_________ Taylor _________
76574 FALL s 2020
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS EDITION 2020 Fall Sports Preview
SMALL BUSINESS, BIG DREAMS MASKS ON: A look at COVID vs. Sports
4th Street Mercantile Opening September 1st
Antique Emporium 310 North Main Street Taylor, Texas 76574 (512) 595-5595
getdirty@dirtroadsalvage.com
201 West 4th St. Taylor, Texas 76574
200 West 2nd Street Taylor, Texas 76574 kinclantiques@gmail.com
(512) 595-5075
_________Taylor _________
76574 Facebook@Taylor76574 EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Jason Hennington BUSINESS MANAGER Carolyn Hill ADVERTISING SALES Regina Taylor PRODUCTION EDITOR Jasmine Gutierrez ADVERTISING DESIGN Patti Slavych Minerva Kutch Orlando Rojo-Buendia OUR THANKS TO Catherine Parker Tim Crow, Taylor ISD Communications and Community Liaison ON THE COVER
SMALL BUSINESS, BIG DREAMS Small businesses define the Taylor community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses have had to find a new approach to reach customers.
~ PAGE 23
D E PA R T M E N T S O.L. PRICE WINS STATE.......................................................................PAGE 3 The 1961 O.L. Price High School football team won a big game on Memorial Field.
FALL CALENDAR.................................................................................PAGE 7 Find out about all the events and activities going on this spring that you don’t want to miss.
BY THE NUMBERS......................................................................PAGES 12-13 How many people can fit in the Duck Pond? How big is the stadium? How much did it cost? How many steps are there?
ETCHED IN STONE.............................................................................PAGE 15 A legend is forever etched in stone in Taylor. See why Dickey Maegle made a name for himself as a football player.
10 QUESTIONS..................................................................................PAGE 18 Are you ready for some football? Senior players from Taylor, Thrall and Granger are ready to take the field. Check out the annual fall sports preview on page 29. – Photo by Jason Hennington
Published by
PRESS TAYLOR
Learn about the man whose claim to fame is “Win State!” 10 questions with Taylor ISD Athletic Director Robert Little.
ST. MARY’S ADDS NEW GRADES.........................................................PAGE 27 St. Mary’s Catholic School in Taylor now has ninth and 10th grades. They also have their own athletes.
COVID VS. SPORTS............................................................................PAGE 40 What fall sports might look like this season.
THE DABBLING DUCK........................................................................PAGE 42 DD breaks down whether you have football fever or COVID.
Fall 2020 3
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1508 W. 2nd Street • Taylor Richard Rumley-Manager
1962 Panthers claim state title JASON HENNINGTON
publisher@taylorpress.net
I
n the fall of 1962, history was made in Taylor when O.L. Price High School won the state football championship. Price was in Prairie View Interscholastic League (PVIL)*, which was for African American schools only. “It was exciting to be on that first state championship team,” said Herbert Nance, who was a member of the last class of segregation (1965) at O.L. Price. “It was really exciting for my first year to play to have my name put on a gold football.” Price defeated Dayton Colbert 42-6 in the championship game. Led by Coach Edward “Bud” Elders, the team played all road games except the state title game. In an article in the Austin American Stateman (1962), Elders said he was proud of his team, but he didn’t concede it a great edge over some of his previous teams through his then 11-year tenure at the school. “We have had some pretty terrific teams before,” he said. “But the opposition was pretty tough in some years.” The team went undefeated in 1962 on their way to the state title with seven shutouts
O.L. PRICE RECORD 14-0 O.L. Price 60 O.L. Price 72 O.L. Price 48 O.L. Price 14 O.L. Price 51 O.L. Price 46 O.L. Price 63 O.L. Price 67
Luling 0 Cameron 20 College Station 6 Elgin 0 Rosebud 0 Caldwell 0 Belton 0 Rockdale 0
and only two teams coming within two touchdowns. Price defeated Elgin in the playoffs 20-14 and beat Smithville 20-16. For the entire season, the team only allowed 70 points. However, they put a tremendous 510 points on the year. Nance remembers Price being tough to beat. Some of Price’s tough competition was Cameron, Rockdale, Caldwell and College Station. “We were on a team that blew through the district like you wouldn’t believe,” Nance said. He said during the Belton game, three opposing players were injured in the first half and Price gave Belton some players. As a sophomore, this was Nance’s first year suiting up for the varsity. He said he was a “utility” player and he played multiple positions his junior and senior year. Other members on the team from the class of 1965 were David Henderson, Eugene Winn
*O.L. Price
Gause
O.L. Price 20
O.L. Price 20
Elgin 14
O.L. Price 22
El Campo 0
O.L. Price 45
Luling 8
O.L. Price 42
Dayton 6
Smithville 16
*Gause forfeited
and Leroy Anderson. Leroy got to play alongside his older brother T.F. Anderson on the team. He played quarterback behind Lee Washington during the championship season. Some notable names the Price team played against are former NFL player Mean Joe Green and John Westbrook There were debates about which team was better Price or Taylor High School. “Boy, we sure wanted them,” Nance laughed. “They wouldn’t even scrimmage against us.” He said because of segregation, the players at Price heard how good Taylor High was, and Price players wanted to play them. “We had a good offensive and defensive line, and we also had the hunger and aggressiveness,” Nance said. Nance said Price players did not have the best equipment and had to make do with what they were given. “They had all the best equipment,” he said. “They had the best of the best and we had hand-me-downs and what we
PICTURED TOP LEFT: A team photo of the 1962-1963 O. L. Price state championship football team from the Taylor Daily Press on Dec. 17, 1962. TOP RIGHT: While not in the best condition, these two trophies from 1962-1963 are still standing. Photos by Jason Hennington
could afford.” A few years later, Price closed because of integration, and became an eight-grade school. Rumor has it that Price head coach Elders was offered a position at Taylor ISD. He would not be the head coach but would have been paid more than the head coach. “He was a student of the game,” Nance said. “He was a hard disciplinarian, but he knew his football.” Players said some of Elder’s words were “If the ball hits your hands, you’re supposed to catch it.” They knew he expected perfection. He was strict but was also like a father figure to them. None of the players have the trophies from the state championship season. Only a few of the trophies have been located but are broken. In 1947, Price was co-state champions with Denison Terrell. The game ended in a tie, 6-6.
Fall 2020 5
Monthly Events If you would like to see your non-profit community event or regular meeting listed in this calendar, please send it to Taylor76574 Calendar, 211 W. Third St., Taylor, TX 76574 or email to news@taylorpress.net and put “Taylor 76574” in the subject line. Our next edition will be published mid-to late October.
N. Main Street. Agendas are posted to the school’s website the Friday prior to the meeting. Taylor ISD board meetings are streamed on the Taylor Press Facebook page. G21 hosts a car show once a month. However, due to COVID-19, the car shows have been canceled until further notice.
Photo by Jason Hennington
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many events were either canceled or postponed. Here we list the times activities typically happen. To find out more information, contact the organizer of each event. G21 CAR SHOW G21 Car Show is on the fourth Sunday of every month beginning at about 9 a.m. It is held on Second Street between Main and Porter streets. Several different charities benefit from it throughout the year. SECOND SATURDAY Join us on the second Saturday of the month for events in our parks and all over town. Specials and bargains in our downtown shops and cool drinks at our “rest stops.” THIRD MONDAY The Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce hosts a luncheon at Sirloin Stockade the third Monday of each month. The topics vary but usually focus on Taylor issues. Open members and non-members. THIRD THURSDAY: The Third Thursday of every month, our downtown shops stay open until 8 p.m. 120 Art Gallery opens a new exhibit and music fills Texas Beer Company, Taylor
Station and other venues around the area.
WEEKLY CIVIC CLUB MEETINGS Taylor Lions Club Every Friday at Noon at Sirloin Stockade Taylor Rotary Club Every Thursdays at noon at Sirloin Stockade Taylor Kiwanis Club Every Wednesday noon at Sirloin Stockade
AROUND THE WATERCOOLER Interested in local and college sports? Check out “Around the Water Cooler,” a lively and opinionated show produced by the Taylor Press. New shows every Thursday at about 11 a.m. Streamed live on Facebook @GoTaylorTx. YOUR GOVERNMENT Taylor City Council The Taylor City Council meets the second and fourth Thursdays of the month, 6 p.m. at City Hall, 400 Porter St. Agendas are posted to the city’s website Tuesday prior. Meetings are streamed live from the city’s website. You may sign up for notifications about this and other Taylor boards and commissions on the homepage of the city’s website, ci.taylor. tx.us. TAYLOR SCHOOL BOARD Taylor school trustees meet 7 p.m. the third Monday of the month, in the board room at the central administration office, 3101
The Taylor City Council meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month. Currently, the council meets virtually.
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Photo by Jason Hennington
Taylor 76574
Police officers, firefighters, EMS and more travel to Taylor to participate in the annual Patriot Day march and remembrance program on Sept. 11.
