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Section C Today

VOLUME 128 NUMBER 78 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

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Special Section Today

Ricebirds Play For State Title Friday Vs. Stephenville

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RICEBIRDS GOING TO STATE!

Playoff Passion

L-N Photo by Keith Trochta

From left: Phillip Hundl, Tanner Oldag, Mason Fuechec, Clay Jung and Connor Williams display their rabid Ricebird spirit during El Campo’s 29-25 playoff win over Carthage on Friday. The group of young fans were among a throng of Ricebird supporters who made their way to Beaumont to help cheer El Campo onto a berth in the Class 3A Division I state championship game.

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The public is invited to show their support for the El Campo Ricebirds as they head to Cowboys Stadium in Arlington for the Class 3A Division I State Championship football game Friday. A send-off pep rally will begin at 7:45 a.m. at Ricebird Stadium. “Meet at 7:30 a.m. to help cheer on the Ricebirds to victory!â€? El Campo High School cheerleading sponsor Pam Hunt said. During last Friday’s campus-wide pep rally, Ricky the Ricebird and Santa made a surprise landing in a helicopter in the practice ďŹ eld beside the stadium. All elementary campuses worked on care packages and wrote good luck letters to football players. That same night, the Ricebirds won the state semi-ďŹ nal game against Carthage. “We need to have the public and as many fans as possible at

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3HS UDOO\ VHW IRU D P (O &DPSR VFKRROV UHOHDVLQJ VWXGHQWV DW D P )ULGD\ WR DOORZ IRU JDPH WUDYHO the ďŹ eld to cheer on our football players,â€? ECHS Principal Rich DuBroc said. “The more the better.â€? The gathering will be more of a send-off ceremony than a pep rally, he added. “We are still planning, but we want it to be more like a ‘march’ for the football players,â€? he said. “I believe we are going to try and make a ‘victory line’ for them to walk through.â€? All the high school organizations will be there for support, he added.

By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

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The sea of red seen in El Campo these last few weeks in support of the high school football team has local merchants seeing green. “It’s deďŹ nitely having an impact on anybody that carries sports apparel,â€? El Campo Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Rebecca MuĂąos said Monday. And it’s been good for the community as a whole. “The energy it’s creating is awesome,â€? she added. “It’s exciting to see it.â€? The chamber encourages all businesses to show their support for what’s being dubbed this year as Ricebird Nation – the fan base for the undefeated high school team about to /RFDO VWRUHV VKRXOG face Stephenville for the 3A Division I state title after defeating Carthage KDYH 5LFHELUG DSSDUHO 29-25 last week. DYDLODEOH WRGD\ The game will be played 7:30 p.m. Friday in the stadium the Dallas Cowboys call home. The short window between the semi-ďŹ nal game and the title match has local merchants scrambling to supply the soon-to-be north bound Ricebird fans with the latest garb. The Screen Stop, 109 W. Jackson, started taking orders for state tshirts just minutes after the Ricebirds claimed the semi-ďŹ nal victory. “We’re up to about 700 now,â€? Leigh Ann Johnson said Monday night while Mike Johnson pressed yet another image onto a battle-red shirt. The ďŹ rst ones would be available today, Mike Johnson said. “The Ricebird fan base is coming alive,â€? Leigh Ann Johnson said, adding its not just teenagers and their parents placing orders. “We’re hearing from Ricebirds who live in other cities. It’s meet me at the stadium (to receive the shirt),â€? she said. “It’s amazing. And everybody is smiling and sharing stories.â€? The team’s playoff run has provided a big boost to normal late De-

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“The idea is that it will be before school starts, so we are asking the public to try to get there around 7:30 a.m.,â€? DuBroc said. The other campuses will not be attending the send-off, but all students are encouraged to wear Ricebird t-shirts throughout the week to keep showing support. ECISD will have an early release day Friday at 10 a.m. so all students and parents can get an early start as they travel to Arlington. “All buses will run beginning at 10 a.m.,â€? Superintendent Mark Pool said. “We want people to have the chance to go to the game.â€? That will be almost a ďŹ ve and a half hour drive, but there are plenty of fans in the community who will come out to support the Ricebirds, he added. The early release day is for all students, Pool said.

(See RICEBIRDS’ PLAYOFF RUN, Page 8-A)

Hot Off The Press

L-N Photo by Shannon Crabtree

Mike Johnson adds another layer of color to a t-shirt celebrating the Ricebirds’ ďŹ rst trip to the state championship since 1967. His store, the Screen Stop, and several others around the city are offering Ricebird apparel.

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(Continued from Page 1-A) cember orders. “Normally, it’d be a few Ricebird Christmas gifts and some boutique items,â€? she said. More than 150 t-shirt orders had already been placed with DMJ Designs at 2413 W. Loop early Monday morning, employee Leslie Wallace said, adding they expected a good many more orders to come in this week. “The phone has not stopped ringing,â€? she said. The DMJ shirt will also be available starting Wednesday giving fans plenty of time to gear up for the game. T-shirt sales at that store has also boosted normal December purchases. Normally it’s the Rhinestone items right now, Wallace said. But now its Ricebirds and virtually anything red. Executive Stitches, 106 N. Washington, isn’t selling a state title shirt, but still has plenty to offer the soon-to-be cheering fan, owner Shannon Courville said Monday. There the fare is classic Ricebird apparel. “It’s the regular red Friday shirts, jackets, hoodies and caps,â€? she said, adding business is way over normal. “It’s good for business. It’s craziness, but I’m happy with the orders,â€? Courville said. Once the “Ricebird Nationâ€? dons its battle red, there’s just one thing left. “Win state,â€? MuĂąos said.

