HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 2013
DefenDing
champions
Cameron and Navasota have a pair of big-time players to help them defend their 2012 state titles in linebacker Somari Wright (left) and defensive tackle Jordan Wells. Eagle photo by Stuart Villanueva
The Eagle Friday
August 23, 2013
High School Football 2013 • Friday, August 23, 2013 BrazosSports.com • The Eagle
2
Miller has settled in at quarterback for Consol
Name that Tiger
By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
C
hoosing A&M Consolidated’s starting quarterback proved to be fairly simple. Naming him ... that’s where it gets complicated. Kobe Augustus Miller, a senior who gained a bit of varsity experience last year, solidified his hold on the job during spring drills and sumMILLER mer 7-on-7 competition. There is no question who is the Tigers’ No. 1 quarterback. Uncertainty comes from what to call him. Miller went by Gus as a kid, using a shortened version of the middle name that came from his father’s love of the miniseries Lonesome Dove and its classic character Augustus McCrae. But Kobe comes first on his birth certificate, causing confusion with teachers and classmates who haven’t known him for years. Miller prefers Kobe, although he doesn’t mind that
See CONSOL, Page 7
at a glance Head coach: David Raffield (70-48 overall; 14-9 at A&M Consolidated) District — 14-5A 2012 record — 9-3 (5-1 in 14-5A) 2012 playoffs — Division II bidistrict: Defeated Klein, 42-24; Area: Lost to Austin Westlake, 45-2. State playoff appearances (30) — 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1947, 1948, 1951, 1953, 1958, 1960, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. Returning lettermen — 24 (3 offensive, 3 defensive starters)
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www.briceco.net
Sew Vac City
Texas’ Largest Sewing and Vacuum Dealer 2 Locations Bryan 700 S. Bryan Ave. • 979-431-0898 College Station 1904 Texas Ave. • 693-6592
979.693.6300 1501 Emerald Parkway College Station, TX
JANELLE CARVER Senior Vice President NMLS 208153 Office: 979.260.1448 www.JanelleCarver.com 307 Arguello Drive College Station, TX 77840 Branch NMLS 280990 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
1111 Briarcrest Dr., Bryan
776-2626 VARSITY
GO TEAM! 710 Villa Maria
822-3937
From all B/CS
Locations
1351 Earl Rudder Frwy. S. College Station
979-694-2022 2300 Hwy 21 E. Bryan 979-778-3408
Vikings have solid, key leader in V.J. Banks By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
A
DAte Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20
LAst YeAR L 34-7 W 19-7 L 42-16 L 43-3
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
W 20-7 L 42-35 L 54-7 L 47-7 L 54-14
2 p.m.
W 32-7
at a glance Head coach: Ross Rogers (214-948; 3-7 at Bryan) District — 14-5A 2012 record — 3-7 (2-4 in 14-5A) 2012 playoffs — Did not qualify State playoff appearances (16) — 1973, 1974, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010. Returning lettermen — 24 (7 offensive, 7 defensive starters)
It Pays
to Stay Program!
HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS Win with Senior Year Perfect Attendance GRAND PRIZE IS A SCION tC or Win Scholarship Funds
BrazosSports.com
See BRYAN, Page 6
•
“My strength is not throwing the ball,” Banks said. “I like to run it, whether it’s at wide receiver, running back of quarterback. Give me the ball and I’ll try to make the play.” As a sophomore playing against The Woodlands College Park, Banks showed his competitiveness when he ran
The Eagle
or he’s a corner or he gets up another 15 or 20 pounds and plays safety — and he has the height to do that — there’s three different places he can play on defense. “On the offensive side of the ball, he’s certainly as good and quick as most slot receivers, and I think that’s what Rice really liked about him.” Banks had three interceptions and averaged 35 yards per punt in 24 attempts last year. “We’ve worked a lot at our rugby punt, and he’s got a great leg there,” Rogers said. “And he’s really good about catching the ball back on kickoff or punt [returns].” Banks filled in at quarterback last year when starter Chris Johnson was hurt but thinks he has advantages when defenders don’t know where he will get the ball.
time 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Friday, August 23, 2013
OppONeNt at Waco Midway Magnolia Belton at Pflugerville Hendrickson District 14-5A Sept. 27 Conroe Oak Ridge* Oct. 4 at Conroe Oct. 11 A&M Consolidated+ Oct. 18 at Lufkin Oct. 25 The Woodlands Nov. 1 Open Nov. 9 at The Woodlands College Park * Homecoming + Kyle Field
•
fter posting a 3-7 record last season, the Bryan Vikings knew they would have several holes to patch for 2013. The versatile V.J. Banks can fill a lot of those holes. The wide receiver/quarterback/punter/punt returner/ cornerback/safety returns, and the senior will be a key component in what the Vikings hope will be their resurgence. Finding where Banks is at any moment may be one of this football season’s great- BANKS est challenges. “I would say I prefer wide receiver, but I’ve been playing some positions so long that I really don’t care where I play,” Banks said. “If they ask me to do it, I’ll do it.” Banks, who committed this summer to play college football at Rice, caught 41 passes for 611 yards and five touchdowns last season. Bryan coach Ross Rogers said that the college coaches evaluating Banks were looking at him at several positions. “It’s a win-win situation,” Rogers said. “He’s got good grades and is going to be accountable academically. Whether he’s a nickel back
BRYan schedule
A&M Consolidated............................................ 2 Allen Academy ................................................ 25 Anderson-Shiro .............................................. 19 BCAL.............................................................. 25 Brazos Christian............................................. 32 Bremond........................................................ 26 Brenham........................................................ 38 Bryan............................................................... 3 Burton........................................................... 30 BVCHEA ......................................................... 25 Caldwell......................................................... 11 Calvert........................................................... 31 Cameron ........................................................ 14 Centerville ..................................................... 16 College Station................................................. 5 Franklin ........................................................... 8 Harmony Science............................................ 25 Hearne........................................................... 15 Iola................................................................ 21 Leon .............................................................. 22 Lexington....................................................... 20 Madisonville................................................... 10 Milano ........................................................... 29 Navasota........................................................ 13 Normangee ...................................................... 9 Rockdale........................................................ 12 Rudder............................................................. 4 Snook ............................................................ 27 Somerville...................................................... 28 St. Joseph ...................................................... 35
High School Football 2013
Banking on more
INDEX
2014 Seniors Register by October 1, 2013 at
www.atkinsonitpaystostay.com Winners will be drawn during the end of school banquet on June 1, 2014. Must be present to win.
3
High School Football 2013 • Friday, August 23, 2013 BrazosSports.com • The Eagle
4
Rangers have a burner in Isaiah Johnson Receiver, safety earned a bronze at last spring’s state track meet By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
Senior Isaiah Johnson had a milestone track season for the Rudder Rangers. Now he would like to help the Rangers’ football team get on track for a playoff run. “ I wa n t t o try to be a better leader to my team,” said Johnson, who plays wide receiver and safety. “I haven’t been the one to JOHNSON stand out and be the leader of the squad, but I feel like I’m in a position to do that. “It’s leadership on and off the field in every single way.” Johnson became Rudder’s first state track medalist in May when he earned the bronze in the 110-meter hurdles. “That was my goal going into state,” Johnson said of the medal-stand performance. “I knew it immediately as soon as I finished the race. When I looked up and was in third place, I had all of these exciting feelings inside. It was an unbelievable feeling.” Johnson has made a football commitment to Houston, and the Cougars want him to play receiver. “I think I play receiver best, because I’ve been playing it all my life, but I could play either one,” Johnson said. “I have grown to love both positions.” As a defensive back, Johnson had four interceptions and a fumble recovery last season
See RUDDER, Page 8
at a glance Head coach: C.M. Pier (13-33-1 overall; 13-33-1 at Rudder) District — 18-4A 2012 record — 3-7 (3-5 in 18-4A) 2012 playoffs — Did not qualify State playoff appearances — None Returning lettermen — 15 (6 offensive, 5 defensive starters)
GO TEAM!
979-693-4076 drelms.com 3002 Longmire | CS
www.briceco.net
Sew Vac City
Texas’ Largest Sewing and Vacuum Dealer 2 Locations Bryan 700 S. Bryan Ave. • 979-431-0898 College Station 1904 Texas Ave. • 693-6592
979.693.6300 1501 Emerald Parkway College Station, TX
JANELLE CARVER Senior Vice President NMLS 208153 Office: 979.260.1448 www.JanelleCarver.com 307 Arguello Drive College Station, TX 77840 Branch NMLS 280990 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
1111 Briarcrest Dr., Bryan
776-2626 VARSITY
GO TEAM! 710 Villa Maria
822-3937
From all B/CS
Locations
1351 Earl Rudder Frwy. S. College Station
979-694-2022 2300 Hwy 21 E. Bryan 979-778-3408
High School Football 2013
College Station to face tougher varsity slate
•
By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
979-693-4076 drelms.com 3002 Longmire | CS
www.briceco.net
Sew Vac City
Texas’ Largest Sewing and Vacuum Dealer 2 Locations Bryan 700 S. Bryan Ave. • 979-431-0898 College Station 1904 Texas Ave. • 693-6592
979.693.6300 1501 Emerald Parkway College Station, TX
JANELLE CARVER Senior Vice President NMLS 208153 Office: 979.260.1448 www.JanelleCarver.com 307 Arguello Drive College Station, TX 77840 Branch NMLS 280990 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
next year ahead of that.” Huff said College Station’s players welcomed the challenge of a tougher schedule. Last year the Cougars went 6-4, but none of the victories came against established var-
See COUGARS, Page 18
1111 Briarcrest Dr., Bryan
776-2626 VARSITY
GO TEAM! 710 Villa Maria
822-3937
From all B/CS
Locations
1351 Earl Rudder Frwy. S. College Station
BrazosSports.com
Head coach: Steve Huff (67-15 overall; 6-4 at College Station) District — None 2012 record — 6-4 2012 playoffs — Did not compete for the playoffs State playoff appearances — None. Returning lettermen — 25 (10 offensive, 8 defensive starters)
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petition next season. “You’ve got to find a way to get your kids prepared for what’s eventually going to happen in 4A,” Huff said. “You can’t do that by hiding. It doesn’t work. “We’re all worried about wins and losses, but you’ve got to put getting prepared to play in 4A
•
at a glance
3A because of concerns about player safety. College Station is expected to move up one classification to 4A during the next biennial realignment. Huff called it a balancing act trying to win as much as possible this year while preparing for the jump in com-
The Eagle
Entering its second season of existence but still one year away from joining a UIL league, College Station’s football program will walk a tightrope in 2013. Check the Cougars’ schedule and you’ll see the high wire is much farther from the ground than last year. Not only will College Station be playing more varsity teams — all 10 were scheduled this season compared to four last year — the Cougars will be facing more accomplished programs. The revamped slate is highlighted by an October home game against longtime East Texas power Jasper, which reached the second round of the Class 3A playoffs last season. In their second season as a Class 3A independent, the Cougars also will face Schulenburg, Waco Reicher, Austin St. Michael’s and Gonzales’ teams that beat College Station by a combined score of 150-37 last season. “I think it’s a really, really challenging schedule,” Cougars head coach Steve Huff said. “At the same time, I think it’s a fun schedule. I think it’s games
people will want to come watch because of the teams we’re playing.” College Station is spending its first two school years as a member of District 18-3A in all sports except football. CSISD officials chose an independent football schedule over competing in 18-
Friday, August 23, 2013
Young but experienced Cougars hope to pick up where they left off in program’s second season
979-694-2022 2300 Hwy 21 E. Bryan 979-778-3408
5
High School Football 2013 • Friday, August 23, 2013 BrazosSports.com • The Eagle
6
BRYAN: Bobby Johnson returns at running back for Bryan Vikings Continued from 3 down a receiver from behind who appeared to be bound for a touchdown. “I’m not the most athletic guy,” Banks said. “I try to work harder and hustle every play to try to stand out and look good.” On the defensive side, he prefers playing safety. “I feel like I’m in control of the defense, knowing what I’m supposed to do and not relying on other people,” Banks said. He also thinks the Vikings will be able to rely on each other more often this year. “You could tell that last game (a 32-7 win over College Park) just how we gelled as a team,” said Banks of the Vikings’ commitment to an improved season. “It brought momentum. A lot of people are underrating us, and I think we’ll have some surprises. Our mind-set is where it needs to be to be a winning program again.” The arrival of sophomore quarterback Broderick “B.J.” Ross may limit Banks’ play at that spot. Ross started at quarterback on the freshman team last year. “We feel good about where B.J. is at and are proud to have him” Rogers said. “I’ve had sophomore quarterbacks before to start the season, and I want to think that he’s farther along than any that I’ve ever had.” The running game could be very good and will be needed. Bobby Johnson carried 166 times for 797 yards and scored six touchdowns a year ago. “Last year at this time we had nobody else to put in for him, and BOBBY JOHNSON when he was tired, it was hard to keep going,” Rogers said. “We are working in Darius [Ross], Keekee [Johnson] and Josh Gibbs, who looked good this spring.” Junior Darius Ross, who was Bryan’s leading tackler last season with 114 total, has made an especially strong push for playing time at the running back spot. The offensive line could make the running game go, with Connor Ward up to 280 pounds and Tristin Everett
See LINE, Page 11
GO TEAM!
979-693-4076 drelms.com 3002 Longmire | CS
www.briceco.net
Sew Vac City
Texas’ Largest Sewing and Vacuum Dealer 2 Locations Bryan 700 S. Bryan Ave. • 979-431-0898 College Station 1904 Texas Ave. • 693-6592
979.693.6300 1501 Emerald Parkway College Station, TX
JANELLE CARVER Senior Vice President NMLS 208153 Office: 979.260.1448 www.JanelleCarver.com 307 Arguello Drive College Station, TX 77840 Branch NMLS 280990 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
1111 Briarcrest Dr., Bryan
776-2626 VARSITY
GO TEAM! 710 Villa Maria
822-3937
From all B/CS
Locations
1351 Earl Rudder Frwy. S. College Station
979-694-2022 2300 Hwy 21 E. Bryan 979-778-3408
Continued from 2
2 Corey Dukes, 5-11, 170, sr., WR; 3 K.J. Dukes, 5-10, 180, sr., DB; 4 Quin Green, 5-9, 160, sr., DB; 5 Kobe Miller, 6-1, 205, sr., QB; 6 Daniel Zivney, 5-11, 185, jr., DB/K; 7 Kerry Thomas, 6-1, 185, sr., WR; 8 Jose Ordonez, 5-9, 170, sr., DB; 9 Aaron Schechter, 6-0, 180, sr., LB; 10 Mason Hickson, 5-11, 155, soph., QB; 11 Ben Thornton, 5-8, 175, jr., RB; 12 Blake Allen, 6-0, 170, sr., WR; 13 Mac Presnal, 5-9, 155, sr., DB; 14 Corey Stoll, 6-1, 160, sr., DB; 15 Quin Haynes, 5-10, 165, sr., DB; 16 Derrick Dick, 5-9, 175, jr., WR; 17 Sherman Wilder, 6-0, 190, sr., DB; 18 Quinton Grant, 6-0, 180, sr., DB; 19 Clint Hollis, 5-9, 165, sr., LB; 20 Parker Smith, 5-9, 185, sr., WR; 21 Brandon Jackson, 5-10, 175, sr., RB; 22 Patrick Medlock, 5-10, 190, sr., DB; 23 Reggie Davis, 5-9, 165, sr., DB; 24 Jacob Twaney, 5-11, 185, sr., LB; 25 David Taylor, 5-6, 155, sr., RB; 27 Jordan Schultz, 5-8, 165, sr., WR; 28 Ryan Anderson, 5-10, 160, sr., K; 30 Bryton Daniel, 5-9, 185, sr., LB; 31 Bryce Florence, 5-9, 170, jr., LB; 32 Ryan Bevans, 6-0, 195, sr., LB; 33 Hein Huynh, 5-10, 190, sr., LB; 34 Jaquan Brown, 5-10, 165, sr., LB; 36 Riley Garner, 6-3, 215, jr., DB; 44 Logan Foust, 6-0, 215, sr., DE; 48 Jelani Drummond, 6-2, 195, sr., LB; 50 Conner Smith, 5-10, 215, sr., OL; 51 Jackson Mercer, 6-0, 195, sr., DL; 54 Mathew Heritage, 5-10, 190, jr., LB; 55 Coby Foster, 5-9, 235, sr., OL; 56 Cameron Kruger, 6-0, 220, sr., OL: 57 Thomas Hines, 6-2, 245, sr., OL; 58 Luis Banuelos, 6-0, 185, sr., OL; 60 Jon Carpenter, 6-2, 240, sr., OL; 65 Lucus Cadle, 5-11, 205, sr., OL; 68 Rolando Garcia, 5-10, 220, sr., DL; 70 Rey Balbabino, 5-10, 250, sr., OL; 76 Michael Oliney, 6-2, 350, sr., OL; 80 Luke Benden, 6-5, 190, jr., TE; 82 Brett Harp, 6-0, 165, jr., WR; 83 Brooks Holmes, 5-10, 175, sr., WR; 90 Tristan Batts, 5-10, 185, sr., DL; 94 Thomas Brummett, 6-0, 175, sr., DL; 95 D.J. Jackson, 6-1. 295, sr., DL; 97 Alex Arseneaux, 6-1, 235, sr., DL; 98 Aaron Leventis, 6-2, 235, jr., DL
David raffield A&M Consolidated head football coach
COREY DUKES
OppOnent at Copperas Cove Waco Midway at Austin Westlake Lake Travis
District 14-5a Sept. 27 at Lufkin Oct. 4 The Woodlands* Oct. 11 Bryan+ Oct. 18 The Woodlands College Park Oct. 25 at Conroe Oak Ridge^ Nov. 1 Conroe Nov. 8 Open * Homecoming + Kyle Field ^ Buddy Moorhead Stadium
time 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Last Year W 31-20 L 34-27 W 35-17; L 45-2 W 30-28
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
L 71-68 (4OT) W 21-14 W 54-7 W 35-28 (OT) W 28-7 W 51-14
OLINEY STOLL
HAYNES
had the strong spring training they needed as a rebuilding unit, according to Raffield. Leading blockers should include senior Luis Banuelos, who can play center or tackle, along with 350-pound guard Michael Oliney and tackle Conner Smith. On defense, Raffield believes the Tigers have the pieces to put together a good unit. He has high hopes for the secondary that will feature safeties Corey Stoll and Sherman Wilder, along with cornerbacks Quin Haynes, Mac Presnal and Quin Green. “Those five kids are really good,” Raffield said. “Quin Haynes is fabulous.” The defensive front should be anchored by 295-pound senior D.J. Jackson, who was a second-team all-district pick last season, along with a new starter in 245-pound junior Aaron Leventis.
PRESNAL
BEVANS
Outside linebacker could be a strength with the playmaking ability of junior Riley Garner and senior K.J. Dukes, who played cornerback last year. Ryan Bevans likely will play a key role at inside linebacker. “Riley Garner is a beast,” Raffield said. “He’s a major Division I recruit.” Consol again will have a very challenging nondistrict schedule with games against Copperas Cove, Waco Midway, Austin Westlake and Lake Travis. Then the Tigers will open 14-5A against the teams they shared the 14-5A title with last year, going to Lufkin and playing host to The Woodlands. “I don’t think they’re going to be afraid of anybody that walks on the field,” Raffield said. “If we can get them the confidence that last year’s team had, it will be a heck of a run.”
BrazosSports.com
Quarterback and coach both rave about Consol’s offensive skill position players even though the Tigers must replace two receivers and one running back who were firstteam all-district selections last year. The Tigers have an accomplished group of receivers led by Kerry Thomas, Derrick Dick, Daniel Zivney and Corey Dukes. Dick was the 14-5A sophomore of the year last season. “We’ve got very talented, very athletic receivers,” Raffield said. “I think that is the thing people will be most surprised about.” Raffield also likes the speed JACKSON provided by running backs Brandon Jackson, David Taylor and Ben Thornton. Consol’s offensive linemen
•
don’t play sports, choosing to concentrate solely on academics. Miller would like to pursue both, hoping for an opportunity to play college football at Rice or an Ivy League school. Miller will have less time to earn college scouts’ attention than most highly recruited players, who usually spend more than one year as varsity starters. “If I play well enough to be recruited, I should be,” Miller said. “If I don’t have the skill set, that’s that. Now I’ll have my opportunity, and we’ll be able to see if I can do that.” Raffield expects big things from the first starting quarterback with three years in Consol’s new system. “I feel very confident with Kobe,” Raffield said. “I think he’s going to have a great senior year. He’s big enough, strong enough and fast enough. If he manages the offense and gives the football to the right players, he’s going to have great stats.”
BANUELOS
Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20
The Eagle
THOMAS
consol schedule
Friday, August 23, 2013
I feel very confident with Kobe [Miller]. I think he’s going to have a great senior year. He’s big enough, strong enough and fast enough. If he manages the offense and gives the football to the right players, he’s going to have great stats.
