High School Football 2014

2014 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ‘Fancy meeting you here’ Table for four: Rudder, College Station move up to join Bryan, Consol

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Friday, August 22, 2014 BrazosSports.com

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High School Football 2014

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Friday, August 22, 2014

Index

A&M CONSOLIDATED TIGERS

Working toward December Garner, Tigers have big goals for season

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By Larry Bowen larry.bowen@theeagle.com

f you wonder why A&M with a strong junior year, then Consolidated coaches saw his stock rise dramatitagged linebacker Riley cally after he shined at the U.S. Garner with the nickArmy National Combine in name Conan, consider their January. previous description of him as “I honestly never thought I a beast. was going to be good enough to We’re not talking late-night go to college and play sports,” comedian here, folks.

Garner said. “I kind of Garner has developed wrote myself off as not into quite a physical being good enough to specimen, like Conan play for A&M. This last the Barbarian played by nitely been year has defi definitely Arnold Swarzenegger. crazy, a huge change At 6-foot-2 and 225 from the rest of my pounds, Garner high school expejumped off the rience. When I screen for coldid well at the lege recruitcombine it got Riley Garner ers, landing my name out senior, linebacker several scholthere a little arship offers bit, and things before committing to sign with just really started rolling fast.”

Texas A&M. Garner’s combination of size “He has really matured and speed makes him special. physically and as a footHe ran the 40-yard dash in ball player,” Consol coach 4.52 seconds at the Army David Raffield said. “We have combine. Over the summer, watched him just blow up in Garner showed his athleticism the weight room, on the track by doing a good job in coverage and on the football field. We against smaller players in 7-oncall him Conan. It has been so 7 games. exciting to watch him evolve as “I see somebody who can a great football player.” shut opposing teams down,” That evolution caught Raffield said. “He can take Garner by surprise. He was away half of the field and considered a college prospect make you not want to run to going into last season, when his side of the field, as most Raffield called him a beast. of the great linebackers in Garner improved his standing the game do. Kids don’t want

Friday, August 22, 2014

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Senior Mason Hickson takes over as the starting quarterback of an A&M Consolidated team that advanced to the state quarterfinals last season and posted a 10-3 overall record. to block him because of his size and strength. Sometimes we laugh, because during the spring you’ll see guys kind of go block him, but they’re not all the way committed.”

Garner is devoted in the weight room. Raffield said he expects Garner to weigh 240 or 245 pounds when he plays for the Aggies.

“I want to give a lot of credit to my strength and conditioning coach, John Mitchell,” Garner said. “He’s a great coach. If you do what he says, there’s no way you won’t succeed. Over these last couple of offseasons I’ve been working hard, and it’s paid off.”

Garner and his teammates will enter the 2014 season carrying great expectations after reaching the state quarterfinals last year. Consol is ranked fourth in Class 5A by the Associated Press, and the Tigers are ranked at the top of 5A Region III by the coaches association. Garner was selected to the second-team defense on Texas Football’s Super Team.

See CONSOL, Page 4

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Head coach — David Raffield (80-51 overall; 14-9 at A&M Consolidated) District — 18-5A 2013 record — 10-3 (5-1 in 14-5A) 2013 playoffs — 5A Division II bidistrict: def. Humble Kingwood 55-45; Area: def. Austin Westlake 41-16; Regional: def. Longview 45-35; Quarterfinal: lost to Lake Travis 21-7 Playoff appearances (31) — 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, 2012, 2013 Returning lettermen — 18 (5 offensive, 5 defensive starters) All-time record — 449-332-24 Playoff record — 40-27-1

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug 29 at Copperas Cove Last season: W 44-41 Sept 5 Richmond Foster Sept 13 at Fort Bend Elkins Sept 19 Open Date 18-5A Sept 26 at Huntsville Oct 3 Willis* Oct 10 Bryan Last season: W 56 -20 Oct 17 at Caney Creek Oct 24 College Station+ Oct 31 at Rudder Nov 7 Livingston *Homecoming +Kyle Field

Time 7:30 7:30 6 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30

ROSTER 2 Rodney Jernigan, jr., WR; 3 Caleb Chandler, jr., DB; 4 Cade Williams, fr., WR; 5 Kennon Williams, jr., WR; 6 Daniel Zivney, sr., WR/K; 7 Dawson Deere, sr., WR; 8 Brett Harp, sr., WR; 9 Hayden Lane, jr., QB; 10 Mason Hickson, jr., QB; 11 David Gan, jr., WR; 12 Matt Miller, sr., DB; 13 Tyler Yendrey, sr., WR; 14 Tarvaris Young, sr., RB; 15 Will Vaughn, jr., LB; 16 Derrick Dick, sr., WR; 17 Coy Winder, jr., LB; 18 Preston Foster, sr., DB; 19 TJ Raniszeski, jr., DB; 20 Armond Jones, sr., RB; 21Scott Gooden, sr., LB; 22 Tyon Merchant, soph., LB; 23 Jonathon Sylvester, soph., DB; 24 Tyri Merchant, jr., EB; 25 Jonquill Gin, sr., DB; 26 Will Raffield, jr., DB; 27 Ryan Force, sr., DB; 28 Michael Armontrout, jr., DB; 31 Bryce Florence, sr., LB; 32 Derrick Henicke, sr., LB; 36 Riley Garner, sr., LB; 41 Daniel Cureo, sr., LB; 50 Jorge Contreras, sr., OL; 54 Brandon Letendre, sr., DE; 55 Daniel Stokes, sr., OL; 56 Kai Everett, jr., DL; 57 Niall Creager, jr., OL; 60 Jayden Drisdale, jr., DT; 65 Malik Williams, jr., OL; 66 Thomas Edrington, sr., OL; 68 Daniel Fojtik, sr., OL; 70 Brodie Williams, sr., OL; 71 Junior Herrera, jr., OL; 72 Caleb O’Rear, sr., OL; 74 Ryan Bevan, jr., OL; 76 Philip Himmenez, jr., OL; 77 James Hodges, sr., DE; 78 Xavier Stanford, jr., OL; 80 Luke Benden, sr., TE; 88 Tony Williams, soph., WR.

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A&M Consolidated......................3 Allen Academy ............................4 Anderson Shiro........................... 5 Aggieland Homeschool...............6 Brazos Christian .........................6 Bremond ..................................... 7 Brenham .....................................8 Brenham Christian ................... 10 Bryan......................................... 10 Burton ....................................... 12 BVCHEA ................................... 13 Caldwell .................................... 13 Calvert....................................... 14 Cameron.................................... 16 Centerville................................. 17 College Station.......................... 18 Franklin .................................... 19 Harmony Science......................20 Hearne ...................................... 21 Iola ............................................22 Leon ..........................................23 Lexington ..................................22 Madisonville .............................24 Milano.......................................24 Navasota ...................................26 Normangee ...............................28 Rockdale ...................................29 Rudder ...................................... 31 Snook ........................................33 Somerville .................................34 St. Joseph..................................35

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he Eagle welcomes a new high school football season with its annual preview. The theme for the new year is change, with the UIL creating Class 6A and giving nearly every school in the Brazos Valley a new classification. We hope our preview helps get you ready to enjoy the Friday night lights.

Good luck in 2014.

On the cover: UIL realignment placed A&M Consolidated, Bryan, College Station and Rudder in the same district for the first time.

Consol and Bryan are longtime rivals. They’ll have to make room at the table for College Station and Rudder, along with Conroe Caney Creek, Huntsville, Livingston and Willis. Representing the local members of the new District 18-5A are (from left) Consol’s Derrick Dick, Rudder’s Brady Batten, College Station’s Desmond Payton and Bryan’s Coleman Johnson.

Acknowledgments: Thanks to Wade Barkman of The Republic, where the cover photo was shot. Information on Brazos Valley schools’ all-time records, including playoff appearances, is courtesy of Joe Lee Smith via texashighschoolfootballhistory. com.

Section credits: Section designed and edited by Robert Premeaux and Joshua Siegel

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ALLEN ACADEMY RAMS

Depth key in getting over state-title hump

By Larry Bowen larry.bowen@theeagle.com No disrespect to Robert Downey Jr., but Allen Academy football coach Jason Jolly has had his fill of Iron Man talk.

Allen has reached the Texas Christian Athletic League 6-man state semifinals for the last two seasons, relying primarily on a core group of about five players. Jolly believes one key reason the Rams didn’t capture a state championship is because they expected too much from too few.

Enough of the iron-man football.

“We have to develop the bottom half of our roster, so that we can rely on them in pressure situations and give the other guys a blow,” Jolly said. “It’s almost the same five guys on the field for basically 100 percent of the game. While they are extremely tough for doing that, we run out of gas.

That’s why I believe we’ve come up short two years in a row.”

Allen will begin this season depending on newcomers at five starting positions. The lack of experience won’t prevent the

FACTS

Rams from thinking big.

“I’ve said this to everybody who asked the question: Our expectation is to get to the state championship and win the state championship,” Jolly said. “I don’t think that’s being cocky. That’s just how high I hold my team. We’re out there every day trying to be the best team we can be. If we can be that, I think we can win it.”

Jolly will have the biggest roster in his four seasons with the Rams. He anticipates the team will include 14 or 15 players after having 11 last year.

While the Rams will work hard to develop the entire roster, Jolly can take comfort in a couple of elite players at the top. Jolly has key building blocks in senior Carter Kacal and junior Cody Vega. Both will play several roles on offense and defense.

Kacal is a runner and blocker on offense. Despite being 5-foot-7 and about 150 pounds, Kacal is a defensive stopper at linebacker.

“Carter’s our everything guy,” Jolly said. “We can’t ask any more from Carter. We can

Head coach — Jason Jolly (26-9 overall; 26-9 at Allen Academy) District — none (T-CAL Division I teams play at-large schedules) 2013 record — 8-3 in T-CAL Division I 2013 playoffs — Bi-district: def.

BVCHEA 68-20; Semifinal: lost to Waco Live Oak 39-26 Playoff appearances (19) — 11-man (6): 1974, 1975, 1979, 1980, 1998, 2004; 6-man (13): 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Returning lettermen — 10 (5 offensive, 5 defensive starters)

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug 29 Dallas The Covenant Sept 5 at Houston Mt. Carmel Sept 12 at Buckholts Sept 19 Huntsville Alpa Omega Last season: W 44-20 Sept 26 at Orange Community Oct 3 Waco Live Oak* Last season: L 51-6, L 39-26 Oct 10 at Temple Centex Oct 17 Tyler Kings Academy Oct 24 BVCHEA Last season: W 57-0, W 68-20 Oct 31 Killeen Memorial Last season: W 65-14 Nov 7 Open Date *Homecoming

Time 6 7:30 7:30 7 7:30 7:30 7:30 6 7 7

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand ROSTER Allen Academy will look to Carter Kacal (left), Gareth Prescott 13 Phillip Briner, 5-7, 158, fr.; 7 Clay DeJong, 6-2, 195, sr.; 14 Kolby DuPont, (center) and Caleb Phillips for big plays on offense.

5-5, 126, fr.; 8 Chris Hassell, 5-6, 170, sr,; 10 Caleb Hogan, 6-1, 165, jr.; 6 line him up anywhere on the field, and I know that he’ll get the job done. He has got to be pound-for-pound the best linebacker I’ve ever seen. He’s not afraid to stick that frame inside of a hole against a team that’s running a tight offense and plug it up instantly. He has a skill set that doesn’t usually pair up with that, open-field tackling. That’s huge in 6-man football.”

Vega will have a big say in how far the Rams go in 2014. He directs the Allen offense and plays a key role on defense.

“Cody is the spark of our team,” Jolly said. “In every game that we played last year, I believe he was the best player on the field. He’s extremely talented. He’s got a drive like I’ve never seen before. We’re putting the load on his back to carry the football most of the time. He’s got an excellent arm if we ask him to throw. Defensively, he’s a great open-field tackler, and he’s got excellent instincts. He always finds a way to be around the football.”

Allen also will count on veteran players in receiver Gareth Prescott and sophomore Caleb

Carter Kacal, 5-7, 158, sr.; 34 Robin Li, 6-3, 209, sr.; 2 Caleb Phillips, 5-5, 135, soph.; 30 Diego Pocurull, 5-8, 180, fr.; 11 Gareth Prescott, 5-9, 145, jr.; 12 Grant Rhoads, 6-0, 158, sr.; 15 Tyler Scott, 5-7, 190, sr.; 20 Cody Vega, 5-8, 137, jr.; 22 Eric Vega, 5-6, 131, fr.

Phillips, a receiver and defensive back who started both ways as a freshman. The Rams expect major contributions from defensive lineman Grant Rhoads, who took up football last season as a junior.

Senior Clay DeJong is an unusual, but quite welcome, returnee. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior is the biggest player on the Allen roster. He played football for the Rams as a freshman, then left the sport

for two years to concentrate on ice hockey.

Schools coming and going from TCAL has made it difficult to find stability in the league, which Allen joined after a dispute with officials from the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools.

Jolly, the acting commissioner for TCAL 6-man football, has shown willingness to cross organizational lines to find good competition.

CONSOL: New QB Hickson will have talent to work with in Dick, Zivney Continued from 3 The Tigers remained in Class 5A but effectively dropped one classification by not moving into the newly added 6A. Texas Football ranks Consol second in the state and picks the Tigers to win the Division II championship.

“The pressure’s definitely on, especially after having such a great season last year,” Garner said. “We definitely have aspirations to win a state championship. We’re pretty good with pressure. You know the story of how we won the

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Copperas Cove game (with a last-second kickoff return for a touchdown). Our coaching staff prepares us for highpressure situations.”

Last season, Consol reached the fourth round of the 5A Division II playoffs. The Tigers lost their state quarterfinal 21-7 to Lake Travis, playing on the first weekend of December and whetting their appetite for a longer playoff run.

“We set a goal in the offseason to try to play in December,” Raffield said. “We feel like this is a group of kids that has made enough of an investment into our system

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that would allow them to play there. That’s our No. 1 focus.

“We told our kids that the reason those expectations are so high is because of what the teams have done before. This team hasn’t played a game.

So although it’s really nice and fun and motivating, it really doesn’t mean anything.

We have to go out and earn it now, so they’re using it as motivation to work hard every day.”

Consol earned plenty of attention last season with a high-powered offense, and Raffield expects the Tigers to continue putting up big

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numbers despite losing their starting quarterback, leading receiver and leading rusher to graduation. The next wave of play-makers is led by receivers Derrick Dick and Daniel Zivney, who combined for 144 catches and 15 touchdown receptions last year, along with speedy junior running back Tyri Merchant.

Dick has committed to sign with Texas-San Antonio.

Zivney, also a top place-kicker, has pledged to sign with Air Force. Merchant earned significant playing time last year and is a breakaway threat.

The Tigers’ new quarter-

back is junior Mason Hickson, who played sparingly as a backup last year. A very deep receiving corps includes Rodney Jernigan, the fastest player on the team, along with Brett Harp and 6-7 Luke Benden.

“We think the skill level on offense is extraordinarily high, very explosive,” Raffield said.

“We think there’s six kids who could score on any play in the game. Mason Hickson, people don’t know him, but he’s a 4.4 40 kid. You mess up and he breaks containment and he may take it to the house.”

Consol’s defense showed

great improvement during last year’s late-season surge. The Tigers figure to be strong up front, with nose guard Aaron Leventis and linebacker Bryce Florence potential standouts in addition to Garner.

“Defensively, we think our front seven will be the best we’ve had here in a long time,” Raffield said. “They’re big.

They’re strong. They’re smart football players that have been in the system.”

The Tigers’ defensive secondary and offensive line will lack experience, but Raffield believes there is good talent in both areas.

Friday, August 22, 2014

ANDERSON-SHIRO OWLS

Owls will defend new home with ground game

By David Campbell david.campbell@theeagle.com Who says there’s no place like home? This season, the Anderson-Shiro Owls will truly have their own place for football games.

“The whole town has been excited,” Owls’ head coach Andy Sexton said of the new Anderson-Shiro Athletic Complex, which is nearing completion. “It’s small-town high school football on a Friday night, and there’s nothing better than having it right here in your backyard.”

The Owls, who traveled to Bryan for “home” games at Allen Academy last year, will play two times before debuting their new stadium this year.

Anderson-Shiro has a neutralsite game against La Pryor to open the season at Buda Hays’

Bob Shelton Stadium on Aug. 30. Then the Owls will play at Milano on Sept. 5 before their home opener against Grimes County rival Iola on Sept. 12.

With their new stadium going up, the Owls also have a cornerstone on offense in Daylan Williams. He had 101 carries for 796 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore, with two games over 200 rushing yards. He also caught seven passes for 132 yards and two more scores.

“He only played two-thirds of the season because he got injured,” said Sexton, who coached last year at Magnolia.

“He’s a big, strong guy. He’s not real tall, probably 5-8 or 5-9, but he’s a 300-pound bencher and he probably weighs 180

pounds. His work ethic has been great.”

Junior Payton Igo and sophomore Bradley Johnson are competing to start at quarterback. The Owls have three tall receivers, including Aaron Zen and Ryan Sexton, who will also play in the secondary.

Dylan Bohnert caught 10 passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns on offense and shined on the defense. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound defensive end had 70 tackles, including five for losses, as a sophomore.

He recovered two fumbles and broke up a pair of passes.

The Owls also have a significant building block in senior linebacker Bryan Pursley, who recorded 91 tackles (five for losses), 2.5 half sacks and an interception last year. Pursley will play in the middle with Willie Brooks practicing at one of the outside linebacker spots

in the 4-3 alignment.

Artreal Ostiguin gives the Owls a big defensive end with experience, while Tyler Wetuski returns at defensive tackle.

Sexton ran a ground-based attack last season in Magnolia and is likely to highlight that at Anderson-Shiro.

“Our strength should be our offensive line and a good running back,” Sexton said. “If that’s our strength, absolutely, we’ll rely on those things.”

The line is built around senior Kelton Goudeau and juniors Jackson Carrell, Ray Smith and center Sam McClosky.

“We’re going to get those offensive linemen moving and create some space,” Sexton said. “I don’t know that outside speed will be something we will be known for, but we’re going to be quick and strong, and Daylan’s got some great lateral movement.”

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Head coach — Andy Sexton (29-83 overall; first year at Anderson-Shiro) District — 12-2A Division I 2013 record — 5-5 (2-3 in 12-2A Division I) 2013 playoffs — 2A Division II bidistrict: lost to Crawford 62-16 State playoff appearance (1) — 2013 Returning lettermen — 18 (7 offensive, 7 defensive starters) All-time record — 6-14 Playoff record — 0-1-0

Date Aug 30 Sep 5 Sept 12 Sept 19 Sept 26 Oct 3

Opponent Time vs. La Pryor+ 7 at Milano 7:30 Iola 7:30 Boling 7:30 Open Date at Palestine Westwood 7:30 12-2A Division I Oct 10 West Hardin* 7 Oct 17 at Lovelady 7 Oct 24 Hull-Daisetta 7 Oct 31 at Groveton 7 Last season: L 37-16 Nov 7 Centerville 7 +Buda Hays *Homecoming

ROSTER Peyton Igo, QB/LB; Brad Johnson, QB/FS; Chase Werner, QB/FS; Brayden Stanley, QB/LB; Darius Bookman, RB/LB; Willie Brooks, RB; Alex Chase, RB/LB; Preston Ojeda, RB/CB; Daylan Williams, RB/LB; Randall Allgood, RB/LB; Ryan Sexton, RB/FS; Dustin Coleman, RB/LB; Michael Kurten, RB/LB; Peyton Sorsby, RB/LB; Artreal Ostiguin, RB/DE; Dylan Bohnert, WR/DB; Addison Hesterman, WR/LB; Hawkin Lolley, WR/LB; Dillon Hesterman, WR/LB; Luke Moy, WR/CB; Eric Cooper, WR/CB; Garrett Smith, WR/CB; Nick Urquhart, WR/CB; Tyler Weaver, WR/CB; Eric Welch, WR/CB; Aaron Zenn, WR/CB; Brandon Kowis, WR/CB; Jackson Carrell, OT/NT; Kelton Goodeau, OT/NT; Zach Medcalf, OT/NT; Fernando Olguin, OT/NT; Tyler Parker, OT; Tyler Wetuski, OT/DT; Christian Burns, OG/DE; Justin Cooper, OG/DE; Caleb Kubacak, OG; Ray Smith, OG/DE; Trenton Sorsby, OG/DT; Josh Mancuso, C/DE; Sam McClosky, C/DE; Bryan Pursley, C/LB.

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AGGIELAND HOME SCHOOL SPARTANS

Dual-threat QB Holtzapple powers offense

By David Campbell david.campbell@theeagle.com

In their second season playing football, the road in front of the Aggieland Home School Spartans looks clear. The learning curve from their inaugural season could be disappearing in the rear-view mirror.

“Last year, we only had two seniors on the team, and of course they graduated and moved on,” Spartans’ coach Ted Tedford said. “Then we

stepped down ... no junior class at all. We had a sophomore class that was very strong.”

John Holtzapple carried 92 times for 787 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was also the Spartans’ leading passer, completing 59 of 96 passes for 653 yards and seven touchdowns with one interception.

“John will do anything you ask of him,” Tedford said. “On

the field, he’s fun to watch. I say ‘run, John run.’ He’ll burn the field up. He’s a great passer and will make the defense bite on the pass, and then he’ll take off and make lots of yardage or score for us.”

Holtzapple’s top targets both return. Will Santini caught 32 passes for 401 yards and four TDs. Caleb Tedford had 21 receptions for 258 yards and a touchdown, while Eann Felder caught 22 passes for 182 yards and two scores.

Felder also had 63 carries for 421 yards and two TDs and was exceptional on returns. He averaged 27.4 yards per kickoff return and 10.7 on punt returns for 608 total return yards.

“It seems like time after time, [opponents] go ahead and kick to him anyway,” Tedford said. “It’s like he won’t do it this time. He returned three [for touchdowns] in one game.”

Caleb Tedford was a destruc-

tive force for Aggieland Home School on defense his freshman season. He averaged 7.2 tackles per game and finished the season with eight for losses.

He also forced eight fumbles, recovered nine and blocked a punt.

“Caleb is the quickest nose guard I’ve ever seen,” Tedford said. “He plays middle linebacker the same way, but if they go under center, game over.”

The offensive standouts also excelled on defense. Holtzapple averaged a team-best 7.4 tackles per game and had five fumble recoveries and an interception. Felder averaged 4.6 tackles and had two interceptions and five pass breakups.

Of the five returning players, four are juniors, although some consider themselves seniors because of academic progress and could graduate early.

“The core of the team was

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SCHEDULE

Head coach — Ted Tedford (3-6 overall; 3-6 at Aggieland Home School) District — none: TAIOA independent 2013 record — 3-6 as TAIOA independent 2013 playoffs — Hutto IronMan tournament: def. CHANT Home School 32-12; lost to Capital Christian Home School 52-25 Playoff appearances (1) — 2013 Returning lettermen — 7 (5 offensive, 5 defensive starters)

Date Opponent Time Aug 29 at Tribe Consolidated 7:30 Sept 5 Austin Capital Christian 7:30 Last season: L 52-25 Sept 12 Open Date Sept 19 at Temple Centex 7:30 Last season: L 36-32 Sept 27 at Buckholts 7:30 Oct 3 at Harmony Science 7:30 Last season: L 53-31 Oct 10 Williamson County 7:30 Last season: W 30-26 Oct 17 at Waco Methodist Home 7:30 Oct 25 San Antonio FEAST+ TBA Last season: L 100-54 Oct 31 at Crosby Victory & Praise 7 +Bastrop Tribe Consolidated

ROSTER 3 David Kamas, soph.; 7 Eann Felder, jr.; 9 Cole Thompson, jr.;10 John Holtzapple, jr.;12 Will Santini, jr.; 22 Caleb Tedford, jr.; 55 Allen Greig, soph.; 65 Gilbert Porras, soph.

part of a junior high that went undefeated,” Tedford said.

“Great athletes. Tremendous personalities. Great teamwork.

I expect to be in the finals.”

Last year’s inaugural season of the Texas Association of Independent Athletic Organizations was organized on the

fly, with the TAIAO associating its playoffs with the Hutto Ironman Tournament. The Spartans defeated Plano CHANT 32-12 before falling to eventual champion Austin Capital City Christian 52-25. In the format last season, Aggieland got credit for reaching the state semifinals.

BRazos christian eagles

Green expects Eagles to win with a certain style

By Larry Bowen larry.bowen@theeagle.com Brazos Christian’s brand of rock-em, sock-em, physical football carried the Eagles all the way to the state final last season, but it’s other fundamentals that coach Brandon Green wants to drive his team.

Whether the Eagles will be reloading or rebuilding this year, Green cares more about how Brazos Christian does it than how it turns out.

“We try to do two things,” Green said. “We strive to be excellent in all we do and we try to reflect Jesus Christ while we do it. Those two things are constants. They stay the same.

How it’s done and the personality it’s done with will always be a little bit different.

“The big thing for us is not to compare to last year and to not view our success and our value as a team based on wins and losses. We are trying to win the

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games, but our value as men and as a team can’t be based just on wins and losses, or else it’s really shallow.”

Brazos Christian made the deepest playoff run in the school’s 11-man history last season. The Eagles took a 12-0 record to the TAPPS Division III state championship game, where their season ended in a 35-21 loss against Dallas First Baptist.

The perfect run wasn’t all smooth sailing.

“We want to win games, but that’s not our primary focus,” Green said. “That was a struggle last year when we were undefeated throughout the season.

We had to make constant reminders to each other that it’s not about whether we win every game.”

Several of the key members of that team were seniors, but

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the Eagles bring back enough players to expect more success.

Brazos Christian should have a solid offensive line and building blocks in returning quarterback John Mather, fullback/ linebacker Jesse Honnas and two-way lineman Cole Elms.

