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DRC Football

FOOTBALL 2016

Building blocks The Denton Record-Chronicle’s 2016 football preview magazine focuses on the building blocks North Texas and the city’s four high schools have put in place in the hope of constructing winning programs. UNT hired noted spread offense guru Seth Littrell to rebuild a program that finished 1-11 in 2015. Cody Moore is starting from scratch at Braswell. Denton’s fourth high school will play its first season this fall. Ryan has a solid foundation in terms of its history and is trying to regain its place as a state powerhouse under Dave Henigan. Guyer long has been one of the state’s power programs under John Walsh. Denton went through the early stages of building a winner under Kevin Atkinson and could be poised for another successful season this fall. Section credits Staff artist Jason Lee designed the cover of the magazine. Section photo editor David Minton designed the area and city section introductory pages. Contents North Texas Seth Littrell takes over at North Texas Harrell enjoying return to Texas Jeffrey Wilson aims for big year Extra points Conference USA preview Alec Morris finds new home at UNT UNT roster Kenny Buyers enjoying new role as WR Kishawn McClain, James Gray shine

6 8 10 14 15 17 19 20 23

Denton ISD schools Ryan poised for return to glory Guyer Braswell Denton Ryan State high school polls

26 28-32 33-37 38-42 43-47 54

Area high schools Argyle aims for state title Lake Dallas Argyle Aubrey Krum Sanger Pilot Point Ponder Liberty Calvary 2015 year in review

56 59-62 63-66 67-70 71-74 75-78 79-82 83-86 87-90 91-93 94-95

Director of sports lmcbride@dentonrc.com Section editor Brett Vito bvito@dentonrc.com Section photo editor David Minton dminton@dentonrc.com Staff Writers Adam Boedeker aboedeker@dentonrc.com Steve Gamel sgamel@dentonrc.com Patrick Hayslip phayslip@dentonrc.com Contributing writer Jimmy Isbell jisbell@dentonrc.com Larry McBride

Photographer Jeff Woo Special contributors Randy Cummings, Brady Keane, Rich Luna

August 25, 2016

On the cover

Brett Vito SECTION OVERVIEW

Denton teams putting building blocks in place

eth Littrell formulated a plan for how he would turn around the North Texas football program before beginning the process in the spring. The Mean Green’s new head coach laid it all out in detail at his debut press conference in December. “We will build on our past success and the foundation laid by all our former players,” Littrell said after naming some of the greats in program history like “Mean” Joe Greene and Patrick Cobbs. Programs are always in a state of construction. When the sports staff of the Denton Record-Chronicle examined the state of Denton-area football, it became apparent that this season is a little different because so many teams are putting key building blocks in place. UNT opened Apogee Stadium in 2011 and joined Conference USA before the 2013 season. Both developments were huge for the Mean Green, but didn’t result in sustained success. UNT has posted only one winning season in the past 11 years and is coming off a historically poor 1-11 campaign in 2015. The school parted ways with Dan McCarney, who led UNT to a win over UNLV in the Heart of Dallas Bowl at the end of the 2013 season, five games into the 2015 campaign. UNT’s hope is that Littrell is the one building block the program has been missing. “We want to be great in academics and great in athletics, and we want our brand out there,” UNT president Neal Smatresk said when Littrell was introduced. “We think this is going to do the trick.” Early returns have been positive. UNT brought in Alabama transfer quarterback Alec Morris and a host of other transfers to bolster its defense. The question now is whether UNT has what it takes to compete in Conference USA and begin a rise to prominence in Texas college football.

North Texas is hoping its new coach Seth Littrell, center, will be the cornerstone in the construction of a winning program. UNT and Denton’s four high schools are all in various stages of constructing winning teams. From bottom left, Guyer’s John Walsh has built one of the state’s most consistent winners. Denton’s Kevin Atkinson has his program on the rise. Braswell coach Cody Moore is building his program from scratch, while Ryan’s Dave Henigan is rebuilding a traditional state power.

Braswell coach Cody Moore faces similar challenges in terms of building a program. Denton’s fourth high school will play its first game this fall. Moore, the former offensive coordinator at Rockwall, will help set the tone. Ryan is further along in the process under third-year coach Dave Henigan, who hopes to elevate the Raiders back to the ranks of state title contenders. Ryan has appeared in five state title games and won two of them in 2001 and 2002. The Raiders have the building blocks in place to add to that legacy this fall. Ryan — ranked No. 3 in the Associated Press Class 5A preseason poll — returns 15 starters from last year’s team that finished 13-1 and advanced to a regional final in Class 6A. The Raiders now drop to 5A. Denton appears to be on its way to new heights as well. The Broncos struggled for years before finding a key piece of their foundation in Kevin Atkinson. Denton’s coach led the Broncos back to the playoffs in each of the past two seasons.

Guyer long has been a state power behind coach John Walsh. The Wildcats put their key building block in place right away when the program played its first varsity season in 2006. Guyer quickly improved after two lean years and since has won two state titles. The Wildcats received votes in the Associated Press Class 6A preseason poll. The Wildcats will feature one of the best running back tandems in the state in Noah Cain and Myron Mason. Argyle narrowly missed winning state titles in each of the past two seasons and opens the season ranked No. 1 in Class 4A. Argyle coach Todd Rodgers has a team that is loaded with the talent necessary to win a state title. Senior Dane Ledford is one of the top quarterbacks in the region. The Denton area long has featured some of the top high school programs in the state. This season should be no different. Littrell’s arrival gives UNT hope that it now has the building blocks in place to become a power as well.

August 25, 2016

COVER STORY

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Littrell aims to fly with UNT

David Minton/DRC

North Texas head coach Seth Littrell talks to players during spring practice at Apogee Stadium. Littrell vowed to “tee it high and let it fly” during his introductory press conference at the school in December. UNT is hoping Littrell is the final building block it needs to succeed following the opening of Apogee in 2011 and its move to Conference USA in 2013. The Mean Green have posted just one winning season in the last 11 years and finished 1-11 last season.

School officials see offensive guru as missing piece of puzzle By Brett Vito Staff Writer

Seth Littrell didn’t take long to utter a phrase that has quickly become something of a battle cry for North Texas in the early stages of his tenure as the Mean Green’s head coach. Littrell had just been introduced to a room full of boosters and fans at the Mean Green Athletic Center back in December when he said that UNT would “tee it high and let it fly.” “I just said it to be honest,” Littrell said this summer while sitting in his office overlooking Apogee Stadium. “When I am on a golf course, there is no reason to grab an iron and lay up. Let’s tee the ball high and let’s hit it. That’s my personality. I want to

be aggressive and take chances. I don’t want to sit back and bunt.” Littrell provided a perfect introduction to a new era in UNT football history with that statement while also raising a key question: Is the school’s program finally ready to fly? UNT opened Apogee, a $78 million palace of a football stadium, in 2011 and moved from the Sun Belt to Conference USA in 2013. Those are two of the more important milestones in recent program history, but UNT has yet to see much of a payoff. The school brought in Littrell in December with the hope he will be the final building block in the construction of a winning program. “This is going to help us a whole lot as a

university,” UNT president Neal Smatresk said when Littrell was introduced. “We want to grow and thrive. We want to be great in academics and great in athletics, and we want our brand out there. We think this is going to do the trick.” A look at UNT’s history shows just how big a challenge Littrell faces. The school has posted just one winning season in its last 11, despite gradually having more and more to work within that span. Apogee is by far the largest investment UNT has ever made in its athletic program and is regarded as one of the best college football venues in the region. UNT’s move to C-USA after a dozen years as the only Texas team in the Sun Belt added to the program’s profile.

Littrell looked past UNT’s recent failures, including a 1-11 finish in 2015, to see the school’s potential. “North Texas is an unbelievable place,” Littrell said. “You have all the resources necessary to have success. At the end of the day, we have the leadership from the top down. Everyone is making the right strides and pulling the rope in the same direction. From the time I got here I have believed this place is a goldmine.”

Finding the right guy

Littrell caught the attention of several of his key players not long after taking the job at UNT when he posted on his Twitter

See LITTRELL on 7

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COVER STORY

August 25, 2016

From Page 6

Littrell account that 2015 would be the last year the Mean Green would sit at home during bowl season. He hasn’t backed off that statement since. “It’s good that he has that confidence,” UNT linebacker Fred Scott said. “That is the kind of person he is. If he expects to go to a bowl game, we expect to go to a bowl game. He believes in us. That’s a good feeling.” UNT’s players aren’t the only ones who feel good about Littrell and the direction he is taking the program. UNT officials and fans are also confident in Littrell, largely because of his background that seems tailor made for the program’s needs. The Oklahoma native and former Sooners fullback rose through the ranks of college football assistants because of his ability to coordinate powerful spread offenses. North Carolina set one offensive record after another during Littrell’s tenure as the Tar Heels’ offensive coordinator. North Carolina eclipsed the 30-point mark in 10 games in 2015 with Littrell on the sidelines. UNT was looking for an offensive minded coach after the departure of Dan McCarney in the middle the 2015 season and quickly settled on Littrell. He’s made a big impression since. Alec Morris transferred to UNT from Alabama for his senior season, giving the Mean Green an intriguing option at quarterback it might not have had otherwise. Littrell also opened up UNT’s offense in the spring. The Mean Green had run a more conservative pro-style attack under McCarney. The switch is one UNT’s skill position players have enjoyed. “We have always had talent as receivers,” Terian Goree said. “It’s just with this offense, we get to showcase it.” UNT’s hope in moving to a spread attack will make the school a more attractive destination for players in Texas, where passing offenses have become the standard in high school football. UNT’s alumni and key boosters have also quickly jumped on board. More than 20 former players came to hear Littrell speak at the National Football Foundation Gridiron Club of Dallas awards banquet in April, including UNT Hall of Fame quarterback Jordan Case. “He will be able to relate to the kids very well,” Case said. “He and his whole staff will have to give the program a spark.”

A key time

UNT desperately needs that spark as it looks to build an athletic program the school can take pride in. The enthusiasm that permeated the

David Minton/DRC

University of North Texas football head coach Seth Littrell talks with NFL Hall of Fame player and North Texas alum “Mean” Joe Greene and university President Neal Smatresk following a press conference to introduce new UNT athletic director Wren Baker on Aug. 1 at Apogee Stadium. UNT is hoping Littrell and Baker can lead the program to national prominence. Mean Green’s fan base following the opening of Apogee and the school’s move to CUSA has faded. UNT averaged just 13,631 fans in five home games last season, the program’s lowest total since 1998. No school in C-USA drew fewer fans per game. Littrell has provided new hope that UNT can regain the form it has shown at times during its history. The Mean Green won four straight Sun Belt Conference titles under Darrell Dickey from 2001-04 and had enjoyed other periods of success earlier in its history. UNT finished 9-4 and beat UNLV in the Heart of Dallas Bowl at the end of the 2013 season. Littrell pointed to that memorable 2013 campaign, the 25 conference titles UNT has won and the great figures in program history like “Mean” Joe Greene and Hayden Fry as reasons he is confident UNT can succeed. How long that hope lasts will depend on when and if Littrell can turn UNT into the consistent winner. The Mean Green have posted consecutive winning seasons just once since resuming playing at what is now known as the Football Bowl Subdivision level in 1995. The Mean Green strung together three

David Minton/DRC

Wren Baker speaks at a press conference after being introduced as North Texas’ new athletic director. straight winning campaigns from 200204. UNT has posted a 36-96 overall record since the end of that run and finished with three or fewer wins in seven of the last 11 seasons. Apogee didn’t change UNT fortunes long-term. Neither did joining C-USA. The school enters the 2016 season with renewed hope that the circumstances are

right for UNT to become consistently successful. Wren Baker took over as UNT’s athletic director in late August after Rick Villarreal stepped down following more than 15 years on the job. Baker expressed confidence in the future of the program and has received rave reviews from school officials. “We will focus on building from the ground up and getting the little things right,” Baker said at his introductory press conference. “Yes, by golly, we will win.” Baker didn’t hire Littrell, but expressed confidence in his new football coach. The school has made several other key steps besides hiring Littrell, including building Apogee to moving to C-USA. The hope now is Littrell is the last building block that will help UNT’s program fly again. “This school does have a perception problem to overcome,” Littrell said. “The reality is North Texas is a great university, a Tier One institution where you can get an unbelievable education. You have to go win football games and win at all of the sports. The perception is that we can’t get it done. The reality is that we can get it done. We just have to do it.”

August 25, 2016

NORTH TEXAS

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Harrell enjoying return to Texas UNT assistant follows in father’s footsteps By Brett Vito Staff Writer

Graham Harrell has played for or worked under a long line of notable coaches throughout his football career. There’s Mike Leach, his former college coach at Texas Tech who is now at Washington State. Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy is also on the list. Ask North Texas’ new offensive coordinator to name his influences and another coach comes up immediately. Sam Harrell, the legendary former Ennis coach, might not have the national profile of Leach or McCarthy, but he might have been the biggest influence of all on his son. “My dad played a big role in my success as a player and my desire to become a coach,” Graham Harrell said. “I was the middle of three boys. When my mom got tired of us running around the house, she would drop us off at the field house.” Graham Harrell watched film with his father and the rest of Ennis’ coaching staff, worked out in the field house and even got in a few reps at quarterback in practice long before he reached high school. That experience helped Harrell develop into a player who has added to his family’s significant Texas football legacy. Sam Harrell led Ennis to three state titles, including the 2001 championship with his son at quarterback. Graham Harrell finished his high school career with 12,532 passing yards and 167 touchdowns. Those totals were both state high school records and were a sign of what was to come at Texas Tech. Graham Harrell threw for 15,793 yards and 134 touchdowns with the Red Raiders. Add it all up and the Harrells are one of the more productive father-son football duos in Texas football history. UNT is counting on Graham Harrell to build on that legacy back in his home state and near his family during a trying time in their lives. Sam Harrell was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2005. The progressive neurological disorder that impairs muscle and speech coordination forced Sam Harrell from the sidelines at Ennis. A series of stem cell treatments have helped Sam Harrell cope to the point he was able to return to coaching in the spring of 2014 as the offensive coordinator at Fort Worth Christian. “Those treatments and the grace of God have me back on my feet again,” Sam Harrell said. “I look forward to coming and see-

David Minton/DRC

North Texas offensive coordinator Graham Harrell talks to his players during the Mean Green’s spring game at Apogee Stadium earlier this year. Harrell is a legend in Texas because of his success as a player at Ennis and Texas Tech. have him here has been an awesome opportunity.” UNT head coach Seth Littrell and the Mean Green’s players believe they will benefit from Graham Harrell being back close to home as much as his family will. Harrell has served as UNT coach Seth Littrell’s right-hand man as he has implemented a new spread offense in his first job as a head coach. “Graham understands the system and has played in it,” Littrell said. “He has been an offensive coordinator on the field for years and has a lot of experience. I know what kind of competitor he is. He’s a great coach. I feel very comfortable with him.”

A rise through the Texas ranks Robert W. Hart/The Dallas Morning News

Fort Worth Christian offensive coordinator, Sam Harrell, works with players in the gym at Fort Worth Christian High School in 2014. The longtime Ennis coach and father of North Texas offensive coordinator Graham Harrell suffers from multiple sclerosis. The disease forced Harrell out of coaching before stem cell treatments helped him return to the sidelines. ing Graham coach when they are at home or playing close.” Playing close to family isn’t something Graham Harrell has done often since he left Texas Tech. He played one season in the Canadian Football League and three with the

Packers before coaching for two seasons under Leach at Washington State. “I see my dad more than I have since I left Tech,” Graham Harrell said. “He is right down the road and comes up once a week. He has come up for practice. To

Some of Graham Harrell’s fondest memories growing up are of the time he spent hanging around his father’s football team. He still smiles at the thought of one night when he was a ball boy for his father’s team. “One night I was standing there on the sideline and thought the running back was going to score,” Graham Harrell said. “I was holding my arms up for touchdown. The

See HARRELL on 9

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NORTH TEXAS

August 25, 2016

From Page 8

Harrell quarterback got pushed out of bounds and took me out.” When Graham Harrell was in the sixth grade, his father had him step in at quarterback during drills with the varsity team one afternoon. Harrell quickly became a star once he earned the job for good as a sophomore at Ennis. “I knew he was good enough to start, but we still wondered if he would be able to handle it,” Sam Harrell said. Graham Harrell did just what he was taught on his first varsity play, hitting a receiver in stride down the field after reading the defense perfectly. “He threw it right where it needed to be,” Sam Harrell said. “[One of my assistants] turned to me and said, ‘We’re going to be alright.’” Ennis finished 16-0 and won a state title that season. Graham Harrell went on to play Ryan twice the next year. Ennis won in the regular season before Ryan came back and knocked off the Lions in the state semifinals 18-14. Dave Henigan, Ryan’s current head coach, was the Raiders’ offensive coordinator that year and still remembers the cocky confidence Graham Harrell showed. UNT’s current players are too young to remember those epic games, but some do remember aspects of Harrell’s career at Texas Tech. Harrell was a first-team All-American in 2008, but it was his performance in the Red Raiders 39-33 upset win over topranked Texas that year that stuck with several of his current players. Harrell directed a six-play, 62-yard drive in the final 1:29, capped by a 28-yard touchdown pass to Michael Crabtree with one second left. “I remember watching the Texas-Texas Tech game,” UNT senior linebacker Fred Scott said. “I was a big Texas fan back then and was hurting a bit after that. It’s kind of surreal that he is our offensive coordinator now.”

