El Campo Leader News-Football Preview

Football Preview RICEBIRDS: Don’t count them out this season

HORNETS Will look different this season

RAIDERS Younger crew looks to make their mark

2019

RICEBIRD FOOTBALL: IT’S IN OUR BLOOD.

P.O. Box 1541, El Campo, TX 77437 Phone: 979-543-1453 Fax: 979-543-1533

We’re Cheering For A Great Season !

ECHS DERBY DOLLS Derby Dolls this 2019-20 school year are First row (l-r): Miranda Reed – Senior Lieutenant, Kendal Klatt – Junior Lieutenant, Jocelyn Pacheco – Junior Lieutenant, Alyson Saucedo – 1st Lieutenant, Chloe Bush – Captain, Kelly Stayton – Junior Lieutenant, Ava Hulsey – Junior Lieutenant, Kennedy Klatt – Junior Lieutenant. Second row (l-r): Aiyana Gonzalez, Lauren Drabek, Kimberly Reyna, McKenna Kulcak – President, Amerie Melendez, Teara Cooper, Rebekah Garcia, Andrea Alaniz – Recording Secretary, Hannah Sutton, Cambrie Priesmeyer. Third row (l-r): Daisy DeLaPena – Historian, Dharma Sabrsula, Sonya Catete, Brianna Shanks, Kailee Deloach, Taylor Watz – Vice President, Raven Colwell, Makayla Valenzuela, Bradejah Bradshaw, Aviah Jones. Fourth row (l-r): Makayla Vasquez, Kaitlyn Galvan, Elizabeth Garza, Sydney Acosta, Kayla Bolfing, Krysta Bubela – Corresponding Secretary, Trianna Manzano, Dominique Rodriguez, Kaylee Pena – Spirit Committee President, Natalie Garcia

Good luck to all area teams 2 EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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Enhanced coverage in time for ‘19 season It’s time to get serious about boys gave it their all and that’s football again – there’s a whole something to be mighty proud lot of boys counting on us. That’s of no matter what color of what it comes down to, isn’t it? uniform they happened to be The inherent bargain between wearing at the time.

That f0otball spirit is why we “our team” and the fans in the here at the Leaderstands – “I’ll cheer News publish this for you, if you give annual magazine, me something to one that would not cheer about.” be possible without Luckily for those the support of the living in El Campo, advertisers and Louise, Danevang, you, the readers.

Eagle Lake, Jones In addition to Creek and a whole Shannon Crabtree this publication, lot of rural land in we’re starting a new between, our teams countywide coverage effort rarely disappoint.

No, they don’t always just in time for football season, win the games, but I can’t all directed by Josh Reese, a recall a time when I’ve heard genuine “sports guy.” anybody say the boys in the Look for more website Ricebirds, Hornets or Raiders and social media coverage in uniforms had no heart. Quite addition to the award-winning the contrary, I’ve seen packed coverage you’ve come to expect stands and cheering crowds in the printed paper. Please for games the statisticians had “like” the Wharton County written off as “not having a Newspapers Sports page. And prayer of winning.” Why? Our “Go Team!” whichever is yours.

The 2019 El Campo Ricebird, Louise Hornet and Rice Consolidated Raiders Football Preview is a special section of the El Campo Leader-News. The El Campo Leader-News is published Wednesdays and Saturdays. For information, contact 979.543.3363 or visit www.leader-news.com.

Copyright 2019

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Ricebird Overview Down year, but still solid overall

By JOSHUA REESE sports@leader-news.com

2018 was a rough year for the El Campo Ricebirds. After winning the first two games of the season, the Ricebirds limped through the rest of the year picking up just one more win over the Fulshear Chargers.

Injuries and bad luck hampered the Ricebirds for much of the season and, after being playoff stalwarts, El Campo missed the playoffs, a shocker for those who follow the team.

Because of last year’s losses, many people have decided to write off El Campo this season. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine picked the Ricebirds to finish last in the district.

El Campo had a down year. But over the last five years, the Ricebirds still are by far the best team in the district despite having their worst season in recent memory, winning more than 70 percent of their games.

