Fayette County Football 2014
RECORD Section C
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Senior Speedster Bralon Hutchison And the Leps Have State Title Hopes Marcus Mica and Flatonia Look to Build on Last Year’s Nine Win Season
New Schulenburg Coach Brandon Brown Tries to Lead the ’Horns Back to Postseason
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Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Fayette County Football 2014: Coverboy
Bralon Hutchison: Quick & Quiet
By JEFF WICK
The Fayette County Record
La Grange senior superstar Bralon Hutchison is not one of those loud, rah-rah type of football players. He’s one of the most soft-spoken players on the entire Leps football team, and that’s something that his teammates and coaches are quick to joke with him about. “He’s quiet. He’s got this little baby voice,” said teammate J.K. Dobbins. “Coach McCauley gets on him every day about it.” Clearly, Hutchison prefers to do his talking on the football field. And it’s remarkable what his stats have said the last few years. After running for 527 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore, Hutchison followed that up with a 1,136 yard 14 touchdown performance last year as a running back. But running the football is just a small part of what Hutchison brings to the table for the Leps. This year he will start on defense as a safety, as he did last year. And he will also return kicks and punts, as he did last season as one of the most dangerous return-men in the region. With his ability to run the 40-yard dash in just 4.5 seconds, Hutchison is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball. And he’s got the work ethic to go with those great natural talents. “Bralon works his tail off,” said La Grange head coach Matt Kates. “He’s got like seven or eight Division-I offers right now, but you’d never know if by the way he acts. “He’s so humble. He’s the same guy he was when he walked in here as
Bralon Hutchison is poised to be the La Grange Leopards third D-I college football signee in the last four years, following in the footsteps of Chad Childs in 2012 (TCU) and Zach Ledwik (Texas A&M) last year. Photo by Jeff Wick
a freshman.” Hutchison can’t believe his senior year is already here. “I just want to take things slow, not take things too quick and just enjoy my senior year,” Hutchison said. “I want to try to set some new records, try to get that (championship) ring and after that worry about college.” And he’s got plenty to consider. As of press time, here’s the colleges that
have offered Hutchison a scholarship to play for them: Duke University of Houston Nevada University of New Mexico North Texas Oregon State Stephen F. Austin Texas State With choices aplenty, Hutchison said his
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first priority when trying to decide on a college program will be to figure out if he wants to go out of state or not. “I really just need to talk with my parents, figure out if I’m gonna get home sick,” Hutchison said. “But they say it’s up to me.” And if Hutchison and the Leps can have the kind of season they did last year, even more college suitors will probably come calling.
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Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Fayette County Football 2014: Statistically Speaking 2013 State Champs 5A DI — Allen 63, Pearland 21 5A DII — Cedar Hill 34, Katy 24 4A DI — Denton Guyer 31, SA Brennan 14 4A DII —Aledo 38, Brenham 10 3A DI — Carthage 34, Kilgore 23 3A DII — Argyle 38, Fairfield 33 2A DI —Cameron Yoe 35, Wall 14 2A DII —Cisco 56, Refugio 36 1A DI — Stamford 41, Shiner 28 1A DII —Wellington 42, Falls City 20 6M DI —Crowell 78, May 52 6M DII —Grandfalls-Royalty 73, Milford 28 TAPPS 11M DI — Fort Worth Nolan Catholic 24, Plano Prestonwood 21 TAPPS 11M DII—Midland Christian 28, Katy Pope John Paul XXIII 20 TAPPS 11M DIII — Dallas First Baptist 35, Bryan Brazos Christian 21 SPC Large School —Houston Kinkaid 59, Dallas St. Mark’s 45 SPC Small School —Fort Worth All Saints 42, Houston Christian 7 TAPPS 6M DI — Dallas Covenant 60, Boerne Geneva 16 TAPPS 6M DII — SA Castle Hills Baptist 65, Fredericksburg Heritage 44 TCAF —Lucas Christian 38, Azle Christian 32 T-CAL DI —Waco Live Oak 36, SA FEAST 26 T-CAL DII —Stephenville FAITH 84, Fort Bend Chargers 57
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Returnee Clayton Brossman (12) of the Schulenburg Shorthorns helps make this tackle last season. The Shorthorns have made the playoffs 28 times in school history, the most in Fayette County. Photo by Audrey Kristynik
All-Time Playoff Appearances
Flatonia (21 total): 1954, 56, 58, 59, 64, 79, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 2002 2004, 2007, 2013 Schulenburg (28 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, 2013 La Grange (20 total): 1938, 46, 65, 74, 75, 79, 86, 87, 88, 96, 97, 99, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2013
2014 AP Preseason State Poll Class 6A 1. Allen 2. Katy 3. Cedar Hill 4. DeSoto 5. Euless Trinity 6. Southlake Carroll 7. Denton Guyer 8. Cibolo Steele 9. Lake Travis 10. Pearland
Class 5A 1. Aledo 2. Ennis 3. Longview 4. A&M Consolidated 5. Cedar Park 6. Brenham 7. Temple 8. Tyler 9. Richmond George Ranch 10. Mansfield Timberview
Class 4A 1. Stephenville 2. Navasota 3. Graham 4. Carthage 5. La Marque 6. Argyle 7. West Orange-Stark 8. Gilmer (tie) Kilgore 10. Celina
Class 3A 1. Cisco 2. Hallettsville 3. Cameron Yoe 4. Waskom 5. Newton 6. Wall 7. New Boston 8. Daingerfield (tie) Franklin 10. Rockdale
Class 2A 1. Refugio 2. Mart 3. Tenaha 4. Albany 5. Hico 6. Canadian 7. Bremond 8. Centerville 9. Shiner 10. Falls City
Others receiving votes: 11, Dallas Skyline; 12, Galena Park North Shore; 13, Manvel; 14, SA Northside Brennan; 15, Coppell; 16, Arlington Martin; 17, Wolfforth Frenship; 18, Arlington Bowie; 18, Converse Judson; 18, Spring Westfield.
Others receiving votes: 11, Abilene Cooper; 12, Dallas South Oak Cliff; 12, Mesquite Poteet; 14, Lufkin; 15, Wylie; 16, N. Richland Hills Birdville ; 16, Rockwall-Heath; 18, West Mesquite; 18, Elgin; 18, CC Calallen; 21, Lucas Lovejoy; 22, Mansfield Summit; 22, McKinney North; 24, Frisco; 25, Georgetown; 25, Houston Stratford; 25, CC Flour Bluff.
Others receiving votes: 11, La Vernia; 12, La Grange; 13, Liberty Hill; 14, Tyler Chapel Hill; 15, Fairfield; 16, Gladewater; 17, Sinton; 18, Kennedale; 19, Big Spring; 20, Abilene Wylie; 20, ColdspringOakhurst; 20, Tatum.
Others receiving votes: 11, Rogers; 12, East Bernard; 12, Corrigan-Camden; 14, Sonora; 15, Kirbyville; 15, White Oak; 17, Teague; 18, Malakoff; 18, Gunter; 18, Arp; 18, Pottsboro; 22, Eastland; 22, Glen Rose.
Others receiving votes: 11, Crawford; 12, Stamford; 13, Mason; 14, Stratford; 15, Chilton; 16, Seagraves; 17, Goldthwaite; 17, Wellington; 19, Iraan; 19, Muenster; 21, Alto; 21, Booker; 23, Hamlin; 24. Pineland West Sabine; 24, New Deal.
Good Luck LEPS!
