Sports
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El Campo Leader-News • Saturday, May 14, 2016
Page 1-B
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2016 Ricebird Baseball
One Game Down Left: Collin Quinn cheers on Brock Brandl as Brandl slides across home plate before the La Vernia catcher could tag him. The EC pitcher-catcher duo raced home after a La Vernia wild pitch. Their runs knotted the score 3-3 in the fifth inning. Below: A La Vernia base runner tries to leap over the tag of Riley Stock at third base. The runner was unsuccessful in his attempt.
L-N Photos by Chris Wimmer
Area
UPSET
Birds drop game 1 of Area playoffs to La Vernia Bears By CHRIS WIMMER sports@leader-news.com
Maybe it was inspired revenge. Maybe it was the looming confluence of Friday the 13th and a full moon. Maybe it was both, or neither. Whatever the reason, La Vernia outplayed El Campo Thursday night at Victoria Riverside Stadium. The Bears controlled the game and won 5-3 in the first contest of a possible 3-game series in the Area playoffs. “They played really well,” Head Coach Russell Krenek said. “They’re a good ball club. We just got beat tonight.” EC had to win a pivotal game last night and must win a decisive game today at 2 p.m. to continue in the postseason. Despite the loss of 12 seniors from last year’s State semifinals team, Krenek hoped for a deep playoff run this season. La Vernia, as a second-round playoff team, presented an obstacle to a deep postseason journey, but certainly not one that was insurmountable. The Bears were the third-place team in District 26 and the Birds beat them 12-2 very early in the season. Whether La Vernia had revenge on its mind, or is a much-improved club from the first week of March or it was simply great on this particular night, it produced hits, runs and solid plays in the field in game one. (See BIRDS, Page 2-B)
Challenger League plays like the big leagues El Campo, Rice athletes make sweet memories in Sugar Land By CHRIS WIMMER sports@leader-news.com
When was the last time you stood at home plate of a beautiful minor league ballpark and took a crack at a pitch? Never? The members of the El Campo Challenger League had the opportunity to swing for the fences Thursday morning at Constellation Field, the home of the Skeeters, in Sugar Land. “Anytime we can make memories for kids, it’s special,” Skeeters’ Assistant General Manager Kyle Dawson said. “That why we have this facility. It’s about everybody having an opportunity to be involved in the game, to have a special memory.” Thursday’s game was the second attempt and first success for EC’s two teams, the Rangers and the Giants. The Challenger League, for children with cognitive or physical challenges, began last year and a trip to Constellation Field was scheduled for May 2015, but the foul weather cancelled the adventure. Mother Nature was more forgiving this year, in some ways. There was no rain, but the game was played amidst stifling heat and humidity. Not that it bothered the kids. They smiled from ear to ear as they each received the chance to bat and play in the field. “These kids, they’re going to experience something that (See RANGERS, Page 2-B)
Play Ball!
L-N Photo by Chris Wimmer
El Campo Giants’ batter Jonathan Cruz cracks a single straight back at one of his team’s coaches, Taryn Socha, after she left a pitch hanging over the plate. The Giants and the Rangers played baseball for two hours Thursday at Constellation Field, home of the Sugar Land Skeeters.
St. Philip Youth Attend Conference
State-Bound Ricebirds Ready For Some Football Page 1-B
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Volume 132 Number 32 • Wednesday, June 29, 2016
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City budget talks start, shortfall possibility By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com
The looming possibility of a budget shortfall topped concerns when El Campo City Council got its first look at next fiscal year’s plans Monday. It’s still too early to say anything more than a tax hike in the three-cent range to pay for the second half of Public Safety building funding is likely, but that would be on the debt service fund rather than the daily operations budget. “I need to emphasize preliminary (as far as Monday’s budget review),” Finance Director Courtney Sladek told Council.