A new challenge at UNT

The confidence Harrell showed in those clutch situations at Texas Tech is a big reason Littrell hired him as his offensive coordinator. Littrell was just beginning his career as an assistant coach at Texas Tech during the height of Harrell’s college career. “Graham is still highly competitive,” Littrell said. “He is extremely humble, but once the pads go on or he is in a competitive situation, he flips the switch. He has been around it his whole life and grew up in a

File photo/The Dallas Morning News

North Texas offensive coordinator Graham Harrell, right, and his father, Sam, have a long history of success in Texas high school and college football dating back to their days at Ennis. Graham Harrell was a standout quarterback for his father’s teams. They won a state title together before Graham Harrell went on to star at Texas Tech and play in the NFL. coaching family with his father and brothers. You can tell it was very competitive.” That competitive nature could be vital this fall, when Harrell takes on a monumental challenge at UNT. The Mean Green averaged just 15.2 points in a pro-style system a year ago and are breaking in a new quarterback in Alabama transfer Alec Morris. UNT’s players are excited with how the transition has gone so far. “Coach Harrell brings a lot of excitement,” running back Jeffrey Wilson said. “He keeps everyone positive and up. It’s hard to not feel good about things when he is around.” Harrell’s background has made it easy for him to connect with UNT’s players. “For me, it’s easy to talk ball with coach Harrell,” Morris said. “He’s not going to scream and yell at you. He’s going to talk with you and help you get better, which I like.” Harrell’s connections within the state could also pay dividends. “Being back in the Metroplex excites me

a ton,” Harrell said. “Being a Metroplex kid, I have a ton of pride in football in this area. Some of the greatest players in the country are right here. We just need to convince them to stay here and make Metroplex football dominant.” Guyer coach John Walsh, one of the more highly regarded high school coaches in the state, believes Harrell’s roots and reputation in the state will help him do just that. “He recruits my school, so I get to see the personality that Texas Tech fans got to see,” Walsh said. “He is in that coaching family tree, is a great communicator and is someone who is easy to connect with.” Those talents could help Graham Harrell add to the legacy he and his father have built, first at Ennis, then at Texas Tech. Sam Harrell will be there watching. “It’s going to be special to have him back close and coaching in college,” Sam Harrell said. “We will get to follow the team more. We could follow him at Washington State, but didn’t get to see the games. This is going to be really special.”

HARRELL | By the numbers

New North Texas offensive coordinator Graham Harrell, above, enjoyed a decorated college career at Texas Tech. Here is a look at what he accomplished by the numbers:

15,793

Passing yards Harrell threw for during his career at Texas Tech, where he cleared the 4,500-yard mark in each of his last three seasons.

134

Touchdown passes Harrell threw in his four seasons playing for the Red Raiders.

Place Harrell finished in the 2008 Heisman Trophy voting for the top player in college football.

August 25, 2016

NORTH TEXAS

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Wilson looks to realize potential By Brett Vito Staff Writer

Throughout Jeffrey Wilson's time at North Texas, one question has lingered. The running back has broken long runs and ground out tough yards on a consistent basis only to have his career interrupted in each of his two seasons. First, it was a spramed knee that put Wll.son on the shelf as a freshman. A year later, it was a broken finger that delayed his sophomore campaign. What everyone, from UNT's coaches and fans to Wilson's teammates, have long wondered is what he could accomplish ifhe were healthy for a full season. UNf might finally find out this fall, when Wll.son is expected to be a big part of the Mean Green's move to a spread offense under new coach Seth Littrell. "I am excited about Jeffrey in this offense," Littrell said. "He is a really good runllingback. "At that position you are going to get the ball in a lot of different ways with runlling the ball, screens and wheel routes. You have to be pretty versatile." Excelling in pass protection is also critical for runlling backs in UNT's new system. Wilson knows a lot will be asked ofhim and is confident he can meet the challenge while staying on the field for all12 games for the first time in his career. The junior credited new strength coach Zack Womack with helping him get into the best shape of his life. He believes that work will pay off this fall by making him more durable. "Ever since I have been here, fve never had a full12 games," Wll.son said. "I use that to motivate me. I am training and eating well. I am going to make it 12 games this year." Wilson is hoping he can make a few big plays along the way for an offense that struggled last season. When he was healthy, Wll.son was one of the runlling backs UNf leaned on in a power runlling attack under former head coach Dan McCarney. The Mean Green ran that scheme to perfection in 2013, when UNf went 9-4. The momentum from that season has quickly dissipated. The Mean Green hit rock bottom last season, when they averaged just 15.2 points a game.

Have a great season, UNT Mean Green! From your fans at

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David Minton/DRC ~ffrey Wil~ has enjoyed_two _ solid seasons to begin his career at North Texas, despite aseries of injuries that have limited his playing

NORTH TEXAS t1me. A sprained knee dunng h1s freshman season and a broken finger that delayed the start of his sophomore campaign have kept BUILDING BLOCKS I Wilson out of five games. UNT is hoping to have Wilson for a fulll2 games this year to help power its new spread offense. UNf tried to pound the ball with Wilson and its other runlling backs, but often ran into a road block instead. The Mean Green are turning to Littrell to revive their program, largely by installing a spread offense that has become the standard in Texas high school and college foot-

ball. The move is expected to help UNf win games and attract better recruits. Wilson has shown the ability to be the type of dynamic offensive player UNf needs to make the offense work. He has rushed for at least 105 yards four of his last 11 games dating to the final game of his freshman season, when he tallied 105 yards in loss to Texas-San Antonio. Wilson missed three games his fresh-

man year with his knee injury and then the first two games of his sophomore year with his hand in a cast. He came back to rush for 127 yards in a win over UTSA, 136 in a loss to Southern Miss and a career-high 138 in a loss to Marshall. Wilson will be in a far different system this year, but said he believes he can still make the kind of dynamic plays he did in UNT's power-runlling scheme. "You get to express yourself and show your talent in this offense," Wll.son said. "You get to do what you came to do and show all the special skills you have." Wilson's teammates are looking forward to seeing what he can do this year, when he will be one of UNT's top returning

See WILSON on 13

MEAN GREEN I Quick Facts Conference: C-USA โ ข 2015 record: 1-n 0-7 in ~ conference) ~ Coach: Seth Uttrell (first ยง~ season as a head coach) e' Returning starters: Four on offense, eight on defense Key players: QB Alec Morris, DL Roderick Young, RB Jeffrey Wilson, WR Terian Goree, OL Sam Rice, S Kishawn McClain, SJames Q-ay, DB Nate Brooks, LB Fred Scott, DB Chad Davis, WR Turner Smiley, WR Thaddeous Tlmlpson, DL Malik Dilonga, DL Jarrian Roberts, KTrevor Moore Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3-5 Emlllment 36,000 Stadium: Apogee Stadium

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August 25, 2016

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North Texas running back Jeffrey Wilson tries to avoid a hit by UTSA safety Mauricio Sanchez last season at Apogee Stadium. Wilson has missed five games in the last two seasons combined due to injuries. The junior is hoping to stay healthy this year and provide a key threat in UNT’s new spread offense.

From Page 10

NORTH TEXAS | A long history of great running backs

Wilson playmakers. He rushed for 830 yards last season and pushed his career total to 1,054 rushing yards. Wilson just hasn’t found the end zone very often, scoring one rushing touchdown in each of his first two seasons at UNT. He expects that to change this season. “I can make plays in this offense,” Wilson said. “It gives our skill position players the ability to make plays in one-on-one situations.” UNT senior offensive lineman Sam Rice hopes to help Wilson make those plays, and make up for lost time in the process. “It’s hard to see someone like Jeff who

North Texas has a long history of great running backs from Abner Haynes to its all-time leading rusher Lance Dunbar, right. The following is a look back:

cares so much, hurt,” Rice said. “You could see it destroyed him when he couldn’t play games. It hurts me to see him hurt like that.” Wilson has taken those setbacks in stride. “I guess you could say it’s bad luck, but everything happens for a reason,” Wilson said. “I’m waiting on that reason. Maybe we’ll see it this year.” New UNT offensive coordinator Graham Harrell is hoping that is the case. “Jeffrey is a dynamic ball-carrier,” Harrell said. “We need to find ways to get him the ball. He is pretty special.”

Lance Dunbar

Dunbar rushed for a program-record 4,224 yards from 2008-11 and scored 41 rushing touchdowns.

Patrick Cobbs

Cobbs won the national rushing title in 2003 when he averaged 152.7 yards a game and rushed for 4,050 yards from 2001-05.

Jamario Thomas

Thomas won the national rushing title in 2004 with an average of 180.1 yards per game and went on to rush for 3,496 yards from 2004-07.

Abner Haynes

Haynes rushed for 1,864 yards from 1957-59 and was named an All-American by Time magazine in 1959.

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August 25, 2016

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EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POINT OF CONCERN

North Texas has a host of areas where it needs to improve to have a chance to post just its second winning season in the last 12 years. UNT must adjust to new head coach Seth Littrell and a wide-open offense that is a dramatic change from the pro-style attack it ran last year. The Mean Green will have a new defensive system as well. Chemistry could also be an issue with Littrell and a new batch of assistants, not to mention a roster with several late-arriving junior college players. The biggest concern for UNT, though, will be whether it has the overall talent and depth to compete in Conference USA. Littrell said this summer that the Mean Green will have no more than 68 scholarship players in 2016, well below the limit of 85 for a Football Bowl Subdivision program. The Mean Green also had just one player named to the Preseason All-Conference USA team in safety Kishawn McClain. Add it all up and the overriding question UNT faces is if it has enough talent to form a winning team. “We are at 67-68 with the class that we signed,” Littrell said over the summer. “You can get thin pretty quick if you have some injuries.” UNT’s depth problems are glaring at certain positions on the roster. Sam Rice is UNT’s only returning offensive lineman projected to start again, and he is moving from guard to center. UNT is also short on experienced wide receivers. Turner Smiley and Terian Goree are back after catching 25 and 15 passes, respectively. Those totals make them UNT’s leading returning pass-catchers, and Smiley has been suspended for the Mean Green’s season-opener following an offseason DWI arrest. A run of injuries at a key spot or two could put UNT is a difficult situation.

POSITION OF STRENGTH

One of UNT’s best units overall in 2015 was its defensive backfield, and it returns almost intact. McClain is the only preseason all-conference selection UNT features, but there are several other talented players who will roam the secondary for the Mean Green. McClain led UNT with 110 tackles. Fellow safety James Gray wasn’t too far behind with 104. Chad Davis started at one cornerback spot, while Nate Brooks took over at the other in the sixth game of his freshman season. Senior cornerback Zac Whitfield, who started the first five games of the season before Brooks took over, was the only key player UNT lost after last season. UNT struggled across the board last

David Minton/DRC

North Texas wide receiver Terian Goree catches a pass during Norh Texas’ spring game in April at Apogee Stadium. Goree is one of several talented players returning for UNT. The Mean Green’s main concern heading into the year is its overall team depth. UNT will have no more than 68 scholarship players, well under the limit of 85. season while allowing 41.2 points a game. When the Mean Green made a key play, though, that play was often made by a member of its secondary. McClain and Gray each forced two fumbles last season.

KEY NEWCOMERS

UNT rebuilt its defense in the offseason in part by adding a few junior college players to the roster. Outside linebacker Joshua Wheeler arrived at the semester break and was joined over the summer by fellow linebacker E.J. Ejiya. Safety Dee Baulkman arrived during camp. UNT is hoping the addition of that trio and several other players will quickly ele-

vate the overall talent level of its roster. Wheeler worked his way to the top of UNT’s depth chart at one outside linebacker spot by the end of spring practice. Ejiya and Baulkman will also play key roles. UNT also added several high school players who could contribute early on. Littrell said during fall camp that he was impressed with the play of freshman cornerbacks Jameel More and Khairi Muhammad. Freshman wide receiver Rico Bussey Jr. quickly worked his way up UNT’s depth chart in camp and could also contribute.

GAME OF THE YEAR

UNT will have the opportunity to post what would be a monumental win for the program right away when SMU comes to

Denton for both teams’ season opener on Sept. 3. The Mean Green hammered SMU 43-6 at Apogee Stadium in 2014 before the Mustangs came back to win last season 31-13. SMU leads the all-time series 29-5-1 and has always seemed to be a step ahead of UNT in the college football world when it comes to conference affiliation. The Mustangs are now in the American Athletic Conference, while UNT is in Conference USA, the league SMU left for the AAC. UNT could get the Littrell era off to a roaring start and deal one of its rivals a key blow if it can beat the Mustangs at Apogee to open the year. — By Brett Vito

DRC Football

CONFERENCE USA PREVIEW

August 25, 2016

Southern Miss favored to repeat By Brett Vito Staff Writer

Jay Hopson felt like he hit the jackpot in the offseason. The former Alcorn State coach was hired to take over at Southern Miss, a school in his home state coming off a bowl appearance. The fact Hopson inherited quarterback Nick Mullens, one of the best players in the league, made the whole situation all the better. The return of Mullens is one of the biggest reasons Southern Miss was picked to repeat as Conference USA’s West Division champion in the preseason media poll. “Nick is an outstanding quarterback,” Hopson said. “I have been blessed to be around first-rounders and Nick throws it as well as any of them.” Mullens threw for 4,476 yards and 38 touchdowns as a junior and is C-USA’s Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. How Mullens fares as a senior will go a long way toward determining if Southern Miss picks up under Hopson where it left off under Todd Monken. Hopson took over for Monken, who left Southern Miss to become the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator after last season. Hopson served as an assistant coach at Southern Miss twice earlier in his career. “The transition has been great,” Mullens said. “Coach Hop came in and established a relationship with the players right off the bat. He has Mississippi ties. The players and fans have been able to connect with him, which helped us get off to a good start.” The question now is how Southern Miss will respond to being picked to win C-USA’s West Division. The Golden Eagles finished 3-9 in 2014 and came out of nowhere to earn a berth in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. “Our expectations change, but our mindset doesn’t,” Mullens said. “It’s about being confident in your teammates, going to work every day and believing we can be the best in the conference.” Louisiana Tech is expected to be among the biggest threats to knock off Southern Miss after finishing second in the division last year. The Bulldogs lost several of their top players, including defensive tackle Vernon Butler, who was selected in the first round of the NFL draft by the Carolina Panthers. Middle Tennessee, Marshall and Western Kentucky are the favorites in the East Division after playing in bowl games last season. MTSU was picked to come out on top in the league’s preseason poll. North Texas enters the season in a similar position to Southern Miss last year after a 1-11 finish in 2015. UNT was picked to fin-

Susan Broadbridge/AP

Southern Miss quarterback Nick Mullens, left, led the Golden Eagles to the Conference USA West Division title in a breakout season in 2015. Mullens is back and will ease the transition for new head coach Jay Hopson.