4 Football Preview
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Fayette County Football 2014: The Predictions After they went 13-1 last season, I’m predicting a perfect 10-0 regular season for the Leps this year and another long playoff run. As far as Schulenburg and Flatonia go, last year in this space I predicted each would win at least one playoff game (thanks Shorthorns and Bulldogs for making me look so smart). Now each is in the District of Death but both Flatonia and Schulenburg are going to navigate that brutal District 15-2A well enough to make the playoffs. Flatonia particularly could then be in for a long postseason run. – Jeff Wick
Flatonia & Schulenburg’s 15-2A
La Grange’s 11-4A
The toughest 2A district in the state, some good teams are going to be staying home come playoff time. Listed in order of predicted finish.
It’s a new world for the Leps in Class 4A with a reconfigured district and a new region, but Leps will win a third consecutive district title. Listed in order of predicted finish.
La Grange Leopards
Refugio Bobcats
2013 record: 13-1 Starters back (Off/Def): 3/5 H.S. Enrollment: 610 Of Note: La Grange should not have any trouble rolling through this district which includes three teams that went 1-9 last season.
2013 record: 14-2 Starters back (Off/Def): 7/7 H.S. Enrollment: 187 Interesting fact: What the heck is in the water in Refugio? They don’t ever have an off year. Legit state title contender.
Flatonia Bulldogs
2013 record: 9-3 Starters back (Off/Def): 7/7 H.S. Enrollment: 178 Of Note: The improvement continues for Flatonia after last year’s great season. Bulldog football is back in a big way.
Giddings Buffaloes
2013 record: 3-6 Starters back (Off/Def): 5/2 H.S. Enrollment: 640 Of Note: The Buffaloes missed the playoffs last year, but should finish no worse than second in this new district.
Shiner Comanches
2013 record: 11-4 Starters back (Off/Def): 5/5 H.S. Enrollment: 171 Of Note: Shiner hasn’t missed the playoffs since 2000 and that streak is not going to end this season.
Caldwell Hornets
2013 record: 1-9 Starters back (Off/Def): 7/8 H.S. Enrollment: 511 Of Note: This is the year things begin to turn around for the Hornets, who have really struggled the last several years.
Schulenburg Shorthorns
2013 record: 7-4 Starters back (Off/Def): 6/3 H.S. Enrollment: 210 Interesting facts: The Brandon Brown era gets off to a good start as the Horns grab the last playoff spot in this brutal district.
Smithville Tigers
2013 record: 1-9 Starters back (Off/Def): 6/8 H.S. Enrollment: 540 Of Note: Smithville enters a new era under coach Cyril Adkins, and if he has the success he did as the basketball coach for the Tigers, watch out.
Ganado Indians
2013 record: 9-3 Starters back (Off/Def): 2/7 H.S. Enrollment: 217 Interesting fact: Ganado wins nine games last year and doesn’t make the playoffs this season? Could happen.
Salado Eagles
2013 record: 1-9 Starters back (Off/Def): 7/6 H.S. Enrollment: 478 Interesting facts: Salado, which was a 2A school last year, gets a rude introduction to 4A football. They’ll be on the outside looking in come playoff time.
Weimar Wildcats La Grange linebacker Michael Mueller hurdles over a Smithville player after making an interception last year against the Tigers. Mueller will play a major leadership role on this year’s Leps defense as well. Photo by Jeff Wick
2013 record: 5-5 Starters back (Off/Def): 10/10 H.S. Enrollment: 196 Interesting facts: Weimar could have a much improved team (10 starters back on each side) and still miss the playoffs.
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Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Fayette County Football 2014
La Grange Leopards Among State’s Elite
LA GRANGE LEOPARDS
By JEFF WICK
The Fayette County Record
La Grange head coach Matt Kates said he once went to see a speech made by former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz. “I’ll never forget one thing he said: ‘The most important part of your team is your seniors. The sense of urgency lies with them,’” Kates said. If that’s true, La Grange could be headed for another special season. One year after going 13-1 and advancing to the state semifinals, the Leps will suit out a remarkable 31 seniors. (Compare that to the rest of the team that includes just eight juniors and four sophomores.) “I’ve never had that many seniors. That senior class is certainly a strength of this football team,” Kates said. Not all of this year’s seniors were on varsity for the 2013 regular season (some were part of a JV that went 8-2 last season) but they were all up for the Leps five-week playoff run. “Five extra weeks of work, 20 extra days of practice those guys got. That’s huge,” Kates said. So what do the Leps do for an encore after going 13-1 last season? How about trying for the program’s third consecutive district title. That’s the first of what is a lofty list of goals these Leps have for themselves. “La Grange has never won three consecutive district titles in football. Doing something that’s never been done at a school like La Grange – that’s something special,” Kates said. Before La Grange gets to that district schedule they play a loaded slate of games against six squads that all made the playoffs last season. District could be easier than nondistrict because three of La Grange’s four opponents in the new 11-4A all went 1-9 last year.
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Here’s the lineup Kates plans to put on the field on Friday nights this season: Offensively just three starters return for the Leps, but they are complemented by a whole host of players who saw a lot of action last season in reserve roles.
At quarterback there’s a threeplayer competition going on for playing time. Ty Koether, the most experienced of the bunch, was the JV starter last year. Aaron Janda, who sat out all last season with an injury, has impressed coaches with his ability to run and throw the football, and then
J.K. Dobbins burst onto the varsity scene last year as a freshman for the Leps and his role looks to be even greater this season as a sophomore. File photo by Jeff Wick
Leps Football By The Numbers
This is the number of seniors on this year’s Leopard football team. The most Matt Kates has had in his five years here.
there’s sophomore J.K. Dobbins, who is gifted athletically but still learning the quarterback position. Wherever he ends up, Dobbins will see a lot of time on the field offensively, whether it be at quarterback, See Leps, next page
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This is the number of consecutive district titles the Leps have won. No Leps football team has ever won three consecutive district titles.
29-16
This is the overall record for Matt Kates through his four years as head football coach in La Grange.
Quick Hits Last year’s record: 13-1 overall, 5-0 in district Returning starters: Three on offense, Five on defense Last playoff appearence: 2013, Lost in Carthage in state semifinals. Reason to be confident: The Leps return a big senior class and a load of confidence after last year’s playoff run. Bralon Hutchison and J.K. Dobbins are D-I prospects. Lingering question: Who is ultimately going to emerge as Leps go-to quarterback?
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Fayette County Football 2014: La Grange Leopards
Football Preview
Leps Team Has Lots of Confidence After 2013 Run Continued from Page 6
running back and even receiver. Rylan Rigden and Logan Naiser will start at the two wide receiver positions. Kates said Rigden “has as much potential as we’ve had at the wide receiver spot since I’ve been here.” Michael Mueller will start at tight end, backed up by Brennen Gillard. Four guys will likely see carries at running back, Hutchison, Dobbins, Emmett Worsham and Landon Marshall. Fullback will be Allen Keilers, backed up by John Garza, Dakota
Baker, and Bailey Conard. On the offensive line, Logan Hardin, a returning starter, makes the move from guard to center, backed up by Trey Williams. Cullen Weishuhn and Walker Ellison will start at the two guard positions, backed up by Alex Glaiser and Jon Weishuhn. At the tackle positions, Grant Gage and Evan Martinek will start, backed up by Semou Gning and Daniel Herrera. Other reserve offensive linemen that could get in the mix are Dennis Powell, Damien Sheppard, Vincent Rios and Chris Tieu. Defensively, the Leopards
will be led by five returning starters from a team that limited nine different teams to 20 points or less last season. Another major returnee is defensive coordinator Cody McCauley, who returns for his second season. “That continuity is huge,” said Kates, who also returns his younger brother Will Kates for a third year as offensive coordinator. “There’s no substitute for hearing the same thing over and over.” Defensively the Leps will have a host of players competing for time at end, including Cullen Weishuhn, Eric Ostrander, Gage, Hardin, Martinek, Marshall and
Will Davidson. Nose Guard will be Glaiser, backed up by Austin Sims and Conard. Starters at the two outside linebacker positions will be Mueller and Devon Mack, backed up by Colby Urban, Julio Ramirez and Cody McNaney. The leaders at inside linebacker will be Keilers, Worsham, and Baker with Caleb Stackhouse, Ryan Kleiber and John Garza the likely back-ups. Dobbins and Hutchison will start at the two safety positions with Koether, Tracetyn Nietsche and Lewis Cooper serving as back-ups. Naiser and Rigden will start
at cornerback for the Leps with back-up help coming from Daven McKenzie, Janda, Hunter Cason and Damien Davis. On special teams, Rigden will likely handle both the punting and kicking duties. And Hutchison and Dobbins are both dangerous return men. Altogether it’s a collection of talent that should pile up the wins again this season for La Grange. Only time will tell, however, if it can live up to the standard of last year’s team which started the season with 13 consecutive victories, tying the 1987 La Grange team for the best start in program history.