L-N Photo by Joshua Reese

Get Off Me

Freshmen running back Reuben Owens throws a stiff arm towards a defender during practice before the Ricebirds first scrimmage.

(See PAST FIVE, Page 5)

GO BIRDS

GOOD LUCK

ALL AREA TEAMS!

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—Past five years Birds still on top (Continued from Page 4)

“It speaks to the program,” El Campo Head Coach Wayne Condra said.

“Even though we had a down year, like we’ve said before, that 3-7 could have easily have been a 7-3 with a (turnover) here and a (turnover)

there and things like that.

We’ve got to get back to Ricebird football – playing for 48 minutes and getting after it on both sides of the football and on special teams.”

Over the past five years, the Ricebirds have been the stand out in district even with their three-win season

last year. “(El Campo) is a great, storied program,” Condra said. “When you look at the entire history of El Campo football, we’re close to 700 total victories. It’s one of those things to take pride in.

But as a player, you’ve got to realize you’re going to get ev-

erybody’s best shot.”

Over the past five years, teams have had their ups and downs, but the one consistent is they want to beat the Ricebirds.

“Beating El Campo gives you confidence no matter (See DISTRICT, Page 6)

Where there is Unity there is Victory..

Go Raiders!

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—District (Continued from Page 5) what,” Wharton Coach Chad Butler said.

Last year, Wharton was one of the many teams that picked on the Ricebirds while they were down, grabbing a win over them for the first time in years. With the Ricebirds routinely one of the better teams in district, teams are normally play their best games when they play El Campo.

“You’ll watch a game a week before we play somebody and they might turn the ball over six times,” Condra said. “I guarantee you not a single one of those turnovers will happen against us because their guys are going to be a little more up and a little more into it. We got to realize that and we’ve got to play our best game.”

“As a player, you’ve got to realize you’re going to get everybody’s best shot,” – Wayne Condra Ricebirds Head Coach District Needville Bluejays

The Ricebirds won’t have to deal with quarterback Kenny Hrncir anymore. However, running back Ashton Stredick, who rushed for nearly 2,000 yards last season, is still someone they’ll have to try and contain this year.

Sealy Tigers

Without Garret Zaskoda throwing the ball and running back Ivan Bolden carrying the ball, the Tigers will have to retool this season.

While they are missing skill positions on offense Garrett Redden, who had nearly 200

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total tackles last year, will return.

Bay City Black Cats

Life after quarterback Dylan Davidson will take some adjusting to for the Black Cats. The Ricebirds, however, won’t complain about not seeing him this season. They still will have to deal with R.J. Mitchell who complied for 995 yards and 13 touchdowns between running and receiving for one more year.

West Columbia Roughnecks

Roughnecks had a hardhitting defense last year, giving up around 10 points a

game in district. They will return a lot of skill players this year including quarterback Cameron Ward who threw for more than 1,000 yards last season.

Brazosport Exporters

Former Santa Fe Head Coach Mark Kanipes will lead Brazosport this season.

The Exporters are returning a lot of talent this season, including starting quarterback Brendan Brimage and running back Daraell Preston.

Defensive back Kevin Davis, who had 10 interceptions and two against the Ricebirds, could be a thorn in the Ricebirds’ side again this year.

Fulshear Chargers

The Chargers are only in their second season of varsity football. They gave the Ricebirds everything they could handle last year, but the Chargers will be led by a new quarterback after Keaton Hubner graduated.

Eat, Sleep, Play Football Go Raiders!

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Ricebird Offense Offensive line needs to dominate

By JOSHUA REESE sports@leader-news.com

Running the ball is something the Ricebirds take pride in. With a healthy offensive line, they normally have the running backs to rack up the yards. Last season, the offensive line wasn’t healthy all year which meant they kept getting younger as injuries mounted. They also lost their bell-cow running back Nery Enriquez to graduation.

While the Birds did find a new running back in now junior Charles Shorter, he didn’t equal the production of Enriquez.

To help gain yards, El Campo actually threw the ball a decent amount last season. Overall on the season, the Ricebirds scored nearly two touchdowns less a game in 2018. During district in 2017, El Campo scored on average 34 points a game.

