Azle Hornets Football Retrospective by Admin

AZLE HORNETS INSIDE

FOOTBALL RETROSPECTIVE! The Life of Buzzy Hornet Football Through The Years Fans’ Favorite Games

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2013 GRIDIRON SEASON PREVIEW

A Special Supplement of Wednesday, August 28, 2013 Edition of The Azle News

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Hornets

Hornet football history goes up and down by mark k. campbell To be honest, Azle football has never been a powerhouse. However, several Hornet squads have turned in some impressive seasons. Football begins Depending on sources – some of which are highly suspect, especially online – Azle might have played football as early as 1930 where, according to lonestarfootball.com, Azle lost twice to Decatur, the only games of the year. Those 18-6 and 18-12 losses could not be verified. After World War II, the Hornets played regularly and didn’t win much. The only team with a winning record was the 1948 team that went 6-4. But, in the late 1950’s Azle football took a big jump. The ‘56 squad finished above .500 thanks to a pair of ties, against Pilot Point and Lake Worth. The 1957 Hornets won more games than any other Azle team

before it, going 8-2. Only one team advanced to the playoffs back then, and AHS was 4-2 in district. In ‘58, Azle, coached by Don Hood, lost just one district game, going 2-1-2. Grapevine, a nemesis then, beat AHS 48-26 as the Hornets finished 4-4-2 overall. The first-ever district championship followed. Not only that, but Azle went undefeated in 1959, finally beating Grapevine 14-6. The bi-district foe was Olney and, for the first time in two consecutive years, the Cubs beat Azle, 34-8. No other AHS team has ever won 10 games in a season. The Sixties In 1960, the decade started just fine as Azle again went 5-0 to win the district, edging Grapevine 12-6 and Northwest 19-18. This time Olney beat the Hornets 31-13 in bi-district. AHS won nine games. There would be one more foray into the postseason in the ‘60’s.

Hornets celebrate winning bi-district in 2005 over Fort Worth Arlington Heights. Worth Diamond Hill-Jarvis In 1968, Azle won the district Success, then a long drought After an unusual 1970 season (0-0), and Burleson (8-8) – the with a 6-1 mark. But mighty Plano’s 62-20 spanking kept AHS where Azle played three ties – Hornets lost just one game in without a playoff victory. against Jacksboro (14-14), Fort PLEASE SEE A TIME, PAGE 3.

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A time of drought looks brighter in new era n A TIME, FROM PAGE 2.

district, to Boswell 15-8. The 4-1-2 mark wasn’t good enough for the district championship, however. But the 1971 team pulled the feat off. Brewer was the tough game for coach Fred Wier’s squad; AHS won 17-10 thanks to a long field goal and a late game, fourth down stop, Wier recalled. Azle reached the postseason 9-1. But there was Plano again, led by future Texas A&M/NFL great Pat Thomas. The Hornets lost 40-7. Azle would not only not sniff the postseason again for more than two decades, but some years would be mighty lean. The 1973 Hornets lost its final two games, to Burleson and Grapevine. The ‘74 squad went winless, never scoring more than 13 points in a game. It got worse in 1975, another 0-10 mark that included six shutouts. A losing streak grew to 22 games. That stretch would end in the first game of the ‘76 season. At Lake Worth, the Hornets topped the Bullfrogs 20-14. AHS fans stormed the field after the final gun. One of the best teams of the Seventies was the ‘77 unit – aka the “Green Gang” – that went 7-2-1, 2-2-1. Those Hornets started 6-0 then tied Castleberry. However Brewer stopped the string and ended championship hopes. Mark Langston rushed for over 1,000 yards.

In ‘79, Azle went 8-2, but a district 12-8 loss in the Take the Lake game against Boswell and a 12-0 blanking at the hands of Fort Worth North Side kept AHS out of the playoffs. In the Eighties, Azle saw some good individual performances – Ryan Bailey rushed for 1,356 yards in ’85 – and teams went 4-2 in district a couple of times and 3-2 three others. But AHS did not get out of district. However, the winning was about to begin... The golden era The arrival of coach Buddy Brock changed everything. The 1991 team went 6-4 with a season ending 21-7 win over playoff-bound Northwest – a catalyst that would propel AHS to five straight playoff appearances. In ‘92, Azle lost all five non-district games. But then district play started and AHS went 4-1 and moved on. The foe was mighty Stephenville, a team that had beaten the Hornets 21-14 in Week 2. This time, scrappy Azle fell 10-6 in bi-district. The 1993 season started much better with AHS only losing to Stephenville (387) and Southlake Carroll in non-district. Again, Azle went 4-1 in district and, again, Stephenville awaited. The Hornets gave the Yellow Jackets a big scare before fall-

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ing 24-21. The next year, finally, AHS got its first playoff victory. Azle 1959 (10-1, 5-0) Foe The Hornets stag 50 Springtown 0 gered out of the gate 28 Nocona 8 with a tough non-dis 60 Arlington Laneri 0 trict schedule, going 57 Bridgeport 0 1-4. 20 FW Diamond Hill 13 The tide turned 33 Mansfield 8 when Azle, after years 14 Grapevine 6 of being drummed by 33 Northwest 6 the Dragons, defeated 34 Lake Worth 0 Southlake Carroll, 20 L.D. Bell 12 7-3. AHS won the rest 8 OLNEY 34 of its 4A games and took the title. Springtown, 33-27, did not derail Azle. In the playoffs, the The Hornets won its last three district initial postseason victory came over Cegames, including a 13-8 finale over Brewer. dar Hill, 17-14. In bi-district, Sherman was trounced Azle tumbled in the Area game to Dal28-0 then Azle got its first-ever Area viclas Samuell, 23-3. The next regular season, ‘95, Carroll tory, 24-14 over Western Hills. Pampa was next. It appeared the Horedged Azle 21-20; the Hornets were runnets had defeated the Harvesters with a ners-up and moved on to the playoffs. Waxahachie beat AHS 24-14 in bi-district. late TD, but offensive pass interference The greatest season ever for Azle came was called and the score nullified. The nine wins was the most by an Azle next, 1996. team since 1971. The Hornets gave up just six points in Following that thrilling run, victories its first three games and had four shutouts ebbed for Azle. in its first six contests. The incredible triple overtime loss to PLEASE SEE UPS, PAGE 4.

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Hornets

Ups and downs continue for Hornets n UPS, FROM PAGE 3.

Playing in the 2000s After four losing seasons ushered in the new millennium, the 2001 Hornets got back to the postseason. Under coach Gary Rushing, Azle had a stretch where AHS scored 51, 54, and 56 points consecutively. A 4-1 district mark moved the Hornets into the postseason where Grapevine, a tough foe from decades earlier, awaited. A killer 15-12 loss ended the season. Three years later, Azle would get back to the playoffs and card a victory. After losing to Springtown in the district opener, the Hornets creamed all other foes, out-scoring five rivals 223 to 26. It came down to the Birdville game, a must-win. Azle did, 35-14 – a success that was sweetened by the

elimination of Springtown from the playoffs. In bi-district, Azle got a win, popping Fort Worth Dunbar 35-14. Aledo won the Area round, 48-35, In 2005, Azle went 5-2 in district, winning the final five games again. And, once more, the Hornets claimed a bi-district trophy, 19-8 over Fort Worth Arlington Heights. Stephenville ended the Azle season in the Area round. Then the tide went out as AHS won just 10 games in the next five years. Coach Devon Dorris, a former standout player and 1,000 yard rusher from those early ‘90’s teams, got the Hornets back to the playoffs in 2012. In a brutal district, AHS took a crucial game over Byron Nelson in Week 9. The bi-district foe was Birdville. The teams put up 100 points, with the Hawks beating Azle 55-45.

AZLE’S 2nd district title Azle 1960 (9-2, 5-0) Foe 42 Springtown 0 22 Nocona 13 42 Arlington Laneri 6 18 Castleberry 44 31 FW Diamond Hill 0 13 Mansfield 6 12 Grapevine 6 19 Northwest 18 28 Lake Worth 0 34 Decatur 6 13 OLNEY 31

Azle’s top five Battle of 199 games begins with wins By Mark K. Campbell When Azle first played Springtown, the Hornets pummeled the Porcupines. That was back in the first stretch of games when the two squads faced each other eight times in 10 years between 1955 and 1964. The Hornets posted huge blowout wins. Then the series went silent for 28 years. It was revived in 1992 amid some noted concern between Azle coach Buddy Brock and Springtown’s Billy Reed. While there was some off-

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field trouble – a Springtown teen went through an Azle Taco Bell window – on the gridiron, the resumption of the series went along fine. Springtown won the first meeting when the series resumed, 137, thanks to two big SHS plays at Hornet Field. While the series is tied 12-12 overall, the Porcupines dominated the second stretch of the series, 11-5. Azle’s wins were memorable; however, it was a triple overtime loss that was so mesmerizing in 1996. More on that later.