“I think this team realizes that they have a chance to be good,” Green said. “I think they see that more as a reality and not just a dream. There is a different confidence that some of them have, after having been to that level. It’s nice have guys like that, but it’s high school football, so you’re got some young bucks out there who are pretty wide-eyed.”

Green expects the Eagles’ offense to be more balanced than it was last season, but Brazos Christian will continue to rely upon the ground-movers up front. The offensive line includes four returning starters in left tackle Luke Thomas, left guard Zach Gillett, right tackle Cole Elms and Kyle Foster, who

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will move to right guard after playing center last year.

“If all of my guys are healthy and we play another team that hasn’t put in the time in the weight room, it’s going to be hard for them to hang with my guys,” Green said.

Juniors Mather and Honnas give the Eagles a pair of proven ball-handlers. Mather has been starting since moving into the lineup in the playoffs as a freshman. Honnas was a first-team all-state selection last year after rushing for a team-high 1,644 yards. They will be joined in the backfield by fellow junior Jeyton McNair at tailback.

Last year Brazos Christian had enough depth in the secondary to allow Mather to concentrate on offense in his first full season as starting quarterback. This year, with Mather having more experience at quarterback and the Eagles lacking veterans in the secondary, Mather likely will see playing time at safety, too.

FACTS

SCHEDULE

Head coach — Brandon Green (19-5 overall; 19-5 at Brazos Christian) District — TAPPS Division III District 4 2013 record — 12-1 (5-0 in TAPPS Division III District 5) 2013 playoffs — Bi-district: def.

Cypress Community Christian 20-7; Regional: def. The Woodlands Christian 38-22; Semifinal: def. League City Bay Area Christian 17-10; Championship: lost to Dallas First Baptist Academy 35-21 Playoff appearances (12) — 6-man (2): 2000, 2001; 11-man (10): 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Returning lettermen — 22 (5 offensive, 6 defensive starters)

Date Opponent Time Aug 29 at Cypress Christian 7:30 Last season: W 28-22; W 20-7 Sept 5 Snook 7:30 Last season: W 36-20 TAPPS Division III District 4 Sept 12 Bay Area Christian 7 Last season: W 17-10 Sept 19 McKinney Christian+ 7 Sept 26 The Woodlands Christian 7 Last season: W 38-22 Oct 3 at Magnolia Legacy 7 Oct 10 Tomball Rosehill* 7 Oct 17 at Houston Lutheran North 7 Oct 24 Open Date Oct 31 at Beaumont Legacy 7 Nov 7 at St. Joseph 7 Last season: W 41-12 +Non-district at Alvarado *Homecoming

ROSTER 13 Mitch Holt, sr.; 5 Brady Gayle, sr.; 55 Cole Elms, sr.; 14 Joshua Coleman, sr.; 4 John Mather, jr.; 77 Luke Thomas, jr.; 3 Jeyton McNair, jr.; 23 Jesse Honnas, jr.; 12 Truitt Baldwin, jr.; 68 Kyle Foster, jr.; 44 Jake Mueller, jr.; 24 Clay Norton, soph.; 63 Ryan Steel, soph.; 75 Zach Gillett, soph.; 71 Drew Price, soph.; 33 Will Lockett, soph.; 28 Garrett Fleming, soph.; 31 Jacob Jordan, soph.; 51 Travis Head, soph.; 2 Tyler Chism, soph.; 22 Russ Mather, fr.; 9 Benjamin Weber, fr.; 35 Zach Oelze, fr.; 7 Cooper Kay, fr.; 45 Parker Smith, fr.; 15 Chris Coleman, fr.; 25 Noah Swope, fr.; 64 Taylor Mcgourik, fr.; 21 Hunter Dobbins, fr.; 72 Braden Cook, fr.; 50 Konner Garrett, fr.

Friday, August 22, 2014

BREMOND TIGERS

Browning’s back, plans to take Tigers to Dallas

By Larry Bowen larry.bowen@theeagle.com Rayandre Browning began his first two seasons of high school football at quarterback and finished both at wide receiver.

This year Browning is happy to be back at his favorite position, directing the Bremond offense. He has a different conclusion in mind, one where he stays at quarterback and leads the Tigers where they’ve gone once in the last 20 years, to the state final.

Combine those high hopes with Browning’s penchant for teasing Bremond head coach Jeff Kasowski, and the Tigers’ move this year to Region IV after a long stay in Region III provides plenty of fodder.

“I always mess with coach,” Browning said. “I tell him we got moved to this new region to look up the direction to Dallas because we’re headed that way.”

The Metroplex hosts the state championship games at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

Coming off a 12-1 season and a trip to the state quarterfinals, Bremond will start the season ranked seventh in Class 2A and has the potential to produce its first trip to the state finals since 2007.

The Tigers are the top-rated Division II team in Region IV, and Texas Football projects the Tigers to reach the state semifinals.

Browning, a 6-foot-1, 160-pound junior, could play a key role in Bremond making a long playoff run. His coach

Friday, August 22, 2014

FACTS Head coach — Jeff Kasowski (25-13 overall; 25-13 at Bremond) District — 13-2A Division II 2013 record — 12-1 (3-0 in 12-A Division II) 2013 playoffs — Bi-district: bye; Area: def. Detroit 48-6; Regional: def.

Lovelady 28-7; Quarterfinals: lost to Tenaha 24-7 Playoff appearances (27): 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, 2012, 2013 Returning lettermen — 25 (7 offensive, 7 defensive starters) All-time record — 476-359-26 Playoff record — 54-24-2

SCHEDULE Date Aug 29 Sept 5 Sept 12 Sept 19

Opponent Hearne at Thorndale Hubbard* San Saba+ 13-2A Division II Sept 26 at Granger Last season: L 55-6 Oct 3 Somerville Oct 10 at Snook# Oct 17 Burton Last season: W 21-0 Oct 24 at Milano Oct 31 Open Date Nov 7 Bartlett +Gatesville #Allen Academy *Homecoming

Time 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30

might sometimes wince at Browning’s confidence-laced jokes, but Kasowski loves Browning’s contributions.

“I’m not going to call him a boy scout, because he’s pretty ornery,” Kasowski said with a laugh. “But when the lights are on and it’s time to play, he’s the most coachable kid. He’s a very good kid, very intelligent.

He can get the job done.”

Browning’s work station changed early in his freshman and sophomore seasons. He was the starting quarterback

on the JV as a freshman, but Bremond disbanded the team after one game because the roster had too few players.

Browning was promoted to the varsity and became a starting wide receiver.

“It was really crazy,” Browning said. “You’re used to playing on Thursdays. Once you get up there playing on Fridays, there’s just not an atmosphere like it.”

Entering last season, Browning was sharing time at quarterback with a senior, Cade Grych. Browning earned his first start at the position in Bremond’s fourth game against Burton, but he broke his left (non-throwing) hand on a quarterback sweep.

Browning finished the game, running for 85 yards and two touchdowns in a 21-0 victory.

“I won the job and then that happened,” Browning said.

“The next morning I woke up and my hand was bigger than it was the night before. We went to the doctor and got it checked out, and he said it was a clean break right in the metacarpal 1.

“I got really discouraged. I had worked hard to get that job and felt like I had fallen all the way back to the bottom of the totem pole.”

Browning missed the next game, then returned to play receiver and safety with a cast on his hand. In his first game back, Browning caught six passes for 175 yards as the Tigers beat Bosqueville 41-14.

“He lit it up that game,” Kasowski said. “He spent four

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Junior Rayandre Browning will start at quarterback after finishing the last two seasons at receiver.

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7

BRENHAM CUBS

Patterson carries the load for Cubs What RB lacks in size, he makes up for in speed

By David Campbell david.campbell@theeagle.com Earnest Patterson is the Brenham Cubs’ Little Big Man. The physical stature of the 5-foot-6, 150-pound senior running back has not changed, but the respect Patterson has earned since the beginning of his junior season has grown enormously.

“I like proving people wrong,” Patterson said. “Size means nothing. It’s about the heart.”

Patterson showed both heart and talent in a big way last season. He set Brenham’s single-season rushing record with 2,439 yards and ran for 25 touchdowns while helping the Cubs finish as the state runnerup in Class 4A Division II. “When I had a line like I had, [the school record] was a possibility, but I just went to practice and worked hard and it paid off,” said Patterson, who can provide a quick scouting report on his strength. “It’s speed and my juke moves. That’s what I like about my game.”

Patterson’s coach likes all aspects of his game.

“He’s a great kid, a great individual and obviously plays

much bigger than his size,” Brenham coach Glen West said. “He’s physical. He’s solid muscle, but he’s a wonderful person with a great temperament.”

He may have the body of a Shetland pony, but Patterson is a workhorse. He had 335 carries as a junior and averaged over 152 yards per game. A pair of 300-yard games buoyed that. Patterson gained 332 against Magnolia and 339 in the Cubs’ 35-30 bi-district win over Georgetown East View.

“He’s a back, and to be quite honest, we probably didn’t know that,” West said. “We thought he was very talented, but we had no idea last year that he was going to be a day-in and day-out back. He’s turned out to be extremely durable, and he takes care of the ball very well.”

Despite the workload, Patterson lost just two fumbles in Brenham’s 16 games. His good vision and acceleration also helped the Cubs’ passing game.

Patterson had 14 receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns.

While he will miss what he

FACTS

ROSTER

Head coach — Glen West (198-65-1 overall; 158-42 at Brenham) District — 19-5A 2013 record — 14-2 (8-0 in 18-4A) 2013 playoffs — 4A Division II bidistrict: def. Georgetown East View 3530; Area: def. Dayton 31-20; Regional: def. Texas City 37-34; Quarterfinal: def.

Richmond George Ranch 35-6; Semifinal: def. Port Lavaca Calhoun 56-21; Championship: lost to Aledo 38-10 Playoff appearances (37) — 1927, 1929, 1933, 1941, 1942, 1944, 1945, 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, 2012, 2013 Zone playoffs (2) — 1968, 1987 Returning lettermen — 15 (4 offensive, 3 defensive starters) All-time record — 594-361-7 Playoff record — 38-33-0

1 Jaquay Cross, 6-1, 180, WR, 2 Caleb Hill, 6-4, 200, QB; 3 Darvis Watson, 5-11, 165, CB; 4 Tien Pham, 5-6, 132, K; 5 Earnest Patterson, 5-6, 150, RB; 6 Tre’Markes Smith, 5-11, 221, OLB/RB; 7 DoranVanneck Toussom, 5-10, 170, S; 8 Jack Marley, 5-11, 185, DE; 9 Deon Earls, 5-11, 156, FS/WR; 10 Deon Jefferson, 5-8, 143, CB; 11 Khevon Shepard, 6-1, 200, DE; 12 Jacob Oehrlein, 6-1, 190, QB; 13 Dillon Thielemann, 6-0, 178, TE/ LB; 14 Shawn Weiss, 6-3, 200, TE; 15 JaMalik Rogers, 5-8, 170, OLB; 16 Halen Tilley, 6-0, 182, QB; 17 Jon Homan, 5-11, 144, WR/CB; 18 Marquez Bimage, 6-0, 195, OLB; 19 Sam Gaertner, 5-10, 160, WR/S; 21 Walter Thomas, 5-8, 160, WR/FS; 22 JaQuentin Powell, 5-6, 133, CB; 23 Jordan Graves, 5-7, 173, RB/MLB; 24 Taylor Lawhun, 5-9, 166, MLB; 25 Kullen Krause, 5-6, 146, OLB; 31 Cole Kenjura, 6-1, 180, MLB; 33 Trumaine Sweed, 5-7, 160, RB/MLB; 40 Keyonis Houston, 5-9, 188, DE; 44 Al’Fondrick Bennett, 6-1, 250, TE/DT; 48 Jarvis Brown, 5-4, 240, DT; 52 Angel Espindola, 5-9, 225, G; 55 Skyler Wellmann, 5-8, 206, T; 56 Angel Otero, 5-8, 220, C; 58 Hunter Allie, 5-9,187, C; 62 Dalton Nutt, 5-11, 228, G; 66 Isarel Garcia, 5-8, 198, DT; 71 Shannon Lambert, 6-1, 257, G; 72 Jose Aguado, 5-10, 240, T; 75 Juan Vargas, 5-10, 200, T; 76 Kaleb Teverbaugh, 6-2, 262, T; 81 Broc Bosse 6-3, 191, TE; 82 George Newman, 5-10, 182, LS.

SCHEDULE Date Aug 29 Sept 5 Sept 12 Sept 19

Special to The Eagle Brenham running back Earnest Patterson set the Cubs’ singleseason rushing record with 2,439 yards in 2013. says was a strong senior class from last year, Patterson says it is time for he and his current senior classmates to take charge.

“That’s the way it’s supposed

to be in Brenham,” Patterson said, adding that he relished playing for the state title at AT&T Stadium. “It was amazing. That was my first time ever going there. It was just being

Opponent Time at Houston Lamar 7 Liberty Hill 7:30 Houston Westside* 7:30 Open Date 19-5A Sept 26 at Tomball Memorial 7 Oct 3 Magnolia West 7 Last season: W 27-7 Oct 10 at Houston Stratford 7 Oct 17 Magnolia 7 Last season: W 55-20 Oct 24 at Tomball 7 Oct 31 at Waller 7 Last season: W 27-0 Nov 7 Houston Spring Woods 7 *Homecoming

on the field and having a good time there.”

Patterson will need all of his skills as Brenham begins the season with a rebuilt offensive line. Dalton Nutt is the sole

returning starter.

Brenham’s 14-game winning streak last season ended in the 4A Division II state championSee BRENHAM, Page 38

BREMOND: Browning expected to be playmaker at variety of positions Continued from 7 weeks with his hand in a cast catching footballs. Once he got out of the cast it was like he had three hands to catch the ball. He really had a good year.”

So did Grych, who settled into the quarterback job and had Bremond at 8-0 by the time doctors removed Browning’s cast. So Browning

8

stayed at receiver, finishing with 35 catches for 675 yards.

“It was kind of tough, but it was all for the team,” Browning said. “I don’t do the whole ‘me’ thing. I just want to help my team win.”

With what Kasowski calls legitimate 4.6-second speed in the 40-yard dash, Browning can help the Tigers in a variety of positions this season. He’ll be the starting

High School Football 2014

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The Eagle

quarterback, a position he’ll sometimes share with sophomore Rashad Paul. Browning will move to running back or receiver with Paul under center.

“Basically, we’re going to use Dre everywhere,” Kasowski said.

Browning is willing to play any position but prefers quarterback.

“I like the control knowing

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that the game can be in my hands,” he said. “I like that pressure to be on me.”

Some of the pressure should be eased because Browning has several veteran teammates with proven ability. He will be joined in the backfield by running backs James Jones and Josh Anderson, who combined to rush for 1,651 yards last season.

They will operate behind

a line led by J.R. Rocha and Connor Grych.

At the front of the defense, Bremond will count on tackle Jarvis Jones, end Hunter Stuard and linebackers Mason Pruitt and Josh White. The Tigers have a key member of the secondary returning in all-state defensive back Evan Sargent, who had nine interceptions last year.

ROSTER 1 Evan Sargent, sr.; 2 Josh Anderson, jr.; 3 Caleb Sarcinella, jr.; 4 Mason Pruitt, sr.; 5 Andrew Bailey, soph.; 7 Josh White, soph.; 8 Rayandre Browning, jr.; 10 Hunter Stuard, sr.; 11 Tanner Redus, soph.; 12 Roshauud Paul, soph.; 21 Joe Williams, soph.; 24 James Jones, sr.; 50 Jarvis Jones, sr.; 52 Zy Jackson, sr.; 55 Connor Grych, sr.; 58 Hamilton Hull, sr.; 64 Koty Kuzniarek, sr.; 66 Kaleb Turner, jr.; 69 Terry Dismuke, jr.; 71 Joe Rocha, soph.; 75 Garrison Tulos, soph.; 78 Billy Brewer, sr.

Friday, August 22, 2014

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High School Football 2014

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BRYAN VIKINGS

BRENHAM CHRISTIAN EAGLES

Vikings value Ross’ versatility

They’re back: Frey leads Eagles’ return

By David Campbell david.campbell @theeagle.com

Senior will fill a variety of roles on Bryan squad

By David Campbell david.campbell@theeagle.com Darius Ross has been the Bryan Vikings’ version of “Where’s Waldo?”

The Vikings have moved him to a variety of spots, but when you find Ross, you’ll wonder how you ever missed him.

The senior will be more evident than ever this year at a fullback spot. He was in the backfield a year ago when he slipped out to make spectacular grab on a pass from his brother B.J. Ross for a 33-yard touchdown against The Woodlands. Darius ripped the ball free from a pair of defensive players.

“I was hurt and that was the only play I played that game,” Ross said. “We had just put it in that morning, but I like to make plays and I had to catch that ball.”

“When he and KeeKee [Johnson] were sophomores, we stuck him in there at linebacker because they were some of the best athletes we had,” Bryan coach Ross Rogers said. “He made a lot of big hits and he had never played linebacker before. He had always played in the secondary and at running back. He had a good year. We’ve had to move him around. It’s a Catch-22 for him. He’s so versatile, it’s hard for us to lock him in at one spot.”

10

It’s a challenge, but a welcome one.

“I could play safety and running back, too.” Ross said.

“I’m trying to get in shape so I can stay on the field the whole game and help my team as much as I can.”

During the summer, he work out or played almost basketball or football almost every day.

“I don’t really balance it,” Ross said. “I just go and do it.”

Ross, who had 22 solo tackles and 29 assists in six games on defense last season, will have lots of chances to contribute, according to his coach.

“He’s backing up at quarterback,” Rogers said. “He’s playing tailback. He’s playing slotback. We’re going to still use him at safety or outside linebacker on certain coverages. He can punt as well, and he goes over to play basketball and becomes a point guard.”

Ross rushed 20 times for 119 yards and a touchdown as a junior.

His favorite spot so far was when move forward from safety, giving him a chance at more tackles.

“I think the rover spot, when rolled down from safety was my favorite,” Ross said. “I like the hitting and being in comSee BRYAN, Page 12

High School Football 2014

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Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Senior linebacker Coleman Johnson anchors the Vikings’ defense as they look to make an impact in District 18-5A.

FACTS

Head coach — Ross Rogers (216107-9; 5-15 at Bryan) District — 18-5A 2013 record — 2-8 (0-6 in 14-5A) 2013 playoffs — did not qualify Playoff appearances (22) — 1921, 1922, 1925, 1934, 1956, 1973, 1974, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 Returning lettermen — 30 (7 offensive, 8 defensive starters) All-time record — 525-434-41 Playoff record — 16-20-0

SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Aug 29 Montgomery Sept 5 at Conroe Last season: L 21-14 Sept 12 Temple Sept 19 Open Date 18-5A Sept 26 at Livingston Oct 3 Huntsville Oct 10 at A&M Consolidated Last season: L 56-20 Oct 17 at Willis Oct 24 Caney Creek* Oct 31 at College Station Nov 7 Rudder *Homecoming

ROSTER

Time 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30

2 Byron Williams, 5-10, 155, sr, DB.; 3 Jarvis Lister, 5-8, 170, jr., RB;4 A.J. Reynolds, 5-11, 160, sr., DB; 5 Darius Ross, 5-9, 205, sr., DB; 6 Antwone Wallace, 5-8, 160, sr. RB; 7 Sedrick Burns, 5-6, 165, sr., WR; 8 Garrett Dohnalik, 5-10, 155, jr., DB; 9 Bryan Ward, 6-1, 160, sr., DB; 10 B.J. Ross, 6-0, 170, jr., QB; 11 Quaylon Newton, 6-3, 205, sr., WR; 14 Andrew Ballard, 5-11, 165, sr., DB; 15 Coleman Johnson, 6-1, 215, sr., LB; 17 Cal Malone, 6-1, 175, jr., DB; 18 Arthur Mooring, 5-10, 150, jr., WR; 19 Colin Lee, 5-10, 170, sr., K; 20 Josh Spivey, 5-8, 170, jr., FB; 23 Trey Mitchell, 5-11, 155, sr., WR/P; 25 Tyler Slaydon, 6-4, 170, jr., WR; 26 Jaquita Thompson, 5-8, 150, jr., DB; 27 Sterling Whitley, 6-1, 170, sr., WR; 30 Dedrick Davis, 6-1, 210, jr., DE; 33 Keekee Johnson, 6-0, 235, sr., LB; 35 Manny Ramirez, 5-8, 170, jr., DE; 40 Jordan Driver, 6-1, 225, jr., DE; 43 Isaiah Vazquez, 5-9, 195, sr., LB; 44 Trace Urqahart, 5-11, 185, jr., LB; 45 Cedric. Johnson, 5-8, 180, jr., LB; 47 Andrew Smith, 5-11, 205, jr., LB; 48 Keasean Jefferson, 5-11, 225, jr., DL; 50 Jared Spivey, 5-10, 240, jr., OL; 52 Jonathan Gonzales, 6-0, 200, sr., OL; 55 Arthur Reyes, 5-11, 240, sr., OL; 56 Brandon Menjares, 6-1, 280, sr., OL; 57 Arkezznic Washington, sr., OL; 58 Dhruve Patel, 5-9, 220, sr. OL; 61 Dylan Lara, 5-6, 220, sr., OL; 65 Travis Rosati, 5-6, 180, sr., OL; 66 Matt Sutherland, 5-11, 210, jr. OL; 67 Junior Guerrero, 5-10, 235, jr., OL; 70 Cecil Banks, 6-0, 235, jr., OL; 71 Christian Kopf, 6-0, 215, jr., OL; 73 Darryl Anderson, 6-0, 270, jr. OL; 74 Derrick Green, 5-8, 225, jr., OL; 78 Patrick Craig, 5-10, 230, jr., OL; 79 Tyler Gustaves, 6-2, 380, jr., OL; 80 Dylan Albright, 6-1, 165, jr., WR; 81 RolandoYbarra, 5-9, 135, sr., WR; 88 Aaron Wunneburger, 6-2, 150, sr., WR; 90 Tyson Washington, 5-10, 220, jr., DL; 94 Jimmy Thomas, 5-11, 215, sr., DL; 97 Devin Ontiveros, 5-11, 215, sdr., DL

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The Brenham Christian Eagles begin the 2014 football season as the Comeback Players of the Year.

Dwindling numbers for the former TAPPS football state champions forced the school to suspend the program for the 2013 football season. New head coach Rick Frey has veterans from the 2012 squad who have been waiting for this chance to return.

“The boys are really excited,” Frey said. “They wanted to play last year, but we just didn’t have it. We had seven total and had played the 2012 year and ended up with seven for pretty much that entire year.”

Ryan Steen, Connor Saye, Adam Roskow and Daniel Taylor were all sophomores on the 2012 squad, leading the team back for their senior season.

They will be key players when the Eagles take the field again.

“I think we’re flying under the radar because nobody is expecting much out of us,” said Frey, an assistant on the team two years ago. “We’re loaded with seniors. I’ve got a senior running back who is running a 4.6 40.”

That is Roskow, who suffered a torn labrum in the first quarter of the opening game his sophomore season. He is a big-play threat.

“I fully suspect that he should be an all-state player by the end of the year,” Frey said.

“Our QB is Ryan Steen, who is also a senior. He’s played center on our basketball team for a few

FACTS Head coach — Rick Frey (first season at Brenham Christian) District — TAPPS 6-man Division III District 4 2013 record — did not play 2013 playoffs — did not play Playoff appearances (6) — 6-man: 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 Returning lettermen — 4 (3 offensive, 3 defensive starters)

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug 29 Cedar Park Summit 7 Sept 5 Huston Academy 7:30 Sept 12 at New Braunfels Christian 7:30 Sept 19 Open Date Sept 26 Bryan Harmony Science 7 Oct 3 Mount Calm 7:30 Oct 10 CC Arlington Heights 7:30 Oct 17 Conroe Covenant 7 —TAPPS Division II District 4— Oct 24 Bellville Faith* 7 Nov 1 at Houston Texas Christian 1 Nov 7 at Alvin Living Stones 7 *Homecoming

ROSTER 1 Caleb Smith, fr.; 3 Evan Roskow, soph.; 7 Michael Horne, jr.8 John Foreman, sr.; 10 Shane Stelter, sr.; 13 Connor Saye, sr.; 18 Ryan Steen, sr.; 23 Adam Roskow, sr.; 33 Daniel Taylor, sr.; 50 Tristan Wilkinson, sr.

years and is 6-foot-6.”

Roskow’s brother Evan, a sophomore, will be a utility back and will play quarterback is some sets.

Saye returns in the line after earning all-district honors two years ago. Tristan Wilkinson is one of the six seniors on the Brenham Christian squad and will play center, but it is his first year to play football.

There is even a link to the Eagles’ championship past rejoining the team, with former quarterback Roy Dawson working as an assistant coach. Dawson was the MVP of the TAPPS state title game when Brenham Christian defeated Dallas Tyler Street, 52-12 in 2010.

Friday, August 22, 2014

Friday, August 22, 2014

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BURTON PANTHERS

Huffer always on the run Senior will be important piece on both side of ball

By David Campbell david.campbell@theeagle.com

Coming or going, Luke Huffer gets there quickly, and the senior quarterback/safety has the Burton Panthers moving in the right direction.

After opening last season with a 1-4 non-district, Burton posted a 5-0 mark in 13-A Division II to earn back-to-back district championships for the first time in school history.

“Because we’ve been successful the past six or seven years, you’re expected to make the playoffs, make it far in the playoffs and have a good season and record,” Huffer said.

Huffer is a four-year starter who first took the field as a freshmen when Burton adEagle photo by Dave McDermand vanced to the state semifinals.

As a junior, Luke Huffer recorded 92 tackles (six for a loss) and His attacking approach in the recovered two fumbles while playing safety, and also account- secondary led to 92 tackles (six for losses) and two fumble reed for over 1,000 total yards as the Panters’ quarterback. coveries last season, and three

interceptions. His face lights up when he talks defense.