El Campo High School students (l-r) A.J. Martinez, Cheyenne DuBroc and Jacob Harton add their thoughts and well wishes to a poster on the campus grounds this weeks. Support for the team’s effort to take on Stephenville in the Class 3A Division I state ďŹ nal continues to grow.

L-N Photo by Keith Trochta

Half-Time High Kicks The El Campo High School Marching Band performed last Friday along with the high-kicking Derby Dolls squad as the Ricebird football team claimed victory over Carthage in Beaumont. They

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“Because we won’t release students until 10 a.m., we are not required to make that day up on a later date,â€? he said. For those who need a ride to the game, the El Campo Ricebird Booster Club will have buses transporting fans to the state championship game for $45 per seat. Seating is limited. For information, call Suzanne 5419816. L-N Photo by Natalie Bednorz Other information about Ricebirds No. 1! the state game from the UniMyatt Elementary students, supporters and future Ricebird football players (l-r) Leo Trevino, Drake versity Interscholastic League Resendez, Colten Stary and Jerrell Barron, cheer for their team during the campus-wide pep rally Friday is available on the ECISD’s morning. The students had practiced cheers all week to show support as the Ricebirds headed to state website www.ecisd.org under semi-ďŹ nals. the district news tab.

Contributed Photo by Jan Cunningham

Signs Of Support

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will be back this Friday to rally the team on the ďŹ eld and on the big screen at Cowboys Stadium as the Ricebirds play for the Class 3A Division on state championship.

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The Ricebird football team has made history in 2012 with its remarkable run through the playoffs. Call our offices today to reserve your advertising spot as we say congratulations to the team in our ricebird football 2012 commemorative section. The section will contain recaps of each game, eye-catching photography and exceptional feature stories on this year's team.

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6SRUWV %ULHIV :HHNO\ )RRWEDOO &RQWHVW The Leader-News encourages every reader to participate in its weekly football contest. First place wins $25 cash and the prizes are given up to third place. Who knows? You might be the next big winner?

The Ladybirds ďŹ nished 2-2 in the Goliad tournament over the weekend and scored at least 40 points in three of the four contests. In its ďŹ rst game, El Campo barely lost to Schulenberg in double overtime 54-51. The Ladybirds trailed 21-17 at halftime and outscored Schulenberg 24-20 in the second half to force overtime. However, El Campo couldn’t ďŹ ght off the Lady Shorthorns in the extra period and ended up with a loss. Senior Lala Miranda led the Ladybirds with 16 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals in the defeat. L-N Photo by Chris Filoteo Sophomore Amy Pughaupt Senior Smiles dropped a double-double with 14 points, 11 boards, 1 assist and 1 steal. El Campo volleyball seniors (l-r) Karleigh Krpec, Nikki Grant and Becca Korenek pose for a picture in the girls ďŹ eld house MonOther Ladybirds to contribute day afternoon. The Ladybirds ďŹ nished 17-16 overall and 7-5 in District 25-3A competition this season.

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all and 7-5 in District 25-3A this season. With only three teams advancing to the playoffs in Class 3A (for the last time, as there will be four playoff teams beginning next year), the Ladybirds squared off against the Sealy Lady Tigers for the third and ďŹ nal post-season spot in the district. However, El Campo lost in the play-in match, which ended the Ladybirds’ ďŹ rst season in Class 3A in more than 40 years. Popp and each senior sat down with the Leader-News to discuss their time on the team and their future after graduation. Korenek earned three varsity letters and played outside hitter: “Being able to play in an all-

