The Banner Press Fall Sports Preview | August 2019 | Brenham, Texas | 3
Brenham Cubs
class 5a division II ————————————— District 13 —————————————
2019 Schedule
By Dave Campbell’s Texas Football
BASTROP BEARS Aug. 30 | 7 p.m.
@ Magnolia West
Sept. 6 | 7 p.m. vs Waller
Sept. 14 | 6 p.m. @ Heights
(Delmar Stadium)
Sept. 27 | 7 p.m.
vs cedar creek
##
Oct. 4 | 7 p.m. @ east view
#
Oct. 11 | 7 p.m.
vs marble falls
###
Oct. 18 | 7 p.m. vs elgin
#
Oct. 25 | 7 p.m. @ bastrop
#
Nov. 1 | 7 p.m. vs glenn
# -senior night-
Nov. 8 | 7 p.m. @ weiss
# District Game ## Homecoming ### Hall of honor
#
Coach: Todd Patmon. Lettermen R/L : 27/22. Starters returning O/D: 6/6. 2018: 6-5 bi-district finalist/4-3 district. Players to watch: QB Desmond Young (6-0, 190, 4.6), LB Tyrin Smith (6-0, 194, 4.6), OL Mark Currie (6-5, 353), DB Fayzion Madison (6-0, 178, 4.6), WR Cole Tidwell (511, 174, 4.5), DB Keylin Hodge (5-9, 173, 4.6). Top juniors: DL Cayden Scott (6-2, 268), DB Brett Rice (511, 171, 4.5). Top sophomore: DE Joseph Overton (6-2, 216, 4.9). Other prospects: RB Edward Brown, RB Romelleo Flores-Giles, WR Nathan Blair, LB Xavier Williams, LB Logan Gaskey, OL Jude Dennis. 2019 notes: Expectations are a bit higher in Bastrop. Patmon welcomes back 12 starters and a talented group who jump up from the JV. QB Young (1,250 yards, 14 TDs passing) is a dual-threat signal-caller who’ll work well with WRs Blair (388 yards receiving) and Tidwell (157 yards, 4 TDs receiving). RBs FloresGiles and Brown form a solid combo. The defense should be much improved as LBs Smith (68 tackles), Williams (77 tackles) and Gaskey (68 tackles) return after starting together last season. DE Overton provides the pass rush while OL Scott moves into the lineup after starting on offense. DBs Madison (79 tackles, 4 INTs) and Hodge (39 tackles) welcome speedster Rice into the lineup to lock down opposing receivers.
BRENHAM CUBS
Coach: Eliot Allen. Lettermen R/L: 21/21. Starters returning O/D: 6/5. 2018: 8-5 regional semifinalist/5-2 district. Players to watch: DE Lonnie Brown (6-0, 215, 4.8), OL Garrett Wiesepape (6-2, 300, 5.4), QB Garrison Weiss (5-9, 155, 4.6), DL Tamarcus McWilliams (6-1, 298, 5.2), RB/ LB Daylon McCowan (6-1, 195, 4.6), LB Dane Howk (5-10, 190, 4.8), OL Keaton Altman (6-5, 250, 5.4), DB Keanu Jones (5-10, 160, 4.5), WR/DB Eric Hemphill (510, 150, 4.5), QB Alldyn Schroeder, DE Jontavian Robinson, RB/LB Zyton Smith, LB/RB Carson Draehn, WR/ DB Yann Toussom, WR/DB Jackson Mueller, WR/DB Trayvion Britton. 2019 notes: A strong core of returning players hope to help the Cubs roar again after a regional semifinal appearance in Allen’s first year. QB Schroeder returns after missing most of last season. ATH Weiss (1,754 yards, 11 TDs passing) and RB/LB McCowan (517 yards, 11 TDs rushing; 67 tackles) give the Cubs a pair of speedy offensive threats. WR Toussom (23 catches,
6 | The Banner Press Fall Sports Preview | August 2019 | Brenham, Texas
357 yards receiving) is a big-play threat on the outside. OLs Wiesepape and Altman return to anchor the line. All-district DLs Brown (38 tackles) and McWilliams (27 tackles) lead the defense along with DE Robinson (45 tackles), LB Howk (55 tackles) and DB Jones. Look for emerging DB Hemphill to work his way into the mix.
CEDAR CREEK EAGLES
Coach: Jon Edwards. Lettermen R/L: 24/13. Starters returning O/D: 6/10. 2018: 4-6/3-4 district. Players to watch: LB Cade Edwards (6-0, 212), DL Alfred Collins (6-5, 255), WR/DB Jevon Livingston (5-8, 170), LB Reggie Smith (5-9, 195), LB Josh Garza (5-9, 180). Top juniors: DB Damian Perez (510, 165), RB Dominic Mojica (5-11, 180). Other prospects: WR Payne Allen, DB/WR Davin Winston WR/DB Clay Vinklarek, LB Ja’Faar Johnson, QB Tim Caldwell, OL Dalton Hormess, OL Carlos Medina, DB/WR De’Shaun Gants, WR Aidan Prinz, DB/QB Ashton Figueroa. 2019 notes: A late-season swoon left the Eagles on the outside looking in at just the second playoff berth in school history. Led by DE Collins (92 tackles, 10 sacks), the Eagles hope to take the next step and play into mid-November. LBs Edwards (126 tackles), Smith (66 tackles) and Garza (66 tackles) return, DB Perez (2 INTs) and DB/WR Livingston (2 INTs) make a formidable combination in the secondary. RB Mojica (749 yards, 6 TDs rushing) will carry the load on offense, running behind a line featuring OLs Hormess and Medina. WRs Livingston (548 receiving yards), Winston, Vinklarek and Prinz will pressure opposing defenses.
EAST VIEW PATRIOTS
Coach: Jerod Fikac. Lettermen R/L: 12/30. Starters returning O/D: 5/5. 2018: 6-5 bi-district finalist/5-2 district. Players to watch: RB/ DB Isaiah Quinton-Jackson (5-8, 180,4.6), QB Jackson Coulson (5-9, 175,4.7), DB D.K Little (6-3, 180, 45), OL Ethan Holan (6-0, 250, 5.7), DL Roland Hines (5-8, 220, 5.0), DB Dalton Love (5-9, 175,4.6), OL Cole Smith (6-0, 250, 5.2), OL McKenly Mclaughlin (5-10, 240, 5.1). Top sophomore: DB/WR Trevaun Allen (59,165,4.7). 2019 notes: Fresh off their first postseason trip since 2014, the Patriots want to keep moving in the right direction. OLs Mclaughlin (16 pancakes), Holan (15 pancakes) and Smith (10 pancakes) anchor a line that should give QB Coulson (1,957 yards, 23 TDs passDISTRICT continued on page 8
Burton
Panthers
class 2a division II ————————————— District 14 —————————————
2019 Schedule
By Dave Campbell’s Texas Football
BURTON PANTHERS Aug. 30 | 7:30 p.m. vs Lexington
Sept. 6 | 7:30 p.m. vs milano
##
Sept. 13 | 7:30 p.m. vs shiner
Sept. 20 | 7:30 p.m. @ Weimar
FLATONIA BULLDOGS
Sept. 27 | 7:30 p.m. @ Iola
Oct. 4 | 7:30 p.m. @ Rogers
Oct. 11 | 7:30 p.m. @ Flatonia
#
Oct. 18 | 7:30 p.m. vs Louise
#
#
Nov. 8 | 7:30 p.m. # -senior night-
Coach: Chris Freytag. Lettermen R/L: 14/6. Starters returning O/D: 7/9. 2018: 6-6 area finalist/2-2 district. Players to watch: RB Dakory Willis (6-0, 190), QB Juan Nerro (6-0, 190), OL Cameron Becker (511, 250), LB Erek Herrera (5-10, 180), RB Chris Johnston (5-10, 180, 4.5), WR Ricardo Oliveras, LB Izick Hernandez, DL Dylan Schaefer, DB Chris Olmos, OL Matthew Ponewash, LB Justin Marke, LB Alden Kloesel, LB Alex Hernandez. 2019 notes: The Bulldogs return 16 starters looking to build on last year’s area-round playoff team, led by RBs Willis (1,321 yards, 15 TDs rushing) and Johnston (834 yards, 7 TDs rushing). QB Netro (477 yards rushing, 462 passing, 14 total TDs) also returns. OL Becker is a multi-year starter up front. LB Herrera (96 tackles) spearheads the defense along with LB Hernandez (66 tackles) and DB Olmos (2 INTs).
