Pigskin Preview 2009 Issue

Roger L. McCown II, DO • Joshua D. Stein, MD • Thomas B. Volatile, MD • William F. Phillips III, MD • William R. Hobbs, MD 

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Greetings High School Football Fans 

Thanks for picking up a copy of the 2009 Pigskin Preview magazine. 

If you’re looking through the pages of this year’s Pigskin Preview, 

I know you are one of the thousands like me, who can’t wait for the 

start of the high school football season. 

This is our ninth year for Pigskin Preview. The staff at KLTV 7 

and other local sports writers have created the most detailed and 

comprehensive look at the upcoming East Texas football season. 

The pages are packed with information on more than 90 teams, 

including their schedules, players to watch, and our exclusive 

district-by-district preseason coaches poll. 

Visit our website now to view previous editions of Pigskin Preview 

at www.pigskinpreview.net. You can sign up to get next year’s 

Pigskin Preview delivered right to your doorstep. 

It is my hope that Pigskin Preview gets you excited about your 

upcoming season by making you the most informed fans around! 

Join the KLTV sports crew every Friday night for a complete round 

up of scores and highlights from all across East Texas. 

Hope you have a great season. 

Clint Yeatts 

Pigskin Preview Publisher 

1

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Table of Contents 

When is an ankle sprain 

something more ........................ 4 

TAPPS D-2 Div 2........................7-11 

Grace Community, TK Gorman, Trinity Cedar 

Hill, Parish Episcopal, First Baptist Dallas, 

Dallas Christian 

TAPPS D-3 Div 3...................... 12-14 

Brook Hill, All Saints, Garland Christian, 

Dallas Shelton, Dallas Lutheran, 

Coram Deo Academy 

11-5A.................................... 16-19 

Robert E Lee, John Tyler, DeSoto, Mesquite, 

Mesquite Horn, North Mesquite 

13-4A.................................... 21-25 

Hallsville Bobcats, Longview, Pine Tree, 

Marshall, Mt Pleasant, Sulphur Springs, 

Texas High 

14-4A..................................................................26-29 

Henderson, Jacksonville, Kilgore, Lindale, 

Nacogdoches, Whitehouse 

14-3A.................................... 29-33 

Canton, Eustace, Kemp, Mineola, Van, 

Wills Point 

16-3A.................................... 34-38 

Atlanta, Mt Vernon, New Boston, Pittsburg, 

Liberty-Eylau, Pleasant Grove 

17-3A.................................... 39-41 

Bullard, Gilmer, Gladewater, Spring Hill, 

Tatum, Chapel Hill 

18-3A.................................... 42-45 

Carthage, Center, Diboll, Huntington, Jasper, 

Rusk 

20-3A.................................... 46-48 

Athens, Brownsboro, Crockett, Fairfield, 

Palestine, Westwood 

Basic Injury Treatment................. 50 

17-2A.................................... 51-55 

Daingerfield, Hughes Springs, Jefferson, 

Linden-Kildare, Ore City, Queen City 

Importance of Having a 

Primary Care Physician................ 54 

18-2A.................................... 55-59 

Harmony, New Diana, Elysian Fields, Sabine, 

Union Grove, Harleton, White Oak, Winona 

19-2A.................................... 61-63 

Arp, Elkhart, Frankston, Garrison, West 

Rusk, Troup 

17-1A.................................... 64-66 

Big Sandy, Detroit, Union Hill, Hawkins, 

Maud, Simms Bowie 

19-1A.................................... 67-70 

Beckville, Joaquin, Mount Enterprise, West 

Sabine, Tenaha, Timpson, Waskom 

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When is an ankle sprain something more 

William R. Hobbs, MD 

Trinity Mother Frances Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine 

Ankle sprains are the most common 

injury in running and jumping sports, 

occurring in one per 10,000 people per 

day. They represent 25 -50 percent of 

injuries in these sports and most heal 

without incident. Only about 10- 

30 percent go on to develop chronic 

problems of instability or pain. When 

problems persist, we must consider other 

pathologic process that can mimic an 

ankle sprain. 

The ankle is a hinged joint and derives 

most of its stability from the bony 

anatomy made up of the tibia, fibula and 

talus. It has a saddle configuration and has three ligaments on the lateral 

(outer) side: anterior talofibular (ATFL), calcaneofibular (CFL) and the 

posterior talofibular (PTFL). In addition, there is one ligament on the 

medial (inner) side, the deltoid. These ligaments primarily function 

when the ankle is platarflexed (foot pointing down) and the foot rolls 

from side to side. 

A sprain can be a stretch, partial tear or a complete tear of the ligament 

and leads to swelling and inflammation over the affected ligaments. If 

the force is severe enough, there can be a fracture of one or both of 

the bones, an injury to the cartilage, or tearing of the tendons running 

behind the ankle. The outer ligaments are injured much more frequently 

than the inner ligament. 

Typically, the athlete will complain of pain along the outer side of the 

injury after “rolling” the ankle. They may or may not feel a pop and 

swelling usually occurs quickly. On exam, we check for tenderness along 

the ligament and look for increased translation (sliding) of the ankle. If 

there is tenderness along the medial or lateral ankle bones (tibia/fibula) 

or if there is popping with stressing these bones, then the ankle is likely 

broken, and we will remove the athlete from the competition until an 

X-ray can be taken. We also check a squeeze test (compressing the two 

bones of the lower leg and looking for ankle pain) to rule out a “high” 

ankle sprain. If the pain is only along the ligament and the swelling is 

minimal, we will re-tape the athlete’s ankle and see if he/she can run 

on it. If they are unable to perform with the added support, we will 

remove the athlete from the competition. Braces and pre-taping before 

competition can help prevent some injuries, especially with recurrent 

sprains. Taping can stretch out over time and may require reinforcing 

during the course of the game. 

Ankle sprains are classified from grade 1-3 depending on the severity of 

the injury to the ligaments and the number of ligaments involved. A 

Grade 1 injury involves partial tearing of the ATFL and a Grade 2 sprain 

has a complete tear of the ATFL and partial tearing of the CFL. Grade 

3 injuries have complete rupture of both ligaments and are usually the 

most susceptible to chronic problems. Grade 3 injuries also require 

the longest time for recovery, sometimes as long as -six to eight weeks. 

Typically, Grade 1 injuries require one to two weeks and Grade 2 sprains 

require two to four weeks for return to sports. Rarely do any of these 

injuries require immediate operative repair because of the high rate of 

healing with non-operative treatment. Initial treatment involves RICE 

(rest, ice, compression and elevation). A walking boot is infrequently 

needed and usually only with Grade 3 injuries, until swelling resolves. 

Crutches may be indicated if the athlete is having trouble walking on the 

foot. Recurrent sprains (loose ankle) may require either a “tightening” 

or reconstruction of the outer ligaments, but even these issues can 

usually be treated with appropriate strengthening of the supporting ankle 

muscles and balance training. 

“High” ankle sprains involve the ligament that connects the two bones 

of the lower leg, the tibia and fibula, called the syndesmosis. At its lower 

edge, near the upper ankle, it thickens to form the anterior and posterior 

tibiofibular ligaments. When this is torn, it can take up to three months 

to heal. Occasionally, surgery is required to place screws to hold the two 

bones together while the syndesmosis is healing. We also have to rule 

out a fracture of the fibular bone on the outside of the knee with this 

injury. 

Fractures of the ankle require surgery if both bones are broken or 

if either is out of alignment. Otherwise, casting for two to three 

months is appropriate. An injury to the cartilage of the talus, called 

osteochondritis dessicans, can lead to persistent ankle pain after a sprain. 

It is usually visible on X-rays, but early on may require an MRI to detect. 

Pain is usually in the front of the ankle with walking, and there may be 

persistent swelling with activities. Tearing or instability of the peroneal 

tendons that run behind the fibula can also lead to chronic pain. This is 

usually associated with popping on ankle motion, and pain at the outer 

ankle. Finally, if the bones of the hind foot do not separate properly 

during growth, the athlete can have episodes of frequent ankle sprains 

and on exam will have loss of side-to-side motion of the foot. An MRI 

or CT scan can identify the fused bone and surgery is usually necessary 

to separate the bones and alleviate symptoms. 

Ankle sprains are common setbacks for running and jumping athletes. 

Most heal quickly with simple, non-operative treatments. The most 

important issue to address with an acute injury is to rule out a break 

and to determine the safety of returning to the competition at that time. 

However, if symptoms persist over several months or injuries continue to 

recur, consider some of the other problems discussed here. 

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TAPPS Division 2 District 2 

This May Be The Toughest TAPPS District In Texas…Really! 

Clint Yeatts - KLTV 7 News 

Ever hear a Texas high school football coach utter the phrase, “We play in the toughest district in Texas.” Yeah we’ve all heard that a lot and you’ll be 

reading it a time or two in the pages of this edition of Pigskin Preview. But when it comes to TAPPS D-2 ball the folks in District 2 might just have a 

valid claim to that statement. 

Just look at 2008. In a Division that spans from Lubbock to Houston to San Antonio to Dallas and back to East Texas the state championship game 

featured the first and second place team from District 2. 

In fact Dallas Christian, the 2008 Division Two TAPPS state champion, has either won or played for a state title nine times in the past 17 years that 

Coach Mike Wheeler has been at the helm. 

And this year most coaches agree to win this district (then maybe state) you’ve got to beat Dallas Christian. 

Wheeler was the only coach not to pick D.C. as the preseason favorite to win the district. In our interview he told me a sad story about losing 14 

seniors off his championship team. Then went on to tell me about an o-line that will easily average 250 pounds. 

That doesn’t mean the other six teams are not contenders. Cedar Hill had a great run in ’08. Their only two losses, including the state title game, 

came at the hands of Dallas Christian. 

Parish Episcopal is always a contender as is Prestonwood. And a lot of coaches think the sleeper this year may be Tyler’s Grace Community who just 

joined TAPPS football last season. 

One thing is pretty clear, whoever comes out on top of “the toughest district in Texas” should be considered a favorite to go all the way to the state title 

game…again. 

Dallas Christian 

Chargers 

A tradition has been cast in TAPPS football. To get 

through postseason you have to get through Dallas 

Christian. 

The Chargers finished 2008 with a perfect 14-0 record 

and a TAPPS Division 2 state title. 

“You wish you could continue and keep the same kids, 

that would make the job a whole lot easier,” says Head 

Coach Mike Wheeler, “but it doesn’t work that way.” 

Wheeler loses 14 seniors off his state title team. 

Seven of those had been starters since they were 

sophomores. 

At the top of the graduation list, All-State Quarterback 

Cory Brooks who will play baseball at Pepperdine 

this fall. Also gone is All American linebacker Blake 

Rudd who will play football at Abilene Christian in 

September. 

But don’t feel too sorry for Coach Wheeler, he’s got 

a bunch, a BIG bunch coming back for another state 

title run. 

At the top of that list is offensive lineman Chris Adcock. 

The 6’2” 295 pound senior has already committed to 

California and will anchor a line that weighs in at 295, 

280, 265 and 240. 

Wheeler will also look to senior running back Brandon 

Durham to help lead the offense. Durham gain 1500 

years last season while splitting time as cornerback 

on defense. 

All district linebacker Anthony Williams will lead a very 

experienced Charger defense. 

There are some big guys on that side of the line too, 

including 6’4” 240 pound senior Taylor Cooksey. 

If there is anything that may jeopardize another run at 

a state title for DC is depth. 

“I don’t care what folks say, you’ve got to be a little 

lucky,” says Wheeler. “We’ve been fortunate to stay 

healthy and to be successful this year; we can’t afford 

to have injury in any key position.” 

He’ll also need some young guys like QB Ryan Downs 

to step up and fill some big shoes. 

Coach Wheeler admits expectations will be high again 

this year. 

If for no other reason in the 17 years he has been 

coach here the Chargers have played for a state title 

nine times. And they looked poised to make it ten in 

2009. 

Players to Watch 

Chris Adcock Senior OL/DL 6’3” 295 

Brandon Durham Senior RB/CB 5’7” 170 

Anthony Williams Senior LB/FB 5’10” 230 

Taylor Cooksey Senior OL/DL 6’4” 280 

Stephen Campbell Senior FB/DE/K 6’0” 180 

Chris LeFevers Senior DL/OL 6’0” 210 

Clint Madden Senior TE/DL 6’2” 220 

Mascot : 

Chargers 

Student Enrollment: 240 

Superintendent: Terry Harlow 

Head Coach: Mike Wheeler 

Returning Offense Starters: 4 

Returning Defense Starters: 7 

Schedule 

8/28 Ft. Worth Trinity Valley Home 7:30 

9/4 John Paul II Away 7:30 

9/11 Ft Worth Country Day Away 7:30 

9/18 Ft. Worth Christian Home 7:30 

9/25 *Trinity Christian Cedar HillAway 7:30 

10/2 *Prestonwood Home 7:30 

10/9 *Parish Episcopal Away 7:30 

10/16 *Tyler Grace Home 7:30 

10/23 *FBA Away 7:30 

10/30 Open 

11/6 *TKG Home 7:30 

*district games 

Trinity Cedar Hill 

Tigers 

Coach Mike Helmer says he really didn’t know what 

to expect when he started the 2008 campaign. The 

Tigers moved up to Division Two missing the cutoff 

by just one student. It would have been a successful 

move if not for one thing, Dallas Christian. 

The Tigers went 12-2 last season. Both loses came at 

the hands of the Chargers. 

Cont. 

6 

7


Trinity Cedar Hill 

The Tigers lost to D.C. in district then again in the 

state championship game. Helmer knew a state title 

was possible. He had 16 returning lettermen on that 

team. 

2009 he says, will be a whole new story. 

Gone is All-State running back Dominque Rambo 

and QB Jacobie King. Both will be playing college 

basketball this fall. In all, Helmer loses 11 senior 

starters from last years state runners up leaving him to 

use the word “rebuild” when talking about 2009. 

“I don’t know if you can replace the kind of skill level 

and the kind of talent we had last year,” says Helmer, 

“our JV finished 5-4 and those kids have to be ready 

to step up.” 

On offense Helmer says leadership may come from 

the guy in the very middle. Senior center Kevin Garza 

is already getting some D-1 looks. With three other 

starters, the “O-Line” may be the strongest feature 

of the Tigers offense. Helmer says he has no idea 

yet who will take the QB job while last years fullback 

Terrance Sims will be tagged to fill Rambo’s All-State 

shoes. 

Helmer has high hopes for junior wide receiver D’Mikel 

Trotter. He played a big role as a sophomore and will 

be expected to carry a bigger part of the load this 

year. 

The Tiger’s have a big guy to fill the big holes on 

defense. 6’4” 250 pound defensive end Parker 

Holloway will anchor the Tigers defense. He is 

considering committing to Oklahoma State before the 

season even starts. 

Juniors Devin Pharms and Marco Barrentios should 

make an impact in an experienced secondary. 

The Tigers averaged more than 36 points a game last 

season…but it may be the defense that leads this time 

in 2009. 

“We are going to have to figure out how to score 

points,” says Coach Helmer. 

If they do, no one will be surprised to see the Tigers 

back in the playoffs in 2009. 

Players to Watch. 

D’Mikel Trotter Junior WR 5’10” 170 

Terrance Sims Senior RB/LB 5’10” 215 

Parker Holloway Senior TE/DE 6’4” 250 

Devin Pharms Junior S 5’10” 170 

Marco Barrentios Junior WR/CB 6’0” 175 

Kevin Garza Senior C/DL 6’2” 250 

Mascot: 

Tigers 

Superintendent: Dr. Cathy Watts 

Enrollment: 246 

Head Coach 

Mike Helmer 

Returning Offensive Starters: 6 

Returning Defensive Starts: 6 

Schedule 

8/28 Bishop Dunne Away 7:30 

9/4 Grace Prep Away 7:30 

9/11 Open 

9/18 Ferris Home 7:30 

9/25 *Dallas Christian Home 7:30 

10/2 *TKG Away 7:30 

10/9 Waco Reicher Away 7:30 

10/16 *Prestonwood Home 7:30 

10/23 *Parish Episocopal Away 7:30 

10/30 *Grace Community Home 7:30 

11/6 *FBA Away 7:30 


Now You Can See Previous Issues 

of Pigskin Preview Online 

Prestonwood Lions 

2008 did not end the way new head coach Chris 

Cunningham had hoped. The year started with 

some big wins over some big names including Bishop 

Lynch. 

But at the halfway mark, the injury bug bit the Lions. 

Quarterback Kaleb Kyser had a season ending injury 

and from there as coach puts it, “we went on the 

skids.” 

“It wasn’t just the lost of Kaleb,” says Cunningham, 

“we took our starting safety out to play quarterback 

and from there the shuffle of players really cost us 

more on defense than losing Kaleb on offense. 

The Lions finished the year at 4-5. 

The good news for Cunningham is most of his skilled 

players are back. Kaleb Kyser returns for his senior 

season at QB. And though the Lions like to throw the 

ball a lot senior Kourtland Hite will should make some 

noise in the backfield. He ran for more than 1000 

yards on 156 carries last season. 

Prestonwood runs a no huddle spread offense. While 

All-State wide out Luke Taylor was lost to graduation, 

Cunningham has several seniors ready to take his 

place. 

Seniors Andrew Mobely and Scott Lichty will fill the 

inside slots while juniors Chris Grayson and Kris 

Corley will be asked to step in as wide receivers. 

But offense is the least of Coach Cunningham’s 

worries. 

His biggest holes to fill come on the defensive line and 

line backing corp. 

Senior safety Josh Caldwell will be asked to take over 

the leadership job on defense. 

As for his defensive line, Cunningham says spring ball 

gave him a couple of hopefuls, namely junior Nathan 

Lee who will take over as middle linebacker. 

Seniors Tyler Klienert and Trevor Scheef show a lot of 

promise on the outside. 

Defensive line decisions may not come until two-adays. 

“We’ve got to play better defense,” says Coach, “I 

don’t worry about scoring points, no one really slowed 

us down last year. The problem was playing defense. 

We’ve got to stop the run. That’s what we struggle 

with. That’s important for next year; we’ve got to stop 

the running game.” 

If that happens and the Lions stay healthy…the Lions 

believe they can turn the disappointment of 2008 into 

a trip to the playoffs in 2009. 


Kayleb Kyser Senior QB 

Kourtland Hite Senior RB 

Andrew Mobely Senior WR 

Scott Lichty Senior WR 

Chris Grayson Junior WR 

Kris Corley Junior WR 

Josh Caldewell Senior S 

Jathan Lee Junior MLB 

Tyler Klienert Senior OLB 

Trevor Scheef Senior OLB 

Mascot: 

Lions 


Head of School: Larry Taylor 

Head Coach: Chris Cunningham 

Returning offense starters: 6 

Returning defense starters: 5 

Schedule 

8/29 Open 

9/4 Bishop Lynch Away 7:30 

9/11 Episcopal School of Dallas Away 7:30 

9/18 Trinity Christian Addison Home 7:30 

9/25 *First Baptist Academy Home 7:30 

10/2 *Dallas Christian Away 7:30 

10/9 *TK Gorman Home 7:30 

10/16 *Trinity Christian Cedar Hill Away 7:30 

10/23 Liberty Argyle Away 7:30 

10/30 *Parish Episcopal Home 7:30 

11/6 *Grace Community Away 7:30 


pigskinpreview.net 

8 

9


Grace Community 

Cougars 

The Cougars took their young football program to a 

new level in 2008 stepping in to the TAPPS arena for 

the first time. 

“I thought we competed well,” says head coach Mike 

Maddox, “we would have liked to have had one more 

but we got our first district win under our belt and we 

learned a lot about what we have to do to compete at 

this level. “ 

The Cougar’s strengths will flip this season. Last year 

Grace featured a high octane offense that, on most 

Friday nights, scored a lot of points but their defense 

gave up a lot too. 

This year the experience and talent will be on defense 

leaving Coach Maddox to fill some big holes on the 

offense. Grace loses All-State utility player Kyle 

Childress as well as four out of five starters on his 

offensive line. 

Returning is 2nd team all district senior QB Grant 

Ingram. Also back is junior QB Taylor Stanley whose 

broken arm kept him on the sidelines half the season. 

“I’m blessed with two guys that can make our offense 

run,” say Maddox. Junior Cameron Broderhausen 

returns to the backfield after filling that spot as a 

sophomore last year. 

Just about everyone else on offense will be starting on 

varsity for the very first time. 

In Maddox’s no-huddle spread whoever is the QB will 

be throwing to a group of sophomores and juniors that 

Parish Episcopal 

Panthers 

The Panthers finished third in a district that featured 

the state champion and runner up. That kind of puts 

the year into perspective. 

Despite losing two of their running backs and their 

center to injury, Parish finished the year with an 

8-2 record. All three of their backs from the 2008 

campaign are headed to play college ball this fall. In 

fact, the Panthers graduated ten offensive starters. 

Where to find an offense has been a question coach 

Scott Nady has asked over and over since the end of 

last season. 

“I’ve got a whole bunch of names,” says Nady, “if you 

ask me today I could give you a list of who might play, 

tomorrow that list could change and would probably 

change the day after that.” 

The lone offensive returning starter though is an 

impressive one. All-State lineman Ty McDonnough 

will be expected to not only be a leader but an anchor 

to the Panther offense. 

“It won’t take a genius to scout us,” says Nady, “we’ll 

be running right behind the big guy that can block.” 

Nady says if he had to suit up a team today, as many 

have very few varsity starts among them. 

Defense may actually be the biggest asset for the 

Cougars. 

After starting as a sophomore in 2008 and leading 

the team in tackles, Micah Clark returns with more 

experience at middle linebacker. 

Same is the case for defensive lineman Richie Price 

and outside linebacker Bradley White. All got lots of 

playing time as sophomores and will be expected to 

anchor the Cougar defense as juniors. 

If there is a weakness on defense, it will come in the 

secondary. Three of the four starters from last season 

have graduated. Leaving some big holes to fill in the 

in the secondary. 

Some district coaches tagged Grace as a “dark horse” 

in the district race. While small in size, they all consider 

the Cougars as the team that could “sneak up” on a lot 

of folks this year. 

“It’s nice to start getting some respect from our district 

competitors,” say Maddox, “but we have a lot of work 

to do to compete in this district. Last year we learned 

a few things about intensity…what we have to bring to 

the game, every game. “ If the Cougars have learned 

those lessons you may just see this “dark horse” 

surprise a lot of folks come district play this fall. 


Grant Ingram Senior QB/DB 5’6” 145 

Taylor Stanley Junior QB/DB 5’8” 150 

Cameron Broderhausen Junior RB/LB 5’11” 170 

Micah Clark Junior OL/MLB 6’0” 200 

as 4 to 5 freshmen would be starting on offense. 

Defense is a whole different story. 

Nine starters return, including All-State middle 

linebacker Rob Mankins and honorable mention All- 

State defensive tackle Eric Humphrey. 

“Our hope lies in our defense,” says Nady, “we may 

have to win every game six to nothing.” 

But with so many young kids expected to step up this 

year, Coach Nady says this will be a year of managing 

expectations. 

“We’ve got to make our kids believe in the long term,” 

says coach, “many of our victories will not be on the 

scoreboard. We’ve got to understand our victories will 

come in doing things correctly, not being afraid and 

meeting the challenges ahead of us. Those are the 

kind of victories will be looking for this season.” 


Rob Hankins Junior ML/FB 6’2” 190 

Eric Humphrey Senior DL 6’3” 260 

Ty McDonnough Senior OL 5’11” 210 

Mascot: 

Panthers 


Richie Price Junior OL/DL 5’6” 155 

Bradley White Junior RB/LB 6’0” 160 

Steven Stanley Senior WR/DB 5’6” 140 

Caleb Jones Senior OL/DL 5’9” 150 

Mascot: 

Cougars 

Headmaster: 

Jay Ferguson 

Enrolment 245 

Head Coach 

Mike Maddox 

Returning Offensive Starters 3 

Returning Defensive Starters 7 

Schedule 

8/29 Eustace @All Saints 7:30 

9/4 Grapeland Home 7:30 

9/11 Malakoff Home 7:30 

9/18 Plano John Paul Home 7:30 

9/25 *Parish Episcopal Away 7:30 

10/2 Open 

10/9 *FBA Home 7:30 


10/23 *TK Gorman Home 7:30 

10/30 *Trinity Cedar Hill Away 7:30 

11/6 *Prestonwood Away 7:30 

*denotes district game 

Head Master: 

Head Coach: 

Dave Monaco 

Scott Nady 


Returning Defensive Starters: 9 

Schedule 

8/28 Episcopal Scl of Dallas Away 7:30 

9/4 Kemp Home 7:30 

9/10 Dallas Hillcrest Away 7:30 

9/18 Austin Hyde Park Away 7:30 

9/25 *Tyler Grace Home 7:30 

10/2 *FBA Away 7:30 


10/16 *TKG Away 7:30 

10/23 *Trinity Cedar Hill Home 7:30 


11/6 Open 



TK Gorman Crusaders 

The TK Gorman Crusaders accomplished their first 

goal of 2008. Win more games than the year before. 

After a 1-9 season in 2007, the Crusaders ended ’08 

at five and five and a trip to the playoffs. Though they 

lost in the first round it was a big turnaround for Coach 

Reggie Wilson and the TKG program. 

Kevin Navetta had a breakout year running up and 

down the field on almost every opponent. 

But he and 15 other seniors from that playoff team 

graduated, leaving Coach Wilson the job of rebuilding 

an offense that put a lot of points on the board last 

year. 

You may see the ball in the air a lot more this season. 

Wilson will be relying on senior QB Alex Fergerson to 

help lead his young offense. Returning as the starting 

QB, Fergerson will be throwing to some bigger than 

usual wide outs this year including juniors Christian 

Tucker and Jacob Becker, and sophomore Conrad 

Flowers. 

“You can’t replace a guy like Kevin,” says Coach 

Wilson, “you just have to find someone who can do 

something different.” 

Defense may be the Crusaders strong side. Senior 

Ricky Hand will not only pull duties in the backfield, but 

will be the defensive anchor at middle linebacker. 

First Baptist Academy 

Saints 

A new but familiar face takes over the helm at First 

Baptist in 2009. Jason Lovvorn was quarterback for 

the Saints five years ago. He returned to his alma 

mater last year as QB coach and was promoted this 

spring to head coach. He takes over a program that 

has not seen a lot of success in the last couple of 

years. The Saints finished the ’08 campaign with a 

3-7 record 

“I told them…we know we are 3-7. That means we 

have to work that much harder than everyone else,” 

says Lovvorn. “Talent-wise we could have been a 

.500 team. A few less injuries and we could have done 

better. But we will be better prepared next season.” 

Lovvorn loses a bunch of offensive and defensive 

leaders to graduation. QB Braden Frazier and MLB 

Rodney Caffey were the senior leaders on the squad. 

But Lovvorn does inherit some experience. Eight 

starters return on offense and defense and the new 

coach believes that gives him a starting point to turn 

the FBA ship around. 

Junior Zack Gregory moves from receiver to 

quarterback. Lovvorn says he may be the best QB 

in FBA history, including the year he was taking snaps 

for the Saints. 

He has some experienced folks to throw to. 

Senior Caleb Lavallais returns as wide receiver. Last 

season Lavallais caught 58 passes for 825 yards and 

13 touchdowns. 

A lot will be expected too from senior defensive end 

Sam Scarborough who led the district in tackles last 

season. 

Coach Wilson knows to top last year’s results, a lot of 

things must come together. “We must execute, step 

up and make plays,” he says. 

And he’s looking for that next breakout player. 

“One player always breaks out of his shell.” says 

Wilson, “We’re trying to figure out just who that will be. 

We’ve got lots of potential.” 

If that potential comes together come August, don’t be 

surprised to see the Crusaders looking to take one of 

those playoff spots again this year. 


Alex Fergerson Senior QB 6,0” 190 

Ricky Hand Senior RB/MLB 5’11” 185 

Jacob Becker Junior RB/DB 5’10” 160 

Conrad Flowers Soph WR/TE 6’1” 195 

Christian Tucker Junior WR5’11” 165 

Luis Fernandez Senior WR/DB 5’9” 160 

Hunter Matzke Senior WR/DB 6’0” 150 

Jack Ryder Senior WR/DB 6’0” 160 

At 6’6” 240 pounds, defensive end Justin Graham 

will anchor the defense literally and physically. Coach 

will be looking to the all district performer to lead the 

charge on defense. 

Most of all Lovvorn wants his team to be more physical. 

He saw some of that during spring ball and he hopes 

to build on that come two-a-days. 

“I want us to be known as the hardest hitting team in 

the district,” says Lovvorn. “We will be much more 

balanced on offense but on defense I’m excited about 

seeing our guys get out there and hit someone.” 

With a big core group of kids back…and a new mentality 

in the locker room, there is a good chance the Saints 

may surprise a lot of folks come September. 


Zach Gregory Junior QB/DB 6’3” 175 

Caleb Lavallais Senior WR/DB 6’1” 202 

Jake Valdez Senior WR/DB 5’11” 175 

Justin Grisham Senior OL/DE 6’6” 240 

Dezmond Howard Senior OL/DE 6’3” 220 

Mascot: 

Saints 


Head Coach: Jason Lovvorn 



Mascot: 

Crusaders 


Principal: 

Jim Franz 

Head Coach: Reggie Wilson 



Schedule 

8/29 Big Sandy @All Saints 2:00 

9/4 West Rusk Away 7:30 

9/11 Union Grove Away 7:30 

9/18 Lovelady Away 7:30 

9/25 Open 





10/30 *First Baptist Home 7:30 



Schedule 

8/28 John Paul II Home 7:30 

9/4 Colleyville Covenant Away 7:30 

9/11 Nevada Community Away 7:30 

9/18 Frisco Legacy Away 7:30 




10/16 Sunnyvale Home 7:30 


10/30 *TK Gorman Away 7:30 



TAPPS D-2 Div 2 

Pre-Season 

Coaches’ Poll 

1. Dallas Christian 

2. tie - Trinity Cedar Hill 

Prestonwood 

4. Grace Community 

5. Parish Episcopal 

6. TK Gorman 

7. First Baptist Academy 

10 11


Expectations High Again For District 3 Frontrunners 

Clint Yeatts - KLTV 7 News 

You might call last season a year of failed expectations. Both Brook Hill and Dallas Lutheran were expecting bigger things in 2008. At Brook Hill last 

fall, there was lots of talk of bringing home a state title. Lutheran had high hopes too. But in the end, both teams fell short and now both programs are 

vowing not to let that happen again. 

Last year’s district champ and runner up both return a stable full of talent. The only big change in the two schools is at the coaching position at BH. 

Terry Pirtle moves from Pine Tree ISD to take over the Guard’s private school program. 

But there is also something brewing with the several other teams in this district. Both Shelton and All Saints have some experienced players returning. 

But mark October 30th on your calendar. That’s when BH and Lutheran meet in what may be the district championship showdown and maybe even a 

preview of what could lie ahead in the playoffs. 

Brook Hill Guard 

This time last year, then Brook Hill coach Jim Klaczak 

said anything less than a state championship would be 

a disappointment for the Guard. 

BH had a great year but fell short of a state title ending 

their year at 9-2. 

In 2009 the expectations will be the same, but a new 

face will be leading the Guard. 

After 22 years in the public school system, the last as 

offensive coordinator at Pine Tree, Terry Pirtle takes 

over the program at Brook Hill. 

For BH fans, that will be one of the few new faces this 

season. Pirtle inherits a team that has a lot of young 

players returning with a year of experience under their 

belt. 

“We’ve lost some depth on the offensive and defensive 

line,” says Pirtle, “but most of our skill kids are back. I 

think you can count on the same expectations in the 

most people’s minds…the expectations are to be a 

contender.” 

He certainly has a great start toward that in Jeremy 

Chaepplle. The senior that moved to BH last year, 

was an All-State performer on defense. “Jeremy is a 

pure athlete,” says Pirtle, “He is already getting some 

looks from Division One schools. He’ll be relied on to 

make plays on offense and defense.” 

