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The march to Arlington starts on Friday and make sure to pack those stands and cheer on your favorite team. Whether it’s the Hornets or the Ricebirds, we’ll try and bring you the best coverage we can this season.
The El Campo Leader-News is published Wednesdays and Saturdays. For information, contact 979-543-3363 or visit www.leader-news.com
Copyright 2022 Front page photo counter clockwise: Rueben Owens II, Reed Jung, Luke Wenglar, Sloan Huebert and Diego Gutierrez.
Welcome to the El Campo Leader-News’ annual football magazine.
After a year of road games with no home field, Louise will have home games this season. They will start the season with back-to-back home games, starting this Friday with Danbury.
While you peruse the pages, please know a lot of hard work went into building this magazine for you, the reader, and for the athletes and families. We hope this is a special keepsake that you will enjoy. We put in a lot of hard work coming up with the idea for our front page and the concept for our football cards. I have been in El Campo since 2017 and this is my fifth magazine. The 2022 magazine is by far the coolest one that we’ve created.Along with the Leader-News staff who took part in helping build and edit the magazine, a special thanks to all the sponsors. Because of y’all, we were able to have enough space to let our wildest ideas run free. As far as the season, there is a lot to like.
e El Campo Leader-News
Proudly Covers Your El Campo Ricebirds & Louise Hornets! For coverage of the teams subscribe to the www.leader-news.comLeader-News.979-543-3363
2 EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW Football Preview 2022
The 2022 El Campo Ricebird and Louise Hornet Football Preview is a special section of the El Campo Leader-News
Louise is looking to make it to a 10th straight year of playoff games. El Campo entered this season as the fourth-ranked team in the state, according to Texasfootball.com.
El Campo’s district changed during realignment and they’ll have two new district opponents in Navasota and Iowa Colony.
EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW 3
While records are something he has thought about, something else is tugging at Owens, he wants to be a OwensRuebenII
L-N Photo by Joshua ReeseRunning Free
“I want to go to state, it’s my final year to do it and I’m going to do whatever it takes to get there,”
Rueben Owens II
2022 final season for Owens
After getting a couple of blocks from his teammates, senior running back Rueben Owens II sprints towards open field during the Ricebird Saturday Showcase, the team’s first day with full contact on their sixth day of practice.
W hen you think of great burgers in Te as, you think of Whataburger. If it’s a cold soda, your mind goes straight for a can of Dr. Pepper. And, if you’re thinking of a running back, your mind should go straight to El Campo.While not known as the premier running back high school in the state, the El nioranddecades,overbacksrunningtohomehaveRicebirdsCampobeengreatthese-Rueben Owens II is no e ception. Way back in the 1950s, Dobie Craig made waves, eventually playing professional football for the OaklandGlennRaiders.Lippman, a Ricebird quarterback in the 40s, was a speedy runner with the football in hand and was inducted into the Te as igh School Football Hall of Fame in 1990.Heath Sherman, in the 70s, was a bruising El Campo runner who would end up playing five seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles. Even Ricebird assistant coach Derrick Cash in the late 90s made waves as a running back, eventually committing to Baylor. Known as the Black Unicorn, Owens has joined those elite names from El Campo, and with one season left, is still writing his own Ricebird history.“He’s already done enough to where he’s going to be on the single-game rushing list, single-season rushing list, he’s edging up there in career rushing yards and touchdowns,” El Campo head football coach Chad Worrell said. “If he goes through the season, he’s going to be up there. It’s an honor to coach him and be a part of that. It’s an honor for his teammates and everybody to be a part of that, but it takes an entire group. It takes the blocking up front (and everyone).”
By JOSHUA REESE sports@leader-news.com
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Since his freshman season, Owens has been a factor for the Ricebirds, terrifying defense players and coordinators.“Isaw him and went to put a hit on him and he was gone,” a Boerne-Champion linebacker told his coach on the sidelines last year. In that game, Owens had 324 yards and four touchdowns in 18 carries, he would go on to run for 300 plus yards four times as a junior. For three seasons Owens has been growing as a player and each year he’s made a jump, despite more attention from opposing teams. As a freshman, before he had his first o cial game, Owens turned heads. In a now famed scrimmage against Sweeny. Owens took a toss, made a cut, and pounded up the field, after breaking through an arm tackle, he broke through another and ounced off a safety, eventually making his way to a touchdown from 70-yards away. Five Sweeny players had a shot at getting Owens on the ground, but all came up empty and the legend of the Black Unicorn began. n his first season of varsity football, he was behind Charles Shorter (junior) and Johntre Davis (sophomore). With Owens as the third, El Campo and an impressive ackfield rushed for , 2 yards as a group. Even behind Shorter and Davis, you still got glimpses of what Owens could do if given a bigger load. Against a tough Fredericks urg team in the first round of the playoffs in 201 , wens finished with 100-yards and one touchdown, only his second 100yard game of 2019. As a sophomore, Owens started to master the game of football. While only getting
First Stiff Arm
EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW 5
L-N File Photo
El Campo’s Rueben Owens II throws out his hand as a Wharton defender closes in on him during his freshman year. L-N File Photo
LEGEND OF OWENS
Speed Kills A Rockport Fulton defender was one of the first defenders in the state to learn that trying to tackle El Campo’s Rueben Owens II was going to be a tough task. part of El Campo s first state championship.“Iwanttogo to state, it’s my final year to do it and m going to do whatever it takes to get there,” Owens said. El Campo has twice made it to the final game ut lost both their tries, falling to Brownwood in 1967 and to Stephenville in 2012.