Here are some nice Hornet victories: 1993 – AHS 22, SHS 20 At Porcupine Stadium in the second game of the new series, the Hornets jumped ahead early but had to use a last-second tackle to win.

Gary Rodriguez had put AHS ahead with an 81-yard interception return, but SHS led, 14-13, at halftime. New running back Devon Dorris also kicked and put Azle up 1614 with Rodriguez nabbing a high snap before the 23-yard boot.

All-State receiver Rodriguez and the 1992 5-4A MVP, Hornet QB Adam Ward, connected for a 55-yard TD and a 22-14 lead. Springtown got closer with a fourth-down TD to get to 22-20. The Porcupines lined up to tie PLEASE SEE HORNETS, PAGE 6.

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Hornets Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Reflections on decades of Hornet football Memorable games recalled by mark k. campbell Through the decades, fans, coaches, and players have taken part in some remarkable football games. Here are the recollections of some of those contests.

his vacation short and flew back just to watch the game. There are too many games to single out, but there were very few we missed. At Azle Rotary Club, he would give a weekly report on all Azle athletic events. Although Ray passed away Scott Anderson – former assistant coach, now AISD athletic in 2000, I’m certain on Friday nights he will be watching and director Two games stick out for me yelling for the Azle Hornets. when I was an assistant coach Gary Rushing – former player under Buddy Brock. 1. The 1996 quarterfinals and head coach My first year in Azle [1999] game at Texas Stadium versus we started 0-4. Our next game Pampa. The atmosphere was unbelievable, I remember watching was at Springtown. I felt like the Cowboys play the day before we had a great chance to win the and thinking that we would be game. I told the student body at on that same field the next day. the pep rally to start the “No Mo’ 2) The 1993 bi-district game POJO” chant midway through at Farrington Field versus Ste- the fourth quarter if we were up phenville. I’ve never been a by two touchdowns. We got ahead by 14 and the part of a team that played so far above their heads than that team “No Mo’ POJO” yell by our on that day. Stephenville had no crowd was so loud! We ended up one playing both ways, had mul- winning 21-0 and I let the kids tiple D1 players, and went on to shave my head when the game win the state championship with was over. In 2004, we lost a game at a 16-0 record. We had many players going home against Springtown [21both ways, including our quar- 7] that was not fair. We need to terback who was also playing win out to make the playoffs. linebacker (Jay LaFlair). We We won four in a row then faced had lost to them in Week 2 38- an undefeated Birdville in Week 6, and yet we outplayed, out-hit, 10. We won 35-14 to win the and out-coached them the entire district championship and knock Springtown out of the playoffs. game. In James Casey’s junior year Unfortunately we lost on a late field goal 24-21. Also, the atmosphere was outstanding, a cool fall day, a Saturday afternoon 1 p.m. start. Farrington was pretty close to being full. Hogye Hogle – business owner/ fan When I arrived in Azle in 1984, I met Ray M, a local real estate agent. He and I became close friends. The first thing he did was purchase season football tickets next to his seats. There are loyal Hornet fans and I would put him at the top of the list. We would travel to out-oftown games where we would judge their concession stands. Ray attended pep rallies, went to any function related to the Azle Hornets. When Azle played at Texas Stadium against Pampa, he cut

[2002], in back-to-back-to back games, we beat Midlothian 5121, Mineral Wells 54-14, and Wichita Falls Rider 56-0. We had over 500 yards of offense in each game. In 2000, we played Aledo in a non-district game and lost 44-13. The next year, we went to Aledo and beat them 19-7; they went on to the 3A state semifinals. My last year – my last game – at Azle, we were having a tough year [2006]. We could not win a close game. In Week 10, we beat Brewer 62-14. It was awesome. Devon Dorris – former player, current head coach I have many great memories but I will share three. As a player my favorite memory would have to be winning the playoff game at Pennington field against Cedar Hill. I believe it to be the first playoff win in school history. We were down in the game and had one play left from the 3-yard line and I caught a ball out of the backfield from Adam Ward to win the game. We won with less than 10 seconds left. As an assistant coach I would say that my favorite memory is going to Aledo and winning there [2001]. It was not long after they beat us bad the years before, and not long after they won

a state championship. We had had two 4-6 seasons in 1999-2000. This game was the one in my mind that propelled us to the playoffs for the first time in the coach Rushing era. As the players would call it the “Bang-Bang Game.” In ‘92 we went up to Wichita Falls to play Hirschi. We were down in the fourth quarter and we came back from two scores down. One of the TDs in the fourth quarter Fred Wier was a fumble recovery that was pitched to another player in order to score. We practiced that every week and yelled “bang-bang” in order to get the attention of our teammate to pitch it. It was in my mind the game that turned us into a playoff team for the first time in 21years.

Fred Wier, retired coach I moved out here in ’71. I moved here from Western Hills. Before that I was the head coach at Andrews. And before that, I was the head coach at Granbury. And before that, I was head coach at Copperas Cove. I was just about retired, but I wanted to get out of Fort Worth. We had good kids [in 1971]. We didn’t have any Pat Thomases [the Plano superstar instrumental in Azle’s bi-district loss]. I recruited some kids to come who hadn’t been playing. Good athletes. We weren’t picked to win district. Brewer was. And Grapevine. The night we beat Brewer was PLEASE SEE AZLE, PAGE 6.

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Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Hornets

Azle football memories stick with coaches, fans end zone to seal a win against Cedar Hill. the big game. It was over there and it In the playoffs, we met up with them was cold. Randy Admire kicked about a again and [son] Adam Ward hit Shane 50-yard field goal to put us out in front. Dickey in the end zone for the win. We had really good teams in ’71 and ’72. We had good running backs and an Buddy Brock – former head coach, outstanding line. Some guys still live in now retired the area like Mike Smith; he was on both Azle vs. Northwest 1990: My first those teams. year as the head coach. Northwest was We had real good athletes. Russell the district champion and we upset them Rogers was a good running back/quar- in the last game of the year. terback. Andy Broome. Clippy Clay was Azle vs. Wichita Falls Hirschi, 1992: the quarterback when we won district. We won the game when Carlos Key We would’ve had a really good team (now a judge in San Antonio) picked up in ’72; we had an outstanding line. But, a fumble as Hirschi was running out the not to make excuses, both of our running clock and pitched it to Brandon Rogers. backs got hurt. That game put Azle in the playoff for the first time in 21 years. John Ward – long time assistant Azle vs. Stephenville 1993: We lost to coach, now retired the eventual state champions in a playI remember in Devon Dorris’ senior off game at Farrington Field, but it was year [1994], he broke up a pass in the a great, courageous effort. Stephenville n AZLE, FROM PAGE 5.

had us out-sized badly and had beaten us the second game of the season by a large margin. We didn’t lose, time just ran out. Azle vs. Cedar Hill 1994: Azle’s first ever playoff win. Current head coach Devon Dorris caught an Adam Ward pass in the end zone for the winning touch down. Azle vs. Pampa 1997: We got to play in Texas Stadium in a quarterfinal game, the furthest Azle has ever advanced in the play-offs. A winning touchdown pass was called back on an offensive pass interference penalty that, in my opinion, should never have been called. Buddy Brock, here in his final appearance at Hornet Field last November, was head coach during Azle’s glory years in the 1990’s. He returned as an assistant in the 2000’s before retiring to Oklahoma. Photo by Mark K. Campbell

Hornets vs Porcupines Battle of 199 thrilled for years n HORNETS, FROM PAGE 4.

the game with a two-point conversion. Hornets Jay LaFlair and Ryan Totty stopped SHS’ QB J.R. Shipp. That ‘93 Azle team advanced to the playoffs for the second year in a row. 1999 – AHS 21, SHS 0 Azle entered the second District 8-4A game against the Porcupines winless. New coach Gary Rushing had come over from Springtown and was looking for his first win as the leader of the Hornets. Getting it against SHS was special, Rushing said. After recovering a Porcupine

The Azle defense allowed row to the Porcupines. Not this fumble, Azle scored first and led 6-0 after Michael Barela covered 27 Springtown just 114 total yards. time, in a contest that went down 2009 – AHS 26, SHS 24 to the final minute. yards in two rushes, the last one 18. Azle had lost five games in a The man of the game was seFollowing a missed PAT, the 6-0 score reached into the third period. The game turned on a strange third-and-21 from the Azle 25. A draw opened up perfectly and Chad Hufsey ran 74 yards, down to the Porcupine 1. QB Kyle Betz sneaked it over for the TD then passed to Brandon Humphreys for the conversion. Ahead 14-0, Azle ground down the clock in the fourth quarter, eating up almost seven minutes. The Hornets tacked on a score with 26 seconds left when Barela ran 27 yards to paydirt.