LOUISE HORNETS
Nov. 1 | 7 p.m.
@ somerville
vs snook
Coach: Jason Hodde. Lettermen R/L: 15/8. Starters returning O/D: 6/5. 2018: 10-3 regional finalist/4-0 district. Players to watch: QB/ DB Cash Callahan (6-1, 192), RB/DL Demarcus Wilson (5-9, 185), LB Cooper Lucherk (6-0, 190), OL/DL Cade Weiss (6-0, 275), OL/ DL Caleb Fuchs (5-9, 225), OL/DE Waylon Hinze, LB Tristan Alexander. 2019 notes: The reigning district champs have a different look, but Hodde hopes a new group can produce similar results. RB/DB Callahan takes the reins and provides big-playability on both sides. RB Wilson will be a primary weapon as well. The Panthers should be solid up front as OL/DLs Weiss, Fuchs and Hinze all return. LB Alexander is a key figure, teaming with Lucherk to keep the defense organized.
Coach: Joe Bill. Lettermen R/L: 21/5. Starters returning O/D: 6/5. 2018: 3-8 bi-district finalist/1-3 district. Players to watch: OL/ DL Danny Williams (59, 200), OL/DL Duran Vasq uez (6-2, 250), WR/ LB Wylee Strelec (5-10, 155), OL/DL Derek Luna (6-2, 190), WR/DB Rogeric Schooler (5-8, 140), TE/
# District Game ## Homecoming
10 | The Banner Press Fall Sports Preview | August 2019 | Brenham, Texas
DE Gaige Kocian, QB/LB Daylon Machicek, RB/DE Leo Torres, OL/DL D.O. Gaona, WR/DB Blayke Yeager, OL/DL Chris Vasq uez, RB/LB Justin Lewis, RB/ DB Stade Yount. 2019 notes: A new coach takes over a program with five consecutive playoff appearances. OL/DLs Williams, Vasq uez, Luna and Gaona pave the way for QB Machicek (86 tackles) and RB Torres to make plays on both sides of the ball. WR Schooler (3 INTs) will also factor in the passing game.
SNOOK BLUEJAYS
Coach: Boone Patterson. Lettermen R/L: 15/10. Starters returning O/D: 5/5. 2018: 9-3 area finalist/3-1 district. Players to watch: RB Qwanterrius Young (5-11, 195), OL/DL David James (6-1, 260), LB Matt Jordan (5-10, 195), OL/DL Jason Barker (6-3, 240), OL/DL Darrell Moore (6-2, 345), OL James Young (6-4, 400), QB Justin Supak, WR/DB Jermaine Kearney, WR/DB Darion Barnes, WR/DB Dreraud Rogers, OL/DL Colby See, RB/LB Jaxson Brisco, WR/DB Deshawn Hamilton, WR/DB Kaleb Carroll, WR/DB Garrett Lero, WR/DB Dalvon Workmon, LB Reymundo Alarcon. 2019 notes: There’s nothing small about the Blue Jays’ OL, or their progress. Led by Young and Moore, Snook will average nearly 300 pounds across the trenches and look to build off last year’s school-record nine wins. QB Supak has big-play RB Young and WRs Kearney, Barnes to lean on. LB Jordan anchors the defense, and a versatile crop of DBs will make things tough on opposing offenses.
SOMERVILLE YEGUAS
Coach: Open. Lettermen R/L: 9/5. Starters returning O/D: 7/7. 2018: 1-9/0-4 district. Players to watch: RB/ DB Jeremiah Teague (5-10, 175), RB/DB Philip Haba (5-7, 150), OL/DL Hunter Milburn (6-4, 260), OL/ DL Cedric Hudgen (5-10, 300), QB/DB Johnny Legg (5-10, 150), WR/DB Verkobe Woodberry, OL Riley Eldridge. 2019 notes: Youth will be served for the Yeguas, who are looking to end a skid that’s seen them win just 8 games in the last 7 years. RB/DB Teague will key any improvement along with multi-year starter Haba. QB/DB Legg returns and should benefit from learning the ropes as a freshman. Somerville boasts size in the trenches, led by OL/DLs Hudgen, Milburn and Eldridge.
The Banner Press Fall Sports Preview | August 2019 | Brenham, Texas | 13
Lady Panther seniors hope to take Burton down the road to state in final prep campaign
D
uring an interview for her all-state award last season, Kyndal Coufal refused to ignore a major snub. “I was a little surprised to see Alex didn’t make it, but I should give a lot of credit to her because she was my setter; she worked her tail off in practice every single day and she was the one getting me the ball,” Burton High School’s star hitter said last November in reference to her best friend and Lady Panthers senior setter Alex Countouriotis. Coufal doubled down during the interview: “Setters are a little overlooked because they’re not the ones killing the ball, but I did what I did because of her.” In Countouriotis’ case, “overlooked” is a gross understatement. To put it bluntly, Coufal’s command of the court often overshadows much of what the Lady Panthers do collectively; and the most prominent victim of the senior’s success has been her best friend and arguably the one person equally responsible for generating it. But Coufal and Countouriotis have a personal and on-court bond that decries what qualifies as award-worthy, and the mutual understanding of their working relationship on the hardwood and as leaders for the Burton volleyball team has the program eyeing big things once again in 2019. Coufal excels as the Lady Panthers’ go-to weapon, and carries the team’s offense on her back like very few can. Last season she fueled Burton’s 36-win, district-championship campaign with 602 kills, 614 digs, 93 blocks and 46 service aces. The Lady Panthers were one game shy of a return trip to the state tournament, but fell to Thorndale in a heartbreaking five-set loss in the Region 4 title game. Burton’s successful season —
By Joe Alberico sports@brenhambanner.com
which again, benefited greatly from Coufal’s explosive offensive presence — was undeniably held together by Countouriotis’ setting prowess. When the 5-foot, 11-inch Coufal was dependably in position
“ Kyndal and Alex are attached at the hip. They are the best of friends; they can get mad at each other and get over it super fast. And they can read each other like a book, so they don’t have to talk as much on the court; they know exactly what the other one wants. Katie Kieke Burton Head Volleyball Coach
for a kill, her 5’8 counterpart would launch a ball in her direction, an exchange that often ended in one of those previously mentioned 602 kills.