Pirtle will be moving Chappelle from linebacker to 

safety and on offense, expect the ball to be up in the 

air headed his way more than last year. 

Junior Tyler Baker will run the offense at QB again. He 

Garland Christian 

Swordsmen 

Rebuilding a program from the ground up is not an 

easy job, but that’s what landed in the lap of head 

coach Paul Johnston when he arrived at Garland 

Christian last summer. 

In the two previous seasons, the Swordsmen had 

gone a combined 1-20. So last years 3-7 season that 

included a trip to the playoffs was something new for 

the Swordsmen. 

Heading into 2009 the program is still nowhere close 

was a 2nd team All-State performer at the position as 

well as All-State on defense. “We are going to throw 

the ball more,” says Pirtle, “we’ll be in the spread a lot, 

but I’m a real multiple formation guy, so you’ll see a lot 

of different looks.” 

While graduation robbed the line on both sides of the 

ball, a couple of “big” guys are back including 6’5” 280 

pound lineman Heath Dickey. 

On defense, you’ll see a lot of the same faces. In fact, 

Pirtle has told his guys a lot of folks will be going both 

ways this fall including Chappelle, Baker and Dickey. 

Sophomore Ross Lee, who was the leading tackler 

last season, will also be expected to lead the Guard 

Defense. 

But first things first…Coach Pirtle says he wants to 

begin his time at Brook Hill with a change of mentality 

inside the Guard locker room. “Coming from public 

schools for 22 years, there are some things I want to 

change, like a sense of urgency in workouts. Having 

kids understand what practice is and how it correlates 

to Friday nights. Trying to get that public school 

mentality…something more of an edge. The public 

school mentality is pretty hard core which is what 

makes football in Texas great.” 

A mentality that just might be the key in helping the 

Guard meet their fans’ expectations in 2009. 


Jeremy Chappell Senior WR/S 6’3” 200 

Tyler Baker Junior QB/S 5/10” 175 

Tallen Harris Junior OL/LB 5’10” 195 

Jamel Bell Senior RB/OLB 6’1” 180 

to where Johnston wants it to be. 

His quarterback Arron Peterson and his back-up were 

both seniors. And Johnston says he has no idea who 

can fill the job. 

His only all district player, WR Matt Winkelmeyer 

graduated as well leaving the stable awfully empty 

at Garland Christian. “We are extremely, extremely 

young and extremely inexperienced,” says Johnston, 

“I’ve got some kids that are out here for the very first 

time.” 

Garland’s football program may be the victim of 

success in other areas. With winning traditions in 

Heath Dickey Senior OL/DL 6’5” 280 

Courtney Thomas Senior OL/DL 6’6” 290 

Ross Lee Soph RB/LB 5’9” 170 

J.B. Moss Soph WR/K/CB 5’10” 160 

Jared Dickey Soph WR/OLB 6’3” 195 

Matt Ruark Junior RB/LB 6’1” 180 

Zach Cool Senior RB/CB 5’11” 170 

Mascot: 

Guard 

Headmaster: 

Rod Fletcher 


Head Coach: Terry Pirtle 



Schedule 

8/28 Hawkins @All Saints 7:30 

9/4 Open 

9/11 San Augustine Away 7:30 

9/18 Dallas Spruce Home 7:30 

9/25 Big Sandy Away 7:30 

10/2 Acadian Prep Home 7:30 

10/9 *Garland Christian Away 7:30 

10/16 *All Saints Away 7:30 

10/23 *Dallas Shelton Home 7:30 

10/30 *Dallas Lutheran Away 7:30 

11/6 *Coram Deo Home 7:30 

*denotes district games 

baseball and basketball Johnston has found it difficult 

to get some athletes to come out for football. 

Joel Ramirez is one of the few returning seniors. He 

should make an impact on the offensive and defensive 

line. He along with senior Brian Mogish and junior Ben 

Trotter are part of only a handful of returning starters. 

Johnston says winning some district games and 

making it to the playoffs was a positive way to end 

2008. He hopes some of that winning attitude can 

carry over when the Swordsmen hit the field come 

August. 

cont. 

Garland Christian 


Brian Mogish Senior DL 5’4” 120 

Joel Ramirz Senior OL/DL 6’1” 205 

Ben Trotter Junior LB/RB 6’1” 185 

Mascot: 

Swordsmen 

Student enrollment 125 

Administrator: Linda Glassel 


All Saints Trojans 

All Saints Coach Mark Ackerman knew 2008 would 

not be easy. With only 24 players out for football and 

injuries early on, the season was a real challenge. 

The Trojans finished the 2008 season at 3-7 playing 

mostly freshman and seniors but this spring things are 

looking up for this young football program. 

38 players came out for spring ball, the most ever for 

an All Saints season. And there would have been 

more except the AS baseball team was out winning a 

baseball state title during spring drills. While the senior 

class is still pretty small, Coach Ackerman is excited 

about his group of underclassmen. 

“We will have a JV team for the first time. We are going 

to try and keep our younger kids on the JV. Maybe 

one or two will play up. We’ve got the chance now to 

keep and build a real solid JV team.” 

With more numbers comes more opportunity. In the 

past, Coach Ackerman has had to create a quarterback. 

This year sophomore Benjamin Taylor came out for 

spring ball and coach thinks he has found a QB he can 

build a program around. “Benjamin is a really good 

athlete,” says Coach Ackerman, “this gives us a place 

to start building for the next couple of years.” 

Dallas Shelton 

Chargers 

The Chargers ended 2008 third in district. Coach 

Phillip Carroll thinks a few less mental errors and 

things would have been much different. “We were just 

outplayed by Brook Hill,” says Carroll, “we made a lot 

of mistakes against Lutheran. That has got to be our 

priority this year, cutting down on mental errors.” 

The Chargers did grab the third playoff spot but lost in 

the first round to Carrolton Christian. 

Shelton only loses four seniors off that team including 

All-State punter Kevin Hardy and Quarterback Brent 

Olsen. 

While QB is still undecided for 2009, Coach Carroll 

has some experience in other areas to work with this 

season. 

All-District linebacker Dylan Maxwell will be the key and 

provide some senior leadership. He was captain as a 

junior and should be key in the Chargers’ success. 

Head Coach: 

Paul Johnston 



Schedule 

8/28 Richardson Canyon Creek Home 7:30 


9/11 Colleyville Covenant Away 7:30 

9/18 Carrolton Christian Home 7:30 

There are only four seniors out for football but they 

will be expected to help encourage their younger 

teammates. Senior Harrison Jenkins will be a key 

player on the offensive and defensive lines, while senior 

Jay Harden will play a big role in the secondary. 

They’ll be helping guys like sophomore linebacker 

Hale Buckley navigate varsity football. 

While the numbers are certainly encouraging, Coach 

Ackerman is quick to point out the Trojans still have a 

lot of work to do. “We want to win. We are not setting 

state championship goals just yet but we know we can 

win. We want to be the first AS team to win more than 

4 games. And we want to be the first to make the 

playoffs. These are goals I think we can achieve in 

2009,” says Ackerman. 


Harrison Jenkins Senior OL/DE 6’3” 185 

Brian Allen Junior OL/DE 5’11” 205 

Jay Hardin Senior WR/DB 5’10” 160 

Hale Buckley Soph RB/LB 5’10” 160 

Mascot: 

Headmaster: 

Trojan 

Art Burke 

Expectations are pretty high this summer around the 

Charger locker room. If they can stay healthy and cut 

down the mistakes they may just do more than take 

that third playoff spot come November. 


Dylan Maxwell Senior FB/LB 6’2” 220 

Alyn Jackson Senior RB/LB 6’2” 220 

James Mitchell Senior OL/DL 5’10” 220 

Mark Gallemore Senior OL/DL 5’10” 230 

Mascot 

Charger 

Head of School Susanne Stell 

HS enrollment 200 

Head Coach 

Phillip Carroll 



9/25 Open 

10/2 McKinney Christian Home 7:30 

10/9 *Brook Hill Home 7:30 

10/16 *Dallas Shelton Away 7:30 

10/23 *Dallas Lutheran Home 7:30 

10/30 *Coram Deo Academy Away 7:30 

11/6 *Tyler All Saints Away 7:30 


HS Enrollment 195 

Head Coach 

Mark Ackerman 



Schedule 

8/29 Buffalo Home 2:00 

9/4 Open 

9/11 Timpson Away 7:30 

9/18 Prince of Peace Away 7:30 

9/25 Ft Worth Temple Home 7:30 

10/2 Fruitvale Home 7:30 

10/9 *Dallas Lutheran Away 7:30 


10/23 *Coram Deo Away 7:30 

10/30 *Dallas Shelton Home 7:30 

11/6 *Garland Christian Home 7:30 


Schedule 

8/28 Arlington Oakridge Away 7:30 

9/4 Richardson Canyon Creek Away 7:30 

9/11 John Paul II Away 7:30 

9/18 Ft Calvary Christian Away 7:30 

9/25 Irving the Highlands Home 7:30 

10/2 Open 

10/9 *Coram Deo Home 7:30 

10/16 *Garland Christian Home 7:30 

1023 *Brook Hill Away 7:30 

10/30 *All Saints Away 7:30 

11/6 *Dallas Lutheran Home 7:30 


12 13


Dallas Lutheran Lions 

The Lions’ den is another place where expectations 

are growing again this summer. 

Lutheran finished the season at 5-7, finishing district at 

4-1 and going two rounds deep into the playoffs 

“And we were real, real young last season too,” says 

head coach Nathan Robbins. “We played a tough nondistrict 

schedule. We had a sophomore QB get hurt… 

that with several other injuries we just were not able to 

score as many points as we wanted.” 

Ben Hartley will jump in as a junior to run the Lions 

triple option. “He’s ready for full time,” says coach 

Hartley, “Ben will make all the reads in our option; he 

is a very athletic young man.” 

On defense, one of the few returning seniors, Steven 

Ford will be calling the signals as middle linebacker. 

“He is smart and athletic and will do great things for 

us,” says Hartley. 

Hartley looks forward to a rematch with Brook Hill 

come district play but he also expects this to be a 

much closer district race. 

“The rest of the district is drawing a lot closer together,” 

says Hartley, “winning district games by 40 or more is 

probably not going to happen this season.” 

Hartley is hoping with more experience he’ll see fewer 

mistakes on Friday nights and more wins and maybe 

even a district title by November. 


Ben Hartley Junior QB/DB 6’1” 190 

Grant Klembara Junior RB/SS 5’8” 175 

Steven Ford Senior OL/MLB 6’2” 207 

Nate Koeneman Junior OL/DL 6’2” 232 

Mascot: 

Lions 

Executive Director Dave Bangert 


Head Coach 

Nathan Robbins 

Returning Off Starters 6 

Returning Def Starters 5 

Schedule 

8/28 Pantego Christian Home 7:30 

9/4 Lutheran South Home 7:30 

9/11 Scurry Rosser Away 7:30 

9/18 Lutheran North Away 7:30 

9/25 Open 


10/9 *All Saints Home 7:30 

10/16 *Coram Deo Away 7:30 

10/23 *Garland Christian Away 7:30 


11/6 *Dallas Shelton Away 7:30 


TAPPS D-3 Div 3 

Pre-Season 


1. Dallas Lutheran 

2. Brook Hill 

3. Dallas Shelton 

4. All Saints 

5. Coram Deo Academy 

6. Garland Christian 

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2009 tiger Football Schedule 

Date OppOnent LOcatiOn time 

Sept. 5 ..............Wisconsin-La Crosse ...........ETBU/Ornelas Stadium ................ 11:00 a.m. 

Sept. 12.............Redlands ............................Redlands, CA .................................7:00 p.m. 

Sept. 19.............*Sul Ross State ....................Alpine, TX ........................................ 1:00 p.m. 

Sept. 26.............*Texas Lutheran ...................ETBU/Ornelas Stadium .................. 7:00 p.m. 

Oct. 3 ................*McMurry .............................Abilene, TX .................................... 2:00 a.m. 

Oct. 10 ..............*Hardin-Simmons .................ETBU/Ornelas Stadium .................. 6:00 p.m. 

Oct. 17 ..............*Louisiana College ..............Pineville, LA ................................... 2:00 p.m. 

Oct. 24 ..............◊*Mississippi College ...........ETBU/Ornelas Stadium .................. 6:00 p.m. 

Oct. 31 ..............*Mary Hardin-Baylor .............Belton, TX ...................................... 1:00 p.m. 

Nov. 14 ..............*Howard Payne ....................ETBU/Ornelas Stadium ................. 1:00 p.m. 

*American Southwest Conference game 

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14 15

One memorable comment from a John Tyler Lions fans may have summed up the 

2008 season perfectly. The Lions played tough teams tough and suffered some 

tough losses. 

A 5-6 team, three of the Lions six losses were by a margin of three points or less, 

including a 13-12 loss to 5A powerhouse Lufkin. From September 12th-October 17th 

of 2008, John Tyler went on a five game winning streak. The Lions were contenders 

for a share of the district title on the final regular season game. The Lions were 

defeated by DeSoto 21-17 that night but would still see the postseason. 

Of those narrow defeats, the most heartbreaking was a one-point loss to Lake 

Highlands in the area playoffs. The Lions came up short 28-27 in the final minutes 

of the game. 

“That was one of the things we talked about in the offseason was finishing,” Coach 

Dereck Rush said. “That was actually our motto last year, ‘Finishing Games.’ “This 

year it is going to be ‘One Day at a Time.’ We want to focus on doing the small things 

right. Hopefully, doing that in those games that are close in the fourth quarter will 

turn into a win. We need to just focus on our assignments.” 

Despite a stellar five game win streak, the Lions also went on a four game losing skid 

to end their season. Coach Rush says he is also preaching focus to his players. 

“If they can focus on that one game, just take it one game at a time, then hopefully 

they will be looking up at the end of the season as champions,” Rush said. 

After being called a young team for the past two years, the Lions now have veteran 

experience. There are seven returning starters on offense for the Lions this season 

and five returning starters on defense. 

“The bulk of our coaching staff is back as well and anytime you’ve got that 

experience with the players and the coaches, it helps you to be successful,” Rush 

said. “We’ve got a group of seniors coming in that played last year and made it two 

rounds deep in the playoffs. “ 

“Our experience will be our strength on offense or defense. Defensively we lost four 

great guys to graduation. We’ve had some young guys that stepped up, guys that 


Jesse Diaz Senior K 5’11” 195 

David Bush Junior WR 5’8” 165 

Joe Bayonne Senior LB 5’11” 200 

Antjuan Lee Junior LB 5’11” 215 

Mascot: 

Lions 

Student Enrollment: 2,100 

Superintendent: Dr. Randy Reid 

Head Coach: Dereck Rush (3rd Year) 

Returning Starters on Offense: 7 

Returning Starters on Defense: 5 

District 11-5A District 11-5A 

“One Day At A Time” New Motto For John Tyler’s 2009 Campaign 

Maya Golden - Former KLTV Sports Director 

Schedule 

8/28 Texas High Away 7:30 

9/4 Lufkin Home 7:30 

9/11 Arlington Lamar Home 7:30 

9/18 Wichita Falls Rider Away 7:30 

9/25 Lewisville Home 7:30 

10/2 OPEN 

10/9 Mesquite Horn* Away 7:30 

10/16 Mesquite* Away 7:30 

10/23 North Mesquite* Home 7:30 

10/30 Tyler Lee* Home 7:30 

11/6 DeSoto* Home 7:30 


played backup roles last year. Those guys had a great spring and hopefully that can 

carry over to fall practice.” 

Returning for the Lions are first team all-district running backs Ky’ordric Black and 

Kendrick Chancellor, first team all-district defensive lineman Gerron Anthony, and 

first team all-district defensive tackle Ashton Dorsey and defensive lineman Antjuan 

Lee. 

The college recruiters have also set their sights on several of the Lions’ players. 

Wide receiver and safety Tarik Spencer worked out for scouts from New Mexico, 

and Rush says linebackers Cliff Caldwell and Alvin Arps are among several grabbing 

collegiate looks. 

Defensive tackle Ashton Dorsey made a verbal commitment to play football for 

the University of Texas after receiving offers from Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, 

Tulsa and UCLA. Wide receiver Ricky Collins verbally committed to play college 

ball at Southern Methodist University. He will be joined at SMU by teammate 

and quarterback Jeremy Johnson who also made a verbal commitment to the 

university. 

“With attention being placed on those guys after having strong seasons last year, 

that could give them another boost on the playing field this year,” Coach Rush 

said. 

In his third season as the Lions head coach, Coach Rush says he has seen a 

transformation in the way his players carry themselves on and off the field. 

“I think they’ve got a little more swagger and confidence,” Rush said. “Another 

key to this season will be our playing together as a team. If they can do that and 

practice, not be selfish, our program can only continue to grow.” 

As for the coaches observations on how his team looks heading into the 2009 

season, Rush likes what he has seen so far. 

“Only time will tell this season,” he said, “but we had a pretty good off season and a 

pretty good spring. Now let’s have a good fall.” 

Scan the practice field and instantly two things stand out about the 2009 Lee Red 

Raiders: They are big and they are fast. Glancing at the “Players to Watch” list, fans 

and opponents will notice just about every player is six foot or taller and no less 

than 180 pounds. That’s a good indicator of the Red Raiders roster and the type of 

athletes competitors can expect to face this season. 

However, Coach Mike Owens says looks can be deceiving when it comes to height 

and weight and he’s picked only the best athletes to step onto the field. 

“In high school you can have a 5’8” guy that is as good, and then a 6’3” guy that 

can’t play as well,” Owens said. “Everyone would like to have a 6’3” cornerback, but 

if they can’t play it doesn’t matter. We are going to put the best players on the team, 

tall or short, big or skinny.” 

The Red Raiders are coming off their co-district championship win in 2008 after 

going 7-5 overall, 4-1 in district. The Red Raiders season came to an end in the 

area playoffs last year against the Garland Owls in a close 13-10 defeat. 

“I think we played pretty well towards the end of the year,” Owens said. “Those kids 

accomplished a lot last year. We’ve got a lot of returning starters on defense. Our 

kids were as good as they have ever been on defense last year. We were able to get 

to the second round (of the playoffs). Hopefully this year we can do a little better.” 

Owens expects the defense to be the strength of the Red Raiders team again this 

season with five starters returning. 

The defense features some big time college recruits. Linebacker Blake Roberts and 

safety Chris Dinkins both verbally committed to play at TCU. 

During the spring, linebacker Austin Wilson had offers from schools including 

Kansas, Kansas State, the University of Houston, and Northwestern in Chicago. 

Senior defensive end Patrick Howard was also being recruited by the University of 

Houston and Stephen F. Austin State University. 

“We probably have six to eight guys that will be college football players and most 

of them are on the defensive side of the ball,” Owens said. “We have some other 

players that if they play well this year they will get some offers as well. “ 

Owens was quick to stress that despite all of the collegiate attention his players 

have garnered, that was by no means an indicator of the level of success his team 

could enjoy this season. 


Luke Wagner Senior QB 6’2” 190 

Thomas Lacy Senior OT 6’3” 300 

Derrick Dunn Senior OT 6’3” 285 

Greg Holsten Senior OL 6’2” 260 

Marquise Mosley Junior WR 6’4” 190 

Dennis Edwards Junior WR 6’2” 180 

Da Da Brown Senior TB 5’8” 170 

Blake Roberts Senior LB 6’3” 217 

Austin Wilson Senior LB 6’0” 208 

Patrick Howard Senior DE 6’2” 260 

Chris Dinkins Senior S/QB 6’2” 202 

Ben George Senior CB 6’0” 180 

Cordero Blaylock Senior DE 6’3” 190 

Josh Williams Senior DE 6’3” 200 

A “Big and Fast” Robert E. Lee Is Ready For a 

Deep Run in The Playoffs 

Maya Golden - Former KLTV Sports Director 

Mascot: 

Red Raiders 


Superintendent: Dr. Randy Reid 

Head Coach: Mike Owens (15th Year) 



Schedule 

8/28 Lufkin Away 7:30 

9/5 Longview Home 7:30 

9/11 Dallas Kimball Away 7:30 

9/18 Abilene Home 7:30 

9/25 Marcus Away 7:30 

10/2 OPEN 

“Just because you have some big recruits doesn’t mean you are going to 

automatically get in the playoffs,” he said. “We are reminding the kids they’ve got 

to put in the work.” 

Owens believes offensively the Red Raiders will be a better team in 2009. 

“I think our offensive line will be better than it was last year,” he explained. “We 

have three returning starters out of the five. Thomas Lacy, Derrick Dunn, and Greg 

Holsten are all experienced. They played in 12 games last year.” 

At the skill positions, the Red Raiders get another big boost from returning running 

back Da Da Brown. Brown finished 2008 with 1,236 yards rushing and averages 

6.3 yards a carry. At 5’8”, Brown is not the biggest player on the field, but he can 

certainly be the most explosive. 

“He’s not very big but he makes big plays,” Owens said. “He’s being looked at by 

SFA.” 

The role of quarterback will be split throughout the season by Chris Dinkins and 

returning starter Luke Wagner. 

“Chris will play some of what we call j-back and inside receiver as well. Luke started 

20 games for us and will be good at the position.” 

“We have a lot of speed and there are some things we’ve got to work on with our 

passing game,” Owens said. “But we’re in good shape.” 

For another season, the Red Raiders start their schedule against some of the best 

in the state of Texas. Lee opens against Lufkin. Then the Red Raiders face Class 

4A Division I state finalist Longview, a former district mate before realignment. The 

challenging non-district schedule continues with games against Kimball, Abilene 

and Marcus.” 

“My philosophy is that we have to play people that are similar to the people we are 

going to have to play in the district. DeSoto is one of the most athletic and talented 

schools in any sport and we must match that type of speed and that ability in our 

non-district opponents,” Owens explained. 

“It would be great to play a weaker team and be 5-0 going into district. But we have 

to let our kids know how it is. It helps them. I don’t think there’s anything that can 

replace playing quality competition.” 

“It’s never going to be easy, never has been.” 

10/9 *Mesquite Home 7:30 

10/16 *DeSoto Home 7:30 

10/23 *Mesquite Horn Away 7:30 

10/30 *John Tyler Away 7:30 

11/6 *North Mesquite Away 7:30 


16 17

District 11-5A 

Desoto Favored to Take District, But It Won’t Come Easy 

Maya Golden - Former KLTV Sports Director & Reid Kerr - KLTV New 

Desoto was the runaway pick by the district coaches to take the 11-5A crown. After all, they have eight offensive and defensive starters back from a 

team that went two rounds deep into the playoffs. 

Their sophomore QB is back as well as their leading rusher. 

But the other five teams are not giving up the title just yet. All the coaches seemed to agree that Robert E. Lee and John Tyler could easily make a run 

at the district championship. 

The Mesquite schools haven’t thrown in the towel either. Horn got its first taste at a playoff schedule and Mesquite and North Mesquite have plenty of 

talent back this year. 

Most of the coaches agree there will be no “easy” nights when district begins in October. 

Mesquite Skeeters 

The Mesquite Skeeters missed the playoffs last year, 

going 5-5 and staying home for the postseason for the 

first time since 2003. 

Mesquite will rely on their offense to set the tone, since 

the team returns eight starters for the 2009 season. 

Wide receiver Tim Paris is a player to watch for the 

Skeeters. At six-feet-five, Paris is a two-sport threat 

for Mesquite. 

“He’s been a big-time basketball player for us,” 

Mesquite head coach Robbie Robinson said, “but 

football really became his main sport last year. He 

really became a weapon for us; with his size he can 

really go up and get it.” 

In the backfield, Mesquite will rely on seniors Greg 

Fason and Robert Marshall. 

“They split time last year,” Robinson said. “Greg’s also 

playing some safety for us, he’s really explosive, a fast 

kid.” 

“Marshall was a running back, but he’s also played 

really well at linebacker. For whichever side of the ball 

he’ll play on most of the time, the jury is still out on 

that one.” 

Mesquite Horn Jaguars 

In 2008, Mesquite Horn went where no other Jaguars 

team had gone before. They finished the season at 

4-7, and playing their first ever playoff game. 

“We finished the season with a lot of momentum,” 

second year head coach Rodney Webb said. “We not 

only made the playoffs for the first time, but we beat 

Mesquite and North Mesquite for the first time. Beating 

Mesquite in the last week put us in, and also knocked 

them out.” 

“That victory last year went a long way towards getting 

rid of that ‘little brother’ stigma that Horn has had. For 

the first time, we were the team on top.” 

Webb said the playoff appearance carried over into 

the spring and summer. 

While the Skeeters are strong with returning players, 

the man who takes the snaps will be new. 

“Having that many kids with experience playing, that’ll 

help out with a new quarterback. Davian Harper will 

be our starter.” 

On defense, Mesquite will be rebuilding. Mar’Shauwn 

Grays is their lone returning starter. 

“He’s a really good cover corner,” Robinson said. “He’s 

our guy that we put on the big-time receivers.” 

As for the rest of his defense, Robinson said there’s 

lots of room for effort. 

“We’re going to have to do a great job of flying to the 

ball. I think we have a chance to be good, but we’ve 

got a lot of young kids who have to step up and make 

sure things get done.” 


Tim Paris Senior WR 

Mar’Shauwn Grays Senior DB 

Robert Marshall Senior RB/LB 

Greg Fason Senior RB/S 

“Our sub-varsity was really successful, so combined, 

we had a lot of confidence coming into the off-season. 

Our kids have a good work ethic so we had no 

problems getting them to work in the off-season.” 

The Jaguars will have six returners on offense, led by 

quarterback Emory Miller. 

“I wouldn’t trade Emory for any quarterback in the 

state of Texas,” Webb said. “He’s got everything you 

want in a high school quarterback. He’s a leader. It’s a 

cliché, but he’s an extension of the coaching staff. He 

has full command of the offense on the field, and he 

makes good decisions.” 

The Jaguars will return running back Travis Brewster, 

a senior looking to make up for a rough junior years. 

“He just never got on track last year,” Webb said, “He 

missed time with injuries.” 

Mascot: 

Skeeters 


Superintendent: Dr. Linda Henrie 

Head Coach: Robbie Robinson 



Schedule 

8/29 Lake Highlands @Frisco 7:30 

9/4 Hebron Away 7:30 

9/10 Naaman Forest Hanby 7:00 

9/18 Southlake Carroll Away 7:30 


10/2 OPEN 

10/9 Robert E Lee* Away 7:30 

10/16 John Tyler* Hanby 7:30 

10/23 Desoto* Away 7:30 

10/30 North Mesquite* Memorial 7:30 

11/6 Horn* Hanby 7:30 


Webb has high hopes for Brewster, who he said 

reminds him of another former 11-5A running back. 

“He reminds me a lot of (former John Tyler and now 

Oklahoma State tailback) Kendall Hunter. He’s got a 

similar build and running style, he can go.” 

Horn returns three starters on defense, including junior 

defensive ends Jared Tyler and Stephon Sanders. 

“We’re going to be young on defense,” Webb admits, “I 

think we’ll be better and deeper but young.” 

After their first playoff season, Webb is looking forward 

to raising the expectations at Horn. 

“I don’t feel like last year we expected to win some of 

our games,” Webb said, “but this year we will.” 

cont, 

Mesquite Horn 


Emory Miller Senior QB 

Travis Brewster Senior RB 

Colton Davis Senior OL 

Jared Tyler Junior DE 

Stephon Sanders Junior DE 

Kyle Boyd Junior LB 

North Mesquite 

Stallions 

The Stallions finished the 2008 regular season at 4-6 

for the second straight year, but missed the playoffs. 

Desoto Eagles 

The Desoto Eagles went 6-6 in 2008, claiming another 

playoff spot and a two round postseason run for head 

coach Claude Mathis in his first season. 

Expectations are high again this year, with the Eagles 

picked to win the district by the coaches of 11-5A. 

Desoto returns eight starters on each side of the ball, 

including running back Marcus Murphy. 

Murphy was a threat on the ground and through the air 

last season, rushing for 1200 yards and catching more 

than five hundred yards worth of passes. Murphy also 

led the Eagles with 24 touchdowns scored in 2008. 

Junior Ryan Polite returns at quarterback for the 

Eagles, after a sophomore year that saw him throw for 

almost eighteen hundred yards and 17 touchdowns, 

including seven scores to returning wide receiver 

Darius Terrell. 

On defense, the Eagles will rely on a pair of returning 

linebackers in Byron Hudson and Zachary Orr. From 

his middle linebacker spot, Orr led the team with 89 

solo tackles and 70 assists, with 8 sacks. 

Cornerback Vincent Eddie also returns for Desoto on 

defense. 


Mascot: 

Jaguars 



Head Coach: Rodney Webb 



Schedule 

8/28 Arlington Martin Away 7:30 

9/4 Lake Highlands Hanby 7:30 

North Mesquite will have four starters returning on 

offense, including two pair of outstanding skill position 

players. 

In the backfield, senior Jamacia Baines and junior 

Joe Bergeron will carry the load. Combined, the pair 

accounted for seven hundred yards and seven scores 

in 2008. 

The Stallions also have a pair of receivers back in 

senior Ricki Herod and three year starter Michael 

Wheeler. Wheeler led the team with four hundred 

yards receiving and a pair of touchdowns. 

On defense, North Mesquite returns five starters. Sixfoot, 

two-hundred and ninety pound defensive tackle 

Marcus Bagley returns to anchor the line. 

Players To Watch 

Ricki Herod Senior WR 

Michael Wheeler Senior WR 

Marcus Bagley Senior DT 

Joe Bergeron Junior RB 

Jamarcia Baines Senior RB 

Mascot: 

Stallions 



Head Coach: Mike Robinson 



Marcus Murphy Senior RB 

Ryan Polite Junior QB 

Mascot: 

Eagles 


Superintendent: Lloyd Treadwell 

Head Coach: Claude Mathis 



Schedule 

8/29 Midland Lee Away 11:00 

9/4 Plano Home 7:30 

9/11 Berkner Away 7:30 

9/18 Duncanville Away 7:30 

9/25 Flower Mound Away 7:30 

10/2 OPEN 

10/9 North Mesquite* Home 7:30 

9/11 Wylie Away 7:30 

9/18 Ennis Hanby 7:30 

9/26 OPEN 

10/2 Lewisville Away 7:30 

10/9 John Tyler* Hanby 7:30 

10/16 North Mesquite* Memorial 7:30 

10/23 Robert E Lee* Hanby 7:30 


11/6 Mesquite* Hanby 7:30 



Schedule 

8/28 Rowlett Away 7:30 

9/4 North Garland Away 7:30 

9/11 Duncanville Home 7:30 

9/17 Irving MacArthur Home 7:00 

9/25 OPEN 

10/2 South Garland Home 7:00 


10/16 Mesquite Horn* Home 7:30 

10/23 John Tyler* Away 7:30 

10/30 Mesquite* Away 7:30 

11/6 Robert E Lee* Home 7:30 


10/16 Robert E Lee* Away 7:30 

10/23 Mesquite* Home 7:30 

10/30 Mesquite Horn* Home 7:30 

11/6 John Tyler* Away 7:30 

*district game 


Pre-Season 


1. Desoto 

2. Robert E. Lee 

3. John Tyler 

4. Mesquite 

5. North Mesquite 

6. Mesquite Horn 

18 19


A State Champion, A State Finalist And Two Teams That Advanced 

To The Area Playoffs 

Ryan Peterson - KLTV Sports Director & Maya Golden - Former KLTV Sports Director 

Wow. District 13-4A has become the subject of Texas football lore and both the envy and fear of competing teams 

“Obviously our district, no doubt, is one the toughest 4A districts in the state and maybe the toughest ever put together in the state of Texas,” Hallsville 

coach David Plunk said. 

“It’s just like the old 5A district with the Tyler schools and Lufkin,” Longview coach Jeff King said. “The same talent and competition. From top to 

bottom, it’s the premier district in 4A.” 

Just surviving district and making the playoffs will be an accomplishment. 