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Will the ‘real’ Buzzy please stand up? by carla noah stutsman Hornet Pride is everywhere in Azle and the quintessential symbol of that pride is the Azle Hornet mascot. Buzzy. Old-timers – in this case, pretty much anyone born prior to the Reagan administration – generally have an undying affection for the so-called “applehead” Buzzy. The original Buzzy was drawn by Azle High School student Willie Daniels sometime prior to 1963, according to Dana Nix Deeds, a 1967 AHS graduate. She remembers seeing the im-

first one to dress up in a Hornet costume, and it was a complete surprise to everyone,” Deeds recalled. The image of Buzzy on paper and the excitement of a live mascot were just the beginnings of what is now known all over town as Hornet Pride. In the summer of ‘69, AHS juniors Don Looper and Jan Carter Johnson built a larger-than-lifesize fiberglass Buzzy in the

age in the yearbook for her freshman year in high school. “At the first pep rally of our senior year – that would have been in the fall of 1966 – we all got a big surprise. I think it must have been something Laura Jane (Jordan, longtime Azle teacher and counselor) had cooked up over the summer,” Deeds said. “It was the first time we’d ever had a live Buzzy mascot – Deana Webb was the

garage of Looper’s parents, Rudolph and Margie Looper, at their home on Walnut Creek Drive. “We got Buzzy ready to go in time for the Homecoming parade in the fall of our junior year, 1969,” Looper, a Houston attorney today, said. Johnson retired from the Azle ISD in June after a 24-year career teaching geometry, pre-AP calculus, and dual credit college algebra. She was also an adjunct professor with Tarrant County College. The fiberglass Buzzy stood in the mall PLEASE SEE BUZZY, PAGE 10.

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Battle of 199 from ‘96 a classic Buzzy gone? n BATTLE, FROM PAGE 6.

for a whopping 304 yards. He ran five times in a row on Azle’s first drive, down to the SHS 14 where Curtis Hamilton kicked a field goal. The Porcupines scored, but Trent Knight blocked the PAT and Springtown “was chasing that point all night,” SHS coach Brad Turner would later say. The game went back and forth with Beall continuing to hammer the Springtown defense. The Porcupines led 18-14 entering the final period. Then Beall’s powerhouse performance made the difference. After winding down the third period with four straight rushes, he bolted 21 yards on the first play of the fourth quarter and put Azle up 19-18. On the next possession, he ripped off a 53-yard jaunt before scoring from the 11-yard line. However, SHS made it a thriller. Springtown scored with 55 seconds left, but, for the third time in the game, the Azle defense stopped the two-point conversion effort. Josh Townsend recovered the onsides kick for Azle and the Hornets ran out the clock, giving coach Eddie Paul the biggest win of his time at AHS. Afterward, Beall sat down to rest; he’d carried the pigskin 37 times. 2011 – AHS 21, SHS 14 In the last of the series – just for now, hopefully – Azle won at home. Like in 2009, it took a defensive effort to repel the Porcupines. Azle coach Devon Dorris, who was part of AHS’ first win in the resumption of the series in 1993, led the Hornets to the win thanks to jumping out to an early lead. The AHS D was stressed early; the Porcupines drove to the Azle 11 to open the game then immediately

0 3

intercepted a Hornet pass on Azle’s first offensive play. But the AHS defense was stout and stopped SHS. With the ball back, running back Hunter McDonald weaved downfield for a 54-yard score. Another big run – this one from the 33 by QB Corbyn Koiner – put AHS up 14-0. After the Porcupines pulled to 14-7 by halftime, Azle got another TD run by McDonald and led 21-7. Following a Springtown fourth quarter score, the 21-14 game reached the eight minute mark. With time waning, the Porcupines drove to midfield with 12 seconds left. That’s when Hornet Reese Richards roared in and sacked the SHS QB to secure the game. Those games were great. But, even losing, no game compared to this one in the series: 1996 – SHS 33, at AHS 27 (3 OT) In regulation, Azle and Springtown – both eventual playoff teams in the midst of several years of superior football – were tied 14-14. If ever a football game had everything, it was this one: fumbles, blocked and missed kicks, interceptions, and dramatic fourth down conversions. The Hornets came in 5-1 and were on a roll with a defense that had permitted only 22 points in six games. The ‘96 Hornets might have been the best Azle team ever, led by the two-time 4A All-Stater Derek Dorris who never came off the field. Afterward SHS coach Bill Reed said he was happy to keep Dorris to just 233 yards rushing, slowing the senior from making big plays. The Hornets looked certain to win. A 14-6 lead was gained with just 3:18 left in the game

when QB Adam Ward hit Bubba Mackey with a 19-yard TD pass. Even when Springtown tied the game, Azle almost won in regulation. Dorris caught two passes to get the ball to the Springtown 9 with 11 seconds left. However, a game-winning chipshot field goal went wide and overtime began. Azle got the ball first and Dorris ran 25 yards to paydirt on the first play. The kick was good and AHS led 21-14. The Porcupines miraculously answered. After the SHS QB had been sacked on third down, Springtown faced fourth-and-19. Incredibly, that’s exactly what they got on a pass play caught by a kneeling receiver precisely 19 yards downfield – not that any Azle coach of the night will ever believe that official’s generous spot. AHS forced another essential conversion – fourth-and-6 – from the Azle 15. Again, SHS make it, this time for a score. The game was tied 21-21. More unlikely football followed. Springtown started offensively and scored on its first play, a pass. But the PAT was missed; SHS led 27-21. A score and successful PAT would give Azle the win. Dorris got the TD on a 1-yard run. But, amazingly, the PAT went wide again and the game remained tied at 27. In the third overtime, the SHS defense got a stop and Springtown scored. Even with the heartbreaking loss, it remains the most memorable game of the Battle of 199.

n BUZZY, FROM PAGE 9.

at Azle High School beginning in 1969, except for during games. It was rolled into the AHS gym when games were played there, and Jeff Rider faithfully loaded Buzzy onto a trailer and pulled him to the sidelines of both home and away football games from 1976 and well into the 1980s. That’s when things start to get Buzzy – er, fuzzy. One day, Buzzy was gone. Just gone. Speculation ran high, but years later, a former student shared her version of what happened to the beloved behemoth bug. The daughter of a certain AHS official (who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent) and her female friend used a key and pass code to gain enPLEASE SEE BUZZY, PAGE 17.

Near the entry of the high school, the Class of 2010 donated a metallic version of the modern Buzzy. Photo by Mark K. Campbell

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Sports medicine alive and well since 1980

Todd Urbanek continues to direct the Azle ISD sports medicine program – on and off the field. by mark k. campbell Sports medicine has come a long way since 1980 when newly hired coach Don Ostermann became the trainer. Today, head trainer Todd Urbanek oversees complex machinery as well as assistants and student trainers who can advance to the collegiate level for even more instruction. Back in 1980, Ostermann said he mostly taped ankles. In the 33 years since, Azle has had just three head trainers. Coach O. did the job from 1980-85. In 1986, Urbanek arrived, but he left after one year. So Ostermann again took over, doing the job until 1991. That’s when AISD got John Robertson. He stayed from199295. From 1997-98, Urbanek returned and he and Robertson worked in tandem as the field of sports medicine exploded. Aside from tending to injuries in various sports, there was an ever-expanding variety of rehab machines to contend with as well as new procedures constantly being updated or introduced – all mandated by the University Interscholastic League. Urbanek went it alone from 1999-2001. Finally, in 2002, he got his first assistant, Cynthia West. She stayed two years. After going solo again in 2004, Vicki Flores joined the staff in ‘05-’06 then Robertson returned in 2007. Urbanek then paired with

Student trainers sometimes get pressed into keeping equipment in good shape, which keeps athletes safe. Tiffany Shaw and they have worked together since 2008. This year, a second assistant trainer will help, Angela Ellis. Through the years, specific concerns have arisen like excess heat and concussions. An elaborate testing protocol

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Azle’s No. 1 fan honored via ‘Dicky Glaze Award’ by mark k. campbell Lots of folks have loved Azle football through the years – Jim Bob Nation and Ray M. come to mind quickly. But you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more devoted fan than Dicky Glaze. He’s Azle through and through. “I went to school here, graduated here, played football here,” he said. A tight end on AHS’ 196769 teams, Glaze went on to become an ardent supporter of the program, through decades of ups and downs. “Those teams were great,” he said of his playing years. “Just like they are now. We had fight all the way through.” Glaze remembered AHS QB Mike Busby. “He could read a defense and see what they were fixin’ to do. He’d call a number – on the right side or the left – of the guy he wanted. Coach [Phil] Hall was our coach our senior year and he’d say, ‘What playbook did that come out of?’.” After his playing years, “I never did leave Azle,” Glaze said. “I went into the carpentry business, but on Friday nights, I’d come up here and run the chains.” He began helping out voluntarily around the stadium, before and after game days. One day, after mowing the field – he’d already done it several times with his own push mower – and working in the field house, Glaze got offered a job. “It was a Friday afternoon, and the coach said, ‘I’ll see you Monday morning,’” Glaze recalled. “‘By the way, you’re on the payroll.’” Former athletic director Gene Phillips routed Glaze to sports medicine. “He told me to get with Doc [Todd Urbanek] and that I was going to be his assistant. So I started training and doing whatever I could between jobs.” He would begin his regular job at 4 a.m. then head to Azle High School at 1 p.m. to help Urbanek with “whatever he needed.” Glaze has seen hundreds of Hornet football games. But one sticks out – the 1995 Pampa playoff game at Texas Stadium.