“Without Alex I wouldn’t be as successful as I am in the Burton volleyball program,” Coufal said. “I think it can be very easy for a setter to become selfish and to want glory and recognition for what they do for the offense. But she isn’t worried about any of that. She wants to make me better, she wants to make the team better and she accepts what her job is to make that happen.” Not only has she owned her role, Countouriotis is arguably one of the best at her position in Class 2A. While setters may not garner the glory often showered on hitters, her performances are about as glorious as they come. Countouriotis was effectively the motor that kept Burton’s offense running in 2018 with 1,075 set assists and added 75 service aces, 72 kills, 63 blocks and 45 digs to boot. “It doesn’t really affect me if I don’t get recognition for what I do, because I feel like everybody has a part to play,” Countouriotis said. “My part is to give Kyndal the perfect set so that she can do good things for our team. “I’m not looking for any big accolades or anything like that; it’s just nice being able to see her do so well and know that I’ve played my part in her journey.” Coufal and Countouriotis have been journeying together long before they stepped foot on a volleyball court. Much of the pair’s selfless giveand-take as teammates comes from a friendship that started when they were still in diapers. “We’ve been friends since we were toddlers,” Coufal said. “We do everything together … lunch, pedicures, sleepovers. I can honestly say without a doubt she is my best friend.” Countouriotis said that lifelong LEADERS continued on page 45
The Banner Press Fall Sports Preview | August 2019 | Brenham, Texas | 17
Joe Alberico/Banner-Press
Members of the 2019 Brenham Cubette volleyball team are, front row from left, Emma Silvey, Kaitlyn Kuehn, Gabi Workman, Alyssa Pauler, Kramer Eschete and Jordan Kelm; and back row from left, Haley Santleben, Tanner Dickens, Abby Clayton, Brooke Bentke, Chloe Tanner, Allison Meisner and Jenna Hardy.
Cubettes boast seniors, height By Joe Alberico sports@brenhambanner.com
Debbie Yeager might consider adopting a new mascot exclusively for the 2019 Brenham volleyball team. While Brenham Giraffes doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, it might be the best way to describe Yeager’s squad this season. Looking to return to the Class 5A state postseason one year after a 26-win campaign and a berth in the bi-district playoffs, Yeager and the Cubettes hope to do so by deploying an army of height-infused athletes that could spell trouble for opposing teams all year long. “Isn’t that cool? We almost look like a volleyball team, now,” Yeager joked in reference to her tall players. “It’s kind of exciting, isn’t it?” Yeager has reason to be pumped up, as
eight of her players stand at 5-feet, 8-inches or taller, with freshman Brooke Bentke leading the pack at 6’2. While several of the 2018 Cubettes made up for a lack of height with skill and heart, Yeager believes those two elements mixed with the overall increase in size could lead to big things. “The height should increase blocking, should increase how hard we put the ball down and where we put it and it should help us be more competitive at the net,” Yeager said. “Some of those tall kids you’re seeing are going to be on the back row, too, playing some good defense for us.” Making up the rest of Brenham’s imposing bunch will be seniors Allison Meisner (6’0), Chloe Tanner (5’11) and Haley Santleben (5’8), as well as juniors Abby Clayton (5’11), Jenna Hardy (5’10) and Emma Silvey (5’9) and sophomore Tanner Dickens (5’11).
22 | The Banner Press Fall Sports Preview | August 2019 | Brenham, Texas
Chloe Tanner, who returns to Yeager’s varsity after tallying 118 blocks and 79 kills as a junior, said the added height is a great start, but believes it will only take the Cubettes so far if their work ethic doesn’t match. “It’s great to have, but we still have a lot of work to do,” Tanner said. “I think we’re going to have to work on our blocking … we have the height, but varsity level volleyball is fast-paced, which makes the blocking a lot harder. So, to get outside and close the block and not have a split for the other team to hit through and cram it right into the floor is difficult.” Tanner’s take wasn’t a singular opinion, as many of this year’s Cubettes were a part of the 2018 team which grinded its way to a fourth-place finish in a CUBETTES continued on page 46
Young, talented Bucs have sights set on JUCO ‘treasure’ By Joe Alberico sports@brenhambanner.com
Josh Reed took some long looks around Blinn College’s football practices before coming to a conclusion. “Everybody can play,” said the Buccaneers’ sophomore linebacker. That’s a bold statement considering fourth-year Blinn head coach Ryan Mahon has a roster eclipsing 100 players, but Reed insists the Buccaneers are loaded on both sides of the football, and has big aspirations this season because of it. “We’re young but we’re also very talented,” Reed continued. “Everybody’s competing hard every day at practice to prove they belong and to improve this football team. “This is going to be a special year. As long as well compete, work hard and have each other’s back, we’re going to be all right. And then win the national championship.” Any talk of a national championship will raise a few eyebrows regardless of what school you represent. But Reed’s confidence isn’t exactly misplaced. Blinn is coming off a season in which it finished 7-4 overall and just 4-3 in the Southwest Junior College Football Conference, but was also ranked as high as sixth in the national rankings after a 4-0 start. The Buccaneers eventually righted a late-season slide by putting an exclamation point on its year with a 23-20 victory over then-No. 14-ranked Scottsdale in the Valley of the Sun Bowl in Scottsdale, Ariz. Blinn finished the campaign ranked 15th in the nation, and now enters 2019 favored by both the media and coaches poll to claim the SWJCFC title. “We certainly have the talent to do it,” Mahon said. “Any team’s got a chance, it just depends on how they get through the season with injuries, do they get on a hot streak and is their quarterback playing well? “We just have to go 1-0 every single week — every week.” How Blinn performs with a recharged offense and defense will dictate the course of its season, and benefits from a group of returning sophomores who took advantage of consistent playing time in 2018.
2019 blinn Football Schedule 8-24 - 7 pm
Texas A&T 8-31 - 7 pm
Tyler Junior Colege# 9-7 - 7 pm
@ Navarro College# 9-14 - 7 pm
Rezolution prep 9-21 - 7 pm
Trinity Valley CC## 10-5 - 6 pm
@ Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College# 10-12 - 3 pm
Cisco College# 10-19 - 3 pm
@ Kilgore College# 10-26 - 3 pm
@ NM Military Institute# # confrence | ## Homecoming
At the top of the group is quarterback Brock Landis, who played sparingly in the first half of the season before production-machine Daveon Boyd (now at Tarleton State University) missed the rest of the campaign with a broken leg suffered during a Week 7 loss to Kilgore. Landis started the final four games of the year and finished with 14 touchdowns, eight interceptions and 1,462 yards through the air. The Horschton, Ga., product’s most impressive outing came during a 58-35 victory over New Mexico Military Institute, where he tossed six touchdowns and ended his day with 481 passing yards. Five weeks later, he totaled 245 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another in the bowl win over Scottsdale. Now one year older, Landis has his sights set on bigger and betters things on the field. “Our goal is to win a national championship, but that should be everybody’s goal. If it’s not, you shouldn’t be playing
26 | The Banner Press Fall Sports Preview | August 2019 | Brenham, Texas
this game,” he said. “We’re going to keep shooting for that, keep doing every right on and off the field and hopefully by the end of the season we’re right where we want to be.” When analyzing the team around him, Landis is also on the same page with Reed. “We’re good everywhere,” he added. “Offense and defense. We should be great in all facets of the game.” Landis’ biggest concern ahead of the season comes in the form of Chance Amie, a Tyler native who spent one season as a Syracuse University redshirt before transferring to Blinn for a year of JUCO ball. Amie, who is an imposing dual-threat athlete with a 6-foot, 4-inch, 220-pound frame, spent the spring and summer competing with Landis for the starting jo. Who finds themselves under center when the regular season begins is still a tossup. “I look at it like applying for a job. We’re both just going out there every day and giving it our all for the team and coach Mahon,” Amie said. “We trust coach Mahon to make the best decision possible when it’s time. “Im just going to go out and play the game the same way I always have. The game has been faithful to me, and I’m going to remain faithful to the game and go out and not give up. I’m just go and and give everything I have until I have nothing left to give.” Landis and Amie should benefit from another talented group of receivers, despite the fact Blinn said goodbye to its top-two threats from 2018 (Corey Smith and Keric Wheatfall). In their place will be returning sophomore Danny Gray (409 yards, six TDs in 2018) and sophomore Xavier Hutchinson (306 yards, two TDs). Eric Peterson also returns and will look to improve on the 138 yards and two scores he produced last fall, as well as Trea Shropshire, who caught just two passes in limited action as a freshman. “We reloaded really well. We had some sophomores who moved on, some freshman who played who are now sophomores, and then we signed a really good BUCS continued on page 27
Bucs Continued from page 26
bunch,” Mahon said. “It’s a good group … they have to go out and prove it like everyone else on this team … but they’re capable and have the right guys throwing them the football.” Behind Landis and/or Amie will be the running back duo of sophomore Ben McAdoo and redshirt freshman and Texas A&M transfer CJ Jones. McAdoo was mainly used as a complimentary back to last season’s starter, Carlos Grace (1,001 yards, six TDs), but made the most of his 70 carries. McAdoo finished with 542 yards (7.7 yards per carry) and three scores. Jones comes in at 5’10, 195 pounds and should share time in the backfield with McAdoo until either of the talented ball carriers plays their way to a starting role. “They’re both very capable,” Mahon said of pair. “We can do anything with them; they can run, block, catch out of the backfield … so that’s an exciting bunch. “We’re going to use both of them as much and as often as we can, no doubt.” Like his previously mentioned teammates, McAdoo is also aware of the Blinn’s across-the-board talent, but said the competition and depth on the Bucs’ roster is refreshing. “On offense, we have weapons everywhere … I’m talking four deep at every position,” he said. “And on defense, everyone is challenging for playing time. It’s nice. “There’s a lot of competition going to see who’s going to be the guy at each position and that’s fun to watch.” On defense, the Buccaneers will look to improve on the respectable performance the 2018 unit posted, which included 331 yards allowed per game, 29 PPG surrendered and 26 takeaways (17 interceptions/ nine fumbles). Reed and fellow sophomore linebacker Tarik Cooper will commandeer this year’s 4-2-5
Banner file photo
Blinn College quarterback Brock Landis throws a pass during a Southwest Junior College Football Conference game in 2018. Landis finished with 1,462 yards and 14 touchdowns in nine games last season. in defensive unit, one which has Mahon excited. “We’ve got terrific experience and leadership in the form of Josh Reed and Tarik Cooper, and then we have four guys on the defense line who can all go,” the coach said. “It’s not just one group that is going to anchor the defense, it’s a collective deal with those guys. “Everybody works hard and the units compliment each other and take pressure off each other.”