“Being in the playoffs, it’s a humbling experience,” Sulphur Springs coach Greg Owens said. “This district has not changed. That’s what makes it even 

tougher.” 

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Hallsville Bobcats 

The Hallsville Bobcats had another season of progress 

in 2008, finishing at the .500 mark with an overall 

record of 5-5, 2-4 in district. 

This year the Bobcats are an experienced team, 

looking to stand firm in one of the state’s toughest 

districts. 

“Our immediate goal is that we want to win district and 

make it to the playoffs,” Coach David Plunk said. “In 

this district, I think last year pretty much proved that if 

you can make the playoffs you have a shot to make a 

state championship.” 

“Last year we had a great season but we are in a tough 

district. It is, of course, going to be tough again.” 

A district title win for the Bobcats would be Hallsville’s 

first in football since 1999. Plunk thinks the 2009 

team has a true shot to make that goal a reality. The 

defensive line is one of the Bobcats’ strong points. 

“We had a really great spring. We’ve got a lot of 

returning starters coming back on defense,” Plunk 

explained. “Kyle Pack was the district sophomore of 

the year last year and he’s back for us. Bo Marcum 

looked strong on offense and defense.” 

The Bobcat offensive line was one area that needed 

some work. 

Longview Lobos 

When the Longview Lobos became a Class 4A school 

in 2008, the common prediction was that they would 

make it to the state championship game. 

Halfway through the season, no crystal ball or palm 

reading was needed to see the Lobos were state 

bound. After another dominating regular season, 

the Lobos won their fifth consecutive district crown. 

The Lobos were 13-3 overall in 2008 and went 6-0 in 

district. 

On December 20, 2008, Longview battled Lake Travis 

for the Class 4A Division I state championship. The 

Lobos came up short in their title bid, falling to Lake 

Travis 48-23. 

“If we can come in and develop some of our younger 

kids on the offensive line, we can be a really good 

football team,” Plunk said. 

As for the skill positions, Plunk felt he had found a 

mobile starting quarterback with a great arm in junior 

Jarrod Simpson. 

“Jarrod also had a great spring and he can be a good 

quarterback. Really, we are throwing the ball better,” 

Plunk said. “Also, Eric Mitchell is strong at receiver 

and we have several good running backs.” 

“Those guys are all solid,” Plunk said, “and if you put 

that together with our kids up front, we will be pretty 

good.” 


Bo Marcum Senior OLB 5’8” 170 

Eric Mitchell Senior FS 5’10” 180 

Jarrod Simpson Senior QB 6’3’’ 215 

Kyle Pack Junior DT 6’1” 225 

Josh Cochran Junior OL 6’6” 260 

Mascot: 

Bobcats 


Superintendent: 

Gregg Wright 

The scary thing for this year’s opponents: Most of the 

stars from that state finalist team are back and looking 

to avenge their loss in the title game. 

“That seems to be the mindset,” Coach Jeff King said. 

“I felt once we got into the off-season, the kids were 

real focused on what we want.” 

Unfair or not, 2009 will be a state championship or 

bust for the Lobos. 

“That’s a strong statement,” King said, “But that’s 

what’s expected in Longview. That’s a lot of pressure 

on these kids. We’ve talked the pressure during the 

off-season and how to handle it.” 

Head Coach: 



Schedule 

David Plunk (5th Year) 

8/28 Tatum Away 7:30 

9/4 Kilgore Away 7:30 

9/11 Jacksonville Home 7:30 

9/18 Henderson Home 7:30 

9/25 Mount Pleasant* Away 7:30 

10/2 Marshall* Home 7:30 

10/9 OPEN 

10/16 Longview Pine Tree* Away 7:30 

10/23 Longview* Home 7:30 

10/30 Texarkana Texas* Away 7:30 

11/6 Sulphur Springs* Home 7:30 


Quarterback Aaron Johnson returns to his starting 

role coming off of a season when he passed for 1,400 

yards and 15 touchdowns. Johnson also had 110 

rushes for 920 yards and 11 touchdowns. Coach King 

hopes Johnson’s experience in big games will help to 

settle the senior down. Johnson was 73/148 in pass 

attempts with seven interceptions. But King adds, not 

one player will define the team’s success. 

“We’ve got a great senior class that has a lot of 

leadership and feeds off each other. It’s going to come 

down to staying healthy, getting a few breaks and 

winning some tight ball games. “ 

cont. 

20 

21

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To make an appointment with a Trinity Clinic 

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(903) 525-2990. 


Longview Lobos 


Aaron Johnson Senior QB 6’0” 175 

Tyler McCray Senior RB 5’11” 185 

Carey Fortson Senior WR 6’0” 175 

Da’Cedric Hunt Senior TB 6’0” 195 

Alonte Darden Senior FS 5’9” 165 

Jeremiah Farley Senior DT 6’0” 235 

Bubba Vactor Senior NT 5’10” 280 

Marshall Mavericks 

A playoff team the last two seasons, the Marshall 

Mavericks survived 13-4A in 2008. It will be a tough 

test to do so again in 2009. The Mavericks lost 12 

starters, but do return several experienced seniors. 


J.C. Haigwood RB 5’9’’ 175 

Aaron Franklin SS 6’1’’ 205 

Tre Glover OL 6’2’’ 275 

Brandon Fitzgerald QB 6’2’’ 190 

Michael Harper OL 6’5’’ 310 

Mount Pleasant Tigers 

It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that last season’s 3-7 

record was a disappointment for the Mount Pleasant 

Tigers. In fact, Head Coach Jimmy Thompson would 

most likely agree. 

“We have to find ways to win games,” said Thompson, 

“I think we found ways to lose games last year.” 

A different mindset might be the key to improving upon 

last season. Coach Thompson wants his team to focus 

not only on the physical game, but also the mental. 

“We let a couple of games get away from us. We 

have to be the team that finds a way to win, and that’ll 

come through with mental and physical toughness,” 

explained Thompson. 

It looks to be another tough season for the Tigers. They 

have only four players on offense and four players on 

defense returning to the starting lineup, and there is a 

question on who will start at quarterback. 

Right now, it’s a battle between Coach Thompson’s 

son Cash and Stephen Julian. Both players started 

at linebacker last season, but Thompson is currently 

leaning toward playing his son at QB. 

“I think he’ll bring the mental toughness to the field, as 

well as confidence amongst the team,” said Thompson. 

Coach Thompson also said that this team will have a 

different style of play compared to previous seasons. 


Chris Weaver Senior LB 5’9” 190 

Branson Rogers Senior LB 5’10” 185 

Addison McGee Senior CB 5’7” 165 

Joe Brown Senior CB 5’9” 180 

Mascot: 

Lobos 


Superintendent: Dr. James Wilcox 

Head Coach: John King (6th Year) 



Mascot: 

Mavericks 


Superintendent: Dr. J Brian Nichols 

Head Coach: Thedrick Harris 



Schedule 

8/28 Jacksonville Home 7:30 

9/4 Shreveport Huntington Home 7:30 

“We’re going to be a different type of team this 

season,” said Thompson, “We’ll run at you and gain 3 

or 4 yards, and then run at you again.” 

Although the Tigers will be tested this next season, 

Coach Thompson is confident in his players rising to 

the occasion. “You know we’ll have some hard-nosed 

players.” 


Cash Thompson 

QB/LB 

Austin Turner 

RB/LB 

Ed Ordaz 

OL/DL 

Landon Whitaker 

RB/LB 

Jalen Stephens Junior OL/DL 

Stephen Julius Junior QB/LB 

Mascot: 

Tigers 


Superintendent: Terry Myers 

Head Coach: Jimmy Thompson 



Schedule 

8/28 Allen Home 7:30 

9/5 Tyler Lee Away 7:30 

9/11 Natchitoches Central Home 7:30 


9/25 Texas High* Away 7:30 




10/23 Hallsville* Away 7:30 

10/29 Pine Tree* TMF Rose Stadium 7:30 

11/6 OPEN 



9/18 Monroe Neville Away 7:30 

9/25 OPEN 


10/9 Pine Tree* Home 7:30 

10/16 Longview* Away 7:30 

10/23 Texas High* Home 7:30 

10/30 Sulphur Springs* Away 7:30 

11/6 Mount Pleasant* Home 7:30 


Schedule 

8/28 Nacogdoches Home 7:30 

9/04 Liberty Eylau Home 7:30 

9/11 Henderson Away 7:30 

9/18 Royse City Home 7:30 

9/25 Hallsville* Home 7:30 

10/02 Pine Tree* Away 7:30 


10/16 Texarkana Texas* Away 7:30 


10/30 OPEN 

11/06 Marshall* Away 7:30 


22 

23

Sulphur Springs 

Wildcats 

If the country did not know where Sulphur Springs, 

Texas was before 2008, last season most certainly put 

the city on the US football map. 

Led by a full arsenal of talent, the Wildcats won the 

Class 4A Division II state championship in 2008. It 

was the first state championship in football in Sulphur 

Springs school history. 

The Wildcats were 14-2 and the runner up in District 

13-4A behind state finalist Longview. 

“Anything happens in the playoffs, that’s what I really 

learned last season,” Coach Greg Owens said. “We 

happened to get better as the year progressed. Every 

ballgame we got more and more explosive and were 

difficult to defend.” 

At the helm of the championship team were star 

quarterback Tyrik Rollison, defensive end Colton 

Nash and running back Ryan Young. Rollison will 

play college ball at Auburn University this fall, with 

Nash playing for the Arkansas Razorbacks and Young 

suiting up for Air Force. 

Coach Greg Owens knows that type of talent on one 

roster is rare and said those caliber of players cannot 

be replaced. 

“We’ve got some big shoes to fill,” Owens said. 

“Tyrik, Ryan and Colton, Those guys were big time 

playmakers, those kids brought such leadership to the 

team.” 

However Owens’ loss is cushioned by the return of 12 

starters in 2009. 

“I’m excited about the crew we have coming back. 

They are athletic but need some experience as far as 

playing on Friday nights.” 

Filling the role of quarterback this season will be 

Colton Lee. The 6’4” senior was a backup the last two 

seasons. 

“He doesn’t have a whole lot of Friday night experience, 


got the he’s got the ability and he’s a great athlete that 

can run,” Owens explained. “He’s just going to have to 

learn to read defenses and put the ball where it needs 

to go.” 

Owens has several Division I recruits on his roster. 

Senior Bryant Jackson verbally committed to play 

defensive back at the University of Texas. Bryant had 

100 tackles and five interceptions for Sulphur Springs 

in 2008 and also plays at wide receiver. 

“He’s a 6’4” kid that can run and gives you that height 

to go out and cover receivers,” Owens said. “He’s very 

athletic. He went to regionals in the long and triple 

jump. We will play him on both sides of the ball. He’s 

every explosive on offense.” 

Receiver Shane McQueen is back for what the 

Wildcats hope to be another standout season. In 2008 

on 47 receptions, McQueen had 15 touchdowns and 

972 receiving yards. On defense, linebacker Tyler 

Higginbotham returns after racking up 133 sacks and 

a total of 180 tackles in 2008. 

Last year’s air attack was a major threat to opponents. 

Owens said their game will be more varied this 

season. 

“We were pass heavy last year mostly because of the 

athletes we had out on the field. Next year most of the 

linemen are back and we are going, so we are going to 

lean on them. We’re going to do whatever is working 

at the time.” 

On the offensive line, Beau Carpenter is heavily 

recruited by schools including Texas Tech, Oklahoma 

State, Kansas, Missouri, and the SEC has jumped in 

with Vanderbilt in pursuit. 

Also helping to anchor the line is Mason Y’Barbo 

who has had offers from Northwestern Louisiana and 

Houston. 

”These two guys will definitely be our leadership and 

give us protection while also giving us the ability to 

open up holes.” 

“It’s going to be a good year for us,” Owens said. “Our 

kids have to step up and rise to the challenge, the 

district has not changed.” 


Bryant Jackson Senior DB/WR 6’4” 180 

Shane McQueen Senior WR 5’10” 165 

Mason Y’Barbo Senior OL 6’2” 300 

Beau Carpenter Senior OL 6’6” 240 

Kedrick Dial Senior DE 6’5” 220 

Tyler Higginbotham Senior LB 6’0” 210 

Colby Suggs Senior OL 6’0” 240 

Triston Crook Senior DB 5’10” 160 

Sharard Timmons Junior DB/WR 6’2” 170 

Mascot: 

Wildcats 


Superintendent: Patsy Bolton 

Head Coach: Greg Owens (5th Year) 



Schedule 

8/28 Paris Away 7:30 

9/4 Whitehouse Home 7:30 

9/11 Wichita Falls Rider Away 7:30 

9/18 Mesquite Poteet @Memorial 7:30 

9/25 Pine Tree* Home 7:30 

10/2 Longview* Away 7:30 


10/16 OPEN 





Texas High Tigers 

Schedule 

8/28 John Tyler Home 7:30 

9/4 Lake Hamilton Home 7:30 

Pine Tree Pirates 

It’s a new era at Pine Tree as Huey Chancellor takes 

over as head coach. Chancellor will have to deal with 

maybe the top district in the state of Texas. 

The Pirates hope to improve on a two win season and 

last place finish in district. Pine Tree was low on wins, 

but is not low on talent in 2009. 

Senior Tyler Kids is the Pirates version of ‘slash.’ Kids 

played a key role on offense, defense and special 

teams in 2008. 

Pine Tree has good size on the offensive line that 

should help them against a physical schedule. 

“We hope to bring a new energy and some excitement 

to Pine Tree.” 


Tyler Kids Senior DB 6’1’’/185 

Steven Hawkins Senior DL 6’0’’ 240 

Niko Welch Senior OL 6’2’’ 240 


9/11 Arkansas High Away 8:00 

9/18 OPEN 


10/2 OPEN 


Breynon Henderson Senior LB 6’0’’ 195 

Justin Hopkins Junior OL 6’0’’ 270 

Mascot: 

Pirates 


Superintendent: Lynn Whitaker 

Head Coach: Huey Chancellor 



Schedule 

8/28 Pleasant Grove Away 7:30 

9/4 Paris Home 7:30 

9/11 Lindale Home 7:30 

9/18 Paris North Lamar Away 7:30 







11/6 Pine Tree* Away 7:30 



10/23 OPEN 




13 4-A Pre-Season 


1. Longview 

2. Texas High 

3. Sulphur Springs 

4. Marshall 

5. Hallsville 

6. Mount Pleasant 

7. Pine Tree 

TriniTy MoTher Frances healTh and FiTness cenTer 

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Texas High Tigers 

The Texas High Tigers always seem to be a 

playoff contender. In 2009, the Tigers hope to be a 

championship contender. Only nine starters return 

from last year’s nine win team, but they’re important 

starters. With quarterback Nathan Sorenson leading 

the offense, the Tigers should be explosive on 

offense. 

“I think so,” Coach Barry Norton said. “Having two 

years under his (Nathan) belt. This year he was on 

a state championship relay team and state baseball 

team. That experience is going to help him. I really 

expect a lot from him. He gives us a chance to win 

every time.” 

Sorenson, who has committed to Oklahoma State, 

accounted for 25 touchdowns as a junior. The Tigers 

could be the district’s best chance at stopping the 

Longview Lobos. 

“You’d be foolish not to pick Longview as the favorite,” 

Norton said. “Sometimes the favorite doesn’t win. 

We’re not going to hand them the trophy.” 

Norton adds that the team hopes to make it past the 

second round of playoffs for the first time since 2006. 

“We had a lot of injuries last year,” he said. “If 

we stay healthy this year, we can compete for a 

championship.” 


Nathan Sorenson Senior QB 6’3” 210 

Montrae Williams Senior WR/DB 6’0” 180 

Cody Sutton Junior RB 5’9” 160 

Telvin Wilson Senior RB/LB 5’9” 188 

Eric Stewart Senior OL 5’9” 248 

Marlon Cooks Senior DT 6’0” 2778 

Tarrell Beasley Senior WR/DB 6’0” 175 

Mascot: 

Tigers 


Superintendent: James Henry Russell 

Head Coach: Barry Norton (11th Year) 



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24 

25

2009 is loaded with questions for district 14-4A. 

HENDERSON LIONS 

In 2008 Dickey Meeks was on the verge of history, just 

three wins away from a milestone 200, it seemed like 

a sure thing. 

2008 was anything but. 

“It was tough,” said Meeks, “we really struggled, and 

it showed.” 

A 1-9 year left Meeks two wins away, but six starters 

coming back on each side, should prove to be enough 

to lift Meeks to 200, and put Henderson back on the 

football map. 

“It has not been easy, but this is the 4th year of our 

system, and I think that this is one of those years 

where it can all come together.” 

Tyrell Jenkins will return under center to man the Lions 

offense, the senior passed for over 1,700 yards, but 

threw as many interceptions (14) as touchdowns (14), 

but will have talent around him, as Kyron Reese (235 

yards rushing/and 9 Rec) will return as a dual threat 

running back. 

Jenkins will have help up front, as massive 6’1, 300 

pound Justin Boose will return to anchor the offensive 

JACKSONVILLE INDIANS 

The 2008 football season was a year of new beginnings 

for the Jacksonville Indians. The 2009 season will be a 

one of improving on that good start. 

Under new head coach Steve Wells, Jacksonville 

finished with a 3-8 overall record and a 2-3 record in 

district to make their first playoff appearance since 

2004. “Last year, our motto was: You have to work 

hard to make dreams come true,” Wells said, “That 

dream was getting back in the playoff after having a 

playoff drought.” 


Plenty of Questions, So Few Answers 

Coleman Swierc - KLTV 7 Sports Anchor/Reporter 

Can Lindale repeat its surprise run to the postseason Will Whitehouse find a quarterback to replace Brady Attaway Will the Dragons from 

Nacogdoches finally break through 

So many questions and so few answers. 

Whitehouse is the favorite to take the title, but historically tough Kilgore is reloaded and ready to go, and the Eagles from Lindale, last year’s new team, 

will be out to prove 2008 was no fluke. 

“The district is tough, so tough,” said Mike Meador, Lindale Head Coach, “One week you are at Kilgore, then you have Jacksonville, then Nac, teams 

that are historically good, and every week you are up against it.” 

Jacksonville squeezed into the playoffs in 2008, and coach Steve Kelly expects the same, “We made it, but it was close, and I know that the teams in 

Henderson and Nac were not happy to stay at home. There will be no sneaking up on anyone this year.” 

Pieces of history will also be answered, Henderson’s Dickey Meeks is only 2 wins away from 200, and Whitehouse head coach Randy McFarlin is only 

6 wins from 100. 

“The district has so much talent and tradition,” said Meeks, “It really is one of those districts were the next game is just as tough as the game before, 

there will be now easy ones this year.” 

line, along with fellow 300 pounder Nico Jones, and 

junior Logan Holland. 

Defensively, the Lions should see a much improved 

group, defensive tackle Cord Fletcher will anchor the 

front four, and speedster Trey Vallier (4.6 in 40) will 

man the secondary. 

“We have talent,” said Meeks, “Now we just have to 

put it all together and get it done.” 


Tyrell Jenkins Senior QB 

Justin Boose Senior OL 

Cord Fletcher Junior DT 

Trey Vallier Junior FS/WR 

Brandon Tatum Senior WR 

Kyron Reese Senior RB/LB 

Mascot: 

Lions 


Superintendent: Bobby Brown 

Head Coach: Dickey Meeks 

Jacksonville was defeated by the Longview Lobos in 

the Bi-District playoffs 61-14. Wells said he was glad 

his team made it to the postseason but hoped for a 

much better end to his team’s season than their early 

departure in 2008. “We were able to slide in and get 

that tradition back and that was important,” Wells said, 

“I’ve told our kids that what they do in the offseason is 

the difference in what happens this next season.” 

“We were just trying to get in last year, we want to take 

it to the next level this year. “ 

The Indians will rely on young talent this season to help 

them reach their new goal. Jacksonville graduated 23 

seniors from last year’s team. 



Schedule 

8/28 Navasota Lufkin 7:00 

9/5 Carthage Away 7:30 

9/11 Mt. Pleasant Away 7:30 

9/18 Hallsville Home 7:30 

9/25 Atlanta Home 7:30 

10/2 OPEN 

10/9 *Nacogdoches Home 7:30 

10/16 *Kilgore Home 7:30 

10/23 Jacksonville Away 7:30 


11/6 Whitehouse Away 7:30 


“I look for us to be a little bit better this year honestly,” 

Wells said, “We are going to be pretty young on our 

offensive line. We are in pretty good shape at our skill 

positions. But, we don’t have depth, so it’s important 

we stay healthy.” 

As far as returning talent goes, fans should keep 

an eye on senior Kendrick Hatton. “Kendrick did a 

fantastic job in sharing the job at the tailback position 

last season. Be looking for big things. He’s the pretty 

physical type of tailback and he will make an impact 

on every play.” 

cont. 

JACKSONVILLE INDIANS 

Ryan Black steps up as quarterback. Black will 

be a junior this school year and played in the last 

four ballgames of the 2008 season, giving him the 

experience needed to take the starting role. 

At the receiver position, Wells says the role will be split 

between three or four of his players. 

On defense, Justin Jones is back for his senior season. 

The past two seasons, Jones led the Indians in tackles 

“He does a good job at the inside linebacker spot,” 

Wells said. “He’s hard to block and he just makes 

plays. He’s our defensive leader.” 

“We feel decent about what we’ve got,” Wells 

explained. “Some kids that played backup last year get 

their shot this year. They’ve got to step up.” 

KILGORE BULLDOGS 

For Kilgore in 2009, it is all about the numbers. In this 

case, it is the lack of numbers. “We are so young,” 

said head coach Mike Vallery, “so we will have to grow 

up real fast.” 

Kilgore watches only the literal handful of starters 

return, as only two on offense and three on defense 

will return for the Bulldogs. But don’t count out Kilgore, 

of the players returning, Vallery expects some real 

playmakers to emerge, including linebacker Mishaud 

Austin. A player Vallery says can be as good as he 

wants. 

“Mishaud can play, and it is going to be huge for him to 

step up and be a leader for us this year.” 

Linebacker Taylor Cantor will man the spot next 

to Austin, as the Bulldogs try and reload one of the 

toughest defenses in the district. 

Offensively, the question is “who will carry the ball” 

1,500 yard running back Frank Reddic is off to Texas 

State, leaving a huge void at running back. Braylon 

McCarty and Ladarius Anthony could be just the plugs 

to fill the hole. 

LINDALE EAGLES 

From year to year, there is always at least one team 

that has a standout season that makes football fans in 

East Texas stop and take a long hard look at what’s 

going on in that community. 

In 2008, that community was Lindale. 

The Eagles busted out of the gate, to go 6-0 early on 

with a big win over Kilgore. But the last game of the 

season, the Eagles were in contention to be co-district 

champions but fell to Jacksonville. 

Lindale was 8-3 overall and 3-2 in district. 

“They accomplished more than anybody expected 

them to,” Coach Mike Meador said, “We were picked to 

finish last in our district and we had a great opportunity 

to be the district champs. We had a better than 

expected season. I was super proud. They lived up to 



Kendrick Hatton Senior RB 

Justin Jones Senior LB 

Duke Hamilton Senior CB 

Ryan Black Junior QB 

Michael Hatton Sophomore RB 

Tedrick Tilley Junior OT 

Mascot: 

Indians 


Superintendent: Dr. Joe Wardell 

Head Coach: Steve Wells (2nd Year) 



“Braylon was mainly a blocking back for us, and a 

good one, but we are going to ask him to carry the ball 

more, and I have no reason to think that he can’t get 

the job done.” 

If anyone can get the job done it is Vallery. Two 

straight 9-3 seasons prove so but this year may be 

one of the toughest he has had to face. “We are going 

to have our work cut out for us, no doubt, but we have 

a winning tradition here in Kilgore, and I see no reason 

not to continue winning, we will just have to work out 

the kinks early, and hope we are experienced enough 

when district rolls around.” 


Ryan Bustin Senior K/P 

Shadow Stokes Senior OL 

Blayne Cole Senior TE 

Patrick Colbert Junior TE 

Mishaud Austin Senior LB 

Taylor Cantor Senior LB 

Mascot: 

Bulldogs 


my expectations and exceeded everybody else’s.” 

Meador stressed that Lindale’s success in 2008 should 

not have come as a total surprise. 

“Truthfully, for each of the last three years, we were in 

the playoff hunt all the way until to the 10th ballgame 

of the year. We were competing. I think our kids go out 

there and expect to win. We’re not as big and physical 

as a lot of teams but our kids just play harder for a 

playoff spot.” 

With the 2008 season as a thing of the past, 2009’s 

outlook for the Eagles is bright. 

“Defensively we are going to be faster,” Meador 

said, “I’ve got a lot of experience back. All four of my 

linebackers are back. I’ve got quite a few secondary 

players back as well. Our offensive line is bigger and 

we’ve got some really good skill position players.” 

One skill position Meador was eyeing closely during 

Schedule 

8/28 Marshall Away 7:30 

9/4 Corsicana Home 7:30 

9/11 Hallsville Away 7:30 

9/18 Palestine Home 7:30 

9/25 Carthage Home 7:30 

10/2 OPEN 

10/8 *Whitehouse Away 7:30 


10/23 *Henderson Away 7:30 

10/30 *Kilgore Away 7:30 

11/6 *Lindale Home 7:30 



Head Coach: 

Jody Clements 

Mike Vallery 



Schedule 



9/11 Marshall Home 7:30 

9/18 Gilmer Away 7:30 

9/25 Palestine Home 7:30 

10/2 OPEN 

10/9 *Lindale Away 7:30 

10/16 *Henderson Home 7:30 


10/30 *Jacksonville Home 7:30 

11/6 *Nacogdoches Away 7:30 


the offseason was the quarterback position. Meador 

needed to replace 2008 District 14-4A All-District first 

team quarterback Nathan Simmons. “I’ve got four 

candidates at quarterback right now,” Meador said, 

“They are all good players and good athletes. I think 

any one of them would be great as our starting QB.” 

Entering his fourth year as head coach at Lindale, 

Coach Meador believes part of the Eagles success 

has come from the growth of the program. His first 

year, many of his current players were freshman. This 

will be their final year together. 

“This is going to be a special year,” Meador said. “This 

is my first group that has gone all the way for me. They 

know that too. They know this is my fourth year and 

that they have been with me the whole time. I think 

they are going to surprise a lot of people.” 

cont. 

26 

27

LINDALE EAGLES 


Matt Broussard Senior QB/WR/DB 

Jacob Merriman Senior LB 

Keandre Ross Senior RB 

James Crews Junior WR/DB/K 

Keith Moore Senior DE 

Mascot: 

Eagles 


NACOGDOCHES DRAGONS 

Last season, the motto for the Dragons was “Eliminate 

Mediocrity,” unfortunately for head coach Bill Harper, 

his team could do no better than a mediocre, 6-4. 

This could be the season that the Dragons finally 

break through; Nac has won eleven games the past 

two seasons, but has not made the playoffs, a sore 

subject with Harper. 

“This upcoming year will be the 5th year of the 

program,” said Harper, “It is time that the folks here 

see the dividends get paid.” 

While the Dragons only return four starters on each 

side, Nacodoches played several young kids in ’08, 

and the experience should pay out big. 

Tight end LaByrant Johnson could be a star in the 

making. The 215 pounder averaged nearly 17 yards a 

catch in 2009, and should prove to be the go to target 

of the Dragon offense. 

Joining Bryant on offense will be Jermichael Smith, a 

running back who nearly cracked 1,000 yards on the 

year, while starting only half the games. 

“We have some offense, Jermichael can be a good 

one but he, like a lot of us, was inconsistent from week 

to week,” said Harper, “If we can get him going, we are 

WHITEHOUSE WILDCATS 

The question in Whitehouse, “who will be 

quarterback” 

The answer No one knows…yet. 

The loss of record breaking quarterback Brady 

Attaway has left Whitehouse in a predicament, but one 

that Coach Randy McFarlin is sure will be settled. “We 

have plenty of athletes, and right now, we don’t have 

a sure #1 guy behind center, but we do have plenty of 

guys to go around him when we find him.” 

That might be a huge understatement. 

The return of super sophomore Trey Metoyer, now 

a junior, and his 72 catches, 1,105 yards and 14 

touchdowns will serve as the focal point for the Wildcat 

offense, no matter who is under center. “Trey can just 

flat out go get it, and that is about the best way I can 

describe him,” said McFarlin. 

Alongside Metoyer, the wide out duo of Logan Newton 



Head Coach: 

Stan Surratt 

Mike Meador 



Schedule 

8/28 Spring Hill Gladewater 7:30 

9/4 Wills Point Home 7:30 

9/11 Pine Tree Away 7:30 

going be tough.” 

The anchors of the Dragon defense will not be up 

front, but will be right behind them, manning the 

middle. Linebackers Alex Howard and Javosky Ervin 

had 180 tackles between them last year, and will be 

the cornerstone of the Nacogdoches defense this 

season. 

Combined with Lavenski Rhodes and Damion Leonard 

in the defensive backfield, and the talented, albeit 

young, Dragons should prove to be better. 

“We had 8 or 9 guys on both sides of the ball that 

played a lot, they did not necessarily start every game, 

but they learned how to play and gained the experience 

that will help this team get to where it wants to be.” 


Alex Howard Senior LB 

Javosky Ervin Junior LB 

Jermichael Smith Senior RB 

Courtney Patton Senior QB 

LaBryant Johnson Senior TE 

Brandon Hughes Senior OL 

and Skip Caldwell (60 catches combined) will serve as 

a nice reminder to defenses that if you double Metoyer, 

you are asking for trouble. 

But the outside is just the starting point, of the other 7 

starters returning on offense, the running back tandem 

of DeJuan Shelton and Shundrick Beasley should give 

nightmares to opposing teams. 

The Wildcat defense, you ask They may be the best 

in the area. 

Nine starters return to the defense, and with senior 

Logan Taylor patrolling the middle, room for offenses 

will be hard to come by. “We can stop people and we 

know we can; now we just have to get out there and 

do it. Guys like Logan and Chad (Lewis) give us the 

stoppers we need in the middle.” 

A host of other defensive standouts will return, 

including Jermaine Kennedy (39 tackles) Quincy 

Aldridge (62 tackles, 5 Int) and Joey Gautney (31 

tackles) and should prove to be the anchors of the 

supremely talented Wildcat defense. 

9/18 Paris Home 7:30 

9/25 Pittsburg Away 7:30 

10/2 OPEN 


10/16 *Whitehouse Home 7:30 

10/23 *Nacogdoches Away 7:30 


11/16 *Jacksonville Away 7:30 


Mascot: 

Dragons 


Superintendent: Dr. Rodney Hutto 

Head Coach: Bill Harper 



Schedule 


9/4 Center Away 7:30 

9/11 Lufkin Home 7:30 


9/25 OPEN 

10/2 Diboll Home 7:30 


10/16 *Jacksonville Away 7:30 

10/23 *Lindale Home 7:30 





Trey Metoyer Junior WR 

Logan Newton Junior WR 

Skip Caldwell Senior WR 

Quincy Aldridge Junior DB 

DeJuan Shelton Junior DB/RB 

Jermaine Kennedy Junior DB 

Logan Taylor Senior LB 

Chad Lewis Senior LB 

Mascot: 

Wildcats 


Superintendent: Daniel DuPree 

Head Coach: Randy McFarlin 



cont. 

WHITEHOUSE WILDCATS 

Schedule 

8/28 Naaman Forest Away 7:30 

9/4 Sulphur Springs Away 7:30 

9/11 Corsicana Home 7:30 

9/18 Red Oak Away 7:30 

9/25 Celina Away 7:30 

10/2 OPEN 

10/9 *Jacksonville Home 7:30 

10/16 *Lindale Away 7:30 



11/6 *Henderson Away 7:30 






1. Whitehouse 

2. Kilgore 

3. Nacogdoches 

4. Henderson 

5. Lindale 

6. Jacksonville 

A Year of Revival, Redemption and Resurgence 


The Van Vandals are the clear favorite to take the 14-3A crown, but a host of other teams are battling for respect. 