“The one that really got me the most, was when we went to state – Derek Dorris scored two touchdowns and that official standing right behind him called them touchdowns. Then he turned around and threw a flag 70 yards up field,” he said. In 2012, Glaze developed cancer and lost part of his jaw and his left eye. Before that: “I saw a lot of games. I hadn’t missed a football game until I got sick.” He’s an Azle man. “I love the Hornets. My ex-wife said if I ever fell and busted my head open, a bunch of green Hornets would come out.” Glaze’s devotion to the pro-

Dicky Glaze literally shows his Hornet pride; when cancer took his left eye, one of his patches heralded his love of Azle. Photo by Mark K. Campbell

gram has not gone unnoticed. Every year, the AHS football program gives out the Dicky Glaze Award “in honor of the exemplary levels of Azle Hornet Football pride, devotion, dedication and “Love of the Game” every day!” He was the first recipient, in 2009. You can see still see Glaze on Friday nights this fall: “I’m in charge of the [north] end zone.”

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2013 preview Yes, Azle is housed in one of the toughest districts in the state. And, yeah, two teams in the district begin the year state ranked, including one No. 1 in 4A with a quarterback who has already committed to the University of Texas. Yep, every 5-4A contest will be a slugfest. None of that worries head coach Devon Dorris or his 2013 Hornets, he said. In fact, he likes it. “Playing in such a tough district makes us raise our level of play,” he said. “I think it’s benefitted us – all the sports here. “Our programs are strengthened by being in a district like this.” So, with Denton Guyer the topranked team in 4A with phenomenal quarterback Jerrod Heard and Wichita Falls Rider is perched at No. 8, Dorris doesn’t worry about all that. While various preseason polls have Azle finishing everywhere from “three, four, or five,” the ’13 Hornets will take care of their own business, thank you. “We must focus on the present; we don’t worry about polls,” the coach said. “We have goals. Besides, I much rather play in a tough district than an easy one like in Fort Worth.” Azle keeps getting better under Dorris, now entering his fourth year as head coach. This year should be no exception. “The knowledge of our systems is now outstanding,” he said; players that began learning Dorris’ football concepts in junior high are now reaching the varsity level. Another plus is something rare for any Hornet team: “We’re faster than last year. This is one of the fastest teams ever.” In spring training, Dorris had the luxury of having two terrific junior quarterbacks vying for the starting job. Jamie King won it. That means, the coach said, that the other quality candidate, Trevor Boiles, will become a wide out – a deep threat that gives the Hornets sterling options, Dorris said. “He’s six-three and can run and get vertical. With him out there, it makes us much better at wide receiver,” he said. Boiles, teamed with veterans Matt DelPrincipe and Tyler Albers, both juniors, give King a solid corps of receivers. Eighteen lettermen return, including running back Dalton Cole. “He’ll be an important part of our offense,” Dorris said.

The second running back is E.J. Salinas with “a rotation” being utilized as well, the coach noted. Last year’s kicking game was strong and 2013 duo will be, too. Dylan Tritton, an All-District soccer player booted for the JV last year, nailing several long field goals, Dorris said. Lineman Hayden Glennon will punt. “He’ll be the biggest punter in the state, but he’s good,” the coach said. There are some question marks on this year’s team that only time will improve. “Our offensive line is young, but we have the potential to be really good there,” Dorris said. He added that “we need to solidify some defensive positions.” That defense will be led by middle linebacker Johnny Crow, “our coach on the field.” Dorris said, “Just like baseball, they say that you’re a better team if you’re strong up the middle. Azle is stout there, he said, with nose tackle Garrett Tidwell and safety Jesse Salisbury – both, like Crow, All-District last year – returning. This year’s Hornets enjoy an intangible that no other Azle squad Head coach Devon Dorris will lead the 2013 Hornets onto a new Hornet Field that has Photo by Mark K. Campbell has ever seen: the upgrading of seen substantial improvements all around. Hornet Field. With a new turf, lights, sound Varsity Schedule system, and sprucing up of the faDate Foe cility, Dorris sees his squad juiced. Aug. 23 = Mineral Wells “All that creates great energy, even in practice. We have had a Aug. 30 at Burleson Sept. 6 at Joshua higher intensity and focus,” he Sept. 13 ~Cleburne said. Sept. 20 OPEN Adding to the “energy and enSept. 27 *^Denton Guyer thusiasm” is a trio of new coaches, Oct. 4 *at Wichita Falls Ryan Jordan from Forte Junior Oct. 11 *+Brewer Oct. 18 *Wichita Falls Rider High, Steve Burkett from RichOct. 25 *at Denton land, and Cody Gilbert from ArNov. 1 **Byron Nelson cher City. Nov. 8 *at Lake Dallas Dorris and his ’13 Hornets are =scrimmage ~AYA Night ready to return to the postseason, ^Junior High Night *5-4A game Same Day Service anxious to take on the formidable +Homecoming **Sr. Night In by 9:00 out by 5:30 district schedule that awaits. Non-district games: 7:30 p.m. “We want to see where we District games: 7 p.m. stand,” he said. Hours: M-F: 7-7 • Sat: 8-4

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EMERALD DAZZLERS

The 2013-14 Emerald Dazzlers are: (front row, l-r) Sr. Lt. Victortia Samaniego, Sr. Lt. Sarah St. John; 1st Lt. Ashley Sommers, Capt. Diana Gomez, Jr. Lt. Avery Howell, Sr. Lt. Bobbi Chrysler, Jr. Lt. Bethany Mitchell; (row 2) Stephanie Lopez, Katie Morin, Samantha Patino, Holley Tuberville, Vanessa Ledesma, Bree Norwood, Olga Romo, Maidson Morris; (row 3) Candice Ortiz, Karson Heine, Morgan Worley, Christina Aregullin, Amber Fitzgerald, Mirtha Mesta, Daisy Martinez, Ashley Ballangee; (row 4) Kelsey Henderson, Faith Mitchell, Kaylee Boren, Kayla Arstingstall, Licha Abero, Rachel Widder, Kayla Karnes, Mackenzie Sincovec, Alison Schilling; (top) Shanda Scott, Lexi Mosley, Brittany Maxwell, Leona Meyers, director Julie Webb, Taylor Chapa-Anderson, Brooke Ashmore, Kim McMillian, Amanda Daniels. Photo courtesy of Knight Photography

VARSITY CHEERLEADERS

The 2013 varsity cheerleaders: (front, l-r) captains Ashlee Taylor and Cassie Sheriff; (middle) Crissy Hickman, Ashley Reynolds, Loran Dewvall, Keely Franklin, Mikla Seeton; (back) Chasity Benne, Haley Davidson, Madison Peterson, Kaylea Thomas, Sophiee Hodges. The coach is Melissa McPherson while Taryn Robertson assists. Photo by Mark K. Campbell

Buzzy gets new look n BUZZY, FROM PAGE 10.

-try into the high school. Their intent was to hide Buzzy away due to rumors from across Eagle Mountain Lake that the Boswell Pioneers intended to kidnap it. The girls loaded Buzzy into the back of a pickup, but as they pulled away from AHS, they heard sirens. The fuzz! The duo sped away, down Stribling Drive toward what’s now Shady Grove Park. One girl was driving, the other in the bed of the truck holding on to Buzzy. But they took a 90-degree curve too fast, and Buzzy toppled out of the pickup. It was smashed into a gazillion pieces upon on the ground. And the police? They never showed up – apparently, they were after someone else the entire time. Without Buzzy’s big smile encouraging the Hornets in the mall all week, the atmosphere soon became ripe to replace him. There was a new coach in town,

and he came up with a meaner, more menacing image of Buzzy. A college threatened a lawsuit, claiming the image belonged to them, so an original version was drawn up and remains in use today. In fact, that angry Buzzy is now emblazoned onto the new turf at Hornet Field, where he will no

doubt reign for years to come. But Azle Elementary, the 100-year-old historic school in the community, still uses and promotes the original Buzzy, even putting his lovable mug on everything from tshirts to coffee cups, so old-timers can always get their Old School Buzzy fix.

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Thursday, August 29, 2013

Porcupines

On cannons and bells and real Porcupines By Mark K. Campbell There used to be more than football players, coaches, cheerleaders, and photographer Moms on the Springtown sidelines. Once there was a cannon, an old bell, and a very alive porcupine helping SHS to victory. The cannon was homemade, said Mike Gilley, a longtime Springtown player/fan. And the “battle bell” was salvaged from the building that once housed every Springtown grade long ago. It’s now been painted orange and resides in front of the Wall of Honor near the For a while, Springtown football players were encouraged with a bell, a homemade cannon, and a bona fide porcupine.

