Pigskin Preview 2010 Issue

You worked hard
to make the team
we work hard
to keeP You
IN the Game
An outpatient department of Mother Frances Hospital.
tmfhc.org/orthosportsmed
• Cathy Fieseler, md
• william r. hobbs, md
• roger L. mcCown II, do
• Jayesh k. Patel, md
• william F. Phillips III, md
• Joshua d. Stein, md
• allison tobola, md
• thomas B. Volatile, md
when an athletic injury puts you on the sideline, our highly
trained orthopaedic and Sports medicine team is ready
to get you back in the game as quickly as possible. our
dedicated physicians are on-call 24 hours a day, so you’ll
always receive the care you need—when you need it.
For more information or to schedule an appointment,
call (903) 525-2990 or visit our website at
tmfhc.org/orthosportsmed.

To All The High School Football Fans of East Texas.
If you’re reading this, I know you’re ready for some football.
There’s no better way to get ready for a new season, than by
reading the 2010 Pigskin Preview Magazine. It’s been a long
offseason and kickoff is almost here.
KLTV is proud to be a part of the tenth year for Pigskin
Preview. It’s a must read for all football fans. The staff at
KLTV 7 and other local sports writers have put together a
comprehensive look at more than 90 teams in the area. You’ll
find team schedules, players to watch and our district by
district preseason coaches’ poll.
Once the season begins, remember to join Coleman Swierc
and I every Friday night this fall for the best highlight show in
East Texas. I can’t wait to get started.
Until then, happy reading.
Hope you have a great season.
Ryan Peterson
KLTV 7 Sports Director
1

Table of Contents
Common Sports Injuries
of the Shoulder ........................... 4
TAPPS District 3, Division 3.........7-11
All Saints Trojans, Dallas Lutheran Lions, Dallas
Shelton Chargers, Tk Gorman Crusaders, Brook Hill
Guard, Irving The Highlands Trailblazers
TAPPS District 2, Division 2....... 12-15
Dallas Christian Chargers, Dallas First Baptist
Saints, Parish Episcopal Panthers, Grace
Community Cougars, Trinity Cedar Hill Tigers, Waco
Reicher Cougars
District 11-5A........................ 16-19
Robert E Lee Red Raiders, Longview Lobos, Desoto
Eagles, Mesquite Horn Jaguars, Mesquite Skeeters,
North Mesquite Stallions
District 13-4A......................... 21-23
Greenville Lions, Sherman Bearcats, Sulphur
Springs Wildcats, Texas High Tigers, Denison Yellow
Jackets, Mount Pleasant Tigers, Royse City Bulldogs
District 14-4A......................... 24-27
John Tyler Lions, Hallsville Bobcats, Pine Tree
Pirates, Nacogdoches Dragons, Jacksonville Indians,
Whitehouse Wildcats, Marshall Mavericks, Kilgore
Bulldogs
District 14-3A......................... 28-31
Canton Eagles, Emory Rains Wildcats, Lindale
Eagles, Quinlan Ford Panthers, Van Vandals, Wills
Point Tigers
District 15-3A......................... 33-35
Liberty-Eylau Leopards, Mount Vernon Tigers, Paris
Wildcats, North Lamar , Atlanta Rabbits, Pleasant
Grove Hawks
District 16-3A......................... 36-39
Carthage Bulldogs, Gilmer Buckeyes, Gladewater
Bears, Henderson Lions, Pittsburg Pirates, Spring
Hill Panthers
District 17-3A......................... 40-42
Athens Hornets, Brownsboro Bears, Bullard
Panthers, Chapel Hill Bulldogs, Rusk Eagles
District 20-3A......................... 44-47
Fairfield Eagles, Groesbeck Goats, Madisonville
Mustangs, Mexia Blackcats, Palestine Wildcats,
Westwood Panthers
Trinity Clinic –
Your Medical Home ..................... 47
District 7-2A – Division 1.................... 48-50
Caddo Mills Foxes, Grand Saline Indians, Melissa
Cardinals, Mineola Yellowjackets, Quitman Bulldogs,
Winnsboro Red Raiders
Fluids and Hydration ................... 51
District 8-2A – Division 1.......... 52-54
Daingerfield Tigers, New Boston Lions, Hooks
Hornets, Prairiland Panthers, Redwater Dragons,
Queen City Bulldogs
District 9-2A – Division 1.......... 56-58
Jefferson Bulldogs, Harmony Eagles, New Diana
Eagles, White Oak Roughnecks, Sabine Cardinals,
Tatum Eagles
District 11-2A – Division 1......... 60-63
Troup Tigers, Crockett Bulldogs, Elkhart Elks, Trinity
Tigers, Teague Lions, Malakoff Tigers
District 6-2A – Division 2.......... 63-65
Alba-Golden Panthers, Corsicana Mildred Eagles,
Edgewood Bulldogs, Lone Oak Buffaloes, Red Oak
Life Mustangs, Scurry-Rosser Wildcats
District 8-2A – Division 2.......... 67-70
Elysian Fields Yellow Jackets, Harleton Wildcats,
Hughes Springs Mustangs, Linden-Kildare Tigers,
Ore City Rebels, Waskom Wildcats
District 9-2A – Division 2.......... 72-74
Arp Tigers, Frankston Indians, Joaquin Rams, Union
Grove Lions, West Rusk Raiders, Winona Wildcats
9-1A - Div. 1.......................... 76-78
Big Sandy Wildcats, Carlise Indians, Hawkins
Hawks, Maud Cardinals, Overton Mustangs, Simms
Bowie Pirates
12-1A - Div. 2........................ 78-80
Beckville Bearcats, Mount Enterprise Wildcats,
Tenaha Tigers, Union Hill Bulldogs
Cody Glenn
Rusk, Texas
Hear WHaT Our
paTienTs say
I dislocated both of my shoulders playing
football in Rusk, Texas. I had the surgery at
Trinity Mother Frances in the morning and went
home the same afternoon. Dr. Hobbs at Trinity
Clinic was my surgeon and he did a great job.
I did my rehab at Trinity Mother Frances in
Jacksonville and they took good care of me. I
haven’t had any problems with my shoulders
since then. My passion is football. I played
four years at Nebraska and now I’m an outside
linebacker in the NFL.
Watch Cody’s video at tmfhs.org/MyLife
Want to share your story as a grateful patient
Email us at MyLife@tmfhs.org
To make an appointment with a Trinity Clinic
orthopaedic physician call
(903) 525-2990.
tmfhc.org/orthosportsmed
2
3

Common Sports Injuries of the Shoulder
William R. Hobbs, MD
Trinity Mother Frances Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine
Shoulder injuries are common during
fall sports. Fractures of the clavicle,
acromioclavicular joint separations and
“stingers” are by far the most common
injuries. However, shoulder dislocations,
rotator cuff tears and cartilage injuries
are also occasionally seen. This article
will discuss some of the common
presentations and mechanisms of injury
for these conditions.
The acromioclavicular joint is a small
connection between the clavicle (collar
bone) and the scapula (shoulder blade)
located on top of the shoulder. It is usually injured by a direct blow to
the shoulder, such as when tackling, or from a fall on an outstretched
arm. The athlete complains of pain raising the arm overhead and will
have tenderness at the joint. Frequently, a bump is visible at the sight
of the injury. These injuries are classified by the degree of separation
between the two bones, which correlates with the number of ligaments
torn. The classification ranges from Grade I to VI, with the upper three
grades requiring surgical repair. The more minor injuries are usually
treated for symptom relief (ice and anti-inflammatories) with return
to play when pain subsides. Frequently, a small pad over the joint
can allow a quicker return to play and avoid re-injury from contact.
Clavicle fractures are usually more severe, requiring a longer recovery
period before returning to sports. They also result from a fall on the
shoulder, but the “bump” is usually closer to the neck. Movement of
the shoulder and arm is much more painful than with an AC separation.
Occasionally the athlete will complain of shortness of breath or the
bone may be poking against the skin. Treatment requires a sling or
immobilizer and no return to contact until the fracture has healed, often
12-16 weeks. Surgery is necessary if the fracture fragments are widely
separated, severely overlapped, or tinting the skin.
“Stingers” refer to an injury to the brachial plexus or nerves that run
from the neck to the upper and lower arm. The trauma usually results
from traction on the nerves as they course from the neck to the arm
when an athlete is struck directly on the tip of the shoulder. The injury
is frequently transient, lasting only a few minutes. The athlete may
return to play when full strength and sensation have returned, but may
be more susceptible to re-injury within the next few hours because of
inflammation around the nerves. If the athlete’s strength or sensation
does not return quickly, both arms are involved, or he has multiple
“stingers”, then a neck injury should be considered and worked up before
allowing return to sports.
Cartilage injuries of the shoulder typically refer to injuries to the glenoid
labrum, a triangular shaped rim of cartilage that circles the socket of
the shoulder. All of the major ligaments of the shoulder joint as well
as the biceps tendon attach to this structure. It plays a major role in
the stability of the shoulder. The labrum helps to “deepen the socket”,
cupping the humeral head (ball of the shoulder joint) and holding it in
place. The two common places that the labrum becomes injured are at
the top of the glenoid, where the biceps tendon attaches, and the lower
front edge of the glenoid, where the major stabilizing ligament of the
shoulder attaches. When the shoulder dislocates, the labrum typically
pulls off of its bony attachment. If it does not heal back correctly, the
athlete will have trouble with an unstable shoulder. Typically, the first
dislocation can be treated with immobilization. However, recurrent
dislocations require surgical repair of the torn labrum. The risk of
recurrence is directly related to the athlete’s age, with the highest risk
being in those who are in their teens or twenties. After a shoulder
dislocation, the athlete will be unable to move the arm without pain
and a bump is present at the front of the shoulder. An audible and
palpable “clunk” will be noticed as the shoulder falls back into place
when a reduction is performed. Offensive and Defensive lineman are
more likely to have the unusual injury of the humerus shearing off the
labrum in back of the socket, rather than the front. This leads to pain in
the back of the shoulder and often a “pop” when reaching across to the
opposite shoulder. Posterior labral tears typically require surgical repair
to stimulate healing back to the rim of the socket.
Rotator cuff tears are relatively rare in the younger athletes, but may
occur after a shoulder dislocation. If someone has trouble raising their
arm four to six weeks after a dislocation, then a rotator cuff tear should
be considered. A more common injury is a rotator cuff contusion in
which the cuff is bruised from a direct blow to the shoulder. The athlete
will have pain and weakness with overhead activities similar to a rotator
cuff tear, but the tendon is only inflamed. This injury will resolve over
eight to twelve weeks with rest, ice and anti-inflammatories, while a
rotator cuff tear requires surgical repair. The best way to differentiate
these two injuries is with an MRI.
Shoulder injuries can be complex and at times difficult to diagnose.
Working with sports medicine trained physicians and a network of
athletic trainers such as Trinity Mother Frances can help to quickly
diagnose a shoulder problem. They can also help to develop injury
preventive exercise programs and post-injury rehabilitation protocols
to ensure a quick return to athletic participation or hopefully avoid the
injury altogether. Please contact Trinity Mother Frances Orthopaedic
and Sports Medicine with any questions at (903) 510-8840.
DQ and the ellipse shaped logo are trademarks of Am. D.Q. Corp.,
Mpls. MN ® Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off. Tx. D.Q. Op. Coun., © 2010.
4
5

PIONEERS IN HEART CARE
TAPPS Division 3 District 3
Brook Hill Picked To Win It All Again
Clint Yeatts - KLTV 7 News
Maybe the only coach in this district to down play Brook Hill’s chances this year is the Guard’s own head coach Terry Pirtle.
Make no mistake; the expectations are high again on the campus outside of Bullard. But the bold predictions of years past of a state title have been
replaced by a quiet confidence that the Guard may actually be a better team than the one that made it to the state championship game last season.
Realignment has altered the look and geography of this district. Half of the district’s six teams are now located in Tyler or Smith county.
After a tough year in Division 2 the TK Gorman Crusaders move down to D-3 while Irving the Highlands moves up a classification from
Division 4 to D-3.
The district coaches seem to agree that Lutheran has the best chance of upsetting last year’s district champs.
But no one is throwing in the towel just yet.
All Saints has a new coach and more players out for football than ever before.
Irving The Highlands comes off their very first playoff appearance last year and will have more seniors in uniform than ever before.
But going into this season there is little doubt the district title and maybe a state championship is Brook Hill’s to lose and there are five other teams in
this district that would just love to make that happen.
Opening Fall 2010
ANNOUNCING The Region’s FIRST and ONLY
HEART HOSPITAL
Since 1983, we’ve been pioneering heart care for east Texans.
With the opening of our new Heart Hospital, we’re blazing new trails.
We’re incorporating the best practices and ideas from leading heart centers in the U.S. to
provide advanced, evidence based care for cardiac patients right here in east Texas.
• Patient-centered, high-touch care
• State-of-the-art technology
• Extraordinary customer service
• Highly skilled physicians, nursing and support staff
• Universal Bed Concept for faster healing
• Enhanced family involvement
ALL SAINTS TROJANS
The Trojans begin a new year with a brand new coach.
Bret Atkins becomes the second coach in All Saints
young football program. Atkins comes to Texas from
Minnesota where he was an assistant with Division
Two Southwest Minnesota State.
He helped turn around a college program there and
that will be his job again at the high school level in
Texas.
In the past two seasons the Trojans have a combined
5-16 record. Despite a 2-8 record last season, All
Saints did make the playoffs losing in the first round.
“The program has had a rough start,” admits Atkins,
“Our first priority will be the weight room. I was
announced as new coach on March 5th, and on March
9th I had a new weight program underway.”
The best news for the new coach may just be in the
number of players coming out for football this year.
Last season only 24 high school players showed up for
spring drills. That almost doubled to 42 this spring and
there is another 55 signed up at the junior high level.
“We are real excited about planning an exclusively
junior high and junior varsity team next season,” says
Atkins, “barring any injury I think we can do that.”
Atkins knows with teams like Brook Hill and Dallas
Lutheran in his district aiming for a district title, this
year may not be realistic. But changing an attitude
and rebuilding a program is a goal he hopes his
players will embrace.
“My goal is pretty simple,” says coach, “to be
successful every play and then let the chips fall where
they may. We’ve been on the wrong end of way to
many lopsided scores. I’ll be changing the offensive
and defensive schemes. I know those sound a lot
like coaching clichés but when I’m watching film its
almost like we are walking on the field expecting to
lose. We’ve got to change that mindset, that attitude.
I’ve told the kids, let’s just get the school’s first 500
record and see what happens. Let’s just strive for that
and whatever happens after that happens.”
Atkins believes he has found a quarterback in junior
John Norton. With a new option offense the QB will
be the key to a successful offense. Center Brian Allen
and running back Hale Buckley also showed promise
during spring workouts.
“We’ve got lots of great skill players,” says Coach
Atkins, “trying to find their place in this new offense
will be the challenge. Most of all I just want these kids
to enjoy football, to be prideful in what the do and
experience some success.”
Players to Watch
Brian Allen Senior Center/DL 6’2/225
John Norton Junior QB/DB 5’9/170
Hale Buckley Junior RB/LB 5’10/180
Ruben DeLong Soph RB/LB 5’10/180
Luke Nelson Senior TE/DL 6’2/205
Harrison Pollard Soph FB/LB 5’9/175
Mascot:
Trojan
Headmaster:
Randall Brown
Enrollment: 220
Head Coach: Bret Atkins
Returning Offense Starters: 7
Returning Defense Starters: 7
Schedule
8/26 Carrolton Christian TKG 7:00
9/3 Ft. Worth Temple Away 7:30
9/10 Beckville Away 7:30
9/17 Cross Roads Home 7:30
9/24 Joaquin Home 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *TK Gorman Away 7:30
10/15 *Brook Hill Home 7:30
10/22 *Dallas Shelton Away 7:30
10/29 *Irving/Highlands Home 7:30
11/5 *Dallas Lutheran Home 7:30
*district games
tmf hc.org
For more information, call TeleCARE at (903) 531-5678 or (800) 535-9799.
6
7

DALLAS LUTHERAN LIONS
The 2009 Lions waged the best campaign in the
history of Dallas Lutheran. Their 8-3 season ended
in the second round of the playoffs to eventual state
champ Waco Reicher.
You can bet Lions fans will be expecting even
more in 2010. Lutheran loses only five seniors to
graduation and only three of those were starters. .
For the first time in 2010 the Lions will have players
that have been a part of the program and played
together since football started here six years ago.
TAPPS Division 3 District 3
At the top of that list of players is senior tailback
Grant Klembara. Last year as a junior Klembara had
2700 all purpose yards and scored 24 touchdowns.
“He is a special athlete,” says head coach Stephen
Robbins, “he’s got breakaway speed, explosiveness
through the hole, great vision, just the whole
package.”
In front of Klembara is three year starter Ben Hartley
at quarterback. In the Lion’s run-option offense,
Hartley threw for 1200 yards and 18 touchdowns and
rushed for another 700 yards.
But the anchor for the offense says Coach Robbins
is four year starter Nate Koeneman. The 6’1, 245lb
center makes all the reads and calls in the option
offense and will be a key to their success this season.
“I’ve got kids coming back that know this system,”
says Coach Robbins, “If we can execute and prevent
turnovers I think we’ve got a pretty good shot.”
The good news for the Lions is Waco Riecher, the
team that has ousted them from the playoffs two
years in a row, has moved to TAPPS Division Two.
The bad news, state runner up Brook Hill is still in
their district. Mark your calendar now for October
8th. Lutheran and Brook Hill face off in the very first
district game of the season and that could very well
determine who takes the district crown.
“Brook Hill will be a pivotal game, probably the
toughest all season” says Robbins. “but I think this
year may be our best shot ever to win a title. When
you have a group of core kids that have been part of
the program so long it gives us a great shot at making
history again.”
Players to Watch
Grant Klembara Senior TB/SS 5’9/270
Ben Hartley Senior QB/FS 6’2/195
Nate Koeneman Senior OL/LB 6’1/245
Drew Mills Senior WR/CB 5’9/165
Kinsey Jackson Senior WR/DB 6’2/185
Mascot:
Lions
Executive Director Dave Bangert
HS Enrollment 175
Head Coach
Stephen Robbins
Returning Offensive Starters: 8
Returning Defensive Starts: 7
Schedule
8/26 Lutheran North Home 7:30
9/3 Trinity Cedar Hill Home 7:30
9/10 Lutheran South Away 7:30
9/17 Colleyville Conv. Home 7:30
9/24 Open
10/1 Muenster Sacred Hrt Away 7:30
10/8 *Brook Hill Away 7:30
10/15 *Dallas Shelton Home 7:30
10/22 *Irving/Highlands Away 7:30
10/29 *TK Gorman Home 7:30
11/5 *Tyler All Saints Away 7:30
*district games
DALLAS SHELTON
CHARGERS
It wasn’t a banner year, but Coach Phillip Carroll says
2009 was a “pretty good season” for his young football
program.
“We lost a couple of games we felt we should have
won.” says Carroll, “The Achilles Heel was turnovers.
We fumbled the ball away in some crucial moments
and most of our interceptions were due to us being
down a couple of touchdowns.”
The Chargers did make the playoffs for a second
straight year. A lot of that was due to the 2000 yards
picked up by senior running back Alyn Jackson.
He and backfield partner Dylan Maxwell graduated
leaving Shelton the difficult job of finding
replacements.
“We are losing Jackson, Maxwell and four offensive
line starters,” says Carroll, “We have to find some
guys to step up and we’ll have to get the young guys
some experience.”
Carroll says he saw a few bright spots during spring
drills. He’ll be looking to seniors Ryan Martinez,
Thomas Triplett and Eric Farinholt to not only perform
but provide leadership for his young squad.
“Our goal is to get back to the playoffs,” says Carroll.
“In order to reach our goal we have to get our young
guys up to speed. Our O-line and D-line will have less
experience, so we have been working hard to teach
them correct technique.”
Because of the specialized academic program at
Dallas Shelton it has taken a while for the numbers to
build for Coach Carroll. But the numbers are gradually
building and so is the confidence of this young football
program.
“We have the talent to be successful,” says Carroll.
“We will have to really rely on our running game to
control the clock and hope that we get a couple of
breaks in order to compete for a district title.”
Players to Watch
Thomas Triplett Senior WR/DB 5’10/175
Eric Farinolt Senior WR/DB 5’8/165
Ryan Martinez Senior QB/DB 6’1/175
John DiCaro Soph TE/DE 6’2/ 175
Seth Goodwyn Junior OL/DL 6’5/ 260
Ben Luedtke Soph QB/WR/DB 6’0/175
Mascot:
Head of School
Head Coach
Charger
Linda Kneese
Phillip Carroll
Returning offense starters: 5
Returning defense starters: 6
Schedule
8/27 John Paul II Home 7:30
9/3 HSAA Away 7:30
9/10 Prince of Peace Away 7:30
9/17 First Baptist Home 7:30
9/24 Legacy Christian Away 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Irving/Highlands Home 7:30
10/15 *Dallas Lutheran Away 7:30
10/22 *Tyler All Saints Home 7:30
10/29 *Brook Hill Away 7:30
11/5 *TK Gorman Home 7:30
*district games
8 69

TAPPS Division 3 District 3
TK GORMAN CRUSADERS
There are a lot of new things happening around the TK
Gorman football program. The Crusaders are getting
brand new turf on their football field. They just got
a brand new weight room. They are now in a brand
new classification, moving down from Division Two to
Division Three. And last but not least, the Crusaders
have a brand new coach.
Ricky Palmer came to Gorman last season as Athletic
Director and this season will be head football coach too.
Even though the “new” list is pretty long, Coach Palmer
would like to see one more new thing at TKG; a new
attitude.
“Our attitude has got to change.” says Palmer, “They’ve
got to believe they can win and that starts in the locker
room. That starts with our seniors.”
Declining numbers, injuries and some very tough
district competition left the Crusaders winless last
season.
The move into a new workout facility is just the thing
Coach Palmer thinks will help him turn this ship around.
“We’ve been working hard on the weight program and
I believe that’s going to payoff,” says Palmer.
Brook Hill Guard
By all standards 2009 was a great season for the
Guard. When one of your losses was in the state
title game and the other was to the state finalist in a
division above you, you know you’ve had a pretty good
year.
“We were just one game short,” says head coach Terry
Pirtle, “it was a great season for sure. Looking back as
undersized as we were we did a good job of utilizing
what we had, speed. But it just caught up to us in the
final game.”
If one thought the expectations were high in 2009 it’s
hard to imagine what folks will expect from this team
in 2010.
The Guard does lose standout receivers Jeremy
Chapelle and Zack Cool as well as their “big” offensive
lineman Heath Dickey.
But Coach Pirtle will have 29 returning letterman
including seven offensive and defensive starters.
Brook Hill was the unanimous choice of coaches to
take the district crown again. Many believe this may
be the Guards year to win that state title they’ve been
talking about the last couple of years.
Second year head coach Terry Pirtle is not ready to
make any predictions just yet, though he feels like he
may have an even more balanced team this season
especially on offense.
“We feel like we now have a full time running back,”
says Pirtle, “we had running back by committee last
season.” Sophomore David Eichelberger has been
tabbed as the starting tailback in the Guards spread
offense. That, says Pirtle, will give him a lot more
Come two-a-days though, it’s back to the basics for TKG.
“We only scored four times last season,” says Palmer.
“First and foremost we are going to learn to block and
tackle. Those are two things that never change.”
There will be nine seniors back in 2010. Palmer will
be looking to those upperclassman to start a change
in attitude. He’ll especially look to offensive lineman
Ryan Topham, running back Jacob Becker and allstate
punter Jordan Vander Vorste to work not only on
the field but in the locker room too.
Moving down a classification may not make the
Crusaders job any easier. They’ll have to face division
three state runner-up Brook Hill in district play.
But if the Crusaders can start to believe again don’t
count them out of the playoff picture in 2010.
Players to Watch
Jordan Vander Vorste Senior RB/LB 5’10/190
Jacob Becker Senior RB/SS 6’1/180
Ryan Topham Senior OL/DL 6’2/225
Russ Langas Senior RB/LB 6’0/180
Matt Roe Soph OL/DL 6’4/275
options. “Our quarterback had to run a lot last year.
This year we’ll be able to give the running back that
responsibility and that will help a lot.”
Not to say that there is a problem with senior QB Tyler
Baker. “Tyler Baker may be, hands down, the best
quarterback in the whole division,” says Pirtle. And
you won’t find any coaches in this district that would
disagree.
With the loss of Chapelle in the offense Pirtle will be
looking for even more production from J.B. Moss.
The junior slot back was an all purpose standout for
the Guard last season with 800 yards rushing, 800
receiving and 800 passing. He was also the team’s
kicker. He’ll be expected to do even more in 2010.
The best news for the Guard came when realignment
moved last year’s state champ Waco Reicher up from
Division 3 to Division 2. That one move may prove to
be what Brook Hill needs to win a state title.
But first says Coach Pirtle is district. With the addition
of TK Gorman and a much stronger Dallas Lutheran
team, Pirtle says this will be a much improved district
than last year. But barring numerous injuries Brook
Hill is for sure the team to beat for a district crown and
most likely the team to beat for a state title too.
Players to Watch
Tyler Baker Senior QB/S 5’10/180
J.B. Moss Junior WR/CB 6’0/175
Tallen Harris Senior OL/LB 6’0/230
Jared Dickey Junior TE/LB 6’3/190
Ross Lee Junior RB/LB 5’9/185
A.J. Minter Junior RB/LB 5’11/185
Mascot:
Crusaders
Principal
Jim Franz
HS Enrollment 215
Head Coach
Ricky Palmer
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters 5
Schedule
8/27 Winona Home 7:30
9/3 Quitman Away 7:30
9/10 Grace Community Home 7:30
9/17 Union Hill Away 7:30
9/24 Shelbyville Home 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *All Saints Home 7:30
10/15 *Irving/Highlands Away 7:30
10/22 *Brook Hill Home 7:30
10/29 *Dallas Lutheran Away 7:30
11/5 *Dallas Shelton Away 7:30
*denotes district game
Austin Langemeier Junior WR/S 6’3/180
Cody Bryant Senior OL/DL 6’0/235
Jonathon Jones Senior OL/DL 6’3/220
Mascot:
Guard
Headmaster:
Rod Fletcher
HS Enrollment 185
Head Coach
Terry Pirtle
Returning Offensive Starters 7
Returning Defensive Starters 7
Schedule
8/28 Lake Worth Home 6:00
9/3 Parish Episcopal Home 7:30
9/10 Pittsburg Home 7:30
9/18 Houston Westbury Away 6:00
9/24 Troup Away 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Dallas Lutheran Home 7:30
10/15 *All Saints Away 7:30
10/22 *TK Gorman Away 7:30
10/29 *Dallas Shelton Home 7:30
11/5 *Irving/Highlands Home 7:30
*district games
TAPPS Division 3 District 3
IRVING THE HIGHLANDS
TRAILBLAZERS
The wild card in this new district has to be the
Trailblazers of Irving The Highlands.
Re-alignment in TAPPS moved the Trailblazers up
from Division 4 to Division 3.
Last year was one of the best in recent years for the
Trailblazers finishing the 2009 season at 5-5 and
making the playoffs for the first time since the football
program began in 1997.
And this year head coach John Trevino enters his
second season at the helm with more seniors and
more returning starters than anytime in school is
history. 10 seniors will be suiting up this season
Last year as a junior Andy McCleghen was selected as
an all-state wide receiver and defensive end. He was
also an all-state basketball player.
“We’ve been primarily a running team in the past,” says
Coach Trevino, “but with some big bodies to throw to
we’ll be passing more this year than every before.”
The other big body Coach Trevino is talking about is
his other wide receiver/defensive end Rodrigo Reyes.
At 6’5/220lb Reyes, together with McCleghen, gives
the Trailblazers two big receivers and two big “book
ends” on defense.
But the Trailblazers offense has traditionally been
focused running the football. Among the seniors back
are a couple of guys with some experience handling
the run and pass.
Senior Alex Pier ran for 1081 yards and 14 touchdowns
last season. He’ll be joined in the wing-t formation by
fellow senior Josh DelaTorre who moved to running
back last season and pick up 850 yards.
But Coach Trevino knows the competition this season
may be the toughest they’ve seen. In addition to
moving up a classification the Trailblazers were also
put in a district that includes last year’s state finalist
Brook Hill and district power Dallas Lutheran.
“These are well coached teams, especially Brook Hill,”
says Trevino. “The main thing we must do is hit hard.
We have got to become a more physical team if we are
going to compete against these kinds of teams.”
Most of the coaches in this district didn’t know a lot
about the Trailblazers and that’s okay for Coach
Trevino.
“Hopefully folks will look right by us.” says Trevino,
“We’ve always been the underdogs and I kind of like it
that way. Maybe we’ll sneak up on a few people this
year. With the returning starters we have coming back
this is our best chance yet to beat some people.”
Players to Watch
Andy McCleghen Senior DE/WR 6’6/238
Josh DeleTorre Senior QB/CB 5’10/164
Alex Pier Senior RB/DB 5’11/180
Patrick Gonzalez Senior RB/LB 6’1/185
Rodrigo Reyes Senior WR/DE 6’2/220
Jorge Albert Junior OL/DL 6’1/195
Mascot:
Trailblazers
Executive Director John Borley
HS Enrollment 135
Head coach
John Trevino
Returning Offensive Starters: 9
Returning Defensive Starters: 5
FREE SPORTS INJURY CLINIC
Saturday MorningS
9:00 - 11:00 a.m. • August 21 - November 13
HealthPark Plaza
1327 Troup Hwy • Tyler, Texas, 75701
(903) 531-5678
tmfhc.org/orthosportsmed
Schedule
8/27 Corem Deo Home 7:30
9/3 McKinney Christian Away 7:30
9/10 Temple Christisan Home 7:30
9/17 Prince of Peace Home 7:30
9/24 Rockwall Christian Home 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Dallas Shelton Away 7:30
10/15 *TK Gorman Home 7:30
10/22 *Dallas Lutheran Home 7:30
10/29 *Tyler All Saints Away 7:30
11/5 *Brook Hill Away 7:30
*district games
TAPPS
Division 3 District 3
Pre-Season
Coaches’ Poll
1. Brook Hill
2. Dallas Lutheran
3. TK Gorman
4. Irving The Highland
5. All Saints
6. Dallas Shelton
At Trinity Mother Frances Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine, our goal is to keep
you in the game. That’s why we offer a free sports injury clinic on Saturday
mornings in the fall for middle-school through college athletes. Our clinic is
staffed with orthopaedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians and athletic
trainers and we even offer same-day MRI scans for our athletes.* It’s just one
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.
* Insurance will be verified and billed for MRI
10
11

DALLAS CHRISTIAN
CHARGERS
TAPPS Division 2 District 2
It’s always a treat to talk with Chargers coach Mike
Wheeler. He has refined the ability of down playing
his teams chances to a fine art. Yeah, he is losing a
lot of folks from last year’s district championship team
but that always seems to be the case and they always
seems to find a way to reload by August.
To his defense the Chargers were hit hard by
graduation. 21 players… nine on offense and eight on
defense graduated in the spring.
That includes big Chris Adcock who is headed to Cal-
Berkley to play ball. Also gone is Brandon Durham
who signed with Georgetown and Taylor Cooksey that
will be playing for Air Force this fall.
“We are going to be real young and inexperienced,”
says Wheeler, “We are rebuilding. We’ve got a whole
new team coming in and its going to be different than
the past couple of years.”
Chris Adcock’s younger brother Garrett will be one of
just five starters returning this season.
He’s been an impact player since he was a freshman
and will be expected to be a leader on offense and
defense.
No Weak Links In Tough TAPPS District
Clint Yeatts - KLTV 7 News
Realignment happens every two years for the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools or “TAPPS” just like the UIL. And this year’s
realignment did little to soften the competition in what is arguably the toughest district in any TAPPS division.
The “toughest” argument is pretty easy to make.
Consider this…last season three of the four semi-final teams in the TAPPS state playoffs came from the District 2. Dallas Christian, Parish and
Prestonwood all advanced to the final four.
Prestonwood would eventually take the state crown.
And while it may be good news for coaches in this district to learn that Prestonwood has moved up a classification in 2010 they cannot be too happy
about their replacement.
Waco Reicher, the Division 3 state champion is moving up to D-2 and has been placed in District 2. Meanwhile, TK Gorman, who went 0-10 last year,
moves down leaving six very competitive programs fighting for a district title.
Parish Episcopal surprised a lot of folks last season and got several number one votes from the district’s coaches for 2010.
Grace Community School made its first trip to post season play in 2009. With only a handful of players graduating the Cougars are expected to be in
the hunt for a title.
Waco Reicher has always been a football powerhouse winning back to back state titles in Division 3 and has no fear about moving up a classification.
First Baptist went from 3-7 to 7-3 last season under a new head coach and the Saints think they’ve got a chance to make it to the playoffs the season.
Trinity Cedar Hill looks to return to the playoff picture after a disappointing 2009 season.
For the first time in several seasons the coaches’ pick to win district was not unanimous though the preseason nod still goes to Dallas Christian. The
Chargers always seem to find a way to reload and most coaches think they will do it again this year.
So, add all that up and it is safe to say the old “on any given night” cliché certainly applies to this district. And it is also safe to say whoever wins this
district battle has to be the odds on favorite to bring home a state title too.
Then there is senior tailback Cameron Curry. As a
back up last year Curry ran for over 1000 yards and 21
touchdowns. He’ll be expected to do even more as a
starter as will senior wide out and DB Nick LaFuenta.
But this may be one of the most challenging years for
Coach Wheeler.
Three out of the four state semi-finalists in 2009 came
from District 2. And with the addition of 3-A state
champ Waco Reicher there will be no pushovers once
the schedule moves into district play.
But at Dallas Christian, expectations are always high.
When you consider the Chargers have won or played
for a state title 9 out of the last 18 years you can bet
D.C. will have a say in not only who wins this district
but who wins a state title too.
Players to Watch
Garrett Adock Junior OL/DL 6’3/280
Cameron Curry Senior RB/DB 5’10/170
Nick LaFuenta Senior WR/DB 5’9/170
Andrew Gilmore Senior RB/LB 5’10/190
Graham Breeden Senior RB/LB 5’10/180
Travis Arterburn Senior FB/LB 5’10/220
Ty Parsons Junior TE/LB 6’1/215
Mascot:
Chargers
Student enrollment: 235
Head Master: Dr. Colleen Netterville
Head Coach: Mike Sheeler
Returning Offensive Starters: 2
Returning Defensive Starters: 3
Schedule
8/27 Arl Oak Ridge Home 7:30
9/3 Arl Grace Prep Home 7:30
9/10 ESD Home 7:30
9/17 Prestonwood Away 7:30
9/24 Austin Regents Away 7:30
10/1 Sunnyvale Away 7:30
10/8 *Parrish Episcopal Home 7:30
10/15 *Trinity Cedar Hill Home 7:30
10/22 *Waco Reicher Away 7:30
10/29 *Tyler Grace Home 7:30
11/5 *First Baptist Away 7:30
*denotes district games
TAPPS Division 2 District 2
DALLAS FIRST BAPTIST
SAINTS
As turnarounds go there is none any bigger in this
district than what happened last year at Dallas First
Baptist.
First year head coach Jason Lovvorn guided his
troops from 3-7 in 2008 to a 7-3 record in 2009. The
Saints were just a game shy of making the playoffs in
what is arguably the toughest overall district in TAPPS
football.
“I think the guys bought into the fact that hard work
really does pay off. We worked hard through the
summer, had a great senior class and that made all
the difference in the fall. Many of the coaches in the
district said we just looked like a different team and
that was exactly what we were trying to accomplish,”
says Lovvorn.
Graduation took nine seniors off this team, many who
played both ways. But it’s the change in attitude that
could make all the difference for this program again
this year.
“Getting ready has been so much easier,” said
Lovvorn, “during spring football it was amazing how
quickly we could get things done. Not only the players
but the coaches knew what was going on. Instead of
focusing on general play we were able to focus on the
details, different reads. Instead of just making a play
PARISH EPISCOPAL
PANTHERS
Shocked!
That’s how Panthers head coach Scott Nady described
his teams 2009 season.
Nady said he thought three wins would have been a
good year. Well the Panthers did a little better than
that advancing all the way to the TAPPS Division 2
State Semifinals.
“We lost that first game of the year and I thought three
wins might be pretty ambitious,” remembers Coach
Nady. “But our boys really began to gel. Eric Humphrey
came into his own. Then a couple of freshman really
stepped up and the team began to believe they were
better than they were and they began to play like it.”
Parish will lose several key players from that “shocking”
effort.
Humphrey will be playing defense for OU this
fall. He joins two other Panthers that received D-1
scholarships.
Graduation will hit the Panther’s lines the hardest.
Both the O-line and D-line will begin the year with only
one returning starter.
But Nady will have a couple players to build around.
happen we were reading plays. I think we will be a
much smarter football team.”
Lovvorn is expecting a couple of seniors to step up
and provide the leadership he lost to graduation. QB
Zach Gregory returns to the lineup this fall. Gregory
missed several games last season because of injury
and coach says he needs to step up in a big way for
the Saints to be successful this year.
A lot will be expected from all-district linebacker
Brandon Harper too. The senior, who also plays
running back, was a big part of the game plan last
year.
But for the Saints the biggest hurdle has already
been cleared. A team that never expected to win now
believes it can. And in a district full of great football
programs that may be the most important step in being
successful again this season.
“We have turned the corner when it comes to attitude,
mindset,” says Lovvorn, “it’s really exciting to see all
the guys buy in. Our goal is to make the playoffs and
because of our success last year these guys now
believe they can compete with any team any night.”
Players to Watch
Zach Gregory Senior QB 6.3/185
Brandon Harper Senior RB/LB 5’9/195
LaDarion Rollerson Senior WR/DB 5’11/170
Evan Vazquez Senior OL/DL 6’4/230
On defense Rob Hankins will be back at middle
linebacker. The senior already has more than 30 D-1
schools interested. He will be expected to shape and
lead the Panthers defense.
On offense a couple of sophomores will be asked to
carry much of the load. Zac Shelly had over 1200
yards rushing as a freshman. Fellow classmate Dru
Smith took over as quarterback early last season.
If he would not been injured in that semi-final game
Coach Nady thinks his team might just have won a
state title.
“Our big concern is the line,” says Nady, “we’ve got a
lot of young guys who are going to have to come in
and play and play well if we are going to be successful.
Staying healthy will be important too. We are extremely
thin. If we avoid injuries I think we can have some
success. Strange thing about private school football
you are just one injury away from going 9-3 or 3-9.”
Nady, like other coaches in the district, realize there
are no easy games to be played.
But one this is certain, no one will be “shocked” this
year to see Parish in the hunt for a district and maybe
a state title.
Players to Watch
Rob Hankins Senior LB 6’1/222
Zac Shelly Soph TB 5’9/175
Dru Smith Soph QB/FS 6’1/180
John Mark Johnson Senior OL/DL 6’0/260
Mascot:
Saints
Student Enrollment 150
Head Coach
Jason Lovvorn
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters 2
Schedule
8/27 Sunnyvale Home 7:30
9/3 Legacy Christian Away 7:30
9/10 Ft Worth Christian Home 7:30
9/17 Dallas Shelton Away 7:30
9/25 Colleyville Cov @ FT Christ 6:00
10/1 Arl Pantego Home 7:30
10/8 *Waco Reicher Away 7:30
10/15 *Tyler Grace Home 7:30
10/22 *Cedar Hill Away 7:30
10/29 *Parish Away 7:30
11/5 *Dallas Christian Home 7:30
*district games
Mascot
Panthers
Student enrollment 350
Head Master
Dave Monaco
Head Coach
Scott Nady
Returning Offensive Starters 4
Returning Defensive Starters 5
Schedule
8/27 ESD Home 7:30
9/3 Brook Hill Away 7:30
9/10 The Home School Home 7:30
9/17 Queen City Away 7:30
9/24 Gateway Charter Away 7:30
10/2 Open
10/8 *Dallas Christian Away 7:30
10/15 *Waco Reicher Home 7:30
10/22 *Tyler Grace Away 7:30
10/29 *First Baptist Home 7:30
11/5 *Trinity Cedar Hill Home 7:30
*district games
12
13