•
many of his teammates still call him Gus. “We call him both,” Consol head coach David Raffield said. “It drives me nuts. Since his legal name is Kobe and he doesn’t have an issue with it, I said let’s go with Kobe, so at least people can find his school record. We had a message for Gus last year, and they couldn’t find it because it was under Kobe. The people in the office said we don’t have a Gus.” Miller has been a quarterback since he switched from receiver not long after he began playing football as a fourth-grader. He calls himself lucky to play the position in the offense of Raffield and coordinator Brian Cope, who switched Consol from a ground-based scheme to a spread passing attack two years ago. “Once Coach Raffield came, football opened up to me,” Miller said. “The new coaching staff came in the spring of my freshman year. I remember getting up early one morning for my a.m. lift, and my dad was reading the paper and told me we had a new coach who runs a spread offense. I was so excited that I was going to finally get to throw the football.” Last year, the coaches’ plan called for Miller to air it out with the JV team, gaining experience while seniors Weston Garner and Jaylan Cheshire quarterbacked the varsity. But Garner injured his knee during the preseason scrimmage, and Miller joined the varsity. By the time Garner was returning, Cheshire was hurt. Miller spent the entire season with the varsity as the Tigers went 9-3, winning a share of the District 14-5A championship and reaching the second round of the playoffs. Miller played as a reserve in the last six games, completing 11 of 15 passes for 215 yards with three touchdowns. “Being on the varsity was way better [than starting for the JV],” Miller said. “First of all, I was held to varsity expectations in practice, so I couldn’t make JV mistakes. I had to be consistent. I got to learn so much from Jaylan and Weston. That’s what got me ready for this year.” Raffield said sometimes people as intelligent as Miller
a&M consolidated RosteR
High School Football 2013
CONSOL: Raffield likes speed, talent of his receivers, running backs
7
High School Football 2013 • Friday, August 23, 2013 BrazosSports.com • The Eagle
8
Franklin lost leading rusher Floyd but still looks playoff ready By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
The Franklin Lions will again run,butatleastintheearlygoing itwillbeasharedrunningattack. That was the case in the Lions’ opening scrimmage this year. Junior Jacob Dorsett broke a big run, but he shared the backfield duties with Morgan Brewer, who should play a leading role at tailback. “[Brewer] is a real competitor,” said Franklin coach Mike Hedrick, whose teams have won at least eight games each year sincehetookoverin2007.“Adam Lopez and Todd Johnson were at fullback, and they did a good job. We had some good backups. We kind of did that by committee.” Franklin lost the school’s alltimerushingleaderDariusFloyd, who graduated. It may force the Lions to run a more vanilla offense than in the past, no longer able to let Floyd’s creativity and ability take over. But some vanilla is stronger thanothers,andthatmightapply totheLions,whohaveasolidcore of players back from their DivisionIruntothequarterfinalsand
at a glance
franklin schedule
Head coach: Mike Hedrick (234-147-11 overall; 56-24 at Franklin) District — 11-2A Division I 2012 record — 10-3 (5-0 in 11-2A Division I) 2012 playoffs — Bi-district: bye; Area: Defeated East Chambers, 24-14; Regional: Defeated Tatum, 49-30; Quarterfinal: Lost to Newton, 49-13. State playoff appearances (25) — 1951, 1953, 1955, 1961, 1965, 1970, 1972, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. Returning lettermen — 22 (7 offensive, 7 defensive starters)
Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4
asecondstraight10-3season.And a JV team that went 9-1 last year should strengthen the group. Junior Dylan Smitherman proved to be a smooth operator last season and is back. “He did a good job,” Hedrick said. “He is a good mechanic. He can operate what we run.” The question mark a year ago was the young offensive line, but they delivered and four of five starters return including guards JohnDavisandWyattLinsonand center Lane Smith. TheLionsmovedZackShortto tight end. “He’s got real good hands,” Hedrick said. “He thought all along he should have been a tight end, but he was a tackle last year.” Short will also be a key player
on defense. “We’ve got him at linebacker, and he’s got a lot of instincts,” Hedrick said. Several players will fill a similar two-way role, including Dorsettplayingcornerbackalong with running back. Will Phillips, whowillplaylinebacker,willalso be a running back and may see time at quarterback. “[Phillips] is a tough kid and an aggressive kid,” Hedrick said. Franklin will play Seth Kissingerattheothercornerbackspot opposite Dorsett. “He is a sharp kid who picks it up quickly,” Hedrick said. “He’s played well for us.” Franklin has several young players expected to step up into more action, and many of those
RUDDER: Junior Brady Batten set to take over starting quarterback position Continued from 4 and totaled 115 returns yards. “Isaiah has some tools to work with, and he’s going to have to be a force for us on both sides of the football,” Rudder coach C.M. Pier said. “He has to, and I think he can.” On offense, Johnson believes he knows his strength. “Probably separation from the defender,” Johnson said. “With the speed when the ball goes into the air, and then my break out of my routes, I think I’m really good at that.” The 6-foot-2, 185-pound receiver thinks that some of his track skills pay off in football, but not necessarily the hurdling ability. “The way I run the 200 and 100, that really carries over into football compared to hurdling,” Johnson said. “The boy is fast and everybody knows it,” Pier said. “The expectations for him are way up there, and he’ll be able to deliver.” Junior Brady Batten will
rudder roster
OppOnent time Hearne 7:30 p.m. Riesel 7:30 p.m. at Lexington 7:30 p.m. at Caldwell 7:30 p.m. Austin St. Michael’s 7:30 p.m. Open District 11-2a Division i Oct. 11 at Palestine Westwood 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 Elkhart* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at Crockett 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at Trinity 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 Teague 7:30 p.m. *Homecoming
Johnson (7-100). Anthony Veal, Robert Lee and Tavion Wilson will share carries in the backfield and all played well in Rudder’s first scrimmage. Veal averaged over 5 yards per carry while picking up 340 yards as a junior last season. He scored four touchdowns. Lee and Wilson will see
See BaCKFieLD, Page 17
W 82-35 W 69-34 W 55-21 W 48-14 W 64-50
franklin roster 3William Phillips, soph., HB/LB; 4 Jacob Dorsett, soph.,TB/CB; 6 Seth Kissinger, sr., QE/ CB; 7Tyler Henson, sr.,TB/CB; 10 Stephen Commander, soph., HB/LB; 11Thomas Box, fr., TE/FS; 12 Jesus Diaz, jr., HB/SS; 15 Jared Burnett, jr., QE/FS; 16 Dylan Smitherman, jr., QB/ DB; 20 Adam Lopez, jr., FB/SS; 22 Dominique Witherspoon, jr., TB/SS; 24 Payton Cook, jr., QE/CB; 25 Michael Ondrasek, jr., HB/SS; 30 Joseph Riley, sr., TB/DE; 31 James Ross, jr., QE/SS; 32 Rodney Rogers, soph., HB/LB; 33 Thomas Pitts, jr., QE/CB; 34 Andrew Fannin, fr., FB/LB; 35 Michael Brewer, jr., RB/SS; 38 Trevor Dooley, sr., TE/DT; 40 Steven Johnson, jr., FB/LB; 44 Brandon Graham, soph., FB/LB; 50 Anthony Zeig, jr., G/DT; 51 John Davis, jr., G/DE; 52 Jeb Hogan, sr., G/DT; 55 Benjamin Zamzow, sr., T/DT; 60 Ian Knight, soph., T/DT; 61 Hunter Mack, soph., T/DE; 63 Robert Smith, jr., C/DT; 65 Michael Barnett, sr., G/DE; 66 Lane Morgan, fr., T-DT; 68 Wyatt Linson, jr., G/DT; 75 Reymundo Ruiz, jr., T/DT; 77 Kizer Bomnskie, jr., T/DT; 80 Zackery Short, sr., TE/LB
spots have not been determined. “There are so many of them
in the mix, it’s just hard to say,” Hedrick said.
rudder schedule Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6
OppOnent Elgin at El Campo
Sept. 13 at Magnolia Sept.. 20 Huntsville Sept.. 27 at Caney Creek 3 Mark Davenport, sr., WR/DB; 10 Deshawn McMillan, soph., WR/DB; 11 Oct. 4 Magnolia West* Brady Batten, jr., QB/DB; 12 Braden Harris, jr.,WR/DB; 14 Isaiah Johnson, sr.,WR/ Oct. 11 at Waller DB; 15Vincent Sandle, soph.,WR/DB; 17 JustinVasquez, jr.,WR/DB; 18 Shelton Oct. 18 Brenham Miles, sr., WR/DB; 19 Devin Johnson, sr., WR/DB; 20 Matthew Lopez, jr., WR/ Oct. 25 at Willis DB; 23 Robert Lee, sr., RB/DB; 24 Flederick Lewis, sr.,WR/DB; 25 Ryan Pierce, jr., Nov. 1 Montgomery WR/DB; 28 Tavion Wilson, sr., RB/ILB; 29 Eric Hausman, jr., WR/DE; 33 Anthony Nov. 8 Open Veal, sr., RB/DB; 35 Chris Espinoza, soph., RB/LB; 38 Grant Harris, sr., ILB/WR; 40 *Homecoming Auston Ellis, sr., OL/DL; 41 Waymon Richardson, jr., RB/OLB; 42 Charlie Watt, soph., WR/ILB; 44 Willie Richards, sr., TB/ILB; 50 Peter Koontz-Elarms, sr., OL/ DL; 51 Omar Cantu, jr., OL/DL; 52 Nick Flores, jr., OL/DL; 54 Garrett Hauke, jr., OL/DL; 55 Damon Burleson, sr., OL/DL; 56 Nicholas Alvarez, sr., OL/DL; 59 Jordan Tribble, jr., OL/DL; 62 Shaquon Warren, soph., OL/DL; 67 J.P. Gonzales, jr., OL/DL; 72 Kelvin Taylor, sr., OL/DL; 75 Charles Owens, soph., OL/DL; 76 Noah Hensley, fr., OL/DL; 77 Ja’Markis Thompson, soph., OL/DL; 80 Darrien Williams, sr.,WR/DB; 83 Hayden Baron, sr.,TE/OLB; 85 Dalton Payne, sr.,TE/DL; 88 Lamon Burleson, sr., TE/OLB; 89 Spencer Choka, jr., TE/OLB take over at quarterback for the Rangers. “Brady’s a smart kid, smart and tough,” Pier said. “He’s got decent feet as far as running the ball and is getting better with his passing mechanics. I’m looking for big things from him.” Johnson leads a good corps of receivers, along with fellow seniors Derrien Williams (21 receptions, 219 yards) and Devin
Last Year W 42-19 W 60-20 L 28-7 W 80-34 L 46-34
District 18-4a
drelms.com 979.693.6300 1501 Emerald Parkway College Station, TX
time 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Last Year L 36-7 L 55-26
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
W 20-17 L 47-21 W 63-35 L 30-24 L 44-14 L 35-14 W 26-20 L 28-14
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Panthers in second season under Kevin Morton By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
•
As the Normangee football team enters its second season under head coach Kevin Morton, the Panthers hope to add something to their version of the Olympics motto “faster, higher, stronger.” The Panthers would love to be healthier. Injuries took a toll on Normangee last season as Morton took over after a successful run by Brian Mullinnix, who led the Panther to the playoffs in four of the previous five years. Normangee went 3-7 last year for its first losing season since 2001. “Even with us being young and having a whole new coaching staff and a whole new system, the thing that hurt us so
High School Football 2013
Normangee hoping to dodge injuries in 2013
Friday, August 23, 2013
See nOrmanGee, Page 24
normangee schedule
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L 28-8 L 28-27 L 50-28
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Last Year L 33-6 L 20-12 W 30-0 W 20-19 L 21-19 W 42-0 L 45-20
•
OppOnent time Leon 7:30 p.m. at Milano 7:30 p.m. at Brazos Christian 7:30 p.m. Snook* 7:30 p.m. at New Waverly 7:30 p.m. at Dawson 7:30 p.m. Hull-Daisetta 7 p.m. Open District 12-a Division ii Oct. 25 at Chilton 7 p.m. Nov. 1 Bremond 7 p.m. Nov. 8 Lovelady 7 p.m. *Homecoming
The Eagle
Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18
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High School Football 2013 • Friday, August 23, 2013 BrazosSports.com • The Eagle
10
Madisonville hoping to stay healthy at QB Mustangs have Crist back at running back By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
For their frustrations to pass, the Madisonville Mustangs might need to pass more. Or at least more effectively. Tyji Whaley, now a junior, was the third of four quarterbacks to take over because of injuries last season, and he returns after completing 21 of 39 passes for 313 yards and five touchdowns. He did not complete the season, however, and while he may be a bigger help to the Mustangs at linebacker, he is in the mix at quarterback with sophomore Jailyn Smith. Don Roundtree, Madisonville’s final fill-in at quarterback last year, is not in the QB rotation right now. “I thought he did a heck of a job,” Madisonville coach Greg Morgan said. “He was forced into a difficult position, but he’s back where we feel like he’s at home at the fullback position, and he’s really doing a good job there.” Despite the revolving door at quarterback, the one constant for the Mustangs was the play of running back Dontae Crist, who led District 18-3A through the regular season with 210 carries for 1,331 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Mustangs led their district in rushing, averaging 241 yards per game but gained just 575 passing yards all season. “It was unfair to Dontae because we were going against nine men in the box and really pressure defenses,” Morgan said. “He got a little criticism, but I think they failed to remember that when there’s nine in the box, we can’t block them
all. Dontae was still running fairly effectively, a lot of times through and over people.” A l l - d i s t r i c t l i n e b a c ke r Damien Whaley is back after recording 118 tackles last season. “He is flying around and moving well,” Morgan said. “The game has slowed down for him, so he sees it a lot faster now. He’s having a whale of a two-a-days.” The versatile Grant Smith filled several roles for the Mustangs, rushing for 507 yards and four touchdowns. Smith will play free safety, and Eric Aceves returns at strong safety. Brent McCloud also had a multipurpose role. At cornerback, he led Madisonville with seven interceptions and returned two for touchdowns. With Aceves joining them, Smith and McCloud help make up a strong secondary. And the Mustangs expect to get more than just good defensive play out of Smith and McCloud. “They are explosive,” Morgan said. “Grant and Brent will both
at a glance
madisonville schedule
Head coach: Greg Morgan (92-85 overall; 73-63 at Madisonville) District — 18-3A 2012 record — 5-5 (1-3 in 18-3A) 2012 playoffs — Did not qualify State playoff appearances (17): 1957, 1958, 1959, 1975, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2010. Returning lettermen — 21 (6 offensive, 6 defensive starters)
Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 21 Sept. 27 Oct. 4
play inside and outside receiver and line up in the backfield occasionally. They are dangerous return guys as well. McCloud in our 7-on-7 league, most of the coaches were impressed with the way he moved in space. We’ve got to be creative and find ways to get them the ball.” On the lines, the Mustangs lost three senior starters who had started multiple years. Center Dalton Gilbert leads a
rebuilt offensive line as a returning starter. Guard Brandon Kendrick is another top blocker. The Mustangs stress versatility on their offensive line with players able to play at more than one
OppOnent Lorena Cleveland at Fairfield at Crockett at Diboll Huntington*
Oct. 11 at Navasota Oct. 18 Rockdale Oct. 25 at Caldwell Nov. 1 Taylor Nov. 8 Open *Homecoming
District 18-3a
time 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Last Year W 24-18 L 19-12 (OT) L 22-21 W 34-28 W 34-0 W 61-6
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
L 38-0 L 45-13 W 40-7 L 13-9
position. Collin Peveto will start for the third consecutive year at tight end.
madisonville roster 2 Dontae Crist, sr., TB/LB; 3 Ross Singletary, sr., WR/DB; 4 Grant Smith, sr., WR/DB; 5 Brent McCloud, sr. WR/DB; 6 Jaylen Manley, sr., WR/DB; 7 Rueben Rodriguez, sr., WR/DB; 8 Sterling Taylor, jr., RB/DB; 9 Tyji Whaley, jr., QB/OLB; 10 Eric Aceves, sr., WR/DB; 11 Donald Roundtree, jr., FB/DB; 12 Jailyn Smith, soph., QB/DB; 13 Sam Parrack, soph., TE/DL; 14 Cody Culp, sr., TE/OLB; 15 R’Kelian Wiley, soph., WR/DB; 16 Caleb Peveto, sr., QB/DB; 17 Davodrick Ross, jr., WR/DB; 20 Dominique Ramirez, jr., WR/DB; 22 Antwoine Curtis, jr., TB/DB; 28 Andrew Estes, jr., FB/OLB; 30 Damien Whaley, sr., FB/LB; 32 David Glover, soph., FB/LB; 33 Robert Culbreath, soph., FB/LB; 44 Mason Jarrell, sr., FB/LB; 51 Jabre Burns, jr., OL/DL; 53 William Cuellar, sr., OL/DL; 54 David Bastardo, sr., OL/DL; 55 Dalton Gilbert, sr., OL/DL; 56 Austin Ashley, jr., OL/DL; 58 Alija Babar, sr., OL/DL; 61 Cedrick Jackson, sr., OL/DL; 65 Oskar Garcia, soph., OL/DL; 72 Brandon Kendrick, sr., OL/DL; 77 Jonathan Berringer, sr., OL/DL; 80 John Reid Carter, soph., TE/OLB; 82 Tommy Jo Ozio, sr.; WR/DB; 85 Collin Peveto, sr., TE/DL; 88 Bryce Moore, sr., WR/DB; 90 Rogelio Martinez, sr., K
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Goforth says players ready to build something permanent By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
caldwell schedule
Head coach: Bobby Jack Goforth (119-162-3 overall; first year at Caldwell) District — 18-3A 2012 record — 1-8 (1-3 in 18-3A) 2012 playoffs — Did not qualify State playoff appearances (16): 1924, 1928, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1935, 1939, 1971, 1980, 1984, 1994, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Returning lettermen — 11 (5 offensive, 5 defensive starters)
Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11
Oct. 18 at Taylor Oct. 25 Madisonville Nov. 1 at Navasota Nov. 8 Rockdale *Homecoming
District 18-3a
games and seeing that we can be productive in our system.” Caldwell’s offense should be ahead of the defense early in the season. Goforth ws able to introduce some of his offense to the players during the spring, but he didn’t hire his defensive coordinator until the summer. Goforth also has a strong background in offense, having played receiver at Baylor and coached receivers at 5A power Katy. Senior Dylan Drgac likely will take over as the Hornets’ quarterback. Caldwell will expect major contributions from receiver Jonathan Jackson,
time 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Last Year L 77-15 L 35-29 L 69-24 L 80-34
7:30 p.m.
L 42-22
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
W 26-22 L 40-7 L 58-0 L 43-12
who caught 33 passes last year in what Goforth called a productive season. The Hornets hope to get a boost on both sides of the ball from junior Jacob Kovar, who did not play football last year. Kovar will see time at running back and linebacker. Tyler Kocurek, a 220-pound senior, should be a top lineman on offense, where he will play guard, and on defense. The Hornets also will count on production up front from 275-pound sophomore tackle Jake Fryrear and tight end Josh Hitchcock.
Continued from 6
practice snaps at quarterback. “He’s got a good arm, is tough and will run over people half of the time,” Rogers said. Junior Isaiah Vasquez will move into the weakside linebacker spot after a strong JV season. Logan Pottberg, who played linebacker last year, will play in Bryan’s nickel
package. With Darius Ross moving from linebacker to safety, the Vikings think they will have a big-play tackler at that position. Banks will also play safety and corner, putting two of Bryan’s best athletes in the secondary.
bryan roster 4 A.J. Reynolds, jr.; 5 Darius Ross, jr.; 7 Sedrick Burns, jr.; 9 Bryan Ward, jr.; 10 B.J. Ross, soph.; 11 Cory Johnson, sr.; 14 Logan Pottberg, sr.; 15 Coleman Johnson, jr.; 16 Morgun Brown, jr.; 17 Marc Garcia-Rhodes, sr.; 19 V.J. Banks, sr.; 20 Josh Gibbs, sr.; 22 Alex Harris, sr.; 23 Bobby Johnson, sr.; 25 Tyler Slaydon, soph.; 26 Josh Valasquez, sr.; 27 Sterling Whitley, jr.; 31 Josh Nutall, sr.; 33 Keekee Johnson, jr.; 34 Andrew Ballard, jr.; 38 Terry Polsgrove, sr.l 40 Jordan Driver, soph.; 43 Isaiah Vasquez, sr.; 45 Trea Blue, sr.; 48 Keasean Jefferson, soph.; 49 Jecorey Goosby, sr.; 55 Arthur Reyes, jr.; 56 Brandon Menjares, jr.; 58 Connor Ward, sr.; 59 Dedrick Davis, soph.; 60 Tristin Everett, sr.; 62 Raymond Grimaldo, sr.; 66 Anthony Salinas, sr.; 70 Daniel Romanos, jr.; 75 Eric Starling, sr.; 77 Tyler Zamarano, sr.; 80 Devante Jones, sr.; 81 Ronald Gibbs, sr.; 85 Justin Newton, jr.; 90 Jonathan Gonzales, jr.; 91 Brenden Moore, sr.; 93 Micheal Cadena, sr.; 94 Jimmy Thomas, jr.; 95 D.J. McCoy, sr.