Some familiar faces will also be suiting up for Mahon’s defense this year, as recent Brenham graduates Lonterious McClain (defensive back), Hayden Allen (defensive back/ punter) and Kelvin Mathis (defensive line), along with Burton graduate Cameron Riggins (defensive line) made the Blinn roster this season. “It’s exciting to be out here with some local guys and all of these talented new players,” McClain said. “It’s a blessing.
“This game at this level is so much different, but I think we’re all learning, adjusting and preparing ourselves for the challenge.” Blinn opens the season with a familiar foe, as Texas A&T visits the Buccaneers on Saturday, Aug. 24 at Cub Stadium here. The Buccaneers rolled through the Drillers en route to a 67-0 win in last year’s season opener. “It’s going to be fun,” Reed added. We’re ready. It’s going to be a special year.”
The Banner Press Fall Sports Preview | August 2019 | Brenham, Texas | 27
Derek Hall/Banner-Press
Members of the 2019 Blinn Buccaneer volleyball team are, front row from left, Taylor Henderson, Camayra Harris, Kaitlyn Pollard, Giulia Hortelan, Brooke Borden, Chloe Mullins, Kya Yanez, Tatum Smidovec and Julia Benfield; and back row from left, assistant volleyball coach Katie Adams, head coach Terry Gable, Jenni Liu, Elizabeth McKenzie, Essence Clerkley, Paige Havel, Tamia Hall, Rachel Barnett, Shyler Mayfield, Autumn Dowell, and members of the sports medicine team.
Gamble more comfortable in Year 2 By Joe Alberico
sports@brenhambanner.com
One season ago, Terry Gamble took over the Blinn College volleyball program, watched his team roll to a 29-10 record and a perfect 8-0 Region XIV mark before bowing out in the region tournament. One year later, Gamble and the Buccaneers believe there’s more in store for the ladies in blue — much, much more. “I hate to say “national championship” this early, but we have a chance to do some really good things and be special,” Gamble said before reiterating: “I think we have a chance to be really good.” Considering what Gamble’s roster looks like on paper, some may be inclined to scratch their heads when reading seeing Blinn and national championship in the same sentence. The veteran coach is returning just three sophomores from 2018’s ballclub — Chloe Mullins, Rachel Barnett and Taylor Henderson — but joining them this fall will be a GAMBLE continued on page 31
Banner-Press file
Outside hitter Taylor Henderson spikes the ball past Jada Lewis’ block during a Blinn-Paul Quinn College match last season at the Kruse Center.
28 | The Banner Press Fall Sports Preview | August 2019 | Brenham, Texas
Members of the 2019 Blinn Buccaneer womens soccer team are, front row from left, Jannell Medellin, Maribel Garza, Brianna Gamboa, Carla Garcia, Jasper Cohn, Olivia Porter, Emily Rodriguez, Alyssa Cisneros, Kendall Abney, Audrey Castor and Brooklyn Gallagher; middle row from left, Jessica Vital, Allison McCrady, Bethany Sorenson, Kaley Kasper, Jillian Jackson, Destianna Manning, Illora Molina, Yasmine Cuadra, Makayla Segura, Janay Wilson and Keana Flores; and back row from left, Bianca Vital, Brandi Wiggins, Kareena Prasad, Kajol Prasad, Abigail Ritter, Hope Hillhouse, Karson Funderbunk, Alyssa Correa, Lindy Jenkins, Tiara Lujan and Caitlynn West. Not pictured is Jocelynn Lausell.
Members of the 2019 Blinn Buccaneer mens soccer team are, front row from left, Johnathan Galindo, Josh Stone, Edwin Melendez, Alex Ramirez, Edwin Ojeda, Israel Macias Martinez, Edwin Mata, Jaime Garcia, Alberto Chavez and Andy Berrios; middle row from left, head soccer coach Michael McBride, Nathan Swindler, Seth Donelan, Rodrigo Marquez, Marco Rodrigues, Farit Ha, Arminto Garcia Jr., Joaquin Olmedo, Johnny Girard, Kenneth Esquivel, Sam Kandakai and Zane Marshall; and back row from left, Derek Norsworthy, Martin Reyes, Coleman Hatfield, Chaz Orlando, JT McCoy, Luke Thompson, Erasto Cardenas, Connor Spiller, Oscar De Santiago, Ethan Unger, Brook Williams and Jose Cavazos Andrzejewska. Not pictured are Bryan Nava, Jacob Farrington and Stefan Fevrier Sildor. 32 | The Banner Press Fall Sports Preview | August 2019 | Brenham, Texas
Joe Alberico/Banner-Press
Brenham High School Boys Cross Country Varsity boys cross country runners at Brenham High School are, front row from left: Wilbert Brisco Jr., Victor Guerrero, Marco Aguilar, Ian Sedlar, Clayton Schroeder and Clarence Compton; and back row from left, Michael Holder, Andrew Zschech, Austin Arnold, Braylen Kasprowicz, Garrett Briggs and Noah Childs. Not pictured: Mauricio Chandler and Cade Baade.