TAPPS Division 2 District 2
GRACE COMMUNITY COUGARS
You might say 2009 was an “over the hump” year for
the young Grace football program.
In its only second year in competitive TAPPS play the
Cougars made their first playoff appearance. Though
they were bumped in the first round by eventual state
finalist Liberty Argyle, Coach Mike Maddox says it was
a big step forward for his program.
“It was a good building time for our team,” says Maddox.
“Playing in our first playoff game, winning some close
games during the year, a lot of good things happened
last season that gives a boost for this season.”
It was also the inaugural year for Clyde-Perkins
Stadium on the Grace campus giving the Cougars
their first “home” game in school history.
But perhaps the most significant thing to come out
of last season is a new reputation for quality football
from the young Cougs in what is arguably the toughest
TAPPS district in Texas.
Unlike last year, every coach in the district expects
Grace to return to the playoffs this year.
“It’s great to have some recognition and respect from
other coaches,” says Maddox, “once you gain a little
respect it gives you more confidence and that is what
this program needs. With that brings more responsibility
to our players to respond with a winning effort.”
Things are looking even better for Grace in 2010.
Coach Maddox has eight returning starters on both offense
and defense from a team that went 7-4 last year.
It has to be noted the Cougars four losses came to
the teams that eventually would make up the four
semifinalists in the TAPPS state football playoffs.
Senior Taylor Stanley will be on his own to lead the
Cougars high octane offense this season. Last season
Stanley split time at QB with Grant Ingram one of the
few players lost to graduation from last year’s squad.
Taylor will be throwing to what coach Maddox thinks
may be the schools best ever receiving corp.
Leading the way is 2nd team all-state WR Craig
Schambach and all-district WR Scott Snyder.
Grace will again feature a wide open “spread” offense
that averaged over 40 points per game last season.
In addition to his receivers Maddox will rely heavily on
seniors Cameron Broderhausen and Bradley White in
the backfield and slot back positions.
But Maddox is quick to point out that while the Cougars
scored a lot of points they gave up a lot too.
“Defense is our big concern.” says Maddox, “We can’t
think we can outscore people and win games. We
have to play better on defense. If we can improve as
much this season as we did last year it will go a long
way in getting us to where we need to be. We’ve got to
improve our special teams play too.”
Maddox will look for all-district performer Micah Clark
to lead the efforts to improve the Cougar defense.
For Grace to compete for a district title with the likes
of Dallas Christian, Parish Episcopal and new arrival
Waco Reicher, Maddox says his team has to get faster
and stronger. The only way to accomplish that he
says is a commitment to work all summer.
“We can’t wish this will happen. We have to be
stronger physically. Our kids will need to work hard all
summer in the weight room. We need to be a couple
of weeks ahead of everyone else coming into two-adays
in August,” says Maddox
Grace is no longer considered the dark horse in this
powerful TAPPS district.
And if Maddox gets all he wants from his players this
summer expect the Cougars to be primed and ready
for another trip for the playoffs come November.
Players to Watch
Taylor Stanley Senior QB/DB 5’10/160
Bradley White Senior RB/LB 6’0/165
C. Broderhausen Senior RB/LB 6’0/180
Craig Shambach Senior WR/BD 6’2/155
Micah Clark Senior OL/LB 5/10/205
Scott Synder Senior WR/DB 6’2/155
Richie Price Senior OL/DL 5’10/170
Wade Jones Senior TE/LB 6’2/195
Collin Pennell Senior WR/DL 5’9/160
Jake Smith Senior WR/CB 5’9/140
Grant Childress Junior WR/DB 6’0/165
Keaton Yeatts Junior K/WR/DB 6’1/160
Micah Florey Junior WR/S 5’9/140
Mascot:
Cougars
Head Master
Jay Ferguson
HS Enrollment 240
Head Coach
Mike Maddox
Returning Offensive Starters 8
Returning Defensive Starters 8
Schedule
8/28 Winnsboro @TKG 7:00
9/3 Eustace Away 7:30
9/10 TKG Away 7:30
9/17 Mineola Home 7:30
9/24 Open
10/1 Shelbyville Home 7:30
10/8 Trinity Cedar Hill Away 7:30
10/15 First Baptist Away 7:30
10/22 Parish Episcopal Home 7:30
10/29 Dallas Christian Away 7:30
11/5 Waco Reicher Home 7:30
*district games
TAPPS Division 2 District 2
WACO REICHER COUGARS
The Cougars from Waco are certainly the wild card in
this year’s District 2 race.
For those not familiar, football has a rich and successful
tradition at Reicher. The Cougars last year took the
state title in Division 3 for the third year in a row and
four out of the last six years.
Coach Mark Waggoner knows things will be tougher
when his team moves up a classification this fall.
“Everyone is bigger and faster,” says Waggoner, “the
biggest difference though is numbers. Teams in this
district just have more players than those in D-2. We
play a lot of bigger UIL schools in the preseason so
we’ll be used to the bigger competition.”
But numbers really aren’t a problem at Waco.
Waggoner had 90 kids participate in spring drills;
enough players to suit up a varsity, junior varsity and
freshman team. Though he lost a lot of seniors to
graduation he’ll have 17 back this year along with 24
juniors.
“Because of our numbers it’s hard to start here until
you are a senior. Our J.V. was pretty good last year.
They finished at 9-1 so we’ve got a lot of really good
players moving up.”
The Cougars run a shotgun style offense about “80%
of the time” says Waggoner.
But they aren’t afraid to run the ball.
Senior Bryce Murphy racked up 1600 yards last season.
“At 5’8/170 Bryce is very explosive and very fast,”
says Waggoner. Senior Issac Gonzales completes
the backfield tandem last year picking up 750 yards
rushing and another 600 receiving. They’ll be running
behind a line that averages over 250 pounds.
Defense will be left in the hands of all state defensiveend
Nick Martinez. “He was team captain as a junior
and he plays like a rabid dog,” says Waggoner, “he is
a player.”
“We are just going to keep doing the things we have
always done,” says Waggoner about the move to D-2.
“We’ll find our weaknesses in non-district. Learn early
and be good late is the key for our team.”
Players to Watch
Bryce Murphy Senior RB/CB 5’8/170
Isaac Gonzales Senior RB/CB 5’9/155
Nick Martinez Senior TE/DE 6’1/225
Mascot:
Cougars
Principal
Arlene Anderson Jones
School Enrollmen 225
Head Coach
Mark Waggoner
Returning Offensive Starters 3
Returning Defensive Starters 2
Schedule
8/27 Little River Away 7:30
9/3 Addision Trin Ch Home 7:30
9/10 McGregor Away 7:30
9/17 Subiaco, Ark Home 7:30
9/24 Open
10/1 Hyde Park Away 7:30
1-/8 *First Baptist Home 7:30
10/15 *Parish Episcoopal Away 7:30
10/22 *Dallas Christian Home 7:30
10/29 *Cedar Hill Home 7:30
11/5 *Grace Community Away 7:30
*district games
TAPPS D-2 Div 2
Pre-Season
Coaches’ Poll
1. Dallas Christian
2. Parish Episcopal
3. Grace Community
4. Waco Reicher
5. Trinity Cedar Hill
6. Dallas First Baptist
Reid knows football.
TRINITY CEDAR HILL TIGERS
It would be safe to say 2009 was not exactly what the
Tiger faithful were expecting.
A year removed as state runner up, Trinity Cedar Hill
finished last season with an unusual 2-8 record.
“We tried to change offense to more of a spread,” says
head coach Mike Helmer, “it just didn’t work. The kids
just didn’t buy in. We are gonna go back to the offense
I’ve been using for 16-17 years. Our kids know it and
are confident with it.”
And TAPPS Division II folks know that means the Tigers
will be running the ball more next year than passing.
“Last year we passed 7 out of ten times this year we’ll
run 7 out of ten,” says Helmer
Helmer will look to the two big guys up front, Raphael
Cox and Malik Dilonga, to lead the charge. Cox is
already on the recruiting list of several D-1 schools.
Tight end Dadrian Taylor is another impact kid that is
both a football and basketball college prospect.
On defense the Tigers have seven starters back from
last season. And just like on offense, the Cox-Dilonga
combo is the key to the Tigers defensive strategy.
While Helmer thinks Parish is the team to beat for a
district title he does expect his Tigers to bounce back
and contend again in 2010.
“I think we’ll surprise some people. Only losing five
seniors I think we’ll be in the hunt somewhere… I like
to think we’ll be in the top three,” says Helmer.
Players to Watch
Dadrian Taylor Senior TE/DE 6’3/220
Raphael Cox Senior OL/DL 6’2/260
Malik Dilonga Junior OL/DL 6’5/255
Anthony Lee Junior FB/LB 6’1/210
Caleb Pryor Junior RB/CB 5’7/155
Mascot:
Tigers
HS Enrollment 252
Superintendent Dr. Kathy Watts
Head Coach
Mike Helmer
Returning Offensive Starters 6
Returning Defensive Starters 7
Schedule
8/27 Bishop Dunne Home 7:30
9/3 Dallas Lutheran Away 7:30
9/10 Houston Northland Away 7:30
9/17 Ferris Home 7:30
9/24 Home School Home 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Tyler Grace Home 7:30
10/15 *Dallas Christian Away 7:30
10/22 *Dallas First Baptist Home 7:30
10/29 *Waco Riecher Away 7:30
11/5 *Parish Episcopal Home 7:30
*district games
Weekdays from 4-6pm
Only On 99.3 FM - The Talk Of East Texas
www.993sports.com
14
15

District 11-5A
A New Face Joins The District, DeSoto Once Again The Favorite
Ryan Peterson - KLTV 7 Sports Director
John Tyler is gone, but things won’t be any easier in 11-5A. 4A Division I State runner up Longview is back with the big boys, replacing one powerhouse with another.
“It’s the best district in the state,” Mesquite Horn head coach Rodney Webb said. “It’s a meat grinder.”
Like 2009, the strength is at the top with three teams that won playoff games last season. DeSoto is the unanimous choice as the district favorite. The Eagles shared the
district title with John Tyler and Robert E Lee last season. There could be another tight finish in 2010.
Outside of the big three, the Mesquite schools all expect to be better. Horn is coming off their only two playoff seasons in school history.
ROBERT E LEE RED RAIDERS
Nothing good comes easy. That’s the belief of head
coach Mike Owens. “I don’t think you can play teams
that aren’t good and get much out of it,” Owens said.
Last season proved Owens correct. The Red Raiders
went winless in pre-district, before winning a codistrict
championship and two playoff games. Owens
wouldn’t be surprised to see more early struggles
again in 2010. Lee opens the season with 5A Division
I state champion Euless Trinity, followed by games
with Lufkin, John Tyler, The Woodlands and Beaumont
West Brook.
“I think our pre-district schedule this year is tougher
than last year,” Owens said. “Should we survive predistrict,
we’ll be well prepared.”
The strength of the team will be in the secondary,
where most of the starting group returns, led by
Missouri commit Courtland Browning. It won’t be easy
to throw the ball on the Red Raiders; however there
are holes to fill at linebacker, as the team lost division
one talent Blake Roberts and Austin Wilson.
Lee lost starting quarterback Luke Wagner and their top
three running backs. All three running backs averaged
over 50 yards rushing per game. But the Red Raiders
believe they have the playmakers to replace them.
DESOTO EAGLES
The DeSoto Eagles took another big step in 2009,
sharing a district championship and making another
two round postseason run. The Eagles expect to soar
even higher in 2010, thanks to their air attack.
Senior quarterback Ryan Polite returns from a
spectacular junior season. Polite threw for more
than four thousand yards and 39 touchdown passes
and has received interest from over ten division one
colleges.
“I have a great veteran team on offense,” head coach
Claude Mathis said. “With Ryan Polite back once
again, the offense will continue to be strong.”
With Polite back, the Eagles are the district favorite for
the second straight year. Mathis thinks his team’s skill
players are what separate the Eagles. David Porter
should be one of the top receiving targets in district,
Running back LaQuintas Wallace showed flashes as
a freshman, scoring five touchdowns in district. Expect
more excitement from him as a sophomore.
The passing game could even see improvement.
“Three of our top four receivers are back,” Owens
said. Those receivers include Marquisse Mosley and
Dennis Edwards.
The big question for the Red Raiders will come in the
trenches. “We have zero experience on the offensive
line,” Owens said. “That’s what we’re looking for is
some starters on the offensive front.”
Don’t expect Owens or the Red Raiders to panic if
things aren’t working out early in the new season. As
they showed last season, it’s not how you start, but
how you finish. Robert E. Lee plans to finish on top.
Players to Watch
Chad Reeves Senior CB/SS
Cortland Browning Senior CB
Marquise Mosley Senior WR
Marvin Gray Senior S
Jimmy Landes Senior C
Dennis Edwards Senior WR
LaQuintas Wallace Soph TB
after posting over one thousand yards as a junior and
nine touchdown catches.
Players to Watch
Ryan Polite Senior QB
Cameron White Senior WR
David Porter Senior WR
Marcus Hutchins Senior OT
Mascot:
Eagles
Enrollment 2800
Superintendent Lloyd Treadwell
Head Coach
Claude Mathis
Returning Offensive Starters 6
Returning Defensive Starters 4
Mascot:
Red Raiders
Student Enrollment 2650
Superintendent Dr. Randy Reid
Head Coach
Mike Owens
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters 6
Schedule
8/28 Euless Trinity Home TBA
9/3 Lufkin Away 7:30
9/10 John Tyler Home 7:30
9/17 The Woodlands Home 7:30
9/25 Beaumont West Brook Away 6:00
10/1 Open
10/8 *Mesquite Horn Away 7:30
10/15 *DeSoto Away 7:30
10/22 *Mesquite Home 7:30
10/29 *Longview Away 7:30
11/5 *North Mesquite Home 7:30
*district games
Schedule
8/27 Leander Away 7:30
9/6 Arlington Bowie Away 7:30
9/11 Miramar FL Home 7:30
9/17 Stony Point Home 7:30
9/24 NOAH (Tulsa) Away 7:30
10/1 Open
10/7 *North Mesquite Away 7:30
10/15 *Tyler Lee Home 7:30
10/22 *Mesquite Horn Away 7:30
10/29 *Mesquite Away 7:30
11/5 *Longview Home 7:30
*district games
Food & Fun Free Tubes
Free WiFi Alcohol Free
Lazy River Wave Pool
Tobacco Free Water Slides
Kid’s Castle Free Parking
Sand Volleyball
Canton
Exit 859 & I-20
903.567.0044
Shreveport
7670 W. 70th St.
318.938.5475
splashkingdomwaterpark.com
Seek the Kingdom
Matthew 6:33
16
17

LONGVIEW LOBOS
After two successful years in class 4A, the Longview
Lobos move back up to 5A. It’s been an amazing run
by the Lobos, winning 27 games, two district titles and
making two state championship appearances. If not
for Lake Travis, Longview would have two more state
championships. Matching their recent success will not
be easy in 2010.
“It’s going to be some hard times,” head coach John
King said. “Losing the talent we lost, I don’t expect the
team to play at the same level as last year. At least at
the beginning of the year.”
Starting quarterback Aaron Johnson has moved on to
Houston and will be missed. His backup last season,
Blaine Tomlinson appears to be the favorite to replace
him, although Tomlinson threw just four passes in
2009. Another option is moving top returning receiver
Ladarrin Robertson to quarterback. Robertson caught
39 passes in 2009 for nearly 500 yards. No matter
who is behind center and throwing the football, the
Lobos want to run the football.
“Hopefully our offense and defensive lines will come
around and give us an identity as a physical football
team,” King said. “Our running back situation will be
good by the time we figure things out.”
MESQUITE HORN JAGUARS
Mesquite Horn won just one district game in 2009, but
that was good enough to put them in the playoffs for
the second straight year. The Jaguars hope to make it
three in a row, and build on last year’s six-win season.
“We’ve talked to our kids that if we make the playoffs,
they won’t play anyone better the rest of the way,”
head coach Rodney Webb said.
The strength of the Jaguars will be on the defensive
side of the ball, as eight starters return. These Jaguars
can move.
“I think our biggest strength is speed,” Webb said.
“Defensively as a team we’re faster. We’ve moved
faster guys around to different positions so that they
can make plays.”
On offense, the Jags must replace starting quarterback
Emory Miller. Miller has moved on to Wyoming. Two
guys are battling for Miller’s spot. Senior Collin Strahan
and junior Piers Christian have both impressed the
coaching staff.
District 11-5A
The top returning rusher is Dakota Anthony, who
rushed for over 600 yards and scored eight touchdowns
last season. Anthony will face heavy competition for
carries out of the backfield.
Competition and depth will be key, as the Lobos face a
brutal schedule that includes three straight road games
against some of the best programs in the state.
“I don’t think we’ve had three in a row on the road like
we’ll have with Allen, Lufkin and Abilene,” King said.
“We’ve put together a killer schedule.”
Players to Watch
Ladarrin Robertson Senior WR/SS
C.J. Greene Senior OL
Brandon Olson Senior TE
Demarjia Devine Senior TE
Britton Eastburn Senior LB/DL
Joseph Wilson Senior DL
Anthony Wiley Senior LB
Joe Brown Senior SS
D.T. Jackson Junior WR
Eric Hawkins Junior WR
Whichever guy plays quarterback, would be wise to
throw the ball to Jacorey Shepherd. The Iowa commit
caught seven touchdowns last season and nearly 700
receiving yards.
Players to Watch
Stephon Sanders Senior DE
Jacorey Shepherd Senior WR
Kyle Boyd Senior LB
Jakeem Grant Senior WR
Jared Tyler Senior DE
Mascot:
Jaguars
Enrollment 2314
Superintendent Dr. Linda Henrie
Head Coach
Rodney Webb
Returning Offensive Starters 6
Returning Defensive Starters 8
Mascot:
Lobos
Student Enrollment 2085
Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox
Head Coach
John King
Returning Offensive Starters 6
Returning Defensive Starters 4
Schedule
8/27 Marshall Away 7:30
9/3 John Tyler Home 7:30
9/10 Allen Away 7:30
9/17 Lufkin Away 7:30
9/24 Abilene Away 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Mesquite Home 7:30
10/15 *Mesquite Horn Home 7:30
10/22 *North Mesquite Away 7:30
10/29 *Tyler Lee Home 7:30
11/5 *DeSoto Away 7:30
*district games
Schedule
8/27 Coppell Away 7:30
9/3 Lake Highlands Home 7:30
9/10 Lewisville Hebron Home 7:30
9/17 Denton Guyer Away 7:30
9/24 Stephenville Away 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Tyler Lee Home 7:30
10/15 *Longview Away 7:30
10/22 *DeSoto Home 7:30
10/29 *North Mesquite Away 7:30
11/5 *Mesquite Home 7:30
*district games
Mesquite Skeeters
A state champion in 2001, the Mesquite Skeeters
did not play up to the programs standards in 2009.
Mesquite won just one game, marking the second
straight year the Skeeters have missed out on the
playoffs. “We need to be a lot better,” head coach
Robbie Robinson said. “We weren’t good last year. I
think we were really young, but we have a lot of guys
back.”
The Skeeters were only five points away from the
playoffs last season, so there is reason for optimism.
Senior Jake Lanford will lead the offense. Lanford was
an all district honorable mention selection as a junior.
“We have a lot of guys back that have played,”
Robinson said. “I went here (Mesquite), so it’s very
important to me to turn the program around.”
In his second season as head coach, Robinson has
actually been with the Skeeters since 1989. He’s seen
some great football in the past, and believes it could
happen again in the future.
North Mesquite
Stallions
A three game losing streak to wrap up 2009 put an end
to any playoff hopes for North Mesquite. The Stallions
expect to be stronger down the stretch in 2010. With
seven starters back on defense, North Mesquite will
be tough to score on.
Senior linebackers Roderick Harris and Jared
Brackens are coming off strong seasons.
But the Stallions playoff hopes may ride with one
special running back. Texas Longhorn commit Joe
Bergeron will be the main man on offense.
“He’s very talented,” said offensive coordinator and
assistant head coach Tyler Harrison. “He’s big, strong
and fast. You can bet he’s going to get the ball.”
Bergeron will be the top option, but he won’t be king on
offense. King Davis will lead the huddle at quarterback.
The junior will need to help take some pressure of the
running game.
“The biggest thing for us is to be more consistent on
offense,” said Harrison.
More consistency could lead the Stallions back to the
playoffs.
District 11-5A
“I would say the goal is to make the playoffs,” Robinson
said. “A district title would be nice, but where we’ve
been, let’s just get in.”
Players to Watch
Jake Lanford Senior QB
Emmanuel Hicks Senior S
Mike Mcintosh Senior WR
Ronnie Jones Junior LB
Kavaski Ervin Junior WR
Mascot:
Skeeters
Enrollment 2700
Superintendent Dr. Linda Henrie
Head Coach
Robbie Robinson
Returning Offensive Starters 4
Returning Defensive Starters 5
Players To Watch
Joe Bergeron Senior RB
Roderick Harris Senior LB
Dezmin Lewis Senior WR
Jared Brackens Senior LB
Jeremy Young Senior DB
Mascot:
Stallions
Enrollment 2700
Superintendent Dr. Linda Henrie
Head Coach
Mike Robinson
Returning Offensive Starters 4
Returning Defensive Starters 7
Schedule
8/27 Rowlett Home 7:30
9/3 North Garland Away 7:30
9/10 S. Grand Prarie Home 7:30
9/17 Plano West Away 7:30
9/25 Lubbock Away 7:30
10/1 Open
10/7 *DeSoto Home 7:30
10/15 *Mesquite Away 7:30
10/22 *Longview Home 7:30
10/29 *Mesquite Horn Home 7:30
11/5 *Tyler Lee Away 7:30
*district games
Schedule
8/27 Lake Highlands Home 7:30
9/3 S. Grand Prarie Away 7:30
9/10 Naaman Forest Away 7:30
9/17 Denton Ryan Home 7:30
9/24 Waco Home 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Longview Away 7:30
10/15 *North Mesquite Home 7:30
10/22 *Tyler Lee Away 7:30
10/29 *DeSoto Home 7:30
11/5 *Mesquite Horn Away 7:30
*district games
District 11-5A
Pre-Season
Coaches’ Poll
1. DeSoto
2. Longview
3. Tyler Lee
4. Mesquite Horn
5. North Mesquite
6. Mesquite
18
19

District 13-4A
Realignment Creates Large District In Number and Geography
Don Wallace - Sports Editor Sulphur Springs News Telegram
Some of the teams changed in District 13-4A but excellence is still anticipated as the teams get ready for the 2010 season. Teams in the district in
2008 and 2009 set records, which will be treasured for years to come.
In 2008, the Sulphur Springs Wildcats won the state title. Longview twice has made it to the state title game only to come up short on both occasions.
Longview, Hallsville, Marshall and Pine Tree are gone from the district, replaced this year by Royse City, Sherman, Denison and Greenville. Remaining
from the original 13-4A cast are Sulphur Springs, Mount Pleasant and Texas High.
How ironic that Denison is now a district foe. Last year Denison stopped not one, but two teams in the state playoffs.
Sulphur Springs, the year after winning state, went four rounds deep in the playoffs. The Wildcats lost 49-35 in Dallas to Denison in the state
quarterfinals.
In the Division II, Region II semi-final, Denison took a 35-26 win over Marshall.
This year for some, the travel will be a concern as the trek will be considerable. But many of the other schools are close enough to maintain old
rivalries or begin new ones.
The district is one with high standards and a very competitive outlook in all sports – the pecking order will be determined by which teams do well in the
playoffs. Longview has returned to the 5A ranks with the race for the title this year a wide open affair which should prove to be very entertaining.
GREENVILLE LIONS
To say new head coach Chawn Cooper is at Greenville
for the long haul is an understatement. As an assistant
in Greenville for nine years, he has seen far too much
turnover and he wants to put an end to the coaching
merry-go-round. “At Paris, we’ve had six head coaches
in the last 10 years,” Cooper said. “I have a son in the
first grade, I want to stay here until he graduates and
maybe then some.”
Cooper feels like he is starting a little behind the curve,
coming into replace Jim Phillips with no spring ball.
Greenville also did not have a JV team last year. But
he will make the most of it. “This is a tough, hardnosed
district. The two big dogs are Sulphur Springs
and Texas High,” Cooper said. “The rest of us are in
the hunt. We want to be in contention for a playoff
berth. We want improvement weekly to get to be our
best by the time district starts.”
The team has players in new positions as Cooper
brings in different formations from last year. “We are
going from a 4-3 to a 3-4 on defense in an effort to get
more athletes on the field,” Cooper said. “Offensively,
we are now an I-formation team and not going much
SHERMAN BEARCATS
Head coach Gary Kinne has made coaching stops in
not just Texas, but other states. He feels that Sherman
is right for him. The Bearcats went 8-3 last year after
Kinne came in for the job in July. “We came in late, we
had to build as we went with a tough schedule, but we
will be better this year,” Kinne said. “We lost to Lake
Dallas in the playoffs, but we did well in district. This
district is going to tough as well. When you have teams
like Sulphur Springs who won state in 2008 and the
experience and talent of Texas High, it’s not going to
be easy. Denison is a very tough team. Greenville and
from the spread. We want to be mentally tough and
run the dad-gum football. We think when teams come
up to stop the run, then we can make things work with
our wide receivers and throw it some.”
Cooper calls his chance to be the head coach in
Greenville “a blessing.”
“This is my home town now, I have stayed here and I
want this team to do well,” Cooper added.
Players to Watch
Dezonte Green Senior WR/FS 6’2/200
Justin Honeycutt Senior OL 6’3/270
Vincent Young Senior OL 5’11/160
Tristin Farley Senior LB 6’0/200
Cobbie Johnson Senior DB 5’11/170
Mascot:
Lions
Enrollment 1400
Superintendent
Don Jeffries
Head Coach
Chawn Cooper
Mount Pleasant have new coaches and Royse City is
up from 3A. We want to be one of the top teams.”
“A measuring stick game for us will be Sept. 10 against
Highland Park,” Kinne said. “Then our first district
game will be against Sulphur Springs. You always
want to win the first game of district that will be a tough
one for us. In this district, every game is a big one.”
Players to Watch
Thor Long Senior QB 6’0/200
Zac Whitfield Senior RB 5’11/195
Schedule
8/27 Little Elm Home 7:30
9/3 Terrell Away 7:30
9/10 Frisco Liberty Away 7:30
9/17 Open
9/24 Dallas Madison Home 7:30
10/1 *Mount Pleasant Home 7:30
10/8 *Sulphur Springs Away 7:30
10/15 *Texas High Home 7:30
10/22 *Royse City Away 7:30
10/29 *Denison Home 7:30
11/5 *Sherman Away 7:30
*district games
Kyle Crick Senior DE 6’3/230
Nate James Senior WR 5’9/175
Eric Hosel Senior K 5’9/155
Sydney Phillips Senior LB 6’1/210
Tory Minor Senior DB 6’2/180
Ryan Reid Junior DB 5’10/180
Mascot
Bearcats
Enrollment 1612
Superintendent
Dr. Al Hambrick
Head Coach
Gary Kinne
cont.
20
21

SHERMAN BEARCATS
Schedule
88/27 The Colony Away 7:30
9/3 Little Elm Away 7:00
SULPHUR SPRINGS
WILDCATS
“The district will be extremely competitive and we are
excited about playing some new faces. We also like
the travel much better,” said Sulphur Springs head
football coach Greg Owens.
The coach added, “We will be inexperienced in a lot
of areas, but I like our athleticism and energy. The
kids are excited and working hard. A strong foundation
has been laid and a rich tradition winning is expected
among our kids and community. I like the challenge
and expectations our kids, coaches, and community
has for us to be successful each year.”
Owens said his team would be younger and have less
experience than last year. He also said the district
overall would not be as strong with the loss of Marshall
and Longview.
Owens will be looking to players like Alvin Frazier who
caught 21 passes for 237 yards last year and Fernando
Arellano who has made 37 of 41 extra points and 14
of 19 field goals as a varsity kicker to help lead the
Wildcats.
TEXAS HIGH TIGERS
“It’ll be a different year,” Texas High head football
coach Barry Norton said.
What might scare many coaches, Norton approaches
with a calm, positive approach.
For the first time in six years, the Tigers don’t have
an experienced signal-caller. Gone to Oklahoma State
is Nathan Sorenson and don’t expect Ryan Mallett
(University of Arkansas) to come back through the field
house door. Texas High will have to come up with a QB
from the players on the roster.
“Nate (Sorenson) was a three-year starter, just like
Mallett,” Norton said. “That’s why I said this year will
be different.”
Competing for the job are two capable players - Austin
White and Levi Saxby. White is a 6-2, 190-pounder
who has played quarterback before. Saxby is a 6-foot,
190-pounder who played safety last year.
“The competition is fun to watch, I get to see them
grow as players,” Norton said. “We might pick one or
play both. We really haven’t decided.”
Norton said he has yet to decide how the new district
will shake out.
District 13-4A
9/10 Highland Park Home 7:30
9/17 Lake Dallas Home 7:30
9/24 *Mount Pleasant Away 7:30
10/1 *Sulphur Springs Home 7:30
10/8 *Texas High Away 7:30
Players to Watch
Sharard Timmons Senior WR 6’2/185
Fernando Arellano Senior K 6’0/170
Dylan Owsley Senior DE 6’1/245
Tyler Halerumal Senior DT 6’0/245
Alvin Frazier Senior WR 5’9/165
Chad Evans Senior OL 6’4/240
Joe Scott Senior LB 5’6/180
Chris Sorley Senior OL 6’0/185
Tylan Harris Senior DB 5’10/165
Dallin Sant Senior WR 5’10/165
Mascot:
Wildcats
Enrollment 1150
Superintendent Patsy Bolton
Head Coach
Greg Owens
“I really don’t know what to make of it,” Norton said.
“Longview and Marshall are gone and I like competing
against the best. I did not like losing to them, but the
competition was very good. We always play tough
teams, that’s why I don’t think the travel involved will
bother us that much.”
Norton continued, “We’re putting it in a positive light,
like we are approaching the games like we do playoff
games. We always play in Tyler or Dallas, which are
2-1/2 hour trips for us. So district will be like that. The
trips are what you make of them. In some situations
playing road games can free you from the distractions
of a home game. You can get more focused and bond
with the team. It’s all about how you use your time.”
Players to Watch
Kody Sutton Senior TB 5’8/185
Logan Preston Senior TE 6’0/205
Travis Turner Junior LB 5’11/192
Joseph Thurman Senior WR 5’11/170
Michael McGee Junior WR 6’3/270
Edwin Harper Senior DL 6’3/218
Blake McCown Junior LB 6’0/215
Jalen Jones Junior S 5’10/175
10/15 *Royse City Home 7:30
10/22 *Denison Away 7:30
10/29 Open
10/5 *Greenville Home 7:30
*district games
Schedule
8/27 Denton Ryan Home 7:30
9/2 Garland Lakeview Away 7:00
9/10 Whitehouse Home 7:30
9/17 Paris Away 7:30
9/24 *Denison Home 7:30
10/1 *Sherman Away 7:30
10/8 *Greenville Home 7:30
10/15 *Mount Pleasant Away 7:30
10/22 Open
10/29 *Texas High Home 7:30
11/5 *Royse City Away 7:30
*district games
Mascot:
Tigers
Enrollment 1989
Superintendent James Henry Russell
Head Coach
Barry Norton
Schedule
8/27 Vidor TBA 7:30
9/3 Jacksonville Away 7:30
9/10 Arkansas High Home 8:00
9/17 Bentonville Away 7:30
9/24 *Royse City Home 7:30
10/1 *Denison Away 7:30
10/8 *Sherman Home 7:30
10/15 *Greenville Away 7:30
10/22 *Mount Pleasant Here 7:30
10/29 *Sulphur Springs Away 7:30
11/5 Open
*district games
DENISON YELLOW JACKETS
After going deep in the playoffs, much is expected this
year from the Yellow Jackets of Denison. “We have a
super group coming up; we had to replace 18 starters.
We have to find the pieces to fit our team,” Denison
coach Cody White said. “We have some good kids
up from the sub-varsity. We also have some staff
changes.”
White added, “It’s challenging, fans here expect to
win. But they are realistic, a school this size, at times
you have years in flux. We are changing some things
to fit our personnel. Spring football has been very
interesting. We just have to find the right pieces; we
have super kids who expect to win. That makes it fun.
Spring football has been a lot of fun.”
Mount Pleasant Tigers
Mart Graham takes over the Tigers after serving as
a four-year member of the staff. It is the first head
coaching job for Graham who has been an assistant
for 28 years. He’s made stops in Alto, Splendora,
Lovelady, Garrison, Magnolia to name a few. Graham
was the offensive coordinator for the Tigers last year.
“We should be pretty good on the offensive and
defensive lines, our speed is lacking,” said Graham.
“We have to line up and fight tooth and nail every
game. Our kids are working very hard to be ready for
football season.”
ROYSE CITY BULLDOGS
After going 1-9 in 2009, head coach Greg Strahm is
hoping his team is due for a turnaround season. The
Bulldogs lost nine games in a row before finally tasting
victory the last game of the year. Strahm does not
want a repeat. “After losing 36 seniors, we had to start
12 sophomores last year,” Strahm said. “They were
young pups, doing their best. We did not like having
a bad year; we have a rich tradition of playing good
football. This year we will be young again, but they are
experienced.”
The coach said the “wide-eyed” looks will be gone
after a year of varsity ball.
“They will be running with a more fluid motion,” Strahm
said. “They won’t have to think as much and they can
react. Last year, it was a mechanical process for some
players. You can’t win like that.”
“We feel comfortable in this district,” Strahm said. “It
gives us a good sense of anticipation and excitement
as we approach the year.”
Players to Watch
Ryan Phillips Senior OL/DE 6’3/220
Brody Johnston Senior DE 6’0/270
District 13-4A
Players to Watch
Stacy Golston
Hayden Chapman
Conner Counce
John Casselle
RB/LB
S/LB
OG
LB
Mascot:
Yellow Jackets
Enrollment 1340
Superintendent Dr. Henry Scott
Head Coach
Cody White
Players to Watch
Sam Redfern Senior TE/DE 6’3/270
Jalen Stephens Senior OL/DL 5’11/280
Roman Miller Senior DE/TE 5’10/230
Steven Julian Senior LB 5’8/180
Grayson Russell, Senior OL 6’0/270
Benny Blaize Senior RB/LB 5’7/160
Kyle Lassen Senior OL 5’11/245
Kori Jones Senior WR/DB 5’10/160
Mascot:
Tigers
Enrollment 1450
Superintendent Terry Myers
Head Coach
Mart Graham
Jose Ramirez Senior OL 5’11/250
Hunter Williams Senior OL 6’3/265
Chris Smith Senior WR 5’11/160
Jonathan Burns Senior WR/RB 5’11/205
Mascot:
Bulldogs
Enrollment 1126
Superintendent Randy Hancock
Head Coach
Greg Strahm
Schedule
8/27 Mesquite Poteet Away 7:30
9/3 Frisco Away 7:30
9/10 Rockwall Away 7:30
9/17 Frisco Liberty Home 7:30
9/24 *Texas High Away 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Denison Home 7:30
10/15 *Sherman Away 7:30
10/22 *Greenville Home 7:30
10/29 *Mount Pleasant Away 7:30
11/5 *Sulphur Springs Home 7:30
*district games
Schedule
8/27 Kennedale Home 7:30
9/3 Liberty Home 7:30
9/11 Belle Glade Central DeSoto 11:00
9/17 Little Elm Away 7:00
9/24 *Sulphur Springs Away 7:30
10/1 *Texas High Home 7:30
10/8 *Royse City Away 7:30
10/15 Open
10/22 *Sherman Home 7:30
10/29 *Greenville Away 7:30
11/5 *Mount Pleasant Home 7:30
*district games
Schedule
8/27 Henderson Away 7:30
9/3 Liberty-Eylau Home 7:30
9/10 Pleasant Grove Away 7:30
9/17 Kilgore Home 7:30
9/24 *Sherman Home 7:30
10/1 *Greenville Away 7:30
10/8 Open
10/15 *Sulphur Springs Home 7:30
10/22 *Texas High Away 7:30
10/29 *Royse City Home 7:30
11/5 *Denison Away 7:30
*district games
District 13-4A
Pre-Season
Coaches’ Poll
1. Texas High
2. Sulphur Springs
3. Sherman
4. Denison
5. Greenville
6. Royse City
7. Mount Pleasant
22
23