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good about. We are still a little bit undersized as far as height. We’re going to have to play under people’s pads, but that’s where you want to be anyway.” Coaches have plugged in converted quarterback Coleman Johnson at middle linebacker. “It’s all brand new to him, but he’s 6-1, 215, runs a high 4.5 or 4.6 40, and he’s getting better all of the time,” Rogers said of Johnson. “He’s a physical player. He was physical at quarterback, and I think he’ll be physical at linebacker.” Johnson is also still taking
•
moving from center to tackle. Brandon Menjares, who had a strong sophomore season before suffering an injury, will see time at center and guard. “[Menjares] gives us a bigger push at center against a nose tackle or shade tackle,” said Rogers, who also pinpointed linemen Artie Reyes and Raymond Grimaldo for their blocking. Sedrick Burns will move up from the JV team to join the receiving corps, a unit that includes 6-foot-3 Justin Newton, 6-2 Tyler Slaydon, Sterling
Whitley and Corey Johnson. Johnson will pull double duty at place-kicker. Michael Cadena gives the Vikings power and size at nose tackle and had a strong spring. For a change of pace, Keasean Jefferson will back up Candena and try to use his quickness. Jecorey Goosby, who has played outside linebacker, will move up to the line with D.J. McCoy at one end and a relentless rusher in Keekee Johnson (5-11, 240) at the other end. “[Keekee] is stronger than a bull, and he’s got the speed,” Rogers said. “Our front I feel
The Eagle
LINE: Bryan nose tackle Michael Cadena helps anchor defensive front
Friday, August 23, 2013
(he was hired in May of 2012) hampered his first year with the Hornets and advised Caldwell officials to move quickly to find his replacement, which they did. “The good thing was having nine or 10 weeks of school,” Goforth said. “I was able to get to know the kids. We were able to do some drills with them and sort of lay a foundation for the summer and our strength program. It put us a little bit ahead. “Their attitudes have been awesome. It’s just a matter of building confidence and a belief in what we’re doing. That’s only going to come by winning some
OppOnent at Bellville at Hearne Robinson Franklin* Open at Giddings Open
•
Bobby Jack Goforth is ready to remove the revolving door from the Caldwell football coach’s office and put some sting back into the Hornets. Goforth, the former Caldwell standout player, was hired in the spring to become Caldwell’s fourth head football coach in four years. He arrived after the Hornets managed just one victory in each of the last two seasons. Time to stop both trends, losing coaches and losing seasons? “From the first day that I walked in and saw the kids, I was excited about what I saw,” Goforth said. “We don’t have high numbers, but there’s some quality there. We’ve got some good size and a lot of kids that have had playing experience. “I feel like they were ready to have somebody that they knew would be here for more than one year, somebody that they could
build some trust in, somebody that cared about them not only as a player but as a teenager.” The Hornets haven’t reached the playoffs since 2009, and the rebuilding project faces a location issue because Caldwell is a member of District 18-3A. The league includes defending Division II state champion Navasota as well as Rockdale, Taylor and Madisonville. “The unexpected makes you nervous, but we’re preparing to be competitive,” Goforth said. “We have a huge challenge in the first game against Bellville (which lost to Navasota in the state semifinal last year). I think once we get through that we’ll continue to improve. I’m hoping we start to peak and play good football by the time we get to district.” Goforth, who went 23-27 in six seasons at 5A San Antonio Jay, is replacing Kenneth Gilchrist, who resigned after a 1-8 season to take over at 2A Whitney. Gilchrist said getting a late start
at a glance
High School Football 2013
Former Hornet back to lead Caldwell
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High School Football 2013 Friday, August 23, 2013
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Rockdale wants to improve on playoff season
The Eagle
•
BrazosSports.com
Tigers moving all-district receiver Gibbs to quarterback rockdale schedule
12
By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
A break-even regular season was good enough to get Rockdale into the 2012 high school football playoffs, but the Tigers want more this season. Rockdale will return enough players to convince coach Jeff Miller that his team can be better than last year, when the Tigers finished 5-6, losing in the first round of the playoffs after a 5-5 regular season that included a 2-2 mark in District 18-3A. “We have the potential to compete for a district title and a multiple-round playoff year,” Miller said. “Obviously, everyone is playing catch-up with Navasota. We have to stay healthy to reach our potential.” Miller expects the Tigers to contend for a postseason bid thanks to a veteran roster that includes nine players who have started on offense and six on defense. Rockdale will have a new player at the offensive controls. Clayton Gibbs, a 6-foot, 190-pound senior, will move to quarterback after earning all-
at a glance Head coach: Jeff Miller (72-60 overall; 37-39 at Rockdale) District — 18-3A 2012 record — 5-6 (2-2 in 18-3A) 2012 playoffs — Division II bi-district: Lost to Lorena, 36-22. State playoff appearances (20): 1958, 1962, 1963, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2013 Returning lettermen — 15 (5 offensive, 4 defensive starters) district honors at receiver last year. “How Clayton adapts will play a big role in our season,” Miller said. Gibbs should benefit from an experienced group of ball-handlers that includes returning starters in running back Elijah Brooks, receiver Austin Caffey and H-back Devante Burgess. Miller said the running back combination of the 5-11, 210-pound senior Brooks and junior Dailynn Ramey is as good as any in the Central Texas area, while Caffey is on pace to
break the school record for career receptions. Rockdale’s offensive line will be led by senior Josh Pelzel. The 6-6, 315-pounder has committed to sign with Baylor after receiving several scholarship offers from Division I schools. The Tigers also have returning starters in senior offensive tackle Dedrick Page and junior offensive tackle Michael Boyd. The Tigers will have more of a rebuilding project on defense, but Rockdale has a special talent around which to build in senior linebacker James David. The 6-2, 215 pounder is being recruited by several Division I colleges after recording 119 tackles and making third-team all-state last season. End Pete Heintz and linebacker Caffey give Rockdale two more returning starters along the defensive front. Rockdale will have a veteran secondary with three of four defensive backs who are returning starters. The Tigers have experience in senior safety Ladontice Coats, junior cornerback Ed Dansby and junior safety Hayden Offield.
Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4
OppOnent Salado at Burnet Cameron at Liberty Hill at Smithville Hillsboro*
Oct. 11 Taylor Oct. 18 at Madisonville Oct. 25 Navasota Nov. 1 Open Nov. 8 at Caldwell *Homecoming
District 18-3a
time 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Last Year W 35-21 W 24-17 L 34-0 L 76-35 L 27-0 W 27-15
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
L 34-28 (3OT) W 45-13 L 43-0
7:30 p.m.
W 43-12
rockdale roster 1 Devante Burgess; 2 Billy Harris; 3 James Castilleja; 4 Dylan McCartney; 5 Edward Dansby; 6 Pearce Loth; 7 Clayton Gibbs; 8 Adolfo Chavira; 9 Brent Drummond; 10 James David; 11 LaDontice Coats; 12 Hayden Offield; 14 Jon Hines; 15 Darius Ford; 18 Pete Heintze; 20 Sinderick Miller; 23 Dailynn Ramey; 30 Jared Gerren; 32 Elijah Brooks; 33 Austin Caffey; 44 Tyler Prazak; 50 Dillian Ford; 51 Dedrick Page; 53 Eric Davenport; 57 Jakob Moreland; 59 Quondrous Ayala; 60 Javier Mayberry; 65 Ramsey Zinn; 68 Zavon Gipson; 70 Michael Boyd; 72 Josh Pelzel; 73 Kristian White; 77 Jerry Vidal; 79 Justin Offield; 80 Preston Ehler; 84 Javante Gates; 88 Derek Whitsel
Pelzel and 285-pound senior Kristian White should help plug up the middle from their spots at defensive tackle. The Tigers will open the sea-
son by playing host to Salado on Aug. 30. Rockdale’s 18-3A schedule will include home games against projected playoff contenders Navasota and Taylor.
High School Football 2013 • Friday, August 23, 2013
A championship force By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
height,” Navasota coach Lee Fedora said. “I’ve always been one of those guys who believe you’ve got to find the players. I told him not to worry about
be heavy enough to play defensive tackle. He certainly is strong enough, having finished fourth in the super heavyweight division at the state powerlifting meet as a junior. “To me, my height really doesn’t matter,” Wells said.
“It’s a little frustrating. I know I can play at my height, so that bugs me a little bit.” Measured by production, Wells stands tall. Last season he made 163 tackles, including 67 behind
See NAVASOTA, Page 18
VARSITY
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Head coach: Lee Fedora (129-52-1 overall; 71-27 at Navasota) District — 18-3A 2012 record — 16-0 (4-0 in 18-3A) 2012 playoffs — Division II bi-district: Defeated China Spring, 62-16; Area: Defeated Jasper, 59-14; Regional: Defeated La Marque, 31-20; Quarterfinal: Defeated West OrangeStark, 38-7; Semifinal: Defeated Bellville, 24-7; Championship: Defeated Gilmer, 39-3. State playoff appearances (30): 1936, 1940, 1941, 1943, 1948, 1955, 1956, 1974, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. Returning lettermen — 22 (3 offensive, 5 defensive starters)
his height. He is what he is. Maybe he won’t be 6-3, but when you’re looking for great athletes, you want guys who are winners, guys who are players. I’ve seen some unbelievable college athletes that are undersized.” At 280 pounds, Wells should
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C
ollege football coaches inclined to judge Navasota defensive lineman Jordan Wells by tape measure should pay more attention to video. Wells was the Class 3A co-defensive player of the year last season after helping the Rattlers capture their first football state championship. WELLS He returns for his senior season as one of the most accomplished players in the Brazos Valley but still has to answer questions about his listed height of 5 feet, 11 1/2 inches. “A lot of colleges have contacted me about him, and the first thing they ask is about his
at a glance
The Eagle
Jordan Wells has proven his value as Navasota’s anchor on defense
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High School Football 2013 • Friday, August 23, 2013 BrazosSports.com • The Eagle
14
Playing big, dreaming bigger 2A defender of year Somari Wright wants to play beyond Cameron By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
I
f you want to retrace Somari Wright’s journey from seventh-grade sub to senior stud, get ready for some heavy lifting. Wright was the Class 2A defensive player of the year last season after he helped Cameron capture the Division I state football championship. The linebacker will go into his senior season as a legitimate college prospect. He’s come a long way since his days as a reserve on Cam-
eron’s seventh-grade squad, and Wright has no doubt that work is what got him there. Much of that work has been done in Cameron’s weight room and on Wright’s workout machine at home. “I told myself that if I wanted to WRIGHT start and be a varsity player, I was going to have to put in the work,” Wright said. “I had
to do what it takes. Every day I’m hitting the weights at my house at 6 in the morning. After that, I jog. Then I go to the weight room and work out some more. I’m very serious about it.” Wright put up serious statistics last season. He recorded 235 tackles with 15 quarterback pressures. Cameron beat Daingerfield 38-20 in the state championship game. Wright helped send out the seniors in style and established himself as one of the Brazos Valley’s top players going into this season with a sen-
sational performance in the title game, earning defensive MVP honors with 16 tackles, including two behind the line of scrimmage. Those accomplishments represent an about-face for a player who remembers running the wrong direction in
pee wee football and was described as pudgy when he was a reserve in the seventh grade. Rick Rhoades, who is starting his fifth year as Cameron’s head coach, joined the program when Wright was
See WRIGHT, Page 17
Cameron roster 1 Colton Labay, sr., WR/DB; 2 Jalen White, sr., RB/DB; 3 Demetrius Valdez, sr., RB/LB; 4 Michael Evan, sr., K/LB; 5 John Washington, jr., WR/OLB; 6 Justin Pratt, sr., WR/DB; 7 Reid Nickerson, jr., QB/DB; 8 Adam Charanza, sr., DB; 9 Jason Kopriva, sr., QB/P; 10 Clayvan Jones, sr., WR/DB; 11 Dakota Lee, sr., WR/DB; 14 Aaron Sims, jr., WR/DB; 16 Michael Gelner, sr., WR/OLB; 18 Sam McKinney, sr., WR/DB; 22 Colton Shuffield, sr., WR/DB; 24 Traion Smith, soph., RB/LB; 25 Tyrik Johnson, soph., WR/DB; 32 Carson Hanel, sr., DL; 35 Brayan Garcia, sr., WR/DB/K; 42 Ryan Cullen, jr., LB; 44 Somari Wright, sr., WR/LB; 50 Brandon Vargas, sr., OL/DL; 52 Jonathan McAnulty, sr., OL/LB; 54 Oscar Locke, sr., OL/LB; 55 Eric Sanchez, jr., OL/LB; 56 Christopher Lewis, sr., OL/DL; 58 Khalil Kelley, sr., OL/DL: 60 D’Andre Adams, soph., OL/DL; 68 Joshua Stubbs, sr., OL/DL; 77 Kylen Harrell, sr., OL/DL; 80 Tralund Webber, sr., WR/DL; 82 Myles Brooks, sr., WR/DB
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High School Football 2013
Hearne has chance to build on playoff run
• Friday, August 23, 2013
Castilleja, McGrew going to focus on offense after playing both ways for Eagles last season on offense this year. Castilleja is a backup at safety. “Both those leaders on offense are playing one way, so they should be rested and ready to go on offense,” said Smith, who is in his second season at Hearne. “Last year Kyle started at inside linebacker, and we didn’t want to do that again. We got through one year without him getting hurt. This year a couple of kids have stepped up, and we think
OppOnent time at Franklin 7:30 p.m. Caldwell 7:30 p.m. at New Waverly 7:30 p.m. Open District 11-2a Division ii Sept. 27 at Centerville 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4 Rosebud-Lott* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at Riesel 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 Buffalo 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at Moody 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1 Bruceville-Eddy 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at Crawford 7:30 p.m. *Homecoming
Last Year L 42-19 W 35-29 W 26-8 L 45-0 L 38-34 W 34-16 W 21-20 W 40-15 W 49-7 L 47-33
See Hearne, Page 24
VARSITY
hearne schedule Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20
they can fill that role.” Inside receiver Devanta Jefferson will be a chief target. Senior Adam Boxley i s a strong player on both the offensive and defensive lines. He had 42 total tackles last year. He plays left guard on offense and right defensive tackle. “So far, he has really been a beast for us,” Smith said. “He
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last three or four games,” said Smith of his running back, who had 173 yards rushing and three TDs against Bruceville-Eddy. McGrew also gained 127 yards and scored twice in the Eagles’ bi-district victory over New Waverly. Defensively, Castilleja averaged 3.8 tackles and picked off two passes from his linebacker spot. McGrew played defensive end, but both will concentrate
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The Hearne Eagles have a backfield that may again point them toward the front of District 11-2A Division II. Kyle Castilleja claimed the quarterback spot as his own in a successful junior season, when the Eagles qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2008 and had their first winning season since 2006. Castilleja completed 57 of 102 passes for 904 yards and 10 touchdowns
with nine interceptions. He also rushed for 120 yards and two scores. “With his second year in the system, he is really starting to grasp this offense and the way we run things,” Hearne coach Clinton Smith said. “That will be a big help.” MarcJavion McGrew is the leading rusher back. He rushed 116 times for 862 yards (7.4 per carry) and scored nine touchdowns. “He really didn’t take over at running back full-time until the
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Tigers staying hungry despite recent success
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Centerville coming off second straight district title and playoff run to 2A Division II regionals By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
Centerville enjoyed its best football season in a decade last year, success that made it tougher to take when the Tigers suffered the worst kind of loss. The Tigers won their second straight district championship and reached the third round of theplayoffsforthefirsttimesince 2002. Their unbeaten season came to an end with a 28-27 overtimelosstoHughesSpringsinthe Class 2A Division II regionals. There should be a carry-over effect from winning 11 games, and from the lone loss. “The kids are still stinging from that one-point loss in the playoffs,” Centerville coach Kyle Hardee said. “Even though we had a good season, I don’t think they left satisfied because of the way it ended. “Our kids are coming off a coupleof districtchampionships, andtheycertainlyknowthehard work that has gone into being able to accomplish that. Judging fromouroffseasonworkouts,our kids haven’t let up one bit.” Centerville will count on a strong, veteran offensive line to
at a glance Head coach: Kyle Hardee (40-44 overall; 40-44 at Centerville) District — 11-2A Division II 2012 record — 11-1 (7-0 in 11-2A Division II) 2012 playoffs — Bi-district: bye; Area: Defeated Garrison, 34-7; Regional: Lost to Hughe Springs, 28-27 in overtime. State playoff appearances (13) — 1939, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1969, 1993, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2012. Returning lettermen — 17 (4 offensive, 6 defensive starters) lead the hunt for another District 11-2A Division II title and playoff run. The blocking corps includes returnees Kyle Harris, Kurtis Parker, Edmond Clark and Carson Wakefield, along with 265-pound sophomore Kenny Searcy. The Tigers had enough depth up front to switch two-year starter Tyler Brown from guard to fullback. “We’re bringing back a lot of experience up front,” Hardee said. “We felt like that was one of our strengths last year, and we
hope it will be again this season. Those kids have gotten stronger. We’re expecting good things from our offensive and defensive lines.” Juniors Jordan Cannon and Cade Harris likely will share time at quarterback, taking over forgraduatedGarrettChase,and both are expected to start in the secondary. Last spring, Cannon and Harris were key players on theCentervillebaseballteamthat pushed second-ranked Salado to threegamesintheregionalquarterfinals. Blake Payne will be the tailback, taking over after earning second-team all-district honors last season when he backed up his older brother, Ryan Payne. Centerville coaches expect big contributions running and receiving from Tulley Pickens, a junior wingback who can line up at several positions. “We didn’t lose a lot of kids — I believe we had nine seniors on last year’s team — but they were quality kids,” Hardee said. “We have some big shoes to fill, but we’reexcitedaboutwhatwehave coming back.” TheTigers’defensewillrelyon several two-way starters. Brown
centerville schedule Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20
OppOnent Grapeland at Mildred at Elkhart Open
time 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Last Year W 47-18 W 70-22 W 44-6
District 11-2a Division ii Sept. 27 Hearne 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at Crawford 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at Rosebud-Lott 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 Riesel* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at Buffalo 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1 Moody 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at Bruceville-Eddy 7:30 p.m. *Homecoming
W 45-0 W 40-21 W 70-30 W 38-6 W 35-6 W 35-0 W 56-0
and Kyle Harris should play key roles as inside linebackers. The nose guard will be 266-pound Kevin Ganzales, a three-year starter. Centerville is projected to contend for a third straight title
in a district that includes challengers in Crawford, RosebudLott, Hearne and Buffalo. “Our league is going to be stronger this year,” Hardee said. “I expect every Friday night to be a battle.”
centerville roster 1 Haden Nash, 126, jr., Rec/CB; 2 Tulley Pickens 160, jr., RB/S; 3 Christian Wellman, jr., 213, TE/E; 5 Chance Carrigan, jr., 155, Rec/CB; 10 Haiden Zarate , jr., 175, RB/ OLB; 11 Jordan Cannon, jr., 173, QB/S; 12 Cade Harris , jr., 152, QB/CB; 20 Trey Williams, jr., 165, RB/OLB; 22 Blake Payne, sr., 167, RB/OLB; 23 Amos Fills, sr., 185, FB/LB; 24 Jordan McGuilvery, sr., 183, RB/CB; 34 Blake Henley, 188, sr., TE/E; 42 Tyler Brown, sr., 216, FB/LB; 44 Trevor Goolsby, soph., 185, FB/LB; 50 Daniel Pate, sr., 190, T/T; 52 Kyle Harris, jr., 202, G/LB; 54 Roland Mclatchey, jr., 165, G/E; 55 Tyler Trant, jr., 210, C/T; 66 Adrian Gaucin, jr., 252, G/T; 67 Kevin Gonzalez, sr., 266, T/T; 72 Carson Wakefield, jr., 206, G/E; 76 Kurtis Parker, 240, T/T; 77 Kenny Searcy, soph., 263, T/T; 79 Edmund Clark, sr., 261, C/T
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Continued from 14
Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20
OppOnent time Waco Connally 7:30 p.m. Lexington 7:30 p.m. at Rockdale 7:30 p.m. Open District 13-2a Division i Sept. 27 at Salado 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4 Academy* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at Lago Vista 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 McGregor 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at Troy 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at Marlin 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 Florence 7:30 p.m. *Homecoming
Last Year W 35-34 W 38-20 W 34-0 W 41-7 W 48-14 W 41-20 W 24-14 W 42-6 W 24-14 W 56-0
Head coach: Rick Rhoades (83-31 overall; 41-10 at Cameron) District — 13-2A Division I 2012 record — 15-0 (7-0 in 13-2A Division I) 2012 playoffs — Bi-district: bye; Area: Defeated Marion, 42-14; Regional: Defeated Lago Vista, 31-7; Quarterfinal: Defeated Hallettsville, 38-19; Semifinal: Defeated Newton, 39-22; Championship: Defeated Daingerfield, 38-20. State playoff appearances (40): 1934, 1936, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1951, 1955, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1974, 1975, 1978, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011 and 2012. Returning lettermen — 24 (6 offensive, 6 defensive starters) Shuffield had 48 receptions for 933 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior. Cameron has three returning starters along the offensive line: Kylen Harris, Jonathan McAnulty and Brandon Vargas. One key for the offense will be replacing leading rusher Keaton Denio, who graduated. Sophomore Traion Smith is a top candidate for that role.
a strength, with both kicking specialists returning. Evan proved reliable last season, connecting on 6 of 9 field goals and 51 of 55 extra points. Kopriva averaged 37.2 yards per punt and gave the Yoemen a big field-position edge in the state championship game. Cameron will open the season by hosting Waco Connally on Aug. 30.