C-USA | Preseason poll

C-USA | All-conference team

The following is the Conference USA preseason media poll: West Division 1. Southern Miss 2. Louisiana Tech 3. Rice 4. UTEP 5. UTSA 6. North Texas East Division 1. Middle Tennessee 2. Western Kentucky 3. Marshall 4. Florida Atlantic 5. Florida International 6. Old Dominion 7. Charlotte

Offensive Player of the Year — Nick Mullens, Sr., QB, Southern Miss Defensive Player of the Year — Trey Hendrickson, Sr., DE, Florida Atlantic Special Teams Players of the Year — Jonathan Barnes, Jr., K, Louisiana Tech; Dalton Schomp, Sr., P, Florida Atlantic Offense QB — Brent Stockstill, So., Middle Tennessee; Nick Mullens, Sr., Southern Miss RB — Kalif Phillips, Sr., Charlotte; Ray Lawry, Jr., Old Dominion; Ito Smith, Jr., Southern Miss; Aaron Jones, Sr., UTEP; Jarveon Williams, Sr., UTSA; Anthony Wales, Sr., WKU OL — Michael Montero, Sr., FIU; Reggie Bain, Jr., Florida Atlantic; Darrell Brown, Sr., Louisiana Tech; David Mahaffey, Sr., Louisiana Tech; Michael Selby, Sr., Marshall; Clint Van Horn, Sr., Marshall; Maurquice Shakir, Sr., Middle Tennessee; Cameron Tom, Sr., Southern Miss; Forrest Lamp, Sr., WKU; Will Hernandez, Jr., UTEP TE — Jonnu Smith, Sr., FIU; Ryan Yurachek, Jr., Marshall WR — Trent Taylor, Sr., Louisiana Tech; Richie James, So., Middle Tennessee; Zach Pascal, Sr., Old Dominion; Taywan Taylor, Sr., WKU Defense DL — Larry Ogunjobi, Sr., Charlotte; Trey Hendrickson, Sr., Florida Atlantic; Jaylon Ferguson, So., Louisiana Tech; Gary Thompson, Sr., Marshall; Rashaad Coward, Sr., Old Dominion; Dylan Bradley, Sr., Southern Miss; Nick Usher, Sr., UTEP; Marcus Davenport, Jr., UTSA LB — Anthony Wint, Jr., FIU; Azeez Al-Shaair, So., Florida Atlantic; TJ Ricks, Sr., Old Dominion; Alex Lyons, Sr., Rice; D’Nerius Antoine, Sr., Southern Miss; Alvin Jones, Jr., UTEP DB — Ocie Rose, So., Florida Atlantic; Jalen Young, So., Florida Atlantic; Xavier Woods, Sr., Louisiana Tech; Jeremy Cutrer, Sr., Middle Tennessee; Kishawn McClain, Jr., North Texas; Justice Davila, Jr., Old Dominion; Picasso Nelson Jr., Jr., Southern Miss; Michael Egwuagu, Sr., UTSA Special Teams K — Jonathan Barnes, Jr., Louisiana Tech P — Dalton Schomp, Sr., Florida Atlantic KR — Kylen Towner, Jr., WKU PR — Warren Redix, So., UTEP LS — Darrell Travis, Sr., Louisiana Tech

ish last in the division in the preseason poll and will look to exceed expectations under first-year coach Seth Littrell. “I don’t have a reaction to being picked last,” Littrell said. “I don’t see it any differently. We have to control what we can control, which is to have an unbelievable fall camp. We need to come together as a football team and go compete. Everything else will take care of itself.”

August 25, 2016

WEST DIVISION LOUISIANA TECH BULLDOGS Head coach: Skip Holtz (22-17 in three seasons at Louisiana Tech, 110-88 in 16 seasons overall) Team: 44 lettermen, six offensive, three defensive starters return from a 9-4 team (6-2 in C-USA, second in West Division), 24 lettermen lost. Key player: Safety Xavier Woods is a two-time AllConference USA selection and will be among the top defensive backs in the league again this year. Woods intercepted three passes last season and will have to lead the way for a defense that returns just three starters from last season. Woods is a Woods preseason All-C-USA pick. Outlook: Louisiana Tech is on a roll. The Bulldogs have won nine games and a bowl in back-to-back seasons. Keeping that momentum going will be a challenge in 2016. Louisiana Tech lost three seniors who were selected in the NFL draft, including defensive tackle Vernon Butler in the first round and quarterback Jeff Driskel. Whoever takes over at quarterback will have two talented receivers to work with in Trent Taylor and Carlos Henderson. Taylor is a preseason All-C-USA pick after catching 99 passes for 1,282 yards. RICE OWLS Head coach: David Bailiff (53-60 in nine seasons at Rice, 74-75 in 12 seasons overall) Team: 52 lettermen, seven offensive, nine defensive starters return from a 5-7 team (3-5 in C-USA, tied for third in West Division), 17 lettermen lost. Key player: Linebacker Alex Lyons has started 25 straight games for Rice and led the Owls with 77 tackles in 2015. The senior contributed in a variety of ways last season, when he posted 5.5 tackles for loss, broke up four passes and recovered a fumble. Rice will need Lyons to help its defense Lyons improve. The Owls gave up an average of 42.8 points a game in their five losses in C-USA play last season. Outlook: Rice played in three straight bowl games before coming up one game short of becoming bowl-eligible last season. A four-game losing streak late in the year was a killer for the Owls, who will look to bounce back this season behind a group of standout running backs. Darik Dillard and Jowan Davis enter their senior seasons with more than 1,700 career rushing yards each. Samuel Stewart also showed potential as a freshman. The key for Rice will be replacing quarterback Driphus Jackson, who graduated. Senior Tyler Stehling is expected to step in. SOUTHERN MISS GOLDEN EAGLES Head coach: Jay Hopson (first season at Southern Miss, 32-17 in four seasons overall) Team: 55 lettermen, seven offensive, six defensive starters return from 9-5 team (7-1 in C-USA, first in West Division), 25 lettermen lost. Key player: Nick Mullens threw for 4,476 yards and 38 touchdowns as a junior and was named the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year in C-USA. The senior is expected to be one of the top players in the league, but will have to develop chemistry with a

CONFERENCE USA CAPSULES largely reconstituted group of wide receivers. Outlook: Southern Miss is the team to beat in C-USA’s West Division. The Golden Eagles have the talent to come through, but will have to form team chemistry under Hopson.

Outlook: Charlotte started its program with a recruiting class of 21 players who will all be fifth-year seniors this fall. The 49ers are hoping that group will lead the way and help it build on a milestone season. Charlotte beat Georgia State for its first win over a Bowl Subdivision team in 2015.

Mullens

UTEP MINERS Head coach: Sean Kugler (14-23 in three seasons at UTEP) Team: 47 lettermen, eight offensive, six defensive starters return from 5-7 team (3-5 in C-USA, tied for third in West Division), 23 lettermen lost. Key player: UTEP took a significant hit when running back Aaron Jones was lost for the season in the second game of the 2015 campaign with an ankle injury. Jones has rushed for 2,341 yards and scored 20 touchdowns in his career. He will be among the top running backs in C-USA if he returns to Jones form this season. Outlook: UTEP nearly won six games to become bowl-eligible in 2015, despite playing without Jones for the majority of the season. Losses to Old Dominion and Louisiana Tech late in the year were particularly costly. Ryan Metz, Kavika Johnson and Zack Greenlee, a transfer from Fresno State, are competing for the starting quarterback job. UTSA ROADRUNNERS Head coach: Frank Wilson (first season at UTSA) Team: 42 lettermen, seven offensive, five defensive starters return from 3-9 team (3-5 in C-USA, tied for third in West Division), 18 lettermen lost. Key player: Senior running back Jarveon Williams became the first player in program history to crack the 1,000-yard mark in rushing when he tallied 1,042 yards to go along with eight touchdowns in 2015. UTSA will rely on Williams to power its offense again this season. Outlook: UTSA hired Williams Wilson, who was the recruiting coordinator at LSU, to take over as its head coach after last season. The move was an interesting one considering Wilson does not have experience as a college head coach or as an offensive or defensive coordinator. The hope is Wilson will be able to build up UTSA’s talent level and construct a winner.

EAST DIVISION CHARLOTTE 49ERS Head coach: Brad Lambert (12-22 in three seasons at Charlotte) Team: 52 lettermen, nine offensive, six defensive starters return from 2-10 team (0-8 in C-USA, seventh in East Division), 20 lettermen lost. Key player: Kalif Phillips rushed for 961 yards and five touchdowns in 2015, despite picking up only 10 yards in his last two games of the season due to injury. Charlotte will lean on Phillips again this season to Phillips power its offense.

FLORIDA ATLANTIC OWLS Head coach: Charlie Partridge (6-18 in two seasons at Florida Atlantic) Team: 32 lettermen, eight offensive, seven defensive starters return from 3-9 team (3-5 in C-USA, tied for fourth in East Division), 20 lettermen lost. Key player: Trey Hendrickson was named the C-USA Preseason Defensive Player of the Year in C-USA after posting 13.5 sacks as a junior. Hendrickson finished with 39 total tackles in 2015 and will be one of the league’s top defensive players this season. Outlook: Florida Atlantic Hendrickson has finished 3-9 in each of the last two seasons and will enter its third year under Partridge seeking a breakout campaign. The Owls have 15 starters returning, but must replace starting quarterback Jaquez Johnson. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL PANTHERS Head coach: Ron Turner (10-26 in three seasons at FIU, 52-87 in 12 seasons overall) Team: 53 lettermen, nine offensive, five defensive starters return from a 5-7 team (3-5 in C-USA, tied for fourth in East Division), 25 lettermen lost. Key player: Jonnu Smith has caught 136 passes in his career and is one of the top tight ends in the conference. He started eight games last season before being injured and could be in for a big senior season. Smith Outlook: FIU was 5-5 and in position to become bowleligible heading into its last two games of the year. Unfortunately for the Panthers those last two games were against Marshall and Western Kentucky. Marshall hammered FIU 52-0, while WKU beat the Panthers 63-7. FIU has 14 starters returning and could make a run at a bowl this season. MARSHALL THUNDERING HERD Head coach: Doc Holliday (50-28 in six seasons at Marshall) Team: 48 lettermen, seven offensive, four defensive starters return from 10-3 team (6-2 in C-USA, tied for second in East Division), 15 lettermen lost. Key player: Chase Litton became Marshall’s starting quarterback in the third game of the 2015 season and went on to throw for 2,605 yards and 23 touchdowns. The sophomore will be among the top quarterbacks in C-USA this season and could be in for a big year. Outlook: Marshall enjoyed a Litton stellar 2015 season, one it capped by knocking off Connecticut in the St. Petersburg Bowl for its 10th win of the year. The Herd will be among the favorites to make a run at the C-USA title, but must rebuild its defense, which returns only

DRC Football four starters. MIDDLE TENNESSEE BLUE RAIDERS Head coach: Rick Stockstill (64-61 in 10 seasons at Middle Tennessee) Team: 40 lettermen, six offensive, five defensive starters return from 7-6 team (6-2 in C-USA, tied for second in East Division), 30 lettermen lost. Key player: Quarterback Brent Stockstill was named the C-USA Freshman of the Year after throwing for 4,005 yards and 30 touchdowns with just nine interceptions in 2015. Stockstill should benefit from the experience he gained in his first season as a starter. Stockstill Outlook: Middle Tennessee has been bowl-eligible in seven of the last 10 years and doesn’t look like it will slow down any time soon. The Blue Raiders have wide receiver Richie James back in addition to Stockstill. The sophomore caught 108 passes for 1,346 yards in 2015. If MTSU can rebuild a defense with just five starters returning, it could be in for a big year. OLD DOMINION MONARCHS Head coach: Bobby Wilder (57-27 in seven seasons at Old Dominion) Team: 42 lettermen, nine offensive, eight defensive starters return from 5-7 team (3-5 in C-USA, tied for fourth in East Division), 14 lettermen lost. Key player: Running back Ray Lawry rushed for 1,136 yards and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2015 and was a preseason All-C-USA selection. Lawry is expected to be among the top offensive players in the conference this season. Outlook: Old Dominion won two of its last four games of the Lawry season and picked up some momentum heading into the 2016 campaign. The Monarchs have nearly their entire starting lineup returning and will look to make a run at becoming bowl-eligible with six wins. WESTERN KENTUCKY HILLTOPPERS Head coach: Jeff Brohm (20-7 in two seasons at Western Kentucky) Team: 55 lettermen, seven offensive, four defensive starters return from 12-2 team (8-0 in C-USA, first in East Division), 21 lettermen lost. Key player: Taywan Taylor caught a school-record 86 passes in 2015 for 1,467 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2015. He is a preseason All-C-USA selection and is expected to be among the top offensive players in the league this year. Outlook: Western Kentucky enjoyed a dream season in 2015 Taylor behind senior quarterback Brandon Doughty. The Hilltoppers knocked off Vanderbilt in their season-opener, won the C-USA East Division title, beat Southern Miss in the conference title game and went on to edge South Florida in the Miami Beach Bowl. The question now is how WKU will replace Doughty, who threw for 5,055 yards and 48 touchdowns. If the Hilltoppers can find someone who can come close to being as productive, they could make another run at the conference title. — Brett Vito

DRC Football

NORTH TEXAS

August 25, 2016

David Minton/DRC

North Texas quarterback Alec Morris (5) scrambles during North Texas’ spring game in April at Apogee Stadium. Morris left Alabama and transferred to UNT for his senior season in the hope that he would have an opportunity to play. The former Allen standout is in position to start the Mean Green’s season opener against SMU.

Morris finds new new home at UNT By Brett Vito Staff Writer

Alec Morris hasn’t thought much about what he gave up when he left Alabama a few months ago. Passing on a run at a third national championship with the Crimson Tide and leaving the lifelong friends he made in Tuscaloosa was tough at first. What matters a whole lot more to North Texas’ fifth-year senior quarterback is what he gained. Morris appears to be a lock to start for the first time in his college career when the Mean Green host SMU on Sept. 3. That opportunity is just one of the benefits of Morris’ life-changing decision. Morris is also back close to family and

friends in his hometown of Allen and in a new comfort zone at UNT after electing to transfer for his final season. “I’m really enjoying it,” Morris said at the end of a long, hot August workout. “I’m having fun at practice with the music playing and throwing the ball all day. I’m also back in Texas. There are a lot of things about being here that I love.” The opportunity to get off the bench is at the top of Morris’ list after throwing one pass in four seasons at Alabama. Morris signed with the Crimson Tide back in 2012. He was part of a class that included future first-round draft pick Amari Cooper and several other players who helped Alabama win national titles in 2012 and 2015.

Morris was in the hunt for the starting job several times during his tenure with the Crimson Tide, but never came out on top. Jake Coker started for Alabama on its way to the BCS national title last season. Coker was a senior, but sophomore Cooper Bateman surpassed Morris on the depth chart, leaving him on the third team at the end of last season. “I made lifelong friends at Alabama and memories I will have forever, but I knew it was time to move on,” Morris said. UNT turned out to be the perfect landing spot, both on and off the field. The Mean Green are switching to a spread offense under new coach Seth Littrell and need a quarterback who can run

the system. UNT special teams coordinator Tommy Perry got in touch with Morris once he decided to transfer. Morris quickly got to know Littrell and offensive coordinator Graham Harrell. Morris was on his way to Denton a short time later. He’s now just a few miles down the road from Allen and in a comfort zone at UNT, where he has quickly fit in with his new team. “Alec has done a great job,” Littrell said. “A lot of people forget he came in as a graduate transfer in the spring. They expected him to be really good in his first scrimmage.

See MORRIS on 18

August 25, 2016

NORTH TEXAS

DRC Football

David Minton/DRC

Matt Strasen/The Dallas Morning News

North Texas quarterback Alec Morris talks to the media during a press conference on nation signing day at Apogee Stadium on Feb. 3. Morris transferred from Alabama in the hope that he could win the starting job at UNT.

A lot has changed for Alec Morris since he signed with Alabama in 2012. Morris signed mini helmets that day and talked about the opportunity to play for a natinal power. He retuned to Texas this year to play for North Texas closer to home.

From Page 17

Morris We had just gotten through installing our offense. It’s going to take some time to not only develop and learn the system, but also to get the timing and rhythm down. It takes a lot of work in the spring, summer and fall camp.” Morris struggled a little at first. He threw for 261 yards and three touchdowns in UNT’s spring game, but completed just 17 of his 35 pass attempts and threw two interceptions. The more Morris played, the better he became and the more his teammates believed in him. “I am really comfortable with him,” UNT wide receiver Terian Goree said. After the first few weeks of fall practice, nearly everyone with a connection to the program was sure Morris will start.

UNT senior wide receiver Kenny Buyers was among them. Buyers said he has seen Morris make throws that few other Mean Green quarterbacks who preceded him could. Morris’ talent and attitude quickly won over his teammates, who say he is just one of the guys now. Buyers described Morris as a good guy with a dry sense of humor that has helped him win over his teammates. “The most exciting thing he has done to me is step in as a leader,” Littrell said. “At that position you have to be a leader on the field, hold guys accountable and be a great teammate. He has always had what it takes. He showed it at Allen.” Morris knew there would be a lot of differences between playing at Alabama and

playing at UNT. Alabama is a perennial national championship contender that is always in the spotlight. UNT has won just three bowl games in the entire history of its program and is often lost in the shuffle in Dallas-Fort Worth as far as attention from fans and media. What has struck Morris, though, are the similarities between the programs. “It’s going to be different here than at Alabama, but the way the guys work isn’t any different,” Morris said. “These new coaches are getting more out of the players. People on the outside looking in don’t think a lot is going on, but we have players who are going to break out and surprise people.” Morris left some friends behind at Al-

abama, but has quickly found new ones at UNT while also spending more time with his family. He was able to go home in the middle of fall camp to see his sister Riley off before she left for college at Missouri. Morris turned right around and made the quick drive back to UNT, where he has quickly settled in with a new team and a new group of friends. Buyers is one of his good friends in addition to being one of his favorite receivers. “As soon as Alec got here, I tried to read him and see what he is all about,” Buyers said. “He seemed like a standup guy and someone who is hungry to win. He didn’t look down on anyone. He just wanted to fit in and took the role of being a leader as a quarterback.”