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The animal was carted to all games in a wagon – still in its cage – and kept on the sidelines. There are currently two other porcupines around. One is at the Springtown High School library under glass, Gilley said. It’s not the original, he noted. Another porcupine, a smaller one, can be found at the Springtown ISD administration building.

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stadium field house. The tale of the porcupine goes back to Ray Carpenter, Gilley said. He “got one somehow in Palo Duo or somewhere,” Gilley said of Carpenter. The critter was delivered to Springtown; after all, it’s the only porcupine mascot in the state. A cheerleader, Mary Huddleson, took care of the porcupine.

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2013 VARSITY CHEERLEADERS

The 2013 varsity cheerleaders are: (front, l-r) Peyton Dean (mascot Po), co-capt. Chandler Wright, capt. Savannah Sutton, co-capt. Kalie Wells, Haley Hultman (mascot Jo); (back) Madison Kearby, Hannah Eustace, Kendyl Dean, Jessica Cooper, Kaitie Sugg, Lauren Brouhard, Makenna Pruitt, Photo courtesy of Judy Ray Bailee Sexton, Sydney Johnson.

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‘POJO Magic’ reaches age 30 Porcupine preview n PORCUPINE, FROM PAGE 12

tian’s two-back set. “There’s a wide range of variety in the teams we play,” he said. “We have a tough non-district. Our veterans understand playing a good team makes you better.” In 2013, there will be an advantage having seen those teams in ‘12: “We’ll be better against them this year after last year; we had not seen those kinds of offenses the previous six years in 4A.” This year’s Porcupine squad by mark k. campbell It started out as a joke, really. In 1983, the Porcupines were on the way to SHS’ first playoff appearance. New coach Lucky Gamble was determined to get Springtown into the postseason; SHS had gotten to the edge in recent years but close losses and bad luck on coin flips had kept Springtown out. Assistant coach Mike Leidecker overheard some Porcupines who had altered Odessa Permian’s famed “MOJO Magic” chant into “POJO” for laughs. Well, it caught on like wildfire and was initially called “POJO Magic.”

Gamble said in a newspaper interview that fans quickly picked it up. That ‘83 team carried around a sign that said POJO Magic. In pre-game “breakdowns,” players chanted POJO. So a coaching staff – that included Wall of Honor coach Billy Reed and current Springtown ISD board member Jody Lowery – looking to motivate players created a tradition. Oh, it worked. SHS finally made the postseason in 1983. That POJO Magic is 30 years old now – and the centerpiece to the football stadium at midfield.

could make some noise in the playoffs; one poll – Padilla – predicts Springtown reaching the regional quarterfinals. Turner said, ”Expectations are high. We expect to be in the playoffs as a No. 1 seed.” Springtown will play in the “Small School” (Division II) playoff bracket if Kennedale and Mineral Wells both advance, as expected. “We want to win more than one playoff game,” the coach said. That kind of success will certainly improve chemistry.

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2013 POJO preview Porcupine head coach Brad Turner says “every team is different, every person unique.” So, while he waits to see the vital chemistry necessary for team leadership, he is helming what could be a formidable Springtown squad. As the unit solidifies, SHS’ youth could come into play: “We’re young, and this team will have to find its way.” That’s the case on the field and in the field house. “We have a lot of talent back. But the best teams win, not the best individuals. We’ve put a lot of leadership ownership on our seniors, but that can also come from anybody.” Discovering the heart of the 2013 Porcupines awaits. “I think the hardest part of coaching is finding out the make-up of your team, what makes them tick,” Turner said. These Porcupines will be challenged, especially in a rugged non-district slate. From opening at Argyle Liberty Christian – where last year’s SHS QB Colby Moore now starts – to a Homecoming game against state-ranked Graham, a trip to powerful Gainesville, and a 6-3A opener at home against mighty Kennedale, the Porcupines’ mettle will be tested early. But, Springtown has plenty of weapons of its own. “We have eight back on offense, including all six skill position players,” Turner said. That’s a rare luxury. “I think this is the best overall receiving corps as a whole since I’ve been here.” That talent proved its skill by placing in the top 16 at the state 7-on-7 state tournament in July. “We have seven guys we feel real confident with,” Turner said. “We have great depth.” There are also so bright spots on defense: “I like our tackles and linebackers,” he said. All-District as a defensive lineman in 2012, Kolyn Waldrop will direct the defense as a middle linebacker this season. Teamed with returning starters like linebacker Josh White and linemen Kaleb Keys and Tyler Chappell, and back Collin Rector, the Porcupine defense comes equipped with some veteran talent. Every year, there are some question marks going into the

Head coach Brad Turner and the 2013 Porcupines are aiming not only to reach the postseason but also to win some playoff games this season. Photo by Mark K. Campbell Turner noted. season. The Porcupine defense will “We’re iffy at cornerback,” Turner said. “And when it have to contend with an array comes to the offensive line, our of offenses, including Wing Ts from Gainesville, Kendepth is not good.” Springtown runs a no-huddle nedale, and Castleberry, Despread, the only team on the catur and Lake Worth’s run schedule to operate that offense. spreads, and Liberty Chris“No one does what we do,” PLEASE SEE Porcupine, PAGE 15

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1966 PORCUPINES

Three of the 1966 Porcupines who were a crucial part of the SHS team that almost won Springtown’s first-ever district title: (l-r) Mike Gilley, Terry Hampton, Randall Betty.

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Porcupines Thursday, August 29, 2013

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1966 pORCUPINE COACHES

n Springtown, FROM PAGE 10

In Wageman’s three years on the varsity, the Porcupines posted a phenomenal record of 33-5-1 with a sterling 14-1 district mark. Springtown played nine playoff games in that stretch. Rushing said, “He was the best player and strongest competitor I ever coached. Todd’s strength was that he played every play in practice like it was a game.” Wageman also made his mark in track. His long jump of 22 feet, 1 inch has never been bettered; it’s the oldest record still on the SHS track books. “After Todd got hurt in week 11 of the football season,” Rushing recalled, “he was not able to do any sports for a long time.” The SHS track team ventured to Decatur in April of 1989. “I let Todd long jump and told him he had just two jumps. His second jump went 22 feet and is still a school record,” Rushing said. Without question, Wageman’s football future was bright all those springs ago. Six weeks after the wreck, in May 1989, Wageman was inducted into the Springtown Sports Hall of Fame. His mother, Karen Wageman, accepted the plaque amid a standing ovation. He will likely have another plaque mounted in the near future at the Wall of Honor inside Porcupine Stadium – an honor for one of the best, if not the best, football player Springtown ever saw.

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Three coaches directed the 1966 Porcupines: (l-r) head coach Maurice English and assistants Adrian Martin and Don Lawson.

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Thursday, August 29, 2013

Porcupines

Death claimed talented Porcupine early by mark k. campbell Twenty-four springs ago, the best player that ever put on a Porcupine helmet – some say – headed to Azle’s Taco Bell for a late-night snack. He never returned to Springtown. Todd Wageman was killed instantly April 9, 1989 at 4:10 a.m. when the 1984 Pontiac Fiero he was driving veered across Highway 199 and hit a parked tractortrailer rig. His passenger, Christian Sean Draper, was CareFlited and survived with multiple injuries. The death shocked Springtown. Wageman, 18 and soon to graduate, had entertained scores of offers before signing a scholarship to play football for the University of Todd Wageman turned in the greatest half of football Springtown fans ever witnessed. Certainly Ian Bickel’s first half performance against Azle in the 2010 Battle of 199 was remarkable. (See that story elsewhere.) What Wageman did against Stephenville in a 48-0 win in the second game of the 1988 season was astonishing. Before halftime, he ran nine times for 91 yards and two touchdowns; caught six passes for 95 yards and a TD; threw for another six points on a 74-yard halfback pass; returned four punts for 130 yards and a TD; had a 65-yard kickoff return; and scored a pair of two-point conversions. Coach Lucky Gamble told the Fort Worth StarTelegram that “I’ve never been associated with a better performance.” Wageman played one series in the second half then sat down. His final total yards were an amazing 455 yards. He scored 28 points and threw for six more, so he had a hand in 32 points The superlative outing prompted Gamble to say, “Now what if he would have played the second half?”

