Hays Free Press Football Showcase 2022 Hays County
Live The Life You Want To See! Specializing In: Lasik Surgery Comprehensive Eye Exams Premium IOL Implants Cataract Surgery Glaucoma- Medical & Surgical Macular Degeneration Contact Us 512-443-9715Today 5401 FM 1626, STE 365 Kyle, TX 78640 (In HEB Shopping Center)
407
> edwardjones.com | Member SIPC
I want to take this opportunity to wish the student athletes and coaches good luck for the upcoming season. To the players, who have spent countless hours in the weight room getting stronger and outside in the heat conditioning and practicing to prepare for the fall, I wish you success on and off the field. A special thank you goes out to the coaches and coaches’ families. Many don’t realize that coaches spend more time with the team then they do their own family. Additionally, coaches are often some of the greatest teachers to our athletes. They teach them the importance of discipline, accountability, perseverance, and teamwork.
Stagecoach Trl Suite
78666-5092 www.edwardjones.com/Thaddeus-WatkinsThaddeus.Watkins@edwardjones.com737-373-8200
As someone who has coached and played football for 15 years, I use many of those skills today as a Financial Advisor. The initial conversation is simple. Not everyone is the same, so we start with what’s important to you and why. Then we discuss some of the goals that you’re trying to achieve. What would these goals do for you and your family? How do those goals effect you financially? Once we understand what’s important to you and your goals, we build your own custom “Game Plan,” and as the game changes, so can your strategy. Give my office a call and let’s schedule your initial conversation.
Marcos,
Thaddeus L Watkins, AAMS® Financial Advisor S 109 San TX
DRIPPING SPRINGS – Fourstar quarterback and Dripping Springs High School senior Austin Novosad announced on Twitter on Aug. 1 that he shut down his recruitment and will stay “100% locked in” with Baylor University. He is ranked the No. 8 quarter back in the nation, and was recently moved up into the top 100 players in the entire country by 247 Sports, coming in at 91 overall by the recruiting service.
The
Novosad looks to lead Tigers into Class 6A gauntlet
Unofficial visits to A&M, Ohio State and Notre Dame led some to speculate that Novosad could flip after committing to Baylor Univer sity in AddingDecember.towhat might be con cern by Baylor fans is the fact that Novosad’s parents are both A&M Tiger QB Austin Novosad
Novosad said he loves the Bay lor coaching staff and their academ ics. He is leaning toward studying something related to business.
In addition to Baylor, Novosad has received offers from various schools, including Texas State, Kansas, Houston, Colorado, Ne vada, A&M, Ohio State and Notre Dame.“Ihad a bunch of good offers from great football programs, but I think that for me, Baylor was the place just because I fit in their offense,” Novosad said.
FACTOR ‘IT’
Barton Publications • 2022 Football Showcase4
By Amira Van Leeuwen
The senior quarterback will be the lynchpin for the Tigers this fall, and Head Coach Galen Zimmerman said he expects another big year out of the signal caller, who has six of his top seven receiv ing targets returning this season.
“You can brag on him as a football player, you can see what the ball looks like coming out of his hand. But the thing about him is he’s such a quiet, confident leader,” Zimmerman said. “When he talks, the other players listen. He’s a servant leader and leads by example.”Zimmerman said not only is Novosad gifted athletically, but he also has other traits that make him a complete player and human being.“His understanding of the game, when he goes and diagrams a play, he’s as good as I’ve ever had,” he said. “Coach [Al] Pena, our offensive coordinator, does a great job with him, too. To Austin’s credit, he just wants to compete, wants to get better and wants the team to do well. As much as anything, his approach, his commit ment level and how cerebral he is, those are as big of an attribute as his arm strength. You can see him throw a football and it’s really good, but he also has the ‘it’ factor. He has the intangibles to go along with his talent.” Novosad has played in a total of 19 games at the varsity level. The 6’3 185-pound quarterback threw 35 touchdown passes his sophomore year, and as a junior, he threw 40 touchdown passes for a total of 75 touchdown passes as a varsity player. After this year’s realignment, Dripping Springs joins Westlake, Lake Travis and Austin ISD in the 6A-26 District. Novosad said he’s looking forward to having another successful season with the Dripping Springs Tigers and playing against power houses like Lake Travis and Westlake will be fun.
For kids and other student-athletes who have goals of playing football at the collegiate level, Novosad said his biggest advice is to keep working and not worry about what other people say.
“Keep your head down, and you do you,” Novosad said. Left photo: Austin Novosad had big aspi rations even as a fifth (Contributedgrader. photo) Right photo: Novosad drops back to pass during preseason drills. (Photo by JT Strasner)
The quarterback said receiving an offer from A&M was hard because it was one of his dream schools.
Barton Publications • 2022 Football Showcase 5 alumni.
“My family just wanted the best for me, and so that’s kind of what we were looking at. Even though they went there [to A&M], it wasn’t the best spot for me at the time,” Novosad said.