NORTH TEXAS

DRC Football

MEAN GREEN | Roster No. Player Pos. 1 Turner Smiley WR 2 Eric Jenkins DB 2 O'Keeron Rutherford WR 3 Terian Goree WR 4 Khairi Muhammad DB 4 Anthony Wyche RB 5 Mylam Peters LB 5 Alec Morris QB 6 Mason Fine QB 7 Connor Means QB 7 Jareid Combs DE 8 Rico Bussey, Jr. WR 9 Nate Brooks DB 10 Calvin Minor LB 10 Mitch Cason QB 11 Sam Wells DB 11 Thaddeous ThompsonWR 13 Kway Hill DB 14 Cedric Fernandes DB 15 Caleb Chumley TE 15 T.J. Tauaalo DT 16 Spencer Edwards WR 16 Chad Davis DB 17 Cortney Finney LB 18 Joshua Wheeler DE 18 Devin O'Hara QB 19 Quinn Shanbour QB 19 John Schilleci DB 21 James Gray DB 22 E.J. Ejiya LB 23 Kishawn McClain DB 25 Andrew Tucker RB 26 Jeffrey Wilson RB 27 Ashton Preston DB 27 Kam Duhon WR 29 Willy Ivery RB 30 Jarrian Roberts DE 30 Trevor Moore K 31 Kenny Buyers WR 32 Fred Scott LB 32 Michael Lawrence WR 34 Bryce English DT 34 Elijah McIntyre WR 36 Cannon Maki FB 36 Dee Baulkman DB 37 Connor Davis WR 37 Brandon Garner LB 38 Trever Merrell RB 38 Andrew Jones DB 39 Taylor Robinson DB 39 Braydon Watson WR 39 Jameel Moore DB 42 Corey Mann LB 43 Zack Bishop LB 44 Nick Smith RB 44 Sid Moore DT 45 Nnamdi Umeakuana DB 46 Christian Hosley RB 47 Dakota Michaels DB 49 Roderick Young DT

Ht. 6-0 5-10 6-5 6-3 5-11 5-11 6-5 6-3 5-11 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-0 6-2 5-11 5-10 6-5 6-2 170 5-10 5-11 6-3 6-5 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-3 5-11 6-0 6-0 5-10 5-11 5-9 6-2 5-11 5-11 5-11 5-10 5-11 6-0 5-11 5-11 5-10 5-11 5-10 6-1 5-11 5-11 5-10 6-0 6-2 5-10 6-1 6-1 5-9 6-1 6-1

Wt. 189 180 190 173 170 195 240 233 170 215 258 175 170 213 183 193 202 195 176 240 287 170 181 220 240 211 191 201 190 220 201 203 195 183 170 185 252 194 185 233 165 332 184 230 200 193 225 195 173 191 175 160 195 225 175 261 205 175 185 287

Yr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Fr. So. Jr. Sr. Fr. So. Sr. Fr. So. Jr. Fr. So. Sr. Fr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Sr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. So.

NORTH TEXAS | Schedule Date Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sep. 17 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 19 Nov. 26

Opponent vs. SMU vs. Bethune-Cookman at Florida at Rice* vs. Middle Tennessee * vs. Marshall * at Army at UTSA * vs. Louisiana Tech * at Western Kentucky * vs. Southern Miss * at UTEP *

Time 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 11 a.m. 6 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. TBA

* C-USA game

50 53 53 54 56 57 57 58 59 59 60 64 67 68 70 71 73 74 77 78 80 81 82 83 84 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 92 93 93 94 94 96 97 99

LaDarius Hamilton William LeMasters T.J. Henson Creighton Barr Malik Dilonga Shane Gerths Bernie Santos Wylie Reinhardt Hayden Harrison Trey Keenan Doro Omerhi Sam Rice Chris Miles Chett Munden R.D. Wegmann Jordan Murray Garrett Gunter Chandler Anthony Elex Woodworth Jalen Thomas Will Boyd Daniel Khan Deion Hair-Griffin Tyler Wilson Eric Keena Dennis Smith Garrett Barton Kevin Dillman Kelvin Smith Jason Pirtle Willie Robinson Tillman Johnson Kel Straubmueller Trey Enterline Terrance Johnson Julius Combes Blake Patterson JoJo Ozougwu Sam Aguilera Tim Ursery Demonte Hood Andy Flusche

LB LB OL OL DE LB OL OL LB OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR WR WR WR P WR WR TE TE WR WR DE DS DS DL DT SPEC DE P/K SPEC DT DE

6-3 6-2 6-4 6-3 6-4 6-1 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-5 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-5 6-3 6-9 6-4 6-7 6-4 6-5 6-3 5-11 5-10 5-11 6-2 5-9 5-11 6-4 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-1 5-11 6-3 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-5 6-2 6-0 6-3

240 213 315 302 264 205 326 261 220 272 290 297 299 305 265 360 293 280 284 295 185 180 165 170 175 170 185 249 252 195 185 248 195 225 257 313 195 205 200 238 303 259

Fr. Fr. Jr. So. Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Sr. So. Fr. Fr. So. Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Sr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Jr.

August 25, 2016

NORTH TEXAS

DRC Football

David Minton/DRC

North Texas senior Kenny Buyers looks for space to run after catching a pass during UNT’s spring game at Apogee Stadium in April. Buyers missed all of the 2015 season with a back injury. New UNT coach Seth Littrell moved Buyers from cornerback to wide receiver in spring practice. The move appears to be paying off, both for UNT and for Buyers who is in position to be a major contributor this season.

Buyers enjoying new role as WR By Brett Vito Staff Writer

Kenny Buyers always wondered what it might be like to catch passes instead of knocking them away during the first three years of his career at North Texas. The longtime defensive back will get a chance to find out this fall in the final season of his career that has taken a dramatic — and unexpected — turn the last two years. The senior excelled as a cornerback for three seasons at UNT before a back injury ended his season before it started in 2015. Not long after Buyers returned this spring, new UNT coach Seth Littrell sat him down for a discussion in his office. Littrell wanted Buyers to quit chas-

ing receivers and see if he could become one. The switch appears to be paying off for UNT, while providing Buyers one last challenge in his successful career with the Mean Green. Buyers could end up starting for UNT when it opens the season against SMU on Sept. 3, this time on offense. “It’s weird, but I am open-minded about it,” Buyers said. “I look at it as something I am excited to do and as a way I can challenge myself. A lot of defensive backs wish they could have a chance to play wide receiver. All of them claim they could do it.” Buyers showed throughout fall practice that he possesses skills that will translate from defense to offense. The same quick-

ness and speed that made Buyers a successful cornerback have allowed him to make plays as a slot receiver in UNT’s new spread attack. “That’s just Kenny as a football player,” UNT quarterback Alec Morris said. “When I heard about him moving to wide receiver, I was all for it. You can watch wherever he is playing — offense, defense, special teams — and see that he is an athlete. Wherever he is, he is making plays.” Buyers’ playmaking ability is just one of the reasons his teammates are happy to have him back after a year away from the game. He has long been one of the players his teammates look to for leadership. Littrell can see why that is the case. “Kenny is a completely selfless player who is going to do whatever it takes for us

to be successful and play wherever we need him,” Littrell said. “Those are the kinds of guys you like to coach — guys who love football, who are great teammates and who want to be a part of it anyway they can.” Buyers was an honorable mention AllConference USA selection at cornerback in 2013. That year, he played a key role in UNT knocking off UNLV in the Heart of Dallas Bowl for just the third bowl win in program history. Buyers finished with seven tackles and intercepted a Caleb Herring pass late in the fourth quarter to cap UNT’s 36-14 win over the Rebels. He finished with 78 tackles and three interceptions on the season.

See BUYERS on 21

DRC Football

NORTH TEXAS

August 25, 2016

From Page 20

Buyers UNT struggled in 2014 after several of its key players graduated, but Buyers was solid once again while finishing with 55 tackles and two more interceptions. Buyers was expected to be one of UNT’s top players in 2015 before he started to feel pain in his right leg. “I had a nerve problem that was causing pain,” Buyers said. “It felt like my right hamstring was torn. The pain went all the way down to my foot.” Doctors determined that a disc in Buyers’ lower back was putting pressure on a nerve, causing the problem. He had surgery before the season, when doctors shaved the disc to relieve the pressure. It’s been a long road back for Buyers, who is just now returning to form. He spent all spring and summer working to get back into football shape. “I didn’t feel like myself,” Buyers said. “I wasn’t getting out of my cuts and didn’t feel as fast. I have gotten a lot stronger this summer. I’m back where I need to be.” Buyers needed some time to settle into his new role as well. UNT’s veteran players are still getting used to seeing him on the offensive side of the ball this fall. “It’s weird to see Kenny at wide receiver,”

offensive lineman Jordan Murray said in the spring. Buyers is enjoying the buildup to his senior season and the opportunity to be back out on the field, this time in a new role with several new teammates. He immediately hit it off with Morris, another fifth-year senior who transferred in from Alabama. The two started playing golf together over the last few months. “Kenny’s a great guy,” Morris said. “He’s one of the first guys I became close to on the team here. Having him move to offense was fantastic for me.” Littrell said Buyers’ attitude rubs off on teammates, which could be critical for a team with several young wide receivers. “Kenny works his tail off,” Littrell said. “There isn’t a day he comes out here and isn’t excited to play the game.” Moving to wide receiver isn’t what Buyers expected, but it’s a change he is embracing. “It will be a fun way to end it,” Buyers said of his career. “There is a whole new feel from the coaching staff to the players to even the guys I hang out with. It’s kind of cool to go out like this.”

David Minton/DRC

Kenny Buyers (31) was a standout cornerback at North Texas long before he made the move to wide receiver this spring. Buyers has five career interceptions, including one of Jaquez Johnson he returned 43 yards in a win over Florida Atlantic during the 2014 season Apogee Stadium.

August 25, 2016

DRC Football

NORTH TEXAS

August 25, 2016

McClain, Gray form potent tandem By Brett Vito Staff Writer

The mat that sits outside of the apartment James Gray and Kishawn McClain share is more than just a place where North Texas’ starting safeties wipe their feet. The decorative touch with a picture of an anchor serves as a reminder of how the duo views their role with the Mean Green’s defense. “We feel like we are the anchor of the defense,” Gray said. “That’s what we call ourselves — the anchor.” Gray and McClain were exactly that for UNT last season and are hoping to build on their performance this fall. UNT will depend on both to help bolster a defense that struggled last season. UNT allowed at least 30 points in nine games last season. Those struggles were a big reason the McClain Mean Green finished just 1-11. UNT is hoping to rebuild around McClain and Gray, two of the top returning players on the David Minton/DRC Mean Green’s roster, who have formed a bond on North Texas safety Kishawn McClain runs the ball during the Mean Green’s spring game in April. McClain led UNT with 110 and off the field. tackles and formed a potent duo with close friend and fellow safety James Gray. “As soon as James Gray came in, we made a good connection,” McClain said. “We live off campus together now and have an even greater bond. We do everything together.” McClain and Gray can often be found standing next to each other on the sidelines at practice. They watch film together and eat together. That bond translates to the field, where they create a formidable duo in the back end of UNT’s defense. “Those two guys are extremely talented and physical,” UNT coach Seth Littrell said. “They come down and hit people. They make plays.” Littrell said he expects co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Troy Reffett to put both McClain and Gray in position to make game-changing plays this season. Both are big hitters who are at their best when they are attacking the line of scrimmage and dishing out big hits on opposing running backs and wide receivers. McClain led UNT with 110 tackles last season and was the Mean Green’s lone Preseason All-Conference USA selection. Gray wasn’t too far behind with 104 tackles. David Minton/DRC Those tackle totals only tell part of the stoNorth Texas safety James Gray, bottom, upends Rice wide receiver Dennis Parks last season. Gray and fellow safety Kishawn McClain are a potent tandem for UNT. See SAFETIES on 24

August 25, 2016

From Page 23

Safeties ry of how big an impact McClain and Gray made in 2015. Both also made a series of game-changing plays for a defense that spent far too much of the season on its heels. McClain forced two fumbles, intercepted a pass and added his biggest play of the season in UNT’s lone win of the year. McClain returned a fumble 45 yards for a touchdown in the Mean Green’s 30-23 victory over UTSA. Gray forced two fumbles and recovered another. UNT is hoping its standout safety duo can build on those totals and move into larger roles as leaders as well. “James and Kishawn do a great job,” Littrell said. “Kishawn has really grown up. His leadership skills are starting to develop. He is starting to show up in that area. We need those guys to be leaders.” UNT lost one of its emotional spark plugs on defense when linebacker Anthony Wallace graduated after last season. McClain and Gray see filling that void as their biggest challenge heading into a season of change for UNT. The Mean Green are moving from a 4-3 to a 3-3-5 on defense. “Our role didn’t change on the field, but

NORTH TEXAS we have to work to improve our leadership skills,” McClain said. “It’s not natural for us, but we are getting used to it.” Playing together for a year and forming a bond has helped McClain and Gray with the transition. McClain and Gray both said they like to compete against each other. They often compare tackle totals or how many big plays they make. “We make each other better by competing against each other while still wanting each other to succeed,” Gray said. UNT is hoping both will set the example for a defense that will feature several newcomers this season. Junior college linebacker Joshua Wheeler is expected to start, while fellow junior college transfer E.J. Ejiya will see time at the nickel spot. The Mean Green have a lot they need to adjust to heading into the first season of the Littrell era. Having a pair of players with experience who take pride in being the anchor for UNT’s defense at safety should make that process easier. McClain and Gray became that anchor after developing a rapport on and off the field last season. The performance is one they plan to build on. “It gives us a big advantage to have played together last year,” Gray said. “We communicated, bonded and are on the same page. We will be even better this year.”

DRC Football

David Minton/DRC

North Texas safety Kishawn McClain appeals to fans to stand before the kickoff of UNT’s game against SMU last season at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in University Park. UNT will take on SMU on Sept. 3 in its season opener at Apogee Stadium.

August 25, 2016

COVER STORY

DRC Football

Ryan poised to return to glory By Steve Gamel Staff Writer

When Joey Florence left his post as Ryan’s head coach following the 2013 season and became the Denton ISD athletic director, he predicted that, in three years, Ryan again would compete for a state championship. For Florence, building another winner wasn’t hard to foresee. Florence took over what had been a downtrodden program in 2000 and quickly made it one of the state’s top programs — winning two titles and not once missing the playoffs. He knew what it took to build a winner. “I often look back and it was one of the best times of my life,” Florence said. “It was also one of the most difficult.” Perhaps fans felt the program’s traditionrich history was in jeopardy, though, when Ryan finished 5-5 in 2014 without its legendary coach at the helm. The Raiders’ heralded playoff streak came to an end that year under first-year coach Dave Henigan. Henigan, a disciple of Florence, had taken over a program with endless expectations. But one look at the future still had Florence convinced that the building blocks already were in place to construct another state title contender. The Raiders had a quarterback with unlimited potential in then-freshman Spencer Sanders and the athletes to put together a championship defense. Despite one down year, Florence also knew Henigan was the right guy to replace him. There were other factors playing into Ryan’s favor, and like a modern-day Nostradamus, Florence saw it from afar. Ryan enters the 2016 season — Henigan’s third year at the helm — as the No. 3 team in the Associated Press Class 5A preseason state poll. The Raiders finished 13-1 in Class 6A in 2015. The only question now is if the Raiders can put the finishing touches on a top team and add to the legacy they play to defend every week. “We know we have a great football team with kids of high character. And the guy who built this program thought highly enough of me to choose me to replace him,” Henigan said. “There’s a saying that you never want to follow in the footsteps of a legend, but I never hesitated at the expectations. I came here for the expectations. I came here to win championships. It’s that simple. “This is a special place. I have always known that.”