2013 Results
La Grange 49, Marble Falls 23 La Grange 28, Columbus 14 La Grange 64, Brookshire Royal 32 La Grange 48, Canyon Lake 28 La Grange 48, Gonzales 19 La Grange 63, Smithville 13 La Grange 20, Giddings 14 La Grange 28, Yoakum 7 La Grange 42, Cuero 12 La Grange 42, El Campo 7 La Grange 50, Canyon Lake 8 La Grange 61, Ingleside 24 La Grange 21, Gonzales 8 Carthage 51, La Grange 22
La Grange’s Rylan Rigden makes this catch last year against Giddings. Head coach Matt Kates said Rigden could be poised for a huge senior season. File photo by Jeff Wick
Final 2013 District Standings 26-3A District Overall La Grange 5-0 13-1 Yoakum 3-2 4-6 Cuero 3-2 8-4 Gonzales 2-3 9-5 Giddings 1-4 3-6 Smithville 1-4 1-9
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La Grange Varsity Football Team No. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 19
Player Pos. Daven McKenzie WR/DB Hunter Cason WR/DB Tracetyn Nietsche WR/DB Bralon Hutchison RB/DB Aaron Janda QB/DB Lewis Cooper WR/DB Ty Koether QB/DB Michael Mueller TE/LB Rylan Rigden WR/DB Allen Keilers RB/LB Logan Naiser WR/DB Cody McNaney RB/LB Ryan Kleiber RB/LB Joshua Griffin WR/DB Austin Sims WR/DL Caleb Stackhouse RB/LB
Class 10 12 12 12 11 12 12 12 12 11 11 12 12 12 12 11
No. 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 30 33 34 42 50 54 55 56 60
Player Pos. Julio Ramirez WR/LB J.K. Dobbins RB/DB Devon Mack RB/LB Damien Davis WR/DB Will Davidson TE/LB Colby Urban TE/LB Landon Marshall RB/LB Emmett Worsham RB/LB Brennen Gillard TE/DL Dakota Baker RB/LB Bailey Conard RB/LB Logan Hardin OL/DL Trey Williams OL/DL Walker Ellison OL/DL Dennis Powell OL/DL Jon Weishuhn OL/DL
Class 10 10 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 12 11 11 12 12 12 11
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Photo by Randy Boyd
No. Player Pos. Class 63 Damien Sheppard OL/DL 12 64 Alex Glaiser OL/DL 12 66 Semou Gning OL/DL 12 68 Eric Ostrander OL/DL 12 70 Vincent Rios OL/DL 12 72 Grant Gage OL/DL 12 74 Cullen Weishuhn OL/DL 12 75 Evan Martinek OL/DL 12 76 Daniel Herrera OL/DL 12 78 Chris Tieu OL/DL 12 99 John Garza WR/DB 10 Managers: Adam Kulhanek, Trent Dusek Student Trainer: Bobby Kubos Watergirls: Mariah Patterson, Shelby Steuber, Alexis Lovings, Terra McKenzie, Elana Ledwik, Leslie Leija, Valeria Berlinga
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Tuesday, August 26, 2014
La Grange Leopard Varsity Players
#54 Trey Williams Sr, OL/DL
#55 Walker Ellison Sr, OL/DL
#17 Austin Sims Sr, WR/DL
#6 Aaron Janda Jr, QB/DB
#63 Damien Sheppard Sr, OL/DL
#33 Brennen Gillard Jr, TE/DL
#64 Alex Glaiser Sr, OL/DL
#66 Semou Gning Sr, OL/DL
#9 Michael Mueller Sr, TE/LB
#21 Julio Ramirez Soph, WR/LB
#10 Rylan Rigden Sr, WR/DB
#11 Allen Keilers Jr, RB/LB
#56 Dennis Powell Sr, OL/DL
#19 Caleb Stackhouse Jr, RB/LB
#7 Lewis Cooper Sr, WR/DB
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Tuesday, August 26, 2014
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La Grange Leopard Varsity Players
#5 Bralon Hutchison Sr, RB/DB
#42 Bailey Conard Jr, RB/LB
#24 Damien Davis Sr, WR/DB
#78 Chris Tieu Sr, OL/DL
#3 Hunter Cason Sr, WR/DB
#2 Daven McKenzie Soph, WR/DB
#50 Logan Hardin Jr, OL/DL
#13 Cody McNaney Sr, RB/LB
#23 Devon Mack Sr, RB/LB
#14 Ryan Kleiber Sr, RB/LB
#4 Tracetyn Nietsche Sr, WR/DB
#30 Emmett Worsham Sr, RB/LB
#68 Eric Ostrander Sr, OL/DL
#12 Logan Naiser Jr, WR/DB
#74 Cullen Weishuhn Sr, OL/DL
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La Grange Leopard Varsity Players
#27 Colby Urban Sr, TE/LB
#34 Dakota Baker Sr, RB/LB
#72 Grant Gage Sr, OL/DL
#76 Daniel Herrera Sr, OL/DL
#75 Evan Martinek Sr, OL/DL
#60 Jon Weishuhn Jr, OL/DL
#70 Vincent Rios Sr, OL/DL
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Adam Kulhanek Manager
#22 J.K. Dobbins Soph, RB/DB
#25 Will Davidson Sr, TE/LB
#8 Ty Koether Sr, QB/DB
#99 John Garza Soph, WR/DB
#28 Landon Marshall Sr, RB/LB
#15 Joshua Griffin Sr, WR/DB
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La Grange Leopard Coaching Staff
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2014 Schedule
La Grange Leopards
August 15 – @ El Campo (scrimmage) 7 p.m. 21 – Lockhart (scrimmage) 7 p.m. 29 – @ Liberty Hill 7:30 p.m. September 5 – Columbus (Parents Night) 7:30 p.m. 12 – La Vernia 7:30 p.m. 19 – @ Taylor 7:30 p.m. 26 – Fredericksburg (Homecoming) 7:30 p.m. October 3 – @Yoakum 10 – Smithville* 17 – @ Caldwell* 24 – Giddings* 31 – @ Salado*
7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
November 7 – Open Bold indicates home game * indicates district game
Left to right: Front row, Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator - Will Kates Inside Linebackers - Keith Cubit Corners - Michael McCollum Athletic Director/Head Coach - Matt Kates Outside Linebackers - James Magness Tight Ends - Patrick Walker Trainer- Michelle Macpherson
Left to right: Back row: Safeties - Westley Miller Wide Receivers/Freshmen Head Coach - Vernon Hughes Defensive Line - Heath Golan Running Backs/JV Head Coach - David Cooper Offensive Line - Preston Whisenhunt Defensive Coordinator - Cody McCauley Photo by Randy Boyd
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Good Luck Leopards
Some thoughts about the 2014 Leps schedule... In a weird quirk, every nondistrict opponent La Grange plays this season made the playoffs last year, while every district opponent did not make the postseason. The other unusual feature about this year’s schedule is the open date La Grange has the final week of the season, the product of having an odd number of teams in the district (and the luck of the district draw.) La Grange head coach Matt Kates said he didn’t like the idea of having an open date that last week initially, but he has since warmed to the idea.
