2013 Football Preview

Fayette County Football 20 3

RECORD Section C

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Texas A&M-Bound Zach Ledwik Hopes to Lead La Grange to a State Title Can QB Ross Bludau And the Horns Handle 2A’s Toughest District?

Football’s a Family Affair for the Micas and Flatonia

Fayette County Football 2013: Coverboy

Zach Ledwik: The Next Big Thing

By JEFF WICK

The Fayette County Record

La Grange head football coach Matt Kates doesn’t just think Zach Ledwik will be a good college football player, he thinks Ledwik might one day be a great NFL player.

“He’s that good,” Kates said of his star offensive lineman who has committed to Texas A&M. “He’s a once in a career type kid.

“He’s got that combination of size, quickness and physical strength that makes him a freak of an athlete, plus he’s really smart – and he put on about 35 pounds this offseason.”

So now Ledwik is a whopping 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds.

Up until the last couple of years – when he realized the positive things being so big could offer – Ledwik said his size was sometimes more of a curse than a blessing, sometimes.

“There are a lot of things you don’t think about. It’s hard to find clothes – really hard to find clothes,” he said. “You don’t fit in chairs. You have to duck going through doors, you hit your head on light fixtures.”

This spring, however, everywhere Ledwik went he was bumping into something else – college recruiters.

At 6-5, 285-pounds, strong, fast and ranked near the head of his class, Ledwik is considered a top prospect by many of the nation’s elite football programs. He’s verbally committed to Texas A&M. Photo by Jeff Wick

Roughly about the time the Leps were holding their spring football workouts, college programs from all around the country were sending recruiters to La Grange.

At least 15 D-I programs offered Ledwik scholarships, including the

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likes of Michigan, Nebraska, Oregon State.

“The Nebraska coach that visited said Zach was their No. 1 guy in the entire nation,” Kates said.

“It is confusing, they are all trying to sweet talk you,” Ledwik said of the recruiters. “You just have

to find what you want in a program, what fits you academically,” Ledwik said he plans to study either engineering or something in the medical field at A&M. Ledwik said he based his decision-making during the recruiting process

less on the football team’s head coach and more on the program’s O-line coach and strength and conditioning coach.

“Those are the two coaches you are going to spend the most time with,” Ledwik said.

Over the summer Led-

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wik verbally committed to Texas A&M (though he can’t officially sign with them until February) and has been glad to have put the recruiting process behind him so he can focus on making his senior year with the Leps a great one.

“I have a really good feeling about this season,” Ledwik said.

He’ll start at offensive tackle for the Leps, but could see a lot of time at defensive end as well.

“I like offense more, but I’ll play both ways if that’s what the coaches want,” he said.

“We may need him to help us on defense,” Kates said. “But then again, if we are able to go on 16 play drives offensively because of him, that does help us on defense.”

Wherever Ledwik lines up in the field, he’ll be easy to spot.

And Lep fans can enjoy one more season of watching this star in person on Friday nights.

After that, it’s on to Saturday afternoons with the Aggies – and then if Kates is right – one day Ledwik could even be playing in Sundays.

“As nice a kid as he is, when the whistle blows...I’m just glad he’s on our side,” Kates said.

I

Fayette County Football 2013: The Predictions

’m predicting a district title and a long playoff run for the La Grange Leopards and postseason berths and at least one playoff win each for Flatonia and Schulenburg. But what about the rest of the district race?

Here’s my predicted order of finish from top to bottom for our three local districts (not including the Leps, Shorthorns and Bulldogs).

– Jeff Wick

Flatonia’s 13-1A Last year a team with a 1-3 district record (Holland) made the playoffs. In a five-team district crazy things can happen.

Thorndale Bulldogs 2012 record: 10-3 Starters back (Off/Def): 5/7 H.S. Enrollment: 193 Of Note: Thorndale returns a 1,000-yard rusher and a 2,000-yard passer plus most of its defense so it could be a special season indeed.

Weimar Wildcats

2012 record: 7-5 Starters back (Off/Def): 5/9 H.S. Enrollment: 195 Interesting facts: Weimar had its best-ever 11-man football season last year but will the departure of their old head coach (Zack Hudson) prove to be a bump in the road?

Thrall Tigers

2012 record: 4-6 Starters back (Off/Def): 6/6 H.S. Enrollment: 177 Of Note: Flatonia’s victory over Thrall last season kept the Tigers out of the playoffs.

Holland Hornets

2011 record: 5-6 Starters back (Off/Def): 5/5 H.S. Enrollment: 175 Of Note: Holland was 1-9 two years ago before snapping a decade-long playoff drought last season. Should be tough to get back to the playoffs.

Schulenburg’s 14-2A

La Grange’s 26-3A

This is such a tough district, but the good thing for all the teams involved is that, like in 3A, four teams are going to the playoff this season instead of three.

Last year I predicted playoff berths for Gonzales and Giddings. Boy was I wrong, but I think it will be a bounce back year for the Apaches.

Gonzales Apaches

Rogers Eagles

2012 record: 9-3 Starters back (Off/Def): 6/8 H.S. Enrollment: 288 Interesting fact: Rogers has one returning runner who had 1,800 yards last year and another who had 1,400. Enough said.

Blanco Panthers

2012 record: 8-5 Starters back (Off/Def): 7/4 H.S. Enrollment: 295 Of Note: Blanco makes an almost annual deep playoff run and this year will be no differant.

Lexington Eagles

2012 record: 9-3 Starters back (Off/Def): 3/4 H.S. Enrollment: 268 Of Note: New head coach, new QB, new challenges ahead for the always tough Eagles.

Randolph Ro-Hawks

2012 record: 3-7 Starters back (Off/Def): 5/5 H.S. Enrollment: 293 Interesting facts: Randolph will be better but just don’t have enough firepower for this district.

Jarrell Cougars

2012 record: 2-8 Starters back (Off/Def): 6/7 H.S. Enrollment: 261 Interesting fact: Their head coach begins his second year there, so familiarity might results in a few more wins.

Johnson City Eagles

2012 record: 2-8 Starters back (Off/Def): 4/5 H.S. Enrollment: 206 Interesting facts: Last year saw a twowin improvement from the 0-10 2011 season, so maybe the progress can continue.

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2012 record: 6-4 Starters back (Off/Def): 7/7 H.S. Enrollment: 702 Of Note: Entire offensive line is back for Gonzales, which should help make up for some question marks in other areas.

Yoakum Bulldogs

2012 record: 6-5 Starters back (Off/Def): 5/4 H.S. Enrollment: 477 Of Note: The Bulldogs surprised a lot of people last year by slipping into the playoffs.

With 6-3 QB Chase Hermes back leading the way, they should make it again

Giddings Buffaloes

2012 record: 6-4 Starters back (Off/Def): 3/7 H.S. Enrollment: 656 Of Note: So which Giddings team will we see this season, the one that won its first six last year, or the one that lost its last four?

Cuero Gobblers

2012 record: 5-6 Starters back (Off/Def): 2/5 H.S. Enrollment: 574 Of Note: The Gobblers were the only team to beat the Leps last season in district, but with so few returnees, they have some rebuilding to do.

Smithville Tigers

2012 record: 5-5 Starters back (Off/Def): 2/2 H.S. Enrollment: 528 Interesting facts: Smithville’s big play-making safety Khalil McCathern is back but the Tigers have very few other experienced players around him.

LA GRANGE LEOPARDS

Fayette County Football 2013

Leps Hope to Build on Strong 2012 Season

By JEFF WICK The Fayette County Record

Confidence is high in Leopard Land this football season.