Novosad was awarded the Texas District 12-5A D-1 Offensive Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore and, in 2021, was awarded the Texas District 12-5A-1 Overall MVP as a junior.
relaxing - Restlessness - Easily annoyed or irri -tableFeeling afraid, as if some thing awful may happen. Symptoms of de pression when they occur nearly every day include: - Little interest or pleasure in doing things previously -enjoyedFeeling down, depressed, and/or hopeless - Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much - Feeling tired or having little energy - Poor appetite or over-eat -ingFeeling bad about your -selfTrouble
Barton Publications • 2022 Football Showcase6
While you may need to schedule a physical for your child to meet school requirements, don’t overlook this opportunity to invest in your child’s mental wellness as well. Wellness checks are a good time to seek medical expertise on kids’ physi cal and “inner” wellness. Too often, behavioral or learning problems go un detected without regular follow up with a doctor who knows your child. The issues may include depres sion, learning disorders, or anxieties stemming from various concerns. This is especially true now, as kids are still dealing with some pandemic issues and now, sadly, with violence and mass shootings in schools and other familiar places.Pediatricians and other physicians can provide expert guidance and observations related to physical health, such as immunization updates and tracking growth and development. They can also provide information on your child’s nutrition, fitness, how to manage emergencies and illnesses, and general health and safetyButconcerns.parents should look to wellness exams to get expert medical guid ance on behavioral prob lems, learning difficul ties, and emotional issues as well, including anxiety and depression. Learn to recognize symptoms and intervene when needed. Symptoms of anxiety when they occur nearly every day include: - Feeling nervous, anxious, or edgy - Inability to stop/control -worryingObsessing about different -thingsTrouble
concentrating - Thoughts that the world would be better without you in it, or thoughts of self-harm
By the Pediatricians at ARC Kyle Plum Creek, ARC Center Street, ARC Buda and ARC Dripping Springs
- Exercise and get outside when possible - Establish a healthy routine with a normalized sleep-wake cycle - Turn off the TV and the news channels - Eat healthy and involve the children in meal plan ning and preparation - Schedule your child’s wellness exam with your healthcare provider or pediatrician. Discuss symptoms of anxiety or depression that may be present.With wellness checks, remember that children are allowed to talk to their doctors privately, without a parent, starting at age 12. If your child is 12 or over, let them know this is their appointment, too, and they’ll have the chance to ask questions privately if they want to.
As new studies con tinue to show, wellness is more than skin deep. Don’t miss this opportu nity to visit with your pe diatrician and understand your child even better.
Austin Regional Clinic has pediatricians in four Hays County clinics: ARC Kyle Plum Creek and ARC Center Street in Kyle, ARC Dripping Springs, and ARC Buda. www.arcpediatrics.com.Visit
How can you help a child who may have anxi ety or depression? - Be positive, finding “sil ver linings” in life experi ences shared during the pandemic. Example: more closeness with family; sharing experiences with -friends. Have open, honest, and transparent conver sations about how your children are feeling. Vali date that being scared and afraid are normal reac tions to news of shootings, or other events in times of uncertainty. Teach them to not be fearful, but to approach situations of challenge with positivity and creativity, and to look for opportunities rather than barriers.
Your child’s mental health is as important as physical health
“That tells you how far enrollment dropped,” Goad said. “We were just a few kids away from being 5A Division II. We Skill, talent, drop to 5A classification has Hays thinking playoffs
In fact, in terms of enrollment numbers, Hays is still the smallest 5A team in its new district.
Hawks aim to soar in 2022 season
Coach Les Goad will feature a roster with eight starters back on offense and six on defense. He hopes the experience from last season will be a catalyst for a run at a playoff spot in the tough 12-5A DII district.
The Hays Hawks enter the 2022 season by welcoming back 14 starters and have an eagerness to improve upon their 3-win campaign last year.
As a result of boundaries changing and new schools open ing, Goad said the school showed numbers of just over 1,900 students when the spring semester ended.
“The kids are working hard,” Goad said. “We’ve got some quality kids, and some quality skill kids who are returning that we knew were gonna be the strength of our team. On the other hand our depth is still something that maybe we’re a couple years out from being where we want to be. We’ve got a real big freshman class, but when you’re talking about varsity level, we’re still thin in numbers. But we do feel good about the qual ity of the kids that we have.”
Barton Publications • 2022 Football Showcase 7
The 2022 Hays Hawks include: Nic Burgess, Kyree Payton, Michael Bischoff, Michael Lahue, Jaime Hernandez, Matt Me lendez, Dillan Lofton, Jace Thomas, Tyler McInvale, Justin Lancaster, Isaac Smith, Alex Villalobos, Bobby Braitkrus, Zach Obara, Cooper Garza, Andre Walker, Chris Bruce, Ethan Bell, Jacob Sauceda, Collin Smith, Ryan Courtney, Zander Dahlen, Ruiz-Alvarez, Johnathan Calderon, Kaiden Richason, George Garcia, Julian Cardenas, Christian Macier, John Alvarado, Dorian Hill, Macario Baca, Nathan Rodriguez, Brandon Pascal, Ryan Munoz, Bryn Sprute, David Szoboszlay, Christian Ramirez, Blas Mendez, Lane Garza, Bryce Kelly and Sergio Cadena.
Hays Hawks PREVIEW
See HAWKS, Page 8
By JT Strasner
Tyler McInvale (6’2”, 180) leads the way for the Hawks under center this season. He threw for 18 TDs and almost 1,600 yards last season. He’s also a threat to tuck it and run at anytime.Haysoperates out of a 3-back offense, with a number of kids being threats to take it the distance against opposing defenses. The Hawks will often line up in Shotgun, in a pistol formation, confus ing defenses as to who will take the ball on any given play.
“All three of our backs and our quarterback are coming back this year,” Goad said. “Payton and Chris Bruce are back. And Zach Obara is our other slotback. Tyler started as a sophomore so we’ll have him for another two years. He’s got a year under his belt and is much improved.”
