t make it last year but they are just two years removed from 11 wins I think.”

Smalley would love to see the Bobcats enter the 4A ranks again and join the postseason fray again.

“We’ve got plenty of things to focus on but I really like where the kids are now,” said Smalley.

“It could be a very different season with this Corona virus situation, we just need to keep improving and look to get better each week before district starts.”

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

Football 2020, August 26, 2020 • 19

Mark Pachuca/Orange Leader

The WO-S Mustangs head to the field for the coin flip at AT&T Stadium in Arlington for the 2016 Class 4A Division II State Championship Game.

All-Time Orange County Playoff History

By Van Wade Orange Leader

Orange County has had its share of success in the football playoffs, including four state titles, four by West Orange-Stark (1986, 1987, 2015, 2016) and one

by Bridge City (1966).

WO-S has the current longest playoff streak, making it 17 straight years.

Mustang coach Cornel Thompson has led the Mustangs to nine straight Region III Finals and brought them to four straight trips to the Class 4A Division II State Championship Games, including bringing home back-to-back state crowns with a 22-3 victory over

Celina in 2015 and 24-6 over Sweetwater in 2016.

The Orangefield Bobcats ended a 10-year playoff drought in 2013, captured back-to-back bidistrict playoff round victories in 2014 and 2015 under coach Josh Smalley and made the postseason in 2016, 2017 and 2019.

The Bridge City Cardinals ended a two-year playoff drought in 2015 under the direction of coach Dewayne DuBois and stormed to the 10-4A Division I district title in 2016 and went three rounds deep in the playoffs. The Cardinals returned to the postseason last season.

Little Cypress-Mauriceville has made the

playoffs six out of the past seven years for long-time coach Randy Crouch and captured their first playoff win since 1997 with a 4821 win over Stafford last season.

The Vidor Pirates ended a three-year playoff drought in 2016 drought as coach Jeff Mathews and his rugged Pirates shared a piece of the District 22-5A title and stormed to the playoffs as well in 2017.

How many will make the postseason in 2020?

Droughts should not last as long anymore with four teams now making the postseason out of each district and a bunch of schools now compete in five and six-team districts

across the state.

Here is a look at the playoff history for the Orange County schools:

WO-S in the playoffs 1979: Baytown Lee 12, WO-S 7 1985: WO-S 22, Aldine MacArthur 21 WO-S 14, Baytown Sterling 14 Houston Yates 19, WO-S 6 1986: WO-S 17, Dickinson 0 WO-S 23, Brenham 7 WO-S 21, Jasper 15 WO-S 28, New Braunfels 12 WO-S 21, McKinney 9 (state champs) 1987: WO-S 33, Wharton 0 WO-S 27, C.E. King 13

WO-S 30, West Columbia 7 WO-S 21, KerrvilleTivy 7 WO-S 17, Rockwall 7 (state champs) 1988: WO-S 35, Crosby 7 WO-S 38, Jasper 15 WO-S 14, Katy Mayde Creek 0 WO-S 24, Tomball 22 WO-S 28, Kerville-Tivy 14 Paris 31, WO-S 13 (state finalist) 1989: C.E. King 27, WO-S 15 1990: C.E. King 26, WO-S 0 1991: C.E. King 35, WO-S 6 1993: WO-S 41, Jasper 7 La Marque 25, WO-S 8

6

1994: Jasper 17, WO-S

1995: WO-S 35, New Caney 20 WO-S 23, Henderson 10 La Marque 18, WO-S 7 1996: WO-S 16, Dayton 13 Waller 23, WO-S 20 1997: WO-S 27, Jasper 12 WO-S 16, Brownsboro 0 La Marque 23, WO-S 12 1998: Silsbee 21, WO-S 20 2000: WO-S 23, Jasper 0 WO-S 36, Magnolia 0 WO-S 37, Friendswood 10 WO-S 10, La Marque 6 WO-S 27, CC Calallen 21 Ennis 38, WO-S 24 See ‘Playoff,’ page 20

20 • Football 2020, August 26, 2020

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

Mark Pachuca/Orange Leader

LC-M’s Carson Peet (25) scrambles for yardage after creating a turnover against Woodville last season.