“I played cornerback my freshman year, and played wide receiver, too,” Huffer said. “It’s fun making a play, breaking up a ball or making an open-field tackle, knowing that you had a pivotal moment in the game.”

Burton coach Jason Hodde says that Huffer matches his own enthusiasm for defense.

“I’ve been a [defensive coordinator] my whole life until I became a head coach,” Hodde said. “I’ve always preached defense at our place. I’m very adamant about it. I think our kids have adopted that mentality. We love defense first.”

On offense, the majority of Huffer’s time is spent as a spread quarterback, although he also runs under center. But running is his thing.

FACTS

Head coach — Jason Hodde (17-7 overall; 17-7 at Burton) District — 13-2A Division II 2013 record — 6-5 (5-0 in 13-A Division II) 2013 playoffs — Bi-district: Bye; Area: lost to La Pyror 26-12 Playoff appearances (7): 1992, 1995, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Returning lettermen — 17 (7 offensive, 7 defensive starters) All-time record — 235-327-15 Playoff record — 9-7-0

“I think my strength at quarterback is the speed that I bring,” Huffer said. “Our offense isn’t designed to throw a lot. We’re going a run a lot of veer and sweeps, and run up the middle. We don’t throw that much.”

Huffer had 110 carries for 763 yards and scored seven touchdowns in 2013. He passed for 365 yards.

Huffer will have significant help on both sides of scrimmage from linebacker Louis Brown. The Texas commit also plays running back and receiver, but had a strong junior season on defense.

The linebacker had 126 tack-

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug 29 Thorndale Sept 5 Chilton Last season: L 49-6 Sept 12 at Louise Last season: W12-0 Sept 19 at Hearne 13-2A Division II Sept 26 at Snook+ Last season: W 26-8 Oct 3 Open Date Oct 10 Milano Last season: W 28-18 Oct 17 at Bremond Last season: L 21-0 Oct 24 Bartlett* Last season: W 31-13 Oct 31 at Granger Last season: W 46-14 Nov 7 Somerville Last season: W 47-8 +Allen Academy *Homecoming

Time 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30

les (34 assists), 11 and a half sacks, with two interceptions and three fumble recoveries.

He scored a pair of defensive touchdowns. He is an outside linebacker/defensive end, but that is too limiting of a description. Brown has played on the defensive line and at free safety. On offense, he’s been a See BURTON, Page 16

BRYAN: Hoops standout Newton returns to provide spark at receiver Continued from 10 mand of the defense. You’ve got a lot of fired-up people over there.”

Ross controls and plays under control, but has the ability to throw opponents out of synch.

“I’m quick and I make moves,” said the 5-9, 200-pound Ross. “On defense, I see the ball well and try to go get the tackle. Or the pick.

I’ve got an instinct for the ball.”

He parents are both preacher and he plays the drums for them, but right now, Darius Ross is being the drums for Bryan sports.

He is everywhere off the field, too. When he is not playing, Ross is likely in the stands supporting another team. As a senior, he has taken time to talk with younger players.

“I want to motivate them more and take care of business, because

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I want everyone to know that we’re here to win,” Ross said. “It’s not just to play and have fun. That’s what it’s all about, winning.”

KeeKee Johnson’s ability to blast through a tackle puts him in position to be a feature back for the Vikings in 2014. Johnson, who started his Vikings’ career as a defensive end, but the heavily muscled 230-pound senior has found his spot at running back.

He just keeps moving that spot.

Bryan offensive line coach Robert Jesurun dubbed him “BYOB” — Bring Your Own Block — because of Johnson can gain space to run by contact.

“It’s his first year to be a tailback, especially a deep-position tailback,” Rogers said. “We had him as a halfback last year. This seems to fit him real well.”

As a junior, Johnson ran 93

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times for 638 yards, but can break away. His longest run was a 61yard touchdown. Junior Jarvis Lister should also make a splash in Bryan’s well of talent in the backfield.

B.J. Ross, who was hobbled with a badly-sprained ankle through most of District 14-5A, finished his 2013 sophomore season with 104 of 192 passes completed for 1,599 yard with nine touchdowns and seven interceptions. Although his running ability was erased after the injury, Ross finished the season with 436 rushing yards on 119 carries.

Sterling Whitley (22 receptions, 422 yards) returns at receiver. Junior Tyler Slaydon will also play a receiver spot and the Vikings have added Quaylon Newton. Newton, who returns to football, was the 14-5A Most Valuable Player in

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basketball.

“Quaylon has really looked good at wide-out,” Rogers said. “He’s got a big, strong body who comes into some tighter positions from time to time. That’s been a big addition, to give us more depth.”

There’s an experienced offensive line. Jared Spivey has moved to center. Versatile Brandon Menjares is now at tackle but could return to guard. Artie Reyes is at guard. Cecil Banks, (6-1, 255) is playing tackle.

Bryan has a centerpiece linebacker in Coleman Johnson, who was better suited for collisions at that spot, but was agile enough to play quarterback as a junior varsity player. Junior Jordan Driver has stepped back from the defensive line and will play outside See BRYAN, Page 38

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Three-year starters Darius Ross (left) and KeeKee Johnson will share the bulk of the workload in the Bryan backfield this season.

Friday, August 22, 2014

CALDWELL HORNETS

BVCHEA MUSTANGS

Hitchcock will be key for defense Rebuilding Hornets counting on junior LB

By Larry Bowen larry.bowen@theeagle.com Time, an opponent of the rebuilding Caldwell football program one year ago, may finallybeontheHornets’side.

For first time in five years, Caldwell will go into a season without a new head coach.

Former Caldwell standout Bobby Jack Goforth returns forhissecondseason,having takenabigsteptowardproviding stability to the program and determined to improved the win total, too.

Caldwell won one game in eachofthelastthreeseasons, adjustingtoanewheadcoach every year. Relieved of that task, the Hornets have their sights set on changing their record.

“Wedefinitelyfeellikewe’re onahighergroundandalittle bit firmer foundation in our second go-round,” Goforth said.“Therehadbeensomuch inconsistency and turnover in coaches that the kids were not able to get settled in there for two or three years with a systemwheretheycouldgain confidence.Ithinknowaftera yeartogether,we’restartingto see some of that happen.

“Last year I used to think that I wished I could fast-for-

Friday, August 22, 2014

Mustangs ready to run with youth

By Larry Bowen larry.bowen@theeagle.com

FACTS Head coach — Bobby Jack Goforth (24-45 overall; 1-8 at Caldwell) District — 11-4A Division II 2013 record — 1-8 (0-4 in 18-3A) 2013 playoffs — did not qualify Playoff appearances (17) — 1924, 1928, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1935, 1939, 1971, 1980, 1984, 1994, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009 Returning lettermen — 22 (7 of-

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug 29 Bellville Last season: L 41-14 Sept 5 Hearne Last season: W 24-12 Sept 12 at Madisonville Last season: L 49-7 Sept 19 at Teague Sept 26 Rockdale Last season: L 69-21 Oct 3 Mexia* 11-4A Division II Oct 10 at Salado Oct 17 La Grange Oct 24 at Smithville Oct 31 Open Date Nov 7 Giddings *Homecoming

Time 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30

ward a year. Well, we’re here now and we’ve made some steps to give us an opportunity to start the turnaround at what’s been a traditional winningprogramthroughout its history.”

Caldwell last made the playoffsin2009.Thatwasthe Hornets’ third consecutive postseason appearance and the fifth in seven seasons.

“When I first walked in the door, I was pleasantly surprised with what I saw as far as the kids,” Goforth said.

“Idefinitelyfeltliketherewas some building blocks there.

Sure enough, they’ve worked hard and we should be able to hold our own this year and compete at a high level.”

Along with a lack of time to

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand After playing defensive end last season, Josh Hitchcock will move to middle linebacker this season for the Hornets. implement a new program, Goforth’s first Caldwell team residedinabrutaldistrict.The HornetsspentlastyearinDistrict18-3A,matchedagainsta groupofsuccessfulprograms ledbythethen-defendingstate champions from Navasota.

Realignment placed Caldwell in 11-4A Division II with La Grange, Giddings,SmithvilleandSalado.

Caldwell is fourth in enrollment among the group. La Grange made the state finals last season, but Giddings went3-6whileSmithvilleand Saladowononegameapiece.

“Caldwellwasonthe lower endoftheenrollmentasfaras 3A,”Goforthsaid.“It’salittle bit more equitable now as far as the teams that we’re going to be competing against. To methatmakesitmorefairfor everyone.”

Shoringupthedefensewill beakeytoCaldwell’simprovement. Last year, the Hornets

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allowed43.2pointspergame and paid for the defensive woes by going 1-8 overall and 0-4 in district.

Goforth and his staff made majorchangesduringtheoffseason starting with a switch to the 4-3 alignment.

“One of our main focuses throughout the spring and goingintothefallhasbeenour defense,” Goforth said. “We made some changes there, moved some people around, and we feel better about the alignment.We’regoingtotry tokeeppeoplefromscoringso much.”

The change in defenses fits Caldwell’s personnel at one spotinparticular.JuniorJosh Hitchcockwillmanthecrucial middle linebacker position.

Last year, Hitchcock played defensive end.

“Josh Hitchcock’s got star linebacker written all over See CALDWELL, Page 14

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Three victories were enough to get the Brazos Valley Christian Home Educators Association Mustangs into the playoffs last season, but BVCHEA will aim higher this year despite a young, thin roster.

The Mustangs headed toward their season opener with two seniors and only nine players on their roster after losing a couple to injuries during preseason workouts.

However, new Mustangs head coach Skipper Harris expects big things from his team, which will compete in the Texas Christian Athletic League’s six-man Division I. “I truly think that we can make it to the playoffs with this team,” Harris said. “Even the freshmen coming on board have experience with our junior high program.

They’re all real good athletes and they’re in excellent shape.

“I think we’ve got to come up with at least 7-8 wins, and that’s absolutely possible.”

BVCHEA’s last winning season came in 2008, when the Mustangs went 7-2. Since then, BVCHEA teams have posted a record of 18-33.

Harris has been involved in the homeschool association’s athletic program for about 8 years. He started with basketball when his oldest son played. Harris switched to football for his two younger sons about 4 years ago, serving as an assistant under Andy Hillis last season.

BVCHEA will rely heavily on returning sophomore starters Granger Harris and Caleb Lastrapes. Granger Harris will be one of the Mustangs’ top ball-handlers, along with freshman Teeko Kraft. BVCHEA’s only seniors

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FACTS

Head coach — Skipper Harris (first year as BVCHEA head coach) District — none (T-CAL Division I teams play at-large schedules) 2013 record — 3-6 in T-CAL Division I 2013 playoffs — Bi-district: Lost to Allen Academy, 68-20 Playoff appearances (4) — 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Returning lettermen — 8

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug 30 San Antonio FEAST+ 10 a.m.

Last season: L 48-22 Sept 5 Apple Springs 7:30 Sept 12 Bastrop Tribe Consol.

7:30 Sept 19 Bryan Harmony Science 7:30 Sept 26 Austin NYOS 7:30 Last season: W 52-12 Oct 3 at S. Marcos Home School 7:30 Oct 10 at Fort Worth THESA 8:30 Last season: L 30-28 Oct 17 at Buckholts 7:30 Oct 24 at Allen Academy 7 Last season: L 57-0; L 68-20 Nov 1 at Lockhart Lighthouse 2 Nov 7 Open Date +Allen Academy

ROSTER 4 Teeko Kraft, fr., Back; 3 Andrew Kocmoud, jr., Back; 8 Junior Garcia, jr., Receiver; 14 Matthew Michaels, Receiver; 16 John Hendricks, fr.; 21 Harrison Armstrong, jr.; 25 Jonathan Hall, sr., Back; 44 Granger Harris, soph., Back; 32 Travis Twining, sr., Receiver; 40 Caleb LaStrapes, soph., Center; 55 Jordan Hendricks, fr., Receiver.

are Jonathan Hall and Travis Twining.

The local homeschool squad must replace several key seniors from last year, including a couple of all-state selections in quarterback Skylar Harris and kick returner Ben Schams. They helped BVCHEA land the No. 6 seed in the eight-team TCAL Division I playoffs. The Mustangs lost their playoff opener to Allen Academy, 68-20.

BVCHEA will play its home games at the Bryan Regional Athletic Complex.

13

CALVERT TROJANS

Smash-mouth style will be calling card Physical approach suits Calvert

By David Campbell david.campbell @theeagle.com With a strong ground game and defense powered by Will Golden and Ja’Mikel Fletcher, the Calvert Trojans don’t mind adopting the Air Force’s slogan: aim high.

Metaphorically speaking, of course.

“We’re going to by riding those guys to help get us to the state championship,” secondyear Calvert coach Marcus Wortham said. “We’re trying to get to AT&T Stadium and play for the state championship. It’s a big motivation because we don’t have a big arena that we play in at all. To take a little old kid from Calvert there would be awesome.”

FACTS Head coach — Marcus Wortham (10-2 overall; 10-2 at Calvert) District — 16-A Division II 2013 record — 10-2 (2-1 in 16-A 6-man Division II) 2013 playoffs — Bi-district: def.

Jonesboro 46-38; Regional: def. Richland Springs 43-28; Quarterfinals: lost to Milford 60-32 Playoff appearances (28) — 11-man (14): 1923, 1938, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1952, 1958, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1994; 6-man (14) — 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 Returning lettermen — 13 (5 offensive, 4 defensive starters) Playoff record: 27-25-2

It’s a realistic goal. Sixmanfootball.com has the Trojans ranked second in Class A Division II, the new designation for 6-man play.

Richland Springs is the only team ranked in front of Calvert in Division II to open the season.

“A lot of people say they don’t want to be ranked, but we ask our kids to shoot for the stars and to be the best,” said Wortham, who coached Calvert’s basketball team to a

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug 29 Bellville Last season: L 41-14 Sept 5 Hearne Last season: W 24-12 Sept 12 at Madisonville Last season: L 49-7 Sept 19 at Teague Sept 26 Rockdale Last season: L 69-21 Oct 3 Mexia* 11-4A Division II Oct 10 at Salado Oct 17 La Grange Oct 24 at Smithville Oct 31 Open Date Nov 7 Giddings *Homecoming

ROSTER Time 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30

state title in 2012. “How can you ask them to be the best if you don’t instill in their brain to be the best from day one? If someone picks you No. 1 in the state, be proud.”

Calvert’s ambitious nondistrict schedule proves the Trojans are serious about competing with the state’s elite teams. Calvert will face May, Abbott and Crowell, threefourth’s of Division I’s Final Four a year ago. Crowell beat May for the state title last year after May knocked out Abbott

1 Coylin Grimes, fr., RB/DB; 2 JaMikel Fletcher, sr., RB/DB; 3 Cory Chopp, sr., TE/DE/CB; 4 Xavier Laury, jr., RB/ DB; 5 Carnell Thompson, soph., TE/DE; 6 Domanice Taylor, jr., QB/ DB/KR; 7 Quan Thompson, soph., QB/DB; 8 James Lloyd, jr., C/LB; 9 William Golden, sr., C/LB; 10 Zacchaeus Williams, Jr, RB/DE; 11 Jaquez Green, fr., C/DB; 12 Jadarrian Flentroy, jr., TE/DB; 13 JaMarkus Walker, fr., LB; 14 Taron Gipson, sr., TE/DE; 15 DeMarcus Benson, fr., DE; 16 Christopher Luster, soph., RB/DB; 17 Domanice Taylor, soph., FB/DE; 18 Trey Schells, soph., WR/DB; 19 Christian Luster, fr., C/DE; 23 Favion Thompson, fr., LB.

in the semifinals.

Calvert will also face Dallas The Covenant School, which won the TAPPS Division I state championship and is No. 1 again. Waco Live Oak, which won the TCAL Division I state crown last season, is on the schedule again and holds the top spot in its new aligment, TAPPS Division II. And Calvert will play Waco Methodist Children’s Home, now the No. 1 team in TCAF and a once-beaten TCAL

semifinalist last year.

Golden was his district’s defensive Most Valuable Player and made first-team all-state last season. He led the Trojans with 126 tackles.

“He was good on both sides of the ball, but defense is his thing, where he gets to shine,” Wortham said.

Calvert expects Golden to get plenty of help from defensive back Xavier Laury.

“He is going to be a spectacular guy playing our DB spot and will also stop up and play some defensive end for us,” Wortham said. “He’s not much in size, but he’s got a great heart. He’s about 5-6, but I might be giving him too much.”

Fletcher was a force offensively once he recovered from a high ankle sprain.

“Ja’Mikel had 22 touchdowns and right at 900 yards, and that’s with him missing the first few games of the season,” Wortham said of his standout runner, who injured his ankle in the second scrimmage.

Ja’Quan Thompson, the district Newcomer of the Year,

posted impressive totals in his first year at quarterback and safety. As a freshman, he ran for 859 yards and passed for 638. Defensively, he returned an interception for a touchdown.

“A lot of our playbook was limited because he was a freshman,” Wortham said. “His confidence level is better. We’re going to expand our playbook a little bit more and give him more to do, so he can be a leader on our team.”

Corey Chopp, a key member of Calvert’s basketball team, will play football this season.

“He will be a receiver type and will also be our backup quarterback,” Wortham said.

In the 2013 playoffs, Calvert dispatched long-time playoff rival Richland Springs 43-28 in regionals but lost to then-district opponent Milford 60-32 in the state quarterfinals. Milford handed the Trojans their only two losses in a 10-2 season.

CALDWELL: Improved offensive line should help starting QB Crnkovic Continued from 13

him,”Goforthsaid.“He’svery athleticandaveryhardworker.

Wewantedtogivehimtheopportunity to get to every play, andlininghimupinthemiddle of our defense will give him that chance.”

Senior end Jacob Kovar providestheHornetswithanotherprovendefender.Kovar madesignificantimprovement lastyearandshouldteamwith Hitchcock to make Caldwell less vulnerable up front.

“Jacob’s going to be one of those athletic, strong defensive ends,” Goforth said. “He should be able to hold his side of the defense down in a good fashion.”

Gorforth also feels good

14

ROSTER 1 Curtis Williams, jr., WR/DB; 2 Keyshawn Chambers, soph., RB/ DB; 3 Jacob Kovar, sr., TE/DE; 4 Tyler Shupak, sr., DB/RB; 5 Tanner Stefka, jr., DB/WR; 6 Kody Teague, sr., K; 7 Joseph Crnkovic, jr., QB; 8 Colton Lilie, sr., WR/DB; 11 Devin Morris, soph., WR/DB; 12 Jarrett Mull, soph., QB; 14 Dennis Engelmann, soph., LB/FB; 17 Caleb Bardin, sr., WR/DB; 18 Mike Ashley, jr., LB/FB; 19 Kelly Cory, sr., LB; 22 Jason Dutschke, sr., DB/WR; 23 William Deleon, soph., LB/FB; 24

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Chase Stewart (left), Esteban Zapata-Nunez (center) and Jake Fryrear anchor the offensive line for the Hornets. rightsideandswitchbetween tackleandguard.Caldwellhas about the man in the middle fenseandisanaccuratepasser. another returning starter up Crnkovic should benefit of Caldwell’s offense. Junior frontincenterEstebanNunez, quarterbackJosephCrnkovic from having an improved of- and Goforth expects the unit returnsafterlayingclaimtothe fensive line. The blockers are to get help from senior Noah starting job in the second half ledbylefttackleChaseStewart Brown. of last season. Crnkovic has a and 290-pound junior Jake “We feel good about our goodunderstandingoftheof- Fryrear, who will play on the linemen,” Goforth said. “We

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Wyatt Muzny, sr., DB; 51 Matt Dodds, sr., TE/DL; 30 Bobby Henderson, jr., RB/DB; 42 Tucker Ellsworth, soph., LB/TE; 44 Josh Hitchcock, jr., TE/ DL; 56 Bryce Harris, sr., OL/DL; 60 Esteban Nunez, sr., OL/LB; 62 Chase Stewart, sr., OL/DL; 63 Noah Brown, sr., OL/DL; 66 Cory McFarland, sr., LB; 71 Roberto Requena, sr., OL/DL; 72 Garrett Broesche, sr., OL/DL; 76 Jacob Fryrear, jr., OL/DL; 77 Burtis Morse, sr., DT; 88 Zachery Campbell, sr., WR/DB.

have a group of line guys that havesize,strengthandwant-to.

We’re going to build around those things.”

A deep group of tight ends should also help get a push up front and give Crnkovic other targets for passes. Kovar and Hitchcocksharedtimeattight

end last season.

The Hornets gained an importantbuildingblockwith the addition of junior Curtis Williams, a transfer from Snook.Williamshaspracticed at receiver and running back and has the speed to be a deep threat at either position.

Caldwell’s success in the passing game could come down to the Hornets’ ability to replace all-district receiver JonathonJackson,whocaught 51 passes last year as a senior.

Goforthhopesthereisstrength in numbers at the position.

Caldwell’sreceiverscorpswill include veterans Tanner Stefka, Caleb Bardin and Colton Lilie, along with promising sophomoresDevinMorrisand Keyshawn Chambers.

Friday, August 22, 2014

We put the excitement back in driving.

Briarcrest at Hwy 6 • Bryan • 979.776.7600 • garlynsheltonbryan.com Friday, August 22, 2014

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15

CAMERON YOE

Smith, Yoe look for third straight title Senior RB packs punch for Cameron’s run game

Traion Smith ran for 157 yards and four scores in Cameron’s 35-14 win over Wall for the Class 2A Division I state championship.

By Larry Bowen larry.bowen@theeagle.com One of precious few returning starters from the Cameron team that won a second consecutive state football championship, running back Traion Smith must help lead the way this season.

“Having experience at the varsity level, I have to be one of those guys stepping up and helping the younger guys,” Smith said. “I like being able to know that you have somebody looking up to you and that you have to help them. That’s not a problem for me.”

Smith, a 5-foot-10, 190-pound junior, already has unique experience leading the way. The all-state running back and Class 2A Division I championship game offensive MVP was a blocker in junior high.

Eagle photo

by Dave McDermand

High School Football 2014

“He’s got a little different perspective,” Cameron coach Rick Rhoades said. “Coming up through our system he was kind of a pudgy kid, and he played offensive line for us in junior high. I think he understands a lot of things we’re trying to accomplish with our zone concept up front because of his time as a lineman.”

Last year, a slimmed-down and speedy Smith supplied a dependable ground threat to balance the passing of senior Jason Kopriva as the Yoemen went 15-1. Cameron beat Wall 35-14 for its second consecutive state title with Smith running for 157 yards and scoring four touchdowns in the championship game.

“He’s very strong in his

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug 29 at Waco Connally Last season: W 37-34 Sept 5 at Lexington Last season: W 47-0 Sept 12 China Spring Sept 19 Whitney* Sept 26 at Refugio Oct 3 Open Date 10-3A Division I Oct 10 Rockdale Last season: W 51-33 Oct 17 at Troy Last season: W 41-0 Oct 24 Lago Vista Last season: L 27-20 Oct 31 at Florence Last season: W 77-0 Nov 7 Academy Last season: W 41-10 *Homecoming

Time 7:30

legs and his hips, so he’s a very powerful kid,” Rhoades said. “He’s got great vision.

We run the zone [play] a lot, and there’s not necessarily a hole that we’re trying to run it through. We’re just looking for a crease, and he’s very good at finding that crease.”

Cameron will start the season ranked third in Class

3A. The Yoemen are the top team in Division I Region III, one spot ahead of district foe Rockdale in the Texas High School Coaches Association rankings. Smith understands that he and his teammates face high expectations despite a revamped roster. In that way,

7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30

See CAMERON, Page 17

BURTON: Bradley expected to be key to secondary

Jamon Bradley leads the Burton secondary.

Eagle photo

by Dave McDermand

16

FACTS Head coach — Rick Rhoades (98-32 overall; 56-11 at Cameron) District — 10-3A Division I 2013 record — 15-1 (6-1 in 13-2A Division I) 2013 playoffs — 3A Division I bidistrict: def. Edna 59-20; Area: def.

Aransas Pass 36-18; Regional: def. Troy 46-14; Quarterfinal: def. Hallettsville 28-26; Semifinal: def. White Oak 24-21; Championship: def. Wall 35-14 Playoff appearances (4) — 1934, 1936, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1951, 1954, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1974, 1975, 1978, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Returning lettermen — 9 (3 offensive, 3 defensive starters) All-time record — 667-337-42 Playoff record — 56-35-3

Continued from 12 fullback, wide receiver and a tight end.

“He’s even taken a snap or two at quarterback,” said Hodde, laughing. “Over the years, we’ve utilized him the best we could. That’s the type kid he is. He’ll do whatever you ask of him.”

Brown and Huffer will lead a young, but speedy team.

“They bring about as much experience as anybody could bring, being in their senior season,” Hodde said. “Not only have they played a lot of games, but they made an impact in those games. They’re very good athletes, but they’re great kids with a good attitude. The other guys gravitate toward them and

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ROSTER 1 Edgar Lozano, soph., QB/DB; 2 Louis Brown, sr., TE/DE; 4 Ben Gantt, soph., WR/DB; 5 Edward Daniels, fr., RB/DB; 6 Donnell Patterson, soph., WR/DB; 7 Shane Daniels, jr., RB/DB; 8 Dustin Hall, jr., TE/DE; 9 Cash Kunkel, fr., QB/ DB; 10 CJ Briscoe, fr., RB/LB; 11 Adolfo Rosales, soph., RB/LB; 12 Luke Huffer, sr., QB/DB; 13 Jamon Bradley, soph., RB/DB; 14 Montal Wilson, fr., RB/DB; 20 Jose Cardoza, soph., RB/DB; 21 Riley Lucherk, soph., WR/DB; 23 Luke Salinas, fr., RB/LB; 25 Noah Broesce, soph., WR/DB; 32 Adam Chapdelaine, fr., TE/DE; 50 Brazos Oberhoff, soph., OL/DE; 52 Brandon Salinas, sr., OL/LB; 54 Kaylor Steele, fr., OL/DL; 55 Kolten King, fr., OL/DE; 60 Austin Langley, sr., OL/DL; 63 Jaden Ray Eckermann, sr., OL/DE; 66 Derrick Fisher, soph., OL/DL; 70 Ryan Quinton, fr., OL/DL; 71 Draven Amann, jr., OL/DL; 72 Nick Neumann, jr., OL/DL; 75 Austin Lynch, soph., OL/DE; 76 Cole Eckermann, soph., OL/DL; 77 Garrett Kunetka, sr., OL/DL; 78 Nate Alveraz, soph., OL/DL; Trey Carey, soph., OL/DE.

they are role models.”

