El Campo Leader-News Sports Coverage: 08-28-2013 by Jay Strasner

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Page 1-B

sports@leader-news.com

L-N Photo by Kaitlynn Bianconi

2013 Ricebird Football

The 2013 Ricebird varsity includes front row, from left: Juan Reyna, Sixto Montoya, Marc Flores, Demetris Washington, Keith Sparks, Charles Acosta, Alex Montes, Abraham Montes, DJ Washington, Charles Powers and Isiah Villareal. Second row: Seth Pustejovsky, Victor Hernandez, Brylan Crivellari, Kyle Kerzee, Andrew Saucedo, Kevin Dove, Adrian Alameda, Tyler Pittman, Jarrin Henderson, Tobias Thorton and Aaron Espinoza. Third row: Marshall Mach, Nick Jasek, Tyler Farrar, Hunter Merta, Clayton Harp, Ryan Neilsen, Nick Salyer, Austin Kelly, James Espercuita, Brent Hayes, BJ Flagg and Zachary Arnett. Back row: Jamal Bryant, Clint Kruppa, Colt DuBroc, James Kyle, Dillon Hogan, Kory Supak, Blaine Fuechec, Terrence Brown, Zeke Tsika, Koy Kresta, Clay Kresta, Ryan Drapela and Clay Glaze.

Ricebirds ready to open season at Waller BY JAY T. STRASNER publisher@leader-news.com

Perhaps even more so than their district opponents, the Ricebirds will face a team in Waller Friday night that is very familiar with El Campo’s plan of attack. Brad Wright, Waller’s head coach, coached at El Campo and Wharton prior to his time with the Bulldogs. Waller Defensive Coordinator Gary VanZandt also coached at El Campo a decade ago and assistant Boomer Krenek, brother of Ricebird Assistant Russell Krenek, is a former El Campo player. “They definitely know a lot about what we do,” El Campo Head Coach Bob Gillis said. “They know our schemes and philosophy and they’ve got film on our new guys. But then again, we know a lot about them too. We know their coaching style and we scouted their scrimmage Friday night. I’m not too worried about all that though. What we need to focus on is getting better as a football team and taking care of what we do. We want to go down there and get a win and start the season off on the right foot.”

Friday, August 31

7:30 p.m. AT WALLER El Campo coaches were able to draw some conclusions about their opponent during a scouting session last week. “Offensively, to be honest, they looked a lot like what we do,” Gillis said. “They’ll get in some I-formation stuff and do some one-back power plays. Some counters and bootlegs. Play-action stuff. It wasn’t really anything we didn’t expect to see, but I’m sure they’ll have a couple different looks they’ll give us on Friday night too.” Defensively, Ricebird coaches expect to see a 4-3 base, but also understand that Waller will be geared up to take away the Ricebird running attack. (See BIRDS, Page 3-B)

Ground Attack

L-N Photo by Jay T. Strasner

Ricebird running back BJ Flagg takes the handoff and prepares to head upfield during last week’s scrimmage against St. Pius. El Campo will begin the season Friday night at Waller.

Hornets hit the road to Danbury for Week 1 By KAITLYNN BIANCONI sports@leader-news.com

The Louise Hornets will face a familiar opponent Friday in their season opener against Danbury. Danbury, who defeated Louise 34-0 in 2012, is returning 15 starters, eight on offense and seven on defense. The First Team All-District linebacker Collin Cowsert is returning and will lead the defense with Ryan Piper. The 2012 defense held opposing teams to just a 9-point average per game. The offense is returning solid players in Christian Brown (6-0, 220), Larry Moore (6-0, 220) and Cole Maxwell (6-0, 230), according to Friday Night Football magazine. An 8-3 record for 2012 led them to the playoffs, and Danbury is predicted to be second in District 132A Div. II, right behind 2012 state champions East Bernard. Louise, while not making the playoffs in 2012, has First Team AllDistrict running back Noe Puentes returning. Rushing for over 1,000 yards in 2012, Puentes is expected to be the offensive standout in 2013. Also returning are Rudy Alvarez and Robert Guevara who will lead the offensive and defensive lines. Looking for a win against Danbury for the first time since 2009, the Hornets have been excited about the first game of the season for months. “We are preparing for their wideopen spread attack,” Louise Head

Friday, August 31

7:30 p.m. AT DANBURY Coach Danny Villanueva said. “They air it out so our secondary is preparing extra hard for their passing game. We are also working on getting a pass rush so their QB doesn’t get comfortable in the pocket.” Although the Hornets have had an injury-prone few weeks, that isn’t stopping them now that the season is upon them. “We pronounced everyone healthy,” Villanueva said. “We played a physical scrimmage last week against Van Vleck and held our own. I feel like we are in pretty good physical shape and stronger compared to last year.” Going into the off-season with a new strategy in mind for 2013 allowed the team to focus their training more effectively between running and weight training. The constant rains Monday threw off the Hornets’ schedule for the game. “Due to practice being rained out on Monday, we’re not there yet, but (See LOUISE, Page 3-B)

2013 Louise Varsity

L-N Photo by Kaitlynn Bianconi

The 2013 Louise varisty football team includes front row, from left: Special Teams Coordinator Joe Bill, Carlos Martinez, Jorge Franco, Jacob McCown, Head Coach Danny Villanueva and Assistant Coach Chris Chromcack. Second row: Assistant Coach Oscar Castillo, Clay Gonzales, Will Siemens, Jacob Bill, Chris Kutac, Blaine Machicek and Assistant Coach Sam Rodriguez. Third row: David Hart, Ty Tucker, Jase Bill, Carlos Garcia and Ismael Mendez. Fourth row: Tariq Barron, Robert Guevara, Rudy Alvarez, Noe Puentes, Josh Alvarez and Hunter Koudela.