During his sophomore season Rueben Owens II makes a cut to the outside as junior Juan Leal bears down on a defender ready to move him out of the way, paving the way for a long run. Through the years Owens has had many blockers pancaking defenders out of the play to open up big holes.
File
The lack nicorn ultimately decided to blaze a trail with the University of Louisville following his final season with the Ricebirds. Before he leaves El Campo, wens says he has unfinished“I’vebusiness.beenwith this class for a while now, so it feels good we get to come back and we get a chance to add another plaque, a state championship.”With his time running out in El Campo, Owens has spent time during practice talking with the younger football players. ou ve got to lead y e ample. You’ve got to pump them guys up ecause ne t year (they’re going to be counted on) and some of them this year are going to be in a position (to help),” Owens said.
6 EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW Friday Nights Start Here Home of the Ricebirds! 700 West Norris, El Campo, Texas 979-543-6771
El CampoSchoolIndependentDistrict three more carries than he did as a freshman, he scored 18 more times and nearly doubled his 2019 total, rushing for 722 more yards in his second year of varsity football. Owens would run the ball for 100-yards or more nine times, including more than 200 yards twice. With the legend of the Black Unicorn growing, last season wens took Te as high school football by the horns.With two years under his belt, it appeared Owens had unlocked cheat codes to the game of football, those magic shortcuts found in many video Asgames.ajunior, he scored 46 times to lead all running backs in the state and the nation. Owens also rushed the ball 2,989 yards and had 3,355 all-purpose yards. He has speed, elusiveness, balance and power, and his vision has helped him develop into an elite football player sought after by some of the biggest schools in the country.
L-N Photo Blocking For Owens
EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW 7
Against La Grange in the ice irds first scrimmage after a ig play y a different running back, Owens sprinted downfield to show his support.“I think he’s made a conscious effort to talk to the young people and be a hometown hero,” Worrell said. “He’s already legendary status in the state of Te as. I know people all over the state and I get asked about him all the time from strangers. He’s a great kid and has been raised right. He makes an effort to talk to the young kids and be vocal and be a role model.” wens has si home games left, if you are reading these words, don’t miss out on one of your last chances to catch one of the best El Campo running backs the Ricebirds have ever produced.
Owens owns the Ricebird modern football running back records and likely is the all-time leader. However, records past 1980 can’t be verified. n the history of high school football has the 206th most rushing yards according to www.te ashighschoolfootballhistory.com L-N Photo by Joshua ReeseLast First Scrimmage El Campo senior running back Rueben Owens II with no one around him runs towards the end zone against La Grange in El Campo’s opening scrimmage.
During games, when he’s not playing, you can spot Owens on the Ricebirds’ sidelines cheering on his teammates.After interceptions last year, Owens was normally one of the first players to congratulate the big-play maker and could be seen doing jumping chest bumps and high-fives.
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El Campo senior Joel Garcia lays a hit on a La Grange running back taking him down for a small gain during the Ricebirds’ first scrimmage of the season.
8 EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW Need A Last Minute Graduation Gift? Shop Local! The City Development Corporation of El Campo offers a variety of assistance and incentives for qualifying businesses. Visit www.elcampoeco.org or call 979.543.6727 Looking for Workforce and Vocational Training Opportunities? The Northside Education Center may have what you’re looking for! • Three Certified Nurse Aide Classes Per Year • Phlebotomy Classes Financial Assistance and Payment Plans Available! Visit www.northsidecenter.com or call 979.543.6750 PROUDLY SUPPORTING EL CAMPO RICEBIRDS! (See SENIORS, Page 18) Defense looks for growth L-N Photo by Joshua ReeseLining Up Hits
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El Campo’s defense might have lost the most seniors through graduation, but it will be year two for the Ricebirds with the Chad Worrell and Mike Bowling system. The ice ird defense had its ups and downs last season, but when their backs were against the wall, they came up with big plays to seal wins.Against Lindale in the second round of the playoffs last season, El Campo got the big plays they needed to advance to the third round. With El Campo leading by seven late in the third quarter, the Ricebirds forced a punt and got an interception,
By JOSHUA REESE
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10 EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW RICEBIRD FOOTBALL: IT’S IN OUR BLOOD. P.O. Box 1541, El Campo, TX 77437 Phone: 979-543-1453 Fax: 979-543-1533 Drake Resendez Junior Dylan Srubar Senior Hal Erwin Senior Craig Washington Senior Isaiah Battiest Senior Diego Gutierrez Junior DK Norman Senior Cory Schooler Senior
EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW 11 Ricebird Football & Sutherlands: BUILDING WINNERS IN EL CAMPO EVERY YEAR! GO RICEBIRDS! LUMBER AND HOME IMPROVEMENT CENTERS 1504 NORTH MECHANIC • 979-543-1801 Jacob Kronek Senior Jake Samaripa Junior La’Darian Lewis Junior Lane Schulz Sophomore Logan Jansky Senior Jaylin Hawkins Senior Joel Garcia Senior Karmello Brown Senior
12 EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW GOOD TEAMS!FOOTBALLHOMETOWNLUCK VOTED #1 WHARTON COUNTY BEST INSURANCEAGENCY Auto • Life & Health • Employee Benefits 979-543-8884 Rhenner Spenrath Senior Rueben Owens II Senior Quentin Norman Senior Quincy Thornton Sophomore Reed Jung Senior Luke Wenglar Senior Nick Hernandez Senior Oliver Miles Junior
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14 EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW Top row: (l-r) Ty Skow, Rueben Owens II, DK Norman, Trevon Jackson, Craig Washington, Jaylin Hawkins, Karmello Brown, Cory Schooler, Brock Rod, Casen Braden, Reed Jung and Jacob Kronek. Middle row: (l-r) Conner King, Quentin Norman, Isaiah Battiest, Sloan Hubert, Rhenner Spenrath, Bryce Rasmussen, Juan Martinez, Hal Erwin, Taylor Manrriquez, Logan Jansky, Dylan 2022 El Campo Ricebirds Varsity Roster BAROS RENTALS Residential & Commercial Jim Baros 979-541-6713 Office 979-543-3911 Lucy Baros 979-541-3178 1009 N. Mechanic P.O. Box 1017 901 Georgia (Home) El Campo, TX 77437 RicebirdsGoodwhiteshomeauto@sbcglobal.netLuck&Hornets!Visit our website today! https://elcampoleader-news.smugmug.com
EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW 15 Srubar and Luke Wenglar. Bottom row: (l-r) Christian Miles, Zach King, Joel Garcia, Conner Ewing, head football coach Chad Worrell, Nick Hernandez, Jordan Guerrero, Alexander Figirova and Jaden Guerrero make up the Ricebird seniors in 2022. In the Ricebird senior class are two returning all-state players in Reed Jung and Rueben Owens II. L-N Photo by Joshua Reese Let’s Ricebirds!Go DANNA INSURANCE (979) 543-9719 1707 W. Loop, El Campo, TX 77437Dance Pizzazz Proudly Forming The Dolls Of Tomorrow... 1401 MLK Blvd. • 979-578-1320
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Back Row: (l-r) Derrick Cash, Mike Bowling (defensive coordinator), Titus Gossett, Nolan Bond, Chad Worrell (head coach), Dean "Doc" Easter, Jacob Clay, Tyler Lawson and Ramiro Jaime Jr.
Contributed
Front row: (l-r) Matthew Eder, Jon Bystrek, Jacob Garbs, PJ Quinters, Chris Kerzee, Jesse Galvan and Colt Ryle. Middle Row: (l-r) Gabe Cavazos, Jason Williams, Gary Figirova, Cody Worrell (offensive coordinator), Derek Smith, Audie Jackson, Matthew Sohrt and Trent Popp.
Photo by Connie’s Studio by Glenn2022 Ricebird Football Coaches
EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW 17 GOOD LUCK TO ALL AREA TEAMS! 979-578-8601 | 306 N. Mechanic El RicebirdsCampo•••LouiseHornets•••St.PhilipPioneers OAKLAWN MEMORIAL PARK Cemetery 4609 N. SH 71 Hwy P.O. Box 488 El Campo, TX 979-543-037477437 wenglar@sbcglobal.net Good Luck To The El Campo Ricebirds & Louise Hornets! L-N Photo by Josua Reese2022 Trainers Kay Breann Ortiz, Natalee Martinez, RayAnn Cardenas, Nolan “Doc” Bond, Daniella Earls, Ava Figirova, Robert “Doc” Easter, Bryan Aguilar and DaRa’nae Owens. Not pictured: Kutter Lewis and Alayna Martinez.
Chic Boutique Ty Skow - Senior Lets Have A Great Season
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El Campo senior Reed Jung earned an all-state honorable mention, playing opposite of now graduated Jacob Lopez. Jung will be the defensive signal caller this year. Also in the mi at line acker will e Erwin and senior Joel Garcia and juniors Stephen Norman and Drake Resendez.
Logan Jansky
Punting has not been decided, but senior Brock Rod sophomore Lane Schulz and Miles are being looked at to handle the special team duty.
The defensive line and the defensive acks lost si starters through graduation. Seniors Sloan Hubert and Isaiah Battiest will get playing time on the defensive line, depending on how much time they’re playing on the offense, orrell said. Senior Zach King, junior Chase acek and others figure into the rotation at tackle. Senior Rhenner Spenrath is a returning first-team alldistrict defensive end. Also at end will be senior Hal Erwin, and others fighting for playing time through scrimmages.Replacing secondary might be one of the tougher jobs for the Ricebird defense, three out of the four starters moved on to play college football.
18 EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW —Seniors (Continued from Page 8) on back-to-back Lindale drives. The ice ird offense kept scoring, putting the game out of reach. Overall, the Ricebirds allowed 27.6 points per game last season, si times holding teams to fewer than 22 points, in large part due to big defensive plays. “Last year it was all new from day one and (we were) a little bit slower to understand our responsibilities,” El Campo head football coach Chad Worrell said. “I think we’re farther along scheme-wise. I think the guys know what we want. Where we’re at with a week and a half of practices versus where we were last year, it’s just a natural progression, and we’re farther along.”