Brenham High School Girls Cross Country Varsity girls cross country runners at Brenham High School are, front row from left: Haylie Tosta, Arcelia Lopez and Annie Chen; and back row from left, Madison Coskey, Gracie Graef and Jessica Kruse. Not pictured: Payton Farmer, Desiree Jones, Adrie Niemeyer, Alauna Stackhouse. Joe Alberico/Banner-Press 34 | The Banner Press Fall Sports Preview | August 2019 | Brenham, Texas
Doyle to lead BHS cross country By Joe Alberico sports@brenhambanner.com
Morgan Doyle has both big shoes and roster to spots in her first Brenham campaign. The Cubs’ and Cubettes’ first-year cross country coach is taking over for longtime head coach Trenton Hall this fall, and has her work cut out for as she’ll be tasked with piecing together a girls roster while finding the right varsity mix for both squads. After Hall departed from Brenham following 17 seasons at the helm of the boys program and six more in charge of the girls, Doyle takes the reins of the program with a nice resume of her own. Doyle, who was head volleyball and track & field coach at Class 4A Sweetwater High School the previous two years, was also a collegiate runner for Division II West Texas A&M. She hopes to use that background to reshape Brenham’s cross country program while encouraging an influx of new runners. For now, she’s working with a small list of returns and some new faces in the aftermath of Hall’s departure. “That’s always the hard thing whenever you have a coach who has been here forever
and they leave, you’re going to lose some kids, you’re going to gain some kids,” Doyle said. “The kids don’t always know what to do with a new coach, they don’t know what to expect, and sometimes kids say ‘Well, we were already so involved with the other coach, now that they’re gone, it’s time to move onto something else.’ And we as coaches understand that, it’s hard to keep them all.” Doyle will keep some, however. On the Cubettes’ roster, junior Madison Coskey is the team’s leading returner after she was Brenham’s only runner to make it past the District 19-5A meet in 2018 and qualify for the Region 3 meet. Seniors Alauna Stackhouse and Desiree Lopez, along with junior Annie Chen and Haylie Tosta also return, but Doyle is hopeful some of Coskey’s experience and success will rub off on the rest of the Cubettes. “Madison Coskey is probably our No. 1 returner; she’s miles ahead of some of the girls we have, but we have a young girls team this year,” the coach said. “She going to probably be a leader for those kids, help them fall in love with the sport and enjoy running.” On the boys side, Doyle will have a harder time narrowing out her varsity bunch as DOYLE continued on page 42
Banner-Press file
Brenham High School’s Madison Coskey competes during the Brenham Hillacious Invitational on in 2018. Coskey finished fifth at District 19-5A meet to qualify for the Region 3 race.
The Banner Press Fall Sports Preview | August 2019 | Brenham, Texas | 35
Joe Alberico/Banner-Press
Brenham High School Tennis Varsity boys and girls tennis team members at Brenham High School are, front row from left: Grace Hodges, Carmen, Niemeyer and Josephine Walker; middle row from left: Alexis Hamilton, Annie Clepper, Jessalynn Bolcerek, Carmynn Lange, Susana Juarez, CC Antolin, Katelyn Dyerand Delaney Duran; and back row from left, Brandon Shell, Clayton Boeker, Ethan Grimm, Rowdy Weidemann, Griffin Chovanec, Aiden Stricklan, Shannon Pond and Ben Rogas. Not pictured are Thomas Coffey, Joseph Cisneros and John Yeppez.
Soccer Continued from page 33
“We want to create a culture of players who excel on and off the field,” he said. “Our goal is to win, but I’ve always preached to my teams to be grateful for our opportunities and to give back to the communities we represent. “It will be no different at Blinn.” McBride inherits two soccer teams that experienced different seasons in 2018. While the men finished a modest 6-11 overall with a 5-9 Region XIV mark, the women struggled to find their way and ended its inaugural campaign 4-12-1 and 3-8-1 in region matchups. The Buccaneer men have some expectations to live up to as they did qualify for the playoffs in their first season, ultimately suffering a first-round Region XIV Tournament loss to Laredo. This fall, McBride has pieced together a 36-man squad that features returners from last season as well as a myriad of players who made the cut following a tryout. McBride said he’s ecstatic with the large roster, but also prepared to experience a few sleepless nights trying to figure out a way
to play as many players as possible from a roster he considers to be evenly skilled. “There are a lot of players with similar abilities,” McBride said. “You could throw a ring around 30 of them, and there’d be negligible difference between them. And that’s both good and bad. “Our players understand that only 11 people are on the field at the beginning of a game; that means there are going to be 25 people who aren’t. But if you told me we were playing a game tomorrow I’d be up all night trying to sort out the team.” Among the players returning for the men are sophomores Farit Ha, Connor Spiller, Edwin Melendez and Johnny Girard. Ha is expected to play a prominent role in McBride’s offense, which the coach hopes will be a winger-based attack that plays with some width on the field. Ha, a Houston-product of South Vietnamese descent, said he’s excited to get going under McBride, and said the amount of talent on the roster has everyone a little on edge. “I think coach McBride is a really smart coach in the way that he practices tactics and has us focusing on the bigger picture rather than always focusing on the mo-
36 | The Banner Press Fall Sports Preview | August 2019 | Brenham, Texas
ment, Ha said. “He’s going to make this program strong because he’s here to stay. “And as far as the depth on this team goes, that’s always good, and it’s always challenging because everybody wants to play. So everyone has to pick up their game and come ready to play just to fend off the guy behind you. “If not, you just won’t play.” Added Melendez: “It’s a constant battle out here. And I think that’s why coach McBride looks at everybody and says, ‘Wow, there’s so much talent,’ because everybody wants a starting spot.” McBride added that the Buccaneers could shuffle through several starting lineups in the early part of the season, especially because so many on his large roster have shined during practices. “Each day, each practice, it isn’t always the same player or players that I leave saying ‘They were the best in practice today,’” the coach said. “They’re always taking turns in shining; I haven’t had that in a long, long time. “And generally, you’ve got your three or four strongest players and they’re always SOCCER continued on page 37
Savage schedule looms for A&M in Year 2 under Fisher By Kristie Rieken AP Sports Writer
COLLEGE STATION — As Jimbo Fisher prepares for his second season at Texas A&M he believes his the Aggies are closer to being an elite team than they were a year ago. The former Florida State coach knows they still have a ways to go if they expect to contend for a title in the rugged Southeastern Conference. “We’re much, much closer from the psychological disposition of understanding ... what it takes to play at the highest level,” he said. “Once you understand that everything else falls in place. It’s about what do you know you’ve got to do and how you’ve got to do it to the highest level and I think we’re getting to that level and that’s the biggest difference in our football team.” Texas A&M signed Fisher to a 10-year, $75 million contract before last season and the Aggies went 9-4 and 5-3 in SEC play in his first year in College Station. The expectations are high for Fisher to take another step forward this season after he won a national title and three Atlantic Coast Conference championships in eight seasons with the Seminoles. That certainly won’t be an easy task with a schedule that features a trip to defending national champion Clemson on Sept. 7, a visit by Alabama on Oct. 12 and trips to Georgia and LSU on consecutive Saturdays in November. While Fisher knows his team will be considered the underdog in most of those contests, he finds it condescending to refer to his team as a spoiler. “We don’t want to spoil anything,” he said. “We want to take care of our own, and they are great teams. But we expect to play with them and compete with them and win those games. That’s why we’re here. We are not looking to spoil anything. We’re looking to win something and go about our business and do the things we have to do.” “They are great programs, but Texas A&M can be the same way,” Fisher continued. “We have to go play and prove ourselves and do the things we have to do, but I definitely think we’re on that track.” The Aggies open the season at home Aug. 29 against Texas State.
AP file photo
As Jimbo Fisher, center, prepares for his second season at Texas A&M he believes his the Aggies are closer to being an elite team than they were a year ago. MOND’S MATURITY
REPLACING TRAYVEON
Fisher and the Aggies are eager to see what quarterback Kellen Mond can do in his third season after starting each game last year. Fisher said Mond, who appeared in 11 games with eight starts as a freshman, has matured exponentially in the year they’ve worked together. Mond now has such a firm grip of Fisher’s offense that he isn’t just learning from his coach, but joining in on the discussion and sharing his opinions on how he and his teammates can improve. “He understands how we’re attacking things now,” Fisher said. “That’s allowing him to transition into putting his personality and demeanor on the other players. It’s hard to do that when you’re still battling for a job yourself and proving yourself. From that standpoint he’s grown tremendously.” That doesn’t mean that Fisher is going easy on his 20-year-old quarterback. “He’s always going to continue to push me,” Mond said. “That constant pressure ... I might as well get use to and it’s going to help me continue to grow.” Mond threw for 3,107 yards with 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions last season after finishing with 1,375 yards with eight touchdowns and six interceptions as a freshman.