Page 2-B

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Sports Beat

Ready To Play The 2013 Varsity Ladybird Volleyball team include front row from left: Amanda Martinez, Audrey Anderson, Ellie Forgason, Savanna Smith and Bee Bradshaw Back row: Fran Powers, Natalie Nohavitza, Amy Pflughaupt, Coach Melissa Popp, Paxton Lutringer, Kacey Knesek and Emorie Mazoch.

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Ladybirds rolling in pre-season By KAITLYNN BIANCONI sports@leader-news.com

With just a few weeks left before district play starts, the Ladybirds are currently getting in as much practice as they can. This weekend, the team will participate in the George Ranch Varsity Volleyball Tournament. On Thursday, they will face Clear Falls, Houston Lamar, Van Vleck and Ridge Point in Pool D. “This will be our first year in this tournament and we have not seen or played the teams that we will face in the tournament,” head coach Melissa Popp said. “It will be a good experience for us. We will go into the tournament playing our game and do the best that we can do.” The tournament has 28 teams that will play in both morning and afternoon pools on Thursday. After that, teams will be seeded into gold, silver and bronze bracket play on Saturday. Then it will become a double elimination.

ready 13-3 in their season, they are currently ranked second in 5A Region III District 24. The team has experienced players with impressive stats. Overall, the team earns: 13.4 kills per set, 68 blocks per match, 19.1 digs per match, 102 aces overall, 2.4 aces per set and a hitting percentage of .273. Alyssa Enneking is the team standout with 250 of the team’s 576 kills. Ashlynn Dunbar has 26 of the team’s 102 aces, and Morgan St. Germaine has earned 270 of the team’s 821 digs. Houston Lamar The Lamar Redskins have a season record of 1-3, and lost to one of El Campo’s biggest district threats, the Bellville Brahmas. They are ranked second in 5A Region III District 20, but over half of the teams in district don’t have a season record yet. They beat St. Pius X last week 3-1. St. Pius has yet to win a match this season, and is currently 6-0.

Clear Falls Van Vleck The Clear Falls Knights It’s still early in the season could prove to be the biggest for Van Vleck, with just one challenger in EC’s pool. Al- match (and one win) under

their belt against Ganado, winning in four sets. They are ranked first in 2A Region IV District 26, but no other teams have played any matches. Ridge Point The Ridge Point Panthers are ranked first in 4A Region II District 22 with a 5-6 record and no district play. The team averages: 11.1 kills per set, 21 total blocks, 14.8 digs per set, 14 aces, 1.8 aces per set and a .271 hitting average. Caitlyn Cooper holds 34 of the team’s overall 89 kills. Sydney Fields has half of the team blocks with 8. Twentyeight of the team’s overall 118 digs belong to Brooke Rutherford, while Keandra McCardell holds 67 of the team’s 80 assists. “It’s a lot of games to play, plus we have a regular season game on Friday in between, so we will have a lot of opportunity to put to test what we have been working on in practice lately,” Popp said. “Our focus has been our first and second touches and really getting our middle involved more in the offense. I have seen a lot of changes being made for the better in practice and I hope to see a

difference in the game.” The Ladybirds have a season record of 5-3. So far, outside of tournament play, they have defeated Rice Consolidated, Yoakum and rival George Ranch. “It’s a good opportunity to get a lot of games in because district is right around the corner,” Popp said. “After the tournament is over, we have 13 days to put some finishing touches on our game before we take on Columbus in our first district game.” The Ladybirds played Victoria East Tuesday night, but results were not available at press time. Their first match in the tournament at George Ranch is Thursday at 3:15 p.m., and the Ladybirds play away at Weimar on Friday.

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Sports Beat —Louise preparing new offense for season opener

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(Continued from Page 1-B)

we are making strides,” Villanueva said. “It’s gonna take some time due to our QB being out the last few weeks.” Quarterback Chris Kutac had experienced back spasms the first week of full pads and scrimmages, but he has been finally declared healthy enough to play. T h e Hornets see Friday night’s competition as a fair game. “I feel like we m a t c h up with them well. KUTAC They’ve got speed, we have speed. They have size, we have size,” Villanueva said. “Their QB is a run/pass threat and we have to keep him in the pocket. He can sling it, so we have to put pressure on him constantly. “It’s just gonna come down to who executes the best and who’s defense

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Practicing Fundamentals

Izzy Mendez gets taken down during practice against the Hornets’ varsity defense. Louise has been preparing the new offensive and defensive strategies during the off-season in preparation for the 2013 season.

—Birds hitting the road in Week 1 pre-district game “They scrimmaged a spread team that threw it a lot, so you know they’ll be changing up how they play us,” Gillis said. “We figured they’ll be more packed into the box on us. They’ve got some guys who can run to the football. I think on defense they’re better than last year because they had to play a lot of younger guys who got some good experience. They’ve always got talent at Waller.” Another area that impressed Gillis was the play of the Waller offensive line in their scrimmage. “Their line really came off the ball and blocked people,” Gillis said. “They rotated a couple different quarterbacks and we suspect they’ll do some of that on Friday too. They’ve got a few running backs that they played so they don’t look like they’re sticking with just one guy. Defensively, their middle linebacker was making a lot of plays. He looks like a good one. Their secondary is quick and their front four look really sound.” In order to have success against the Bulldog defense, El Campo must sustain drives, avoid pre-snap penalties and win the turnover battle, Gillis said. The Ricebird running attack will be without junior fullback Blaine Fuechec, who fractured his ankle against St. Pius last week. “We just really need to be more consistent,” he said.