“Kelly is our biggest lineman and has really come on strong in drills,” Goad said. “We have high hopes for him. We’re young in the lines, like I said, but we have some size and talent.”
Barton Publications • 2022 Football Showcase8 had to play 6A with those numbers all year last year and two years ago. But that’s what you go through when new schools get built. The projections maybe didn’t turn out the way maybe everybody thought they would. But nonetheless we’re in 5A and we’re glad to be playing teams that are at least a little closer to our size, even if our enrollment is still by far the lowest in our district. But we do have quality kids and like I said, our skill position kids are probably the most talented that we’ve had. We’ve just got to avoid injuries and keep them on the field. Our lack of experience is in the trenches for the most part, offensive and defensive lines. This will be the second year that we’ll have to play some kids both ways, offense andJuniordefense.”quarterback
“We do play guys both ways,” Goad said. “Chris Bruce is our most talented athlete and we ask a lot of him. He was our free safety the past two years and is good back there. Jaime Hernandez and Isaac Smith also get a lot of work in the secondary. Payton and Obara will also get some work in back there.”
Defensively, some of the same players on offense will be asked to also play defense because of a lack of depth.
Michael Bischoff, Matt Melendez and Hill are the top contend ers at linebacker for the Hawks. Justin Lancaster will line up at outside linebacker, along with transfer Dillan Lofton, Jace Thomas and Caden Richardson.
Goad said Hawks fans may be excited that the team is dropping down from 6A to 5A, thinking the competition will be lighter, but cautions that line of thinking this fall.
Chris Bruce is a talented slot back who scored 9 total touch downs last year and put up over 1,200 yards of total offense in 2021.Kyree Payton, who runs a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash, ran for more than 1,000 yards and scored 16 TDs a year ago. Zach Obara (6’1”, 200) ran for 8 TDs in 2021 and returns as well.
“It will be an extremely competitive district,’’ Goad said. “Some might think going from 6A to 5A means things will be easier. But there’s actually four of our district opponents are also dropping down from 6A. And I think some of those actually still have 6A numbers. They got down right when it was time to turn numbers in, then shot right back up. We’ll still be the smallest school in our district. So it will be extremely challenging. Smithson Valley has a ton of tradition. But we really just take it one game at a time, try to develop some depth, and get better at what we do. I do think if we stay healthy and improve on defense, we have a chance to battle for a playoff spot.”
HAWKS, from Page 7
The Hawks will return a pair of starters from the offensive line, center David Szoboszlay (6’0”, 310) and Ryan Munoz. Christian Macier, Bryce Kelly (6’5”, 320) at tackle and Dorian Hill are the top candidates to fill the other three spots.
The Hawks will play both a 3-3 stack and a 3-5-3 base on de fense this fall, Goad said.
“It’s similar to how we looked when we were a Slot-T team,” Goad said. “But we spread it out more now, throw the ball quite a bit more. It really creates misdirection back there and doesn’t let defenses key on one guy. They’re all threats to run it or catch it. But it’s all based on Slot-T concepts.”
Macier, Christian Ramirez and Macario Baca are among the current headliners on the defensive line.
The Lobos operate out of an H-back of fense, multiple in formation, running a lot of run/pass option plays.
Barton Publications • 2022 Football Showcase10 W A T E R 2 W I N E . C O M / B U D A 3 0 4 S M A I N S T # 1 0 3 , B U D A , T X N O W O P E N T U E S S U N @ B U D A M I L L & G R A I N C O join the club!the best W I N E C L U B I N B U D A Come in to Join & Save A local club that makes exploring hand crafted wines fun and easy Lehman PREVIEW
improvement Salmon
By JT Strasner
See LEHMAN, Page 18
The Lehman Lobos enter the 2022 sea son hoping to lean on a strong group of re turning players to reach the post-season. A total of 14 starters are welcomed back by Head Coach Bruce Salmon this fall, six on offense and eight on defense.
Steady leads Lehman into 5A battles
“We believe in balance between run and pass,” Salmon said. “We want to stretch the field not only vertically but hor izontally. Create some double teams where
Head Coach Bruce Salmon
Barton Publications • 2022 Football Showcase 11 Kyle Banking Center 800 W. FM 150 | Kyle, TX | 512.268.4444 | firstlockhart.com HAWKS, JAGUARS, LOBOS, AND TIGERS! FLNB-Football Showcase-2022-7.875x4.95.indd 1 7/8/22 11:05 AM Hawks quarterback Collin Richardson bursts through the line during practice. Richardson is battling Noah Long for the starting role. (Photo by JT Strasner)
Barton Publications • 2022 Football Showcase12
“The biggest thing for us is getting our kids to understand it’s re ally week to week,” Zimmerman said. “In 6A, everybody has good numbers. We’ve got to battle attrition, battle that focus. There’s no off week. We gotta go play well. The speed of the game and other things … there will be some growing pains. But I really like our team and have full confidence in our kids. They understand the challenge.”
Tigers predicted to reach post-season in inaugural 6A season
By JT
Strasner Growth is the key word at Dripping Springs, as the Tigers not only are making the move from Class 5A to 6A this fall, but also joining what is historically toughest districts in the state.
Offensive linemen Reid Robinson, Brenden Kelly (6’1”, 255) and
Dripping Springs PREVIEW
Playoff bound?