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Tuesday, August 26, 2014
La Grange JV Football Team No. Player Pos. 2 Kalvin Perry WR/DB 3 Dameon McKenzie WR/DB 4 Merville Johnson RB/DB 5 Ryan Chavez WR/DB 7 Colter Siptak QB/DB 8 Lucas Sodolak WR/DB 9 Ezequiel Garza TE/LB 10 Zane Deen QB/DB 11 Cruz Cabrera WR/DB 13 Anthony Cloud RB/DB 16 Coy Heinrich WR/DB 17 Rory Ianelli RB/LB 21 Tysen Slade RB/LB 22 Dustin Wobus RB/LB
1915 W. Travis La Grange Tx 78945
(979) 968-3423
No. Player Pos. 25 Malachi Jones RB/LB 27 Jeffrey Chilek OL/DL 30 Joey Posas RB/DL 34 Colton Srubar E/LB 40 Cole Ostrander RB/LB 42 Piers Leighton OL/DL 44 Kristopher Castillo WR/DB 48 David Kinder RB/LB 50 Carter Williams OL/DL 51 Brandon Barron OL/DL 52 Cordale Ellison OL/DL 55 Draven Reel OL/DL 56 Ryan Grant OL/DL 60/63 John Villasana OL/DL
No. Player Pos. 64 Santiago Galvan OL/DL 65 Chris Carrillo OL/DL 66 Anthony Wagner OL/DL 68 Greg Matocha OL/DL 72 Kirkwade Polasek OL/LB 74 Zachary Burrow OL/DL 75/54 Luis Lopez OL/DL 76 Ryan Elles OL/DL 80 Dalton Ward TE/LB 99 Ty Voigt OL/DL Student Trainer: Mady Taylor Watergirls: Elana Ledwik, Leslie Leija, Valeria Berlinga Photo by Randy Boyd
1915 W. Travis La Grange Tx 78945
(979) 968-3423
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La Grange Freshman Football Team No. Player Pos. 2 Cameron Chorens QB/LB 3 Noe Robles RB/DB 4 Albert Benford WR/DB 5 Ricky Schuelze WR/DB 6 Ashlyn Sullivan RB/DL 7 Ryan Cooper WR/DB 8 Weston Aymond QB/DB 10 Travis Ferley WR/DB 12 Noah Blackwell WR/DB 13 Eduardo Ibarra TE/LB 15 Cameron Staggs WR/DB 17 Jason Sanchez WR/DB 18 Braxton Smidovec QB/DB
No. Player Pos. 20 Issac Benavides RB/LB 24 Calvin Davis RB/DB 30 Braeden Weltner FB/LB 33 Trenton Marshall FB/LB 44 Ty Walker WR/LB 48 Caleb Strickland RB/LB 50 Jakob Schlemmer OL/DL 51 Reagan Kuck OL/DL 52 Kevin Rios OL/DL 54 Ty Brooks OL/LB 58 Jared Benavides OL/DL 62 Hunter Brugger OL/DL 64 Tony Jones OL/DL
No. Player Pos. 68 Dakota Butschek OL/DL 70 Dusty Rhodes OL/DL 75 Hayden Hess OL/DL 76 Taylor Vollbaum OL/DL 78 Izaya Sanchez OL/DL 80 Cole Hensel WR/DB 83 Cole Brothers TE/DB 88 Hunter Knape WR/DB Student Trainer: Jeremy Kubos Watergirls: Brooke Naiser, Molly Oviedo, Briana Freudenburg Photo by Randy Boyd
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eps, L k Luc rns d o Go ortho Sh lldogs! u &B
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La Grange Cheerleaders Varsity Cheerleaders: Bottom row from left to right: Shelby Miertschin, Sierra Srubar, Harley Latham, Morgan Latham 2nd row from left to right: Malyn Parker, Cami Braswell, Lindsey Gerik, Katie McCourt Top row from left to right: Erin Supak, Victoria Hopson, Lauren Zbranek, Catherine Foley LuLu the Leopard Mascot: Baillie Powell
JV Cheerleaders: Bottom Row from left to right: Izamar Favela, Valeria Gaytan, Emma Eccher, Grace Sims Top row from left to right: Sh’Lea Benford, Daziah Brown, Sincerity Holmes, Taylor Head Photos by Randy Boyd
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Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Fayette County Football Over the Years Senior QB Josh Schneider Leads a Leopard Offense That Should Put Up a Ton of Points This Season
RECORD Section C
Friday, August 21, 2009
Section C
Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011
D-I Recruit Chad Childs Tries to Help the Leps Bounce Back Schulenburg Tries to Build On Last Year’s Run to the Quarterfinals
Flatonia’s Experience Has the Bulldogs Excited
The Bludaus, Father and Son, Hope to Lead Schulenburg Back to Glory
A New Era Begins in Flatonia Under Coach Rodney Dowell
RECORD Section C
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
te t e Fay unty ll Co otba Fo 10 20
The State’s Top Receiver, Brandon Wilkerson, Hopes to Lead the Leps on Another Deep Playoff Run
Flatonia Looks To Bounce Back
te t e y Fa nty Cou tball Foo 1 201
Fayette County Football 20 3
Can QB Ross Bludau And the Horns Handle 2A’s Toughest District?
RECORD Section C
Logan Vinklarek Starts His Third Year as Leps QB
Kyle Bludau Tries to Get Schulenburg to the Playoffs
Colton Bubela Leads a Stout Shorthorn Defense
Here’s a look at the five covers since the Fayette County Record re-started doing football preview sections back in 2009.