Photo by Jason Hennington
Fall Calendar
September
LABOR DAY HOLIDAY — AREA SCHOOLS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED.
9/11 MEMORIAL The First Baptist church of Taylor and the Taylor Fire Departments host a march through downtown then a memorial service at Heritage Square to honor the emergency workers who died during the 9/11 attacked on New York City and Washington DC. TAYLOR CHAMBER BUSINESS AND JOB EXPO Presented by the Taylor Chamber of commerce and the Taylor Economic Development Corp. at the Williamson County Exposition Center, this event includes booths, information and exhibits from an array of area
businesses and organizations. A resume workshop and career and job fairs will be held to round out the experience. Call 512352-6364 or visit taylorchamber.org for more information. Free to the public.
election is Monday, Oct. 5 (postmarked). Deadline to apply for ballot-by-mail is Friday, Oct. 23 (received). Early voting is from Oct. 13-Oct. 31. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
SPJST BARBECUE COOK OFF The Taylor SPJST Lodge #29’s Annual Barbecue Cook-off. Barbecue cooks from across Central Texas submit entries in a variety of categories, including pork ribs, brisket, chicken, jackpot beans, cook’s choice, dessert and even best rig. The event features a silent auction and two days of live music and dancing. To find out more, visit www.taylorchamber. org or call (512) 365-8485.
GOOD LIFE TAYLOR Good Life Taylor, Texas raises money for specially-selected community improvement projects. The fair focuses on outdoors, family activities including park use, pets, home gardening and backyard poultry keeping. Enjoy a quiet, quaint, but quick run. Designed with input from competitive runners, our course zips you through North Taylor with multiple changes in scenery on a flat route. Start and finish in Bull Branch Park, but you’ll also experience a bit of our countryside and Taylor living. Contact Julie Rydell at 512-294-1972 or visit http://www.goodlifetaylor.com for more information.
October
REGISTER TO VOTE The last day to register to vote for the Nov. 3
Fall 2020 7
Genuine Leader for the Citizens of Taylor
ELECT
Christopher
GONZALES For City Council - At Large
TOGETHER WE’RE TAYLOR STRONG Political Advertisement Paid By Gracie Hidrogo, Treasurer
Williamson County Farm Bureau supporting the interests of the agriculture community, farmers and ranchers since 1950. 2301 N. Main St. Taylor, TX 76574 512-365-5212
3000 Joe DiMaggio Blvd, Ste. 20 Round Rock, TX 78665 512-341-9880
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Serving Taylor and Surrounding Communities for Over Four Decades
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The annual Good Life 5K and Kids’ K draw runners from all over. The races is followed by a health fair and epic confetti egg battle. FALL FESTIVAL The Fall Festival features free flu shots, activities and fun for everyone. The event also includes a tiny animal petting zoo, farmers market, bounce house, face painting, giveaways, music and healthy living activities for all ages. For more information visit www.lifeparkcenter.com/events. HUTTO OLDE TYME DAYS Go back in time at Hutto’s Olde Tyme Days downtown along historic East Street. Arts, crafts, games, a parade and musical performances have made this old-fashioned festival a family favorite for nearly 30 years. For details, visit www.huttooldetymedays. com or contact the Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce, (512) 759-4400. MAIN STREET CAR SHOW Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s car show has been canceled. The last weekend in October. When the F-1 tours Austin’s Circuit of the Americas in late October, Taylor celebrates! Taylor’s Historic
Photo by Jason Hennington
Main Street hosts its own F-1 car show sponsored by the City of Taylor. In addition to cars, find an automotive art exhibition, prizes and a whole lot more! COUPLAND CHOO CHOO FEST Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s Choo Choo Fest has been canceled. The annual Choo Choo Fest is typically held the first Sunday of the month from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., at St. Peter’s Church of Coupland. This event raises funds to maintain Coupland’s historic Depot and caboose and features a barbecue dinner, silent auction, bake sale, and free rides for the whole family on the Kiddie Express train.
The Callis family, JC, Jackson, and Julie, owners of Kiddie Express Train. Regarding the cancellation of Choo Choo Fest, JC said, "I do hope and pray that the one festival that I enjoy the most returns." Photo by Kyle Hensley
Fall 2020 9
Seekers are welcome at
ST. JAMES'
EPISCOPAL CHURCH Proudly Promoting the Honor and Integrity of The Great American Cowboy Young and old, male and female, gay and straight, single, married, divorced and widowed, progressive and conservative, helping one another and working together to serve our neighbors.
Everyone is welcome. SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist 11:20 a.m. Christian Education & Fellowship 612 Davis (corner of 7th & Davis) Taylor, Texas 76574
(512) 352-2330 | (512) 826-6278
www.stjamestaylor.org https://www.facebook.com/StJamesTaylorTx/
The Cowboys & Cowgirls were not able to Rodeo in Taylor this year due to the coronavirus. They will be expecting everyone to come see them at the Williamson County Expo Center the third weekend in July 2021, for the 71st Annual Taylor Rodeo.” Stay safe and we hope to see everyone at the Rodeo.
Taylor, Texas 76574
www.taylorrodeo.com
Timmy & Nancy Talley, Owners
The Taylor Press is still your connection to the community.
nancohomes@att.net | www.nancohomesinc.com
The Taylor Press is essential.
(512) 365-1979
The Taylor Press is here for you. “One business that must stay open and can’t stop working are newspapers . . . telling the story of what is going on is imperative and I need for you to continue to do that.” - Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell
A reputation for excellence
512-352-8535 www.TaylorPress.net
https://www.facebook.com/GoTaylorTx/
Nobody Beats a Covert Deal. Not Now, Not Ever! GRAND SPORT CORVETTE
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REALTREE EDITION SILVERADO In January, it was announced that the first ever Williamson County Fair and Rodeo will be held Oct. 22-24 at the Williamson County Expo Center in Taylor.
Photo by Jason Hennington
DUCKS UNLIMITED BANQUET Ducks Unlimited, established in 1937, is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing water fowl habitats. The largest percentage of Ducks Unlimited’s conservation expenditure is derived from local fund-raising banquets. These dinners are fun, social events attended by men, women, and children who really care about the future of their environment. For information and tickets, contact John M. McDonald, (512) 365-3528. WILLIAMSON COUNTY RODEO AND FAIR The rodeo will be a Cowboy’s Professional Rodeo Association and a United Professional Rodeo Association sanctioned event. It will be a traditional eight-event rodeo and will include bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, tie-down calf roping, ladies breakaway roping, team roping, ladies barrel racing and bull riding. There will also be special events such as kids’ mutton bustin’, a kids’ calf scramble and a drill team on horseback. The carnival will have rides, pig races, a petting zoo and a meet the mustang tent. There will also be games such as cornhole, washers, nostalgic games and more. The event will also feature vendors, a farmer’s market and a wine and beer garden.
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SPOOKTACULAR On Halloween, Oct. 31, ghosts and goblins haunt the downtown square in a festival that features costume contests, games a Ghost Fall 2020 11 Walk and fun!
www.covertfordhutto.com
S R E B M U N E H BY T
HOW MANY SEASON TICKET SEATS (STADIUM SEATS)? 252 HOW MANY DIFFERENT SPORTS OR ACTIVITIES USE THE FIELD? At least 8 (band, soccer, Hi-Steppers, cheerleading, TMS football, TMS soccer, football and track) HOW MANY CONCESSION STANDS? 2 HOW MANY BATHROOMS? 4 HOW MANY SEATS (TOTAL)? 5,000
HOW MANY STAIRS IN THE STANDS? 483 (We walked every single one)
HOW MANY ROLLS OR A REA 12 (ESTIMATE Taylor 76574 HOW MANY DUCK STATUES? 1 with 2 bronze Ducks
HOW MANY TAYLOR DUCK FOOTBALL GAMES HAVE BEEN PLAYED THERE? Approximately 50 including TMS, JV and varsity. HOW MANY ROOMS IN THE PRESS BOX? 5 HOW MANY LANES ON THE TRACK? 8 HOW BIG IS THE ENTIRE STADIUM? Approximately 80,000 square feet including turf and stands
HOW MUCH DID IT COST TO BUILD THE STADIUM? S OF TOILET PAPER ARE USED IN A FOOTBALL SEASON Part of a $24 million ALLY GUESS)? About 250 FallGOOD 2020 13 bond package
TO THE CITIZENS OF TAYLOR
Taylor Professional Firefighters Local 4194 wishes to endorse Dwayne Ariola in his run for the position of City Council Member for the City of Taylor. Mr. Ariola has shown a willingness to work with Local 4194 on issues that pertain to furthering the success of the City of Taylor fire service in the future. Furthermore, he shows great interest in understanding the dynamics of and issues of the City of Taylor fire service. During Mr. Ariola’s previous term his support of positive change within the fire department was much appreciated. Local 4194 hopes, through a successful campaign, to work with Mr. Ariola in constantly moving towards meeting and exceeding the goals of the citizens of Taylor.