“It’s going to be really tight budget,” mayor says, no talk of tax hike beyond building bond yet Final Central Appraisal District property value information won’t be released until late July and the city doesn’t know whether health insurance costs will rise. Preliminary data says property values are up, however,
meaning a penny’s worth of tax will bring in $57,331 revenue. Should Council wish to exceed the effective rate (the tax levy needed to generate the same dollars based on the same property this year), state law now requires a super majority – at least five of seven – to proceed. That may be needed depending on budgetary
decisions. “Right now, we have a shortfall in two funds,” Sladek said, adding no staff pay raises have been included at this point. (See BUDGET, Page 8-A)
Headed To College Station
Alamo Park event July 2, nearby towns host fireworks
Deputies’ attacker sentence Thursday
By JODY LARIMER reporter@leader-news.com
Case sparked racial bias complaints
The Body of Christ, a fellowship of local churches, will host its Second Annual Freedom Fest Saturday at Alamo Park. “We want to bring the community together ... black churches, white churches – whatever,” organizer Anthony Ruiz said. “We just want to be more like Christ. Hopefully we can reach people who are lost and don’t have any hope. That’s all we’re shooting for.” The 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 2 celebration will feature free music and food as well as no admission price.
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com
A Hungerford woman found guilty of attacking two sheriff’s deputies should finally learn her punishment tomorrow, three months after the case sparked complaints of racial bias in the district attorney’s office. Chrissandra Lavell Ware faces a five- to 99-year sentence for assaulting two deputies as they attempted to arrest her in the Summer of 2014. But Ware was found guilty by a jury lacking black residents, a fact former ADA Nathan Wood told the 329th District Court in March he felt pressured to create.
(See AREA TOWNS, Page 5-A)
(See WARE CASE, Page 5-A)
County record digitalization almost done
Injured Fighting Fire, Volunteer Not Covered By Insurance
By JODY LARIMER reporter@leader-news.com
– See Page 6-A ALSO INSIDE: VIEWPOINT......................................Page 4-A OBITUARIES.....................................Page 7-A SPORTS.............................................Page 1-B LIFESTYLE.........................................Page 3-B CROSSWORD...................................Page 6-B CLASSIFIEDS & REAL ESTATE........Page 7-B
LOCAL WEATHER Wednesday
Chance of Thunderstorms DAY: 40% HIGH: 92º NIGHT: 0% LOW: 73º
Thursday
Chance of Thunderstorms DAY: 20% HIGH: 93º NIGHT: 0% LOW: 74º
Ricebird receiver Demond Carter snags a pass away from a Falls City defender during 7-on-7 State qualifying tournament action at Cuero last week. El Campo was one of two teams to advance to the State tournament after rising above the competition. The Birds will compete at the State event for the first time in school history, to be held at College Station July 7-8. For more coverage, see Page 1-B. L-N Photo by Chris Wimmer
Saturday
Mostly Sunny DAY: 0% HIGH: 95º NIGHT: 0% LOW: 77º Last Week: Avg. High: 95º • Avg. Low: 73º
RAIN GAUGE
Last 7 Days............................. 0.33 In.
Last 30 Days........................... 5.73 In. Same Time In '15.................... 14.16 In.
Year To Date......................... 21.08 In. Year To Date '15..................... 31.44 In. Data Collected by LCRA at El Campo Memorial Hospital
BURN BAN LIFTED COUNTY’S MEAN KBDI: 332 Burn Ban is put into effect when the mean KBDI reaches or goes above 500.