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Texas A&M-Bound Zach Ledwik Hopes to Lead La Grange to a State Title
Fayette County Football 2012
Miguel Grifaldo and Flatonia Hope to Break Playoff Drought
RECORD Section C
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Football’s a Family Affair for the Micas and Flatonia
Football Preview
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
All-Time Texas High School Football Records Most Consecutive Losses, Active TEAM LOSSES YEARS Houston Scarborough 47 2009-13 Greenville 40 2010-13 Lubbock Harmony 40 2010-13 FW Diamond Hill-Jarvis 37 2010-13 Dawson 31 2010-13 Killeen Ellison 30 2011-13 Dallas Sunset 28 2011-13 Carrollton Turner 27 2011-13 SA Brooks Academy 26 2011-13 Haskell Paint Creek 26 2011-13 Lamesa 26 2011-13 Brownsville Porter 24 2011-13 Afton Patton Springs 24 2010-13 Gilmer Union Hill 23 2011-13 Dallas Lutheran 22 2011-13 Lumberton 21 2011-13 Austin Lanier 21 2011-13 Olney 21 2011-13 Beaumont Msgr. Kelly 21 2011-13 Needville 20 2011-13 Fort Worth North Side 20 2012-13 Houston Kipp Academy 19 2011-13
All-time winningest coaches Rank Coach 1 G.A. MOORE, JR. 2 GORDON WOOD 3 PHIL DANAHER 4 DENNIS ALEXANDER 5 JIM STREETY 6 CURTIS BARBAY 7 CHARLIE JOHNSTON 8 BOB SHELTON 9 EDDY PEACH
School Aubrey Brownwood CC Calallen Harleton S.A. Madison Newton Childress Hays Consolidated Arlington Lamar
Most Consecutive Wins, All-Time 68 - CELINA, 1998-02 49 - SOUTHLAKE CARROLL, 2004-07 49 - ABILENE, 1954-57 48 - Lake Travis, 2007-10 45 - Richland Springs (2010-12) 44 - CUERO, 1973-75 43 - HULL-DAISETTA, 1936-39 38 - Richland Springs, 2006-08 38 - Liberty Hill, 2006-08 35 - STAMFORD, 1954-56 35 - SEALY, 1994-96 35 - AUSTIN REAGAN, 1967-69 #34 - PFLUGERVILLE, 1960-62 33 - VALLEY MILLS, 1950-52 33 - SOUTHLAKE CARROLL, 1992-94 33 - ROYSE CITY, 1955-58 32 - THORNDALE, 1994-95 32 - STEPHENVILLE, 1993-94 32 - KATY, 1997-99 (2 wins forfeited) 32 - GROVETON, 1989-90 31 - KATY, 2012-13 31 - CARTHAGE, 2008-10
Time Coaching 44 years 44 years 38 years 40 years 38 years 36 years 35 years 47 years 40 years
Record (W-L-T) 426-92-9 395-93-15 380-94-4 322-125-11 321-124-3 315-96-6 313 -94-8 313-187-7 309-124-6
Most Consecutive Wins, Active TEAM WINS YEARS Allen 27 2012-13 Midland Chris. 26 2012-13 FW All Saints 22 2012-13 Aledo 16 2013 Argyle 16 2013 Cisco 16 2013 Wellington 14 2013 Dallas 1st Baptist 14 2013 SA Castle Hills 14 2013 Denton Guyer 14 2013 Grandfalls-Royalty 14 2013 Cedar Hill 12 2013 Houston Kinkaid 11 2013 Carthage 11 2013 Dallas Covenant 11 2013 Katy Faith West 10 2013 Cameron Yoe 10 2013 Stamford 10 2013
Most Consecutive Losses, All-Time 80 - HOUSTON JEFF DAVIS, 1985-93 53 - KOUNTZE, 1977-82 51 - SA MEMORIAL, 1983-89 50 - SA BURBANK, 1989-93 48 - HOUSTON REAGAN, 1991-96 47 - SCARBOROUGH, 2009-13 47 - BROWNSVILLE PORTER, 1990-95 44 - ANTON, 2006-11 43 - ASHERTON, 1967-71 43 - SA MEMORIAL, 2005-10 42 - NEW CANEY, 1983-87 41 - REDWATER, 1998-02 41 - DIAMOND HILL, 1982-86 41 - BEEVILLE, 1969-74 41 - AUSTIN JOHNSON, 2003-07
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NAMES TO KNOW
20 Football Preview
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Walker Ellison: La Grange Walker Ellison just might be one of the few offensive linemen in America who can do the splits. Nobody who was at the La Grange/Smithville basketball game last year can forget when he did a move any ballerina would be proud of at midcourt. But his flexibility is something Ellison (one of two returning starters this season on the offensive line for the Leps) is proud of. “I use my flexibility to my advantage all the time,” said Ellison (who in another un-linemen-like move is a lifeguard during the summer). “Whether it’s gets a longer step or getting more power with my hips, it helps me out there on the field.”
Joshua Brown: Schulenburg The new head coach of the Schulenburg football team, Brandon Brown, isn’t the only new Brown in the Shorthorn locker room. Sophomore Joshua Brown will be an impact player for Schulenburg this season. He may even end up starting the season at quarterback. Joshua is currently competing with fellow sophomore Caleb Valchar for the job. “I want a dealer back there,” Brandon Brown said of the quarterback position. “This offense isn’t simple and he obviously knows the offense (the multiple shot-gun look the new coach has installed). He gets the ball into the hands of the people we need to get it to.”
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NAMES TO KNOW
22 Football Preview
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Alex Lara: Schulenburg In the photo above, Schulenburg kicker Alex Lara is being hoisted on the shoulders of his teammates – and with good reason. He had just kicked a 34-yard game-winning field goal in overtime of the Shorthorns’ first round playoff victory over Van Vleck last year. That was the second consecutive week Lara booted a game-winner. The week before his 36-yarder in OT downed Lexington. Clearly the Shorthorn kicking game is in good hands again as Lara returns this season.
Gus Venegas: Flatonia This spring, as a star player for the state runner-up Flatonia baseball team, Gus Venegas always got the Bulldog fans pumped with a pre-game somersault. “I enjoy making the fans jump up and get excited,” Venegas said. He puts that acrobatic ability to good use on the football field, where Venegas is a star running back, receiver and defensive back for the Bulldogs, who are trying to build on last year’s nine-win season. “Everyone doubted us last year, but we proved them wrong,” Venegas said.
Judge Ed
Rylan Rigden: LG The La Grange Leopards are really going to rely on Rylan Rigden this season. No only is Rigden (the son of longtime La Grange’s girls coach Ann Rigden) going to be a starting receiver and cornerback for the Leps, but he’s also handling punting and kicking duties.
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23
Yes this guy really is sky diving with a copy of the Fayette County Record, and that is almost as exciting as reading a copy. Almost ... Fayette County is a pretty exciting place –and not just on Friday nights. If you’d like to keep updated on what’s going on here, twice every week, subscribe to the Fayette County Record. See why we’ve had four consecutive years of circulation growth and now sell 5,700 copies of each edition of our paper. Call (979) 968-3155 to subscribe or visit our website www.fayettecountyrecord.com.
By the way, the guy in the air is Fayette County native Nick Fajkus, who has made over 2,000 sky dives. This photo was taken by Nick Folis, who was jumping with Fajkus.
24 Football Preview
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
La Grange High School Band
The Mighty Leopard Marching Band.
The La Grange band leadership: Assistant director David Deluca, Director Christopher Gongora, and Hope Mulholland.
Photos by Randy Boyd
La Grange drum majors: Gabriel Garza, Maya Sgovio and Jamison Davis.
Good Luck Leopards Have a Great Season
Football Preview
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
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La Grange High School Leopardette Dance Team Front Row: Major-Jonna Lyle, Lt. Colonel-Ruby Orona, Colonel-Danyale Cook, Captain-Katelyn Divin. Middle Row: Taylor Jackson, Haydee Cruz, Jacquelyn Clarke, Alyssa Wich, Melina Cuellar, Sierra Ehlers. Back Row-Heaven Williams, Madison Dye, Sydny Tobar, Laura Jakobeit, Destini Cook, Astrid Flores, Madyson Taylor, Za’Neshia Harris.Not Pictured-Jennifer Mendez. Photos by Randy Boyd
La Grange High School Flag Team In no particular order: Madeline Harris Sarah Fourmy Blake Hopson Jacey Olenick Tevin Oakly Stacey Galindo Taylor Kalina Halee Powell Kayleigh Wenkebach Addysyn Tobar Parris Henderson Maria Lopez-Ocon Jazmin Florez Marlen Urbina
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26 Football Preview
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Chad Childs, a 2012 graduate of La Grange High School, #76 left above, is entering his sophomore season as a offensive linemen for TCU. He is shown here about to come out of the tunnel prior to a game in Fort Worth. TCU head coach Gary Patterson is to the right.
Locals on College Football Rosters • Zach Ledwik, La Grange Class of 2014, freshman offensive lineman at Texas A&M • Chad Childs, La Grange Class of 2012, sophomore offensive lineman at TCU • Logan Vinklarek, La Grange Class of 2013, walk-on quarterback at the University of Texas after playing one year at Blinn • Robert Kitchen, La Grange Class of 2012, sophomore defensive lineman at Midwestern State University • Andrew Syrinek, Schulenburg Class of 2012, defensive lineman at Texas Lutheran University • Colby Mica, Flatonia Class of 2012, junior receiver at Howard Payne University
Good Luck LEPS!