Respectfully,
James Russell
Public Information Officer Taylor Professional Firefighters Local 4194 Political Ad Paid for by the Dwayne Ariola for Taylor City Council Campaign. Thomas E. Martinez-Treasurer
Taylor, Tx
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Taylor 76574
An autographed curb along with photos from throughout his career were placed in the Dicky Maegle exhibit of the Duck Room.
Photo by Jason Hennington
Etched in bystone Football Legend Honored City, School TIM CROW
tcrow@taylorisd.org
D
uck Hall of Fame legend, Dicky Maegle, quickly rose to the national spotlight after graduating from Taylor High School in 1951. He entered Rice University as a 16-year-old freshman, and during the 1954 Cotton Bowl Classic was involved in one of the most famous plays in college football history, an event that landed him a guest spot on the Ed Sullivan Show. He went on to play for the San Francisco 49ers, the Pittsburg Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys and has been inducted into several athletic halls of fame. Now, this well-known Taylor Duck is being honored by the Taylor High School Ex-Students Association, the city of Taylor and the Duck Room/Webb Room museum in a big way. Thanks to a long-lost autograph and handprints in concrete discovered by the city of Taylor, and a donation
Taylor High School athlete Dyant’e Vincent admires a portrait of Taylor football legend, Dicky Maegle, from his days with the Dallas Cowboys.
Photo Tim Crow
Fall 2020 15
of memorabilia from the local legend himself, the exhibit highlighting the career of this record setting football star is growing. “I think it’s fortuitous that this autograph has turned up after all these years,” said Mayor Brandt Rydell. “Dicky Maegle is one of the greatest athletes to ever come out of Taylor. To be able to preserve this for posterity and for people to learn about Dicky Maegle and his legacy in the sports world is great to see.” When contacted by phone about the autograph, Maegle said he remembers signing the wet concrete, but never knew what happened to it after that. “They came to me and wanted me to do that some time back,” Maegle said. “I asked them what it was about and they said it will be remembered forever. I said no problem, I’ll come over there. So, I went over and did the handprints, too. I wasn’t but 17 years old at the time.” Former city councilwoman, Ella Jez, and 1958 Taylor High School graduate, David Hertz, heard about the signature and helped fill in the gaps about the signature. Jez was on the city council when the land on the southwest corner of Lake Drive and Main
Street was sold and cleared for a CVS building. That spot was once home to Sportsman’s Field, Taylor’s baseball field. “It was probably about the time the first dozer arrived that I got a call from Charles Brunken,” Jez said. “Charlie was concerned about a piece of concrete curbing with Dicky Maegle’s name and handprint on it. He was insistent that this Dicky Maegle fellow was well known and that the hunk of concrete had value.” Jez asked the city about saving the concrete autograph, and that large piece of Duck history was retrieved from the site. David Hertz began playing little league in 1951 and remembers the exact location of that autograph. “I remember back in the early fifties that signature was underneath the bleachers at Sportsman’s Park,” Hertz recalled. “They put in new bleachers, and they had some vertical poles supporting the bleachers that were anchored in that concrete. Dicky must have been there when they were building them.” Maegle and his wife, Carol, offered to donate a few additional items of memorabilia for the Duck Room exhibit. Items that included a large portrait from Maegle’s days with the This curb was found at the city of Taylor Public Works Department. No one knows what street it was on, but did recognize the name written on it.
Photo by Jason Hennington
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Dallas Cowboys, a plaque presented by the Rotary Club for “Unselfish Service to Taylor During the Year 1954,” and numerous career photos. The new additions to the Duck Room museum have brought back a lot of memories for those who knew the young athlete during his early days in Taylor. Bor n R ichard Lee Moegle Sept. 14, 1934, in Taylor, Maegle later changed the spelling of his last name to make it more phonetically correct. He was a four-way letterman for the Ducks, lettering in football, basketball, Dicky Maegle’s name will forever be remembered in the Duck Room in Taylor after a donation of memorabillia was made to the district. At the baseball and track. presentation are (from left) Tim Crow, Pat Helbert, Dixie Rhoades, Mary Jane Hammack, Lisa Buzan, Janell Rohlack and Mayor Brandt Rydell. As a quarterback for Photo by Jason Hennington Taylor, he was an All-District performer and the lead scorer in District 21A with Classic. Often referred to as the most famous play in Cotton Bowl history, and one of the most bizarre events in any 130 points. At Rice, Maegle was named an All-American in 1954. He sport, Alabama’s Tommy Lewis came off the bench and tackfinished his college career after setting 26 school records, led Maegle as he broke through from Rice’s five-yard line including career touchdowns, interceptions in a game and and was running down the sideline in front of Alabama’s total points in a season. Maegle was inducted into the College bench on his way to a touchdown. Maegle was awarded the 95-yard touchdown on the play Football Hall of Fame, the Rice Athletic Hall of Fame and the and Rice went on to win the game 28 – 6. Texas Sports Hall of Fame. This incident brought about the Maegle Rule, instituted to With all his accomplishments, the play he is still best known for today happened during the 1954 Cotton Bowl award a touchdown to any player tackled from the sideline.
A Caring Community Funeral Home Locally owned and operated Funerals • Cremations • Preneeds • Monuments
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10 QUESTIONS
with Coach Robert Little
Second year Taylor ISD Athletic Director/Head Football Coach Robert Little allowed us to pick his brain to learn a little more about him.
1. WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
If I could have one, I would want invisibility
2. TELL US SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU? Love going to concerts (Post Malone, Twenty-One Pilots)
3. WHAT IS THE DUMBEST THING YOU’VE EVER DONE? Tell an official what I really thought.
4. WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO? Love being around athletes.
5. WHAT MAKES YOU GOOD AT YOUR JOB? Not afraid to work
6. WHO OR WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION? My Wife
7. IF YOU HAD THREE WISHES FROM A NON-TRICKY GENIE, WHAT WOULD YOU WISH FOR? World Peace, More Patience, and 3 more wishes.
8. WHAT’S BEST AND WORST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Best - don’t sweat the small stuff; Worst - Speak your mind
10. WHAT SONG IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? Anything Post Malone
9. WHAT IS THE FUNNIEST THING YOU HAVE SEEN OR HEARD FROM A PLAYER?
Had a player standing on the sidelines tell me, “Coach we only have 10 players out on the punt team.” He was the 11th player.
BONUS QUESTION WHAT IS YOUR CLAIM TO FAME? Saying, “WIN STATE!!!”
EVERYONE COUNTS! Great job, Taylor! As of 8/1/20, more than 60% of Taylor households have responded to the 2020 Census. There’s still time to shape the future of your community!
RESPOND TODAY: Online:
By phone:
www.2020census.gov www.2020census.gov/es (En Español)
844-330-2020 844-468-2020 (En Español)
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Taylor 76574
The Taylor Press… Your connection to your community.
LOWER BRUSHY CREEK WATER CONTROL & IMPROV The Lower Brushy Creek Water Control & Improvement District operates and maintains 23 flood control structures in eastern Williamson and western Milam Counties. These earthen dams weree ce. designed and constructed by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. YOUR TWO-CENTS Averagetaxbillfora$190,000homeinthedistrict: CityofTaylor ……………………… $1,540 TaylorISD ………………………… $2,610 WilliamsonCounty…………………… $875 LBC-WCID ……………………… $38 WeefficientlyandeffectivelyusetheSMALLEST TAX RATEinthearea.Yourtwo-centspaysfor: @ @ @ @
Operations & Maintenence Regulatory Compliance Emergency Preparedness Capital Improvements
The proposed 2021 Tax Levy of $462,000 not only supports operations and maintenence, but it serves as the local support for more than $2.2 million in state and federal grant money. 2021 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS DAM
20
DAM
12 DAM
22 DAM
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SITE 20 Thisdamwascompletedin1965. Rehabilitationisrequiredtomeethigh hazarddesigncriteria.Inconstructionphase Est total cost: $1.7 million SITES 12 & 22 Thesedamswerecompletedin1967and1961. Structuralrepairsarerequiredduetoextensivewaveerosiononwaterside.Theseprojectsarereadyforbidding. Est total cost $1.2 million SITE 18 Thisdamwascompletedin1963.Upgradetomeethigh hazarddesigncriteria.Intheearlydesignphase Est total cost $5 million
WCID Office c/o USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service 505 West Univerity Avenue, Suite C | Georgetown, Texas 78626
TCEQ DAM CLASSIFICATIONS —Classificationisbasedon downstreamdevelopment,nottheconditionofdam. l Low Hazard –Nolossofhumanlifeexpectedand/ orminimaleconomicloss. l Significant Hazard–Twoorfewerhabitable structuresatriskand/orappreciableeconomicloss. l High Hazard–Threeormorehabitablestructuresat riskand/orexcessiveeconomicloss. General Manager James Clarno, PE | 512.517.7596 email: lowerbrushycreekwcid@gmail.com
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Contentpaidforandprovidedby LowerBrushyCreekWCID.