Last season it was down to 21 points a game.

In practices and during the Ricebirds first scrim-

L-N Photo by Joshua Reese

Blocking

During practice, some members of the Ricebird offensive line work on blocking drills with assistant coach Craig George.The Ricebirds return nine linemen this season. mage with La Grange, the running has looked crisp.

“We were able to control the line of scrimmage,” Head Coach Wayne Condra said

following the scrimmage with La Grange. “They put a lot of guys up there, but we were able to single it out and get after it.”

A position of strength for the Ricebirds this season should be the offensive line.

Not only are starters return(See RUNNING, Page 8)

Good Luck To All Our Local Teams!

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—Running (Continued from Page 7) ing this season healthy again, but the players who filled in last year are coming back with experience.

The Ricebirds won’t return a quarterback this year. Senior Clay Jung looks to have the position locked down getting a lot of first-team repetitions. Junior Cullen Braden, senior Jace Voldan and sophomore Isiah Anderson could see time as backups.

Running the ball is the main source of offense for the Ricebirds and they have three backs returning including junior Charles Shorter who racked up 1,000 plus yards as a first-year varsity starter. Also returning is Rance Thornton, Javien Williams.

(See RETURNERS, Page 15)

Breaking Free

L-N Photo by Joshua Reese

Sophomore Jacob Lopez busts free against the La Grange Leopards defense during the Ricebirds first scrimmage.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL AREA TEAMS! El Campo Ricebirds ••• Louise Hornets ••• St. Philip Pioneers

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ADRIEN ARRAMBIDE

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DONTAVIAN BLUNTSON

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GRIFFEN CROIX

JACKSON DAVID

JOHNTRE DAVIS

J’TREN DORSEY

CADE DUBROC

DEVON EARLS

EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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HAL ERWIN

MASON FUECHEC

JONATHAN GONZALEZ

LUPE GONZALEZ

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CLAY JUNG

JUAN LEAL

JACOB LOPEZ

NOAH MAHER

HARRIS MICKELSON

ISAIAH MILLER

KERRY NORTH

MICHAEL ORTIZ

DESHARD OWENS

REUBEN OWENS

COLTON PIETSCH

COLE RIHA

CHARLES SHORTER

RANCE THORNTON

10 EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW

TRAYTON VACLAVICK

MARCUS VALENZUELA

MATTHEW VAN GORP

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2019 Ricebird Seniors/Trainers Photo above, bottom row: (l-r) Michael Ortiz, Hector Cerda, Deshard Owens, Javien Williams, Rance Thornton, Isaiah Miller and Jace Voldan. Middle row: (l-r): Adrien Arrambide, Mason Fuechec, Dario Alcala, Cole Riha, Head Coach Wayne Condra, Edmund Weinheimer and Colton Pietsch.Third row: (l-r) Matthew Van Gorp, J’Tren Dorsey, Jonathan Gonzalez, Clay Jung,

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L-N Photos by Joshua Reese

Lupe Gonzalez, Dontavian Bluntson and Marcus Valenzuela.

Fourth row: (l-r): Noah Maher, Conner Williams, Griffen Croix, Cade DuBroc and Devon Earls. Photo below, bottom row: (l-r) Danielle Earls, Christian Vasquez, Allison Bena and Raylynn Rodriguez. Top row: (l-r) Meredith Rek, Dean Easter and Kristen Nugent.

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2019 Derby Dolls Derby Dolls this 2019-20 school year are First row (l-r): Miranda Reed – Senior Lieutenant, Kendal Klatt – Junior Lieutenant, Jocelyn Pacheco – Junior Lieutenant, Alyson Saucedo – 1st Lieutenant, Chloe Bush – Captain, Kelly Stayton – Junior Lieutenant, Ava Hulsey – Junior Lieutenant, Kennedy Klatt – Junior Lieutenant. Second row (l-r): Aiyana Gonzalez, Lauren Drabek, Kimberly Reyna, McKenna Kulcak – President, Amerie Melendez, Teara Cooper, Rebekah Garcia, Andrea Alaniz – Recording Secretary, Hannah Sutton, Cambrie Priesmeyer.