• Dillon Davis, La Grange Class of 2014, freshman quarterback at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor • Rodney Filmore, La Grange Class of 2014, freshman running back at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor • Cody Schindler, La Grange Class of 2014, freshman defensive tackle at Southwestern University • Dillon Marburger, La Grange Class of 2014, signed with Blinn • Wayne Noak, La Grange Class of 2014, signed with Blinn • Wes Scott, La Grange Class of 2014, signed with Blinn • Braden Kobersky, La Grange Class of 2014, signed with Texas Lutheran University.
427 S. Jefferson St. • La Grange
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FLATONIA BULLDOGS
Fayette County Football 2014
Bulldogs Hungry for More Success in 2014 By JEFF WICK
The UIL did Flatonia no favors by placing the Bulldogs this fall in what is without question the toughest 2A district in the state along with Refugio, Shiner, Schulenburg, Ganado and Weimar. All six teams were in the playoffs last year, and five won playoff games. Shiner and Refugio were state finalists.
The Fayette County Record
When you talk about the 2014 Flatonia football season you have to talk about the elephant in the room. Or more appropriately, the five elephants in the district.
Flatonia’s Marcus Mica runs for yardage against Holland last season. Photo by Beverly Ponder
Bulldog Football By The Numbers
6
This is the number of teams in Flatonia’s new district, including the Bulldogs, themselves, who made the playoffs last season.
5
This is the number of seasons the Bulldogs had gone without a playoff berth before last year’s Flatonia team snapped that drought in a big way.
9
This is the number of games last season in which the Bulldog defense held opponents to two touchdowns or less. Flatonia won every one of those games.
And only four of those teams will make the playoffs this year. “I’ve had 3A coaches tell me they wouldn’t trade places with me,” head coach Chris Freytag said. “Competitive is not the word. It’s going to be brutal. There are no off weeks.” That being said, Freytag says he and his players “expect to be in the playoffs. Our kids are prepared,” a season after going 9-4 and winning a pair of playoff games. That was a magical season, especially for Freytag, a hometown boy who returned to coach at his alma matter and became the head coach in 2010. There were some rough years as the Bulldogs didn’t make the playoffs his first three seasons. But last year made up for it. “To see a town that was hungry to win in football, a town you grew up in... to see the excitement return and to be rewarded by going three rounds deep in the playoffs. You can’t describe it. That’s what makes that fire burn inside a coach.” And with a strong group of returnees back (seven starters return on each side of the ball for the Bulldogs), Flatonia could be poised for another stellar season. Here’s how they plan to do it: Offensively, Freytag said the Bulldogs philosophy will be “Ground and Pound,” like usual, and this season there is such experience on the offensive line, that tactic should really work well. “We’ve got our entire line back,” Freytag said. “That’s where we’ll win games.” See Bulldogs, next page
Quick Hits Last year’s record: 9-3 overall, 3-1 in district Returning starters: seven on offense, seven on defense Last playoff appearence: 2013, went three rounds deep Reason to be confident: With a lot of experience back, especially on the offensive line, Bulldogs should be able to play physical football, like they want to. Lingering question: Who will be the go-to guy at quarterback?
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28 Football Preview
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Fayette County Football 2014: Flatonia Bulldogs Continued from previous page At quarterback there are three guys vying to replace graduated starter Will Bruns. Casen Novak, Braydon Mica and Blaine Besetzny are all fighting for that spot. Going into the season Mica probably has the leg up. Novak missed the first two weeks of practice because he was on the Babe Ruth baseball team that made it to the World Series in Washington, and Besetzny was still waiting to have his transfer approved by the UIL. He had been attending Schulenburg High School, but his mother was hired at Flatonia ISD. At running back Freytag said as many as six players could see carries this season, led by Marcus Mica, who “carried us in the
playoffs last year,” coach said. Gus Venegas and Omar Castillo could also see a lot of carries. Venegas will also see time at wide receiver along with Jose Manzano, Matthew Kozelsky, and Raul Olmos. Center will be Lane Janecka, who will be starting at that position for his third year. Right tackle will be Tyler Kellis and left tackle will be Jesus Rodriguz. Right guard will be Abraham Centillo, who will be starting at that position for his third year. “He squats 600 pounds. He can mash people,” Freytag said. At left guard, Julio Castellano will start. He was a starter there last year as a freshman.
At tight end Samuel Netro and Daniel Rodriguez are the early leaders to earn that spot. Flatonia’s 4-3 defense will anchored by a secondary that Freytag said could be the strongest the Bulldogs have had in years, along with a defensive front that’s got “a lot of quality players, but we’ve just got to get them in shape to play both ways.” Lane Janecka and Clayton Lyons will likely start at the two defensive end positions with Jesus Rodriguez, Ryan Kellis and Luke Freytag also fighting for playing time. At the defensive tackle positions, Freytag said it could be a rotation situation among a host of players including Castellano, Centeno, Tyler Kellis, Daniel Rodri-
2013 Results
Flatonia’s Matthew Kozelsky celebrates a touchdown last season. Kozelsky will likely start as a wide receiver and a cornerback for the Bulldogs this season.
Nixon-Smiley 28, Flatonia 14 Flatonia 21, Sacred Heart 0 Flatonia 45, Somerville 8 Flatonia 24, Ganado 14 Flatonia 14, Burton 13 Flatonia 34, Holland 7 Flatonia 21, Weimar 7 Thorndale 27, Flatonia 7 Flatonia 47, Thrall 7 Flatonia 31, Ozona 7 Flatonia 28, La Villa 14 Shiner 35, Flatonia 0 Final 2013 District Standings 13-1A District Overall Thorndale 3-1 9-3 Flatonia 3-1 9-3 Weimar 2-2 5-5 Holland 2-2 7-3 Thrall 0-4 2-8
File photo by Beverly Ponder
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guez and Cesar Castillo. The middle linebacker position is a battle between San Juan Ramirez, and Eddie Manzano. Marcus Mica will play one outside linebacker position and Besetzny and Netro are battling at the other side. Cornerbacks will be Raul Olmos and Kozelsky. Novak will start as one safety spot and Venegas and Braydon Mica are vying for time as the other safety. “Whoever doesn’t win that spot will start somewhere else on defense,” Freytag said Kicker will likely be Jose Manzano, though Besetzny can also kick. Venegas or Marcus Mica will handle punting duties. It’s a combination of players that Freytag says has a lot of confidence, even in the face of that tough new district. “We have a lot more confidence than last year after the season we had, and with baseball going to state. The door is open for us now, all we have to do is walk right in,” Mica said.
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29
NAMES TO KNOW
Julio Castellano: Flatonia
Good Luck!
Last season as a freshman, Julio Castellano tattooed the opposition as a starting linemen for the Bulldogs. This season he’s sporting a new tattoo on his right arm. “I’ve been asking my mom since my freshman year and she kept saying no, no, no,” Castellano said. “She finally gave in, but she said if I was going to put something on my body, I better make sure it was something good. “I chose a cross and the words of Proverbs 3:6.” If you can’t read the words below on his arm, it says: “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
J.K. Dobbins: La Grange La Grange football coach Matt Kates said J.K. Dobbins is “without question” the best sophomore football player he’s ever had the chance to coach. How’s that feel J.K? “It feels good but I have to stay humble and live up to those expectations he has for me,” Dobbins said. “It makes me want to get back to where we were (last year, when the Leps advanced to the state semifinals) but we have to work hard to get back there.” Dobbins will play some quarterback, running back, safety and return man this season. But he said his favorite position is running back.