JOHN TYLER LIONS
Cujo football returned in 2009. District coach of the year
Dereck Rush led John Tyler to a six win turnaround,
reaching the 5A-Division II state quarterfinals. The
Lions didn’t reach their ultimate goal, but a co district
title and 12 win season proved that John Tyler football
is back on track.
Staying on track will not be easy, as the Lions return
just two starters from a potent attack. District MVP
Jeremy Johnson will be missed at quarterback along
with first team all district running backs Ky’Ordric Black
and Kedrick Chancellor and first team receiver Ricky
Collins.
“We have a lot of unanswered questions,” said head
coach Dereck Rush. “We lost 32 seniors. We have a
lot of holes to fill.”
TCU commit David Bush will be counted on to lead
the offense. Bush was second team all-district as a
receiver, but will likely move to quarterback.
On defense, the team will be led about another future
Horned Frog. Defensive back Chris Hackett will be
counted on to lead a more experienced defensive unit.
The Lions defense did lose Ashton Dorsey to the Big
HALLSVILLE BOBCATS
Losing three straight to close out the 2009 season, the
Hallsville Bobcats have some unfinished business in
2010. Several of the key pieces from last year’s team
are back for redemption. Thirteen starters return from a
three win season. With so much experience, the Bobcats
expect nothing less than a trip to the playoffs.
“We were really young last year,” said head coach
David Plunk. “That’s going to help this year. We had
some young guys get a lot of playing time.”
The Bobcats will be led in the trenches by future Texas
Longhorn Josh Cochran. Cochran, a top lineman, is
one of nine starters back on offense. Cochran will be
protecting senior quarterback Brandon Denton. He’ll
also be opening holes for first team all district running
back Quantrail Johnson. “We have more skill on
offense then we’ve had in the past,” said Plunk.
District 14-4A
Realignment Creates Super District With Super Competition
Ryan Peterson - KLTV Sports Director
Welcome to the new East Texas super district. Of the eight teams that make up 14-4A, six made the playoffs in 2009. Throw in 5A power John Tyler,
making their first move down, and you have quite a lineup of power. “I think it’s very balanced,” said Whitehouse head coach Randy McFarlin. “It won’t
be a cake walk for John Tyler. I think it will be at the same level they played in last year. This district is strong from top to bottom.”
Coaches don’t think it will be easy, but district coaches have picked the Lions as the clear favorite to win the monster district. Marshall is also
considered a favorite, followed by the rest of the tight pack. No coaches could agree on the middle of the district order.
“I know it’s one of the toughest districts in the state,” said Kilgore head coach Mike Wood.
Some old East Texas rivalries will continue, and some new ones will be formed. There will be no off weeks for these eight teams.
Jacksonville coach Steve Wells put it best, “It’s going to be a war every week.”
12, but John Tyler has a strong linebacker group led
by senior Antjuan Lee.
The roster isn’t the only thing changing for the Lions.
For the first time in school history, John Tyler has
dropped from 5A to 4A. Instead a of a six team district
full of heavy travel, the Lions are in an eight team
district, full of new East Texas rivals.
“I’m different from everyone else,” said Rush. “I can’t
afford to worry about what district we’re in. I’ve got to
get my kids ready to play, whether it’s 4A or 5A.
Despite the loss in talent, Rush knows his team is
expected to win big in its new district. Like the district,
Rush says the Lions will be a work in progress.
Players to Watch
David Bush Senior QB
Martin Perez Senior OL
Chris Hackett Senior DB
Antjuan Lee Senior LB
Mascot:
Lions
HS Enrollment 2045
Superintendent Dr. Randy Reid
Head Coach
Dereck Rush
Plunk says his experienced team should come in handy
with such a short pre district schedule. “You better be
good early,” he said. “There are only three games to
prepare, before you have to be ready for district.”
Players to Watch
Quantrail Johnson Senior RB
Josh Cochran Senior OL
Kyle Pack Senior DT
Brandon Denton Senior QB
Mascot:
Bobcats
HS Enrollment 1254
Superintendent Greg Wright
Head Coach
David Plunk
Returning Offensive Starters 9
Returning Defensive Starters 4
Returning Offensive Starters 2
Returning Defensive Starters 5
Schedule
8/27 Lufkin Home 7:30
9/3 Longview Away 7:30
9/10 Tyler Lee Away 7:30
9/17 Open
9/24 *Hallsville Home 7:30
10/1 *Nacogdoches Away 7:30
10/8 *Pine Tree Home 7:30
10/15 *Whitehouse Home 7:30
10/22 *Marshall Away 7:30
10/29 *Kilgore Home 7:30
11/5 *Jacksonville Away 7:30
*district games
Schedule
8/27 Pleasant Grove Home 7:30
9/3 Open
9/10 Lindale Away 7:30
9/17 Chapel Hill Home 7:30
9/24 *John Tyler Away 7:30
10/1 *Whitehouse Home 7:30
10/8 *Marshall Away 7:30
10/15 *Kilgore Home 7:30
10/22 *Jacksonville Away 7:30
10/29 *Pine Tree Away 7:30
11/5 *Nacogdoches Home 7:30
*district games
PINE TREE PIRATES
The Pine Tree Pirates will be road warriors in 2010.
Due to safety concerns at Pirate Stadium, the team
has been forced to play all five home dates at different
locations. Pine Tree will play three home games in
Kilgore and another two home games at Longview
Lobo stadium.
“It’s not something we can worry about,” said head
coach Huey Chancellor. “The kids will be ready to
play.”
Chancellor was just happy to have spring football
this year. The Pirates missed out on the spring last
season, and went winless in district for the second
straight year. “With me coming in late, we had very
little time before we actually had to be on the field,”
said Chancellor. “This time around we’ll have a better
understanding of what we’re doing.”
The strength of the Pirates should be on defense,
where they return second team all district linebacker
Breynon Henderson. Junior running back Xavier
NACOGDOCHES DRAGONS
The Nacogdoches Dragons took a step back in 2009.
The Bill Harper era came to an end as the Dragons
once again missed the playoffs, with a three win
season. Harper is gone, replaced by Scott Ford. Ford
was an impressive 57 and 13 in seven seasons at Los
Fresno High School. “The kids are ready for a change,”
said Ford. “The attitude has been really good”
Ford wants the Dragons to attack and expects to
improve the passing game. He’s pleased with two kids
he believes can get the job done. Senior Jacob Brown
and junior Damion Johnson will likely both see action
behind center. The Dragons will have a more aggressive
approach. Ford jokes he expects the offense to score
every time they have the ball. “The kids are getting a real
grasp on what we’re doing,” said Ford.
Nacogdoches will still count on the run. Jacoby Ervin
rushed for 471 yards last season and four touchdowns.
Ervin could see bigger numbers in 2010.
The Dragons have big ideas, but Ford knows it won’t
be easy in the new eight team district.
JACKSONVILLE INDIANS
Kick it in, in 2010. That’s the motto of the Jacksonville
Indians. The Indians hope to kick down the playoff door
and believe their new district will make that possible.
“We’ve been to the playoffs when we’re just thankful
to be there,” said head coach Steve Wells. “But we’d
have to play Longview or Texas High in Division I. This
new district is good for us, because if we make the
playoffs, we’ll go Division II and play more schools our
size.”
The change has brought more hope and excitement to
the Jacksonville program. The team can also feel good
about the quarterback position. Ryan Black returns
from a 2,000 yard passing season. “We feel good
District 14-4A
McCoo showed flashes as a sophomore rushing for
nearly 500 yards. Chancellor adds that the Pirates will
have great size on the offensive line.
Players to Watch
Xavier McCoo Junior RB/DB
Domique Webb Senior RB/LB
Charles Roberts Senior RB/LB
S. Standberry Senior DL/OL
Breynon Henderson Senior RB/LB
Craig Bryson Senior QB/LB
Justin Hopkins Senior OL/DT
Jonathan Aragon Senior OL/DT
Chris Chumley Senior TE/DE
Mascot:
Pirates
HS Enrollment 1343
Superintendent Marian Strauss
Head Coach
Huey Chancellor
“There’s no doubt the schedule is more difficult,” said
Ford. “We’re playing twice the schedule we played last
year. But that gives us the opportunity to upset some
people. Our goal is to win a playoff game.”
Players to Watch
Josh Davis Senior DT
Devin Davis Senior OT
Cameron Sturns Senior DL
Jacoby Ervin Senior TB/LB
Ethan Perkins Senior OL
Mascot:
Dragons
HS Enrollment 1600
Superintendent Dr. Rodney Hutto
Head Coach
Scott Ford
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters 5
about the position of quarterback,” said Wells. With
Ryan healthy, we can put some points on the board.
But we have some young receivers that will have to
come through for us.”
On defense the team must replace Justin Jones.
Wells called the former linebacker ‘Mr. Everything.’
Cody Bolton will need to help replace the team’s
leading tackler. The Indians believe the defensive line
will be a team strength. “Jacoby Scott will be good for
us at defensive end,” said Wells. “Our front four should
have a lot of experience that will help us out.”
After two straight first round playoff exits, the Indians
are ready to kick down the door.
Returning Offensive Starters 3
Returning Defensive Starters 5
Schedule
8/27 Open
9/3 Henderson Home 7:30
9/10 Liberty Eylau Away 7:30
9/17 North Lamar Home 7:30
9/24 *Nacogdoches Home 7:30
10/1 *Kilgore Away 7:30
10/8 *John Tyler Away 7:30
10/15 *Jacksonville Home 7:30
10/22 *Whitehouse Away 7:30
10/29 *Hallsville Home 7:30
11/5 *Marshall Away 7:30
*district games
Schedule
8/27 Open
9/3 Little Cypress Away 7:30
9/10 Lufkin Away 7:30
9/17 Carthage Home 7:30
9/24*Pine Tree Away 7:30
10/1 *John Tyler Home 7:30
10/8 *Whitehouse Away 7:30
10/15 *Marshall Home 7:30
10/22 *Kilgore Away 7:30
10/29 *Jacksonville Home 7:30
11/5 *Hallsville Away 7:30
*district games
Players to Watch
Ryan Black Senior QB
Tevin Garland Senior RB
Jacolby Scott Senior DE
Tedrick Tilley Senior OL
Cody Bolton Senior LB
Mascot:
Indians
HS Enrollment: 1153
Superintendent Dr. Joe Wardell
Head Coach
Steve Wells
cont.
24
25

JACKSONVILLE INDIANS
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters 5
WHITEHOUSE WILDCATS
The Whitehouse Wildcats hope a strong finish in 2009,
will carry over to 2010. Despite losing their first five
games last season, the Wildcats held together winning
three of five district games. Whitehouse made the
playoffs, losing to Longview 52 to 9. The Lobos will not
be in their path this year, and the Wildcats are excited
about their new district. “We’re happy that if we qualify
for the playoffs, we’ll go Division II,” said head coach
Randy McFarlin.
McFarlin is also happy to have back star receiver
Trey Metoyer. The Oklahoma commit posted another
1,000 yard season in 2009. Lined up with fellow senior
Quincy Aldridge, the Wildcats are going to throw the
ball, and throw it often.
“Hunter Taylor will be back at quarterback, with eight
games under his belt,” said McFarlin. “He’s got some
great receivers to throw to.”
While the Wildcats will travel by air, the team has made
a point in the spring to improve the running game.
MARSHALL MAVERICKS
With three straight playoff appearances, the Marshall
Mavericks are considered one of the heavyweights
in the new look East Texas district. However, the
Mavericks do have some big holes to fill. They lost
quarterback Brandon Fitzgerald as well as a four
headed running back monster that ran through
defenses in 2009. “We’re a heavy run team with four
strong running backs,” said head coach Thedrick
Harris. “Those guys are all gone. But I like the kids
we have taking snaps at the quarterback and running
backs positions.”
The Mavericks do have experience at wide receiver,
where seniors Daveon Williams and Bryce French
are capable of big plays. Williams had over 500 yards
receiving as a junior. French is a good receiver and
an even better defensive back, leading the team with
three interceptions in 2009. “I think we’re real athletic
at receiver and in the secondary,” said Harris. “That’s
our real strength.”
District 14-4A
Schedule
8/27 Carthage Home 7:30
9/3 Texas High Home 7:30
9/10 Gilmer Away 7:30
9/17 Open
9/24 Whitehouse Away 7:30
Dejuan Shelton and Jordan Cantrell will be asked to
carry the load in the backfield.
On defense, the Wildcats bring back nine of their
eleven starters. One of the two starters lost was the
team’s leading tackler, Logan Taylor. “We need to get
better on defense,” said McFarlin. “It’s an area we’ve
struggled with the last couple of years. We’re very
excited about it.”.
Players to Watch
Trey Metoyer Senior WR
Quincy Aldridge Senior WR/DB
DeJuan Shelton Senior RB/DB
Scott Sanders Senior CB
Joey Gautney Senior DT
Mascot:
Wildcats
HS Enrollment 1340
Superintendent Daniel DuPree
Head Coach
Randy McFarlin
Joining French in the defensive backfield are Acie
Law and Alandric Tutt. This talented group has the
Mavericks dreaming of a district championship. “I think
we have as good of a chance as anybody,” said Harris.
“But we have to focus on us. I know that sounds like
coach speak, but we really do. We have to take care of
ourselves and good things will happen”.
Players to Watch
Daveon Williams Senior WR
Bryce French Senior WR/DB
Jaquan Kelly Senior LB
Acie Smith Senior DB
Jehsen Jackson Junior DL
Alandric Tutt Senior DB
Mascot:
Mavericks
HS Enrollment 1650
Superintendent Dr. Bruce Gearing
Head Coach
Thedrick Harris
10/1 Marshall Home 7:30
10/8 Kilgore Away 7:30
10/15 Pine Tree Away 7:30
10/22 Hallsville Home 7:30
10/29 Nacogdoches Away 7:30
11/5 John Tyler Home 7:30
*district games
Returning Offensive Starters 6
Returning Defensive Starters 9
Schedule
8/27 Corsicana Home 7:30
9/3 Chapel Hill Home 7:30
9/10 Sulphur Springs Away 7:30
9/17 Open
9/24 *Jacksonville Home 7:30
10/1 *Hallsville Away 7:30
10/8 *Nacogdoches Home 7:30
10/15 *John Tyler Away 7:30
10/22 *Pine Tree Home 7:30
10/29 *Marshall Home 7:30
11/5 *Kilgore Away 7:30
*district games
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters 6
Schedule
8/27 Longview Home 7:30
9/3 Shreveport Hunt. Home 7:30
9/10 Open
9/17 Neville (LA) Home 7:30
9/24 *Kilgore Home 7:30
10/1 *Jacksonville Away 7:30
10/8 *Hallsville Home 7:30
10/15 *Nacogdoches Away 7:30
10/22 *John Tyler Home 7:30
10/29 *Whitehouse Away 7:30
11/5 *Pine Tree Home 7:30
*district games
KILGORE BULLDOGS
A new year marks the end of an era in Kilgore football.
Longtime head coach Mike Vallery has stepped down
and will be missed. But don’t expect big changes.
Longtime Kilgore assistant Mike Wood takes over for
Vallery. Wood has been defensive coordinator for the
Bulldogs since 1996. Wood takes over a very young,
but experience team. “We had eleven sophomores
that started last year,” said Wood. “They have a lot
more experience. I don’t know how that will equate on
the field, but they’ve definitely grown.”
The young Bulldogs took their lumps last season, but
still made the playoffs. Most of that group will be back
in 2010. Kilgore returns 16 starters. “I think our young
kids have a lot of talent,” said Wood.
One of those kids is junior running back LaDarius
Anthony. As a sophomore, Anthony rushed for over
1,500 yards breaking the school’s single season
record twice. With two more years at Kilgore, the
sky is the limit. “We believe in running the ball,” said
Wood. “LaDarious had a record breaking year last
season and we feel really good about the group we
have coming back.”
The Bulldogs had another super sophomore on
defense. Safety Shawn Williams led the Bulldogs in
tackles. His playmaking ability, can give offenses fits.
“We look for really big things from Shawn Williams,”
said Wood.
District 14-4A
Wood is excited about the chance to lead these young,
but talented Bulldogs. But he says they won’t have
much time to grow up in 2010. “You’re going to have
to play well every week in this district,” he said. “It’s a
must if you want to be in the playoff hunt.”
Players to Watch
Pat Colbert Senior OT
Robert Morgan Senior WR/DB
LaDarius Anthony Junior RB
Mascot:
Bulldogs
HS Enrollment 989
Superintendent Jody Clements
Head Coach
Mike Wood
Returning Offensive Starters 8
Returning Defensive Starters 8
Schedule
8/27 Open
9/3 Corsicana Away 7:30
9/10 Henderson Home 7:30
9/17 Mt. Pleasant Away 7:30
9/24 *Marshall Away 7:30
10/1 *Pine Tree Home 7:30
10/8 *Jacksonville Home 7:30
10/15 *Hallsville Away 7:30
10/22 *Nacogdoches Home 7:30
10/29 *John Tyler Away 7:30
11/5 *Whitehouse Home 7:30
*district games
District 14-4A
Pre-Season
Coaches’ Poll
1. John Tyler
2. Marshall
3. Whitehouse
4. Hallsville
5. Jacksonville
6. Kilgore
7. Nacogdoches
8. Pine Tree
Jill Just emailed
her son’s pediatrician.
Trinity Clinic Online is a secure, web-based tool that conveniently
connects you to your physician’s office from the privacy of your
personal computer at any time, day or night.
Trinity Clinic patients can visit us online to:
• Request prescription renewals
• Email the clinic staff about non-urgent medical issues
• Request appointments
To begin using online services, you must be an established Trinity
Clinic patient. If you are a new patient, ask the clinic staff how
you can get started today.
trinitycliniconline.com
26
27

You’ve gotta love realignment.
District 14- 3A
Realignment Renews Old Rivalries
Mike Alzamora - KTBB Sports
The bi-annual U.I.L. card shuffle has brought about a reunion of several old familiar rivals into a district that promises to be a battle each and every
Friday night. “It will be a tough district with every game being a war,” said Canton first-year Head Coach Wes Rhoten.
Lindale is back in the 3A ranks after a four-year stay in Class 4A. All the Eagles did in the larger classification was win a district championship and
make the playoffs the last couple of seasons. “We are excited about moving down to 3A and to be back in the district with some familiar foes like Van,
Canton, and Wills Point,” said Lindale head-man Mike Meador.
No doubt, Lindale will be the outright favorite to win this district. But before anyone hands them a gold ball, all those so-called “familiar” folks will have
plenty to say about that.
Just 15 miles away, Van will renew what had for a long time been a heated district rivalry with the Eagles. And that’s not the only thing people in Vandal
country have to be pumped up about (though you can be sure October 22 is likely circled in every calendar in both towns). Having again established itself
as a perennial post-season participant, Van replaced the departed Brady Pennington with former Denton Ryan offensive coordinator Jared Moffatt. Yes,
the same man who guided Ryan’s high-powered attack led by Texas Gatorade Player of the Year and Texas Tech signee Scotty Young.
Let’s not forget about defending district champ Wills Point, which made a phenomenal turnaround in 2009, going from 1-9 to 9-2. The Tigers may be
even better this season with 12 starters returning, including the district’s reigning offensive player of the year in QB Trent Jurica.
Speaking of experienced teams, the Canton Eagles bring back 13 starters from a team that fell just a game short of the post-season for the second
straight year. You add an improving Quinlan Ford team that upset Van in the first round of the playoffs last year and an Emory Rains squad that should
be better with some dangerous players at the skill positions, and you’ve got yourself quite an interesting race for the district’s three post-season berths.
“There will be some good teams not make the playoffs because of the overall competitive nature of the district,” said Van’s new Head Coach Jared Moffatt.
EMORY RAINS WILDCATS
Following a tough 2009 season, there’s reason for
hope at Rains High School. Although, it appears that
many growing pains will still be part of the Wildcats’
rebuilding process.
The lack of experience at many positions was a big
part of what led to last year’s winless campaign. The
Wildcats will have five starters returning on offense
and five on defense, but will lose QB/DB Trevor
Vandeventer, who starred in Rains’ spread offense
throwing for almost 1,800 yards last season. They
expect to replace his productivity with a more balanced
offense, as they will possess a lot more speed at
several skill positions. This will undoubtedly make this
team a lot more competitive.
Third-year head coach Brannon Kidd liked what he
saw during the spring from his group. “Skill-wise, we’re
in pretty good shape,” said Kidd as they have added
a pistol look to their spread attack for more straight
ahead running. Senior RB Stevie Flores is expected
to carry most of the rushing load and he’s not a bad
choice since he runs a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash. Senior
WR Jerod Garner will be looked upon as the team’s
primary pass catcher. He’s also equipped with deadly
speed. Kidd added that they feel comfortable with
where they are offensively, and that they are beginning
to develop some confidence. He is concerned about
his offensive line, however, as many of those guys will
be forced to play both ways.
District 14-3A
Anchoring the guys up front will be junior Jonathan
Northcutt and senior Rustin Cryer both of whom
started last year. At 6’2”, 305 lb., Northcutt could likely
have lots of college recruiters at his doorstep after the
season.
On the defensive side of the ball, Kidd says he’s
getting excited about the strides this group is making
after giving up an average of 51 points a game last
season. “That is our area of biggest improvement
need and they have really been looking better this
spring.” Northcutt, who had a pair of sacks a year
ago, and Cryer will also be counted upon to provide
leadership for this unit.
The problem for Rains lies in the numbers. With, by
far, the smallest enrollment in the district, they are
outnumbered 2-1 by most every school in this league.
Having that uncontrollable obstacle in front of them
will make it difficult for the Wildcats to compete for a
playoff spot.
“It definitely makes a tough district even tougher,” said
Kidd.
Players to Watch
Stevie Flores Senior RB/SS 6’2/ 190
Jerod Garner Senior WR/FS 5’10/ 175
Jonathan Northcutt Junior OL/DL 6’2/ 305
Chris Trieb Senior WR/DE
Mascot:
Wildcats
Student Enrollment 481
Superintendent David Seago
Head Coach
Brannon Kidd
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters 5
Schedule
8/27 Mount Vernon Away 7:30
9/3 Bonham Home 7:30
9/10 Sabine Away 7:30
9/17 Farmersville Home 7:30
9/24 Mineola Away 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Canton Home 7:30
10/15 *Lindale Away 7:30
10/22 *Wills Point Home 7:30
10/29 *Quinlan Ford Home 7:30
11/5 *Van Away 7:30
*district games
CANTON EAGLES
One of three teams in the district, who will sport firstyear
head coaches, the Eagles promoted co-offensive
coordinator Wes Rhoten to the top position when Lance
Angel left for Palestine.
Already established in Canton for the past three seasons,
the transition couldn’t be smoother with Rhoten’s spread
offensive system already in place. That coupled with
the most returning starters of anyone in the district and
the Eagle’s chances of getting back to the post-season
look promising. “The experience is critical and there is
a continuity there (on offense) that makes them click,”
said Rhoten.
That experience starts with Senior QB Chance Wallace
who enters his third season as Canton’s signal caller.
Wallace has thrown for over 5,700 yards and 53
touchdowns the last two years. 22 of those scores
went to two-time All-District wide-outs Roy Denbow and
Trent Termin last season. Oh yeah, both of them are
back as Wallace’s primary targets, as are three offensive
linemen.
Defensively, the Eagles will miss LB Jacob Harris. But
they have six starters back, making up a core group of
returners that according to Rhoten, are ready to step up.
“We will have a firm grasp of our roles on defense and
expect to have kids flying around making plays,” added
Rhoten.
Being a win away from the playoffs the last two years has
made Canton a very hungry team and this time around,
they expect to be playing in week 11. “We are extremely
excited about this season, we have kids and coaches
working hard on the details that will get us to where we
want to go,” said Rhoten.
Players to Watch
Chance Wallace Senior QB/DB 5’11/ 180
Roy Denbow Senior WR/DB 5’11/ 175
Trent Termin Senior WR/DB 5’11/ 185
Anthony Gomez Senior OL/DL 6’0/ 250
Seni Lajqi Senior OL/DL 6’3/ 275
Austin Reynolds Senior OL/DL 5’10/ 260
Triston Leaks Senior LB/RB 5’10/ 218
Eric Walters Junior QB/DB 6’2/ 170
Justin Richard Junior WR/DE 6’4/ 195
Conner Eiland Soph WR/DB 5’10/ 170
Garrett Smallwood Soph QB/DB 5’11/ 180
Mascot:
Eagles
Enrollment 555
Superintendent Larry Davis (Interim)
Head Coach
Wes Rhoten
Returning Offensive Starters 7
Returning Defensive Starters 6
Schedule
8/27 Gladewater Home 7:30
9/3 North Forney Away 7:30
9/10 Mabank Away 7:30
9/17 Nevada Community Home 7:30
9/24 Mount Vernon Home 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Emory Rains Away 7:30
10/15 *Van Home 7:30
10/22 *Quinlan Ford Away 7:30
10/29 *Lindale Away 7:30
11/5 *Wills Point Home 7:30
*district games
LINDALE EAGLES
Welcome back to Class 3A Lindale Eagles!
Did you ever as a kid feel like you could play with your
older brother and his friends Well that was the case
with coach Mike Meador’s team, the last few years.
Except in this case little brother made his big bros
look rather silly at times. After two straight playoff
appearances and a District 14-4A championship,
Lindale will now get back to picking on teams its
own size. “Instead of being the bottom of the food
chain in 4A, we may be the top of the food chain,”
said a pleasantly surprised Meador on realignment
day. “Numbers wise, we’ll be one of the top schools.”
Before moving up a classification in 2006, the Eagles
had made eight consecutive post-season appearances
in Class 3A.
With all the experience and talent they have coming back,
Lindale is poised for a big year in 2010. Ten starters are
back for coach Meador, five on each side of the ball,
plus several other players got valuable experience and
proved they could contribute at the varsity level. “I think
we should have a good team this year,” he said. “We
have some good kids returning and are very excited
about what we accomplished last year.”
The Eagles will have to replace multi-faceted athletic
QB Matt Broussard, who was Co-District MVP a year
ago, and LB Jacob Merriman who garnered District
Defensive Player of the Year honors. The options
under center start with junior Clay Price and senior
John Ryzman, who will likely become a two-headed
monster similar to what Lindale showcased two years
ago, when Broussard split time with Nathan Simmons.
In this case, Price will probably be the primary passing
quarterback, with Ryzman taking most of the snaps in
the wildcat. Ryzman was the team’s third leading rusher
last season, averaging almost six yards per carry.
At running back and receiver, the Eagles have a load
of weapons at their disposal for their high-powered
spread attack. While Ryzman will also line up at
tailback some, senior Terronce Johnson, and Demarcus
Lynch will provide added depth in the backfield. On the
outside, expect to see speedy seniors Chris Terry, and
James Crews as the primary pass catchers. Terry is a
big target at 6’4”, while Crews is also very efficient as
the team’s kicker.
Up front, Meador said his team “will have a very big
offensive line,” in 2010. They will be led by juniors
Micah Simmons and Sam Schomp, a pair of sizable
reasons why the Eagles could be flying high this
season.
However, the Eagles defense will have to improve
on last year’s performance when they surrendered
an average of 33 points per game. As for filling the
holes left by Merriman and several other contributing
seniors, Ryzman and Johnson will go both ways as
they help shore up the line backing core. Though most
of the unit’s experience is in the secondary, where
Lindale returns three of four starters with Crews, and
seniors Charles Broughton and Mark Ingram.
Yes, the Eagles will be the favorites to win this district, but
it will not be an easy road. The renewal of their 15-mile
rivalry with Van will be a very big hurdle. Plus, Lindale
lost to Wills Point in non-district play last season. The
Tigers, of course, are the defending league champs and
are loaded with 12 of their starters back from last year.
Players to Watch
James Crews Senior WR/DB/K 6’1/ 185
John Ryzman Senior RB/QB/LB 6’0/ 195
Chris Terry Senior WR/DB 6’4/ 185
Micah Simmons Junior OL/DL 6’4/ 270
Sam Schomp Junior OL 6’5/ 295
Mascot:
Eagles
Student Enrollment 987
Superintendent Stan Surratt
Head Coach
Mike Meador
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters 5
Schedule
8/27 Spring Hill Home 7:30
9/3 Carthage Away 7:30
9/10 Hallsville Home 7:30
9/17 Kaufman Home 7:30
9/24 Chapel Hill Away 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Wills Point Away 7:30
10/15 *Emory Rains Home 7:30
10/22 *Van Away 7:30
10/29 *Canton Home 7:30
11/5 *Quinlan Ford Away 7:30
*district games
28
29

QUINLAN FORD PANTHERS
Talk about a turnaround!
The Quinlan Ford Panthers went 0-5 in non-district to
begin the 2009 season. They then somehow managed
to win three of five district games to reach the postseason.
They weren’t done. Next came their slaying of
Goliath as the Panthers knocked off heavily favored Van
35-14 in the Bi-District round of the Class 3A Division II
playoffs. It marked Ford’s first post-season victory since
1995. At that point, no matter what was to happen the
following week, their season had become a success.
Ford would fall to eventual State semifinalist Pittsburg in
the Area round and see its season come to an end in a
53-13 defeat. The Panther players that walked off that
field did so with a sense of accomplishment.
New head coach Virgil Crow inherits this bunch, which
will count on its six returning starters to continue to build
on this newfound momentum. It will no doubt be a
challenge. But this group has the best mental foundation
they could hope for. They believe they can.
Hired in mid-December, Crow brings nearly three
decades of coaching experience. His well-respected
career includes head coaching stops in Cumby, Canton,
and Scurry-Rosser. He comes to Quinlan after coaching
the tight ends and defensive backs at perennial state
power Celina last season.
Crow also brings in a hard-nosed running game, ran
primarily out of a Slot-T formation. “We’ll run a four back
offense that will grind it out with power and misdirection,”
explained Crow. This offensive system is different than
VAN VANDALS
The Jared Moffatt era begins at Van.
As Brady Pennington departed for an assistant job at New
Caney Porter, a very successful and proud chapter of
Vandal football was closed. Then on April 8th, when Van
hired Moffatt, the former Denton Ryan offensive coordinator
and a Sulphur Springs native, the sense was that a new,
maybe even brighter, chapter was opening up.
Pennington coached the Vandals for eight years, a
tenure that included five district championships, five
playoff appearances and a 62-26 record. During that time,
Moffatt was fine-tuning his high flying air attack, which
became one of the very best in the State. He helped
engineer four State Championship game appearances
and two State Titles. Plus, the last two seasons, he was
the man at the controls of Texas Gatorade Player of the
Year and Texas Tech Signee Scotty Young.
That’s what Van is getting.
With the very well respected program that Pennington
established, there is no doubt that Moffatt has the
potential to take it to the next level.
And Speaking of Texas Tech, Moffatt hired Zac Harrell,
the brother of former Red Raiders quarterback Graham
Harrell, as his offensive coordinator at Van.
Now, it should be a no brainer that Moffatt will implement
his spread philosophy right away. However, he said he
wants the system to fit the personnel. “We’re gonna take
that offense and tailor it to the abilities of our kids.”
District 14-3A
the spread look the Panthers employed last season,
which means returning All-District WR Zach Witherspoon
and All-District TE/DE Al Balliette will for the most part be
catching passes out of play action. The 6’4” Witherspoon
was Ford’s leading receiver with 32 catches for 692 yards
and four touchdowns a year ago as a junior.
Senior Kailob Wallace will be handed the keys of the new
Panther offense. He replaces graduated dual-threat QB
Kyle Stone who heads to East Texas Baptist University.
Defensively, Crow will install a base 4-3 with a cover
2 secondary that will include lots of stunting. Senior
Balliette will anchor the defensive front, while seniors
Beau Welch, Colton Scott and Cody Williams will lead an
experienced defensive backfield.
There aren’t many that are giving Ford much of a chance
to go back to the playoffs out of this district. But hey, there
weren’t many that gave them much of a chance to beat
Van either.
“The new district is a lot tougher than the old one that we
were in from top to bottom,” said Crow. “We should be
competitive, if we can stay healthy.”
Players to Watch
Kailob Wallace Senior QB 5’9/ 150
Zach Witherspoon Senior WR 6’4/ 190
Beau Welch Senior FS 6’3/ 180
Al Balliette Senior DE 6’2/ 200
Colton Scott Senior SS 6’0/ 185
Cody Williams Senior CB 5’9/ 150
And the personnel are seven starters that return on the
offensive side of the ball. It includes an experienced
offensive line and a multi-talented backfield, spearheaded
by athletic senior QB Tory Parsons and Senior RB
Michael Terry. Both of them possess phenomenal 4.5
speed and can be utilized in many different ways. Moffatt
stressed that they are expecting big things from the pair.
That likely means they’ll be running the ball quite a bit out
of the spread, which could make the Vandals attack very
balanced and difficult to stop. “I feel our offensive line will
be a key to our ability to produce offensively,” explained
Moffatt. “We have four returning starters up front and will
depend heavily on them to win at the line of scrimmage.”
6’3” 255lb. senior Nick McClean and All-District junior
guard Clay Hendon will lead the big guys up front.
On the other side of the ball, Van will continue to have
a very strong defense that it has become notorious for.
That’s because defensive coordinator Josh Potter is
staying on Moffatt’s staff along with his schemes and
philosophy.
The Vandals return just four starters defensively and must
replace the State’s Defensive Player of the Year in Class
3A in DL Jacoby Alexander. Senior All-District DE Corey
Fuller and last season’s District Sophomore of the Year
LB Dalton Santos are a couple of pretty good candidates
to carry the load. Together they made 21% of the team’s
tackles last year and combined to make 14 sacks. At 6’3”
230lb., Santos appears to be a monster at linebacker
as he also runs a 4.7 in the 40-yard dash. Fuller has
sideline to sideline speed as well. The two must become
leaders as the Vandals do have some holes to fill as
they graduate a tremendous senior class, according to
Mascot:
Panthers
Enrollment 852
Superintendent Michael French
Head Coach
Virgil Crow
Returning Offensive Starters 3
Returning Defensive Starters 3
Schedule
8/27 Mineola Home 7:30
9/4 Mabank Away 7:30
9/10 Bonham Home 7:30
9/17 Princeton Away 7:30
9/24 Open
10/1 Anna Away 7:30
10/8 *Van Home 7:30
10/15 *Wills Point Away 7:30
10/22 *Canton Home 7:30
10/29 *Emory Rains Away 7:30
11/5 *Lindale Home 7:30
*district games
Moffatt. “There are a number of players who have shown
glimpses of great play in the spring and we will expect to
continue to play great defense here at Van.”
The Vandals finished 7-4 in 2009 and were District 13-
4A Runners-Up behind Wills Point. However, many in
Van still have the bad taste in their mouth of being upset
by new district foe Quinlan Ford in the first round of the
playoffs. This coming only a year after Van made a State
Quarterfinal appearance.
Yes, the district race in 2010 will be a grind, but if
there’s a team that has reason to play with a chip on its
shoulder, it’s Van. With the arsenal the Vandals have at
their disposal, they should challenge for the district title,
if not win it.
“We must bring our best effort every week in this district
as every opponent will be a tough and physical game.”
Players to Watch
Tory Parsons Senior QB 5’11/ 175
Michael Terry Senior RB/DB 5’10/ 175
Dalton Santos Junior LB/OL 6’3/ 230
Corey Fuller Senior DE/RB 5’9/ 175
Nick McLean Senior OL/DL 6’3/ 255
Skylar Cotton Junior LB 5’10/ 185
Tanis Cotton Senior WR 6’2/ 190
Demond Dean Junior OL/DT 5’10/ 230
cont.
VAN VANDALS
Mascot:
Vandals
Student Enrollment 650
Superintendent Joddie W. White
Head Coach
Jared Moffatt
Returning Offensive Starters 7
Returning Defensive Starters 4
WILLS POINT TIGERS
From worst to first to…
That is the question as the Tigers enter the 2010 season
following their phenomenal turnaround that saw them
go from 1-9 in 2008 to a District 14-3A title and a final
mark of 9-2 in 2009.
Now entering his third season at Wills Point, head coach
Kevin Garvin attributes last season’s unprecedented
success to the fact they were able to have “an offseason
under our belts.”
“I felt it was a definite improvement from year one. We
had good senior leadership, and were better balanced
with the run/pass ratio,” added Garvin.
Good The Tigers practically filled out the All-District
honor roll with graduating senior WR Steven Cunigan,
sharing the Co-MVP award with Van DL Jacoby
Alexander.
What’s hard to believe is that this team will return
12 starters in 2010. And many of them were highly
decorated last season. The Tigers return both the
District’s reigning offensive and defensive players of
the year, in senior QB Trent Jurica and senior DE J.K.
Wilson. Oh, and let’s not forget about the coaching staff
of the year led, of course, by Coach Garvin.
In other words, this Wills Point team could actually be
better than the 2009 version.
Offensively, the Tigers wide-open spread attack starts
at the head with QB Jurica who enters his third year
as the starter under center. Jurica has averaged 2000
yards passing the last two years, while completing 61%
of his passes. Last season, he also rushed for 300
yards and eight touchdowns.
Senior WR Brett Bradshaw is Jurica’s leading returning
receiver. But his biggest help may be their four
District 14-3A
Schedule
8/27 Grand Saline Home 7:30
9/3 Brownsboro Away 7:30
9/10 Palestine Away 7:30
9/17 Crandall Home 7:30
9/24 Spring Hill Home 7:30
10/1 Open
returning offensive lineman. “I feel with two years now
in the system, we will have a better understanding
of assignments and be able to make necessary
adjustments,” said Garvin. “We will return four on the
offensive line, which should help with the foundation.”
Garvin actually believes his defense is what made the
biggest improvement a year ago. “I felt we played as
a unit. I feel we will continue to improve and be able
to adjust and make adjustments on the field due to
leadership.”
Senior LB Joseph Gray, who recorded over 100 tackles,
joins DE Wilson defensively, along with senior DB Evan
Padilla, and senior DL Seth Butler. The unit’s biggest
strength as a whole is they force a lot of turnovers, like a
lot of other things, they take a lot of pride in that.
The Tigers have every opportunity to repeat as
champions even though Lindale has joined the district
from Class 4A. A year ago, Wills Point defeated the
Eagles 34-14 in a non-league game.
Players to Watch
Trent Jurica Senior QB 6’2/ 180
Joseph Gray Senior LB 6’2/ 215
J.K. Wilson Senior DL 5’11/ 210
Evann Padilla Senior DB/K 6’2/ 170
Seth Butler Senior DL 6’2/ 295
Brett Bradshaw Senior WR/DB 5’9/ 160
DeMarcus Bowman Senior OT/DE 6’2/ 215
Mascot:
Tigers
Student Enrollment 815
Superintendent Joe Oliver
Head Coach
Kevin Garvin
Returning Offensive Starters 6
Returning Defensive Starters 6
10/ *Quinlan Ford Away 7:30
10/15 *Canton Away 7:30
10/22 *Lindale Home 7:30
10/29 *Wills Point Away 7:30
11/5 *Emory Rains Home 7:30
*district games
Schedule
8/27 Mabank Home 7:30
9/3 Gladewater Away 7:30
9/10 Ferris Away 7:30
9/17 Athens Home 7:30
9/24 Kirbyville Kilgore 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Lindale Home 7:30
10/15 *Quinlan Ford Home 7:30
10/22 *Emory Rains Away 7:30
10/29 *Van Home 7:30
11/5 *Canton Away 7:30
*district games
District 14-3A
Pre-Season
Coaches’ Poll
1. Lindale
2. Wills Point
3. Van
4. Canton
5. Quinlan Ford
6. Emory Rains
30
31

District 15-3A
Liberty-Eylau Unanimous Pre-Season Favorite
Don Wallace - Sulphur Springs News Telegram Sports Editor
There was little doubt among this district’s coaches about the team to beat in 2010. Without hesitation every coach in the district said despite a 6-5 finish
last year the Leopards will be the team to beat once district rolls around.
“They’ve got lots of speed and talent” said one coach. “They’ll be tough to beat.”
The coaches had some much different thoughts on how the rest of the district would shape out.
In our preseason coaches’ poll there was only a vote difference between second and fifth place leaving the race for a play off spot wide open in this new
3-A district.
LIBERTY-EYLAU LEOPARDS
Liberty-Eylau takes the district title, even before the
season starts. That is the unanimous opinion of all
coaches in district. The Leopards are loaded, all the
coaches say.
L-E went 6-5 last year and with their key players
returning, Tra Carson at running back and Trey Norman
at quarterback, both juniors, it could be another banner
season.
Carson rushed for 1,342 yards with 16 touchdowns.
Norman completed 26 of 65 passes for 573 yards and
five scores. Even in their losses, they were impressive.
The Leopards lost to Gilmer, 32-17 but put up a good
fight against the eventual state champion.
The Liberty-Eylau playoff loss was a 42-41 overtime
thriller to powerhouse Lucas Lovejoy.
“15-3A is still going to be very tough district for the
next two years,” said Liberty-Eylau head coach Pat
Brady. “It’s not hurting my feeling losing New Boston
and Pittsburg, but we are picking up two tough teams
from Paris that will make it tough to secure one of the
playoff spots much less win the district.”
Players to Watch
Tra Carson Junior RB/LB 6’0/220
Trey Norman Junior QB 6’1/170
Mascot:
Leopards
Superintendent Nick Blain
Enrollment 800
Head Coach
Pat Brady
Schedule
8/27 Paul Pewitt Away 7:30 p.m.
9/3 Mount Pleasant Away 7:30 p.m.
9/10 Pine Tree Home 7:30 p.m.
9/17 Gilmer Away 7:30 p.m.
9/24 Henderson Home 7:30 p.m.
10/1 Open
10/8 *Paris Home 7:30 p.m.
10/15 *Pleasant Grove Away 7:30 p.m.
10/22 *Atlanta Home 7:30 p.m.
10/29 *North Lamar Away 7:30 p.m.
11/5 *Mount Vernon Home 7:30 p.m.
*district games
MOUNT VERNON TIGERS
The purple-clad Tigers had everything going their way
the first five weeks of the football season. Mount Vernon
was 5-0 and ready to conquer the world, then district
play began. The Tigers went 0-5 in district to finish with
a 5-5 record, but head coach Charles Swann is not
discouraged. Two of the teams in the district in 2009
made the state quarterfinals.
“We competed last year, we gave everybody a tough
game,” Swann said. “I can’t complain, the kids did
everything they could. We are just in a tough district. We
have some big schools, three of them used to be 4A.”
“We have some good juniors coming up. Kenner is a kid
who played linebacker, we are going let him play free
safety so he can hit and cover passes. Johnson is a
good back we have back and Phillips is a good offensive
lineman.”
“We feel good about our size and speed,” Swann
added. “We had a very successful off-season, I think
we are getting faster and stronger. We are going to be
competitive.”
Players to Watch
Colby Kenner Junior WR/FS
J.J. Johnson Junior RB
Caleb Phillips Junior OL
Mascot:
Tigers
Superintendent John Kaufman
Enrollment 433
Head Coach
Charles Swann
Schedule
8/27 Rains Home 7:30 p.m.
9/3 Jefferson Away 7:30 p.m.
9/10 Cooper (HC) Home 7:30 p.m.
9/17 Winnsboro Away 7:30 p.m.
9/24 Canton Away 7:30 p.m.
10/1 Open
10/8 *Pleasant Grove Home 7:30 p.m.
10/15 *Atlanta Away 7:30 p.m.
10/22 *North Lamar Home 7:30 p.m.
10/29 *Paris Home 7:30 p.m.
11/5 *Liberty-Eylau Away 7:30 p.m.
*district games
brookshires.com
32
33