Brown was a strong recruiting target.

“He’s a big kid, who is 6-6, with great reach and length to his body,” Hodde said. “He’s right at 225 (pounds). From an athleticism standpoint, he fits the mold of what a D-1 athlete

would be. He’s a real aggressive player on defense and I think those are some things that really impressed those guys, and led to him getting a lot of attention.”

Inside linebacker Brandon Salinas, who plays guard on offense, also bolsters the

Panthers’ defense. Sophomore Jamon Bradley will be a key in the secondary. Fellow sophomore Cole Eckermann is poised for big season on both sides of the line.

With Bradley at running back and Donell Patterson as a slot receiver, Burton has bigplay threats to go with Huffer.

Shane Daniels, a move-in from Brenham, could see significant action carrying the ball.

While they might be undersized up front, the offensive line has been a pleasant surprise this summer.

“They have a good mind for what’s going on and we feel pretty confident with what’s they’re doing at this point.”

Friday, August 22, 2014

CENTERVILLE TIGERS

Several seniors return from last two playoff teams

By Larry Bowen larry.bowen@theeagle.com Centerville’s football program has been trending upward the last couple of years, and the Tigers have personnel that could continue the climb this season.

Many of the players who helped Centerville reach the third round of the playoffs in each of the last two seasons are back as seniors. The recent success and returning players have drawn attention, with the Tigers ranked eighth in Class 2A by The Associated Press.

The high school coaches association poll rates Centerville and Alto as the co-favorites in 2A Division I Region III. “It’s something we talked about with the kids throughout the offseason, especially when we dropped in classification,” Centerville coach Kyle Hardee said. “I told the kids that there

was going to be a lot of people writing about how good Centerville was going to be, but we have to go about our work and understand that we’re going to get everybody’s best every Friday night. It’s something that I’m concerned about.”

The Tiger veterans have been around their coach long enough that they should have no trouble recognizing Hardee’s worry. They also are likely to remember — and to receive reminders from the coaching staff about — Centerville’s loss to Crawford last year in the second district game.

“We have to understand that we came in pretty highly regarded last year,” Hardee said.

“Expectations had climbed, and I didn’t think we handled it very well early. I thought maybe as a team we thought we were a

little better than we were early.

“Our loss to Crawford kind of set us straight. From that point, I thought we became a much better football team.”

Centerville won its next seven games, including lopsided playoff victories over Groveton and Garrison. The Tigers dropped their regional game against Corrigan-Camden 22-20.

Most of the key performers from that team will return, including seven starters on offense and eight on defense.

“We’re going to be a seniorladen team this year, and most of these seniors played big roles when we went three rounds the last two years,” Hardee said.

“We feel good about our core group coming back, but as in every year, we’ve got some work to do. We’re continually trying to build depth.”

A major piece of Centerville’s foundation will be a veteran offensive line. The Tigers return four of five starters along the front, including center Tyler Trant, guards Carson Wakefield and Kyle Harris plus 274-pound junior tackle Kenny

Searcy. Wakefield and Harris both made first-team all-district last year.

“I’ve always said the core of our team is the offensive line and we feel like we’re good up front,” Hardee said. “We’ve got some size up there, and they can move.”

The Tigers should have plenty of ball-handlers to take advantage of good blocking.

Centerville returns all-district selections at quarterback (Cade Harris), fullback (Trevor Goolsby) and receiver (Haden Nash), and that trio doesn’t include what might be Centerville’s most dangerous big-play threat, Tulley Pickens.

Playing slot back and running back last season, the speedy Pickens ran for 1,245 yards and scored 11 touchdowns.

Cade Harris, who has committed to play baseball at Oklahoma as an infielder, demonstrates the Tigers’ athleticism. The quarterback is a good passer and worked hard during the offseason to improve his speed.

Centerville also expects ma-

FACTS

ROSTER

Head coach — Kyle Hardee (51-46 overall; 51-46 at Centerville) District — 12-2A Division I 2013 record — 11-2 (6-1 in 11-2A Division II) 2013 playoffs — 2A Division II bidistrict: def. Groveton, 62-14; Area: def. Garrison, 48-27; Regional: lost to Corrigan-Camden, 22-20.

Playoff appearances (13) —1964, 1965, 1966, 1969, 1993, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013 Returning lettermen — 15 (7 offensive, 8 defensive starters) All-time record — 337-414-20 Playoff record — 8-13-0

1 Haden Nash, 140, jr., WR-S; 2 Tulley Pickens, 173, sr., RB-S; 4 Jeremy Hopkins, 145, sr., RB-S; 5 Chance Carrigan, 160, sr., RB-S; 6 C.J. Denman, 210, jr., RB-E; 7 Jared Martin, 137, jr., RB-C; 8 Dustin Parker, 175, sr., TE-LB; 9 Curtis Wilson, 160, jr., RB-OLB; 10 Haiden Zarate, 170, sr., RB-E; 11 Ethan Taylor, 195, jr., TEOLB; 12 Cade Harris, 167, sr., QB-S; 14 Koy Howle, 190, sr., QB-OLB; 20 Trey Williams, 175, sr., RB-OLB; 22 Bryce Boyd, 145, jr., WR-S; 23 Tyler Hyndman, 165, sr., WR-S; 24 Coleman Robinson, 182, soph., TE-E; 25 Caleb Holden, 150, jr., WR-S; 34 Kendall Dunn, 150, jr., RB-S; 44 Trevor Goolsby, 190, jr., RB-E; 51 Tyler Parker, 188, jr., T-T; 52 Kyle Harris, 200, sr., G-LB; 53 Garrett Wager, 165, soph., G-LB; 54 Trent Harris, 170, sr., G-T; 55 Tyler Trant, 220, sr., C-T; 57 Derian Guzman, 180, jr., G-LB; 60 Tracer Largent, 200, jr., G-E; 72 Carson Wakefield, 228, sr., T-T; 74 Ty Warren, 210, jr., T-T; 76 Cody Reyes, 243, sr., T-T; 77 Kenny Searcy, 275, jr., T-T; 80 Billy Richards, 150, jr., WR-S

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug 29 at Corrigan-Camden Last season: L 22-20 Sept 5 Trinity Sept 12 Marlin Sept 19 Troy Sept 26 at Mart Oct 3 Open Date 12-2A Division I Oct 10 at Lovelady Oct 17 Groveton* Oct 24 at West Hardin Oct 31 Hull-Daisetta Nov 7 at Anderson-Shiro *Homecoming

Time 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7 7 7 7 7

jor contributions from running backs Chance Carrigan and Trey Williams.

As is the case at most small

schools, Centerville has several players who have key roles on both offense and defense.

Hardee also tries to find three players capable of handling two See CENTERVILLE, Page 38

CAMERON: Senior Eric Sanchez leads a young Yoemen offensive front Continued from 16 following consecutive state championships can be good and bad.

“We know there’s going to be a target on our back every Friday night no matter where we’re playing,” Smith said. “We just have to come out ready to play and know that people are going to do whatever they can to beat us.

“It’s both pressure and confidence. Having to live up to those expectations after winning two state championships in a row is a lot, especially for the younger group we have. I think it can also boost us. We can’t let the town down.”

Smith ran for 2,360 yards

Friday, August 22, 2014

ROSTER

1 Jordan Wells, soph.; 2 Jaylon Bryant, jr.; 3 Tyrik Johnson, jr.; 4 Traion Smith, jr.; 5 John Washington, sr.; 6 Chris Valdez, jr.; 7 Reid Nickerson, sr.; 8 Collin Kostroun, sr.; 9 Logan Boyett, jr.; 10 Jacob Smitherman, soph.; 11 Trey Lewis, jr.; 12 Jorge Martinez, sr.; 14 Aaron Sims, sr.; 16 Darryl Florez, soph.; 17 Noah Andress, jr.; 18 Corey Smith, soph.; 20 Scott Vogelsang, sr.; 22 Titus Lewis, jr.; 24 CJ Canady, sr.; 25 Vincent Vargas, jr.; 32 Jacob Ayers, jr.; 34 Keyshawn Richard, sr.; 35 Johnny Alexander, jr.; 36 Keyshawn Bell, jr.; 42 Ryan Cullen, sr.; 50 Lance Greene, sr.; 52 Alex Ibarra, jr.; 54 Jaleel Pope, sr.; 55 Eric Sanchez, sr.; 58 Aaron Henderson, sr.; 60 DeAndre Adams, jr.; 62 Jason Anastasiades, jr.; 66 Marcus Lara, jr.; 70 Tomas Salomon, jr.; 72 Brian McDonald, jr.; 74 Pablo Rodriguez, jr.; 75 Cody Eichenhorst, jr.; 76 Matthew Schupp, sr.; 78 Jesse Valdez, soph.

and scored 26 touchdowns last season. The leading rusher returning to a team breaking in a new quarterback could feel the need to carry his offense, but that isn’t the case with Smith. Senior Reid Nickerson will take over for Kopriva at quarterback after starting at

safety last year.

Along with handing off to Smith, Nickerson will work with a talented group of receivers led by senior Aaron Sims.

The 5-6, 135-pound speedster will give Cameron another long-distance threat with Smith. Last year, Sims caught 71 passes for 799 yards and 15

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touchdowns. He also had 33 carries for 493 yards and five touchdowns and gained 500 yards in kick returns.

“He does everything for us,” Rhoades said of Sims, who will be a three-year starter at inside receiver. “He’s not a very big kid, but he’s got great vision and he’s extremely fast. He’s done a lot of great things for us. Having Aaron and Traion back are things that we’re going to build upon.”

Cameron coaches thought enough of their pass catchers to move John Washington from receiver to defense, where he will play safety. Washington and Nickerson, new starters at positions where they were backups last year, are examples

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of how the program benefited during back-to-back 16-game seasons.

“Our younger kids over the last two years got 12 extra weeks of practice that most programs didn’t get,” Rhoades said. “It’s huge, especially in a small school like ours where you don’t get spring football.

In reality, we got better than spring football. Instead of getting 18 practices in 30 days, we got six weeks of practice.

“The extra practice really helps guys like Reid and John because they played those positions during practice even though they spent the majority of their time on the other side of the ball [during games].

They’re so much further along

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than a normal group.”

Cameron must replace its entire offensive line, along with leading tackler and 2A defensive player of the year Somari Wright, who signed with Tyler Junior College.

The Yoemen will count on senior Eric Sanchez to lead the young offensive line. Sanchez made second-team all-district last year as a reserve and saw significant playing time in the postseason.

Senior inside linebacker Ryan Cullen is Cameron’s top returning tackler. Last year Cullen started all 16 games and made 127 tackles. He moved into the starting lineup as a sophomore after a starter was injured during the playoff run.

17

COLLEGE STATION COUGARS

Whittlesey has worked for starting job QB has made most of chance for Cougars

By Larry Bowen larry.bowen@theeagle.com

Cole Whittlesey took a road less traveled to become a varsity quarterback, and during part of the journey Whittlesey was under a rush.

Not in a rush. Whittlesey displayed plenty of patience while on the B team for two years at College Station Middle School and for another year as a freshman at A&M Consolidated.

During those dues-paying years, Whittlesey took a few knocks and learned some lessons while being chased by some of his teammates exceptional enough for him to land on the B team.

“It’s better for you because you always have to compete against the best,” Whittlesey said. “I think that’s what helped me a lot. In the seventh through ninth grade, the B-team offense would always practice against the A team defense. I always had to work on getting rid of the ball quicker and making my reads quicker because they were flying around. I think that helped me develop into a better football player for sure.”

Whittlesey will enter his senior season — and the Cougar football program’s first as a member of a UIL district — as College Station’s most experienced, accomplished quarterback.

He earned the starting job last season and staked his claim to keep it in July when he helped the Cougars reach

18

FACTS

ROSTER

Head coach — Steve Huff (72-19 in Oklahoma and Texas; 12-7 at College Station) District — 18-5A 2013 record — 6-3 2013 playoffs — Did not compete for the playoffs State playoff appearances — None.

Returning lettermen — 30 (11 offensive, 11 defensive starters) All-time record — 12-7 Playoff record — No playoffs

1 Quandree White, fr.; 2 Drake Carnes, sr.; 3 Isaiah Goodman, sr.; 4 Rajah Preciado, jr.; 5 Chris Sennette, jr.; 6 Charlie Glover, jr.; 7 Cole Whittlesey, sr.; 8 Kyle Richardson, jr.; 9 Cedrick Williams, jr.; 10 Josh Moore, sr.; 11 Ty Brock, soph.; 12 Jake Georgiades, sr.; 14 Blaine Wootan, sr.; 15 Mark Golladay, jr.; 16 Randy Cessna, sr.; 18 Raheem Kelsey, sr.; 20 Grant Stepan, jr.; 21 Cody Yetter, sr.; 22 Travis Tate, sr.; 23 Quinterrian White, sr.; 24 Tristin Manning, sr.; 25 Evan Crockett, jr; 27 Timarcus Davis, soph.; 28 Connor Russell, sr.; 30 Desmond Payton, sr.; 31 Ryan Bowersox, soph.; 32 Cullen Smith, sr.; 34 Zac Russell, sr.; 40 Mark Wagner, soph.; 41 Patrick Clouston, jr; 42 Chase Nobles, sr.; 43 Ray Matthews, sr.; 44 Chase Spaw, jr.; 46 K.J. Grimes, jr.; 50 Austin Mincher, jr.; 51 Jey Baldabino, sr.; 52 Travis Bettiol, jr.; 53 Kaleb Miears, sr.; 54 Will Efendiev, jr.; 55 Kyle Slack, sr.; 60 Chris Hutcherson, sr.; 61 Carter Clouston, sr.; 62 Billy Freeman, sr.; 67 Danny Barrientos, sr.; 68 Victor Gomez, jr.; 70 Garrett Grant, soph.; 71 Jacob Francis, sr.; 72 John Callier, sr.; 73 James Hayes, sr.; 74 Tyrique Hayes, sr.; 75 Derek Lemons, sr.; 76 Kade Kennedy, sr.; 77 Christian Neal, sr.; 78 Logan Praytor, sr.; 79 Donny Hair, sr.; 80 Michael McCord, sr.; 81 Jeremiah Booker, sr.; 86 Marshall Palmer, sr.; 91 Drew Rodriguez, sr.; 94 Jacob Varner, sr.

SCHEDULE Date Date Aug 28 Sept 5 Sept 12 Sept 19

Opponent Opponent at Rosenberg Terry Waco High Open Date Elgin 18-5A Sept 26 at Willis Oct 3 Rudder Oct 10 at Livingston Oct 17 Huntsville* Oct 24 A&M Consolidated+ Oct 31 Bryan Nov 7 at Caney Creek *Homecoming +Kyle Field

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Cole Whittlesey stepped in as College Station’s starter at quarterback as a junior and led the Cougars to a 6-3 overall record against varsity competition. the consolation final at the Texas 7-on-7 State Championships.

Whittlesey also was named the MVP of the Class 3A state title game for the Cougar baseball team in June, but he will continue to fight for his role on the gridiron. Fellow senior Jake Georgiades and highly regarded sophomore Ty Brock should compete for playing time at quarterback, a battle Whittlesey has fought for years.

“He’s persevered,” College Station offensive coordinator Stoney Pryor said. “He’s been successful. Obviously he did a great job on the diamond playing baseball with our state champs. He’s a

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great kid and a great leader, and he will figure in well for us on the field this fall for sure.”

Whittlesey started playing youth league football in the second grade. He was a running back or receiver until his seventh-grade year at College Station Middle School, when he made a position switch that is still paying dividends.

“One day after practice, coach [Greg] Haas asked if any of us could play quarterback because they needed more,” Whittlesey said. “I hadn’t really played quarterback before then. I knew that I could do it, that I could do something new, so I just sort of volunteered myself.”

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For Whittlesey, the chance for limited playing time as a receiver on the more prestigious A team didn’t trump playing a key role while helping the B team win.

“Once you get on the field you’ve just got to go out there and compete no matter what team you’re on,” Whittlesey said. “All that really matters is winning.

I just knew that if I kept working and I kept going after it every day that I could put myself in a good position to play in high school and to start. I just worked every day to get better.”

Whittlesey’s days on the B team ended when College Station High opened in 2012

Time Time 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30

and the Cougars played a mix of varsity and JV teams even though the new school had only sophomores and freshmen. Last season, the Cougars went 6-3 against all varsity teams as a 3A independent, trying to prepare for this year’s jump to the new 5A (with enrollments similar to the old 4A).

“There’s probably a couple of handfuls of those guys like Cole,” head coach Steve Huff said. “What they went through, that’s going to make them the building blocks of your program.”

Huff praises Whittlesey for being well-rounded. In addition to playing football and baseball, Whittlesey is a member of the school choir and a good student with a 3.4 grade point average who ranks among the top 20 in his class of about 360.

A chance to play college sports appeals to Whittlesey, who has not drawn much interest from recruiters going into his senior year.

“If I keep working to get better I’ll have opportunities play out for me, but I really pride myself with my grades and my schoolwork,” Whittlesey said. “I love playing sports, and if that’s an opportunity I get, I’d love to explore it, but I always know that my grades will be there for me.”

Whittlesey isn’t exceptionally big or fast. His strengths are smarts and toughness.

“He will know he is going to get hammered when he lets the ball go, but he still gets it there,” Pryor said.

“Sometimes we call him our crash test dummy. He’s not a real big guy, but he’s willing to take the hits and put himself on the line for the See CS, Page 20

Friday, August 22, 2014

FRanklin lions

Another deep playoff run a possibility

By Larry Bowen larry.bowen@theeagle.com Franklin has ridden its relentless running game to consecutive state quarterfinal appearances, and the Lions’ run might not be done.

The Lions bring back many key members of the team that went 13-1 last season, including most of the components of Franklin’s trademark ground game. Franklin will start the season tied for No. 8 in Class 3A, a ranking fitting for a program believed to be capable of another deep playoff run

in 2014.

“We’ve got a pretty good nucleus,” Franklin head coach Mike Hedrick said. “Everybody wants to say it, but I think we can play a while. We play together well. These kids will step up to the plate and work.”

Last year, Franklin’s fewfrills offense worked wonders. The Lions rolled to the district championship during an unbeaten regular season and won three playoff games

before falling 31-0 to White Oak in the Class 2A Division II quarterfinal round.

The 13-1 record was the best for Franklin since the 1978 team reached the state semifinals.

“The kids never got rattled about the playoffs,” assistant coach Kenny Robinson said. “Their demeanor never changed from what we had done in district. They never got over-excited. It was like they knew they had a job to do and they’d go do it.”

It helped that several Lions went into last season with postseason experience, having played as underclassmen during the 2013 playoff push.

This year, the carry-over should carry over again.

“This year’s senior class is a solid bunch,” Robinson said.

“They got thrown into the fire early-on. A lot of them have been starting or playing a lot since they were sophomores.

Over the course of these last two years they’ve built up some confidence.

“We’re expecting them to give us another good year.”

Expectations extend beyond the Franklin field house, and beyond the city limits.

In addition to the Top 10 ranking from The Associated Press, the Lions were picked as the Region III favorite in 2A Division II by the high school coaches association.

Despite that type of preseason acclaim and a 23-4 record over the last two seasons, don’t expect the Lions to suffer from overconfidence.

“We don’t want to put the cart before the horse,” Robinson said. “We want them to look at it week-by-week.

When you start looking down the road, that’s when you get in trouble.

“Part of our job as a coaching staff is to make sure those guys don’t look ahead, that we focus on one step at a time.”

Franklin’s march to more success should step to the beat of the running game. The Lions return all-state running back Morgan Brewer, starting

quarterback Dylan Smitherman and most of the blockers who helped Brewer rush for 2,483 yards and 28 touchdowns last year.

Proven and deep, the offensive line will be led by three-year starter Wyatt Linson, center Robert Smith and tackles Ian Knight and Lane Morgan. The Lions can bolster the blocking with a handful of quality tight ends/quick ends, including Jared Burnett, Cody Ross and Thomas Box. Robinson, the defensive coordinator whose unit practices against the Lion offense, knows well how difficult it can be to stop Franklin’s ground game.

“Our running game is our bread and butter,” Robinson said. “It has been for years.

That’s our strength. We’ve always been good about having a good, solid offensive line.”

Brewer was something of an unknown going into last See FRANKLIN, Page 20

FACTS Head coach — Mike Hedrick (247148-11 overall; 69-25 at Franklin) District — 12-3A Division II 2013 record — 13-1 (5-0 in 11-2A Division I) 2013 playoffs — 2A Division I bi-district: def. Maypearl 42-14; Area: def. Kirbyville 42-14; Regional: def. Godley 28-14; Quarterfinal: lost to White Oak 31-0 Playoff appearances (26) — 1951, 1953, 1955, 1961, 1965, 1970, 1972, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Returning lettermen — 26 (8 offensive, 7 defensive starters) All-time record — 514-361-38 Playoff record — 23-25-1

SCHEDULE Date Aug 29 Sept 5 Sept 12 Sept 19

Opponent Rogers at Madisonville Arp at Marlin 12-3A Division II Sept 26 Buffalo Oct 3 at Hearne Last season: W 42-7 Oct 10 Open Date Oct 17 Trinity* Oct 24 at New Waverly Oct 31 Lexington Last season: W 68-21 Nov 7 at Leon *Homecoming

Time 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30

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19

HARMONY SCIENCE ACADEMY TIGERS

Newsome’s nose for end zone fuels Tigers

By David Campbell david.campbell@theeagle.com

The Harmony Science Tigers play him ... he’s going to make didn’t have complete video on an impact,” Harmony Science their games to chart Jamarcus coach Cody Hunt said. “I’ll Newsome’s rushing stats. But primarily play him on offense touchdowns alone were because he is such a weapon with his legs.” proof of his play.

Newsome scored 42 When he does get deof them last season. fensive action, Newsome When Harmony uses his quickness as Science played at a pass rusher at Conroe Covdefensive end, enant, Newbut he can also some gained play defensive over 500 back. NewJamarcus Newsome some is also yards and scored seven a solid passsenior, running back touchdowns. catcher from He scored five his tailback times in a 53-51 crosstown win spot on offense. over Aggieland Home School, a “His unique gift is that he team the Tigers will face again can move side-to-side faster this year in 6-man action. than anyone I’ve ever seen,” “It doesn’t matter where I Hunt said. “He doesn’t neces-

sarily have great breakaway speed, although he’s faster than most of the players on our team running straight ahead, but his side-to-side motion is just out of the world.”

A lack of depth forces Hunt to play many of his offensive players on the defensive side, which has led to some highscoring games.

The Tigers qualified for the TCAL Division II playoffs for the first time lasing, falling in bi-district to Fort Bend Home School 81-57. The team was young. Two starters were eighth-graders.

Senior Ismael Zacarias will play quarterback in Harmony’s tight formation this year.

“He played that two years ago, and so far in practice, he’s been impressive,” Hunt said.

Hunt has undoubtedly one the biggest receivers around in Nathan Williams, who also

happens to be a very good blocker. Williams is 6-foot-4 and 330 pounds.

“That’s unusual size for 6-man football,” Hunt said.

“Nathan has really good hands, and we can use him in a spread.

I have sent him out for passes to keep the defense honest if they’re keying on Jamarcus running. Anybody that tackles him, I feel sorry for them if he falls on them.”

Another senior, Arend Brandenhorst (6-2, 220) returns for his second season after joining the team for the first time as a junior.

“I plugged him in at defensive end last year and he was really impressive at controlling the outside,” said Hunt, who also had Brandenhorst play guard. “He even had a pick or two. He’s got great hands, good fundamentals and is very easy to coach.”

CS: Leading tackler Payton highlights LB unit Continued from 18 team. That pays off.”

The Cougars hope to see the benefits of the work they’ve done during the program’s first two years, when football was the only sport in which the school was not eligible for the playoffs.

“More than anything, I’m happy for the kids to have the opportunity that if they play well enough during the regular season they go on,” Huff said. “We have been aiming for this. I’m excited to have a senior class, to have kids that have been around for a while and have a feel for the program. It’s nice to have a better feel for their abilities and personalities and what you have.”

College Station should have a good group of players to surround the quarterback.

Huff has high hopes for the

20

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand College Station’s front seven will be anchored by lineman Danny Barrientos (left) and end/linebacker Randy Cessna. offensive line led by James Hayes, John Callier, Derek Lemons and Kyle Slack. The Cougars have a talented receiver in 6-foot-3, 180-pound senior Jeremiah Booker, who caught 24 passes for 465

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yards and eight touchdowns last year. Running back Chris Sennette and receiver Charlie Glover are both versatile players.

“I like the makeup of our team with what we’re doing,”

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Huff said. “It matches their personality well. As a coach, that’s all you can try to do — and get the ball into the right kids’ hands at the right time.”

Senior linebacker Desmond Payton fuels the Cougar defense. Last season, Payton contributed 119 tackles with four quarterback sacks and four forced fumbles despite playing the entire season with a broken thumb.