VEMENT DISTRICT
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LOWER BRUSHY CREEK WCID BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Monica Masters Secretary
Ed Komandosky President
Scott Ging Treasurer
Michael Schneider Director
Allen David Director
WANT THE WHOLE DAM STORY?
www.lowerbrushycreekwcid.org Fall 2020 21
PRESS TAYLOR
your community. your newspaper.
Follow the Taylor Press and Taylor Press Sports pages on social media. @GoTaylorTX • @TDPsports @taylorpress76574 • @gotaylortx
@TaylorPress
OPENING IN SPRING 2021
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St. Paul Lutheran Church Everyone Is Welcome
512-218-3903 A branch of Round Top State Bank
Rev. Dr. George Qualley, Pastor 512-352-2327 stpaultaylor.com Child Development Center 512-352-2773 stpaulcdc@austin.rr.com
SPECIALISTS IN CUSTOM DESIGN & REPAIR
Our Jewelers, Robert Bland & Mark Ballard have over 100 Combined Experience! 304 N. Main St (next to The Howard Theatre) In Downtown Taylor, TX 512-352-5097 • Open Tuesday – Friday 9-5
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Small Business Big Dreams By Catherine Parker
A Small Town and its Small Business More than a small business, it’s someone’s big dream. Taylor knows its neighbors and that includes its small businesses. Dotting the downtown corridor, the spring hit small business hard as owners scrambled for assistance. With days to transition to new online platforms or even new business models, COVID-19 forced most small businesses to close for a time. According to Tia Stone, the Taylor Chamber of Commerce president, “small businesses help define the character of our community and bring people into town.” This spring the Taylor Chamber of Commerce pulled together resources for all businesses in Taylor, not just Chamber members. Stone helped business owners navigate the Small Business Administration (SBA) loan applications to secure operational funding.
Black Sparrow Music Parlor What’s a live music venue to do when the stage lights go off and stay off for months? According to the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) if the blackout last six months, 90% of independent venues will be forced to close. Shannon Bagent, Black Sparrow’s owner, pivoted her business virtually overnight. Constructing a sound room, she launched KBSR, an independent digital radio station. In March, four DJs put together the first show. Now KBSR has grown to close to 20 independent DJs. Each self-produces their shows and have 100% creative control of their programming. With a selection of music and talk shows, the KBSR audience grows every week. Find talk shows dedicated to local politics or the latest in gardening in addition to an eclectic music line-up. To listen, head to blacksparrowmusicparlor. com and download the free app. In addition to its new digital radio station, support Black Sparrow’s Patreon program with a monthly donation starting at $2 a month. Located at 113 W. Second St. PICTURED TOP RIGHT: A new shop for women’s clothing in Downtown Taylor. BOTTOM RIGHT: Shannon Bagent in the sound room at the Black Sparrow Music Parlor. Photos by Catherine Parker
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Pecan Manor Bed and Breakfast is available for pool parties through the fall.
Photos by Cath
Vintique Mall Within days, Michael Jones had created a Facebook group, Vintique Mall Curbside to Go, offering vintage finds from the Vintique Mall storefront. Daily he posted pictures to the group, letting members browse everything from shabby
garden art to vintage toys. If the price was right, customers received an email invoice and could pick up items curbside or arrange delivery. Vintique Mall is back open though pictures are still being posted to the Curbside to Go group. Located at 2121 N. Main St. Open Tuesday to Sunday.
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Old Taylor High As a mixed-use complex, Old Taylor High (OTH) is hosting live music on Friday and Saturday nights this fall starting at 7 p.m. Located on the expansive lawn facing Seventh St., the area accommodates social distancing and provides shade. Bring a blanket and grab a beer to-go at The Loose Screw Craft Beer House. Located at 410 W. Seventh St. and open daily. Plowman’s Kitchen, also at OTH, added new menu items recently. Find a new chicken enchilada plate, New Orleans BBQ shrimp along with a breakfast board featuring silver dollar pancakes and French toast. Coming soon, Plowman’s Kitchen will be offering frozen drinks, like margaritas. And its Tea Parties are perfect for small groups. Located at 305 W Ninth St. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Pecan Manor Bed and Breakfast With widespread stay-at-home orders, the cancellations calls came into hotels and inns across the world, including Taylor’s own Pecan Manor Bed and Breakfast. Janetta McCoy, innkeeper and owner, had a season of guests and events disappear overnight. New for fall, find live music at Old Taylor High’s front lawn on After hosting a few pool parties in years past, she moved quickly last Friday and Saturday nights. spring to open her pool to residents looking for an escape. Taylor answered and her two-hour weekday pool slots filled up before the end of May. As the summer comes to a close, her pool is still open for weekend parties until the weather cools in October. She can accommodate outdoor parties up to 25 people and her overnight guests are returning. Located at 819 Hackberry St.
herine Parker
Farmers Market on Main
After its first full year at a new location, the Farmers Market will be open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Saturday, December 19th. The roster of local farmers and producers has increased to over 20. Find seasonal fall vegetables, handmade products or reserve a bird for your upcoming holiday meal. Located under the pavilion in Heritage Square Park at 400 Main St.
Known Source Farms Seems like everyone weeded their gardens and planted up a spring garden. For the lucky ones, the tomatoes are still coming in. Though Texas really boasts two growing seasons—spring and fall. Refresh your garden with fall tomatoes and herbs, along with seasonal vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli and onions. Also find cool weather-loving favorites like radishes, lettuces and peas—all easy to grow from seed. According to Ross Ramey at Known Source, fall is an excellent time th & to plant fruit trees. Or grab some organic fertilizer or advice to get your EVENTS garden started. Located at 1902 W. 301 W. 5th St. | Taylor, Texas | (512) 468-2490 Second St. Open daily events@5thandvance.com | 5thandvance.com except Monday.
5 Vance
512-352-6792 2210 W. 2nd Street Taylor, Texas
taylordflowersforyou.com
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Taylor Feed and Supply Back in the spring, baby chicks flew into yards all over town as people raised hatchlings. Now the ladies are starting to produce. Though fall offers another opportunity for your own farm fresh eggs, even in town. Starting in October, find baby chicks like Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Rock, and even Ameraucana or Easter Eggers. Also find everything you need to care for your livestock. Located at 102 Talbot St. Open daily.
True Barbershop Before most customers just walked into the barber shop for a trim. Now customers have to schedule an appointment to accommodate sanitizing between customers. Derek Hilla of True Barbershop added additional sanitizing measures to his location. His shop uses an UV air sanitizer along with a UV dry sanitizer for his hard tools, like scissors. Since Hilla shares space with Breanne Fontenot, they maintain a six-foot distance between clients. Additionally, the barbers at True Barbershop spend at least 10 minutes between clients wiping down everything. Located at 116 W Second St. Ste #102. Open daily and closed Sunday and Monday.
Texas Beer Company With taprooms and bars closed across the state, local brewers struggle to make ends meet. To get a local beer, Texas Beer Company is selling beer to-go from its storefront. Located at 201 N. Main St. Open Daily.
La Scala Look for new autumnal menu items at La Scala. Or dine at-home with online ordering. Located at 203 N. Main St. Open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday.
the artisan-made bowls will be distributed outdoors in Potters Alley, located behind the McCror y Timmerman Building. Instead of soup on distribution day, each bowl will include a voucher for soup at a local restaurant. In addit ion to t he E mpt y Bowl Project, the Shepherd’s Heart will host an online silent auction and hold a raffle for a locally made Ellis mandolin. T he auction goes live on Oct. 2, and Hens can be found in backyards across Taylor. Empty Bowl and raffle tickets will be available at ShepherdsHeartTaylor.org.
New Faces in Town It’s not easy being a new business in the age of COVID-19. The Lighthouse Boutique opened its doors after a year-long renovation this spring. With a fashion collection of half-missy and half curvy-sizes, owner April Rector offers clothing up to size 3X with a mix boho and rock tees. Additionally, find plant-based snacks at the Sweet Spot located at the back of the boutique. Located at 105 W. Fifth St. Open daily. Grab a coffee or a sandwich to-go at Good Strangers Luncheonette. Located at 114 W. Second St. Open Wednesday to Sunday for breakfast and lunch.
Giving Local T he E mpt y Bowl P rojec t, a n a n nua l event that benefits the Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry, is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each Visit Our Website: year volunteers from Art Call or Email kieslingranch.com Off Center make and to Start Planning Contact Us: glaze bowls for purchase your Wedding 512-529-7285 Taylor’s Farmers Market features fresh flowers and last year’s event raised kieslingranch@gmail.com or Event Today! at its Saturday markets. close to $5,000. Photos by Catherine Parker For the 2020 event, 26 Taylor 76574
St. Mary’s adds ninth and 10th grades
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t. Mary’s Catholic High School opened its doors to ninth and 10th grade students this fall. The new high school will be an extension of St. Mary’s Catholic School and will follow the same mission of educating for wisdom and virtue, centered on Christ, in the Classical Catholic tradition. Father Keith Koehl, pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Taylor, is excited for the addition of the new high school and is confident that this will benefit the community of Taylor, the surrounding areas and beyond. “We continue the educational mission of the church through the addition of a high school. We build upon the vision which creates an environment for students to think critically and thus make a positive impact in society,” he said. A unique characteristic of St. Mary’s Catholic PICTURED TOP LEFT: St. Mary’s Catholic School is ready to accept students in ninth and 10th grade for the new school year. TOP RIGHT: In addition to the educational opportunities that students will enjoy at St. Mary’s, at the conclusion of their junior year, students will have the option to join other Chesterton Network institutions on a pilgrimage to Rome. ABOVE: Kathryn Pesl serves a ball during a volleyball game.