star game last week was my most memorable moment as a Ladybird. My plan after graduation is to play volleyball in college. I am not sure what I want to study, but I am leanBy CHRIS FILOTEO ing toward animal science. Moving sports@leader-news.com down to Class 3A was harder than It’s been more than a month since we expected.â€? the Ladybirds volleyball squad narPopp on Korenek: “Becca is rowly fell to Sealy in a play-in match a very energetic player. She is so for the third and ďŹ nal spot in district strong and such a powerhouse. I will competition. But for three of those miss her determination and dedicaLadybirds, it was the last match tion to the volleyball team. Becca indonning the Red & White. uenced the team with her passion Amy Pughaupt Seniors Becca Korenek, Nikki for the game.â€? Grant and Karleigh Krpec will now Grant earned two varsity letdirect their attention towards the ters and played middle blocker: were: Bee Bradshaw 12 points, 3 classroom and prepare to graduate “I was excited to be selected to the rebounds, 2 assists and 6 steals, in May. ďŹ rst team All-District this year. I am Janerica Cunningham 6 points and 1 El Campo ďŹ nished 17-16 overrebound, Roysha Robinson 3 points, (See LADYBIRDS LOOK, Page 3-B) 4 rebounds and 1 steal, Ebonee Robinson and Callie Carruth 1 rebound and Aubree Navarro 1 steal. El Campo shot 38 percent from the oor and 59 percent from the free-throw line in the contest. In game two, the Ladybirds crushed Faith Academy 61-45 and were led again by Pughaupt’s double-double performance. She ďŹ nished with 19 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists while Bradshaw added 14 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal in the victory. Other El Campo players to pitch in were: Cunningham 10 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists, E. Robinson 9 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist, R. Robinson 7 points, 3 rebounds and 1 steal, Miranda 2 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist, Navarro 4 rebounds and 1 steal, Carruth and Veronica Johnson 1 rebound. On Friday, the Ladybirds beat Columbus 36-30 with efďŹ cient defensive play. “We had good defense by our guards to create steals,â€? El Campo coach Noma Kremling said. “We just failed to score off the steals.â€? Pughaupt led with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 1 steal while E. Robinson added 10 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals in the win. Other Ladybirds to contribute were: Bradshaw 6 points, 1 assist and 6 steals, Miranda 5 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 7 steals, CarL-N Photo by Chris Filoteo ruth 2 points, 1 rebound and 1 steal, Sprinting Ricebird Cunningham 1 point and 6 steals, R. El Campo senior Tamall Terrell looks downďŹ eld in the ďŹ rst quarter during last week’s 29-25 semi-ďŹ nal victory Robinson 1 rebound, 1 assist and 2 over the Carthage Bulldogs. The Ricebirds face Stephenville Friday night for the Class 3A state championship. steals and Navarro 2 assists. Despite the result, the Ladybirds struggled sinking baskets throughout the game. El Campo shot 39 percent from the oor and a mere 20 percent from the charity stripe. The Lady Cardinals sank 60 percent from the free-throw line and had By CHRIS FILOTEO (445.5) and winner Clute Brazos- broke all three of the EC boys relay a percentage of 56 for ďŹ eld goals in school records on Saturday.â€? wood (459). sports@leader-news.com the loss. The following results are as fol“We were the smallest girls team In their ďŹ nal game, the Ladybirds The El Campo swim teams hosted at our invite, yet the Ladybirds lows: fell to Falls City 48-45 for ďŹ rst place an Invitational meet over the week- scored 375 points to ďŹ nish fourth in in the silver bracket. end at the El Campo Aquatic Center. the team standings,â€? Nava said. Girls 200-Yard Medley Relay Overall, Schulenberg beat Goliad “The meet was a major success,â€? El Campo A- Malia Willis, Kari for ďŹ rst in the gold bracket and YoaThe Ricebird team ďŹ nished ďŹ fth El Campo coach Richard Nava said. with 163 points. Brazoswood won Wilkins, Michelle Cantu and Stacey kum defeated Cuero for ďŹ rst in the “It was one of our largest on record. ďŹ rst (395), Fort Bend Dulles took Cordero, 3rd (2:06.87); El Campo B- bronze bracket. The weather was exceptionally nice second (336) and St. John’s School Kaly Vallejo, Amber Smith, Jill Nava The Ladybirds were led by and Alannah Shimek, 12th (2:23.44). Pughaupt, who ended up with her for a Dec. swim meet.â€? placed third. The Ladybirds placed fourth over“The boys were even smaller Boys 200-Yard Medley Relay third double-double in four games. El Campo A- Ben Haas, Mat- She scored 14 points, grabbed 12 all in the meet with 212 total points in numbers and they found the behind third place Fort Bend Dulles strength to take a sixth place team (See HOME SWIM MEET Page 3-B) (See DISTRICT PLAY OPENS, Page 2-B) (311), second place St. John’s School ďŹ nish,â€? Nava said. “The Ricebirds

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JAY T. STRASNER Last Week: 11-7 Overall: 173-97

CHRIS FILOTEO Last Week: 10-8 Overall: 182-88

CHRIS BARBEE Last Week: 12-6 Overall: 173-97

BOB NASON Last Week: 10-8 Overall: 180-90

CHAD STEVENS Last Week: 10-8 Overall: 161-109

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Write P.O. Box 1180 El Campo’s lead remained the same going into the ďŹ nal quarter, yet George outscored the Ricebirds 11-5 to pull out the one-point victory. B.J. Baylor led El Campo with 12 points and 1 board while Lothario Pratt added 11 points, 2 rebounds and 1 steal in the loss. Other Ricebirds to contribute were: Brock Brandl 4 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steals, Jerric Chapman 3 points and 1 rebound, Wesley Arrambide 2 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals, Demond Grant 2 points, Deaderick Holloway 2 steals, Weston Lutringer 2 rebounds and 1 steal, Austyn Gonzalez 1 rebound, JaMarcus Pegues 1 rebound and 1 steal, Kyler Valenta 5 rebounds and Micah McComb 1 rebound and 1 steal.

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The 8th grade Red Ladybird basketball squad fell to George 32-19 on the road Nov. 19. El Campo trailed by four, 13-9, at halftime to keep the game close. However, George outscored the Ladybirds 19-10 in the second half to ďŹ nish with the win. Erykah Lindsey led the Ladybirds with 8 points, 15 rebounds and 2 steals while Paige Halamicek added 4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals in the loss. Other El Campo players to contribute were: Kaydra Sparks 3 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals, Kaitlyn Urban 2 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist, Lyric Robinson 2 points, 1 rebound and 2 assists, Deandra Gallegos 6 rebounds and 2 steals, Sara George 35, Ricebird 8th Red DeLeon 4 rebounds, Malerie Sosa 1 rebound, 1 assist and 34 The 8th grade Red squad 3 steals and Mariyah Flores 3 dropped its basketball season rebounds. opener 35-34 to George Middle Ladybird 8th White 33, School at home Nov. 29. George 13 Both teams struggled in The 8th grade White Lady- the ďŹ rst period as the visiting bird team opened their bas- team led by one, 4-3. But, the ketball season in grand fash- Ricebirds picked up the pace ion as they crushed George by in the second and scored 15 20, 33-13, in Rosenberg Nov. points to lead 18-13 at half29. El Campo led 18-7 at half- time.