College Station’s defensive leaders up front include 6-4, 204-pound senior end/ outside linebacker Randy Cessna, lineman Danny Barrientos and linebackers Tyrique Hayes, Isaiah Goodman and Mark Wagner, who started last year as a freshman. The secondary will feature strong safety Raja Preciado and cornerback Travis Tate, who missed all of last season after suffering an injury in the first scrimmage.

FACTS Head coach — Cody Hunt (first year at Harmony Science) District — T-CAL Division II 2013 record — 4-4 (1-1 in T-CAL Division II District 4) 2013 playoffs — Bi-district: lost to Fort Bend Home School 81-57 Playoff appearances (1) — 2013.

Returning lettermen — 13 (4 offensive, 4 defensive starters)

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time Aug 29 Bellville Faith 7 Sept 5 West Columbia Charter 7 Sept 12 TBA Sept 19 at BVCHEA 7:30 Last season: W 53-51 Sept 26 at Brenham Christian 7 Oct 3 Aggieland Home School* 7 Oct 10 at Fort Bend Chargers 7 Oct 18 at Sugar Land HCYA 5 Oct 24 at Apple Springs 7 Last season: L 60-13 Oct 31 Open Date *Homecoming

Jorge Carrizalles strengthens the Tigers with his leadership.

“He’s really the heartbeat of the team ... talk about a leader,” Hunt said of his 6-2, 200-pound defensive end

ROSTER 14 Truman Brown, 5-10, 145, fr.; 20 Aziz Saafir, 5-2, 100, 8th; 21 Jamarcus Newsome, 6-1, 165, sr.; 25 Nathan Neel, 5-6, 145, fr.l 27 Trent Green, 5-10, 135, soph.; 30 Jonmarvian Jenkins, 5-8, 135, 8th; 33 Titus Mitchell, 6-0, 175, 8th; 55 Arend Brandenhorst, 6-2, 220, sr.; 59 Ismael Zacarias, 5-6, 230, sr.; 63 Wyatt Nunn, 5-11, 180, fr.; 70 Jorge Carrizales, 6-2, 200, jr.; 72 Anders Schoen, 5-1, 115, 8th; 80 Caleb Rueda, 5-8, 260, fr.; 99 Nathan Williams, 6-4, 340, sr.

and center. “He’s the one out there firing up the boys and correcting them when they are out of line. He’s a standup kid.”

FRANKLIN: Burnett looks to play big role in Lion’s front seven Continued from 19 season. He had started at safety as a sophomore while the offense revolved around Darius Floyd, who finished as Franklin’s all-time rushing leader.

Franklin withstood the loss of Floyd to graduation with steady production from Brewer, who was a first-team all-state selection and a member the first-team All-Brazos Valley team selected by The Eagle.

“He just had an amazing year,” Hedrick said. “He’s got pretty good foot speed — not overwhelming speed, but pretty good — and he just sees the hole so well. He did a dynamic job for us last year.”

The Lions’ winning formula combines solid defense with

the running game. Franklin has seven returning defensive starters from a group that was dependable last season, allowing 14 points in each of their three comfortable playoff victories.

Outside linebacker Adam Lopez is one of the seniors who saw significant playing time as a sophomore.

He will be part of a strong defensive front that includes ends Brandon Graham and Rodney Rogers, tackle Reymundo Ruiz and linebackers Dominique Witherspoon and Drew Fannin.

Junior linebacker Will Phillips, another returning starter, should be a defensive leader.

The secondary will feature Burnett at free safety and Jacob Dorsett at cornerback.

Friday, August 22, 2014

Hearne Eagles

Baker returns home to lead Hearne

By Larry Bowen larry.bowen@theeagle.com Newly hired head football coaches usually have months to become acquainted with their team and community. Most coaches taking over a new program weeks before the season would require speed dating just to make a connection.

Not with Chip Baker and Hearne. Baker had been showing love to the Eagles for a long time before he was hired in mid-July.

Baker, a longtime assistant coach at Conroe High, agreed to return to his alma mater after Clinton Smith resigned as head coach to become an assistant at Burton. In addition to growing up in Hearne, Baker helped organize and operate a summer training camp for Hearne athletes for nearly a decade.

“The good thing is the kids know me,” Baker said. “A lot of those guys have come through my camp. Most of the kids, if not all of them, I grew up with their parents. I had a parent meeting the other night and had intended on telling the parents about me. But then I looked in the crowd and everybody there I knew and they knew me.

“I think it’s really helped. The kids see that this is my hometown and I’m passionate about my hometown. I’m just thankful to have this opportunity. It’s not just a job to me. This means everything to me.”

Baker, 39, inherited a program that has one playoff appearance in the last five years under two head coaches. Last season the Eagles went 4-6 overall and finished fifth in their district with a 3-4 mark.

The Eagles have only four returning starters on offense and four on defense but will be given no excuses by their new head coach.

“I’m not expecting anything less than perfection and excellence in everything we do,”

Friday, August 22, 2014

FACTS Head coach — Chip Baker (first year at Hearne) District — 12-3A Division II 2013 record — 4-6 (3-4 in 11-2A Division II) 2013 playoffs — did not qualify Playoff appearances (15) — 1936, 1937, 1939, 1952, 1954, 1961, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1988, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2012 Returning lettermen — 14 (4 offensive, 4 defensive starters) All-time record — 467-424-39 Playoff record — 7-15-0

SCHEDULE

ROSTER

Date Opponent Time Aug 29 Bellville Faith 7 Sept 5 West Columbia Charter 7 Sept 12 TBA Sept 19 at BVCHEA 7:30 Last season: W 53-51 Sept 26 at Brenham Christian 7 Oct 3 Aggieland Home School* 7 Oct 10 at Fort Bend Chargers 7 Oct 18 at Sugar Land HCYA 5 Oct 24 at Apple Springs 7 Last season: L 60-13 Oct 31 Open Date *Homecoming

1 Da’Quindrick Drake, FB/DB; 2 Alex Ramirez, QB/DB; 4 Darrius Polk, TE/ OLB; 5 Tynerick Miles, RB/ILB; 7 Isaiah Workman, QB/OLB; 8 Corvian Workman, WR/OLB; 9 Dequarius Straughter, E/OLB; 10 Patrick Pierce, QB/DB; 15 Jashod Flentroy, WR/DB; 19 Michael Castilleja, WR/DB; 21 Justin Spiller, WR/DB; 22 James Castilleja, WR/DB; 24 Nevin Dunn, RB/DB; 28 Maurico Rizo, FB/ILB; 52 Nicholas Johnson, OL/ DL; 54 Orlando Alvarado, OL/DL; 55 Christopher Keeling, OL/DL; 60 Steven McCravy, OL/DL; 63 Steven Sifuentes, OL/DL; 75 Dalton Masters, OL/DL.

Baker said. “Those kids have come in and reached to achieve it. When you have that, you can’t help but make improvement every day, getting closer to where you want to be.

“We’re going to have to make big gains fast. But I can tell in a week that those kids have done tremendous. I’m very impressed with the way they’ve bought in.”

Baker was a two-time choice as Teacher of the Year at Conroe High School. His tutelage skills will be tested with so little preparation time before Hearne’s season opener at Bremond on Aug. 29.

It should help that the new coaching staff will use a 3-4 defensive alignment similar to the one employed by the previous staff. There is a new multiple offense to learn, however.

“You’ve got to hit those modalities of learning,” Baker said. “You draw it up for them.

You show them on video what it’s supposed to look like, and then you walk through it. You do it full-speed and video it and reteach.

“The good thing is everybody that’s on board has jumped in deep. We’ve got some great guys on the coaching staff, and we’ve got some good kids.

We’re doing things to try to speed up the process as well with playbooks and meetings to get the knowledge to them.”

Baker’s transition should be eased by the presence of eight seniors. That group includes James Castileja, Nick Johnson, Dequarius Straughter, Darrius Polk, Jashod Flentroy, Isaiah Workman, Da’Quindrick Drake and Justin Spiller. Most of them will play on both sides of the ball, with Workman at quarterback. Straughter and Pope will provide toughness at outside linebacker and tight end.

Hearne expects contributions from several young players, including junior lineman Orlando Alvarado and sophomore Steven Sifuentes. Others likely to make an impact include junior fullback/linebacker Mauricio Rizo and junior receiver/ outside linebacker Corvian Workman.

“Our skill kids are pretty good,” Baker said. “We have some pretty fast guys with decent ball skills. I’m really impressed with that.

“What I want to bring in is a mental toughness. I want teams to say we’re a tough team.

That’s what we’re working on getting to.”

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Jashod Flentroy will play a key role for Hearne.

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand

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21

IOLA BULLDOGS

QB Martinez doesn’t mind being in the spotlight

By Larry Bowen larry.bowen@theeagle.com Considering what he does and the fact that he does it for his father, it’s a good thing Hayden Martinez likes being under pressure.

Martinez is the starting quarterback for the Iola football team, which is coached by his father, Pete Martinez.

That’s like being a clay target at a shooting range: People will be aiming for you from all angles.

Hayden, a senior, is accustomed to the scrutiny, having played quarterback on teams coached by his dad since the seventh grade.

“There’s a lot of good and bad, but I’m used to it because I grew up around him coaching sports,” Hayden said. “It’s hard because people are always saying you get special benefits because you’re the coach’s son. It’s not like that. Being a coach’s son, you’re going to get pushed harder than everybody else because he expects you to be a leader.”

Coach Martinez said he didn’t push Hayden into football or any other sport but he has always expected his son to excel.

“One of the coaches I played for in high school won some state championships, and the inside joke with him was that he was a great football coach but his boy was in the band and didn’t play any sports,” Pete Martinez said. “My job as a father is to make sure he’s the best at whatever he

22

chooses to do, whether it’s the band or tennis or whatever.

Fortunately for me, he’s always had a love for sports.”

Hayden has been a quarterback since he played seventhgrade football in Somerville, where his dad coached at the time. He started on the Yeguas’ varsity as a freshman. Martinez joined the coaching staff at Iola before Hayden’s sophomore year.

Although passing has become more popular in high school football in recent years, Coach Martinez prefers a runbased attack. He developed the affection for the offense as a kid watching Wichita Falls teams coached by Joe Bob Tyler, who ran the ball out of a spread formation.

“Hayden, having the success that he’s had in athletics, really fit what we wanted to do offensively,” Coach Martinez said.

“Putting him at quarterback was an easy fit, and we’ve been very fortunate to have a lot of success doing that.

“He’s really a running back, but we snap it right to him so that we can gain an extra blocker. It’s the same spread philosophy everybody else is using, trying to spread defenses out, get people out of the box and get your best athlete the ball.”

Martinez ran for 1,889 yards last season and has 4,948 career rushing yards. He is accustomed to being the focus of opponents’ defenses.

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The Eagle

LEXINGTON EAGLES

Eagles betting on sturdy seniors

Hayden Martinez leads Iola’s run-heavy spread offense.

Eagle photo

by Dave McDermand

By David Campbell david.campbell @theeagle.com

“I like that every team we play, their eyes are on me and they’re wanting to mainly stop me,” Martinez said. “That puts

quarterback and defensive back.

Before a college career becomes an issue, the quar-

FACTS

SCHEDULE

Head coach — Pete Martinez (12-18 overall; 5-5 at Iola) District — 12-2A Division II 2013 record — 5-5 (1-2 in 11-A Division I) 2012 playoffs — Bi-district: lost to Bosqueville 46-8 Playoff appearances (14) —1939, 1960, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2012, 2013 Returning lettermen — 13 (8 offensive, 9 defensive starters) All-time record — 352-326-17 Playoff record — 13-13-1

Date Opponent Aug 29 Somerville Sept 5 Marble Falls Faith Sept 12 at Anderson-Shiro Sept 19 Milano Last season: L 27-14 Sept 26 Thrall* Oct 3 Open Date 12-2A Division II Oct 10 at Evadale Oct 17 Sabine Pass Oct 24 at Burkeville Oct 31 at Colmesneil Last season: L 24-22 Nov 7 Normangee *Homecoming

Time 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7 7 7 7 7

ROSTER 2 Tyler Dykes, 5-10, 165, fr., WR/CB; 3 Hayden Martinez, 5-11, 218, sr., QB/ FS; 4 Coy Creamer, 6-0, 165, soph., WR/OLB; 5 Colton Renick, 5-10, 170, fr., WR/ILB; 6 Cole Johnsonn, 5-11, 165, jr., WR/CB; 7 Cameron Darby, 6-0, 170; soph., WR/FS; 9 Hector Arzola, 5-10, 175, jr., WR/CB; 10 Trace Wolf, 6-2, 170; jr., WR/OLB; 11 Will Nevill, 6-3, 185, jr., WR/OLB; 15 Ryan Renick, 6-3, 225, jr., WR/ILB; 24 Court Creamer, 5-7, 150, sr., RB/CB; 34 Ryan Bennett, 6-0, 175, soph., RB/ILB; 44 Kurtis Bradicich, 5-11, 175, soph., RB/ILB; 50 Benton Keller, 5-10, 185, soph., OL/DL; 52 Dawson Utz, 6-0,210, jr., OL/DL; 53 Harley Stabler, 5-11, 240, soph., OL/DL; 54 Dustin Timm, 6-1, 275, sr., OL/DL; 55 Will Mallett, 6-3, 255, sr., OL/DL; 56 Taylor Stabler, 6-1, 215, soph., OL/DL; 57 Chris Quintanilla, 6-3, 185, jr., OL/DL; 58 Ryan Smith, 5-11, 225, soph., OL/ DL; 73 Reed Fairbanks, 6-3, 325, sr. OL/DL.

a little bit of pressure on me, and I like having pressure on me. That motivates me. It’s fun.”

While Martinez has long dreamed of playing college football, he knows that running quarterbacks are not in high demand. One of the college programs that relies mainly on an option-based ground game is Air Force. This summer Martinez was invited to a tryout camp at the Air Force Academy, where coaches scouted him as a running back,

•

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terback and his father/coach will have one more season together. Coach Martinez expects it to be bittersweet, as does the Bulldogs’ quarterback.

“I am going to treasure every moment of it,” Hayden said.

“I’m going to go as hard as I’ve ever gone before.”

Iola has gone to the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, but the Bulldogs lost their bi-district game each time.

Last year Iola slipped into See IOLA, Page 35

Youth eventually grows up. Experience helps, and the still-young Lexington Eagles have that.

“We have some senior offensive linemen, but the skill players and playmakers are all sophomores,” Lexington coach Kirk Muhl said. “Our junior class is real small.”

Lexington had a 2-8 season in 2013, but stayed in the playoff race until the final week after a 0-4 start in nondistrict.

Nic Dillon was Lexington’s starter at quarterback as a freshman and hit the ground running. Dillon rushed for 1,409 yards.

“We run the spread, but we’re more run-oriented out of it,” Muhl said. “The added aspect this year to his game is that he can make people respect his throwing. Last year, we really couldn’t do it, so they could load up on our run.”

Dillon has familiar friends up front. All five offensive linemen return.

“If we can keep our offensive line going, we ought to have a pretty good shot,” Muhl said.

Miles Hannigan and Tyler Page are good athletes at the tackle positions, in a front five with Martin Solis and center, along with guards Chase Chappell and Jason Dube.

Several players will get carries, but Le’Chea Cooper and Berto Lara should get the most at running back. Lara ran for 340 yards last season.

Andrew Lane is among the leaders in a receiver rotation that could go seven deep.

Defensively, another sophomore leads the way.

FACTS Head coach — Pete Martinez (12-18 overall; 5-5 at Iola) District — 12-2A Division II 2013 record — 5-5 (1-2 in 11-A Division I) 2012 playoffs — Bi-district: lost to Bosqueville 46-8 Playoff appearances (14) —1939, 1960, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2012, 2013 Returning lettermen — 13 (8 offensive, 9 defensive starters) All-time record — 352-326-17 Playoff record — 13-13-1

SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug 28 Teague+ Sept 5 Cameron Last season: L 47-0 Sept 12 at Academy Sept 19 at Shiner 12-3A Division II Sept 26 at New Waverly Oct 3 Open Date Oct 10 Leon* Oct 17 at Buffalo Oct 24 Hearne Oct 31 at Franklin Last season: L 68-21 Nov 7 Trinity +Waco ISD Stadium *Homecoming

Time 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30

ROSTER 2 Trevor Patschke, soph.; 3 Wyatt Cotton, soph.; 4 Cameron Milligan, soph.; 5 Berto Lara, jr.; 7 Caleb Parkerson, soph.; 8 Jacob Muhl, jr.; 9 Ryan Garrison, soph.; 10 Nic Dillon, soph.; 11 Andrew Lane, sr.; 13 Walt Green, sr.; 15 Justin Barron, soph.; 17 Grant Peimann, jr; 19 W.E. Meuth, sr.; 20 Le’Chea Cooper, sr.; 21 Austin Thomas, jr.; 22 Freddy Blackmon, sr.; 28 Caleb Braziel, sr.; 35 Nathaniel Clifford, soph; 40 Nic McMahon, sr.; 45 Kyle Brewer, jr.; 48 Chase Allert, soph.; 50 Chase Chappell, sr.; 51 DeSean Jackson, soph.; 55 Bradley Campbell, sr.; 57 Martin Solis, sr.; 60 Samuel Meza, sr.; 63 Christian Campos, sr.; 65 Tyler Page, sr.; 75 Miles Hannigan, sr.; 77 Jason Dube, sr.; 84 Jason Mann, sr.

Chase Allert, who started his freshman year linebacker, was the top tackler for the Eagles, whose swarming defense is their trademark. Allert is now well versed in the complexities See LEXINGTON, Page 35

Friday, August 22, 2014

LEON COUGARS

Linebackers look to lead Leon turnaround

By David Campbell david.campbell@theeagle.com Got problems? Toss them to the linebackers. They won’t escape untouched.

The entire returning corps of linebackers highlights what should be an improved Leon Cougar football team this season. They specialize in solving the Cougars problems, while causing them for opponents.

Brothers Morgan and Hunter Vestal are joined by a third returning starter for the Cougars at that spot, Layne Pfannenstiel.

“They do a little bit of everything for us,” Leon coach Keith Sitton said. “Morgan is quick guard, our will backer and is working on kicking.

He’s on our special teams.

He’s everywhere we are going and will never come off the

Friday, August 22, 2014

field. Hunter is our strong outside linebacker and those guys have been our bell cows.”

The Vestals will be fouryear starters but fellow senior Pfannenstiel joined the party in a big way last season.

“He played on the JV as a sophomore and was really our third linebacker going into the season last year,” Sitton said.

“We got a linebacker hurt and he jumped in there in a scrimmage and just took off and never looked back. He’s a good one. He’s right along side those other two. There’s not a dime’s difference between the three.”

The Cougars have a strong rotation at defensive end with Peyton Archibald, Rhett Read, who played last season in Buf-

FACTS

SCHEDULE

Head coach — Keith Sitton (34-48 overall; 34-48 at Leon) District — 12-3A Division II 2013 record — 5-5 (0-4 in 12-A Division I) 2013 playoffs — did not qualify.

Playoff appearances (12) — 1982, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1992, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2010 Returning lettermen — 16 (7 offensive, 8 defensive starters) All-time record — 229-273-11 Playoff record — 4-12

falo, and Stephen Prewitt.

Cornerback Riley Noey is a defensive standout. He’s been a two-year, first-team alldistrict pick. Noey is also part of a strong, large senior class that includes linebacker Travis Hillman.

Leon started 5-1 in 2013 but fell short in all four of its district games and UIL realignment presented an additional challenge, bumping the Cougars up to Class 3A Division

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Date Opponent Aug 29 at Normangee Last season: W 34-6 Sept 5 Elkhart Sept 12 Riesel* Sept 19 at Lovelady Last season: W 14-6 12-3A Division II Sept 26 at Trinity Oct 3 New Waverly Oct 10 at Lexington Oct 17 Open Date Oct 24 Buffalo Last season: W 32-28 Oct 31 at Hearne Nov 7 Franklin *Homecoming

ROSTER Time 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30

II. The Cougars have a chance to learn from the experience and the returning senior leaders ease the transition.

Archibald is back at fullback, which is a key position in Leon’s attack. He ran for 723 yards and nine touchdowns last year. He is a shifty and powerful inside runner.

Archibald finished last season

The Eagle

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2 Riley Noey, sr., SE/CB; 5 Kelbee Cupit, jr., SE/CB; 6 Bradley Berryhill, jr., RB/ CB; 10 Blake Lowry, soph., QB/OLB; 11 Hunter Vestal, sr., TE/OLB; 12 Peyton Archibald, jr., RB/DE; 14 Jared Theis, soph., RB/OLB; 15 Corbin Watson, soph., QB/FS; 20 Bo Bilsing, sr., RB/CB; 32 Monty Stewart, sr., WR/OLB; 33 Roman Ramirez, sr., TE/OLB; 34 Zant Tatum, soph., RB/LB; 38 Travis Hillman, sr., WB/OLB; 44 Rhett Read, soph., TE/DE; 51 Layne Pfannenstiel, sr., G/LB; 52 Morgan Vestal, sr., G/LB; 56 Madison Mason, soph., C/DE; 58 Bradford Tatum, sr., T/DT; 61 Tobe Zientek, jr., C/LB; 62 Drew Neyland, sr., TE/DE; 65 Nathan Crawford, sr., G/DT; 67 Stephen Prewitt, jr., T/DE; 70 Devin Anding, sr., G/DT; 73 Kyle Roach, sr., C/DE; 75 Matthew Roach, soph., T/DE; 77 Trevor McBroom, soph., T/DT; 78 Chandler Daniel, jr., T/DT; 79 Sergio Sanchez, jr., C/DT; 81 Cash Crane, soph., SE/CB.

at quarterback, but sophomore Corbin Watson will take direct snaps in the spread this year. It’s an offense that Leon moved to last season.

Bradley Berryhill is also a top rusher and receiver.

“If we have a big-play threat, it’s him or Corbin,” Sitton said. “If we have speed, it’s those two. They’re pretty good out in the open field.”

Prewitt, at strong tackle,

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anchors the offensive line.

Read and Hunter Vestal help as blockers and receivers, both playing at tight end. They give Leon flexibility to mix its runs and passes with greater ease.

Sitton says the Cougars have emphasized improved special teams play and it is paying off.

“We’ve worked out special teams from day one and that’s a priority,” Sitton said.

23

MADISONVILLE MUSTANGS

Mustangs gearing up to go both ways As many as 10 key players likely to pull double duty for Madisonville as coaches stretch roster

By David Campbell david.campbell@theeagle.com

T

he Madisonville Mustangs will have to be in shape. With so many two-way players, they have no choice.

“We’ve always had six, seven or eight guys that get a lot of work both ways,” Madisonville coach Greg Morgan said. “This year, we’re talking about 10 guys going both ways.”

It may be most challenging up front, where the Mustangs lost starting guard Oskar Garcia to a torn anterior cruciate ligament on the second day of practice in a noncontact drill.

“We’re going to have multiple two-way starters on the Oline and D-line,” Morgan said.

“We’ve been fortunate. We’ve always had one of those TNTs (defensive tackle-noseguardtackle) who had to be an iron man, two-way kind of guy and we’ll spell you when we can.

This year, if you look at our three TNTs, they are starting on the offensive line, too.”

The Mustangs are also

undecided at many positions, even at running back, where they currently have a fiveman rotation at fullback and tailback.

“We’re returning Don Roundtree at fullback,” Morgan said. “He’s a really smart, really heady kid, kind of a throwback, a real tough kid.”

Robert Culbreath, who like Roundtree also plays linebacker, will rotate in for Roundtree on offense.

Get in line to play tailback, though.

“It’s probably going to be more by committee than it’s ever been here,” Morgan said.

“This time, it might be first down, second down and third down and you see three different backs. The main guy right now is Tyji Whaley.”

Whaley played receiver and quarterback last season and has been a top defender. He had 47 tackles (31 solos) and seven tackles for losses last year.

“Tyji is going to start at tail-

back and outside linebacker,” Morgan said. “We’ve had the fortune of not having our tailback play a lot of defense in recent years. That’s no longer the case.”

David Glover, who starts at defensive end — a team strength — will rotate in at tailback. If he can return from a suspension, Antwoine Curtis could help. He carried 88 times for 502 yards and six touchdowns last year. Junior Charkeith Wiley is rejoining the football team after focusing on basketball as a sophomore.

At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, he brings big-back ability.

Junior quarterback Jaylyn Smith, who played eight games last season, returns but has competition. Smith connected on 54 of 118 passes for 688 yards his sophomore season. That netted 12 touchdowns with only two interceptions, but Smith is not assured the quarterback spot.

He and junior Kyle Poe have been sharing reps in practice.

Speedy R’Kelian Wiley provides Madisonville a receiving threat.

“He’s a 10.5 [100-meter] guy who went to regionals last year as a sophomore and almost got to state,” Morgan said of R’Kelian Wiley’s track success.

R’Kelian Wiley will start at cornerback. Devodrick Ross also will handle a receiver/ defensive back combo role, while strong safety Dominique Ramirez will rotate in at receiver.

The kicking game has been a strength for the Mustangs, and kicker Michael Alvarado should add punting to his kicking duties.