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a talented secondary that includes Isaiah Johnson, Darrien Williams and Robert Lee, along with cornerbacks Flederick th Lewis and Devin Johnson. “In our league, you have got to have corners,” Pier said. Punter Hayden Baron highlights Rudder’s typically good special teams. The Rangers play two difficult nondistrict games. They to help us celebrate our will host 4A Elgin, which played three playoff rounds. And Rudder will play at El Campo, which reached7KUHH 0RQWK 7XLWLRQ 6SHFLDO _ 6XPPHU &DPSV VWDUWLQJ -XO\ WK the state championship game in 3A Division I last year. &DOO RU YLVLW RXU ZHEVLWH IRU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ The Rangers will then play ZZZ DPPDFV FRP th eight straight games in District 18-4A before a bye in the final week of the regular season.
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their first significant action, although both had varsity carries last season. “All three have things that they bring to the table,” Pier said. “All three of them have decent speed. Tavion has very good vision for a big man and is strong. Lee is probably the best of the three for wiggling and making something out of nothing. Anthony is a great combination of strength and speed.” Senior Kelvin Taylor leads the offensive line at one tackle spot. He and junior Garrett Hauke are returning starters. “We’ve had to move Hauke to center,” Pier said. “He’s getting
used to that, but he’ll be fine.” Junior Spencer Choka is a standout at defensive end. Choka had 68 tackles, caused a fumble and recovered three while playing in every game last season. “Choka has already picked up where he left off last year,” Pier said. “He’s going to be a stalwart for us.” Tavion Wilson and Willie Richards will be keys for the defense from their linebacker spots. “They’ve got to have a good year,” Pier said. Wilson averaged 3.5 tackles and Richards 3.2 per game last season. The defense is backed up by
The Yoemen should have a talented secondary behind the linebacker corps led by Wright and Gelner, who had 126 tackles last season. Cameron returns senior starters in cornerbacks Justin Pratt and Colton Labay, along with safety Adam Charanza. Labay intercepted five passes last year. Special teams likely will be
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veterans include quarterback Jason Kopriva, receiver Colton Shuffield, outside linebacker Michael Gelner and kicker Michael Evan, all seniors. Kopriva should be one of the top passers in 2A. Last season, he completed 236 of 380 passes for 3,216 yards and 39 touchdowns with eight interceptions. In the state final, Kopriva hit 19 of 29 for 171 yards with two touchdowns.
Eagle file photo Cameron’s Somari Wright (left) runs off the field after a fourth-down stop during the fourth quarter against Daingerfield in the Class 2A Division I state title game.
Friday, August 23, 2013
at a glance
BACKFIELD: Rudder coach expecting a lot from linebackers Wilson, Richards Continued from 8
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going into the eighth grade. He watched Wright quickly develop into the varsity team’s most valuable player as a sophomore. “I thought that spoke volumes about him, that his teammates would elect him MVP as a sophomore,” Rhoades said. “He wants to play college football in the worst way. He has worked really hard to give himself a chance to do that.” Wright didn’t think he had much of a chance to be a bigtime player when he started football. He recalls a game in pee wee league when his teammates, including his brother, were chasing the ballcarrier while he headed the other direction. Even in junior high as a 208-pound pulling guard who “knocked people out,” Wright wasn’t sure football would work out. Now Wright allows himself to dream about playing in college — and beyond. “It would definitely mean a lot to me to get a college scholarship,” Wright said. “I’m really hoping to have a future in football, but if that doesn’t work out I want to have a backup plan. I want to be a dentist. I want to make it to NFL before that, though. I’m not going to give up.” Along with Wright, Cameron returns several other key players from the team that went 15-0 last season. Notable
cameron schedule
High School Football 2013
WRIGHT: Cameron has several key players back from state title run
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High School Football 2013 • Friday, August 23, 2013 BrazosSports.com • The Eagle
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COUGARS: Whittlesey, Georgiades vying for starting quarterback job Continued from 5 sity teams. College Station beat five JV squads and Aldine Davis, a new program like the Cougars. College Station started last season 1-4, with a victory over The Woodlands JV sandwiched between losses to varsity teams from Schulenburg, Waco Reicher, Austin St. Michael’s and Gonzales. “Those first five weeks were not easy, but the kids worked extremely hard and kept their noses to the grindstone,” Huff said. “We went 1-4 against some pretty good teams. It made us so much better. We got our tails kicked out here by St. Michael’s Academy (42-0), but I came off the field that night thinking that we may have gotten a lot better than we were. “We were so much better at the end of last year. I hated to see the season end, because we had made so much improvement.” Although there are many growing pains starting a program with only sophomores and freshmen, there is one unusual benefit. The Cougars won’t lose players to graduation until after their third season. Huff expects his team to benefit greatly not only from the experience of last season, but from the subsequent offseason
program and 7-on-7, in which the Cougars qualified for the state tournament. “We now have some leadership,” Huff said. “The sophomores last year were kind of feeling their way around. [In that situation] you don’t have the locker room presence that you need to be successful. We’re getting that now. “There’s a confidence out of working out and getting bigger and stronger. The kids have gotten better, just by age. Hopefully they’ve gotten better by working, too.” Huff looks forward to the Cougars having more depth, which should pay off during games and in practice, when there will be more competition for playing time. The Cougars showed signs of a potent offense in the second half of last season, scoring 226 points in games against Aldine Davis and four JV teams. College Station’s backfield should be good and deep. The Cougars likely will have stiff competition among a running backs corps led by returning starter Travis Tate and challenger Rajah Preciado, along with Chris Sennette, Tyri Merchant and Charles Glover. Juniors Cole Whittlesey and Jake Georgiades are expected to compete for playing time at
quarterback. Whittlesey split time last season with MacGregor Hines, who is no longer playing football. Georgiades is a transfer from Allen Academy. Jeremiah Booker should lead the receivers, along with Drake Carnes and tight ends Chase Nobles and Randy Cessna. The top candidates along the offensive line include center Kaleb Miears, guard Chris Bettiol, tackle James Hayes and Tyrique Hayes. College Station probably is a couple of years away from being able to use players primarily on offense or defense. Several Cougars will be counted on as twoway players again this season, particularly the ball-handlers on offense and the secondary on defense. The Cougars’ linebackers will feature Desmond Payton in the middle and Jaxxon Grisham outside. The interior of the line should be boosted by 290-pound Donny Hair and Daniel Barrientos, while the leading candidates at end include Cessna, Ryan O’Bannon and Evan Crockett. Among those expected to contribute in the secondary are Preciado, Sennette, Glover and Merchant. College Station will open the season at home against Schulenburg on Aug. 30.
NAVASOTA: Wells not worried about height and believes he can play in college Continued from 13 the line of scrimmage with 15 quarterback sacks. Wells was one of the standouts on a Navasota defense that limited opponents to 110 points in 16 games. “He proved himself last year,” Fedora said. “Everything he did was phenomenal. I think he showed in the state championship game just how hard of a guy he is to block.” Wells delivered a monster game as the Rattlers beat Gilmer 39-3 for the 3A Division II state crown, with six of his 10 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. “We tried to double him,” Gilmer coach Jeff Traylor said. “We tried to triple him. We tried to read him, but he was just too much.” In junior high and as a freshman, Wells played full-
navasota schedule Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4
OppOnent Willis at Coldspring-Oakhurst Houston Sterling* at Lexington Fairfield at Austin McCallum District 18-3a Oct. 11 Madisonville Oct. 18 Open Oct. 25 at Rockdale Nov. 1 Caldwell Nov. 8 at Taylor *Homecoming back and defensive tackle, but he’s spent the last two years playing strictly defense. When he steps on a football field he doesn’t have much use for offensive players. Fedora calls it an old-school defensive mentality, exactly what he’s looking for in a defender.
time 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Last Year W 42-0 W 36-8 W 49-6 W 45-13 W 41-7 W 57-9
7:30 p.m.
W 38-0
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
W 43-0 W 58-0 W 52-0
“I just like to hit,” Wells said. “I’m friendly with everybody, but when it comes to football, I hate to lose. I play hard and try to help my team out the best I can.” Wells has gotten a scholar-
See rattLers, Page 23
college station schedule Date OppOnent Aug. 30 Schulenburg Sept. 6 at Waco Reicher Sept. 13 Aldine Davis Sept. 20 at Austin St. Michael’s Sept. 27 Gonzales Oct. 4 at Northland Christian Oct. 11 Jasper Oct. 18 at Tomball Christian Oct. 25 Houston Westbury Christian* Nov. 1 Open Nov. 8 Dallas Prime Prep *Homecoming
time 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Last Year L 35-8 L 26-23 W 53-21 L 42-0 L 47-6 Did not play Did not play Did not play Did not play
7:30 p.m.
Did not play
“We now have some leadership. The sophomores last year were kind of feeling their way around. [In that situation] you don’t have the locker room presence that you need to be successful. We’re getting that now. There’s a confidence out of working out and getting bigger and stronger. The kids have gotten better, just by age. Hopefully they’ve gotten better by working, too. steve Huff College Station head football coach
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Owls struggled to 1-9 season last at a glance anderson-shiro schedule year, but players ready to rebound By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
Last Year L 26-19 W 51-32 L 45-26 L 38-14 L 34-21
L 35-14 L 44-13 L 54-20 L 76-34 L 42-13
anderson-shiro roster 3 John McDonald, sr.; 4TylerWeaver, soph.; 6 KevinWoods, sr.; 7 Nick Urquhart, soph.; 8 Dillion Moore, sr.; 11 Payton Igo, soph.; 15 Derreck Sicola, sr.; 17 Chad Kowis, sr.; 19 Artreal Ostiguin, jr.; 20 Caleb Licce, fr.; 21 Aaron Zenn, soph.; 22 Dylan Bohnert, soph.; 25 Trey Krause, sr.; 27 Daylan Williams, soph.; 40 Payton Sorsby, soph.; 44 AnthonyWoods, soph.; 50TylerWetuski, jr.; 52 Ray Smith, soph.; 54 Bryan Pursley, jr.;56 B.J. Fowler, soph.; 64 Kelton Goudeau, jr.; 66 Sam McClosky, soph.; 75 Brady Derrett, jr.; 79 Jackson Carrell, soph.
We feel like we’re light years ahead of where we were a year ago. The kids know how much faster everything moves on Friday nights, how much stronger everybody is as opposed to playing a JV game on Thursday night. Dwayne ross Anderson-Shiro head football coach
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ready to move on.” The Owls will open the season by playing host to Somerville on Aug. 30.
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“From the very first day of two-a-days this year we’ve looked so much faster, so much stronger,” Ross said. “We’re
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Eagle file photo
OppOnent time Somerville+ 7:30 p.m. Central Texas Christian+ 7:30 p.m. Wallis Brazos+ 7 p.m. at Iola 7 p.m. at Brazos Christian 7:30 p.m. Open District 12-2a Division ii Oct. 11 Hemphill+ 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 Deweyville+ 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at New Waverly 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1 Groveton+ 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at Corrigan-Camden 7:30 p.m. +at Allen Academy
Friday, August 23, 2013
A&M Consolidated defensive back Eric Yates falls into the end zone past Bryan quarterback Chris Johnson after intercepting a pass and returning it for a score during last year’s Crosstown Showdown at Kyle Field.
we’re going to see the biggest gains this year,” Ross said. “We have a pretty good sized offensive line. We should be able to run the ball more effectively and be more balanced on offense.” As is the case with most 2A teams, the Owls will have several players who start on offense and defense. The leader of the defense is senior inside linebacker Kevin Woods. The defensive front will count on Dylan Bohnert, the district’s defensive newcomer of the year last season, and Artreal Ostiguin at ends. The Owls should find strength in the middle of the line from tackle Tyler Wetuski. Top candidates at outside linebacker include Payton Igo and Daylan Williams. Anderson-Shiro plans to have a home field of its own next year. This season, the Owls will play their home games on the artificial turf at Allen Academy. Because the Owls played all nondistrict games on the road in 2012, they will have six home games this year. Shorter bus rides should help, and so should the fact that the Owls will climb on board with one year of varsity football under their belts.
Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 14 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4
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Anderson-Shiro’s first season of varsity football was a learning experience. Not surprisingly, some of the lessons were painful. The Owls lost their starting quarterback to a broken leg in the season opener and wound up dropping nine of 10 games. They will go into their second year at the varsity level stronger from having gone through the hard times. “We feel like we’re light years ahead of where we were a year ago,” Anderson-Shiro coach Dwayne Ross said. “The kids know how much faster everything moves on Friday nights, how much stronger everybody is as opposed to playing a JV game on Thursday night. They realized they had to work harder in the offseason and do different things to prepare.” The numbers that mocked the Owls last year — zero varsity letter winners, primarily — could turn in Anderson-Shiro’s favor this season. Because the Owls had a small senior class, most of the key players return. That includes nine starters on both sides of the ball and members of a strong sophomore class, which produced seven full-time starters as freshmen. “The biggest thing is every day we did something, it was something new being at the varsity level,” Ross said. “We feel like we’re going to be a lot better,
just from the standpoint of the experience we gained last year.” It certainly should help getting senior John McDonald back at quarterback. McDonald was set to direct a spread offense last season but broke his leg in the fourth quarter of the opening game. Ross and his staff switched standout receiver Derreck Sicola to quarterback, depriving the offense of a top pass target and causing the Owls to scale back their offense. “That changed everything we did,” Ross said. “We were very pass-oriented, able to throw the ball down the field. All of a sudden we had to take our best athlete and move him to quarterback, and it kind of limited some of the things that we were able to do.” Ross expects Sicola to shine as he returns to his best position. “In my opinion he very well could be one of the best offensive players in the state of Texas in 2A at receiver,” Ross said. “He’s got tremendous speed and great hands.” The Owls should be able to take some pressure off the passing combination of McDonald and Sicola thanks to an improved offensive line. The group up front that ranges in weight from 225 pounds to 280 includes juniors Kelton Goudeau and Brady Derrett, along with sophomores Ray Smith, Sam McCloskey and Jackson Carrell. “The offensive line is where
Head coach: Dwayne Ross (52-59 overall; 1-9 at Anderson-Shiro) District — 12-2A Division II 2012 record — 1-9 (0-5 in 12-2A Division II) 2012 playoffs — Did not qualify. State playoff appearances — None Returning lettermen — 23 (9 offensive, 9 defensive starters)
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High School Football 2013 • Friday, August 23, 2013
Lexington retooling after losing 15 seniors
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Eagles hope to get contributions from solid freshman class that includes quarterback Dillon
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By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
First-year Lexington head coach Kirk Muhl says that his Eagles are experiencing a “youth movement.” The Eagles graduated 15 seniors from last year’s 9-3 team, and 13-year head coach Jason Holcomb departed to coach at Sealy. But as Holcomb’s assistant who directed Lexington’s attacking defenses, Muhl was the logical choice to move into the head coaching role. “We’re still running the spread offensively,” Muhl said. “It’s the same offense, which is good for us because we are so young.” Lexington got even younger when Eriq Mitchell moved to Lago Vista, dropping a top twoway performer from the lineup. The Eagles have three freshmen as likely starters, including quarterback Nic Dillon, who is one of the fastest players on the team. It is a promising freshman class coming off an 8-0 season in eighth grade. With Dillon under center,
at a glance Head coach: Kirk Muhl (1st year as head coach in Lexington) District — 14-2A Division II 2012 record — 9-3 (6-0 in 14-2A Division II) 2012 playoffs — Bi-district: bye; Area: Defeated Poth, 42-25; Regional: Lost to Refugio, 49-21. State playoff appearances (15) — 1964, 1968, 1978, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. Returning lettermen — 7 lettermen (5 offensive, 3 defensive starters) Lexington’s well-balanced offensive attack may lean more to the run, at least early. “He’s more of a runner right now,” Muhl said. “A lot of that comes from not seeing defenses and not understanding all of the coverages. In eighth grade football, he’s not getting any of that. But he does throw the ball well.” Miles Hannigan was the 2012 Offensive Newcomer of the Year in District 12-2A Division II for the district champions, who went 6-0 in league play. At
6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, Hannigan is large, strong and quick but is the only starter back in place on the offensive line. Sophomore lineman Tristan Lagrone (6-5, 290 pounds) will join him. Junior La’Chea Cooper should lead the running backs, and freshman Caleb Parkerson will also earn carries. There is quality throughout the lineup. Senior strong safety Kevin Letbetter is a three-year starter and one of the top players on a team that prides itself on defense. Corey Strain, who plays wide receiver and safety, will also bring senior leadership. He made the defensive move from cornerback. “Strain is an intelligent football player who can make plays of both side of the ball,” Muhl said. Colt Sunvison brings disruptive quickness to his defensive tackle spot, and he will also play tight end. Kevin Page is also back on the defensive line,
See LEXINGTON, Page 24
leXIngtOn rOster 1 Joey Kelley, soph.; 2 Noble Little, sr.; 3 Kevin Letbetter, sr.; 4 Corey Strain, sr.; 5 Berto Lara, soph.; 6 Jamyon Scott, sr.; 7 Caleb Parkerson, fr.; 8 London Jacob, sr.; 9 Ryan Garrison, fr.; 10 Nic Dillon, fr.; 11 Andrew Lane, jr.; 12 Jacob Muhl, soph.; 17 Grant Peimann, soph.; 19 W .E. Meuth, jr.; 20 Le’Chea Cooper, jr.; 22 Freddy Blackman, jr.; 24 Chase Allert, fr.; 33 Hunter Wilson, sr.; 38 Bradley Campbell, jr.; 44 Anthony Mireles, soph.; 45 Colt Sunvison, sr.; 50 Chase Chappell, jr.; 51 Gabriel McMahon, sr.; 54 Samuel Meza, jr.; 55 Kevin Page, sr.; 57 Martin Solis, jr.; 63 Bradley Wrinkle, jr.; 65 Tyler Page, jr.; 66 Gabriel Araujo, sr.; 75 Miles Hannigan, jr.; 77 Tristan Lagrone, soph.; 84 Karrtaviues Burton, sr.
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High School Football 2013
On road to the past
• Friday, August 23, 2013
Iola wants to take another step toward returning program to 1990s success
I
feel like the core of younger kids that we have coming back knows what it takes to get the job done after last year.” Martinez served as Iola’s defensive coordinator last season, then was promoted to head coach after Scott Bishop left to become defensive coordinator at Era, a Class A school. Martinez joined the Bulldogs last season after spending seven years in Somerville, including two as head coach. “There’s just an air of suc-
See IOLA, Page 36
iola roster 1 Kevin Xavier, sr.; 3 Hayden Martinez, jr.; 6 Cole Johnson, soph.; 7 Josh Williams, sr.; 8 Donnie Wade, soph.; 10 Colton Brunette, sr.; 11 Will Nevill, soph.; 12 Geronimo Castillo, sr.; 15 Ryan Renick, soph.; 18 Kenneth Wolf, soph.; 22 David Moore, jr.; 24 Court Creamer, jr.; 28 Mikel Clark, sr.; 34 Sheldon Keller, soph.; 52 Dawson Utz, soph.; 53 Dustin Glass, sr.; 54 Dustin Timm, jr.; 55 Will Mallett, jr.; 73 Reed Fairbanks, jr.; 78 Daniel Johnson, sr.
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Head coach: Pete Martinez (7-13 overall; 1st year as head coach in Iola) District — 11-A Division I 2012 record — 6-5 (1-2 in 11-A Division I) 2012 playoffs — Bi-district: Lost to Axtell, 22-6 State playoff appearances (14) — 1930, 1939, 1960, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2005, 2006 and 2012. Returning lettermen — 18 (6 offensive, 7 defensive starters)
cess when it comes to Iola,” Martinez said. “It’s definitely a different atmosphere. It was a breath of fresh air to get to a town that really supports the kids and is athletics oriented.” The Bulldogs’ step toward success last season wasn’t huge. Iola went 6-5, making the playoffs despite going 1-2 in District 11-A Division I. The Bulldogs lost 22-6 to Axtell in bi-district. Despite the player losses to graduation, Iola will set its sights on a return trip to the postseason. “We feel like if we can stay healthy and our younger kids can progress like we think they should, we’ll have a chance to get back into the playoffs,” Martinez said. “We want to make that the standard, getting into the playoffs every year.” Like many small schools, Iola has concerns about depth. Unlike many opponents, the Bulldogs have good size.