“If we thought the district was tough last year, I can’t wait to see what is in store for this year,” said Canton head coach Lance Angel. 

It’s Angel’s team that is looking for redemption; a lackluster 2008 saw them go 5-5 and lose to Kemp in the final game of the season, costing them a 

playoff spot. 

It’s those very same Yellowjackets from Kemp that serve as an enigma for the district. Picked last in 2008, and 0-3 after the first month, the ‘Jackets 

won 6 of their last 9 to advance to the playoffs, where they stunned defending 2A state champ Farmersville in the bi-district round. 

“We now have somewhat of a target on our back, and that is something that has not happened here in a long time,” said Kemp head coach Greg 

Anderson. 

The district favorite, Van, is undergoing a slight resurgence, after missing the playoffs in three straight seasons. The Vandals rolled to the 3rd round of 

the playoffs, stating their case that they are the team to beat. 

“We have been picked first before and missed the playoffs, and we have been picked 4th or 5th and made it, we still have to go out on the field and 

prove it,” said Van head coach Brady Pennington. 

Eustace, Wills Point and Mineola may have something to say about it, as the district shapes up to be one of the toughest in the state. One district 

coach put it best, “You cannot coast on any week, if you coast, you will be beaten, and that is the bottom line.” 

CANTON EAGLES 

2009 will be the year of redemption in Canton. 

“The way we finished 2008 left a sour taste in our 

mouths and we don’t want that again,” said Head 

Coach Lance Angel. 

The recently dominant Eagles finished 5-5 and missed 

the playoffs, leaving them to wonder ‘what if’ “We 

had our chances last year, but there were times when 

we needed to line up and by physical with the other 

team, and we just could not do it, we were physically 

beaten in a few games,” said Angel. 

As the Eagles focus on being physical, it is at the skill 

positions that Canton need not worry about. Especially 

at quarterback, where signal caller Chance Wallace 

returns to man the offense, an offense that is a good 

as any that you will find. 

“As Chance goes, our offense will go,” said Angel, “We 

just have to put ourselves in positions to make plays.” 

Wallace, was an Honorable Mention All-State selection 

last year, after throwing for more than 2,700 yards and 

31 touchdowns, and has the weapons around him to 

surpass what he did in ’08. 

“We have the skill, no doubt about that, and Chance is 

one of those guys that can make things happen with 

his arm, or his feet.” 

Wallace will have no problem through the air; Canton 

brings back two of the best receivers in the district in 

Roy Denbow and Trent Termin 

“Roy can just flat go get it and sometimes you just 

have to let it go, and trust that he will do what he does 

best. Trent is the same way, and sometimes you just 

have to let it go, and trust that they will do their thing.” 

Denbow was one of the best in 2008, catching 45 

passes and 7 touchdowns, numbers that are sure 

to rise in ’09. Termin caught 49 balls in ’08 and four 

touchdowns. 

For Canton in 2009, it comes down to a mentality. 

For years Canton was a dominant force, through the 

air, on the ground, and in the minds of the opponents, 

but it was a year in which the old Canton, never 

surfaced. 

cont. 

28 

29

CANTON EAGLES 

“We have got to get back to old Canton football,” 

said Angel, “We cannot allow ourselves to be pushed 

around like we did in some games last year.” Like 

all good teams, it comes down to the offensive line, 

and it’s there that Angel says his guys are better than 

ever. 

“We have guys that have played there for a while, 

guys like Anthony (Gomez) have been a mainstay, and 

it starts up front. I know it sounds like coach-speak but 

it is the truth, and we like the guys both offensively and 

defensively that we have up front.” 

The Eagles will get their shot at redemption in the last 

game of 2009. The Eagles will host Kemp, the same 

team that beat them in Week 10 and knocked them out 

of the playoffs in 2008. 

Eustace Bulldogs 

Will the third year be the charm in Eustace 

In 2007, Eustace was a game away, but could not seal 

the deal. 

The Bulldogs got a taste of success in ’08 making the 

playoffs, before they were unceremoniously beaten by 

Nevada Community in the bi-district round. 

“We have the talent, now all we have to do is pull it 

together,” said head coach Doug Wendel. 

Wendel is in his 3rd year at Eustace, a year he believes 

is the break-through season. 

“It normally takes three years and here we are, we 

have gotten better each year and I have no reason 

to think that 2009 will be any different. With seven 

starters on offense and eight on defense returning, it 

is hard to think otherwise. “It never hurts to bring back 

kids, it makes coaching that much easier.” 

Even better for Eustace, the players coming back 

have been the backbone of the program for the past 

several seasons, including multi-season thousand 

yard rusher Trevan Johnson, the 2007 Newcomer 

of the Year, 2008 2nd Team All-District QB Chris 

Compton and 2008 unanimous All-District Tackle Nick 

Dunlap, three players that pose a deadly combination 

for opponents. 

“Offensively we are very good, I feel that we can score 

with anyone in the district, so all we have to do is put it 

KEMP YELLOWJACKETS 

How do you follow one of the most successful seasons 

that your school has seen in the past several years 

That is the question that Kemp head coach Greg 

Anderson must answer. 

“We now have a target on our back, and that is 

something that has not happened here in a long 

time.” 

After a dismal year in 2007, the ‘Jackets turned an 

0-3 start in 2008, into a 6-3 finish, and along the way 

making the playoffs and knocking off the defending 2A 



Chance Wallace Senior QB 

(2008 Hon. Mention All-State) 

Roy Denbow Junior WR 

Trent Termin Senior WR 

Jacob Harris Senior LB 

Anthony Gomez Junior OL 

Tanner Smith Junior CB 

Jonathon Roppollo Senior DE 

Mascot: 

Eagles 


Superintendent: Dr. Jerome Stewart 

Head Coach: Lance Angel 



all together when we hit the field.” 

“Chris and Trevan are two of the best the district has 

to offer, you combine that with Nick and the other guys 

we have up front, and we will be ok.” 

The defense will be no pushover, the safety 

combination of Cord Bailey and Joseph Bradburn can 

cause havoc downfield. Up front, look no farther than 

6’3, 290 lb Zach Stokes, an all-district tackle in 2008, 

to anchor what should be a much improved Bulldog 

defense. 

“Last year we did not have a real hard time moving the 

ball, but when it came down to it, in the games that we 

lost, we just could not get the stops that we needed.” 

It seems that 2009 would be the year that Eustace can 

turn the corner, a playoff appearance in ’08 says they 

have the talent, what remains to be seen is if the talent 

can translate into another successful season. 

“The district is tough, no doubt about that, but we 

expect that we will be there when the final whistle 

blows.” 


Trevan Johnson Senior RB 

Chris Compton Senior QB 

Cord Bailey Senior S 

Joseph Bradburn Senior S 

Zach Stokes Junior DT 

state champs (Farmersville) in the bi-district playoffs, 

it was a run worth the wait for Anderson. 

“Our kids had not won here in a while, so for us to be 

able to come in and finish the way we did, it showed 

the kids that you do not have to be content with the way 

things have been, you can make things different.” 

One thing that will not be different is behind center, as 

quarterback Jeremy Quick returns to lead the charge. 

“Jeremy has some of the best instincts that I have ever 

seen, he is not the fastest or strongest, but he is one 

of the best football players I have coached, and I have 

Schedule 

8/28 Commerce Home 7:30 

9/4 Edgewood Home 7:30 

9/11 Kaufman Away 7:30 

9/18 Waco Reicher Home 7:30 

9/25 Quinlan Ford Away 7:30 

10/2 OPEN 

10/9 *Wills Point Away 7:30 

10/16 *Eustace Home 7:30 

10/23 *Mineola Away 7:30 

10/30 *Van Away 7:30 

11/6 *Kemp Home 7:30 


Mascot: 

Bulldogs 


Superintendent: Dr. Coy 

Head Coach: Doug Wendel 



Schedule 

8/29 Grace Comm. @Tyler All Saints 7:00 

9/4 Dallas Life Oak Home 7:30 

9/11 Edgewood Away 7:30 

9/18 Quitman Away 7:30 

9/25 Ferris Home 7:30 

10/2 OPEN 

10/9 Mineola* Home 7:30 

10/16 Canton* Away 7:30 

10/23 Kemp* Home 7:30 

10/30 Wills Point* Away 7:30 

11/6 Van* Home 7:30 


done this for a long time.” 

Repeating the success won’t be easy, the loss of 

running backs Josh Carr and Korey Henderson leave 

Kemp with some holes behind Quick. “It will be tough 

to replace them, any coach will tell you that when you 

lose guys like that, you need someone to step up and 

fill that role, and we need someone to step up.” 

He may not have to look far, only in the defensive 

backfield, as Wes Kerr and Cris Morry seem to have 

the upper hand on the ball-carrying duties. 

cont. 

KEMP YELLOWJACKETS 

Anderson may have an easier time replacing starters 

on defense, because he won’t have to replace all the 

many. The ‘Jackets will return seven starters to the 

defense. 

“We were in the games that we lost, outside of a few 

early blowouts; we had chances, but could not get a 

stop when we needed. With guys like Lance (Roberts) 

and Johnny (Kilgore), guys that were a big part of 

winning, we can put ourselves in that position again 

and this time make the big play.” 

Kemp will not have an easy time repeating. The district 

is considerably tougher, and the ‘Jackets are looking 

at a tough pre-district schedule, noted by a re-match 

with Brownsboro in week zero; the same Bear team 

that beat Kemp 39-0 last season. Follow that with a 

home game against 4A Mabank, and the schedule will 

provide an early test for the ‘Jackets. 

“This year will not be easy, but no year ever is, we look 

forward to being the hunted, not the hunter.” 

MINEOLA 

YELLOWJACKETS 

Last season Mineola had a chance, only to fumble it 

away, literally. 

“We had a chance in so many games last year, games 

that we lost because we could not hang onto the 

football, and if you turn it over as much as we did, 

there is no way you are going to win consistently,” said 

‘Jackets head coach Joe Drennon. 

Drennon guided Mineola to a 4-6 record in his first 

season, and has a lot to build on. The ‘Jackets return 

a modest six starters on offense, but see nearly all the 

defense coming back for 2009. 

“We have a lot coming back defensively and it is 

always good when you do not have to re-teach the 

defense and the scheme to the kids, you can just pick 

up where you left off.” 

Anchoring that defense, and a literal anchor at 6’2” 

270 lbs, will be defensive lineman Montana Duncan. 

“Montana can play, we just need to put it all together 

for him and he will be a dominant force. With Carlos 

Rivera behind him, we can stop a lot of people before 

they ever get going.” 

It is the same story on the offensive side as quarterback 

Tyler Drennon returns to call the shots. 



Jeremy Quick Senior QB 

Wes Kerr Senior RB/S 

Cris Morry RB/S 

Terrence Sistrunk Senior T 

Lance Roberts Senior DE 

Johnny Kilgore Senior LB 

Mascot: 

Yellowjackets 


Superintendent: Dr. Peter Running 

Head Coach: Greg Anderson 



And yes, he is the coach’s son. 

“It means more when you have family on the field. All 

of the kids are family, but to have blood out there, your 

son laying it on the line for you, it means that much 

more.” 

And it’s not like his son can’t play. The fleet of foot 

Drennon will be the catalyst for the ‘Jacket offense, an 

offense that wants to hit the ground...and run. 

“We have a little bit of size and we are going to use 

that to our advantage, guys like Montana and our 

other linemen, should be able to give that push that 

we want, and we need to have it to run the ball to be 

successful.” 

But Drennon put it best, “If we don’t have the ball, then 

we cannot win, plain and simple. We played several 

games that were one-possession games, and we just 

could not get it done when we needed to.” 


Montana Duncan Senior OL/DL 

Carlos Rivera Senior LB 

Tyler Drennon Senior QB 

Mascot: 

Yellowjackets 


Schedule 

8/28 Brownsboro @Van 7:30 

9/4 Parish Episcopal Away 7:30 

9/11 Mabank Home 7:30 

9/18 Emory-Rains Away 7:30 

9/25 Palmer Home 7:30 

10/2 OPEN 

10/9 *Van Home 7:30 

10/16 *Wills Point Home 7:30 

10/23 *Eustace Away 7:30 

10/30 *Mineola Home 7:30 

11/6 *Canton Away 7:30 



Head Coach: 

Mary Lookadoo 

Greg Anderson 



Schedule 

8/28 Quinlan-Ford Home 7:30 

9/4 Quitman Home 7:30 

9/11 Grand Saline Away 7:30 

9/18 Edgewood Home 7:30 

9/25 Mt. Vernon Away 7:30 

10/2 OPEN 


10/16 *Van Away 7:30 

10/23 *Canton Home 7:30 

10/30 *Kemp Away 7:30 

11/6 *Wills Point Home 7:30 


30 

31

VAN VANDALS 

Head coach Brady Pennington is not used to not 

winning. “The last seasons have been tough,” said 

Pennington. After a three season absence from the 

post-season, the Vandals rammed their way to a district 

title in 2008, and three rounds deep into the playoffs. 

“We had missed the playoffs the previous 3 seasons, 

so to get back and do well, that really lit a spark under 

our kids.” 

That spark will remain lit. The Vandals will run out 6 

starters on offense and 7 on defense that are back from 

the 11-2 squad in 2008. 

“We lost three starting lineman, and that will hurt, but we 

bring back two that were just great for us, with Devon 

(Pickard) and Nick (McLean) their experience will help 

us a ton.” 

Pickard and McLean will help anchor a line that will 

protect all-everything quarterback Tyler Sharpe. Sharpe 

was a mainstay behind center, throwing for nearly 

2,200 yards and 18 touchdowns; all that, in a run-based 

system. “Tyler makes this offense go, with him, we have 

gotten away a bit from the run-based attack that Van is 

used to and with him, we can do whatever we want.” 

Sharpe isn’t alone on offense. The Vandals will see 

running backs Chase Rabe and Michael Terry back to 

the squad. The two rushed for over 1,500 combined 

yards last year in spot duties.2009 may offer something 

a bit different to Van fans, the run-based Vandals, are 

going to open it up. “Trust me, we are not abandoning 

the run, it is just now with Tyler playing the way he is, 

District 14-3A District 14-3A 

we can open it up more, but when we need to, we will 

go smash mouth.” 

Sharpe will have no shortage of targets, along with 

wide receiver Joey McMinn, tight end Jacoby Alexander 

are sure to put up big numbers when the Vandals put 

it in the air. “We can score, no doubt about that,” said 

Pennington. 

They can also stop the score; the Vandals see seven 

starters run back on defense, which include Alexander 

and McMinn, combine that with the return of cornerback 

Tye Hughes and defensive linemen Ryan Wigley and 

Chris Leiser, the Vandals are primed for another big 

year. 

Just don’t tell Pennington that his team, are the district 

favorites. 

“We have been picked first before and missed the 

playoffs, and we have been picked towards the bottom 

and made the playoffs, so the pre-season rankings are 

irrelevant.” 


Tyler Sharpe Senior QB 

Chase Rabe Senior RB/LB 

Michael Terry Junior RB/FS 

Joey McMInn Senior WR/OLB 

Jacoby Alexander Senior TE/DT 

Tye Hughes Senior WR/DB 

Seth Potter Senior WR/DB 

Addison Neal Senior TE/DB 

Matthew Broadbent Senior LB/FB 

Ryan Wigley Senior DT 

Devon Pickard Senior C 

Tori Parsons Junior WR/DB 

Chris Leiser Senior OL/DL 

Mascot: 

Vandals 


Superintendent: Joddie Witte 

Head Coach: Brady Pennington 



Schedule 

8/27 Grand Saline Home 7:30 

9/4 Rusk Home 7:30 

9/11 Palestine Away 7:30 

9/18 Mabank Away 7:30 

9/25 Spring Hill Home 7:30 

10/2 OPEN 

10/9 *Kemp Away 7:30 

10/16 *Mineola Home 7:30 

10/23 *Wills Point Away 7:30 




WILLS POINT TIGERS 

Year one for Kevin Garvin and the Tigers was not easy, 

nor did it produce the type of success the program 

wanted. A 1-9 record left Wills Point in last and 

wondering where to start for 2009. 

“It was tough last year, we struggled the whole season, 

but we expected there would be growing pains, and 

now that we are through them, we can focus on 

improving,” said Garvin. 

But brighter days will are on the way on Hwy 64, the 

Tigers are primed for an improvement, and possibly a 

playoff run. Wills Point will return half of their starters 

on offense and defense, giving Garvin the nucleus to 

start with. 

Quarterback Trent Jurica will return to man the show 

behind center, giving the Tigers experience in the 

backfield. 

“We have some guys that can catch the ball, and 

with Trent getting a full ten games last year as a 

sophomore, it can only improve the way our offense 

moves the ball.” 

Kemp head coach Greg Anderson said about the 

Tigers, “They (Wills Point) had chances last season, 

they played a lot of teams tough and they will be ready 

to go next year. They will not be a team that is easily 

handled.” 

Behind Jurica, Cyle Henderson will line up at running 

back, and Jurica will have all sorts of weapons on the 

edge, as the Tigers return a plethora of wide receivers 

able to produce, including Steven Cunigan, Junior 

Hamilton and Marquis Burch, along with tight-end Alex 

Anderson. 

Defensively, the focus will turn to the big boys up 

front. Both Joseph Gray and Chris Ross are returning 

starters on both the offensive and defensive lines, and 

should give the Tigers stability between the tackles. 

The Tigers, by their own account, struggled mightily 

in the first year of Garvin’s reign, but a nice 16-14 in 

the season finale against Mineola gave the Tigers 

momentum and confidence to build on in 2009. 

It was not all the long ago that Wills Point was a 

mainstay in the post-season, reaching the playoffs in 

seven straight seasons. Will this year be the return to 

the success of the past It won’t be easy. The Tigers 

open with Athens and Lindale, two teams that beat the 

Tigers by a combined 85-0. 

“It will not be easy, but now that we are getting the 

system in place, I expect us to be right there when it is 

all said and done.” 


Steven Cunigan Senior WR/DB 

Chris Ross Senior OL/DL 

Cyle Henderson Senior RB/LB 

Marquis Burch Senior WR/DB 

Joseph Gray Senior OL/LB 

Trent Jurica Junior QB 

Junior Hamilton Junior WR/DB 

Alex Anderson Senior TE/LB 

Mascot: 

Tigers 


Superintendent: Joe Oliver 

Head Coach: Kevin Garvin 



Schedule 

8/28 Athens Home 7:30 

9/4 LIndale Away 7:30 

9/11 Farmersville Away 7:30 

9/18 Brownsboro Home 7:30 

9/25 OPEN 

10/2 Kaufman Away 7:30 


10/16 *Kemp Away 7:30 

10/23 *Van Home 7:30 

10/30 *Eustace Home 7:30 

11/6 *Mineola Away 7:30 




1. Van 

2. Canton 

3. Eustace 

4. Wills Point 

5. Mineola 

6. Kemp 


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(903) 531-5678 


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more way Trinity Mother Frances is committed to providing quality care to east 

Texas athletes. For more information, call (903) 531-5678 or (800) 535-9799. 


32 

33

Atlanta Rabbits 

Just six short seasons ago Atlanta won the Class 3A 

State Championship. However, since that magical 

2003 season the Rabbits have been unable to finish 

above .500. Second year Head Coach Ronnie Melton 

feels like his team has a chance to buck that trend this 

year but it will take some of his younger players really 

stepping up. 

Four starters return on both sides of the ball so plenty 

of new faces will get their chance to make an impact. 

The strength of the team should come from the 

offensive backfield where QB Ibarra, TB Paris Propps, 

and top WR Tori Linwood all return. 

Melton says his SR quarterback is the key, “Ibarra will 

have to perform well if we are to have a chance to win 

the district. He is very smart and has a strong arm.” 

On the defensive side LB Joe Rose and lineman 

Shumiah Blaylock should anchor Defensive 

Coordinator Jarrod Boston’s unit. 

Liberty-Eylau Leopards 

The Liberty Eylau Leopards missed the postseason 

for the first time in six years in 2008, but Coach Pat 

Brady believes his team is in for big things in ‘09. “I 

feel like we will have a chance at making a deep run 

this year. If everything falls into place, we play like we 

know we can, and we avoid injuries.” 

One of the players that will factor heavily in that is 

senior wide receiver Marquez Clark. The 5’10”, 170 

pounder has excellent speed, good hands, and does 

great things when he has the ball. 


Jamie Lent - KTBB Sports 

“I truly think that year in and year out, 16-3A is the toughest district in class 3A. There are no weeks to rest in either preseason or district for anyone in 

the district.” Those are the words of Mt. Vernon Head Coach Charles Swann and words that nobody associated with District 16-3A disagrees with. 

Last season the district saw two teams win at least nine games and all three of their playoff teams advanced to the 2nd round. Pittsburg and New 

Boston tied for the top record in the district (the Pirates won the head-to-head game 25-19) and both expect to be in the mix in ‘09 as well. 

Coach Robert Manley of Pittsburg returns a ton of talent on both sides of the ball, including reigning district Offensive MVP Ted Burns. 

New Boston should challenge again with returners like Gary Lorance on defense and Jansen Carr at quarterback. 

The Leopards of Liberty-Eylau look to end their two year hiatus from the playoffs and Coach Pat Brady believes they can not only do that, but also 

make a deep run in the postseason. 

Atlanta has another very young team and will rely very heavily on senior QB Carlos Ibarra. The Rabbits believe solid work on their offensive and 

defensive line will go a long way in determining their success. 

The Hawks of Pleasant Grove try for their 3rd straight playoff appearance in 2009. Coach Kevin Davis returns 12 starters from last year’s nine win 

team and expects to get help from some of his younger players. 

And Mt.Vernon believes that if they can avoid the injury bug, they will improve dramatically from last year. Coach Charles Swann really likes what he 

has in the backfield with QB Kellan Carrell and RB Jay Jay Johnson. 

Despite the rough schedule it takes to play in District 16-3A, there is a bright side. Survive it and advance as one of the three district playoff teams 

and you’ve got a good chance in the postseason. Coach Brady of Liberty-Eylau agrees. “Anyone in our district is good enough to make a run in the 

playoffs. Anyone!” 

With just the eight returning starters and so many 

new inexperienced players on paper, it might look like 

an uphill battle for the Rabbits. However Head Man 

Melton says his team can use that to their advantage. 

“Most people do not give us a chance. If our young 

kids are dedicated we can surprise some people.” 


Carlos Ibarra Senior QB 6’1” 185 

Paris Propps Senior RB/SS 6’0” 190 

Tori Linwood Senior WR 6’3” 185 

Joe Rose Junior FB/LB 5’9” 200 

Shumiah Blaylock Senior OL/DL 6’4” 225 

Mascot: 

Rabbits 


Superintendent: Roger Hailey 

Head Coach: Ronnie Melton (2nd Year) 

Speaking of speed, Head Man Brady believes overall 

the team is very blessed with quickness, but is worried 

about consistency and depth on this year’s squad. 

Senior Kevin Brown should be a big help in that area 

as he starts at both defensive end and tight end. 

The Leopards are picked by many around 16-3A to 

take home the district title this year. Brady doesn’t 

disagree, “We have a great shot at winning the district 

but any team in our district is capable of beating 

anyone else at any time.” 



Schedule 

8/28 Daingerfield Away 7:30 

9/4 Royce City Home 7:30 

9/11 Carthage Home 7:30 

9/18 Tatum Away 7:30 

9/25 Henderson Home 7:30 

10/2 Open Week 

10/9 Pittsburg* Away 7:30 

10/16 Pleasant Grove* Away 7:30 

10/23 New Boston* Home 7:30 

10/30 Liberty-Eylau* Away 7:30 

11/6 Mt. Vernon* Home 7:30 



Marquez Clark Senior WR 5’10” 170 

Kevin Brown Senior TE/DE 6’3” 220 

Marqueston Huff Senior DB 5’11” 175 

Malcolm Edmond Senior OL 6’2” 245 

Tra Carson Junior RB 5’11” 201 

Mascot: 

Leopards 


Superintendent: Micah Lewis 

Head Coach: Pat Brady (6th Year) 



cont. 

Liberty-Eylau Leopards 

Schedule 

8/28 North Lamar Home 7:30 


Mt. Vernon Tigers 

After a year of dealing with injury problems week in 

and week out last year, Mt. Vernon looks for a much 

healthier 2009. The Tigers went 5 and 5 last year for 

their first .500 record since 2005 and appear to be on 

the upswing. 

Coach Charles Swann brings back five starters on both 

sides of the ball and likes the effort he has seen from 

his team. “As hard as these guys have worked this 

spring I am looking for great things from them. We will 

be faster this year than we have been in the past.” 

One of the guys that brings speed to the table is 

Kellan Carrell. The 6’1”, 180 pounder gives the Tigers 

a dual threat with his ability to run and throw from the 

quarterback position. Carrell will be saddled with the 

tough task of trying to replace Christian Butler who 

threw for a school record 2,400 yards last season. 

Coach Swann is also excited about running back Jay 

Jay Johnson. “He is the most durable small back we 

have ever had. He runs tough and has great hands.” 

The junior to be should be a big factor in the success 

of the Tigers offense. 

New Boston Lions 

A 10 and 2 record last year and 12 starters returning 

from that group, give the New Boston Lions plenty to 

feel good about heading into this season. 

The defense is in especially good hands with last 

year’s Defensive MVP Gary Lorance on the D-line. 

Brandon Raney is the top returning linebacker while 

Terrance Rowden leads the backfield from his safety 

position. 

Janson Carr is back for his 3rd season as the signal 

caller for the Lions. Besides his skill from the QB 

position, the 6’3, 213 pounder provides the team with 

leadership and as Coach Barker says, “A coach on the 

field.” 

The Lions have made the playoffs each of the 4 

seasons that Barker has coached the team. He says 

continuing that streak will not be easy in the difficult 

16-3A. “You better show up to play in this district of 

you will get beat. We’ll have to stay healthy and beat a 

couple of teams we’re not supposed to.” 

As far as the district title goes, Barker says any of the 

six teams in the district could end the year as champs. 


9/11 Gilmer Home 7:30 

9/18 Nashville Home 7:30 

9/25 Paris Away 7:30 

10/2 Open 

10/9 Pleasant Grove* Home 7:30 

Mt. Vernon has not worn the district crown since 2004 

but Coach Swann is hoping that drought will end this 

year. “Winning a district title sits on top of a long list 

of goals that we have for the Mt. Vernon Tigers. It 

won’t be easy. Every team in this district is capable of 

making the playoffs.” 


Bill Crowson Senior G 6’3” 320 

Kellan Carrell Senior QB 6’1” 180 

Jay Jay Johnson Junior RB 5’7” 165 

Colby Keener Junior S 6’0” 165 

Colton Keener Senior WR 6’0” 180 

Mascot: 

Tigers 


Superintendent: Rick Flanagan 

Head Coach: Charles Swann (4th Year) 

“From top to bottom anyone can win this district. It’s a 

coin toss every Friday night.” 

The Lions have loaded up their non-district schedule 

with teams like North Lamar, Mt. Pleasant, Paris, along 

with powerhouse Gilmer from 3A. However, the big 

one on the schedule may be the October 16th matchup 

with Pittsburg. The Pirates handed New Boston 

their only district loss last year. 


Gary Lorance Senior DL 5’11” 260 

Janson Carr Senior QB 6’3” 213 

Caleb Granbery Senior C 5’9” 150 

Brandon Raney Senior LB 6’2” 195 

Terrance Rowden Senior SS 5’11” 160 

Mascot 

Lions 

Student Enrollment 412 

Superintendent Gary VanDeaver 

Head Coach 

Rick Barker (5th Year) 

10/16 Mt. Vernon* Home 7:30 


10/30 Atlanta* Home 7:30 

11/6 New Boston* Away 7:30 




Schedule 

8/28 Rains Away 7:30 

9/4 Gladewater Away 7:30 

9/11 Cooper Home 7:30 

9/18 Winnsboro Away 7:30 

9/25 Mineola Home 7:30 

10/2 Open 



10/23 Pleasant Grove* Home 7:30 

10/30 Pittsburg* Home 7:30 

11/6 Atlanta* Away 7:30 




Schedule 

8/28 Dekalb Home 7:30 

9/4 Open 

9/11 Queen City Home 7:30 

9/18 Ashdown Away 7:30 

9/25 Linden-Kildare Home 7:30 

10/2 Hughes Springs Away 7:30 

10/9 Mt. Vernon* Away 7:30 

10/16 Pittsburg* Home 7:30 

10/23 Atlanta* Away 7:30 

10/30 Pleasant Grove* Away 7:30 

11/6 Liberty-Eylau* Home 7:30 


34 

35

36 37

Pittsburg Pirates 

When it comes to bringing back starters, no one in 

the district can touch what Coach Robert Manley will 

put on the field this fall. The Pirates return 16 starters 

from last year’s club that advanced to the 2nd round 

in Division I. 

The most notable returner may be running back Ted 

Burns. Last year as a junior the 5’8”, 190 pounder 

racked up over 1700 yards rushing en route to being 

named the 

16-3A Offensive MVP. However, Burns is not the only 

one in the backfield back for a 2nd go around as a 

starter. Chris Brown returns after a solid junior year 

that saw him score five times and QB Mitch Manley is 

back after tossing for more than 1,600 yards last year 

as a sophomore. 

Over on defense, All State linebacker Gary Attaway 

looks to make it a 3rd straight year with over 100 

tackles and will get help from lineman Harry White. 

Manley says the 320 pounder is a huge factor for his 

team. “Harry can take over a game. He controls things 

on both sides of the ball.” 

Pleasant Grove Hawks 

The 2008 season was a successful one for Pleasant 

Grove. The Hawks won nine games and advanced 

to 2nd round of the Class 3A playoffs. That followed 

a season in which the team set a school record 

with 10 victories en route to making it to the 3rd 

round of the postseason. Needless to say 5th year 

Head Coach Kevin Davis has really turned around 

a program that won just one game four years ago. 

The Hawks return 12 players from last year’s team 

but Davis says he needs his younger players to 

mature fast. One player that did exactly that last 

year was defensive end Chris Tatum. The 6’2”, 220 

pounder was named the Newcomer of the Year in 

the district last year and will be heavily relied upon 

again this year. 

The passing game should be in good hands with 

both the QB and top WRs returning. Antonio Graves 

is back as the after a season that saw him throw for 

14 scores, while seniors DeAnte Reid and Damien 

Watts combined for nearly 45 catches last year. 

Davis believes getting Reid involved is especially 

important. “DeAnte is a playmaker that we will have 

to get the ball to more. He just has a knack for 

making big plays.” 


With the head-to-head win over New Boston last year, 

the Pirates were District Champs and believe that they 

can do it again. Manley knows it will be tough. “You 

got to play every week in 16-3A. If we take care of 

business we ought to be o.k.” 

Besides the showdown with New Boston, look for the 

Senior Night battle with Pleasant Grove to also go a 

long way in determining this year’s champ out of 16- 

3A. 


Ted Burns Senior RB 5’8” 190 

Chris Brown Senior RB/DB 6’0” 180 

Greg Attaway Senior LB 6’0” 200 

Harry White Senior OL/DL 6’0” 320 

Mitch Manley Junior QB 6’4” 195 

Mascot: 

Pirates 


Superintendent: Judy Pollan 

Head Coach: Robert Manley (3rd Year) 

Pleasant Grove finished as the 3rd place team in 

the district last year and Head Man Davis says it 

will be a dog fight again this year. “You will not have 

a week off and we will have to stay away from the 

injury bug. The district will be even tougher because 

of returners for Pittsburg and New Boston.” The 

Hawks finish the year facing those two teams on 

back-to-back weeks. 