“These kids have a belief that every time we step on the field we should win,” said fourth-year La Grange head coach Matt Kates.

And there’s good reason for that confidence.

Last year’s team went 8-3 and won the program’s first football district title in a decade, and seven starters return on each side of the ball for a La Grange team picked to win the region by Texas Football magazine.

Throw in additions from a JV squad that went 9-1 last season, and there’s no reason to think this won’t be a special season for the purple and gold.

Offensively, the Leps of 2013 will again try to be a power-running team first and foremost.

It’s an attack anchored by one of the most recruited offensive lineman in the nation in Zach Ledwik and returning 1,000-yard rusher Rodney Filmore.

“It may be boring, but it’s a formula for success,” said Kates, of the run-first philosophy.

3

Senior Dillon Davis (6-0, 185 pounds) will be the starting quarterback, after being an all-district safety and wide receiver last year.

“He’s got all the intangibles you want in a quarterback,” Kates said.

Because of Davis’ speed, expect him to carry the ball some this season, though he’s got quite a stable of runner backs to get the ball too as well.

Bruising fullback Dillon Marburger returns this year after starting last year.

Filmore will get the bulk of the carries after running for 1,238 yards last season. But lightning-quick tailback Bralon Hutchison will also see the ball a lot, though he’ll also be starting on defense as a safety and will be a return man on special teams.

La Grange linebacker Garrison Mueller upends this Canyon Lake ballcarrier in a rain-soaked game last year.

File photo by Jeff Wick

Leps Football By The Numbers

This is the number of district games La Grange won by one point margins last year. They beat Gonzales, Smithville and Yoakum all by one point each.

“Whatever they need me to do to help the team, I’ll do,” Hutchison said.

The only freshman on the Leps varsity, J.K. Dobbins, could also figure in the Leps running game. He’ll also start on defense as a cornerback and will get some opportunities to return kicks and punts.

“He’s a special kid,” Kates said of Dobbins. “We’ve gotta get him the ball. He does things you just can’t coach.”

Riley Grayson and Wayne Noak are slated to be the starting wide receivers for La Grange with Wes Scott starting at tight end.

Last year’s leading receiver Cassel Tezeno is not playing football this season and after two consecutive years of season-ending injuries, tight end Trey Supak is also not playing football this season. Sutton Swinburn and Rylan Rigden could figure in the Leps passing attack as well this season.

A beefy offensive line should give Davis plenty of time to throw the ball.

Starting tackles are expected to be Ledwik (285 pounds) and Braden Kobersky (240 pounds).

See Leps, Page 6

9

This is the number of years in a row Giddings had beaten La Grange in football before last season’s 31-0 victory by the Leps.

16-15

This is the overall record for Matt Kates through his three years as head football coach in La Grange.

Quick Hits Last year’s record: 8-3 overall, 4-1 in district Returning starters: Seven on offense, Seven on defense Last playoff appearence: 2012, Lost in first round to El Campo Reason to be confident: The Leps return a strong core of the team that led them last season to their first district title since 2003.

Lingering question: Can Leps pass enough to take heat off running game?

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Fayette County Football 2013: La Grange Leopards Football Hopes to Join in on Recent State Runs by LG Teams Continued from Page 4 Starting guards will be Colton Schubert (360 pounds) and Walker Ellison (240 pounds).

Back-ups for those guys are expected to be Carlos Guevara, Evan Martinek, Alex Glaiser and Grant Gage.

Sophomore Logan Hardin (235 pounds) is seeing time at center along with Cody Schindler, though Schindler he will also be starting on defense at nose tackle like last season.

Speaking of that defense, other returning starters for the Leps include Ryan Scott at cornerback, Ty Beseda at safety and linebackers Garrison Mueller and Cori Jones. Hutchison makes the move from corner to safety this season.

“With three of our four defense backs returning, we feel really good about the secondary,” Kates said.

Varsity newcomer Michael Mueller

Lep Alex Glaiser, shown here getting to the Needville quarterback, will factor into the Leps’ plans on the offensive and defensive lines.

File photo

by Jeff Wick

will start at one of the outside linebacker positions and Canyon Lake move-in Dakota Baker is slated to start at an inside linebacker position.

Back-ups linebackers include Colby Urban, Will Davidson, Cody McNaney and Alex Glaiser.

At defensive end, Ledwik and Noak could see time (though they are also offensive starters). Grant Gage, Zachary Kielty, Marburger and Johnny Jackson could also be in the mix at defensive end.

All in all, it’s a defensive group Kates is excited about, especially under the direction of new defensive coordinator Cody McCauley, who previously held the same position at Huntsville, and is a former Southwest Texas State quarterback.

McCauley is one of five new assistant football coaches for the Leps. “”That’s a lot of change, but whenever I’ve been around this much change, it’s

been for the good,” Kates said.

Matt Kates’ brother Will returns as Offensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach.

Special teams could be really special for the Leps this season. Marco Cerda, whose PATs last season meant the difference in three different one-point district victories returns and Rylan Rigden (who booted a pair of 40-yard field goals on junior varsity last year) is a capable backup, and he will likely handle punting duties.

The preseason for the Leps will hold a lot of intrigue as the Todd Dodgecoached Marble Falls Mustangs come to La Grange for the season opener.

Then in the second week, the Leps pay a Columbus team coached by Tony Valastro, who led La Grange to the 2000 state football title.

“That’s a neat storyline for this town

and a neat storyline for Columbus,” Kates said. “You know they are going to be well coached.”

When district rolls around, Kates expects another season like 2012 when outcomes were in question every night.

La Grange won three district game by just one point each.

“In this district the margin for error is so small,” Kates said. “We were six points from being 1-4 in district last year.”

Instead the Leps were 4-1 and now have the confidence of a defending district champ.

And campus wide, there’s a new sense of confidence too. After all La Grange won state gold (in baseball), state silver (in volleyball) and state bronze (in softball) last school year.

“It was an unbelievable year for La Grange and hopefully we can build on that,” Kates said.

2012 Results

Marble Falls 56, La Grange 36 La Grange 46, Columbus 7 La Grange 48, Brookshire Royal 0 La Grange 47, Needville 0 La Grange 34, Canyon Lake 9 La Grange 35, Gonzales 34 La Grange 21, Smithville 20 La Grange 31, Giddings 0 La Grange 28, Yoakum 27 Cuero 21, La Grange 13 El Campo 35, La Grange 21

Final 2012 District Standings 26-3A District Overall La Grange 4-1 8-3 Cuero 3-2 5-6 Yoakum 3-2 6-5 Smithville 2-3 5-5 Gonzales 2-3 6-4 Giddings 1-4 6-4

Good Luck LEPS!

Fayette County Football 2013: La Grange Leopards

“

#33 – Dillon Marburger Senior RB/LB

#5 – Ralon Hutchison Junior RB/DB

#14 – Wes Scott Senior TE/LB

#9 – Michael Mueller Junior TE/LB

#21 – Garrison Mueller Senior RB/LB

#12 – Dillon Davis Senior QB/DB

#3 – Rodney Filmore Senior RB/LB

#30 – Emmett Worsham Junior RB/LB

#4 – Cori Jones Senior RB/LB

#6 – Wayne Noak Senior WR/DL

#10 – Ryan Scott Senior WR/DB

#20 – Ty Beseda Senior WR/DB

#44 – Lester Brown Senior RB/DL

#22 – J.K. Dobbins Freshman RB/LB

#18 – Cody McNaney Junior RB/LB

Sometimes it can be cool but sometimes it can be annoying. They pull pranks on me.”