As a defense, El Campo picked off eight passes last season.Senior Casen Braden, who was a defensive end, will be moving to the secondary. Joining him will be juniors Jake Samaripa and La’Darian Lewis, sophomore uincy Thornton and senior Logan Jansky. El Campo also plans on deploying senior Rueben Owens II and junior Oliver Miles when needed. In the middle of the defense, the linebackers lost an all-state player Jacob Lopez (graduated), but the Ricebirds won’t be emptyhanded, with one returning.
Shabby
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20 EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW 709 S Mechanic St. • (979) 543-7161 Good luck this season! GO BIRDS 29714 US 59 Hwy • El Campo • 979.543.8312 #CZECHOUTPRASEKS We have your Game Day Snacks, come see us before! Cheering y’all on from Hillje! Top Row (L to R): Kennedy Ritz, Avery York,Ty Skow, Rueben Owens II, D.K. Norman,Travon Jackson, Craig Washington, Jaylin Hawkins, Carmelo Brown, Corey Schooler, Brock Rod, Casen Braden, Reed Jung, Jacob Korenek, Holly Foegelle and Jordyn Maldonado.Third Row (L to R): Bryan Aguilar, RayAnn Cardenas, KayBreann Ortiz, Ally Sohrt, Emmy Lou Russell, Danielle Earls, Isaiah Battiest, Sloan Hubert, Rhenner Spenrath, Bryce Rasmussen, Juan Martinez, Hal Erwin,Taylor Manrriquez, Logan Jansky, Dylan Srubar, Luke Wenglar, Kaylynn Mendez, Ricky Ricebird (Bethany Baker), DaRa’nae Owens and Natalee Martinez. Second Row (L to R): Addison Tompkins, Allie Zalman, Connor King, Quentin Nor2022 Ricebird Football Team
EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW 21 www.ecmh.org From: El Campo Memorial Hospital Mid Coast Medical Clinic Mid Coast Medical Center Mid Coast Pharmacy Mid Coast Rehabilitation Mid Coast WellCare Mid Coast CampusCare Mid Coast HealthPlex BEST OF LUCK TO ALL ATHLETES! Garcia, Konnor Ewing, Diego Gutierrez, Layne Schulz, Nick Hernandez, Jorden Gurrero,Alex Figirova, Jayden Gurrero, Skylar Dornak,Anna Rod and Ava Figirova. Front Row (L to R):Angelina Solis, Kinley Tompkins, Zach King, Christian Miles, Cole Dewey, Jake Samaripa, Stephen Norman, Oliver Miles, La’Darian Lewis, Drake Resendez, Quincy Thornton, Chase Macek, Claire Crowell and Aubrey Samaripa. Contributed Photo by Connie’s Studio by Glenn Derby Doll Booster Club Proudly Supporting Our Legacy of Traditions 1969-2022
L-N Photo by Joshua ReeseBlockers
offense that was one of the state’s best last season, but El Campo Ricebirds coaches think they still have room for growth. ffensively think we ended up second in 4A in scoring per game and we need to up that,” El Campo head football coach Chad Worrell said. El Campo scored 51 points per game in year one of the orrell offensive system. The ice irds offense used their speed and power to score more than 60 points in a single game four times last season, including putting up 70 points on rival Wharton.ElCampo brings back a lot of returners in year two under Worrell, including one of the best running backs in the nation in senior Rueben OwensOverallII. the running back group has a strong core despite losing all-state fullback Johntre Davis to graduation lastJuniorseason.Stephen Norman had seven touchdowns and was four yards short of 400 yards last season. Norman could step right into Davis’ role as a hulking blocker for Owens, and he would be a load to bring down when given the ball. Also figuring into the mi this season could be junior Drake Resendez, sophomore uincy Thornton and seniors Reed Jung and Christian Miles. After losing five seniors through graduation, it might seem like the offensive line will be a position of need, but El Campo has several returners. Seniors Bryce Rasmussen, Luke englar and Taylor Manrriquez all got a lot of playing time last season. eniors Ale ander Figirova and Zach King and junior Cole ewey also figure into the Ricebrids lineman plans.
El Campo senior Bryce Rasmussen (left) looks for someone to block while fellow senior Zach King (right) blocks a La Grange defender as both open up a hole for the Ricebird offense.
EC offense primed for scores
It’s hard to improve on an
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By JOSHUA REESE sports@leader-news.com
As a sophomore, Gutierrez was perfect in e tra point attempts and in field goals, the only kicker in 4A who did not miss a kick with more than 50 attempts. want zero field goals because that means we’re scoring touchdowns,” Worrell said with a laugh. “(But) if we have the opportunity, I (won’t) shy away from kicking it. He did a great job for us and worked hard, his leg is stronger than it was last year.”