•
ola’s strong senior class took the first step by making the football playoffs last season. This year, the Bulldogs’ progress will depend on a few more youngsters. Where do they want to go? Back to the good old days. New head coach Pete Martinez wants the Bulldogs to recapture the excellence that made Iola one of the most successful Class A programs in the state during the 1990s. The Bulldogs made a move toward that last season, returning to the postseason for the first time in six years. “It was a step in the right direction and definitely the foundation for this year,” Martinez said. “We had a very big, talented senior class that led us into the playoffs and set the tone for things to come. “We have some younger kids coming up that we’re superexcited about and think can continue the winning ways. We
at a glance
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High School Football 2013 The Eagle
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BrazosSports.com
Friday, August 23, 2013
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Offensive switch part of Leon’s 2013 plans
22
Cougars have solid line to help power spread offense By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
The Leon Cougars face a similar challenge. They will go at it in a new way. The Cougars will have to venture through one of Class A Division I’s toughest districts, which includes returning state finalist Mart and a Bosqueville Bulldogs’ team that advanced three rounds in last year’s playoffs. Leon will run the spread offense this year, abandoning the wing-T look without giving up on the strengths of that offense. “At times, it looked pretty good,” said Leon coach Keith Sitton of the Cougars’ first scrimmag e. “We moved the ball consistently between the 30s. We had trouble continuitywise, but for a new offense and the first scrimmage, I was pretty happy with how we moved the ball.” Tight end Brock Brown helps power the offense with his physical blocking. A threeyear starter, Brown wins the edge of the offense. On defense, the 215-pound senior plays the opposite role. He is a shutdown
at a glance Head coach: Keith Sitton (29-43 overall; 29-43 at Leon) District — 12-A Division I 2012 record — 5-5 (1-3 in 12-A Division I) 2012 playoffs — Did not qualify State playoff appearances (11) — 1982, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1992, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2009 and 2010. Returning lettermen — 17 (8 offensive, 8 defensive starters) defender, especially against the run. “We return the heart of our line,” Sitton said. “We have everybody back on our line except our strong tackle that had substantial playing time last year. So we feel like we should hit the ground running offensively.” Center Cody Garcia is making all of the offensive line calls — “our coach on the field” according to Sitton. Twins Morgan and Hunter Vestal, who both play guard on offense, are key players at linebacker. Sitton says they are “very instinctive on defense — playmakers.” Morgan is a three-year start-
er at middle linebacker with Hunter beginning his second season as a starter at outside linebacker. Senior running back Caleb Eagans will be one of the benefactors of a good blocking team and will be used in multiple positions. Leon will look to create space for Eagans, who had 97 yards on eight carries in the initial scrimmage. Peyton Archibald also played well in the backfield. “We are looking for Caleb to take a substantial part of the load on offense,” Sitton said. “He is probably our best athlete, and he’s an explosive kid. He looked real good in our first scrimmage.” Senior Tyler Morris will play quarterback, with freshman Corbin Watson also getting time running the offense. Watson played tailback in the eighth grade. While depth is limited in Leon’s backfield, there is quality, with most backs able to play both fullback and tailback. Bradley Berryhill provides quickness there. Brandon Bilodeau will play in the offensive backfield but is
leon schedule Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4
OppOnent at Normangee Bremond Buffalo at Somerville Grapeland* at Lovelady
time 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. District 12-a Division i Oct. 11 at Valley Mills 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 Bosqueville 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at Mart 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1 Axtell 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 Open *Homecoming a physical player at the safety spot, where the 150-pounder is a hitter. The Cougars have experience that could now pay off and will add players from a JV team that was 8-2 last year. “We were more of a power football team than a misdirection wing-T team last year,” Sitton said. “We’ve instituted
Last Year W 33-6 L 16-0 L 14-0 W 52-0 W 43-34 W 20-14 W 20-8 L 45-14 L 47-7 L 17-7
a lot more misdirection in our offense since we’ve gotten into the shotgun. If we just get our timing right, I think it’s going to make us better in the run game and should eventually open up our passing game. “One of my coaches quipped that we were playing football in a phone booth the last couple of years. Now we’re not.”
leon roster 2 Riley Noey, jr., SE/CB; 5 Brandon Bilodeau, sr., FB/LB; 6 Bradley Berryhill, soph., RB/FS; 10 Chris Nash, soph., RB/LB; 12 Peyton Archibald, soph., RB/LB; 14 Tyler Morris, sr., QB/CB; 15 Corbin Watson, fr., RB/S; 20 Feliciano Dominguez, sr., TE/OLB; 22 Caleb Eagans, sr., WB/CB; 30 Brock Brown, sr., TE/DE; 32 Monty Stewart, jr., WB/S; 38 Travis Hillman, jr., WB/OLB; 44 Hudson Merry, jr., TE/DE; 50 Cody Garcia, sr., C/DT; 51 Layne Pfannenstiel, jr., FB/LB; 52 Morgan Vestal, jr., G/LB; 55 Hunter Vestal, jr., G/OLB; 56 Tyler Bodiford, sr., G/DE; 58 Bradford Tatum, soph., T/DT; 62 Drew Neyland, jr., G/ DT; 67 Stephen Prewitt, soph., T/DE; 70 Devin Anding, jr., G/DT; 75 Jorge DeLeon, sr., T/DT/K; 77 Pawandeep Singh, sr., T/DT; 79 Sergio Sanchez, soph., C/DT; 83 Austin Garcia, sr., SE/OLB
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Continued from 18
• Friday, August 23, 2013
navasota roster 1 Willie Creeks, sr.; 2 Tren’Davion Dickson, soph.; 3 Jerbrell Lipscomb, jr.; 4 Franterric Powell, jr.; 5 Derrion Randle, jr.; 6 Deionnte Taylor, sr.; 7 Christian Taylor, jr.; 8 Sammy Blair, soph.; 9 Davon Jernigan, jr.; 10 Shelton Eppler, soph.; 11 Nick Gurka, jr.; 12 Desmond Calhoun, jr.; 15 Keyshawn Philio, jr.; 17 Josh Lowery, sr.; 19 Lamarquis Jefferson, jr.; 20 D.J. Harris, soph.; 22 Anthony Small, sr.; 29 Matthew Fontana, sr.; 30 Derrick Lewis, sr.; 32 Taylor Soto, soph.; 33 Dean Gessner, sr.; 36 Jacob Dodson, sr.; 40 Hunter Sparkman, sr.; 44 Frankie DeLeon, jr.; 45 Coy Imhoff, jr.; 49 Kevin Harris, sr.; 50 Truderious Sweed, sr.; 52 Spencer James, sr.; 55 Dorion Meyers, soph.; 58 Zach Pavlock, jr.; 61 Christon Jones, soph.; 65 Derron Thomas, sr.; 66 Chas Cavanaugh, jr.; 68 Jordan Wells, sr.; 70 Michael Coffey, jr.; 72 Lance Calhoun, sr.; 74 Ronald Brown, sr.; 77 Cal Bauer, soph.; 78 Keyshawn Blackshear, jr.; 79 Bo Meece, sr.; 80 Yovani Urbano, sr.; 86 Desmond Henderson, sr.; 88 Ladarius Roberson, sr.; 99 Michel Martinez, jr.; STAT Kyle Staffod, sr.
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Eagle file photos by Stuart Villanueva
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TOP: Navasota’s Solomon McGinty (12) celebrates with teammate Austin Collins after Collins scored the Rattlers’ first touchdown against Gilmer during the first quarter of the Class 3A Division II championship game last December in Arlington. Collins earned offensive MVP honors in Navasota’s 393 victory over Gilmer. LEFT: Navasota’s Willie Creeks holds up his brother’s jersey as the Rattlers celebrate their state title. Xavier Creeks was injured in a car accident the day before the state championship game and was unable to play.
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ship offer from Lamar, and coaches from Southern Methodist have shown interest. “It doesn’t matter what school I go to as long as I get to play football,” Wells said. “I think if I have another great year, more schools and bigger schools will come and offer me scholarships. “It makes me play hard. I can try to get big schools like [Texas] A&M to come talk to me.” The Rattlers will begin the season ranked fourth in the Associated Press poll, and it likely will be up to Wells and the defense to hold the fort while a rebuilt offense develops. Navasota must replace record-setting quarterback Kadarius Baker, top receivers Austin Collins and Solomon McGinty and leading rusher Xavier Creeks. Navasota’s new-look backfield will include sophomore quarterback Shelton Eppler and junior tailback Derrion Randle, who rushed for 558 yards and eight touchdowns on 71 carries as a reserve last season. Candidates to take over at receiver include sophomore Trendavion Dickson and junior Davon Jernigan. Most of the Rattlers’ experience on offense will be up front, where the line will be led by senior guard Bo Meece and junior tackle Michael Coffey. Junior place-kicker Michel Martinez provides another scoring option. Last season, Martinez earned all-state honors after connecting on all 13 field goal attempts and 87 of 95 extra points. Junior Jerbrell Lipscomb and senior Deiontte Taylor give Navasota two proven cornerbacks on defense. Lipscomb, who had 66 tackles and broke up 11 passes, also could help the Rattlers’ offense as a receiver. Taylor intercepted three passes and made 97 tackles last season. The defensive front unit led by Wells also will feature junior linebacker Coy Imhoff. Linemen Desmond Calhoun and Anthony Small both were honorable mention all-district picks last season. Navasota, which has made the playoffs in each of the last six years, will open the season by playing host to 4A Willis on Aug. 30.
High School Football 2013
RATTLERS: QB Eppler, tailback Randle taking over reins in backfield
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High School Football 2013 • Friday, August 23, 2013
NORMANGEE: Hard work in the weight room giving Panthers hope Continued from 9 much last year was having so many injuries,” Morton said. “We had guys lying in the training room after every game. “Somebody asked me how our first scrimmage [this year] went and I told them it was great: Nobody got hurt and nobody went to the emergency room.” Morton believes time spent in the weight room during a full year with the new coaching staff will pay dividends this season, as will the experience demonstrated by eight returning starters on offense and defense. “I’m liking having had the kids for a whole year, being able to go through the offseason and through weight workouts for a whole year,” Morton said. “We’ve been working to get the kids bigger, faster and stronger, and it showed in our first scrimmage. The kids took some hits and kept going in situations where last year we took some
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Head coach: Kevin Morton (3-7 overall; 3-7 at Normangee) District — 12-A Division II 2012 record — 3-7 (0-3 in 12-A Division II) 2012 playoffs — Did not qualify State playoff appearances (16) — 1932, 1963, 1964, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1997, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011. Returning lettermen — 16 (8 offensive, 8 defensive starters) hits and fell down. “It’s as different as night and day from last year. I’ve had coaches come up and tell me that we’re 10 times further along than we were at this time last year.” Morton appreciates the offseason improvement of several Panthers, praising trimmer, yet more muscled, center Blake Shaw along with a stronger quarterback Elijah East-
ern and running back Shane Conrad, who seems to be a step faster than last year. Normangee should also be boosted by the return of junior linebacker Michael Caldwell, who worked hard to rehab after missing last season because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee. “One thing we always talk about is handling adversity,” Morton said. “You’re going to face adversity through your whole life, whether it’s on the football field, the basketball court or being a man. You can either step up and meet it headon or you can turn it down. I think we’ve gotten to the point where we’re stepping up and meeting adversity head-on.” Shaw, a junior, will anchor the offense line and lead the defensive charge from his tackle spot. “He has slimmed down and put on some muscle mass, really bought into the weight program,” Morton said. “He is
HEARNE: Eagles have good returners but will open with younger secondary Continued from 15
24
at a glance
played very well [in our scrimmage].” Senior Keston Castle plays offensive and defensive tackle and is another standout for the Eagles. “He’s really coming around,” Smith said. “He’s about 6-3 or 6-4 and about 220 pounds. He’s a tall, lanky kid that’s very athletic. [Boxley and Castle] are really holding down the front line for us.” Nick Johnson also returns to start at center and nose guard. But the Eagles will have youth to deal with at some positions. “Our starting secondary is all brand new,” Smith said. “They all played JV last year.” Hearne will be tested by its schedule with six road games. The Eagles have talent at skill positions but still have questions on the lines on both sides of the ball. With the exception of district foe Rosebud-Lott, most of the opposition will counter with power games. Hearne had to rally from two early district losses to qualify for the playoffs in 2012.
hearne roster 2 DeVanta Jefferson, sr.,WR/DB; 3Tromaine Miles, jr., QB/DB; 4 Darrius Polk, jr., WR/LB; 6 TreDerrion Satchell, sr., WR/DB; 7 Kyle Castilleja, sr., QB/DB; 10 MarcJavion McGrew, sr., RB/DL; 11 Maurice Golson, Soph., WR/LB; 15 JaShod Flentroy, jr., WR/DB; 16 William Toliver, sr., WR/DB; 21 Justin Spiller, jr., WR/DB; 22 James Castilleja, jr., WR/DB; 24 Isaiah Workman, jr., WR/LB; 33 Mauricio Rizo, soph,. RB/DL; 50 Adam Boxley, sr., OL/DL; 52 Nick Johnson, jr., OL/DL; 53 Isaiah Scott, sr., OL/LB; 54 Eugene Scott, sr., OL/LB; 55 Caleb Tinnell, sr., OL/LB ; 58 Leron Thomas, sr., OL/LB; 74 Cristian Contreras, soph., OL/DL; 75 Keston Castle, sr., OL/DL
at a glance Head coach: Clinton Smith (46-15; 7-5 at Hearne) District — 11-2A Division II 2012 record — 7-5 (4-3 in 11-2A Division II) 2012 playoffs — Bi-district: Defeated New Waverly, 43-7; Area: Lost to Hughes Springs, 70-20. State playoff appearances (15) — 1936, 1937, 1939, 1952, 1954, 1961, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1988, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008 at 2012. Returning lettermen — 10 (6 offensive, 6 defensive starters)
For more high school sports coverage around the Brazos Valley, visit www.BrazosSports.com.
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normangee roster 1 Exavier Brooks, jr.; 2 Michael Caldwell, jr.; 3 Tydraious Jordan, fr.; 4 Bryson Cornish, soph.; 5 Elijah Eastern, jr.; 6 Dalton Clark, sr.; 7 Colton Jones, jr.; 8 Tyler Riddell, jr.; 10 Shane Conrad, sr.; 11 Dalton Rowe, sr.; 12 Austin Aguirre, soph.; 13 Zachary Caldwell, soph.; 17 Dezmond Yell, sr.; 20 Dylan Ehler, sr.;23 BostonWren, soph.; 29 Justin Craigo, sr.; 35 Colton Roberts, fr.; 55 Blake Shaw, jr.; 56 Israel Puga, sr.; 57 Erik Crawford, sr.; 61 Aaron Ratliff, soph.; 62 Michael Curtner, fr.; 63 Jacob Horgan, soph.; 64 Kane Wren, sr.; 67 Trent Watkins, jr.; 69 Kyle Shannon, sr.; 75 Will Byrd, sr.; 77 Austin Nichols, soph. a very, very good offensive lineman. On defense, I don’t see too many cats blocking him at the Class A level.” The Panthers’ running game should flourish with right guard Jacob Horgan and right tackle Aaron Ratliff joining Shaw up front. Normangee has another dangerous running back in 6-foot, 215-pound sophomore Bryson Cornish. “For a big cat, he can move,” Morton said. “He’s very good inside the tackles.”
Morton also likes the receiver duo of returning starter Austin Aguirre and Ty Jordan, a 6-foot, 190-pound freshman with what Morton calls the “it” factor. Expect Normangee’s defense to be led by Shaw, nose guard Horgan and Caldwell at linebacker. The Panthers also should get a boost from the addition of cornerback Dalton Clark, who did not play football last season. Normangee will open the season by playing host to Leon on Aug. 30.
lexington schedule Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20
OppOnent at Crockett at Cameron Franklin Navasota
time 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. District 14-2a Division ii 7:30 p.m.
Last Year W 41-7 L 38-20 W 28-7 L 45-13
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
W 59-0 W 38-7 W 48-8 W 58-53 W 21-7
Sept. 27 Jarrell* Oct. 4 Open Oct. 11 at Johnson City Oct. 18 Universal City Randolph Oct. 25 at Blanco Nov. 1 Rogers Nov. 8 at Schulenburg *Homecoming
W 44-7
LEXINGTON: Freshman Allert also in at middle LB Continued from 20 while Lexington returns a quality cover cornerback in fellow senior Jamyon Scott. The Eagles have no plan to alter their hard-charging defensive style. “We play a little different style of defense to fit our kids better,” Muhl said. “It’s all blitz oriented. We can’t just line up against anybody because we don’t have the size to do that. It’s definitely difficult for offenses to prepare for because we give so many looks and so many blitz combinations.” Lexington will also have a
freshman at middle linebacker in Chase Allert. Allert is the son of former Texas All-American linebacker Ty Allert. “He had a real good scrimmage,” Muhl said. “He’s a tackler, but he’s got a lot of growing to do.” That’s something the Lexington Eagles need to do as a team. “It will be a growing year,” said Muhl, whose team again faces a very tough schedule. “I think as the year goes on, we’re going to get better and better.”
By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
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Allen AcAdemy RAms Head coach: Jason Jolly (18-6 overall; 18-6 at Allen Academy) District — None: AllT-CAL Division I teams play at-large schedules in 2013. 2012 record — 10-2 (3-0in T-CAL Division I District 2) 2012 playoffs — Bi-district: Defeated San Marcos Home School, 516; Semifinal: Lost toTomball Christian Home School, 70-58. State playoff appearances (18) — 11-man (6): 1974, 1975, 1979, 1980, 1998 and 2004; Six-man (11): 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. Returning lettermen — 8 (3 offensive, 3 defensive starters)
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at a glance
Friday, August 23, 2013
See 6-mAn, Page 33
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2013 is already assured of being a season of change for the Allen Academy Rams. There is one thing the Rams do not wish to change — the direction they are headed. Allen Academy reached the Texas Christian Athletic 6-man League state semifinals Private last season Schools after falling in the second round of the playoffs in 2011. In both cases, the Rams lost to the eventual state champions. “If you’re shooting for that state championship, you’re going to have to play the best teams no matter what,” said third-year Allen Academy coach Jason Jolly, who will lean heavily on a core group of experienced juniors. “When we went out, we went out to the best, but I think this year is our time. We finally have some experience.” TCAL altered its structure this year for Division I football teams. Instead of playing in a district, Allen Academy will have an at-large schedule, and the Rams’ success will determine their playoff seeding in what is now an eight-team postseason. Allen Academy has just one senior, John Brien. The standout defensive end will carry the ball more this season. “He’s put on 14 pounds of muscle in the last year, and he’s a hoss,” Jolly said. “He works his tail off and makes more hustle plays than anybody I’ve
High School Football 2013
Rams hope to make run at TCAL state title
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High School Football 2013 • Friday, August 23, 2013 BrazosSports.com • The Eagle
Bremond hopes to add solid offense in 2013 Tigers leaned on defense last season but have experienced players on other side of ball ready to go By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
Defense carried Bremond three games into the playoffs in 2012. While the defense should again be good, the Tigers believe their offense has a chance to be better with experience and versatility. “We were sparked by our defense,” Bremond coach Jeff Kasowski said. “It was a mediocre year offensively. Our defense got us through games when the offense wasn’t necessarily going real good.” Harrison Hull was a firstteam all-state pick at linebacker with 250 tackles, including 18 for losses. Hull is a tackling machine who also has the flair to play offense. He led Bremond with 45 receptions for 650 yards and five touchdowns and will again play receiver and running back. But he plays linebacker better. “He was the staple for our defense,” Kasowski said. “Harrison is a little atypical [for a middle linebacker] in that you can’t get two words out of him. He doesn’t say a lot, but he carries a big stick. That sucker can
go. He triggers fast, and he has a nose for the ball.” Senior Cade Grych is a twoyear starter at quarterback who hit 101 of 194 passes for 1,486 yards and 10 touchdowns last season in the Tigers’ spread offense. He took over due to injury as a sophomore, and his ability to play other positions gives Bremond more versatility on offense. “He has come a long way since then,” Kasowski said. “He throws the ball really well and knows the offense.” Junior James Jones has moved from receiver to running back, a shift he got a head start on last year. Jones had 310 yards receiving with nine touchdowns last season, but he also rushed for 483 yards. He will start at running back but will play at quarterback, also. He was effective running the Wildcat offense late last year and has been good early this year for the Tigers, who move Grych to receiver in that set. “We’re tinkering with the mix,” Kasowski said. “Cade’s the guy that comes in as our starter, but we’ve been using James some, too, so we’ll just see where it goes.” Senior Colby Wilganowski
bremond roster
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1 Evan Sargent, jr.; 2 Josh Anderson, soph.; 3 James Jones, jr.; 5 Cade Grych, sr.; 6 Dawagiek Scaggs, sr.; 7 JoshWhite, fr.; 8 Rayandre Browning, soph.; 9 Harrison Hull, sr.; 10 Hunter Stuard, jr.; 17 Jared Hoffpauir, sr.; 40 Mason Pruitt, jr.; 50 Jarvis Jones, jr.; 52 Zy Jackson, jr.; 54 Draven Denison, sr.; 55 Connor Grych, jr.; 58 Hamilton Hull, jr.; 66 Matthew Johnsonm sr.; 71 J.R. Rocha, fr.; 74 Colby Wilganowski, sr.; 78 Billy Brewer, jr.
bremond schedule Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18
OppOnent Moody at Leon Granger* at Burton Axtell at Bosqueville at Iola Open
Oct. 25 Lovelady Nov. 1 at Normangee Nov. 8 Chilton *Homecoming
time 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. District 12-a Division ii 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
(6-foot-1, 210 pounds) is a standout on the offensive and defensive lines, and Draven Denison (6-3, 250) is a key guy in the defensive front. Both earned allstate attention last year. Dre Browning started as a freshman last season at receiver. “He’s going to be really good and has come on in the last year,” said Kasowski, who will start a freshman center in 240-pound J.R. Rocha. Wilganowski will start at right offensive tackle. Denison may work on the offensive line as the season progresses. “I’m pretty excited about them,” Kasowski said of his offensive blocking unit. With eight starters back on each side of the ball, the Tigers are loaded with quality experience. All four of their losses last year came to playoff teams.
at a glance Last Year W 23-20 W 16-0 W 30-21 W 28-14 L 37-7 L 19-13 W 34-6 W 34-18 W 28-27 L 35-14
After convincing victories in bi-district and area, the season ended with a loss to state finalist Tenaha in regionals. “We return a lot of kids on
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Head coach — Jeff Kasowski (13-12 overall; 13-12 at Bremond) District — 12-A Division II 2012 record — 9-4 (2-1 in 12-A Division II) 2012 playoffs — Bi-district: Defeated Evadale, 47-6; Area: Defeated Hubbard, 49-28; Regional: Lost to Tenaha, 38-7. State playoff appearances (25): 1951, 1955, 1957, 1962, 1963, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012. Returning lettermen — 25 (8 offensive, 8 defensive starters) both sides of the ball,” Kasowski said. “The district will be much stronger, and so will we.”