– J.K. Dobbins, talking about being the only freshman on the La Grange varsity team

Good Luck LEPS!

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Fayette County Football 2013: La Grange Leopards

La Grange Varsity Roster NO. NAME POS CL 2 Jake Dixon QB/DB JR 3 Rodney Filmore RB/LB SR 4 Cori Jones RB/LB SR 5 Bralon Hutchison RB/DB JR 6 Wayne Noak WR/DL SR 7 Lewis Cooper WR/DB JR 9 Michael Mueller TE/LB JR 10 Ryan Scott WR/DB SR 12 Dillon Davis WR/DB SR 13 Johnny Jackson TE/DL SR 14 Wes Scott TE/LB SR 15 Sutton Swinburn WR/DB SR 16 Marco Cerda K SR 17 Datron Jarvis WR/DB SR 18 Cody McNaney RB/LB JR 19 Rylan Rigden WR/DB JR 20 Ty Beseda WR/DB SR

NO. NAME POS CL 21 Garrison Mueller RB/LB SR 22 J.K. Dobbins RB/DB FR 23 Devon Mack RB/LB JR 24 Christian Fernandez WR/DB SR 25 Will Davidson RB/LB JR 27 Colby Urban TE/LB JR 30 Emmett Worsham RB/LB JR 33 Dillon Marburger RB/LB SR 34 Dakota Baker RB/LB JR 44 Lester Brown RB/DL SR 50 Logan Hardin OL/DL SO 51 Rodney Johnson OL/DL SR 54 Jason Waitschies OL/DL SR 55 Walker Ellison OL/DL JR 58 Braden Kobersky OL/DL SR 60 Carlos Guevara OL/DL SR 63 Cody Schindler OL/DL SR

NO. NAME POS CL 64 Alex Glaiser OL/DL JR 65 Cullen Weishuhn OL/DL JR 70 Zachary Ledwick OL/DL SR 72 Grant Gage OL/DL JR 74 Evan Martinek OL/DL JR 75 Matthew Torres OL/DL SR 78 Colton Schubert OL/DL SR 88 Riley Grayson WR/DB SR 90 Zachary Kielty TE/LB SR MGR Adam Kulhanek JR Water Girls: Brianna Kobersky, Morgan Heine, Veronica Castaneda, Viviana Gaytan, Mariah Patterson, Shelby Steuber and Alexis Lovings.

LG team and mugshots by Randy Boyd

La Grange Leopard Varsity Schedule August 30 – Marble Falls (Parents Night) 7:30 p.m.

September 6 – @ Columbus 13 – @ Brookshire Royal 20 – Needville (Homecoming) 27 – Canyon Lake

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

October 4 – Open 11 – @ Gonzales* 18 – @ Smithville* 25 – Giddings*

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

November 1 – @ Yoakum* 7:30 p.m.

8 – Cuero* (Band Parents Night) 7:30 p.m.

Bold indicates home game * indicates district game

Fayette County Football 2013: La Grange Leopards

“

#16 – Marco Cerda Senior Kicker

#2 – Jake Dixon Junior QB/DB

#75 – Matthew Torres Senior OL/DL

#17 – Datron Jarvis Senior WR/DB

#54 – Jason Waitschies Senior OL/DL

#25 – Will Davidson Junior RB/LB

#13 – Johnny Jackson Senior TE/DL

#63 – Cody Schindler Senior OL/DL

#27 – Colby Urban Junior TE/LB

#34 – Dakota Baker Junior RB/LB

#23 – Devon Mack Junior RB/LB

#24 – Christian Fernandez Senior WR/DB

#15 – Sutton Swinburn Senior WR/DB

#50 – Logan Hardin Sophomore OL/DL

#19 – Rylan Rigden Junior WR/DB

In this district the margin for error is so small. We were six points from being 1-4 in district last year.”

– La Grange head coach Matt Kates

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Fayette County Football 2013: La Grange Leopards

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#64 – Alex Glaiser Junior OL/DL

#65 – Cullen Weishuhn Junior OL/DL

#88 – Riley Grayson Senior WR/DB

#60 – Carlos Guevara Senior OL/DL

#58 – Braden Kobersky Senior OL/DL

#74 – Evan Martinek Junior OL/DL

#7 – Lewis Cooper Junior WR/DB

#72 – Grant Gage Junior OL/DL

#51 – Rodney Johnson Senior OL/DL

#90 – Zachary Kielty Senior TE/LB

#78 – Colton Schubert Senior OL/DL

#70 – Zach Ledwik Senior OL/DL

#55 – Walker Ellison Junior OL/DL

La Grange is one of five high schools in Texas with a Leopards mascot. The others are Lorena, Gainsville, Liberty-Eylau and Dallas Adamson.

Adam Kulhanek Manager

I have a really good feeling about this season. I think we can go a long way.”

– La Grange senior lineman Zach Ledwik

Dillon Marburger

Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.

-Theodore Roosevelt We love you Mom, Dad, Cody, and Carter

33

SCHULENBURG ‘HORNS

Fayette County Football 2013

Horns Hope to Turn Around Close Losses

By JEFF WICK

The Fayette County Record

SCHULENBURG – The practice t-shirts worn by the members of the Shorthorn football team this season read “Finish to Win It.” It’s an every day reminder of just how close Schulenburg was to making the playoffs last year, and how one bad second half of football cost them that postseason berth.

Schulenburg led Blanco 21-0 last year at half-

time, only to lose 22-21. The one point was the difference between Blanco going to the playoffs instead of the Shorthorns.

“When you have victory within your grasp, you have to finish strong, and the kids understand that now,” said Schulenburg head coach Tommy Bludau.

This season with five starters back on each side of the ball, and some of the most explosive athletes in District 14-2A, Bludau feels like his team has a

A trio of Shorthorn tacklers converge on a Rogers ballcarrier in last year’s wild 76-69 victory by the Eagles.

Photo by Audrey Kristynik

Shorthorn Football By The Numbers

233 1,719

This is the number of wins Schulenburg’s Tommy Bludau has had in his 30 years as a head coach, placing him in the Top 10 in the state among active coaches.

This is the number of yards Schulenburg QB Ross Bludau threw for last season along with 19 touchdowns. He’s back for his senior year this season.

25

This is the number of yards Schulenburg’s Jeff Lara averaged every time he caught the ball last season.

There is no bigger deep threat in Fayette County.

Quick Hits Last year’s record: 6-4 overall, 3-3 in district Returning starters: Five on offense, Five on defense Last playoff appearence: 2011, advanced to the second round Reason to be confident: The Shorthorns have some really explosive skill position kids.

Lingering question: Depth is a real concern on both the offensive and defensive lines. Those players have to stay healthy.

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chance to start strong and finish strong.

Last season Schulenburg started the year 5-1, but lost three of its last four including that heartbreaker to Blanco and a 76-69 overtime game to Rogers that Bludau said was one of the craziest of his 30-year career as a head coach.

This season, for the sixth and final year, Tommy Bludau will have a son at quarterback as Ross Bludau returns at quarterback for his second season after a four-year stint at QB by his older brother Kyle (now playing baseball at University of Houston-Victoria).

“It’s been unbelievably enjoyable. I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Tommy Bludau said.

And those Bludau boys have always put up big passing numbers. Ross returns after throwing for 1,719 yards and 19 touchdowns last year.

“The experience he got last year helps,” Tommy Bludau said of Ross. “And he’s grown a little.

The intangible he doesn’t have is speed, but he can throw the ball as well as any quarterback.”