Third row (l-r): Daisy DeLaPena – Historian, Dharma Sabrsula, Sonya Catete, Brianna Shanks, Kailee Deloach, Taylor Watz – Vice President, Raven Colwell, Makayla Valenzuela, Bradejah Bradshaw, Aviah Jones. Fourth row (l-r): Makayla Vasquez, Kaitlyn Galvan, Elizabeth Garza, Sydney Acosta, Kayla Bolfing, Krysta Bubela – Corresponding Secretary, Trianna Manzano, Dominique Rodriguez, Kaylee Pena – Spirit Committee President, Natalie Garcia

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Ricebird Defense Defense draws on experience

By JOSHUA REESE sports@leader-news.com

Forced Throw Senior defensive linemen Dontavian Bluntson breaks through the La Grange Leopard offensive line forcing a quick throw from the quarterback.

Two seasons ago, the Ricebirds had the second-best defense in the district. Last year, they had no such luck.

With only two returning starters, El Campo was young and they had a problem tackling causing them to slump, giving up more than 30 points a game.

Like with the offense, the defense had a hard time staying healthy which also kept them from being successful

L-N Photo

by Joshua Reese

(See DEFENSE, Page 19)

GOOD LUCK TO OUR GRIDIRON GLADIATORS. 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!

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Arm Tackle

L-N Photo by Joshua Reese

Senior running back Deshard Owens runs through a La Grange Leopard arm tackle during the Ricebirds first scrimmage of the year. Owens is one of a handful of running backs looking to earn carries this season.

—Returners (Continued from Page 8) Freshmen Reuben Owens and sophomore Johntre Davis have shown well in camp.

Backs who could also see action this year are Jacob Lopez, Deshard Owens, Kyle Balcar and Tyler Baklik.

The deepest position on the team will be the road graders opening holes for the running backs. Nine linemen and tight ends are returning this season. Senior Dontavian Bluntson who was injured his whole junior season but was a starter as a sophomore, will be back. Senior Matthew Van Gorp suffered an injury during the Ricebirds first scrimmage, but he’s expected back in the next few weeks.

The Birds will count on a heavy senior-laden group of Cole Rhia, Devon Earls, Dario Alcala, Edmund Weinheimer and J-Tren Dorsey

and senior tight ends Conner Williams and Cade DuBroc.

Other linemen who could see time this year are, Lupe Gonzalez, Kade Johansen, Kerry North, Adrien Arrambide, Juan Leal and Oziel Alanis.

Tight ends also in the mix are Harris Mickelson and Trayton Vaclavick.

The wide receiver position won’t see a guy who catches 1,000 yards, but the Ricebirds do count on them for big catches from time-totime and for plenty of downfield blocking.

Returning this year is senior Griffen Croix and sophomores Kaden Alcalais and Nathan Willis. Freshman Hal Erwin has made some nice grabs during camp and could have earned playing time along with Jackson David, Colton Pietsch, Jonathan Gonzalez, Marcus Valenzuela, Michael Ortiz, Noah Maher, Isaiah Miller, Joshua Mendonza, Mason Fuechec and Hector Cerda.

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2019 EL Campo Ricebird Varsity Roster Bottom row: (l-r) Hector Cerda, Clay Jung, Adrien Arrambide, Kyle Balcar, Michael Ortiz, Rance Thornton and Javien Williams. Second row (l-r) Tyler Baklik, Hal Erwin, Kade Johansen,Trayton Vaclavick, Cade DuBroc, Harris Mickelson, Griffen Croix, Conner Williams, Cullen Braden, Reuben Owens, Jonathan Gonzalez and Dontavian Bluntson.Third row: (l-r) Mason Fuechec, Oziel Alanis, Noah Maher, Lupe Gonzalez, Kerry

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L-N Photo by Joshua Reese

North, Nathan Willis, Johntre Davis, Dario Alcala, Edmund Weinheimer, Devon Earls, Juan Leal and Matthew Van Gorp. Fourth row: (l-r) Jacob Lopez, Jace Voldan, J-Tren Dorsey, Marcus Valenzuela, Jackson David, Kaden Alcalais, Deshard Owens, Charles Shorter, Isaiah Anderson, Isaiah Miller, Colton Pietsch and Cole Riha. Not pictured Joshua Mendoza.