Led by Head Coach Galen Zimmerman, Dripping Springs will be a member of District 26-6A, joining fellow Hays County foe Buda Johnson. Also in that district are annual state championship contend ers Austin Westlake and Lake Travis.
“He’s a great leader,” Zimmerman said. “One day this summer, he flew up to Notre Dame, had a throwing workout, gets back late at night, then he’s back up here for summer workouts at 7 a.m. the next morning. He’s a committed kid and everybody sees that. His peers know he’s a bigtime recruit, but he’s willing to sacrifice for the team. We expect him to have another big year.”
The Tigers return 14 starters from last year’s 10-1 team that went 7-0 in district play. Eight starters return on offense and six on defense.
Head Coach Galen Zimmerman
“Those top teams in 6A have quality players at just about every position,” he said. “And then they’ve got another good one behind them. It also helps with resting and conditioning. Football is a battle of attrition and a numbers game. I think we’ll have to be lucky a little bit with injuries and things like that. We’ll have to have some players play a little bigger than they are. But I think our kids are up to that challenge.”Quarterback Austin Novosad (6’3”, 195) highlights the offen sive returners. The senior signal caller passed for 40 touchdowns and almost 3,500 yards a season ago. Novovsad, a Baylor commit, has scholarship offers from Ohio State, Texas A&M and just about every powerhouse program in the nation. This summer he participated in the Elite 11 national quarterback camp and is rated by 247 Sports as one of the top 100 players in America.
In fact, the Tigers’ first three opponents are all ranked in the pre season among the top 15 teams in Texas Class 6A. “We’ll have a challenge and that’s okay,” Zimmerman said. “That will be fun and that’s gonna make us better. Our goal is to play as well as we can and get to the playoffs. We’ll be a team that is tested at that point for Zimmermansure.” said depth and the number of quality players on each team will be the biggest difference between 5A and 6A opponents the Tigers will face this fall.
“We used to be in a district with Lake Travis, so as you grow, it’s just a natural place for us to go geographically,” Zimmerman said. “I think the thing that surprised some people is being in a 9-team district. That’s hard. But yeah, you start looking at our football district and there are a lot of good teams who’ve had a lot of success obviously. Westlake has been tough the last three years, defending state cham pions. And Lake Travis is a perennial contender. Bowie has had real ly good success. Hays Johnson has had really good success, grown. They’re moving up, too. So there’s a lot going on in our district.”
“We’ve got some guys coming back who will be three-year start ers for us,” Zimmerman said. “And we’ve got a couple young guys in there who have really stepped up and grown. We’re a little undersized overall compared to our district, and that extra weight they’ve added helps with the stamina. If you’re a 285 pound kid, you can lean on someone a little more. But our kids move well. Everyone knows about our quarterback, but the key will be keeping him upright and giving him time to throw. We’ve also got to be able to run the ball. That bal ance helps you and is necessary.”
Barton Publications • 2022 Football Showcase 13 Jackson Key (5’11” 250) lead the way up front. The trio were named all-district for their exploits a year ago.
“We’ve tried to build a little depth in the secondary because we’ll have to have that going into 6A football,” Zimmerman said. “I think we’ve got some good competition back there.”
The Tigers are predicted to finish third in the tough District 26-6A race, just ahead of Buda Johnson. Austin Westlake is picked to win the district, followed by Lake Jackson. Zimmerman said it will be a confident group of Tigers who hit Class 6A this fall.
Replacing running back Preston Alford, a three-year starter who is now on the roster at the University of Oregon, will be key for the Tigers.
Dripping Springs senior quarterback Austin Novosad hands the ball off during preseason drills. Novosad and his teammates are looking to make a splash in Class 6A after moving up in classification. Novosad is a top 100 recruit nationally in the Class of 2023. (Photo by JT Strasner)
“Picucci, his sister was a great soccer player here and his mom ran track at Stanford,” Zimmerman said. “So he’s got some athleticism in his family. We’ve got some others who are also in the mix to see some time there, Dylan Sedillo and Brandon Peters. [Tomsen] Vickery led us in sacks and defensive touchdowns last year and will play a lot at outsideSeniorlinebacker.”defensive lineman Nathan Prehar (6’1”, 255) made 50 tackles in 2021, while fellow lineman Elijah Gonzales (6’1”, 260) had 56 tackles last season. Raphael Siewen is a senior returning starter as well. Braiden Vaughn, a senior transfer is expected to be another DL anchor.“Those guys, again, aren’t gonna scare teams with their size, but I really like how they play,” Zimmerman said. “They’re high-motor guys. We have a lot of talent there, and they’ll have to play well be cause our opponents will have some big, Division-I linemen.”
In the secondary, Gabe Quintana and Gunnar Betts will be counted on for big years after earning all-district honors in 2021.
Junior wide receiver Kyle Koch (6’1”, 185) was a primary target for Novosad a year ago, hauling in 1,313 yards and catching 20 TDs.
Betts is a three-year starter and Grayson Jones returns after suf fering an injury last year. Owen Rhodes, Keller Stafford and Gabe Quintana will also contribute this fall.
“We’re getting most of our receivers back from last year,” Zim merman said. “We’ve got a couple who are banged up right now. I don’t know if they’ll be ready for the first game yet, we’ll see. We’re still getting better and fine-tuning, but Austin knows how those guys run their routes, the timing is so good with all them. When you’ve got a Power-5 quarterback and six of your top seven receivers coming back, you just have to keep him upright.”