North Texas. Wageman had helped the 1988 Porcupine football team reach new heights. That squad, led by coach Lucky Gamble, roared through the regular season 10-0. A phenomenal defense allowed just 25 points in 10 games (12 of those in the season opening 13-12 win over Gainesville) in big part because of Wageman, an All-Area defensive back. Springtown posted seven shutouts in 1988; in the first two playoff games, SHS permitted just 13 total points while scoring 41 with victories over Vernon and Clyde. Yet it was offensively that Wageman was “a man among boys,” said Gary Rushing, the offensive coordinator for the ’88 team. After Springtown, No. 2 in the state at the time, was upset by Denver City 20-19 in the quarterfinals – Wageman had re-injured his back in a freak accident walking down the ramp before the Vernon bi-district game and wasn’t playing – the running back won every local award, including the Fort Worth StarTelegram Offensive Player of the Year. He piled up 1,334 yards and 18 touchdowns in 11 games in 1988. Eventually, Wageman was a First Team All-State running back selection, SHS’ second ever – Terry Hampton was the first in 1966. The terrible accident stunned all. Gamble, who had just accepted a job at Little CypressMauriceville, said, “He was the best football player I ever saw; he was the greatest kid I’ve ever known.” After a funeral in Weatherford, Wageman was buried in Denver,

Todd Wageman Colorado. Wageman’s name is still etched in SHS record books. Despite his superior year as a senior, his whopping 1,556 yards rushing in his 1987 junior season remains the modern era Porcupine record. That ’87 team went 10-3 and also ventured three rounds into the postseason. PLEASE SEE Springtown, PAGE 11

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Porcupines Thursday, August 29, 2013

Biggest Battle of 199 ends in POJO win n BIGGEST, FROM PAGE 5.

the fourth quarter – this time only 4 minutes and 3 seconds remained. The Porcupines had gained just 117 total yards so far. This is the famous onsides kick game. Springtown got a score when QB Peyton Logan hit Vaughn Tolbert for a 12-yard TD. Azle coaches today will tell you that pass was dropped. But it was about to get worse for the Hornets. The onsides kick bounded off a Hornet – right in front of the Porcupine bench where all had conveniently stepped forward to block the vision of the line judge on the play. Springtown’s Dudley Weir held up the ball to prove he had recovered it in bounds and officials agreed. Azle did not. Hornet coach Gary Rushing, a former Springtown assistant, eventually showed the video of the two plays to Fort Worth officials who agreed the calls were wrong. But that didn’t matter. With the score 17-14, SHS moved the ball at the AHS 11 with 34 seconds left. Logan dodged three Hornet tacklers and hit Kaleb Hulme for the game-winner. Both teams advanced in the postseason out of 7-4A. 2006 – SHS 45, at AHS 13 After spotting Azle seven points, the Porcupines were apparently tired of playing close games and crushed the Hornets, scoring the next 38. Entering the second period, Springtown trailed 7-6. However SHS would net 19 points in just 3 minutes, 21 seconds in the second quarter to put the game away. QB Logan Turner began a sixTD bombardment, starting with a 48-yard pass to Jessey Hodge. The duo would hook up twice more, once almost immediately after the 48 yarder and again early in the fourth quarter. Turner also threw TD passes to Jonathan Silvey and two to Chase Ray. Ahead 38-7, coach Brad Turner called off the dogs. A final score, Al Owens running in from the AHS 44, capped the dominating performance. The victory eliminated Azle from the postseason. 2010 – at SHS 45, AHS 7

Another mismatch that resulted in Springtown coaches backing off late in the game. This game recalled the blowouts of the origins of the series. – and it contained the greatest individual performance in the series and one of the best in SHS history. While the Porcupines were steadily building a 45-0 lead – it was 38-0 at the half – Ian Bickel was having a game for the ages. After Cameron Dauenhauer scored, Bickel kicked the PAT. Then he booted a 29-yard field goal. That was followed by two touchdown passes from Caden Cowan – of 26 and 14 yards – and a 57-yarder on a flea flicker thrown by Jacob Whiteman all before halftime. Bickel had scored 25 of the first 31 points of the game. And he wasn’t through yet. When he hauled in an 83-yard bomb from Cowan in the third quarter, Bickel’s total went up once more. He finished with 33 points in the season finale, a game that locked up second place in 5-4A for Springtown. Bickel caught seven balls for 202 yards, scored four touchdowns, went 6-for-6 on PATs, and made a field goal. Those were incredible games. But this was the greatest of all... 1996 – SHS 33, at AHS 27 (3 OT) In regulation, Azle and Springtown – both eventual playoff teams in the midst of several years of superior football – were tied 14-14. If ever a football game had everything, it was this one: fumbles, blocked kicks, interceptions, and dramatic fourth down conversions. The ‘96 Hornets might have been the best Azle team ever, led by the two-time 4A All-Stater

Derek Dorris who never came off the field. Afterward SHS coach Bill Reed was happy to limit Dorris to just 233 yards rushing, keeping the senior from making big plays. Once again, Springtown had to score late in a game. (The only points earlier had been on a trick tight end pass from Jeff Winfield to Steven Cox.) Behind 14-6 with 3:18 left, QB Charlie Cottongame scored on a 13-yard run with 1:42 remaining. A two-point conversion was vital and SHS got it when Cottongame threw to John Quintanilla. Still, Azle almost won in regulation. Dorris caught two passes to get the ball to the Springtown 9 with 11 seconds left. However, a gamewinning chip-shot field Porcupine Ian Bickel had the greatest half any player ever had in goal went wide and the Battle of 199, scoring 25 first half points and finishing with 33 of SHS’ 45 in a 45-7 Springtown blowout. Photo by Mark K. Campbell overtime began. Azle got the ball chael Morris for six points and got the TD on a 1-yard run. But, first and Dorris ran 25 yards to Cox kicked true. amazingly, the PAT went wide paydirt on the first play. The kick The game was tied 21-21. again and the game remained was good and AHS led 21-14. More unlikely football fol- tied at 27. The Porcupines answered, lowed. In the third overtime, the SHS but it took all of the Springtown Springtown started offensive- defense got a stop. A few plays Battle of 199 magic SHS could ly and scored on its first play, later, Cottongame broke free muster. After Cottongame had been when Cottongame hit Cox. But from the 8 and scored the decidsacked on third down, Spring- the latter missed the PAT; SHS ing points. led 27-21. Springtown had pulled off the town faced fourth-and 19. A score and successful PAT unlikely victory in the game of Incredibly, that’s exactly what would give Azle the win. Dorris games in the Battle of 199. they got when Cottongame hit a kneeling Steven Cox – not that any Azle coach of the night will ever believe in the official’s spot. Still, SHS was alive and soon faced fourth-and-6 from the Azle 15. Cottongame found MiAuthorized Dealer: •Rheem • Comfortmaker • Amana

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Porcupines

Springtown’s has seen three stadiums, each improving on the one before it by mark k. campbell Throughout the history of Springtown football, opponents have traveled to play the Porcupines at one of three stadiums. The original stadium was over by what is now Springtown Elementary playground – that was the entire stadium that ran northsouth. It had a unique feature, recalled Mike Gilley who played on the field in the mid-1960’s. “From north to south, it had about a six-foot slope,” he recalled. Place-kicking with the slant, extra points sailed into the creek behind the goalposts, Gilley said. The visitors side seating was almost deadly with no handrails, just a severe, steep wedge. Gilley said he and several others working in the summertime – including Terry Hampton, Larry Hewitt, and Lewis Fields – helped build new seating on the home side.

They created elite box seats that were cordoned off. The press box was also treacherous, he said. “It was just a box, a literal box,” Gilley said. Six or seven sitters was the max on the 2x12-foot plank of wood. “It was like sitting at a picnic table,” he said. Anyone else who managed to squeeze into the press box had to stand in the back. In 1992, a new stadium was ready, behind what was then the high school. Springtown bought the bleachers from the old Pennington Field and that’s where the hometown fans sat. The “Porcupine Stadium” entrance sign that greeted fans – and is still there – came from above the ticket booth of the old stadium. The current complex opened in 2009 with a 35-14 victory over Wichita Falls Hirschi. The stadium is a palace – but with no creek to boot a football into.