PARIS WILDCATS
The new look Paris Wildcats will have as much speed
as any team they’ve had in the last 10 to 15 years
according to head coach Travis Smith but they’ll be short
on experience.
Smith will only start three seniors relying heavily on 41
juniors to carry the load. Add to that a sophomore class of
52 and more than 80 freshmen, folks in Paris should buy
shades, because the future is very bright indeed.
“We had to clean house a few years back that is why our
senior class is so small. But the ones who are playing
are pretty fast,” Smith said. “They are working hard, we
want them flying to the football. They’re a good group to
coach, we have a young, athletic team.”
Several large colleges are courting Tavarius Williams at
wide receiver and free safety/cornerback Cory Battle.
NORTH LAMAR Panthers
Consistency.
That’s one thing North Lamar has going for now and
has for several years. Paris native Tommy Felty runs
a successful program just like he has for more than a
dozen years. Felty is looking for his team to contend with
powers like Liberty-Eylau and Pleasant Grove for the top
spot in the district.
“Liberty-Eylau looks good, they have lots of speed,” Felty
said. “We have scrimmaged or played them, Pleasant
Grove and Mount Vernon. We haven’t played the other
new teams in our district in a while. It will be hard to tell
what to expect. Atlanta has good athletes, but they are
a mystery. I think it will be a competitive district and we
have to play well to make the playoffs.”
North Lamar went 3-8 last year, but Felty expects more
this time around. “We have been in the playoffs seven of
the last eight years,” he said. “That’s not too bad.”
ATLANTA RABBITS
Friday Night Lights. It’s not just a TV series based on
a book. It’s the transformation players have to adjust
to when making the big move from junior varsity ball to
varsity football. It’s a bold new world and head coach
Ronnie Melton is poised to see if his young team can
adjust to playing in prime time. “We’re really young this
year. We’re a sophomore/junior football team,” Melton
said. “How well they adjust to varsity ball and develop will
determine how we do.”
The Atlanta squad is without an experienced quarterback,
but they have a good line and pretty tough defense.
They also have a history of being able to run or pass
with equal success, depending on the defense they face.
“We’re talented on defense, not that experienced, but it
will come,” Melton said. “Last year we had to bring some
into the fire. Now they have to adjust to the competition
and improve this season.”
Melton said his team has not backed off from East Texas
powers and this year that trend will continue.
District 15-3A
Players to Watch
Corbin Taylor Junior QB 5’11/185
Tez Allen Junior C 6’0/160
Tavarius Williams Junior WR 5’11/170
Cory Battle Senior CB 5’10/180
Tevin Gray Senior LB 5’10/180
Eric Horton Junior DE 6’1/210
Mascot
Wildcats
Superintendent Paul Trull
Enrollment 890
Head Coach
Travis Smith
Felty added, “As long as we can stay healthy, we should
be all right. Last year we got in injury trouble in Week
0 and lost four starters for several weeks. That put us
behind the eight ball to start with - but we made the
playoffs, losing to Prosper.”
Players to Watch
Dakota Boles RB 6’1/190
Will Herrington QB/DE 6’2/195
Dillon Wilson FS/WR 6’4/180
Devin Noiel OL 5’11/270
Austin Sugg TE/LB 5’10/175
Mascot
Panthers
Superintendent James Dawson
Enrollment 890
Head Coach
Tommy Felty
They play defending state champion Gilmer, along with
traditional power Daingerfield and Tatum in a tough nondistrict
schedule focused on getting the squad ready for
the wars in district.
“We are not intimidated, we might not be as talented, but
we have been in wars before,” Melton added.
Players to Watch
Marcquae Sigler Senior OL/DL 6’2/ 270
Joe Rose Senior FB 5’9/210
Lawson Schultz Senior WR/QB 6’1/190
Mascot
Rabbits
Superintendent Roger Hailey
Enrollment 509
Head Coach
Ronnie Melton
Schedule
8/27 Gainesville Home 7:30 p.m.
9/3 Lucas Lovejoy Away 7:30 p.m.
9/10 Frisco Heritage Away 7:30 p.m.
9/17 Sulphur Springs Home 7:30 p.m.
9/24 Celina Home 7:30 p.m.
10/1 Open
10/8 *Liberty-Eylau Away 7:30 p.m.
10/15 *North Lamar Away 7:30 p.m.
10/22 *Pleasant Grove Home 7:30 p.m.
10/29 *Mount Vernon Away 7:30 p.m.
11/5 *Atlanta Home 7:30 p.m.
*district games
Schedule
8/27 Prairiland Away 7:30 p.m.
9/3 Princeton Home 7:30 p.m.
9/10 Farmersville Away 7:30 p.m.
9/17 Pine Tree Away 7:30 p.m.
9/24 Open
10/1 Bonham Home 7:30 p.m.
10/8 *Atlanta Home 7:30 p.m.
10/15 *Paris Home 7:30 p.m.
10/22 *Mount Vernon Away 7:30 p.m.
10/29 *Liberty-Eylau Home 7:30 p.m.
11/5 *Pleasant Grove Away 7:30 p.m.
*district games
Schedule
8/26 Gilmer @Tyler 7:30 p.m.
9/3 Daingerfield Home 7:30 p.m.
9/10 Tatum Home 7:30 p.m.
9/17 Pittsburg Away 7:30 p.m.
9/24 Open
10/1 Linden-Kildare Home 7:30 p.m.
10/8 *North Lamar Away 7:30 p.m.
10/15 *Mount Vernon Home 7:30 p.m.
10/22 *Liberty-Eylau Away 7:30 p.m.
10/29 *Pleasant Grove Home 7:30 p.m.
10/5 *Paris Away 7:30 p.m.
*district games
PLEASANT GROVE HAWKS
What Pleasant Grove lacks in speed, they will try to make
up for in size, “We lost some speed and skill players, but
we have our offensive and defensive lines almost intact,”
said Pleasant Grove head coach Kevin Davis.
The coach is trying to keep the glass half full look at his
team, concentrating on what he has instead of what he
lost. “We had good skill kids who were in the playoffs
the last three years. Now we have to adjust to playing
without them in a new district… it will be challenging,”
Davis said. “We are used to playing tough district
games. We will respond to what we need to do. We
just hope to be in the mix.”
Davis made his pick of the top teams in district 15-3A
saying, “Liberty-Eylau is the front runner. Paris is next.
We hope to be third or fourth. We know it will be tough,
any team can beat another one on any night,” Davis
said. “We have good balance and we need to play well
to contend. We’ve played North Lamar in the past, but
not Paris. Some of the teams will be new to us this
year.”
Players to Watch
Nick Reed Junior DE 6’3/ 240
Lucas Wacha Junior LB 6’0/180
Alex Borrell Senior OL 6’0/225
District 15-3A
Mascot
Hawks
Superintendent Margaret Davis
Enrollment 615
Head Coach
Kevin Davis
Schedule
8/27 Hallsville Away 7:30 p.m.
9/3 New Boston Away 7:30 p.m.
9/10 Mount Pleasant Home 7:30 p.m.
9/17 Daingerfield Home 7:30 p.m.
9/24 Jefferson Away 7:30 p.m.
10/1 Open
10/8 *Mount Vernon Away 7:30 p.m.
10/15 *Liberty-Eylau Home 7:30 p.m.
10/22 *Paris Away 7:30 p.m.
10/29 *Atlanta Away 7:30 p.m.
10/5 *North Lamar Home 7:30 p.m.
*district games
District 15-3A
Pre-Season
Coaches’ Poll
1. Liberty-Eylau
2. Pleasant Grove (tie)
2. Paris (tie)
3. North Lamar (tie)
3. Atlanta (tie)
6. Mount Vernon
TELECARE
FREE 24-HOUR HEALTH HELP LINE
(903) 531-5678 OR (800) 535-9799
CONFIDENTIAL HEALTH INFORMATION
SPEAK WITH A REGISTERED NURSE
PHYSICIAN REFERRALS
SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS
34
35

CARTHAGE BULLDOGS
Winning is contagious. Apparently it is an epidemic in
Carthage.
“We have certainly set the bar really high,” said head coach
Scott Surratt, “We know that you can’t win every game, all
the time, but that is not going to stop us from trying.”
Seems like they have a pretty good grasp on that
concept. In fact, Carthage has lost only two games in the
last 32 that they have played. That includes back to back
state championships in 3A. A thrilling one point win over
Graham in the title game last year capped the perfect
season, a season where winning big became the norm.
“We have a simple philosophy: Do what we do, until it
does not work. Then, do something else.”
There may not be a whole lot more to do; Carthage
seems primed and ready for a run at a third straight title.
“We don’t have a ton coming back, but what we do, is the
cream of the crop.”
Offensively, those that will rise to top, include a couple of
all-state selections.
Second team all-state quarterback Anthony Morgan
(2,931 yards, 41 touchdowns) is back under center, after
a phenomenal first year.
His two favorite receivers are back as well, Jalen
Claiborne (1066 yards, 13 touchdowns) and Edward
District 16-3A
Realignment Offers Dream For Fans, Nightmares For Coaches
Coleman Swierc - KLTV 7 Sports Anchor/Reporter
When the UIL released the new matchups for district 16-3A, every coach in the room had to catch their breath.
“I was stunned,” said Carthage head coach Scott Surratt, “It was a shocker to me, but not surprising, nothing ever surprises me anymore.”
“When I first looked at it, I had to look twice,” Gilmer’s Jeff Traylor added, “We knew that there was a chance of a district like this, and sometimes things
work that way.”
The new district will offer classic East Texas matchups week in and week out.
Defending two-time state champion Carthage, defending 3A Division II champ Gilmer, and 3A semi-finalist Pittsburg, will serve as the most notable
additions.
“When you face Carthage one week, and you see what they have done, then you travel to Gilmer, to see what they have done, it is amazing,” said Spring
Hill’s Bill Poe, “You realize how great these programs have been, and you aspire to be just like that.”
4A drop down Henderson and a playoff team a year ago from Gladewater, along with a new regime at Spring Hill, complete the so called “District of
Doom.”
“It is certainly the best 3A district that you will find in the state,” said Henderson head coach Dickey Meeks, “I can promise you there is not a tougher one
at any level.”
When asked what the strategy for getting through the district gauntlet might be, the overwhelming response was just one word, “Survive.”
“If we are able to make the playoffs, we will certainly be better,” said Pittsburg head coach Robert Manley, “Let’s face it, you could make the case that two
or three games a night in this district would be as good as any state championship game.”
Survival may be the name of the game in 2010, but just getting out, is not enough.
“With the district we are in, there is no reason not to be ready to make a deep run,” said Meeks, “You will know at the end of the year, what it is going to
take to win it all.”
“I guarantee you, there will be a state champion that comes out of this district,” said Manley, “That is of course, if we can figure out how to survive each other.”
Pope (29 receptions, 9 touchdowns) are three of the four
starters that return to the Bulldog offense. “I won’t lie,
when you have the kind of kids that we do coming back,
it makes it easy to coach. I don’t see us missing too much
of a beat when we take the field for the first game.”
The same can be said on the defense, where four more
starters return, anchored by Army All-American nominee
Kendall Thompson. Kendal was tagged as a first team
all-state selection last year after posting 144 tackles with
21 of those for a loss. “Kendall is our anchor, no doubt.
You don’t see many kids like him at any level. He is the
engine that runs our defense.”
Thompson is not alone. Pope (66 tackles, 6 interceptions)
is back in the secondary along with Cortlyn Ware, a first
team all-district pick a year ago.
“We feel that with the athletes and players coming back,
that we are not going to miss a beat. We don’t just want to
win; we want to make a statement in every game we play.”
A statement similar to last year by Carthage could bring
home another state title.
Players to Watch
Anthony Morgan Senior QB 5’10/170
Kendall Thompson Senior LB 6’0/225
Jalen Claiborne Senior WR 5’10/165
Edward Pope Senior WR/DB 6’0/180
Cortlyn Ware Senior DB 5’11/165
Mascot:
Bulldogs
Student Enrollment 750
Superintendent Dr. Glenn Hambrick
Head Coach
Scott Surratt
Returning Offensive Starters 4
Returning Defensive Starters 4
Schedule
8/27 Jacksonville Away 7:30
9/3 Lindale Home 7:30
9/10 Chapel Hill Away 7:30
9/17 Nacogdoches Away 7:30
9/24 Center Home 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Pittsburg Home 7:30
10/15 *Gilmer Home 7:30
10/22 *Henderson Away 7:30
10/29 *Gladewater Home 7:30
11/5 *Spring Hill Away 7:30
*district games
GILMER BUCKEYES
You would think that a state title would bring joy and
excitement to a community.
In Gilmer, the 2009 3A Division II title did nothing
but that. “To run the table like we did last year was
amazing,” said head coach Jeff Traylor, “It was just
one of those years where everything game together.”
It ended with a demolition of Abilene Wylie in the state
finals, but now a new challenger has emerged. It may
just be the Buckeyes themselves. “We lost so many
starters from last year, so many. When I look at it,
for as sure of what we had the last few years, is how
unsure we are this year.”
If Traylor and crew want to repeat the dominance of
last year, they will do so with a fresh faced crew to
say the least. “We lost 31 seniors, and 18 starters. It is
amazing to put into perspective the amount of players
that played so well for so long, that are no longer here.
We are going to almost start from scratch.”
The few Gilmer does return are no strangers to the
action.
Luke Turner (38 receptions, 450 yards, 5 touchdowns)
is the lone returner on offense, and will be one of the
leading candidates to take over at quarterback. Jordan
Traylor will battle Turner for the job behind center.
GLADEWATER BEARS
Editor’s Note: Head coach Scott Callaway announced
that we would be leaving Gladewater for a job in
Mesquite. The following comments were made before
the move was announced. No replacement was hired
before filing deadline.
It was a strange way to end the year for Gladewater.
They lost their last game, to a team they finished tied
with in the standings, yet they advanced, due to winning
a tiebreaker, by a single point. “It was weird,” said
Callaway, “That was one of the strangest scenarios that
I have ever faced.”
It didn’t last long, a 48-0 loss to Carthage in the first
round, ended the Bears season. The Bears return
plenty of talent from that team.
Anchored by twin brothers Corey (1,080 yards, 12
touchdowns) and Courtney (510 yards, 7 touchdowns)
Davis at running back, and joined by Alonzio Johnson
(465 yards, 5 touchdowns) the Bears bring back
more than 2,000 yards to backfield. “Both Davis’ have
amazing abilities,” said Callaway, “We have run the ball
very well the past few years, and with both of them back,
and Alonzio waiting, we should be able to continue that
trend.”
District 16-3A
“Whoever comes out of that battle will be the best one;
we won’t give the job to someone unless we know that
they are capable of doing the very best for the team.”
The duo of Eric (65 tackles) and Chris Miller (110
tackles) will be the lone returning stalwarts to the
defense. “Chris is just a wonderful kid,” said Traylor,
“He is a great football player, and an even better team
leader. We will lean heavily on him to help the younger
kids.”
Gilmer, on paper, would appear to be less than what
they were a year ago. To come close to that team is
hard to fathom. Just don’t count the Buckeyes out this
year, you could pay for it.
“We had a good JV team last year, and those kids
know that they are going to have to play at a higher
level if they want to win. We are going to make goals,
and we are going to make them realistic, but if we
improve the way I think we can, then I think we can
make the most out of this season.”
Players to Watch
Chris Miller Senior LB 6’0/190
Eric Miller Senior DT 5’11/215
Luke Turner Senior WR 6’0/175
Adam Olivares Senior K 5’9/165
Defensively is where the biggest improvement may lie.
The Bears gave up more than 28 points in seven of
their 11 games. “We struggled at times last year; we
have got to get better at stopping the ball if we expect
to be able to win.”
Seven starters back on defense will help the cause
Led by Dylan Sells (67 tackles, 15 for loss) on the line,
and leading tackler Jamarick Armstrong returning (73
tackles) the defense should be greatly improved.
“We have a good bit coming back. Getting to the playoffs
last year was great, but we want to improve on the way
we finished the year, if we can learn to close out games
and the season, then I think we will be in good shape.”
Players to Watch
Corey Davis Senior RB 6’0/195
Courtney Davis Senior ATH 6’0/190
Jamarick Armstrong Senior LB 5’11/ 205
Dylan Sells Senior DT 6’3/265
Alonzio Johnson Junior RB 5’10/185
Mascot:
Bears
Student Enrollment 524
Superintendent Dr. J.P. Richardson
Head Coach: Vacant (at filing deadline)
Mascot:
Buckeyes
Student Enrollment 618
Superintendent Rick Albritton
Head Coach
Jeff Traylor
Returning Offensive Starters 1
Returning Defensive Starters 2
Schedule
8/26 Atlanta (Thursday) Tyler 7:30
9/3 Tatum Home 7:30
9/10 Jacksonville Home 7:30
9/17 Liberty-Eylau Home 7:30
9/24 Daingerfield Away 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Gladewater Home 7:30
10/15 *Carthage Away 7:30
10/22 *Spring Hill Home 7:30
10/29 *Henderson Away 7:30
11/5 *Pittsburg Home 7:30
*district games
Returning Offensive Starters 8
Returning Defensive Starters 7
Schedule
8/27 Canton Away 7:30
9/3 Wills Point Home 7:30
9/10 Rusk Away 7:30
9/17 Brownsboro Home 7:30
9/24 Arp Home 7:30
10/1 OPEN
10/8 *Gilmer Away 7:30
10/15 *Spring Hill Away 7:30
10/22 *Pittsburg Home 7:30
10/29 *Carthage Away 7:30
11/5 *Henderson Home 7:30
*district games
36
37

HENDERSON LIONS
Sometimes the numbers game can work in reverse. While
many schools are busy counting how many seniors they
lost, Henderson is counting, how many are returning.
“We only had 13 seniors last year,” said head coach
Dickey Meeks, “Not all of what we have coming back
were starters, but the great majority were key players
and that excites us.”
The Lions were one of the big movers in the re-alignment
period and expect to take full advantage of it. “We saw
ourselves as a 3A school playing at the 4A level, and still,
we were able to do some good things.”
Anchoring a strong returning core of seven starters on
defense, Meeks need look no further than twins Cord
and Cory Fletcher. “They are no doubt the focus point
of what we are trying do to on defense. They are good
enough athletes and are important enough for us to even
try putting them on offense as well.”
Joining the Fletcher twins are Kevin Leatch and Stephen
Reese, both of which saw major time in ’09, both of which
will be expected to do the same this year.
“I like what we did on defense last year, at times of
course. If we can get those guys coming back to play
with consistancy, we will be so much better than what we
were last year.”
PITTSBURG PIRATES
Pirate head coach Robert Manley was not shy when
talking about what he believes his kids can do. “The run
we made last year (to the state semi-finals) was amazing,”
said Manley, “There is the belief here now, that we can and
should do just as well this year.”
The run to the semis was led by a fantastic QB/RB combo,
of which only one returns in 2010.
All-everything running back Ted Burns is now gone, but
the position is not a total loss.
“Ted was great and what he did was great, but we have to
find people to fill that spot, and I know that we have guys
that can do that.”
Namely, Bear Bradley (16 receptions, 174 yards, 1
touchdown), who will be making the switch from wide
receiver to running back. “Bear will be fine,” said Manley,
“Anyone who has seen this kid play the last years, knows
that he will do whatever it takes to win, including changing
positions if necessary.”
The other half of the back field, though, is not open to
debate.
Mitch Manley returns for his senior year, after putting up
monster numbers as a junior (2,600 yards 26 touchdowns)
to run the show from under center.
District 16-3A
Playing consistent on defense, that is the easy part.
Replacing a college quarterback, may be a bit more
problematic.
Tyrel Jenkins is gone, off to Baylor, leaving the Lions a
huge hole to fill behind center.
“We have a few that can play that spot, but to be honest
with you, I think that whoever plays quarterback this year,
will have a better supporting cast around him.”
Part of that cast will include wide receiver Trey Vallier and
another set of twins, DaMarcus and LaMarcus Brown.
“If we can find a guy that can play behind center, then I
think all of the other pieces will fall into place, but that is
a big ‘if’ right now.”
Players to Watch
Trey Vallier Senior S/WR 6’0/180
Cord Fletcher Senior LB/RB 5’11/215
Corey Fletcher Senior DL/TE 6’0/225
Kevin Leatch Senior DL/OL 6’1/250
Stephen Reese Junior LB/TE 6’0/200
“With Mitch back, along with Nadell (Richardson) and Bear,
we have the makings of an offense that can duplicate what
we did last year.”
Richardson (30 receptions, 389 yards, 3 touchdowns) is
the leading returning receiver for the Pirates. One problem
that may arise, the Pirates only return one starter to the
offensive line. “You can’t be good without good line play,”
said Manley, “But we had a good JV last year, and I feel
confident that we will find four guys that can fill those holes
on the line.”
But the best player for the Pirates may be one that didn’t
step on the field at all last year, Ra Ra Watson, who was
hurt in the first scrimmage of the year. “Ra Ra is what we
call ‘one heck of an athlete’ and he is going to play both
ways, and trust me, he will make an immediate impact.”
Coe Wetzel and J.D. Jimerson are two of five starters
that return on defense for the Pirates, a defense that got
better and better as the weeks progressed in 2009. “Coe
is an outstanding ball player,” said Manley, “You put him
with J.D. and Tyler (Lint) and we have some guys who
can make plays for us, as well as be big leaders for the
next year.”
The outlook for Manley and crew is good, but the gauntlet
of district, may prove otherwise, only time will tell.
“I bet you, the fourth place team in this district could win all
other 3A districts in the state,” said Manley, “But we don’t
want to find out, we don’t want to be ‘that team’.”
Mascot:
Lions
Student Enrollment 872
Superintendent Keith Boles
Head Coach
Dickey Meeks
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters 7
Schedule
8/27 Mt. Pleasant Home 7:30
9/3 Pine Tree Away 7:30
9/10 Kilgore Away 7:30
9/17 Center Home 7:30
9/24 Liberty-Eylau Away 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Spring Hill Home 7:30
10/15 *Pittsburg Away 7:30
10/22 *Carthage Home 7:30
10/29 *Gilmer Home 7:30
11/5 *Gladewater Away 7:30
*district games
Players to Watch
Mitch Manley Senior QB 6’3/215
Nadell Richardson Senior WR 6’0/180
Bear Bradley Senior WR/RB 5’11/175
Mascot:
Pirates
Student Enrollment 685
Superintendent Judy Pollan
Head Coach
Robert Manley
Returning Offensive Starters 4
Returning Defensive Starters 5
Schedule
8/27 Jefferson Away 7:30
9/3 Palestine Home 7:30
9/10 Brook Hill Away 7:30
9/17 Atlanta Home 7:30
9/24 Tatum Home 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Carthage Away 7:30
10/15 *Henderson Home 7:30
10/22 *Gladewater Away 7:30
10/29 *Spring Hill Home 7:30
11/5 *Gilmer Away 7:30
*district games
SPRING HILL PANTHERS
It is the dawn of a new era in Spring Hill, one that is full
of promise for the Panther football program.
Bill Poe is now in charge, in charge of turning Spring
Hill back into district contenders.
“It has been a sort of whirlwind so far,” said Poe, “Right
now, we have to evaluate what we have in terms of
players, and then figure out where and how to utilize
them.”
Not a whole lot of questions though, at quarterback,
where senior Dylan Brown (1280 yards, 11 touchdowns)
is back and will be the focal point of the new offense
at Spring Hill, one that is modeled after the Southlake
Carroll offense, where Poe formerly coached.
“The spread is coming here,” said Poe, “We have the
personnel, I believe, to run it and Dylan is the main
reason why I think it can be successful. He has a good
live arm, and there is no reason why he can’t be one of
the best quarterbacks in East Texas.
Brown won’t be alone in the new system, Logan Wallis
returns to anchor the offensive line and Ryan Lacy will
return at receiver, giving Poe and the Panthers a good
core on offense.
“We believe we can score, no doubt about that,” said
Poe, “Hopefully we pick up the system quickly so that
we can expand on it throughout the season.”
Defensively, some work must be done.
The Panthers surrendered more than 29 points in
seven out of ten games last year.
District 16-3A
‘There is work to be done, no joking, but we have a few
guys that I like what I am seeing from, that I believe
can make a difference.”
Ashton Everett and Alex Voeltzke, to name a few, will
be counted on to help the Panthers defense turn into
a formidable foe. It may not be the most ideal situation
for a first year coach, a district as brutal as this would
turn many away.
Not Bill Poe.
He and his Panthers are ready to accept the fight.
“I can promise you this; we are going to line up and
fight the whole night. There will not be a team that
beats us because we gave up, you are going to have
to earn every inch when teams play Spring Hill.”
Players to Watch
Dylan Brown Senior QB 5’11/190
Logan Wallis Senior OL 6’1/245
Ryan Lacy Senior WR/DB 5’9/175
Ashton Everett Senior RB/LB 5’10/180
Alex Voelzke Senior DE/WE 6’0/180
Mascot:
Panthers
Student Enrollment 520
Superintendent Wes Jones
Head Coach
Bill Poe
Returning Offensive Starters 6
Returning Defensive Starters 5
Schedule
8/27 Lindale Away 7:30
9/3 Athens Home 7:30
9/10 White Oak Home 7:30
9/17 New Boston Home 7:30
9/24 Van Away 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 Henderson Away 7:30
10/15 Gladewater Home 7:30
10/22 Gilmer Away 7:30
10/29 Pittsburg Away 7:30
11/5 Carthage Home 7:30
*district games
District 16-3A
Pre-Season
Coaches’ Poll
1. Carthage
2. Henderson
3. Gilmer
4. Pittsburg
5. Gladewater
6. Spring Hill
CONVENIENT QUICK CARE
SEVEN DAYS A WEEK
NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED
DirectcAre-tyler
5414 S. Broadway
(903) 581-1601
DirectcAre-cAnton
18780 Interstate 20
(903) 567-7748
TRINITY MOTHER FRANCES HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
DirectcAre-linDAle
3203 S. Main
(903) 266-4000
DirectcAre-lAKe PAleStine
20208 HWY. 155 S.
(903) 825-6222
DirectCARE provides convenient, quick care for
non-emergency medical needs. Our health care
professionals are ready to provide quality medical
care for minor illness and injury – everything from
sore throats to sprained ankles, earaches or the flu.
38
39

ATHENS HORNETS
History has not always been on the side of the
Athens Hornets. For years, the post season was an
afterthought.
Not anymore.
“The program struggled for so long,” said head coach
Paul Essary, “But the opportunity to make history is now
in front of us, and we expect to take full advantage.”
If the Hornets advance, it will be the first time in more
than 50 years that Athens has seen the post season,
two years in a row. To do so, Essary and the Hornets
will lean heavily on eight returning starters on the
defensive side. “Trust me, we love to score, but we
also realize that you have to play great defense to win.
We will play defense this year.”
Justin Hofstetter, Kendall Sanders and Austin Fincher
will help Essary achieve that goal, as all three return to
anchor the defense.
While the cupboard is nearly full on defense, the other
side holds quite less. “We have holes to fill, no doubt,”
said Essary, “But we have kids who can do that, and I
am confident that we will find eleven guys that will fill
those holes.”
BROWNSBORO BEARS
Brownsboro is used to winning. Last year was no different.
“We have been in the playoffs four of the past five years,” said
head coach John Settle, “We expect to win, it has been nice
winning recently and we want more.”
An 8-1 record last year was great, but the first round exit was
not. “Our kids remember that, to do as well as we did, and
then to have it end so quickly, it was tough.”
Settle, who is now working on a Masters degree from
SFA, will be put to the test, as the Bears lose several key
components from both sides.
Offensively, one look might tell you one story, two looks,
District 17-3A
New Faces Meet New Teams in Wide Open Battle For Supremacy
Coleman Swierc - KLTV 7 Sports Anchor/Reporter
If ever a time that one game meant so much, the time is now. The new 17-3A has brought on a new definition to that old cliché that every game counts.
“I have never been in a district this small,” said Rusk head coach Ted Patton, “It really makes every game important, knowing that one win or loss, can
move you from top to bottom in just one night.”
The district as a whole, welcomes some new faces.
Patton is one of the elders, now in his 3rd year as Eagles head coach. Chapel Hill’s Thomas Sitton and Athens head coach Paul Essary, both enter the
second year at the helm of their programs.
“I think for the first time in a long time each team is now in a district where they can all see winning the title as a realistic possibility,” said Essary, who took
the Hornets to the playoffs last year, “You look at every game, and think that it is winnable.”
New to the fray, Shannon Wilson, the new head coach in Bullard. “When I got the job, I thought ‘thank goodness’ we got ourselves out of a monster district
into one that I think is very equal across the board,” said Wilson.
That leaves John Settle, who will be entering his 8th year at Brownsboro, who put it best when summing up the upcoming district season. “I can
guarantee you,” said Settle, “There is not a single coach in this district that was not relieved, excited and very happy to be put into the one we have now,
and we are no exception.”
One of the eleven, Courtney Whitehead, will be leaned
on heavily. Whitehead returns to the offensive side, as
one of only four starters coming back.
“It will be tough, no doubt, but I have no reason to
believe that we cannot put ourselves in a position to
win, and advance, just like last year.”
If so, the Hornets just might find themselves working
and playing on a holiday. Essary is just fine with that.
“This is the one gig in sports, where the coaches and
players don’t mind missing out on some holiday time
with the family, if we are still playing, that is just fine
with me.”
Players to Watch
Justin Hofstetter Senior LB
Courtney Whitehead Senior WR
Kendall Sanders Junior CB
Austin Fincher Senior LB
C.J. Tatum Senior DE
Mascot:
Hornets
Student Enrollment 833
Superintendent Dr. Fred Hayes
Head Coach
Paul Essary
might tell you another. The Bears lost three 3-year starters
on the offensive line as well as quarterback Zach Bailey and
running back Cameron Warren. Settle says not to worry. “We
lost a lot, yeah, but who doesn’t I feel that the kids we have
coming back, can be just as good as those that left. In time,
maybe they can be better.”
Specifically, the needle points to junior Keuntis Thompson,
the 2009 Offensive Newcomer of the Year. Joining Thompson
will be quarterback Ryan Owens, who will step in as the
signal caller for the next year. “We have kids that can play,
Keuntis is one of the best pure athletes in the area, and it
would not surprise me for him to have a bigger season than
he did last year. With Ryan getting better every day, we have
the making of a real good offense.”
Returning Offensive Starters 4
Returning Defensive Starters 8
Schedule
8/27 Ft. Worth Nolan Home 7:30
9/3 Spring Hill Away 7:30
9/10 Diboll Home 7:30
9/17 Wills Point Away 7:30
9/24 Palestine Home 7:30
10/1 Huntington Away 7:30
10/8 Open
10/15 *Bullard Home 7:30
10/22 *Brownsboro Away 7:30
10/29 *Rusk Home 7:30
11/5 *Chapel Hill Away 7:30
*district games
Defensively the story is much the same. “We are not going to
be real big, on either side, but when we play defense, we are
going to be able to run you down. You aren’t going anywhere
that we won’t catch you,” joked Settle.
Led by a plethora of junior talent, including linebacker Will
Spradley, teaming with seniors JT Cox, Matt Tobey and
Hunter Walters, the Bears have a defensive package that
will, at the least, be problematic for opponents.
“You know, we may not look like the most physically
intimidating team, but when we strap it on, and our defense
gets after you, the opinions might change.”
cont
BROWNSBORO BEARS
While the verdict is out on Brownsboro’s chance of a repeat,
history is certainly on their side. Which means fans will be
expecting a lot from their Bears this fall.
“We are in the business of playing for gold footballs,” says
coach Settle, “and if we are not playing for that, then we are
just wasting our time.”
Players to Watch
JT Cox Senior SS
Matt Tobey Senior DB
Ryan Owens Senior QB
BULLARD PANTHERS
Sometimes you have to take a few steps back, before
you can move forward. Directing that move for Bullard
is new head man Shannon Wilson.
“We have to change the attitude around here,” said
Wilson, the 1st year head coach of the Panthers, “We
have to make the kids believe that they can win.”
Bullard struggled to a 1-9 finish last year and have only
three starters on offense and defense back to begin
a new season. “We have gotten out of that district we
were in, we feel that this is somewhere that the talent
we have, can put us in a position to win.”
Leading the charge is D.J. Diduch, last season’s leading tackler.
Two-way starters JaKory Hunter and Kirk Bryant will be
expected to fill those same jobs again this year while
learning a brand new system.
“We are completely overhauling the defensive system,”
said Wilson “we have to make this a personnel friendly
defense, and we are going to do that.”
Personnel Friendly might also describe the 2010 Bullard
offense, which will see changes as well. “We may not
CHAPEL HILL BULLDOGS
For Thomas Sitton and Chapel Hill, 2010 is all about the
finish. “Yes, we won five games last year, but I can tell
you, and others can too, we should have won 7, maybe
8, we just let them get away.”
Sitton enters his 2nd year in Chapel Hill, a year that
hopes to serve as redemption from a year that ended
with a win, but a missed opportunity at the playoffs. “It
was hard to win the last game (against Gladewater) and
then to not make the playoffs. It hurt, it really did.”
Helping fuel the fire for this year will be the return of a
majority of last season’s offensive and defensive starters.
That list of returners has to start with Lairamie Lee, a
two way starter, who led the team with 124 tackles on
defense, and even racked up more than 300 yards as
a ball carrier on offense. “He is going to be where the
action is,” said Sitton, “I think that he can be the leader
of this year’s team and we are going to look to him for
that.”
But Lee is just the tip of the iceberg.
Jaren Kennedy (62 tackles, 4 sacks) and Kedray
District 17-3A
Keuntis Thompson Junior RB/WR
Will Spradley Junior LB
Mascot:
Bears
Student Enrollment 832
Superintendent Elton Caldwell
Head Coach
John Settle
Returning Offensive Starters 6
Returning Defensive Starters 6
Schedule
8/27 Palestine Away 7:30
9/3 Van Home 7:30
be four-wide like we were at Southlake, but there will be
some similarities.
Holding Bullard hostage for now is the unclear problem
of quarterback. “We have some guys who can play, but
until we put those pads on, and see who wants it, there
is no way to tell. Either way, our quarterback is going to
have to be able to play.”
Whoever wins the job, will have help, as offensive
lineman Vinny Cottingham as well as Hunter will help
the transition. So while all the signs for this season point
towards a possible struggle in Bullard, Wilson says not
so fast.
“We feel that we are going to be so much better this
year, we open against Quitman, and we feel that will
be a great gauge to tell us where and how we need to
improve. No matter how it turns out, we are going to
take much more physical approach to Bullard football
this year.”
Players to Watch
DJ Diduch Senior LB
Vinny Cottingham Senior OL
JaKory Hunter Senior WR/DB
Hunter Skelton Senior DB
Hollins (45 tackles, 225 yards receiving) will join Lee as
the anchors of both the offense and defense.
Add in Anthony Kincade (465 rec. yards) and Colton
Moorehead (57 tackles/2009 Defensive Newcomer of the
Year) and the recipe for success is starting to simmer.
“We have as talented of kids that you will find, and
there is no doubt that if we can do away with the dumb
penalties and mental errors, I see no reason why we
cannot win this thing.”
The Bulldogs will learn a lot about themselves, very
quickly. Pre-district matchups against 4A schools
Hallsville and Whitehouse, as well as defending 3A
champion Carthage will put Chapel Hill to the test early.
“We play some teams that may be bigger and stronger,
but that is what we need, these teams will test us, and
we will find out what we are made of.”
Players to Watch
Lairamie Lee Senior RB/LB,
Jaren Kennedy Senior DE
Kedray Hollins Senior WR/FS
Anthony Kincade Junior WR
Colton Moorehead Junior DL
9/10 Crandall Home 7:30
9/17 Gladewater Away 7:30
9/24 Mabank Home 7:30
9/30 Van Alstyne @ Royse City 7:30
10/8 *Rusk Home 7:30
10/15 *Chapel Hill Away 7:30
10/22 *Athens Home 7:30
10/29 *Bullard There 7:30
11/5 Open
*district games
Mascot:
Panthers
Student Enrollment 600
Superintendent Keith Bryant
Head Coach
Shannon Wilson
Returning Offensive Starters 3
Returning Defensive Starters 3
Schedule
8/27 Quitman Home 7:30
9/3 Mineola Away 7:30
9/10 Westwood Away 7:30
9/17 Troup Home 7:30
9/24 Huntington Home 7:30
10/1 Tatum Away 7:30
10/8 *Chapel Hill Home 7:30
10/15 *Athens Away 7:30
10/22 Open
10/29 *Brownsboro Home 7:30
11/5 *Rusk Away 7:30
*district games
Mascot:
Bulldogs
School Enrollment 870
Superintendent N/A
Head Coach
Thomas Sitton
Returning Offensive Starters 7
Returning Defensive Starters 6
Schedule
8/27 Westwood Home 7:30
9/3 Whitehouse Tyler 7:30
9/10 Carthage Home 7:30
9/17 Hallsville Away 7:30
9/24 Lindale Home 7:30
10/1 Center Away 7:30
10/8 *Bullard Away 7:30
10/15 *Brownsboro Home 7:30
10/22 *Rusk Away 7:30
10/29 Open
11/5 *Athens Home 7:30
*district games
40
41

RUSK EAGLES
Head coach Ted Patton admitted it, the Rusk Eagles
will learn a lot about themselves, real quick. “We
are going to have to play a lot of young kids, lots of
sophomores are going to have to step up and play, we
just don’t have the class sizes that warrant themselves
to a bunch of kids coming up. The good thing is, we
have six pre-season games to figure it out.”
While Patton and the rest of the Rusk staff figure
out the majority of positions, there are some that are
already on lock-down.
Senior Lance Dement will return after a 1st team alldistrict
campaign last year. The linebacker led the
team with 115 tackles and will team with Michael Lloyd
to form one of the more formidable linebacker cores in
the district. “Those guys (Dement and Lloyd) have to
put the defense on their back, they have to be the ones
that our young kids look up to and learn from.”
Trey Thrash will be one of those guys on offense.
The 1st team quarterback will return to the helm and
run the always eventful split-back veer offense that
has now become a Rusk mainstay.
“The one thing about running the veer, the way we do,
the longer you have to work in the system, the better it
is. We are now in our 3rd year of it, and we have seen
steady improvement from year to year already. We
expect the same, and having Trey running the show is
a great place to start.”
District 17-3A
Behind Thrash is one of the sophomores that Patton
expects to contribute. Chaston Bennett only played in
one game as a freshman, but responded with a big
night, including ripping off a 25 yard touchdown run.
Bennett and tight end Michael Pyle will team with
Thrash to serve as the vital cogs in the Rusk offense.
“We played so well at times last year,” said Patton,
“Then at other times, it made you wonder what the
heck we were doing. If we solve that problem, we can
be the team to beat.”
Players to Watch
Lance Dement Senior LB/RB
Trey Thrash Senior QB
Michael Lloyd Senior LB
Michael Pyle Junior TE
Chaston Bennett Soph RB
Mascot:
Eagles
Student Enrollment 560
Superintendent James Largent
Head Coach
Ted Patton
Returning Offensive Starters 2
Returning Defensive Starters 3
Schedule
8/27 Center Away 7:30
9/3 Crockett Home 7:30
9/10 Gladewater Home 7:30
9/17 Farifield Away 7:30
9/24 Westwood Home 7:30
10/1 Diboll Away 7:30
10/8 *Brownsboro Away 7:30
10/15 Open
10/22 *Chapel Hill Home 7:30
10/29 *Athens Away 7:30
11/5 *Bullard Home 7:30
*district games
District 17-3A
Pre-Season
Coaches’ Poll
1. Chapel Hill
2. Brownsboro
3. Rusk
4. Athens
5. Bullard
TriniTy MoTher Frances healTh and FiTness cenTer
2010 Tiger Football Schedule
Date OppOnent LOcatiOn time
Sept. 4 ..............Wisconsin-La Crosse ...........La Crosse, Wisconsin .....................7:00 p.m.
Sept. 11 .............Redlands ............................ETBU/Ornelas Stadium ............... 11:00 a.m.
Sept. 18.............Texas Lutheran ....................Seguin, TX ....................................... 6:00 p.m.
Sept. 25.............McMurry ...............................ETBU/Ornelas Stadium .................. 7:00 p.m.
Oct. 2 ................Hardin-Simmons ..................Abilene, TX .................................... 2:00 p.m.
Oct. 9 ................*Louisiana College ...............ETBU/Ornelas Stadium .................. 6:00 p.m.
Oct. 16 ..............Mississippi College .............Clinton, MS .................................... 3:00 p.m.
Oct. 23 ..............Mary Hardin-Baylor ..............ETBU/Ornelas Stadium .................. 2:00 p.m.
Oct. 30 ..............Open....................................Open ....................................................Open
Nov. 6 ................Howard Payne .....................Brownwood, TX ............................. 1:00 p.m.
Nov. 13 ..............Sul Ross State .....................ETBU/Ornelas Stadium ................. 1:00 p.m.
COMMIT
TO BE FIT
With four Health and Fitness Centers conveniently located
around east Texas, we are committed to your health and
wellness. We offer state-of-the art equipment, group fitness
classes, personal training, a saltwater pool* and more.
Call your center today to join!
tmfhc.org/fitness
For ticket information call 903•923•2188
Canton
18780 I-20 Service Rd.
Canton, TX 75103
Phone: (903) 567-4590
Jacksonville
2010 S. Jackson
Jacksonville, TX 75766
Phone: (903) 589-1540
Lake Palestine
20208 Hwy 155 South
Flint, TX 75762
Phone: (903) 525-7560
Lindale
3203 S. Main
Lindale, TX 75771
Phone: (903) 882-7717
* Hydro Therapy pool with hot tub in Canton facility
42
43