Courtesy photos
High School is its affiliation with the international Chesterton Schools Network. “St. Mary’s students in Taylor will have access to one of the most cohesive, content-rich high school educations in the world. A broad exposure to many different disciplines helps students expand their interests and uncover hidden talents,” said school Principal Heidi Altman. “Each year builds on the previous, so that by the end of senior year, our students will be articulate, clear-thinking, well-rounded and, very importantly, joyful individuals of good character, ready to serve the Lord.” In addition to the educational opportunities that students will enjoy at St. Mary’s, at the conclusion of their junior year, students will have the option to join other Chesterton Network institutions on a pilgrimage to Rome. Currently, St. Mary’s Catholic School serves 195 students who come from 24 different zip codes. “Our families come from diverse communities that bring such richness and joy to our school, and our affordable model of classical education will provide a whole new dimension to the educational choices provided in our area,” Altman said. A virtual information session is scheduled for Thursday, June 18 at noon via St. Mary’s Catholic School’s Facebook (@ SMCSTA). Prospective parents, and all who wish to learn more about this new endeavor are invited to join the livestream. For more information, visit www.stmarystaylor.org. ABOUT CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN THE DIOCESE OF AUSTIN Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Austin form a unified school system made up of 20 Catholic Schools ranging from Pre-K to 12th grade that collectively educate over 5,000 students across Central Texas. Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Austin empower families to raise their children with Catholic Values. We provide transformative education through the integration of quality academics with the teaching of Catholic values. For more information, visit stmarystaylor.org or “Like” us on Facebook.
27 Fall 2020 27 Taylor 76574
St. Mary’s Catholic School Classical PreK3-12th Grade
Educating for Wisdom and Virtue, Centered on Christ
520 Washburn Street | Taylor, Texas stmarystaylor.org. Contact Kim Bohac at 512-352-2313 28
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2020 Fall Sports Preview
— Are you —
ready? •The Taylor Ducks looks to redeem themselves after a tough 2019 season. •Granger has a new coach who plans to lead the Lions back to the playoffs. •Veterans the key to Thrall’s success this season. •Hutto ready to battle in 6A. •Plus, volleyball, cross country and tennis.
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TAYLOR
FOOTBALL • VOLLEYBALL • TENNIS • CROSS COUNTRY
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TAYLOR
Ducks ready to return to the gridiron BY MATTHEW BARR & JASON HENNINGTON
K
ing among Texas sports is hard-nosed football, and the Taylor Ducks look to make a return to that era of roughand-tumble football with Head Coach Robert Little leading the way. After a disappointing first season last year, coach Little is retooling the Ducks on both sides of the ball with hopes of turning the team into a lean, green, touchdown-scoring machine. “I think we are still in a very tough district,” said Little. “I think we will compete much better due to the fact that the athletes know me better and vice versa.” The Ducks will face some familiar foes and welcome a new team to the district. District 13-4A D1 is comprised of Taylor along with Lampasas, Canyon Lake, Fredericksburg, Burnet and newcomer Austin LBJ. With 14 players returning from last season, Taylor is looking to make itself a competitor once again. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine names a few
Ducks to watch this season – running back/wide receiver Jayson Saucedo, defensive backs Issac Rivera and Ethan Sanchez, running back Daniel Mendoza, offensive and defensive linemen Roston Razo and Luke Schneider, quarterback Chris Fabian, linebackers Justin Ramirez and Greg Davis, running back Dyante Vincent and ATH players Conner Cobb and Chris Beccera. Campbell has the Ducks finishing last in the district. Little said the schedule has some good competition that will help the team get ready for district play. “[As far as] strength of schedule, again, similar to last year,” said Little. “I believe that we will be more competitive, and I think our overall mindset will be better than last year.” To help develop the team even further, Taylor has added three new coaches to the mix. Daniel Thomas, a Taylor graduate, will be the inside linebacker coach. Brandon Greene will help coach the running backs and the freshmen team, and Kale McQuillen, will coach the defensive line. The coaches will look to rectify the team’s weaknesses from last fall.
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“[Our team’s weakness was] learning offense and defense,” said Little. “Spring was cut short. We are playing catch-up because of no spring ball.” However, coach Little is looking to capitalize on the strengths that the team has displayed in the past. “These guys seem to like each other,” said Little. “I think they are mentally tough and want to do well.” Taylor will have to be tough, both mentally and physically, during a season that includes a pandemic, delayed practices, adjusted schedules and a game on Oct. 9 against Lampasas, who won district and went 13-2 for the season last year. The Ducks open the season on the road against Rockdale Sept. 4.
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Competing in a bold new world
BY MATTHEW BARR
W
hile the coronavirus has changed the way high school sports will be played, the Lady Ducks Volleyball team is looking to continue last year’s success amid a rapidly changing world. Second year Taylor Volleyball Head Coach Kate Kennedy wants to extend the Lady Duck’s winning ways that led to a 24-18 overall record for the season, placing them third in the district last year. “This season, our expectations are to improve every time we step out on the court,” said Kennedy. “We want to win district and go further in [the] playoffs, and of course, just for this season, we want no interruptions to our season.” The dynamics of the team with the loss of some key players. “We have very different teams [this year]. Seven seniors graduated last year, which left four returning varsity players,” said coach Kennedy. “The four returners will be playing big roles for the team and are leaders on [and] off the court for us. This year’s team comes in with excitement and eagerness to improve every day. They have taken everything we tell them and [made] changes.”
2020 TAYLOR DUCK VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT SITE Aug. 28 Thorndale Away (no fans allowed) Sept. 1 Lexington Home Sept. 4 Florence Away Sept. 8 Smithville Home Sept. 11 Sept. 15 # Gatesville Home Sept. 18 Lago Vista Home Sept. 22 *Gateway Home Sept. 25 *Salado Away Sept. 29 *Jarrell Away Oct. 2 *Lake Belton Home Oct. 6 *Burnet Away Oct. 9 *Gateway Away Oct. 13 *Salado Home Oct. 16 ^ *Jarrell Home Oct. 20 *Lake Belton Away Oct. 23 ** *Burnet Home Oct. 29-31 Nov. 2-3 Nov. 5-7 Nov. 9-10 Nov. 12-14 Nov. 18-21 * District Games # Middle School Night ^ Senior Night ** Taylor ISD Homecoming
FRESHMAN 5 p.m.
JV 5 p.m.
VARSITY 6 p.m.
6 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. open 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:30 5:30p.m. p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m. Bi-District Area Quarterfinals Regional Semi-finals Regional finals STATE TOURNEY
Head Coach: Kate Kennedy Assistant Coaches: Rhegan Penn and Kelsey Carr
While the Lady Ducks had a winning season last year, coach Kennedy is focusing on improving the team’s skills defensively. “One of the things we will be working on is not giving too many points in a row away,” said Kennedy. “It’s easy in volleyball to give three [or] four points away before getting a point, then at the end of the game, you lose by those three points. I think some strengths we have are players asking the right questions about situations, our athleticism, and having players that can play in multiple positions.” Improvement will be key considering the expectations for this year’s team as well as the competition they will face. Taylor will battle against teams such as Thorndale, who had a 28-8 season last year and won all their 14 district games, and Salado, who placed second in district last year. “Our district will be tough,” said Kennedy. “Each school is going to be competitive.” Coach Kennedy forward to some great things out of the returning group of seniors and as well as the rest of the rest of the team.