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Recalling some great games of the past Cory Gilley ran in the 2-point conver- back-up players after so many starters by mark k. campbell Darrell Mathis – former player It is really difficult with so many games sion. It was supposed to be a halfback were out. With decades of exciting games to They got us within feet of victory with choose from, these former coaches, over the years. We had some really good pass, but the receiver could not get out in the pattern, so Cory ran it in. (A little- big plays, like they had never made, but players, and fans recollect their favorite teams in the Sixties, I played in the mid-Seventies and we known fact: we only had 10 men on field we just came up short. Springtown football moments. But the one thing I knew is that our playfinished second two years in a row when for the 2-point play) ers left it all out on that turf at Texas StaVernon did get the ball back with about only one school went to playoffs back Chris Pennington – current SHS printwo minutes to go and defense stopped them. dium. They took nothing but memories then. cipal The final was 15-14. and the rest, as they home – truly playing at 110 per cent effort. We had some great games in the EightAs a player at SHS, it’s my last home 1996 – The triple overtime against say, is history as we beat Childress, Abilene game my senior year in 1983 vs. Bridge- ies and Nineties. Azle, at their place. To talk about Wylie, Ballinger, then tied Commerce. port. That was probably Over half of our fans left when we were What a great year! one game, it would the most memorable down by 11. be the bi-district game ever for me. The We went three OT rounds with Charagainst Vernon at Bill Reed – former head coach win put Springtown in 1989 – We were at Breckenridge for lie Cottongame scoring the win. Then Farrington Field in the state playoffs for 1995 – the year we the district championship and I remem- Coach [Jim] Yankie and I grabbed hands the first time in school went to the semifi- ber having my administrators – Clarence and spun around like two little kids on a history – lots of memoCulwell, Laura Bynum, Connie Martin – playground. nals. ries and probably had 1998 – The Weatherford victory in an I picked this game all on the field with me in post-game. my best defensive I recall Laura telling me that the secu- OT. because it was the game ever. The Roos were a physical team coached game I think that rity person didn’t want to let them come Also: The first round by Larry McBroom. Carmie Hires, our propelled the play- out, but she did it anyway. of the playoffs 1983 at I remember getting doused with Gato- defensive tackle, intercepted the gameoff run to the semis; UTA. We beat undewinning pass – then he had the good it also showed the rade on a cold November evening. feated and sixth-ranked sense to fall down and not fumble. 1994 – We played a tie game at 28-28 character that this Sanger 28-7 for SpringOur kids smothered him, piling on in with Graham at Tarleton. We won on penteam had. town’s first ever bi-discelebration. You can throw in etrations. trict championship. We So very, very many memories of fans I remember the last one, where we any cliché you want: went undefeated in our never quit; never ran a bootleg, with a run pass op- and kids. A great coaching staff and kids home jerseys. give up; it ain’t over tion, and it came to our sideline. Mark who would run through a wall for you. As a coach @ SHS, I can’t begin to list them all, but those ‘til it’s over – any- Mathis was the quarterback, running it’s the triple overtime are things that run through my head on a one you want to use. the ball. win vs. Azle in 1996. I can still remember seeing his eyes Friday night; that is why I got back into Actually the game What an unbelievable for the first three scanning the field and then seeing them coaching. feeling of exhaustion I still have some room for memories... quarters was all Ver- focus on the chain and diving for it and after the game. hitting the non and we were not Also, a big one was playing very well. ground right winning the bi-district They had a 14-0 lead in front of me championship vs. Burkentering the fourth with his eyes burnett in 1997 at UNT. still staring Thirdly: Beating Birdville at home in quarter and it should have been more. We had a fourth and about 30 from our intently at the 2005 to get into playoffs. We ran the ball down their throat for four quarters and 27- or 28-yard line. We had a fake punt same chain as opened the second half with a 13-play that [son] Mark could call at any time, he hit the turf. www.firstbaptistspringtown.com 1995 – The and, sure enough, we called it not only drive. Fun. Finally: Winning the bi-district cham- did we get the first down, but Ryan Patton state champiMetro 817-220-5229 onship game, a ran it in for a TD. pionship in 2005 over Western Hills. We got the ball back late in fourth quar- 17-17 tie with I’ve also had some great memories Sunday School .................... 9:30 a.m. coaching against Springtown (when ter and went on another TD drive making Commerce. Players, coaching at Azle and Abilene Wylie). We several big plays converting fourth down Morning worship............... 10:50 a.m. like Michael two times, I believe. can save those for another issue! and We finished the drive with about a 30- Brown evening worship ................. 6:00 p.m. Mike Gilley – former player, assistant yard TD pass from Mark Mathis to Mi- Michael Morchael Morris. We had to go for two be- ris rose to the SISD superintendent occasion as There are several, but it has to be the cause we were behind in all stats. wednesday (Family Meal) ....... 5:00 p.m. “ride” we had during ’95-’96 Children’s Ministry ............... 5:45 p.m. and the ending that occurred at Texas Stadium. Youth Ministry...................... 6:30 p.m. FREE Although injured in the game adult Bible Study ................. 6:00 p.m. against Childress, I got to see Margaritas! [son] Cory play his last two plays before re-injuring his anMexican RestauRant kle again that night. 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Battle of 199: SHS wins some games big n BATTLE, FROM PAGE 4.

Brandon Meiner and a 71-yard TD run by Vic Holden. The victory was preserved when the SHS defense got an onsides kick after a late Hornet score. An onsides kick would figure prominently in one of the Porcupines’ most stunning wins in the Battle of 199, too. But more on that later. After starting 2-2, the Porcupines began a superior streak. Springtown went on a tear, going 8-1 in the next nine meetings – including one of the greatest games ever played around here, a triple overtime 33-27 victory in 1995. More on that later. If 1992 was one of the five greatest Springtown victories, here are the other four (with one deserving a place of honor of its own): 1997 – at SHS 20, AHS 17 In a messy game with nine turnovers, the Porcupines entered the final quarter behind 13

points. Azle had run more plays 2-to1 – 80 to 40 – but Porcupine punter Cutter Thompson averaged 42 yards per kick to keep the Hornets away from the end zone. SHS led 7-0 early when QB Bryce Reed connected with Jeremy Smith for a 48-yard TD.

Reed would throw just eight times, completing three for the game. This was Springtown’s Homecoming and the fans went home happy, eventually. But it didn’t look that way at first, because when Azle scored on the first play of the fourth quarter, the Porcupines trailed

17-7. Then SHS immediately lost a fumble. But the fourth quarter magic that would so manifest itself in the series showed up. A recovered punt fumble led to a Reed rushing TD then Springtown took the lead with five minutes left after Thompson

bulled in on a short run. But the PAT was blocked and the 20-17 lead was iffy with five minutes remaining. Azle drove to the SHS 35, but Smith intercepted a fourth down pass and clinched the thriller. 2005 – SHS 20, at AHS 17 Once again, Azle led 17-7 in PLEASE SEE BIGGEST, PAGE 9.

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Battle of 199 a win often for Porcupines by mark k. campbell Springtown and Azle are nine miles apart – and they have never liked each other. While the series is dormant for now, the two schools have faced each other 24 times in two spurts. The teams played eight times

in 10 years from 1955-1964 and Azle won all but one. When the series resumed in 1992 – amid much trepidation between Springtown coach Bill Reed and Azle’s Buddy Brock, they noted at the time – the Porcupines dominated. SHS went 11-5 from ‘92 to

the last time the squad’s met in 2011. Sometimes the games were crucial district clashes. Other contests resulted in one team knocking the other out of playoff contention. In that 10-game span from ‘55-’64, every game was a romp.

Azle won the first three meetings – the Porcupines scored just one TD in 12 of those quarters – but Springtown trounced the Hornets 38-0 in 1958. After Azle won the next four clashes, the series went away for 28 years. In 1992, Reed and Brock

brought the Porcupines and Hornets back to the gridiron. Early in the series’ resumption, both the teams traded victories, going 2-2. Springtown won that ‘92 clash 13-7 on two big plays – a 53yard pass from J.R. Shipp to PLEASE SEE BATTLE, PAGE 5.

Porcupine winning continues with district, playoff showings n PORCUPINE, FROM PAGE 3.

Abilene Wylie ended the 10game non-losing stretch with a 31-14 win. Another postseason run was underway and the 1995 team, enshrined in the Springtown Wall of Honor, played more games than any SHS team ever, 15. The season started with losses to Azle and Alvarado. A sevengame win streak was stopped with a wind-blown 3-0 loss to Boyd. What followed were a pair of thrilling playoff games that many say were the best ever. A 15-point fourth quarter rallied Springtown past Vernon, 1514, then the Porcupines stunned Childress.

Revenge on Abilene Wylie was delivered big time, 48-20, then Ballinger fell 28-7. Suddenly, Springtown was in the state semifinals – the furthest any SHS team had ever advanced. Playing at the home of the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Stadium, Springtown never trailed in the battle with Commerce – yet the season ended. Tied 17-17, Springtown had the ball at the Tigers’ 26-yard line with time running out, needing one penetration to advance to the state championship game. But a slip on the Astroturf cost Springtown the game, six yards shy of a berth in the title contest. That game ended up being instrumental in the adopting of

prohibiting ties; now, squads play overtimes until a true winner is determined. SHS finished 11-3-1 in 1995. In ‘96, the Porcupines went 5-1 and made it to the postseason but lost to Denison 13-9 in bi-district. A 10-win season in 4A followed in 1997 that included a 20-17 first round victory over Burkburnett. However, Graham won the Area game, 14-7. One more trip to the playoffs awaited; in 1998 SHS won nine games but lost to Wichita Falls Hirschi, 28-26.

In 1999, Springtown’s fortunes began to wane. Even with a 3-7 mark in ‘99, the Nineties were memorable for the Porcupines. Springtown went 81-33-2 overall with a 47-17 district record. The 2000s In the 12 seasons of the 2000’s, Springtown reached the playoffs in 2002, ‘05, ‘06, ‘07, ‘10, and ‘12. The lone postseason victory came over Fort Worth Western Hills in 2005, 36-27. The 2010 squad was poised to make some noise after roar-

ing to a season-ending 4-0 district mark that included a thrilling 42-41 victory over Birdville among the 208 points scored in that quartet of contests. But Fort Worth Eastern Hills scored at the conclusion of the bi-district game and ended the promising season. Last year, back in 3A, SHS reeled off four final 6-3A wins to advance before falling in bi-district to Vernon in Wichita Falls. All told, Springtown has reached the playoffs 18 times with a postseason record of 2118.