Building a winner

Florence was named head coach at

File photo/The Dallas Morning News

Former Ryan football coach Joey Florence celebrates after a win over Aledo at Texas Stadium during the 2003 playoffs. Florence built a consistent winner at Ryan before turning the program over to Dave Henigan, one of his former assistants. Ryan in 2000, but if he’d had it his way at the time, he wouldn’t have applied. He already had a successful head coaching gig at Cooper. Plus, Ryan was hardly the sort of program for which you skip town. The Raiders had never enjoyed a winning season and finished 1-9 in 1999. District officials struggled to find anyone to take the position, and Florence, a Rockwall native and the son of renowned coach Mickey Florence, likes to joke that he was not their first choice. “They tried to give the job to four different people,” Florence said with a chuckle. “I had 100 percent reservations with taking that job. There were just a lot of things wrong with it. It wasn’t set up for success. But my dad was my mentor and he was so prophetic. He had been a coach for a long time and had always said that Denton had some of the best athletes in the Metroplex. He just felt it was worth a chance.” Mickey Florence believed his son was the right man for the job, even when his son

didn’t feel the same way. Joey Florence went on to lead Ryan to four straight title game appearances between 2000 and 2003, winning it all in 2001 and 2002. He took the Raiders to another title game in 2010. “I learned so much from Joey, perhaps one of the biggest things being that it’s OK to be different. You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing to be great,” said Henigan, who was the offensive coordinator at Ryan during the 2002 and 2003 seasons. “We only practiced in full pads once a week, we didn’t go practice for three hours, and when everyone else was bringing their kids in on Saturdays, we weren’t. He wasn’t afraid to do things his way. “It was always more than just the Xs and Os for Joey. He loved these kids first. It’s worked here for a long time.” Florence constructed some of the more complete teams in the state during his tenure. His title-contending teams were highlighted by star players like James Battle,

See RYAN on 27

ON THE COVER | DISD schools

Denton has long been known for producing standout teams and players. This season’s crop, clockwise from left, includes Guyer tight end Brian Polendey, Denton offensive lineman Grant Polley, Ryan quarterback Spencer Sanders and Braswell defensive back Sam Madison.

DRC Football

COVER STORY

August 25, 2016

From Page 26

Ryan Jarvis Moss, Derek Lokey and Mario Edwards Jr. Moss, Lokey and Edwards all went on to play in the NFL. Florence’s teams were consistently loaded with Football Bowl Subdivision recruits. In 14 seasons at Ryan, he went 152-37, and his teams piled up a staggering 39-12 playoff record. A winning tradition was set. “I was here when it was tough to scratch out a couple of wins,” said Ryan principal Vernon Reeves, who was on the committee that hired Florence and remembers the former coach’s championship mindset in that interview. “For someone to come in and say we’re going to win a state championship — when you’ve never done it before — you start thinking they are half crazy. It was that change in mindset, and he was right. “The community felt, ‘Why not us?’ And I think it transcended all the schools.” Florence said the hard work was worth it. “We had so many challenges when we took over, but it was thrilling to watch things get rolling,” Florence said. “I think there were five games that first year that were decided in the last few minutes of the game, and we won four of those five. I remember thinking, had we not won those games, would we have been able to turn that program around like we did? We had great players and great coaches, but there was a lot of luck involved.”

Growth giveth, growth taketh away

There are many school districts that consist of one high school, so sharing talent is not a concern. Allen, Southlake Carroll, Cedar Hill and DeSoto are just a few examples. Denton ISD has long been a different animal. In 2005, the district went from having two high schools — Denton and Ryan — to three with the opening of Guyer. Having three high schools was necessary to accommodate a population boom in the city, but from an athletic standpoint, it spread out the talent pool and made it increasingly difficult to compete. Such was the case at Denton and Ryan. Guyer’s enrollment numbers ballooned in its first year. After two down seasons of varsity football, Guyer began stringing together deep playoff runs. The Wildcats made three state title game appearances and won two championships between 2010 and 2013. Meanwhile Denton struggled to field a competitive team for several years after Guyer opened. Ryan continued to make the playoffs, but managed one state title game appearance between 2005 and 2013. In

David Minton/DRC

Ryan coach Dave Henigan walks down the sideline during a game against Justin Northwest last season at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex. Ryan is expected to be one of the top Class 5A teams in the state this season. that same stretch, Ryan lost in the first round three times and lost in the second round once. “It all caught up to us, and as we kept growing, it became more difficult to have true feeder patterns,” Florence said. “Ryan and Denton were sharing middle schools for a while there, and that hurts when you have kids taken away from you. Our superintendent, Jamie Wilson, took steps to get us all more vertically aligned, and it has made a difference. That says a lot for him, because it benefited the schools both academically and athletically.” The addition of a fourth high school, Braswell, which opened this week, dropped Ryan’s enrollment from 2,334 in the 2014 UIL realignment to 2,067 in the latest reclassification. That put one of last season’s most successful 6A programs into a significantly smaller pond — instantly creating a chance to dominate the competition. “I knew with the coaching and athletic talent Ryan had, and Braswell eventually coming into the picture, that it would po-

sition Ryan to contend for a title in 5A,” Florence said. “Don’t get me wrong, Ryan was always competitive. But we’re talking about a chance to do something special. I also had confidence that Guyer would fight for a title in 6A, and Denton would be a dark horse in the mix for 2016. So yes, I anticipated it.”

Rebuild and reclaim

When Florence took over at Ryan all those years ago, there was nowhere to go but up. Henigan — who was a combined 56-52 in 10 seasons as the head coach at Corsicana and Grapevine — was in a much different position. Taking over a program like Ryan doesn’t come without its share of pressure. He opened 2014 having to replace all but one starter on defense, and he had a freshman starting at quarterback. What’s more, the Raiders were playing in the state’s largest classification against a district slate that included Guyer, which was coming off back-to-back Class 4A titles. Ryan turned the ball over more than 20

times in 10 games, Sanders suffered a season-ending knee injury, and the Raiders ended their season with a 52-7 loss to Guyer. It was the most difficult year Ryan experienced since the pre-Florence era. “It was a rough season for everybody because you come in the first year and you don’t meet a standard that’s been in place for 14 years,” Henigan said. “People wanted to immediately look at me because I’m the head coach, and that was fine. I was looking at myself, too. Each coach and player took that season personally.” The pain was temporary. Henigan was determined to right the ship, and Ryan came out the next season and won 13 games. Sanders returned and lived up to the hype everyone placed on him as the team’s quarterback, and the defense was as reliable as Florence’s units of old. There were no overhauls in philosophy or player personnel. They simply committed themselves to reclaiming their swagger — and doing their job better than before. The 2015 season was Henigan’s best as a head coach and proved what Florence already knew — Henigan could lead the program back to the top. And like Florence, every athlete in the locker room believed in Henigan from the beginning. “I always liked that [Henigan] came to meet me when I was in middle school,” said Sanders, now a junior. “Usually when you’re a new coach, you’re getting busy doing a lot of different things. But he came to visit me in person. I told him who I was and I remember him saying, ‘I already know who you are.’” The 2015 season marked Ryan’s highest win total since winning 15 games in 2010, and set the stage for even better years ahead. The Raiders enter this season with 15 returning starters. As of Aug. 21, they had four players who already committed to FBS programs. Sanders entered fall camp with 12 FBS offers and is predicted to be one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the state. It’s a recipe for success that sounds all too familiar at Ryan. “Maybe a lot of people didn’t take Ryan seriously last year, but the reality is what you think in this building is all that matters,” Henigan said. “We won a bunch of games last year, so maybe that’s changing, but until we win it all, I think the doubts will continue to hang over our head.” Florence said if any team has a chance to stand atop the mountain, it’s the 2016 Raiders. After all, he said so three years ago. “It’s very difficult to win those championships, and if you have the talent to do it, you’d better take advantage,” Florence said. “If you can win it, you’ve done something special. “But I’ll let Henigan do the sweating on that.”

August 25, 2016

GUYER

DRC Football

Guyer boasts talented secondary By Adam Boedeker Staff Writer

With a wealth of talent returning on offense, conventional wisdom would say the Guyer Wildcats won't have much ofa problem putting points on the scoreboard. Whether they can make another deep playoff run into December might hinge on how well they can stop other teams. With only five returning defensive starters from last season, there is reason to doubt just how effective Guyer's defense will be, but coach John Walsh points to the back end of the unit as a reason to think otherwise. "We feel really good about our front seven, but there are some unproven guys as starters on Friday nights," Walsh said. "But having a secondary like we have where all four guys are going to play college football allows us to play some man concepts and put more guys in the box to stop the run. It allows us to be a little more diverse defensively.' Meet the foursome that, by the time the season is over, could go down as the best secondary in program history, right up there with a 2010 unit that featured four college signees including former Oklahoma State standout Josh Stewart. It starts with the last line of defense in safeties Bryce Jackson and perhaps the team's most versatile player, Thabo Mwaniki. Both have committed to Power Five programs - Jackson to Northwestern and Mwaniki to Oklahoma State - and they provide peace of mind to both their coaches and teammates in the defensive backfield. "It's good knowing that you have someone you can trust back there," said 6-1 senior cornerback Dio Williams, who has an offer from Stephen F. Austin and is expected to pick up some Football Bowl Subdivision offers before season's end. "In Cover 2, you can trust them to cover another guy and you can do what you need to do. Plus they always make the right calls:' Mwaniki (5-11, 180 pounds) does alittie bit ofeverything for the Wildcats. Last season, he started the year at safety before moving to outside linebacker. He finished the year with 61 tackles, including 14 stops behind the line of scrimmage, five pass breakups, two sacks and a fumble recovery. He enters the year as Guyer's leading

Have a great season, Denton Guyer Wildcats!

From your fans at

DATCU

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G~yer def~ive backs Ch~ti~n Moore, ~ryce .lac:ksol\ Thabo Mwaniki and Dio Williams are expected to form a potent unit for the GUYER Wildcats thiS season. Mwamk1has cOilTilitted to Oklahoma State, while Jackson is headed to Northwestern. All four members of the BUILDING BLOCKS I group could end up signing scholarships with schools that compete on the Football Bowl Subdivision level.

returning receiver and backup quarterback. Mwaniki was set to return to his natural position ofsafety this year but starting linebacker Caleb Bridges broke his collarbone in Guyer's scrimmage, which means Mwaniki will likely see a lot oftime at linebacker again until Bridges returns in about six weeks. Walsh said in passing situations, Mwaniki will move back to the secondary. "I love roaming around back there and having freedom before the ball snaps and making calls and stuff;' Mwaniki said. That meant a reunion with his old mend Jackson, who has a bright future ahead ofhim at Northwestern as an intelligent safety. Jackson excels against the run, as evidenced by his 120 tackles a year ago to go with a team-high four interceptions.

"It's hard to see a safety making plays 25 yards down the field on a play-fake and then you see him making plays two yards from the line of scrimmage," Walsh said of Jackson. "He knows what's coming before anyone else does. "[Defensive coordinator] Coach [Derek] Ramsey has been through all our safeties, and we've had some good ones. I've heard him say Bryce could graduate and be the best we've ever had." Jackson said the entire secondary is good enough and versatile enough to play at any spot in the backfield, even if his coaches might not agree. "We joke around with the coaches in practice about letting us try to play corner See GUYER on 32

WILDCATS I Quick Facts District 6-6A 2015 record: ID4 (5-2 in district) . Coach: John Walsh g• (95-41 in 10 years) • Returning starters: Eight on offense, five on defense Key players: WRIDB Thabo Mwaniki, RB Myron Mason, RB Noah Cain, QB Luke Stillwell, DB Bryce Jackson, DB Christian Moore, DB Dio Williams, TE lmn Polendey, DLArian Bhat, LBTucker Nitardy, LB Gio Williams, OLJohn Lanz, WR Dooovan !$eenhoward, OLColton Kltlicek, WR Ricky Baker Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple School enrollment: 2,475 Stadium: C.H. Collins Athletic Complex

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August 25, 2016

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GUYER

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August 25,2016

Pair of top backs to power Guyer By Adam Boedeker Staff Writer

At this time a year ago, Guyer coach John Walsh knew he potentially had something special coming from the middle school ranks. He knew of a running back named Noah Cam but had never before suited out a freshman on varsity, much less used one in a significant role. It didn't take long for the then-14-yearold to achieve a first in Walsh's two decades in the business. In fact, any doubt of Cain's legitimacy in Walsh's mind was erased with a preseason scrimmage agamst fellow powerhouse Euless llinity. "We knew Noah had vision and patience beyond his years as a freshman, but we were not sure about his breakaway speed," Walsh said. "He erased any doubt in our llinity scrimmage with a 70-yard touchdown." It was all Walsh needed to see from Cam. The rest is history. Cain was immediately thrown into the fire in Guyer's run-heavy offense and he succeeded basically from the start. He certainly had capable help in the form of Myron Mason, who narrowly edged out Cam for the team lead in rushing yards from a running back in the Wildcats' deep playoff run in 2015. Now, both return to lead what should be one ofthe state's top

rushing attacks. Cam was recently ranked as the No. 1 running back in the nation in the Class of2019 by 247Sports. "We love to run the football at Guyer," Walsh said. "We've loved to run the ball since Day 1. Weve had some really good running backs come through here, and the combination we have right now is as good as we've ever had." That means trouble for opponents in the Wildcats' new District 6-6A Mason finished the year with 1,088 yards and Cam totaled 1,083 despite missing three games with a broken finger he suffered in Guyer's district opener a year ago. He missed a fourth game in the Wildcats' playoff loss to Mansfield with another injury. Cain enjoyed a breakout effort in that district opener by rushing for 148 yards on just 14 carries. He found the end zone three times. He finished the game only to find out about the broken finger later that night "It was very difficult for me," Cain said. "After that game, I felt like I was starting to come on, and then when the doc told me I had a broken finger I felt like that set me back a lot. I was disappointed. I knew we had the playoffs coming though. It was a big downer for me, but I knew they See WILDCATS on 48

David Minton/ DRC Guyer running back Noah Cain, left, tries to fight off Hebron defensive lineman Julian Harris last season at Apogee Stadium. cain is the top-rated running back in the Class of 2019, according to the website 247Sports.

David Minton/ DRC Guyer running backs Myron Mason, left, and Noah Cain will power the Wildcats' offense this season. Mason finished the season with 1,088 rushing yards, while Cain ran up 1,083 yards, despite missing four games.

GUYER

August 25, 2016

WILDCATS | Roster

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

Guyer could have one of the top running back tandems in Class 6A with senior speed-burner Myron Mason and sophomore Noah Cain, a rare talent who was recently ranked nationally as the top running back in the 2019 class. Both eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark last year in helping Guyer run its way to the state quarterfinal and return with another year of experience under their belts. Add in junior quarterback Luke Stillwell’s running ability, senior cornerback/running back Christian Moore and the Wildcats’ talented offensive line, and Guyer might not need to throw the ball often to score points in bunches.

POINT OF CONCERN

Calling Guyer’s linebackers a concern is done simply out of unfamiliarity with three new faces behind the line. The Wildcats graduated all three starters last season, including the irreplaceable Mike Carrillo, who was a three-year starter and one of the most Nitardy feared players in the area. They had a stable trio in place in senior first-year starters Tucker Nitardy, Gio Williams and Caleb Bridges, but Bridges suffered a broken collarbone in Guyer’s scrimmage on Aug. 19. That means Oklahoma State pledge Thabo Mwaniki will likely

From Page 28

Guyer for a game or something,” Jackson said of himself and Mwaniki. “But they aren’t trying to let that happen. I think we could all do it and be just fine though.” Jackson and Mwaniki have their big commitments out of the way. Williams has all the size and athleticism to pick up some FBS offers after a strong finish to his junior season when he had two big interceptions late in playoff wins. That leaves Williams’ counterpart on the other side of the field in senior cornerback Christian Moore, but he’s not necessarily the odd man out. After struggling to move from running back to cornerback at the end of the 2015 regular season, Moore said he learned the position the hard way — trial by fire. That meant getting burned by Southlake Carroll star receiver Zach Farrar a few times in a Guyer playoff win. But it also meant improving in a hurry. “That [game] was pretty rough personally,” Moore said. “But I knew what to ex-

move down from safety to linebacker until Bridges returns in about six weeks.

KEY NEWCOMER

Luke Stillwell would be the conventional choice here as the replacement for TCU pledge Shawn Robinson under center. However, with Stillwell’s significant experience in high-leverage situations a year ago, including one start and several big snaps in the postseason, he is hardly a newcomer. Stillwell’s receiving targets are far less proven and are better candidates to break out. Ricky Baker, a 6-foot, 170-pound inside receiver, began to show flashes of potential last year as an undersized sophomore and should be a big part of the Wildcats’ passing game this coming season.