Page 3-B

Headed For Paydirt

L-N Photo by Jay T. Strasner

early, go through our pregame stuff and, at the end of the day, it’s still a football game no matter where you play it.” El Campo blanked Waller 31-0 last season and then went on to win 13 consecutive games thereafter. However, in 2011, the Ricebirds were stunned in a home opener to Houston Westside 46-14 and went on to struggle for most of the early part of that season. Gillis knows the key to successful 2013 campaign is to get out of the gates with success. “During the course of a game there will be some good things and some bad things that happen to you,” Gillis said. “We can’t get too excited about the highs or too down about the lows. Hopefully, we’ve learned some things from our scrimmages and we’ll go down there and execute and have a good ball game.” Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

erman auch Jr.

Ricebird Jarrin Henderson runs toward the end zone during El Campo’s scrimmage against St. Pius last week. “We can’t have one good play and then two bad ones like we’ve done in some parts of our scrimmages. The bottom line for us is we’ve got to block people and move the ball. Be consistent with what we know how to do.” The Ricebirds would prefer to open the season at home,

but Gillis said it will be good to get the experience of being road tested early in the year. “We haven’t figured out how to make our schedule have 10 home games yet,” Gillis laughed. “That would be best, but really this team hasn’t traveled for even a scrimmage yet. We’ll get there

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Page 4-B

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L-N Photo by Jay T. Strasner

Running The Defense

Ricebird Defensive Coordinator Wayne Condra trots over to the huddle to help plan the next play during last week’s scrimmage against St. Pius. El Campo will travel to Waller this Friday.

Pick ‘Em contest returns

By JAY T. STRASNER publisher@leader-news.com

The Leader-News and local businesses kick off the annual Leader-News Football Contest today, giving football fans the opportunity to test their knowledge of the biggest college and pro games each weekend. The contest is easy. Those who pick the most games correctly, and win the tie-breaker if needed, win the prizes. A total of $50 in prizes will be awarded each of the 16 weeks of the contest, with first

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Write in the name of the team you think will win for each game. Cut out entry form and return to the Leader-News.

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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 fictitious names on them is not allowed and will result in disqualification 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 office 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 first, $15 for second and $10 for third. Should two people tie for first, they will each get $20, or an equal share of the cash for first and second place. If, for example, four people tie for first, 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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PREVIEW

2013

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

El Campo Leader-News •Wednesday, August 28, 2013

2013 El Campo Football Schedule DATE OPPONENT PLACE TIME Friday, Aug. 16 West Columbia (S) Ricebird Stadium 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22 St. Pius (S) Ricebird Stadium 7:00 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30 Waller Waller 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6 Bryan Rudder Ricebird Stadium 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 Bay City Ricebird Stadium 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20 Foster Richmond 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 Open -- -- Friday, Oct. 4 Bellville* Bellville 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11 Royal* (H) Ricebird Stadium 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 Wharton* Wharton 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 Needville* Ricebird Stadium 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 Sealy* Sealy 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 Columbus*(P) Ricebird Stadium 7:30 p.m. (S) Scrimmage (H) Homecoming * District 25-3A games (P) Parents Night

2013 Louise Football Schedule DATE OPPONENT Friday, Aug. 16 Tidehaven (S) Thursday, Aug. 22 Van Vleck (S) Friday, Aug. 30 Danbury Friday, Sept. 6 Brazos Friday, Sept. 13 Burton Friday, Sept. 20 Industrial Friday, Sept. 27 Sacred Heart (H) Friday, Oct. 4 Ganado Friday, Oct. 11 Open Friday, Oct. 18 Runge* Friday, Oct. 25 Pettus* Friday, Nov. 1 Falls City* Friday, Nov. 8 Woodsboro* P) (S) Scrimmage * District 25-3A games

PLACE Tidehaven Van Vleck Danbury Hornet Stadium Burton Industrial Hornet Stadium Hornet Stadium -- Runge Hornet Stadium Falls City Hornet Stadium

TIME 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

(H) Homecoming (P) Parents Night

The 2013 El Campo Ricebird and Louise Hornet Football Preview is a special section of the El Campo Leader-News. The El Campo Leader-News is published Wednesdays and Saturdays. For information, contact 979.543.3363 or visit www.leader-news.com.Copyright 2013

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2013 season brings excitement malcy for local fans, but also a renewal of hope, expectation and, perhaps, even the unknown for our favorite teams. While the 2012 season was one full of memories, we must close the book on that fabulous season and allow new names to be called over the public address system as new Friday Night Heroes prepare to emerge and stake their own claims. Every team begins the season with an undefeated record and a clean slate upon which to pen the story that will eventually be the 2013 gridiron campaign. Coaches and players have been preEver since the final horn sounded at Cowboys Stadium that rainy December paring relentlessly for the upcoming evening in 2012, football fans across year. Films have been dissected. this wonderful county have been eagerly New plays have been implemented. awaiting this week. Sweat has been poured out. The arrival of the 2013 season signals (See EACH, Page 3) not only a return of Friday night nor“You’ll be only our way up! You’ll be seeing great sights! You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights. You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed. Jay T. You’ll pass the Strasner whole gang and you’ll soon take the Ink By lead. The Barrel Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.” – Dr. Seuss

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, August 28, 2013

—Each team undefeated (Continued from Page 2)

Time has been invested. Now that the pre-season has passed and the regular season has arrived, we can get back to our routines of following our favorite teams across the state. In the following pages, you’ll find details about Louise and El Campo teams and their prospects for the 2013 season. We’d like to thank the coaches and players for devoting their time to provide the content for this section. Also, a special thanks to our devoted advertisers who make it all possible. There’s a special sense of pride we have in covering football in this part of the world and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. And what better place than west Wharton County to enjoy the game of foootball? El Campo Head Coach Bob Gillis offered a profound perspective about the place we all call home. “This is a really neat place,” Gillis said. “Looking back, when you get to a place for a job, you never think you’ll stay there forever. But this is a unique place to be. A unique community. Our coaches have come here and most of them don’t want to leave. I know there’s no other place I’d rather be than right here.” We couldn’t have said it better, Coach.