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L-N Photo by Joshua Reese

Condra, Dean Easter, Gabe Cavazos and Kristen Nugent. Back row: (l-r) Ross Rakowitz, James Harp, Russell Krenek, Chris Burrows and Derrick Cash.

L-N Photo by Joshua Reese

The Flash During the Ricebirds first scrimmage, senior defensive tackle Javien Williams (24) blows through everyone on the offensive line actually beating the snapped football to the La Grange Leopard quarterback. The Ricebirds last season allowed 30

—Defense (Continued from Page 14) during the year.

In the Ricebirds first bit of live-action, a scrimmage with La Grange, the defense did not give up much and the tackling was improved.

With a healthy senior defensive tackle Dontavian Bluntson paired with senior defensive tackle Javien Williams, defensives will have a hard time figuring out who to stop.

In the Ricebirds first scimmage the duo at times faced double teams which freed the other and follow

defensive players for an easier pass rush.

“Those two guys have a lot of experience,” Ricebirds Head Coach Wayne Condra said. “Unfortunately (Bluntson) wasn’t able to play for us last year, but he was a big piece of our defensive line (the year before). Javien’s been there three years so we’re looking for good things from them.”

Many players on the Ricebirds are called upon to play both offense and defense, which was especially the case last year with injuries plaguing the team. However, the players who had to fill in last year will come into this season with experience.

On the defensive line,

points a game in district. If Williams and the rest of the defense can cause disruptions like this on Friday nights, the Ricebirds defense could be a force this season. seniors Dario Alcala and Bluntson return along with Williams at defensive tackle.

At end, senior Cade DuBroc returns.

Also in the mix on the line and at defensive end, Johntre Davis, Deshard Owens, Edmund Weinheimer, Cole Riha, Juan Leal, Adrien Arrambide, Kerry North, Kade Johansen, Devon Earls, J-Tren Dorsey, Lupe Gonzalez, Harris Mickelson and Trayton Vaclavick.

At the linebacker core, they will return three starters, seniors Clay Jung and Matthew Van Gorp and junior Kaden Alcalais.

Also in the mix for playing time are Oziel Alanis and Tyler Baklik along with Conner

Williams.

The secondary for the Ricebirds remains fairly intact this season.

Returning this year to keep wide receivers in check will be seniors Griffen Croix and Colton Pietsch and juniors Nathan Willis and Charles Shorter.

Others who could see time this year are Jackson David, Cullen Braden and Isiah Anderson, along with Michael Ortiz, Noah Maher, Isaiah Miller, Joshua Mendoza, Mason Fuechec, Hector Cerda, Marcus Valenzuela, Rance Thornton, Kyle Balcar, Jonathan Gonzalez, Jacob Lopez, Jace Voldan, Hal Erwin and Reuben Owens.

EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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Hornet Overview

L-N Photo by Joshua Reese

Pursuit Drill During a pursuit drill at a Hornet practice, Roy Arrambide runs with the ball as Dustin Roberts and the rest of the Hornets defense runs towards the sideline. The Hornets defense returns

their top two tacklers from last season juniors, Daylon Machicek and Wylee Strelec.

New team, new style, new Hornets

By JOSHUA REESE sports@leader-news.com

“We’ve got to rebuild a new group of kids coming in. Our whole backfield is new,”

The Louise Hornets are in a transition this year. After three seasons, Head Coach Heath Clawson left to be an assistant coach with the Aledo Bearcats. After a search, learning a new style and systhe Hornets will have a new tem this year, they are also playbook to learn from after having to replace a handful long-time Louise Assistant of four-year iron-man starters after graduation. WithCoach Joe Bill was hired.