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time, but turned up its scoring power in the second half. The Ladybirds outscored George 15-6 in the second half to prevail with the win. Randie Hlavaty led El Campo while nearly recording a double-double. The Ladybirds scored 8 points, grabbed 2 boards, added an assist and ďŹ nished with 10 steals. Other Ladybirds to pitch in were: Jasmin Lockridge 6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 steals, Jada Horn 6 points, 1 assist and 2 steals, Giessel Alcala 5 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals, Charlesha Shorter 4 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal, Ali Lara 2 points, 2 rebounds and 4 steals, Alison Gomez 7 rebounds, Keasia Greely 4 rebounds and Shelby Sabrsula 2 rebounds.

Ohio

SUBVARSITY ROUNDUP Compiled By Staff Reports

boards and added 3 assists and 5 steals in the loss. Other El Campo players to pitch in were: Miranda 9 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals, E. Robinson 6 points, 3 rebounds and 1 steal, Carruth 6 points and 1 rebound, Cunningham 4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal, R. Robinson 4 points, 2 rebounds and 1 steal, Bradshaw 1 point, 4 rebounds and 6 steals and Navarro 1 point, 1 rebound and 2 assists. The Lady Beavers shot lights out from behind the arc in the ďŹ rst half. “Falls City hit ďŹ ve 3-pointers in the ďŹ rst half,â€? Kremling said. “But none in the second half. We played strong man defense in the second half also.â€? Miranda was selected to the All-Tournament team for her performance on the court during the weekend. El Campo moved to 6-8 overall on the season after the tournament. The Ladybirds open District 25-3A competition Friday against Bellville at Ricebird Gym. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.

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thew Wilkins, Colton Martin and Tayton Priesmeyer, 2nd (1:49.56). Girls 200-Yard Freestyle Kari Wilkins, 1st (2:06.81); Kaly Vallejo, 10th (2:33.80). Boys 200-Yard Freestyle Matthew Wilkins, 3rd (2:02.04). Girls 50-Yard Freestyle Stacey Cordero, 3rd (27.84); Malia Willis, 5th (28.63); Michelle Cantu, 26th (31.20); Sam Beard, 28th (31.60). Boys 50-Yard Freestyle Colton Martin, 3rd (24.22); Jonathan Casillas, 26th (28.39). Girls 100-Yard Buttery Michelle Cantu, 10th (1:17.46). Boys 100-Yard Buttery Tayton Priesmeyer, 14th (1:18.01). Girls 100-Yard Freestyle Jill Nava, 14th (1:07.75); Sam Beard, 18th (1:10.83); Amber Smith, 19th (1:10.91). Boys 100-Yard Freestyle Ben Haas, 1st (53.06); Jonathan Casillas, 19th (1:05.50). Girls 200-Yard Freestyle Relay El Campo A- Kari Wilkins, Malia Willis, Jill Nava and Stacey Cordero, 2nd (1:50.31); El Campo B- Michelle Cantu, Sam Beard, Amber Smith and Alannah Shimek, 10th (2:03.91). Boys 200-Yard Freestyle Relay El Campo A- Ben Haas, Matthew Wilkins, Colton Martin and Tayton Priesmeyer, 1st (1:35.60). Girls 100-Yard Backstroke Kaly Vallejo, 13th (1:19.78). Girls 100-Yard Breaststroke Kari Wilkins, 1st (1:10.96). Girls 400-Yard Freestyle Relay El Campo A- Malia Willis, Jill Nava, Kaly Vallejo and Stacey Cordero, 4th (4:41.55). Boys 400-Yard Freestyle Relay El Campo A- Ben Haas, Matthew Wilkins, Colton Martin and Tayton Priesmeyer, 2nd (3:40.90).

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Smashing Hit

Ricebird linebacker Jeremy Supak hits Carthage’s quarterback for a fumble during last week’s 29-25 Class 3A semi-ďŹ nal game in Beaumont.

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still deciding what college I want to attend, yet I know I want to study to become a pediatrician. What I will miss the most about El Campo is our team was like a second family. I will miss my team.� Popp on Grant: “Nikki is an athletic player. She is quick on the court and I will

miss her aggressive play at the net. She inuenced the team to always give their best was and encouraging.â€? Krpec earned two varsity letters and was a defensive specialist: “I am going to attend Wharton County Junior College for a few years before I transfer to a four-year university. I want to become a speech therapist. I will miss

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playing the other teams from Class 4A since we are used to playing them all of the time. This year was deďŹ nitely tougher than we thought.â€? Popp on Krpec: “Karleigh has a spunky personality. She is very vocal at games and during practices. I will miss her desire for the game. She inuenced the team with her energy by getting the team

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SPORTS SHORTS Little League Registration The El Campo Little League will open early-bird registration Nov. 1 through Dec. 15. Cost is $80 per child and $65 for Tee Ball. Regular registrations begins Dec. 16 and runs through Jan. 15. Cost is $85 per child and $70 for Tee Ball. Late Registration is Jan. 16 through Jan. 31 and cost is $100 per child and $85 for Tee Ball. To register, visit www.elcampolittleleague.com. Holiday Baseball Camp The 2013 Holiday Baseball Camp for youngsters ages eight through 15 will be held

Jan. 2-3 at Brenham High School, 525 Ehrig Dr. in Brenham. The camp is directed by Earl Hathaway, former head baseball coach at Brenham High School and winner of two state championships. The camp, a comprehensive program on hitting, pitching and throwing mechanics, will offer quality instruction in the fundamentals of baseball and an opportunity for practice and drills. The camp is designed to ensure a 12 to 1 camper to coach ratio. Camp attendance will be limited. The camp cost is $80 per camper, which includes nine hours of instruction in three sessions: 9 a.m. to noon, Jan.