Antonio Graves Senior QB 6-1 210 

DeAntre Reid Senior WR 5-10 165 

Damian Watts Senior WR 5-10 185 

Lamarcus Banks Senior DB 6-0 175 

Chris Tatum Junior DE 6-2 220 

Mascot: 

Hawks 


Superintendent: Margaret Davis 

Head Coach: Kevin Davis (5th Year) 





Schedule 

8/28 Jefferson Away 7:30 

9/4 Winsborro Home 7:30 

9/11 Princeton Away 7:30 

9/18 Queen City Away 7:30 


10/2 Open 


10/16 New Boston Away 7:30 

10/23 Liberty-Eylau Home 7:30 

10/30 Mt. Vernon Away 7:30 

11/6 Pleasant Grove Home 7:30 


Schedule 

8/28 Pine Tree Home 7:30 

9/4 Hooks Away 7:30 

9/11 Ashdown Home 7:30 

9/18 Gladewater Home 7:30 


10/2 Open 


10/16 Atlanta* Home 7:30 

10/23 Mt. Vernon* Away 7:30 






1. Liberty-Eylau 

2. Pittsburg 

3. Pleasant Grove 

4. New Boston 

5. Atlanta 

6. Mt. Vernon 

Bullard Panthers 

Can the Panthers get back to the promised land 

That is the question surrounding Jim Taylor and his 

squad. Taylor has seen improvements in the years he 

has been at Bullard, but has yet to produce a playoff 

appearance, and now must replace Charlie Moore, 

who took his talents to Oklahoma State. 

“Charlie was a great one for us, and filling his spot is 

one of the toughest things I have had to do as a head 

coach, but we have to find someone.” 

Players like senior Lance Anding may be the answer 

behind center, but Taylor says he has a couple guys 

that could do it. “We have a few guys, but now we just 

have to get the in there so they can actually do it, then 

we will evaluate them from there.” 

If Anding doesn’t land the spot, he will be right back 

at wide receiver, combined with fellow senior Daniel 

Howard, teaming for a tough tandem to deal with. 

But the problem may lie on the other side. The 

defense, at times for Bullard was porous, at best. 

“The district is loaded offensively, we know that,” said 

Taylor, “our biggest problem last year is that we could 

do things on offense, but we were just unable to stop 

anybody when we needed to, and that is our main 

focus this year.” 

Chapel Hill Bulldogs 

2009 will stand as the beginning of a new era in Chapel 

Hill, and the end of old one. The Matthew Tucker 

express has now departed ways with the Bulldogs, his 

talents are now at TCU. 

It is the beginning for new head coach Thomas Sitton, 

who replaces departed coach Phil Castles. 

“I am excited,” said Sitton, in an interview with KLTV 

when he was hired, “this is an opportunity for me to 

come and win, and win now, coach Castles did not 

leave the cupboard dry by any means.” 



Will A New Challenger Emerge To Take Down Gilmer 

It has been nine years since the Gilmer Buckeyes lost a district game, is this the year that someone finally de-crowns the king 

“Gilmer is the best, no doubt about that, they will be until someone beats them,” said Spring Hill head coach Robert Bero. 

With the reigning all-everything quarterback Darion “Stump” Godfrey back for a 3rd season under center, it is hard to imagine that this year will be any 

different. 

“That is just something we have to deal with, we have the target on our back, but trust me, it is a very good problem to have.” 

The district saw three teams head to the post-season, highlighted by the Buckeyes quarterfinal run, mix that with Chapel Hill’s two rounds and an 

appearance by Tatum, the district seems top heavy for 2009. 

But questions remain; will Chapel Hill thrive under new head coach Thomas Sitton Can the youth of Tatum grow into a powerhouse again Will 

Bullard find a replacement for Charlie Moore 

Questions are a plenty for district 17-3A, with the season just around the corner, the answers will be soon to follow. 

Along side Howard, the defense will look to senior 

linemen Shawn Stephens and John Schmidt to anchor 

down, and create problems in an offense happy 

district. 

Stephens and Schmidt will be joined by defensive back 

Brandon Beavers and linebacker Nick Rumbelow as 

stalwarts for Bullard. 

“Physically we have what it takes, now we just have to 

get the mental aspect together in our kids and make 

them believe that we can win.” 


Lance Anding Senior WR/DB 

Daniel Howard Senior WR/DB 

Shawn Stephens Senior OL/DL 

John Schmidt Senior OL/DL 

Nick Rumbelow Senior WR/LB 

Mascot: 

Panthers 


Superintendent: Keith Bryant 

Head Coach: Jim Taylor 

He is right about that. Even though the Bulldogs only 

bring back four starters on both sides, the ones coming 

back are outstanding players. Chapel Hill needs to 

look no further than big LaQuentus Mosley, the 6 foot, 

300 pounder will anchor the both the offensive and 

defensive lines for Chapel Hill. 

He will lead the way for Jordan Antley, the leading 

candidate to replace the departed Tucker. 

“We have talent here, no doubt, it is easy to see why 

the kids win here, they have a great work ethic and I 

think this is somewhere that we can win and win big.” 



Schedule 

8/28 Open 

9/4 Westwood Away 7:30 

9/11 Athens Away 7:30 

9/18 Troup Home 7:30 



10/9 Gilmer* Home 7:30 

10/16 Tatum* Away 7:30 

10/23 Gladewater* Home 7:30 

10/30 Chapel Hill* Home 7:30 

11/6 Spring Hill* Away 7:30 


Defensively the ‘Dogs are young, but very very good, 

led by returning defensive back KeAndre Goss, who 

scored twice last year off interceptions, and had a total 

of four picks in the secondary. 

He will be flanked by two up and coming stars at 

Chapel Hill, Laramie Lee and Andrew Tucker. 

Lee was an All-District pick at free safety for Chapel Hill 

and Tucker was a starter at linebacker as a freshman. 

They may have to replace a head coach and star 

player, but there is no doubt that the bite on these 

‘Dogs will be a fierce as ever. 

cont. 

38 

39

Chapel Hill Bulldogs 


LaQuentus Mosley Senior OL/DL 

Jordan Antley Senior FB/L B 

KeAndre Goss Senior DB 

Laramie Lee Junior FS 

Andrew Tucker Soph RB/LB 

Gilmer Buckeyes 

Most people would consider a 12-2 record and a 

trip to the quarterfinals a great season. 

Not in Gilmer. 

“The way we lost last year, in that game against 

Carthage, we realized that we cannot hit the cruise 

control and expect to win, we have to keep our foot 

on the gas the whole season,” said Gilmer head 

coach Jeff Traylor. 

Look out district 17-3A. 

The Buckeyes will bring back the most experienced 

quarterback in the district, Darion “Stump” Godfrey. 

“We have to replace some guys on offense, but with 

Stump back there, we are going to be just fine.” 

Godfrey has started in 40 games for Gilmer, since 

taking the reins in 2006, and threw for 2,883 yards 

and 34 touchdowns in ’08. Oh yeah, he can run too, 

to the tune of 885 yards and 18 touchdowns. 

He is not the only returning weapon; Braylon 

Webb will man the outside and brings back with 

him 25 catches and 334 yards receiving and 4 

touchdowns. 

Gladewater Bears 

The Bears had a chance in 2008, only to see it fall 

away. 

“We were there in the last week of 2008 and we could 

not get it done. Our kids remember that, and they 

do not want to go through that again,” remembered 

Gladewater head coach Scott Callaway. 

The Bears finished 6-4, but a home loss to Chapel Hill 

in the finale cost them a playoff spot. 

But they have their chance in ’09, as the Bears will 

lean heavily on strong running game, and the literal 

strength up front. Corey Davis is back for the Bears to 

tote the rock. Davis was a 1,000 yard rusher last year 

on only 97 carries, making the Bears a big-play team. 

“Corey is a heck of an athlete, he can go the distance 

from anywhere on the field, and he will be the one we 

lean on to carry the ball.” 

Gladewater will also have some very strong shoulders 

to lean on. 


Mascot: 

Bulldogs 


Superintendent: Joe Stubblefield 

Head Coach: Thomas Sitton 



Schedule 


9/4 Kaufman Home 7:30 

As scary as it may be, Gilmer may be better on 

defense, where they bring back 9 starters. 

“Our defense will be much better, no doubt, we 

have a bunch returning, and with guys like Mikey, 

Marlon and Paul, to name a few, we should be 

tough on D.” 

Mikey, Marlon and Paul, as Traylor referred to, 

combined for 332 tackles in 2008, and with Tristan 

Holt and his 3 interceptions should prove that the 

Gilmer D, and not the O, may be the strongest point 

on the team. 

“We expect to be there again, we want to be playing 

into late November and early December and I 

have no reason to think that we will not be there… 

again.” 


Darion Godfrey Senior QB 

Paul Chesnut Senior LB 

Braylon Webb Senior WR/S 

Marlon Granville Senior LB 

Mikey Wilson Senior LB 

Tristan Holt Senior CB 

Returning starts Quinton Thomas and Dylan Sells 

were national power lifting qualifiers in the Spring of 

’08. “We are strong, that’s that, we can be physical.” 

While only four starters return on offense, the Bears 

bring back half of their defense, anchored by Thomas, 

Jamarick Armstrong and Spencer Palmer. 

“In this district, the offenses are great, the key is that if 

we can put ourselves in the position to force turnovers, 

then we have a chance, and the guys coming back 

know that we are going to have to do that to win.” 

Depth too may be an issue; the Bears will lean on a 

successful JV to fill in the spots left vacant on varsity. 

“We are not deep, so the JV guys are really going to 

have to step up, and the guys that are coming back will 

need to teach them how to play at this level.” 


Corey Davis Junior RB/LB 

Quinton Thomas Senior FB/LB 


9/18 Quinlan-Ford Away 7:30 

9/25 Athens Home 7:30 

10/2 Open 

10/9 Spring Hill* Home 7:30 

10/16 Gilmer* Away 7:30 

10/23 Tatum* Home 7:30 

10/30 Bullard* Away 7:30 



Mascot: 

Buckeyes 


Superintendent: Rick Albritton 

Head Coach: Jeff Traylor 



Schedule 

8/28 Jasper @Nacogdoches 7:30 

9/4 Rains @Tyler 7:30 

9/11 Liberty-Eylau Away 7:30 

9/18 Kilgore Home 7:30 

9/25 Daingerfield Home 7:30 

10/2 Open 


10/16 Chapel Hill* Home 7:30 

10/23 Spring Hill* Away 7:30 

10/30 Gladewater* Away 7:30 

11/6 Tatum* Home 7:30 


Spencer Palmer Senior TE/DE 

Jamarick Armstrong Junior FB/LB 

Colt Corey Senior OL/DE 

Courtney Davis Junior WR/DB 

Zavean Miller Junior QB/LB 

Dequentus Smith Junior WR/DB 

Haden Gage Senior OL/DL 

Dylan Sells Senior OL/DL 

Micah Morris Junior OL/DL 

Mascot: 

Bears 


Superintendent: J.P. Richardson 

Head Coach: Scott Callaway 



cont. 

Gladewater Bears 

Schedule 

8/27 Center Home 7:30 

9/4 Mt. Vernon Home 7:30 

Spring Hill Panthers 

One thing about youth, it can be sporadic at best. 

Spring Hill found that fact out in 2008. 

“We started eight sophomores on offense and 

seven on defense, so it was certainly a huge eyeopener 

for our guys, but that is something that they 

can learn from and improve on for this year,” said 

Spring Hill head coach Robert Bero. 

Bero will have plenty coming back to be excited 

about. 

Dylan Brown will be the focus of the Panther 

offense, and rightly so, Brown rushed for 1,260 

yards as a quarterback in 2008 and will return to 

lead the charge. 

“Dylan can just flat play, and when you have guys 

like him who have such a high football IQ, you can 

do so many other things with the ball.” 

Tatum Eagles 

In their first year back from class 2A, the Eagles 

made the playoffs, but that was it. 

A crushing loss to eventual state champion 

Carthage left the Eagles to reload for 2009. 

And oh, do they have the bullets. 

“We were so young, and we bring back so many, I 

expect us to be a dominant force again,” said head 

coach Andy Evans. 

The Eagles will bring back a whopping 17 starters 

on offense and defense, highlighted by 9 on the 

offensive side. 

Running backs Brandon Woodard and B.J. Allen 

will return to the backfield and a familiar name will 

return as well. 

Larry Centers Jr. will split out for the Eagles at 

wide receiver, hauling in passes from quarterback 

Desmond Lite. 

“We have never been a team that did not have 

athletes and we have a lot coming back. All of 

these guys are players that can go the distance at 

any time. I expect them to do big things.” 

On defense, Terrence Johnson will return to anchor 

the Eagles, alongside B.J. Allen in the secondary 

and Otis Chatham in the middle. The Eagles 

defense should be back to their old ways. 


9/11 Rusk Away 7:30 

9/18 Pleasant Grove Away 7:30 

9/25 Commerce Home 7:30 

10/2 Open 

10/9 Tatum* Away 7:30 

On defense, Bero will turn to Alex Voelzke, the 

Panthers leading tackler from last year with 112, 

will be back to man the defense, and alongside him, 

the second leading tackler in Nathan Griffin. 

“We know the district is about offense, but we feel 

that we have the kids and the system where we 

can do some things on defense that will keep us 

in games.” 

The Panthers can look back on the last game of 

2008 to find their winning ways, a 21 point win 

over Bullard, as Bero put it, “it showed us that we 

can win; now we only have to do it over and over 

again.” 


Dylan Brown Senior QB 

Alex Voelzke Senior LB 

Nathan Griffin Senior LB 

Mascot: 

Panthers 


“I know it sounds old, but we had so much youth 

last year that with all of these guys coming back, 

we should be able to do just about whatever we 

want on the field.” 

The Eagles will have no shortage of talent, especially 

up front, as several offensive and defensive linemen 

are back to anchor down the Eagles line. 

Guys like Chris Kamman, Cameron Furlow and the 

twins Devin and Kevin McIlwain return to provide 

stability to the Eagles’ front lines. 


B.J. Allen Senior RB/S 

Chris Kamman Senior OL 

Brandon Woodard Senior RB 

Otis Chatham Senior LB 

Cameron Furlow Senior OL 

Desmond Lite Senior QB 

Terrence Johnson Senior 

Devin McIlwain Junior TE 

Kevin McIlwain Junior TE 

Larry Centers Jr. Junior WR 

Tyler Centers Junior RB 

Junior Watkins Junior RB 

LB/OL 

Mascot: 

Eagles 


Superintendent: Dee Hartt 

Head Coach: Andy Evans 






11/6 Chapel Hill* Away 7:30 



Head Coach: 

Wes Jones 

Robert Bero 



Schedule 

8/28 Lindale @Gladewater 7:30 

9/4 White Oak Away 7:30 


9/18 Center Home 7:30 

9/25 Van Away 7:30 

10/2 Open 


10/16 Gladewater* Away 7:30 


10/30 Tatum* Away 7:30 

11/6 Bullard* Home 7:30 


Schedule 


9/4 Jefferson Away 7:30 

9/11 Troup Away 7:30 


9/25 Arp Away 7:30 

10/2 Open 


10/16 Bullard* Home 7:30 



11/6 Gilmer* Away 7:30 




1. Gilmer 

2. Tatum 

3. Spring Hill 

4. Chapel Hill 

5. Gladewater 

6. Bullard 

40 

41


Reid Kerr - KLTV 7 News 

Expect A More Competitive District From Top To Bottom 

In 2008, the difference between the top and bottom of district 18-3A was clearly apparent. 

The Carthage Bulldogs won their second straight district title, then went on to claim their first state championship, winning the 3A Division II title over 

traditional powerhouse Celina at Texas Stadium. 

Jasper and Diboll also repeated as playoff teams as expected. Meanwhile, Center, Huntington, and Rusk finished the year at a combined 7-23. 

However, the landscape of the district has changed in the offseason. Half of the teams in 18-3A will have new coaches in the 2009 season. 

“Oh, I think it’ll be even stronger,” Diboll’s Tom Shepherd said. “Center, Jasper and Rusk will all be better.” 

”I think our district overall is going to be better,” new Jasper coach Mike Bickham said. “Carthage lost a quarterback and running back, but everyone 

else is back so they’re going to be better. 

This is Patton’s second year at Rusk and Coach Shepherd’s second at Diboll, so they’ll be better. This district is just loaded with talent.”. 

CARTHAGE BULLDOGS 

The 2008 season is one Bulldog fans will never 

forget, as Carthage not only won their first ever state 

championship, but also claimed the crown and went 

into the record books as the last home team ever 

to win at Texas Stadium. So what do you do for an 

encore 

“Last year, we were talking about winning and being 

back-to-back district champs,” Bulldogs coach Scott 

Surratt said. “This year, we can set our sights higher. 

When you win the last game,” Surratt explained, “it’s 

always special. Whether it’s a state championship or 

just a regular game, it gets you going into the offseason 

on a strong note. “ 

The Bulldogs return six offensive and five defensive 

starters from their 14-2 championship season. 

Although they’ll have to replace an All-State backfield 

in Dwight Smith and Si’Darius Blackshire, Carthage 

does bring back most of both sides of their line. 

“We’ve got five of six back including the tight end on 

offense,” Surratt said, “and three of four on defense. 

We feel like we really dominated up front in every 

game, and that gives us a great start this season. 

We’ve got leaders up front. No matter what happens, 

if they play well up front, we can run and stop the run 

and that gives us a chance.” 

On the offensive side of the ball, Carthage returns 

Cutter Clinton, Kendrick Henderson and Trevor 

Murphy, all of whom received All-State honors last 

year. The Bulldogs will start O’Bryan Washington at 

CENTER ROUGHRIDERS 

There’s a new man at the helm for the Center 

Roughriders. Kevin Goodwin comes from West 

Orange Stark to take over as head coach, inheriting a 

team that went 3-7 last season. When Goodwin came 

to town in February, his first order of business was to 

examine a team that had only won seven games in the 

last three years and change the direction. 

“We sat down and went through the state of the 

program,” Goodwin said. “We hit the brakes and 

tailback, who was All-District last season coming off 

the bench in relief of Smith. 

“It’s going to be tough to replace those guys,” Surratt 

admits, “but Washington is a special player. He 

averaged almost nine yards a carry and ran for nearly 

a thousand yards. We expect big things out of him.” 

It’s a two-way race at quarterback for the Bulldogs with 

Anthony Morgan and Gary Nutt competing for the job. 

Defensively, the Bulldogs will be solid up front again. 

District defensive MVP Trekevian McKee and All- 

Stater Deshun Williams will anchor a line that was 

underrated in Carthage’s state championship run. 

“They were underrated to everybody but us,” Surratt 

laughs, “because we had to go up against them every 

day in practice. We feel like we’re going to be better, 

faster and more physical on defense this year.” 

The Bulldogs are hoping to ride the momentum from 

their first state championship into the offseason. 

“This whole town’s still on a buzz. The kids are still 

excited, they’re averaging sixty guys for voluntary 

offseason workouts. We’re going to expect the best 

out of our kids, now we expect to win. You don’t really 

know you can do something until you do it,” Surratt 

said. “Now, our expectations are higher. 

Until somebody knocks us off, we’re state champs.” 


Trevor Murphy Senior TE 

Cutter Clinton Senior OL 

turned it in the direction it needs to go. We met with 

all the coaches, they were great, and we decided 

where we needed to go. Overall, we’ve got some great 

athletic programs here, so we just want to compound 

the things that are going well and tweak the things that 

need it.” 

The Roughriders return seven starters on offense and 

will be deep at the skill positions. 

“We have a lot of skill guys, and most got plenty of 

playing time last year. They’re already familiar with 

that big curve that comes between just being excited 

Kendrick Henderson Senior 

OL 

Deshun Williams Senior DL 

Trekevian McKee Senior DL 

O’Bryan Washington Senior 

RB 

Mascot: 

Bulldogs 


Superintendent: Dr. Glenn Hambrick 

Head Coach: Scott Surratt 



Schedule 

8/29 Kilgore Home 7:30 

9/4 Henderson Away 7:30 

9/11 Atlanta Away 7:30 



10/2 Open 

10/9 Center* Home 7:30 

10/16 Rusk* Home 7:30 

10/23 Jasper* Away 7:30 

10/30 Diboll* Home 7:30 

11/6 Huntington* Away 7:30 


about being on varsity, to realizing what you need to 

do out there.” 

At quarterback, Deandre Simmons will compete with 

Ryan Goodwin and Alderea Berry for the starting job. 

Although Simmons wasn’t the starter last year, he did 

log some playing time for the Roughriders. 

“He played a little bit,” Goodwin said, “and when he 

did, they offense really perked up. The kids look up to 

him and respect him. He wants to soak it all in, it’ll be 

good to have a leader like that.” 

cont. 

CENTER ROUGHRIDERS 

Whether it’s Simmons, Goodwin, or Berry taking the 

snaps, the other two will definitely be contributors. 

“We’ll put our best eleven on the field and they’re all 

athletic. They can help anywhere.” 

The quarterback will have some quality targets, with 

heavily recruited tight end Jerome Davis and 4.38 

speedster Jeremy Small both returning. Seniors 

Demarcus Brown and Jaelyn Short will also be 

weapons at the wide receiver spot for Center in their 

new offense. 

“It’s a totally different offense,” Goodwin said. “We’ve 

got a lot of lean bodies that can run. Things can only 

improve. “ 

On defense, Center brings back eight starters including 

linebackers Quincy Hudspeth, Grant Delrose, and 

junior J’Von Jones. Brown, Small and Short will all 

play in the secondary also, giving the Roughriders 

depth. 

“Hudspeth, Belrose, and Small, they flat out lead 

this team,” Goodwin said. “It makes a man sleep 

better at night knowing you have kids out there with 

experience.” 

DIBOLL LUMBERJACKS 

In his first season as head coach, Tom Shepherd 

kept the Lumberjacks right on schedule with their 

third straight playoff appearance. Diboll was 8-3 

last season and will have to replace two thousand 

yard passer Jacolby Spencer, who signed with Sam 

Houston State. However, with only two starters back 

on each side of the ball, Diboll will have plenty of holes 

to fill. 

“We lost 28 seniors,” Shepherd said. “We’re going to 

have to rely on our offensive line while some of our 

players grow up out there.” 

Justin Havard and Chris DeJesus will anchor Diboll up 

front, with 6’7” All-District tight end Antonio Johnson 

returning on one side. 

At the skill positions, sophomore running back 

Terrence Taylor is a returning all-district player. Senior 

Cody Stifle was also All-District, Shepherd describes 

Stifle as a “big playmaker” who’ll be a game breaker 

for the Lumberjacks. Senior Kamran McCollum and 

sophomore Eli Hernandez will also start at receiver. 

“For us to be successful,” Shepherd said, “we’ll need 

a couple of other guys to step up at receiver to fill the 

spots left from last year.” 

Junior Chris Bailey will be taking the reins at 

quarterback for the Lumberjacks. 

“We’ll be strong if we stay healthy. Chris Bailey and 

Terrence Taylor are big time players who will be 


Hudspeth had 118 tackles last year, and Goodwin said 

he also played “virtually every special team snap out 

there as hard as he could.” Leadership like that will 

be important for Goodwin, as he tries to get Center 

back on track. 

“The first step is competing,” Goodwin said, “going out 

and believing in each other. We’ve got to find reasons 

why we can instead of reason why we didn’t.” 


Demarcus Brown Senior WR/DB 

Jerome Davis Senior TE 

Jeremy Small Senior WR/DB 

Jaelyn Short Senior WR/DB 

Deandre Simmons Senior QB/DB 

Quincy Hudspeth Senior LB 

Grant Belrose Senior LB 

J’Von Jones Junior LB 

Mascot: 

Roughriders 


Superintendent: James Hockenberry 

Head Coach: Kevin Goodwin 

playing at the next level. It’ll just take them time to 

adapt to playing on Friday nights.” 

On defense, the Lumberjacks also have plenty of 

positions still available. 

“Defensively, we have a lot of holes to fill. We do have 

a lot of young guys with some Friday night experience 

we’re hoping can step up and fill the void left from last 

year.” 

The defense will be led by all-district senior linebacker 

Chase Oliver. “His motor never stops,” Shepherd said, 

“he led us in tackles as a junior.” Oliver will be joined 

by senior J.J. Hubbard at linebacker, with McCollum a 

returning all-district lineman in front of them. McCollum 

led the team in sacks and blocked kicks last season. 

Shepherd said his team will be good and will fight for 

a playoff spot again, they’ve just got to gain some 

experience along the way. 

“We’re not going to have any depth,” Shepherd 

admits. “Our top eleven will be good, but we don’t 

have anybody behind our starters this year. They’re 

not bad, they’ve just got a long way to go.” 


Antonio Johnson Senior TE/DE 

Cody Stifle Senior WR/DB 

Kamran McCollum Senior RB/LB 

Chase Oliver Senior LB 

Chris Bailey Junior QB 



Schedule 

8/27 Gladewater There 7:00 


9/11 Chapel Hill Home 7:30 

9/18 Spring Hill There 7:30 

9/25 Open 

10/2 Bullard Home 7:30 

10/9 Carthage* There 7:30 


10/23 Rusk* There 7:30 

10/30 Huntington* Home 7:30 

11/6 Jasper* There 7:30 


Mascot: 

Lumberjacks 


Superintendent: Gary Martel 

Head Coach: Tom Shepherd 



Schedule 

8/28 Kirbyville Home 7:30 

9/4 Silsbee Home 7:30 

9/11 Newton Away 7:30 

9/18 Coldspring Away 7:30 

9/25 Open 

10/2 Nacogdoches Away 7:30 

10/9 Jasper* Away 7:30 

10/16 Center* Away 7:30 

10/23 Huntington* Home 7:30 

10/30 Carthage* Away 7:30 

11/6 Rusk* Home 7:30 


42 

43

HUNTINGTON RED DEVILS 

After going winless in 2008, the Huntington Red Devils 

are under new management in 2009. Todd Hopkins, 

formerly the defensive coordinator at Mabank, takes 

over the team. When Hopkins was putting his coaching 

staff together, he had a simple philosophy. 

“I’m looking for people who know as little about 

Huntington football as possible,” Hopkins said. “We’re 

going to be a staff full of coaches who can believe in 

our kids. I’m looking for people who know these kids 

can win, who want to be here. We need people who 

can lift their chins up when bad things happen and 

keep us on an even keel.” 

Hopkins said Huntington will run the double wing on 

offense and the fifty on defense. 

“I think you’ve got to overhaul the program,” Hopkins 

said, “and make some changes as far as personnel and 

evaluate the talent that’s there. We’ll try to establish a 

new mentality, and have the kids have confidence in 

themselves and believe in themselves.” 

The Red Devils return just three starters on offense 

and one on defense, and Hopkins said it’s a good time 

to change the system. 

“It’s total philosophical changes on offense and 

defense. It’s a ball control offense. We think we’ve got 

kids who can run that offense and put us in a position 

to control the game. Defensively, it’s a change in front 

and secondary coverages because I think the kids we 

have here fit the scheme.” 

One player they’re expecting big things from is Taylor 

Rosson, who quarterbacked the Red Devils last year. 

This season, Rosson will move to fullback. 

JASPER BULLDOGS 

The Bulldogs earned back-to-back playoff appearances 

in 2008. In the offseason, Thomas Brooks moved up 

from head coach to athletic director, and Mike Bickham 

was hired as the new head of the Bulldogs football 

program. 

“The big thing for me is to try and get to know the 

kids, their strengths and weaknesses,” Bickham said. 

“There’s been a lot of changes for some of the players 

in position, and we try and introduce them to the 

offenses and defenses we’ll be running.” 

The Bulldogs went 4-6 last year, but still were a playoff 

team. They return five starters on offense, including 

two-way lineman Dimitric Brown. “He’s about six feet, 

280,” Bickham said, “ and really athletic. He’s very 

quick for a big guy.” 

Tyler Brooks will also play on the line with Brown. 

Jasper will start Sam Alvis at quarterback, and his 

main weapons will be junior tailback Ben Armstrong 

and receiver Darren Beavers. 

The Bulldogs bring back four defensive starters, 

including defensive backs Beavers, Cedric McGill and 

Dante Cauley. 


“He’s a big athletic kid,” Hopkins said of his 6’3, 

230 pound senior. “He’s big and athletic; people are 

definitely after him for college. He’s going to be one 

who’ll make the news.” 

The change in position will help Huntington on both 

sides of the ball, as Rossum will also start at defensive 

end. 

“He’s going to be one of our better players on both 

sides of the ball, and the change allows him to be 

a bigger part of our offense and also play more on 

defense. We’re going to put him in a position where he 

can be physical and make an impact.” 

Another player making a position change is Chaz 

Locke, moving from wide receiver to tight end. 

“Chaz didn’t play defense last year, but he’ll be key on 

both sides of the ball for us. He’s got long arms and 

solid speed and he’s really bought into this. He’s hit 

the weight room pretty hard in the offseason.” 

Six footer Josh Jones is also back to anchor both 

sides of the line. 

“He’s really got a football mentality,” Hopkins said. 

“He’s strong and his motor always runs. He could 

really make our defense go and serve as an integral 

part of the offensive line.” 

As for turning the program around, Hopkins said the 

journey starts in the offseason. 

“We’ve got to be committed over the summer and at 

our practices,” Hopkins said. “The first goal is to be 

committed to winning. If we can do that, the winning 

will take care of itself.” 

For now, Bickham wants to hit the ground running for 

two-a-days in his first year at Jasper, and spent his 

first weeks on campus preparing for the months he 

wouldn’t be able to work with his players. 

“We watched them work out and tried to evaluate 

where we were and where we needed to be,” he said. 

“We went through a lot of organization getting ready 

for this summer. That’s huge, we didn’t get to take 

the kids through offseason for the most part, so this 

summer the kids working out is vital.” 


Dimitric Brown Senior DL/OL 

Ben Armstrong Junior RB 

Mascot: 

Bulldogs 


Superintendent: Dr. John Whittemore 

Head Coach: Mike Bickham 




Taylor Rosson Senior FB/DE/K 

Josh Jones Senior OL/DL 

Chaz Locke Senior DE/TE 

Mascot: 

Red Devils 


Superintendent: Eric Wright 

Head Coach: Todd Hopkins 



Schedule 

8/28 Tarkington Away 7:30 

9/4 Elkhart Home 7:30 

9/11 Cleveland Home 7:30 

9/18 Shelbyville Away 7:30 

9/25 New Waverly Home 7:30 

10/2 Open 

10/9 Rusk* Away 7:30 

10/16 Jasper* Home 7:30 

10/23 Diboll* Away 7:30 

10/30 Center* Away 7:30 

11/6 Carthage* Home 7:30 


Schedule 

8/28 Gilmer @ SFA 7:30 

9/4 Kirbyville Away 7:30 

9/11 Open 

9/18 West Orange Stark Home 7:30 

9/25 Hampshire-Fannett Away 7:30 

10/2 Silsbee Home 7:30 


10/16 Huntington* Away 7:30 

10/23 Carthage* Home 7:30 

10/30 Rusk* Away 7:30 

11/6 Center* Home 7:30 


RUSK EAGLES 

The Rusk Eagles went from 2-8 to 4-6 in their first 

season under head coach Ted Patton, and return 

seven starters on each side of the ball. In their second 

year under Patton, the Eagles hope to continue their 

progress. “First year, there was just so much to learn,” 

Patton said. “You’re kind of starting over with the 

kids, teaching them everything, all the basics. It’s just 

experience and the kids knowing how things work for 

us.” 

The Eagles will have to replace defensive lineman 

Quinn Anthony, who signed with Northwestern, and 

Trent Vaughn, Nick Bradshaw, and Dalton Pate, who 

all signed with Lon Morris. 

Among the returners are a pair of 6’3” senior linemen, 

John Trotter and Taj Cleaver. 

“We feel great about that, our starting offensive line 

will be a solid group,” Patton said. “We’re not very 

deep there, but our starters are very solid.” 

Trotter will be a two-way starter on the line, and made 

58 tackles as a junior including 15 for a loss. Trotter’s 

quickness also earned him 2.5 sacks, and lots of time 

in the opposing backfield. At 315 pounds, Cleaver is 

big, physical, and can open holes for the offense. He’ll 

also play more on defense for his senior year. 

The Eagles return a pair of all-district skill players. 