(See AGING RECORDS, Page 8-A)
IMUD Saga Continues
Friday
Chance of Thunderstorms DAY: 30% HIGH: 93º NIGHT: 0% LOW: 76º
Wharton County is getting closer to finishing a historical county records project started last year, simplifying access for the clerk’s office. No longer will staff have to search bound books to find information, but can call it up and print the data from their computers. Commissioners in December 2014 approved the project to back-scan paper county records and save them electronically, including all birth and death records from the 1800s to now. Cott Systems, an Ohio public records management company, won the bid to do all the scanning, but county
Court-ordered election complete, winners named Three set to take office after board finishes vote canvass, swear in By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com
Three candidates earned posts Saturday in a court-ordered Isaacson Municipal Utility District election where almost a third of its registered voters cast ballots. Mark Welfel, Collette Popp and Floyd Fisher were the top vote-getters and will be sworn in at an as-ofyet-unscheduled meeting. The 103 participating voters were all asked to make up to three selections in the six-candidate field. They gave Welfel the most votes – 76. Popp finished with 75 and former board president Fisher 68.
The other three candidates finished far behind with Monika DavisPineda collecting 24, former water superintendent Larry Walton 22 and Ramona Hernandez 19. While the three winning candidates are waiting to see when they can take office, Walton and DavisPineda are crying foul (please see related story). Acting board president Thomas Martin is one of two board members stepping down as soon as new members can be sworn. “I’m going to try to get it done as soon as possible and move on with (See LETTER CAUSES, Page 7-A)
Two losing candidates cry foul, say multiple issues found in balloting By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com
The court-ordered election Saturday may not have solved Isaacson Municipal Utility District woes after all. Two losing candidates, Larry Walton and Monika Davis-Pineda, say there were major issues with voting and they intend to issue a challenge. “I believe in losing fairly, but in this case there was a lot of illegal stuff going on,” Davis-Pineda said Monday, adding, “It’s going back to court.” Out of a field of six, she was the fourth place finisher with 24 votes while Walton was fifth with 22. The last place finisher was Ramona Hernandez with 19. Candidate Marc Welfel got the most votes Saturday with 76. Colette Popp finished second with 75 and former board president Floyd Fisher earned 68. Those three will take posts on the board (please see related story). But that shouldn’t be, Walton said. (See IMUD, Page 7-A)
Danevang Museum Marks 15-Year Anniversary
Birds, Hornets Begin Football Practice
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Volume 132 Number 42 • Wednesday, August 3, 2016
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County budget plan in red without tax hike By JODY LARIMER reporter@leader-news.com
Adopting the effective tax rate, even without granting any capital requests or issuing pay raises, leaves Wharton County’s budget in the red. Commissioners met Tuesday to review three preliminary budget scenarios. One uses the effective tax rate, this year set at $0.47929 per $100 in property value, to generate the same revenue based on the same
“Without buying one thing, we’re $382,000 in the hole,”
– County Judge Phillip Spenrath
property value given by the Wharton County Central Appraisal District. Using this rate and approving no additional requests would result in a $382,590 deficit. “Without buying one thing, we’re $382,000
in the hole,” Judge Phillip Spenrath told commissioners, adding he then adjusted the rate to balance the budget. Raising the rate to $0.49101, but still approving no capital requests or pay raises,
would create a $320 surplus in the general fund. A third scenario, which would adopt the 49cent tax rate and approve one-time capital requests, leaves an $800,000 deficit. “We would have to bump up the tax rate to balance the budget,” Spenrath said. “That would include nothing new, that would repeat like salaries.” Last session commissioners reviewed indi-
High Five Time
El Campo selected as ‘scenic’ state city El Campo learned it’s now officially something to see Thursday, at least according to the Scenic City Certification Program. That’s despite a lack of traditional photographic vistas, statues, historic settings or other reflexively reach-forthe-camera sights. “A city does not necessarily have to be ‘scenic’ to earn Scenic City Certification,” El Campo Community Services Director Chris Barbee said Monday. “Cities are competing against criteria, not each other. Scenic City was established to do something through the ordinance process to reduce, or eliminate billboards. It grew from there to include other ordinances that in theory, over time, will make a city more attractive.” El Campo has passed several ordinances targeting appearance in the last two to three years including anti-graffiti rules, garbage container regulations and development standards for neighborhoods while at the same time establishing a beautification committee and assorted clean-up projects. “The main goal from my perspec-
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com
(See SCENIC PROJECT, Page 7-A)
INSIDE:
LOCAL WEATHER Wednesday
Connor Savino and Kyle Leopold prepare to slap a high five after a good play in the EC 7U Reds’ first game of the Second Annual Hook, Line and Dinger tournament Saturday at Zlotnik Park on the West Loop. The 7U team played in the competition for the first time and organizers said the event was even more successful than last year. For coverage of the event, please see Page 2-B in the sports section. L-N Photo by Chris Wimmer
Chance of Thunderstorms DAY: 20% HIGH: 96º NIGHT: 0% LOW: 75º
Thursday
Chance of Thunderstorms DAY: 20% HIGH: 96º NIGHT: 0% LOW: 76º
Friday
Chance of Thunderstorms DAY: 30% HIGH: 96º NIGHT: 0% LOW: 76º
Saturday
Chance of Thunderstorms DAY: 30% HIGH: 96º NIGHT: 0% LOW: 76º Last Week: Avg. High: 93º • Avg. Low: 77º
RAIN GAUGE
Last 7 Days............................. 1.58 In.