2; 1-4 p.m., Jan. 2; and 9 a.m. - noon, Jan. 3. The emphasis will be on hitting, pitching and defensive positions. Each camper will be ďŹ lmed and evaluated by the coaching staff during the camp. For registration information call Hathaway at 979836-3437 after 6 p.m.

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)227%$// & &217(67 Practicing Basics El Campo assistant coach James Harp goes over strategy for a kick-off team during practice at Ricebird Stadium yesterday. The Ricebirds will face Stephenville Friday night for the Class 3A Division I state championship at Cowboys Stadium.

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In the last week of NFL games before this week’s ďŹ nal Leader-News Football Contest full of collegiate bowl games, the majority of contestants struggled amongst the many upsets. Demontray Taylor won the contest after missing four games. Taylor won the $25 cash prize, along with $25 dine-in value at Pizza Hut and two free games of bowling at the El Campo Bowling Center. He missed: the Cowboys’ win over the Bengals, the Bucs’ defeat by the Eagles, the Jets’ victory over the Jaguars and the Steelers’ loss to the Chargers. Gary Preuss took second after missing six games and beat out ďŹ ve other contestants in the ďŹ rst tiebreaker by one point. Preuss won the $15 cash prize. He missed: the Bengals’ defeat by the Cowboys, the Vikings’ victory over the Bears, the Bucs’ loss to the Eagles, the Redskins’ win over the Ravens, the Falcons’ defeat by the Falcons and the Chargers’ victory over the Steelers. Jan Preuss missed six games and barely missed the ďŹ rst tiebreaker to Gary to win third place and the $10 cash prize. Jan missed: the

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1) Entries: Only one entry per person. Contestants must have reached the age of eight (8) years by the Friday entry deadline each week. Filling out extra forms and putting friends’ or ďŹ ctitious names on them is not allowed and will result in disqualiďŹ cation if caught. Leader-News employees and their immediate family members are not eligible to enter. 2) Deadline: All entries must either be in the Leader-News ofďŹ ce or be postmarked no later than 2 p.m. FRIDAY of each week’s contest. Faxed copies will be accepted, but must be readable. Neither the Leader-News nor its advertising sponsors will be responsible for failed or illegible faxed entry forms or forms that are lost, stolen or damaged in any way. E-mailed entries are not acceptable. 3) Tie-breakers: Be sure to mark both of the two tie-breakers. 4) Prizes: The contestants who pick the most games correctly will win one of three prizes: $25 for ďŹ rst, $15 for second and $10 for third. Should two people tie for ďŹ rst, they will each get $20, or an equal share of the cash for ďŹ rst and second place. If, for example, four people tie for ďŹ rst, the $50 total prize will be split four ways. Should there be a tie for third, the $10 will be divided among those individuals, etc. Prize money will be mailed to winners the following week. Mail all entries to: EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS FOOTBALL CONTEST, P.O. Box 1180, El Campo, Texas 77437 FAX ENTRIES TO: (979) 543-0097

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Kilgore defeat by Stephenville, the Colts’ win over the Titans, the Steelers’ loss to the Chargers and the Patriots’ victory over the Texans. Nine contestants missed six games, 16 missed seven and 16 missed eight overall. The upsets were: East Bernard’s win over Refugio, the Bills’ loss to the Rams, the Cowboys’ victory over the Bengals, the Bears’ defeat by the Vikings, the Eagles’ win over the Bucs, the Falcons’ loss to the Panthers, the Jets’ victory over the Jaguars and the Steelers’ defeat by the Chargers. As for the Pigskin Picks and its panel, the fearsome ďŹ vesome fared just about the same as the readers. Chris Barbee missed six games, Jay T. Strasner missed seven and Chad Stevens, Bob Nason and Chris Filoteo all missed eight games. Overall, Filoteo remains in ďŹ rst by a twogame edge with a 182-88 mark, Nason is right behind with a 180-90 record, Strasner and Barbee are tied with a 173-97 mark and Stevens is 161-109. The Leader-News wants readers to continue to participate in the free weekly Football Contest. You might be the next big winner and take home the cash prize.