Running back Marcell Johnson, who rushed for 900 

yards and eight touchdowns as a junior, is a 4.45 


runner with quick acceleration. Receiver Michael 

Katon is a 6’2” physical receiver with a great vertical 

leap. Katon will also start at defensive back. “Johnson 

is a very physical runner,” Patton said, “with great top 

end speed. He can run between the tackles just like 

we want him to.” 

Rusk should be steadier this season in their second 

year under Patton, and he expects the improvement 

to continue. 

“It makes us feel good to have the little things taken 

care of for the season. The changes have been made, 

and we’ve got more confidence.” 


John Trotter Senior OL/DL 

Marcell Johnson Senior RB/FS 

Michael Katon Senior WR/DB 

Taj Cleaver Senior OL/DL 

Mascot: 

Eagles 


Superintendent: James Largent 

Head Coach: Ted Patton 



Schedule 

8/28 Palestine There 7:30 

9/4 Van There 7:30 

9/11 Gladewater Here 7:30 

9/18 Fairfield Here 7:30 

9/25 Bullard There 7:30 

10/2 Open 

10/9 Huntington* Here 7:30 

10/16 Carthage* There 7:30 

10/23 Center* Here 7:30 

10/30 Jasper* Here 7:30 

11/6 Diboll* There 7:30 




1. Carthage 

2. Diboll 

3. Jasper 

4. Center 

5. Rusk 

6. Huntington 

Jill Just emailed 

her son’s pediatrician. 

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trinitycliniconline.com 

44 

45

Athens Hornets 

The Athens Hornets finished the 2008 season at 

5-5 and for the third straight year, they fought for a 

playoff spot into the final week of the regular season. 

A week ten loss to Brownsboro knocked the Hornets 

out, costing them their first back-to-back playoff 

appearances in two decades. 

In the offseason, head coach Jim Wommack left to 

become linebackers coach for San Angelo Lakeview 

after four years as the leader of the Hornets. Paul 

Essary will take over as head coach. 

The Hornets will return four offensive and three 

defensive starters, and also bring several players up 

from a 10-0 district champion junior varsity program. 

“We’ve focused on leadership and finishing the season, 

we’ve tried to get some excitement built up,” Hornets 

offensive coordinator Randy Smith said. “We did have 

an undefeated JV, which will help us this year.” 

The quarterback position is open, with senior Travis 

Barkley holding the inside spot over junior Nick 

Monmouth. Barkley threw for 559 yards and five 

touchdowns last season. The primary tailback will be 

senior Randall Gamble, who rushed for 314 yards 

before suffering a season-ending injury last year. 

Senior Matt Jordan is a returning all-district tight end, 

but Smith said you’ll see him all over the field. 

Brownsboro Bears 

For the second straight year, the Brownsboro Bears 

finished the regular season at 5-5. The difference in 

2008, however, was a big last week win over Athens 

that put the Bears back in the playoffs after a one-year 

absence. 

“It gave us some big momentum going into the 

offseason,” Brownsboro head coach John Settle said. 

“We stumbled early, but we played fairly well the last 

three games of the season.” 

The Bears have a solid foundation to rely on with 

seven starters returning on each side of the ball, 


Reid Kerr - KLTV 7 News 

From Top to Bottom, No Clear Favorite In This District 

In 2008, District 20-3A was just about as tight as it gets. 

With the three playoff spots not settled until the final week of the season, Westwood claimed the district title with a 4-1 mark, while Crockett and 

Brownsboro took the other two playoff spots. 

For this season, expect more of the same. 

“This district is so talented,” Brownsboro coach John Settle said, “ there’s no weak links. We have to be at our very best five weeks in a row.” 

“Any three of the six district teams could be in the top three,” Palestine coach Booker T. Bowie said. 

Crockett coach Paul Parsons said the size of the district leads to some big games. 

“This district has got some really big schools, enrollment-wise. We’re kind of at a disadvantage, we’re the fourth smallest 3A school in the state, but it’s 

very competitive.” 

“We’re going to use him as a tight end, fullback, and 

h-back. He’s a big target with good hands, we’re going 

to get him the ball.” 

Another tight end, Carson Hutson, will be moving 

to receiver for his senior season, where he’ll join 

Courtney Whitehead. “We expect big things from him 

as a junior,” Smith said, “he’s a great athlete, he’s been 

playing varsity basketball since he was a freshman.” 

Tacameo Barker and Jonathan Dora were both also 

second-team All-District receivers last year. 

On the line, ten-game starters Corey Rogers and Dillon 

Wenberg will return. At left tackle, James Marshall will 

start on the line after playing fullback last season. 

Defensively, the Hornets have no returning starters 

from their secondary, so they’ll have to rely on their 

front seven to generate pressure. Jordan will also start 

at defensive end for the Hornets, lined up opposite 

junior C.J. Tatum. At linebacker, Justin Hofstetter was 

All-Henderson County as a sophomore last season, 

and the newcomer of the year had 127 tackles. He’ll 

be joined by some new faces. 

“We’ve got Sean Curley, Austin Fincher and Hunter 

Choate coming up from the JV,” Smith said, “I think 

they’ll be good.” 

Junior Nick Richardson is 5’11” and 285 pounds, 

Smith says he’ll “be on the field somewhere on the 

line, starting on one side or the other.” 


Matt Jordan Senior TE/DE 

Dillon Wenberg Senior OL/DL 

Corey Rogers Senior OL/DL\ 

Mascot: 

Hornets 


Superintendent: Dr. Fred Hayes 

Head Coach: Paul Essary 



Schedule 

8/28 Wills Point Away 7:30 

9/4 Mabank Away 7:30 


9/18 Mexia Home 7:30 

9/25 Chapel Hill Away 7:30 

10/2 Open 

10/9 Crockett* Home 7:30 

10/16 Westwood* Away 7:30 

10/23 Fairfield* Home 7:30 

10/30 Palestine* Home 7:30 

11/6 Brownsboro* Away 7:30 


including quarterback Zack Bailey. Bailey threw for 

1620 yards and 14 touchdowns and scored nine more 

on the ground. 

“We’ve got Zack back and Ryan Owens, who also got 

a lot of playing time last year,” Settle said. 

Senior running back Cameron Warren will be the 

primary ball carrier, after rushing for 1100 yards as a 

junior. Warren scored 16 touchdowns last season on 

the ground and through the air. 

Up front, the Bears are thick with experience. Seniors 

Glen Devlin and Colton Croley are three-year starters, 

and juniors Corbin Duke and Matt Bouchillon are twoyear 

starters. 

“Having that experience means a lot,” Settle said. 

“They’ve got to shoulder a lot of the load. Having all 

the experience in front really helps us until our skill 

kids really grow up and develop.” 

Defensively, Brownsboro projects seniors at eight of the 

eleven spots on the field, including Justin Vause and 

Justin Richmon at defensive end. Shirshea Bowman 

and Brad McDonald return at outside linebacker, and 

the secondary is completely senior-driven with Jon 

Thompson, Tyler Rogers and Zack Bailey. 

cont. 

Brownsboro Bears 

“I’m of the firm belief that you’re only as good as the 

senior class can take you,” Settle said, “so we’ve got 

the groundwork laid for this season.” 

The 2009 schedule is a bit strange for the Bears. 

Counting their season-opener at the Van classic, they 

don’t actually play a home game until their fifth contest 

of the season. 

“I think we have to grow up on the road, we’ve got 

to overcome adversity early. There’s only one way to 

overcome it, and that’s to go through it. We’ll put them 

in situations, and they’ve got to respond.” 

Crockett Bulldogs 

In Crockett’s second season under head coach Paul 

Parsons, the Bulldogs continued their playoff streak 

for the third straight year. 

Crockett went 6-5 in 2008, and returns three starters 

on each side of the ball. 

In the backfield, tailback Calvin Rodgers returns after 

an all-district junior year. At six feet and 215 pounds, 

Rodgers is bigger than two of his offensive linemen. 

“He’s a big, physical guy,” Parsons said. “He can run 

between the tackles, and he’s got explosive speed. He 

was an all-district punter for us, too.” 

Crockett’s offensive line will be led by junior Antonio 

Chimney, and senior Demarcus McKnight. 

Senior Napoleon Dennis was a starter on defense a 

year ago, but he’ll be the Bulldogs full-time quarterback 

this season. 

“We still might throw him in on defense in an 

emergency,” Parsons said, “but he’ll be concentrating 

on offense.” 

Fairfield Eagles 

In their first year under new coach Darrell Piske, 

Fairfield went 3-7, winning more games than in the 

previous two years combined. 

“Just being here for a second year will help,” Piske 

said. “We’ve been building ever since we got here, and 

we’re really looking forward to seeing how everything’s 

coming together.” 

The Eagles return seven starters on offense, including 

senior offensive lineman Eli Pratt. The six-foot, 300 

pound returning powerhouse is described by Piske as 

“one of the best athletes on the team.” 

In the backfield, junior Chris Burns is back. “He’s 

started since he was a freshman,” Piske said, “he’s 

a special athlete. He runs hard, he’s strong and he’s 

got great speed.” 



Cameron Warren Senior RB 

Zack Bailey Senior QB 

Mascot: 

Bears 


Superintendent: Elton Caldwell 

Head Coach: John Settle 



On defense, the Bulldogs have three starters back 

including senior defensive end NaQuan Lee, but will 

have to find a new linebacking corps. 

“We’ve got to replace three linebackers who are all 

playing college ball,” Parsons explains. “We should be 

pretty good on the line and in the secondary, but we’ll 

be really young at linebacker.” 

Even with few starters returning, Parsons still knows 

the expectations for his team. 

“I think it’s a tradition in Crockett,” he said. “You look at 

the school, they’ve always been a winning program. 

The kids are winners, they’re used to it. It’s been 

tougher recently because of the enrollment and the 

size of the schools we play against, but it’s almost 

expected for us to compete for the playoffs.” 


Calvin Rodgers Senior RB 

Napoleon Dennis Senior QB 

NaQuan Lee Senior DE 

The Eagles will be helped by the return of Willie 

Tatum, a senior receiver who missed his entire junior 

year with an injury that also kept him from playing in 

Piske’s first year as coach. 

“Unfortunately,” Piske laughs, “I haven’t seen him play 

a lick of football, but he’s a great athlete from what I’ve 

seen in our seven-on-seven drills. He’s calm, cool and 

collected out there. He’s a very elusive runner with 

great hands and speed.” 

“We’ll list him as a receiver, but we’re going to use him 

at whatever position will get him the ball.” 

The Eagles return eight starters on the defensive side 

of the ball, with middle linebacker Brodrick White back 

after winning the Defensive Newcomer of the Year 

award last season as a sophomore. 

“He’s just a football player,” Piske said, “that’s the best 

Schedule 

8/28 Kemp @ Van 7:30 

9/4 Frankston Away 7:30 

9/11 Spring Hill Away 7:30 

9/18 Wills Point Away 7:30 

9/25 Rains Home 7:30 

10/2 Open 

10/9 Westwood* Home 7:30 

10/16 Fairfield* Away 7:30 


10/30 Crockett* Away 7:30 

11/6 Athens* Home 7:30 


Mascot: 

Bulldogs 


Superintendent: Vacant 

Head Coach: Paul Parsons 

Schedule 

8/28 Coldspring – Oakhurst Home 7:30 

9/4 Corrigan-Camden Home 7:30 

9/11 Mexia Away 7:30 

9/18 Madisonville Away 7:30 

9/25 Waco LaVega Home 7:30 

10/2 Open 

10/9 Athens* Away 7:30 

10/16 Palestine* Away 7:30 


10/30 Brownsboro* Home 7:30 



way to describe him. He’ll anchor the defense for us.” 

White will be joined by outside linebacker Evan 

Simpson, another player Piske says is a leader for his 

team. “He’s got a nose for the game; he’s a very smart 

player.” 

“Our defense going to be pretty good,” Piske said. 

“We’ve been waiting on next season. Being in our 

system for two years will really help.” 


Eli Pratt Senior OL 

Chris Burns Junior RB 

Willie Tatum Senior WR 

Brodrick White Junior LB 

cont. 

46 

47

Fairfield Eagles 

Mascot: 

Eagles 


Superintendent: Katie Ryan 

Head Coach: 

Darrell Piske 



Palestine Wildcats 

The Wildcats dropped to 3-7 last season, their first 

season under longtime defensive coordinator turned 

head coach Booker T. Bowie. 

Palestine has five starters back on offense, including 

quarterback Olin Terry. Terry’s a three-year starter for 

the Wildcats, and picked as the preseason offensive 

Most Valuable Player of the year. 

“Being a senior,” Bowie said of his quarterback, “he’s 

familiar with the offense and the personnel. We like the 

way the kids follow him. We’ll also have three of our 

four wide receivers back for him for throw to.” 

Terry will also have a returning weapon lining up 

behind him, with junior Terrance Simon at tailback. 

“He was the newcomer of the year as a sophomore,” 

Bowie said. “He’s really grown during the offseason in 

his size and speed.” 

The Wildcats also bring back four defensive starters, 


Schedule 

8/28 China Spring Home 7:30 

9/4 Ferris Away 7:30 

9/11 Gatesville Away 7:30 

9/18 Rusk Away 7:30 

9/25 Crandall Home 7:30 

led by linebacker Sam Wren. 

“He’s come a long way,” Bowie said of his six-two, two 

hundred and eighteen pound senior. “He’s worked 

hard in the offseason and in the weight room.” 

“I’ve always felt like your linebackers should be the 

leaders of your defense, and Sam’s that kind of player 

for us.” 

Wren will be joined by defensive lineman Michael 

Walker. At six feet and three hundred and ten pounds, 

Bowie said Walker will play all over the line. 


Olin Terry Senior QB 

Terrance Simon Junior RB 

Mascot: 

Wildcats 


Superintendent: Dr. Thomas Wallace 

Head Coach: Booker T. Bowie 

10/2 Open 


10/16 Brownsboro* Home 7:30 


10/30 Westwood* Away 7:30 





Schedule 


9/4 Navasota Home 7:30 

9/11 Van Home 7:30 



10/2 Open 








WHAT WOULD 

YOU GIVE FOR 

ONE MORE SHOT 

AT GLORY 

The smell of the grass. The roar of the crowd. 

The weight of the cold December air. That’s 

high school football in Texas. And while we 

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Westwood Panthers 

It was another benchmark season for the Panthers, 

as Westwood followed their first playoff win in 2007 

with their first ever back-to-back playoff appearances 

in 2008. 

“The kids understand what we’re trying to do,” 

Westwood head coach Kevin Anderson said. “With 

this district championship, the expectations are really 

getting there for us to be in the playoffs every year. 

We’re getting more kids out every year that want to 

be a part of it.” 

Westwood went 6-5 last season, and return four 

starters on offense. Junior Tevin Watson will be back 

at quarterback, after a sophomore season that saw 

him throw for more than a thousand yards and win the 

district’s offensive Newcomer of the Year award. 

“Last year, I didn’t want to have too high of expectations 

for him as a sophomore,” Anderson said, “but he came 

through with flying colors. We can really open up the 

offense now that he’s got a year under his belt.” 

Watson will have a pair of all-district seniors returning 

at wide receiver in Cameron Shead and Domanick 

Turner. 

“Turner’s a kid that’s not big,” Anderson said, “but he’s 

big on the field. He plays big.” 

Anderson said one of the two seniors also might see 

some time at running back. Junior Dustin Campbell 

also returns on the line. 

Defensively, the Panthers bring back five starters, 

including junior defensive end Aaron Stanhope. 

“He’s just getting bigger and better,” Anderson said. 

“His father was an offensive lineman at Texas Tech, so 

he’s got the genes.” 

Senior Shaun Anderson will return at tackle and 

Rodney Watson will move from defensive tackle to 

defensive end for his senior season. The secondary 

is set with Bruce Lyman and Nick Morrow returning. 

However, the Panthers have some major holes to fill 

at linebacker. 

“I graduated a three-year starter, and two two-year 

starters at linebacker, “ Anderson said. “We’ll need 

someone to step up.” 


Tevin Watson Junior QB 

Cameron Shead Senior WR 

Domanick Turner Senior WR 

Aaron Stanhope Junior DE 

Shaun Anderson Senior DT 

Mascot: 

Panthers 


Superintendent: Dr. Ed Lyman 

Head Coach: Kevin Anderson 



Schedule 

8/28 Chapel Hill Home 7:30 


9/11 Madisonville Away 7:30 

9/18 Arp Home 7:30 

9/25 Groesbeck Away 7:30 

10/2 Open 


10/16 Athens* Home 7:30 

10/23 Crockett* Away 7:30 

10/30 Fairfield* Home 7:30 

11/6 Palestine* Away 7:30 




1. Athens 

2. Crockett 

3. Brownsboro 

4. Westwood 

5. Palestine 

6. Fairfield 

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48 

49

Basic Injury Treatment 

Cathy Fieseler, MD 

Trinity Mother Frances Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine 

With fall sports comes concern about injuries. There are two basic types of injuries, acute and overuse. 

An acute injury is a sudden, somewhat violent injury, including sprains (stretching or tearing of ligaments), strains 

(stretching or tearing of muscles and tendons), contusions, lacerations and fractures. 

Basic First Aid: 

• Stop bleeding 

• Apply ice for 10-15 minutes 3-4 times daily 

• Immobilize or protect injured extremity 

• Elevate injured body part if possible 

• Apply compression to decrease swelling; do not apply too tightly or sleep wearing wrap 

• Relieve pain with anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, naproxen) or acetaminophen. Check with 

your physician before taking. Follow directions. Use only for a limited period of time. 

When to seek medical help: 

• If significant swelling occurs immediately 

• If there is a large amount or persistent bleeding 

• If there is persistent severe pain 

• If a crack, pop or tear was heard or felt at the time of injury 

• Inability to use injured part 

An overuse injury is due to low-grade abnormal force applied repeatedly over a prolonged period of time. 

Examples include tendonitis, bursitis, and stress fracture. They can be caused by: 

• Training errors (too much exercise, increasing intensity too quickly) 

• Anatomy (knock knees, flat feet, etc.) 

• Improper or poorly maintained equipment and shoes 

• Training surface and environment (jumping on concrete, etc.) 

Basic First Aid: 

• Reduce the amount and intensity of training using pain as a guide 

• Apply ice to injured area 15-20 minutes 3-4 times per day 

• Apply compression to decrease swelling; do not apply too tightly or sleep wearing wrap 

• If possible, elevate the injured area 

• Relieve pain with anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, naproxen) or acetaminophen. 

Check with physician before taking. Follow directions. Use only for a limited period of time. 

• Determine the cause of the injury and fix it 

When to seek medical help: 

• Pain persists despite decreased training 

• Pain persists for longer than 10-14 days 

• Pain resolves with rest but recurs when training is resumed 

• Pain medications required in order to train without discomfort 

Jefferson Bulldogs 

The Bulldogs think this season will be better than last 

year. And last year was not bad at all. Jefferson lost 

one district game and that was to eventual state champ 

Daingerfield. The best news for Coach Scott Hale is 

that the nucleus of that team is back for another run at 

the playoffs in 2009. 

Eight starters on defense and seven on offense will 

give Jefferson maybe the best chance on paper to take 

on defending district and state champ Daingerfield. 

Four Bulldogs are already committed or being recruited 

by D-1 programs. 

Running back Destin Mosley is committed to Kansas 

State. Linemen Trevor Murphy and Clarence Lee and 

safety Devin Figures are all being heavily recruited 

too. 

“We expect to deliver,” says Hale, “we are a senior 

team. Pretty much everybody is back and we’ve got 

kids that have at least played in those other spots.” 

Last year’s back up, Trent Smith, will most likely start 

at QB this season. 

Daingerfield Tigers 

“We started in the spring trying to put that behind us 

and move forward,” says Daingerfield Coach Barry 

Bowman. 

Now when you hear that quote you have to believe it 

was a rough year for the Tigers. But that is quite the 

opposite. There is only a few teams that carry the title 

“Defending State Champions” but Daingerfield does 

and that puts a huge target on their back from day one. 

“The expectations are high, they always are here. The 

coaching staff has been on their rear ends pretty hard 

this spring. We have to stay grounded and keep working 

like we are supposed to,” says Coach Bowman. 

While the Tigers return a bunch of kids from that state 

championship team, Coach Bowman says its leadership 

he’ll miss the most. 

“We lost a couple of lineman, some key players on 

defense, but the biggest thing we lost is the leadership 

thing,” says Bowman, “these were my guys on the 

field.” 


Clint Yeatts - KLTV 7 

Plenty of Folks Ready to Take On The Defending State Champions 

Its just plain hard to look past Daingerfield when you think about 17-2A. But from top to bottom the talent in this district is impressive. 

There is no doubt Daingerfield is the team to beat. Seven offensive and eight defensive starters return from a team that was the best in Texas 

last year. 

But there are some other folks that are loaded too. Jefferson’s only district loss was to Daingerfield and Coach Scott Hale has a bunch of his kids back 

again. 

Hughes Springs was a playoff team last year and they’ve got 11…yeah 11 offensive starters back for 2009. 

In fact, if you look up and down this district, every team has their share of returning starters and everyone in 17-2A has their sights on the playoffs. 

If they don’t beat up on each other too much whoever makes it out of this district will be battle tested and ready for playoffs. 

“We’ve got a lot of skilled kids. We’ll be very multiple 

on offense. We are going to get the ball to the kids that 

can make the plays and we’ve got several of those.” 

The Bulldogs are 26-9 since Hale took over the 

program and expectations will be high again this fall. 

“Our kids are used to it, we expect it and there will be 

a big target on our backs this year. That’s just the way 

it is with football in Jefferson.” 


Destin Mosley Senior RB/CB 5’9” 160 

Trevor Murphy Senior OL/DL 6’2” 275 

Clarence Lee Senior WR/DE 6’4” 215 

Devin Figures Senior WR/S 5’10” 185 

Trent Smith Senior QB/CB 5’10” 180 

Mascot: 

Bulldog 

Superintendent: Dr. Sharion Ross 


The good news for Daingerfield fans there is a lot of 

experienced players waiting to step up and take that 

leadership role. 

One of those is senior WR Chris Jones. Chris is one of 

several Tigers that have gotten a lot of college recruiters 

stopping by. 

Experience doesn’t always come with age though. Tyler 

Boyd wasn’t old enough to drive last fall, but he was old 

enough to be the quarterback for a state championship 

team. He returns for his junior season in 2009. 

Seven starters in all return from last years team. 

On the other side of the ball the picture may even better 

as the Tigers return eight starters. Coach Bowman 

says the kids ready to fill those spots may be even 

better than the guys who graduated. 

The only question coach has to answer is who will lead 

this team on the field. If he finds that answer there are 

very few folks who don’t expect the Tigers to have a real 

good shot at a return to the state championship game. 



Schedule 

8/28 Pittsburg Home 7:30 

9/4 Tatum Home 7:30 

9/11 Paul Pewitt Away 7:30 


9/25 Open 


10/9 Ore City* Home 7:30 

10/16 Queen City* Away 7:30 

10/23 Daingerfield* Home 7:30 

10/30 Linden-Kildare* Away 7:30 

11/6 Hughes Springs* Home 7:30 



Chris Jones Senior WR/DB 6’0” 170 

Tyler Boyd Junior QB/DB 5’10” 175 

Steve Edmond Junior TE/LB 6’3” 225 

Keyarris Garrett Junior WR/DB 6’4” 180 

Koko Smith Senior RB/DB 5’7” 170 

Josh Evans Senior LB 5’11” 185 

Chris Robertson Senior DE 6’2” 190 

Joe Lafayette Senior WR/DB 5’11” 180 

Shayvion Hatten Junior OL/DL 6’4” 250 

David Mims Junior WR/DB 5’10” 170 

Floyd Chism Senior WR/DB 6’0” 180 

Mascot: 

Tigers 

Head coach 

Barry Bowman 

Superintendent: Pat Adams 

HS Enrollment: 400 

cont. 

50 

51

Daingerfield Tigers 



Hughes Springs 

Mustangs 

Things got off to a slow start for the Mustangs last 

season. But after a 1-5 start Coach Chris Edwards 

team got on a winning streak and made the playoffs. 

With only six seniors, the Mustangs were pretty young. 

That all changes in 2009. 

Though starting QB Cody Jones and RB Jabarri 

Wesley did graduate, the Mustangs have 18 starters 

coming back, 16 of those are seniors. 

“There is a much different lay of the land,” says 

coach Edwards, “We’ll start off a lot better than last 

year. Unlike last year, our biggest strength will be our 

offensive and defensive line.” 

Senior Trevor Munn and junior Bubba Jones will be 

competing for the starting QB job while a “slew” of 

backs will be looking to take the starting job in the 

backfield. 

On defense, nine starters are back; all seven up front 

guys and two linebackers. If there will be a weak spot 

here it will be in the secondary. 

Unlike last season, the Mustangs think they’ve got 

Linden Kildare Tigers 

“I’m not playing for third,” says Linden-Kildare head 

coach Jerry Bennett. 

It’s sometimes hard to remember that when playing 

in a district that includes teams like Daingerfield and 

Jefferson. 

The Tigers finished 2-8 in 2008. Coach is quick to point 

out his kids were really young. Most of that team is 

back this year. Despite only two wins, the Tigers were 

just one victory away from that third playoff spot. 

The soft spot this year may be on the line. “We don’t 

have a lot of linemen,” says Bennett, “but we’ve got 

some scrappy kids. And we’ve got some good skill 

kids that are back.” 

That includes senior WR/DB Colton Watson. Colton 

finished 4th in state in power lifting this past season 

and will be asked to be a major contributor on this 

team. 

5’8, 217lb senior Greg Gaston is another player to 

watch for. “He’s a load,” says coach, “he’s a real good 

player. 


Schedule 


9/4 Paul Pewitt Away 7:30 

9/11 Celina Home 7:30 

9/18 Commerce Away 7:30 

9/25 Gilmer Away 7:30 

a shot every Friday night…even facing a defending 

state champion. 

“We will be there every Friday night,” says Coach 

Edwards, “We look forward to playing Daingerfield…we 

want a piece of them. Playing this kind of competition 

gives us a chance of getting deep into the playoffs if 

we can just get out of district play.” 


Trevor Munn Senior QB/DB 5’11” 165 

Bubba Jones Junior QB/DB 5’10” 170 

Chris Skaggs Senior OL 5’10” 240 

Alex Ingram Senior OL 6’1” 275 

Wayne Munden Senior OL/DE 6’0” 195 

Brandon Lindsey Senior OL/MLB 5’10” 175 

Joesph Fitzgerald Senior OL/DL 6’1” 250 

Chris Bishop Senior OL/DL 6’4” 240 

Arron Roach Senior TE/DL 6’2” 220 

James Duffner Senior TE/DL 5’11” 185 

Brent Giddens Junior RB/DB 5’11” 170 

Davuntae Hatten Soph FB 6’0” 195 

Nolan Stricklin Senior FB/LB 5’10” 170 

So for another year there will not be a lot of seniors 

on this team but the ones who are there will play a 

significant role. 

“We are stronger and better than last year. We will 

compete this year.” 

And remember the Tigers are not just playing for third 

this time around. 


Kenny Harrison Junior QB/DB 5’10” 160 

Cody Beleu Junior WR/LB 5’11” 160 

Lashodrick Linwood Soph RB/DB 5’11” 170 

DJ Dawson Senior C/DL 6’0” 185 

Thomas Horner Senior OL/DE 5’10” 180 

Mascot: 

Tigers 

Superintendent Clint Coyne 

Head Coach 

Jerry Bennett 


10/2 Open 

10/9 Hughes Springs* Home 7:30 

10/16 Linden-Kildare* Home 7:30 

10/23 Jefferson* Away 7:30 


11/6 Queen City* Away 7:30 


Mascot: 

Mustang 

Superintendent: Rick Ogden 

Head Coach 

Chris Edwards 




Schedule 

8/28 Open 

9/4 New Diana Away 7:30 

9/11 DeKalb Home 7:30 

9/18 West Rusk Away 7:30 

9/25 Troup Home 7:30 

10/2 New Boston Home 7:30 

10/9 Daingerfield* Away 7:30 


10/23 Linden-Kildare* Away 7:30 

10/30 Queen City* Home 7:30 

11/6 Jefferson* Away 7:30 




Schedule 

8/28 Clarksville Home 7:30 

9/4 Harmony There 7:30 

9/11 Harleton Here 7:30 

9/18 Maud There 7:30 

9/25 New Boston There 7:30 

10/2 Open 

109 Queen City* Home 7:30 

10/16 Daingerfield* There 7:30 

10/23 Hughes Springs* Here 7:30 

10/20 Jefferson* Here 7:30 

11/4 Ore City* There 7:30 


Queen City Bulldogs 

Coach says it with a smile on his face but he’s not 

joking. “It’s kind of funny I guess, says Queen City 

Head Coach Brandon Warren, “we start the year with 

the defending 3-A state champ in Prosper then we end 

the season with 2-A state champ Daingerfield. It is 

what it is and we are just going to get our kids ready 

to play.” 

2008 was not the best of years for the Bulldogs. The 

season ended with a 1-10 record and that one win was 

a forfeit. Coach Warren, who moved from assistant to 

head coach in January, says despite the disappointing 

season his kids are looking forward to getting back on 

the field in August. 

“Our seniors this year I coached as freshman,” says 

Warren, “That was the last time we had a lot of 

success. That J-V team went 9 and 1. They know the 

system I’m bringing back.” 

Coach will look to three guys that he calls “pure 

athletes.” So much so he’s not sure what positions 

seniors Caleb Hawkins, Dakiron Davis or Jonathan 

Yepez will play, he just knows they won’t step off the 

field much on Friday night. 

Ore City Rebels 

For the first time in 13 years the Rebels had a “nonlosing” 

season. Ore City Finished the year at 5-5. 

“We were pleased to some degree,” says head coach 

Bobby Chadwick, “but we aren’t satisfied.” 

And for good reason. The Rebels have all 11 offensive 

starters back again this season. But there will be 

some changes. Last season’s QB Brandon Rogers 

is moving to WR and WR Adan Saldernia is moving 

to QB. “Because of his athleticism, we wanted to get 

Brandon out in space more. We are going to try and 

get him the ball, but we’ll be running too.” 

This picture is pretty bright on defense too. Nine 

starters are back including 6’3” 305 pound lineman 

Dillion Ivory. He, along with Jacob Thornburgh and 

Cory Maxwell are expected to shore up the Mustang 

defense. 

“We are telling our kids right now that we had a decent 

year but we are striving for more. We want to get into 

the playoffs,” says Chadwick, “and if our kids continue 

to work hard and we can rely on our strengths and get 

better each week, I think we can make that happen. 


Brandon Rogers Senior WR/DB 5’10” 170 

Adan Saldiernia Senior QB/DB 5’8” 150 

Joey Espy Soph RB/LB 5’10” 170 

Josh Taylor Senior RB/OLB 5’11” 165 


Larry Andrews will start as QB this season. “He’s a 

legit 4.4 guy,” says coach, “with a strong upper body.” 

But with teams like Prosper and Daingerfield on the 

schedule, Coach Warren knows his Bulldogs will be 

in for a fight every Friday night. “On paper we can’t 

win against those guys,” says Warren, “but if you went 

on paper no one would play. You play the games for 

a reason. If we win at least three district games, we 

are in the playoffs. I won’t promise the kids anything 

except we’ll be ready to play on Friday night.” 