Luke Freytag: Flatonia
So what’s it like to be the son of the head coach? “It’s fun. He does get on you, but I like how he doesn’t show favoritism,” said Luke Freytag, junior son of Flatonia head coach Chris Freytag. “After losses I know not to talk to him for a little bit. Last year (when the Bulldogs went 9-3 and snapped a five-year playoff drought) it was a lot easier to talk to him after games.”
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30 Football Preview
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Flatonia Varsity Football Players
#2 Braydon Mica Jr, QB/DB
#3 Gus Venegas Sr, WR/DB
#4 Jose Manzano Sr, WR/DB
#5 Omar Castillo Soph, RB/LB
#9 Marcus Mica Sr, RB/LB
#10 Blaine Besetzny Jr, QB/LB
#11 San Juan Ramirez Soph, RB/LB
#12 Matthew Kozelsky Jr, RB/DB
#16 Raul Olmos Jr, WR/DB
#20 Daniel Rodriguez Jr, TE/DT
#21 Corey Lyons Soph, WR/DB
#23 Eddie Manzano Sr, RB/LB
#28 Clayton Lyons Jr, TE/DE
#33 Samuel Netro Soph, WR/LB
#35 Cesar Castillo Sr, RB/DT
Good Luck Bulldogs!
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Football Preview
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Flatonia Varsity Football Players
#56 Abraham Centeno Sr, G/DT
#62 Lane Janecka Jr, C/DE
#63 Julio Castellano Soph, G/DT
#64 Luke Freytag Jr, G/LB
31
#69 Jose Robles Sr, G/DT
Flatonia Bulldog Varsity 2014 Schedule
August 15 – Boling (Scrimmage) 7 p.m. 21 – @ B razos (Scrimmage) 7 p.m. 29 – Tidehaven 7:30 p.m. #71 Jesus Rodriguez Soph, T/DE
#77 Zechariah Plummers Jr, T/DT
Flatonia Bulldog Coaches
# 51 Tyler Kellis Jr. T/DT
#52 Ryan Kellis Soph, G/DE
Best of Luck ! s g o d l Bul
#7 Casen Novak Jr, QB/DB
From left to right, above: Co-Athletic Director Shawn Bruns, Lance Alford, Steven Pope, Head Coach Chris Freytag, Bryan Zimmerman, James Zaruba, Brandon Williams, Not pictured: Jordan Williams
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September 5 – @ Sacred Heart 7:30 p.m. 12 – @ Woodsboro 7:30 p.m. 19 – St. Paul (Homecoming) 7:30 p.m. 26 – Open October 3 – @ Runge 7:30 p.m. 10 – Ganado* (Parents night) 7:30 p.m. 17 – @ Weimar* 7:30 p.m. 24 – Schulenburg* 7:30 p.m. 31 – Refugio* 7:30 p.m. November 7 – @ Shiner* 7:30 p.m. Bold indicates home game * indicates district game
32 Football Preview
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Flatonia Junior Varsity Football Team
Schulenburg Junior Varsity Football Team
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Tuesday, August 26, 2014
33
Flatonia Varsity Football Team # Name Position Class 2 Braydon Mica QB/DB Jr. 3 Gus Venegas WR/DB Sr. 4 Jose Manzano WR/DB Sr. 5 Omar Castillo RB/LB Soph. 7 Casen Novak QB/DB Jr. 9 Marcus Mica RB/LB Sr. 10 Blaine Besetzny QB/LB Jr. 11 San Juan Ramirez RB/LB Soph. 12 Matthew Kozelsky RB/DB Jr. 16 Raul Olmos WR/DB Jr.
# Name Position Class 20 Daniel Rodriguez TE/DT Jr. 21 Corey Lyons WR/DB Soph. 23 Eddie Manzano RB/LB Sr. 28 Clayton Lyons TE/DE Jr. 33 Samuel Netro WR/LB Soph. 35 Cesar Castillo RB/DT Sr. 51 Tyler Kellis T/DT Jr. 52 Ryan Kellis G/DE Soph. 56 Abraham Centeno G/DT Sr. 62 Lane Janecka C/DE Jr.
# Name Position Class 63 Julio Castellano G/DT Soph. 64 Luke Freytag G/LB Jr. 69 Jose Robles G/DT Sr. 71 Jesus Rodriguez T/DE Soph. 77 Zechariah Plummer T/DT Jr. Managers: Hagan Wagner, Anthony Tate, Fidel Venegas, Ulysses Castillo, Stephen Mancilla, Grant Housden, Lane Housden, Colt Freytag, Reece Ramirez and Seth Forsyth.
34 Football Preview
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Fayette County Football 2014
New Shorthorns Coach Likes What He Sees
By JEFF WICK
SCHULENBURG ’HORNS
The Fayette County Record
In his two previous stops as a head football coach Brandon Brown went into situations at Jacksboro and Clifton that were very similar to one another. “Both were definitely rebuilding situations,” Brown said. “Jacksboro had gone 2-8 the year before I got there and Clifton had gone 3-7.” Things are very different in Schulenburg, the program Brown took the reins of earlier this year. “Being able to come into a program where you don’t have to convince people you can win, it makes a big difference,” Brown said. Schulenburg certainly has a storied history of football success and Brown is excited about his first Shorthorns team adding to that legacy. But one year after the Horns went 7-4 and won a bidistrict playoff game, this will be a very different
Schulenburg team. The Shorthorns return just nine lettermen and five offensive and three defensive starters from last year’s squad. Brown said overall the speed of this year’s team is very good, and if they can overcome some challenges in size and depth, they could be very good. “We may have seven guys starting both ways,” said Brown. But those sort of depth issues will be faced by many of the teams Schulenburg faces this season. After years of being one of the smallest schools in their classification, thanks to the UIL’s new realignment, Schulenburg is now one of the largest in 2A. But the UIL did no favors aligning the Shorthorns into District 15-2A with heavy-hitters like Refugio, Shiner, Ganado, Shiner and Weimar. “Our kids aren’t scared of anybody,” Brown said.
But Brown said his team’s non-district slate of games: against the likes of Luling, Van Vleck, Brazos, East Bernard and private school power Antonian Prep will more than prepare his team for anything 15-2A throws at them. “There won’t be any questions about what we can and can’t do after non-district,” Brown said. Here’s a look at the team Brown will send to the field this fall. At quarterback, Brown’s son, Josh, and fellow sophomore Caleb Valchar are splitting practice time at quarterback in a new offensive scheme designed to spread the defense with the intent of running the football – a lot. And the Horns have an outstanding returning running back tandem in Damien Houston and Javeon Lara, both juniors. Continued on next page
The Schulenburg football team runs out of their tunnel prior to their game last season against Jarrell. Photo by Audrey Kristynik
Shorthorn Football By The Numbers
7
This is the numbers of players who could end up starting both ways for the Shorthorns this season according to coach Brandon Brown.
0
This is the number of schools currently in Schulenburg’s district that were also in the district with the Shorthorns last season.
2
The number of OT game-winning kicks Shorthorn returnee Alex Lara had last season. He booted a 36-yarder to beat Lexington in the regular season finale and a 34-yarder to down Van Vleck in the playoffs.
Quick Hits Last year’s record: 7-4 overall, 4-2 in district Returning starters: Five on offense, Three on defense Last playoff appearence: 2013, advanced to the second round Reason to be confident: Running back duo Javeon Lara and Damien Houston are two of the most explosive players around. Lingering question: How long will it take the Shorthorns to learn new coach Brandon Brown’s system?