Last 30 Days........................... 1.67 In. Same Time In '15...................... 0.02 In.
Year To Date......................... 22.88 In. Year To Date '15..................... 31.55 In. Data Collected by LCRA at El Campo Memorial Hospital
BURN BAN LIFTED COUNTY’S MEAN KBDI: 424 Burn Ban is put into effect when the mean KBDI reaches or goes above 500.
GOP likely to pick DA nominee next week Interim choice pending, Democrats don’t have potential candidate yet
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com
VIEWPOINT......................................Page 4-A OBITUARIES.....................................Page 7-A SPORTS.............................................Page 1-B LIFESTYLE.........................................Page 3-B CROSSWORD...................................Page 6-B CLASSIFIEDS & REAL ESTATE........Page 7-B
(See COUNTY BUDGET TALK, Page 8-A)
District attorney nominees for the upcoming November ballot are under consideration as Wharton County awaits the governor’s interim appointment. Republican political party leaders are set to meet Monday to consider nominees and announce their candidate, County Chair Don Al Middlebrook told the Leader-News Friday. The party has one firm hopeful in former DA candidate and county ADA Dawn Allison. Others, Middlebrook said, have made inquires. ALLISON “She has been very proactive in pursuing this position and filling out all the necessary paperwork on her own in short manner,” the party chair said. Democrats don’t have anyone who has declared their intention to seek the nomination as of presstime. “We have a couple inquiries on the open position,” County Chair Linda Baca said Monday, adding the local party will consider appointments should they receive an application. The GOP isn’t considering that news an immediate win, Middlebrook said. “We are planning and (See GOP, Page 8-A)
Don’t Forget To Shop, Save State offering sales tax break this weekend El Campoans and other Wharton County residents can get an automatic bargain on most, if not all, back-to-school clothing needs this weekend. The state of Texas offers shoppers an automatic discount on a wide variety of clothing, footwear and assorted back-to-school supplies Aug. 5 to 7. Most items priced under $100 per item are tax free that weekend on a per item basis. If a customer purchases two pairs of jeans for $30 each, for example, they save $4.95 before any markdown offered by the store. Picking out a $120 pair of boots and a $40 shirt, however, means the customer only gets the savings on the $40 item as long as it meets state guidelines. The full tax is owed on the $120 item. For shoppers in the El Campo city limits, that equals an $8.25 savings per $100 spent in addition to what(See CLOTHING, Page 7-A)
Grabbing A Bargain
L-N Photo by Shannon Crabtree
JoAnne Gomez, left, of Wharton traveled to El Campo’s Shoe Dept. Monday to check out the offerings and make a few selections. Clerk Ruby Escamia, center, and Store Manager Candy Contreras have been preparing for sales tax holiday crowds. Shopping numbers and buying is up this year, Contreras said.