Caleb Hawkins Senior FB/LB 6’0” 185 

Dakiron Davis Senior RB/DB 5’10” 160 

Jonathen Yepez Senior WR/DB 6’1” 165 

Larry Andrews Senior QB/DB 5’9” 165 

Braven Griffin Junior OL/DL 6’0” 190 

Cody Willis Junior OL/LB 6’2” 210 

Kewone Marshall Senior OL/DL 6’0” 220 

Mascot: 


Bulldogs 

Rob Barnwell 

Jonathan Ramsey Soph FB/DB 5’10” 160 

Dillon Ivory Junior OL/DL 6’3” 305 

Jacob Thornburgh Junior OL/Dl 5’9” 180 

Cory Maxwell Senior TE/LB 6’0” 190 

Cleve Sexton Senior OL/DL 6’1” 210 

Travis Moser Senior OL/DL 6’1” 250 

Raul Esquivel Junior OL/DL 6’0” 225 

Shaun Nicholson Junior TE/DE 6’2” 190 

Jesse Stroman Senior OL/DL 6’0” 195 

Mascot: 

Rebels 

Superintendent Lynn Heflin 


Head Coach 

Bobby Chadwick 



Schedule 

8/28 Overton Home 7:30 

9/4 Como-Pickton Home 7:30 

9/11 Beckville Away 7:30 

9/18 Harleton Home 7:30 

9/25 Open 

10/2 Maud Away 7:30 

10/9 *Jefferson Away 7:30 

Head Coach: Brandon Warren 




Schedule 

8/28 Prosper @Queen City 7:30 

9/4 Deklab Away 7:30 

9/11 New Boston Away 7:30 

9/18 Pittsburg Home 7:30 

9/25 West Rusk Home 7:30 

10/2 Open 

10/9 Linden Kildare* Away 7:30 

10/16 Jefferson* Home 7:30 

10/23 Ore City* Away 7:30 

10/30 Hughes Springs* Away 7:30 

11/6 Daingerfield* Home 7:30 


10/16 *Hughes Springs Away 7:30 

10/23 *Queen City Home 7:30 

10/30 *Daingerfield Away 7:30 

11/6 *Linden-Kildare Home 7:30 




1. Daingerfield 

2. Jefferson 

3. Hughes Springs 

4. Linden-Kildare 

5. Ore City 

6. Queen City 

52 

53

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Elysian Fields 

Yellowjackets 

It was only one game, but it cost Elysian Fields a 

chance at the playoffs. A 14-13 loss to Harleton in the 

first game of district put the ‘Jackets in a tie for third, a 

tie they lost with Harleton. 

“It was tough,” said head coach Jack Parker, “We 

ended up winning three in a row to end the year, and 

felt that we were a playoff team, but we had a hiccup 

at the beginning, and it cost us.” 

Parker doesn’t need to motivate his kids after that; he 

says they are itching to go. 

He will have to choose a quarterback. A battle is 

brewing between seniors Austin Delk and Brandon 

Gowin for the starting spot behind center. 

“One of them will win the job, but as we learned last 

year, we have got to have both guys ready to go, so 

they will both get action.” 

To help the cause on offense, either man will have to 

look no further than at running back, where a bruising 

6’0 260 pound Tyrell McKee stands, ready to tote the 

rock. “He is a man, he is huge, and we are going to 

use him to our advantage.” 

Harleton Wildcats 

2008 was not the greatest year in Harleton football 

history. Even though the Wildcats were in the playoffs, 

they were one and done, something that head coach 

Dennis Alexander says won’t happen again. 

“We just got tired last year; that is what it comes down 

to. We had too many kids that had to play the entire 

game on both sides.” 

Alexander was perfectly clear about his team in ’09 

that the Wildcats have got to be ready. 



In This Big District, The Bottom Is Ready To Move To The Top 

It is no secret that in district 18-2A that the top dogs reside in Harmony and White Oak. 

What may cause problems for the top two are the rest of the teams, as the district shapes up to be the toughest that it has been in several years. 

“The district is tough, White Oak is probably the favorite, but after that, every team has a shot of getting in,” said Union Grove head coach Marty 

Moore. 

2008 saw both Harmony and White Oak dominate the field, with Harleton squeezing in the playoffs in the third spot. 

“The district will be much better this year. The difference between the first and last place teams is going to shrink dramatically,” said White Oak head 

coach Tracy Blankenship. 

Most of the coaches agree that 2009 could be one of the toughest that the district has seen, with most noting expected improvements out of Sabine, 

Elysian Fields and Union Grove. 

The sleeper may be the Wildcats at Winona, as coach Mike Sorenson has seen his squad improve every year while he has been at the helm. 

Sorenson had the pre-season quote of the year as well, 

“We used to be everyone’s homecoming team. Teams would schedule us because they thought they could beat us easily. I tell you what, if a team 

wants to schedule us for homecoming this year, then they better bring some extra make-up, because the homecoming queen will be crying.” 

This ought to be fun. 

McKee will have some help. Jed Crisp will move to 

the wide receiver spot and Santos Duran will return at 

tight end. The big key will be up front. Elysian Fields 

returns four out of five starters on the front line. “We 

were so young up front last year, now we have kids 

who are experienced and know how to win.” 

Defensively, the ‘Jackets will return starting defensive 

ends Stanly Roquemore and Corey Fielder, alongside 

all-district pick Rodney Sutton in the defensive 

backfield. 

“Our guys know that we can play, now all we have to 

do is go out there an prove it.” 


Tyrell McKee Senior RB 

Jed Crisp Senior WR 

Santos Duran Senior TE/LB 

Stanley Roqumore Junior DE 

Corey Fielder Junior DE 

Dwayne Adame Senior DE 

Jayme Ferro Senior DB 

Rodney Sutton Senior DB 

“I think we are going to have one of the smallest 

varsity squads in a long time, so we cannot be fooling 

around in the off-season, we have got to be in shape 

and ready to go.” 

He does have positions that he need not worry 

about, especially on offense, where Harleton brings 

back seven starters, including the 18-2A Receiver 

of the year Connor Lloyd and returning starters at 

quarterback, Logan Jones and at running back in Greg 

Beham. 

“Logan is a good player, we put him in tough spots 

last year, but if we can avoid that, and he can get the 

Mascot: 



Head Coach: 

Yellowjackets 

Dr. Bob Browning 

Jack Parker 



Schedule 

8/29 Troup @Gladewater 7:30 

9/4 Waskom Away 7:30 

9/11 Hooks Home 7:30 

9/18 OPEN 

9/25 Harleton* Away 7:30 

10/2 Harmony* Home 7:30 

10/9 White Oak* Away 7:30 

10/16 New Diana* Away 7:30 

10/23 Sabine* Home 7:30 

10/30 Union Grove* Away 7:30 

11/6 Winona* Home 7:30 


ball to Connor, we can score on anyone. If Greg can 

stay healthy, he will be a force, he has battled little 

nagging injuries, but if he can stay on the field, he will 

be a huge weapon.” 

Along with them, look for Chase Jones to be a factor in 

the middle, as he returns to anchor both the offensive 

and defensive lines. 

There is no doubt the Wildcats have the talent to 

compete, but Alexander says if that talent is not on the 

field, then not a whole lot can be done. 

cont. 

54 

55


WHAT IF YOU 

COULD TASTE 

VICTORY JUST 

ONE MORE TIME 

The last second comeback. The onside 

kick. The Hail Mary that took us to state. 

That’s high school football in Texas. And 

while we can’t go back and replay the 

games, we can do what Lone Star football 

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Harleton Wildcats 

“We have a good core, no doubt about that, but we 

have critical spots on the field that we do not know 

what we are going to do with, or who is going to play 

them, and that right now is our biggest problem.” 


Connor Lloyd Senior WR/DB 

Logan Jones Senior QB 

Greg Beham Senior RB/DB 

Chase Jones Senior OL/DL 

Harmony Eagles 

The Eagles may just be the team to beat, at least head 

coach Shane Wilson thinks they can be. 

“We have improved every year since I have been here. 

We broke through last year and now our kids and our 

coaches want more.” 

To get more, the Eagles won’t have much catching up 

to do; Harmony returns the most starters on offense (9) 

and defense (10) in the district. 

“This is the most we have had coming back since I have 

been here, and we don’t have to re-teach a whole lot 

to the kids.” 

Anchoring the Eagles season will be one of the most 

dominant players in the district, linebacker Kolby 

Hogan. “Kolby is the best we have, and with him and 

Colton (Bunn) and Jonathan (Hanson) we have a heck 

of a nucleus on defense.” 

Hogan stole the show for Harmony last season. The 

D-1 prospect was a star, leading the district in tackles, 

with a whopping 142 take-downs. But he is not alone. 

“We have a bunch of guys who can just flat play, both on 

offense and defense and I have no reason to think that 

New Diana Eagles 

The Eagles got a glimpse, and now they want more. 

In year one under Roger Adams, New Diana was a 

dismal 1-5 going into the final stretch of the season. 

Then something clicked. 

“We finished 3-1 and got a good taste of how to win, 

but not making the playoffs after playing well to end 

the year, it puts a bad taste in everyone’s mouth,” said 

Adams. 

That taste may be easily washed away, when Adams 

looks out on the field, he will see a lot of familiar faces, 

seven on offense and eight on defense return for the 

Eagles. 

Two of the standouts will be in the backfield as Kyle Ray 

Hendricks and Beau Brewer return to the backfield. 

“We can run the ball,” said Adams, “that is what we want 

to do, and we are going to do it with those guys.” 

The Eagles old-school approach with the wing-t offense 

allows them to take advantage of their speed up front. 

“We are not the biggest team, but with the way we run 

our offense, we do not ask players to go one on one, so 

we use the system we have to offset our lack of size.” 


Mascot: 

Wildcats 


Superintendent: Dr. Craig Coleman 

Head Coach: Dennis Alexander 



Schedule 

8/27 West Rusk @Pine Tree 7:30 

9/4 OPEN 

we will be much better than last year.” 

The Eagles will have plenty of fire power back on 

the offensive side as well, with Bunn stepping in a 

quarterback and Luke Laminack back to carry the 

running back load. 

And don’t mess with the linemen alongside Hanson will 

step in three returning big men to the Harmony front 

lines. 

“This is my first year that we have brought back linemen. 

In the first years we always had senior heavy lines, and 

now we bring back 4 of 5; we should be dominant up 

front.” 


Kolby Hogan Senior LB 

Colton Bunn Senior QB/FS 

Jordan Argabright Senior WR 

Luke Laminack Junior RB 

Colby Hogan Junior TE/DE 

Ryan Whittmore Senior RB/LB 

Johnathan Hanson Senior C 

Mascot: 

Eagles 

The Eagles won’t be lacking on defense, as Beau 

Brewer is back to lead the charge. The leading tackler 

from last year will be joined by other starters Hunter 

Covin and Jacob Witt. “Beau is one of the good ones, 

but as a safety, when he leads the team in tackles, then 

something might be wrong, so we have to get the other 

guys to step up.” 

They may be small, but they are certainly strong. 

“We have four offensive linemen that are over 300 

pounds on the bench press and we have several guys 

who are over 250. With our offense and our system, we 

should be able to do some damage this year.” 


Kyle Ray Hendricks Senior FB/LB 

Beau Brewer Senior RB/FS 

Terry Newsome Senior RB/CB 

Hunter Covin Senior OL/DL 

Jacob Witt Senior OL/DL 

Mascot: 

Eagles 


Superintendent: Ms. Joyce Sloan 

9/11 Linden-Kildare Away 7:30 

9/18 Ore City Away 7:30 

9/25 Elysian Fields* Home 7:30 




10/23 Winona* Home 7:30 

10/30 White Oak* Home 7:30 

11/6 Harmony* Away 7:30 



Superintendent: Jed Whitaker 

Head Coach: Shane Wilson 



Schedule 

8/28 Edgewood Away 7:30 

9/4 Linden-Kildare Home 7:30 

9/11 Prairiland Away 7:30 

9/18 OPEN 


10/2 Elysian Fields* Away 7:30 

10/9 New Diana* Home 7:30 

10/16 Sabine* Away 7:30 

10/23 Union Grove* Home 7:30 

10/30 Winona* Away 7:30 

11/6 Harleton* Home 7:30 


Head Coach: 

Roger Adams 



Schedule 

8/28 Hooks Away 7:30 

9/4 Hughes Springs Home 7:30 


9/18 OPEN 


10/2 Harleton* Here 7:30 




10/30 Sabine* Away 7:30 



56 

57

Sabine Cardinals 

They say that a turnaround takes time. A long time. 

The Sabine Cardinals know what it means to have to 

wait. 

It has been 23 years since the Cardinals tasted a 

district title, and recent seasons stuck at the bottom 

of the district may have Sabine fans wondering if their 

time will ever come. Their time, just might be 2009, 

the second year of the Jerry Baker era. 

“We have got to get a better work ethic. People are 

used to Sabine being a losing program, but I am here 

to believe otherwise. Our kids need to believe that 

they can win, and I think we may be turning the corner 

to that belief.” 

To win, the ‘Cards will put it up, a lot. 

With Baker at the helm, comes a second year of the 

spread offense, an attack that Baker says can level 

the playing field. 

“It is about mismatches. If we can create them, then 

we can exploit them, and that is what the spread will 

help us do.” 

Quan Boyd is tabbed as the man to pull the trigger for 

Union Grove Lions 

Forty years ago, the Union Grove Lions won the 

district title. It hasn’t happened since. Will 2009 mark 

the end of that streak 

“We return a lot of people,” said Union Grove head 

coach Marty Moore, “in this case, we return the best 

player from what we had last year.” 

Moore has reason to believe that 40 years of frustration 

will come to an end. 

“The district is tough, no doubt, but we think we are 

going to be a team with a shot.” 

It doesn’t hurt that the Lions return a slew of athletes 

on the offensive side, set on winning that district title. 

Four year starter Dalton Mellon will return for his 

senior year at quarterback, and alongside him, 1,000 

+ yard rusher Richard Pittman will “Dot the I” in the 

Union Grove backfield. 

“With both Richard and Dalton coming back, it is so 

much easier to know that the offense is with guys that 

know what they are doing, and those guys have been 

in some tough situations in the past and can show the 

younger guys what it takes to win.” 

White Oak Roughnecks 

When asked how he felt about being the district favorite, 

White Oak head coach Tracy Blankenship put it mildly, 

“We may be the favorite, but there are at least three 

teams that are as good as we are. On paper we might 

be the favorite, but when the ball is snapped, anything 

happens.” 


Sabine, and with returning weapons Laramy Barber 

and Jarray Todd, the offense may be tough to handle. 

“The spot at quarterback, I believe, is in good hands 

with Quan, now we just need to play the position and 

get used to the speed of the game, and if we put him in 

a position to do well, that is what he will do.” 

Returning corner Marc Cunningham will anchor the 

Sabine defense, and a fast riser in Terrence Daniels 

may provide some unexpected skill on defense. 

“Terrence has worked harder than anyone that I have 

seen, and he is going to be a great asset to us, both 

offensively and especially defensively.” 

Now it is time for the Cardinals to prove they can 

play. Baker says those district goals are not that 

farfetched. 

“It takes time for a program to grow, and we are 

growing fast, we will get there.” 


Quan Boyd Senior QB/S 

Laramy Barber Senior WR/S 

Marc Cunningham Senior C 

Jarray Todd Senior RB/LB 

Both Pittman and Mellon can lean on the broad 

shoulders of Colton Woodfin, a unanimous First-Team 

All-District selection at tackle. 

Defensively, look no farther than the man in the middle, 

as the Lions leading tackler is back. 

“Caylor Haggard is a stopper, and to know we have 

that kind of person in the middle, and with him leading 

the team in nearly every defensive category, we know 

that he is someone that we can build our defense 

around.” 

But Moore and his coaching staff will have a tough 

task ahead of them; the numbers game can often be a 

greatly overlooked disadvantage. 

“We have some depth issues; we may only suit up 

20 or 21 guys on the varsity, so we cannot afford any 

injuries. We are going to have several guys that are 

going to have to go both ways, and we are going to 

lean heavily on guys that played only one way last 

year that are going to have to go both ways for us.” 


Richard Pittman Senior TB/LB 

Dalton Melton Senior QB 

Colton Woodfin Senior OL 

Blankenship has reason to believe that his team is the 

best, and he needs to look no further than his backfield 

for all the reassurance that he needs. 

“We are lucky, we bring back two guys that can go the 

distance from anywhere on the field and that makes 

coaching so much easier.” 

His two guys are Jackson McCurdy (1,150 yards and 

11 Td’s) and Junior Hamilton (1,179 yards and 14 Td’s). 

Mascot: 

Cardinals 


Superintendent: Stacey Byrce 

Head Coach: 

Jerry Baker 



Schedule 

8/28 Redwater Home 7:30 


9/11 OPEN 

9/18 Beckville Home 7:30 


10/2 Winona* Here 7:30 


10/16 Harmony* Home 7:30 





Mascot: 

Lions 


Superintendent: Brian Gray 

Head Coach: 

Marty Moore 



Schedule 

8/28 Beckville Home 7:30 

9/4 Overton Away 7:30 

9/11 T.K. Gorman Home 7:30 

9/18 OPEN 




10/16 Harleton* Home 7:30 





They are back to man the running back spots in the 

White Oak slot-t, and make the Roughneck offense one 

of the best in the district. 

Combine that with Austin Tubbs back at quarterback 

for a fourth season and the vaunted White Oak 

running game should be running on all cylinders. 

cont. 

White Oak Roughnecks 

“It gives our kids confidence to see that we have those 

two senior running backs that can take control of the 

game at any time, and that when we need the yards, 

they are going to get them for us.” 

The combo back will help the ‘Necks replace Orlando 

Humble and his 1,400 yards and 24 Td’s, who is now 

running the ball at Navarro JC. 

Speaking of combo’s the White Oak defense has one 

of the best. 

Adam Thompson will return to the defensive side, 

where he led the team in tackles last year with 128. He’ll 

be joined by defensive end Skylar Barnes, who brings 

back his 73 tackles, whopping 18 of those for losses. 

Toss in Logan King and his 78 tackles coming back at 

linebacker, and White Oak has a potent defense. 

“We can stop people, and with Skylar and Adam back, 

we should be ok on defense. Josh (Spedowski) will 

help us shut down those that think they can go deep 

on us.” 

The Roughnecks don’t just have returners at the skill 

spots, the line positions are in good hands as Ben 

Adams and Brandon Heim return to anchor down the 

Winona Wildcats 

**Just prior to printing, Wildcat head coach Mike 

Sorenson stepped down as Winona’s head coach. No 

head coach had been hired prior to our deadline. The 

following is our conversation with Coach Sorenson 

before he stepped down. 

The Wildcats may be the hardest team to get a feel for 

in 2009. 

Head coach Mike Sorenson has seen nothing but 

progress since he took over in Winona, building his 

team into contenders. 

“We had to teach the kids how to compete when I first 

got here. Now we know how to do that, we just have 

to get the kids to believe that we can win here, and last 

season was an indication that we are almost around 

that corner.” 

A 6-4 record in 2008, left the Wildcats in the middle 

of the pack, but with six starters coming back on both 

sides, the potential is there. 

The Winona run to a possible playoff spot will start with 

Jacob Wheeler. The defensive back and running back 

was an Honorable Mention All-State selection in ‘08 and 

will be looked to for the big plays this upcoming year. 

The combination of James Williams and Clay Hendon 

anchor a returning group of offensive linemen, that will 

plow the road in the Winona run-based offense. 

“This is the best offensive line that we have had since 

I have been here,” said Sorenson, “we bring back 3 of 

the 5 guys from last year, and if you have experience 

like that, in the offense that we run, than we are in good 

shape.” 

The offense may also see a rising star in Josh Timmons, 

who Sorenson tabs as having “big time potential” and 

could be “our workhorse this year.” 


offensive and defensive lines. 

White Oak will get a good test to their team in the 

opening week of the district season. As the other 

district favorite, Harmony will play host to White Oak 

in a showdown that could set the stage for a big run by 

White Oak to a possible repeat to their district crown. 


Jackson McCurdy Senior RB 

Junior Hamilton Senior RB 

Adam Thompson Senior LB 

Skylar Barnes Senior DE 

Austin Tubbs Senior QB 

Logan King Senior LB 

Ben Adams Senior OL 

Brandon Heim Senior OL 

Josh Spedowski Junior DB 

Taylor Goll Junior WR 

Mascot: 

Roughnecks 


Superintendent: Mike Gilbert 

Head Coach: Tracy Blankenship 

Defensively, the horse is already in the barn, as Clay 

Walker returns to man the middle. 

The Honorable Mention All-East Texas selection is 

dubbed as the stalwart of the Wildcat defense and 

should provide the spark on D for Winona alongside 

Jordan Jett at nose guard. 

Winona has started to build a winning tradition, a 

tradition that Sorenson says will help this year’s team, 

especially with the help they will get from the lower 

ranks. 

“We have gotten better each year I have been here, 

and our JV squad was 9-1 last year and with those guys 

coming up and the guys we have back, we expect to be 

a force within the district.” 


Jacob Wheeler Senior RB/DB 

Clay Walker Senior LB/RB 

Josh Timmons Senior RB 

Jordan Jett Senior NG 

James WIlliams Senior OL 

Clay Hendon Senior OL 

Mascot: 

Wildcats 


Superintendent: Wylie Vonner 

Head Coach: Mike Sorenson 





Schedule 

8/28 Joaquin Away 7:30 

9/4 Spring Hill Home 7:30 

9/11 Rains Home 7:30 

9/18 OPEN 









Schedule 

8/28 Waskom Home 7:30 

9/4 Malakoff Away 7:30 

9/11 Hawkins Away 7:30 

9/18 OPEN 


10/2 Sabine* Away 

7:30 




10/30 Harmoy* Home 7:30 





1. White Oak 

2. Harmony 

3. New Diana 

4. Winona 

5. Harleton 

6. Elysian Fields 

7. Union Grove 

8. Sabine 

58 

59


Reid Kerr - KLTV News 

Lots Of Experience Should Make District Race Tight 

District 19-2A was a dog fight last season, going down to the final week before the playoff spots were all handed out. In 2009, the 19-2A coaches 

expect more of the same and then some. 

“Oh, it’ll be very similar,” Elkhart coach Tim Lewis said. “A lot of the All-District players last season were juniors. They’re only going to get better.” 

“This district will be as good as or better than last year,” Garrison coach Craten Phillips said. “There’s a lot of returning talent in this district. Other than 

a few standout skill position players who graduated, there are a lot of familiar faces to try and stop again.” 

After their second straight deep playoff appearance, the Arp Tigers are picked by the district coaches to take the district title with Troup and Frankston 

taking the other two playoff spots. 

Arp Tigers 

The Arp Tigers went 11-1 in 2008, advancing to the 2A 

Division I state quarterfinals. After a 2007 trip to the 

regional finals, the Tigers have established a tradition 

to uphold. 

“I think it’s something the kids have come to expect,” 

Arp head coach Dale Irwin said. “You don’t want to do 

worse than the class that came before you.” 

The Tigers return eight starters from last year’s team 

including running back Lavocheya Cooper. Cooper 

ran for 1700 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior 

and also had six special teams touchdowns returning 

punts and kicks. 

“He can do it all,” Irwin said. “He’s our tailback, punt 

and kick returner, slot receiver, whatever we need. 

He’s a great kid to coach; he doesn’t care how many 

times he carries the ball. He’s a tremendous young 

man.” 

Cooper’s backfield mate is fullback Michael Wade, 

a hardnosed blocker who also scored twelve 

touchdowns last year. At quarterback, the Tigers will 

Elkhart Elks 

The Elks put their winless 2007 season behind them 

last year going 3-7 in their first year under head coach 

Tim Lewis. 

“We feel pretty good about it,” Lewis said. “We kind of 

got the program going in the direction we wanted, the 

kids have gotten used to us and vice versa. The kids 

responded well and got some wins.” 

The Elks are strong on offense with nine starters 

coming back for 2009, including four returning offensive 

linemen. 

“We’re pretty solid up front,” Lewis said. “We’ve got 

(seniors) Josh Homann and Jacob Miller on the left 

side, and Austin Huggins and Brian Hill back too.” 

Elkhart will also return tight end John Richbourg, and 

Dustin Tarver and Brandon White in the backfield. 

“The kids in the backfield have got some experience,” 

Lewis said, “we’re looking forward to that. We feel pretty 

good about our offense this year.” 

have to replace Will Allen. Sophomore Kyle Copeland 

will get the call to take the snaps. “There’s a lot to live 

up to at quarterback, we’ll look really hard at him.” 

Copeland’s favorite target may be returning senior 

Clint Copeland, who tallied 700 yards and eight scores 

last season. 

Both sides of the line will be strengths for the Tigers, 

with Dusty Taliaferro and Jamie Warren manning the 

trenches. 

On defense, six starters return including Cooper who 

was all-state as a defensive back. 


Lavocheya Cooper Senior RB/FS 

Michael Wade Senior RB/LB 

Clint Copeland Senior WR/DB 

Kyle Copeland Soph QB 

Mascot: 

Tigers 


Elkhart’s defense is also experienced with seven 

starters returning. Homann, Miller, and Richbourg will 

all be back up front for the Elks, and Ken Reeves and 

Reed Hampton will start at the corners. 


Josh Homann Senior OL 

Jacob Miller Senior OL 

Reed Hampton Senio CB 

Mascot: 

Elks 


Superintendent: Mike Moon 

Head Coach: Tim Lewis 




Head Coach: 

Toney Lowery 

Dale Irwin 



Schedule 

8/28 Paul Pewitt Home 7:30 

9/4 San Augustine Home 7:30 

9/11 Alto Home 7:30 



10/2 Open 

10/9 Garrison* Home 7:30 

10/16 Troup* Away 7:30 

10/23 Frankston* Home 7:30 

10/30 Elkhart* Home 7:30 

11/6 West Rusk* Home 7:30 


Schedule 

8/28 Malakoff Away 7:30 

9/4 Huntington Away 7:30 

9/11 Buffalo Home 7:30 

9/18 Grapeland Home 7:30 

9/25 Centerville Away 7:30 

10/2 Open 


10/16 Garrison* Away 7:30 

10/23 Troup* Home 7:30 

10/30 Arp* Away 7:30 



60 

61

Frankston Indians 

In their first year under head coach Sam Wells, 

Frankston went 6-4. While Wells was a late hire last 

year, he’s looking forward to having a full offseason 

under his belt. 

“It was a difficult transition last year,” Wells said. “We 

picked it up though, and wound up tied for second 

and the odd man out of the playoffs. Now that we’ve 

had a full year with them, we’re better ready for this 

season.” 

His Indians return eight starters on both sides of 

the ball, including running back and defensive back 

Dedtrick Smith. Smith accounted for more than a 

thousand yards on offense, and was All-State with five 

interceptions on defense. 

“He’s just a great athlete,” Wells said. “He’s super fast 

and super explosive. He can do so many things, he 

can run, block, catch out of the backfield. He’s a bigtime 

weapon for us because he’s so hard to defend.” 

Another two-way starter will be senior Coby Coleman, 

an all-district tight end and defensive end. Coleman 

moved from tackle to tight end and responded with 

three touchdowns on the season. 

“It gave us a big target, because he’s six feet two, 

two hundred-and-eighty pounds,” Wells said. “He 

really secured the edge of the line, and he was very 

Garrison Bulldogs 

Garrison doubled their wins in 2008, going 4-6 under 

Craten Phillips. Now in his third season, Phillips is 

looking forward to a roster with seven returning starters 

on offense and nine on defense. “I feel like we’re going 

to have one of the best offensive and defensive lines 

in the district,” Phillips said. “My linemen can really 

move well.” 

The line starts with senior Austin Lunsford, a 

physical player Phillips describes as a “body moving 

machine.” 

“His motor doesn’t stop,” Phillips said, “you can count 

on him to take care of his guy. What the defense does 

to scheme around that is what you have to adjust to 

in your play calling. He’s got good feet, he’s fast, he 

traps, he pulls out and drives his man ten yards deep. 

He’s a sure block.” 

Senior tailback Scooter Ross also returns, after piling 

up 1500 yards as a junior. “He’s just hard to get hold 

of,” Phillips said. “He’s really quick and doesn’t go 


versatile. He’s a big advantage running off tackle.” 

At quarterback, All-District defensive back Jamal 

Allen will change sides of the ball to take the snaps. 

He’ll drop back behind a line rich with experience, 

including returning starters Colton Shackelford, 

David Hernandez and Jake Lang. Allen will also have 

returning receiver Kyle Tatum, an All-District player 

who scored twice last season. 

The defense looks solid with Smith and Coleman 

returning, and linebackers Dalton Severn, Dalton 

Bruton and Jabralon Allen coming back. Starters 

Braderick Fields and Mason Skillern will also be back 

for Frankston. 

The Indians have a special teams weapon few teams 

can match in kicker Justin Bergstrom, a first team All- 

State kicker. Bergstrom went 20 for 21 on extra points 

and nailed seven field goals including a 47 yarder. He 

also averaged 36.5 yards per punt for Frankston. 

“He’s amazing. He’s as good as I’ve ever been 

around,” Wells said. “He gives us a chance to score 

anytime we get around the thirty.” 


Dedtrick Smith Senior RB/DB 

Coby Coleman Senior TE/DT 

Justin Bergstrom Senior K/P 

down easy. He’s a little kid, but he doesn’t go down 

and runs like a 200 pounder. He started every game 

and carried the ball about twenty-five times a game, 

he averaged about eight yards a carry.” 

On defense, it all starts up front for the Bulldogs with 

Phillips on the line. 

“With Austin on the front line,” Phillips said, “they 

should be pretty a pretty impressive group.” 


Austin Lunsford Senior OL/DL 

Scooter Ross Senior RB 

Mascot: 

Bulldogs 


Superintendent: Arnie Kelley 

Head Coach: Craten Phillips 

Mascot: 

Indians 


Superintendent: Austin Thacker 

Head Coach: Sam Wells 



Schedule 

8/28 Cayuga Home 7:30 


9/11 Quitman Away 7:30 


9/25 Open 

10/2 Hemphill Away 7:30 



10/23 Arp Away 7:30 

10/30 Garrison Home 7:30 

11/6 Elkhart Away 7:30 




Schedule 

8/28 Hemphill Home 7:30 


9/11 West Sabine Away 7:30 

9/18 Timpson Home 7:30 


10/2 Open 

10/9 Arp* Away 7:30 

10/16 Elkhart* Home 7:30 

10/23 West Rusk* Away 7:30 

10/30 Frankston* Away 7:30 

11/6 Troup* Home 7:30 


West Rusk Raiders 


Dominique Smith Senior QB/CB 

Luke Snider Senior OT/DE 

Jonathan Brewer Senior WR 

Mascot: 


Raiders 

Troup Tigers 

Troup went 4-7 in 2008, bouncing back into the playoffs 

after a one year absence. 

In 2009, fourth-year coach John Eastman fields a 

team with nine returning starters on each side of the 

ball. “That’s what we were missing last year,” Troup 

defensive coordinator Adam Thomas said. “We had a 

young team, and we feel like the experience is going to 

make a world of difference.” 

The Tigers will be big on both sides of the line, with 

seniors C.J. Deason, Cordero Hudson, and Christian 

Noyola all returning, along with junior Ethan Isaacks. 

“You win the battles up front to win the game,” Thomas 

said, “and they’re a bunch of huge, strong kids. We feel 

like we’ve got a few kids we can give the ball to and 

those guys up front will open up the holes for them.” 

Troup will also be deep at their skill positions with 

senior Der’rikk Thompson leading a cast of returners. 

Thompson will be used at running back and wide 

receiver, and notched more than eleven hundred 

combined yards last season. 

“We’re trying to find different ways to get him the ball in 

space. He’s being recruited by lots of people.” 

The Tigers also returns tight ends Taylor Beaty and 

Jeremy Richardson, fullback Jeremy Ware, and fullback/ 

linebacker Cody LePelley. 

“Not only do we expect big things out of them, they 



Head Coach: 

Mike King 

John Frazier 



Schedule 

8/28 Harleton Home 7:30 

9/4 T.K. Gorman Home 7:30 

9/11 New Diana Away 7:30 

expect big things out of themselves. We talked about it 

with them and the kids talked about it with each other. 

They know what’s expected of them, they’ve been 

hitting the weight room all summer to do their part.” 