GAME OF THE YEAR

Guyer entered last the season as a candidate to end Allen’s impressive winning streak that had spanned three seasons. The Eagles had other plans. Guyer held a lead late in the second quarter before Allen rolled to a 48-16 win. Now, the game means more than bragging rights as Guyer was put into a new district with Allen. The teams’ Oct. 14 game at the $60 million Allen Eagle Stadium could decide a district championship. The Wildcats are now 0-2 all-time against Allen after losses in the previous two seasons. Guyer will look to end that trend with a District 6-6A crown on the line.

pect after that. That was a bad game for me, but it helped my confidence because I knew what to expect from a good receiver. “I really wasn’t familiar with coverages, but now I’ve had a whole offseason and fall camp to learn coverages so I think I can officially call myself a corner now.” Moore currently has a Division II offer, but that newfound confidence has him playing his senior year with bigger things in mind. “I feel like I’m just as athletic as Bryce and Thabo,” Moore said. “I’m really happy for them, but I want to prove to a lot of [FBS] programs I can play for them, too.” The more the merrier, as far as Mwaniki is concerned. Personal success for those four would likely mean success for the Wildcats in 2016. “We have some great potential,” Mwaniki said. “We look good. Christian has 4.4 speed [in the 40-yard dash]. Dio is a college-ready corner and probably won’t have to redshirt wherever he goes. And then me and Bryce are back there [at safety]. We look legit. “It’s exciting to think about being able to go blitz and switch up the defense because of the ability we have back there. It’s going to be fun.”

DRC Football

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 35 36 40 41 44 50 51

Player Thabo Mwaniki Myron Mason Donovan Greenhoward Luke Stillwell Christian Moore Dio Williams Noah Cain Gio Williams Cole Schroeder Austin Lee Tucker Nitardy Ricky Baker De’Ray Darthard Caleb Bridges Kenneth Dunson Jalen Sutton Bryce Shanklin Devin Jefferson Turner Aune Trevor Caples Phillip Dillard Trevon Turner Christian Puga Desmond Berry Dylan Parham Bailey Blackney Bryce Jackson Nick Edwards Dylan Bourey Isaac Carrillo Hayden Hodapp Warren Bohannon Bryson Casmir Chris Luckie Blayne Miller Matthew Martinez

Pos. WR/DB RB WR/DB QB RB/DB DB RB LB WR/K WR/DB FB/LB WR/DB WR/DB FB/LB WR/DB TE/DE WR/DB RB/LB FB/LB FB/LB WR/DB FB/LB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB FB/DE DB WR/DB WR/DB FB/DL DS/LB OL/DL K/P RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL

Ht. 5-11 5-9 6-0 6-3 5-10 6-1 5-10 6-1 5-10 6-2 5-10 6-0 5-9 5-10 5-9 6-2 5-9 5-9 6-1 6-0 5-10 5-9 5-9 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-1 5-7 6-0 6-0 5-10 5-9 5-9 5-9 6-0 5-10

Wt. 180 185 180 185 180 190 200 205 175 185 210 170 170 190 170 215 170 175 210 200 170 190 180 160 170 205 185 170 190 240 180 240 185 175 240 230

Yr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr.

GUYER | Schedule Date Opponent Aug. 26 Mansfield Lake Ridge Sept. 2 at DeSoto Sept. 9 vs. Dallas Kimball# Sept. 23 at Plano * Sept. 30 Plano East * Oct. 7 McKinney * Oct. 14 at Allen * Oct. 21 Wylie * Oct. 28 at McKinney Boyd * Nov. 4 Plano West * * District 6-6A game # At Sprague 52 53 54 55 56 58 61 62 66 71 72 74 75 77 80 82 83 84 88

Arian Bhat Skylar McLerran Dylan Alexander Jonathan Rangel Santiago Santos Blake Watson Josh Nicholson Jason Perez Brandon Soltero Caleb Gill Sebastian Tellez Colton Kubicek John Lanz Aaron Ali Will Holden Jeremiah French Brian Polendey Ethan Wills Trent Ponsonby

DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/DL RB/DB TE/DL TE/DL QB/DB

Time 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

6-2 6-1 5-11 5-9 6-0 6-3 6-2 5-9 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-2 6-4 5-9 6-3 5-10 6-4 6-4 6-0

270 220 245 220 250 240 230 240 190 250 255 270 260 230 240 170 240 225 165

Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr.

David Minton/DRC

Thabo Mwaniki (1) carries the ball as Mansfield safety Sean Shanklin closes in during a playoff game last season at Dragon Stadium in Southlake. Mwaniki is one of four talented defensive backs who will start for the Wildcats this year.

BRASWELL

DRC Football

August 25, 2016

Moore aims to build at Braswell By Jimmy Isbell Contributing Writer

Name an offensive statistic, and there’s a good chance Rockwall was ranked either No. 1 or No. 2 in its classification in 2014. But the only statistic that seemed to matter the most to then-offensive coordinator Cody Moore — above points per game and even touchdowns — was total yards per game. Rockwall sat atop the rankings in 2014 with 548.7 yards per game, and the reason for its astonishing numbers was because Moore demanded a balanced offense. Moore, now Braswell’s athletic coordinator and head football coach, is hoping to replicate the same offense he orchestrated so beautifully at Rockwall to post some of those video game-type numbers with the Bengals this fall. “It’s supposed to be fun,” Moore said. “Our offense is proven. It’s designed to nickel-and-dime a defense until we put it in the end zone.” Moore believes he has a few pieces of the puzzle to recreate another offensive juggernaut, but says it’ll take a lot of time and preparation — on and off the field. Jaeden Johnson, a sophomore at Denton last year, is now a Bengal. He is one of a those staple puzzle pieces. Johnson played cornerback and wide receiver for the Broncos a season ago. He isn’t the biggest guy on the field, but he’s definitely one of the most athletic. During the first day of practice at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex, Johnson showcased some of that athleticism when he jumped to intercept a quick screen from the cornerback position in a drill. Moore screamed Johnson’s name repeatedly in excitement. “Jaeden Johnson is just one of those guys who does everything right on a football field,” Moore said. “He does what is asked of him and makes some phenomenal catches that we [coaching staff] can’t wait to see on Friday nights.” “The guy has that second gear, and can anticipate a defender’s next move in the middle of a route. That’s special.” Johnson looks forward to making some highlight-reel plays this season, but first, he has to study those who succeeded under Moore’s offense at Rockwall to reach his full potential as a wide receiver in his new offense. The statistics are indeed fun to look up.

BRASWELL BUILDING BLOCKS

David Minton/DRC Jaeden Johnson is expected to be one of the impact players for Braswell during the Bengals’ debut season this fall. Johnson transferred to Braswell from Denton, where he played cornerback and wide receiver. Braswell will use Johnson in multiple ways as it looks to get off to a good start as a varsity program.

The Yellowjackets scored an average of 52.8 points per game, tallied 96 total touchdowns, averaged 7.7 yards per carry, and recorded 17.5 yards per catch in 2014 alone. They had a menacing running back in Chris Warren, who rushed for 2,320 yards, posted eight 100-yard games, scored a team-high 34 touchdowns, and averaged 9.3 yards per carry. He is now at Texas. With a do-it-all running threat, there had to be a receiver to stretch the field. Xavier Castille was that guy for the Yellowjackets. As a senior, he amassed 1,662 yards receiving, averaged 17.8 yards per reception, and scored 19 touchdowns. They also had stars like Sam Crawford, who Johnson hopes to emulate. “Coach Moore specifically told me to watch one of their [Rockwall’s] wide re-

ceivers, Sam Crawford, on film,” Johnson said. “He runs good, crisp routes, and after sitting there for a while I was in awe of the opportunities not only myself, but the rest of our receivers will have in this offense.” While watching and studying Crawford’s film, Johnson likes to think he sees a lot of himself in Crawford and his abilities to make plays on the field. What excites him the most is knowing he’ll play a pivotal role in Moore’s high-octane offense. “It [the offense] just motivates me to get better,” Johnson said. “I know I can make plays for us this season. I just have to find that open space those guys at Rockwall did. “It’s going to be a fun offense, that’s for sure.”

See BRASWELL on 37

BENGALS | Quick Facts District: 5-5A Coach: Cody Moore (1st year at Braswell) 2015 record: Braswell is in its first season as a varsity program Key Players: WR Jaeden Johnson, WR Kenechi Nworjih, DB Christian Battle, DB Caleb Richardson, DB Quinton Draine, DB Sam Madison, OL/DL Josh Santos, DL Marco Rosas, LB Brendan Aland, LB John Barron, LB Devin Aguilar, LB Izac Green, DL Sethe Broussard, QB Florentino Rodriguez, QB Omari Ross, RB Jeremeiah Richardson. Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 School enrollment: 1,429 Stadium: C.H. Collins Athletic Complex

August 25, 2016

DRC Football

August 25, 2016

DRC Football

Battle will fill key role for Braswell By Jimmy Isbell Contributing Writer

Christian Battle wasn't exactly thrilled when he found out he'd be transferring to Braswell. Battle, then a sophomore at Denton, was comfortable exactly where he was, and had doubts about playing football- or any other sport - for anyone else. Even when Braswell coach Cody Moore and an assistant, Bo Jones, made a special trip to Battle's house last spring to talk with Battle about his potential impact on the new program, Battle still wasn't convinced. Reluctantly, he showed up to the first practice. And things changed. "I really thought it was going to be unorganized," Battle said. "But when I saw people actually paying attention, flying off the field, and doing their job on both sides of the ball I was like, 'Yeah, we can do some-

thing with this team."' Battle is one of many athletes primed to be the face of Denton ISD's fourth high school football team. What his role will ultimately look like may change as Moore and the rest of the coaching staff iron out the roster. But Battle is clearly a centerpiece, and he has completely bought in on the future. "I know now that we have the athletes it takes to be a successful program," Battle said. "With this coaching staff: I think they'll put us in the best position to win games." And Moore believes in Battle. The former Bronco made a name for himself as the lone sophomore on Denton's 1,600-meter relay team, showcasing his speed as the second leg. He also ran the See BATTLE on 48

David Minton/DRC

Christian Battle was hesitant at first when he found out that he would make the move from Denton to Braswell after the new school opened. He has since settled in at Braswell and is expected to be a key player for the Bengals.

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BRASWELL

DRC Football

August 25, 2016

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year BENGALS | Roster POSITION OF STRENGTH

Braswell has plenty of work to do in shoring up its roster, but head coach Cody Moore is excited about the depth the Bengals have at wide receiver. There were roughly 13 receivers competing for starting spots on the first day of practice. How those receivers mature will dictate the offense Moore and offensive coordinator Ricky Trujillo run. Moore is bringing his high-octane Trujillo offense from Rockwall, and with multiple formations, it will require versatile receivers.

POINT OF CONCERN

The biggest area of concern right now for Braswell is its lack of experience. This year’s varsity won’t have a single senior, and none of the underclassmen have prior varsity experience. It will be tough to count on younger guys against a District 5-5A slate that includes Ryan and Denton. Moore also said this year’s team lacks depth on the offensive line. Whomever lines up for the

Bengals in the trenches in Week 1 will have to keep their new quarterback — whomever that may be — upright and healthy.

The first game of the season on Aug. 25 pits Braswell against another newcomer in Haslet Eaton. While there are plenty of high profile games on the Bengals’ schedule, perhaps none are more important than that opening matchup. Braswell has four nondistrict games before squaring off against No. 3 Ryan on Sept. 29.

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state title in Class 5A this year — found its quarterback, bell-cow at running back and field-stretching wideouts to bolster the numbers they posted last season. “As a coach, we want the expectations that the other schools in the area have,” Moore said. “The thing that I tell people and our staff all the time is our school district’s expectations are high. The expectation is to win, but with that you’re given these resources to succeed. It’s exciting to me to work in a school district that is committed to being successful. “All the ingredients to be a good program are there, and to me, that’s exciting.” As of right now, Moore thinks Johnson is that top-tier talent at receiver he needs to be the building blocks for his high-octane offense. The only problem now is Moore doesn’t know who will be getting the ball to Johnson and is still trying to find that running back in the mold of Chris Warren. Johnson said he wants opposing defenses to fear the Bengals’ offense. He wants to be a part of an offense that makes defenses cringe when they see Braswell on its schedule. “Make them fear you,” Johnson said. “I want to line up across from a guy next season and him be worried about getting beat deep every single play.”

Braswell coach Cody Moore holds his first team meeting before the program’s first practice on Aug. 1 at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex. Moore is building his program from the ground up.

KEY NEWCOMER

Most would think that in any program, a key newcomer would be a sophomore who’ll make an impact on Friday. But it’s safe to say there will be a lot of sophomores playing for the Bengals. Every player, not just one or a few, are newcomers. Moore wasn’t comfortable with talking in depth about most of his players since he does not yet know who his true playmakers will be. He hopes that there may rise a diamond in the rough later in the season when a player gets used to playing on the varsity level.

GAME OF THE YEAR

Player Christian Battle Quinton Draine Omari Ross Jaeden Johnson Sam Madison D’Angelo Young Caleb Richardson Florentino Rodriguez Jaylen Dennis Palmer Campbell Kenechi Nworjih Izac Green Ki’Andre Jackson Joss Jones Jermeiah Richardson John Barron Donavuh Longoria David Akhagbeme Deven Aguilar Jon’Trevous Promise Ta’Vion Wafford Luis Hernandez Alex Rivera Brendan Aland Elijah Lusk Keagan Gottlieb-Smith Christopher Leidecker Sethe Broussard De’Anthony McCloud Slater Bausher

Pos. DB DB QB WR DB WR DB QB RB QB WR LB RB RB RB LB LB LB LB DB LB LB LB DL LB FB FB DL DL DL

Yr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. So.

BRASWELL | Schedule Date Opponent Aug. 25 at Haslet Eaton^ Sept. 2 Frisco Independence Sept. 8 at Frisco Reedy# Sept. 16 at Kaufman Sept. 29 Ryan * Oct. 7 at Sherman * Oct. 14 at Wichita Falls * Oct. 21 at Denison * Oct. 28 Wichita Falls Rider * Nov. 3 at Denton* *Denotes District 5-5A game ^At Northwest ISD #At The Star in Frisco

58 64 65 70 73 74 75 81 82 83 84 86

Josh Santos De Shaun McKoy Blake Adams Jayden Foster Camron Cotton Matthew Case D.J. Stephenson Elijah Norris Mitchell Lesue Jordan Joyce Ivry Mundy Marco Rosas

Time 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

OL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR WR/K WR WR DL

Jr. So. So. So. So. So. So. So. So. So. So. Jr.