t
Water Project Headed By Locals Page 3-B
Regular Season Arrives Page 1-B
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Copyright ® 2016
Volume 132 Number 48 • Wednesday, August 24, 2016
75¢
54 Pages, 4 Inserts
Allison gets interim DA appointment By JAY T. STRASNER publisher@leader-news.com
In an expected move, Gov. Greg Abbott has announced the appointment of Dawn Allison of El Campo as District Attorney for the 329th Judicial District in Wharton County. Announced Monday, Allison will serve a term set to expire at the next general election in November. “The governor called me around noon yesterday and then at around 3 p.m. the news release
came out,” Allison said. “I’m excited. There’s a lot of work to do to prepare for this. I’ll have to close my practice. (Monday) night I was here till the wee hours. I have to determine the resolution of everything. When I have time to do so, I’ll celebrate.” Allison is an attorney in private practice and previously served as first assistant district attorney for the 329th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Wharton County. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas, North Carolina Bar Association, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Wharton County
Bar Association and the Fort Bend County Criminal Bar Association and a former member of the Texas District & County Attorneys Association. Allison received a Bachelor of Arts in law and justice from Central Washington University and a Juris Doctor from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Allison will face Republican nominee John Roades of Wharton in November, as voters will be asked to select Wharton County’s next DA. (See VOTERS, Page 3-A)
Dawn Allison
Ready To Clash
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• • SPECIAL SECTI
Football Preview Appears Inside Thirty-six pages of football information appears in this edition of your hometown newspaper, as the Leader-News presents the 2016 Football Preview section. For the second consecutive year, the special section is a glossy keepsake magazine. “We wanted to change the appearance of this section last year, given the importance and popularity of high school football in our communities,” Jay T. Strasner, publisher said. “We’ve been really pleased with the result and the outpouring of support in regards to the new format.” Those who judged the Texas Gulf Coast Press Association awards agreed, designating the 2015 Football Preview as the best in its category during award notification this summer. Information and photos for both El Campo and Louise teams appear in the edition.
Coach James Harp instructs El Campo linemen Reid Zboril, left, and John Saldana in various blocking drills during practice Monday at Ricebird Stadium. El Campo will host Gregory-Portland in the season opener for both teams Friday night.
El Campo is expected to contend for the district championship again this season behind the strength of their players in the trenches, including Zboril, who is slated to contribute to the team for the fourth season. L-N Photo by Jay T. Strasner
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ALSO INSIDE: VIEWPOINT......................................Page 4-A OBITUARIES.....................................Page 7-A SPORTS.............................................Page 1-B LIFESTYLE.........................................Page 3-B CROSSWORD...................................Page 6-B CLASSIFIEDS & REAL ESTATE........Page 7-B
LOCAL WEATHER Wednesday
Chance of Thunderstorms DAY: 20% HIGH: 92º NIGHT: 0% LOW: 75º
Thursday
d g
Chance of Thunderstorms DAY: 40% HIGH: 91º NIGHT: 20% LOW: 74º
h
Friday
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Chance of Thunderstorms DAY: 50% HIGH: 88º NIGHT: 20% LOW: 73º
Saturday
Chance of Thunderstorms DAY: 30% HIGH: 90º NIGHT: 0% LOW: 74º Last Week: Avg. High: 86º • Avg. Low: 73º
RAIN GAUGE
Last 7 Days............................. 3.28 In. Last 30 Days........................... 8.67 In. Same Time In '15...................... 1.89 In. Year To Date......................... 29.97 In. Year To Date '15..................... 33.42 In. Data Collected by LCRA at El Campo Memorial Hospital
BURN BAN LIFTED COUNTY’S MEAN KBDI: 93 Burn Ban is put into effect when the mean KBDI reaches or goes above 500.