The Aggies have an opening to start at running back after Trayveon Williams left for the NFL after running for 1,524 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Though he isn’t where Fisher wants him to be yet, sophomore Jashaun Corbin will begin the season as the starter. He had 346 yards rushing with a touchdown last season. “He still has to prove that and there’s things he needs to do to get to that level,” Fisher said. “Jashaun’s out in front but there’s a considerable group of guys behind him that can do a lot of things.”
38 | The Banner Press Fall Sports Preview | August 2019 | Brenham, Texas
CELEBRATING 125 Texas A&M will celebrate the 125th year of football this season. To commemorate the anniversary the Aggies will have special logos on their helmets and the same logos will be placed at the 25-yard lines at Kyle Field and at the entrance of the team’s locker room. The celebration also includes a 32-moment bracket of the greatest moments in Aggie football history. Fans can vote on their favorite moment at 12thMan.com and the results will be released near the start of the season. Players involved in the greatest moments will be invited to home games throughout the season to mark the occasion.
Texas pressured to back up Longhorns are ‘back’ promise By Jim Vertuno AP Sports Writer
AUSTIN — Texas had just demolished Georgia in the Sugar Bowl when quarterback Sam Ehlinger shouted to the Superdome rooftop the two words Longhorns fans until then had only been willing to whisper. “We’re ba-aack!” Ehlinger said as coach Tom Herman stood nearby with a half grin, half grimace look on his face. Texas was back, all right. Back to 10 wins, back to Big 12 title contender, back into the top 10. But can Texas stay there or will 2019 bring more frustration to a storied program that has spent many recent seasons squarely in the camp of mediocrity? Only Ehlinger and a defense that loses eight starters can answer that. As a dual threat quarterback, Ehlinger he had a breakout season in 2018 with 25 touchdowns passing and 16 more running, and is the team leader Texas has been looking for since Vince Young and Colt McCoy. He also got help with experienced targets at wide receiver, an improving offensive line and talent in the backfield. “We’re extremely confident in where we’re at as a program right now,” Ehlinger said. “We’re going to do everything in our power to be the best that we can be. And the best we can be will be a lot of fun.” But about that defense ... The Longhorns dominated Georgia’s high-powered offense and produced several big moments in 2018, but also struggled against some of the Big 12’s best passing teams. And they won’t have much time to get the new guys ready with Southeastern Conference championship contender LSU coming to Austin on Sept. 7. Texas opens the season Aug. 31 at home against Louisiana Tech.
AP file photo
Sam Ehlinger started all 14 games for the Longhorns last season, completing 64.7 percent of his throws with 25 touchdowns and only five interceptions. His passer efficiency rating jumped from 124.1 to 146.8, and his passing yardage total exploded from 1,915 in 2017 to 3,292 last year. That leaves untested redshirt freshman Casey Thompson as the guy behind Ehlinger when needed. Given Ehlinger’s history, expect him to be called on. SECONDARY TARGET Big wide receiver Collin Johnson is Ehlinger’s favorite target, but it will be 5-foot-11 Devin Duvernay who could produce the biggest plays. The Longhorns were the only Power Five team without a 50-yard play from scrimmage last season. Herman wants Duvernay to get more chances to change that. Duvernay caught 41 passes last season without a drop and scored four touchdowns.
KEEPING EHLINGER UPRIGHT
COVERING CORNERS
The junior is a tough, gritty player, but not the most durable, missing most of two games last season because of shoulder and neck injuries. Texas won both because it had experienced backup Shane Buechele to step in. Buechele has since transferred to SMU and another top backup, Cameron Rising, transferred to Utah.
Texas is confident it has the depth to make up for lost experience on the defensive line. A bigger concern is the secondary after losing both starting cornerbacks. Jalen Green and Anthony Cook get the first crack at stepping in and will be pressed to deliver in what could be a weak spot for 2019.
40 | The Banner Press Fall Sports Preview | August 2019 | Brenham, Texas
RUNNING FOR 1,000 Texas has had a 1,000-yard rusher just once since 2007 and that came in a losing season in 2016. Keontay Ingram was Texas’ top rusher in 2018 with 731 yards and averaged 5 yards per carry. The sophomore came to training camp at 225 pounds, 25 pounds heavier than his freshman season, and Herman said he is still running faster than a year ago. A productive running game would help protect Ehlinger from wear and tear. HAIL HERMAN The program is all in on Herman, even the fans. That wasn’t the case after season-opening losses in 2017 and 2018. But after 10 wins and the Sugar Bowl victory, Herman got a two-year contract extension through 2023 and season ticket sales are soaring near the school record of 62,500 set in 2010 (which ended in a 5-7 disaster). The hype will only increase if Herman unseats Lincoln Riley and the Oklahoma Sooners as Big 12 champions.
Panthers Continued from page 20
course. But when that adversity does come, we have to be ready and willing to ride that wave and fight through it. That’s going to be the key for us this year: How we handle the adversity and how we create some success as well.” Weiss is one of two holdovers from last season’s offensive line along with sophomore Weston Hinze. Hodde is attempting to fill some gaps on the line as the Panthers will be without would-be senior lineman Caleb Fuchs — who suffered a gruesome knee injury during Burton’s 2018 baseball campaign and could miss the entire season— and Hinze’s twin brother Waylon, who opted not to come out this fall. “We’re young on the line, that’s for sure,” Weiss said. “But we’re going to be OK. It’s a lot of teaching and getting guys ready to go, but we know that once we get through the preseason and into district, we’ll have everyone up to speed and playing at a high level.” How the Panthers will line up at receiver is still being figured out by the Burton coaching staff, but with what Hodde has in the backfield, new senior quarterback Jackson Kalkhake’s biggest job may be to manage ballgames. He threw just one pass last season and carried the ball 35 times for 100 yards. It’s yet to be seen whether or not he’ll be asked to air it out for the Panthers, but either way, he said he’s ready to lead the team. “I feel good, I’ve just got to work hard and trust the guys around me,” he said. Burton opens the season with about as tough of a three-game stretch as it gets, as the Panthers will host 3A powerhouse Lexington in Week 1. Week 2 brings Milano to town followed by a third straight home matchup that’ll see Shiner visit Panther Stadium. Burton went 1-2 against those opponents in 2018, with the victory coming against Milano (47-16). Burton is hoping to replicate its 11-3 record and 4-0 district mark from last season, but could find trouble in improving teams like Snook and Flatonia, two playoff teams that went 9-3 and 6-6, respectively a year ago. “Our preseason is tough — really tough,” Hodde said. “But it’s about the district at the end of the day. We’ll use our preseason games to figure some things out and get these guys feeling good about where they need to be, and then we’ll tackle our district.” The Panthers will play six non-district contests that also include three straight road trips to Weimar (the two teams’ matchup in 2018 was canceled due to rain and lightning in Burton), Iola (Burton won 61-14 in 2018) and Rogers (Burton won 56-14 in 2018). Flatonia hosts the Panthers on Oct. 11 for the Panthers’ district opener. Burton finishes the regular season with a home clash against Snook. “At the end of the day, we’re all excited,” Hodde added. “The coaches are excited and more importantly the kids are excited. This is a new season and a new challenge for us and we’re all ready to see how we’re going to respond.”