Soar To Great Heights

L-N Photo by Jay T. Strasner

Koy Kresta and other Wharton County players will look to fulfill the words of Dr. Seuss on the gridiron this season.

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L-N Photo by Kaitlynn Bianconi

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BY JAY T. STRASNER publisher@leader-news.com

Bob Gillis understands there’s really no bigger celebrity than being a high school head football coach of a traditionrich school in Texas. Be it pumping gas, cutting the yard on his mower, or shopping for groceries, the Ricebird head coach has difficulty performing otherwise mundane tasks without being interrupted to talk football. “I was pushing my grocery cart at HEB the other day and somebody asked me about this season,” Gillis said earlier this pre-season. “I told them ‘we’re gonna be young.’ My wife was standing there and said ‘aw, you always say that.’ I really mean it this year though. We do have a lot to replace from last year’s team.” On paper, Gillis is certainly correct

about the prospects of the 2013 gridiron season. The Ricebirds are looking to replace 19 of 22 starters from last year’s squad that won 14 consecutive games before falling in the Class 3A State Championship game to Stephenville. Not only was last year’s squad full of talent and a savvy for refusing to lose, they also had tremendous leadership and team chemistry. Coming up with a way to duplicate those traits will be paramount to El Campo’s success in 2013. Gillis said coaches have taken steps to reinforce those qualities that made the 2012 group so successful during this off-season. “What have been doing ever since last year ended was to teach and talk to this group about leadership and carrying on the winning tradition,” Gillis said. “Not just in El Campo, but with every team,

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Practice Makes Perfect Running back Kevin Dove executes a running play while Assistant Coach Matthew Sohrrt, left, and Head Coach Bob Gillis give encouragement. The 2013 Ricebirds are looking to build upon last year, which saw El Campo reach the State Championship game for only the second time in school history. L-N Photo by Jay T. Strasner

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—2013 to see new faces in lineup the field. Having kids we can rely on at running back will be key for us.” you’ve got a new group stepping up On the other side of the ball, the deevery year to replace the one that just fensive line looks to be the strength for graduated. Every team is unique and Defensive Coordinator Wayne Condra. different in their own way. As “We’ve got a lot of kids coaches we have to figure out we can plug in at D-line,” what these kids do best. Try to Gillis said. “That probably is work towards their strengths the strength of our defense and away from their weakbecause we’ve got relatively nesses. It’s a process of tweaknew folks at linebacker and ing what they’ve been taught new guys in the secondary. It and getting the most out of will be interesting to see how what they bring to the table.” that back group comes along El Campo will continue to and I know Coach Condra is lean on the tradition of giving working to get our defense MONTES its seniors the first opportuwhere it needs to be.” nity to claim spots on the In terms of special teams, team. Just like last year, the senior three-year starter Alex Ricebirds will have 26 seniors Montes highlights an otherthis season. wise inexperienced group. “We’re kind of partial to “Alex is one of the best seniors at El Campo and we kickers in the area if you ask always have been,” Gillis me,” Gillis said. “He’s been said. “They all have special kicking since he was a sophoqualities and traits and more for us and does a real they’ve been part of some good job. He handles presteams that have really done sure really well and that’s SPARKS some big things. Now it’s what you need out of your their opportunity to jump up kicker. Clayton Harp punted and take ownership of this for our JV last year and he’s group.” got a real good leg. Andrew Offensively, the strength Saucedo kicked for Alex last appears to lie within the year at Brookshire and hit all ranks at running back. Playnine extra points so we feel ers such as bruising senior good about our depth.” BJ Flagg, sophomore Kevin As the first regular season Dove, senior Keith Sparks game approaches, Gillis said and junior Jarrin Henderson he expects that the Ricebirds’ are among those who will special teams and defense HARP get the bulk of carries this will have to carry the team season. “a little bit” until the right “We’ve normally had really good combination falls into place offensively. players at running back,” Gillis said. “After losing so much from last year, “We’ve got about four or five kids that we’ll use our pre-district games to get we feel good about distributing the ball some things sorted out and grow as a to this season. Our goal is that by the team,” Gillis said. “We feel like we have time the district season gets here, any to be in a good spot by the Bellville one of them at any time can go in there game and we’re gonna keep pushing to regardless of situation and take us down get to that point.” (Continued from Page 5)

L-N Photo by Jay T. Strasner

Hauling It In Ricebird Abraham Montes looks in a catch during pre-season drills.

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El Campo Leader-News â&#x20AC;˘Wednesday, August 28, 2013

2013 El Campo Ricebird Marching Band

Photo courtesy Connieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s By Glenn