City continues budget talks, water, sewer rate adjustments By JODY LARIMER reporter@leader-news.com
City council members Monday continued budget discussions considering water and sewer rates and held a public hearing on the proposed tax rate. Changes to El Campo’s water and sewer fees were discussed by council in a workshop prior to the regular meeting.
Cotton patches feeling effects of late rain showers By JODY LARIMER reporter@leader-news.com
Recent showers producing more than six inches of rain around El Campo is creating issues in cotton patches here and throughout Wharton County. As much as 10 inches fell in the Lane City area and 8 to 9 inches around Danevang, according to Ag Extension Agent Corrie Bowen. Added moisture to the plant has caused seeds to re-sprout in the cotton bolls in some areas of the county, which will lower the value of the seed and decrease lint yields. “The quality has definitely gone to heck,” United Ag General Manager Jimmy Roppolo said Thursday. “We may be able to gin it, but it will be trashy and slow. We definitely need sunshine.” Once the crop is dried out, it is picked and run through the cotton gin, which cleans it by sepa(See COTTON ACRES, Page 8A)
“We had looked at a few varieties that included reducing the base from 3,000 gallons to 2,000 gallons, but the general consensus of the finance committee and the city council was to leave the 3,000 gallon base in place,” City Manager Mindi Snyder said, adding this would “better align with covering the expense in those respective areas.” The base water rate would be lower, costing $12.25 per 3,000 gallons instead of $12.50, while any overage would stay at $2.92.
The base sewer rate would increase from $14.15 to $14.40 and each 1,000 gallons used over the base would cost $4.65 instead of $4.45. “(It) would increase the total bill by $0.55/ month on average usage of 5,700 gallons and $.90/month on larger users that average 7,480 gallons,” Snyder said. A city base bill, which includes garbage collec(See CITY, Page 5-A)
School Returns Louise ISD Elementary student Gaige Blanco hugs his mother after students were released Monday from the first day of school. A total of 476 students reported to class the first day with 220 in the elementary school, 115 at the middle school and 141 at the high school.
L-N Photo by Jody Larimer
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Sports
El Campo Leader-News • Saturday, September 3, 2016
Page 1-B
sports@leader-news.com
Wharton Co. Football 2016
Comeback VICTORY EC overcomes rain delay, deficit to defeat Angleton By CHRIS WIMMER sports@leader-news.com
Torrential rain and frequent lightning delayed El Campo’s much anticipated game with Class 5A Angleton for two hours, but the adverse weather did not stop the Ricebirds from defeating the Wildcats 21-13. EC struggled to move the ball for 23 of 24 minutes in the first half. The Birds punted on their first five possessions before they were able to mount a successful series. As the Birds fought off the stiffness of the long rain delay, Angleton came out strong. The Wildcats scored on their first play from scrimmage, a 46-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Seth Cosme to standout running back B.J. Foster. Angleton’s second drive produced another TD, this time on a 2-yard plunge by Foster’s backfield teammate Tamerik Williams. Foster contributed an 18-yard run on the drive and Cosme added 15 yards on quarterback sneaks. Williams walked into the end zone from 2 yards out. Angleton missed the PAT, but still held a 13-0 lead with 6:07 left in the first half. Angleton’s punter was arguably its best weapon early in the game. Paul Hamlin pinned the Birds inside their own 10 yard line on three consecutive possessions.
With less than five minutes left in the second quarter, EC began at its own 3 yard line after another successful Hamlin kick. EC churned up minimal yardage on the ground with running backs Deaderick Hollaway and Nery Enriquez. The Birds turned to the air and began to move the ball. BrockBrandl threw a wide receiver screen to Wesley Arrambide for 9 yards. Arrambide then caught a 30-yard pass down the EC sideline that drove the Birds to the Angleton 20-yard line. Two plays later, he caught a perfectly thrown fade route in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown. It was the same play the Ricebirds used to great advantage in their 7-on-7 tournament over the summer. EC scored with 0:41 left in the half and took a 13-7 deficit into the break. Angleton marched down the field on a promising drive to begin the second half, but senior safety Zarian Baylor intercepted a Cosme pass at EC’s 16 yard line. Baylor rambled 45 yards and then a face mask penalty at the end of the run added 15 more yards. Running back Jerric Chapman was stuffed for no gain on EC’s first play on the ensuing drive.