Playoff Continued from 19

(state finalist) 2004: Huffman

30,

WO-S 28 2005: WO-S 41, Huffman 21 WO-S 42, Palestine 13 WO-S 42, Giddings 21 Wimberly 52, WO-S 29 2006: WO-S 60, Liberty

0

Giddings 21, WO-S 13 2007: WO-S 51, Coldspring 14 WO-S 28, Giddings 19 Waco La Vega 20, WO-S 12

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2008: WO-S 36, Coldspring 8 WO-S 37, Caldwell 7 Gilmer 35, WO-S 23 2009: Coldspring 41, WO-S 36 2010: WO-S 63, Liberty 7 Brookshire-Royal 24, WO-S 21 2011: WO-S 58, Cleveland 14 WO-S 52, Columbus 9 WO-S 45, Bullard 13 Coldspring 35, WO-S 13 2012: WO-S 57, Cleveland 0 WO-S 20, West Columbia 10 WO-S 28, Lorena 0 Navasota 38, WO-S 7 2013: WO-S 41, Huffman 9 WO-S 61, West Columbia 7 WO-S 18, Jasper 16 Carthage 28, WO-S 14 2014: WO-S 68, Scarborough 0 WO-S 34, Giddings 14 WO-S 34, LaMarque 0 WO-S 42, LaGrange 7 WO-S 42, Sinton 21 Gilmer 35, WO-S 25 (state finalist) 2015: WO-S 63, Scarborough 0 WO-S 47, Wharton 15 WO-S 69, Caldwell 13 WO-S 42, Bellville 3 WO-S 41, Cuero 28 WO-S 22, Celina 3 (state champions) 2016: WO-S 73, Tark-

ington 0 WO-S 47, Robinson 14 WO-S 49, Bellville 7 WO-S 48, Giddings 5 WO-S 49, Navarro 7 WO-S 24, Sweetwater 6 (state champions) 2017: WO-S 54, Brookshire-Royal 0 WO-S 17, Mexia 3 WO-S 28, Madisonville 26 WO-S 14, Salado 0 WO-S 30, Wimberley 21 Pleasant Grove 41, WO-S 21 (state finalist) 2018: WO-S 76, Huntington 3 WO-S 21, Sweeny 3 WO-S 21, Jasper 14 Silsbee 19, WO-S 9 2019: WO-S 56, Huntington 7 WO-S 42, LaGrange 14 WO-S 24, Bellville 14 Silsbee 35, WO-S 28 All-time playoff record: 75-27 PF 3,033 PA 1,371 ***

Bridge City in the playoffs 1965: Bridge City 52, Conroe 8 Bridge City 21, Bay City 3 Bridge City 12, San Marcos 7 Brownwood 14, Bridge City 0 (state finalist) 1966: Bridge City 41, Conroe 17 Bridge City 36, Clear

Creek 7 Bridge City 28, San Marcos 7 Bridge City 30, McKinney 6 (state champs) 1969: Brenham 40, Bridge City 12 2000: Bridge City 35, Hardin-Jefferson 7 Cleveland 25, Bridge City 20 2001: Bridge City 34, Liberty 14 Bridge City 17, Sweeny 14 Bridge City 33, Mexia 14 Sinton 38, Bridge City 0 (state semifinalist) 2002: Bridge City 31, Barbers Hill 14 Bridge City 28, Elgin 7 Jasper 28, Bridge City 0 2004: Barbers Hill 31, Bridge City 14 2005: Bridge City 42, Cleveland 20 Bridge City 23, Jasper 0 Hutto 27, Bridge City 10 2009: Cleveland 44, Bridge City 17 2010: Coldspring 43, Bridge City 13 2011: Coldspring 7, Bridge City 0 2012: Coldspring 47, Bridge City 7 2015: Carthage 44, Bridge City 20 2016: Bridge City 35, Center 28 Bridge City 39, Bay See ‘Playoff,’ page 21

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

Football 2020, August 26, 2020 • 21

2020 Football campaign battling virus, opponents ARE YA’LL READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? THE 2020 VERSION! Surprise. It’s been hot and steamy just like we’ve always liked it as high school football teams and their coaches have been braving the heat on practice fields and at scrimmages.

I’m fortunate that this is my 28th straight goaround covering Orange County football but it could be a strange one, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All of the schools I have visited have done a tremendous job thus far in making sure everything is safe and sound for the upcoming season.