This year he may have his best receiving corps ever. In addition to the return of Jeffrey Lara, who had 37 catches for 959 yards and 11 touchdowns last year, the Shorthorns will line up 6-foot-3 Tyler Thompson on the other side of the field.

“I haven’t ever had two receivers like that,” Tommy Bludau said.

Up front Schulenburg returns three offensive line starters in Reid Ulrich, Dalton Manning and Tristan Wendt.

Wendt is the reigning 2A shot put champ and Bludau said he’s one of the strongest players he’s Continued on Page 14

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Good Luck Schulenburg Shorthorns!

Fayette County Football 2013

THE PLAYMAKERS

Exciting Things Happen When These Guys Touch the Football

Gus Venegas: Flatonia

Rodney Filmore, J.K. Dobbins & Bralon Hutchison: La Grange

After taking the preseason team photo with his Flatonia teammates, Gus Venegas promptly stepped out of the group and in the middle of the gym proceeded to do a back-flip – while wearing socks.

That’s just a sample of how athletic the Bulldogs star junior wide receiver and defensive back is.

“If the ball’s in the air, he’s going to pick it,” Flatonia head coach Chris Freytag said of Venegas’ defensive ability.

Venegas’ play on offense and defense will be a big key if the Bulldogs hope to improve on the 4-6 records they’ve had each of the last two seasons.

“We’ve just got to work hard, work together, and we can do,” Venegas said.

If Flatonia does make the postseason, expect to see some more back-flips in celebration.

How in the world are opponents going to stop the La Grange running game this season?

Short answer: They can’t.

The Leps already have returning 1,238-yard rusher Rodney Filmore, a senior, and junior Bralon Hutchison, who ran for 527 yards last year. Add to the mix freshmen phenom J.K. Dobbins, and it’s a potent combination.

Good Luck Dillon!

Jeffrey Lara: Schulenburg In addition to being one of the fastest people in Fayette County and one of the best receivers (he caught 37 passes for 959 yards last year) Schulenburg senior Jeffrey Lara is quite as accomplished actor, and frequently participates in school productions.

“I’ve always liked being on stage, being the center of attention,” Lara said. “I found that in theater.

It reminds me of football. You go through so much together but when it’s over, it’s over.

“You all do your best and there’s a lot of bonding in that.”

Photos and content by Jeff Wick

Fayette County Football 2013: Schulenburg Shorthorns Schulenburg Should Have Another Big Year Throwing the Ball Continued from Page 12 ever coached.

New starters on that offensive line are expected to be juniors John Tillman and Cullen Machac with 6-4 Clayton Brossman at tight end.

With the graduation of last year’s leading rusher Jyron McKenzie, Schulenburg’s stable of running backs are pretty inexperienced.

The lone veteran back there is Gerardo Montoya. He’ll share carries with sophomore varsity newcomers Javeon Lara and Damien Houston. Juniors Mikey Bigham and John Higgs could be in the mix as well.

“They don’t have experience but they’ve got the skills,” Bludau said.

Defensively, the Shorthorns will be anchored up front by nose tackle Wendt.

“People are going to have a hard time blocking him because we haven’t blocked him in practice yet,” Bludau said.

Other returning starters defensively for the Shorthorns include both safety Tyler Vornsand, linebacker Montoya and Ross Bludau at defensive end.

Landon Brown will split time with Bludau at one end with Jaylon Carr manning the other end.

Other new starters defensively for the Shorthorns are twins Michael and Montana Olle, at the cornerback positions, Dalton Manning and Clayton Mays at defensive tackle, Kade Vyvjala at strong safety and Daniel Lopez-Lara at linebacker.

Jeffrey Lara could see some time at free safety as well as his offensive duties.

On special teams, Bludau said he is very confident as kicker Alex Lara returns as does punter Vornsand.

All in all, it’s a collection of players Bludau feels confident in – and their goal isn’t simply to make the playoffs in a district Texas Football Magazine calls the toughest

2A group in the state.

At least this year four teams are making the playoffs instead of just three like last year.

“Our goal is a district title,” Bludau said.

“We may not do it, but we’re sure going to bust our butt trying.”

Those butts will be spending a lot of time on school busses this season too, as the Shorthorns make some long road trips to the likes of College Station, Johnson City, Blanco and Jarrell as part of their second year in the geographically-challenged District 14-2A. “I think the next realignment will take care of that,” Bludau said.

But who knows what classification the Shorthorns will even be in by the 2014 season. They were only 13 students away from dropping down to 1A (like Weimar did).

“I’m not saying we’re going to drop (in classification),” said Bludau, while adding

that Schulenburg High has about 60 less students than when he arrived six years ago.

If this is indeed the Shorthorns’ final season in 2A, they plan to make it a memorable one.

Schulenburg returnee Tyler Vornsand led all of District 14-2A with a 41-yard per punt average last season.

2012 Results

Schulenburg 35, College Station 8 Schulenburg 30, St. Joseph 15 Shiner 27, Schulenburg 24 Schulenburg 35, Flatonia 14 Schulenburg 55, Johnson City 0 Schulenburg 42, Randolph 18 Blanco 22, Schulenburg 21 Rogers 76, Schulenburg 69 Schulenburg 31, Jarrell 0, Lexington 21, Schulenburg 7

Gerardo Montoya runs the ball last season for Schulenburg against St. Joseph. He’s one of the few experienced running backs returning for the Shorthorns this season.

Photo by Audrey Kristynik

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Final 2012 District Standings 14-2A District Overall Lexington 6-0 9-3 Rogers 4-2 9-3 Blanco 4-2 6-4 Schulenburg 3-3 6-4 Jarrell 2-4 2-8 Randolph 2-4 3-7 Johnson City 0-6 2-8

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Fayette County Football 2013: Schulenburg Shorthorns

“

#14 – Ross Bludau Senior QB/DE

#7 – Javeon Lara Sophomore RB/DB

#15 – Jaylon Carr Senior TE/DE

#88 – Tyler Vornsand Senior R/DB

#51 – Reid Ulrich Senior OL/DL

#78 – Shane Machicek Junior OL/DT

#6 – Montana Olle Senior R/DB

#70 – John Tillman Junior OL/DT

#67 – Clayton Mays Sophomore OL/DT

#68 – Tristan Wendt Senior OL/DT

#2 – Michael Olle Senior R/DB

#20 – Landon Brown Senior TE/DE

#5 – Damien Houston Sophomore B/LB

#25 – Gerardo Montoya Senior B/LB

#61 – Dalton Manning Senior OL/DT

In this district it’s tough to get in the playoffs, but we’ve got a great group of seniors, a great group of leaders this year.

– Schulenburg senior lineman Tristan Wendt

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Fayette County Football 2013: Schulenburg Shorthorns

Schulenburg Varsity Roster # 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 14 15 20 21 25

Name Height/Weight Pos. Class Michael Olle 6’0 155 R/DB SR Jeffrey Lara 6’1 187 R/DB SR Desmond Thompson 5’8 150 R/DB SO Damien Houston 5’11 170 B/LB SO Montana Olle 6’0 155 R/DB SR Javeon Lara 6’1 160 RB/DB SO Kade Vyvjala 5’10 173 R/DB SR Alex Lara 5’10 145 R/K/DB JR Tyler Thompson 6’3 165 R/DB SO Clayton Brossman 6’4 195 TE/DE JR Ross Bludau 6’4 211 QB/DE SR Jaylon Carr 6’1 245 TE/DE SR Landon Brown 6’ 190 TE/DE SR John Higgs 6’ 175 B/DE JR Gerardo Montoya 5’9 193 B/LB SR

# 44 45 50 51 55 61 66 67 68 70 78 88

Name Height/Weight Pos. Class Daniel Lopez-Lara 6’1 197 TE/LB SR Mikey Bigham 5’11 180 B/LB JR Cody Livingston 6’0 175 OL/DE JR Reid Ulrich 6’0 253 OL/DT SR Cullen Machac 6’3 230 OL/DT JR Dalton Manning 5’8 185 OL/DT SR Andre Jones 5’7 255 OL/DT JR Clayton Mays 6’1 205 OL/DT SO Tristan Wendt 6’1 270 OL/DT SR John Tillman 5’10 230 OL/DT JR Shane Machicek 5’11 195 OL/DT JR Tyler Vornsand 6’3 175 R/DB SR

Schulenburg Varsity Schedule August 30 – @ College Station

7:30 p.m.