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High School Football 2013
Older, wiser Bluejays want to take flight
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By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
Head coach: Scott Cummings (1-9 overall; 1-9 at Snook) District — 13-A Division II 2012 record — 1-9 (1-4 in 13-A Division II) 2012 playoffs — Did not qualify State playoff appearances: None Returning lettermen — 25 (8 offensive, 8 defensive starters)
snook schedule Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4
OppOnent time at Iola 7 p.m. at Brazos Christian 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph 7:30 p.m. at Normangee 7:30 p.m. Open Central Texas Christian+ 7:30 p.m. District 13-a Division ii Oct. 11 Granger+ 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Bartlett 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 Somerville+ 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1 Burton + 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at Milano 7:30 p.m. +at Bryan’s Stephen F. Austin Middle School
L 36-20 L 36-20 L 27-0 W 33-0 L 42-14 L 37-7
and show that we are for real and that we are going to surprise some people,” Cummings said. “That’s when you get that ball rolling. As long as we’re not dribbling the football, we’re all right.”
snook roster 5 Bryce Ragan, 5-8, 155, sr., WR/DB; 7 Michael Conerway, 6-0, 150, fr., WR/DB; 8 Moises Davila, 5-2, 120, fr., RB/LB; 12 Deon Hamilton, 6-0, 165, jr., QB/DB; 14 Colton Gantt, 5-4, 115, fr., WR/DB; 16 Curtis Williams, 5-11, 165, soph., WR/ DB; 20 Austin Jackson, 5-7, 165, sr., WR/LB; 22 Harlan Plumber, 5-11, 160, jr., WR/LB; 26 Jakobe Owens, 5-9, 140, soph., WR/DB; 28 Davonte Allen, 5-8, 160, jr., WR/LB; 33 Paul Arredondo, 5-6, 145, soph., RB/LB; 40 Shavon Cole, 5-9, 180, fr., OL/DL; 42 Adam Edders, 5-5, 160, fr., OL/DL; 44 Chris Sebesta, 5-8, 165, fr., OL/LB; 50 Justin Tarver, 6-0, 185, jr., OL/LB; 51 Andres Rodriguez, 5-6, 190, jr., OL/DL; 54 Ricky Castaneda, 5-10, 190, fr., OL/DL; 55 Hayden Kovar, 5-9, 220, jr., OL/ DL; 57 Daveon Johnson, 5-8, 220, jr., OL/DL; 60 Nicholas Sebesta, 6-2, 250, jr., OL/DL; 62 Landon Eldridge, 5-10, 200, jr., OL/DL; 63 Josh Twaddle, 5-10, 185, sr., OL/DL; 64 Colten Kleppel, 5-8, 240, jr., OL/DL; 65 ToeBen Kindt, 5-10, 185, jr., OL/DL; 67 Hayden Becka, 5-9, 265, jr., OL/DL; 70 Trazel Shorter, 5-9, 270, soph., OL/DL; 71 Matthew Schoppe 5-9, 255, fr., OL/DL; 72 Justin Hooper, 5-10, 180, soph., OL/DL: 74 Jordan Barron, 5-8, 170, soph., OL/DL; 80 Darrion Swain, 5-9, 145, soph., WR/DB; 84 Levi Montgomery, 5-7, 165, soph., WR/DB
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BrazosSports.com
The Bluejays will again play their home games in Bryan at Stephen F. Austin Middle School as they continue to establish a football identity at a school best know for its basketball history. “We need to break through
Last Year L 26-0 L 26-13 L 36-22 L 20-19
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comer of the Year last year, Austin Jackson. The 175-pound senior returns after combining for over 700 yards of offense (500 rushing, 200 receiving). Darian Swain also will be a key target when the Bluejays throw. The Bluejays have an all-junior offensive line that includes left tackle Justin Tarver, right tackle ToeBen Kindt and center Landon Eldridge. Cummings said he saw enough of Burton’s counter play in district competition and thinks his Bluejays will adopt some of those tactics this
year. The strength of his offensive line and the backfield skill makes that possible. Junior linebacker Harlan Plumber, who will also play on the offensive line, highlights what should be an improved defense. Plumber’s 100 tackles led the Bluejays last season. “That cat has a nose for the ball,” Cummings said. “It’s fun to watch him play because he’s always around it. It’s going to be hard to block him.” Bryce Rag an, one of four seniors on the team, will contribute at receiver and outside linebacker. And Kindt will also play linebacker along with his offensive line duties. Snook allowed over 28 points per game last year, and Cummings knows his Bluejays must make giant strides on the defensive side of the ball “It’s out there in the stats, how many yards we gave up rushing and how many yards we gave up total,” Cummings said. Ability on the offensive and defensive lines should strengthen Snook’s efforts.
The Eagle
The Snook Bluejays are a year older. That’s a major step in improvement expected from a 1-9 season in 2012, when Snook played 24 freshmen and sophomores. “We’ve got a good junior and sophomore class together that’s experienced,” Snook coach Scott Cummings said. “Hopefully, that will start turning into some success on the football field.” Junior Deon Hamilton takes over at quarterback in Snook’s spread offense. Hamilton is not new to the backfield, having played running back and picking up 300 yards. “He’s got a good arm, but I think what we are going to do is nickel-and-dime people,” Cummings said. With eight starters back on each side of the ball, there is plenty of experience to surround Hamilton, including District 13-A Division II’s New-
at a glance
Friday, August 23, 2013
Snook ready to rebound from 1-9 season with 8 starters returning on both sides of ball
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High School Football 2013 • Friday, August 23, 2013 BrazosSports.com • The Eagle
28
Healthy QBs have Yeguas primed for rebound
Somerville has 11 seniors to help fuel 2013 comeback season By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
Football is never a snap, and it’s tougher when you’re never quite sure who will be taking the snap. After a comeback victory over Anderson-Shiro in the 2012 season opener, injuries proved devastating to Somerville in Scott Pederson’s first season as head coach. He used six different quarterbacks. “Nathan [Coronado] and Zack Hawkins were splitting time at quarterback, and Nate broke his leg and missed the remainder of the season,” Pederson said. “Our third quarterback broke his thumb. We had some grade issues and had to change quarterbacks. It was just a nightmare.” The Yeguas suffered shutouts in half of their games after beginning last season with a single senior on the team. This year, the Ye guas have 11 seniors, and the return of Coronado to the quar terback spot could strengthen the of fensive atCORONADO tack. “He’s looking really good, and we also got Hawkins back,” Pederson said. “They were going to my 1-2 quarterbacks last year, and they are again this year. We actually have a third-stringer that is almost as good as those guys, so we’re sitting pretty good at the quarterback position.” Je’Wanya Breedlove and DeMarucs Foster, who both ran the ball last year, will again man the
running back spots. Depending on who is at quarterback, Coronado and Hawkins will also be used as running backs. Tristan Like has been a strong and consistent presence on the offensive line. “He is being looked at by everybody, our valedictorian,” Pederson said. “He is just a goodlooking specimen at 6-foot-4, 305 pounds, and he can run. “He’s really our leader, not just in the O-line but really of the football team.” Somerville has some holes to fill, but quality experience on the offensive line should help, and Pederson says he likes the candidates available to help answer some roster questions. One of the changes planned is on defense, with Somerville switching to a seven-man front. At linebacker, Foster had 94 tackles to lead the Yeguas last season. Like recorded 82 and will play nose guard this year. “We feel like he can shut
at a glance
somerville schedule
Head coach: Scott Pederson (1-9 Date OppOnent time overall; 1-9 at Somerville) Aug. 30 at Anderson-Shiro+ 7:30 p.m. District — 13-A Division II Sept. 6 Thorndale 7:30 p.m. 2012 record — 1-9 (0-5 in 13-A Sept. 13 Flatonia 7:30 p.m. Division II) Sept. 20 Leon* 7:30 p.m. 2012 playoffs — Did not qualify Sept. 27 Open State playoff appearances (16) — Oct. 4 at Thrall 7:30 p.m. 1953, 1954, 1956, 1960, 1961, 1966, District 13-a Division ii 1967, 1970, 1971, 1976, 1980, 1982, Oct. 11 at Bartlett 7:30 p.m. 1983, 1990 and 2006. Oct. 18 Milano 7:30 p.m. Returning lettermen — 15 (10 of- Oct. 25 at Snook^ 7:30 p.m. fensive, 10 defensive starters) Nov. 1 Granger 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at Burton 7:30 p.m. +Allen Academy down an offense from tackle to ^Bryan’s Stephen F. Austin Middle School tackle,” Pederson said. “He and *Homecoming Foster are our two leaders in the box, and our secondary is probably our strength.” There are challenges to improvement, though. “In our preseason schedule, there are no slouches anywhere in there,” Pederson said. “Not in district, either.”
Last Year W 26-19 L 54-16 L 58-0 L 52-0 L 43-0 L 42-0 L 49-2 L 33-0 L 55-6 L 76-7
somerville roster 1Tristam Burch, fr., WR/LB; 2 Lagabriel Lister, fr., WR/DB; 3 Israel Pena, fr., WR/DB; 4 Keanu Graves, sr., WR/DB; 5 Cody Poehl, fr., WR/DB; 6 Malik Roy, soph., RB/DB; 7 Daniel Reyes, jr., WR/DB; 8 Deuante Sparks-Moore, jr., WR/DB; 9 Nathan Coronado, sr., QB/DB; 10 Cody Johnson, soph., QB/DB; 11 Zack Hawkins, sr., QB/DB; 17 Jacob Corbett, jr., WR/DB; 20 DeMarcus Foster, sr., RB/LB; 22 Je’Wanya Breedlove, sr., RB/LB; 28 Anthony Nunn, jr.,TE/LB; 33 Frank Guerrero, fr., RB/LB; 34 James Bernal, soph., WR/LB; 50 Isidro Donate, fr., OL/DL; 53 Mark Hargrove, soph., OL/DL; 54 Elijah Breeze, sr., OL/ DL; 55 Tyler Pharr, soph., OL/DL; 60 Wade Larzelier, soph., OL/DL; 62 Isaac Martinez, sr., OL/DE; 63 Fred Goree, fr., OL/ DL; 64Tristan Like, sr., OL/DL; 65 CameronTucker, soph., OL/DL; 66 Aaron Espinosa, fr., OL/DL; 70 Cody Mueggenborg, fr., OL/DL; 71 Ethan McConnell, sr., OL/DL; 72 Anthony Ray, sr., OL/DL; 78 Adam Greenway, fr., OL/DL
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High School Football 2013
Senior class 11 strong set to lead Milano Eagles moving wide receiver Millar to QB By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
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at a glance
milano schedule
Head coach: Craig Jentsch (30-13 overall; 30-13 at Milano) District — 13-A Division II 2012 record — 6-4 (2-3 in 13-A Division II) 2011 playoffs — Did not qualify State playoff appearances (9): 1965, 1966, 1975, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2007, 2010 and 2011 Returning lettermen — 13 (7 offensive, 7 defensive starters)
Date Aug. 29 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4
1 Nick Bonorden, sr., WR/DB; 2 Jason Panigua, jr., WR/DB; 5 Travis Gage, jr., TE/LB; 6 Jordan Millar, sr., QB/LB; 7 David Jentsch, sr., TE/DL; 8 Alex Martin, jr., WR/DB; 9 Cody Alexander, sr., TE/LB; 10 Derek Walton, jr., QB/LB; 11 Treyton Steinbecker, jr., WR/DB; 12 Sabian Pugh, jr., WR/DB; 17 Chance Pack, sr., RB/DL; 20 Justin Grimes, sr., WR/DB; 22 Junior Gallardo, sr., RB/LB; 30 Makenan Hairston, jr., WR/LB; 34 Mitchell Neal, jr., RB/LB; 44 Mik Mader, sr., WR/LB; 50 Cutter Barnett, jr., OL/DL; 52 Kody Love, sr., OL/DL; 55 Jonathon Reyes, jr., OL/DL; 56 Trevor Gann, sr., OL/DL; 60 Chris Rowan, sr., OL/DL; 64 Tyler Blake, jr., OL/DL; 70 Randy Pedroza, jr., OL/DL; 77 Trent Ellison, jr., OL/DL; 80 Alex Ferrara, sr., WR/LB
District 13-a Division ii 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
includes Brazos Valley teams Somerville and Snook. “The district’s going to be a lot tougher as a whole,” Coach Jentsch said. “The competitive level with all six schools will be
drelms.com 979.693.6300 1501 Emerald Parkway College Station, TX
Last Year Did not play W 20-12 W 35-8 L 48-31 L 36-30 W 49-2 L 26-25 L 28-26 W 37-7
better. It motivates you to work a little harder to get the kids ready to go.” Milano will open the season against the Del Valle JV in Del Valle on Aug. 29.
BrazosSports.com
milano roster
Oct. 11 at Burton Oct. 18 at Somerville Oct. 25 Granger Nov. 1 at Bartlett Nov. 8 Snook *Homecoming
time 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA 7:30 p.m.
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play quite a bit on the offensive line. Ellison, who has been on the varsity since his freshman year, broke his leg as an eighthgrader and again last year. Milano’s defense also will feature Grimes at safety, Jentsch at end and Millar at outside linebacker. “We feel very comfortable defensively,” Coach Jentsch said. “Our kids up front saw significant playing time last year. The guys at outside linebacker and in our secondary got a lot of playing time.” The Eagles went 2-3 in District 13-A Division II last season with losses to Burton, Granger and Bartlett. The league also
OppOnent at Del Valle JV Normangee at Iola TBA Chilton* Open
The Eagle
that are good athletes. We may not stretch the defense as deep, but I feel like we’re going to be able to keep the chains moving.” Expect the Eagles to spread the ball around in the passing game. A couple of the targets should be receiver Justin Grimes and tight end David Jentsch, who previously played on the offensive line. Milano will feature a familiar face in a new place at quarterback. Jordan Millar, who played running back last season and led the Eagles in rushing with 721 yards, will take over controls of the offense. Millar’s move could provide more opportunities to carry the ball for power back Chance Pack. The 5-9, 210-pounder is a good blocker and a steady northand-south runner, according to coach Jentsch. The Eagles’ offensive line, deep enough to allow David Jentsch to slide out to tight end, should be solid. Senior Kody Love is expected to be a leader up front on offense and play a significant role as part of a rotation at defensive tackle. Junior Trent Ellison will start at defensive tackle and
Friday, August 23, 2013
How can Milano’s football team prove there is life, good life, after losing one of the top players in the state? The Eagles may be able to do it by demonstrating that there truly is strength in numbers. Milano will go into the 2013 season with lots of experience and a large senior class, assets that head coach Craig Jentsch hopes will help his team contend for the playoffs after the graduation of all-state linebacker and receiver Dominique Messer. The Eagles also must come up with a new quarterback to replace Toby Sanders, who started his junior and senior seasons. Those would be major losses for any Class A program. Milano is fortunate to have seven starters returning on defense and eight on offense from the team that went 6-4 last season but missed the playoffs for the first time in three years. “I still feel really good about this team because of the experience we have returning,” Jentsch said. “I have 11 seniors, and I haven’t ever had that many seniors. We only lost four starters on defense and three on offense.” The key could be making up for Messer’s production on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Milano will use several receivers and likely rely more on short and intermediate passes than last season, when the Eagles commonly lofted deep balls to the 6-foot-4 receiver who signed with West Texas A&M. “We’re going to h ave to change some things,” Jentsch said. “We feel like we have good experience at receiver, and we’ve moved some kids there
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High School Football 2013 • Friday, August 23, 2013 BrazosSports.com • The Eagle
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Burton Panthers want to keep up historic run By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
If Burton’s football team keeps this up, the Panthers are going to find themselves in a victorious cycle. Over the last three seasons, Burton has made one trip to the state semifinal round and reached the quarterfinals twice. It represents the most successful stretch in school history and provides more than just gold footballs in the trophy case. “That gives us a tremendous boost,” Burton coach Jason Hodde said. “Everybody speaks about tradition. If you can keep putting a bunch of winning seasons together, I think it just gives guys confidence. At the same time, it sets expectations real high. The new guys don’t want to disappoint. The younger guys want to step up and show what they can do on Friday nights.” Hodde continued the success last year in his first season after being promoted to head coach to replace his former boss Clinton Smith. The Panthers posted an 11-2 record, winning the District 13-A Division II championship and reaching the fourth round of the playoffs before losing to Falls City 29-7. The Panthers expect to keep winning this season, despite having to replace a pair of allstate selections in the graduated Juwan Mathis and Brandon Green. “We do have some questions,” Hodde said. “On the offensive line we’re replacing three seniors, and that’s going to be a difficult task. So is replacing two all-state guys on offense. “I think we’ve got guys that are very athletic and very capable. They don’t have as much game-situation experience, so that will be a question mark for us. As far as athleticism, we feel real good about the pieces we have. Our job as a coaching staff is to mold them all together.” Even after unprecedented postseason success over the last
three years, Hodde expects the Panthers to feel slightly unsatisfied. “Having good seasons just makes you want to work harder, particularly if you get as close as we did to the ultimate goal,” Hodde said. “You just get hungrier, because you can feel it even though you didn’t quite get there.” The Panthers should have plenty of offensive firepower despite the loss of Mathis and Green. Burton seems to have found the next edition of standout big receiver in junior Louis Brown. The 6-foot-6, 205-pounder is considered a Top 100 collegiate prospect in the state among the recruiting class of 2014. Junior Luke Huffer will play quarterback. Last season, Huffer started the first five games at quarterback before moving to receiver and making the all-district team. Burton’s athleticism shows in running back Tanner Demuth, last year’s district offensive MVP. Demuth, Brown and Huffer joined Mathis on the
at a glance
burton schedule
Head coach: Jason Hodde (11-2 overall; 11-2 at Burton) District — 13-A Division II 2012 record — 11-2 (5-0 in 13-A Division II) 2012 playoffs — Bi-district: bye; Area: Defeated Rocksprings, 34-7; Regional: Defeated D’Hanis, 19-0; Quarterfinals: Lost to Falls City, 29-7. Stateplayoff appearances(6): 1992, 1995, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012. Returning lettermen — 16 (6 offensive, 5 defensive starters)
Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4
Panthers’ 400-meter relay team that qualified for the state track meet last spring. Offensive line was Burton’s biggest question as preseason workouts began. Hodde and his staff shifted personnel to address the issue, moving two players who had been fullbacks to the line. Ryan Rollins, a four-year starter, will switch to guard, while Daniel Ripple shifts to tackle. As is almost always the case in Class A, most of Burton’s top players will start on offense and
OppOnent time at Wallis Brazos 7:30 p.m. at Chilton 7:30 p.m. Louise 7:30 p.m. Bremond 7:30 p.m. Open at Flatonia 7:30 p.m. District 13-a Division ii Oct. 11 Milano 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Granger 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at Bartlett 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at Snook 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 Somerville 7:30 p.m. *Homecoming defense. Among those expected to drive the Panther defense will be inside linebackers Rollins and Brandon Salinas. “Ryan Rollins started as a freshmen for us,” Hodde said.