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Tuesday, August 26, 2014
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Schulenburg Offense Will “Spread to Run” Under New Coach This Season Continued from previous page “They are our biggest threats,” Brown said. Clinton Mican will play some back-up running back as well. Wide receivers will be Alex Lara, Rodrigo Netro and Shane Mendel along with Cody May and Colton Mear. At tight end Clayton Brossman and Brandt Vyvjala have been alternating time. Schulenburg returns three offensive line starters from a year ago – Cullen Machac, at center, Andre Jones at guard and Clayton Mays at tackle. The other two offensive line starters are projected to be Dawson Dittrich
and John Tillman. Offensive line back-ups are Tyler Roe, Devonn Granger and Brayson Florus. Defensively, Brandon Brown said his players will line up in a 4-3 look. “So far they really fly to the football and are quick and aggressive,” Brown said. At the defensive end positions Clayton Brossman and Cullen Machac will start, backed up by Granger, Josh Brown and Trevor Tillman. Defensive tackles are Mays and John Tillman with Brooks and Jones as back-ups. At linebacker, Valchar will start in the middle with Vyvjala and Dawson Dittrich
on the outside. Roe will back-up all those linebacker positions. At cornerback Alex Lara and May will start. At safety Javeon Lara and Damien Houston will start. Defensive back reserves are Mican, Mear, Abriel Garcia and Netro. On special teams, kicker Alex Lara, who won several games for the Shorthorns last year returns. Handling the punting duties will either be Josh Brown or Valchar. Altogether it’s a mix of players Brown is excited about beginning his Schulenburg tenure with.
Schulenburg 2014 Varsity Schedule August 15 – @ Danbury (Scrimmage) 6:15 p.m. 21 – Rice (Scrimmage) 7:15 p.m. 29 – @ Luling 7:30 p.m. September 5 – @ Van Vleck 7:30 p.m. 12 – Brazos (Homecoming) 7:30 p.m. 19 – @ East Bernard 7:30 p.m. 26 – Open October 3 – Antonian Prep 7 :30 p.m. 10 – Weimar* 7:30 p.m. 17 – Refugio* 7:30 p.m. 24 – @ Flatonia* 7:30 p.m. 31 – Shiner* (Parents Night) 7:30 p.m. November 7 – @ Ganado* 7:30 p.m. Bold indicates home game * indicates district game
On a rainy night, the Schulenburg defense converges on a Rogers ballcarrier last season. The Shorthorns return just three starters back on that side of ball this season File photo by Audrey Kristynik
2013 Results
College Station 45, Schulenburg 14 Schulenburg 46, St. Joseph 0 Schulenburg 35, Shiner 17 Schulenburg 37, Johnson City 0 Schulenburg 63, Randolph 14 Schulenburg 35, Blanco 20 Rogers 48, Schulenburg 12 Jarrell 39, Schulenburg 28 Schulenburg 45, Lexington 42 Schulenburg 20, Van Vleck 17 Poth 37, Schulenburg 14
Final 2013 District Standings 14-2A District Overall Rogers 6-0 12-1 Schulenburg 4-2 7-4 Blanco 4-2 6-5 Jarrell 4-2 7-4 Lexington 2-4 2-8 Randolph 1-5 3-6 Johnson City 0-6 4-6
‘HORNS PLAYMAKERS
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Fayette County Football 2014
Photos by Audrey Kristynik
Javeon Lara & Damien Houston: Schulenburg
Few small schools anywhere in this region can put two playmakers on the field together like Schulenburg can in juniors Javeon Lara and Damien Houston. “They are our biggest threats,” said Schulenburg head coach Brandon Brown. “They both have good hands and good vision. Damien is more of a hit and spin type runner while Javeon is the guy who will try to beat you along the sideline. It is really nice to have two players like that.”
Traditional Banking that’s here to stay! Proudly serving the community since 1917. Fayetteville 107 W Fayette Fayetteville, TX 979.378.4261
La Grange 366 W Travis La Grange, TX 979.968.3200
Schulenburg 200 N Kessler Schulenburg, TX 979.743.4576
Best of luck to all of the football teams! www.fayettevillebank.com Equal Housing Lender Member FDIC
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Photo by Bobby Bedient
Schulenburg Varsity Football Team # 2 4 5 7 8 9 10 12
Name Position Class Rodrigo Netro WR/DB Junior Abriel Garcia WR/DB Soph. Damien Houston RB/DB Junior Javeon Lara RB/DB Junior Cody May WR/DB Junior Alex Lara R/K/DB Senior Shane Mendel WR/DB Junior Clayton Brossman TE/DE Senior
# 13 14 15 20 21 50 51 55
Name Position Class Joshua Brown QB/DE Soph. Clinton Mican RB/DB Junior Caleb Valchar QB/LB Soph. Brandt Vyvjala TE/LB Soph. Colton Mear WR/DB Junior Devonn Granger OL/DE Soph. Tyler Roe OL/LB Senior Cullen Machac OL/DT Senior
Name Position Class Dawson Dittrich OL/LB Junior Trevor Tillman OL/DL Junior Andre Jones OL/DT Senior Clayton Mays OL/DT Junior John Tillman OL/DT Senior Brayson Florus OL/DT Junior Danzel Brooks OL/DT Junior
TOUCHDOWN!
Sales • Service Installation
(979) 725-6242 Weimar (979) 743-9098 Schulenburg Residential & Commercial
# 61 65 66 67 70 75 79
Licensed, Bonded & Insured
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1513 N. US Hwy. 77, Schulenburg (1 Mile North on 77 past IH-10)
Good Luck Schulenburg Shorthorns!
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Schulenburg Varsity Football Players
#79 Danzel Brooks Jr, OL/DT
#2 Rodrigo Netro Jr, WR/DB
#67 Clayton Mays Jr, OL/DT
#66 Andre Jones Sr, OL/DT
#8 Cody May Jr, WR/DB
#7 Javeon Lara Jr, RB/DB
#50 Devonn Granger Soph, OL/DE
#21 Colton Mear Jr, WR/DB
#75 Brayson Florus Jr, OL/DT
#70 John Tillman Sr, OL/DT
#5 Damien Houston Jr, RB/DB
#4 Abriel Garcia Soph, WR/DB
#65 Trevor Tillman Jr, OL/DL
#55 Cullen Machac Sr, OL/DT
#61 Dawson Dittrich Jr, OL/LB
Good Luck This Session
Schulenburg Shorthorns!! I-10 & 77 at Schulenburg Exit www.chuckbrownford.com
979-743-4111 or 800-715-4111
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Schulenburg Varsity Football Players
#51 Tyler Roe Sr, OL/LB
#20 Brandt Vyvjala Soph, TE/LB
#14 Clinton Mican Jr, RB/DB
#10 Shane Mendel Jr, WR/DB
#9 Alex Lara Sr, R/K/DB
Schulenburg Football Coaching Staff
#13 Joshua Brown Soph, QB/DE
#12 Clayton Brossman Sr, TE/DE
Schulenburg Recent History Here’s a look at Schulenburg’s varsity football record the last several seasons: 2013: 7-4 2012: 6-4 2011: 10-2 2010: 12-1 2009: 5-5 2008: 4-5 2007: 7-3 2006: 11-1 2005 : 12-1
#15 Caleb Valchar Soph, QB/LB
TEX PROPANE CO. SINCE 1965
Members of the Schulenburg coaching staff are: Top row: (L to R) Gilbert Price, Brandon Brown, John Wilie, Bob Lantelme; Bottom row: Robert Barber, Shannon Fink, Rob Powell. Photos by Bobby Bedient
GO HORNS! Compliments of
Tex Propane Company Tank Rentals • Sales & Service
979-743-3351 or 800-343-7065
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ol Don’t Fo Around, ife Grab L ns! r o H e h By T
800.242.5981 1980 W. State. Hwy. 71 bypass La GrangE, Texas 78945
www.oviedoDodge.com
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