Cash Callahan (top photo), and DeMarcus Wilson will carry the back field in 2019 for the Panthers. In limited action, Callahan had just 29 carries for 246 yards and six touchdowns. He also hauled in 13 catches for 281 yards and four more TDs. Wilson totaled 478 yards on just 54 touches with six touchdowns. Wilson’s biggest game of 2018 came during a 54-7 district rout of Louise, when he carried the ball 12 times for 206 yards and a pair of TDs.
44 | The Banner Press Fall Sports Preview | August 2019 | Brenham, Texas
Banner-Press file
Kyndal Coufal (left photo) and Alex Countouriotis are the onetwo punch for the Lady Panthers in their last year Burton High. Banner-Press file
Leaders Continued from page 45
and team-first mentality has created a united front. “There aren’t any hard feelings,” she said. “Alex and Kyndal have worked hard to be where they are and be such good athletes, and at the same
time, we also know that every role on this team is important. “Our roles behind them are specific to us, and it’s our job to play for them because it’s their senior year.” Senior years are often the highlight of the high school experience, and after a handful of near misses
Cube es Continued from page 22
tough District 19-5A, and know the level of hard work that lies in front of them. “Last year was so much fun, but we worked for that as a team,” Santleben said. “We want to go bcd, we want to go further and we know that it won’t be handed to us. You work, work, work and then get rewarded for that.” Added senior Gabi Workman: “We definitely want to return to the playoffs and and go further than lat year. We’ve always been trained to have a state-championship mindset, and that’s what we’re going to strive for. “But you work for what you want, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.” Knowing their work is already cut out for them, the Cubettes should find comfort in knowing their list of returning contributors from 2018 doesn’t end with Tanner.
in the deeper rounds of the playoffs, Coufal and Countouriotis are hoping the formidable formula they’ve created can take them to promised land. “We hate to lose,” Countouriotis said. “We hate it. We don’t want to experience what we did last season or the season before that at the state
Although Tatum Smidovec and her team-high 347 kills and 400 digs have since left Brenham’s campus and landed at Blinn College, Yeager should have plenty to make up for her departure. Meisner could be a key offensive piece after finishing second last season with 258 kills to go with 94 digs. Clayton (159 kills) and Hardy (153) could also serve as imposing presences for the Cubettes with increased playing time, while junior Alyssa Pauler could help solidify Yeager’s defense following 264-dig 2018 campaign. “It’ll take time to figure out what we do well, what we need to work on and who will fit where,” Yeager said. But, it won’t take long. We’re going to get it figured out. “I don’t want to brag about anything yet until I know we’re doing it consistently. We need to work on every facet of the game right now, just like everybody else.” Everybody else includes Brenham’s district foes, made up of last year’s undefeat-
46 | The Banner Press Fall Sports Preview | August 2019 | Brenham, Texas
level again. This is our senior year and it’s important that we go all the way.” Naturally, her best friend agreed. “State,” said Coufal. We want this season to end with a state championship. “For me, for Alex and for all of the girls on this team who work hard.”
ed district champion A&M Consolidated (37-12, 14-0), runner-up Waller (26-15, 10-4) and third-place finisher College Station (23-20, 10-4). Brenham ended district play with a 9-5 record while finishing 26-16 overall and ending the year with a four-set bi-district loss to eventual state champion Kingwood Park. This time around, Yeager is expecting 19-5A to be just as daunting as it was last fall, and said her team won’t be taking anybody lightly in the coming months. “It’s going to be just as competitive as it was last year; it’s going to be the same situation where everybody will be strong,” the coach said. “Everybody has new players and players they lost, but it’s still going to be a battle overtime we play somebody in our district.” Brenham’s season began with a sweep of Brazos on Aug. 6, and the Cubettes will open district play with a road trip to Rudder on Sept. 13.
Brethren Continued from page 47
orthopedic surgeon from CHI St. Joseph Regional Hospital in Bryan was rebuilding the young man’s knee. When the surgery was finished, Schroeder was fitted with a knee brace and assumed a season-long cheerleader position on Brenham’s sideline. And when he wasn’t with the Cubs, he was preparing to rejoin them. “I rehabbed five days a week,” Schroeder said. “Physical therapy twice a week and then more rehab with our Brenham trainers. “It definitely wasn’t fun,” Schroeder said of the process. “It was boring. It was repetitive. But I just got through it. I had so much support from everybody: My medical team, my family and my friends.” Especially Weiss. “Every day,” he answered when asked how frequently he checked up on Schroeder. “I was always worried about him, but as I saw him improve each and every day and every week, that was a confidence boost in terms of the chances of him suiting up again.” Remarkably, Schroeder was cleared for athletics just shy of five months after the injury. He rejoined the Brenham baseball team midseason, and although he saw just two at-bats, he was mobile and agile during practices and was a full go for 7-on-7 football competition this summer. The only hurdle left for the athlete was the mental roadblock of a suspect knee. “It’s something that’s in the back of my mind all the time,” Schroeder said of relying on his knee. “It’s definitely going to take some time for me to fully trust it. But I feel more confident in it today than I did even two or three weeks ago. “It’s going to take that first hit and be something that I’m just going to have to get over.” The Cubs are hopeful Schroeder will regain his confidence quickly, as made evident by their plans moving forward. Brenham offensive coordinator Dany Ramsey, who is again in charge of getting the most out of the pair — is especially elated to have his duo back together again. “It’s a nice problem to have, right? When you’ve got two quarterbacks who are as equally talented and as equally skilled with leadership characteristics, that’s a great problem to have,” Ramsey said. “How can you not be excited? “Not only do you have two great kids come back, but they’re more comfortable
Derek Hall/Banner-Press file
Brenham Cub quarterback Garrison Weiss outraces a host of Sharyland defenders on the way to a 25-yard touchdown run in the first overtime period of 2018’s Class 5A area round tilt.. with what we’re doing here, so they’re picking up right where they left off in terms of their skills.” Their respective bag of tricks has tasked Ramsey with finding room for both players, and considering how quickly the OC is to gush about his field generals, he doesn’t appear to mind the extra work. “Obviously, Garrison’s ability to run the football makes him a definite threat. So you’ve got to defend all six of your eligible ball carriers when he’s out there,” Ramsey said. “Not that Alldyn can’t run, but it’s hard to deny his accuracy from last year. When his season ended, he was at 72-percent completion percentage. It was incredible. It’s not often you’re going to find a quarterback that gives you 72 percent.” Weiss counter’s Schroeder’s accuracy with fancy feet.