While the Hornets will be out Colin Gonzales, Aaron 20 EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW

– Joe Bill Hornets Head Coach

Cardenas, Kristian Munoz, Kyler Marek and Morgan Williams, who graduated and the other athletes who didn’t come out to play this season, they are returning 155 of the

Hornets 4,456 passing, rushing and receiving yards from last season.

“We’ve got to rebuild a (See YOUNG, Page 21)

—Young (Continued from Page 20) new group of kids coming in,” Bill said. “Our whole backfield is new. The backfield is learning a new system.”

The Hornets this year will be going away from the spread offense as they shift into more of a running and power ground attack.

“They’re buying in,” Bill said. “They’re starting to realize they’re going to have to be aggressive off the football and stay on your blocks longer. The way our offense is you have to attack and be able to get off the ball.”

On the defensive side of the ball, the Hornets are returning juniors Daylon Machicek and Wylee Strelec who both had over 80 tackles last season, the highest on the (See PLAYOFFS, Page 26)

Get Out Of My Way

L-N Photo by Joshua Reese

Senior defensive lineman Danny Williams throws a Hornet out of the way during a drill at practice as he sets his sight on a target he needs to tackle.

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DUSTIN ROBERTS

WYLEE STRELEC

CHRISTOPHER VASQUEZ

ALEX VENTURA

ETHAN WENDELL

DANNY WILLIAMS

BLAYKE YEAGER

Louise Football Coaching Staff

Contributed Photo

Davis Page, Andrew Denny, Chris Chromcak, head coach Joe Bill, Brian Blank, Daniel Gaona Jr. and Ethan Zezula.

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23

Lets Go Raiders!

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IMEK CONTRU H S CT OR T I IC

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2019 Hornets Photo above the 2019 Hornets are bottom row: (l-r) Kaden Orsak, Blayke Yeager, Robert Montes, Cameron Cortez and Mason Orsak. Middle row: (l-r) Leo Torres, Daylan Machicek, Christopher Vasquez, Fransisco Avalos, Danny Williams,Wylee Strelec and Michael Gusman. Top row: (l-r) Roy Arrambide,

Contributed Photo

Daniel Gaona II, Alex Ventura, Dustin Roberts, Derek Luna, Ethan Wendell, Marco Torres, Angel Reyes and Dylan Bronikowsky. Not pictured Rodrick Larkin. Photo below the 2019 Hornets seniors (l-r) Luna, Williams, Gusman, Montes, Orsak, Avalos and Cortez.

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25

—Playoffs (Continued from Page 21) team.

The Hornets will be young this season, they will have to rely on a lot of new faces. Of the 27 athletes who started at the beginning of the season last year, only seven are returning. The numbers are also smaller for Louise, who as of their first scrimmage had a team of 22. However, Bill is hoping to see more athletes continue to come out.

“Our numbers are really, really low this year, (but) I think we’re going to have a decent (defensive and offensive) line this year. Our line is pretty good, Bill said.

Last year, the Hornets went 3-7 and made the playoffs, losing to Granger by one score. Granger ended up going three rounds deep.

Laying The Sting

L-N Photo by Joshua Reese

Junior defensive back Wylee Strelec puts the hit on a ball carrier during practice.

This season the Hornets will get a crack once more at all the teams they played in the 2018 regular season, starting with the cross-county rivalry with Ganado who’ll come to Louise this year.

“Our district will be really

tough,” Bill said. “We’ve got (Burton), Flatonia, Somerville and Snook. Snook is going to be really tough. Number one, we’re looking to win that first football game, get in the playoffs and win a playoff game.”

Despite having to essentially start from scratch this season, making the playoffs and winning a playoff game isn’t that far-fetched of a plan for the Hornets. While they play in a tough district, they only have to win one game to make it to the playoffs. Once they make it into the postseason everyone starts back at 0-0. Two years ago, the Hornets won two games and still beat their first-round opponent. Last season they won three games and came a whistle or two away from winning another first-round game.For Louise, making or not making the playoffs came down to Somerville.

The Hornets last season, hit them hard, winning 51-6.