September 6 – Victoria St. Joseph 13 – Shiner (Homecoming) 20 – @ Flatonia

27 – @ Johnson City*

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

October 4 – Randolph* 11 – @ Blanco* 18 – Rogers* 25 – Open November 1 – @ Jarrell* 8 – Lexington* Bold indicates home game * indicates district game

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Fayette County Football 2013

THE QUARTERBACKS

These Guys Can Really Chunk the Football

Will Bruns: Flatonia

Flatonia’s Will Bruns is a leader no matter where he is on the field.

He’s one of the best linebackers Flatonia’s ever had (and they’ve had some great ones) and he’s also a dual threat quarterback. Last year as a junior he threw for 769 yards and ran for 229 more.

But as a member of the varsity since he was a freshmen, there’s one thing Bruns hasn’t done – play in a football postseason game.

He and the Bulldogs hope to change that this year.

“Hopefully we can get over the hump and get into the playoff this year. As a senior I just want to be a leader to these guys,” Bruns said.

“We all want to be in the playoffs by the end of the season. We don’t want anything less than that.”

Dillon Davis: La Grange

La Grange’s new starting quarterback may be lacking varsity experience under center – but that’s the only thing he’s lacking, said Leps head coach Matt Kates.

“He’s got all the intangibles you want in the quarterback,” Kates said. “He’s always been the leader in his class...We’re going to go as far as he takes us.”

Ross Bludau: Schulenburg This year marks the end of an era for Schulenburg football. For the sixth and final year a guy with the last name Bludau will line up at quarterback. Kyle Bludau was a four-year quarterback for the Shorthorns and now younger brother Kyle enters his second season as the Schulenburg QB after throwing for an amazing 1719 yards and 19 touchdowns last year.

“Time flies,” Ross said. “It seems like just yesterday I was in sixth grade moving here and now it’s my senior year being the starting QB of the Shorthorns.

“It’s been a great ride and I’ve loved it,” Ross said.

The best way to cap it off? A long playoff run.

“We’ve just gotta win the tight games, finish a little stronger and pull out those close games,” he said.

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Fayette County Football 2013: Schulenburg Shorthorns

#4 – Desmond Thompson Sophomore R/DB

#55 – Cullen Machac Junior OL/DT

#44 – Daniel Lopez-Lara Senior TE/LB

#21 – John Higgs Junior B/DE

#3 – Jeffrey Lara Senior R/DB

#8 – Kade Vyvjala Senior R/DB

#12 – Clayton Brossman Junior TE/DE

#10 – Tyler Thompson Sophomore R/DB

#9 – Alex Lara Junior R/K/DB

#66 – Andre Jones Junior OL/DT

“

#45 – Mikey Bigham Junior B/LB

Schulenburg’s Ross Bludau throwing the ball against Johnson City last season.

Photo by Audrey Kristynik

It’s almost depressing to think that this is my senior year. I want to go out with a bang.”

– Schulenburg’s Jeffrey Lara

Small Town.

Big Dreams.

Make IT Happen LeoparDS!

Fayette County Football 2013: Last Year’s Leaders Flatonia 2012 Leaders

La Grange 2012 Leaders

Rushing (Player,School,Class) TC YARDS AVG. TD LG ------1.) Dalton Griffin,Flatonia,Jr -------- 85 467 5.49 4 49 2.) Mitchel Mica,Flatonia,Jr ---------- 94 398 4.23 6 9 3.) Marcus Mica,Flatonia,So ---------- 6 302 5.39 2 15 4.) Will Bruns,Flatonia,Jr ------------ 88 229 2.60 3 3 5.) Aaron Manzano,Flatonia,Jr ------- 35 225 6.43 1 27 6.) Zane Ponder,Flatonia,Sr ---------- 17 110 6.47 3 26 7.) Eddie Manzano,Flatonia,So ----- 21 68 3.24 1 0 8.) Gus Venegas,Flatonia,So -------- 4 33 8.25 0 0

Rushing (Player,School,Class) TC YARDS AVG. TD LG Rodney Filmore,La Grange,Jr ------- 216 1238 5.73 9 35 Bralon Hutchison,La Grange,So ----- 60 527 8.78 9 48

Passing (Player,School,Class) ATT COMP YDS PCT LG INT TD 1.) Will Bruns,Flatonia,Jr ------------ 51 94 769 1.8431 25 6 6

Kick-Off Returns (Min. 5 Returns) NR YDS AVG. TD LR Bralon Hutchison,La Grange,So ----- 10 345 34.50 2 95 Dillon Davis,La Grange, Jr --------7 128 18.29 0 30

Passing (Player,School,Class) ATT COMP YDS PCT LG INT TD Logan Vinklarek,La Grange,Sr ---138 90 1391 0.6522 68 4 17 Dillon Davis,La Grange, Jr. ------ - 3 3 95 1.0000 49 0 0 Receiving (Player,School,Class) Cassel Tezeno,La Grange,Jr --------

Receiving (Player,School,Class) TC YARDS AVG. TD 1.) Gus Venegas,Flatonia,So --------- 15 333 22.20 3 2.) Colby Craig,Flatonia,Sr ----------- 13 200 15.38 2 3.) Casen Novak,Flatonia,Fr ---------- 7 40 5.71 0 4.) Evan Butcher,Flatonia,Sr ---------- 4 68 17.00 1 4.) Zane Ponder,Flatonia,Sr --------- 4 68 17.00 0 6.) Reed Rightmer,Flatonia,Jr --------- 3 28 9.33 0 7.) Dalton Griffin,Flatonia,Jr -------2 13 6.50 0 8.) Marcus Mica,Flatonia,So -------- 2 21 10.50 0 Punting NP YARDS AVG. BK LK 1.) Colby Craig,Flatonia,Sr ----------- 5 187 37.40 1 0 2.) Gus Venegas,Flatonia,So ----------- 18 632 35.11 0 0 Punt Returns NR YARDS AVG. TD 1.) Zane Ponder,Flatonia,Sr ----------- 1 16 16.00 0 2.) Will Bruns,Flatonia,Jr ------------ 1 6 6.00 0 0 Interceptions (Player,School,Class) 1.) Evan Butcher,Flatonia,Sr ---------Miguel Grifaldo,Flatonia,Sr ------Reed Rightmer,Flatonia,Jr ---------

NI 1 1 1

LR 0

YARDS AVG. TD 28 28.00 0 0 0.00 0 55 55.00 1

25

TC YARDS AVG. TD 412 16.48 6 42

Interceptions (Player,School,Class) NI YARDS AVG. TD LR Ty Beseda,La Grange,Jr. ------------ 3 6 2.00 0 6 Dillon Davis,La Grange,Jr. --------- 3 51 17.00 0 40 Wes Scott,La Grange,Jr. ------------ 3 70 23.33 1 45 Bralon Hutchison,La Grange,So ----- 2 42 21.00 0 42 Scoring by Kicking Marco Cerda,La Grange,Jr ----------

PAT-KICK 39

FG TOTAL 3 48

Schulenburg’s returning kicker Alex Lara scored an amazing 59 points last year via field goals and extra points.