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Spliting The Uprights El Campo junior Alex Montes attempts a long-range ďŹ eld goal during practice yesterday at Ricebird Stadium. The Ricebirds travel to Arlington to face Stephenville in the Class 3A Division I state championship game. L-N Photo by Chris Filoteo

JACOB HARTON: “It means a lot to the town and community of El Campo because this is a huge football town and they have all been waiting to return to state for some time now. “This whole team is like a family. We all get along and push each other to make one another get better.�

MATT EDWARDS: “This season has meant a lot to El Campo because we haven’t made it to state in a long time and now we have a chance. Everyone comes out to support us on Friday nights and now we can share his with the town. “The seniors have stepped up this year for the team.�

BRYCE BRANDL: “The town fully backs us and will follow us anywhere we play. We have great fans and they turn out in big numbers to come support the ‘Birds. “We have a lot of heart. We play as a town and are working on all cylinders on both sides of the football.�

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It’s the last game of the season. And for many, the last game as a Ricebird. Friday’s game culminates not only the great memories shared through a history-making season, but the chance to stamp each player’s name in the record books. El Campo (14-0) prepares to face Stephenville (12-1) in Cowboys Stadium for the Division I-3A state championship and the meeting is the ďŹ rst between the two storied schools. The Ricebirds have played many teams for the ďŹ rst time this season, but the Yellow Jackets are arguably the toughest team in the playoffs this year. Stephenville, like El Campo, dropped down from the Class 4A level this season and won four state titles from 1993-1994 and 1998-1999. The Yellow Jackets have advanced to their ďŹ rst championship game since 1999 and they are 4-0 in championship games with three of those wins against La Marque. They are led by coach Joseph Gillespie, who has been with Stephenville since 1995 and was an assistant on the 1998-1999 title teams. The Yellow Jackets run a spread offensive formation with a one-back set and throw more than they run, according to El Campo coach Bob Gillis. After their nail-biting come-from-behind victory over Carthage last week, the Ricebirds remained poised the following day. “The kids are really excited,â€? Gillis said. “This week will be a challenge to maintain the regular routine because this is a different deal.â€? Indeed it is. For the ďŹ rst time in 45 years, the Ricebirds will play for the state championship. And this El Campo squad has three 1,000 yard

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&RZER\V 6WDGLXP rushers – Bryce Brandl, Jack Davis and Montray Johnson. How will the Yellow Jackets simulate the threeheaded Ricebird running attack? “You can’t in practice,� Gillespie said. “We don’t have that on our team. We have seen good teams up to now and we know what to expect.� Senior Cole Hunt, a Rice pledge, believes this team has a solid chance of taking home the title. “If we didn’t have the chemistry we have today, we wouldn’t be playing for the state title this week,� he said. “It’s surreal to know that this team will live on forever and it still hasn’t sunk in yet.� With both teams streaking at the right time (Stephenville and El Campo each have won 13 games in a row), what will it take to prevail as Class 3A Division I state champions? “We will have to play the best we can on both sides of the ball,� Gillis said. “This is a big game and this is what dreams are made of. We must put in great preparation this week.� The Yellow Jackets average 44 points per game, along with 469.5 yards per game with 280 coming through the air. Stephenville quarterback Tyler Jones has passed for 3,570 yards with 38 touch-

downs and only 6 interceptions. “He is an excellent quarterback,â€? Gillis said. “He is really talented and all of their wide receivers can catch the ball.â€? Senior wide out Brice Gunter leads Stephenville in receiving with 1,195 yards on 79 catches with 15 touchdowns. The Yellow Jackets’ leading rusher, senior Witt Westbrook, has 178 carries for 1,111 yards and 12 touchdowns. “He is a tough kid,â€? Gillis said about Westbrook. “He plays linebacker too, so you know he is tough.â€? Stephenivlle understands what El Campo football represents. “They have a great bunch of kids,â€? Gillespie said. “I have the upmost respect for coach Gillis and the mentor he is. He exempliďŹ es what all coaches aspire to be.â€? This senior-laden El Campo team has stood out with its defense all season long. During district play, the Ricebird defense only allowed opposing teams 12.7 points per game. With a state title on the line, the Ricebirds look to stand up. “Our secondary will have to play great this week and we have to get pressure on the quarterback,â€? Hunt said. “We need to gang tackle them, The offensive line just needs to keep doing what we have been doing all season long and create holes for our running backs.â€? Nevertheless, Friday’s stage will be nothing short of remarkable as two schools prepare to battle for state supremacy. “We are in a big setting,â€? Gillis said. “When you get this far you don’t see teams a whole lot. This is special.â€? Gillespie agrees. “This is what everyone wants to win,â€? he said. (See ‘BIRDS READY FOR STATE FINAL, Page 6-C)

5LFHELUGV *LOOLV RQ WKH EULQN RI GUHDP VHDVRQ El Campo boasts 630 victories, which “If it’s not the top win I’ve been a part of, makes it one of the most storied and successful then it’s right at the top,â€? Gillis said. “Obviousprograms in Texas high school football history. ly if we can win again Friday night that would But let there be no doubt about it – ev- be the biggest one. You look at that Carthage ery single member of every single team that game. We have three turnovers in the third helped rack up those wins would trade them quarter. We look up and there’s about six minall for just one more victory Friday night in utes left and we’re down 11 points. Arlington against Stephen“Then all the things ville. that we were able to do The Ricebirds stand on and come back and take $< the cusp of a state title and the lead in the last three the town has been turned minutes or so. It was ... I 75$61(5 on its collective ear with a don’t know, surreal. But fervor and a yearning for that shows the heart of our ,1. %< 7+( %$55(/ the ďŹ rst state championkids. It shows the pride of ship in school history. El Campo. That’s what our They stamped their program does, we never ticket to Cowboys Stadium quit ďŹ ghting.â€? with an improbable come-from-behind 29-25 It’s been a dream season thus far for the semiďŹ nal victory over Carthage last week. The Ricebirds as they’ve reeled off 14 consecutive win saw EC score twice in the ďŹ nal four min- wins. Gillis said he had an inkling that the utes to send the raucous Ricebird fans spill- team was on the brink of something special ing out of the stands and send the team to the back during its typical grueling summer workchampionship game in Dallas. outs. EC head coach Bob Gillis, who helped direct “I thought we’d be good, but didn’t know the exciting outcome, has won 154 games in how good,â€? he said. “I knew we had a good his successful and rewarding career. bunch of seniors and a good junior class. We He admitted that Friday’s victory over Car- lost some good players though. Everybody thage is likely unparalleled not only because talked about us moving down to 3A and sure, of the signiďŹ cance but also because of the cir- that helped. But in no way does it make it easy. cumstances. We opened up beating Waller pretty good. And