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Taylor Tennis swings into action BY MATTHEW BARR A new season is in sight for the Taylor High School tennis program. The team began practice Monday, Aug 3, and while second year head coach Lisa Little is returning for another season, the setting has changed noticeably since last year. The coronavirus pandemic has affected how schools are dealing with public health concerns in close quarters situations. “ T he big ge s t di f ference is that w e can’t have the b i g water coolers out there for the kids to access extra water,” Little said. “We are also prescreening everyone’s temperature.” Many high schools have also seen their schedules modified regularly as the year progresses. “Our first meet, they backed that up,” Little said, speaking about the University
TAYLOR LADY DUCK TENNIS SCHEDULE Thursday Aug. 27 Weiss (Pflugerville) Home 4 p.m. Varsity Thursday Sept. 3 Academy Home 4 p.m. JV/Varsity Thursday Sept. 10 Caldwell Home 4 p.m. JV/Varsity Saturday Sept. 19 Lago Vista Home 9 a.m. Varsity Thursday Sept. 24 Lake Belton Away 4 p.m. JV/Varsity Thursday Oct. 1 Academy Away 4 p.m. Varsity Thursday Oct. 8 Burnet Home 4 p.m. Varsity Thursday Oct. 15 Jarrell Home 4 p.m. Varsity Mon.-Tues. Oct. 26-27 Bi-District TBA Varsity Thursday’ Oct. 29 Pflugerville Away 8 a.m. JV Tournament Thur.-Sat. Oct. 29-31 AREA TBA Varsity Mon.-Tues. Nov. 2-3 Regional Quarterfinal TBA Varsity Thursday Nov. 5 Georgetown Away 8 a.m. JV Tournament Fri.-Sat. Nov. 6-7 Regional Tournament TBA Varsity Wed.-Thur. Nov. 11-12 State Tournament TBA Varsity Thursday Nov. 12 Killeen Tournament Away 8 a.m. JV Head Coach — Lisa Little Assistant Coach — Chelsie Carter Interscholastic League (UIL) COVID-19 mitigation guidelines affecting Texas high school sports this year. “We did have to cancel a meet with Robinson,” Little said. “We also had to cancel our match with Academy, but we were able to reschedule that one.” Taylor’s first match is away from home against Gatesville Aug. 21 at 4 p.m.
Running down a dream BY MATTHEW BARR The Taylor Athletic program is facing its fair share of challenges this season with the coronavirus changing daily life, but the Taylor Cross Country team is looking to overcome those hurdles. One of the challenges Taylor will have to deal with because of the pandemic is a shallow roster. “Due to [COVID-19] we are seeing a pretty low turnout,” said Taylor Cross Country Head Coach Shelli Cobb. “We had 45 participants last season and now we have 23 this year. That’s affecting us.” However, coach Cobb anticipates great individual accomplishments throughout the season. “I expect some great performances from some of our strong returning runners,” said Cobb. She also stated that there will be 16 returning athletes from last year to help lead the team. “Our team will definitely be affected by our low participation numbers. However, I guarantee that those I have out, will work hard and compete well for us.” Taylor plans to have its first meet away from home Sept. 9 against Thrall. 34
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Thrall FOOTBALL • VOLLEYBALL
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THRALL
Tigers welcome back strong nucleus BY CASEY GEORG
A
s the 2020 Thrall Tigers prepare for the upcoming football season, new Head Coach Rick Porter will have a solid nucleus of veterans to work with. That, combined with some changes in offensive strategy should provide the Tigers with a chance at a strong season. A year ago, the Tigers posted a 6-5 record, bowing out of the playoffs following a loss to perennial state-power Mason. Thrall welcomes back 18 lettermen from that team, including 11 combined starters from both sides of the ball and Porter feels that leadership will be a key to the Tigers’ success. “We lost a decent number of seniors and some good athletes that showed a lot of leadership,” he said. “But, our entire varsity this year will be juniors and seniors and from what I’ve seen in practice so far, the leadership will be good.” Among the returners on offense will be junior quarterback Colter Hill. Hill started last season and saw significant playing time
Fall 2020 36
as a freshmen so experience shouldn’t be an issue for him. He earned first-team all-district honors last season after completing just over 60 percent of his passes for 1681 yards and 19 touchdowns. He threw just three interceptions in 175 attempts. Hill will have most of his receiving targets back. Clayton Allen, Cayden Watson, Dallas Meiske, and Garrett Crabb combined for 63 receptions and 971 yards last season. Watson was second on the team in receptions with 34 for 538 yards and 10 touchdowns. Porter was very pleased with what he has seen in the receiving corps so far this fall. “They have picked up where they left off last year,” he said. He added that the receivers will take on a new role this year as some of them will also line up at running back to provide different looks offensively. Joining Hill in the backfield will be two returning starters in juniors Tyreke Irvin and Isaac Martinez. Irvin was second on the team in rushing a year ago with 411 yards on 69 carries and five touchdowns. Martinez, who was injured part of the season, finished with 210 yards on 45 touches and a pair of scores. Hill was third on the team in rushing with 410 yards and found the endzone three times. Blair Neighbors and Brady Peterson should also see their fair share of carries as well.
Go T
ige rs & Tig e re t te s !
216 E HWY 79 Thrall, TX HOURS:
DATE Aug. 14 Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 #*Sept. 25 *Oct. 2 *Oct. 9 *Oct. 16 *Oct. 23 **Oct. 30 *Nov. 6 * District Games
OPPONENT PLACE Brentwood Christian (Away) Austin Hyde Park (Home) Iola (Away) Lexington (Home) Snook (Home) Somerville (Away) Rosebud (Home) Bruceville-Eddy (Away) Bye Week Hearne (Home) Thorndale (Away) Moody (Home) Holland (Away) ** Senior Night
TIME 6-7 6-7 7:30 7:30 7:00 7:30 7:30 7:30
7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 # Homecoming
AD/Head Football - Rick Porter, OC Charles Tindol, DC Matt Pokorny, STC Brandon Raesz, Thomas Umberger, Michael Martin, Matt Malish Superintendent - Tommy Hooker Principal - Travis Dube Band Directors - Beth Morrison and Bana Estes Cheer Sponsor - Leanne Martin
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In addition to lining up some of his receivers at the running back position, Porter said another change offensively this season will be that Hill will line up under center about 90 percent of the time. “It will give us a more ball-control offense than last year,” Porter said. “It also gives us more options and Colter has done a great job adjusting to the new scheme.” Up front, the Tigers will be big and physical. The seniorheavy offensive line will be anchored by Bryce Poling, Ryleigh O’Campo, Exavier Garza, and Corbin Cunningham. Poling earned second-team all-district honors a year ago while the remaining three saw significant playing time and anchored a line that helped produce 1600 yards on the ground. Eric Reed Andersen, Keven Blair, and Sam Lucia will also see playing time on the line which will give the Tigers some depth. The Tigers are equally well-seasoned on the defensive side of the ball. Six of the Tigers’ top eight tacklers from 2019 return and they are scattered throughout the defense. On the defensive line, Blair, who finished with 59 tackles last season, Poling, Cunningham, and O’Campo could be one of the biggest defensive lines in the district. Logan Woelfel is also expected to have an impact on the defensive line. The linebacking corps was the mainstay for the defense last season and should be strong again this year with Neighbors, Hill, Martinez, and Irvin seeing most of the snaps. Others who should see playing time at linebacker are Mario Mendez, Peterson, and Jacob Grissom. “So far the linebackers have done
a good job,” Porter said. “I think we’ll have another strong group.” And, in the secondary, the Tigers return all four starters and six players in total who saw significant playing time. Leading the defensive backs will be Garrett Crabb who plays much bigger than his size. He was second on the team in tackles in 2019 with 78. Joining Crabb will be Allen, Meiske, Watson, and Michael Rodriguez. Watson and Meiske combined for 87 tackles last season and Meiske added three interceptions. “The secondary will be our strength defensively,” Porter said. “We have all our starters back and they all have at least two years of experience. They did a great job for us last year.” In addition to the players, Porter was also quick to acknowledge the efforts of his coaching staff. “The coaches have done a great job with the kids in preparing them for the changes we’re making,” he said. “They’ve been great at communicating with the kids on what they need to do, and the kids have responded well to that.” As for the season outlook, Porter said the season will be a process. “We start off with a series of small goals,” he explained. “We start off wanting to win one game, then having a winning preseason, and then one win in district, then win district, and so forth. It does no good to say our goal is to win state, but not have all the checkpoints in place to evaluate how we’re doing.” Hearne is Porter’s pick for the likely District 12-2A champion. “Holland and Thorndale both have some solid teams returning, but I think Hearne is the team to beat with their quarterback (Micah Smith),” he said. “When you play them, that kid gives them a definite edge with his athletic abilities.” The season is slated to begin Aug. 28 in Iola. However, the district coaches are expected to meet this week to make a final decision on any changes to the schedule due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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PERHAPS WE WERE CREATED FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS
#WeAreThrall
#ThePowerOfUs
Fall 2020 39
Pride and tradition should help young Tigerettes BY CASEY GEORG
F
or six years the Thrall Tigerettes dominated the District 25-2A volleyball court. Last year saw them slip a bit as they finished second behind arch-rival Thorndale. Despite losing several key players from last year’s 35-13 team that made the Region IV championship match and being loaded with younger talent, Coach Bethany Grissom expects big things from her 2020 team. “We’re very young,” Grissom said. “We have some experience, but we’re not loaded with it like in years past. Our younger kids are going to have to step up and carry the load this season.” The biggest losses for the Tigerettes from last year was the clear height advantage Thrall had. The Tigerettes lost six seniors from last season, including a pair of 6-footers in Chandra Reed and Riley Krenek, both whom have taken their game to the collegiate level. But, while Grissom said this would be the smallest team, she’s put on the floor in what will be her ninth season in Thrall, she expects this team to still be very competitive.