From Page 33

Braswell Moore agreed. “If Jaeden can see what we’ve done in the past at Rockwall, he should get plenty of touches in open space to make some big plays for us,” Moore said. With all that being said, Johnson is aware of the struggles Braswell may have on both sides of the ball, especially at the beginning of the season. He knows he’ll drop a pass, run the wrong route or possibly fumble, but he’s even more aware of what to do when adversity eventually presents itself. In such a high-octane offense — where the ball is being thrown all over the field — the opportunity to make mistakes increases. “Everybody makes mistakes, so that’s going to happen,” Johnson said. “We just can’t make the same mistakes twice. We have to figure out what we did wrong on that and find a way to do better the next time. “Forget about it and move onto the next play. That’s the best thing to do.” Moore wants his offense to resemble the prolific units coaches in the area have come to expect from Denton’s teams. For years, Guyer has had an explosive offense that moves the ball at will against its opponent. Ryan — primed to contend for a

David Minton/DRC

DENTON

August 25, 2016

DRC Football

Denton’s Atkinson grows into star By Patrick Hayslip Staff Writer

As the head coach’s son, Colt Atkinson hasn’t always been granted the benefit of the doubt when it comes to his talents as a quarterback. As years passed, he bided his time and stocked up on experience. Moving up the ranks, Atkinson finally earned his chance to start in his junior season for the Denton Broncos and not only did he make a great offensive pairing along with then-senior running back Xavier Scott, he helped lead his team to the playoffs and one of the most productive seasons in program history. Atkinson is ready for his senior season and the responsibility that comes with being a leading player as his whole life has been revving up to the final chapter of his high school career, starting with his some of his earliest memories. Growing up, Colt Atkinson could likely be found at the hip of his dad Kevin Atkinson on the football field. He was 3 years old when he got a taste of winning as his dad was offensive coordinator for the 2001 state champion Ryan Raiders. At 6 years old, Colt Atkinson could comprehend all his father’s play signals and repeat all the plays right back to him. Some of his early football memories weren’t so good. “Even in seventh-grade football, I got criticism as the A-team starting quarterback because my dad was a head coach and in sixth grade they called me A-team,” Colt Atkinson said. “I knew, going into high school, I was going to get a lot of criticism and I did, especially for the first few games I played. As the season went on, people started trusting and believing in me and my confidence grew, which helped me a lot.” Atkinson didn’t always play quarterback. Until the seventh grade, he was a running back. He always wanted to be around the ball and in the younger levels, running the ball drew his attention. But it wasn’t until Atkinson started hitting and getting hit that he really fell in love with the game. It all started with some motivation from his dad. “My first few years of football I didn’t

DENTON BUILDING BLOCKS

David Minton/DRC Denton quarterback Colt Atkinson overcame adversity early in his career to lead the Broncos to a five-game winning streak to end district play last season. Denton finished 9-3 last season, which was a particularly rewarding outcome for the son of Broncos coach Kevin Atkinson. The duo will look to lead the Broncos back to the playoffs this fall.

like it at all,” Colt Atkinson recalled. “I was that guy that was good without pads, but with pads I was terrible. In fifth grade, I asked my dad to buy me a Gatorade after practice. He said, ‘Not until I see some more marks on these helmets. I’m not buying you a Gatorade until I see you playing more physical.’ “That next practice, I started hitting people and from then on, I started to love it.” He just had to have his Cool Blue Gatorade. “I’m a cool blue guy,” Atkinson said with a laugh. The Broncos went 9-3 last season with Atkinson at the helm — one more win than the 2014 season — but it still ended the same way as a two-round playoff run was abruptly halted by state powerhouse

Aledo. For Colt Atkinson, there were two kinds of pain he felt in that loss to the Bearcats. The disappointment of knowing his season had come to an end, but also the pain in his thumb. Atkinson threw an interception, went to make the tackle and broke his thumb. Still, the Broncos went 6-1 in District 5-5A. Atkinson threw 25 touchdowns to just five interceptions and helped Denton finish off district play on a five-game winning streak en route to a share of the district championship with Saginaw Boswell — the Broncos’ first district crown since 1999. This season, District 5-5A will be re-

See DENTON on 42

BRONCOS | Quick Facts District: 5-5A 2015 record: 9-3 (6-1 in district) Coach: Kevin Atkinson (74-75 overall, fifth season at Denton) Returning starters: Six on offense, six on defense Key players: WR Chris Miller, QB Colt Atkinson, OL Grant Polley, DL Eric Borst, LB Chase Audirsch, OL Marcus Miyatake, OL Dante Tucker, DB/RB Caleb Osuofu Offense: Spread Defense: Odd front School Enrollment: 2,045 Stadium: Bronco Field

DRC Football

August 25, 2016

DRC Football

August 25, 2016

DRC Football

Miller settling in at CB for Denton By Patrick Hayslip

the other side of the ball that opened his coaches' and college coaches' eyes. Miller rotated between safety and corChris Miller is one of the most athletic players to come through Denton's program ner before finally finding his groove at corin several years. ner midway through the season. He has With the Broncos poised for another flourished since making the move. "Early on in the season he wasn't strong season, the decision to utilize his athleticism and versatility on both sides of quite ready, mentally, to play both sides, the ball couldn't be put off any longer. but by Game 7 he was playing both sides The senior, who boasts a 4.4 time in the of the ball and against Grapevine in the 40-yard dash, played mostly at wide receiv- playoffs he played over 100 snaps," deer during his sophomore year in 2014. That fensive coordinator TY Pattrick said. year, Miller got his shot to play cornerback "We saw Chris do a few things and saw in the Broncos' first playoffgame since 2010 the way he moved and attacked the ball. He's got good hands, but for a defensive against Birdville before injuring his hip. Last year, Miller rounded out one of the back, they are really good hands. That's deepest classes of wide receivers Denton Division I type talent and the past few had seen in years, reeling in eight touchdowns on 28 catches, but it was his time on See MILLER on 53 Staff Writer

David Minton/ DRC

Chris Miller has become more comfortable playing in Denton's secondary after making the move from wide receiver and will be among the Broncos' top players this season.

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DENTON

August 25, 2016

BRONCOS | Roster

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

Denton’s offensive line took a hit when starters James Fuller and Ace Ventura graduated, but the return of Grant Polley, Dante Tucker and Marcus Miyatake will fortify the unit as one of the Broncos’ biggest assets. Denton will rely on its line that has size and experience following the loss of running back Xavier Scott. The group will help Denton make the transition from a power- Tucker running attack to throwing the ball more often. Dre Lara and Jason Justiz are expected to round out the line.

POINT OF CONCERN

The Broncos’ running back position is an area of concern following the departure of Scott, whom Denton relied upon in all areas of the game. Scott often picked up tough yards at key times. Senior Caleb Osuofa, senior CJ Herrera and junior Adrian Wilson all bring something to the table, but their experience level isn’t where it needs to be considering the workload that Scott shouldered over the past two seasons. The group’s strength is speed. Denton will use all three of its running backs as it transitions to a new offense.

KEY NEWCOMER

DRC Football

The Broncos open their District 5-5A schedule with a tough matchup against Ryan, which went 13-1 a season ago. How they transition from that game to their first district home game of the season in Sherman will be huge. Denton does not want to be riding too high from a win over Ryan or feeling too low off a loss, so the response against Sherman on September 30 could help shape a solid district start — something that has been a notable catalyst for the Broncos’ past two playoff runs.

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rehab and recovery to rediscover his throwing motion, but as the season approaches he has grown nearly two inches and gained 15 pounds. He’s outgrown his junior season’s shoulder pads and is feeling stronger than ever. “I’m a really late bloomer, just like my dad,” Colt Atkinson said. “I’ve shaved my mustache one time in my life.” With a season’s worth of experience under his belt, Colt Atkinson is ready for both he and the team to reach the next level. With that comes pressure, which is something he’s been waiting for his entire life, and a challenge his dad has been waiting to see him take on his entire life. “As a dad, I probably don’t put that hat on as much as others may,” Kevin Atkinson said. “If I had any regrets, it’s that I let him make his own way. His football IQ is very smart and the thing I like about him is when the pressure is on, he’s at his best.” “We told him from an early age to never let them see you sweat.”

Denton quarterback Colt Atkinson throws a pass last season at Northwest ISD Stadium in Justin. Atkinson has grown into the role of serving as the Broncos starting quarterback while playing for his father, Kevin Atkinson.

A collarbone injury last season stunted the development of sophomore wideout Isiah Wofford, but head coach Kevin Atkinson expects him to be one of the more influential players in the wide-receiver corps. Wofford will fit right in with the Broncos’ need for a tall, outside threat with the loss of Emerson Espinoza to graduation. He is already drawing comparisons from coaches and players to former all-state wideout Wofford Key’andre Hearvey, who graduated a couple of years ago.

GAME OF THE YEAR

Player Lavandis Douglas Caleb Osuofa Colt Atkinson Corbin Shelley Elijah Thibodeaux Adrain Wilson Tony Tony-Itoyah Chris Houston Kollin Buris CJ Herrera Luke McDougall Chris Miller Cortez Cardenas Chris Casanova Deven Patel Isaiah Wofford Javier Rivera Ryan Kikuchi Chase Audirsch Cedric McClinton Christian Hall Joe Ortiz A.J. Johnson Eric Viramontes Antonio Mitchell Kenny Bowel Eric Borst Vincent Marquez Lincoln Yarbrough A.J. McCormick Caleb Word Kassem Ayache Andy Scott

Pos. DB DB/RB QB RB DB RB DB WR WR LB/RB QB WR DB LB DB WR LB RB LB DB DR DL DB DL DL LB DL LB DB FB/LB RB DL DL

Yr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So.

DENTON | Schedule Date Opponent Aug. 26 at Lake Dallas Sept. 2 at Sanger Sept. 9 The Colony Sept. 15 at Keller Timber Creek Sept. 23 at Ryan * Sept. 30 Sherman * Oct. 7 at Wichita Falls * Oct. 14 Denison * Oct. 21 Wichita Falls Rider * Nov. 3 Braswell * * Denotes District 5-5A 46 47 50 51 52 56 60 62 63 75 76 78 81 82 88

Cypress Howard Wade Marley Mac Harris Jason Justiz Drake Foster Marcus Miyatake Dre Lara Jacob Dean Brody Hallesy Grant Polley Sean Aguilar Donte Tucker Robert Reyes Skyler Niederer Nick Bruno

Time 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

LB LB OL OL LB OL OL DL OL OL OL OL K DB LB

Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr.

From Page 38

Denton shuffled and the Broncos will have their work cut out for them. Gone are Boswell, Saginaw Chisholm Trail, Saginaw, Fort Worth Brewer and Azle. Entering will be Ryan, Braswell, Denison and Sherman with both Wichita Falls and Wichita Falls Rider staying put. “I think we went one-for-one when it comes to talent level, but Denison and Sherman have a lot of rich tradition and they’ve been in our district before,” Kevin Atkinson said. “They are normally welloiled teams, and it’s going to be one of the toughest districts in the state. There is a lot of parity also, and it’s probably going to come down to the last week.” Without Scott, last year’s all-state running back, the Broncos will lean on an offensive line that is headlined by all-state lineman Grant Polley and a bevy of relatively inexperienced running backs as they transition to a more passing-oriented attack. It took Colt Atkinson several months of

Michael Clements/Michael Clements/For the Denton

RYAN

DRC Football

August 25, 2016

Loaded Ryan ‘D’ can set standard By Steve Gamel Staff Writer

Ryan defensive coordinator Shane Tolleson never punished one of his linemen with extra conditioning drills for missing a morning meeting last season. He didn’t have to, thanks to Kaelin Murray and Thomas Wilson III. In their first year as starters in 2015, Murray and Wilson vigilantly sought out younger guys in the program who skipped, then had them do bear crawls and other forms of hard labor. After all, the coaching staff made it clear they weren’t looking for someone to simply fill a spot. To get on the field — and win — a standard had to be met. Murray and Wilson bought in, so everyone else needed to do the same. “They’d be like, ‘Oh, you missed? We’ll see you after practice,’” said Tolleson, who added that other players joined in. “You look out there and they are walking next to the guy [watching]. That’s the standard, and that’s why we were really good up front last year.” Ryan surrendered 15.8 points per game in its first 10 games and surprised many with a 13-win season in Class 6A. With eight starters back on defense, and a solid supporting cast in tow, the Raiders can set a standard as the top defense in Class 5A in what could be a banner year for a program already rich in championship tradition. “People may have taken us lightly, thinking, ‘Oh, it’s just Ryan.’ But we worked hard for 13-1,” Murray said. “This year is different. We’re one of the top dogs, and we have to work harder. “We have one goal, and that’s to win.” Ryan has three returning Football Bowl Subdivision recruits in linebacker/running back Tyreke Davis (North Texas), lineman Earnest Brown IV (Northwestern), and versatile defensive back Delano Robinson (SMU). But it’s the handful of under-theradar guys like Murray and Wilson, both defensive ends, who give the unit more bite. They have leadership everywhere, and if eight returning starters aren’t enough, the Raiders picked up two move-ins in linemen Javaris Steward (UTSA) and Dayton LeBlanc — both of whom could make an immediate impact. Steward, a senior, played for Ryan as a sophomore before moving to California for his junior year for family reasons. LeBlanc, a junior, recently transferred to Ryan from Petal (Miss.) when his father, Derrick LeBlanc, was hired as a defensive

RYAN BUILDING BLOCKS

David Minton/DRC Ryan is loaded with standout defensive players this season, including Delano Robinson, Kaelin Murray and Thomas Wilson III. Robinson has committed to SMU and will help lead a defense that returns eight starters from a unit that allowed only 15.8 points a game through the first 10 games of last season. The Raiders are expected to have one of the top defenses in Class 5A this season.

line coach under new North Texas coach Seth Littrell. “People may look at the stars some of us have next to our name, or the offers, but it’s all 11 on defense,” Robinson said. “It’s not just one person, and nobody is going to give us anything. We’re working for [a ring], and we welcome guys who can help us.” Robinson and Brown said the defense is dominated by guys who are self-made, and who learned from the struggles of finishing 5-5 in 2014. The Raiders missed the playoffs that year, snapping a 14-year playoff streak. “[The 2014 season] hurt badly,” Brown said. “We took it personal.” That included Murray, who was stuck watching from afar on junior varsity. The realization that he wasn’t good enough to

meet the standard his coaches set burned at the then-sophomore, who knew he wasn’t ready yet for varsity play. He still wanted to contribute and did everything he could to make amends. “I didn’t think football was in my future, and even my sophomore year was sketchy,” Murray said. “But watching all my friends, I wanted to be up there with them. I was in the gym every day.” Since his freshman year, the 6-foot senior said he has gained roughly 90 pounds. He is strong, with a max bench press of 390 pounds. He’s also one of the more dedicated — rarely will the facilities at the school be open without Murray there working on

See RYAN on 47

RAIDERS | Quick Facts District: 5-5A 2015 record: 13-1 (7-0 in district) Coach: Dave Henigan (74-58 in 12 years, third year at Ryan) Returning starters: Seven on offense, eight on defense Key players: QB Spencer Sanders, LB/RB Tyreke Davis, DB Delano Robinson, DL Earnest Brown IV, WR Gabriel Douglas, OL Dawson Lahart, DB Randy Gray, LB/RB Jason Gulley, DL Kaelin Murray, DB/RB Tamar Butts, DL Thomas Wilson III. Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2-5 School enrollment: 2,067 Stadium: C.H. Collins Athletic Complex

August 25, 2016

DRC Football

August 25, 2016

DRC Football

Ryan WR Douglas aims for big year career, Douglas wants to be remembered as the best receiver to come through Ryan. He admits he's not there yet, but he's shooting Ask Gabriel Douglas what he thinks of for it - and he's on a team that can be just his ability to make plays, or what he plans to as dominant "Last year was a little taste of what's do as an encore to his breakout sophomore year, and he will mostly give a few short, coming," Douglas said. Douglas isn't Ryan's only offensive one-sentence answers in an interview setweapon - far from it, actually. But in averting. He's a man of few words. But he certaillly doesn't lack confidence. aging nearly 13 yards per catch in his first Douglas has earned the right to be a go- varsity season, he gave the Raiders a dyto wide receiver in Ryan's high-powered of- namic passing threat who could extend fense in a pivotal year for a team that is drives and out-muscle defenders for the among the favorites to compete for a Class ball. Ryan didn't have that luxury a year 5A state title. At 6-3 and more than 200 earlier. The Raiders threw for 2,636 yards in pounds, Douglas, a junior, is comfortable in that role after a 2015 season in which he led 2015, compared to 877 yards the year bethe team with 883 receiving yards and 11 fore. They went from missing the playoffs touchdowns. With two seasons left in his high school See DOUGLAS on 53 By Steve Gamel

Staff Writer

David Minton/ DRC Gabriel Douglas emerged as a key offensive weapon for Ryan last season when he posted 883 receiving yards and U touchdowns. Douglas will look to build on that performance this fall for the highly regarded Raiders.

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RYAN

DRC Football

For a second straight season, Ryan again boasts a defense it can lean on heavily. But with eight starters back, two move-ins, and several more under-theradar players who have varsity experience, this unit may be even better than the one that gave up an average of 15.8 points during the 2015 regular Davis season. Linebacker Tyreke Davis (117 tackles, 877 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns last year) is a North Texas commit and playmaker on both sides of the ball. Delano Robinson (SMU), Randy Gray and Tamar Butts (53 tackles, 3 interceptions) lead an impressive secondary while the Raiders’ front line is anchored by Brown guys like Earnest Brown IV (Northwestern), Kaelin Murray and Thomas Wilson III. Move-ins Javaris Steward (UTSA) and Dayton LeBlanc only add to that star power.

POINT OF CONCERN

Ryan’s offense has seven returning starters, but only two are on the offensive line in seniors Dawson Lahart and Nate Wilson. This is the second-straight season the Raiders have gone through an overhaul in the trenches, but by the same token, they didn’t do so bad last year as an inexperienced line

From Page 43

Ryan perfecting some part of his game. Last year, he piled up 41 tackles, nine assists, and 4 1/2 sacks. “Kaelin is a freak of nature. He just is, and he works so hard,” senior cornerback Randy Gray said. “You can have all the talent in the world, but it’s all about the work you put in.” For Wilson, the Raiders want to live the standard every day. And that’s a big reason why they push younger guys so hard. “There’s going to be a time late in the season and on in the playoffs when we’re going to need those young guys,” Wilson said. “We drive the point to them that it’s not about them. It’s about the team.” Nearly every starter has a similar story to Murray. Robinson, Brown and Gray suffered through 2014 only to redefine themselves and the team in 2015. Robinson be-

paved the way for a balanced attack that produced an average of 35.5 points per game. There are plenty of playmakers to block for, including junior quarterback Spencer Sanders. Ryan is also starting over in the kicking game with the graduation of veteran Jesse Delarosa.