FAIRFIELD EAGLES
In the third year under head coach Darrell Piske, the
Fairfield Eagles are ready to take the next step.
That step is the playoffs.
“We are going to be in contention for the playoffs,”
Piske said. “I don’t see any reason why not.”
With eight starters returning on both offense and
defense, the Eagles are hoping that the time is now to
snap Fairfield’s five-year playoff drought.
“We have been pretty young the last couple of years,
but we have experience coming back this year with
a strong senior class,” Piske said. “The thing that is
going to help is that we got another year of offseason
where we were able to get the mental part of the game
fixed.”
In each of Piske’s two seasons as head coach, the
Eagles seem to have taken strides. In 2008, the
Eagles led at halftime of all but one district game,
however the Eagles only finished with one district win.
The next season, the Eagles either led or were within
a touchdown in the fourth quarter of four of the five
district games. But once again, the Eagles came away
with only one district win.
“We have continued to work on getting over that mental
hump,” Piske said. “It is just a matter of knowing how
to compete and how to finish games.”
Fairfield’s strength this season will start on the
offensive line where the Eagles return four out of five
starters including unanimous all-district first-team
guard Dominic Owens.
District 20-3A
Reunited And Ready To Rumble
Scott Tyler - Palestine Herald Press
The latest University Interscholastic League realignment brought familiar faces back together in District 20-3A. The six teams that make up District 20-
3A — Palestine, Westwood, Fairfield, Mexia, Madisonville and Groesbeck — have been in the same district for a number of years before realignment
in 2008. “We are going back to a district that these teams have known each other forever,” Fairfield head coach Darrell Piske said. “There are going to
be rivalries that go a ways back.”
The only new faces to the district are those of some of the head coaches. Palestine’s Lance Angel and Mexia’s Paul Weaver both have taken over their
respective team’s reigns this year. “This is a district full of talent and great coaches,” Angel said. “It should be a dogfight every week.”
The teams in District 20-3A are trying to recapture some playoff success that the district had before the last two years. In 2008 and 2009, only three of
the District 20-3A teams have made the playoffs a total of four times in the last two years — Mexia twice and Westwood and Palestine once.
Mexia, with highly-touted running back Doug Gentry, looks to be the front runner for the district championship. The Blackcats have won the bi-district
playoff game the last two years, including defeating Palestine last year. “Mexia would be the team that most are going to be gunning for,” Madisonville
head coach Greg Morgan said. “With what they have coming back, you have to put them near the top, if not at the top.”
With Mexia as the favorite, the district coaches believe that the rest of the district is wide open for the other two playoff spots.
“This is going to be a very competitive district,” Mexia head coach Paul Weaver said. “There are a lot of good athletes in the district.”
“Dominic is very physical on the offensive line,” Piske
said. “He is aggressive and understands pad level.”
Michael Munoham (5-10 and 230 pounds) also will be
a fixture on the offensive line, returning as the Eagles’
center. “Michael is smart in making his calls and has
good technique,” Piske said.
Running behind the experienced offensive line will be
the combination of returning tailbacks Anthony Price
and Robert Durham. Price, a junior, was the district’s
Newcomer of the Year in 2009.
“Anthony has good speed, is a strong physical runner
and has good vision,” said the Fairfield head coach.
Senior Justin Terry will return as the Fairfield signal
caller. Terry started last season as the Fairfield
quarterback, but was moved out of the position early
in the season due to some struggles. After a year of
offseason workouts, Piske hopes Terry is ready to take
back the offensive reigns. “We need Justin to manage
the game,” the Fairfield head coach said. “Last year, I
think he tried to do too much. This year, we just need
him to make smart plays and he does not have to win
the game for us.”
Senior Broderick White will be the leader of a Fairfield
defense that looks to make an improvement after
allowing over 32 points a game last season. “Broderick
was our leading tackler last year even though he was
dealing with injuries,” Piske said. “He had a deep thigh
bruise through most of district.”
Darren Scott moved to linebacker last year and is
trying to recover from a broken leg. “Darren is a very
good linebacker,” Piske said. “If he can make a full
recovery, he will be a force for us.”
Players to Watch
Dominic Owens Senior OL/DL 6-0/290
Anthony Price Junior RB 5-11/210
Justin Terry Senior QB 6-3/195
Broderick White Senior LB 5-10/190
Mascot
Eagles
Student Enrollment 542
Superintendent Katie Ryan
Head Coach
Darrell Piske
Returning Offensive Starters 8
Returning Defensive Starters 8
Schedule
8/27 Ferris Home 7:30 p.m.
9/3 Hillsboro Away 7:30 p.m.
9/10 Teague Away 7:30 p.m.
9/17 Rusk Home 7:30 p.m.
9/24 Kemp Away 7:30 p.m.
10/1 Open
10/8 *Mexia Home 7:30 p.m.
10/15 *Westwood Away 7:30 p.m.
10/22 *Palestine Home 7:30 p.m.
10/29 *Groesbeck Away 7:30 p.m.
11/5 *Madisonville Home 7:30 p.m.
*district games
GROESBECK GOATS
In his third year at the helm of the Groesbeck football
program, head coach Stephen Burrow knows the time
is now. “I expect us to be able to win,” Burrow said.
“Anytime we go out there, our goal is to win and that is
what we are trying to get everyone to believe in.”
The Goats have not had much of a winning way of late.
Groesbeck last made the playoffs in 2004. The Goats
had winning records the next two years, but since then
have gone 1-9 in 2006, 3-7 in 2008 and 1-9 in 2009.
“We are making strides,” Burrow said. “We have been
in some close games the last two years, we just need to
find a way to get wins.”
Burrow, who was the head coach at Crockett before
taking the position at Groesbeck, feels that the seniors
will be a key to Groesbeck’s success this season. “We
do not have a lot of seniors, but the ones who have hung
in there since they were freshmen,” the Groesbeck head
coach said.
Due to injuries last year, several younger players got
critical minutes. Burrow hopes that the experience will
help those players when they take the field in starting
roles in 2010. “We had to put some guys in who maybe
were not ready last year,” Burrow said. “But we now have
confidence in what we are going to see. The future is
looking pretty decent.”
MADISONVILLE MUSTANGS
A move to a familiar district may be just what the
Madisonville Mustangs need.
After two years of struggling in District 24-3A, the Mustangs
are back among familiar faces in District 20-3A. “We are
very comfortable with the schools that we are moving back
in with,” Madisonville head coach Greg Morgan said. “This is
the same schools we have seen the last eight years before
we moved to the other district. The easiest way to put it is
that we are accustomed to these teams.”
Madisonville made the playoffs four straight years before
making the move to an unfamiliar District 24-3A two years
ago. In those two seasons, the Mustangs were 3-6 and
5-5. While finishing fourth last year, Madisonville had
some close district games, losing to the district champions
by a touchdown, the second-place team by five points
and the third-place team by two points.
“We are looking to improve on last year’s record and
hoping to be more competitive,” Morgan said.
The numbers game has not been in Morgan’s favor the
last few years.
“We knew after the 2007 season, we were going to be
down with the quantity of athletes,” Morgan said. “We still
don’t have the numbers that we had in the past.”
The strength of the Mustangs for the second straight
year will be the defense, anchored by linebacker Terry
Livingston, an all-district first-team linebacker who led
Madisonville in tackles. “We bring back a good corps of
our defense,” Morgan said. “We need to replace an inside
linebacker and a defensive back, but the defense should
be our strength again.”
District 20-3A
The strength of Groesbeck will be on the offensive line,
where Burrow is looking for his team to be physical up
front. “Last year our line was good and I feel that is going
to be the same this year,” Burrow said. “We are going to
be able to move the football and be physical.”
Ethan Chamberlin returns as a three-year starter on
the offensive line but will make the move from tackle to
center. “Ethan is a smart kid who can make all the right
calls and is very dependable,” Burrow said.
Chris Mack will play tackle after losing nearly 25 pounds
last year to help make him quicker. Anthony Barraza,
Zack Jones and Will Stone also will be a factor on the
Groesbeck offensive line. “We have kids we can put in
the trenches that will give us a chance,” Burrow said.
Where the Groesbeck head coach wants to see
improvement is in his defense as the Goats allowed 337
points last year in 10 games. “We have to play better
defense,” Burrow said. “At times we looked good but we
would then give up the big play.”
The Groesbeck coaching staff has put an emphasis on
getting more speed on defense.
“We have more speed on defense to help against wideopen
offenses,” Burrow said. “We have more speed as a
group then we have had since I got here.
“If we play better defense, we are going to give ourselves
a chance to win.”
Marcus Dorsey will be a force on the defensive line for the
Mustangs. Dorsey was an all-district first-team selection
last year. “Marcus is very active up front and engages lots
of kids on the offensive line,” Morgan said.
LaDarian Byrd at cornerback and Adrian Smith at free
safety will help stop the passing game. Byrd also will
make contributions on offense were he moves from wide
receiver to running back in the Mustang’s I-formation.
Morgan hopes that Byrd can join a list of quality Mustang
running backs, including Chris Whaley, who now is at the
University of Texas, and Brock Taylor, who rushed for
over 1,300 yards last year. Like Byrd, Taylor was moved
from wide receiver to running back.
“We have been blessed with some quality tailbacks,”
Morgan said. “We were concerned when Whaley
graduated but moved Taylor from wide receiver to tailback
and it worked out well. We are hoping for the same kind of
success with LaDarian.”
While Madisonville wants to run the football as much
as possible, the passing game is going to have to
come around for the Mustangs to have a chance at the
playoffs.
Dalton McVey returns as Madisonville’s quarterback
after starting at the position the last two years. “We are
expecting a really good year from Dalton,” Morgan said.
“He has good command of the offense and hopefully this
being his third year, the passing numbers will increase.
“The last two years, our passing game has been poor and
we have to be more consistent in that area if we want to
have a chance.”
Players to Watch
Ethan Chamberlin Senior OL 6-2/255
Chris Mack Senior OL/DL 6-3/225
Anthony Barraza Junior OL 5-10/245
Will Stone Senior OL 6-2/195
Mascot:
Goats
Student Enrollment 446
Superintendent Dr. Harold Ramm
Head Coach
Stephen Burrow
Returning Offensive Starters 6
Returning Defensive Starters 4
Schedule
8./27 Rogers Home 7:30 p.m.
9/3 Robinson Away 7:30 p.m.
9/10 West Away 7:30 p.m.
9/17 Whitney Home 7:30 p.m.
9/24 Lorena Away 7:30 p.m.
10/1 Open
10/8 *Palestine Home 7:30 p.m.
10/15 *Madisonville Away 7:30 p.m.
10/22 *Westwood Home 7:30 p.m.
10/29 *Fairfield Home 7:30 p.m.
11/5 *Mexia Away 7:30 p.m.
*district games
Players to Watch
Terry Livingston Senior LB 5-8/170
Marcus Dorsey Senior DL 6-3/330
LaDarian Byrd Senior CB/TB 5-8/170
Dalton McVey Senior QB 5-9/180
Mascot:
Mustangs
Student Enrollment 647
Superintendent Keith Smith
Head Coach
Greg Morgan
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters 5
Schedule
8/27 Navasota Away 7:30 p.m.
9/3 Coldspring Home 7:30 p.m.
9/10 Caldwell Home 7:30 p.m.
9/17 Crockett Away 7:30 p.m.
9/24 Rockdale Home 7:30 p.m.
10/1 Open
10/8 Westwood Away 7:30 p.m.
10/15 Groesbeck Home 7:30 p.m.
10/22 Mexia Away 7:30 p.m.
10/29 Palestine Home 7:30 p.m.
11/5 Fairfield Away 7:30 p.m.
*district games
44
45

MEXIA BLACKCATS
When Paul Weaver took over the Mexia Blackcat
program this spring, he talked about being part of a
family — the Mexia Blackcat family. “We have put a lot
of emphasis on family. The locker room is our house and
the field is our backyard,” Weaver said. “Our players are
brothers and the coaches need to lead by example.”
Weaver, who took the Mexia head coaching position
after being the offensive coordinator at Kellar Fossil
Ridge, does not want to talk about individuals, but
instead he wants to focus on the team. “It is very
important that they buy into our system,” Weaver said.
Weaver had a good first impression of the Blackcats
when he first came to Mexia. “The greatest thing I
saw was the fact that each young man on this team
is hardworking,” the Mexia head coach said. “They
have good work ethic and I could not be more excited.
Everything has been outstanding.”
Weaver comes into a program that has high
expectations. The Blackcats have made the playoffs the
last three years including consecutive bi-district wins.
“There has been good success at Mexia and I am very
fortunate to be in this situation,” Weaver said.
As for being the favorite next year in District 20-3A,
Weaver wants his players to be humble about the
prediction. “It is a compliment to our kids, but maybe we
are getting too much credit because we have not even
played a game yet,” Weaver said. “Rest assured that
those other teams in the district will present a challenge.
It is going to be very difficult to get a win each week.”
PALESTINE WILDCATS
After a two-year drought, the Palestine Wildcats made the
playoffs once again last year. If Palestine wants to make it
two straight playoff season, the Wildcats are going to have
to do it with a new coach at the helm — Lance Angel.
Angel was hired in January as the Wildcat head coach,
taking over for departed Booker Bowie. Angel, the third
head coach for Palestine in the last four years, was the
head coach at Canton before taking over the Wildcats.
“We have a lot of talent,” Angel said of his new team.
“The key to next season is staying mentally tough and
overcoming the little adversities that come up during the
course of a season.”
There are expectations around Palestine to have success,
especially after the district upgraded the facilities including
the Wildcats playing on field turf, which was installed this
spring. “We are going to have high expectations,” Angel
said. “But there is lots of work to do to get ourselves ready.”
With a new coaching staff — only two coaches remain on
staff from last year — it may take some time for the coaches
to see what they have on the football field. Angel calls
Palestine’s five non-district games critical for the Wildcats’
preparation for District 20-3A play. “No matter how much
practice is done, you have to wait until game time to see
how the players are going to react,” Angel said. “Then we
can go back and make adjustments. We are going to have
lots to learn in those five non-district games.”
One of the things the Palestine coaching staff needs to
do is figure out how to get the ball into the hands of the
Wildcat playmakers. “We feel we have a lot of playmakers
on this team, the key is to find ways to use them,” Angel
said. “We are trying to put kids in the right spot.”
One of those playmakers expected to see the ball a lot this
season is senior running back Terrance Simon. “Terrance
District 20-3A
Mexia returns one of the top running backs in the
area — Doug Gentry. The senior tailback rushed 206
times for 1,835 yards and 20 touchdowns last season.
He rushed for over 200 yards four times including a
season-high 246 yards against Robinson and then
had 213 yards and three touchdowns in a bi-district
playoff win over Palestine.
The biggest question on offense for the Blackcats
may be who takes the snaps. Weaver and the
Mexia coaching staff will have the task of finding a
replacement for three-year starting quarterback Trae
Davis, who threw for over 2,000 yards, rushed for more
than 1,300 yards and accounted for 44 touchdowns
last season.
One candidate to fill Davis’ shoes may be D.J.
Weathers, a starting wide receiver last year, who had
38 catches for 477 yards. Weathers was the backup to
Davis and in limited playing time — mostly coming in
at quarterback in the fourth quarter of lopsided Mexia
wins — Weathers was 8-for-8 passing for 64 yards
and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 141 yards on
only 20 carries and had two touchdowns.
Whoever is at quarterback for Mexia will be looking for
junior wide receiver Jeramee Strain, who could be a
big-play threat on the outside. As a sophomore, Strain
had 11 catches for 207 yards and three touchdowns.
The Mexia defense will be led by safety Davonta
Foreman. The senior returns after having 54 tackles,
two interceptions and a caused fumble last season.
is a hard runner, from what we have seen on film,” Angel
said. “He can be a power back along with using his speed
to go by defenders.”
Simon is coming off his first 1,000-yard season as he
rushed for 1,250 yards on a team-high 180 carries and
scored 12 touchdowns.
Simon is not the only threat in the backfield for Palestine
as the Wildcats also return running back DeCory Chivers,
who in limited action last year had 398 yards, averaging
6.22 yards a carry. “It is nice to have a pair of running
backs that have Friday night experience,” Angel said.
Angel and the Palestine coaching staff will have to find a
replacement for three-year starting quarterback Olin Terry,
who went to Kilgore College. While it was too early in the
spring to know whom the Wildcat quarterback will be,
senior Kenneth Green could be a possibility. No matter
where he is on the field, Green will be making plays for
the Wildcats. Last year as a wide receiver, Green had 24
catches for 369 yards and three touchdowns.
Angel hopes one of the strengths of his team will be the
offensive line, which features Jermaine Back (6-3 and
290 pounds) and Joseph Jones (6-0 and 290 pounds).
“Everything always is going to start with the offensive
line,” Angel said. “They have to be aggressive and set the
tone for every ball game. Even if you can catch and throw
the ball, if you can’t block, you are in trouble.”
Senior Ryan Pardue will spear head a defense that hopes
to use its athletic ability to run to the football. Pardue led
the Wildcats last season with 69 tackles to go along with 2
½ sacks, 2 fumble recoveries and 2 forced fumbles.
“We want to find kids on defense that know how to hit and
tackle,” Angel said.
Players to Watch
Doug Gentry Senior RB 6-2/205
Devin Threat Senior OL 6-3/220
Davonta Foreman Senior S 6-0/170
Jeramee Strain Junior WR 6-1/185
Mascot
Blackcats
Student Enrollment 469
Superintendent Dr. Jason Ceyanes
Head Coach
Paul Weaver
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters 5
Schedule
8/27 China Spring Home 7:30 p.m.
9/3 Gatesville Away 7:30 p.m.
9/10 Connally Away 7:30 p.m.
9/17 LaVega Home 7:30 p.m.
9/24 Liberty Hill Home 7:30 p.m.
10/1 Open
10/8 *Fairfield Away 7:30 p.m.
10/15 *Palestine Away 7:30 p.m.
10/22 *Madisonville Home 7:30 p.m.
10/29 *Westwood Away 7:30 p.m.
11/5 *Groesbeck Home 7:30 p.m.
*district games
Players to Watch
Terrance Simon Senior RB 5-11/185
Jermaine Black Senior OT 6-3/290
Ryan Pardue Senior LB 6-0/200
Kenneth Green Senior ATH 5-11/170
Mascot
Wildcats
Student Enrollment 825
Superintendent Dr. Thomas Wallis
Head Coach
Lance Angel
Returning Offensive Starters 4
Returning Defensive Starters 4
Schedule
8/27 Brownsboro Home 7:30 p.m.
9/3 Pittsburgh Away 7:30 p.m.
9/10 Van Home 7:30 p.m.
9/17 Mabank Home 7:30 p.m.
9/24 Athens Away 7:30 p.m.
10/1 Open
10/8 *Groesbeck Home 7:30 p.m.
10/15 *Mexia Home 7:30 p.m.
10/22 *Fairfield Away 7:30 p.m.
10/29 *Madisonville Away 7:30 p.m.
11/5 *Westwood Home 7:30 p.m.
*district games
WESTWOOD PANTHERS
The Westwood Panthers are looking to get back to the
playoffs after missing out on postseason play last year.
For that to happen, the Panthers are going to have to
rely on a young group of players coming up from the
junior varsity team that went 7-3 last year.
“We have a good junior class coming up that we are
going to have to rely on,” Westwood head coach Kevin
Anderson said.
The Panther made the playoffs in 2007 and 2008 — the
first time the program got to postseason play in back-toback
years — but went 5-5 last year. Anderson said the
lack of depth hurt the Panthers in 2009.
Entering the new season, depth should not be an issue.
“Last year, we had the least amount of depth we have
had since I have been here,” the three-year Westwood
head coach said. “But with that sophomore class
coming up, we are going to have good depth for at least
the next two years.”
With more depth, Anderson hopes that he will not have as
many players going both ways. “We can have more kids
just focusing on one side of the ball,” Anderson said.
Westwood will need the depth to help replace several
holes from last year’s starting lineup. The Panthers
only have one returning starter on offense — twoyear
offensive line starter Dustin Campbell. Anderson
has high hopes that Campbell, along with Colton
Countryman, Thomas Largent, Jacob McKinney and
John Webb will help solidify the front five on the offense.
“We have good sized linemen this year,” Anderson said.
“We are going to be more physical up front.”
Westwood also plans on adding a tight end to its
offensive scheme, which could include more playing
time on offense for Aaron Stanhope and Kyle Carroll.
Barbara Allen, MD
Chief of Primary Care
Many patients today are frustrated with trying
to navigate through our nation’s increasingly
fragmented and complicated healthcare system.
To avoid unnecessary lab and medical tests,
as well as improve the quality of care and
communication with specialists, it is best to
consolidate your medical care, health history
and medical records into as few places as
possible. This is referred to a patient-centered
medical home.
A patient-centered medical home provides an ongoing relationship and
partnership with a personal primary care physician who provides continuous
and comprehensive primary care, helps to coordinate your visits to specialists,
works with case managers to provide ongoing education and care for your
District 20-3A
Westwood will have to replace its entire backfield,
including at quarterback where the Panthers have had
two starters at the position in the last five years.
The front runner for the Panther signal caller is
Dominique Mickens, who was the junior varsity quarterback
last year. Dekederek Hicks and Michael Dodd
also are in the running for the quarterback position.
The competition for the running back spots is wide
open with at least six candidates vying for playing time.
“We have several choices and I can see us going with
a running back by committee,” Anderson said. “They all
bring something special to the position.”
While the Westwood coaches have ideas of whom they
want to see where on offense, nothing will be decided
until the pads get put on in the fall. “We have an idea,
but we have to wait until two-a-days,” Anderson said.
“We have to see how these players will perform when
they are going to get hit.”
On defense, Westwood looks to improve on a unit that
allowed over 395 yards and 29 points a game in 2009.
“We are going to be quicker on defense,” Anderson
said. “We may not have the size, but we will be able to
move to the football.”
Stanhope (who had a forced fumble) and McKinney
(who had two fumble recoveries) are returning starters
to the defensive line. Mitchell Coleman, Travell Jordan
and Rico Harris all are expected to make plays from
either a linebacker or safety position.
“I am excited when thinking of the kids that we are going
to have on the field,” Anderson said of his defense.
Players to Watch
Aaron Stanhope Senior TE/DE 6-4/230
Dustin Campbell Senior OL 6-0/220
Tyler Dillon Senior K 5-7/140
Jacob McKinney Junior OL/DL 5-11/230
Mascot:
Panthers
Student Enrollment 469
Superintendent Dr. Ed Lyman
Head Coach
Kevin Anderson
Returning Offensive Starters 1
Returning Defensive Starters 5
Schedule
8/27 Chapel Hill Away 7:30 p.m.
9/3 Frankston Home 7:30 p.m.
9/10 Bullard Home 7:30 p.m.
9/17 Arp Away 7:30 p.m.
9/24 Rusk Away 7:30 p.m.
10/1 Open
10/8 *Madisonville Home 7:30 p.m.
10/15 *Fairfield Home 7:30 p.m.
10/22 *Groesbeck Away 7:30 p.m.
10/29 *Mexia Home 7:30 p.m.
11/5 *Palestine Away 7:30 p.m.
*district games
District 20-3A
Pre-Season
Coaches’ Poll
1. Mexia
2. Palestine
3. Westwood
4. Madisonville
5. Fairfield
6. Groesbeck
Trinity Clinic – Your Medical Home
chronic medical conditions, with the ultimate goal of improving your daily
health and quality of life.
A primary care physician is uniquely trained to care for you as a whole person
– regardless of your age or sex. In addition to diagnosing and treating acute and
chronic illnesses, your primary care physician provides routine health screenings
and counseling on lifestyle changes in an effort to prevent illnesses before they
develop and to provide appropriate guidance to reduce your long term medical
risks after medical conditions develop. If a health condition arises that requires
care from another specialist, your primary care physician will be there to guide
you through the referral steps and to coordinate all aspects of your care before
and after your specialty treatment. You and your physician will work together to
achieve the best possible outcome in the most cost-effective manner.
Trinity Clinic has over 110 primary care providers who are able to communicate
with each other and has over 140 specialists in the Trinity Mother Frances
system as part of your medical home though our electronic medical record to
assure that you receive the highest quality of care.
46
47

CADDO MILLS FOXES
The Caddo Mills Foxes were a 10-3 team last year,
and expect to return to the playoffs under seventh year
head coach Steve Sumrow.
The Foxes return five starters on each side of the ball,
including junior quarterback Tre Couvillion. “We’ve got
Tre coming back as quarterback,” Sumrow said. “We
pretty much threw him in the fire last year. He played
all thirteen games as a sophomore, so we’re expecting
big things.”
At running back, the Foxes will have to replace Nathan
Jeffery. The four year starter signed with UTEP after
setting Caddo Mills records with 48 touchdowns last
season. Senior Austin Davidson and junior Josh
Jackson will share the role. While Davidson contributes
in all three phases, the junior has the potential.
“Jackson’s got loads of talent, he could develop into
our feature back.”
GRAND SALINE INDIANS
Grand Saline went 2-8 in 2009, but the team returns
16 seniors for the 2010 season. Third year head coach
Kenny Phelps is a bit discouraged at the new district,
but he likes the upperclassman-heavy look of his
Indians. “I think it’ll be tough,” Phelps said. “We’re the
smallest school in the district, but we’ve got a good
group of seniors.”
The list of eight returning offensive starters begins in
the backfield with Taylor Phelps at quarterback.
“This will be his third year to start,” the elder Phelps
said. “He passed for over a thousand yards last year
and rushed for five hundred, so he’s a good threat out
of the backfield.”
Phelps will take snaps behind an experienced line led
by seniors Derek Calvert and Louis Criswell. “Those
guys are both seniors and our two team leaders.”
Senior Josh Carpenter is the team’s leading returning
receiver, he’ll also play defensive back.
District 7-2A - Division 1
A Different District But Lots Of Familiar Faces Will Meet Again in 2010
Reid Kerr - 99.3 Sports Director
With the new UIL alignment of 2A, the new district known as 7-2A is at least partially familiar. From the old 13-2A, Caddo Mills, Winnsboro, Grand
Saline, and Quitman are now joined by metroplex school Melissa and former 3A school Mineola.
Mineola coach Joe Drennon, whose team dropped down from 3A, said the move down isn’t really an advantage. “I’m looking forward to it,” Drennan
said. “It’s a smaller classification, but there’s still some good traditional football teams in there. We know a bit about Winnsboro and Grand Saline,
since we’ve played them the last two years. I think it’ll still be a tight race.”
Caddo Mills coach Steve Sumrow said the new UIL split of 2A into two divisions based on size makes the districts more even. “They’ve divided it up,
so it’ll be more competitive across the board every week,” Sumrow said. “There were good teams in the old district, but this one should be really solid
every week.”
Up front, senior center and three-year starter Keegan
Brock returns. Brock doubles as the team’s kicker.
On defense, senior Quintais Rector notched sixty solo
tackles last year, and is expected to match that again.
“He’s done us a really good job. He’s a big hitter, a
force to be reckoned with for us.”
Senior Ryan Turney is listed at tight end and defensive
end, but Sumrow said he’ll see action all over the
field. “He’ll play multiple positions for us, he’s a very
versatile athlete.”
Players to Watch
Ryan Turney Senior TE/DE
Quintais Rector Senior LB
Mascot:
Foxes
Enrollment 415
Superintendent Vicki Payne
Head Coach
Steve Sumrow
On defense, the Indians’ sparkplug is senior Adam
Amaya. “He’s a hitter,” Phelps said. “He led us with a
hundred and twenty tackles last year. He’ll also play
some fullback for us this year.”
Players to Watch
Taylor Phelps Senior QB
Derek Calvert Senior OL/DL
Louis Criswell Senior OL/DL
Adam Amaya Senior LB/FB
Mascot:
Indians
Enrollment 314
Superintendent Mark Keahey
Head Coach
Kenny Phelps
Returning Offensive Starters 8
Returning Defensive Starters 7
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters 5
Schedule
8/27 Lone Oak Home 7:30
9/3 Community Away 7:30
9/10 Leonard Away 7:30
9/17 Edgewood Home 7:30
9/24 Open
10/1 Commerce Away 7:30
10/8 *Melissa Home 7:30
10/15 *Winnsboro Home 7:30
10/22 *Quitman Away 7:30
10/29 *Mineola Home 7:30
11/5 *Grand Saline Away 7:30
*district games
Schedule
8/27 Van Away 7:30
9/3 Malakoff Home 7:30
9/10 Lone Oak Home 7:30
9/17 Winona Away 7:30
9/24 Edgewood Away 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Quitman Away 7:30
10/15 *Mineola Home 7:30
10/22 *Winnsboro Away 7:30
10/29 *Melissa Away 7:30
11/5 *Caddo Mills Home 7:30
*district games
MELISSA CARDINALS
The Melissa Cardinals were a 9-3 team last season,
winning a district championship and going two rounds
into the playoffs before losing to final four team
Callisburg. Now in head coach Seth Stinton’s second
year, his Cardinals return five starters for their spread
offense and two defensive starters.
Junior quarterback Wes McQueen returns for his
second season as starting signal caller. “He started
last year as a sophomore,” Stinton said. “We’re looking
forward to him being a year older and a year wiser.
He’s got a great arm and made great decisions for us
as a sophomore.”
McQueen will return plenty of targets for his spread
offense, including senior Ian Hatfield. “Ian played in
every game last year,” Stinton said, “and that was his
first year at the school, learning our system. He’ll be
even better next season.”
Junior wide receivers Nathan Warren, Michael Ellis,
Brad Bush and Mason Hart also return.
On defense, Stinton says senior John Young will be
their leader. “He’ll be a four-year starter at outside
linebacker. He’s got great skills there, and played a
MINEOLA YELLOWJACKETS
The Mineola Yellowjackets have had two straight years
at 4-6 under head coach Joe Drennon, but he feels
like this year will be a big season for his team. With
four starters on offense and six on defense returning,
Drennon thinks this year’s team has the speed and the
defense to compete for a playoff spot.
Senior running back Alex Kerby returns to lead the team
on offense. “He’s got a lot of speed,” Drennan said.
“He’s a 4.5 kid in the forty. He’s got really good hands,
too. He doesn’t turn the ball over.”
At quarterback, Mineola will rely on junior Erik Gelez,
who replaces last year’s graduated starter, Tyler
Drennon. “He’s a really good athlete,” Drennon said. “
He makes a lot of plays with his feet, and he’s a hardnosed
competitor.”
Gelez was a defensive starter last season, but Drennon
said he’ll stick to the offensive side of the ball. “He
started at free safety for us last year, but we’re moving
him to quarterback to take advantage of his ability. He
might still make some plays on defense, but he’s going
to focus on quarterbacking.”
District 7-2A - Division 1
lot of running back last year behind a guy who was
a three-year starter for us. He’ll see more time in the
backfield this year.
In Stinton’s second year with the team, he’s counting
on experience and familiarity to help his team reach the
next level. “A lot of the kids that played last year will be
back, and we’re looking forward to those sophomores
being juniors for us. Another year with them learning
our system will be good for us, we know they’ve got
the offense and we can work with that.”
Players to Watch
John Young Senior OL/DL
Wes McQueen Junior QB
Nathan Warren Junior WR
Michael Ellis Junior WR
Brad Bush Junior WR
Mason Hart Junior WR
Kristov George Junior SS/RB
Ian Hatfield Senior WR
Mascot:
Cardinals
Enrollment 370
Gelez will be looking for receiver Brian Meankins, a
6’2” senior with speed and good hands. On the line, the
Yellowjackets will be led by a pair of seniors, Tyler Avant
and Trevor Hudson.
“Tyler’s a really athletic lineman, he goes 6-3, 275, and
can move. He’ll play both sides of the line for us. And
Trevor will play tackle and linebacker, he’s going to
bring back lots of experience on both sides of the ball.
He’s a really smart player and a big hitter for us.”
Players to Watch
Tyler Avant Senior DT
Trevor Hudson Senior LB
Brian Meankins Senior WR
Alex Kerby Senior RB
JaQuan Williams Junior DB
Erik Gelez Junior QB/DB
Mascot:
Yellowjackets
Enrollment 418
Superintendent Mary Lookadoo
Head Coach
Joe Drennon
Superintendent
Head Coach
Jason Smith
Seth Stinton
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters 2
Schedule
8/27 Community Away 7:30
9/3 Van Alstyne Away 7:30
9/10 Anna Home 7:30
9/17 Celina Home 7:30
9/24 Gunter Home 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Caddo Mills Away 7:30
10/15 *Quitman Home 7:30
10/22 *Mineola Away 7:30
10/29 *Grand Saline Home 7:30
11/5 *Winnsboro Away 7:30
*district games
Returning Offensive Starters 4
Returning Defensive Starters 6
Schedule
8/27 Quinlan Ford Away 7:30
9/3 Bullard Home 7:30
9/10 Kemp Home 7:30
9/17 Tyler Grace Away 7:30
9/24 Emory Rains Home 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Winnsboro Away 7:30
10/15 *Grand Saline Away 7:30
10/22 *Melissa Home 7:30
10/29 *Caddo Mills Away 7:30
11/5 *Quitman Home 7:30
*district games
48
49

QUITMAN BULLDOGS
The Quitman Bulldogs went 4-6 last year, their first
season under coach Ron Callahan. The veteran coach
was impressed with the way his team has prepared for
this season. “I tell you, what’s been really special is
how everything worked out this year,” Callahan said.
“We just missed the playoffs last year, and now we’ve
had a great offseason. That’s a big thing to have and
lay that foundation for the future.”
With five starters back on each side of the ball,
Callahan hopes the Bulldogs are an exciting team.
That starts with senior Devonte McNeal. “Devonte was
the MVP of the district last year as a utility player. He
should have a great season for us, he’s a tremendous
athlete.”
Sophomore Andre Thompson will start at quarterback,
with seniors Brody Burge and Bryan Burford blocking
in front of him. “Brody just moved in and joined the
team,” Callahan said. “He’s jumped right in there, he
should do an outstanding job for us this season. He
and Bryan give us some strength up front.”
WINNSBORO RED RAIDERS
The good news for the Winnsboro Red Raiders is
coach Steve Pinnell returns for his 12th season with
the team, which is coming off last year’s 7-5 playoff
season.
The bad news is that this year’s team only returns one
starter on offense and one on defense. To make the
line thinner, that starter is the same guy.
“Yeah, we’re going to be young,” Pinnell admits. “We’re
probably going to have a sophomore quarterback and
five or six sophomores starting on each side of the ball.
Leadership will be a big thing. I’d like to say everything
will be great, but you’ve got to be honest. There will be
some down times that you’ve got to get through. We’re
hoping leadership will get us there.”
Luckily for the Red Raiders, returning senior Nick
Parton is in the middle of the action on both sides of
the ball.
“He’s a very physical player,” Pinnell said. “When
you run the triple option, your fullback has to be very
District 7-2A - Division 1
“We plan to open up the passing game this year,”
Callahan said, “We think Blake Hamrick will help us
do that.” The senior Hamrick will start for Quitman at
split end.
On defense, middle linebacker Pedro Ramirez returns.
“He had more than 140 tackles for us last year. He led
us on the field and off, he really gives us some senior
leadership.”
All in all, Callahan expects his second year on the job
to move the Bulldogs up the learning curve. “If the kids
all do their job, it could be an awesome year.”
Players to Watch
Devonte McNeal Senior UTIL
Pedro Ramirez Senior MLB
Blake Hamrick Senior SE
Andre Thompson Soph QB
Brody Burge Senior OL
Bryan Burford Senior OL
Mascot:
Bulldogs
Enrollment 325
physical. Defensively, we ask the same thing for our
middle linebacker. So far, Nick’s been able to do that
for us. We hope he leads by example.”
Pinnell also has high expectations for junior center
Lucas Henson. “We feel he’s going to be a good
player for us on both sides of the ball, he’ll also play
defensive end.”
While his team will be young, Pinnell thinks they’ll step
up quickly. “We had a great spring. They really worked
their tails off. I think we’ve got a good group of kids
who’ll give us great effort. Hopefully that’ll pay off for
us in close games, so we can get some wins while
we’re learning.”
Players to Watch
Nick Parton Senior FB/MLB
Lucas Henson Junior C/DE
Mascot:
Red Raiders
Enrollment 376
Superintendent Mark Bosold
Head Coach
Steve Pinnell
District 7-2A
Pre-Season
Coaches’ Poll
1. Caddo Mills
2. Melissa
3. Winnsboro
4. Mineola
5. Grand Saline
6. Quitman
Superintendent
Head Coach
Dr. Leland Moore
Ron Callahan
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters 5
Schedule
8/27 Bullard Away 7:30
9/3 TK Gorman Away 7:30
9/10 Como-Pickton There 7:30
9/17 Eustace Home 7:30
9/24 Harmony Home 7:30
10/8 Grand Saline Home 7:30
10/15 Melissa Away 7:30
10/22 Caddo Mills Home 7:30
10/29 Winnsboro Home 7:30
11/5 Mineola Away 7:30
*district games
Returning Offensive Starters 1
Returning Defensive Starters 1
Schedule
8/27 Grace Community Away TBA
9/3 Como-Pickton Away 7:30
9/10 Garrison Away 7:30
9/17 Mt. Vernon Home 7:30
9/24 Open
10/1 New Diana Away 7:30
10/8 *Mineola Home 7:30
10/15 *Caddo Mills Away 7:30
10/22 *Grand Saline Home 7:30
10/29 *Quitman Away 7:30
11/5 *Melissa Home 7:30
*district games
Fluid replacement is probably one of
the most important concerns for an
athlete. If an athlete has lost as little as
two percent of his body weight due to
dehydration, it can adversely affect his
performance. However, even as small as
a one percent loss can cause feelings of
increasing fatigue and sense of having
to put forth more effort than usual. (As
an example, if you weigh 180 pounds,
this would be a four pound weight loss
during activities for a two percent loss or
a two pound weight loss for a one percent
loss.) Dehydration can result in you feeling fatigued, dizzy, having
muscle cramps and increase your risk for heat illness. More severe levels
of dehydration can lead to poor reaction time, mental confusion and
ultimately death. And do not let cool temperatures mislead you because
dehydration can still occur.
Dehydration occurs due to fluid losses and inadequate replacement of
these fluids. When you exercise, fluid is lost primarily through the skin
as sweat and through the lungs when you breathe. This fluid lost through
sweat is very important to prevent your body from overheating. When
you exercise, heat is produced in your body and then transferred to the
skin where it then evaporates and cools down your body. But unless this
fluid is replaced by drinking, it can lead to dehydration. Dehydration
puts a strain on your cardiovascular system and can result in a smaller
amount of blood volume circulating in the body. This leads to less
oxygen being received by the muscles thus leading to exhaustion and
decreased performance. Additionally, less blood flow goes to the skin,
so the heat transfer and dissipation that needs to occur is impaired. This
causes the body temperature to rise, potentially leading to heat stress,
collapse and even death.
The fluid that is lost with exercise needs to be replaced at regular intervals
to prevent dehydration. The best way to do this is to maintain fluid
levels by drinking plenty of fluids before, during and after a workout,
game or event. Thirst is not an accurate indicator of being dehydrated;
if you wait until you are thirsty, you are likely already dehydrated. Prior
to a workout or game, it is recommended to drink at least 20 ounces
of fluid two hours before the event and about 10 ounces 10 to 20
minutes before the event. It is recommended that you avoid carbonated
beverages, caffeine, and fruit juices. There is no need to super-hydrate
Fluids and Hydration
Allison Tobola, MD
Trinity Mother Frances Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine
before exercising. Your body can only absorb so much at one time.
During the event, drinking about 12 ounces of fluid every 20 minutes is
recommended. If the activity will last less than one hour, water should
be used primarily. If the event will last longer than one hour, you can
alternate water and a sports drinks (sports drink with six to eight percent
of carbohydrates). For endurance athletes, sodium replacement should
also be considered during the event. To know how much to drink after a
workout, some people weigh themselves without clothes before and after
a workout. For every pound that is lost you need to drink 20 ounces of
fluid for replacement.
It is difficult to provide specific recommendations and guidelines for
exactly how much to drink because sweat rates are variable. Some
athletes sweat more than others. Sweat rates commonly range from one
to four pounds per hour depending on the sport and environmental
conditions. Those who sweat more are at greater risk of dehydration.
Sweat rates also rise with exercise intensity and are increased by hot or
humid environments and by wearing heavy clothing (especially dark
colored). Your training status and your degree of heat acclimatization
also influence sweat rates. Repeated bouts of exercise in a hot
environment improve the body’s tolerance to exercise in the heat and
this is called heat acclimatization. A benefit of this is that it reduces the
incidence or severity of symptoms of heat illness. It also induces earlier
onset of sweating, higher sweat rate, and more dilute sweat that conserves
salt. These are advantageous because they allow an improved ability for
the body to dissipate heat. But because these factors and an individuals
sweat rate are variable, weighing yourself before and after workouts can
help you to judge your sweat loss (each one pound loss is equal to 20
ounces of fluid). It is recommended that athletes develop a customized
fluid replacement program.
The key is to prevent dehydration and the effects of it. Do not wait until
you are thirsty, tired or have muscle cramps to start worrying about your
fluid intake. Dehydration can result in you losing your mental edge
and impair your physical ability to perform well. It can also increase the
risk of potentially life threatening heat illness. It is important to try to
prevent dehydration with fluid intake before, during and after activities.
Create an appropriate fluid replacement strategy for yourself
to optimize your exercise performance and to stay ahead of the game.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a Trinity
Mother Frances Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine physician, please
call (903) 510-8840.
50
51