THRALL TIGERETTES VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE Aug. 25 Rogers Aug. 29 Crawford Sept. 1 Academy Sept. 4 Fayetteville Sept. 8 Granger* Sept. 12 Milano* Sept. 15 Rosebud-Lott* Sept. 19 Thorndale* Sept. 22 Bartlett* Sept. 26 Buckholts* Sept. 29 Holland* Oct. 3 Granger* Oct. 6 Milano* Oct. 9 Rosebud-Lott* Oct. 13 Thorndale* Oct. 17 Bartlett* Oct. 20 Buckholts* Oct. 24 Holland*
Away 9/JV/V Home 9/JV/V Home 9/JV/V Home V JV/V Away JV/V Away JV/V Away 9/JV/V Home JV/V Away V Home 9/JV/V Away JV/V Home JV/V Home JV/V Home 9/JV/V Away JV/V Home V Away 9/JV/V *District Game
5 p.m./5 p.m./6 p.m. TBA 5 p.m./6 p.m./7 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m./6 p.m. 1 p.m./2 p.m. 5 p.m./6 p.m. 1 p.m./2 p.m./3 p.m. 5 p.m./6 p.m. 1 p.m. 5 p.m./6 p.m./7 p.m. 1 p.m./2 p.m. 5 p.m./6 p.m. 4:30/5:30 5 p.m./6 p.m./7 p.m. 1 p.m./2 p.m. 5 p.m. 1 p.m./2 p.m./3 p.m.
Head Coach: Bethany Grissom, Phone 898-5193 Assistant Coach: Holly Porter, Phone 898-5193 Assistant Coach: Amanda Sterling, Phone 898-5193
“We’re certainly not as tall as last year, but I think we’re quicker and scrappier than last year,” she said. The cupboard is not complete bare. The Tigerettes welcome back five lettermen from 2019. Juniors Addison Leschber and Bel Herrera saw significant playing time a year ago and, with no returning seniors with varsity experience, will have to provide some team leadership. Joining Leschber and Herrera will be a trio of sophomores who also saw a lot of playing time last season. Aaliyah Couch, Mia Moellenberg, and Grace Skrhak should provide some experience to this young team as they try and establish themselves during non-district play. Grissom said that there will also be several key junior varsity players from last season 16-8 team who will move up. “Having those better JV kids from last year moving up will definitely help,” she said. Grissom added that there were some other younger players coming up that will also help her 2020 squad. “We have a strong sophomore class and there are some good freshmen who could contribute as well,” she said. Pride and tradition will also go a long way in the Tigerettes’ success in 2020. Six straight district titles from 2013 to 2018 helped lay the groundwork for that tradition. “Our kids have a lot of pride in our program and I think that will help us along the way,” Grissom said. Grissom was reluctant to pick a district front runner. She does expect the district, as a whole, to be very competitive. Thorndale captured the district crown a year ago going undefeated in 25-2A and have some solid players returning and the Granger Lady Lions showed marked improvement earning a third place finish a year ago and also have a strong returning nucleus. Holland should also be improved and a new addition to the district, Rosebud-Lott, should provide some good competition. The Lady Cougars made it to third round of the playoffs a year ago, losing to eventual state runner-up Crawford. There have been a few changes for the 2020 season due to the current Covid-19 pandemic. The district coaches agreed to move the district schedule up one week earlier than originally scheduled so district play will begin on Sept. 1. District games will still be held on Tuesdays and Saturdays, but Fridays have been designated as make-up days should schools have to miss games for any reason. Additionally, the district agreed that only fans for the home team will be allowed at district matches. As of yet, it has not been determined how district schools will handle ticket sales. One idea that is being considered is pre-selling season passes and individual game tickets to limit the handling of money at the gates.
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GRANGER FOOTBALL • VOLLEYBALL
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GRANGER
The Pride of the Lions BY BILL RHOADES
C
oach Stephen Brosch wasted no time getting to work this summer for his first year as head coach for the Granger Lion football team. He hired two new young coaches in Coach Hafley and Coach Lowery. “They both have a lot of football knowledge and are ready to get this team fired up,” said Brosch. This will be his ninth year as a Granger football coach. When asked if his long history with the program will take a little pressure off as a first-year head coach, he replied “It definitely makes things easier.” “It’s a blessing to be able to stay a part of this community that I played for in high school. It is more than just a job. It’s my hometown.” The Lions have a new district, a new head coach, and a new running back to take over where Carlos Reyna left off. Donnie Cantwell will be lined up in the backfield. “I’m ready to handle the pressure this year,” he said. “It’s going to be great. I can’t wait until the Battle of 95 and Bartlett.” Senior, Thomas Rhoades, will be leading the offense as a fourth-year starter at varsity quarterback. He is excited to have Coach Brosch running the show for his final year. 42
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He will play on both sides of the ball this year, as Brosch has him penciled in as part of his secondary. “It’s awesome to finally be able to play defense and help out on the other side of the ball,” Rhoades said. When asked how he feels about the possibility of having his final season of high school football cancelled due to COVID-19, he replied, “We don’t have time to think about that. We’re preparing to beat Axtell. We don’t have time to worry about ‘what-ifs.’” Rhoades’ top receiver is returning in junior Johnny Ryder. Ryder welcomes the responsibility of being a leading upperclassman. “We plan on getting back to the third round of the playoffs and moving forward from there,” he said. Dwayne Gaida is also returning for his senior year on the offensive line. He switched from receiver as a sophomore to become a first team All State offensive tackle as a junior. “We want to keep fighting hard and go out with a bang,” Gaida said. The Lions begin their season Aug. 28, at home against Axtell. The Lions are ranked #20 in the 2A state rankings according to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football publication. Gaida is preseason predicted Devensive MVP and the Lions are picked to finish second in the district behind Burton.
GRANGER LIONS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Varsity Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct .9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6
Axtell Rio Vista Frost *Sommerville *Bartlett Bye Week **Milano *Iola *Burton *Snook
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.
Home Away Home Home Away
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. Open Week
Home Away Home Away
** Homecoming * District Games
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2020 GRANGER LADY LIONS VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE
Aug. 28 Sept. 1 Sept. 5 Sept. 8 Sept. 12 Sept. 15 Sept. 19 Sept. 22 Sept. 26 Sept. 29 Oct. 3 Oct. 6 Oct. 10 **Oct. 13 Oct. 17 Oct. 20 Oct. 24 Oct. 29-31 Nov. 2-3 Nov. 5-7 Nov. 9-10 Nov. 12-14 Nov. 18-21
Llano *Thrall *Rosebud-Lott *Milano *Holland *Buckholts *Bartlett *Thorndale *Thrall *Rosebud-Lott *Milano *Holland *Buckholts *Bartlett/Granger *Thorndale
Home 5 p.m. Away 5 p.m. Away 1 p.m. Home 5 p.m. Away 1 p.m. Away 5 p.m. Away 10 a.m. Home 5 p.m. Home 1 p.m. Home 5 p.m. Away 1 p.m. Home 5 p.m. Home 10 a.m. Home 5 p.m. Away 1 p.m. Open Open Bi-District/Senior Night Area Regional Quarterfinals Regional Semis Regional Finals State Tournament
*District Games ** Senior Night Head Coach: Anissa Lopez Assistant Coach: Jolene Volek
Positivity key to Lady Lions success STAFF REPORTS
Last year the Granger Lady Lions volleyball team finished the season 26-10 for the first winning season since 2009. Head Coach Anissa Lopez is ready to pick up where they left off and make another playoff push. Last year was the first time volleyball team made the playoffs in 10 years. Lopez said the team kept a positive attitude, which was the key to their success. “The girls knew I believed in them and had all the faith in them that they were capable of great things,” Lopez said. “I was there to lift them up and build them up as athletes and young women. Athletic ability is one thing, but you have to believe in yourself too.” Two of Granger’s returners are Carsyn LocklinBilbrey and Alexi Wade, who were both recognized by EXOS as part of the top tier volleyball players in the Texas Region last season. The COVID-19 pandemic has left many schools with questions about what the season will look like this year. “Every day is something new,” Lopez said. “We are just going to do the best we can, remain positive and uplifting to these girls and do our best to keep them safe [first] and foremost.”
Photos by Larry Pelchat
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HUTTO FOOTBALL
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HUTTO Hippos ready for challenging 6A move BY MATTHEW HOOKS
T
he athletic powerhouse high school in the local area over the last five seasons has been Hutto. This year the Hippos make the big jump up to 6A, the top level in the University interscholastic League. “6A is going to be an awesome challenge for our kids,” said Athletic Director Bradley Laplante. “They are excited to play talented and new competition. The coaching staff and our players know that 25-6A is a tough district and is going to be a dog fight every week.” Through the realignment Hutto will face off against primarily schools located in Round Rock. These schools include Cedar Ridge, Westwood, Stony Point and McNeil. The Hippos will also face off against Cedar Park Vista Ridge and Austin Vandegrift. Dave Campbell’s Texas Football 2020 magazine has the Hippos finishing fourth in the eight team District 25-6A. “We are a very young team this year at some positions, so our early maturity during fall camp, our scrimmage versus Belton and game one versus a good College Station are going to be important,” Laplante said.