Defensively, the Tigers are led by junior linebacker Luca Picucci (6’0”, 200), who racked up 111 tackles a year ago. Bryson Amrine, another linebacker, posted 106 stops a year ago, and Derek Edgar are other returning starters.
“We’ve got a good team with a number of starters coming back,” Zimmerman said. “I feel really good about these kids. They love to go compete. When you’ve got that, you’ve got a chance. Predictions are nice, but it only matters where you finish. If you finish in the top four in the district and hit the playoffs, you’ve just got to be 1-0 every week from there. Our kids are driven in practice because they know the challenge ahead. That motivates them.”
Fellow wideout Garon Duncan, a senior, put up almost 500 yards receiving in 2021 and will be counted on for a big year. Classmate Walker Wright hauled in 364 yards receiving and is also expected to be one of the top punters in Class 6A. Boston Papp and Maddox Bloomgren also return after having big contributions receiving last fall.
“We’ve got some young ones who will have to step up,” Zimmer man said. “Kade Curry, Theo Howard, Jack Tyndall, Braeden Mulder, Logan Urwiler, Joseph Holmes, are all the guys we’re looking at in the backfield. We’re pretty deep at that position and each one of those guys brings different things for us. Three of them are seniors. Some times in your senior year, something clicks because you know it’s your last chance. They’ve got to go earn it.”
See JOHNSON, Page 19
Complete Services:
Mental preparation for the move up to Class 6A is just as im portant as the physical demands, Hoffman said.
Buda Johnson PREVIEW
The Johnson Jaguars will face a tough slate as members of District 26-6A, but the team is confident they are ready for the challenge. With 10 returning starters, seven on offense and three on de fense, the Jags are predicted to finish in the top four of the difficult league.Head Coach Stephen Hoffman said he looks forward to the opportunity that lies ahead.
“He’s been here since we opened the school,” Hoffman said. “He’s a phenomenal player. We expect big things out of Jesse, to continue to build and get better. He’s done that every year. He’s a heckuva quarterback.”
Up for the challenge
“We’re excited about it, excited about being in 6A,” he said. “Our kids have worked hard over the summer. They’ve embraced it. We’re playing some really good teams. You have two choices, you can feel sorry for yourself, or you can go out, get better and embrace the challenge.”
“The mental game is so important,” he said. “We spend a lot of time as a staff working on that. Also, having speakers come in and talk to our staff. I think the time we spent on that will make a big difference for us.”
Johnson Jaguars face gauntlet in District 26-6A
By JT Strasner
Barton Publications • 2022 Football Showcase14 Krista512.293.1850PhilliPs Krista.PhilliPs@Kw.com589Fm1626,stE102Buda,tX78610 Good luck Johnson Jaguars, greatHaveJaguars,aseason! Auto Repair Shop We provide a 3-year, 36,000-mile nationwide guarantee on all labor. Bring this ad in for a discount! Labor 15%OFF Mon.-Fri: 07:30am -4:30pm You’re neighborhood dealership alternative (512)722-7441395CountyRd202Ste9BKyle,TX78640(512)722-7441Service@KyleAutoRepair.comSCHEDULEASERVICEREQUREST• SUSPENSION: Tires, springs, shock absorbers, struts, arms, bars, linkages, bushings, and joints • MECHANICAL: From routine maintenance to engine replacement. Timing belts, water pump, timing chains, head gaskets, tune-ups, differentials, transmissions, transfer cases & air conditioning. • DIAGNOSTIC: Full diagnostic programs for your engine, transmission, exhaust system, brakes, and other major components, as well as performance issues with the fuel injector, airflow and coolant, and throttle.
Hoffman will rely on quarterback Jesse Medina (6’0”, 195) to lead the charge under center this fall. Medina threw for more than 2,500 yards and tossed 27 touch downs while rushing for another 660 yards and 11 TDs a year ago. The 2022 season will mark his fourth as a starter.
Barton Publications • 2022 Football Showcase 15 SPORTSALL•AGESALLPERFORMANCESPORTSTRAINING • sports nutrition • speed & agility training • motivational training • performance training • injury rehabilitation • www . getrightgettightfitness . com AT OUR FACILITY, WE PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF AMENITIES, FROM A GAME ROOM TO A FULL RANGE BASKETBALL COURT, SO THAT KIDS FROM ALL SOCIOECONOMIC LEVELS CAN HAVE FUN ALL DAY LONG WITHOUT FEELING THE PRESSURE OF THE OUTSIDE WORLD. • Boardgames • Activities • Movie Nights • Pool Table • Creative Workshops • Field Trips • New Friends • And MORE! ContaCt us 737-404-0007 5 Brent Blvd, Suite 110, Kyle, tX | www STACATHLETICS.org our goal at StaC youth Center iS to eStaBliSh a SeCure environment where kids can just be kids. 2022 Johnson Jaguars
*Sept.
*Sept.
*Oct.
*Nov.
*Oct.
*Oct
Barton Publications • 2022 Football Showcase16
*Oct.
Sept 2: vs. McCallum, 7 p.m.
*Sept.
Aug. 25: at Bastrop, 7 p.m.
*Sept.
*Nov.
Aug. 26: at Vandergriff, 7 p.m.