The El Campo band members include front row from left: Ross Curran and Ben Dufour. Row two: Lizette Pena, Jonathan Perez, Devon Vargas, Christian McLain, Brandon Rivera, Donovan Krpec, Garrett King and Daisy Enriquez. Row three: Vanessa Padilla, Noe Delgado, Juan Trevino, Adrian Ramos, Jasmin Lockridge, Amber Popp, Nicholas Garcia, Johny Enriquez, Corey Mamerow, Brandon Naiser, Alex Bubela and Nicholas Harris. Row four: Sarah Felder, Jameiah Gamble, Kaly Vallejo, Heriberto Moreno, Robert Sosa, Joseph Prochazka, Brent Rothbauer, Patric Grove, Catie Jahns, Gaby Canelo, Kaylynn Rodriguez, Amanda Gomez, Susie Beard and Rocio Alanis. Row five: Maite Gomez, Xena Hernandez, Amber Smith, Jazlyn McCool, Aaron Ortiz, Artemis Rodriguez, Megan Wilsher, Leticia Vasquez, Alayna Cruz, Taylor Ondrias, Amber Sosa, Hannah Schoppe, Candice Quintero, Katherine Abelar and Steve Mendoza. Row six : Zander Thornton, Brittnie Martinez, Kelley Peterson, Alison Gomez, Sarah Johnson, Heather Duoto, Sara DeLeon, Erin Niemeier, Jada Thompson, Aron Alameda, Keyarria Roberts and John Garza. Row seven: Maya Lott, Clarissa Alphonse, Jennifer Rodriguez, Arranek Bluntson, Kaitlyn Ladewig, Kelley Gerdes, Kayela, Gerdes, Olivia Cruz, Desiree Rodriguez, Sydney Escamilla, Matthew Catete and Trey Jasso. Row eight: Stacey Cordero, Dylan Rhodehamel, Nicholas Cavallo, Cheyenne Gonzales, Destiny Vazquez, Erin Rivera, Elissa Guevara, Veronica Melchor, Steven Gonzalez, Marcos Cruz, Carlos Ramos, Juan Nunez, Austin Mancine and Brandon Cremeens. Row nine: Brianna Mata, Gabby Temple, Daisy Gonzalez, Maria Marrufo, Jackie Rodriguez, Mari Cruz Rodriguez, Kendyl Kemp, Juana Rodriguez, Elizabeth Gallardo, Erica Harris, Karen Olivo, Vanessa Garcia, Stephanie Padilla, Cynthia Garcia, Alma Torres and Chloe McLain. Not Pictured: Anthony McKean, Ashley Olguin, Bailey Clark, Bradley Alford, Chelsea Korenek, Elliott Ramirez, Essence Allen and Luis Mirelas.

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, August 28, 2013

R 2013 El Campo Ricebird Varsity Football Team R

#3 - Keith Sparks

#4 - Koy Kresta

#5 - Andrew Saucedo

#6 - Adrian Alameda

#7 - Kory Supak

#8 - DJ Washington

#9 - Brylan Crivellari

#10 - Charles Acosta

#11 - Kyle Kerzee

#14 - Clayton Harp

#19 - Jarrin Henderson

#10 Tyler Pittman

#25 - Isiah Villereal

#30 - Kevin Dove

#33 - Blaine Fuechec

#34 - BJ Flagg

#36 - Abraham Montes

#40 - Nick Jasek

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El Campo Leader-News •Wednesday, August 28, 2013

R 2013 El Campo Ricebird Varsity Football Team R

#42 - Seth Pustejovsky

#44 - Demetris Washington

#50 - Charles Powers

#52 - Dillon Hogan

#54 - Clint Kruppa

#55 - Juan Reyna

#60 - Marc Flores

#61 - Victor Hernandez

#63 - Clay Glaze

#64 - Sixto Montoya

#65 - Alex Montes

#66 - Zeke Tsika

#68 - Tobias Thorton

#70 - James Espercuita

#71 - James Kyle

#72 - Ryan Neilsen

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, August 28, 2013

R 2013 El Campo Ricebird Varsity Football Team R

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#78 - Terrance Brown

#80 - Zachary Arnett

#81 - Aaron Espinosa

#82 - Austin Kelly

#83 - Jamal Bryant

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#85 - Tyler Farrar

#86 - Ryan Drapela

#88 - Nick Salyer

#89 - Clay Kresta

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El Campo Leader-News •Wednesday, August 28, 2013

SHOES Supak, Washington look to replace Brandl at QB BY JAY T. STRASNER publisher@leader-news.com

DJ WASHINGTON KORY SUPAK

As the 2013 Ricebirds attempt to build upon the success of the 2012 season that saw El Campo reach the Class 3A State Championship, replacing several starters is at the top of the list. Without a doubt, the biggest shoes to fill will be graduated AllState quarterback Bryce Brandl. As the season went on, the uber-athletic Brandl became the bellcow for the Ricebird offense as the signal caller rushed for well over 1,000 yards with several of those coming in clutch situations in the playoffs. Turning the page to 2013, two candidates remain in the race to step into the void left by Brandl – senior Kory Supak and junior DJ Washington. The competition is likely to continue past off-season and into the first game at the very least as the duo continue to battle it out. “Bryce was not only a really good leader, but he was also probably the best athlete on the team,” Head Coach Bob Gillis said. “We really rode him down the stretch and he made some plays that were pretty unforgettable. He’s a tough act to follow because everyone watches the quarterback. You look at a year ago, Joey Hunt was one of the top players we’ve ever had here. But you didn’t hear everyone talking about ‘how are we gonna replace our tackle and nose guard.’ That’s just how football works. The quarterback is in the spotlight. They have to accept (See QB, Page 18)

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, August 28, 2013

We’re Cheering For A Great Season!