Don’t Mind Me
“We lost a good group no doubt, but a lot of our guys were starters or were in the rotation when they were inured. They re stepping up and doing a good job,” Worrell said. “We’ve got a good group. They ve worked really hard in the offseason. They ve gotten stronger and they know the system a little it etter this year. There are going to be guys we didn’t even mention that (will) be battling for time. It’s just going to be really competitive before we get to Cuero and quite honestly even through non-district we’ll see some changes until we find the est five. El Campo considers their tight ends linemen as well and both seniors Isaiah Battiest and Sloan Hubert started last season. Fellow senior Rhenner Spenrath could also see time at tight end. Before last season, El Campo wide receivers were known just for their tenaciousWithblocking.the new system, teams now have to worry about Ricebird receivers releasing into patterns and catching the ball. El Campo was 103 yards shy of 1,000 yards as a team last season. Two of El Campo s leading pass catchers are returning in Owens and Hubert com ining for five of the team’s 10 receiving touchdowns. Sophomores Lane chulz and Thornton, unior La’Darian Lewis and seniors Hal Erwin and Battiest will be competing for catches this season.Passing the ball this season will be senior Brock Rod and junior Oliver Miles. Rod last season split playing time with now graduated Isaiah Anderson. Rod and Miles have been getting reps during scrimmages and both could get playing time in 2022. Schulz will back up both. While not a quarterback, Owens threw seven passes, completing three, one for a touchdown last season.Owens isn’t the only returning all-state offensive player this season, junior kicker Diego Gutierrez holds that honor as well.
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L-N Photo by Joshua Reese
El Campo junior running back Spetehn Norman runs past a La Grange defender during the Ricebirds’ first scrimmage of the season. Norman had a few big runs during the scrimmage.
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26 EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Fourth row: (l-r) Karina Dominguiz, Dalilah Casique, Kasandra Jaramillo, Yarelli Velazquez, Ruby Terrazas, Michelle Medrano,Valoria Gonzales, Linda Martinez, Brenda Gonzalez, Ruben Mejia, Rylee Zapata and Alma Rosales.
Fifth row: (lr) Puette-Seutt, Charlise Alize Flores, Karen Rangel, Morgan Tupa, Katherine Nicks, Camille Gonzales, Janaiya Williams, Diana Mejia, Hannah Purnell and Christina Cole. Sixth row: (l-r) Daisy Case, Jasmine Martinez, Connor King, Jose Sanchez, Joaquin Ratcliff, Trinity Jasso, Jaylin Hawkins, Caleb Hudlin,Alejandro Fernandez, Elizabeth Flota, Antonio Ramirez and Whitney Rebector.
Bottom row: (l-r) Female Bass Drum Kenda Howard, Elizabeth Cadena, Andres Ortiz, Gabriella Sardelich and Oscar Piedra. Second row: (l-r) Abigail Cantu, Michaela Purnell, Nolan Poncik, Carter Priesmeyer, Jordan Fry, Dylan Johnson,Ayden Richardson, Eliana, Fonseca,Adrian Cruz and Ryan Mejia.Third row: (l-r) Selene Rodriguez, Daniela Rodriguez and Regina Barnes.
Seventh row: (l-r) Samantha Hurtado, Yasmin Govea Shelby Krpec, Ashton Corn, Robert Hopper III, Carter Arrambide, Antonio Flores, Julian Aguirre, Cole Deleon, Alek Harper, Noah Martinez, Miles Shaffer and Lisette Vargas.
Eighth row: (l-r) Eric Defriend, Perla Carreon, Sofia McLain, Felix Garcia, Maci Bolletino, Mia Cruz, Fabian Rosas, Trace Matthews, Andres Guerva, Ray Ybarra, Cristian Lopez, Trenton Smith, Iyanah Gonzales and Rolando D. Cantu Jr. Top row: (l-r) Laura Reyna, Color Guard, Mac’yia Warner, Jayla Eaton, Jacob Munoz, Chassity Clark and Yesenia Gutierrez. Contributed Photo 2022 Band Standing: (l-r) Jordyn Maldonado, Kinley Tompkins, Holly Foegelle, Kaylynn Alerdez, Bethany Baker (Ricky Ricebird), Emmy Lou Russell, Ally Sohrt, Addison Tompkins, Angelena Solis and Allie Zalmoun. Sitting: (l-r) Aubery Samaripa, Kennedy Ritz,Avery York,Anna Rod, Shaylee Vacalvick, Skylar Dornak and Claire Crowell. Contributed by Photography by Susan Crump2022 Ricebird Cheerleaders
EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW 27 Burger King Would Like To Wish All e ColorCheerleaders,Athletes,DerbyDolls,GuardAndBandMembersGoodLuckisYear!2102N.MechanicSt.,ElCampo979-275-1330 ________ __________ ________ __________ ________ __________ ________ __________ ________ __________ ________ __________ ________ __________ ________ __________ ________ __________ ________ __________ ________ __________ RICEBIRDS TURNSCHEDULETHOSE BIRDS LOOSE!
“We want to get into the playoffs and win that first playoff game. e haven t won a playoff game in a while,” Bill said. Louise is young this year, and with few returners, the Hornets will be counting on playing ironman football a little more than normal. ffensively in 2021, the Hornets scored 23.7 points per game. Louise has a new offen sive coordinator in Manny Freeland, who was a coach in Louise during the David Lucio era. ffensively we re very, very similar. ust different terminology. The kids know the offense they ust have to get used to the terminol ogy.”