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we took down Bay City which is always a measuring stick. Then when we beat Bellville like we did, people kind of took notice.â€? The tradition of El Campo, especially under Gillis, has been to win the district title, see if you can go undefeated and aim for a state title. This year was no different. “I think it really sunk in after we won our ďŹ rst playoff game that hey, we might can go on a little run here,â€? Gillis said. “That ďŹ rst playoff game always seems to be the toughest hurdle. We got on a roll and are playing some really good football right now. Ricebird football.â€? Always one to pass the praise to others, Gillis correctly points to the unmatched spirit of the Ricebird fans as the X-factor in the team’s success this season. “Coach (Wayne) Condra went out with our specialty teams at about 6:30 before the Carthage game and our side was packed and already roaring for us,â€? Gillis said. “He came back in the locker room and told me he got goosebumps out there from all our support. When I went out there, I got them too. Our fans are just incredible. They were a lot louder than Carthage’s folks. That’s the way it always is for Ricebird fans. We count on them for that.â€? The regional and state media have ďŹ nally ďŹ gured out the talent that this EC team possesses. Gillis said his phone has rarely stopped ringing since Friday’s win.

“Oh it’s crazy right now,â€? he said. “There’s so many things to deal with. We’re at the UIL’s mercy right now, having to send them stuff and handle all the press and TV requests. “But here’s the bottom line – when we get inside that big, beautiful stadium, that ďŹ eld is 100 yards long and 53.5 yards wide, just like the ďŹ eld we’ve practiced on since the summer. And we’re still gonna run sprints at the end of every practice this week just like we’ve been doing. We’ve got a football game to prepare for. And when it comes to a football game, our kids know what to do.â€? Having such a long tenure at El Campo, Gillis understands what a state title would mean for this community of rabid Ricebirds. He knows his team will ďŹ ght until the ďŹ nal whistle to give this town something it’s never had. “Man, what would it mean?â€? Gillis said. “I don’t really have words for that. It would be a dream come true for so many people. Winning a state title is so special. It doesn’t happen to many folks. It would really be an incredible thing and we want so bad to bring it home to El Campo.â€? Jay T. Strasner is publisher of the LeaderNews.

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Family Matters

El Campo head coach Bob Gillis is greeted by a ock of Ricebird fans alongside his mother after last week’s 29-25 Class 3A state semi-ďŹ nal game in Beaumont. The Ricebirds face Stephenville Friday night in Cowboys Stadium for the state championship.

)DPLOLHV SOD\ UROH LQ 5LFHELUG UXQ By JAY T. STRASNER publisher@leader-news.com

While the football Ricebirds have poured their blood, sweat and tears into their 14-0 run towards the state title on the ďŹ eld, another team has done their share of celebrating and pacing nervously in the background. That group is the Ricebird parents, a devoted group of men and women who have dutifully and faithfully followed their boys in red to gridirons across the state of Texas the past several years. Pam Hunt, the mother of Cole Hunt, has a dual purpose in supporting the team this year. Not only does she have a son on the squad, but she also serves as the Ricebird cheerleading sponsor. She said it’s been an exciting and undulating ride following the Ricebirds in 2012. “Every week of the playoffs, you’re optimistic, but you’re never completely certain if this will be the last week of the season,â€? she said. “Cole is my third son to play high school football, so now this week, regardless of the outcome, we know this is our last week to ever have a son play in a high school game. So it’s sad in that sense, but also exciting because it’s the state championship.â€?

Cookie Baylor is the mother of Ricebird standout lineman Trey Martin. She said this season has provided her with the thrill of a lifetime. “This team has a lot of seniors and they’ve been through a lot of wins here at El Campo,â€? Baylor said. “They’ve stuck with it and fought hard. There are some really strong leaders on this team. They’re good kids and it’s been fun watching them grow up. We’re proud and excited about this run for a championship.â€? Mike Wall, who’s son Michael is a defensive standout on the squad, agreed that it’s been enjoyable watching this group evolve into a championship-caliber squad over the years. He recalls some of the lumps the players took as they began the ďŹ rst Pee-Wee units in El Campo years ago. “We got our butts kicked a lot,â€? Mike laughed. “But you saw over the years a real good bond forming with these kids. They may not have the most talented kids individually in the state, but as a team they’ve been pretty hard to beat. It’s been a really rewarding year to watch them keep advancing.â€? Hunt’s son Joey, who plays as a true freshman at TCU, and Cole began to attend classes at El Campo when they were in the ninth and