DAINGERFIELD TIGERS
The Yankees, Cowboys, Celtics, Lakers, Longhorns,
Crimson Tide and Tar Heels are names that ring with a
championship pedigree. In Texas high school football,
the Daingerfield Tigers have earned a listing among
the exclusive list of “state title” towns. Daingerfield
added its sixth state championship and second in a
row in 2009 under head coach Barry Bowman and his
staff. Bowman calls it “an unbelievable two year ride.”
“There has been and will continue to be a bulls eye
on our back and our kids know this and accept that
challenge.”
A “three peat” in 2010 will be difficult, but not
impossible for a talented team that returns five starters
on offense, but only two on defense. Daingerfield’s
revamped defense is off to an excellent start with a
base of two all-state senior players. Any discussion of
the best players in East Texas must include linebacker
Steve Edmond. His 2009 stats included a staggering
183 tackles with 34 of them for losses along with five
interceptions. Edmond has given a verbal commitment
to the Texas Longhorns. Bowman describes him as
“humble, easy going and as nice a guy as you will
ever meet. On the field he hunts the ball and whoever
has it.” Cornerback David Mims will lead a young
secondary.
District 8-2A - Division 1
No Easy “Three-Peat” For Daingerfield In A Much Improved 8-2A
Bill Coates - Sportstalk Host KTBB Radio
Moving into a new neighborhood usually brings with it a measure of uncertainty. That certainly appears to be the case with District 8-2A.
Daingerfield is a two-time defending state champion, but head coach Barry Bowman calls New Boston “the frontrunner.” Indeed, New Boston is in a very
new neighborhood. The Lions are making the move down from 3A with a solid program under head coach Rick Barker who says, “We have bounced
back and forth the last couple of realignments. We have played most of these teams before and it will be a very competitive district.”
New Boston returns ten starters while Daingerfield brings back just two on defense. However, the Tigers have the tradition along with one of East Texas’
top players in senior linebacker Steve Edmond, who has verbally committed to the University of Texas. They also build around a state championship
quarterback in Tyler Boyd and two all-state offensive lineman Shayvion Hatten and David Mims. That’s not a bad place to start when you’re thinking about
a three peat.
Facing the likes of Daingerfield and New Boston in district play is new this year for Hooks, but head coach Jim Rice calls his sophomore and junior classes
the strength of his young team. Hooks should be very dangerous with a pair of all district tenth graders like quarterback Aaron Doddy and running back
Demetris Burchette.
Daingerfield, New Boston and Hooks each have a longtime winning tradition to build on. That was not the case at Prairiland until Glen Schuelke turned
the program around. A school that averaged less than two wins a year in the 1990s, improved to almost eight wins a year over the past ten seasons. The
Panthers big question mark heading into the 2010 campaign is finding a replacement at quarterback for the coach’s son Payne Schuelke. If they do, head
coach Schuelke says his team will be the “surprise”of the district. The offensive line and the defense give Prairiland a solid foundation to build on.
The Redwater Dragons will also start 2010 with a new starting quarterback. Head Coach Jeff Stine has ten returning starters to rebuild around including a
pair of players who earned all district recognition on both offense and defense. Dorian Hankins was an all-star in 2009 at both running back and defensive
back while Jessie Roberson anchors both the offensive and defensive lines. Stine says the district race will be tough. “There is not a weak sister in the
group,” he says.
Queen City may be the “wild card” in district 8-2A. Head Coach Brandon Warren and his staff begin their second year with twelve returning starters. He
says the Bulldogs are a “year older, stronger and wiser.” Warren and his coaches plan to run a multiple formation offense. “We should be able to open
the playbook and put more pressure on the defense,” he says. Junior Hunter Wilcher will be a first year starter at quarterback. He will be fronted by an
experienced offensive line along with sophomore tailback, Darryl Shepherd. The defense has veteran talent on the line and new faces in the secondary.
Daingerfield and New Boston appear to be the clear preseason favorites for the top two spots with four challengers eager to make district 8-2A very
interesting to watch in 2010.
The Daingerfield offense is led by decorated veteran
quarterback Tyler Boyd. His resumé includes 30
varsity wins. Boyd threw for over 2,000 yards and 33
touchdowns in 2009 while rushing for another 1,000
yards. He has a huge target at wide receiver in 6’5
Keyarris Garrett and three returning starters on the
offensive line including a pair of outstanding tackles
in Donald Bryant and Shayvion Hatten. Hatten plans
to attend TCU.
The Tigers have set a very high bar with back to back
2A state titles and 30 wins in two years. Bowman
believes his 2010 team will be dangerous when the
playoffs arrive. “Our depth will not be what it has been
the past two years. We will have to stay healthy to
make another run in December.” Don’t bet against
them.
Players to Watch
Steve Edmond Senior LB 6’3/225
Shayvion Hatten Senior OT 6’5/265
David Mims Senior DB 5’10/165
Donald Bryant Senior OT 6’3/245
Tyler Boyd Senior QB 5’9/175
Keyarris Garrett Senior WR 6’5/180
Mascot
Tigers
Student Enrollment 402
Superintendent Pat Adams
Head Coach
Barry Bowman
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters 2
Schedule
8/27 Arp Home 7:30
9/3 Atlanta Away 7:30
9/9 Brucevile-Eddy Corsicana 7:00
9/17 Pleasant Grove Away 7:30
9/24 Gilmer Home 7:30
10/8 *Hooks Home 7:30
10/15 *Queen City Away 7:30
10/22 *Redwater Home 7:30
10/29 *New Boston Away 7:30
11/5 *Prairiland Home 7:30
*district games
NEW BOSTON LIONS
The “new” in New Boston has never been more true
than it will be during the 2010 season. Head Coach Rick
Barker and his Lions are moving from 3A to 2A with a
challenging new district schedule. New Boston missed
the playoffs in 2009, but have fashioned an impressive
35-17 record during his five years at the school.
The offense appears to be a strong point heading into
the season led by senior quarterback Darrion Wade.
As a junior starter in 2009, Wade accounted for 908
yards passing and 502 yards rushing. He has two
threats at running back in Shakeem Jefferson and
Damien Haskins. Barkers says, “all three run 4.5 or
better.” Jefferson logged 869 yards rushing in 2009 as a
sophomore. Barker is also excited about senior receiver
Terance Lomax. “Lomax will be a threat,” according to
the New Boston head coach.
HOOKS HORNETS
The Hooks Hornets and head coach Jim Rice are
preparing for a new challenge in 2010. Rice leads
a young team into battle that includes six returning
starters on offense and five on defense.
When you’re the hometown of former Heisman Trophy
winner Billy Sims, the standards are high at running
back. The Hornets believe they have a good one in
Demetris Burchette. The 5’10” sophomore produced
819 yards rushing and six touchdowns in 2009.
Quarterback Aaron Doddy is also young. He started
eleven games and earned all-district honors leading an
I-formation offense. Doddy passed for 802 yards and
earned another 763 on the ground in 2009. Doddy has
two returning receivers in juniors Damarcus Dickerson
and Justin Howe along with senior tackles Kevin Sipes
and Josh Hughes.
Hooks returns several experienced players to lead their
3-4 defense. Junior defensive end Jerrod Nelloms is a
returning all-district player along with junior defensive
backs Kendrick Henderson and Dickerson. The other
two experienced starters are senior linebacker Kodi
Scott and junior Blake Young.
PRAIRILAND PANTHERS
No program in East Texas has made bigger strides during
the past ten years than head coach Glen Schuelke’s
Panthers.
Prairiland posted a 75-33 mark during the last decade
including an 18-4 record in 2008 and 2009. Not bad for a
school that won just 18 games during the 90’s. Schuelke
and his staff are excited about the challenge of reloading
after losing 16 seniors. Two of those key losses are
the record setting quarterback and coach’s son Payne
Schuelke and his favorite target Tanner Connot.
“If my quarterback situation pans out we will be the
surprise of the district,” Schuelke says. That job should
go to either junior Josh Esch, sophomore Tyler Patterson
or junior Brandon Justice. The odd men out will be key
players at running back and wide receiver along with Jay
McKinney and Dustin Martin. Schuelke is also optimistic
about his offensive line which he says, “will be better than
a year ago, because of our depth.”
District 8-2A - Division 1
New Boston lost two excellent defenders in tackle Gary
Lorance and linebacker Brandon Raney and Barker
knows, “we have some holes to fill.” Five starters return
to begin the rebuilding process including Wade, Jefferson
and Haskins.
Players to Watch
Darrion Wade Senior QB/DB 5’10/180
Shakeem Jefferson Junior RB/CB 5’10/160
Terance Lomax Senior WR 6’3/175
Mascot:
Lions
Student Enrollment 410
Superintendent Gary VanDeaver
Head Coach
Rick Barker
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters 5
Rice and the Hornets posted a 5-2 district record in 2009
before losing in the first round of the playoffs. 2010 will
be his sixth and perhaps most challenging season at
Hooks. The Hornets know they are in a tough league.
The future appears bright for this tradition rich program.
Rice ranks his sophomore and junior classes as his
best.
Players to Watch
Jerrod Nelloms Junior DE 5’11/190
Kendrick Henderson Junior DB 5’10/160
Damarcus Dickerson Junior DB 5’9/155
Kodi Scott Senior LB 5’8/160
Kevin Sipes Senior OT 5’11/195
Josh Hughes Senior OT 6’0/280
Justin Howe Junior WR 5’10/165
Blake Young Junior LB 5’11/185
Aaron Doddy Soph QB 6’3/185
Demetris Burchette Soph RB 5’10/190
Mascot:
Hornets
Student Enrollment 356
Superintendent Kathy Allen
Head Coach
Jim Rice
The Prairiland defense was ranked 6th in the state in
2009 and returns four starters. Jake Owens, Brian Jones
and Jarid Lyles anchor the frontline and Graham is a
three year starter at linebacker with McKinney and Esch
expected to make significant contributions. Schuelke is
justifiably proud of the winning tradition this program has
achieved. “We are used to winning,” he says. “We have
never had a division one player. We win with a bunch of
very good kids that love football.”
Players to Watch
Brandon Graham Senior FB/LB
Josh Esch Junior TB/OLB
Tanner Beard Senior OT/DT
Mascot:
Panthers
Student Enrollment 360
Superintendent Jeff Ballard
Head Coach
Glen Schuelke
Schedule
8/27 DeKalb Home 6:00
9/3 Pleasant Grove Home 7:30
9/10 Clarksville Home 7:30
9/17 Spring Hill Away 7:30
9/24 Hughes Springs Away 7:30
10/8 *Redwater Home 7:30
10/15 *Prairiland Away 7:30
10/22 *Queen City Home 7:30
10/29 *Daingerfield Home 7:30
11/5 *Hooks Away 7:30
*district games
Returning Offensive Starters 6
Returning Defensive Starters 5
Schedule
8/27 Linden-Kildare Home 7:30
9/3 Hughes Springs Away 7:30
9/10 Troup Home 7:30
9/17 DeKalb Home 7:30
9/24 Paris Chisum Away 7:30
10/8 *Daingerfield Away 7:30
10/15 *Redwater Away 7:30
10/22 *Prairiland Home 7:30
10/29 *Queen City Away 7:30
11/5 *New Boston Home 7:30
*district games
Returning Offensive Starters 3
Returning Defensive Starters 4
Schedule
8/27 North Lamar Home 7:30
9/3 Paris Chisum Away 7:30
9/10 James Bowie Home 7:30
9/17 Cooper Away 7:30
10/1 DeKalb Home 7:30
10/8 *Queen City Away 7:30
10/15 *New Boston Home 7:30
10/22 *Hooks Away 7:30
10/29 *Redwater Home 7:30
11/5 *Daingerfield Away 7:30
*district games
52
53

REDWATER DRAGONS
Jeff Stine enters his third year at Redwater looking
for continued improvement and a playoff spot in the
restructured district 8-2A. The Dragons are coming
off a 6-4 campaign in 2009 with a core group of ten
starters returning for 2010.
Last year’s seniors will be missed. “We are losing
the majority of our starters on offense and defense,”
Stine says. “We will have to have some young,
inexperienced players step up and make plays.” Stine
says there are three contenders at quarterback to
Hunter Flood. Cole Yeldell certainly brings the ideal
size to the position at 6’3, 190 lbs.
Whoever takes the snaps for the Dragons will at least
have an experienced backfield that includes all-district
running back Dorian Hankins and his honorable
mention running mate Dewey Fleming. There are
two decorated veterans on the offensive line including
Jessie Roberson and Lee Cecil along with tight end
Chance Edwards.
There were also key losses on defense, but Redwater
can build a solid unit this season around Hankins and
QUEEN CITY BULLDOGS
Head Coach Brandon Warren is optimistic about
his second year at Queen City calling his second
team “older, stronger and wiser.” The 2009 Bulldogs
finished 2-8, but a strenuous offseason program
under the same coaching staff while learning Warren’s
I-formation offense and 4-4 defense should begin
paying dividends. The Queen City head coach says,
“We have made tremendous strides in the weight
room.”
Quarterback Hunter Wilcher has the confidence, arm
strength and athletic ability to lead an offense that
will likely include sophomore Darryl Shepherd as the
featured tailback. Six starters return including linemen
Colton Savage and Braven Griffen. The strong point
of the Queen City offense could well be its line which
returns five experienced players.
The defense will have to make major improvements
to compete in a new district. Warren is counting on
improved play among his four linemen. “We will be
more physical, because of an outstanding offseason,
which will allow the linebackers to make more plays.”
District 8-2A - Division 1
Will Burris at defensive back along with Roberson and
Edwards on the defensive line.
Stine says, “a big question mark is going to be our
linebackers, because we lost all three to graduation.”
The third year Dragons coach says, “the secondary
will be strong because three of the four starters are
returning, and two of them were all-district players last
season.” Stine adds, “our special teams are basically
intact so we should be okay there.”
Players to Watch
Dorian Hankins Junior RB/DB 5’10/160
Dewey Fleming Junior FB/LB 5’10/235
Will Burris Senior QB/DB 6’0/185
Jessie Roberson Senior OL/DL 6’0/240
Chance Edwards Senior TE/DL 6’1/250
Cole Yeldell Junior QB/DB 6’3/190
Mascot
Dragons
Student Enrollment 339
Head Coach
Jeff Stine
Key players include D.J. King, Charles Scales, Chevy
Smith, Dontavious Redmond along with two-way
starters Savage and Griffen. The secondary must
improve during non-district play and find a leader to
replace the graduated Dakiron Davis.
Warren wants his 2010 team to “open up the
playbooks” offensively. His challenge is transferring
that confidence to a young team. He says,
“consistency within the coaching staff and offseason
gains give Queen City a reason to believe they can
earn a playoff spot.”
Players to Watch
Darryl Shepherd Soph RB/DB 5’7/155
Colton Savage Junior OL 6’5/255
Braven Griffen Senior OL/DL 6’1/215
Hunter Wilcher Junior QB/DB 6’0/170
Mascot
Bulldogs
Student Enrollment 315
Superintendent Rob Barnwell
Head Coach
Brandon Warren
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters 5
Schedule
8/26 West Rusk Gilmer 7:30
9/4 Bradenton Prep, Fl. Gilmer 7:30
9/17 White Oak Home 7:30
9/24 Linden-Kildare Home 7:30
10/1 Clarksville Away 7:30
10/8 *New Boston Away 7:30
10/15 *Hooks Home 7:30
10/22 *Daingerfield Away 7:30
10/29 *Prairiland Away 7:30
11/5 *Queen City Home 7:30
*district games
Returning Offensive Starters 6
Returning Defensive Starters 6
Schedule
8/27 Rivercrest Home 7:30
9/3 DeKalb Home 7:30
9/10 Linden-Kildare Away 7:30
9/17 Parish Episcopal Prairiland 7:30
9/24 Winona Away 7:30
10/8 Prairiland Home 7:30
10/15 Daingerfield Home 7:30
10/22 New Boston Away 7:30
10/29 Hooks Home 7:30
11/5 Redwater Away 7:30
*district games
District 8-2A
Pre-Season
Coaches’ Poll
1. Daingerfield
2. New Boston
3. Hooks
4. Prairiland
5. Redwater
Go to Your Local Cavender’s to
VOTE
for your favorite
HIGH SCHOOL
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
to be a Texas Gridiron Legend.
]
YOU could WIN
Hotel/Airfare for 4 to
THE TEXAS BOWL
and Much More!
]
BOOTS • WESTERN WEAR • HATS • ACCESSORIES
Tremendous Selection • Name Brands • First Quality • Low Prices
6. Queen City 800•696•BOOT (2668) for the nearest location
• SHOP ONLINE AT CAVENDERS.COM •
Presented by
54
55

JEFFERSON BULLDOGS
A new district is good news for the Jefferson Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs had to share a district with two time
defending state champion Daingerfield the last two
years. That made winning district nearly impossible.
The Bulldogs want to change that in 2010. “The new
district separated us from Daingerfield,” said head
coach Scott Hale. “Tatum is coming in and will be real
good, but we feel we can be at the top of this district.”
The Bulldogs lost several division one players to
graduation, but retain half of their 2009 starting lineup.
Hale believes the biggest strength of the team is on
defense, where seniors Damon Gray and Darian
Frierson will man the secondary. “We’ve got a lot of
speed,” said Hale. “Everything we do starts with those
guys on defense”
To score points, the Bulldogs will be counting on junior
quarterback Bailey Fratangelo. Fratangelo was the JV
quarterback last season.
HARMONY EAGLES
The 2009 season ended in painful fashion for the
Harmony Eagles. Entering the final week of the
season, the Eagles were tied for first place in district
18-2A, with a chance to win the district crown. But
a seven point loss to Harleton not only ended their
district title dreams, it knocked them out of the playoffs.
Despite a 5 and 2 record, the Eagles missed out on the
postseason thanks to a tiebreaker with New Diana.
It was a tough blow for 18 seniors. Nine members of
the senior class were three year two way starters.
“I hesitate to call it a rebuilding year,” said head coach
Shane Wilson. “But it’s tough to lose 9 three year
starters.”
On offense, the Eagles replace their starting receivers
and quarterback. Running the ball will be more
important than ever. The Eagles have just the guy to
carry the load. Luke Laminack rushed for over one
thousand yards last season, and could have an even
bigger senior year.
District 9-2A - Division 1
Two Heavyweights, Join Four Familiar Foes
Ryan Peterson - KLTV Sports Director
Once a dominant 2A power, the Tatum Eagles have returned from two years in 3A. Tatum joins a new look district that includes three other playoff teams
from a year ago (Jefferson, White Oak and New Diana). Harmony missed out on a tiebreaker, despite a 5 and 2 district record.
“It’s going to be very tough,” said Harmony head coach Shane Wilson. “Tatum is talented. Jefferson is always talented and we know what the rest have.
There are some really good teams.”
Wilson knows White Oak, New Diana and Sabine well. The new kids on the block, Tatum and Jefferson may be the scariest. Only three of these teams
can survive the district. A good team or two will be staying home.
“He’s (Fratangelo) going to have to play well,” said
Hale. “That’s scary starting a new quarterback. But
the offensive line will be good and we have good
running backs.”
The Bulldogs could also get contributions from some
unlikely places. Hale believes six to seven sophomores
could get bumped up to varsity.
Players to Watch
Damon Gray Senior DB/RB
Darian Frierson Senior DB/WR
Justin Rawls Senior LB
Bailey Fratangelo Junior QB/FS
Joe Hale Junior OL/DL
Mascot
Bulldog
Superintendent Dr. Sharon Ross
HS Enrollment 350
Head Coach
Scott Hale
“Luke will have to be the guy,” said Wilson. “He’s used
to carrying the ball, and we’re going to need him to
run it even more. We’ll have to control the clock on
the ground.”
The Eagles hope to run wild, and shock some people
in the district.
“Our number one goal is to win district,” said Wilson.
“We don’t make goals of just making the playoffs.”
Players to Watch
Luke Laminack Senior RB/DB
Wesley Schoon Junior QB/DB
Eric Whittemore Senior OL/DL
Carlie Moler Junior TE/DE
Cody Weems Senior OL/DL
Thomas Green Senior DB/WR
Mascot
Eagles
HS Enrollment 332
Superintendent Jed Whitaker
Head Coach
Shane Wilson
Returning Offensive Starters 6
Returning Defensive Starters 6
Schedule
8/27 Pittsburg Home 7:30
9/3 Mt Vernon Home 7:30
9/10 Pewitt Away 7:30
9/17 West Rusk Away 7:30
9/24 Pleasant Grove Home 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Sabine Away 7:30
10/15 *White Oak Away 7:30
10/22 *Harmony Home 7:30
10/29 *Tatum Away 7:30
11/5 *New Diana Home 7:30
*district games
Returning Offensive Starters 3
Returning Defensive Starters 1
Schedule
8/26 Elysian Fields Hallsville 7:30
9/3 Ore City Home 7:30
9/10 Union Grove Away 7:30
9/17 Harleton Home 7:30
9/24 Quitman Away 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Tatum Away 7:30
10/15 *New Diana Home 7:30
10/22 *Jefferson Away 7:30
10/29 *White Oak Home 7:30
11/5 *Sabine Away 7:30
*district games
NEW DIANA EAGLES
The ‘New’ in New Diana never rang so true. Of the 29
players on the Eagles 2009 roster, 18 were seniors.
Experience will not be a strength in 2010. “We’ll be
young,” said head coach Roger Adams. “We have to
slowly develop some kids. We’ll start nine sophomores.
We’ll have the diapers on.”
No diapers are needed for all district performer Beau
Brewer. Brewer will be counted on offensively and
defensively. He’ll be one of the top defensive backs in
2010, and is also a talented running back. “We’ll use
some play action,” said Adams. “But were going to
concentrate on clock control. We have to take care of
the ball and eat up clock.”
The Eagles reached their goal of making the playoffs in
2009. It may be even tougher to match that success a
second year in a row. But you have to learn to win, and
New Diana has taken the first step.
WHITE OAK ROUGHNECKS
For two straight years the White Oak Roughnecks
have been bounced in the first round of the playoffs
by Jefferson. So you can understand why head coach
Tracy Blankenship wasn’t too excited to see Jefferson
join their new district. “Hopefully the third time’s the
charm,” said Blankenship.
Roughnecks will rely on an experienced and athletic
offensive line to keep the offensive machine moving.
The line is led by second team all state selection Ben
Adams. The offensive tackle is being recruited by
several D-I programs.
White Oak is replacing two one thousand yard rushers
in Jackson McCurdy and Junior Hamilton. There are
several possibilities to replace them in the backfield,
but the quarterback position will have to pick up the
slack. Blankenship says senior quarterback Connor
Sharp and senior wide receiver Taylor Goll will have
to step up. “Those two have to take the load off,” said
Blankenship. “That combination is going to have to
alleviate some pressure from the running game.”
SABINE CARDINALS
The UIL didn’t do Sabine any favors in search of their first
district title in 24 years. “It’s what the UIL said we have to
play,” said head coach Jerry Baker. “We’re going to have
to show up and play. I don’t want us to fear anybody.
We’ve just got to get better.”
Year two under Baker did not end well for the Cardinals.
Sabine lost their last five games. There won’t be much
senior experience to lead a turnaround in 2010. But the
Cardinals do have some playmakers. “Our skill players
have a chance to prove some athletic ability and make
some plays,” said Baker.
The Cardinals will be relying on cousins Kendrick and
Bryan Chumley to help put points on the board and make
up for the loss of starting quarterback Quan Boyd.
The defense should also be better in year three under
Baker, with six starters returning in the lineup.
District 9-2A - Division 1
“Right now we have a little taste of success,” said Adams.
“The kids know what it’s like to win.”
Players to Watch
Beau Brewer Senior RB/S
Jacob Witt Senior OT/DT
Cody Belt Senior TE/LB
Brian Bouzha Senior OL
Mascot:
Eagles
HS Enrollment 317
Superintendent Joyce W. Sloan
Head Coach
Roger Adams
Returning Offensive Starters 4
Returning Defensive Starters 5
Blankenship adds that the Roughnecks feel good
about their secondary and linebackers. They’ll need
to be good, to challenge the top teams in district.
Players to Watch
Ben Adams Senior OL/DE
Taylor Goll Senior WR/DB
Jake Moyers Senior CB
Landon Richeson Senior LB
Derick Smith Senior CB
Cody Hall Senior OL
Connor Sharp Senior QB
Mascot:
Roughnecks
HS Enrollment 406
Superintendent Michael Gilbert
Head Coach
Tracy Blankenship
Returning Offensive Starters 4
Returning Defensive Starters 4
“This is the second year we’ve played a 4-3 defense,” he
said. “We hope the kids respond. Our kids have worked
really hard for us.”
Players to Watch
Shane Lewis Senior TE/DE
Kendrick Chumley Senior WR/DB
Bryan Chumley Soph RB
Mascot:
Cardinals
HS Enrollment 400
Superintendent Stacey Bryace
Head Coach
Jerry Baker
Returning Offensive Starters 3
Returning Defensive Starters 6
Schedule
8/27 Ore City Away 7:30
9/3 Elysian Fields Away 7:30
9/10 West Rusk Home 7:30
9/17 Open
9/24 Malakoff Away 7:30
10/1 Winnsboro Home 7:30
10/8 *White Oak Home 7:30
10/15 *Harmony Away 7:30
10/22 *Tatum Home 7:30
10/29 *Sabine Home 7:30
11/5 *Jefferson Away 7:30
*district games
Schedule
8/27 Frankston Home 7:30
9/3 West Rusk Home 7:30
9/10 Spring Hill Away 7:30
9/17 Redwater Away 7:30
9/24 Elysian Fields Home 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *New Diana Away 7:30
10/15 *Jefferson Home 7:30
10/22 *Sabine Away 7:30
10/29 *Harmony Away 7:30
11/5 *Tatum Home 7:30
*district games
Schedule
8/27 Malakoff Away 7:30
9/3 Troup Away 7:30
9/10 Rains Home 7:30
9/17 Ore City Home 7:30
9/24 Overton Away 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 Jefferson Home 7:30
10/15 Tatum Away 7:30
10/22 White Oak Home 7:30
10/29 New Diana Away 7:30
11/5 Harmony Home 7:30
*district games
56
57

TATUM EAGLES
The Tatum Eagles were more than happy to move
back down to 2A, after two solid but not spectacular
years in 3A. “It’s been a disadvantage in years past,”
said head coach Andy Evans. “In 3A we got worn
down a little bit. It’s always a lot better to compete
with schools your own size.”
Eagles normally fly, but these Eagles will be running
the football. Tatum’s attack features two talented
backs. Senior B.J. Allen is coming off a 1,500 yard
season. Joining him is 1,200 yard rusher Brandon
Woodard.
Another offensive playmaker is senior Desmond Fite.
Evans says Fite will move from quarterback to wide
receiver. Junior Jalen Overstreet will replace Fite
behind center. The move should add even more big
plays to the offense. “Desmond’s a threat all over the
field,” said Evans. “We have to find different ways to
get the ball in his hands. Jalen throws well enough to
make the move.”
With so many weapons, there may not be enough
touches to go around. “We’re going to move to more
two back shotgun formations,” said Evans. “But it
really doesn’t matter who gets the ball. Our kids are
unselfish and just want to win.”
The offense may not be the Eagles best unit. The
defense returns seven starters, including standouts
Cullen Stone and Hunter Liles.
District 9-2A - Division 1
“This is the best skill we’ve seen in the last three
years.”
Players to Watch
BJ Allen Senior RB
Brandon Woodard Senior RB
Desmond Fite Senior WR/QB
Cullen Stone Senior DE
Jalen Overstreet Junior QB
Hunter Liles Senior LB
Mascot
Eagles
HS Enrollment 428
Superintendent Dr. Dee Hartt
Head Coach
Andy Evans
Returning Offensive Starters 4
Returning Defensive Starters 7
Schedule
8/27 Diboll Home 7:30
9/3 Gilmer Away 7:30
9/10 Atlanta Away 7:30
9/17 Open
9/24 Pittsburg Away 7:30
10/1 Bullard Home 7:30
10/8 *Harmony Home 7:30
10/15 *Sabine Home 7:30
10/22 *New Diana Away 7:30
10/29 *Jefferson Home 7:30
11/5 *White Oak Away 7:30
*district games
District 9-2A
Pre-Season
Coaches’ Poll
1. Tatum
2. Jefferson
3. White Oak
4. New Diana
5. Harmony
6. Sabine
What’s More
Texan Than Football
and DQ®
®
Blizzard, DQ and the ellipse shaped logo are trademarks of Am. D.Q. Corp., Mpls. MN ® Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off. Tx. D.Q. Op. Coun., © 2010.
58
59

TROUP TIGERS
A new coach, new offense, and new approach to
playing the game is just the tip of the iceberg for the
Troup Tigers of 2010. The players were introduced
this spring to their new head coach Chuck Griffin
who promptly began to build a program around prior
success as the offensive coordinator in Georgetown.
“We had to come in and learn how to work hard and
prepare in the off-season,” said Griffin. “We got to work
on taking care of the football, becoming better tacklers,
and learn to be little more aggressive. It’s then that we’ll
find out how important it is in the football season.”
Last season’s 2-8 record is now a distant memory for
the players clad in maroon who have taken on a year’s
worth of training in a short spring offseason. Griffin
hopes to get the Tiger offense rolling with a one back
offensive scheme looking to spread the wealth.
“I think it provides an opportunity to get the ball to our best
players offensively,” said Griffin. “We can make plays in
space and get a lot different hands on the ball.”
Senior Ryan Nichols will be leading the charge in the
backfield. The 165 lb. speedster will most likely be
the primary ball carrier on a roster laden with senior
District 11-2A - Division 1
New district levels a playing field filled with postseason hopefuls
Morgan Chesky - KLTV 7 News
Every team in Texas will take the field this August with the previous season’s slate wiped clean, an unblemished record, and four months from a state title.
The success or disappointment of 2009 is a now distant memory.
Most of the teams making up this brand new 11-2A are looking for a new start.
As fate or re-districting would have it, the district is now filled with teams prepped for not only a new season but a new era in several schools’ football programs.
“I think it has put us in a unique situation from a playoff perspective,” said newly named Troup head coach Chuck Griffin. “You know who you’re going to
play, but we don’t know anything about the teams we’re going to play. Elkhart is the only holdover, everything is new.”
Griffin, who has spent the past several seasons running the offense at Georgetown isn’t the only newcomer coach. The man behind Maud’s powerhouse
program of the past few years, Josh Finney, left the Cardinals after last season to move up to 2-A play in Teague. Finney and Griffin have inherited
programs who won one and two games respectively in 2009. Wins didn’t come easily, but when the new district holds only one team finishing last season
over .500 hopes are high for success.
“Our senior class is doing a good job and stepping up and working hard,” said Griffin, “We feel like we have a pretty athletic senior group, we just have to
come together as a team.”
One team with the pieces already in place is Crockett. The small 3-A school of previous years will now have a chance to square off against similar sized
foes such as Elkhart and Trinity as they drop to 2-A.
“We’re excited to be competing against the same size schools,” said Crockett head coach Paul Parsons. “We’ll be right there with everybody else number
wise and most certainly that will be to our advantage.”
Malakoff comes roaring into the 2010 season with a positive yet realistic outlook. The Tigers are the only team in 14-2A who reached the postseason last
year. Their 8-3 record is even more impressive considering they were winless in ’08, but head coach Jamie Driskell says their turnaround last year is one
many teams look to follow in 2010.
“Some of these schools were in the place where we were last year,” said coach Driskell. “They’re going to be hungry and they’re going to have to make
some changes like we did and I think the coaches are going to get those changes done.”
So many teams with such similar scenarios should no doubt make for exciting Friday nights once district play begins. The situation is one that coaches
say they can take advantage of if teams gel sooner than later. The abundance of new adversaries and new faces in 14-2A has plenty hoping to make
appearances in new places…the playoffs.
experience. “We’ve got 14 seniors this year and
they’re doing a good job,” said Griffin. “I’ve got 3 good
linemen and a good running back as a good base and
everything else is up for grabs and learn as you go.”
On the other side of the ball the Tigers bring a 50
defense looking to put some pressure on opposing
team’s quarterbacks. “We’ll be aggressive defensively,”
said Griffin, “We’re not going to sit back and let things
happen.”
7 on 7 play this summer should have the Tiger
secondary thoroughly prepped for play as Troup starts
the 2010 season confident. “We’ve got some exciting
things happening around the district,” said Griffin, “We
think we’re in a good place.”
Players to Watch
Ryan Nichols Senior RB/CB 5’9/165
Brock Grigsby Junior QB/DB 6’1/190
Patrick Alonzo Senior OL/DL 6’1/265
Dalvin Franklin Senior WR/DB 6’1/165
Cameron Searcy Senior WR/LB 5’10/180
Mascot
Tigers
Student Enrollment 294
Superintendent
Head Coach
Dr. Marvin Beaty
Chuck Griffin
Returning Offensive Starters 4
Returning Defensive Starters 3
Schedule
8/26 Shelbyville @ Brook Hill 7:30 PM
9/3 Sabine Home 7:30 PM
9/10 Hooks Away 7:30 PM
9/17 Bullard Away 7:30 PM
9/24 Brook Hill Home 7:30 PM
10/8 *Malakoff Home 7:30 PM
10/15 *Crockett Home 7:30 PM
10/22 *Trinity Away 7:30 PM
10/29 *Teague Home 7:30 PM
11/5 *Elkhart Elkhart 7:30 PM
*district games
CROCKETT BULLDOGS
It’s tough not to smile if you’re a die-hard Bulldog fan.
When you have 25 returning letterman, 16 returning
starters and drop in classification size, things are looking
up despite last year’s 1-9 season. “We suffered a very
frustrating season last year with so many young players,”
said head coach Paul Parsons, “But their attitude is
positive and they’re working hard. If we have good
summer workouts and come back ready to play things
good be very positive.”
Even if the energy isn’t there for the Bulldogs, at least
the numbers will be. As one of the smallest 3A schools in
the state in prior years, the drop to 2A is welcomed but
won’t even benefit the team until district. “Our non-district
is going to be tough,” said Parsons. “We don’t even play
a 2A team until the fourth week of season so getting off
to a good start is key.”
Parsons will have plenty of players to choose from to
ignite the offensive spark. “We’ve got good leadership in
our senior class with a lot of quality. Dominique Wheeler
is a very special player. He can run, jump, and he’s got
the whole package so we’re expecting a lot from him.”
ELKHART ELKS
We don’t feel like we’re the weak sister coming into
this, I’ll tell you that right now,” said Elkhart head
coach John Adair. “We’re finally without the perennial
powerhouses.”
Indeed the past two re-alignments haven’t exactly
helped the Elks, putting them against tough district
foes including Mart and Marlin. The Elks are wasting
no time in taking advantage of the situation, which
meant taking a look at what didn’t work last season
and moving on.
“We were a broken bone [offense] we tried to run
inside and we just don’t have the hosses up front
to do that,” said Adair. An adaptation of the spread
offense will fix that problem for Elkhart who looks to
change their approach for an offensive arsenal of skill
players. “We’re changing our offense a little bit to allow
us to get more of our skill players on the field at one
time,” said Adair. “It helps our offensive line because
now we’re looking at angles instead of man on man
up front, but honestly we’re looking at it more as a
run threat to begin with then pass. We’d like to be
balanced offensively.”
A balanced attack requires a versatile signal caller
which Adair believes he has in Lane Grant. But the
prototypical high school quarterback towering 6’3” at
200 lbs. didn’t even take a snap until early last season
when he was forced to fill in. “It’s been fun watching
District 11-2A - Division 1
Under center, the Bulldogs will look to C.J. Wheeler, a
6’1” dual threat who got plenty of varsity experience as
a sophomore. Wheeler is quick, but he may not have to
be with players up front like Antonio Chimney. The senior
offensive lineman stands six foot two and brings nearly
300 lbs. of power to the line.
On the other side of the ball opposing teams will have
to keep an eye out for Bulldogs looking for blood. The
team’s three leading tacklers in John Wolf, Devon Le, and
Damonte Lane are all coming back healthy and ready to
play leaving coaches excited about what’s to come.
“We had a good off-season,” said Parsons, “Overall
it’s been very good we’ve seen a lot of guys get a lot
stronger and really work hard.”
Players to Watch
Antonio Chimney Senior OL 6’2/ 294
Dominique Wheeler Junior WR 6’1/168
D’Vaughan Le Junior LB/S 5’7/162
C.J. Wheeler Junior QB/WR 6’1/168
him develop into the quarterback he is,” said Adair,
“He’s a smart kid and I think he’ll be doing a great job
for us.” Grant will have plenty of targets with the new
spread offense which caters to sharing the wealth.
“If we have strength it’s the skill kids,” said Adair.
“We’re going to try and get them on the field, see if
they can turn the corners and see what happens.”
The passing game will compliment an established
ground strategy centered around a ball carrier who
doesn’t mind taking the hit to the defense.
“John Ballard is a big kid,” said Adair, “He runs a low
4.7 and I think that will get even better, he’s a big kid
that can move.” Big is an understatement. At six feet
tall tipping the scales towards 250, Ballard is bigger
than most linemen giving the Elks a size advantage
Adair hopes brings wins with it too.
We’re looking for our first district win in 15 ballgames
so we’re going to show up at every game,” said Adair.
“It’s going to be a real fun and interesting district. I
think that those who work the hardest and get after it
the most are going to be the ones who win on Friday
nights.”
Players to Watch
Lane Grant Senior QB 6’3/ 200
John Ballard Junior TB 6’0/245
John Richbourg Senior DE 6’2/200
Cam Reeves Junior LB 5’9/160
Mascot:
Bulldogs
Student Enrollment 368
Superintendent Dr. Douglas Moore
Head Coach
Paul Parsons
Returning Offensive Starters 7
Returning Defensive Starters 9
Schedule
8/26 Newton Home 5:00 p.m.
9/3 Rusk Away 7:30 p.m.
9/10 Coldspring-Oakhurst Away 7:30 p.m.
9/17 Madisonville Home 7:30 p.m.
9/24 Frankston Away 7:30 p.m.
10/1 Corrigan Camden Home 7:30 p.m.
10/8 *Teague Home 7:30 p.m.
10/15 *Troup Away 7:30 p.m.
10/22 *Elkhart Home 7:30 p.m.
10/29 *Trinity Away 7:30 p.m.
11/5 *Malakoff Home 7:30 p.m.
*district games
Mascot:
Elks
Student Enrollment 349
Superintendent Mike Moon
Head Coach
John L. Adair
Returning Offensive Starters 7
Returning Defensive Starters 7
Schedule
8/27 Leon Away 7:30 pm
9/3 Normangee Away 7:30 pm
9/10 Centerville Home 7:30 pm
9/17 Grapeland Away 7:30 pm
9/24 Mildred Home 7:30 pm
10/1 Open
10/8 *Trinity Away 7:30 pm
10/15 *Teague Home 7:30 pm
10/22 *Crockett Away 7:30 pm
10/29 *Malakoff Away 7:30 pm
11/5 *Troup Home 7:30 pm
*district games
60
61