2013-2014 ECHS DERBY DOLLS The El Campo 2013-14 Derby Dolls include first row from left: Jr. Lt. Gabby Martinez, Jr. Lt. Natalya Yanis, 1st Lt. Marissa Lara, Captain Melissa Henslee, Jr. Lt. Jessica Gaines, Jr. Lt. Haley Sabrsula and Jr. Lt. Jalene Quinones. Second row from left: Lorena Ramos, Baby Doll Advisor Kristen Staff, Spirit President Jessica Reyna, President Shelby Stary, Vice President Brenda Stayton, Secretary Kayla Zarate and Historiam Corizma Hernandez. Third row: Ana Medrano, Mikaela Moller, Jessika Avendano, Hailey Flores, Priscilla Pena, Kassidy Piestch, Kali Cain, Cierra Arismendez, Adrienne Wigginton, Nicole Laitkep and Ana’Lysse Perez. Back row: Aliah Rodriguez, Katie Molina, Hayley Contreras, Cristal Paniagua, Darain Berglund, Kayla Legler, Alison Casillas, Mariah Baylor, Dollie Nunez and Marissa Martinez. Photo courtesy Connie’s by Glenn

ECHS VARSITY CHEERLEADERS The El Campo varsity cheerleaders for 2013-14 include front row from left: Korie Couvillion, Ally Thonsgaard, Brittany Zbranek, Head Cheerleader Kaycie Capak and Alyssa Stanford. Second row: Taylor Fuechec, Jordyne Priesmeyer, Lauren Hermann, Lauren Rod, Brett Crivellari, Megann Faas and Malia Willis. Third row: Mikayla Mobley, Mascot Lauren Tice, Cayla Nielsen and Jessica Rodriguez. Photo courtesy Connie’s by Glenn

ECHS VARSITY VOLLEYBALL Front L-R: Amanda Martinez, Audrey Anderson, Ellie Forgason, Savanna Smith and Bee Bradshaw Back L-R: Fran Powers, Natalie Nohavitza, Amy Pflughaupt, Coach Melissa Popp, Paxton Lutringer, Kacey Knesek and Emorie Mazoch. Photo by Kaitlynn Bianconi

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El Campo Leader-News â&#x20AC;˘Wednesday, August 28, 2013

H 2013 louise hornet Varsity Football Team H

#3 - Jacob Bill

#4 - Chris Kutac

#5 - Jase Bill

#6 - Blaine Machicek

#8 - Noe Puentes

#9 - Carlos Garcia

#10 - Hunter Koudela

#11 - Clay Gonzales

#21 - Jacob McCown

#22 - Will Siemens

#29 - Ismael Mendez

#40 - Josh Alvarez

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#54 - Ty Tucker

#82 - Tariq Barron

#60 - Rudy Alvarez

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El Campo Leader-News •Wednesday, August 28, 2013

L-N Photo by Kaitlynn Bianconi

2013 Louise Varsity

Change creates a buzz for ‘13 Hornets

took them to the state semis in 2012. Falls City has a pre-season ranking of seventh out of the top 25 division teams, returning its top wide receivers, ofThe Louise Hornets are counting on a clean slate fensive linemen and a running back. for success in the 2013 season. Runge is another team in the top 25, and just fin“I want to forget about last year,” head coach ished their first playoff run in six years. The 2012 Danny Villanueva said. “We’re ready this year.” season brought them to the Area round. The competition in District 14-1A Division II is Louise lost part of their defensive line and quartough. Falls City is coming off a playoff run that terback to graduation, but they feel good about the By KAITLYNN BIANCONI sports@leader-news.com

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outlook for this season. The Hornets’ goal of the off-season was to get bigger, stronger and faster, in hopes to compete with their opponents. “Our linemen have beefed up over the off-season,” Villanueva said. The off-season included weight training and running, as the new offense is designed to make the (See LOUISE, Page 17)

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guard/nose tackle said. “Our play style has improved in just the past two weeks.” The team doesn’t mind the effort put The Louise coaches have displayed in when they know what can come out excitement about the new of it. changes that have been hap“It’s difficult to stay in pening to the football team shape, but the other team heading into 2013. A new ofhas to adjust more,” said fense, a new defense and a Rudy Alvarez, senior defendifferent attitude entering the sive end/offensive tackle. season is what they believe is “The new defense is playing going to make 2013 different. more fierce, and everyone is The players think they’re loving it.” right. The defensive strategy is “The two new coaches have PUENTES similar, and will be tailored to been pushing us,” said Chris the opponent Louise is playKutac, junior quarterback. ing that week. In the mean“We’re bigger, stronger faster.” time, the defense has been Senior running back Noe working on hitting hard and Puentes, who rushed for more fundamental tackling. than 1,000 yards last year, “I call the defense or if agrees. someone isn’t doing the “They definitely know what right thing,” Will Siemens, they’re doing,” Puentes said. senior linebacker/half back “We’ve gotten more done in this said. “No one’s standing short period of time than we MARTINEZ around anymore.” have before.” Every player who went The new Louise offensive through the football program’s off-season strategy of no-huddle and snapping the passed the conditioning test during the ball right when the ref sets it down on first week of pads. Keeping the team mothe hash can be difficult to keep up with. tivated and excited for the upcoming seaThe conditioning and stamina it takes son had a lot to do with the success. requires work. “I like it here, you get more playing “In the off-season, I ran and lifted time and more one-on-one coaching,” weights. When preseason started, I was By KAITLYNN BIANCONI sports@leader-news.com

ready for it,” Carlos Martinez, senior left

(See PLAYERS, Page 19)

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(Continued from Page 16)

opposing defense work more. Instead of a huddle offense, the Hornets will immediately snap the ball, leaving the defense without time to adjust to their strategy. “We want our kids to be the best conditioned athletes, so when it comes down to the fourth quarter, we will wear out our opponents,” Villanueva said. Going into preseason, the coaches stepped up the running conditioning and implemented a timed test for the players. “The skills (running backs, wide receivers) have 55 seconds to pass and the linemen have 65 seconds,” Villanueva said. “It’s pretty tough, but it’s a measuring stick of who’s in the best shape and who needs to get in shape as training camp starts.” Every player who went through the off-season training program passed the conditioning test the first week in pads.