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Porcupines Thursday, August 29, 2013

POJO football sterling in 80’s, 90’s n POJO, FROM PAGE 2.

finale would create a three-way tie. The Porcupines did win, a thriller over the Bearcats, 26-21. With three teams 4-1 and only one able to advance to the playoffs, the head coaches of Decatur, Aledo, and SHS retreated to the SISD administration building. Over 100 people crowded around the facility, waiting for the outcome of a coin flip. The Aledo coach came out with a thumbs up. Springtown had beaten the Bearcats but would not advance. A realignment in 1982 gave SHS seven district games; the “Porkey Pac” posted a 3-3-1 mark with another loss to Decatur ending the season in game 10. Then, finally, came the magical year of 1983 – the year of the birth of “POJO Magic.” This was the first year that two teams advanced out of districts. And that helped. SHS went 5-2 in district play with losses to Northwest and Decatur. But Springtown finished second and moved to the postseason for the first time. In its initial foray into the playoffs, the Porcupines beat Sanger 28-7. Kaufman ended the super season, SHS’ best ever, at 8-3-1. That mark would fall soon. The 8-2, 4-1 1984 Porcupines reached bi-district the next year – finally beating Decatur, 7-6 – but lost to Abilene Wylie in bi-district 28-18. The 1985 team won eight games but missed the playoffs. However, the 1986 Porcupines went further than any SHS team ever, playing 13 games. Excluding a 14-14 tie with Iowa Park, Springtown was untouchable, winning district 5-0 and reaching the end of the regular season 9-0-1. A 45-0 blowout of Glen Rose in bidistrict was followed by a 19-14 victory over Abilene Wylie. Daingerfield stopped the season, 28-13. Beginning in ‘86, Springtown would reach double digits four years in a row. In 1987, SHS again went three rounds deep in the playoffs; the district finale

contained the Porcupines’ greatest margin of victory ever, 85-0 over Fort Worth Diamond-Hill Jarvis. SHS posted five shutouts in the first 10 games then won bi-district 14-0 over Hillsboro. Next Bonham fell 18-14 but, for the second year in a row, the third postseason game was the bane – a 20-6 loss to Gladewater. Then came 1988 – perhaps, with the 1995 team, the greatest Porcupine squad of all-time. Lead by coach Lucky Gamble and AllState defensive back/running back Todd Wageman, Springtown looked invincible. The Porcupines won 12 straight games, posting seven shutouts in 10 games and allowing just 25 points, seven in district. In the playoffs, Vernon was topped 21-6 but the “man among boys” Wageman re-injured his back and would play no more. Still, Springtown beat Clyde 20-7 in Area. Ranked No. 2 in the state, the Porcupines faced Denver City in the cursed round three – and it happened again; SHS was upset 20-19. No other Springtown team has ever won 12 games. In 1989, now coached by Billy Reed with POJO emblazoned on helmets, SHS started with losses to Gainesville and Stephenville and some fans grumbled. But then the Porcupines won every district contest, giving up just 14 points in five games to take the 6-3A title. This time, Decatur – a team SHS had been handling for years now – awaited in bi-district. Springtown won 21-0. Next Clyde got romped 42-0, then the Porcupines finally got past round three with a 24-12 win over Post.

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POJO’S 2ND district title S’town 1984 (8-3, 4-1) 31 Northwest 7 Coppell 23 Castleberry 13 Coldsprings 17 Howe 0 Vernon 31 Bridgeport 7 Decatur 19 Iowa Park 16 Bowie 18 ABILENE WYLIE

The winning continues... After the stunning years of the ‘80’s, the winning tradition carried on into the early 1990’s. Two losses began ‘90 followed by six wins in a row. Finishing district at 6-1 – ending the regular season with a 41-0 victory over Aledo – the Porcupines were again off to the postseason. Springtown won bi-district 27-7 over Bonham and Area 40-18 over Forney. Gladewater ended the 9-4 season, 35-7. Despite a season-ending 62-0 victory over Aledo and an 8-win season, district losses to Boyd and Southlake Carroll

Foe 0 13 14 7 13 33 0 3 13 10 28

stopped the playoff streak at five straight years. SHS also missed out on the playoffs in ‘92 and ‘93. But things changed in 1994 when Springtown won the district title by going 5-0. The Porcupines had a super playoff run. After advancing over Graham in a 28-28 tie, Springtown beat Childress 4218 and Ballinger 28-22. Now, Reed’s team had matched SHS’ deepest playoff penetration ever. But PLEASE SEE PORCUPINE, PAGE 4.

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In its deepest foray into the playoffs, Vernon ended the Springtown run, 31-13. The Eighties remain the Golden Era for Springtown football. SHS went 83-30-3 with a sterling district mark of 43-10-1. The Porcupines played 16 postseason games, winning 10 of them.

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Thursday, August 29, 2013

Porcupines

Porcupines’ history filled with titles, thrillers by mark k. campbell Pinning down the history of Springtown football is tricky. Sources exist – online, in yearbooks, and in newspapers – but assembling a complete historical record could not be done. Record research got much better by the mid-1960’s and all records from the middle of the 1970’s on are available. The early years The Porcupines weren’t much in football at first. One source says SHS football began in 1954 with a winless season. Supposedly, the 1957 team posted the first winning record. Certainly, the 1958 team was solid, going 7-2, 3-2 with a 38-0 win over Azle. The 6-4, 3-2 1959 team beat Aledo 7414. Except for a two-season blip of impressive improvement, the 1960’s weren’t much better for the Porcupines. From 1960-69, SHS went 37-56-6. The 1965 team was 7-2-1, 2-2. The ‘66 squad was the best of the decade. Led by a slew of All-District players and All-State running back Terry Hampton, the team got an early boost in game two when 1A Springtown tied stateranked Dublin 8-8 after current assistant superintendent Mike Gilley blocked a punt and ran 15 yards to score. Dennie Harms’ two-point conversion run drew SHS even. The season came down to Week 9 against the Porcupines’ arch nemesis back then, Keller. Both teams were 3-0 in 12-1A. At Keller, the Indians won 21-12 despite

151 yard by Hampton who would finish the year gaining over 150 yards in nine of Springtown’s 10 games; the only time he missed was when he got hurt in a 29-12 loss to Bowie. For SHS, coached by Maurice English, the ‘66 team was the peak for Springtown for many years. Hampton was an All-State pick. In a 45-0 blowout of Chico, he gained an eyepopping 214 yards on just seven carries, scoring four touchdowns. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported the 6-0, 202 pound senior’s stats at 1,968 yards, 21 TDs, and an average run of 9.6 yards. The rest of the Sixties went downhill with a combined record in ‘67-’69 for SHS 10-18-1. The 1970’s...oh dear Springtown football in the ‘70’s wasn’t too hot. A decent 7-3 1971 was followed by a rare 0-10 season. With five more losses to start the 1973 season, SHS lost at least 15 games in a row. (The 1971 individual games stats could not be found.) The losing streak ended with an 18-12 victory over Whitesboro. The 1974 team was the top Seventies squad, going 6-2-2 but 4-1-2 in district play. It was shutoutcity that season. SHS blanked Boyd and Southlake Carroll then got whitewashed by Bridgeport and Alvarado – the latter would be the only district defeat.

Springtown played Kennedale and Alvarado to 0-0 ties. A plus was a victory S’town 1983 (8-3-1, 5-2) Foe over Keller, 34-13. 12 Southlake Carroll 0 The next season, 14 Frisco 7 SHS went 7-2-1; dis 6 Castleberry 6 trict losses to Keller 45 Aledo 13 and Crowley kept the 29 Lake Worth 9 Porcupines from the postseason – where 12 Bowie 7 Springtown had still 7 Northwest 13 never been. 21 Graham 17 The end of the Sev 21 Bridgeport 7 enties was terrible for 7 Decatur 28 SHS. The Porcupines 28 SANGER 7 went 6-32-2 to end 20 KAUFMAN 28 the decade including an 0-10 1979 where Decatur, a team SHS had struggled with Springtown scored just 20 points in the first seven games and regularly. The Eagles won 39-3 over the “Orange got shut out five times. But brighter days were on the horizon... Streak” It was coach Harold Hill’s only season to coach in Springtown. The tradition begins... The ‘81 season was tantalizing and While 1980 started 0-5 – sticking SHS with a 19-game losing streak – once dis- heartbreaking. Under coach Blackie Wade, Springtrict play began, the Porcupines went 4-0 to reach Week 10 with a chance at the dis- town had lost, again, in district to Decatur, 7-6; however a win over Aledo in the trict championship. That game pitted Springtown against PLEASE SEE POJO, PAGE 3.

POJO’S first district title

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SPRINGTOWN PORCUPINES INSIDE

FOOTBALL RETROSPECTIVE! The History of POJO The Greatest Teams Fans Share Their Porcupine Memories

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2013 GRIDIRON SEASON PREVIEW

A Special Supplement of Thursday, August 29, 2013 Edition of The Springtown Epigraph