In the game, Gonzales scored seven touchdowns. Somerville, likely remembers that game, and without Gonzales, the playing field might be equalized a little more this year.

Good Luck to the El Campo Ricebirds & Louise Hornets!

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Raider Overview

Younger Raiders have tougher fight in district

By JOSHUA REESE sports@leader-news.com

With a new head coach last season, the Rice Consolidated Raiders returned to the playoffs after a one-year absence. In 2018, the Raiders won the district championship and they went three rounds deep in the playoffs before losing to Edna.

While head coach Jared Sloan remains the same, the

team he’s putting together this season will be different from last year. A heavy senior class helped carry the Raiders last year, but he’ll have no such luck this season. Rice Consolidated will have a smaller senior class and will have to count a lot on underclassmen this year.

Overall the Raiders are returning 17 players who were (See BACK, Page 28)

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Returner

L-N Photo by Joshua Reese

Senior Ian Hargrove runs with the football during a Raiders practice. Hargrove will look to make his mark at quarterback this season for the Raiders replacing Darren Gentry.

w w w. e l c a m p o k i d s d e n t i s t r y . c o m EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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—Back (Continued from Page 27) on the roster last season.

“We’re going to use every moment here that we can in (training camp) to find those pieces,” Sloan said.

The Raiders won’t have district MVP Tarris Fields this season after graduating last year, but they will return senior Warren Scott who made first-team all-district at both running back and corner last season.

Senior tight end RJ Zarate, junior offensive lineman Taj Fields and junior Dontavion Fuller, all received secondteam honors last season.

“The biggest thing for us, the core group of kids are back,” Sloan said. “They can make plays for us, but we’ve got to get those young kids to (See DISTRICT, Page 30)

L-N Photo by Joshua Reese

Hands Off

Junior Dontavion Fuller throws out the stiff arm on a defender during Raiders practice.

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L-N Photo by Joshua Reese

Raider Line Members of the Raiders line work on a blocking drill during practice. Coach Sloan believes the offensive line is a

deep position on the Raiders “We have about six battling for five spots,” he said.

The Raiders varsity team photo was not available before printing.

Good Luck to our Area Teams!

109 Higbee St. •EC 979-543-3922 EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW

29

—District (Continued from Page 28) step up on defense.”

Scott and Ian Hargrove are coming back and they accounted for more than 1,500 yards of rushing and receiving last year.

The Raiders will know a lot about their team early. Their first two games are against East Bernard and Tidehaven, teams who went deep in the playoffs last season.

Once they get inside district play, teams will be looking to dethrone the champs from a season ago. All through district, the Raiders will face tougher and better teams this season.

“I think our district is a very, very competitive district,” Sloan said. “I think it’s going to be quality across the board. Boling brings

Hand Off

L-N Photo by Joshua Reese

Senior Ian Hargrove works on the play action as he gets ready to pull the football back from junior Erick Barboza during practice. back the running back they ceiver. He’s a talented and had last year and they had a explosive kid. Hempstead strong junior varsity. Pala- has athletes all over the field cios has (Camron) Polk who and they show up to play. can play quarterback or re- Hitchcock, they’re going to

have athletes everywhere and they were really young last year. They got a kid at quarterback who I think is a D I quarterback. He’s about a 6’3/6’4 kid and a multi-sport athlete. Up the road from us is Columbus. They got some really good talent coming back in (Brock) Schobel at quarterback, (Kion) Hurd at running back and (Jessie) Upson at receiver. They got a lot of skill kids back. They graduated their offensive line, but they still got all their skill kids back. I think that’s the team everyone thinks is the front runner for a district championship.”

Last year Columbus took the Raiders to the brink before they pulled out the three-point win. This year that same test will happen in the final regular-season game but at home at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

LET’S GO BIG RED!!!

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Good luck El Campo Ricebirds & Louise Hornets!

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31

Stiff Arm

L-N Photo by Joshua Reese

Junior El Campo running back Charles Shorter throws out the stiff arm on a defender during practice.This year you can find more sports content from not just the Ricebirds but all the teams in the content on the Wharton County Newspapers Sports Facebook page. Find extra content their from the games, events and practices we cover throughout Wharton county.