Sept. 9: OPEN WEEK 16: vs. Austin High, (HOMECOMING) 7:30 p.m. 23: at Bowie, 7:30 p.m. 30: vs. Buda Johnson, 7:30 p.m. 7: at Akins, 7:30 p.m. 14: vs. Westlake, 7:30 p.m. 21: at Lake Travis, 7:30 p.m. 28: vs. Del Valle, 7:30 p.m. 4: at Anderson, 7:30 p.m.
*Oct
*Oct.
Lehman Schedule
Sept 2: vs. Wagner, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 9: at Lockhart 7 p.m. 16: at Seguin 7 p.m.
*Sept.
Sept. 22: vs. Wagner, 7 p.m. 30: OPEN WEEK 7: at Smithson Valley, 7:30 p.m. 14: at Canyon, 7 p.m. 21: vs. MacArthur, 7 p.m. 28: at Boerne Champion, 7 p.m. 4: vs. Hays High, 7 p.m.
*Oct.
Dripping Springs Schedule
*Oct.
Aug.
*Oct.
*Sept.
Sept.
*Oct.
Barton Publications • 2022 Football Showcase 17 Aug. 26: vs San Antonio Clark, 7:30 p.m. Sept 2: at Lake Belton, 7:30 p.m. *Sept. 9: vs. Lake Travis 7:30 p.m. *Sept. 16: at Del Valle 7:30 p.m. *Sept. 23: vs. Anderson, 7:30 p.m. *Sept. 30: at Dripping Springs, 7 p.m. *Oct. 6: vs. Austin High, 7 p.m. *Oct 13: at Bowie, 7 p.m. *Oct. 21: OPEN WEEK *Oct. 27: vs. Akins, 7 p.m. *Nov. 4: at Westlake, 7 p.m. Buda Johnson Schedule
Hays High Schedule 25: vs. Akins, 7 p.m. 1: vs. Churchill, 7:30 p.m. 9: at Cedar Creek 7 p.m. 16: vs. MacArthur, (HOMECOMING) 7 p.m. 22: at Champion, 7 p.m. 30: OPEN WEEK 7: vs. Canyon, 7 p.m. 14: vs. Seguin, 7 p.m. 20: at Wagner, 7 p.m. 28: vs. Smithson Valley, 7 p.m. 4: at Lehman, 7 p.m.
Sept.
*Oct
*Oct.
*Nov.
Sept
*Sept.
Joaquin Ramirez, Peter Cienega and Isaiah Truijo are top defend ers for the Lobos in the front seven.
“We feel like we’ve got good depth at running back,” Salmon said. “Mo started some games for us as a freshman on varsity and returns. Isaiah has been in the program for three years and has some good experience under his belt. We feel pretty good with either one of those guys. Managing their time on the field will be important because we play some kids both ways. If you’re a good enough athlete to play running back, you’re probably good enough to be a defender too. So it’s about developing some depth and gameplay where they can help on both sides of the ball.”
The lynchpin offensively is the Lobos’ H-back. Junior Sebastian Zambrano, Anthony Mata and Joziah Perez (6’2”, 240) are the top candidates at the position.
“Sebastian has come on as a main guy there, Mata and Perez too,” SalmonSeniorsaid.Jose Juarez headlines the offensive line for the Lobos.
Barton Publications • 2022 Football Showcase18 we can get some running lanes up front.” Noah Long (5’10”, 175) will get a shot at the starting quarterback job after playing in the backfield part of last season because of in juries to other players. Collin Richardson is also battling for playing time under center. The duo are neck-andneck so far this August. Salmon said the player who wins the competition may not be determined until at least after the first two presea son “Bothscrimmages.ofthem had pretty good springs for us,” Salmon said. “They’ve been here all summer working. It’s hard to gauge who’s ahead right now because each of them has dif ferent strengths. One is able to do a little more passing and the other is able to do a little more running. I think both of them have good work ethic and have the potential to be good leaders. Either way we can’t go wrong. I think ulti mately it boils down to pro ductivity. We’ll go through our two scrimmages and see which one can manage and run the of fense efficiently, and produce first downs and touchdowns.”
The Lobos linemen will be counted on to open holes for the running attack this fall. (Photo by JT Strasner)
In terms of the district race, the competition got tougher with pow erhouse Boerne Champion joining the league while Smithson Valley and San Antonio Wagner moved down after playing in 6A a year ago.
At running back, Isaiah Hernandez and Mo Bayo (5’9”, 190) are the top returning players. Matthew Maldonado will also see time.
“It definitely hasn’t gotten any easier,” Salmon said. “If anything, it’s gotten tougher. There’s always some questions, especially in ex panding areas. They look at the overall number, and in cases where the schools drop down from 6A, they do that because other schools have opened Martinez,nearby.”KyleKoffman and Nathaniel Perez are the leading re turners in the secondary. Salmon said if the work ethic is any measure, the Lobos should have more success this season than a year ago.
“We have a lot of linebacker-type kids so we want to get them on the field,” Salmon said.