The Louise ornets ven ture into one of the tougher football districts in the state this upcoming season. The Hornets won’t just have one state-ranked team to con tend with, but two, with Falls City and Burton ranked eighth and fifth, respectively. The ornets home for the ne t two seasons, 2A , District 14, is the only dis trict with two state-ranked teams.Despite the challenge high-ranked district oppo nents represent, the Hornets will e looking to e tend their playoff streak to nine straight years, the second longest streak in Wharton Country only behind the East Bernard Brahmas.
Louise sets eyes on playoffs
28 EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW
The ornets ran the all with a lot of success last sea son and despite a younger L-N Photo by Joshua ReeseHe Blocks Louise junior running back Tayveon Kimble sprints out ahead looking for someone to block as se nior Angel Reyes follows. Kimble led the team in touchdowns last season. Both Kimble and Reyes figure into the Hornets’ backfield this upcoming season as they hope to rack up the yards and frustrate defenses.
(See
By JOSHUA REESE sports@leader-news.com
Artemio Alvarez Sopohomore Kyle Anderson Junior Roy Arrambide Senior Ben Blanco Junior Braden Wells Freshman
The ornets were a ove . 00 last season, finishing third in district. With head coach Joe Bill leading the way, the Hornets are 11-9 since he took over in 2020. While the Hornets have een to the playoffs, round one wins have been rare, something they’re hoping to change.
DEFENSE, Page 34)
EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW 29 TOUCHDOWN TOUCHDOWN swarm as one! “Home of the Hornets” Louise Independent School District 408 2nd St., Louise, Texas 979-648-2982 Tayveon Kimble Junior Jacob Litton Senior Ezequiel Medina Junior Anthony Melchor Sophomore Chris Ochoa Freshman Michael Parodo Junior Angel Reyes Senior Daylan Sless Freshman
30 EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW GO RICEBIRDS & HORNETS! *Go Something*Build 1920 S Mechanic St • El Campo (979) 543-3878 Sablatura’s Grocery105 Market St. • Louise, TX 77455 (979) 648-2222 CREATE A BUZZ THIS YEAR HORNETS! Joseph Suggs Junior Landon Trevino Sophomore Lake Wadsworth Sophomore Holden Watson Junior Pictured: (l-r) Ethan Zezula, Jonathan Hughes, Chris Chromcak, Joe Bill (head coach), Keith Hughes (defensive coordinator), Tyler Collins and Manny Freeland (offensive coordinator), the above seven coaches make up the 2022 boys coaching staff in Louise. Collins and Chromcak are both homegrown Hornet coaches. Bill has been with the district since 2005 and in 2019 became the head football coach and athletic director. Louise has made the playoffs for nine straight seasons. Contributed Photo by Tracy Appling2022 Football Coaches
EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW 31 28812 US Hwy 59 • El Campo, TX 77437 • (979) 543-1766 1015 Nelson Lane • Wharton, TX 77488 • (979) 532-2371 GOOD LUCK SEASON!THIS Serving the Agricultural Industry in your area. 612 Merchant Street • El Campo • 543-3681 WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT THE YOUTH OF WHARTON COUNTY! Good Luck to all exhibitors and have a safe & fun time at the fair! JIMMIE & CECI TRISKA third generation owners Family owned and operated since 1929 TRISKA FUNERAL HOME PROUD TO SUPPORT ALL AREA ATHLETES! El Campo Ricebirds Louise Hornets St. Philip Pioneers Preston Bodungen Sophomore Jayden Brown Junior Makendon Cash Freshman Noah Crain Freshman Trey Drodz Junior Alex Farias Freshman Pete Galvan Junior Aedyn Gaona Sophomore Conner Gonzalez Freshman Latrell Hearld Sophomore Jetson Janik Sophomore Haden Jones Freshman
32 EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2348 N. Mechanic, El Campo 979•543•4242 Order online and save at www.pizzahut.com Go Ricebirds and Hornets! El Campo Credit Office 1807 N. Mechanic 979-543-3327 GOOD LUCK ALL AREA TEAMS! Top row: (l-r) Ethan Zezula (coach), Holden Watson, Ben Blanco, Jeston Janik, Pete Galvan, Peston Bodungen,Tayveon Kimble, Roy Arrambide, Jacob Litton and Manny Freeland (coach).Third row: (l-r) Tyler Collins (coach), Angel Reyes, Ezequiel Medina, Noah Crain, Artemio Alvarez, Braden Wells, Michael Parodo, Jayden Brown, Kyle Anderson and Jonathan Hughes. Second row: (l-r) Joe Bill (head coach), Chris Chromcak 2022 Louise Hornets
EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW 33 SMASH ‘ EM UP RICEBIRDS! DON’S BODY REPAIR 113 Roosevelt Ave. (Next to Martin Electric) | 979-543-9690 “Quality Service Since 1975!” Good Luck To All Our Local Teams! 979-543-5340 • 979-541-6227 (Cell) 979-648-2176 (Hillje) E-Mail: www.mooreshilljeauction.comjmmoore65@sbcglobal.net Serving Wharton County & the coastal bend for over 20 years. Family owned & operated. Kirk Moore 17619 (coach), Latrell Hearld, Anthony Melchor, Aedyn Gaona, Lake Wadsworth, Alex Farias, Chris Ochoa, Landon Trevino,Trey Drodz and Keith Hughes (coach). Bottom row: (l-r) Daylan Sless, Haden Jones, Esbeydi Baron, Conner Gonzalez, Makendon Cash and Jospeh Suggs. Contributed Photo by Tracy Appling
The ornets will need to fill many spots on defense, losing two linebackers and two defensive linemen to graduation.Louise defensively was frisky last season, shutting out four schools. In total, the Hornets allowed fewer than seven points si times.