Photo by Audrey Kristynik

Schulenburg 2012 Leaders Rushing (Player,School,Class) TC YARDS AVG. TD LG Jyron McKenzie,Schulen.,Sr 100 835 8.35 9 96 Ty Winkler,Schulenburg,Sr --- 68 329 4.84 4 50 Passing (Player,School,Class) ATT COMP YDS PCT LG INT TD Ross Bludau,Schulenburg,Jr 182 99 1719 0.5440 77 7 19 Receiving (Player,School,Class) Jeffrey Lara,Schulenburg,Jr ------Jyron McKenzie,Schulenburg,Sr Davondre Lewis-Hall,Schul.,Sr --

TC YARDS AVG. TD 37 959 25.92 11 23 212 9.22 2 17 261 15.35 3

Punting (Min. 20 Punts) NP YARDS AVG. BK LK Tyler Vornsand,Schulenburg,Jr ----- 21 872 41.52 0 65 Punt Returns (Min. 5 Returns) NR YARDS AVG. Jeffrey Lara,Schulenburg,Jr ----- 7 93 13.29

TD LR 0 24

Kick-Off Returns (Min. 5 Returns) NR YARDS AVG. TD LR Jeffrey Lara,Schulenburg,Jr ------- 11 286 26.00 1 88 Interceptions (Player,School,Class) NI YARDS AVG. TD LR Jyron McKenzie,Schulenburg,Sr -- 2 13 6.50 0 9 Tyler Vornsand,Schulenburg,Jr ----- 2 23 11.50 0 23

Dalton Griffin makes this over the shoulder catch against Somerville last year. He’s the Bulldog’s leading returning rusher.

Photo by Beverly Ponder

Scoring by Kicking Alex Lara,Schulenburg,So ----------

PAT-KICK FG TOTAL 41 6 59

La Grange’s Rodney Filmore ran for 1,238 yards as a junior last season. He’s shown here last year against Giddings.

Photo by Jeff Wick

Thank You Water Girls for your support and dedication!

FLATONIA BULLDOGS

Fayette County Football 2013

Bulldogs Hoping to Finally Stay Healthy

By JEFF WICK

The Fayette County Record

FLATONIA – After the first three weeks of the season last year, the Flatonia football team was flying high.

They were 3-0 and has no reason to think they

weren’t legitimate district title contenders.

Then the wheels fell off.

For the second consecutive season, injuries really hurt the Bulldogs (who as a 1A school need every one of their 20-something players anyway).

The Bulldogs lost six in a row, as their hopes of

Flatonia’s Gus Venegas jumps up to make this catch between a pair of Thorndale defenders last season.

Photo by Beverly Ponder

Bulldog Football By The Numbers

7

This is the number of returning players who carried the ball last season for Flatonia: Dalton Griffin, Mitchel Mica, Marcus Mica, Will Bruns, Aaron Manzano, Eddie Manzano and Gus Venegas

769

This is the number of yards Flatonia’s returning quarterback Will Bruns threw for last season. He also ran for 229 yards.

20

This was sort of the magic number for the Bulldogs last year. Every time they scored more than 20 points they won, every time they scored less than 20, they lost.

getting back to the playoffs for the first time since 2007 slipped away.

“By our first district game we were down to our fifth and sixth strong runner backs,” said head coach Chris Freytag of the 2012 injury woes.

“Staying healthy is as much a key this year as ever.

“If we stay healthy, we’ll make the playoffs.”

One of the big reasons for Freytag’s confidence is the return of several key starters, with some key additions from last year’s 5-5 JV squad mixed in.

Let’s look at the offense first.

Will Bruns returns at quarterback with four experienced backs to get the ball to in Flatonia’s triple-option attack.

Brothers Marcus and Mitchel Mica return in the backfield as well as seniors Aaron Manzano and Dalton Griffin, who carried the ball a lot last year.

“Will did a great job running our offense last year,” Freytag said of Bruns. “He’s smart and we put a lot on his plate.

“We’re going to be a ball control team. We’ll probably throw the ball three times a game this season.”

“Our running backs as a group aren’t fast, but they are bruising-type runners.”

If and when Flatonia does need to throw the ball, they’ve got experienced receviers returning in Gus Venegas and Reed Rightmer. Jose Manazano could be in that mix as well.

On the offensive line, projected starters are Lane Janecka at center, Frank Guerrero and See Bulldogs, Page 23

Quick Hits Last year’s record: 4-6 overall, 1-3 in district Returning starters: Eight on offense, seven on defense Last playoff appearence: 2007, went two rounds deep Reason to be confident: There’s lots of experience back on this Flatonia team, especially at the offensive skill positions.

Lingering question: With limited numbers, can Bulldogs stay healthy?

Fayette County Football 2013: Flatonia Bulldogs

Flatonia Varsity Roster # Name Height/Weight Pos. Class 3 Gus Venegas 5’7 150 WR/DB JR 4 Jose Manzano 5’9 125 WR/DB JR 7 Casen Novak 5’6 130 QB/DB SO 9 Marcus Mica 6’3 190 RB/LB JR 10 Jesus Segoviano 5’7 140 WR/DB SR 11 Will Bruns 6’0 185 QB/LB SR 12 Matthew Kozelsky 6’3 185 RB/DE SO 16 Reed Rightmer 6’0 165 WR/CB SR 23 Eddie Manzano 5’6 150 RB/LB JR 28 Mitchel Mica 6’0 230 RB/DE SR 33 Dalton Griffin 5’8 155 RB/C SR 34 Aaron Manzano 5’9 190 RB/DE SR

# 35 50 51 52 54 56 58 60 62 63 71 80

Name Height/Weight Pos. Class Cesar Castillo 5’7 140 RB/LB JR Ty Ponder 5’7 150 C/DE JR Tyler Kallus 5’9 185 T/DE SO Frank Guerrero 5’11 235 T/DT SR Fernando Guerrero 5’8 160 G/DE SR Abraham Centeno 5’10 260 T/DT JR Jigar Patel 5’9 180 T/DT SR Brandon Perez 5’7 165 G/DT SR Lane Janecka 5’11 190 G/DE SO Julio Castellano 5’10 260 T/DE FR Jesus Rodriguez 5’11 250 T/DT FR Zach Velasquez 5’10 140 WR/CB SR

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Flatonia Varsity Football Schedule August 30 – @ Nixon-Smiley

7:30 p.m.

September 6 – Sacred Heart

7:30 p.m.

13 – @ Somerville

7:30 p.m.

20 – Schulenburg (Parents Night) 7:30 p.m.

27 – @ Ganado

7:30 p.m.

October 4 – Burton (Homecoming) 7:30 p.m.

11 – Holland* 7:30 p.m.

18 – @ Weimar*

7:30 p.m.

25 – Thorndale*

7:30 p.m.

November 1 – Open 8 – @ Thrall*

7:30 p.m.