TRINITY TIGERS
The orange and black Tigers of Trinity are perhaps the
most surprising addition to district 14-2A. Located the
farthest south, they’ll be making some long road trips
to face off against district foes they haven’t played
against in years. Gone are the days of playing gritty
competitors such as Corrigan-Camden and Buffalo.
Like Elkhart, the Tiger’s playing field has been
somewhat leveled and the chance at significantly
improving their 2009 2-8 record seems very realistic.
Seven starters return on each side of the ball,
bringing experience, and leadership, not to mention
size. Senior running back Jay Johnson is built solid
and at six feet tall 185 pounds, he’ll be expected to
break some tackles. Johnson will share ball carrying
duties with fellow senior Reid Relchak who will do
the blocking at fullback and grind out the tough inside
yards when the Tigers need it.
Their balance transfers to defense where Kirby Brooks
is a force to be reckoned with. The six foot junior can
TEAGUE LIONS
Déjà-vu has taken on a whole new meaning for
recently named Teague head coach Josh Finney. The
coach arrived at Maud several years ago, the school
having just one playoff victory in its history. In March
he brought his hard nosed style football to Teague and
now gladly faces a similar dilemma in last year’s 1-9
season.
“I left Maud after 4 straight district championships,”
said Finney. “I just felt like I had done everything I
could do over there…We’re just gonna get in here and
roll our sleeves up and go to work and spend lots of
time and energy with these kids. It’s not going to be
easy but we’ve got a lot of tools here to work with.”
In his three months as head coach of Teague, Finney
has already been able to assemble what he calls an
“amazing” staff including several from his prior tenure
at Maud. “We’ve got the coaches, we’ve got the plan,
the biggest problem now is getting the kids ready,”
said Finney. “We had to get rid of the losing mentality
so we got out there and got after their tails and they
responded.”
The formula for success is no different at the bigger
2A level. Finney says the team is blessed with speed
which enhances the spread offense his staff is working
to implement. The playbook may contain a few more
passes than the one back in Maud, but Finney stresses
the Lions will first look to beat teams on the ground.
District 11-2A - Division 1
catch at tight end, but pass rushing is his specialty and
at 190 he can play the run when he needs to.
The Tigers are far from the only team coming off a
tough 2009 season, but say they’re if their defense can
come together and make key stops they believe the
offense can put them in positions to win.
Players to Watch
Kirby Brooks Junior TE/DE 6’0/190
Reid Relchak Senior FB/LB 5’10/180
Korey Smith Senior QB/DB 5’11/185
Jay Johnson Senior RB/DB 6’0/185
Mascot
Tigers
Student Enrollment 313
Superintendent Dr. Bobby Rice
Head Coach
Chuck Langston
Returning Offensive Starters 7
Returning Defensive Starters 7
“We’re going to run the ball and our kids are going to
be tough,” said Finney. “I’ve always thought we did a
good job preparing our kids mentally and getting them
to play four quarters of hard nosed football.”
Luckily for Finney, minimal changes will be needed
for perhaps the biggest hole on offense. Three
year all-state quarterback Jake McClain (87 career
touchdowns) will trade in the Cardinal helmet for a Lion
this fall. The move comes with the hiring of McClain’s
father to the Teague coaching staff.
“The turnaround can happen here,” said Finney.
“We’re very optimistic I’m not going to accept anything
less so the kids will have to buy into it. They will
have to workout during the summer and solidify their
commitment to making the playoffs. We’re fixing to get
this place rolling, it’ll take some work but we’re going
to get it rolling.”
Players to Watch
Larry Busby Junior TB 5’11/165
Kenny Campbell Senior WR 6’2 /195
Wade Venable Senior DE 6’2 /190
Jake McClain Senior QB 6’2 /210
Mascot:
Lions
Student Enrollment 344
Superintendent Ned Burns
Head Coach
Josh Finney
Schedule
8/27 Normangee Away 7:30
9/3 Grapeland Home 7:30
9/10 Evadale Away 7:30
9/17 Centerville Home 7:30
9/24 Alpha/Omega Home 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Elkhart Home 7:30
10/15 *Malakoff Away 7:30
10/22 *Troup Home 7:30
10/29 *Crockett Home 7:30
11/5 *Teague Away 7:30
*district games
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters 5
Schedule
8/27 Mildred Away 7:30
9/3 Centerville Away 7:30
9/10 Fairfield Home 7:30
9/17 Open
9/24 Blooming Grove Home 7:30
10/1 Itasca Home 7:30
10/8 *Crockett Away 7:30
10/15 *Elkhart Away 7:30
10/22 *Malakoff Home 7:30
10/29 *Troup Away 7:30
11/5 *Trinity Home 7:30
*district games
MALAKOFF TIGERS
As the only team who comes into 2010 off a winning
season (8-3), the odds do favor the Malakoff Tigers who
came upon the recipe for winning after a winless 2008
season. Head coach Jamie Driskell likes his team’s
chances, but knows how quickly a program can change.
“Some of these schools were in the place where we
were last year,” said Driskell, “They’re going to be hungry
and they’re going to have to make some changes like
we did…They’re all going to make their turn around. It’s
going to be wide open.”
Driskell hopes the momentum gained in last year’s
winning season doesn’t end with graduation. The Tigers
lost plenty and only have four starters on each side of
the ball returning. Their biggest loss unquestionably is
RB/LB Jackson Blacketer who led team in tackles and
racked up 1200 yards on the ground and 20 TD’s. Add
to that the departure of Vanoid Dawson who snagged 40
passes for more than 800 yards and its clear; roles need
to be filled. “Replacing those two guys will be tough,” said
Driskell. “We had a good offseason, kids worked hard
and put in a good effort. We’ll try to get it to the athletes
in space like Terry Shanlin. There are going to be some
kids that will have to step up and play.”
To accommodate some of the departed players the
defense may look a little different, switching from a
District 11-2A - Division 1
3-4 to 4-3 upfront, but Driskell says the switch favors a
little added size that will come in handy as the season
progresses and playoff hopes continue in a district
Driskell says could be won by anyone.
“It’s wide open,” said Driskell, “I think you have to be
prepared and play every week for everybody.”
Players to Watch
Josh Crockett Senior RB/S 5’8/160
Matt Green Senior DL/OL 6’3/260
Marquis Dowell Senior WR/CB 5’9/160
Mascot:
Tigers
Student Enrollment 309
Superintendent Dr. John Spies
Head Coach
Jamie Driskell
Returning Offensive Starters 4
Returning Defensive Starters 4
Schedule
8/27 Grand Saline Home 7:30
9/3 Kerens Away 7:30
9/10 Kemp Home 7:30
9/24 New Diana Home 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Troup Away 7:30
10/15 *Trinity Home 7:30
10/22 *Teague Away 7:30
10/29 *Elkhart Home 7:30
11/5 *Crockett Away 7:30
*district games
District 11-2A
Pre-Season
Coaches’ Poll
1. Crockett
2. Malakoff
3. Troup
4. Teague
5. Elkhart
6. Trinity
District 6-2A - Division 2
Big Difference Between The Top Half And Bottom Half Of This New District
Reid Kerr - 99.3 Sports Director
The new 6-2A is composed of teams who are familiar with each other, at least. The new two-tiered 2A classification takes Mildred, Edgewood, and Scurry-
Rosser from the old 14-2A and adds in Alba-Golden and Lone Oak from last year’s 13-2A. Rounding out the six teams is Red Oak Life, a charter school
playing their first Friday night games.
“It’s a very positive change for us,” Alba-Golden head coach Gary Schultz said, “and for any 2A school that was on the smaller side of things. We were in
with a lot of former 3A schools, and that was pretty tough. This new alignment seems to give everyone a better chance.”
The top three returning teams went 22-11 last season, while the bottom two were 3-17 and Red Oak Life didn’t field a varsity team. Still, this year’s
coaches see the new alignment as a good opportunity.
“I still think Edgewood and Mildred are going to be tough,” Lone Oak’s Dean Lasseter said. “I think it’ll still be tough with some quality opponents, but
overall, I think this district may be a little bit weaker than it has been in the past.”
ALBA-GOLDEN PANTHERS
The Alba-Golden Panthers went winless in 2009, the
second straight and sixth time in the last eight years.
Second year head coach Gary Schultz thinks his team
is on the right track, though. “The kids have all worked
really hard,” Schultz said. “I got in late last year and
had to establish a new discipline. They worked hard
and stepped up. We’ve got a good group of kids who’ll
have more experience. That’s going to really help us.”
The Panthers bring back five offensive and six
defensive starters, including senior offensive lineman
Phillip Lewers. “Phillip is about 6 feet, 320 pounds.
He’s really been a leader in the weight room for us and
he’s improved his quickness as well.”
Schultz said the opportunity is there for his team and his
expectations for next season are high. The next step is
up to his players, and they’ve impressed him so far.
“We had to establish a whole new atmosphere in
a couple of months. Now that we’ve had a full year
together, the kids are really stepping up. They know
what we expect, and they have expectations of their
own. They’ve accepted the responsibilities. That’ll be
evident in August; these kids have a tremendous work
ethic.”
Player to Watch
Phillip Lewers Senior OT
Mascot
Panthers
Enrollment 249
Superintendent Dewayne Ellis
Head Coach
Gary Schultz
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters 6
Schedule
8/27 Cumby There 7:30
9/3 Crossroads Home 7:30
9/10 Hawkins There 7:30
9/17 Celeste Home 7:30
9/24 Krum Home 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Mildred Away 7:30
10/15 *Red Oak Life Home 7:30
10/22 *Edgewood There 7:30
10/29 *Lone Oak Home 7:30
11/5 *Scurry-Rosser There 7:30
*district games
62
63

CORSICANA MILDRED
EAGLES
The Mildred Eagles continued their string of playoff
appearances last year with a 6-5 season, a district
championship, and a first-round loss to Lone Oak. This
year’s expectations are high, with six starters retuning
on offense and seven on defense.
On offense, the Eagles bring back three starting
linemen, including sophomore Thomas Finigmow and
junior Beau Jenkins.
“This group was very solid for us last year,” Eagles
coach Patrick Harvell said. “They should be even
better this year.”
Jenkins graded out at 92% for last year as a
sophomore offensive lineman. He’ll clear the way for
junior quarterback Daniel Folsom, who ran for 708
yards last season and scored eleven touchdowns.
EDGEWOOD BULLDOGS
The Edgewood Bulldogs went 7-3 last year, just
missing their first back-to-back playoff appearances
since 1991-92.
This year’s Bulldogs bring back three starters on defense,
and head coach Ryan Simmons is pretty excited about
seeing seven returners back on offense.
Junior quarterback Ethan Rutter returns to lead the team.
“Ethan threw for over 1800 yards last season in his first
year as a starter. He should have a really good year with
almost all our receivers coming back.”
Among those targets will be senior Clay Haltom, who
had more than 700 yards receiving as a sophomore but
was injured last year.
“He’s a 4.5 (in the 40) guy,” Simmons said. “If he recovers
he could be very explosive this year.”
LONE OAK BUFFALOES
Lone Oak went 9-3 last year, and made their fifth
straight playoff appearance. There’s a new head
coach in place for the Buffaloes, but Dean Lasseter
is a familiar face for the team. The team’s former
defensive coordinator ascends to the top job, and
plans to try and keep the tradition going. “I think when
things are going good in a program, you try and keep
the ball rolling and protect the tradition,” Lasseter said
in his first interview as head coach. “We need to keep
working hard.”
The Buffaloes return two starters on each side of the
ball, including senior quarterback and defensive back
Cooper Jones. “He’s going to be a great leader for
us this year on both sides of the ball. He brings great
athletic ability; he can throw run the ball well. He’s very
versatile at quarterback and also can play some wide
receiver.
Another two-way starter will be senior Hunter Cash.
“Hunter will be a slot receiver for us. He’s got great
hands and runs great routes. He’s a leader on defense
at safety, too.”
District 6-2A - Division 2
Corbin Russell returns for the team at running back.
The senior only got three games out of an injuryshortened
junior year.
On defense, Finigmow returns up front where he had
34 tackles last year, including six for loss. Junior Logan
Shelton had 74 tackles at linebacker.
Players to Watch
Daniel Folsom Junior QB/FS
Beau Jenkins Junior OL/DL
Mascot
Eagles
Enrollment 240
Superintendent Doug Lane
Head Coach
Patrick Harvell
Returning Offensive Starters 6
Returning Defensive Starters 7
Sophomore Jacob Sharff is also expected to have a
breakout year.
Up front, the Bulldogs expect big things from senior
lineman Tre Wright.
“Tre is the strongest kid on the team,” Simmons said,
“and probably the strongest in the district. He’s 6’1”, 275
pounds, and runs a 5.2 in the 40 yard dash.”
Players to Watch
Tre Wright Senior OL/DL
Clay Haltom Senior WR
Ethan Rutter Junior QB
Jacob Sharff Soph WR/DB
Mascot:
Bulldogs
Enrollment 280
Superintendent Jack Shellnutt
Head Coach
Ryan Simmons
Up front, the team will rely on senior Keaton Smith.
“He’ll be good on both sides of the ball for us,”
Lasseter said. “He should be our best lineman; he’s
gotten even stronger since last year. He’s got good
football knowledge; he’s a very coachable player. That
really helps with a lineman.”
On defense, Trevor Lasseter will patrol at middle
linebacker. “He’s one of the kids that got moved up
later and played in the playoffs and did well for us. It
was good for him to get that exposure because now
he’s got to step up and fill some holes.”
Players to Watch
Cooper Jones Senior QB/DB
Hunter Cash Senior WR/S
Keaton Smith Senior OL/DL
Trevor Lasseter Junior WR/LB
Mascot:
Buffaloes
Enrollment 289
Superintendent Eddie White
Head Coach
Dean Lasseter
Schedule
8/27 Teague Home 7:30
9/3 Palmer Away 7:30
9/10 Wortham Home 7:30
9/17 Buffalo Away 7:30
9/24 Elkhart Away 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Alba-Golden Home 7:30
10/15 *Scurry-Rosser Home 7:30
10/22 *Red Oak Life Away 7:30
10/29 *Edgewood Home 7:30
11/5 *Lone Oak Away 7:30
*district games
Returning Offensive Starters 7
Returning Defensive Starters 3
Schedule
8/27 Kerens Home 7:30
9/3 Kemp Home 7:30
9/10 Eustace Away 7:30
9/17 Caddo Mills Away 7:30
9/24 Grand Saline Home 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Scurry Rosser Away 7:30
10/15 *Lone Oak Away 7:30
10/22 *Alba-Golden Home 7:30
10/29 *Mildred Away 7:30
11/5 *Red Oak Life Home 7:30
*district games
Returning Offensive Starters 2
Returning Defensive Starters 2
Schedule
8/27 Caddo Mills Away 7:30
9/3 Clarksville Home 7:30
9/10 Grand Saline Away 7:30
9/17 Paris Chisum Home 7:30
9/24 Cooper Home 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Red Oak Life Away 7:30
10/15 *Edgewood Home 7:30
10/22 *Scurry-Rosser Away 7:30
10/29 *Alba-Golden Away 7:30
11/5 *Mildred Home 7:30
*district games
RED OAK LIFE MUSTANGS
Regardless of the results, it will be a record-setting
season for the Mustangs of Red Oak Life High School.
After three years of sub-varsity competition, the Mustangs
will field a varsity team for the first time in 2010.
“These guys have played one year of freshman and
two years of junior varsity,” head coach Mark Larson
said. “They’re excited, they’re ready to go. They finally
get to play on Friday nights. Finally getting to play,
I think that’ll help our program out. It’ll help with our
weight room attendance, and more kids will want to
be a part of it.”
Larson said a pair of juniors is among his players to
watch this year.
“Bryan Hoskin will start at wide receiver for us. He’s got
great hands and speed, he’s very tall. He may also play
some corner or possibly outside linebacker on defense.”
SCURRY-ROSSER
WILDCATS
The Scurry-Rosser Wildcats went 3-7 last season
under coach Kris Iske, but think their new district helps
their chance of battling for a playoff spot. “It’s a little bit
better for us,” fourth-year coach Iske said. “There are
six teams here instead of seven. There are still some
very good teams in our district, but the numbers help
us have a chance to battle here.”
The Wildcats bring back four starters on each side
of the ball, including senior running back Carlos
Cruz. “He’s very talented,” Iske said. “He’s got great
leadership. He’s strong, quick, a really exceptional
athlete. He leads by example.” Iske said Cruz will also
play some outside linebacker for the Wildcats.
Joining him in the backfield will be junior Rydge
Patton. “Rydge was honorable mention all-state for
us last year as a cornerback with six interceptions,”
Iske said. “He played running back for us last year,
but we’re going to a different system, and he fits better
now as a quarterback. He’s got the best arm, and he
can run also.”
Patton’s main target will be senior Seth Farmer, and
junior Jonathan Perez will play both sides of the
Wildcat line.
Iske said expectations are high with the change to the
spread formation on offense, but his team will have
District 6-2A - Division 2
At quarterback, Red Oak Life will look to Billy Russell.
“He’s come a long way,” Larson said. “He’s done a
great job of learning in the film room. He’s a big kid
with a strong arm.”
As for their first season, Larson hopes to hit the ground
running.
“I think it’s really important for us to get a good start.
As a new program, if we can have some success early,
it’ll really build momentum. We’ll have growing pains
and challenges, but I think we’ve got a good team and
staff. It’ll be a good year for us.”
Players to Watch
Bryan Hoskin Junior WR
Billy Russell Junior QB
Mascot:
Mustangs
Enrollment 262
Superintendent Dr. Tom Wilson
Head Coach
Mark Larson
to learn the ropes quickly and stay healthy. “We need
to pick up on our new offense pretty quick. Injuries
are a killer for us, we’re not very deep. We’ll have low
numbers. We’re going to be good one-deep, but after
that could be problems.”
“We’ll play hard, last year we had some turnover
problems,” Iske said. “We averaged about five
turnovers a game. We can’t do that.”
Players to Watch
Carlos Cruz Senior RB/LB
Rydge Patton Junior QB/DB
Seth Farmer Senior WR/DB
Jonathan Perez Junior OL/DL
Mascot
Wildcats
Enrollment 247
Superintendent Chris Couch
Head Coach
Kris Iske
Returning Offensive Starters 4
Returning Defensive Starters 4
Schedule
8/27 Cross Roads Away 7:30
9/3 Hubbard Home 7:30
9/10 Quinlan Boles Away 7:30
Returning Offensive Starters 0
Returning Defensive Starters 0
Schedule
8/27 Palmer Home 7:30
9/3 Buffalo Home 7:30
9/10 Garland Christian Home 7:30
9/17 Dallas Life Home 7:30
9/24 Italy Away 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Lone Oak Home 7:30
10/15 *Alba-Golden Away 7:30
10/22 *Mildred Home 7:30
10/29 *Scurry-Rosser Home 7:30
11/5 *Edgewood Away 7:30
*district games
9/17 Palmer Home 7:30
9/24 Centerville Away 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Edgewood Home 7:30
10/15 *Mildred Away 7:30
10/22 *Lone Oak Home 7:30
10/29 *Red Oak Away 7:30
11/5 *Alba-Golden Home 7:30
*district games
District 6-2A
Pre-Season
Coaches’ Poll
1. Lone Oak
2. Edgewood
3. Mildred
4. Scurry-Rosser
5. Alba-Golden
6. Red Oak Life
64
65

District 8-2A - Division 2
Coaches Agree UIL’s “Separation” A Good Thing For The 8-2A Programs
Mike Alzamora - KTBB Sports
The line has been drawn.
For the first time ever, the Class 2A and 1A football teams have been divided into separate big school and small school divisions prior to the start of the
season. In this case, it was done at the bi-annual U.I.L. realignment, as each classification was divided into 16 big school districts and 16 small districts.
No more guessing as to which bracket your team will play in come the post-season. The teams making the playoffs out of the big school districts will go
into the Division I bracket, while the ones in the small school districts will go to Division II.
“It is something that has needed to be done for a long time and I think it is going to be great for football fans all across Texas,” said new Elysian Fields
head coach Eric King.
For the teams in these classifications, they will no longer have to worry about competing against schools that in some cases have twice their enrollment.
For the most part, teams have been grouped in districts where everyone is pretty close to the same size. In the new District 8-2A Division II, the smallest
enrollment is 210 students, while the largest is 291. “I think the large and small AA districts are a step in the right direction for the U.I.L.,” said Harleton’s
head man Dennis Alexander.
The only complaint so far with this new setup is that only two teams will make the playoffs out of each district. However, some discussions are expected
to take place this summer to see if that may change to three teams qualifying for the postseason in either one or both divisions. At press time, the official
number remained at two.
Should it stay this way, it will leave the teams in this district with little room for error. One thing will be certain. The two teams that end making the playoffs
out of this league will definitely have earned it.
The Linden-Kildare Tigers who went three rounds deep in the postseason last year are favored to win the district as they return 14 starters. Hughes
Springs, however, is a close second; and don’t ever count out Coach Alexander and his Harleton Wildcats.
ELYSIAN FIELDS
YELLOW JACKETS
Only three years removed from a Class 2A Division II
State Championship game appearance, Elysian Fields
has already undergone two coaching changes since
then. This spring, EF promoted defensive coordinator
Eric King to the AD spot to replace Jack Parker who
became the school’s assistant principal.
The good news for King is that he will have 13 starters
back from last season. The not quite as good news is that
many of them are still underclassmen. Five freshmen
started for the Yellow Jackets in 2009, when they finished
5-5 after getting off to a 3-0 start. Injuries and misfortune
led to a 2-5 district mark for EF, which was left out of the
playoffs for the second straight year.
King’s familiarity with a defense that only allowed 13
points per game in the last four weeks of the season will
be key to the Jacket’s hopes to return to the postseason.
He expects the defensive unit to be the strength of his
team. “Our defense will be much improved from last year
and we will have a new scheme,” said King.
EF will focus more on stopping the run by going from
a base 50 look to incorporating the 44 split defense.
They will be led by senior ILB Stanley Roquemore who
recorded 92 tackles last season, and sophomore ILB
Bruce Woods who became a force last year posting 54
tackles in five games as a starter.
The Jackets secondary will be solid with three returning
starters in senior Alex Macklin, sophomore Christian
Smith and junior Trey Wood. Look for senior tackle Ty
Lawless, and sophomore end Isaiah Golden to anchor
the front four. As many as eight underclassmen may
start defensively for EF.
King also plans to scrap last year’s high tempo offensive
system for a more run-based two-back scheme, where
they will employ a multitude of formations. The Jackets
would like to take advantage of a massive offensive
line that returns four starters. Roquemore is expected
to become the primary running back and with his 4.46
speed, he has the potential to be electric. “Stanley
Roquemore has to be our go to guy in this offense next
season,” stressed King. At quarterback, Smith should
take the majority of the snaps from under center, but he
will get some competition from fellow sophomore Trevor
Spear.
Lawless and senior guard Jeremy Wigington will anchor
the right side of the offensive line along with Golden at
tight end. Golden was district 18-2A’s Newcomer of the
Year last season and he will be depended upon as one of
the primary targets in passing situations, as will Macklin
who hauled in 43 passes in 2009. “The jacket offense will
strive to have more balance in 2010,” explained King.
Whether or not Elysian Fields can get back to the
playoffs will depend a lot on their health and if all those
young pieces can mature as the season progresses.
King fully expects this district to be a six-team race for
the two-playoff spots. He says Friday nights will be very
competitive and every team will be well coached. He is,
however, very glad to be in the smaller division of Class
2A. “It is very hard to compete with teams like White
Oak, Harmony, Jefferson, Tatum, and Daingerfield when
they have nearly double the size of your enrollment,”
explained King.
Another ingredient that King brings to the table is a
renewed sense of a winning attitude. “Our motto this
year is, ‘WE WILL WIN’ and that is something that we
plan to do on and off the field,” King stated.
Players to Watch
Stanley Roquemore Senior RB/LB 6’0/ 195
Ty Lawless Senior OT/DT 6’2/ 265
Jeremy Wigington Senior OG/DT 6’2/ 255
Alex Macklin Senior WR/DB 5’9/ 185
Emanuel Sanchez Junior RB/LB 5’11/ 185
Trey Wood Junior WR/DB 5’11/ 180
Nathan Hall Soph Ath/DB 5’10/ 175
Isaiah Golden Soph TE/DE 6’4/ 265
Christian Smith Sopho QB/CB 6’1/ 175
Mascot:
Yellow Jackets
Student Enrollment 271
Superintendent Dr. Bob Browning
Head Coach
Eric King
Returning Offensive Starters 6
Returning Defensive Starters 7
Schedule
8/26 Harmony Away (Hallsville) 7:30
9/3 New Diana Home 7:30
9/10 Frankston Away 7:30
9/17 Open
9/24 White Oak Away 7:30
10/1 Beckville Home 7:30
10/8 *Hughes Springs Home 7:30
10/15 *Harleton Away 7:30
10/22 *Ore City Home 7:30
10/29 *Linden-Kildare Away 7:30
11/5 *Waskom Home 7:30
*district games
66
67

HARLETON WILDCATS
Will tradition continue
As happy as Dennis Alexander was to see 14 of his
players receive their high school diploma this spring,
he couldn’t help but wish that he could keep just a few
of them in a Wildcat uniform. “I lost 14 outstanding
players (to graduation), seven were two-way starters,”
explained Alexander.
Needing to replace starters in 16 different positions,
rebuilding would appear to be the name of the game
on State Highway 154. However, this is a team that
won a share of the district 18-2A title last year, and
a program that has made the playoffs the last seven
seasons. Plus, they are coached by a Texas high
school football legend in Alexander. With as much
tradition, and as used to winning as they are in these
parts, it would be unwise to believe that Harleton won’t
be right in the thick of things when it comes to the race
for the postseason.
“Hopefully tradition, attitude and effort will save us,”
said Alexander who heads into his ninth year coaching
at Harleton tied for fourth in the state’s all time career
coaching wins list with 313.
The Wildcats offense will be based around senior Billy
Smith, the team’s best overall athlete returning, who
will take over at quarterback. Smith was a second
team all-district receiver last season. “Billy Smith has
not played quarterback in four years, but can really run
and pass,” Alexander explained.
Juniors Levi Johnson and Jabe Martin should be
Smith’s primary targets in the passing game. But his
supporting cast begins with the guy he’ll be taking the
snaps from in senior center Tyler Lyons, a first team
all-district honoree in 2009. Two other Wildcats with
starting experience will also be back on the offensive
HUGHES SPRINGS
MUSTANGS
One victory and the Jefferson Bulldogs kept Hughes
Springs out of the playoffs for the first time in three years
in 2009. A 14-8 heartbreaking loss to Jefferson kept the
Bulldogs home in the post season. That bitter taste still
lingers this summer.
Jefferson is not anywhere on Hughes Springs’ 2010
schedule. Neither is Daingerfield or Queen City, as the
Mustangs found themselves just below the big schoolsmall
school division cutoff in February’s realignment.
Hughes Springs is now the school with the largest
enrollment in the new District 8-2A Division II. “We are
pleased with the new district not having the two time
defending state champ Daingerfield and the perennial
powerhouse Jefferson Bulldogs,” stated fourth-year
Mustangs head coach Chris Edwards.
Edwards should also be happy with twelve starters
returning, six on each side of the ball, including two
first team all-district performers in senior FB/LB Brent
Giddens, and senior DB/WR Anthony Hatten. Yet, they
are only two of many reasons why HS is favored to find
its way back to the playoffs. Some even feel they are
well capable of winning the district.
District 8-2A - Division 2
line. They are seniors Travis Nichols and Gauge
Volmer, who together with Lyons will form a strong
foundation for this young group to develop. Size could
be an issue, however.
Look for Alexander to try get Smith out in space in
order to take advantage of his speed and playmaking
ability. This could mirror in some ways how last
year’s district MVP Connor Lloyd was utilized, except
of course with Smith starting out of the quarterback
position. Don’t be surprised if Smith winds up leading
the team in rushing.
Defensively, Harleton is practically starting from
scratch as only two starters return. Smith was a
first team all-district linebacker last season and
he’ll also be looked upon for leadership on this side
of the ball along with Lyons who is likely the best
down lineman the Wildcats have coming back. Due
to lack of experience and depth, a lot of players will
be forced to go both ways. Nichols and Johnson fall
under this category at defensive tackle and linebacker
respectively. Also, senior Paul Smith should make
an impact at defensive end, while also starting on
the O-line. The key for these guys is how well they
can gel, develop their endurance and manage to stay
healthy. If these ingredients come together, they could
potentially form a very solid defensive front.
Again, you never would want to count out coach D.A.
and Harleton. He has the utmost respect from all those
around him, as well as his peers. One district coach
said, “Coach Alexander is someone I strive to be like
in my coaching career and can make an average team
an excellent team just by him being on the sidelines.”
These Wildcats, however, must develop chemistry
in order for them to be successful. “I hope many
players come through and show more maturity,” said
Alexander, who will likely figure out how to give his
team a chance to get back to the postseason.
For the Mustangs’ patented Slot-T offense to be
successful, Giddens must set the table and have another
outstanding year. He rushed for over 1,000 yards last
season after collecting 657 as a sophomore. He should
have plenty of help, however, as speedy senior running
back Shaquille Ranson, who racked up 428 rushing
yards in 2009, is poised for a breakout year. Add junior
back Cody Murphy, who was district 17-2A’s newcomer
of the year and you’ve got plenty of artillery to go around
in the backfield alone. “With several different formations
within our system, we’ll hopefully take advantage of our
skill positions which all are returning (minus) one tight
end,” Edwards explained. Senior Bubba Jones should
plug the hole left by departing all-district tight end Aaron
Roach. Jones, who began last season under center,
caught 17 passes after changing positions.
Junior Davuntae Hatten returns at quarterback after
taking over as the starter midway through last season.
The athletic lefthander (6’0”, 190lb.), who also runs
track appears to be getting faster and could add another
dimension as he continues to develop his dual-threat
ability. Edwards believes the overall team speed
offensively should be better in 2010. “We feel that we
will be a little faster but have to develop some young
lineman early.”
Players to Watch
Billy Smith Senior QB/LB 6’0/ 175
Tyler Lyons Senior C/DE 6’0/ 190
Travis Nichols Senior OT/DT 5’10/ 215
Paul Smith Senior OG/DE 5’10/ 180
Levi Johnson Junior TE/LB 6’0/ 190
Mascot
Wildcats
Student Enrollment: 210
Superintendent: Dr. Craig Coleman
Head Coach: Dennis Alexander
Returning Offensive Starters 4
Returning Defensive Starters 2
Schedule
8/27 Simms Bowie Home 7:30
9/3 Big Sandy Away 7:30
9/10 Winona Away 7:30
9/17 Harmony Away 7:30
9/24 Open
10/1 Tenaha Away 7:30
10/8 *Waskom Home 7:30
10/15 *Elysian Fields Home 7:30
10/22 *Linden-Kildare Away 7:30
10/29 *Hughes Springs Home 7:30
11/5 *Ore City Away 7:30
*district games
The Mustangs graduate the majority of their offensive
line experience, so that is definitely a question mark.
Junior tackle Ryan Russell will likely become the anchor
of this group, but he shouldn’t be alone as three seniors
are projected to start alongside him.
Defensively, HS has a solid nucleus returning as well.
The entire secondary is back, spearheaded by shutdown
corner Anthony Hatten, who finished with five interceptions
last season. Senior defensive end DeMarcus Hopkins
is a fierce pass rusher, as he accounted for nine sacks
a year ago. He is, however, the Mustangs only down
lineman with starting experience returning. They must
also find a new middle linebacker with the graduation of
Brandon Lindsey. Just like on offense, the development
of the front line will be a big key as to just how successful
this Mustang team can be. “We feel like our defense
overall will be faster and have a chance to run with other
teams,” said Edwards.
Since 2004, Hughes Springs has missed out on the
postseason only twice, and just once under Edwards. If
they can put the pieces in place to exploit their weapons
offensively, stay healthy, and continue to play with the
passion they’ve been known for, look for the Mustangs to
be dancing in November.
cont.
HUGHES SPRINGS MUSTANGS
Players to Watch
Brent Giddens Senior FB/LB 5’11/ 180
Anthony Hatten Senior DB/WR 5’11/ 175
DeMarcus Hopkins Senior DE 6’1/ 185
Bubba Jones Senior TE 5’11/ 185
Ryan Russell Junior OT 6’3/ 255
Shaquille Ransom Senior DB/RB 5’11/ 180
LINDEN-KILDARE TIGERS
A team that gradually got better as the season went
along was Linden-Kildare in 2009. The Tigers hit their
stride in district play and wound up three rounds deep
in the playoffs where they eventually fell to perennial
power Newton. L-K finished 8-5 and the only team
they lost to in league play was two-time defending
State Champ Daingerfield. Last year turned out to be
one of the best seasons for the Tigers in quite some
time, a great turnaround for a team that was just 2-8
the previous season.
Now with 14 starters returning, the most of any team
in the district, the Tigers have even bigger aspirations
as well as expectations. Many class 2A junkies across
the state are already giving L-K the trophy in the new
district 8-2A Division II. “We have a chance to be as
good or better than last year,” said third year head
coach Jerry Bennett, not downplaying the possibilities
for his bunch.
Offensively, everything starts with the return of first
team all-district 17-2A quarterback Kenny Harrison.
The multi-talented senior accounted for 2,372 yards
and 26 touchdowns last season in the Tigers’ spread
offense. Harrison threw for 1,391 yards and 14
touchdowns completing 49 percent of his passes, and
ran for just under 1,000 yards adding 12 more scores
on the ground. He averaged 5.5 yards each time he
carried the ball.
Teaming up with Harrison in the backfield will be
speedy junior RaShodrick Linwood, who becomes the
primary running back with the graduation of first team
all-district performer Greg Gaston. Linwood should
have no trouble picking up the slack from what was
an effective one-two punch last season. As a second
team all-district honoree, Linwood racked up a total
of 1,300 all-purpose yards, proving to be a versatile
weapon running the ball, catching passes out of the
backfield or lining up as a receiver, and on special
teams.
ORE CITY REBELS
A downhill slide during district play turned a very
promising start to the 2009 season into a disappointment.
The Rebels went winless in district 17-2A after beginning
the year 4-1.
“Very disappointed in the outcome of 2009,” said third
year head coach Bobby Chadwick. “We had a string
District 8-2A - Division 2
Mascot
Mustangs
Student Enrollment: 291
Superintendent: Rick Ogden
Head Coach: Chris Edwards
Returning Offensive Starters 6
Returning Defensive Starters 6
Schedule
8/27 Clarksville Away 7:30
9/3 Hooks Home 7:30
Adding to the Tigers’ arsenal are senior receivers Quan
Warren and Xavious Allen, both of whom were named
second team all-district last year. Warren caught 17
passes for 297 yards and four touchdowns, while Allen
reeled in 12 passes for 213 yards and a score. With
their experience and Harrison at the controls of this
wide open offense, L-K shouldn’t miss a beat despite
the departure of first team all-district wide-out Colton
Watson.
The Tigers will have to replace a couple of linemen
up front but will be anchored by big 285-pound senior
tackle DaQuan Bell, who was second team all-district
in 2009. Most of the other starters should also be
seniors so experience should not be a problem but
lack of size may be a concern.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers are fast,
athletic, experienced and talented. Four first-team alldistrict
players are back from a team that forced 47
turnovers and gave up less than ten points a game
three times last season. “We have a few players to
replace but we have some playmakers coming back
that should really make a difference for us,” said
Bennett.
Playmakers are correct. In the secondary, Warren and
Linwood had three interceptions a piece last year and
combined for eight fumble recoveries.
L-K operates out of a 4-3 front and will have their
leading tackler back in senior linebacker Cody Belyeu.
He will team up with Allen who was also second on
the team in picks with four last season. Up front, first
team all-district (and all time best names for a small
school in Texas) defensive tackle Garrett Countryman
will lead the troops. He’ll get plenty of help from senior
ends Sanwon Bennett and Nigel Brown.
Adding to what’s already on paper, the Tigers defeated
Hughes Springs, Ore City, and Harleton twice in 2009.
So it’s not just potential that makes L-K the favorite
to win this district and make another deep playoff
run. “With the new district and classification, we feel
of injuries and other incidents that we felt kept us from
getting over the hump.”
The Rebels also lose a large senior class to graduation
and are now in a district with three teams they lost to
last year. But that’s not enough to knock the wind out of
Chadwick’s sails.
Prior to his arrival, Ore City was 1-9 in two consecutive
seasons. Yet, Chadwick immediately brought the Rebels
9/10 DeKalb Away 7:30
9/17 Paul Pewitt Home 7:30
9/24 New Boston Home 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Elysian Fields Away 7:30
10/15 *Ore City Away 7:30
10/22 *Waskom Home 7:30
10/29 *Harleton Away 7:30
11/5 *Linden-Kildare Home 7:30
*district games
we have a good chance to be successful,” stressed
Bennett.
Players to Watch
Kenny Harrison Senior QB 5’10/ 175
Xavious Allen Senior LB 6’0/ 205
Cody Belyeu Senior LB 5’10/ 180
Quan Warren Senior WR 5’10/ 170
Rashoderick LinwoodJunior RB/WR/S 5’10/ 185
Mascot
Tigers
Student Enrollment: 260
Superintendent: Clint Coyne
Head Coach: Jerry Bennett
Returning Offensive Starters 7
Returning Defensive Starters 7
Schedule
8/27 Hooks Away 7:30
9/3 Center Home 7:30
9/10 Queen City Home 7:30
9/17 Open
9/24 Redwater Away 7:30
10/1 Atlanta Away 7:30
10/8 *Ore City Home 7:30
10/15 *Waskom Away 7:30
10/22 *Harleton Home 7:30
10/29 *Elysian Fields Home 7:30
11/5 *Hughes Springs Away 7:30
*district games
back to respectability as they finished 5-5 in 2008 and
were only a win away from making the playoffs for the
first time since 1995.
The second half of last season may have been a setback
for Chadwick and the Rebels, but that doesn’t mean they
can’t continue to progress.
cont.
68
69

ORE CITY REBELS
Offensively, OC brings back five starters led by good
size and leadership on the offensive line. 6’3” 305lb
second team all-district senior Dillon Ivory is a massive
cornerstone for the Rebels. He’ll be aided by 6’2” 235lb
senior Raul Esquivel and fellow senior Jordan Boyd. The
three of them will help open holes for junior running back
Joey Henderson, a player that is very much below the
radar. Henderson rushed for 1,077 yards last season,
averaging 6.5 yards a pop, but was left out of the alldistrict
17-2A first or second teams. Senior Jonathan
Ramsey and senior fullback Jonathan Harris will also
contribute to the Rebels ground game. “We will be very
multiple (on offense), just trying to get the ball into the
hands of our playmakers,” explained Chadwick.
Junior Dalton Hildreth is expected to replace departing
second team all-district quarterback Brandon Rogers.
He’ll definitely have some big shoes to fill as Rogers ran
for nearly 1,000 yards in 2009, often operating out of the
now very popular wildcat formation.
Senior receiver Shaun Nicholson is a big target at 6’3”
and could be primed for a big year. He’ll be joined on the
receiving corps by fellow senior J.J. Walker who caught
15 balls for 317 yards and two touchdowns last season.
On the other side of the ball, however, the cupboard is
a bit bare for the Rebels. Only three starters are back
WASKOM WILDCATS
Welcome to the 2A ranks Waskom!
Maybe moving up a classification is not the most
welcomed thought next to the Louisiana border as the
Wildcats are coming off a winless 0-10 season.
How about, welcome new head coach Whitney Keeling!
Ah, now we’re talking. Although Waskom underwent
a coaching change for the second straight off-season,
there’s reason for optimism with the Wildcats latest hire.
Even though, Keeling is a rookie head coach, he arrives
at Waskom after a very successful stint as the wide
receivers coach at (3A) Pleasant Grove. Keeling who
replaces Brian Lowe, helped lead the Hawks to deep
playoff runs the last three seasons including last year’s
Class 3A Div. II State Quarterfinals.
Keeling should instill discipline and stability to a program
that has seen its share of adversity and has not been
to the postseason since 1992. Keeling has also been
an assistant at Kilgore and Jacksonville and has a lot of
respect from his coaching peers.
“If Coach Keeling can turn the corner at Waskom they will
be a very dominating program for many years to come,”
said a fellow head coach in the new district 8-2A Div. II.
However, a quick turnaround is likely not in store.
Growing pains will be plenty in 2010 as the Wildcats
return a grand total of six starters, three on each side
of the ball.
Keeling will implement an offense based out of the
I-formation and will look to junior quarterback Kaylon
Jackson to run it. Junior Curtis Haley does have some
speed and looks to be the Wildcats primary running
back with senior fullbacks Jacolby Johnson and Jordan
District 8-2A - Division 2
defensively and two of them are Ivory and Esquivel who
go both ways. Esquivel was a second team all-district
defensive lineman last year, but there are many holes to
fill in a unit that surrendered an average of 38 points per
game in district play.
Chadwick will employ a base out of the split defense,
which is used a lot nowadays to stop the run. But he
will have to find someone to replace the departing Cory
Maxwell who made 100 tackles at linebacker, as well as
free safety Kyle Lacy who actually wound up leading the
team in tackles according to Chadwick.
Senior cornerback Alan Phillips should become the
leader of the Rebels secondary after leading the team
last year with four interceptions.
It could be a tough year for Ore City, or it could be a
year of growth and maybe even breakthrough. Chadwick
remains confident as to what 2010 has in store. “We feel
like we will have a chance to compete for a playoff spot
this year.”
Players to Watch
Dillon Ivory Senior OL/DL 6’3/ 305
Raul Esquivel Senior OL/DL 6’2/ 235
Shaun Nicholson Senior WR/DE 6’3/ 205
Joey Henderson Junior RB/LB 5’10/ 175
Bennett leading the way. In addition, the offensive line
has some size, which could make this offense efficient
and help it produce some positive results. 305-pound
senior Chris Knighton should be the anchor of this group.
“Based out of the I, we hope to control the clock by
running the football,” said Keeling.
Defensively, the Wildcats will look to senior second team
All-District 19-1A linebacker Sam Foley to lead the troops,
which will be based on the split. They will, however, have
many holes to fill and will have to rely on many players
going both ways.
Wins may be difficult to come by at first in a higher
classification, but Keeling believes his group is capable
of improving. “I think we will be better fundamentally and
I also think we will compete better than last year.”
Players To Watch
Kaylan Jackson Junior QB/RB 5’7/ 165
A.J Jackson Senior WR/CB 6’0/ 175
Cutis Haley Junior RB/CB 5’8/ 170
Jacolby Johnson Senior FB/LB 5’10/ 195
Justin Gossett Junior FS/WR 5’10/ 170
Daniel Hicks Senior OL/DL 5’11/ 215
Chris Knighton Senior OL/DL 6’0/ 305
Javier Sanchez Soph OL/DL 5’8/ 240
Alvin Luster Senior WR/SS 5’10/ 180
Jordan Bennett Senior FB/LB 5’8/ 190
Mascot:
Wildcats
Student Enrollment: 243
Superintendent: Jimmy Cox
Head Coach: Whitney Keeling
Returning Starters Offense: 3
Returning Starters Defense: 3
Mascot
Rebels
Student Enrollment: 225
Superintendent: Lynn Heflin
Head Coach: Bobby Chadwick
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters 3
Schedule
8/27 New Diana Home 7:30
9/3 Harmony Away 7:30
9/10 Open
9/17 Sabine Away 7:30
9/24 Union Grove Home 7:30
10/1 Lovelady @Brook Hill 7:30
10/8 *Linden-Kildare Away 7:30
10/15 *Hughes Springs Home 7:30
10/22 *Elysian Fields Away 7:30
10/29 *Waskom Away 7:30
11/5 *Harleton Home 7:30
*district games
Schedule
8/27 Maud Away 7:30
9/3 Open
9/10 Big Sandy Home 7:30
9/17 West Sabine Home 7:30
9/24 Beckville Home 7:30
10/1 Simms Bowie Away 7:30
10/8 *Harleton Away 7:30
10/15 *Linden-Kildare Home 7:30
10/22 *Hughes Springs Away 7:30
10/29 *Ore City Home 7:30
11/5 *Elysian Fields Away 7:30
*district games
District 8-2A
Pre-Season
Coaches’ Poll
1. Linden-Kildare
2. Hughes Springs
3. Harleton
Tie 4. Ore City
Tie 4. Elysian Fields
6. Waskom
our game plan...
saves you money!
super1foods.com
70
71