It’s going to be different for sure, with just 50 percent capacity in stadiums and no band or drill

Playoff Continued from 20

City 19 Stafford 37, Bridge City 28 2019: Navasota 41, Bridge City 12 All-time playoff record: 16-15 PF 690 PA 649 Orangefield in the playoffs

Van Wade

See ‘2020,’ page 22

1967: Waller 21, Orangefield 0 1981: Newton 28, Orangefield 21 1982: East Chambers 20, Orangefield 14 1986: Kirbyville 27, Orangefield 0 1987: Kirbyville 21, Orangefield 7 1988: Orangefield 25, Center 12 Hamshire-Fannett 21, Orangefield 14 1999: Barbers Hill 21, Orangefield 3 2000: Barbers Hill 50, Orangefield 0 2003: Orangefield 21, Liberty 14 La Grange 17, Orangefield 14 2013: Coldspring 28, Or-

angefield 14 2014: Orangefield 49, Kashmere 35 LaGrange 49, Orangefield 7 2015: Orangefield 37, Worthing 28 Giddings 45, Orangefield 13 2016: Bellville 45, Orangefield 21 2017: Bellville 35, Orangefield 14 2019: Franklin 23, Orangefield 14 All-time playoff record: 4-15 PF 274 PA 540 LC-M in the playoffs 1992: Jasper 7, LC-M 7 (lost on penetrations) 1994: LC-M 14, New Caney 6 Willis 31, LC-M 22 1995: Jasper 28, LC-M 6 1997: LC-M 52, Cleveland 14 LC-M 20, Whitehouse 7 LC-M 17, Sweeny 14 La Marque 41, LC-M 20 2013: Dayton 49, LC-M 18 2014: Carthage 10, LC-M 0 2016: Henderson 47, LC-M 13 2017: Kilgore 49, LC-M

0

2018: Navasota 38, LC-M 7 2019: LC-M 48, Stafford 21 Crandall 24, LC-M 7 All-time playoff record: 5-10 PF 251 PA 386 Vidor in the playoffs 1964: Vidor 13, CypressFairbanks 9 Vidor 28, Lamar Consolidated 2 San Marcos 21, Vidor 21 (lost on penetrations) 1978: Aldine 40, Vidor 13 2000: Nederland 21, Vidor 9 2009: Dayton 28, Vidor 14 2011: Vidor 42, Crosby 20 Vidor 42, Montgomery 35 Angleton 55, Vidor 30 2012: Humble Summer Creek 51, Vidor 27 2016: Crosby 33, Vidor 24 2017: New Caney 28, Vidor 21 All-time playoff record: 4-8 PF 284 PA 343

Have a great season Orange County!

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22 • Football 2020, August 26, 2020

2020

Continued from 21

can go on the road for now.

Each year has been full of memories of great athletes, top-notch teams and hard-working coaches.

I’ve had a chance to cover a slew All-Staters every year and I’m curious which athletes will land in that category this time around.

Been lucky the last several years to cover Class 4A Division II State Championships games with the West OrangeStark Mustangs bringing home two of the big trophies and two runnerup trophies.

Last year was a great run for our local teams as all four made the postseason.

Several big changes for this year as the UIL had its realignment in February.

Bridge City moves down to 4A Division II and Orangefield is back up in 4A Division II as

both will join WO-S. Vidor makes the bump down to 4A Division I after so many years at the 5A level and will join the LC-M Bears in a district.

I’ll always remember the old faces over the years but I’m always highly anticipating, every year, which new faces are going to stand out.

August 28, 2020. The start of the season. Most folks have that date marked on their calendars all year.

When a game kicks off in Southeast Texas on a Friday night, it gives communities an extreme rush along with players, coaches, band members, drill teams, cheerleaders and parents.

Traditions last a lifetime around our tightknit area.Fans wrap themselves around the local boys and what they accomplish on the gridiron.

High school stadiums are where the past, future and the present meet and hopefully we can all do that again soon.

Of course, in Texas,

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com football is much more than a game, it’s in our culture. It is an atmosphere like no other.

It’s about sounds of marching bands, cheerleaders yelling out or drill teams dancing to the oldies.

There is also the smell of hot dogs, turkey legs and popcorn that simply can’t be topped.

We’re all going to find out real soon on which teams will move on to the postseason in November, let’s all hope that anyway.

I can’t wait and look forward to another memorable football season.

Thanks so much for long-time Leader Photographer Mark Pachuca for his excellent work again.

We had a blast taking photos of the coaches at the train depot for our cover.

Best of luck to all of our local kids making the tackles and touchdowns, blowing horns and dancing and yelling between the hash marks all season long. It’s going to be different for all of us, for sure.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF OUR LOCAL TEAMS!!

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The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com

Football 2020, August 26, 2020 • 23

TEAM UP WITH THE BEST! We wish all area teams a safe and memorable season!

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24 • Football 2020, August 26, 2020

The Orange Leader • www.orangeleader.com