Last Year W 44-0 W 29-21 W 41-0 L 28-14 W 46-13 W 36-30 W 33-20 W 47-7 W 42-14 W 76-7
“He’s played in a lot of big games for us. He’s got a tremendous heart. He’s not real big (5-7, 160), but he’s a tough guy.” Brown and Huffer also will fill key roles as safeties.
burton roster 1 Jamon Bradley, fr., WR/S; 2 Louis Brown, soph., WR/DE; 3 James Holton, soph., WR/S; 4 Ben Gantt, fr., WR/CB; 5 Tanner Demuth, sr., RB/DE; 6 Donell Patterson, fr., RB/CB; 7 Edgar Lozano, jr., WR/CB; 9 Dustin Hall, jr., WR/CB; 10 Jon Colburn, jr., QB/DE; 12 Luke Huffer, soph., QB/CB; 14 Adolfo Rosales, fr., WR/LB; 20 Triston Eckermann, sr., WR/DE; 22 Jaden-Ray Eckermann, jr., OL/LB; 50 Ryan Rollins, sr., OL/LB; 52 Brandon Salinas, jr., OL/LB; 54 Daniel Ripple, sr., OL/ DL; 55 Austin Martin, sr., OL/DL; 60 Austin Langley, jr., OL/DE; 64 Derrick Fisher, fr., OL/DL; 66 Seth Chapdelaine, fr., OL/ DL; 70 Jaquay Benford, sr., OL/DL; 71 Jose Lozano, sr., OL/DL; 72 Nick Neumann, soph., OL/DL; 75 Brazos Oberhoff, fr., OL/DL; 76 Valente Rosales, jr., OL/DL; 77 Draven Amann, soph., OL/DL; 78 Dalton Campbell, fr., OL/DE; 79 Cheyenne Cedillo, fr., OL/DL; 82 Jose Cardoza, fr., WR/CB
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High School Football 2013 •
By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
calvert schedule
1 Carlton Evan; 2 Ja’Mikel Fletcher; 3.Calvin Corona; 4 Xavier Laury; 5 DeRodney Thomas; 7 Ja’Quan Thompson; 8 James Lloyd; 9 William Golden; 10 Zaccheaus Williams; 11 Jordan Chopp; 12 Jadarrian Flentroy; 13 Cory Chopp; 14 Taron Gipson; 15 Anthony Jones; 19 TreDarrian Kinney
Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18
at a glance
receiver, Gipson also had 88 tackles from his cornerback spot, causing and recovering two fumbles and picking off one pass. He will move up to defensive end this season. Freshman quarterback Quan Thompson will take the reins of a talented unit. “He’s very athletic, very elusive,” Wortham said. “He’s a smart kid. You don’t have to
make him work. He’s already turned himself into a leader.” Calvin Corona, who will
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W 57-0 L 53-39 L 76-30
play what Calvert calls middle guard, is also expected to be a top contributor.
BrazosSports.com
Head coach: MarcusWortham (first year as Calvert head coach) District — 16-A 6-man Division II 2012 record — 6-4 (1-2 in 16-A 6-man Division II) 2012 playoffs — Did not qualify. State playoff appearances (27) — 11-man (14): 1923, 1938, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1952, 1958, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1994; 6-man (13) — 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 Returning lettermen — 7 (4 offensive, 4 defensive starters)
Last Year Did not play W 57-12 W 51-6 W 52-44 Did not play L 57-12 L 71-44
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skills. As a freshman last year, Fletcher rushed for 601 yards on 53 carries and scored nine times and will play fullback this year. “He is always our spark plug,” Wortham said. Laury was the District 16-A 6-Man Division II Newcomer of the Year, finishing the season with 61 tackles, two fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles. He returned one fumble for a touchdown and also scored on a punt return. Junior linebacker Williams Golden had 119 tackles (15 for losses) with five sacks and two interceptions last season. He caused five fumbles and recovered three. “William Golden is one of our key guys,” Wortham said. “He is really going to help us out a lot.” Golden also contributed on offense. Playing at fullback and tight end, Golden carried 20 times and scored six TDs while rushing for 195 yards, but this season he will move to center. Taron Gipson returns for his senior season after catching 23 passes for 478 yards and five touchdowns. A tall, big-play
OppOnent time Austin Veritas 7 p.m. at Oglesby 7:30 p.m. at Humble Legacy 7:30 p.m. at Buckholts 7:30 p.m. Waco Live Oak 7:30 p.m. at Abbott 7:30 p.m. Tomball Christian Home 7 p.m. Open District 16-a 6-man Division ii Oct. 26 at Karnack 2 p.m. Nov. 1 at Trinidad 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 Milford 7:30 p.m. *Homecoming
The Eagle
The Calvert Trojans are in a recovery mode, trying to find the way back to the 6-man playoffs after missing out for the first time since 2000. Marcus Wortham, who won a state basketball championship with the Trojans, now coaches the football team. He believes they will get quickly back on track. “We want to do that this year, make sure we do everything we are supposed to do this year,” said Wortham, beginning his first season as head football coach. “It’s going to be pretty salty and tough for everybody in our district to get out. Milford is probably the clear favorite since they are defending district champs.” Calvert has the players to get the Trojans in the thick of the title race. Junior running back Ja’Mikel Fletcher carried 85 times for 1,408 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. Fletcher also caught eight passes for 195 yards and three touchdowns. He scored once each on kickoff and punt returns and was a key part of the Trojans’ defense. From his safety spot, Fletcher had 55 tackles, two interceptions and a fumble recovery. Xavier Laury should capably complement Fletcher’s
calvert roster
Friday, August 23, 2013
Calvert on mission to return to playoffs
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High School Football 2013 The Eagle
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BrazosSports.com
Friday, August 23, 2013
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Hard-working Eagles ready for 2013
32
Brazos Christian banking on added strength for playoff push By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
Brazos Christian football coach Brandon Green values strength of character in his players. If they are strong physically, all the better. As Green enters his second season since being promoted to lead the private-school program, he hopes the Eagles will benefit from time spent in the weight room as well as time spent in the scriptures. “All the guys I’ve been around since I’ve been at Brazos Christian have been great, but this is the hardest-working group that I’ve ever been around,” Green said. “They are a joy to coach. You don’t have to prod them at all to get them to work hard. “Last year I had some pretty big bruisers up front. We won’t be as big this year, but we’re stronger on average because of how hard the guys have been
See EAGLES, Page 34
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Did not play L 45-19 Did not play
time 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. TBA 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Last Year Did not play W 97-95 (OT) Did not play Did not play W 70-12 Did not play W 60-0 W 52-6 W 68-52 Did not play
haRmony science RosteR allen academy RosteR Ryan Burke, Brian Clarke, Titus Cooper, Trent Green, Jordan Guerrero, Ja2 Caleb Phillips, 5-4, 121, fr., WR/DB; 4 Steven Henderson, 6-2, 171, 8th, marcus Newsome,Tre Newton,Wyatt Nunn, Giovanni Ocampo, Caleb Rueda, Gabriel Samaripas, Zay Searcy, JohnThomas, HunterWatson, NathanWilliams, ATH; 5 Clint Duewall, 6-1, 171, soph., C; 6 Carter Kacal, 5-7, 150, jr., DB/WR/K; 8 Chris Hassell, 5-6, 139, jr., C/DE; 11 Gareth Prescott, 5-9, 145, soph., WR/DB; Ismeal Zacarias 12 Grant Rhoads, 5-11, 167, jr., DL; 15 Tyler Scott, 5-6, 159, jr., C/DE; 20 Cody Vega, 5-7, 134, soph., ATH/DB; 25 John Brien, 5-10, 190, sr., RB/DL; 30 Theo Richard, 5-5, 150, jr., DL cal is another member of the pounds. strong junior class, who will be “Our numbers are so low that a key contributor as a runner, we could be considered a Divi- can blink an eye, and he’s al- defense.” blocker, receiver and kicker. He sion II team easily,” said Jolly, ready taller and bigger. He has • also starts at cornerback. explaining why TCAL allows developed so much this sumThe private school 6-man The Rams may also utilize the Rams to use an eighth-grade mer that we are excited about landscape underwent a signifieighth-grader Steven Hender- player. “Steven Henderson is a him and looking forward to his See priVates, Page 34 son, who is 6-foot-2 and 171 kid who grows everyday. You contributions on offense and
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Texas’ Largest Sewing and Vacuum Dealer 2 Locations Bryan 700 S. Bryan Ave. • 979-431-0898 College Station 1904 Texas Ave. • 693-6592
979.693.6300 1501 Emerald Parkway College Station, TX
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822-3937
979-694-2022 2300 Hwy 21 E. Bryan 979-778-3408
From all
1111 Briarcrest Dr., Bryan
776-2626
BrazosSports.com
BrazOs cHristian atHLetic League spartans Head coach: Ted Tedford (first year with BCAL) District — None: At large. 2012 record — Did not compete 2012 playoffs — Did not compete State playoff appearances — None Returning lettermen — Does not apply
7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. TBA
Date OppOnent Aug. 31 vs. Huntville Alpha Omega+ Sept. 6 at Baytown Christian Sept. 13 Johnson County Sept. 20 Arlington High Point Sept. 28 Houston Emery-Weiner Oct. 4 Orange Community^ Oct. 11 at BVCHEA Oct. 18 Waco Methodist Home Oct. 25 Waco Live Oak Nov. 1 at Killeen Memorial +Alvin Living Stones Kickoff Classic ^site TBA
•
BVcHea mustangs Head coach: Andy Hillis (first year at BVCHEA) District — None: AllT-CAL Division I teams play at-large schedules in 2013 2012 record — 3-8 (0-3 in T-CAL Division I District 2) 2012 playoffs — Did not qualify. State playoff appearances (3) — 2010. 2011 and 2012. Returning lettermen: 8 lettermen (4 offensive, 5 defensive starters)
Last Year L (forfeit) L 57-26 Did not play L 57-50 Did not play Did not play
The Eagle
HarmOnY science tigers Head coach: Ryan Brooks (first year at Harmony Science) District — T-CAL Division II District 4 2012 record — 1-8 (0-2 in T-CAL Division II District 3) 2012 playoffs — Did not qualify State playoff appearances — None Returning lettermen — 7
time 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Noon
Friday, August 23, 2013
at a glance
Date OppOnent Aug. 30 at Lockhart Lighthouse Sept. 6 Tomball Christian Sept. 13 at BCAL Sept. 20 West Columbia Charter Sept. 27 at Tribe Consolidated Oct. 5 Crosby Victory & Praise Oct. 11 Open Oct. 18 TBA Oct. 25 at Bellville Faith Nov. 1 San Antonio Sunnybrook Nov. 8 at BVCHEA *Homecoming
•
seen. It’s sheer willpower and strength.” The Rams will be without quarterback Jake Georgiades, who transferred to College Station. Sophomore Cody Vega takes over the spread back position. It fits him nicely. In the TCAL state semifinal loss to eventual state champion Tomball Christian Home School, Vega was a spark. His quick acceleration led to 44 rushing yards, and he caught five passes for 113 yards. He also threw a touchdown pass. It is the kind of versatile play that will be expected of Vega this season. As a freshman he had 956 tandem yards (453 yards rushing, 505 passing). “He’s a true spread back,” Jolly said. “We’re going to count on him to use his legs as much, if not more, than his arm. We want him to run first. Everybody wants the glamorous 40-yard touchdown pass in the air, but we’re trying to teach him, with his quickness and speed, we can get at least 5 yards a down.” All-around athlete Carter Ka-
haRmony science schedule allen academy schedule
High School Football 2013
6-MAN: Sophomore Cody Vega set to run Rams’ spread back position
B/CS
Locations 33
High School Football 2013 • Friday, August 23, 2013 BrazosSports.com • The Eagle
34
EAGLES: Brazos Christian has 5 offensive, 6 defensive starters back Continued from 32 working.” The Eagles went 7-4 last season, making the TAPPS playoffs for the fifth consecutive season. Brazos Christian lost in Division III’s opening round after reaching the 2011 state semifinals in Division IV. Last season was the first as a head coach for former NFL player Green, who had served as an assistant under Boyd Brigman. “It’s less stressful this year, knowing a little bit more about what’s coming,” Green said. “That’s for sure.” Private schools face fewer restrictions than UIL teams regarding preseason preparations. Brazos Christian continued its tradition of taking the team out of town to start camp. The Eagles began two-a-days in the Hill Country, with Green aiming to build and bond the team. “I took 30 kids out to Camp of the Hills for two-a-days,” Green said. “It was hot, [but] I did not have one discipline issue. Everyone’s been healthy. It was a perfect camp. “I could not be prouder of my seniors’ leadership ability, even though there’s only six of them. I’m really challenging them on that, and they’ve taken it and run with it.” The Eagles return five starters on offense and six on de-
bRazos chRistian RosteR bRazos chRistian schedule 4 John Mather, soph.; 7 Justin Duewall, sr.; 8 Jeyton McNair, soph.; 11 Truitt Baldwin, soph.; 12 Chris Ramos, jr.; 14 Josh Coleman, jr.; 15 Josiah Hamilton, sr.; 18 Sam Thomasson, sr.; 21 Kyle Steel, sr.; 22 Mitch Holt, jr.; 23 Jesse Honnas, soph.; 24 Clay Norton, fr.; 25 Colin Lee, jr.; 28 Kenny Honnas, sr.; 31 Jacob Jordan, fr.; 33 William Lockett, fr.; 50 Cooper Owen, sr.; 55 Cole Elms, jr.; 62 Brady Gayle, jr.; 63 Ryan Steel, fr.; 64 Peyton Scogin, fr.; 68 Kyle Foster, soph.; 70 Travis Head, fr.; 71 Drew Price, fr.; 72 Josh Duewall, soph.; 75 Zachary Gillett, fr.; 77 Luke Thomas, soph.; 82 Jake Mueller, soph.; 85 Mark Campbell, fr.; 87 David Childs, fr. fense, with five going both ways. The veteran two-way starters include seniors Kenny Honnas, Justin Duewall and Cooper Owen, junior Cole Elms and sophomore Jesse Honnas. Running back Kenny Honnas led the team in rushing with 1,250 yards last season, and the 5-foot-10, 170-pounder also earned all-district honors at linebacker. Duewall was a second-team all-district selection at safety and also is the Eagles’ top receiver. Sophomore John Mather will take over at quarterback. The standouts up front should be Elms and Owen. Elms, a 230-pounder, has started since he was a freshman. “Kenny Honnas is a stud, a great player,” Green said. “Justin Duewall did a great job last year in the secondary, and I’m really expecting that same stuff out of him. Cole Elms has matured and gotten stronger. He’s a kid that I think will really help
us out in the middle.” Brazos Christian will play several area public school teams during nondistrict, facing Snook, Normangee and Anderson-Shiro. The Eagles must change gears when they enter TAPPS Division III District 5. “Almost every team we’ll play before district will run a spread offense,” Green said. “But to win in our league, you have to be able to stop the power running game and you have to be able to run the football.” The district features two programs that won state titles in the last two seasons. Hallettsville Sacred Heart claimed the championship two years ago, slipping past Brazos Christian in the semifinal round. Shiner St. Paul won the crown last season. “Hallettsville and Shiner are always going to be good,” Green said. “They normally just reload and they’re right back at it. They’ll be two of the better
Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27
OppOnent time Cypress Christian 7:30 p.m. Snook 7:30 p.m. Normangee 7:30 p.m. Texas School for the Deaf* 7:30 p.m. Anderson-Shiro 7:30 p.m. tapps Division iii District 5 Oct. 4 at Shiner St. Paul 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at San Antonio St. Gerard 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 Open Date Oct. 25 at Schertz John Paul II 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at Hallettsville Sacred Heart 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 St. Joseph 7:30 p.m. *Homecoming
at a glance Head coach: Brandon Green (7-4 overall; 7-4 at Brazos Christian) District — TAPPS Division III District 5 2012 record — 7-4 (3-2 in TAPPS Division III District 5) 2012 playoffs — Bi-district: Lost to Fort Worth Lake Country, 21-14. State playoff appearances (11) — Six-man (2): 2000, 2001; 11-man (8): 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. Returning lettermen — 12 (6 offensive, 6 defensive starters) teams in the state.” The Eagles will face Sacred Heart and St. Paul on the road in district play. They will open the season by playing host to Cypress Christian on Aug. 30.
Last Year W 14-7 W 26-13 L 30-0 Did not play W 34-21 L 19-18 W 41-18 W 27-8 L 20-12 W 36-28
I could not be prouder of my seniors’ leadership ability, even though there’s only six of them. I’m really challenging them on that, and they’ve taken it and run with it. Brandon Green Brazos Christian head football coach
PRIVATES: BCAL 6-man team gives B-CS 2nd home school squad Continued from 33
cant change when Brenham Christian was unable to muster enough players to field a team this season. The Eagles were state runner-ups in 2009 and won the state title in 2010. Brenham Christian had been the Brazos Valley’s last 6-man representative in TAPPS (Texas Association on Private and Parochial Schools). Brenham Christian alumnus Matt Tarbutton is now coaching at Magnolia Legacy with the Eagles suspending their football program for this season. • Home school organizations in Bryan-College Station now have two 6-man football teams representing them. The BVCHEA (Brazos Valley Christian Home Educators Association) Mustangs remain in TCAL Division I. Like Allen
Inside
BVCHEA team photo /36 BCAL team photo, schedule /39 Academy, BVCHEA will not be assigned a district and will play an at-large schedule. Andy Hillis is taking over as head coach of the Mustangs this season and has senior Skyler Harris back. Harris completed 38 of 68 passes for 427 yards and four touchdowns with three interceptions last season. He also rushed for 446 yards and 13 TDs. Ben Schaums ran 60 times for 519 yards and eight touchdowns. He also passed for 118 yards and had 83 yards in receptions. The new home school team locally is Brazos Christian Athletic League (BCAL), and the Spartans will play an independent schedule. Ted Tedford will coach the team in its inaugural
season. For playoff purposes, BCAL is a member of the Texas Association of Independent Athletic Organizations. For the first year of that organization, which is currently football-only, those playoffs will include the Hutto “Iron Man” Tournament. • First-year coach Ryan Brooks takes over at Bryan Harmony Science, which went 1-8 overall and had a 0-2 record in district play last season. The district has changed to TCAL Division II District 4, which includes Bastrop Tribe Consolidate and Lockhart Lighthouse Christian. Senior Giovanni Ocampo, who led the Tigers in rushing, returns for Harmony Science. Ocampo had 132-yard rushing game against Bell County Home School last season.
bvchea schedule
Date OppOnent Aug. 31 at San Antonio FEAST Sept. 6 Open Sept. 13 at Williamson County^ Sept. 21 at Houston Emery-Weiner Sept. 28 vs. Fort Worth THESA+ Oct. 4 at Austin NYOS Oct. 11 Allen Academy Oct. 18 Waco Live Oak Oct. 25 at Waco Methodist Home Nov. 1 Open Nov. 8 at Bryan Harmony Science +at Franklin *Homecoming
time 11 a.m.
Last Year L 57-36
7:30 p.m. noon 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
L 41-40 Did not play L 51-6 W 49-22 L 60-0 L 58-12 L 69-12
TBA
Did not play
bvchea RosteR 1 Parker Price; 2 Skyler Harris; 3 Andrew Kocmoud; 4 Jarrett Brown; 6 Ben Schaums;7 Aaron Dowell; 12 Connor Armstrong; 14 Grant Hampton; 21 Harrison Armstrong; 22 Ryan Hatfield; 23 Kolt Franz; 25 Johnathon Hall; 32 Travis Twinning; 34 John Hendricks; 40 Caleb La Strapes; 44 Granger Harris; 55 Jack Mickleson
Running back a key component of Eagle offense By DAVID CAMPBELL david.campbell@theeagle.com
“He sees the field really well,” Evans said. “He’s a shifty back. He’s not a ground-and-pound kind of guy, but if we can get
GO TEAM!
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Sew Vac City
Texas’ Largest Sewing and Vacuum Dealer 2 Locations Bryan 700 S. Bryan Ave. • 979-431-0898 College Station 1904 Texas Ave. • 693-6592
307 Arguello Drive College Station, TX 77840 Branch NMLS 280990 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
See ST. JOSEPH, Page 39
1111 Briarcrest Dr., Bryan
776-2626 VARSITY
GO TEAM! 710 Villa Maria
822-3937
From all B/CS
Locations
1351 Earl Rudder Frwy. S. College Station
BrazosSports.com
www.briceco.net
979.693.6300 1501 Emerald Parkway College Station, TX
JANELLE CARVER Senior Vice President NMLS 208153 Office: 979.260.1448 www.JanelleCarver.com
getting him to the edge as much as we can and letting him run.”