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Michael Wall eighth grades, respectively. Pam said it’s truly been special to absorb the outpouring of acceptance from the Ricebird Nation since their arrival. “I get emotional just thinking about it,� Pam Hunt said. “We thought we might be viewed as outsiders but that was never the case. So many families in El Campo have had our kids in their homes after practices or for events. We love our boys in red and we love this town.� Wall said the acumen of the players along with their camaraderie has been a big part of their success. “Looking all the way back to when they were in daycare, these kids have not put each other down, they’ve pushed

and encouraged each other,â€? he said. “They are competitive, but they get along really well. They have great chemistry. I think this season the stars have kind of aligned for them. There’s a convergence of conditions where the sum is greater than the individual parts.â€? Baylor has lived in El Campo her entire life and said she understands the impact a state championship would have on the community. “It would be unbelievable,â€? she said. “It’s been what, 45 years since the last time we went to state. These boys deserve it and this town deserves it.â€? Hunt, who is a teacher at El Campo, agreed that a state championship would such a great landmark for the school and town. “From 100 years old to toddlers, this town is on ďŹ re for this team,â€? she said. “It would be amazing. We’re ready to go up there and make it happen.â€? Wall said a state title would be “validationâ€? for a town that has such a deep love for sports. “El Campo has a reputation for being very competitive in a lot of sports,â€? Wall said. “This would be something that we’d talk about forever. They could never take it away from us.â€?

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Senior Ricebirds

The Ricebird senior class poses for a photo during media day in August at Ricebird Stadium. El Campo will square off against Stephenville for the ďŹ rst time in school history Friday night in the Class 3A Division I state championship in Arlington.

6HQLRUV SDYLQJ ZD\ IRU 5LFHELUGV By CHRIS FILOTEO sports@leader-news.com

Playing for a state championship can produce a lifetime of memories. And for many Ricebirds this year, that is the case. More than a handful of El Campo players this season have been on the same team since Pee-Wee football, so this year is particularly different. However, it’s business as usual for these Ricebirds. “The emotions are higher,â€? Bryce Brandl said. “We will give them a run for their money.â€? Out of the ďŹ nal four teams in Class 3A Division I, only Carthage played at the 3A level last season. Stephenville was known as a powerhouse in 4A (won four state titles in the 1990s) and is picked as the favorite against the Ricebirds, according to several websites. But that doesn’t bother the

“boys in red.â€? “It will still be tough, but football is football, “ Chris Nielsen said. “There isn’t a difference,â€? Montray Johnson said. “Only the level is different. It’s still just a game.â€? “Class 3A is more about the sport, not how fast you are,â€? Travis Woods said. “It’s not about class ... a team is a team,â€? Spencer Singleton said. “We want to bring it home to El Campo and do it for them.â€? “We will do what we do and play hard,â€? A.J. Martinez said. “This is our ďŹ nal game out of the last four years,â€? Chance Nohavitza said. The Ricebirds have three 1,000 yards rushers this season – Brandl, Johnson and Jack Davis. But, none of that would be possible with the effort put forth by the offensive line every single down. Both the

cause we worked hard to get here.� “Class 3A is the same we are just playing different teams,� DeShawn King said. “This game is very important because it’s our last game. We will do what we do and they can be beat.� “They are just another team,� Jacob Harton said. “We always play up to the other teams’ level and give it our all.� “I’m excited for state, but Bob Gillis I’m going to keep the same mindset,� Matt Edwards said. offensive and defensive line has been the heartbeat of this “Our seniors jell well here.� “We are still going to play Ricebird squad. four hard quarters,� Davis This week is crucial for both schools, yet for El Campo said. it’s business as usual during There is one thing El practice. Campo is known for. “I am more focused this Playing four hard quarters. week because this was the For every senior Ricebird, last Monday practice as a Friday’s championship game Ricebird,� Trey Martin said. should be memorable for the “We will play as a team berest of their lives.

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" ' ! " ' COLE HUNT: “I think it has meant a lot even to the people that aren’t big football fans. “We don’t have one big-time star player. We work as one team and we have great team chemistry.�

TREY MARTIN: “I think this season means a lot to the city of El Campo. It’s really through the Ricebird spirit. “We have really good senior leadership and really play as a team.�

JEREMY SUPAK: “I think this season has been very special for the people of El Campo. It has been special for us too. I’m sure they appreciate everything we have done this season. “We work hard and we never give up. There are many leaders on our team who step up when needed.�

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Pre-game Coin Toss Ricebird seniors (l-r) Cole Hunt, Trey Martin, Bryce Brandl and Montray Johnson listen to the referee during the pre-game coin toss before El Campo and Carthage squared off Friday night in

&LW\ RI (O &DPSR 3URFODPDWLRQ The City of El Campo issued a proclamation Monday night honoring the Ricebird football team and wishes it victory Friday night over Stephenville. Mayor Richard Young urged El Campo residents to show their support for the Ricebird football team. The mayor noted the 2012 team is only the second El Campo high school squad to reach the state championship game.

Beaumont. The Ricebirds prepare to face Stephenville in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington for the Class 3A Division I state championship.

:KDW WKH\ÂśUH VD\LQJ DESHAWN KING: “I know we have made the people of El Campo very proud. Everyone has been waiting for the Ricebirds to go and win a state championship. The students and faculty are proud of us. “We play with pride and never give up no matter what the score is. We do what has to be done and play four quarters of Ricebird football!â€?

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“This is the ďŹ rst as a head coach and will deďŹ nitely be a memorable one for me.â€? El Campo is the visiting team Friday night against Stephenville in the Class 3A Division I state championship game in Cowboys Stadium. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m.

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