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HUTTO HIPPOS 2020 SCHEDULE Sept. 25 College Station 7 p.m. Oct. 2 Waco 7 p.m. Oct. 9 Westwood 7 p.m. Oct. 16 McNeil 7 p.m. Oct. 23 Round Rock 7 p.m. Oct. 30 Stony Point 7 p.m. Nov. 6 Vista Ridge 7 p.m. Nov. 13 TBD Nov. 20 Vandergrift 7 p.m. Nov. 27 Cedar Ridge 7 p.m. Dec. 4 TBD Dec. 11 Playoffs begin
Away Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Home
The Hippos are indeed young this year, returning just eight starters (five offensive and three defensive). They look to push their streak to six straight winning seasons. Junior, QB Grayson Doggett returns to lead the Hippos after an impressive sophomore showing last year. FBS prospect senior, Landyn Watson returns to lead the Hippos on the defensive side of the ball. Watson is also tapped as preseason Defensive MVP in district 25-6A. Last season the Hippos were again dominant, suffering only t wo losses. They began the season on a five-game winning streak before hitting a roadblock in Cedar Park. The Hippos bounced back finishing strong. Hutto took down Seguin in the bi-district round before being outmatched against eventual 5A state champion Shadow Creek. Laplante, in his tenure as head coach has been impressed with the players and their style of leadership. “We have some very good leadership in our seniors. They are a group of winners. Our coaches have worked t i relessly t h rough ou r v i r t ua l meet i ngs, su m mer strength camp, and during sports skills time leading up to the season and have done a great job preparing our players,” Laplante said. The 2020 football season will be a great challenge, not just for Hutto but all schools as football season moves forward under these new circumstances. PICTURED ABOVE: The Hutto Hippos take the field before a home game during the 2019 season. RIGHT: Landyn Watson looks to step his game up to the next level in 6A this season. (Photo by Larry Pelchat) 47
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2020 Matchup: COVID vs. Fall Sports JASON HENNINGTON
publisher@taylorpress.net
O
ver the last six months, the coronavirus pandemic has presented several challenges to the school districts. However, one of the biggest questions is “will there be sports?” In July, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) released guidelines for Texas high schools to implement in order to proceed with fall sports. Safety measures include face shields, temperature checks, health screenings and limited fan capacity. For Texas 5A and 6A schools, the fall sports season was pushed back until early September, while 1A-4A schools continued as normal. “Practice has been a little bit different because of the [UIL] guidelines,” said Taylor High School Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Robert Little. “But [the players] realize the importance of these guidelines. You see [the players] coming out of their vehicles and the very first thing they do is put on a mask. This pandemic is on everyone’s mind.” Little knows the season will be a little different this year but expects to have a full season. “[We’re looking] just to get through it,” he said. “Hopefully there will not be any stoppages.” Thrall seniors Bryce Poling and Corbin Cunningham agree that football season, and possibly sports beyond that, will look different this year. “We’re happy we get to play . . . but wearing a mask under the helmet and everything just feels different,” Cunningham said. “We’re looking at everything in a positive way,” Poling added. “It may make it harder to breathe, but you’re going to get use to it. Eventually, it’s going to be like the mask isn’t even there. Instead of thinking, why do we have to wear this mask? We’re just going to wear the mask
and be happy we get to play football.” As seniors, Poling and Cunningham know their final high school season will have some challenges, but they are ready to face them. “It’s more of a chance to exercise our senior leadership,” Poling said. “The coaches are going to count on us, and it’s something we are going to have to do and get use to and try to get everyone else use to.” “We’re leading the pack,” Cunningham said. “Having us show that we can get through it and we can work it out, we’ll be just fine.” Because of the pandemic, the UIL will allow high school games to be streamed this year. A limited crowd is another factor players will need to adjust to. “I like listening to crowd and there may be limited people in the stands, but my mind is more focused on the game,” Poling said. “That’s what I love about football, how much focus and intensity is required.” The band is still expected to be in
attendance at home games, however Cunningham said it will be different not having the roar of the Tiger crowd along with the Tiger Band. “Our crowd is really loud when we’re winning and scoring,” he said. “It’ll be different because it will just be the band and not everybody yelling and screaming, but I think we can adjust to it.”
PICTURED FROM TOP RIGHT TO BOTTOM: Taylor Duck football players have their masks on when their helmet is off. Some keep their mask around their chin when they have their helmets on. Granger players are preparing for the season, and some have their masks on under their helmets. Thrall football coaches and players follow all UIL guidelines to wear masks during practice. LEFT: The season, however, is not without precedent. In 1918, when the Spanish flu broke out, many colleges did not play until late October or early November, and even then, many schools only played three or four games that season. Georgia Tech was one of the few teams to complete almost a full schedule with seven games for the season. Photos by Jason Hennington and by Thomas Carter, Georgia Tech Class of 1922, and passed along by his great grandson, Andy McNeil, Georgia Tech Class of 2001.
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u o y k n a h T ! r o l y Ta
Still, and I can’t believe I’m typing this, football is just a game. We can get by without football if we have to. imagines readers of As I sit here, hunting this piece scoffing at and pecking at my keythe notion that we ever board, there have been thought pulling off a more than five million football season to comcases of COVID-19 in the pletion was even feasible. United States, and more As John Facenda than 160,000 Americans of NFL Films fame so have died from the disnotably intoned, “The Chiropractic ease. There are no easy Autumn wind is a pirate, answers. Hopefully, Hands-On • Diversified • Relief blustering in from the with proper precautions sea.” And 2020 is seeing being employed, and Acupuncture a wind already having with everyone being Ancient techniques to help with blown SARS-CoV-2 from conscientious enough a wide variety of health issues Wuhan to Wuthrich Hill to follow the direction (so to speak) and conMassage Therapy tinuing to circulate. This provided by leading public health professionals, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, COVID-19 business has we’ll be able to enjoy a really put a crimp in the Prenatal football season that is a Dabbling Duck’s style. 5 licensed massage therapists reasonable facsimile of I’m a social animal. I on staff what we’ve known in the trade in interpersonal past. However, we can’t contact. Face-to-face Neuropathy be selfish, and we can’t interaction. Prior to all be stubborn. All we can Therapy this, I was perfectly condo is the best we can. tent to have my mucus Hopefully we can all Holistic Spa membrane awash in the commit to do just that. Wraps, Scrubs, Facials, aerosols of someone And if the virus makes within my six foot radius Skin Care a resurgence, we have to of personal space. Licensed Esthetician on staff be prepared to do what Texas high school is necessary to control Cold Laser Therapy football games are the its spread. If that means FDA approved to treat chronic & social events of the seacanceling football, at son in small towns like acute pain any and all levels, then Taylor. They are practithat will have to be the cally the very definition Ideal Protein unfortunate but necesof community. The trick Weight Loss sary response. I made will be not making it the a reference above to very locus of community Cryoskin the football poem “The spread. What a differCryotherapy for skin tightening ence a devastating global Autumn Wind” written and fat loss by Steve Sabol, but given pandemic makes. But voice by John Facenda the Dabbling Duck, for one, is not ready to trade The poem includes the lines: “The Autumn wind the smell of a freshly cut is a raider/pillaging just grass field (or, alternafor fun./He’ll knock you tively, the burning tire ‘round and upside down/ smell of hot artificial and laugh when he’s conturf) through the free, quered and won.” We’ve liberty-loving nostrils of all been knocked around Dr. Robert Kunisch & Debi Kunisch, LMT my bill for the stench of and had our lives turned alcohol-based (at least upside down by COVID60% alcohol) hand san19 in one way or another, itizer through a crudely but we can’t allow the stitched mask comprised of the remnants of a 2017 disease to have the last 49 Stomp N’ Holler t-shirt. laugh. Football or not. Taylor 76574
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continued continued from page from page 3450
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Dear Gridiron Guy: Uninterrupted football this fall? As I am wont to say, from your lips to God’s ears. Given how quickly things have been shown to change since March, the Dabbling Duck
continued on page 39
i
v
Thursdays at 11 a.m. on the Taylor Press Facebook page.
A:
Dear Dabbling Duck, I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for football. With all the craziness of the past several months, I’m super excited at the prospect of the return of high school, college, and professional football. I’ll be sorely disappointed if any of them end up getting canceled over the coronavirus. What do you think? Will we have full, or at least close to full, football season this year? Sincerely, Gridiron Guy on Gilmore
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akes Who m oney m all the cling? y on rec
Are we ever gonna get our STREETS FIXED?
ne Anyo ? h iring
Why is my water b ill so high?
Did we REA LLY sp end $20 m illion on a football field ?
Is there live mus ic anywhere Frid ay night?
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