•
979-693-4076 drelms.com
him in space, he can make some people miss. We’ve got to make sure to get him in position to be successful, which with him is
The Eagle
Head coach: Blake Evans (14-27 overall, 14-27 at St. Joseph) District — TAPPS Division III District 5 2012 record — 5-5 (2-3 in TAPPS Division III District 5) 2012 playoffs — Did not qualify State playoff appearances (9): — Six-man (3): 1999, 2000, 2001; 11-man (6): 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. Returning lettermen — 23 (8 offensive, 8 defensive starters)
playoffs but will have a better chance this year.” Damon will be a big part of the Eagles’ push to the playoffs.
Friday, August 23, 2013
at a glance
•
St. Joseph senior running back Nicky Damon has been riding and roping for as long as he can remember. “I like riding horses,” Damon said. “I like to rope. I rope every now and then. My [grandfather] has been raising horses all of his life, so as I was growing up, he was showing me how to ride and rope. As I got older, I learned and got better.” His three quarterhorses are Damon’s pride and joy. “I’ve got one named Whiskey, Buddy and Big Momma,” Damon said. “I like all three of them. They are all good horses.” But 18-year-old Whiskey was his first horse and is special. “I team rope,” Damon said. “My Paw-Paw roped a little bit and asked me did I want to learn. I said ‘yes sir.’” “We talk all of the time about his horses,” St. Joseph coach Blake Evans said. “If he’s not out playing football, he’s messing with those horses. He loves doing that on the weekends.” But Damon begins each weekend as a football player, and for his senior season, he would like to corral something special on the gridiron. Damon accounted for over 1,800 all-purpose yards as a junior, which included 1,219 rushing yards and 359 as a receiver to go with 22 touchdowns. His goal this year is bust 2,000 yards. “It went pretty good towards the end,” Damon said of his junior year. “We didn’t make the
High School Football 2013
St. Joseph’s Damon ready for a long ride
979-694-2022 2300 Hwy 21 E. Bryan 979-778-3408
35
High School Football 2013 • Friday, August 23, 2013 BrazosSports.com • The Eagle
36
iola schedule Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18
OppOnent time Snook 7 p.m. at Bartlett 7:30 p.m. Milano 7 p.m. Anderson-Shiro 7 p.m. St. Joseph* 7 p.m. Tomball Christian 7 p.m. Bremond 7 p.m. Open District 11-a Division i Oct. 25 Hull-Daisetta 7 p.m. Nov. 1 at Colmesneil 7 p.m. Nov. 8 West Hardin 7 p.m. *Homecoming
Last Year W 26-0 W 20-13 L 35-8 W 38-14 W 38-8 Did not play L 34-6 L 36-22 W 50-34 L 40-34
IOLA: Iola has size up front Continued from 21 Iola’s offense line will include three players who weigh more than 260 pounds — including 270-pound bookends at tackle in Will Mallet and Reed Fairbanks, along with guard Dustin Timm. The Bulldogs expect a boost from sophomore center Dawson Utz, who missed last season because of a knee injury. “We feel like that is going to be our strength this year, up front,” Martinez said. “We have some great kids on both sides of the ball.” The Bulldogs will have a veteran running the offense in junior quarterback Hayden Mar-
tinez. The coach’s son started last season as a newcomer to the program. Other offensive skill players include three seniors of similar size who are capable of playing running back or slot receivers in the spread offense. Geronimo Castillo, a four-year starter, headlines the trio that includes Michael Parks and Josh Williams. The Iola defense should be powered by inside linebackers Utz and Ryan Renick, who was the district’s defensive newcomer of the year as a freshman last season. “We really feel like we’re solid in the middle with those guys,” Coach Martinez said.
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Sew Vac City
Texas’ Largest Sewing and Vacuum Dealer 2 Locations Bryan 700 S. Bryan Ave. • 979-431-0898 College Station 1904 Texas Ave. • 693-6592
979.693.6300 1501 Emerald Parkway College Station, TX
1111 Briarcrest Dr., Bryan
776-2626 VARSITY
GO TEAM! 710 Villa Maria
822-3937
1351 Earl Rudder Frwy. S. College Station
979-694-2022 2300 Hwy 21 E. Bryan 979-778-3408
High School Football 2013 • Friday, August 23, 2013
BCAL sCheduLe time 7 p.m.
Last Year Did not play
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Did not play Did not play Did not play Did not play Did not play
7:30 p.m.
Did not play
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Texas’ Largest Sewing and Vacuum Dealer
1111 Briarcrest Dr., Bryan
776-2626
2 Locations Bryan 700 S. Bryan Ave. • 979-431-0898 College Station 1904 Texas Ave. • 693-6592
1111 Briarcrest Dr., Bryan
776-2626 VARSITY
GO TEAM! 710 Villa Maria
822-3937
1351 Earl Rudder Frwy. S. College Station
BrazosSports.com
www.briceco.net
979.693.6300 1501 Emerald Parkway College Station, TX
•
979-693-4076 drelms.com
The Eagle
Date OppOnent Aug. 31 Giddings State School Sept. 6 Open Sept. 13 Harmony Science Sept. 20 Capital City Christian Sept. 27 Granbury Cornerstone+ Oct. 4 at Temple Centex# Oct. 11 at Williamson County^ Oct. 18 Open Oct. 25 San Antonio FEAST Nov. 1 Open +site TBA #Belton ^Georgetown *Homecoming
979-694-2022 2300 Hwy 21 E. Bryan 979-778-3408
37
High School Football 2013 • Friday, August 23, 2013 BrazosSports.com • The Eagle
38
Cubs packing more experience this season Brenham coaching staff still looking for key players but has a strong core of returning starters By LARRY BOWEN larry.bowen@theeagle.com
Brenham’s football players won’t be as green as their uniforms this season, like many were last year. That’s a good sign, although not a guarantee that everything will be golden for one of the Brazos Valley’s most successful programs over the last decade. The Cubs return seven starters on defense and six on offense from the team that captured the District 18-4A championship and went 9-2 last year, falling in the first round of the playoffs. “We expect to do well,” Brenham coach Glen West said. “Being 9-2 last year and having a lot of people back, you would think that you ought to be unbelievable. That’s really not the case at this point. We’re certainly not dreading the season, but we don’t have any idea how it’s
at a glance Head coach: Glen West (185-63-1 overall; 144-40 at Brenham) District — 18-4A 2012 record — 9-2 (8-0 in 18-4A) 2012 playoffs — Division II bidistrict: Lost to Elgin, 44-30. State playoff appearances (36): 1927, 1929, 1933, 1941, 1942, 1944, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1953, 1955, 1957, 1959, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1985, 1986, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. Returning lettermen — 29 (6 offensive, 7 defensive starters) going to turn out. “We were not a very good football team last year despite the record. It’s really strange: Every team in our district was extremely young last year. We were the youngest football team
I’ve ever put out there, and we were not really any different than anybody we played.” Brenham should be different this season with more experience. The Cubs will have a veteranladen defensive unit led by nose guard Taylon Shepard and safety Courtland Sutton. Other likely standouts on defense include linebacker Ja’Michael Adams, safety Desmond Lockett and cornerback Earnest Patterson. “Seven starters back on defense should be a strength of ours,” West said. “There’s a couple of positions that we haven’t gotten totally taken care of yet, but I’ll be disappointed if we don’t play good defense. We may not do it the first week, but before the year’s out I think we will play good defensively.” The athletic Sutton should make the Cubs better in all areas. The 6-foot-3, 201-pound
senior, who also will play receiver and return kicks, has scholarship offers from several Division I colleges, including Washington State, BYU, Colorado, Tulsa, Houston and Rice.
drelms.com 979.693.6300 1501 Emerald Parkway College Station, TX
Brenham has another Division I prospect in offensive tackle Austin Schlottmann, a threeyear starter. The 285-pounder
See BRENHAM, Page 39
1111 Briarcrest Dr., Bryan
776-2626
Continued from 35
st. joseph schedule Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4
OppOnent time Central Texas Christian 7:30 p.m. Temple Holy Trinity 7:30 p.m. Snook 7:30 p.m. Tomball Rosehill Christian 7:30 p.m. at Iola 7:30 p.m. Open tapps Division iii District 5 Oct. 12 at Hallettsville Sacred Heart 4:30 p.m. Oct. 18 San Antonio St. Gerard* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at Shiner St. Paul 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1 Schertz John Paul II 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at Brazos Christian 7:30 p.m. *Homecoming
Last Year L 37-26 W 58-29 W 36-22 W 46-0 L 38-8 L 42-40 W 60-44 L 46-14 W 28-12 L 36-28
“Luke has been starting since he was a freshman and has come a long way,” Evans said. “Our backfield definitely will be the strength this year.” Damon is set for a safety spot on a defense led by inside linebacker Matthew Krause, who had 84 tackles. Jamarkus Amos returns after making 102 tackles last season. Ben Rios, who caught 28 passes for 354 yards and four touch-
1 Nicky Damon, 5-9, 165, sr., RB/DB; 2 Michael Krause, 5-10, 165, soph.,WR/ QB/DB; 3 Ben Rios, 5-8, 155, sr., WR/DB; 4 Luke McClure, 6-1, 205, jr., QB/LB; 5 Hunter Batten, 5-9, 150, fr., RB/LB; 6 Nicholas Adam, 5-10, 155, fr., RB/OLB; 10 Kyle Locke, 5-10, 160, soph, WR/LB; 11 De’Untae Damon, 5-10, 145, fr., RB/ OLB; 12 Hunter Konderla, 5-9, 145, soph., RB/DB; 14 Justus Bayer, 5-9, 145, fr., WR/DB; 15 Jamarkus Amos, 5-10, 170, sr., RB/DB; 20TresTodd, 5-9, 165, sr., RB/ DB; 22 Frank Pena, 5-8, 140, sr., WR/DB; 25 Jeremy Martinez, 5-9, 150, soph., WR/DB; 33 Cory Konderla, 5-8, 140, jr.,WR/DB; 35 Reuben Fernandes, 6-0, 170, jr., WR/LB; 40 Sam Destefano, 6-0, 165, sr., WR/DB; 50 Allen Greig, 5-11, 170, fr., OL/DL; 51 Ryan Ernst, 5-8, 155, fr., OL/DL; 52 Jack Clements, 5-10, 165, fr., OL/DL; 54 Matthew Krause, 5-10, 195, sr., OL/LB; 55 Ben Simpson, 5-9, 220, jr., OL/DL; 56 Cameron Cooper, 5-8, 145, fr., OL/OLB; 57 Matthew Taylor, 5-10, 220, soph., OL/DL; 60 MichaelWalker, 5-9, 175, sr., OL/DL; 64 Michael Starnes, 5-8, 165, jr., OL/DL; 66 Seth Castillo, 5-8, 150, fr., OL/OLB/K; 68 Chris Adams, 5-11, 275, jr., OL/DL; 70 Robert Healing, 5-10, 270, soph., OL/DL; 72 Quentin Casarez, 6-1, 270, soph., OL/DL; 80 Thomas Marvin, 5-11, 155, sr. WR/DB; 89 Connelly Cooper, 5-4, 135, sr., WR/DB/K
downs, had two interceptions from his cornerback spot. “Defensively, we’re going to be a lot faster,” Evans said. “Most our guys play both ways. We’ve changed some things up on defense to get some more skill-type guys on the field.” The St. Joseph coach believes
the 2013 Eagles’ team has positioned itself for title contention. “This is one of those years,” Evans said. “Our senior class ... most of them have been starting since they were freshmen. They took their licks early on, and they’ve all gotten better.”
BRENHAM: Cubs looking to make playoffs for 14th time in 15 years Continued from 38
texas ap poll
brenham schedule Date Aug. 30 Sept. 6
time 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Last Year L 31-14 W 44-14
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
W 29-7 W 24-14
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
W 45-7 W 23-7 W 35-14 W 46-7 W 31-21 W 56-17
1Jaquay Cross, 6-1, 170, jr., DB; 2 Caleb Hill, 6-3, 200, jr., QB; 3 Tyler Watts, 5-7, 155, sr., RB; 4 James Homan, 6-1, 170, sr., WR; 5 Earnest Patterson, 5-6, 145, jr., RB/DB; 6 Tre’Markes Smith, 5-11, 203, jr., RB/OLB; Kevin Turner, 5-8, 145, sr., DB; 8 Tre’Vonte Johnson, 6-1, 170, sr., WR; 9 Deon Earls, 5-11, 150, soph., DB; 10 Collin Kolkhorst, 5-11, 170, sr., K/P;11 Erik Yeager, 5-10, 180, sr., MLB; 13 Ezavier Newsome, 5-9, 155, sr., DB; 14 Courtland Sutton, 6-3, 201, sr., WR/DB; 15 Desmond Lockett, 5-8, 165, sr. WR/DB; 16 Deidrick Jones, 5-9, 145, sr., DB; 17 Malik Wilson, 5-8, 142, sr., WR; 18 Bradon Baird, 6-1, 215, sr., TE/OLB; 19 Walter Thomas, 5-7, 165, jr., QB; 20 Seth Coghlan, 5-7, 140, sr., DB; 21 Ja’Michael Adams, 5-10, 185, sr., RB/MLB; 22 Ryan Nunn, 5-10, 175, sr., RB/ OLB; 23 Donterius Sweed, 5-8, 160, sr., DB; 24 Gabriell Jeffery, 5-6, 150, sr., RB; 25 Jake Little, 5-9, 155, sr., OLB; 30 Jack Marley, 5-10, 170, jr., OLB; 31 Cole Kenjura, 6-0, 170, jr., MLB; 35 Taylor Johnson, 5-9. 212, sr., DT; 50 Jordan Hawkins, 6-1, 245, jr., DT; 52 Al’Fondrick Bennett, 6-0, 254, jr., OL/DT; 55 Daryk Ganske, 5-8, 210, sr., OL/DT; 56 Taylon Shepard, 6-0, 250, sr., OL/DT; 58 Jaylon Whitley, 5-10, 230, sr., OL; 60 Jesse Hernandez, 5-9, 215, sr., OL; 62 Dalton Nutt, 5-11, 240, jr., OL; 65 Jeremy Arnold, 6-4, 240, sr., OL; 66 Anthony Ragston, 5-9, 160, sr., DT; 67 Shea Robbins, 6-0, 245, sr., OL; 68 Neal Mathis, 6-0, 275, sr., OL; 70 Austin Schlottmann, 6-5. 285, sr., OL; 76 Kaleb TeverbAug.h, 6-1, 286, jr., OL
5. Argyle (1) 133 7 6. Kilgore 119 7. La Marque 97 5 8. Graham 49 9. Bellville 29 10. Abilene Wylie 25 2 Others receiving votes: 11, Silsbee 19. 12, Celina 15. 13, West Orange-Stark 13. 14, El Campo 9. 15, Jasper 7. 15, Gatesville 7. 17, Henderson 6. 18, Shallowater 5. 18, Wimberley 5. 20, Port Isabel 4. 20, Gainesville 4. 22, Tyler Chapel Hill 2. 23, Kennedale 1. Class 2a school total points prv 1. Newton (13) 205 3 2. Cameron Yoe (7) 195 2 3. East Bernard (2) 180 4 4. Refugio (1) 115 1 5. Canadian 95 6. New Boston 93 5 7. Daingerfield 89 8. Wall 79 9. Tatum 55 10. Cisco 38 9 Others receiving votes: 11, Franklin 25. 12, Hallettsville 17. 13, Sonora 16. 14, Callisburg 9. 14, Grandview 9. 16, Corsicana Mildred 7. 16, Lexington 7. 18, Rogers 6. 19, White Oak 5. 19, Elysian Fields 5. 21, Arp 3. 21, Hempstead 3. 23, Hughes Springs 2. 23, Lago Vista 2. 23, Littlefield 2. 26, Teague 1. 26, Godley 1. 26, Centerville 1. Class a school total points prv 1. Mart (8) 197 10 2. Tenaha (10) 191 3. Alto (1) 162 4. Mason (1) 154 2 5. Stamford (2) 120 4 6. Wellington 109 3 7. Shiner 97 6 8. Stratford 40 8 9. Munday 39 1 10. Anson (1) 37 Others receiving votes: 11, Chilton 30. 12, Falls City 16. 13, Albany 14. 14, PinelandWest Sabine 11. 14, Bosqueville 11. 16, Hubbard 9. 17, Muenster 8. 17, Burton 8. 19, Ganado 3. 19, Goldthwaite 3. 19, Italy 3. 22, New Deal 2. 23, Frost 1.
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brenham roster
Here is The Associated Press preseason high school poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, points based on 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1, and the team’s ranking in last week’s poll: Class 5a school total points prv 1. Allen (14) 227 6 2. Katy (6) 205 1 3. Cibolo Steele (2) 176 3 4. DeSoto 139 2 5. Southlake Carroll 129 7 6. Euless Trinity (1) 124 7. Austin Westlake 75 8. Galena Park North Shore 62 9. Houston Lamar (1) 49 10. Coppell 34 4 Others receiving votes: 11, Cedar Hill 33. 12, Dallas Skyline 19. 13, Lake Travis 14. 14, Arlington Martin 7. 15, Converse Judson 5. 15, Arlington Bowie 5. 17, SA Northside O’Connor 3. 17, Lufkin 3. 17, Tyler Lee 3. 20, SA Northside Brandeis 2. 20, SA Madison 2. 20, Abilene 2. 23, Abilene Cooper 1. 23, Longview 1. Class 4a school total points prv 1. Denton Guyer (17) 224 7 2. Cedar Park (6) 211 3. Aledo 136 3 4. SA Northside Brennan 119 9 5. Lancaster 106 6. Whitehouse 92 7. Humble Summer Creek 73 10 8. Tyler 58 2 9. Georgetown 39 10. WF Rider 38 (tie) Texas City 38 Others receiving votes: 12, Dallas Highland Park 34. 13, Pearland Dawson 25. 14, Mesquite Poteet 15. 15, Leander 13. 16, Elgin 12. 17, Manor 6. 17, Nederland 6. 19, Leander Rouse 5. 20, Wolfforth Frenship 4. 21, N. Richland Hills Birdville 2. 21, Ennis 2. 21, Fort Bend Marshall 2. 21, CC Calallen 2. 25, Amarillo 1. 25, Brenham 1. 25, FW Southwest 1. Class 3a school total points prv 1. Stephenville (10) 203 3 2. Carthage (10) 202 9 3. Gilmer (1) 177 10 4. Navasota (1) 134 1
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OppOnent at Richmond Foster Katy Pope John XXIII District 18-4a Sept. 13 at Magnolia West Sept. 20 Waller Sept. 27 Open Oct. 4 at Willis Oct. 11 Montgomery* Oct. 18 at Rudder Oct. 25 Magnolia Nov. 1 at Huntsville Nov. 8 Caney Creek *Homecoming
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has committed to sign with TCU. West likes the potential for Brenham’s receiving corps that includes Sutton and Tyler Watts, who scored six touchdowns on 28 receptions last season. The Cubs should have good depth at quarterback. Junior Walter Thomas returns after throwing for 931 yards and 11 touchdowns last year. Caleb Hill, another junior who is a transfer from Academy, also is pushing for playing time at quarterback. Brenham seems capable of reaching the postseason for the 14th time in 15 seasons. Whether the Cubs make it to the playoffs, and how they will fare if they do return, likely will depend on in-season improvement that Brenham teams usually produce. “We have miles and miles of work to do,” West said. “It’s not a polished group at all, but there’s been few times that we have been polished to start the year. “There’s some guys who we think can play, but we’re still trying to find some players. If we do it the way that Brenham normally does it, we’ll keep finding them for a few weeks.” The Cubs will open the season at Richmond Foster on Aug. 30.
Friday, August 23, 2013
slot receiver, running back and safety. Todd had 100 tackles, rushed for 592 yards and had 572 receiving yards last season. “[Damon and Todd] complement each other,” Evans said. “They both can carry the rock at any time, and they give each other a break.” Junior quarterback Luke McClure hit 139 of 234 passes for 1,788 yards and 18 touchdowns last year.
st. joseph roster
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Damon tries to use his vision as much as possible. “I keep my head high,” Damon said. “When something goes bad, I try to help the team out and make a good play to get the team up. They’re looking at me to see what I do.” Evans has seen Damon’s growth. “He came to St. Joseph as a freshman,” Evans said. “He was the big man on campus in middle school, and he quickly found out that it’s not the same playing high school football. After his freshman year, he decided he really wanted to be good and got in the weight room and worked hard. His academics have come a long way along with his attitude and leadership skills.” Along with Damon, the Eagles return speed and experience at the skill spots, with the questions surrounding a young offensive line. Team captain Tres Todd plays
High School Football 2013
ST. JOSEPH: Todd, McClure part of potent backfield for St. Joseph
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REWORKED INSIDE AND OUT
High School Football 2013 The Eagle
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BrazosSports.com
Friday, August 23, 2013
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