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Contributed Photo

2019 Varsity Ricebird Cheerleader Bottom row: (l-r) Makenzie Cortez, Briana Dorotik and Kelsey Mireles. Middle row: (l-r) Corri Rodriguez, Aubrey Samaripa, Madisyn Cortez, Ariana Rodriguez, Delilah Valenzuela, Megan

Foegelle,Alexia Alcalais.Top row: (l-r) Kennedy Ritz, Sydney Alford, Ajalae Lacour, Ricky Ricebird is Bre Berry, Skylar Bartosh, Marion Croix and Julia Foegelle.

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2019 Band and Color Guard Row one L-R: Drum Majors Matthew Van Gorp, Haley Burrow and Ryan Garcia. Row two L-R: Mackenzie Harper, Dharma Reed, Jennifer Casarez,Ashley Velasquez, Rosendo Munoz, Christian Muniez, Madisen Breland, Matthew Reyna, Fabian Rosas, Nathan Fisher and Ana Medellin. Row three L-R: Maranda Johnson, Kaitlyn Nicks, Joseph Adams, Blaine Cobb, Gage Rubesh, Luc Marcaurele, Avery Viktorin, Leslie Zahn, Karina Ramirez, Jonathan Fisher, Michelle Brito and Stefany Flota. Row four L-R:Victor Cruz,Adrian Cruz, Ryan Mejia, Gabriella Sardelich,Tori Biskup,Trenton Smith, Alejandro Fernandez, Jaylin Hawkins, Conner King, Derek Brito, Jason Rodriguez, Joa Janda, Andres Guevara and Seth Mallory. Row five L-R: Isabel Rodriguez, Eduardo Garcia,Ashley Mancine, Samiya Smith, Diana Mejia, Mikayla Longoria, Janaiya Williams, Camille Gonzales, Mia Cruz, Andrew Ortiz, Cole DeLeon, Alisa Tumlinson, Rylee Zapata and Sophia McLain. Row six L-R: Roger Balderas, Francisco

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L-N Photo by Joshua Reese

Gallardo, Grace Evans, Meredith Rek, LaZette Torres, Kianna Spears, Elizabeth Cadena, Alexandra Montes, Jackson Merck, Cedric Kimble, Luis Fonseca, Jacob Diaz and Brian Sanchez. Row seven L-R: Leo Lopez, Xavier Moreno, Jeyda Smith, Marcus Valenzuela, Jason Martinez, Silas Benfield, Sergio Sepeda, Marlon Enriquez, Marcos Ontiveros, Jesse Alameda, Feliz Vargas, Cullen Ardner and Yanira Cardona. Row eight L-R: Carlos Ramos, Dominiko Munoz, Ismael Brito, Justin Reyna, Jose Brito,Alex Gonzalez, Lesley Mireles, David Reese and Dylan Gutierrez. Row nine L-R:Valerie Herrera, Melody Espinosa, Christina Cole, Cesilia Reyna, Breanna Martinez, Daniela Alba, Amy Martinez, Maria Enriquez, Keyly Guzman, Gladiz Reyna, Angel Lisette Guajardo, Joann Rangel, Chelsie Cobia, Gillian Mendoza, Alya Cerda, Karina Dominguez, Camille Ramos and Marissa Barron.

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35

2019 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Date

Time

Location

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Nov. 1 Nov. 8

7:00 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30

@ Texas City Rockport-Fulton Cuero @ Wharton @ Needville Fulshear @ Brazosport Sealy @ Bay City Columbia

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8

7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30

Ganado @ Kenedy Bloomington Sacred Heart @ Stockdale @ Brazos @ Burton Somerville @ Snook Flatonia

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8

7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30

East Bernard @ Tidehaven Hallettsville @ Luling Brazos Palacios Boling @ Hitchcock Columbus @ Hempstead

W/L

Score

GOOD LUCK EL CAMPO, LOUISE & RAIDERS FOOTBALL THIS UPCOMING SEASON! 36 EL CAMPO LEADER-NEWS | FOOTBALL PREVIEW