After playing in a brutal district that included state champion Navasota two years ago and a Rockdale team that advanced to the quarterfinals last season, Madisonville will shift east to play in the restructured District 8-4A Division II. The league includes Tarkington, Coldspring,

2 Javier Saldana, sr., WR/DB; 3 Davodrick Ross, sr., WR/DB; 4 R’Kelian Wiley, jr., WR/DB; 6 Michael Alvarado, jr., WR/K; 7 Nick Harris, sr., WR/DB; 8 Jaleen Pickett, sr., TB/DB; 10 Kyle Poe, jr., QB/DB; 11 Donald Roundtree, sr., FB/DB; 12 Jailen Smith, jr., OB/DB; 14 Tyji Whaley, sr., RB/OLB; 15 Jordan Bazan, sr., WR/DB; 18 Tyler Stover, jr., TE/OLB; 20 Dominique Ramirez, sr., WR/DB; 21 Calvin Lee, sr., FB/DB; 24 Charkeith Wiley, jr., RB/OLB; 28 Mason Humphrey, sr., FB/LB; 32 David Glover, jr., FB/LB; 44 Robert Culbreath, jr., FB/LB; 45 Justin Anthony, sr., FB/LB; 51 Jabre Burns, sr., OL/DL; 53 Ronnie Fullen, sr., OL/DL; 55 Hector Gonzalez, jr., OL/DL; 56 Austin Ashley, sr., OL/DL; 57 Josue Chavez, sr., OL/DL; 58 Matthew Sanders, jr., OL/DL; 61 Blaine Counsil, sr., OL/DL; 64 Dustin Harkrider, jr., OL/DB; 65 Oskar Garcia, jr., OL/DL; 73 Anthony Anderson, jr., OL/DL; 77 Jacolbee Byrd, sr., OL/DL; 78 Kieon Salas, jr., OL/DL; 88 Jack Gibson, sr., TE/OLB; 99 Michael Phillips, jr., TE/DL

Head coach — Greg Morgan (9791 overall; 78-69 at Madisonville) District — 8-4A Division II 2013 record — 5-6 (1-3 in 18-3A) 2013 playoffs — 3A Division II bi-district: lost to Waco Connally 35-17 Playoff appearances (19) — 1957, 1958, 1959, 1975, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2013 Returning lettermen — 14 (4 offensive, 3 defensive starters) All-time record — 395-431-29 Playoff record — 19-10

Diboll, Huntington and Shepherd.

Madisonville has a tough nondistrict schedule that should prepare the Mustangs for their new league. They will

Date Opponent Aug 29 at Fairfield Last season: L 50-14 Sept 5 Franklin Sept 12 Caldwell Last season: W 49-7 Sept 19 Crockett* Last season: W 33-14 Sept 26 Open Date Oct 3 at Rockdale Last season: L 33-21 8-4A Division II Oct 10 at Diboll Last season: W 41-12 Oct 17 Huntington Last season: W 56-8 Oct 24 at Shepherd Oct 31 Tarkington Nov 7 at Coldspring-Oakhurst *Homecoming

Time 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30

open the season on the road against 3A Division II state finalist Fairfield, then host 2A Division II quarterfinalist Franklin before playing at Rockdale on Oct. 3.

MILANO Eagles

Former Milano head coach back in saddle with talented Eagles

By Larry Bowen

larry.bowen@theeagle.com

C

had LaGrone left his job as Milano’s head football coach 10 years ago, but LaGrone never left Milano. At least not all the way.

He’s all the way back now,

24

having again agreed to serve as head coach of the Eagles.

Promoted from defensive coordinator in the offseason after Craig Jentsch retired, LaGrone finds himself in the enviable position of taking over a football program on solid ground. While new coaches often get their chance

High School Football 2014

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because the team struggled under the previous coach, Milano made the switch after one of the best seasons in school history.

Last year the Eagles went 10-3, reaching the third round of the Class A Division II playoffs.

“It’s a lot different,” La-

The Eagle

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Grone said. “The first time I took the job in 1996, they had never won a district championship. We were fortunate enough to win two back-toback, and that success just continued after I left. We had good kids that started to believe they could win, and it is very exciting to have kids

BrazosSports.com

with those expectations who get up here and work in the summer.”

LaGrone maintained close ties to the Milano program during his eight years working at Gause, where he resurrected the junior high football program and built a ministry. Many of the players

he coached at Gause moved on to Milano for high school.

LaGrone continued to live in Milano and attended the Eagles’ games.

Two years ago, with his daughters getting ready to attend Milano, LaGrone re-

See MILANO, Page 25

Friday, August 22, 2014

MILANO: Eagles have to replace former QB Millar Continued from 24 1 Efrain Flores, sr., WR/LB; 2 Jason Paniagua, sr., WR/DB; 5 Travis Gage, sr., WR/LB; 6 Trent Ellison, sr., FB/DE; 7 Jonathan Reyes, sr., TE/DE; 8 Christian Grimes, jr., WR/DB; 9 Alex Martin, sr., WR/DB; 10 Derek Walton, sr., QB/LB; 11 Treyton Steinbecker, sr., WR/DB; 12 Sabian Pugh, sr., WR/DB; 17 Kyle King, fr., QB/S; 20 Seth Pugh, soph., QB/LB; 22 Shane Hollingsworth, jr., FB/LB; 28 Cole Sheppard, jr., RB/LB; 30 Makenan Hairston, sr., WR/LB; 34 Mitchell Neal, sr., RB/LB; 44 Donald Grosshans, fr., RB/LB; 50 Cutter Barnett, sr., OL/DL; 51 Joshua Lewis, jr., OL/DL; 52 Brian Jutson, jr., OL/DL; 54 Dillan Liscum, jr., OL/ DL; 56 Trebeaux Broussard, fr., OL/DL; 64 Eric Hargis, jr., OL/DL; 70 Randy Pedroza, sr., OL/DL; 77 Jordan Pierce, sr., OL/DL; 80 Blake Harless, jr., WR/ DB P

Friday, August 22, 2014

Time 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30

Eagle photos by Dave McDermand Milano senior Derek Walton (left) will get some time at quarterback as the Eagles work in freshman Kyle King. Milano senior Travis Gage (right) gives the Eagles some experience at wide receiver and linebacker.

Go

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I always expect to be in the playoffs.

That’s our No. 1 goal, getting in the playoffs however we can.

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that’s a good place to start,” LaGrone said.

There are a couple of candidates to replace Millar at quarterback. Senior Derek Walton will get some playing time, but most of the snaps are expected to go to freshman Kyle King, younger brother of former Mumford basketball star Aubrie King.

“Although he’s a freshman, he’s got the body for it,” LaGrone said. “He’ll be ready.”

The Eagles will be able to surround the signal caller with some experienced skillposition players. The veteran group includes receivers Sabian Pugh and Treyton Steinbecker and running backs Mitchell Neal and Cole Sheppard.

Milano’s defensive front will be led by end Trent Ellison, along with Brian Jutson and Barnett at the tackle spots. The Eagles also have a

Date Opponent Aug 29 at Chilton Last season: L 20-6 Sept 5 Anderson-Shiro Sept 12 Thrall Sept 19 at Iola Last season: W 27-14 13-2A Division II Sept 26 at Somerville Last season: W 50-21 Oct 3 Snook Last season: W 26-6 Oct 10 at Burton Last season: L 28-18 Oct 17 Open Date Oct 24 Bremond* Oct 31 at Bartlett Last season: W 36-20 Nov 7 Granger Last season: W 32-20 *Homecoming

k!

30 2

Head coach — Chad LaGrone (4239 overall; 42-39 at Milano) District — 13-2A Division II 2013 record — 10-3 (4-1 in 13-A Division II) 2013 playoffs — Bi-district: def.

Runge 41-18; Area: def. Bruni 44-22; Regional: lost to Falls City 43-0 Playoff appearances (10) — 6-man (3): 1965, 1966, 1975; 11-man (7): 1999, 2000, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2013 Returning lettermen — 21 (7 offensive, 7 defensive starters) All-time record (11-man) — 192307-10 Playoff record (11-man and 6-man) — 5-10-0

Lu

turned as an assistant under Jentsch. The last two seasons have given LaGrone time to reintroduce himself to the Eagles.

“You develop relationships with kids,” LaGrone said. “They all know me, and I know them. It’s small-town stuff. When you develop a rapport with them already, it helps going in knowing your kids a little bit.”

LaGrone knows the Eagles must replace some key players, including quarterback Jordan Millar.

LaGrone also knows Milano landed in a brutal district, joined in District 13-2A Division II by Bartlett, Burton, Bremond, Snook, Granger and Somerville.

But the veteran coach says he knows no other approach than to point toward the postseason.

“I always expect to be in the playoffs,” LaGrone said. “That’s our No. 1 goal, getting in the playoffs however we can. Being in the district we’re in, it’s a tough task to accomplish. We have seven starters coming back on each side of the ball. That’s a good foundation to build on.

They expect to win. They know what it takes to win.”

It will not be easy replacing Millar, the district MVP who ran for 2,429 yards and threw for 1,147 yards while producing 45 touchdowns to earn a spot in the Texas High School Coaches Association all-star game. Fortunately for the new quarterback, the Eagles should be strong enough up front to take some pressure off him and the other ballhandlers.

Milano returns three starters along the offensive line: Joshua Lewis, Cutter Barnett and Randy Pedroza.

“I think the strength of our team will be our O-line, and

Chad LaGrone Milano head football coach pair of returning starters at inside linebacker in Makena Hairston and Sheppard. The secondary will include Christian Grimes, who will play safety and receiver.

High School Football 2014

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25

navasota rattlers

Ready for another run Rattlers have enough talent to chase second state title in 3 years

By Larry Bowen larry.bowen@theeagle.com

N

avasota football coach Lee Fedora doesn’t like comparing one of his Rattler teams to another, so good luck getting Fedora to expound on the similarities between this year’s team and the Rattlers who won state in 2012.

Your best bet, by far, is to talk about ball-handlers.

Loaded at receiver, running back and quarterback, Navasota will start 2014 as one of the most highly regarded teams in the new Class 4A Division I. Navasota is ranked second in the AP preseason poll, and Texas Football projects the Rattlers as state finalists.

“They are a team that I think can be very successful,” Fedora said. “The biggest thing is how are they going to handle adversity throughout the year, but that’s something we’ve been working hard on.

“A lot of people have asked about our ranking, but we don’t get caught up in rankings. The only ranking that matters is at the end of the year if you get a chance to hold up that trophy.”

Fedora lifted the prize in 2012, when the Rattlers went 16-0 to win the school’s first state football championship.

Navasota started last season ranked fourth and went 10-2, losing to eventual 3A Division I state champion Carthage in the second round of the playoffs. The Rattlers’ other loss came in nondistrict play against Fairfield, which reached the 3A Division II final.

“It’s tough to say 10-2 was

26

a disappointing year for us, but it was,” Fedora said. “We didn’t feel good about it because we didn’t finish the way we wanted.”

The Rattlers will start this season with the same type of offensive firepower that fueled the 2012 championship drive. Navasota has a deep, talented receiving corps led

by Tren’Davion Dickson, Jerbrell Lipscomb and Devon Jernigan, plus dangerous running backs in Derrion Randle and Lamarquis Jefferson.

“That’s where it reminds me of 2012,” Fedora said.

“Our strength is no doubt our skill position players and the depth we’ve got there. “ Last year, when Dickson was a sophomore and Lipscomb a junior, they combined to produce 79 receptions for 1,527 yards and 19 touchdowns. They could be compared to the dynamic duo from the 2012 team, Austin Collins and Solomon McGinty.

“They’re special,” Fedora said. “Then look at a guy like Davon Jernigan, who is that same kind of talent, and Nick Gurka, who played a lot for us last year. We’ve got Franterric Powell at the slot, and Sammy Blair is one of the fastest guys I’ve ever seen on the field.

We’ve got a lot of threats there.

“A team’s not going to be able to say they’re going to cover just these two guys.

They’re going to have to cover four or five if we get in our empty set. And they better remember we’ve got Derrion Randle and Lamarquis Jef-

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Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Navasota senior running backs Derrion Randle (left) and Lamarquis Jefferson (center) will help power the Rattlers ground attack, while senior Coy Imhoff is part of Navasota’s solid linebacking corps.

Head coach — Lee Fedora (139-551 overall; 81-29 at Navasota) District — 11-4A Division I 2013 record — 10-2 (4-0 in 18-3A) 2013 playoffs — 3A Division I bi-district: def. Robinson 31-7; Area: lost to Carthage 44-14 Playoff appearances (31) — 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, 2012, 2013 Returning lettermen — 23 (8 offensive, 7 defensive starters) All-time record — 533-441-21 Playoff record — 40-28-1

Date Opponent Time Aug 30 Nuevo León 7 Sept 5 at Houston Yates+ 7 Sept 12 Coldspring-Oakhurst 7 Last season: W 24-0 Sept 19 Rogers (Ark.) Heritage* 7 Sept 26 at Fort Worth Castleberry 7 Oct 3 Open Date 11-4A Division I Oct 10 at Houston Sterling+ 7 Oct 17 at Sealy 7 Oct 24 Houston Furr 7 Oct 31 at Houston Wheatley+ 7 Nov 7 Houston Washington 7 +Barnett Stadium *Homecoming

1 Davon Jernigan, sr.; 2 Tren’Davion Dickson, jr.; 3 Jerbrell Lipscomb, sr.; 4 Franterric Powell, sr.; 5 Derrion Randle, sr.; 6 Ro’Davion Brown, sr.; 7 Christian Taylor, sr.; 8 Sammy Blair, jr.; 9 Dominque Mallard, sr.; 10 Shelton Eppler, jr.; 11 Jarvis Norman, jr.; 12 Brock Meekins, sr.; 14 Nick Gurka, sr.; 15 Kaeron Baker, jr.; 17 Desnick Chatman, jr.; 18 Eric Lattimore, soph.; 19 Lamarquis Jefferson, sr.; 20 D.J. Harris, jr.; 22 Cameron Gray, sr.; 23 Keyondrick Philio, soph.; 24 Quinn Williams, sr.; 27 Marquez Byrd, sr.; 29 Ryan Perry, sr.; 32 Taylor Soto, jr.; 33 Joseph Herrera, sr.; 40 Patrick Davis, sr.; 44 Frankie DeLeon, sr.; 45 Coy Imhoff, sr.; 48 Austin Cude, sr.; 49 Shamar Paulhill, jr.; 50 David Ramirez, sr.; 52 Johnathan Flores, jr.; 55 Dorion Meyers, jr.; 57 Will Smith, sr.; 58 Zach Pavlock, sr.; 61 Christon Jones, jr.; 65 Devin Flores, sr.; 66 Chas Cavanaugh, sr.; 67 Daniel Martinez, sr.; 68 Kalabe Legge, jr.; 70 Michael Coffey, sr.; 75 Corey Ross, jr.; 76 Shawn Soto, sr.; 77 Cal Bauer, jr.; 79 C.W. Arhelger, sr.; 80 Jabril Hunter, soph.; 90 Michel Martinez, sr.

ferson in the backfield and we can run right at you.”

The trigger man will be junior quarterback Shelton

Eppler, who played well last year in his first season replacing Houston Baptist signee Kadarius Baker. Ep-

pler completed 165 of 274 passes for 2,691 yards and 28 touchdowns.

Fedora believes Eppler

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has made significant strides in understanding Navasota’s

See NAVASOTA, Page 27

Friday, August 22, 2014

NAVASOTA: Three veterans foundation of offensive line Continued from 26 high-powered offense.

“He really reminds me of Kadarius in his understanding of our playbook,” Fedora said. “It’s like having a coach on the field. He understands what his reads are and when to get rid of the ball. I’ve been very impressed with him.”

Navasota’s offensive line will be built around three veterans: left tackle Michael Coffey, center Dorion Meyers and right tackle Chas Cavanaugh.

Coffey started for the state title team as a sophomore.

The Rattlers also have the makings of a stout defense, another similarity to the 2012 championship squad.

Navasota returns seven start-

ers, hoping an abundance of linebackers and defensive backs will ease the loss of allstate lineman Jordan Wells, who signed with Tyler Junior College.

Fedora expects big things from the linebacker corps that includes Coy Imhoff and D.J. Harris, who started last year as a sophomore. The secondary is stacked with Lipscomb and Powell at cornerback and Jernigan and Jefferson at safety.

The only veteran on the line will be tackle Christon Jones, with coaches looking to find another tackle and two ends.

Navasota’s experience and talent should come in handy as the Rattlers deal with a surprising hand dealt by the

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Navasota’s roster is full of experienced, talented players including senior Davon Jernigan (from left), junior Tren’Davion Dickson and seniors Jerbrell Lipscomb and Franterric Powell.

UIL during the most recent realignment. In addition to landing in 4A Division I, Navasota got placed in District 11 with Sealy and four Houston schools. Because the Rattlers

have been a traditional power among schools their size, finding nondistrict opponents was difficult for Fedora, who scheduled games against a team from Mexico and an-

other from Arkansas.

“Like I told the kids, we can’t worry about it,” Fedora said. “We got put in this district, and it’s the way that we’ve got to go. Probably the

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toughest thing is the only teams in our district that we really know anything about are Sealy and Houston Sterling, because those are teams we’ve played in the past.”

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27

normangee panthers

Panthers must settle QB question Senior, junior, freshman vying for starting spot

By David Campbell david.campbell@theeagle.com

A

s Normangee coach Kevin Morton weighs his options at quarterback, there’s math involved.

He wants the guy who adds the most to his offense without subtracting much from another position.

Morton is weighing three possible options — a senior, a junior and a freshman.

Austin Aguirre is the junior, a multi-talented athlete who was the big-play receiver for the Panthers last season.

He had 54 receptions for 776 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Used less as a runner, he still scored four touchdowns on just 14 carries, which netted 76 rushing yards.

Senior Colton Jones is also in the mix at quarterback and like Aguirre has good skills at other positions.

“It takes away from them being receivers to throw to, but if we don’t have anybody to throw it to them, it won’t matter,” Morton said of the possible quarterbacks. “Either way, they are going to have to be involved. Those are two guys if you can get the ball in their hands throwing to them, handing it to them or taking a direct snap from the center, they are going to do a good job.”

Freshman Cameron Ran-

28

Date Opponent Aug 29 Leon Last season: L 34-6 Sept 5 at Mart Sept 12 at Snook+ Last season: W 22-21 Sept 19 at New Waverly Sept 26 Grapeland Oct 3 Open Date 12-2A Division II Oct 10 Colmesneil Oct 17 Burkeville* Oct 24 at Evadale Oct 31 Sabine Pass Nov 7 at Iola +Allen Academy *Homecoming

Time 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7 7 7 7 7

ton is the third Panther competing at quarterback.

“Cameron is going to be a great one,” Morton said. “He’s as tough a kid as I’ve ever been around.”

He’ll have to make a quick adjustment to the speed of varsity football to step in immediately.

Normangee has a cornerstone player in junior Bryson Cornish, who has had success playing both ways. A secondteam all-district linebacker last season, Cornish earned first-team honors on offense after rushing 153 times for 801 yards and six touchdowns.

Center Blake Shaw also will be an important two-way player for the Panthers.

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Eagle photos by Dave McDermand TOP: Normangee hopes to get Ty Jordan healthy as he recovers from a basketball injury. RIGHT: Center Blake Shaw will serve a vital role on the front lines for the Panthers, also playing on the defensive line.

1 Austin Aguirre, 5-8, 150, jr., QB/CB; 2 Michael Caldwell, 5-10, 185, sr., RB/ LB; 3 Tydraious Jordan, 5-11, 195, soph., WR/FS; 4 Bryson Cornish, 6-1, 220, jr., RB/LB; 5 Cameron Ranton, 5-10, 140, fr., QB/SS; 6 John Garlick, 5-10, 140, soph., WR/DB; 7 Colton Jones, 6-0, 180, sr., QB/DE; 8 C.J. Rosales, 5-8, 120, fr., WR/CB; 9 Andy Hemphill, 5-8, 155, soph., WR/LB; 10 Kody Harris, 5-10, 185, sr., RB/LB; 11 Alex Noey, 5-10, 155, jr., WR/DB; 12 Jake Shaw, 5-11, 140, fr., WR/FS; 13 Zachary Caldwell, 5-10, 145, jr., WR/SS; 14 Andrew Hernandez, 5-8, 125, sr., WR/CB; 15 Weston Wolfe, 6-0, 150, soph., WR/FS; 16 Charles Turrubiartes, 5-10, 160, soph., WR/CB; 17 Tristan Young, 5-9, 120, fr., WR/CB; 19 Coltin Reed, 5-5, 145, soph., WR/CB; 20 Colton Roberts, 5-9, 160, sr., WR/ LB; 27 Jackson Moss, 5-6, 165, woph., B/LB; 55 Blake Shaw, 5-11, 250, sr., OL/DL; Nick Cody, 6-0, 210, fr., OL/DL; Antony Banda, 6-0, 180, fr., OL/DED; Michael Curtner, 5-9, 200, soph., OL/DL; 67 Trent Watkins, 5-8, 215, jr., 75 Tice Alexander, 5-10, 260, sr., OL/DL; Austin Nichols, 5-8, 170, soph., OL/DE

“The biggest standout we’ve got right now is Blake Shaw at center, and when he turns around to get on the D-line, we don’t have anybody that can block him,” Morton said.

“He and Colton on the D-line are standing out, and we’ve taken Bryson and split him between defensive end and linebacker. With Colton Jones

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on one side and Bryson on the other, it’s pretty nasty.”

Michael Caldwell and Kody Harris both appear set for major contributions, too.

Harris will play running back and linebacker.

Ty Jordan has been slowed by a basketball injury but

See PANTHERS, Page 29

BrazosSports.com

Friday, August 22, 2014

rockdale tigers

Playoff-tested Tigers have raised their bar

A two-year starter at guard on the offensive line, Michael Boyd is one of Rockdale’s 28 seniors who will give the Tigers plenty of experience as they try to build on their 7-4 season and playoff berth.

Senior class 28 players deep gives Rockdale strong foundation for 2014

By David Campbell david.campbell@theeagle.com

W

hen the playoffs arrived, so did the Rockdale Tigers.

The Tigers were 6-4 when the 3A Division II playoffs opened but raced to three impressive playoff wins to move into the quarterfinals in 2013.

“We got hot at the right time,” Rockdale coach Jeff Miller said. “The kids started believing and playing well, and we got some breaks. The kids that were returning were excited to get started to try

to repeat or get better. Any time you start experiencing success, obviously, you raised your expectations and want to do it again.”

They’ll try to do it with a senior class of 28 players.

With the new UIL restructuring of classification alignments, Rockdale moved into a district with a smaller enrollment — District 10-3A Division I. Graduation losses

Eagle photo by Dave McDermand

We got hot at the right time.

The kids started believing and playing well, and we got some breaks.

Jeff Miller Rockdale head football coach

See ROCKDALE, Page 30

PANTHERS: Caldwell, Shaw key members of secondary Continued from 28 will get playing time when healthy.

Senior Edward Galicia and sophomore Michael Curtner are line leaders at guard.

Safety Zach Caldwell and freshman Jake Shaw highlight the secondary and are joined by linebacker Alex Noey and John Garlick in a defense loaded with potential. Noey and Garlick are strong safety/ linebacker combo players.

Morton likes the way the season has started at training camp.

“This is by far out best twoa-days in the third year that

we’ve been here,” Morton said. “Practice has been very upbeat. The few seniors that we have and some of the juniors that have played for me the last two years have been good leaders.”

Normangee is shifting districts to the east this year and will be a six-team league after playing in a strong fourteam Class A league the past two years. In the widespread District 12-2A Division II, the Panthers could have a homefield advantage. They host three of the five league games with one of the two road trips to nearby Iola. The team’s one significant road trip will be to

Friday, August 22, 2014

Head coach — Kevin Morton (7-13 overall; 7-13 at Normangee) District — 12-2A Division II 2013 record — 4-6 (0-3 in 12-A Division II) 2013 playoffs — did not qualify Playoff appearances (13) — 1932, 1984, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1997, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011; 6-man (2) —1963, 1964 Zone playoff appearances (3) — 1984, 1985, 1986 Returning lettermen — 17 (9 offensive, 8 defensive starters) All-time record — 262-361-15 (11-man) Playoff record — 6-15-0

Evadale on Oct. 24 — a journey of about 160 miles.

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ROCKDALE: Tigers have potent, tall receiving corps Continued from 29 and the shift to a district that includes two-time defending state champion Cameron didn’t clear any paths for the Tigers, but the momentum that came from the playoff charge could help. Among the wins was a 75-28 area rout of Center.

Rockdale lost its stellar receiver, Pearce Loth, to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in a 21-14 regional final win over Coldspring-Oakhurst. Loth is healthy now and will aim to improve on his junior season that included 64 receptions for a school-record 1,183 yards. Loth also scored 14 touchdowns.

“The first couple of days, he looked a little slow and was dragging [the knee] just a tad, but since then I think he’s back to full speed,” Miller said. “I know his strength is there. He’s done a great job of rehabbing and recovering and seems to be ready to go.”

Loth won’t go it alone.

The receiver spot is where the Tiger have their greatest depth, and that includes returning starter Darius Ford and 6-foot-6 junior Christian Lara. Each of the Loth-FordLara trio stand at least 6-3.

“We’re pretty dang tall,” Miller said. “We go 6-6, 6-4 and 6-3.”

Inside receivers Brent Drummond, Derek Whitsel and Hayden Offield all have had significant playing time.

Rockdale’s quarterback and running back situation remains in flux with injuries and still-stirring competition leaving question marks. Last season’s quarterback, Clayton Gibbs, had 3,086 passing yards and helped the Tigers average 33.6 points per contest, but he graduated.

“We have a couple of seniors that seem to be very capable of leading our team,” Miller said. “Obviously, coming in after the year Clayton had last year is a pretty high challenge.”

30

Date Opponent Aug 29 Smithville Last season: W 41-13 Sept 5 at Taylor Last season: W 42-21 Sept 12 Salado Last season: W 47-21 Sept 19 Open Date Sept 26 at Caldwell Last season: W 69-21 Oct 3 Madisonville* Last season: W 33-21 10-3A Division I Oct 10 at Cameron Last season: L 51-33 Oct 17 at Lago Vista Oct 24 Academy Oct 31 at Troy Nov 7 Florence *Homecoming

Time 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30

Head coach — Jeff Miller (81-65 overall; 46-44 at Rockdale) District — 10-3A Division I 2013 record — 9-5 (3-1 in 18-3A) 2013 playoffs — 3A Division II bidistrict: def. Lorena 55-36; Area: def.