GP 21 EC 13
L-N Photo by Chris Wimmer
Tossed
Safety Reyden Svatek takes out Angleton tight end Charles Jones in the first half of EC’s win over the Wildcats. Jones seemed ready to make a sure catch until Svatek made the big play.
(See EC, Page 2-B)
Hornets fall to Cobras after weather delays
LHS 50 IND 6
By CHRIS WIMMER sports@leader-news.com
Two hours of heavy rain, strong winds and lightning postponed the kickoff of Louise’s home opener versus Industrial by almost two hours. When the players were able to take the field, the Class 3A Cobras bested the Hornets 50-6. “They just played better than us,” LHS Head Coach Heath Clawson said. “They were more aggressive than us.” Louise scored its lone touchdown late in the third quarter. Industrial snapped the ball over its punter’s head on fourth down to give the Hornets the chance to capitalize. The punter dove on the ball and
L-N Photo by Jay T. STrasner
On The Run Sophomore quarterback Colin Gonzales escapes a defender in Louise’s first game versus Ganado. LHS fell in the contest and was defeated by Industrial in its home opener Friday night.
recovered it, but LHS took over on downs. The Hornets’ offense moved the ball on the ground and attempted a pass but failed to connect. On fourth down, sophomore transfer Dominikk Edison crashed into the end zone for a touchdown. LHS missed the extra point attempt, but denied Industrial the shutout. “We’ve got a talented bunch of young players, they just have to grow up very quickly,” Clawson said. “They have to tackle better, which they started doing that in second half. They need to come off the ball better, which they also did better in the second half.” LHS will host Burton Friday night at Hornet Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
Ladybirds stay perfect at home with win over Edna By CHRIS WIMMER sports@leader-news.com
El Campo got what it needed Tuesday night: a dominating home win. The Ladybirds hosted Class 3A Edna in just their second game at Ricebird Gym this season and swept the Cowgirls 25-8, 25-15 and 25-15. “Overall, I think every skill was mastered this game — serving, serve receive, blocking, great set assists and kills,” EC Head Coach Cherise Coleman said. “We took care of every aspect of the game.” The victory helped revive the team after a challenging tournament at George Ranch last weekend. The competition featured numerous Class 6A schools and a smattering of quality 4A and 5A opponents. EC came away with a 3-5 record that included wins over Fort Bend Bush, Cy-Ridge and Cypress Springs. The Ladybirds were matched up with 4A powerhouse Bellville for the third time in the young 2016 season and this time stole a set from the No.
7 team in the State. “Of the five matches we lost, the scores were extremely close,” Coleman said. “It made us aware that we have to take advantage when the momentum shifts our way.” The Ladybirds had the advantage and the momentum versus Edna Tuesday night. Coach Coleman said one of the team’s goals was to hold the Cowgirls to less than 15 points per set and the goal was accomplished. EC cruised to victory in the first set 25-8 and then traded points with Edna through the first half of the second set. The Cowgirls kept the score close: it was tied 7-7 early in the contest before the Ladybirds took a slight 10-8 lead. They stretched the margin to 13-9 and then started to pull away. EC scored four quick points to move ahead 17-9. Edna won 4 of the next 5 points to draw within 18-13, but then the Ladybirds quickly reasserted themselves. EC scored 5 straight points and (See EC, Page 2-B)
Diving Save
L-N Photo by Chris Wimmer
Melea Socha and Ashley Rioux dive for the ball to keep it in play Tuesday night. The Ladybirds defeated the Edna Cowgirls soundly in their second home match of the season.