ARP TIGERS
After back to back years of unsuccessful trips to the
class 2A quarterfinals, the Arp Tigers hope to get
over that hump this year and make an even deeper
postseason run. The Tigers return nine starters from
last year’s 12-1 team and Coach Dale Irwin believes
the division separation will help teams like his. “I think
it definitely levels the playing field. I know playing
Kirbyville the last two years in the quarterfinals, has
shown that their depth, and our lack of it, really put
us in a bind.”
Coach Irwin will have plenty of weapons at his disposal
on the offensive side of the ball in 2010 led by Junior
quarterback Kyle Copeland. Last year as a sophomore
he threw for nearly 1,900 yards and 18 touchdowns
while also running for over 500 yards and 12 more
scores. Irwin knows his continued improvement is a
major key for the Tigers. “Kyle played every game last
year and we need him to keep getting better and be
the offensive leader we need each and every week.”
Copeland and running back Kasey McClendon hope
to soften the blow of losing do it all back LaVocheay
Cooper, who signed to play football at Oklahoma St.
next year.
FRANKSTON INDIANS
The Frankston Indians return 13 starters off of last year’s
5-5 team and are looking to end a two year playoff
drought. Head Coach Sam Wells believes his team has
a shot to make the postseason, but knows it won’t be
easy, “We have a strong district. We have to take it one
week at a time and play very well each week.”
District 9-2A - Division 2
Two Playoff Veterans Look To Battle For Another District Title
Jamie Lent - Sports Director KTBB Radio
For those who thought the Division 1-Division 2 separation would make things easy on D-2 teams, they obviously did not get a good look at District 9-2A.
The newly aligned district features three playoff teams from last year including a 12-1 team, an 11-3 team, and only one team that finished below .500.
Union Grove Head Coach Marty Moore believes the district will be one of the most competitive in East Texas. “This could be the toughest Divison 2
district around. West Rusk will be an improved playoff team from ‘09. Arp will be outstanding once again. Joaquin is always a playoff team that plays
tough, hard nosed football and Frankston will be loaded with talent. Things should definitely be interesting.”
Looking at the teams on paper, it’s easy to understand the point Moore is making.
West Rusk returns 18 starters and has the experience of making the playoffs last season.
The Tigers of Arp have become a playoff power and have now won ten games or more in three consecutive years.
Joaquin made the postseason last year and adds to the mix a group of JV players that went undefeated in 2009.
A year into learning his system, Coach Darold Turner of Winona feels his guys have a better shot now that enrollment numbers are equal.
Frankston returns 13 starters including stars in the making in quarterback Jamal Allen and defensive tackle Braderick Fields.
And finally, Union Grove must overcome the loss of a large senior class but returns major impact players like Beau Davis, Dillon Penn, and Dalton
Bowery.
But, there is always good news when playing in a difficult district. Frankston head man Sam Wells believes the tough competition can be a good thing in the
long run. “I think we have one of the tougher districts in the region. Whoever represents our district in the playoffs will have a chance to make a good run.”
When it comes to the Arp defense, opposing teams
might think twice about attacking the middle. After all,
the Tigers bring back stout defensive tackles Jamie
Warren and Dylan Stainback and right behind them,
Seth Stroupe returns after an 88-tackle campaign a
year ago.
The Tigers start the season with a road match-up
with two time defending state champion Daingerfield,
but the game of the year is likely to be in the regular
season finale at West Rusk. Irwin believes the Raiders
are the team to beat in the district and thinks his team
has the ability to do just that. “We, as a staff, like where
our program is now. We feel like we should be able
to line up and compete for a district title year in and
year out.”
Players to Watch
Kyle Copeland Junior QB 6’1/175
Kasey McClendon Junior RB 5’8/175
Jamie Warren Senior G/DT 6’0/275
Seth Stroupe Senior ILB 5’10/185
Dylan Stainback Senior T/DT 6’5/340
Despite losing Division 1 talent Koby Coleman (Texas
Tech), the strength of the Indians should be on the
defensive side of the ball. Eight starters come back from
last season lead by twin brothers Jabralon and Jamal
Allen. The two have given their verbal commitments
to Stephen F. Austin and Wells believes each will be
a major factor on both sides of the ball. “Jabralon and
Jamal provide our team with great leadership. We expect
great things from both of them.”
Mascot
Tigers
Student Enrollment 288
Superintendent Toney Lowery
Head Coach
Dale Irwin
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters 4
Schedule
8/27 Daingerfield Away 7:30
9/3 Paul Pewitt Home 7:30
9/10 Center Away 7:30
9/17 Palestine Westwood Home 7:30
9/24 Gladewater Away 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Frankston Away 7:30
10/15 *Joaquin Home 7:30
10/22 *Union Grove Away 7:30
10/29 *Winona Home 7:30
11/5 *West Rusk Away 7:30
*district games
Offensively Jamal returns at the quarterback position
as well as running back Treston Coleman. The junior to
be rushed for over 650 yards last year as a sophomore.
All that being said, Wells thinks the improvement of a
young offensive line may be the key. “Our offensive line’s
development is going to be big for us. If we do a good job
up front and stay healthy, we will do well.”
cont.
FRANKSTON INDIANS
The Indians get the luxury of playing three of their five
district games at home after tough non-district road
games at White Oak, Westwood and Alto. If the team is
able to make it through the difficult regular season slate,
Wells believes his team could have a lot of fun in the
postseason. “I think we have one of the tougher districts
in the region. Whoever represents our district in the
playoffs will have a chance to make a good run.”
Players to Watch
Jabralon Allen Senior LB/WR 6’1/200
Jamal Allen Senior QB/LB 6’1/195
JOAQUIN RAMS
After the first 11 win season in school history, the
Joaquin Rams look to continue their success while
moving up from 1A to 2A. Coach Wayne Gandy
doesn’t see the move up as a bad thing. “No matter
what classification you’re in, it’s tough, but then again,
that’s the way we like it. Our boys are going to have
to keep in mind that we can play with anyone and that
this is not a move up to 2A, but rather an opportunity
to conquer new challenges.”
The Rams bring back just seven starters from last
year’s squad that went four rounds deep in the 2009
playoffs. However plenty of reserves are on the way
from the JV squad that went undefeated last season.
The offense’s strength may come up front where both
Chase Lambright and Justin Underbrink hold down
tackle positions. The major challenge will be replacing
super star running back Jeffry Rico who rushed for
nearly 2,100 yards a year ago.
The leader of Joaquin may be two way starter Tyler
McSwain. The 5-11, 193 pounder starts both at
linebacker and fullback and has impressed head man
UNION GROVE LIONS
The Union Grove Lions enjoyed a 6 and 4 season in
2009 but narrowly missed their first playoff appearance
since 1968. Making things tougher for the Lions is
that fact that they lose 15 seniors from last year and
return just eight starters. Head Coach Marty Moore
says getting young players to step up in a hurry will
be important. “We will need to grow up quickly and
overcome inexperience. I expect us to play hard every
game and improve weekly. Improvement will be our
main focus.”
On the positive side, two way starters Beau Davis,
Dillon Penn and Tyler Sorrells all come back after
solid junior years. Penn played especially well on the
defensive side where he was one of the area’s best
with five interceptions.
Despite the difficult district alignment, the new Division
1/Division 2 separation is one that Coach Moore likes
and believes will benefit teams like his. “The separation
into divisions will help us tremendously in the future.
District 9-2A - Division 2
Braderick Fields Senior DT 5’10/235
Adam Pessink Senior DT/TE 6’3/235
Treston Coleman Junior RB 5’11/210
Mascot:
Indians
Student Enrollment 231
Superintendent Austin Thacker
Head Coach
Sam Wells
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters 8
Schedule
8/27 White Oak Away 7:30
9/3 Westwood Away 7:30
Gandy. “Tyler McSwain was born to play the game. He
is smart, tough and has a nose for the ball.”
Considering that the Rams are the smallest 2A team in
the state of Texas and that they have moved into one
of the deepest 2A districts in the area, the task at hand
is obviously a tough one for Joaquin. That being said,
Gandy says he and his guys look forward to battling it
out. “The size of the classification does not matter. The
only thing that will affect us is us. If you don’t have a
challenge in your life, you don’t have much of a life.”
Players to Watch
Tyler McSwain Senior LB/FB 5’11/193
JaDerrick Norris Senior SB 5’11/175
Chase Lambright Senior OT 5’10/231
Justin Underbrink Junior OT 6’1/235
Smooch Wilson Senior CB 5’8/160
Mascot:
Rams
Student Enrollment 194
Superintendent Phil Worsham
Head Coach
Wayne Gandy
We take pride in knowing that we will line up and play
tough against anyone we face. In the long run it should
be a great advantage to not be in a district with schools
with twice our enrollment.”
Players to Watch
Beau Davis Senior DE/TE
Dillon Penn Senior DB/RB
Dalton Bowwery Senior DE/TE
Taylor Mayfield Senior LB
Tyler Sorrells Senior OLB/RB
Mascot:
Lions
Student Enrollment 214
Superintendent Brian Gray
Head Coach
Marty Moore
Returning Offensive Starters 3
Returning Defensive Starters 5
9/10 Elysian Fields Home 7:30
9/17 Alto Away 7:30
9/24 Crockett Home 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Arp Home 7:30
10/15 *West Rusk Home 7:30
10/22 *Joaquin Away 7:30
10/29 *Union Grove Home 7:30
11/5 *Winona Away 7:30
*district games
Returning Offensive Starters 3
Returning Defensive Starters 4
Schedule
8/27 Tenaha Home 7:30
9/3 Shelbyville Away 7:30
9/10 Hemphill Away 7:30
9/17 San Augustine Home 7:30
9/24 All Saints Away 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Winona Home 7:30
10/15 *Arp Away 7:30
10/22 *Frankston Home 7:30
10/29 *West Rusk Away 7:30
11/5 *Union Grove Away 7:30
*district games
Schedule
8/27 Beckville Away 7:30
9/3 Overton Home 7:30
9/10 Harmony Home 7:30
9/17 Big Sandy Away 7:30
9/24 Ore City Away 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *West Rusk Away 7:30
0/15 *Winona Away 7:30
10/22 *Arp Home 7:30
10/29 *Frankston Away 7:30
11/5 *Joaquin Home 7:30
*district games
72
73

WEST RUSK RAIDERS
With back to back playoff appearances under their belt
and 18 returning starters from an 8 and 3 team a year
ago, the West Rusk Raiders expect to be a big factor
in the 9-2A championship race this year. In fact, Coach
John Frazier believes if his team handles its business,
they’ll be playing for it all on the final Friday night of
the season. “As usual it will be a dog fight to make the
playoffs. We have to take it one game at a time. If we
do that, we will play Arp for the title in Week 10.”
The 2010 season will mark the 4th for Frazier at the
helm of the Raiders and he has seen improvement
each and every year. This year’s group of seniors were
freshmen when he arrived and he looks for them to
provide great leadership this year. “I am really excited
about this senior class. They are great leaders and
many already have two years of varsity experience.”
Frazier says playing great defense will be the key for
his team this year and experience will help with many
two year starters returning to the mix. The linebacking
core should be especially solid with Chris Savala,
Dewayne Fisher and Santos Gonzales all back.
District 9-2A - Division 2
Along with Arp and Frankston, the Raiders move into
the new district after going 3 and 2 in 19-2A game a
year ago. Frazier believes the new district will also be
tough, but the division separation will help. “We lost a
couple of great teams, but we picked up some good
ones as well. But, without a doubt, the separation
favors us. It is tough to compete with the larger
numbers of some other East Texas schools.”
Players to Watch
D’Land Jones Senior OL/DL 6’2/305
Chris Savala Senior LB 5’11/185
Dewayne Fisher Senior RB/LB 5’11/175
Tony Gordon Senior WR/DB 6’0/180
Santos Gonzales Senior RB/LB 5’9/185
Mascot
Raiders
Student Enrollment 216
Superintendent Tommy Alexander
Head Coach
John Frazer
Returning Offensive Starters 10
Returning Defensive Starters 8
Schedule
8/26 Redwater At Gilmer 7:30
9/3 White Oak Away 7:30
9/10 New Diana Away 7:30
9/17 Jefferson Home 7:30
9/24 Tenaha Home 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Union Grove Home 7:30
10/15 *Frankston Away 7:30
10/22 *Winona Home 7:30
10/29 *Joaquin Away 7:30
11/5 *Arp Home 7:30
*district games
Here’s to the hungry.
WINONA WILDCATS
In the 2nd year of Coach Darold Turner’s system the
Wildcats of Winona look to break through and end a
14 year playoff drought. The Cats went 2 and 8 in year
one with Turner last year, but hope this year will bring
more victories.
Coach Turner likes the athletic ability and speed of his
team, but hopes depth doesn’t become a factor. “We
must stay healthy if we are going to be competitive in
this district. Our district is very strong and we will need
everyone to be involved.”
On the offensive side of the ball, the Wildcats return
six starters from last year including three big time
weapons. Joey Dykes, Kendall Moore and Joseph
Traylor are all back and are expected to be big time
factors. Turner believes Dykes may be the key to his
squad having success.
The defense will without a question be lead by Jaylyn
Turner. The 6-3, 307 pound nose tackle is thought by
many to be a division 1 recruit.
Getting to the postseason remains the number one
goal of the Wildcats but Turner knows accomplishing
that won’t be easy. “We are hungry for a playoff spot,
but this district is tough from top to bottom. We are
going to need to upset one of those top two teams if
we are going to get in.”
Players to Watch
Jaylyn Turner Senior OL/DL 6’3/307
Joseph Traylor Senior WR/DB 6’4/195
Kendall Moore Senior WR/DB 5’8/145
Joey Dykes Junior QB/OLB 5’9/165
Mascot
Wildcats
Student Enrollment 238
Superintendent Wiley Vonner
Head Coach
Darold Turner
Schedule
8/27 T.K. Gorman Away 7:30
9/3 James Bowie Away 7:30
9/10 Harleton Home 7:30
9/17 Grand Saline Home 7:30
9/24 Queen City Home 7:30
10/1 Open
10/8 *Joaquin Away 7:30
10/15 *Union Grove Home 7:30
10/22 *West Rusk Away 7:30
10/29 *Arp Away 7:30
11/5 *Frankston Home 7:30
*district games
District 9-2A
Pre-Season
Coaches’ Poll
1. West Rusk
2) Arp
3) Frankston
4) Joaquin
5) Union Grove
6) Winona
DQ ® JUST TASTES BETTER.
Blizzard, DQ and the ellipse shaped logo are trademarks of Am. D.Q.
Corp., Mpls. MN ® Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off. Tx. D.Q. Op. Coun., © 2010.
74
75

BIG SANDY WILDCATS
For the most part, games are won and lost in the
trenches. For Big Sandy, the guys battling in those
trenches are set.
Coach Larry Minter says as his line goes, so his team
will go. “Our offensive line will be the most important
part of our team,” says Minter, “We have good depth
and size but maturity and leadership will be the key to
our season.”
That line will be anchored by 6’4”, 285lb Landon
Whitten. With a solid offensive line in place, Coach
Minter is still looking for the correct assembly of “skill”
players to fill in those positions.
The Wildcats return seven starters on offense and
seven on defense, but are without an experienced
quarterback. The good news is, coach Minter should
have plenty to choose from.
“Quarterback is a competitive position for us this
year,” says Minter. “We have three kids battling for
District 9-1A - Div 1
Realignment Leaves 9-1A Looking For A New Champion
Kurt Kitchens - KTBB Sports
Change is guaranteed and it is no more evident than in District 9-A this football season.
Realignment sent Union Hill and Detroit High School out of this district and added Overton and Carlisle.
For Overton and Carlisle change is good.
This new district would no longer include perennial powers Alto and 2009 state champion Cayuga.
Maud went 5-0 in district last year, but along with a significant graduating class comes new senior leadership as well as a new head coach in Charlie
Coker.
Hawkins went 4-1 but also graduated District MVP Ryan Gattis and first-team all-district running back Fernando Gutierrez along with both all-district
defensive ends Michael Ritchey and Louie Snider.
Simms Bowie went 3-2, and took their shot at Cayuga in the second round of the playoffs last season falling 64-21.
Big Sandy struggled with a younger team to a 1-4 district record. The Wildcats will be looking for leaders this season to improve.
In a district filled with changes, Carlisle brings one of the most stable teams into its new district. Carlisle lost its first two district games last season to
Alto and Cayuga, squeaked by Garrison then allowed only eight points in three remaining district games before falling to Joaquin in the playoffs.
Overton continues the theme of change, but with a familiar face. Coach Arthur “Bo” Talkington returns to the job he left 21 years ago. Overton fans will
be looking to go “back to the future” as Talkington had great success during his previous time in Overton.
the position and their play will be important.” It will
depend largely on whether his players mature and
work to improve in the off-season.
“Our ability to win and/or advance in the playoffs
depends on whether our kids can stay healthy and
have a great turnout for seven-on-seven and summer
workouts,” predicts Minter.
Players to Watch
Lafredrick Scott Senior TE 6’2”/225
Bradley Smith Senior WR/P/K 6’0/185
Landon Whitten Senior OL 6’4”/285
James Ellis Junior SE 5’10”/165
Zach Dunham Senior RB 5’10”/185
Mascot
Wildcats
Enrollment: 178
Superintendent: Scott Beene
Head Coach: Larry Minter
Returning Offensive Starters 7
Returning Defensive Starters 7
Schedule
8/27 Quinlan Boles Away 7:30
9/3 Harleton Home 7:30
9/10 Waskom Away 7:30
9/17 Union Grove Home 7:30
9/24 OPEN
10/1 Como-Pickton Home 7:30
10/8 *Maud Away 7:30
10/15 *Overton Away 7:30
10/22 *Carlisle Home 7:30
10/29 *Hawkins Away 7:30
11/5 *James Bowie Home 7:30
*district games
CARLISE INDIANS
Many coaches develop a special relationship with their
quarterback, but none are closer than Carlisle Head
Coach Rocky Baker and his quarterback. Gunner
Baker, coach Baker’s sophomore son, will be under
center for the Indians in 2010 in addition to playing
safety.
Although Gunner is only a sophomore, you can
be sure he has been coached, if not groomed, for
this leadership role for years. A coach’s son is a
little different, albeit not protective or given special
advantages, but they are likely “in touch” with the
coach and his intentions better than most.
The young quarterback will be surrounded by quality
seniors in case he needs any further instruction or
leadership.
Senior running back Erick Hernandez returns to
provide stability as well as senior wide receiver
Brandon Frazier and tight end Duke Pool.
HAWKINS HAWKS
Hawkins is another team with changes in this district
for the 2010 season. One of the biggest is the move
at quarterback. District MVB Ryan Gattis graduated
last year, leaving an obvious hole at the quarterback
position for the Hawks. Jacob Wright will fill that void
at quarterback this season. Wright caught 56 passes
last season and was honorable mention all-state at
wide receiver.
Replacing first team all-district running back Fernando
Gutierrez will be a team of running backs. Senior
Chase Phillips and Junior Ty Musick will share the
duties this season.
Coach Keith Cook says filling these holes on his roster
will not be easy, “we have a lot of questions to answer
concerning our offensive and defensive skill positions.”
In addition to the skill players lost to graduation,
Hawkins also graduated both all-district defensive
ends, Michael Ritchey and Louie Snider.
MAUD CARDINALS
It’s possible that no one in the district understands or
embraces change the way that first year head coach
Charlie Coker does. “We have been successful the last
four years under Coach Finney,” says Coker. “There
have been a lot of changes in the coaching staff. It
is important for the kids to learn new systems and the
coaches to learn more about the kids.”
After going 5-0 in district last season before falling to
Teneha in round two, Maud returns only two starters
which will bring many changes. One of the biggest will
be at quarterback where senior Kyle Wommack will be
asked to take a huge leadership role.
“On a team with only three seniors, he is one of them
as well as the quarterback,” coach Coker continued,
“He will be a leader.”
Leadership will come from the other two seniors on
the team this season as well, Leo Conkleton at wide
receiver and defensive end Dakota Jones .
District 9-1A - Div 1
Carlisle brings a decent amount of experience and
depth from a team that played in a very tough district
last season.
The Indians allowed only eight points in the final three
district games last season and will likely be tough on
defense again.
Players to Watch
Erick Hernandez Senior RB/LB 5’9”/190
Gunner Baker Soph QB/S 6’1”/175
Brandon Frazier Senior WR/CB 5’10”/155
Clay Allphine Soph OL/LB 5’10”/185
Duke Pool Senior TE/LB 6’2”/190
Mascot:
Superintendent:
Head Coach:
Indians
Mike Payne
Rocky Baker
Returning Offensive Starters 7
Returning Defensive Starters 10
With all the changes, Hawkins still has good senior
leadership as well as linemen, and should be a district
contender.
Players to Watch
Jacob Wright Senior QB/DB 6’0”/175
Chase Phillips Senior RB/LB 6’0”/190
Ty Musick Junior RB/LB 5’11”/185
Walker Marsh Senior WR/LB 6’0”/165
Christian Tyree Junior OL/LB 5’10/165
Mascot:
Hawks
Enrollment 195
Superintendent Dan Rose
Head Coach
Keith Cook
Returning Offensive Starters 7
Returning Defensive Starters 7
“We will be extremely young and will rely on a lot of
sophomores and juniors,” says coach Coker.
The Cardinals will spend their time in off-season
workouts learning a new offense, and defense as well
as getting familiar with their new found roles. With no
returning starters on the offensive line, coach Coker
put it best, “our offensive line has to step up quick!”
Players to Watch
Kyle Wommack Senior QB 5’11”/145
Leo Conkleton Senior WR/DB 5’9”/150
Dakota Jones Junior WR/DE 6’1”/170
Hayden Minter Junior WR/DB 5’10”/155
Haden Sanders Junior OL/DL 6’2”/246
Mascot:
Cardinals
Enrollment 160
Superintendent Robert Stinnett
Head Coach
Charlie Coker
Schedule
8/27 Union Hill Home 7:30
9/3 Quinlan Boles Home 7:30
9/10 Chester Away 7:30
9/18 Detroit Pittsburg TBD
9/24 Cushing Home 7:30
10/1 OPEN
10/8 *Hawkins Away 7:30
10/15 *Simms Bowie Home 7:30
10/22 *Big Sandy Away 7:30
10/29 *Overton Home 7:30
11/5 *Maud Away 7:30
*district games
Schedule
8/27 Detroit Away 7:30
9/3 Union Hill Home 7:30
9/10 Alba-Golden Home 7:30
9/17 Cumby Away 7:30
9/24 Como-Pickton Home 7:30
10/1 OPEN
10/8 *Carlisle Home 7:30
10/15 *Maud Home 7:30
10/22 *Simms Bowie Away 7:30
10/29 *Big Sandy Home 7:30
11/5 *Overton Away 7:30
*district games
Returning Offensive Starters 1
Returning Defensive Starters 1
Schedule
8/27 Waskom Home 7:30
9/3 Rivercrest Away 7:30
9/10 Genoa, AR Home 7:30
9/17 Foreman, AR Away 7:30
9/24 Detroit Away 7:30
10/1 OPEN
10/8 *Big Sandy Home 7:30
10/15 *Hawkins Away 7:30
10/22 *Overton Home 7:30
10/29 *James Bowie Away 7:30
11/5 *Carlisle Home 7:30
*district games
76
77

OVERTON MUSTANGS
One of the many changes in district 9-A this season
is not so much of a change as trip back in time. Most
Overton fans it will be familiar with the off-season
choice to fill their coaching vacancy. Former Overton
Coach Bo Talkington is coming back to lead the
Mustangs again.
Talkington coached the Mustangs from 1981 to 1988
and compiled an impressive 60-14-1 record making
the playoffs in five out of seven years.
However, that was a long time ago, just over 20-years
in fact. What Talkington will bring to Overton is much
needed discipline and a good work ethic.
Talkington listed the strengths of the team to be,
“quickness and good physical conditioning.”
SIMMS BOWIE PIRATES
In a district filled with change, James Bowie High might
be the one with the least changes or the smallest to
overcome.
Returning a running back like Colby McCullogh who
gained 1200 yards last season is a good foundation,
which most teams would love to have. “Colby has
good vision and strong legs and makes good cuts,”
said coach Eddy May about his star back.
There are some challenges for the Pirates of course.
They lost their starting quarterback to graduation as
well as three offensive linemen which will need to be
replaced.
The team’s defense is also in need of improvement. “If
we can get better on defense, we have a chance to be
good,” coach May continued, “we have some fast kids
but we have to tackle when we get there.”
Coach May understands that in a district filled with
change one thing is certain; teams will have to play
tough every week. “Our district is going to be tough.
We added Carlisle and Overton and both of these
teams are good. There will be no Fridays off. You will
have to be at your best each week.”
District 9-1A - Div 1
Unfortunately for the new coach in the new district,
experience will not be his friend as he returns no
starters to a team that went 3-6 last season.
Players to Watch
Levi West Senior OL/DL 6’0”/225
Spencer Wright Junior TE/DE 6’2”/185
Forest Lee Junior RB/LB 5’10”/175
Austin McCasland Junior RB/DB 5’10”/170
Shelton Rogers Senior TE/DE 5’10”/210
Mascot
Mustangs
Enrollment: 170
Superintendent: Alan Umholtz
Head Coach: Bo Talkington
Players to Watch
Colby McCullogh Senior RB/LB 5’10”/170
Zac Pistolis Junior RB/C 5’9”/175
Logan May Senior QB/LB 6’0”/165
Reese Hudgeons Senior WR/S 5’9”/165
Bradley Crumpton Junior RB/LB 6’0”/185
Mascot:
Pirates
Enrollment: 196
Superintendent: Rex Burks
Head Coach: Eddy May
Returning Offensive Starters 5
Returning Defensive Starters 7
Schedule
8/27 Harelton Away 7:30
9/3 Winona Home 7:30
9/10 Prairiland Away 7:30
9/17 Beckville Away 7:30
9/24 OPEN
10/1 Waskom Home 7:30
Schedule
8/27 Cayuga Home 7:30
9/3 Union Grove Away 7:30
9/10 Mt. Enterprise Home 7:30
9/17 Cushing Away 7:30
9/24 Sabine Home 7:30
10/1 OPEN
10/8 *James Bowie Away 7:30
10/15 *Big Sandy Home 7:30
10/22 *Maud Away 7:30
10/29 *Carlisle Away 7:30
11/5 *Hawkins Home 7:30
*district games
10/8 *Overton Home 7:30
10/15 *Carlisle Away 7:30
10/22 *Hawkins Home 7:30
10/29 *Maud Home 7:30
11/5 *Big Sandy Away 7:30
*district games
District 12-1A - Div 2
In 12-1A It’s Not The Size That Matters
Coleman Swierc - KLTV 7 Sports Anchor/Reporter
One coach put the new district into perfect perspective; “You may only have to win one district game, if it is the right one, that could get you in.”
The UIL re-alignment caused some major headaches around the new district 12-1A, a district now made up of only four teams.
That’s right, four teams, and three district games.
“To be honest, when the district came out, I was stunned,” said Tenaha head coach Terry Ward, “My first thought, was to how in the world we would ever
fill a schedule.”
Turns out, the Tigers were not the only team with that problem.
Several of the other schools, along with Tenaha, will play only nine games in 2010. “The one thing good about playing only three district games is that it
gives us plenty of time,” said Union Hill head coach Ryan Pate, “It gives us a few more weeks to figure out what does and does not work for our team.”
Pate is one of two district head coaches taking the reins of a program for the first time in their careers.
District 9-1A
Pre-Season
Coaches’ Poll
1. Simms Bowie
2. Maud
3. Hawkins
4. Carlisle
BECKVILLE BEARCATS
In 2009, Beckville needed one win to make the
playoffs.
They got it.
“To win the last game (against Mt. Enterprise) was
huge,” said head coach Jason Ballenger, “It showed
our kids that what we were teaching was correct
and that they can beat anyone if we just don’t make
mistakes.”
Ballenger hopes 2010 will be a repeat, and the new
head coach has all the firepower he could want. “We
have kids that want to win coming back, there is
nothing more that a new head coach could hope for
than to have kids who want to win.”
If the Bearcats hope to return to the playoffs, they will
do it on the shoulders of eight starters returning on
offense.
And there is no better place to start, than up front,
where two all-district linemen, Dillon Etheridge and
Josh Smiley, return to anchor the offense.
Joined with Demontre Allison, the Bearcats offense
should be a well-oiled machine.
District 12-1A - Div 2
Jason Ballenger is not new to Beckville, but is to the head coaching position.
“I have been here for a few years,” said Ballenger, a former assistant at Beckville, “But we are going to undertake some major philosophy changes, we
have to make the kids believe that Beckville can be a winner.”
Away from Pate and Ballenger, sit the two longest tenured head coaches in the district, Mt. Enterprise’s Louie Johnson, and the aforementioned Ward
from Tenaha. Even they couldn’t explain how 2010 might work. “It is strange, to play only nine games,” said Ward, “Then you realize district is here, and
you better win, because one loss or one win can move a team from worst to 1st in a night, so you better make it count.”
“The district may be small,” said Johnson, “But there is no doubt, when we play each other, and when teams play us, we are going to pack quite a
punch.”
5. Big Sandy
6. Overton
MOUNT ENTERPRISE WILDCATS
For as much as Beckville celebrated the last week in
2009, it was Mount Enterprise that felt the worst pain.
A home loss to the Bearcats kept the Wildcats from a
playoff appearance.
Head coach Louie Johnson expects his Wildcats to be
there again, but this time expects a different outcome.
“It hurt our kids last year,” said Johnson, “But we know
that mistakes and not doing the little things right can
cost you, and we wont forget it.”
The Wildcats will have to replace several key
components, as senior leaders Larry Soloman, Kevin
Pope and DT Bryant have all moved on.
The cupboard is not completely empty, as returners
Marlon White, Blake Chapman and Zack Pollett
should step in nicely the upcoming year. All three saw
considerable time on offense as underclassmen last
year. “There are holes to fill, no doubt, but I think that we
have enough returning, and kids in the system that will
step right in and help us immediately,” says Johnson
Defensively, things appear to be a bit more cut and dry.
Strong safety Grant Grubbs returns, after a season
in which he posted more than 80 tackles. Joined by
“We know we can move the ball, but we have to cut out
the mental mistakes. With the guys coming back that
we have, we should be able to limit those errors.”
The same can be said for the defense, where eight
more starters return, including defensive anchor Zach
Smiley. “I know it is cliché, but it is true, defense wins
championships, and the guys coming back have the
ability to do that for us.”
The Bearcats got the big win they wanted in 2009,
with a new head coach, a new philosophy, and a new
attitude, Beckville might see many more big wins to
come.
“There is no doubt that we have the kids and the talent
to win, the question is now can we put it together
Can we do what we did down the stretch last year, this
year If we get a break or two, I see no reason why we
can’t hold up that district title at the end of the year.”
Players to Watch
Dillon Etheridge Senior OT
Zach Smiley Senior SS/LB
Josh Smiley Junior OL/DL
Demontre Allison Senior RB
defensive line anchor Brandon Johnson, who himself
had more than 50 tackles, and the stoppers for the
Wildcats, have a good base.
“We are going to find out real quick what we have,” says
Johnson. “We will play the best players, and they are
going to play a lot. We don’t have a lot of depth, so
those guys like Grand and Brandon, are going to have
to lead the way.”
Most would call the 7-3 year by Mt. Enterprise a success.
They would be wrong.
“We hate the idea of sitting around and watching
everyone else play. We don’t want to do that again.”
And just for fun, the last game of the year, should it
come down to it, is a rematch with Beckville, the same
team who went to Mt. Enterprise last year and kept the
Wildcats on the post-season sideline.
Players to Watch
Grant Grubbs Senior TE/SS
Brandon Johnson Senior DL
Marlon White Senior RB/LB
Blake Chapman Junior WR/DB
Zack Pollett Junior WR/DB
Mascot:
Bearcats
Student Enrollment 140
Superintendent Devin Tate
Head Coach: Jason Ballenger
Returning Offensive Starters 8
Returning Defensive Starters 8
Schedule
8/27 Union Grove Home 6:00
9/3 Cushing Away 6:00
9/10 Shelbyville Away 6:00
9/17 James Bowie Home 7:00
9/24 Waskom Away 7:00
10/1 Elysian Fields Away 7:00
10/8 Open
10/15 *Union Hill Home 7:00
10/22 *Tenaha Away 7:00
10/29 *Mt. Enterprise Home 7:00
11/5 Open
*district games
Mascot:
Wildcats
Student Enrollment 189
Superintendent Dean Evans
Head Coach
Louie Johnson
Schedule
8/27 Cushing Home 7:30
9/3 Cayuga Away 7:30
9/10 Overton Away 7:30
9/17 Timpson Away 7:30
9/24 Chester Away 7:30
10/1 West Sabine Home 7:30
10/8 Austin Regents Home 7:30
10/16 *Tenaha Home(Sat) 7:30
10/22 *Union Hill Home 7:30
10/29 *Beckville Away 7:30
11/5 Open
*district games
78
79

TENAHA TIGERS
Losing stinks.
Tenaha hasn’t smelled it a whole lot recently. But the
stench of a 3rd round loss to Mart, still lingers. “We
played so poorly in the first six minutes, and we could
just never get it back,” said head coach Terry Ward,
“I hope we can avoid that situation again and put it
together for a whole 48 minutes this year.”
The 12-1 season by the Tigers in 2009, puts them
squarely in the cross hairs as the district favorite for
this year. “I won’t lie, I like our chances to do well,” said
Ward, “But doing well for us means competing for a
state title, and we fully intend to be there in the end.”
Ward and the Tigers will bring back plenty of talent to
help fuel that fire.
Juniors Reginald Davis (840 yards receiving) and
offensive lineman LaDarren Cooks will return, along
with four other starting offensive players, to help lead
a Tiger offense that averaged nearly 40 points a game
one year ago.
Davis will move from wide receiver and will take the
quarterback reins left vacant by the now departed Cobi
Steadman.
“Reginald and LaDarren are our anchors,” said Ward,
“There is no doubt about that, they have been through
District 12-1A - Div 2
the fires here and have won a lot of games at Tenaha.
They will be the ones who lead us to where we want
to go.”
Familiar faces will return to the defensive side as well,
as seniors Devonte Williams (11 sacks) and Sadara
Wilson (112 tackles) along with junior Keitron Smith
(108 tackles), will load the Tigers front lines this year.
“We felt as though we were a good defensive football
team last year. I see no reason why we cannot perform
the same again this year. We want to shut people
down.”
With the memory of that loss to Mart still fresh in their
minds and a whole slew of top-notch talent coming
back, Tenaha has a score to settle with the rest of 1A
football. “We have a nice 2-year window here and
we want to take full advantage of it. Getting to the 3rd
round last year was nice, but it was not enough, we
want more, and our kids want more. And when you play
for Tenaha, we want to win state championships, and
everyone knows it.”
Players to Watch
Sadara Wilson Senior RB/LB
Devonte Williams Senior OL/DL
Reginald Davis Junior QB/DB
LaDarren Cooks Junior OL/DL
Keitron Smith Junior RB/LB
Mascot:
Tigers
School Enrollment 117
Superintendent Don Fallin
Head Coach
Terry Ward
Returning Offensive Starters 6
Returning Defensive Starters 7
Schedule
8/27 Joaquin Away 7:30
9/3 Timpson Home 7:30
9/10 Alto Away 7:30
9/17 Garrison Home 7:30
9/24 West Rusk Away 7:30
10/1 Harleton Home 7:30
10/8 Open
10/16 *Mt. Enterprise Away 7:30
10/22 *Beckville Home 7:30
10/29 *Union Hill Away 7:30
11/5 Open
*district games
UNION HILL BULLDOGS
Ryan Pate has only been on the job for a few weeks.
Admittedly, there is a lot of work to do.
“It has been a whirlwind here,” said Pate, “But first and
foremost, we have to build a relationship with our kids,
we cannot expect to win in the fall until we see what
kind of kids we have.”
The first year head coach will have a lot of challenges
in front of him, trying to turn recent down trodden
seasons into a season of winning.
“My job depends on wins, but there is so much more
to success than wins,” said Pate, “Our job is to prepare
kids for the opportunity to win and to coach them on
what to do when that opportunity reveals itself.”
When that opportunity arrives, Pate and the Bulldogs
will rely on the leadership and playmaking of four
starters on offense and six on defense that return.
Clint Caffey, a two time 1st team All-District defensive
back will help anchor the defense that will be looked to
lead the charge. “We have some good kids returning,
Clint is one of them, and we will need him to play a big
role if we want to turn this thing around.”
A host of underclassmen will help Pate rejuvenate the
offense.
Juniors Bradley Mitchell, Marcus Lawton and Xavier
Johnson will return as stalwarts for the Bulldog
offense.
Not lost in the mix of starters and schemes is the
philosophy that Pate will bring with him.
Years of winning as an assistant at 3A power Gilmer
has helped Pate bring a new attitude to the Union Hill
program.
“I was able to learn from some of the best during my
time there, and one thing that I wanted to take from
there to here is that the focus is not always on winning,
but the focus is on the preparation to win, and that is
what I hope to bring to this program.”
Players to Watch
Clint Caffey Senior DB
Jonathan Cook Senior RB/DB
Bradley Mitchell Junior OL/DL
Marcus Lawton Junior RB/DB
Xavier Johnson Junior OL/DL
Javarious Dixon Soph RB/DB
Mascot:
Bulldogs
School Enrollment 92
Superintendent Sharon Richardson
Head Coach
Ryan Pate
Returning Offensive Starters 4
Returning Defensive Starters 6
Schedule
8/27 Carlisle Away 7:30
9/3 Hawkins Away 7:30
9/10 Savoy Home 7:30
9/17 T.K. Gorman Home 7:30
9/24 Cumby Away 7:30
10/1 Detroit Home 7:30
10/8 Open
10/15 Beckville Away 7:30
10/22 Mt. Enterprise Away 7:30
10/29 Tenaha Home 7:30
11/5 Open
*district games
District 12-1A
Pre-Season
Coaches’ Poll
1. Tenaha
2. Mt. Enterprise
3. Beckville
4. Union Hill
80

What’s More
Texan Than Football
and DQ®
Roger L. McCown II, DO • Joshua D. Stein, MD • Thomas B. Volatile, MD • William F. Phillips III, MD • William R. Hobbs, MD • Jayesh K. Patel, MD (not pictured)
DOCTORS EVERYWHERE
USE REPLACEMENT
SURGERY TO SUPPORT
HIP AND KNEE JOINTS.
®
Blizzard, DQ and the ellipse shaped logo are trademarks of Am. D.Q. Corp., Mpls. MN ® Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off. Tx. D.Q. Op. Coun., © 2010.
WE DEVELOPED A WAY TO
SUPPORT THE WHOLE PATIENT.
An outpatient department of Mother Frances Hospital.
tmfhc.org/jointpain
We call it “Joint Adventure.” In the Joint Replacement Center at Trinity Mother
Frances, led by medical director William F. Phillips III, MD, patients facing similar
surgeries go through the whole experience – pre-operative education through
post-op rehabilitation – together. It’s based on a national model proven to reduce
recovery periods and improve results while making sure every patient is fully
supported. Here, nobody faces their surgery alone. It’s just another example of
how Trinity Mother Frances is bringing the future of medicine to east Texas.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (903) 525-2990
or visit tmfhc.org/jointpain.