Center 75-28; Regional: def. Coldspring Oakhurst 21-14; Quarterfinal: lost to Fairfield 42-7 Playoff appearances (22) — 1958, 1962, 1963, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 Zone playoff (1) — 1973 Returning lettermen — 21 (5 offensive, 5 defensive starters) All-time record — 481-440-26 Playoff record — 20-21-0

Again, Rockdale continues its line of offensive line standouts with 6-4 Dillian Ford a leader up front at tackle.

Guard Justin Offield checks in at 6-3 and nearly 300 pounds.

Michael Boyd (6-0, 240) is a two-year returning starter at the other guard.

“We’re in pretty good shape up front,” Miller said. “We may not have the big name people that we’ve had in the past, but we’ve certainly got some kids that we really like.”

Lineman Preston Ehler is a defensive standout. He had 74 tackles last season and will be paired with Jakob Moreland, who recorded 56 tackles (four for losses) and caused two fumbles. “[Ehler] is just a heck of a

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Eagle photos by Dave McDermand TOP: Senior Preston Ehler had 74 tackles last season and is expected to be a key member of Rockdale’s solid defense. RIGHT: At 6-foot-4, Pearce Loth is one Rockdale’s tall outside receivers. Loth tore an ACL last season in the playoffs, but after a slow start to training camp, he’s healthy and ready to back up a junior campaign in which he caught 64 passes for a school-record 1,183 yards with 14 touchdowns. football player,” Miller said of the three-year starter at defensive end. “He’s 6-4, 230 and is about as good of a technician as I have ever coached on the defensive side.”

The other defensive end, Tyler Prazak, is also a top player. He recorded 49 tackles and eight sacks.

“Our secondary is pretty experienced, as well, with Ed Dansby, Hayden Offield and Derek Whitsel all coming back,” Miller said. “Tro’maine Miles is playing the free safety.”

For the first time since

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Miller has coached the team, there is no obvious star at linebacker, with little experience at the spot. Rockdale has had FBS-caliber talent at linebacker every year that Miller has coached the Tigers.

The Tigers will have an advantage over most teams at kicker.

“Adolfo Chavira, he’s a senior and he’s a good one,” Miller said.

theeagle com BrazosSports.com

1 David Franklin, 5-8, 155, soph., QB/DB; 2 Billy Harris, 6-3, 175, sr., RB/DB; 3 Tro’Maine Miles, 5-10, 150, sr., WR/DB; 4 Dylan McCartney, 5-10, 150, sr., QB/DB; 5 Ed Dansby, 5-9, 155, sr., RB /DB; 6 Pearce Loth, 6-4, 205, sr., WR/DB; 7 Tyler Land, 5-8, 160, sr., WR/DB; 8 Adolfo Chavira, 5-8, 170, sr., K; 9 Brent Drummond, 6-0, 200, sr., WR/LB; 10 Andrew Perez, 5-10, 185, sr., WR/LB; 11 Jon David Mendoza, 5-9, 155, sr., WR/DB; 12 Hayden Offield, 6-0, 160, sr., WR/DB; 14 Jon Hines, 6-0, 180, sr., WR/LB; 15 Darius Ford, 6-3, 175, sr., WR/ DB; 18 Christian Lara, 6-6, 185, jr., WR/DB; 20 Davion Ford, 5-11, 175, soph., RB/DB; 22 JW Smith, 5-9, 155, sr., WR/LB; 23 Dailynn Ramey, 5-9, 185, sr., RB/ DB; 25 Hayden Von Rosenberg, 5-8, 140, sr., WR/DB; 30 Nic Vreeland, 6-2, 185, sr., WR/LB; 31 Chase Pickett, 5-10, 175, jr., RB/LB; 33 Fred Henderson, 5-8, 160, jr., RB/DB; 34 Joey Montelongo, 5-9, 185, jr., RB/LB; 50 Dillian Ford, 6-4, 280, sr., OL/DT; 52 Tyler Prazak, 6-3, 215, sr., OL/DE; 53 Eric Davenport, 5-9, 240, sr., OL/DT; 55 Kacey Waxler, 6-0, 240, jr., OL/DT; 57 Jakob Moreland, 6-5, 250, sr., OL/DT; 59 Quondrous Ayala, 5-9, 265, sr., OL/DT; 60 Javier Mayberry, 5-9, 165, sr., OL/LB; 61 Buck Garza, 5-6, 175, sr., OL/DT; 64 Jared Gerren, 5-10, 200, sr., OL/DE; 68 Braxton Moore, 5-10, 220, soph., OL/DT; 70 Michael Boyd, 6-0, 240, sr., OL/DT; 71 Travis Morgan, 6-3, 190, jr., OL/DT; 72 Quentin White, 5-10, 250, soph., OL/DT; 79 Justin Offield, 6-2, 260, sr., OL/ DT; 80 Preston Ehler, 6-4, 200, sr., TE/DE; 84 Zac Zoeller, 5-10, 160, jr., WR/ DB; 88 Derek Whitsell, 6-0, 170, sr., WR/DB.

Friday, August 22, 2014

rudder rangers

New era begins First-year Rudder coach found sparkplug for program in Choka

By David Campbell

david.campbell@theeagle.com

F

irst-year Rudder head coach Will Compton was looking for some strong shoulders.

Spencer Choka provided them Choka has been quick to jump into a needed leadership role as the Rangers take aim on improvement after a 0-10 season in 2013.

“We’ve brought in discipline, a lot of disciCHOKA pline,” Choka says with a slight laugh. “It’s character building. We went though our boot camp and everybody’s on one page. We’ve changed the defensive scheme and offensive scheme, changing people around to help us win.”

Choka is moving to inside linebacker this season to take full advantage of his skills.

Playing outside as a junior, he had a strong season. He was often a tackling leader for the Rangers, retaining an intensity that was not easy to find when losses mounted.

“It was really hard coming home with a loss every week,” Choka said. “You’d go to the pep rallies and to the game and everybody knows, toward the end of the season, what was happening. It was hard walking around school and people were joking. This year, it’s not going to happen.”

Choka had a team-leading 97 tackles with seven for losses. He caused four fumbles.

Eagle photos by Sam Craft TOP: Rudder head football coach Will Compton discusses a route with Jermaine Mills during the opening day of football practice for the Rangers earlier this month. RIGHT: Rudder’s lineman work on blocking techniques.

Those shoulders can be used for contact. Choka is talking up his team and talking to his teammates more than ever.

“I like to lead by example, but when you’re not talking, it doesn’t help as much because on defense you have to talk.”

Choka said. “It’s encouragement. On the field, I’ve been dead silent, but this year, I’ve got to be more vocal, especially being in the middle.”

Compton pinpointed Choka for his leadership.

“I brought in guys that were selected as team leaders for our boot camp phase, our offseason phase,” Compton said. “One area that Spencer really had to focus on was to open his mouth and speak up

Friday, August 22, 2014

and to call those guys out that weren’t doing exactly what needed to be done.”

His on-field play earned the respect, specifically one skill.

“My pursuit, chasing a ball-carrier,” said Choka, who works at HEB where sometimes pursuit is in order. “[A customer] may leave a bag or something and they are all the way down the parking lot.

You’ve just got to go run out there.”

He gets there faster than most.

“He’s got a motor,” Compton said. “You watch a film and he never stops chasing.

It’s one of his strong suits.”

The Rudder linebacker doesn’t envision losses, but

he believes the Rangers will be able to overcome them this year, if necessary.

“I think we’ll be strong if we lose one of those early ball games,” Choka said. “We went through character building. The workouts will push you, and everybody’s gotten mentally strong and knows what it takes to bounce off of that adversity.”

A new start

Compton served as the Conroe Oak Ridge offensive coordinator last year when the War Eagles improved from 1-9 to 7-4, earning a playoff berth in the process.

Now he’s focused on chang-

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ing the attitude of the Ranger program.

“We’re athletic enough to compete in all our games, and it comes down to character,” Compton said. “Once you find a group of people who can handle adversity and stick together and fight for one another, you’re going to have something special.”

Compton has key building blocks. Linebacker Daryl Boxley II is another defensive standout. Boxley recorded 73 tackles, finishing second to Choka in defensive stops. The two combined for five of Rud-

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der’s eight sacks.

“Inside linebackers are definitely a team strength that we have,” Compton said.

“Boxley played quite a bit last year and subbed in and out.

He really developed his leadership skills this spring.”

Defensive tackle Charles Owens could also be a major contributor on defense. Owens had 27 tackles, including two for losses, as a sophomore last year. Fellow junior Charlie Watt, who moved to outside linebacker, has big

See RUDDER, Page 32

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31

RUDDER: Gonzales helps lead Rudder defense up front Continued from 31 potential. “[Watt is] one of our fastest kids and is a big, strong kid as well,” said Compton, who will employ a 3-4 defense.

Also on the defensive front, J.P. Gonzales has been a standout at nose guard and defensive end.

“He’s the anchor of that defense and does a good job of keeping his pads low GONZALES and coming off the ball,” Compton said. “At defensive end, we’ve got a converted linebacker, Christian Espinoza, that’s working hard right now and a kid coming up from JV who will be a junior, Josh Peoples. He’s 6-foot-4, 230 [pounds], long and rangy.”

Vince Sandle is moving from cornerback to safety.

“He has potential to be a college defensive back,” Compton said. “He is 5-10 or 5-11 with 4.5 speed [in the 40-yard dash], so he can cover some ground.”

Rudder’s other safety is J.T. King, who played receiver on the JV last year. Sophomore DeMarcus Dates has been a pleasant surprise at cornerback. Justin Allen, who is a cowboy roper when not playing football, ties down the other corner spot. Federrian Lewis, who came over from basketball, will also see action in the defensive backfield.

Brady Batten, one of the Brazos Valley’s top punters last season, is Rudder’s centerpiece player on offense at quarterback. Batten completed 94 of 231 pass attempts for 1,387 yards and 13 touchdowns with five interceptions last season. Batten would like to pump up those numbers and perhaps punt less, although he averaged 38.8

32

Date Aug 29 Sept 5 Sept 11 Sept 19

Opponent Time at Killeen Shoemaker 7:30 Killeen Ellison 7:30 at Bastrop Cedar Creek 7:30 Open Date 18-5A Sept 26 Caney Creek* 7:30 Last season: L 34-28 (OT) Oct 3 at College Station 7:30 Oct 10 Willis 7:30 Last season: L 43-14 Oct 17 Livingston 7:30 Oct 24 at Huntsville 7:30 Last season: L 42-23 Oct 31 A&M Consolidated 7:30 Nov 7 at Bryan 7:30 *Homecoming

Head coach — Will Compton (first year as head coach; first year at Rudder) District — 18-5A 2013 record — 0-10 (0-8 in 18-4A) 2013 playoffs — did not qualify Playoff appearances — none Returning lettermen — 18 (4 offensive, 3 defensive starters) All-time record — 13-34-1 Playoff record — none

yards per punt and put five out of bounds inside the 20.

“Right now, Brady is our number one,” Compton said of his quarterbacks. “He’s got a great arm.”

With BatBATTEN ten’s focus on running the team, he might get a break on special teams. Stronglegged soccer goalkeeper Ryan Hammond has joined the Rangers’ football team and will punt.

Rudder’s running game, which never hit its stride last year, is an area where the Rangers could show improvement.

Jamal Collins, who Compton calls a “water bug,” tops the running back returnees.

Collins was Rudder’s leader last season as a sophomore, gaining 298 yards on 94 car-

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Eagle photo by Dave McDermand Spencer Choka (left) and Daryl Boxley II give the Rudder Rangers a pair of senior leaders in their linebacking corps. Choka led Rudder in tackles last season with 97, including seven for a loss. He also forced four fumbles. Boxley finished second on the team in tackles with 73. Together, the duo had five of Rudder’s eight quarterback sacks. ries. He will share carries with sophomore Kaidrion Latson.

William Dates, a physical runner, also figures into the mix.

“Running back is going to be by committee,” Compton said. “We want to get as many kids in the game as possible, so we don’t have dropoffs.

We’ll use two or three running backs that will rotate in and out. “ Senior Jermaine Mills has stood out among what will also MILLS be a sharethe-wealth receiver corps.

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DeShawn McMillan, David Hobson and Brian Williams will also have passes directed their way. Tim Tennell is also coming over from the basketball team to play receiver.

The offensive line, led by 6-3, 315-pound sophomore Noah Hensley, could be a bright spot.

“He’s a big ol’ kid who comes off the ball with a purpose and is fun to watch,” Compton said. “Playing beside him is another sophomore, Alex Arevalo (6-1, 275).

Our offensive line overall is going to be bigger than what they’ve had in the past.”

Two seniors, Garrett Hauke and Jordan Tribble, strengthen that unit.

BrazosSports.com

2 Travis Piper, sr., WR; 3 Jermaine Mills, sr. WR; 4 Brian Williams, jr., WR; 5 Kaidrion Latson, soph. RB; 6 Federrian Lewis, sr.; DB; 7 JT King, jr., DB; 8 Deshawn McMillan, sr., WR; 9 William Dates, jr., RB/WR; 10 Spencer Choka, sr., LB; 11 Brady Batten, sr., QB; 12 Justin Allen, jr., DB; 13 David Hobson, jr., WR; 12 Justin Allen, jr. DB; 13 David Hobson, jr., WR; 14 Luke Estlund, sr.; LB; 15 Vincent Sandle, jr,; DB/WR; 16 Kashawn Newton, sr., LB; 17 Milton Elarms, jr., DB; 18 Tim Tennell, jr., WR; 19 Cody Collins, jr., QB; 20 Matt Lopez, sr., LB; 22 DeMarcus Dates, soph., DB; 23 Leonard Sterling, sr., DB; 24 Ryan Pierce, sr., DB/K; 26 Jamall Collins, jr., RB; 27 Andrew Lenz, sr., DB; 28 John Moore, sr., LB; 29 Eric Hausman, sr., K; 32 Daryl Boxley, sr., LB; 34 Dallas Trejo, sr., LB; 35 Chris Espinoza, jr., DL; 36 Charles Kennard, soph., RB; 40 JP Gonzales, sr., DL; 41 Kris Garca, sr., LB; 42 Charlie Watt, jr., LB; 44 Ryan Hammond, jr., LB; 45 JT Wagner, jr., LB; 46 George Guajardo, jr., DL; 50 Patrick Glover, sr., DL; 51 Omar Cantu, sr., OL; 52 Nick Flores, sr., OL; 53 Garrett Lucas, sr., OL; 54 Garrett Hauke, sr., OL; 55 Alex Arevalo, soph., OL; 56 Christopher Davis, sr., DL; 59 Jordan Tribble,sr., OL; 63 Noah Hensley, soph,; OL; 72 JaMarcus Mayes, sr., OL; 77 Shaquon Warren, jr., OL; 84 Eric Peterson, jr,, soph., WR; 85 Sinai Woods, jr., OL: 90 Josh Peoples., jr,; DL; 99 Charles Owens, jr., DL.

theeagle com

For coverage of the high school football season across the Brazos Valley, visit

BrazosSports.com.

Friday, August 22, 2014

Snook bluejays

Hopes high for Snook With good senior class, Bluejays ready to take another shot at school’s first playoff bid

By Larry Bowen larry.bowen@theeagle.com

A

quirky schedule leaves the Snook football program without a November game this year, but the Bluejays have an opportunity to extend their season into what could be a magical month.

A playoff berth will do it.

Snook, three years after resurrecting its football program, will enter the season with high hopes of earning a place in the postseason for the first time. That would allow the Bluejays to tee it up in November despite a schedule

Head coach — Scott Cummings (4-16 overall; 4-16 at Snook) District — 13-2A Division II 2013 record — 3-7 (2-3 in 13-A Division II) 2013 playoffs — did not qualify Playoff appearances — none Returning lettermen — 26 (9 offensive, 9 defensive starters) All-time record — 6-34-0 Playoff record — none

that includes a game on Oct. 31 and a bye on the last week of the regular season.

“We’ve talked in depth with our kids about winning those

games in October and being able to play in November,” Snook coach Scott Cummings said. “We’ve got 12 seniors on our team finally. Like I told those guys before, seniors win football games for you. They know what they could do for Snook as far as taking it to the next level.”

Last season the Bluejays went 3-7 overall, a two-win improvement over their first building season under Cummings. Snook posted a 2-3

See SNOOK, Page 34

Eagle photos by Dave McDermand Snook has nine returning starters on offense, a group bolstered by senior quarterback Deon Hamilton (top), junior wide receiver Darrion Swain (left) and senior center Landon Eldridge. Hamilton combined for almost 1,500 yards rushing and passing last season, while Swain caught 28 passes. Eldridge leads an offensive line that has all five starters returning.

Friday, August 22, 2014

High School Football 2014

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The Eagle

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somerville yeguas

Yeguas have leader in Nunn Somerville program has 35 players on roster this season

S

By David Campbell david.campbell@theeagle.com

enior linebacker Anthony Nunn has been a defensive leader for the Somerville Yeguas. He’s about to expand his role.

“We’re going to be moving him around from quarterback to receiver, and he’ll be starting at linebacker,” first-year Somerville coach James Richardson said. “He’s a great all-around athlete and was on our area finalist 4x100 relay and our regional-qualifying

4x200, so he’s a kid that’s got some speed to him and is a competitor.”

It is a young Somerville team with Nunn part of a small senior group. When Nunn is not taking snaps under center, there is an active competition to determine who will. The Yeguas might used multiple players there.

“If they’re not playing quarterback, they might be playing receiver,” Richardson said.

In his first head coaching position, Richardson directed playoff teams the last two years at Brackett High School in Brackettville. Richardson takes over a Yeguas’ squad that has a 1-19 record over the last two seasons.

With 35 players out for football, Somerville’s coach plans to field a JV team to build for the future.

Malik Roy was the district Newcomer of the Year last season and should play an even larger role in his junior year.

“He’s going to be playing some running back and some slot receiver for us,” Richardson said. “He’ll probably end up being a starter both ways.

We’re looking at him at the safety position on the defensive side.”

The Yeguas have a 6-foot-5 senior receiver in Deaunte Sparks-Moore.

“He’ll help us with the deep ball and be able to go up for a jump ball or two,” Richardson said. “Being a basketball kid, he should be able to do that.”

Jordan Fields and Mark

Head coach — James Richardson (17-6 overall; first year at Somerville) District — 13-2A Division II 2013 record — 0-10 (0-5 in 13-A Division II) 2013 playoffs — did not qualify Playoff appearances (8) — 1939, 1960, 1965, 1976, 1982, 1983, 1990, 2006 Returning lettermen — 16 (4 offensive, 4 defensive starters) All-time record — 306-473-24 Playoff record — 4-8-0

Hargrove lead an offensive line for Somerville that could benefit a running game that will have numerous players will be involved.

Tyler Pharr returns and will fill the middle linebacker spot. Pharr has speed, too.

He ran the 100 meters during track season. Pharr has power

Date Aug 29 Sept 5 Sept 12 Sept 19

Opponent at Iola Buffalo at Shiner St. Paul Yorktown —13-2A Division II— Sept 26 Milano Last season: L 50-21 Oct 3 at Bremond Oct 10 Bartlett* Last season: L 62-14 Oct 17 at Granger Last season: L 50-33 Oct 24 Open Date Oct 31 Snook Nov 7 at Burton Last season: L 47-8 *Homecoming

Time 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30

in those legs with a squat lift of 500 pounds.

“I think we’ll surprise some people,” Richardson said.

“We’re going to be young, but there’s some talent.”

SNOOK: Cummings says Bluejays have to finish games Continued from 33 mark in District 13-A Division II, finishing in fourth place and coming within one victory of catching Bartlett for the league’s third playoff berth.

“I don’t think we’re going to take anything less than getting in the playoffs this year,” Cummings said. “The wins haven’t been there [enough in] the past two years, but we’re close. If we can get the ball to bounce our way and do things right, I think we have a legitimate chance.

“This is our third football season here. It’s a lot less teaching. The kids know what’s expected. They pretty much know the playbook inside-out. It’s a lot easier walking out on that football field and being able to teach techniques and how to get better as a football player.”

To make a serious run at the playoffs, Snook must perform better in close games and come up with a more productive offense. Those

34

items go hand-in-hand for a coach who feels good about his defense.

Last season the Bluejays scored 196 points, slightly more than half as many as Bartlett (375).

“What we need to work on is finishing games,” Cummings said. “We’ve had times where we’ve struggled a little offensively and played well defensively. It’s going to be important that our offense clicks and gets us over the edge by scoring some points.”

The offense should be bolstered by a veteran line that returns all five starters, a group led by center Landon Eldridge and right guard Hayden Kovar.

“Landon Eldridge is probably one of the smartest football players that we have,” Cummings said. “He does a lot making our calls at the line and getting people where they need to be. Hayden Kovar is a tough, hard-nosed country boy that just gets after it.”

Snook also has returners

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5 Jeremy Davila, 5-2, 110, fr., WR/DB; 7 Micheal Conerway, 6-0, 150, soph., WR/DB; 8 Moises Davila, 5-2, 120, soph., RB/LB; 10 Joseph Lara, 5-6, 120, fr., WR/DB; 12 Deon Hamilton, 6-0, 165, sr., QB/DB; 14 Micheal Ramirez, 6-0, 155, fr., WR/LB; 16 Jay Young, 5-7, 140, sr., WR/DB; 21 JaMarion Flowers, 5-1, 140, soph., RB/DB; 22 Harlan Plumber, 5-11, 160, sr., WR/LB; 26 Nathan Sprouse, 5-3, 115, fr., WR/DB; 28 Davonte Allen, 5-8, 160, sr., WR/LB; 33 Paul Arredondo, 5-6, 145, jr., RB/LB; 34 Jaquaveon Louis, 5-7, 140, fr., RB/ DB; 40 Chris Ramirez, 5-2, 135, jr., WR/DB; 42 Justin Tarver, 6-0, 185, sr., OL/ LB; 44 Chris Sebesta, 5-8, 165, soph., OL/LB; 50 Ricky Gonzalez, 5-6, 120, fr., WR/DB; 51 Daphne Carter, 5-5, 135, soph., OL/DL; 54 Ricky Castaneda, 5-10, 190, jr., OL/DL; 55 Hayden Kovar, 5-9, 220, sr., OL/DL; 57 Colten Orsak, 6-0, 195, sr., OL/DL c60 Nicholas Sebesta, 6-2, 250, sr., OL/DL; 62 Landon Eldridge, 5-10, 200, sr., OL/DL; 63 Shemar Barnes, 5-5, 225, fr., OL/DL; 64 Colten Kleppel, 5-8, 240, sr., OL/DL; 65 ToeBen Kindt, 5-10, 185, sr., OL/DL; 67 Hayden Becka, 5-9, 265, sr., OL/DL; 70 Trazel Shorter, 5-9, 270, jr., OL/DL; 71 Matthew Schoppe, 5-9, 255, soph., 72 Justin Hooper, 5-10, 180, jr., OL/ DL; 74 Devonze Franklin, 5-6, 230, fr., OL/DL; 80 Darrion Swain, 5-9, 145, jr., WR/DB; 84 Charles Ramirez, 6-1, 165, fr., WR/DL; 85 Charleston Scarlett, 6-3, 165, jr., WR/DB

in senior quarterback Deon Hamilton and speedy junior receiver Darrion Swain.

Hamilton is a dual threat who produced nearly 1,500 yards passing and running last season. Swain caught 28 passes as a sophomore.

The Bluejays figure to be solid on defense. The unquestioned leader of the unit is senior inside linebacker

The Eagle

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Harlan Plumber. Last season, Plumber made 123 tackles to push his two-year total to 223. He will combine in the middle with fellow senior ToeBen Kindt (84 tackles last year) to give Snook a strong linebacker corps.

“The heart and soul of our defense is Harlan Plumber,” Cummings said. “He’s about 6 feet and 160 pounds wringing

BrazosSports.com

Date Opponent Time Aug 29 at Hallettsville Sac. Heart 7:30 Sept 5 at Brazos Christian 7:30 Last season: L 36-20 Sept 12 Normangee 7:30 Last season: L 22-21 Sept 19 at Weimar 7:30 13-2A Division II Sept 26 Burton 7:30 Last season: L 26-8 Oct 3 at Milano 7:30 Last season: L 26-6 Oct 10 Bremond 7:30 Oct 17 at Bartlett 7:30 Last season: L 34-12 Oct 23 Granger 7:30 Last season: W 50-22 Oct 31 at Somerville 7:30 Last season: W 19-13 Nov 7 Open Date All home games at Allen Academy

wet, but he dang sure has a nose for the football.”

Along the front line, the Bluejays expect big things from 280-pound Colten Kleppel and end/outside linebacker Justin Tarver, who came on strong at the end of last season.

“We’re excited about our

front seven,” Cummings said.

“We play a lot of teams that run the football right at you, so we have to be able to stop the run.”

After playing their home games at Stephen F. Austin Middle School in Bryan last year, the Bluejays will switch to the artificial turf at Allen Academy this season.

An even bigger change for Snook came during UIL realignment. Snook and previous district mates Bartlett, Burton, Granger, Milano and Somerville will be joined in 13-2A Division II by Bremond, which reached the state quarterfinals last season.

“We were happy with our little six-team district, and now we’ve got a steamroller coming in that’s going to try to push you around,” Cummings said of Bremond.

“They’re a good football team and you have to bring your A game if you’re going to beat them.”

Friday, August 22, 2014

st. joseph eagles

Eagles flying under new direction First-year head coach Alexander wants team to learn how to put away the close games

By Larry Bowen larry.bowen@theeagle.com

B

ig changes at the top of St. Joseph’s coaching staff and in its district will make an imprint on the football program, but the Eagles know little things can leave a mark, too.