offensive line, that shouldn t change. unior running ack Tay veon Kimble led the Hornets’ rushing attack last season. If Falls City wasn’t in the same district as the Hornets, Kim ble likely would have been the district s offensive , piling up touchdowns and rushing yards. After making the switch from quarterback, Kimble found his home running the ball. Against Aqua Dulce, he scored five touchdowns and rushed for 159 yards. Also getting touches at running back are juniors Trey rozd and en lanco, Latrell Hearld and freshman Brayden Wells. The Louise offensive line will see the biggest change this season, losing three se niors to graduation and two incoming seniors who chose not to play this year. Sophomore Pete Galvan will be the line’s only re turner, playing at center last season. Junior Joseph Suggs and sophomore Preston Bo dungen will be the guards and at tackle junior Ezequiel Medina and sophomore Ar turo Alvarez. They re the first ones that are going to face the fight, ill said. The offensive line is going to have to do a great job protecting and opening up holes ... for us to have suc cess.”During district play last season, Louise made the switch from Kimble, to now senior Roy Arrambide at quarterback. Arrambide is the incumbent, but Bill isn’t ruling out Kimble also seeing some playing time. The offense has changed slightly, instead of being un der center, Hornets quarter backs will operate from out of the gun. Freshman Conner Gonzalez will be the Hornets’ backup.
—Defense (Continued from Page 28)
34 EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW OILFIELDVELOCITYSERVICE2058CR453ElCampo,Texas77437979-253-9358 looking forward to a Great Season El Campo Ricebirds & Louise Hornets!
The ack end of the or nets’ defense will bring back the most e perience with Brown, Anderson and Wat son playing last season at cornerback. Kimble will play safety. is first two seasons al van only needed to play on the offensive line, ut this year he’ll be called on to go both ways along with Bodun gen and Suggs. The ornets strongest position last year was line backer with four players earning all-district honors. However, they’ll have to start this season from scratch with none returning. hile ine perienced, it could be their deepest position with sopho more Lake Wadsworth, Dro zd, Blanco, Herald, Medina and ells all e pected to contribute.Arrambide will handle punting and kicking duties this season, having earned first-team all-district at oth positions last season. Louise will have four nondistrict games before they open up their tough district schedule. The ornets are hoping to grow and build each week before they head on the road to play Runge week one of district on Sept. 23.“Don’t be mediocre. Don’t e satisfied. on t e con tent. Get better,” Bill said he tells his team. “We can have all kinds of practice and game plans, but they’ve got to e ecute. e ve got a great group of kids. We’re striving for Hornet pride and cohe siveness. When you do all those things, everything else will fall into place. Winning will fall into place and kids will have fun.”
Holden Watson, a return ing junior, will lead the wide receiver position. Watson was speedy and caught 15 passes for just over 150 yards last season. Gonzalez will also see time at quarterback along with Drozd, Wells, and juniors Jayden Brown and Kyle Anderson and senior Angel Reyes. They re a pretty e plosive group . They can run a little bit and they’ve got decent hands. If we can get the ball to them, we’ll be alright,” Bill said.On defense the Hornets have a new play caller in eith ughes, who was a siman football head coach in orth Te as. “Defensively (we have) a little bit of a change. We may have a little bit more of an odd front. We ran more of an even front last year, again very similar in some areas and the kids are e cited about that.”
Lake Time Louise sophomore Lake Wadsworth running through a drill at practice in August. L-N Photo by Joshua Reese
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Back Row: (l-r) DeAvia Johnson, Riley Meyen, Kennedy LongBrown, Destiny Roberts, Kirsten Ochoa and Madilyn Kana (Captain).
Front Row: (l-r) Vandy Kocian, Mona Rodriguez, Hannah Ochoa, Natalie Sanchez (Co-Captain), Jillian Howard and Kianna Cortez.
GOOD LUCK TO OUR GRIDIRON GLADIATORS.
Water Since 1947 -As we kick off another exciting football season, we wish the Louise Hornets and El Campo Ricebirds good luck and much success. We’ll be cheering for you all the way to championships!
Contributed Photo by Tracy Appling2022 Hornet Cheerleaders
Wells Drilled And Serviced
Contributed Photo by Tracy Appling2022 Louise Seniors Angel Reyes (21), Roy Arrambide (11) and Jacob Litton (68) make up the Louise Hornets 2022 seniors. The Hornets first game will be against the Danbury Panthers this Friday at Hornet Stadium. This will be the first home game for the Hornets since 2020.