48 | The Banner Press Fall Sports Preview | August 2019 | Brenham, Texas
“Garrison can take the football 80 (yards) or 4, or turn around and reverse the field on everybody and go win a game when we’re down a touchdown,” Ramsey added. “And that’s not to say that Alldyn wouldn’t do that either, because he’s the one who started that first comeback drive when we started our season turnaround against Georgetown East View. Alldyn’s the one who took us downfield twice and put us in the end zone both times to get us back in that game.” While Schroeder’s 2018 is most remembered for the East View miracle, Weiss’ season can be summed up with one word: Sharyland. While his passing stat line was admirable — 290 yards on 24-of-35 passing with one touchdown and two interceptions — Weiss helped save BrenBRETHREN continued on page 49
Brethren Continued from page 48
ham’s season after another slow start the best way he knew how. Facing a 21-7 halftime hole, the Cubs rallied behind Weiss to force overtime, and during the OT period, the scrambler reeled off a big 25-yard scoring run in which he cut, weaved, sliced and maneuvered his way through what appeared to be the entire Sharyland defense en route to the end zone. Earlier in the eventually 42-35 Cubs win, Weiss also hit then-junior receiver Jackson Mueller on a key 35-yard pass deep into Rattler territory that set up a game-tying touchdown before later pulling off a circus-style play that left Mueller in awe. With Brenham trailing 28-21 in the third quarter and threatening at the Rattler 33-yard line, Weiss took the snap and was quickly smothered by a host of defenders. Meanwhile, Mueller had shed his defender, who had peeled off with another Sharyland defensive back to double team Toussom. A wide-open Mueller threw his hands up to his facemask in frustration thinking a sack had just thwarted a surefire touchdown, only to soon witness
Weiss wiggle his way out of the jam. The QB then fired a missile to running back Zyron Smith, who was also open just a few feet from Mueller. The play put the Cubs on the 8 yard line, where they would soon tie the game. “There was nobody covering me, and I was wide open and I threw my hands up because I was mad. But then I see Garrison still running around back there with the ball,” Mueller recalled. “With Garrison, you never know what’s going to happen because he can create so many things with his feet and extend plays. He saves so many plays for us. “I don’t know how he does it, but there are plays where he makes the entire defensive line miss, then makes the safeties miss, and he’ll throw a ball to someone who’s suddenly open because everyone else is trying to take Garrison down. He just jukes everybody.” Mueller may be one of the most wellversed Cubs when it comes to the effectiveness of Brenham’s quarterbacks. He led Cub receivers with 411 yards last season, and his first touchdown of 2018 was a perfect demonstration, Mueller says, as to why Schroeder isn’t an afterthought to Weiss’ dynamism. “Alldyn can throw pretty much any ball he needs to,” Mueller said. “My first touchdown last year — in our game
against Waller — Alldyn just stayed back there in the pocket, took a hit and then threw a perfect pass to me in the end zone. And that’s just the type of player he is; he’s willing to take a hit and just throw passes, get first downs and move us downfield.” With Weiss and Schroeder leading the way this fall, the Cubs’ coaching staff is expecting many trips downfield. Just ask Ramsey. “They’re both cerebral; so that’s a heck of a deal for us to get two quarterbacks with high football IQ like that,” the coach said. “I think if you were asking coach Allen about defending us as an offense, it’s much more difficult to defend two different types of quarterbacks because you have two different types of game plans that you’re going to have to approach. And it doesn’t help matters for opposing defenses that they just so good on top of it all. “These guys are sharper, football intelligence-wise, than any quarterbacks I’ve had. And their “Want to” is hard to beat.” And Ramsey punctuated his thoughts on Brenham’s quarterback strategy with a quick response to one final question: Are there any doubts about Weiss and Schroeder’s ability to lead the Cubs this season? “Not even close.”
The Banner Press Fall Sports Preview | August 2019 | Brenham, Texas | 49
Brenham High School Color Guard Members of the Brenham Color Guard at Brenham High School are, front row from left, Haley Smith, Amanda Thompson, Jackson Killgore, Mary Whaley, Veronica Powell and Erica Melton; middle row from left, Kelsee Green, Kayla Tice, Rheagen Olsen, Kameiko Richard and Leah Rettig; and back row from left, Taylor Smith, Bre’Ashia Smith,Kailey Torres, Kylon Green, Emali Fernandez and Ella Wiesepape.
Brenham High School Band — Percussion Percussion members of the Brenham Cub Band at Brenham High School are, front row from left, Margaret Cone, Gretchen Schulze, Henry Pham, Lilah Gonzalez, Peter Do and Jycete Aguilar; middle row from left, Campbell Groves, Joseph Medrano, Emily Crawley, Abby Hooge, Reggie Delaney, Reece Knebel and Travis Henderson; and back row from left, Connor Broesche, Javonte Chapel, Tristan Cunningham, Jon Perkins, Jack Baker, Moctezuma Perez and Aiden Milliron. 52 | The Banner Press Fall Sports Preview | August 2019 | Brenham, Texas
Brenham High School Band — Brass Brass members of the Brenham Cub Band at Brenham High School are, first row from left, Lia Gonzalez, Jenna Lindemann, Cheyenne Rogers, Kaleb Meyer, Eric Cruz, Natalie Salazar, Destiny Ford, Ximena Lino, Emily Fuller, Caroline Schulz, Zachary Loza and Sydney Wrich; second row from left, Ricardo Vega, Dustin Rybarski, Katie Rosen, Wyatt Schaper, Katie Perkins, Anne-Marie Kamenicky, Maddie Fritz, Rachel Draehn, Jannet Guerrero, Clay Schroeder and Heath Goeke; third row from left, Amanda Winford, Lukas Freeman, Zachary Liner, Cody Caswell, Kirsten Riley, Iyana Williams, Kalyn Shill, Avery Dallmeyer, Elizabeth Holloway and Drew Hart; fourth row from left, Alianna Hernandez, Dylan Bentke, Jacob Schulke, Riley Mika, Kaden Crow, Seth Aguilar, Albrie Reed, Mallory Cole and Fletcher Dallman; fifth row from left, Colton Weaver, Ivan Cardenas, Evan Miller, Tanner Lewis, Blake Kruse, Ada Stopschinski, Esteban Garcia, Brady Lawhorn and Sam Gaskamp; and sixth row from left, Izabelle Kulow, Austin Hamff, Davin McCracken, Jace Antkowiak, Madison Brown, Alex Guzman, Eric Daake, Cuauhtemoc Perez and Jon Michael Moser.
Brenham High School Band — Woodwinds Woodwind members of the Brenham Cub Band at Brenham High School are, first row from left, Briana Maldonaldo, Katelyn Dyer, Callie Ross, Alexis Warmke, Perla Santibanez, Sarah Fairman, Kennedi Scurry, Carmen Niemeyer, Maritza Ordonez and Sydney Stein; second row from left, Jasmine Ramirez, Kaitlyn Foster, Ryan Trevino, Natalie Wood, Yvonne DeLaRosa, Mandi Escobedo, Perla Gutierrez, Alessandra Rosales and Edin Inestroza; third row from left, Guadalupe Santibanez, Allison Marburger, Diamond Ligues, Alexis Maya, Sloan DiGregorio, Aaron Rodriguez, Isaiah Mercado, Cheyenne Jarvis and Hailey Mertins; fourth row from left, Reagan Wunderlich, Hannah Britton, Erin Acker, Maria Solis, Ian Sedler, Wilbert Brisco, Kaitlyn Flisowski, Khamareia Foley and Lizzie Prinz; fifth row from left, Claire Broesche, Carter Rybarski, Yesenia Santibanez, Denny Bustos, Ethan Schulke, Wills Taylor, Chase Srickland, Dale Januszewski and Jade Olsen; amd sixth row from left, Beckett Dalman, Colin Schroeder, Parker Atkins, Gavin Blum, Kae-Lynn Canales, Carter Cohrs, Brandon Daake, Garrett Briggs and Lilly Jones. 54 | The Banner Press Fall Sports Preview | August 2019 | Brenham, Texas
Brenham High School Band — Drum Majors Drum Majors of the Brenham Cub Band at Brenham High School are Chia Tucker, Christina Powell, Tierson Williams.
Burton High School Band Woodwind members of the Burton Panther Band at Burton High School are, front row from left, Sabrina Burke, Analizia Dean, Noelia Casas, Justin Walker, Karime Ortiz, Olivia Flores and Grayson Brown; middle row from left, Mitchell Hensley, Narciso Casas, Aurelio Miranda, Hailey Schoenvogel, Peyton Franklin, Mason McCoy, Jose Vargas, Jakori Mathis and back row from left, Kody King, Aldo Cabrales, Collin Sequeira, Cannon Manley, Eric Flores, Jeremy Quinton, Xavier Morgan, Kolby Vavrecka. Not pictured are: Diana Cosino, Mariana Cosino, Abigail Lamson, Allie Hohlt and John Brode. 56 | The Banner Press Fall Sports Preview | August 2019 | Brenham, Texas