The main thing the team has been focusing on is the offensive program. As the defensive strategy will change and adjust to each opponent they play, the offense will be their constant. “We are making strides and getting in plenty of snaps in less than a minute,” Villanueva said. Although the defense will change, the Hornets are still working on hitting hard. “We can bang with the offensive linemen better and get a read on trap plays we might see,” Villanueva said. “Our defensive ends can now get a better picture as well to see if the offensive tackles are blocking down.” The players said they believe that the coaches’ revamp of the system and the renewed work ethic can take the team further than previous years. “We want to go to the playoffs,” Joe Bill, assistant coach, said. “It’s been a while.”

HOPE YOU HAVE A SPECTACULAR SEASON!

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Strategies on offense, defense change in 2013

—Louise seeks return to playoffs

HOELSCHER

Hornet players embracing new philosophies

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, August 28, 2013

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El Campo Leader-News •Wednesday, August 28, 2013

L-N File Photos

QB Battle (Left photo) DJ Washington executes a running play in practice. (Right photo) Kory Supak hands the ball during pre-season drills.

—QB battle expected to spill into 2013 regular season (Continued from Page 12)

that role and responsibility.” Head Coach Bob Gillis said replacing Brandl won’t be an easy task, but likes the qualities that the two quarterbacks bring to the table. “Kory has really worked hard and you can tell he wants the job,” Gillis said. “He’s got good quickness and strength. He’s been throwing the ball better since the summer and we need that from him. He’s a tough kid and is a competitor. “DJ has a lot of those same qualities. You like his athletic ability and the way he can escape pressure. He doesn’t look like he’s running full speed because he’s so smooth and effortless when he runs. He’s also gotten better. It looks like both guys will be asked to contribute on defense, so that’s another part that goes into all of it.” Supak said he admired the way Brandl carried himself on and off the field last year and is trying to emulate him. “I tried to watch everything he did because I was thinking I would have a shot at being quarterback this year,” Supak said. “He was always really helpful when I asked him about stuff. He was a real role model I guess you could say. I learned

GOOD LUCK

BIRDS!

a lot just being around him and am trying to be as much like him as I can and, at the same time, working on what I can do to get better.” Washington said Brandl’s leadership and bigplay ability are what stood out most to him. “He really took charge in the huddle and on the sidelines,” Washington said. “He wasn’t talking all the time, but people listened when he did. He picked everyone up when we had a bad play. He was a good leader and smart. Everyone knew he knew what to do and followed him.” Gillis said he has pulled each player aside and stressed the importance of being a Ricebird quarterback. He knows what traits he’s looking for in a signal caller. “You’ve got to be that positive person in the huddle,” he said. “As a quarterback, you get all the praise and all the blame. Not everyone sees when a lineman misses a block or if a receiver runs a bad route. It’s all on the quarterback in a lot of people’s eyes. You’ve got to be a special kid to be quarterback because of all that. You’ve got to encourage your teammates and also step up and make plays because the ball is in your hand a lot.” Washington said his family was “real excited” when they found out he was getting a shot to be

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the Ricebird quarterback. He added that he’s been listening to Gillis’ guidance about what it takes to claim the job. “I think the thing I do best is run the ball,” Washington said. “But you’ve also got to be a leader and hit your passes when the play is called. I’m working to get better at all of it. Coach Gillis is always giving me advice about the little things and you know he knows what he’s talking about.” Supak said the player that ultimately makes plays on the field will be the one who gets the most playing time. “Playing both offense and defense, you’ve got to keep in mind all the responsibilities of both,” Supak said. “You can’t focus too much on just one and got to keep it all strait. It’s a big responsibility, but I like playing both sides.” Gillis said the player that shows an acumen for keeping the team out of bad situations, avoids turnovers and gets the Ricebirds in the end zone will ultimately gain the respect of his teammates. “Keep the offense moving and string together drives,” he said. “That’s what we need from our quarterback. If our quarterback is doing that, then that means we’re gonna have a chance to have a good year.”

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, August 28, 2013

—Players eager for ‘13 at Louise (Continued from Page 17)

2013 Louise Football Coaches

L-N Photo by Kaitlynn Bianconi

The 2013 Louise Hornet football coaches include from left: Joe Bill, Oscar Castillo, Head Coach Danny Villanueva, Sam Rodriguez and Chris Chromcack.

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Jorge Franco, senior offensive tackle, said. “You get more time on what you need to do and you can always learn from your mistakes. The coaches have changed our discipline.” The team agrees that in district play, the teams to beat are either Falls City or Runge. But they want to beat Ganado as well. “Our goal is to win our district and non-district games,” Alvarez said. “We have friends over there, and you always want to beat your friends.” The Hornet players have a positive feeling about the season, despite the struggles in previous years. “It’s going good,” Siemens said. “It’d be nice. I haven’t won many games on varsity, and it’d be nice to win one here. I think teams this year will underestimate us.”

El Campo Leader-News â&#x20AC;˘Wednesday, August 28, 2013

2013 Ricebird Coaching Staff

Photo courtesy Connieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s by Glenn

Ricebird coaches include front row, from left: William Brown, Matthew Schoener, Kerry Brandl, James Harp, Craig George, Matt Sandivol, Matt Sohrt and Dwayne Arkadie. Second row: Shelby Kendrick, Elliott Babcock, Kevin Gordon, Head Coach Bob Gillis, Jessie Galvan, Wayne Condra and Alan Roberts. Third row: Mark Woods, Brady Peterson, Russell Krenek, Herman Mauch and Dean Easter.