St. Joseph will enter the season with a new head coach. Kyle Alexander has been promoted from offensive coordinator to take over for Blake Evans, who chose to go into full-time administrative work after leading the Eagles to the second round of the Texas Association of Private Schools playoffs last year.

The Eagles and local rival Brazos Christian have been moved into TAPPS Division III District 4, a league that will include 2013 playoff teams Bay Area Christian and The Woodlands Christian.

If the coaching and district changes represent seismic shifts, Alexander believes a more subtle change could pay big dividends for St. Joseph.

The new coach said finishing games will help the program take the next step, a point reinforced by the Eagles’ 19-18

loss to Bay Area Christian in the second round of last year’s playoffs.

“We’ve got to be able to win the close games,” Alexander said. “It seemed like last year our wins were big, but in our losses we were right there on the cusp and just couldn’t break through. That’s what we’ve been stressing, that when the game’s on the line and it’s time to show up, you’re there to make the play that can change the game.

“We’re coming off our most successful season at St. Joseph. We’re not where we want to be yet, but I’m going to get us there.”

The Eagles lost several key seniors from last year’s team, which went 8-3 and finished second in their Central Texasbased district behind state finalist Brazos Christian.

“Last year was a lot of fun,” Alexander said. “We had a very skilled group of kids.

Losing a big senior class is going to hurt, but the cupboard is definitely not bare.

“We’ll be a little bit younger this year, but we’ve got some

talent in those sophomore and junior classes. There’s definitely going to be a bright future for us.”

Senior quarterback Luke McClure likely will play a crucial role in the development of the revamped Eagles, who will rely on a young group of runners and receivers. The 6-foot-1, 235-pound McClure passed for 2,129 yards and scored 20 touchdowns last season.

“This will be Luke McClure’s fourth year as starting quarterback, so that’s definitely going to help,” Alexander said. “That’s going to be a big boost to a group of young guys that just need time to work together and build that chemistry.”

The Eagles must find replacements after graduating running backs Nicky Damon and Tres Todd. Receiver Reuben Fernandes and running back Hunter Batten, a sophomore, are expected to play key roles.

McClure and the Eagles’ new ball-handlers should benefit from a solid offensive line. The lead blockers include

303-pound junior Quentin Casarez and 232-pound senior Ben Simpson.

“Quentin is a real force for us up front on the offensive and defensive lines,” Alexander said. “He does a great job. Ben Simpson plays both ways and has started the past two years.

He’s not one of those big old guys, but he does a good job.

“We’re going to need those young skill kids to jell together, and it will be easier because we’ll have those veterans up front making holes for them.”

Alexander can relate to the offensive linemen. He played the position at Victoria’s St. Joseph High School, then attended Texas A&M with the goal of becoming a coach. Alexander started at St. Joseph as a volunteer assistant, then worked with the offensive line before being promoted to offensive coordinator.

It has been a rapid ascent for Alexander, already running a football program at age 27.

“It’s definitely scary,” Alexander said. “There’s a little

2 Michael Krause 6-0, 172, jr., WR/S; 3 John Najvar, 6-0, 145, fr., QB/WR/ CB; 4 Luke McClure, 6-1, 240, sr., QB/OLB; 5 Coltin Slenk, 6-0, 155, fr., WR/ CB; 6 Hunter Batten, 5-7, 179, soph., RB/ILB; 7 Austin Canatella, 5-8, 120, fr., WR/CB; 8 Seth Castillo, 5-7, 150, soph., WR/OLB/K; 10 Kyle Locke, 5-10, 165, jr., WR/ILB; 11 De’Untae Damon, 5-10, 161, soph., RB/ILB; 12 Hunter Konderla, 5-10, 140, jr., RB/S; 15 Nick Dimarco, 5-6, 125, fr., RB/CB; 20 Josh Saldua, 5-10, 140, fr., WR/CB/S; 22 Cory Konderla, 6-0, 145, sr., WR/CB; 25 Jeremy Martinez, 5-7, 150, jr., RB/CB; 34 Logan Lipscomb, 5-10, 155, fr., WR/S/OLB; 35 Reuben Fernandes 6-0, 178, sr., WR/OLB; 50 Philip Blaszak, 5-7, 150, fr., OL/DL; 51 Ryan Ernst, 5-7, 163, soph., OL/ILB; 52 Nick Adam, 5-11, 190, soph., OL/DL/LB; 53 Samuel Gonzalez, 5-8, 180, fr., OL/DL; 54 Jack Clements, 5-10, 215, soph., OL/DL; 55 Ben Simpson, 5-11, 232, sr., OL/DL; 56 Cameron Cooper, 5-6, 154, soph., OL/OLB; 58 Matthew Taylor, 6-0, 236, jr., OL/DL; 60 Eric Rodriguez, 5-11, 251, jr., OL/DL; 63 Patrick Patke, 5-10, 175, fr., OL/DL; 64 Michael Starnes, 5-11, 212, sr., OL/OLB; 68 Chris Adams, 5-11, 322, sr., OL/DL; 70 Robert Healing, 5-10, 288, jr., OL/DL; 72 Quentin Casarez, 6-2, 303, jr., OL/DL

Head coach — Kyle Alexander (first year as St. Joseph head coach) District — TAPPS Division III District 4 2013 record — 8-3 (4-1 in TAPPS Division III District 5) 2013 playoffs — Bi-district: def.

Temple Central Texas Christian 54-20; lost to League City Bay Area Christian 19-18 Playoff appearances (10) — 6-man (3): 1999, 2000, 2001; 11-man (7): 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 Returning lettermen — 22 (5 offensive, 6 defensive starters)

Date Opponent Time Aug 29 at Central Tx. Christian 7:30 Last season: W 53-8 Sept 5 Shiner St. Paul 7:30 Last season: W 75-50 Sept 12 Open Date Sept 19 at Schertz John Paul II 7:30 Last season: W 34-7 TAPPS Division III District 4 Sept 26 Magnolia Legacy* 7 Oct 3 at The Woodlands Christian 7 Oct 10 Houston Lutheran North 7 Oct 17 at Tomball Rosehill 7 Oct 24 Beaumont Legacy 7 Nov 1 at Bay Area Christian 2 Last season: L 19-18 Nov 7 Brazos Christian 7 Last season: L 41-12 *Homecoming

bit of nervousness, but it’s not something that I would ever shy away from. I started on my career path wanting to be a head coach some day, and I’m very fortunate that it came to me at this early stage.

It also gives me the hunger to prove myself.”

The Eagles should be strong up front defensively.

Casarez and Simpson will be joined on the line by 322-pound senior Chris Adams. After not playing as a sophomore, Adams joined the team last year and played his way into a starting role.

IOLA: Offensive line has size LEXINGTON: Schedule is tough Continued from 22

the playoffs with a 1-2 district mark, then lost 46-8 against Bosqueville to finish at 5-5.

“We feel like it could be a very big year for us,” Coach Martinez said. “The expectations are high, particularly for our juniors and seniors.

At some point we’ve got to

raise the bar and make a push deeper into the playoffs. That’s something that we’re going to use as ammo and motivation to make this a great year.”

The Bulldogs’ ground game should be bolstered by an offensive line with size and power.

Iola’s top blockers include

Friday, August 22, 2014

275-pound Dustin Timm and 250-pounder Will Mallett.

Junior tight end Ryan Renick, who had 21 receptions and five touchdowns last season, should provide help in the running game and as a receiver.

Defensively, the front line will be led by 6-foot-3, 300-pound Reed Fairbanks.

Continued from 22

of Lexington’s defense.

“He’s the cornerstone in that defense,” Muhl said.

“He’s still learning the concepts of it because the defense we run is not a typical defense. It’s an alignmentstyle defense that’s not black and white, and you’ve got to

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understand football to run it. As a freshman, his head was spinning a little, but as a sophomore, he’s gotten a lot better, and the people around him have gotten a lot better.”

Yet, only one senior is listed as a defensive starter, with most positions manned by sophomores.

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Lara and Ryan Garrison will be at free safety, and Freddy Blackmon will contribute at strong safety. He is the sole senior on that unit.

The Eagles have not softened their nondistrict schedule, which includes Teague, Cameron, Shiner and Academy.

BrazosSports.com

35

Photo Day Questions THE QUESTION

A FEW ANSWERS LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers point guard

Who is the greatest athlete currently competing?

“He’s unstoppable.”

— Jashod Flentroy, Hearne

Our Brazos Valley high school football players know plenty about sports, and we asked them to decide which athlete is the best of the best at our inaugural Photo Day. They could pick anybody in any sport. LeBron James proved the clearcut winner, but the list of vote-getters stretches far and wide across sports and countries — including one vote that sticks close to home.

RESULTS

Athlete, Team, Position Total Votes LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers PG 47 Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings RB 9 J.J. Watt, Houston Texans DE 7 Johnny Manziel, Cleveland Browns QB 6 Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers SG 4 Richard Sherman, Seattle Seahawks CB 4 Jadaveon Clowney, Houston Texans DE 3 Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder SF 3 Derek Jeter, New York Yankees SS 2 Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks RB 2 Floyd Mayweather Jr., pro boxer 2 Mike Trout, L.A. Angels OF 2 Usain Bolt, Jamaican sprinter 1 Tom Brady, New England Patriots QB 1 Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys WR 1 Reggie Bush, Detroit Lions RB 1 Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints TE 1 Tim Howard, Everton, U.S. soccer team 1 Andre Johnson, Houston Texans WR 1 Dwayne Johnson, pro wrestler 1 Ryan Johnson, College Station Cougars OF 1 Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos QB 1 Lionel Messi, Barcelona, Argentina soccer team 1 Von Miller, Denver Broncos LB 1 Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers QB 1 Michael Phelps, U.S. swimmer 1 Yasiel Puig, L.A. Dogers OF 1 Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder PG 1 Tiger Woods, pro golfer 1 Dolph Ziggler, pro wrestler 1 (retired, still drawing votes) Bo Jackson, NFL, MLB 1 Michael Jordan, NBA 1

36

High School Football 2014

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Percentage 42.3 8.1 6.3 5.4 3.6 3.6 2.7 2.7 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9

The Eagle

“He’s a monster.”

— Darrion Swain, Snook “He can play any sport in the world because of his body.”

— Tren’Davian Dickson, Navasota

SWAIN

“He is big, fast, agile and can jump. He can play anywhere on the court.”

— Colton Jones, Normangee “Because the NBA basically revolves around him and where he is.”

— William Golden Jr., Calvert

Johnny Manziel, Cleveland Browns quarterback

“He is the most dominant QB, and he makes his team win.”

— Cole Sheppard, Milano

JONES

“His drive and competitiveness separates him.”

— Brett Harp, A&M Consolidated

Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings running back

“Why you ask? He is unstoppable! End of discussion!”

— Derrion Randle, Navasota

HARP

Yasiel Puig, L.A. Dodgers right fielder

“He is a five-tool payer and plays with charisma.”

— Sam McCloskey, Anderson-Shiro

Tim Howard, Everton & U.S. men’s soccer team goalkeeper MCCLOSKEY

“Not only did he make unbelievable saves in the World Cup, he was also the team’s on-field coach.”

— Michael Coffey, Navasota

Richard Sherman, Seattle Seahawks cornerback

“’Cause he says so.”

— Jake Fryrear, Caldwell

ARMSTRONG

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J.J. Watt, Houston Texans defensive end

BrazosSports.com

“Because of his effort on and off the field.”

— Harrison Armstrong, BVCHEA

Friday, August 22, 2014

Photo Day Questions A FEW ANSWERS

THE QUESTION

If you could have dinner with any three people, who would they be?

Johnny Manziel, LeBron James, Emmitt Smith

— Daniel Barrientos, College Station

Derek Jeter, Peyton Manning, George Strait

— Brady Batten, Rudder

God, Brooklyn Decker, Jennifer Aniston

— Randy Cessna, College Station

BARRIENTOS

Ronald Reagan, George Washington, Isaac Newton — Michael Coffey, Navasota

One of the most popular choices to join in a dinner conversation is Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue model Kate Upton, who appeared on answers from 16 of our Brazos Valley football players.

Here is a random selection of the dinner guests invited by the players who participated in The Eagle’s inaugural Photo Day:

Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, Katy Perry

— Bryson Cornish, Normangee

For coverage of the high school football season across the Brazos Valley, visit

theeagle com

Jesus, Bill Cosby, Kate Upton

— Nic Dillon, Lexington

BrazosSports.com.

Tom Cruise, Jason Segel, Jonah Hill

BATTEN

— Travis Gage, Milano

Tim Tebow, Abe Lincoln, Jesus Christ

— Riley Garner, A&M Consolidated

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Jessica Alba, Michael Young

It’s a beautiful lifestyle at

Waldenbrooke Estates

— Jake Georgiades, College Station

GAGE

Usain Bolt, Renaud Lavillenie, Kate Upton

— Christian Grimes, Milano

Ronald Reagan, Kate Upton, Robert Earl Keen

— Miles Hannigan, Lexington

Dwayne Carter, John Wayne, Johnny Jernigan

Coy Imhoff, Navasota

Ray Lewis, Floyd Mayweather, Kate Upton

— Coleman Johnson, Bryan

HANNIGAN

God, Chris Johnson, Kobe Bryant

porter of al Waldenbrooke is a proud sup

— Nicholas Johnson, Hearne

Michael Jordan, Lil Wayne, Bill Gates

— Colton Jones, Normangee

Cameron Diaz, Kim Kardashian, Erin Andrews

— Kyle King, Milano

LASTRAPES

Friday, August 22, 2014

Jesus, Ron Burgundy, George Strait

— Caleb LaStrapes, BVCHEA

u We want rysoelf, to ask youI wait “ Why did g?” so lon

High School Football 2014

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The Eagle

•Transportation & Activities • Fully Equipped Kitchen

l our local teams • Light Housekeeping • 3 Meals a Day • Linen Service • Private Patio

Call Today!

979-774-1298 •

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37

ASSOCIATED PRESS PRESEASON POLL Here is The Associated Press preseason high school poll, with firstplace votes in parentheses, last year’s records courtesy of Texas Football magazine, points based on 10-9-8-76-5-4-3-2-1, and the team’s ranking in the final regular season poll of 2013: Class 6A School Total Points Prv 1. Allen (15) 16-0 231 1 2. Katy (5) 15-1 208 3 3. Cedar Hill (5) 14-2 204 4. DeSoto 14-1 172 2 5. Euless Trinity 11-3 119 6. Southlake Carroll 11-2 105 8 7. Denton Guyer 14-2 79 7 8. Cibolo Steele 12-2 75 7 9. Lake Travis 12-2 68 10. Pearland 14-2 33 Others receiving votes: 11, Dallas Skyline 21. 12, Galena Park North Shore 18. 13, Manvel 15. 14, SA Northside Brennan 13. 15, Coppell 6.

16, Arlington Martin 3. 17, Wolfforth Frenship 2. 18, Arlington Bowie 1.

18, Converse Judson 1. 18, Spring Westfield 1.

Class 5A School Total Points Prv 1. Aledo (17) 16-0 227 1 2. Ennis (4) 14-1 189 3. Longview (1) 11-2 184 4. A&M Consol. (3) 10-3 162 5. Cedar Park 11-2 134 8 6. Brenham 14-2 107 7. Temple 7-4 97 8. Tyler 7-4 50 9. George Ranch 13-1 46 10. Mans. Timberview 8-4 40 Others receiving votes: 11, Abilene Cooper 30. 12, Dallas South Oak Cliff 20. 12, Mesquite Poteet 20. 14, Lufkin 18. 15, Wylie 9. 16, N. Richland Hills Birdville 6. 16, Rockwall-Heath 6. 18, West Mesquite 5. 18, Elgin 5. 18, CC Calallen 5. 21, Lucas Lovejoy 4. 22, Mansfield Summit 3. 22, McKinney North 3. 24, Frisco 2. 25, Georgetown 1. 25, Houston Stratford 1. 25, CC Flour Bluff 1.

Class 4A School 1. Stephenville (14) 2. Navasota (4) 3. Graham (1)

Total Points Prv 12-2 226 5 10-2 188 9 14-1 134 3

4. Carthage 15-1 131 7 5. La Marque (2) 8-4 127 6. Argyle (3) 16-0 125 1 7. West Orange-Stark11-2 98 T8. Gilmer (1) 11-2 80 4 T8. Kilgore 14-1 80 2 10. Celina 9-2 70 Others receiving votes: 11, La Vernia 38. 12, La Grange 18. 13, Liberty Hill 17. 14, Tyler Chapel Hill 10. 15, Fairfield 9. 16, Gladewater 8. 17, Sinton 7.

18, Kennedale 4. 19, Big Spring 2.

20, Abilene Wylie 1. 20, ColdspringOakhurst 1. 20, Tatum 1.

Class 3A School Total Points Prv 1. Cisco (6) 16-0 213 5 2. Hallettsville (11) 13-1 183 7 3. Cameron Yoe (4) 15-1 174 8 4. Waskom (4) 14-1 167 5. Newton 12-1 125 2 6. Wall 15-1 111 3 7. New Boston 13-2 110 T8. Daingerfield 7-4 79 T8. Franklin 13-1 79 6 10. Rockdale 9-5 43 Others receiving votes: 11, Rogers 30. 12, East Bernard 14. 12, Corrigan-

CAMPBELL’S BALLOT Camden 14. 14, Sonora 10. 15, Kirbyville 5. 15, White Oak 5. 17, Teague 3. 18, Malakoff 2. 18, Gunter 2. 18, Arp 2. 18, Pottsboro 2. 22, Eastland 1. 22, Glen Rose 1.

Class 2A School Total Points Prv 1. Refugio (12) 14-2 232 9 2. Mart (11) 10-4 221 3. Tenaha (2) 11-2 160 3 4. Albany 13-1 130 8 5. Hico 13-2 108 6. Canadian 11-2 97 7. Bremond 12-1 91 10 8. Centerville 11-2 88 9. Shiner 11-4 62 10. Falls City 14-1 58 4 Others receiving votes: 11, Crawford 20. 12, Stamford 18. 13, Mason 17.

14, Stratford 15. 15, Chilton 13. 16, Seagraves 11. 17, Goldthwaite 7. 17, Wellington 7. 19, Iraan 5. 19, Muenster 5. 21, Alto 3. 21, Booker 3. 23, Hamlin 2. 24, New Deal 1. 24, Pineland West Sabine 1.

Brazos valley COACHING CHANGES School

2013 coach

2014 coach

Anderson-Shiro Dwayne Ross Andy Sexton Ross (5-5 in 2013) left Anderson-Shiro, a football program he started, with a record of 6-14 after the Owls’ first playoff berth. Sexton served as Magnolia’s head coach for seven years; the Bulldogs went 4-6 in 2013. Sexton’s coaching record at Magnolia was 26-46 and his career mark is 29-73.

Hearne Clinton Smith Chip Baker Smith (4-6 in 2013; 11-11 overall at Hearne) returned to Burton as an assistant; he served as a head coach there before leaving for Hearne.

Baker, a Hearne graduate starting his first head coaching job, coached for the last 15 seasons as an assistant at Conroe. The Tigers went 4-6 last year.

Milano Craig Jentsch Chad LaGrone Jentsch (10-3 in 2013) gave up the coaching job for personal reasons after posting a 40-16 record over five seasons; he will continue to teach in Milano. LaGrone has been an assistant on the Milano staff but is a former Eagle head coach, who had a 42-39 record with two

playoff appearances when he concluded his first head coaching stint in 2003.

Rudder C.M. Pier Will Compton Pier (0-10 in 2013) left Rudder with a record of 13-43-1 after starting the program. This is the first head coaching job for Compton, who was the offensive coordinator at Conroe Oak Ridge the past two seasons.

Oak Ridge went 1-9 in Compton’s first year there with coach Dereck Rush, but the War Eagles rebounded to go 7-4 in 2013.

St. Joseph Blake Evans Kyle Alexander Evans (8-3 in 2013) gave up his coaching job to take over as athletic director, finishing with a record of 28-38 in five years. The Eagles made the playoffs last season. Alexander has been on the St. Joseph coaching staff for five seasons, the last four as assistant head coach.

Somerville Scott Pederson James Richardson Pederson left Somerville after two seasons with a 1-19 record (0-10 in 2013). Richardson was the head coach at Brackettville for the last two seasons, posting a record of 17-6 with two playoff berths in his first head coaching job. Bracketville went 10-2 last season.

Here are Eagle sports writer David Campbell’s votes in the pre-season Associated Press football poll: 6A 1. Allen; 2. Katy; 3. Cedar Hill; 4.

Southlake Carroll; 5. DeSoto; 6.

Denton Guyer; 7. Cibolo Steele; 8.

Galena Park North Shore; 9. Lake Travis; 10. San Antonio Brennan 5A 1. Aledo; 2. Brenham; 3.

Longview; 4. Cedar Park; 5.

A&M Consolidated; 6. Temple; 7.

Abilene Cooper; 8. Ennis; 9. Elgin; 10. Corpus Christi Calallen

4A 1. Navasota; 2. Kilgore; 3. Carthage; 4. Stephenville; 5. Gilmer; 6. Fairfield; 7. Graham; 8. Chapel Hill; 9. Argyle; 10. Celina 3A 1. Cisco; 2. Cameron; 3. Wall; 4. Franklin; 5. Waskom; 6. East Bernard; 7. Newton; 8. Rockdale; 9. Hallettsville; 10. Malakoff 2A 1. Refugio; 2. Mart; 3. Centerville; 4. Crawford; 5. Shiner; 6. Mason; 7. Tenaha; 8. Bremond; 9. Falls City; 10. Wellington

CENTERVILLE: Coaches expect big things from Wakefield, Searcy Continued from 17 positions at any given time, so one of the three will be able to get some rest.

Familiar names will lead the Tiger defense. The coaches expect big things from tackles Wakefield and Searcy, along with inside linebacker Kyle Harris, who will be a three-year starter. The back line should be capable of covering for mistakes with defensive backs Pickens, Harris, Williams and Carrigan.

“We feel real good about our secondary,” Hardee said.

“We’ve got some good guys

back there.”

No matter how good and deep Centerville is, the Tigers will be tested before they reach District 12-2A Division I action. The nondistrict schedule includes games against 3A schools Corrigan-Camden and Troy. The Tigers also face Mart, which will start the season ranked second in 2A. “We wanted to play a schedule that would help prepare us for district and hopefully a run in the playoffs,” Hardee said.

“I think our schedule would stand up to anybody’s. If we can come through it healthy, I think it will make us a better football team.”

BRENHAM: Cubs look to keep district streak alive BRYAN: Vikings looking at several players to play on both sides of the ball

Continued from 8

ship game with a 38-10 loss to unbeaten Aledo, but that defeat didn’t erase a memorable, big-play run to get there. Three of the Cubs’ clutch playoff victories came by five points or less.

Caleb Hill took the bulk of the quarterback snaps on the drive to the state title game.

The left-hander completed 143 of 236 passes for 2,523 yards and 23 touchdowns with six interceptions last season.

Most of his versatile and well-balanced receiving corps has graduated, but other

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talented receivers have been waiting for their chance and will get it this year.

“Potentially, it looks really good, but they’ve got to do it in the ball game, and confidence plays such a big part in receiving,” West said. “When the ball’s in the air, you think it’s your football and that can’t come without time.”

Senior Jaquay Cross, who qualified for the UIL state track meet in two events, is an outstanding athlete at receiver.

Cross and Patterson both ran on Brenham’s bronze medalist 4x100-meter relay team at state. They also teamed on the Cubs’ 4x200 relay team in

High School Football 2014

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The Eagle

Austin. “He’s a 10.6 100-meter guy,” West said of Cross. “He can run by people. He’s looking really good. He’s gained a bunch of weight and is up over 180 pounds and has even gotten faster.”

Walter Thomas also saw key action at quarterback last season and is a strong runner.

He rushed for 238 yards and nine touchdowns. He also had 342 passing yards on only 16 completions with four going for touchdowns. Thomas will see plenty action and is expected to start at split end.

Brenham returns top-notch defensive players in defensive linemen Tre’Markes Smith,

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BrazosSports.com

Al’Fondrick Bennett and defensive back Deon Earls. To fill out the defense, Brenham will need reinforcements from a JV team that went 8-2. And when Thomas is not taking snaps on offense, he should help on the defensive side.

Kicker Tien Pham is back for his sophomore season. He hit 53 of 58 PATs and connected on 3 of 5 field goals last year.

Brenham has won four straight district titles and has won or shared 11 since West took over as head coach in 1998. The 14 victories in 2013 matched the school record for wins. The Cubs also went 14-2 in 2002 and 14-1 in 2005.

Continued from 12 linebacker.

“They both can run and are really good athletes,” Rogers said. “We’ve been pleased with Jonathan Gonzales at nose tackle. He lettered last year and back up all three spots.”

Jimmy Thomas and Dedrick Davis, who is now 6-3, 230 pounds, will join him.

The secondary includes junior Garrett Dohnalik at

free safety with A.J. Reynolds returning to play strong safety. Bryan Ward and Sedrick Burns have taken the lead at cornerback.

While they may not start both ways, Bryan is working several players at both offensive and defensive positions.

“We’ve got a lot of kids that have played a lot of high school football out there,” Rogers said. “Even some of our backups have got some experience.

Friday, August 22, 2014

More from The Eagle’s high school football photo day

From top left, clockwise: Artreal Ostiguin, Anderson-Shiro; Jermaine Mills, Deshawn McMillan, Rudder; Grant Rhoads, Clay de Jong, Allen Academy; Teeko Kraft, BVCHEA; Darrius Polk, Hearne; Donny Hair, Derek Lemons, James Hayes, Kyle Slack, College Station.

Eagle photos

by Dave McDermand

Friday, August 22, 2014

High School Football 2014

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PERFECT FOR HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL.

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ATKINSON TOYOTA “Helping Folks in the Brazos Valley Go Places”

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High School Football 2014

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The Eagle

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Friday, August 22, 2014