Josh Harmer (5’10”, 250) and Manuel Adame (6’0”, 240) will also be counted on in the trenches. Finding a starter at left guard will be key of the Lobos as they go through“Josepreseason.Juarezwill be right tackle for us,” Salmon said. “He’s played a couple years and kinda broke into the starting lineup for us half way though his sophomore year. He’s kind of our bellcow and has the most experience for us there. Manuel Adame fits in at a couple of different places for us. He played at center last year but he can also help us at guard or tackle. Lawrence Aguilera has done some things for us at center. We’ve got a competition at left guard. We feel like Harmer has done some good things at the right guard spot. It will be Harmer’s first full year on the varsity. With his brother being in the program and him being around, it seems like he’s been around here forever. We feel like we’ve got some depth and a little bit of expe rience. This will be the first time we’re not really play ing a lot of sophomores on the lines, and we’re excited about Eddiethat.” Martinez and sophomore Mata are the top returnees at receiver for the Lobos.“Eddie Martinez is probably our leading guy coming back. He’s got a lot of explosiveness. Anthony Mata is another guy who’s come on and really done some things for us,” Salmon said.Defensively, the Lobos operate out of a 3-4 front and will play a lot of Cover-2 in the sec ondary.
“The kids have come out and worked hard pretty much all summer long,” Salmon said. “We did give them a little break in July, so they could still be kids. It seems like we work them year ‘round these days. They came back fresh and we’ve got better numbers than we’ve had in recent years. We’re excited to get started. We’ve got some completion at key positions. We’ve got some key returners, too. Like everybody else this time of year, we’re trying to come up with that magic lineup to get your best lineup on the field.”
LEHMAN, from Page 10
On the offensive line, Cade Crawford, Chase Taylor (5’10”, 220) and Caleb Gomez (5’11”, 160) lead the way. Leon Garcia is also ex pected to be a big contributor.
Lance Moffett
Defensively, lineman Ezrah Machuca (5’8”, 240) is a run stopper.
“Whatever the situation … the thing about playing defense is you don’t ever know where you’ll be on the field,” he said. “Some bad things can happen, punt returns, kickoff returns, turnovers, fumbles. It’s their job to come out and get stops. Our community should take pride that no matter what, our kids are going to go out and answer the bell.”
Fellow lineman Tristan Compton is expected to be a big producer af ter playing offense in 2021. In the secondary, Josh Garcia and Winzer are top returners. Winzer picked off 5 passes in 2021 and tallied almost 50 tackles.
Chase Curry is also expected to produce big numbers in the Jag uars“Devin,backfield.he’s a big, powerful back,” Hoffman said. “We’re excited about him. Chase Curry, he’s a real dynamic back and we think he will be a special player for us.”
JOHNSON, from Page 14
Hoffman said Jaguar fans will see a defensive unit that will play hard and “get after it” this fall.
Lance Moffett began his career in education in 1992 as an assistant coach, social studies and physical education teacher at Katy ISD. He spent most of his career in the 1990s and early 2000s at Conroe ISD; where in 2004, he earned his first head football coach and athletic coor dinator position. From 2006 to present, he served in athletics leadership roles at Leander, Round Rock and Fredericksburg ISDs. During the years, Moffett has led his students to a variety of cham pionships, playoff runs and undefeated seasons in a variety of sports including football, basketball, and tennis. In 2013, he was named the District 27-3A Football Coach of the Year. Most notably, his programs through the years have often made the play offs in every sport and finished in the top 10 in the prestigious UIL Lone Star Cup, including a 4th place finish for the 2014-15 school year and a 5th place finish in 2017- 2018.
The 2021 Fredericksburg Battlin’ Billies finished 9-5 as Region 4 Finalists and played at Thanksgiving for the first time in 40 years and in the Regional Finals for the first time since 1966.
Hays ISD
Moffett holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science from Southwest Texas State University and a Master of Education in School Administration from Sam Houston State University.
At running back, junior Devin Blackwell (5’11”, 190) was named all-district a year ago. He’s joined in the backfield by Ethan Ybarra, who had 8 scores in 2021.
Moffett is currently the Hays CISD Athletic Director and will serve as an assistant individual sport coach at Hays CISD’s Live Oak Academy.
Barton Publications • 2022 Football Showcase 19
Receiver Caden Winzer (6’2”, 190), who has 4.4 speed in the 40yard dash, and Ethan McAlister (6’0,” 185) are the top returning re ceiving candidates for Medina. McAlister had 8 touchdowns and more than 700 yards receiving in 2021.“Chase McAlister is a big-play guy,” Hoffman said. “He’s been a big-play guy since his freshman year, since the school opened. He’s our go-to guy.”
Moffett leading Hays ISD athletics
“Cade Crawford and Leon Garcia are two guys with good size who we’ll be counting on,” Hoffman said.
Season tickets, including full- and half-season plans, are on sale now and start at $80 for a full season and $45 for half season. Fans can purchase season tickets and single-game tickets at TXST. com/tickets.
Texas State PREVIEW
Texas State running back Jahmyl Jeter looks for yardage during preseason practice. Jeter is the leading returning rusher for the Bobcats with 8 touchdowns in 2021 and looks to have another big year on the ground for the ’Cats this fall.
Key returners for the Bobcats include preseason All-Sun Belt selections and offensive linemen Dalton Cooper and Kyle Hergel. The two represent an experienced offensive line group that has a combined 205 career NCAA games played.
Other returners on the offensive side of the ball include running backs Calvin Hill and Jahmyl Jeter, who were the team’s leading rushers last season and combined to run for 1,098 yards and score 11 touchdowns on the ground. At the wide receiver position, the team also returns its top-two performers from a year ago: Marcell Barbee (40 receptions, 520 yards, 5 TDs) and Javen Banks (35 receptions, 548 yards, 5 TDs).
Rodgers, who has played in 43 career games as a Bobcat, led the squad in pass breakups with seven.