El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Camaraderie equals wins for EC staff

Former players, experienced vets part of unit

to win,’” he said. “It doesn’t matter what career you’re in. If you want to be successful, you have to work at it. We try to do that at El Campo, but also give our Following a disappointing Ricebird guys time to spend with our families. football loss a couple seasons ago, Elliot That gets tough during the season, but Babcock recalls getting up before the crack of dawn to go dissect film and help it’s important.” Regardless of sport, successful teams prepare for the next game. begin with experienced and knowledgeAs he walked into the Ricebird field able coaching staffs. This is especially house the next morning, the assistant true in regards to high school football. coach found two familiar faces staring Gillis said the bond created by having at him. many of his coaches remain on staff for “Coach (Bob) Gillis and Coach (Wayne) Condra had already been there, as many as 10 or 11 years has played a watched the entire game film and start- big part in the winning tradition that El ed making corrections,” Babcock said. “It Campo enjoys. “It’s really unique what we have here was unbelievable. But when you think in El Campo,” Gillis said. “We talk a lot about it, that’s why this program has about not being complacent, forcing yourhad so much success. Those guys work hard at what they do and it shows. They self to not rest on the previous year. Our staff has a drive to get better. You see put in work when the other coaches we some programs, when they’ve had the play are sleeping.” Winning comes from extra effort, Gil- same coaches for a while, they get comfortable. We have our traditional fundalis was quick to point out. mentals and core ways of doing things, “We tell our kids all the time: ‘we but for the most part we like to approach don’t have to do anything in order to lose; but we all have to work like crazy (See COACHES, Page 22) BY JAY T. STRASNER publisher@leader-news.com

Always Teaching

L-N Photo by Jay T. Strasner

Head Coach Bob Gillis instructs a player during pre-season drills. Gillis said much of the program’s success has been a result of the close bond formed by his staff over the years.

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El Campo Leader-News •Wednesday, August 28, 2013

—Coaches embrace EC work ethic said. “He talks about the job at hand and doesn’t sugarcoat it. It’s as much inspirathings with new ideas and keep it fresh. tional as it is to focus and be ready to go The best part of this staff is we have good to work for four quarters on an even keel. men, good human beings. We enjoy being The most memorable one would be shararound each other. Enjoy working hard ing a letter from Colonel Popp. I can’t and trying to win ballgames. We make and wouldn’t do justice trying to explain it fun.” the letter. He sent it the week we played James Harp, Ricebird assistant, Bay City years ago, and talked about agrees that the relationships within this how when all is said and done, rivals or Ricebird staff makes his job an enjoyable not, we all are one. Coach Gillis shares one. this letter regularly.” “Coaching with this staff Babcock, a former Ricebecomes very familiar,” he bird quarterback, said Gilsaid. “We don’t have a lot of lis teaches his players and change (of assistant coaches) young coaches not just about from year to year, thus everyfootball, but life lessons as one seems to know each other well. well. We know how each other Gillis’ talent and success operates, and it makes transihave garnered statewide actions that much easier. There claim as well, as the head is good comradeship amongst Ricebird was recently named each other.” Class 3A Coach of the Year by HARP The hierarchy of the RiceDave Campbell’s Texas Footbird staff begins at the top, ball magazine. with Gillis leading the charge on offense “One of the big things with Coach is and Condra heading the defense. The ‘what are you gonna do when something two have a mutual respect for each oth- bad happens?’” Babcock said. “It’s not er, which filters down among the other just about football. If you lose a loved coaches on staff. one, miss out on an opportunity or what“I’ve known Wayne for a long time,” ever, that’s been a voice in my head for a Gillis said. “When I was at Victoria, he long time. ‘What are you gonna do?’ Are was head coach at Memorial. When I you gonna sit there and pout, feel sorry took the job here, I never thought in for yourself or are you going to take cona million years we could get a coach of trol of things and make something good his caliber to come be coordinator. But out of it? That’s what makes him a great we were real lucky when he accepted. coach. He transcends football.” He’s a very good man, first of all. Then Gillis said he appreciates the diversity as a coach, he’s smart and relentless. He in age that makes up his coaching staff. knows how to gameplan and shut a team In addition to the veterans who’ve been down. He’s also great with the kids. I can with him a decade or more, there is a always trust him to do his job beyond ex- group of younger coaches, most of whom pectations. That’s rare.” are former Ricebirds who played for GilHarp said some of his favorite mo- lis. ments in coaching have been the oppor“The younger guys bring energy, entunity to be part of Gillis’ unique way of thusiasm,” Gillis said. “They can relate motivating Ricebird teams. Especially to the kids on another level, while the during pre-game. players can still have that level of respect “Coach Gillis’ pre-game speeches are usually short and to the point,” Harp (See FORMER, Page 23) (Continued from Page 21)

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Minister Of Defense Wayne Condra, El Campo defensive coordinator, routinely has his Ricebird defensive units ranked among the area leaders in points and yards allowed. L-N Photo by Jay T. Strasner

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El Campo Leader-News • Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Helping Players Assistant Coach Kerry Brandl aids a Ricebird player during a pre-season practice water break. Brandl and other coaches on staff have worked many years under Head Coach Bob Gillis, bringing a unique sense of cohesion to the staff. L-N Photo by Jay T. Strasner

—Former players make up staff (Continued from Page 22)

for them. Then you have the older guys I guess you could say who’ve been with me what seems like forever. They’re like brothers. I know I feel honored to coach in a place like El Campo and I really think these younger guys who grew up as Ricebirds and wore that helmet for us – they appreciate the opportunity to come back here too.” Babcock said the level of respect the assistants have for their head coach is key in making the whole system function so smoothly. “I can’t imagine working for any other coach in the state,” Babcock said. “When we go to coaching clinics and things like that, you can see the level of respect that he commands around the whole state. He’s an unbelievable coach and an even better guy. I try to pattern my coaching style after his and I can’t think of a better mentor for a young man to have. His work and dedication are unmatched.” Harp said the formula for Gillis’ success in maintaining stability in his coaching staff is beautifully uncomplicated. “We work,” Harp said. “He lets his coaches coach. We keep it simple and always outplay our opponent. He expects our kids to play hard and practice hard, then winning takes care of itself.”

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