Bold indicates home game * indicates district game

Best of luck to all of the football teams! www.fayettevillebank.com Equal Housing Lender Member FDIC

Fayette County Football 2013: Flatonia Bulldogs

“

#9 – Marcus Mica Junior RB/LB

#11 – Will Bruns Senior QB/LB

#3 – Gus Venegas Junior WR/DB

#34 – Aaron Manzano Senior RB/LB

#60 – Brandon Perez Senior OL/DT

#10 – Jesus Segoviano Senior WR/DB

#35 – Cesar Castillo Junior RB/LB

#7 – Casen Novak Sophomore QB/DB

#50 – Ty Ponder Junior C/DE

#4 – Jose Manzano Junior WR/DB

#62 – Lane Janecka Sophomore G/DE

#16 – Reed Rightmer Senior WR/CB

#51 – Tyler Kellis Sophomore T/DE

#63 – Julio Castellano Freshman T/DE

#56 – Abraham Centeno Junior T/DT

Getting everyone to work for the same goal is what will make us successful.”

– Flatonia senior Mitchel Mica

Best of Luck ! s g o d l Bul

P. O. Drawer B Flatonia, Texas 78941 (361) 865-3544 FAX (361) 865-3666

Fayette County Football 2013: Flatonia Bulldogs

#58 – Jigar Patel Senior T/DT

#52 – Frank Guerrero Senior T/DT

#54 – Fernando Guerrero Senior G/DE

#12 – Matthew Kozelsky Sophomore RB/DE

#71 – Jesus Rodriguez Freshman T/DT

F

#80 – Zach Velasquez Senior WR/CB

#28 – Mitchel Mica Senior RB/DE

#23 – Eddie Manzano Junior RB/LB

#33 – Dalton Griffin Senior RB/C

FHS Hopes to Avoid Mid-Season Woes of Last Year Continued from Page 20 Abraham Centeno at guards. At one tackle position Tyler Kellis will start. The other tackle spot is a three-way battle.

“As young as we are, I’ve been pretty impressed and I think by the end of the year we could be a pretty strong line,” Freytag said.

The Flatonia defense will be anchored by middle linebacker Marcus Mica and outside linebackers Bruns and Eddie Manzano.

“This group has a chance to be really, really good, but there’s no depth,” Freytag

said.

Starting defensive ends are expected to be Mitchel Mica and Aaron Manzano.

Starters at defensive tackle are Abraham Centeno and Brandon Perez.

Starting free safety will be Casen Novak, who plays a lot bigger than his 5-foot-6 size.

The starting strong safety will be Rightmer.

Venegas will start at one of the cornerback positions.

“If the ball’s in the air, he’s going to pick it,” Freytag said of Venegas.

latonia is in good company in having a Bulldog as its mascot.

According to a study, Bulldogs are the second most common mascot in Texas with 89 schools using it. The most common was Eagles with an amazing 116 schools. There were 69 schools in Texas with Tigers and 64 with Panthers. Lions and Mustangs were tied with 54 schools each using those.

At the other cornerback spot, Jose Manzano and Zach Velasquez are battling for the job.

Jose Manzano will kick and Venegas will punt.

All together, it’s a 2013 group that Freytag likes as players – and people.

“This is a very, very tight-knit group,” Freytag said. “They never complain. They practice hard and get along. They are a lot of fun.”

They’d all have a bit more if they can finally get back to the playoffs.

Good Luck Bulldogs!

2012 Results

Flatonia 41, Nixon-Smiley 6 Flatonia 22, Sacred Heart 0 Flatonia 58, Somerville 0 Schulenburg 35, Flatonia 14 Ganado 26, Flatonia 14 Burton 46, Flatonia 13 Holland 40, Flatonia 17 Weimar 20, Flatonia 19 Thorndale 19, Flatonia 0 Flatonia 24, Thrall 5

Final 2012 District Standings 13-1A District Overall Weimar 4-0 7-5 Thorndale 3-1 10-3 Holland 1-3 5-6 Flatonia 1-3 4-6 Thrall 1-3 4-6

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Fl atonia Bulldog

s

Fayette County Football 2013 Don’t Mess With These Guys

THE HIT MEN

Tristan Wendt: Schulenburg

Cody Schindler: La Grange Expect to see tough-an-nails senior Cody Schindler playing a lot on the offensive and defensive fronts this season for the Leps.

“Most of us have been playing together so long. We have a great bond,” Schindler said. “We’ll be a hard team to beat. I think we can go to state and win it.”

In over three decades of coaching, Schulenburg head coach Tommy Bludau said he’s never had a stronger player than Tristan Wendt, a starter on the Shorthorns offensive and defense fronts.

“I bench 420 but I’m only squatting 550 because of my knee injury,” Wendt said.

That may be the first time in history someone has ever uttered the phrase: “I’m only squatting 550.”

“People are going to have a hard time blocking him because we haven’t blocked him in practice yet,” Bludau said.

The 6-foot-1, 270-pound Wendt showed off how good an athlete he trully is as this spring’s state track meet when he won the Class 2A shot put title. He is getting collegiate football interest from a lot of schools.

Right now, Sam Houston State is leading the way.

Marcus and Mitchel Mica: Flatonia Flatonia brothers Mitchel and Marcus Mica have been competing against each other their whole lives.

“It’s always been competitive between us,” said Mitchel, the senior.

“I get my butt whopped when I beat him at something,” laughed Marcus.

When they join forces, like they will sometimes in the backfield for the Bulldogs this season, the Micas can be unstoppable.

“When he’s running the ball and I’m blocking for him. We’re pretty effective,” Marcus said.

Last year Mitchel ran for 398 yards and four touchdowns and Marcus ran for 302 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Mitchel is coming off knee surgery last November, but he’s back strong and head coach Chris Fretyag said he’s also one of the best defensive ends in the region.

“I can’t believe my senior year is here. I played and started as a freshman,” Mitchel said. It’s been a blur.”

Best of Luck to all Fayette County Football Teams!

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Fayette County Football 2013

JUNIOR VARSITIES

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Fayette County Football 2013

COACHING STAFFS

The Architects of it All

The members of the La Grange football coaching staff: Front row, left to right: Trainer: Michelle Macpherson, Will Kates, Michael McCollum, Matt Kates, James Magness, Taylor Byrd, Patrick Walker; Back row: Keith Cubit, Westley Miller, David Cooper, Heath Golan, Vernon Hughes and Cody McCauley.

The Schulenburg football coaching staff: Bottom Row, left to right: David Ray, Clay Besetzny, Tommy Bludau, Bo Thibodeaux, John Stancik; Top Row: Rick Dillenbeck, Tandy Betek, Gilbert Price and Karl Saenz.

The members of the Flatonia football coaching staff are, left to right: Brandon Williams, Bryan Zimmerman, Lance Alford, Chris Freytag, Josh Curtis, Steven Pope, Shawn Bruns and James Zaruba.

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State Title History

La Grange has won two state football championships (in 1975 and 2000) and Schulenburg has won three (in 1972, 1991 and 1992) but they have a little way to go to join the very elite members of the state title club. Here’s the schools that have won the most state titles in state history:

Flatonia First Cousins

8 Championships Celina - 1974 (co-champ), 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2007 7 Championships Abilene - 1923, 1928, 1931, 1954, 1955, 1956, 2009 Brownwood - 1960, 1965, 1967, 1969, 1970, 1978, 1981 Plano - 1965, 1967, 1971, 1977, 1986, 1987, 1994 Southlake Carroll - 1988, 1992, 1993, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006 Katy - 1959, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2012 6 Championships Daingerfield - 1968, 1983, 1985, 2008, 2009, 2010 Breckenridge - 1929 (co champ), 1951, 1952, 1954, 1958, 1959 Converse Judson - 1983, 1988 (by forfeit), 1992, 1993, 1995, 2002 Odessa Permian - 1965, 1972, 1980, 1984 (co champ), 1989, 1991 Waco - 1925, 1926, 1927, 1945 (co champ), 1948 Wichita Falls - 1949, 1950, 1958, 1961, 1969

An amazing five players on the Flatonia varsity football team are first cousin. That’s over 20-percent of the varsity team! Shown above, left to right, they are Will Bruns, Lane Janecka, Casen Novak, Mitchel Mica and Marcus Mica.