Defensively, Texas State returns junior linebacker Jordan Rev els, who was named to the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List as part of the preseason selections up for the top defensive player in the country. Revels is among the defensive starters who return for 2022, a group that includes outside linebacker Issiah Nixon, middle line backers London Harris and Sione Tupou and defensive backs De Jordan Mask and Kordell Rodgers. Tupou finished last year second on the team in tackles while Nixon led the team in forced fumbles.
Seth Keller, a Preseason All-Sun Belt honoree and Lou Groza Award Watch List selection (nation’s top kicker), highlights the list of returning specialists. Last season, Keller set a program-record with 15 field goals made, and he is currently sixth in school history with 23 career makes.
The 2022 season gets underway on September 3 at Nevada while the home opener is set for September 10 against FIU.
Bobcats excited for 2022 grid season
The Bobcats will host six opponents during its home schedule, including FIU, Houston Baptist (September 24), App State (October 8), Southern Miss (October 22), Arkansas State (November 19), and Louisiana (November 26).
Barton Publications • 2022 Football Showcase20
Texas State SID Dept.
The Texas State Bobcats are gearing up for the 2022 season. The Bobcats, under the direction of fourth year head coach Jake Spavital, will hold 20 days of practice over the course of August’s preseason camp in preparation for the upcoming season.
Texas State, which finished last season second in the Sun Belt’s West Division, returns 54 letter winners and 19 starters from last year’s roster to go with a class of more than 30 newcomers. In total, more than 70 percent of the Bobcat roster has FBS-level ex perience and nearly 80 percent have played a game at the NCAA or junior college level.
Hired on Nov. 30, 2018 as the 20th head coach in program history, Spavital, 37, came to Texas State having overseen some of the nation’s most prolific offenses and worked with multiple national award candidates.
A native of Tulsa, Okla. and son of a former high school football coach, Spavital was an offen sive coordinator and quarterbacks coach before taking the helm at Texas State. Across eight seasons, Spavital piloted the offenses at West Virginia, Cal and Texas A&M working under head coaches Dana Holgorsen, Sonny Dykes and Kevin Sumlin. He also worked with college star quarterbacks Will Grier (West Virginia), Davis Webb (Cal), John ny Manziel (Texas A&M), and Geno Smith (West Virginia).Asoffensive coordinator, Spavital piloted of fenses on teams that finished top-20 in the coun try in total offense six times, reached seven bowl games, and earned a spot in the national rankings in seven different seasons.
While Spavital stems from the Holgorsen coach ing tree – having worked with him in six different seasons starting in 2009 at Houston as a graduate as sistant – the former college quarterback spent three seasons at Texas A&M from 2013 to 2015 under Sumlin.Hebegan his time with the Aggies as the co-of fensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach in 2013 before assume sole play-calling responsibilities in 2014 and 2015 as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Working with quarterbacks Johnny Manziel, Kenny Hill, Kyle Allen, and Kyler Murray at Texas A&M, Spavital helped the Aggies finish the 2013 season ranked No. 18 in the final polls, reach three straight bowl games and post a pair of 8-win campaigns in both of his two seasons as the lone play-caller in 2014 and 2015. Spavital was a two-year letterman as a quarter back and punter for Missouri State from 2004 to 2007. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2008.
Barton Publications • 2022 Football Showcase 21
Spavital looks for growth in ‘22 Jake Spavital
In his first three years, the Bobcats have earned the program’s first FBS All-American honor, 19 AllSun Belt accolades, three NFF Hampshire Honor Society awards, and 31 Sun Belt Commissioner’s List academic selections.
Texas State SID Dept. Jake Spavital is in his fourth year as the head coach at Texas State and will once again call the offensive plays in 2022 for the third straight season.
Texas State also produced the program’s first FBS All-American during the 2020 season as Jeremiah Haydel was named a return specialist on the ESPN All-America First Team and punt return er on the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and Phil Steele All-America Second Teams. He ranked third nationally in combined kick return yardage and was one of only two FBS players to return a kickoff and punt for touchdowns.
The team has steadily improved in his tenure, in cluding a 2021 campaign that saw the Bobcats finish second in the Sun Belt’s West Division and play in seven, one-score games. Texas State was also able to end the season with a win in its last game for the first time in seven years. The team returns 54 lettermen to the team this fall.In 2020, the Bobcats dramatically improved their rushing game (131.2 yards/ game), which helped them average 369.7 total yards and 27.7 points.Those totals were their most since 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Barton Publications • 2022 Football Showcase22 Photos courtesy of Hays CISD and Dripping Springs ISD. SCENES FROM AREA BAND CAMPS
CALL NOW... SAVE MONEY !!! BUYING OR BUILDING I would love an opportunity to help � inance your home! •3% Down Payment Loans (Conventional $647,200 max loan) • 95% Conventional Loans... NO PMI (Max Loan $750,000) •VA Loans...NO Down Payment (Max Loan $1,500,000) (FULL ENTITLEMENT) •Jumbo Loans...89.99% LTV... NO PMI (Max Loan $1,000,000) •Construction Loans • Land Loans VP, LOAN OFFICER NMLS #228409 © 2019 SWBC. All rights reserved. Loans are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and conditions may apply. Programs and guidelines are subject to change without notice. Rates are subject to change daily. SWBC Mortgage Corporation, NMLS #9741 (www.nmisconsumeraccess.org). Corporate office located at 9311 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 100, San Antonio, Tx. 78216. LENDER CALL TODAY TO GET STARTED! prockett@swbc.com