Der’rikk Thompson Senior RB/WR 

Jeremy Richardson Senior DE/TE 

Jeremy Ware Senior DE/FB 

Taylor Beaty Senior LB/TE 

Cody LePelley Senior OLB/ FB 

C.J. Deason Senior OL/DL 

Cordero Hudson Senior OL/DL 

Christian Noyola Senior OL/DL 

Mascot: 

Tigers 


Superintendent: Marvin Beaty 

Head Coach: John Eastman 



Schedule 

TBA Elysian Fields @Gladewater TBA 

9/4 Sabine Home 7:30 

9/18 Hughes Springs Home 7:30 

9/25 Queen City Away 7:30 

10/2 Open 

10/9 Elkhart* Away 7:30 

10/16 Frankston* Away 7:30 

10/23 Garrison* Home 7:30 

10/30 Troup* Away 7:30 

11/6 Arp* Home 7:30 



9/18 Bullard Away 7:30 

9/24 Hughes Springs Away 7:30 

10/2 Open 


10/16 Arp* Home 7:30 

10/23 Elkhart* Away 7:30 


11/6 Garrison* Away 7:30 




1. Arp 

2. Troup 

3. Frankston 

4. Garrison 

5. West Rusk 

6. Elkhart 

West Rusk Raiders 

In his second year as head coach, John Frazier led the 

West Rusk Raiders to their first playoff spot in since 

2000. Now the Raiders are looking to return to the 

postseason. 

“It just raises the bar on our expectations,” Frazier 

said. “It’s something to build off of. The key is to get 

better every day in the offseason and then get better 

every week during the season.” 

The Raiders went 9-3 last season and return eight 

starters on the defensive side of the ball. 

“We started eight sophomores in the playoffs against 

Daingerfield,” Frazier said. “That kind of experience 

allows us to do some more things defensively.” 

“Because we were so young last year, we had to stay 

basic and teach the fundamentals. We’re going to be 

more complex this year.” 

The Raiders return four starters on offense and one 

of those is quarterback Dominique Smith. Smith also 

returns punts for West Rusk 

“He’s a leader,” Frazier said. “He’s not very big, but 

he’s a really tough guy.” 

One of his main targets will be receiver Jonathan 

Brewer, who Frazier said also helps set the tone for 

the rest of his team. 

“Jonathan brings us leadership. He really keeps the 

younger kids going for us.” 

“That’s something we really need out there. We’ll only 

have six seniors this year and we’re counting on them 

to lead this team.” 

cont. 

62 

63


Morgan Chesky - KLTV 7 Reporter 

Revamped Playbooks Look to Dethrone Dynasty 

Six teams makeup the highly competitive district 17-1A, but for five of them there’s only one team to beat and it has a big Cardinal red bull’s eye on its back. 

The Maud Cardinals have made quite a name for themselves the past several seasons taking home a few district titles. If there’s one thing area teams know 

though, it’s that gridiron success is always harder to repeat. 

“We’ve got as good of a chance as any to repeat as district champs but it won’t be easy,” says Maud head coach Josh Finney. 

Several district teams plan on making things a little tougher for the perennial powerhouse, with retooled offenses and rising stars from the junior varsity 

level. Implementing a new offense and highly structured off-season program, Detroit looks to rebound after a less than stellar season in 2008. 

Head Coach Trevor Upchurch has his work cut out for him in his first year, but remains optimistic. “They’ve responded well, they’ve gotten in the weight 

room and have worked hard,” Upchurch says. 

It’s no secret Hawkins and Big Sandy retain a slight but steady edge. Both dropped down from 2-A last season and enjoyed moderate success with 

Hawkins joining Simms Bowie and Maud in the playoffs last season. This year the Pirates feel good about their chances to challenge the returning district 

champion. 

“With the group we’ve got coming, we feel like we should match up pretty good with them (Maud),” says Simms Bowie head coach Jamey Thomas. 

Detroit Eagles 

Going winless in district is never easy, but with a 

new coach and a new outlook, the Detroit Eagles of 

2009 are looking to get a makeover starting with their 

playbook. 

”We’re really gonna go with a totally different playbook 

this year switching from spread to multiple,” says head 

coach Trevor Upchurch, “We’ve got a lot of skill kids so 

I hope we’ll be able to score some.” 

Helping them score will be RB Cameron Cashion, a 

bruising 6’3” 180 runner who Upchurch will be looking 

for some serious offensive production. 

“We’re expecting a lot out of him this year,” Upchurch 

says. 

Less than a year into the job, Upchurch has already 

made serious changes the most notable being requiring 

players to go through a disciplined off-season program 

with structured weight training. 


“We’ve really got after it in the weight room and 

implemented a rigid style in there. 

The toughest challenge the ’09 Eagles will face 

though, is themselves. Winning two games last year 

and not having won a district title since 2002 has the 

coaching staff looking to instill a winning mentality 

back into the program. 

“There’s been a lot of adversity they’ve had in the last 

few years and we’re going to try and overcome the 

losing mentality,” says Upchurch. 


Kameron Cashion Senior RB 

Chastin Cline Senior RB 

Mascot: 

Eagles 

School Enrollment: 160 

Superintendent: Morris Lyon 

Head Coach: Trevor Upchurch 



Schedule 

8/28 Irving Highland Away 7:30 

9/4 Open 

9/11 Cumby Home 7:30 

9/18 Blue Ridge Away 7:30 

9/28 Era Home 7:30 

10/2 Celeste Away 7:30 

10/9 Union Hill* Home 7:30 

10/16 Big Sandy* Home 7:30 

10/23 Hawkins* Away 7:30 

10/30 Maud* Home 7:30 

11/6 James Bowie* Away 7:30 


The Pirates will have the personnel to compete, but the biggest change comes in who will replace Thomas as head coach, who recently resigned to take the 

offensive coordinator position at New Boston High School. 

Down the road in Big Sandy, both players and coaches look to make a statement early in the upcoming season, especially after finishing up the 2008 

campaign with a tough 34-0 loss to Maud. 

“The injuries killed us last year, we had a lot of adversity to deal with,” says head coach Darold Turner, “If we can keep everyone healthy we feel like we 

have a chance to have another good team. 

As for whom they have their eye on come district play, Coach Turner says he’s already happy about how this year’s team stacks up. 

“We feel like we’ll be able to match up with them better this year with the loss of their big three,” Turner adds. 

With six teams and only three playoff berths, District 17-1A showcases new and improved teams that will no doubt challenge the traditional powers for 

postseason rights. 

Big Sandy Wildcats 

Asked about the biggest difference between this year’s 

squad and last year’s, Coach Darold Turner’s answer 

was simple, experience. With six returning starters on 

offense and seven on defense, it’s hard to argue, the 

Big Sandy Wildcats are primed and ready to get into 

the playoffs. 

Turner’s bloodline will have a direct contribution to 

the team’s success. The coaches son, Jaylyn Turner 

returns to anchor the already battle tested offensive 

line. The solid 6’3” 215lb. All-State guard will look to 

open some big holes in the Wildcat running game 

alongside sidekick center Zach Dunham. The senior 

isn’t the biggest on the field, but Turner describes 

Dunham as, “one really quick kid, able to come off the 

ball hard and do some damage.” 

In the backfield, the Wildcats look to be ready to put 

points on the board with the return of two-way starter 

Trent Hodge. Hodge is a dangerous threat on both 

sides of the ball, but will most likely be the primary 

ball carrier for the Wildcats this year. His impact was 

missed last year after tearing his ACL however, the 

healing process has gone well and Coach Turner says 

he’ll be one tough guy to stop come August. 

“He’s healthy this year so we’ll be looking for him to 

make a difference down the stretch,” says Turner. 

The last time the Wildcats stood atop the District 17- 

1A platform was 2005 so both players and coaches 

are hungry for a trophy. If they are able to stay healthy 

down the stretch and keep themselves in close games 

the Wildcats could be raising some eyebrows come 

week five and six in ’09. 


Jaylyn Turner Junior OL/DL 

Tim Sunday Senior WR/FS 

Mascot: 

Wildcats 


Superintendent: Scott Beene 

Head Coach: Darold Turner 



Schedule 

8/29 T.K.Gorman Away 2:00 

9/4 Alba Golden Away 7:30 

9/11 Overton Away 7:30 

9/18 Mt. Enterprise Home 7:30 

9/25 Brookhill Home 7:30 

10/2 Open 

10/9 James Bowie* Away 7:30 

10/16 Detroit* Home 7:30 

10/23 Union Hill* Away 7:30 

10/30 Hawkins* Home 7:30 

11/6 Maud* Away 7:30 


Hawkins Hawks 

The 2009 season for the Hawkins Hawks will be 

missing some key faces. 

The Hawks lost three impact players in All-State 

center Robert Taylor and linemen Alex Reyes and 

Josh Faulkner. 

Despite losses up front, the team looks to be taken 

care of in the backfield. Head coach Keith Cook is 

excited about a wealth of skill position players, giving 

him an arsenal to choose from offensively. 

His choices begin with senior quarterback Ryan Gattis, 

who’s coming off an 1100 yard passing, 520 yards 

rushing season. His contribution will be the spark plug 

for two other impact players ready to find their way into 

the endzone. 

Senior runningback Fernando Gutierrez will be looking 

to terrorize defenses in ’09, having put up 1300 yards 

rushing and 14 touchdowns last season. Cook’s 

excitement over offensive options continues with junior 

wide receiver Jacob Wright who saw major playing 

time as a sophomore. Wright snagged 41 catches and 

made six trips to the end zone last year, numbers he 

hopes on increasing in 2009. 

James Bowie Pirates 

For the Pirates of Simms-Bowie their success is no 

secret. 

“We’ve been in the playoffs three years in a row and 

we’ve got a good tradition going now,” says head 

coach Jamey Thomas. 

The coach’s statement rings true. The team made the 

playoffs last year going 7-4 amongst teams like Big 

Sandy and Hawkins, recently knocked down from 2-A 

and perennial powerhouse Maud. 

This season looks no different for the Pirates. They 

face a tough district schedule they believe they’re 

ready for. 

Cook’s spread offense will give many hands a chance 

to touch the ball and hopefully help lead the team back 

into the playoffs. 

A rough 0-4 start last year had many dismiss the 

dropdown 2-A team, but a strong showing in the 

second half of the season had them finish district 

play 3-2. The trip to the area round to face Alto in the 

playoffs gave many players postseason experience 

Cook will be looking to capitalize on. With 12 starters 

returning (six offensively & six defensively), odds are 

good the Hawks will be ready to play come August. 


Ryan Gattis Senior QB 

Fernando Gutierrez Senior RB 

Jacob Wright Junior WR 

Louie Snider Senior DE 

Michael Ritchey Senior DE 

Ryan Bolt Junior LB 

Chase Phillips Junior WR 

Mascot: 

Hawks 


“We feel like it should be a good year for us, Head 

Coach Thomas says, “We feel like with our kids coming 

back we’ve got a couple runners that can make it.” 

Thomas says offensively with seven starters returning, 

the team’s biggest weakness will be on the other side 

of the ball, filling in gaps due to graduation. One of 

those coming back who will see his role become bigger 

will be junior David Hensley who is tapped to be the 

successor to LB Chad Atchley. Atchley was a force to 

be reckoned with last season, plugging the interior with 

tenacious play and a great linebacker skill set. The 

loss is tough for the Pirates, but Thomas is confident 

in Hensley. 

“He was one of our main players but we have a junior in 


Head coach: 

Dan Rose 

Keith Cook 



Schedule 

8/28 Brook Hill @ All Saints 7:30 

9/ 4 Mt. Enterprise Away 7:30 

9/ 11 Winona Home 7:30 

9/18 Price Carlise Away 7:30 

9/ 25 Fruitvale Away 7:30 

10/ 2 Open 

10/ 9 Maud* Home 7:30 

10/16 Simms Bowie* Away 7:30 

10/ 23 Detroit* Home 7:30 

10/30 Big Sandy* Away 7:30 

11/ 6 Union Hill* Home 7:30 


David Hensley who should fill in well.” Thomas says. 

The biggest question that remains for the Pirates is 

who will fill in for head coach Jamey Thomas. The 

James Bowie coach of five years recently left to accept 

the offensive coordinator position at New Boston High 

School. 

No official replacement has been named yet, but his 

absence remains the X factor when it comes to the 

upcoming season’s success of the team. Still Thomas 

is confident that regardless of who his replacement is, 

the Pirates will be ready to play come August. “We 

feel like there’s no doubt we should be one of the 

favorites in the district,” he says. 

cont. 

64 

65

James Bowie Pirates 


Garrett Kruse Senior OL/DL 

Zac Pistolis Soph QB 

Colby McCullough Junior RB 

Mascot: 

Pirates 


Maud Cardinals 

No introduction is needed for the Maud Cardinals. The 

boys in red have only lost three games the past two 

seasons and have walked away with the district 17-1A 

title the past two years. 

A 12-1 season ended last December with a tough 18-27 

loss to Cayuga in the regional finals. Their bruising run 

oriented offense led the way racking up thousands of 

yards on the ground. The Cardinals of ’09 though will 

have to make their mark in the Maud history books a 

little differently. 

“We’ve had to totally pull out the playbook and put in the 

spread attack and we’ll see what that does for us,” says 

head coach Josh Finney. 

Graduation took some size away from the Cardinals, 

the most notable being the loss of the “Maud Squad” 

consisting of James Dunbar, Ray Burns, and Bryant 

House. 

“We lost three not good ones but great ones,” says 

Finney, “This season we’ll be more of a finesse team.” 

Leading the offensive change will be junior quarterback 

Jake McClain who finished up the 2008 season 83- 

Union Hill Bulldogs 

Head coach John Woodard summed up his 2009 Bulldog 

team in three words: bigger, faster, stronger. 

“We had a great offseason and our junior class has 

stepped up to be great leaders,” says Woodard. 

In 2008, the Bulldogs started strong with two straight 

wins against Fruitvale and Cumby, but only managed to 

put one more “W” on the board for the rest of the season, 

beating Detroit 8-0. 

A very young team, Woodard believes the 3-7 season 

did nothing but help his players. 

“Last year’s experience with our youth will help us with 

our confidence. We are looking forward to a great 

football season,” says the Bulldog coach. 

The Bulldogs lost almost no one to graduation and bring 

back 23 returning lettermen. Offensively six starters will 

resume their roles and on the other side of the ball eight 

starters are back, ready to wreak havoc on opponent’s 

offenses. 

Woodard’s second season at Union Hill looks to be 

a promising one. He says now that the players have 

gotten adjusted to his veer offense, execution will be 

smoother, equaling more points being put on the board. 



Head Coach 

Schedule 

Rex Burks 

Open 

8/29 Carlisle Away 7:30 

9/5 Rivercrest Home 7:30 

9/12 Alba Golden Home 7:30 

9 / 1 9 C u m b y H o m e 7 : 3 0 

141 for 1600 yds. This season Finney expects his arm 

to get a little more use. 

“He’s (Mclain) gonna have 3500 yards by himself,” 

Finney estimates. 

The new offense does require a new type of player, 

one that Maud is blessed with an abundance of this 

year. 

Finney says this is one of the fastest teams he’s had 

and will look to capitalize on it through the new spread 

offense. 

A team heavy with fifteen seniors, the Cardinals 

posess the experience to return to the postseason and 

talent wise Finney is confident with the new faces on 

the varsity roster. 

“We’ve got some JV kids to step up and fill some 

shoes,” says Finney. 


Jake McClain Junior QB 

Clint Freeman Senior OL 

Mascot: 

Cardinals 

Look to JaQuavian Cummings to carry the ball more 

than a few times for the Bulldogs as he finishes up his 

high school career. 


Matt Johnson Senior OL/DE 

JaQuavion Cummings Senior RB/DB 

Mascot: 

Bulldog 


Superintendent: Sharon A. Richardson 

Head Coach: John Woodard 



Schedule 

8/28 Fruitvale Away 7:30 

9/4 Cumby Away 7:30 

9/11 Carlisle Home 7:30 

9/18 Overton Home 7:30 

9/25 Quinlan Bole Home 7:30 

9/26 open 

10/3 Boles Away 7:30 

10/10 Big Sandy* Away 7:30 

10/17 Hawkins* Home 7:30 

1 0 / 2 4 M a u d * Aw a y 7 : 3 0 


11/7 Detroit* Home 7:30 




Head Coach: 

Robert Stinnett 

Josh Finney 



Schedule 

8/29 Tenaha Away 7:00 

9/4 Waskom Away 7:30 

9/11 Open 

9/19 Linden Home 7:30 

9/26 Cumby Away 7:30 

10/3 Ore City Home 7:30 

10/10 Hawkins* Away 7:30 


10/23 James Bowie* Home 7:30 

10/30 Detroit* Away 7:30 

11/6 Big Sandy* Home 7:30 


10/3 Open 

10/9 *Detroit Away 7:30 

10/16 *Maud Home 7:30 

10/23 *Big Sandy Away 7:30 

10/31 *James Bowie Home 7:30 

11/6 *Hawkins Away 7:30 




1. MAUD 

2. BIG SANDY 

3. JAMES BOWIE 

4. HAWKINS 

5. UNION HILL 

6. DETROIT 

Beckville Bearcats 

Beckville fell from a playoff team to 1-9 in 2008, 

but they hope the experience gained will help them 

to bounce right back up into the playoff picture this 

season. 

“That’s really going to be our strength coming into the 

season,” Beckville coach Donald Hubbard said. “We 

have so many coming back and even though we took 

in on the chin last year, we feel really positive about 

this season.” 

The Bearcats return eight starters on defense and 

seven on offense, and will trust the ball to freshman 

quarterback James Donald. 

“Donald’s got great arm strength,” Hubbard said, “He 

had a great spring and looked good in our 7-on-7 

games.” 

“He’s a unique freshman. He’s not that big but he’s just 

a great athlete. We feel like we can run the ball with 

him, he’s a very strong kid and mature for his age.” 

Donald will have three returning seniors as weapons 

at the skill positions, with running back Rico Marshall 

and receivers Steven Robinson and Sam Rutherford 

coming back for their final campaigns. 

Joaquin Rams 

The Joaquin Rams stumbled last year, finishing 4-6 

overall. However, all four wins came in the district, which 

earned them their seventh straight playoff appearance. 

“When I got here in 2002, I looked at the 

kids and I couldn’t believe they weren’t winning,” 

Joaquin Rams head coach Wayne Gandy said. “They 

had forgotten about the winning attitude you have to 

have. We taught them how to do things right, and 

stressed the details.” 

“It’s carried on from that first year.” 

The Rams have a lot of returning firepower from last 

year’s playoff team, with seven starters on offense and 

ten on defense. 

“We were young last year, “Gandy said, “but we’ve had 

a great offseason. Those guys are ready to go.” 


Reid Kerr - KLTV News 

“Big” District Hopes to Make a Bigger Impact In Playoffs This Season 

In 2008, the main problem for 19-1A was their playoff draw. 

Mt. Enterprise, Tenaha and Joaquin earned playoff spots only to fall to their first round opponents in 20-1A. 

This year, the district looks to be even tighter than last season. 

“I think it’s a tossup,” Mt. Enterprise coach Louie Johnson said, while new Tenaha coach Terry Ward thinks the competition will be even rougher. 

“I think it’ll be a lot better. Mt. Enterprise has two of the best athletes in the district coming back, Gandy’s (Joaquin) always got his kids going, and West 

Sabine and Timpson are both going to be stronger. “ 

Gandy’s Joaquin Rams take the preseason honors in our coaches’ poll as the favorites to return to the playoffs for an eighth straight season. 

“Yeah, Joaquin is Joaquin,” Waskom coach Brian Lowe laughs. “They’re always going to be right back where they are.” 

“He’s the strongest kid in our program,” Hubbard said 

of his tailback Marshall. “He’s very aggressive, and 

sees the field well.” 

“He’s a power runner, he just loves to run between 

the tackles.” 

The strength of the Bearcats should be up front, with 

four of their five starters returning. Juniors Nolan 

Hodges, Dillon Etheridge and Lawrence Mercer will 

be joined by sophomore Josh Smiley on the line. 

Defensively, the Bearcats will be a quick team that can 

cover the field. 

“We’re going to have the best speed on defense we’ve 

ever had,” Hubbard said. “We felt good about getting 

to the ball. Last year we were in our places but we 

didn’t tackle very well, so this year we’re working the 

basics again to make sure we can take advantage of 

that speed.” 


Steven Robinson Senior WR/FS 

James Donald Freshman QB/SS 

Rico Marshall Senior RB/SS 

Sam Rutherford Senior WR/DB 

On offense, the Rams will have to replace Dillon 

Grafton and Corbin Obregon, two three-year starters on 

the line. The Rams return senior running back Jeffery 

Rico, an all-district performer with 1500 yards rushing 

and 20 touchdowns in 2008. Senior Justin Lewis 

was an All-District tight end last season, and center 

Jeremy McDaniel has collected back-to-back all-district 

honors. 

Joaquin’s double wing offense is a unique threat in 

East Texas football. The tight formation is almost the 

complete opposite of the spread formation many teams 

use. 

“We love it,” Gandy beams. “The double wing lets us 

play smash mouth football and we love it because 

everybody else hates it.” 

“By the time we show up on someone’s schedule, 

they’ve been playing against passing teams. Now, 

Mascot: 



Head Coach: 

Bearcats 

Devin Tate 

Donald Hubbard 



Schedule 

8/28 Union Grove Away 7:30 

9/4 Cushing Home 7:30 

9/11 Ore City Home 7:30 

9/18 Sabine Away 7:30 

9/25 Tenaha* Home 7:30 

10/2 Open 

10/10 Joaquin* Away 7:30 

10/16 Timpson* Home 7:30 

10/23 Waskom* Away 7:30 

10/30 West Sabine* Home 7:30 

11/6 Mt. Enterprise* Away 7:30 


they’ve got to change their defense to play us. We’re 

balanced, so the defenses against us have to be. “ 

On defense, the Rams return a pair of All-District inside 

linebackers in senior Cole Leflett and junior Tyler 

McSwain, who was the district’s Freshman-of-the- 

Year two seasons ago. They’ll be joined by all-district 

outside backer Shane Taylor and defensive end Dustin 

Bloodgood. 


Jeffery Rico Senior RB 

Justin Lewis Senior TE 

Jeremy McDaniel Senior OL 

cont 

66 

67

Joaquin Rams 

Mascot: 

Rams 


Superintendent: Phil Worsham 

Head Coach: Wayne Gandy 



Mt. Enterprise Wildcats 

The turnaround continued in 2008 for the Mt. Enterprise 

Wildcats. In their third year under head coach Louie 

Johnson, the Wildcats finished 9-2 and claimed the 

district championship. 

The Wildcats return seven offensive starters, including 

district MVP Kevin Pope. The tailback rushed for 

1781 yards and 25 touchdowns on his way to all-state 

honors last season. 

“He’s a big kid, really fast with good moves,” Mt. 

Enterprise head coach Louie Johnson said. “He’s a real 

team player for us too; he plays both sides of the ball.” 

He’ll be joined in the backfield by quarterback 

Larry Solomon, another senior who threw for more 

than a thousand yards last season and scored 23 

touchdowns. 

A third senior, D.T. Bryant, will be moving from wide 

receiver to fullback. 

“Our backfield is set with three seniors back there,” 

Johnson said. “D.T.’s used to getting the ball coming 

in from the slot, that’ll help us to get him back there 

full time.” 

West Sabine Tigers 

The West Sabine Tigers fell to 3-6 in their first year as 

a 1A team, but third-year head coach T.D. Stark has 

high hopes for this season. 

“We’re going to have as good a cast of skill players 

as we’ve ever had,” Stark said. “We’re going to the 

spread, so we’ll have a new offense to learn. It’ll be 

exciting; we’ll open some people’s eyes.” 

That set of skill players starts with junior quarterback 

Devonte Thomas. 

“Last year, he was inexperienced,” Stark said. “This 

year he’s got a much better understanding of the 

game. We may use him all over the field.” 

Transfer student Brandon Witherspoon is another 

player the Tigers plan to get maximum mileage out of. 

“He’s not very big, but really quick,” Stark said. “He 

might be a quarterback, or a wide receiver, or a 

running back. We’ll just see how it goes.” 

Junior Chris Williams will start at tailback for West 

Sabine. 


Schedule 

8/28 White Oak Home 7:30 

9/4 Shelbyville Home 7:30 

9/11 Burkeville Home 7:30 

9/18 Cushing Away 7:30 

9/25 Mt. Enterprise* Home 7:30 

10/2 Tenaha* Away 7:30 

“We’re glad to have them back, they’re good players 

and good kids,” Johnson said, “having that kind of skill 

back will really help us.” 

Up front, the Wildcats will be led by tackle Taylor Gill 

and center Dylan Owens. Johnson said his team will 

be good again, but like many other small schools, 

depth is a concern. 

“Two years ago we were good, and we had a rash 

of injuries that knocked us for a loop,” Johnson said. 

“That’s the kind of thing we’ve got to watch out for.” 


Kevin Pope Senior TB/LB 

D.T. Bryant Senior S 

Larry Solomon Senior QB 

Mascot: 

Wildcats 


Superintendent: Dean Evans 

Head Coach: Louie Johnson 

“We moved him to running back for the last couple 

of games of the season after using him mostly on 

defense. He’s fast, got swivel hips and catches the ball 

well. He really came on at the end of the year.” 

The Tigers will also have junior Jeremy Sturrock at 

receiver and Jacory Spearman moving from tight end 

to tackle. 

On defense, five starters return for West Sabine 

including six-three junior defensive end Tyler Rose, 

and senior linebacker J.T. Jones, who had ninety 

tackles last season. 


Devonte Thomas Junior QB 

Chris Williams Junior RB 

J.T. Jones Senior LB 

Mascot: 

Tigers 


Superintendent: Travis Edwards 

Head Coach: T.D. Stark 

10/9 Beckville* Home 7:30 

10/16 Open 

10/23 Timpson* Away 7:30 

10/30 Waskom* Home 7:30 

11/6 West Sabine* Away 7:30 


Schedule 

8/28 Cushing Away 7:30 

9/4 Hawkins Home 7:30 

9/11 Shelbyville Away 7:30 

9/18 Big Sandy Home 7:30 





10/23 Open 




Schedule 

8/28 Colmesneil Home 7:30 

9/4 Hemphill Away 7:30 

9/11 Garrison Home 7:30 

9/18 Deweyville Home 7:30 



10/9 Open 



10/30 Beckville* Away 7:30 

11/6 Joaquin* Home 7:30 


Tenaha Tigers 

The Tenaha Tigers went 8-4 last season under Scott 

Tyner who resigned after the season to become 

principal at Tenaha High School. This year, former 

assistant Terry Ward takes over as head coach. He 

hopes his familiarity with the team will continue their 

playoff tradition. 

“I think it’s easier for the kids’ sake,” Ward 

said, “because you know them, but you also have to 

set your expectations. It was a transition to go through 

and we’ve had good success in basketball and track to 

set the tone.” 

“Tenaha’s got a rich tradition of producing some good 

kids. They know, they want to step on the field and 

play.” 

The Tigers return six starters on each side of the ball, 

and although they’ll have to replace All-Stater Marlon 

McClure, Ward says Tenaha will be stocked with 

athletes again including quarterback Cobi Steadman. 

“He was a thousand yard passer,” Ward said. “He was 

really a solid kid for us and ran the ball well.” 

Sophomore Reginald Davis is another player who’ll 

see time somewhere on the field. 

“He’s going to be an athlete,” Ward said. “He’ll play 

Timpson Bears 

The Bears were 3-6 last year and in the offseason 

changed coaches again. Kenny Washington, a former 

assistant at San Antonio Sam Houston and Stephen F. 

Austin, quickly tried to establish some consistency. 

“I understand that I’m their fourth athletic director in 

five years,” Washington said. “They’re not used to 

an offseason. I came in and watched how they were 

working.” 

“After about three minutes of seeing them go through 

the motions, I started from there. We started hitting 

every piece of equipment in the weight room.” 

“Now if we have 25 pieces of equipment, they hit every 

one. They understand the tempo.” 

Washington said he knows his team has been through 

a lot since their last playoff appearance in 2003. 

“I understand why they act out,” he explains. “I don’t 

jump them the first time, we talk through it like a father 

and son. The second time, it comes with a little louder 

voice. It’s been baby steps in that aspect but we’ve 

come a long way in five months.” 

Washington expects to have a big season from 

sophomore tailback La’Derius Bryan. “He’s a pretty 

special player,” Washington said. 


running back, wide receiver and maybe even some 

quarterback. He’s got a lot of ability. He makes coaches 

nervous,” Ward laughs, “I’m glad I’ve got him.” 

Senior Teraze Brock will play tight end for the Tigers. 

“He’s got the best hands on the team. He played a 

few different positions in the past, but we’ll mostly 

use him at tight end this year to help us in the spread 

offense.” 

On the line, the Tigers expect big things from 

sophomore LaDarren Cooks, who was the district’s 

newcomer of the year last season. 

“He’s a big strong kid,” Ward said. “He had foot surgery 

in the offseason so he’ll be even better and quicker.” 

Senior All-District linebacker Porter Gibson also 

returns. 

“His motor is always running,” Ward said. “He’s 

undersized but he always seems to be in the right 

place.” 


Cobi Steadman Senior QB 

Reginald Davis Soph. RB 

Teraze Brock Senior TE 

Bryan will be taking handoffs from a freshman, as 

Jaylin Rhodes is expected to earn the starting job as 

quarterback. 

Sophomore wide receiver Rody Paige is expected to 

start for the Bears, who are experiencing a jump in 

numbers. 

“We have some guys who haven’t played in two years 

that are coming out,” Washington said. “I’ve tried to 

make it fun out here. With my experience at both 

levels, I know the kids have to realize it’s fun.” 

”Once that happens, they’ll buy in and work their butts 

off for you.” 


La’Derius Bryan Soph. RB 

Rody Paige Soph. WR 

Jaylin Rhodes Freshman QB 

Mascot: 

Bears 


Superintendent: Vacant 

Head Coach: Kenny Washington 

Mascot: 

Tigers 



Head Coach: 

Don Fallin 

Terry Ward 



Schedule 

8/28 Maud Home 7:00 

9/4 Hull-Diasetta Away 7:30 

9/11 Trinity Home 8:00 








11/6 OPEN 


Schedule 

8/28 Shelbyville Home 7:30 


9/11 Tyler Episcopal Home 7:30 

9/18 Garrison Away 7:30 






10/30 Open 



68 

69

Waskcom Wildcats 

The Wildcats went 2-8 last year, their first in 19-1A. In 

the offseason, Brian Lowe became head coach after 

two years as an assistant. 

Lowe takes over a team with eight returning starters 

on each side of the ball. 

“We feel pretty good about what we’ve got,” Lowe said 

of this year’s prospects. 

The 2009 push will start up front with a pair of senior 

earthmovers, Brandon Weglowski and Matt Goode. 

“Brandon’s pound for pound the strongest guy we’ve 

got in the program,” Lowe said. “He put up about 415 

(on the bench press) just before school was out. And 

Matt was squatting around five hundred, too.” 

“We’re very strong, that was something we focused on 

and got that going.” 

Junior A.J. Jackson returns after a spectacular 

offseason. 

“He won state in the high jump,” Lowe said. “Hopefully 

we can tap into that more this season. Track really 

opened up his wings. We’re expecting great things out 

of him this season.” 

Senior Braylon Tatum is expected to carry the ball 

again for the Wildcats. 



Brandon Weglowski Senior OL/DL 

Matt Goode Senior OL/DL 

Braylon Tatum Senior RB 

A.J. Jackson Junior WR/CB 

Mascot: 



Head Coach: 

Wildcats 

Jimmy Cox 

Brian Lowe 



Schedule 

8/28 Winona Away 7:30 

9/4 Elysian Fields Home 7:30 

9/11 Maud Home 7:30 

9/18 Redwater Away 7:30 

9/25 Open 










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2. Mt. Enterprise 

3. Tenaha 

4. West Sabine 

5. Timpson 

6. Beckville 

7. Waskom 

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NOTES 

2009 

Texas 

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