Photo by Jeff Wick

The La Grange freshman football team

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Fayette County Football 2013: Sideline Support

La Grange Cheerleaders – Junior High Through Varsity

La Grange Drill Team

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Frogs & Flamingos Florist 101 W. Colorado • La Grange, Texas 78945 979.968.8214 Larry & Elaine Zbranek

Fayette County Football 2013: Sideline Support

Above: The Fighting Leopard High School Band and Flag Corps.

Far left: La Grange High School Drum Majors Audrey Cernoch and Maya Sgovio.

Left: La Grange ISD head band director Christopher Gongora and assistant band director David DeLuca.

Photos by Randy Boyd

Round Top

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Giddings

Lexington

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Fayette County Football 2013

AT THE NEXT LEVEL

A Look at County Athletes Currently Playing College Football

Chad Childs, TCU

Logan Vinklarek, Blinn

Graduated from La Grange in 2012, redshirted last year for TCU, expected to be a backup offensive lineman this season.

Graduated from La Grange in 2011, red-shirted as a true freshmen. Last season he caught 11 passes for 149 yards. He’s shown above playing in the FCS national championship game last season against North Dakota State.

Trevon Cook, A&M-Commerce

Robert Kitchen, Midwestern

Graduated from La Grange in 2013. Signed a defensive lineman by the Lions this spring.

Brandon Wilkerson, Sam Houston State

Graduated from La Grange in 2013, projected to be second or third string QB this season as a freshmen for Blinn.

Andrew Syrinek, Texas Lutheran

Colby Mica, Howard Payne

Graduated from La Grange in 2012, redshirted last year; expected to compete for time on the defensive line this year.

Graduated from Schulenburg in 2012, now a 6-3, 200 pound defensive lineman for Texas Lutheran University.

Colton Bubela, Texas Lutheran

Graduated from Schulenburg in 2013, is working out this summer as a freshmen linebacker for the Bulldogs.

Graduated from Flatonia in 2012, is a sophomore wide receiver for the Yellowjackets.

Fayette County Football 2013: Statistically Speaking 2012 State Champs 5A DI — Allen 35, Houston Lamar 21 5A DII — Katy 35, Cedar Hill 24 4A DI — Denton Guyer 48, Georgetown 37 4A DII — Cedar Park 17, Lancaster 7 3A DI — Stephenville 70, El Campo 35 3A DII — Navasota 39, Gilmer 3 2A DI — Cameron Yoe 38, Daingerfield 20 2A DII — East Bernard 56, Corsicana Mildred 14 1A DI — Stamford 35, Mart 28 1A DII — Munday 42, Tenaha 14 Six-man DI — Throckmorton 72, Abbott 30 Six-man DII — Richland Springs 60, Follett 14 TAPPS 11-Man DI — FW Nolan 48, Addison Trinity Christian 45 TAPPS 11-Man DII — Midland Christian 14, Northland Christian 7 TAPPS 11-Man DIII — Shiner St. Paul 56, Frisco Legacy 43 SPC-DI — Bellaire Episcopal 28, Houston Kinkaid 21 SPC-DII — FW All Saints 60, Houston St. Johns 50 TCAF DI — Dallas Academy 58, Lucas Christian 57 TCAF DII — Azle Christian 70, Arlington High Point 24 T-CAL DI — Tomball Christian 84, San Antonio FEAST 65 T-CAL DII — Stephenville FAITH 58, Bastrop Tribe 32

All-Time Playoff Appearances

Flatonia (20 total): 1954, 56, 58, 59, 64, 79, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 2002 2004, 2007 Schulenburg (27 total): 1929, 39, 47, 58, 66, 69, 71, 72, 74, 75, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011 La Grange (19 total): 1938, 46, 65, 74, 75, 79, 86, 87, 88, 96, 97, 99, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012

2012 AP Preseason State Poll Class 5A

1. Allen 2. Katy 3. Cibolo Steele 4. DeSoto 5. Southlake Carroll 6. Euless Trinity 7. Austin Westlake 8. Galena Park No. Shore 9. Houston Lamar 10. Coppell 11. Cedar Hill 12 Dallas Skyline 13. Lake Travis 14. Arlington Martin 15. Converse Judson 15. Arlington Bowie 17. SA O’Connor 17. Lufkin 17. Tyler Lee 20. SA Northside Brandeis 20, SA Madison 20. Abilene

Class 4A

1. Denton Guyer 2. Cedar Park 3. Aledo 4. SA Northside Brennan 5. Lancaster 6. Whitehouse 7. Humble Summer Creek 8. Tyler 9. Georgetown 10. WF Rider (tie) Texas City 12. Dallas Highland Park 13. Pearland Dawson 14, Mesquite Poteet 15 Leander 16, Elgin 17. Manor 17. Nederland 19, Leander Rouse 20. Wolfforth Frenship 21. Birdville 21. Ennis

Class 3A

The Shorthorn mascot leads the charge out of the tunnel followed by youngsters on LIttle Shorthorn night last year in Schulenburg.

Photo by Audrey Kristynik

1. Stephenville 2. Carthage 3. Gilmer 4. Navasota 5. Argyle 6. Kilgore 7. La Marque 8. Graham 9. Bellville 10. Abilene Wylie 11. Silsbee 12. Celina 13. West Orange-Stark 14. El Campo 15. Jasper 15. Gatesville 17. Henderson 18. Shallowater 18. Wimberley 20. Port Isabel 20. Gainesville 22. Tyler Chapel Hill

Class 2A

1. Newton 2. Cameron Yoe 3. East Bernard 4. Refugio 5. Canadian 6. New Boston 7. Daingerfield 8. Wall 9. Tatum 10. Cisco 11. Franklin 12. Hallettsville 13. Sonora 14. Callisburg 14. Grandview 16. Corsicana Mildred 16. Lexington 18. Rogers 19. White Oak 19. Elysian Fields 21. Arp 21. Hempstead

All State Title Games in Arlington Class 1A

1. Mart 2. Tenaha 3. Alto 4. Mason 5. Stamford 6. Wellington 7. Shiner 8. Stratford 9. Munday 10. Anson 11. Chilton 12. Falls City 13. Albany 14. Pineland West Sabine 14. Bosqueville 16, Hubbard 17. Muenster 17, Burton 19. Ganado 19. Goldthwaite 19. Italy 22. New Deal

All 2013 University Interscholastic League football state championship games will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. For the first time, all 11-man and six-man football championship games will be played at the same location. For the past four years, the six-man football championship games have been played at Shotwell Stadium in Abilene. Here’s the schedule: December 14, 2013 Conference 1A Six-Man Division I -12:00 p.m.

Conference 1A Six-Man Division II - 3:00 p.m.

December 19, 2013 Conference 1A 11-Man Division I - 10:00 a.m.

Conference 1A 11-Man Division II -1:00 p.m.

Conference 2A Division I - 5:00 p.m.

Conference 2A Division II - 8:00 p.m.

December 20, 2013 Conference 3A Division I - 12:00 p.m.

Conference 3A Division II - 4:00 p.m.

Conference 4A Division I - 8:00 p.m.

December 21, 2013 Conference 4A Division II -12:00 p.m.

Conference 5A Division I - 4:00 p.m.

Conference 5A Division II - 8:00 p.m.

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