LOUISE, TEXAS
EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW 35
36 GOOD LUCK TO OUR LOUISE HORNETS & EL CAMPO RICEBIRDS!
5th Row: Zach Miller, Kenadie Broman, Alex Farias, Imanol Mendez, Megan Trochta, Scooter Kight, Julie Warzecha and Sonja Kight. 6th Row: Audrey Castro,Aedyn Gaona, Elijah Gonzales, Kobe Gusman and Cosette Baker. 7th Row: Ezri Olvera, Matthew Sulak and Kyle Beeson. Not pictured: Holley Trochta and Nicolette Alaniz. Director of Bands: Adam Ardner. Assistant Band Director: Candice Baker. Contributed Photo by Tracy Appling
2022 Hornet Marching Band Good luck El Campo Ricebirds & Louise Hornets! HOBO Electric 1315 S. Mechanic St. “We’ll Jump Any TRAIN To DO Your 979-541-3799JOB”ElCampo,TX
Front Row: (l-r) Kianna Cortez, Nattalee Yackel and Gizelle Balderas. 2nd Row: Xitlali Balderas, Francisca Vazquez, Fatima Feregrino, Raegan Sanchez, Madilyn Kana, Evan Jacinto and Aubrey Lerma. 3rd Row: Daniel Martinez, Preston Bodungan, Ethan Resendez, Gabriel Martinez, Blake Beeson and Brittany Aldana. 4th Row: Zeke Almiguer, Joshua Cook, Ben Medina, Javier Ventura,Andrew Huerta, Damian Gundelach and Cristal Medina.
EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW 37 109 Higbee St. 979-543-3922•EC Good Luck to our Area Teams! Good Luck to the El Campo Ricebirds & Louise Hornets! 2209 West Loop, El 979-543-2348Campo Top row: (l-r) Angel Reyes,Tayveon Kimble, Pete Galvan, Holden Watson and Kyle Anderson. Bottom row: (l-r) Roy Arrambide, Jayden Brown, Trey Drozd and Ben Blanco, all the above started for the Hornets last season. Contributed Photo by Tracy ApplingReturning Starters
38 EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW ProudlyFootballOurSupportingLocalTeams! 1808 West Loop El Campo, TX 979-543-227477437 Best Of Luck On A Great Season Louise Hornets! ChamberLouise-HilljeOfCommerce, Inc. 605 South Street Louise, TX 979-541-705677455 ________ __________ ________ __________ ________ __________ ________ __________ ________ __________ ________ __________ ________ __________ ________ __________ ________ __________ ________ __________ ________ __________ LOUISE 2022STINGSCHEDULE‘EM HORNETS!
The Tigers scored .1 points per game while allowing 50.2 points.
Wharton Jarrad Newsome (left), East Bernard Clayton Fajkus (middle) and Boling Kameron Taylor (right).
BULLDOGSBOLING 2021 record - fifth in district)Coach - Kevin Urbanek (21-31 at Boling) A-2 egion istrict 1
The ulldogs averaged 24.4 points a game while allowing 31.5 points.
The rahmas have the longest running playoff streak in Wharton County at 12 straight years. After losing key seniors on offense at uarter ack and wide receiver, it will be up to an e perienced offensive line to lead the way this season.
“Our line is mostly coming ack. They re e perienced, so that leads us to believe that we’re going to be able to run the all like we d like to. That is the plan as always here. Obviously each year we’ve got to tweak things and work towards the personnel that we have, osse said. The skill is young, but it does run well. So far so good. We’ll see where we’re at. It’s yet to be determined if we throw as much as we did last year.”
WHARTON COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE MyWCEC.coop y coop
2021 record 9-3 (second in district)Coach- Wade Bosse (6512 in East Bernard) A-2 egion istrict 1
West Wharton teams look for big years
EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW 39 PROUD TOALLSUPPORTOFOUR LOCAL FOOTBALLTEAMS
East Wharton County football teams are looking for better seasons in 2022. Only the East Bernard rahmas made the playoffs in 2021, falling in the second round last season. The oling Bulldogs and the Wharton Tigers oth missed out on the postseason. The Tigers are in the midst of a 21-game losing streak spanning three seasons. However, things are looking up for oth the Tigers and the Bulldogs.
The rahmas averaged 2 points per game while giving up 17.5 points.
EASTBRAHMASBERNARD
Wharton has had a tough time the last two seasons and it doesn’t necessarily get any easier this season in a tough district.However, they will have a fresh start under Dotson who is coming from Baytown Sterling where he was the defensive coordinator. The Tigers will also have a fresh new look on oth offense and defense as they head into the 2022“We’recampaign.going to pride ourselves on playing great defense (and) focusing on using our team speed. We’re going to base out of a 3-4 (front),” Dotson said. “On offense, we’re going to be even more of a run-orientated offense, based on using our angles and team speed to wear defenses down. Making that transition is going to be a learning curve, but the kids have already started embracing that philosophy.”
WHARTONTIGERS 2021 record 0-10 (last in district)Coach - Alvin Dotson II first-year head coach 4A-2 Region III District 10
The ulldogs had a couple of rough years in the larger 3A DI, but there is hope for Boling with their move back down to Division II. When the Bulldogs had their state championship run in 2016, in was in Division II. Boling will have a large senior class this season, with a lot of e perience in their skill positions.“Ourreceivers are coming back. Our quarterback is coming back and our backfield is ack and it looks like we’re going to add about four sophomores to that group to help out those positions,” r anek said. The offensive line is the key to any success and we’ve got them all back and they’re a good size.”
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