RAIDERS | Roster

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

August 25, 2016

Take your pick. Three of Ryan’s first four opponents (Lancaster, Mesquite Poteet, Frisco Lone Star) are on the Associated Press Class 5A preseason poll with Ryan, which is ranked No. 3 behind Aledo and Cedar Park. The Raiders will play their first three games on the road before returning home for Lone Star. One key District 5-5A game is set for Sept. 23 against Denton at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex. This season marks the first time since 2011 that Ryan and Denton have played one another. The Raiders follow that with a Thursday night showing against Braswell.

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 37 38 40 42 43 44

came one of the more versatile guys on last year’s unit as he stepped in at safety and linebacker while Brown returned from a knee injury and racked up 21 of his 54 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He also had nine sacks. Gray, despite being undersized, proved to be a shutdown corner while racking up 45 tackles, four pass breakups and one interception returned for a touchdown. While Davis, Brown and Robinson garnered more attention from college scouts during the program’s renaissance, none believe one player is more important than the next. And with talent like that, it’s hard to key on one or two guys. “We have so many guys, so it’s a very cool feeling to know that,” said Davis, who was in on 117 tackles last year. “Everyone knows their roles and trusts each other. We want to do our part to make this defense great.” Senior Toby Burch agreed. If the Raiders want a ring, it will take a standard-setting effort from everyone. “It’s better to play with 11 wolves than 100 sheep,” Burch said. “We’re ready.”

Ryan defensive end Thomas Wilson III brings down Hebron running back Derian Vaughn last season. Wilson will bolster a powerful Ryan defense.

KEY NEWCOMER

Ryan head coach Dave Henigan pointed to Jordan Rucker as someone who could turn a few heads on a defense loaded with talent. Rucker, a junior who saw limited action in last year’s postseason, is expected to be a starter at cornerback. A versatile athlete, Ruck- Rucker er has previously stepped in at wide receiver and special teams.

GAME OF THE YEAR

Player Randy Gray Gabriel Douglas Spencer Sanders Jalen Hurt Javaris Steward Tamar Butts Toby Burch Dayton LeBlanc Kaelin Murray Delano Robinson Jordan Rucker Josh Branch Jimmy Love Semaj Marshall Hunter Wright Jason Gulley Creed Gentry Dillon McKnight Kosi Eldridge Garrett Keuer Tyreke Davis Brian Ugarte Carson Kennedy Jacob Sparks Ra’Heem Shaw Jeremiah Hays Devin Mosley Alonso Lopez Brock Marlon Jack Barrilleaux Adam Lerma Carlos Starks Thomas Wilson III Rey Lara Kelvon Mark Dymetri-Amorelia Taylor Alex Mahavier Brendon Bishop Rainjer Teach Deven George

Pos. DB WR QB WR/DB DL RB/DB LB DT DE DB CB QB WR/DB WR/RB QB LB/RB QB K/P DB LB LB/RB CB WR H DE WR WR LB LB WR DB RB DE LB DB/K WR WR H DT DT

Yr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr.

RYAN | Schedule Date Opponent Aug. 26 at Lancaster Sept. 2 at Mesquite Poteet Sept. 8 at Wylie East Sept. 16 Frisco Lone Star Sept. 23 Denton * Sept. 29 at Braswell * Oct. 14 Sherman * Oct. 21 at Wichita Falls* Oct. 27 Denison* Nov. 4 Wichita Falls Rider* * Denotes District 5-5A game

48 50 52 53 55 57 58 62 63 65 66 70 72 75 77 80 81 83 88 90 94 96 99

Boone Hess Shawn Slimak Jr. R.J. Estrada Nate Wilson Ricardo Mendoza Brent Hines Joseph Bostic Clayton Taegel Carson Shelton Jacob Bridges Malik Luckett Dawson Norris Mike Nielsen Andy Castillo Dawson Lahart Michael Park B.J. Lau Justin Martin Tauskie Dove Romeo Brimingham Justin Carter Benjamin Elliott Earnest Brown IV

DE OL DL OL LB DT DL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR WR WR WR DE DT DT DT

Time 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

David Minton/DRC

August 25, 2016

HIGH SCHOOLS

DRC Football

From Page 31

Wildcats wanted me healthy for later in the season.” When Cain returned, he picked up where he left off, and Mason benefited by drawing defenses away from solely focusing on him and quarterback Shawn Robinson in the running game. It was then that Cain began feeling totally comfortable in Guyer’s offense and began having some fun with his older backfield mate. “We started making deals before games like whoever got the most yards, the other person had to buy them something to eat,” Cain said. “Just little things like that.” In the playoffs, Cain usually came out on top as he totaled 529 yards and five touchdowns in his three playoff games. Mason had 344 yards and five scores in his four playoff games but got the better of Cain in a third-round win over San Angelo Central with 174 yards and three scores on just 10 carries. “It’s great having another running back in the backfield that’s as athletic as I am,” said Mason, who is the fastest player in the program and the fastest running back Guyer has ever had, according to Walsh. “It gets really competitive in games when we’re both going over 100 yards.” Cain didn’t feel bad about taking the free meals from his elder. “Hey look, I wanted my food,” Cain quipped. “I had to run hard. You gotta eat.” Mason said both running backs are versatile, but make no mistake, they have their roles in Guyer’s multi-faceted rushing attack. Mason’s speed makes him perfect for sweeps and outside runs, while Cain’s 200-pound frame, great vision and

David Minton/DRC

Guyer running back Myron Mason (2) runs past Hebron defensive back Mario Montez and linebacker Chris Braman, right, last season at Apogee Stadium in Denton. Mason rushed for 1,088 yards last season to help power Guyer’s offense. shifty style help him excel between the tackles. “With mine and Noah’s running styles, they really complement each other,” Mason said. “Teams don’t know if we’re going up the middle or if we’re going to the outside or on the sweep with me.” So, how will Guyer’s rushing attack be stopped this season, especially with junior quarterback Luke Stillwell added to the

mix? There’s no simple solution. “The only way you can stop our running game is to outnumber us,” Walsh said. “We do enough read game and checking our plays at the line of scrimmage, that it’s really hard to outnumber us. “Those two guys [Cain and Mason] are going to be solely responsible for the success of our passing numbers this year, and those passing numbers are going to go up

from last year. There’s going to have to be a commitment to putting numbers in the box to outnumber us because our offensive line and tight ends will be able to block you. It’s going to be a fun chess game.” Mason’s expectations for the Wildcats’ offense go a step further. “We plan on scoring on every drive,” the senior said. “Maybe every handoff we get.”

Battle could be one of those players. “His speed is clearly a factor in stretching the field in our offense,” Moore said. “I know he’s a track guy, so that’ll help in keeping opposing wide receivers from catching deep passes.” A few months after his final track meet as a Bronco, Battle realized he’d have to trade his purple and gold for black and red. Everything was changing, and although there was some excitement for the football season to start, there were a lot of questions circling in Battle’s head. “I was a pretty big track guy at Denton,

and just when things started to go well for us in track, my parents told me I’d be transferring to the new school [Braswell],” Battle said. “I wasn’t happy about it at first.” The tipping point for Battle was indeed that first practice. Moore made it a point to rid any of his players’ skepticism when he addressed the Bengals for the first time. He talked about how everyone may doubt his team and the difficulties of this first season. But, he said, nobody decides what will happen except for the players on the field. Moore said he’d love each player like his

own son. Battle took that statement to heart, and any doubts he previously had began to fade. Moore sold everyone when he backed up those words when the team took the field for practice. “I’ve never had a coach tell me he loved me,” Battle said of Moore. “It’s good to hear that he thinks of us as more than players on a field. “We have players from everywhere, coaches from everywhere. All I know is we’ve got a chance to do something special here, and I’m happy to be a part of the first ever varsity football team at Braswell.”

From Page 36

Battle 400, finishing third at the district meet in 51.29. Battle also played football for Denton’s junior varsity team as a safety and wide receiver. His track speed, ability to defend passes, and experience on offense interested Moore, the former offensive coordinator at Rockwall. Moore has every intention of installing the same offense that made Rockwall one of the top teams in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and is interested in versatile players who can make that system come to life.

HIGH SCHOOLS

DRC Football

August 25, 2016

From Page 41

Miller years the guys at that position were kind of just OK guys.” With offers from Boise State, Missouri and Houston, to name a few, Miller committed to Colorado in mid-June and now that he has knocked out his future plans, he believes his senior season will be his best yet. “Football is more of a confidence sport,” Miller said. “Once you get your confidence up, you really know what you can do. I feel like I can do a lot more. I’m still growing, and I haven’t played a varsity game as a 17year-old, so I think as I get more mature, I’ll get better mentally.” Growing up, Miller was glued to a basketball. It was only until recently that he took up football. Even then, injuries slowed his progression. Miller competed at the state track meet in May after helping the Broncos to a Class 5A Region I championship on the 800-meter relay. He was also a member of the Broncos’ basketball team that made the playoffs. “He’s got such a huge upside because he hadn’t played much football until he got to high school,” head coach Kevin Atkinson said. “Defense has always been important to me, and I really feel like defense wins championships. He’s one of our best athletes and we’re going to give him every opportunity on defense.” Despite being an elusive, dangerous threat from the slot, Miller said he has come to terms with his defensive shift in mentality. Still, the goal remains the same

to him. “I have big dreams and aspirations, and the best way I think I can be used is as a corner. I think I can use my athleticism best in man coverage,” Miller said. “Playing corner, I can still catch picks and score touchdowns. I’m OK with that. That just gives me a bigger drive to want to score. I know it’s going to be difficult, but I’m ready for the challenge. I believe in myself that if I put in the work that I can make it.” Miller’s speed will likely draw two players in coverage on the offensive side of the ball, and with the Broncos’ transition to a more up-tempo, pass-oriented offense, his effect on opposing defenses is sure to open up areas and looks for his teammates. Lavandous Douglas, Isiah Wofford, Chris Houston and Adrian Wilson will round out a diverse set of wideouts that Atkinson will look to spread the ball around to. Both Atkinson and Pattrick lauded Miller as one of the most explosive athletes they have ever coached, but for Pattrick, Miller has just one more aspect to hurdle — and it’s not physical. For Miller, it’s all about realizing his full potential and putting it into motion. “There wasn’t a lot of corner tape on him, but once you see him do it on the field, you can tell he’s an athlete,” Pattrick said. “He’s learning the little nuances of the coverages and he just needs to realize that he is the best guy on the field and have that killer instinct.”

Michael Clements/Michael Clements for the DRC

Denton wide receiver Chris Miller scans the field after catching a pass during a game at Bronco Field last season. Miller has just started to tap into his potential as a player and will be one of Denton’s top players this fall.

From Page 46

Douglas

David Minton/DRC

Ryan wide receiver Gabriel Douglas, right, and linebacker Tyreke Davis celebrate after the Raiders scored a touchdown last season.

with a run-oriented attack in 2014 to winning 13 games last season in Class 6A. Head coach Dave Henigan took the leash off quarterback Spencer Sanders, who used four different receivers to pile up 24 passing touchdowns as a sophomore. At the heart of that revitalized receiver group was the duo of Douglas and Tauskie Dove. Neither had varsity experience, but they were athletic sophomores, had reliable hands, and stood over 6-foot. It was an instant mismatch for opposing defenses. Seven of Douglas’ 11 scores last season went for 20 yards or more, and he had several big plays either come near the end of the first half or in the fourth quarter. He scored twice in the fourth quarter in a come-from-behind playoff win at Amarillo Tascosa.

Dove added 493 yards, five touchdowns and averaged 11.2 yards per catch last season. If opponents slowed down that duo, it opened lanes for then-senior Rodney Gladney, who racked up 852 yards and seven touchdowns. Jimmy Love, now a senior, was fourth on the team with 272 yards and two scores. “When you talk about team chemistry and developing that, you learn a lot about each other,” Sanders said. “With me throwing to these guys so much, you learn how each is going to run a route and where they will be every time. If I didn’t have that, I’d be throwing behind them or making bad passes. Sometimes I make their job easy, sometimes they make me look even better. “[Gabriel] wants to be better. He wants to step up and be better. That’s why he gets so many balls thrown his way.”

Henigan said having three of those four receivers, plus Sanders, back in 2016 is a confidence booster. He also pointed to newcomers like Jalen Hurt, who adds depth heading into this season. Hurt played for Liberty Christian last year. “All those guys can score every time they touch the ball,” Henigan said. “They allow us to spread things out and force defenses to defend the entire field. Gabe needs to continue growing up and find ways to be more consistent. “He can be a dominant receiver if he sets his mind to it. And we’re going to give him opportunities to make plays.” And continue being confident in his role. “If we really need [a big play], I’m telling them to get me the ball every time,” Douglas said.

August 25, 2016

PRESEASON STATE HIGH SCHOOL POLLS

Others receiving votes: 11, Cuero 52. 12, Liberty Hill 21. 13, China Spring 18. 14, La Grange 13. 15, Bellville 8. 16, Stafford 5. 17, Kilgore 3. 17, Brownwood 3. 19, Henderson 2. 19, Terrell 2. 21, Sweetwater 1. 21, Silsbee 1. 21, Sinton 1.

Here is The Associated Press preseason high school poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, records, points based on 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1, and the team's ranking in last week's poll:

CLASS 6A

CLASS 3A

School Total Points 1. Katy (14) 220 2. Lake Travis (5) 195 3. Cedar Hill (3) 182 4. Allen (2) 152 5. Austin Westlake 128 6. DeSoto 96 7. Cibolo Steele 95 8. Galena Park North Shore 80 9. Euless Trinity 37 10. Converse Judson 34 Others receiving votes: 11, Richmond George Ranch 33. 12, Southlake Carroll 23. 13, The Woodlands 12. 14, Guyer 10. 15, Longview 6. 15, Mansfield 6. 17, Smithson Valley 3. 18, Lufkin 2. 18, Friendswood 2. 20, Pearland 1. 20, Rockwall 1. 20, Tyler 1. 20, Hewitt Midway 1.

School Total Points 1. Brock (9) 210 2. Mineola (10) 184 3. Cameron Yoe (1) 178 4. Canadian (1) 132 5. Waskom (1) 129 6. Newton (2) 115 7. Malakoff 80 8. Franklin 77 9. Wall 46 10. East Bernard 26 Others receiving votes: 11, Sunnyvale 23. 12, La Marque 17. 13, Crockett 15. 14, Boling 14. 15, Cisco 13. 16, Arp 11. 16, Pottsboro 11. 18, Teague 8. 19, Grandview 7. 20, Blanco 6. 21, Mathis 5. 22, White Oak 4. 23, Rockdale 3. 23, Idalou 3. 25, Hallettsville 1. 25, Odem 1. 25, Eastland 1.

CLASS 5A

School Total Points 1. Aledo (7) 218 2. Cedar Park (9) 209 3. Ryan (7) 197 4. Manvel 130 5. Temple 116 6. Frisco Lone Star 97 7. Highland Park 92 8. CC Calallen 60 9. Richmond Foster 58 10. Lancaster 30 Others receiving votes: 11, Crosby 27. 11, Mansfield Lake Ridge (1) 27. 13, Angleton 16. 14, Ennis 6. 14, Lake Dallas 6. 14, Texarkana Texas 6. 17, College Station 5. 18, Boerne Champion 4. 19, Marshall 3. 19, Bryan 3. 21, Colleyville Heritage 2. 21, Mesquite Poteet 2. 21, Frisco Liberty 2. 21, EP Chapin 2. 25, Mansfield Summit 1. 25,

DRC Football

CLASS 2A

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News

Argyle offensive lineman Jaxon Frazier celebrates a 32-29 win over Liberty-Eylau in the playoffs last season at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The Eagles open the season as the top-ranked team in the Associated Press Class 4A poll. Abilene Cooper 1.

CLASS 4A

School 1. Argyle (9) 2. West Orange-Stark (12) 3. Waco La Vega (2)

Total Points 210 195 138

4. Navasota (1) 5. Carthage 6. Gilmer 7. Celina 8. Abilene Wylie 9. Texarkana Liberty-Eylau 10. Kennedale

135 119 116 88 75 60 54

School Total Points 1. Refugio (13) 222 2. Bremond (9) 214 3. Shiner (1) 158 4. Iraan 125 5. Stratford 112 6. Albany 111 7. Mason 102 8. Crawford 61 9. Mart 48 10. Tenaha 39 Others receiving votes: 11, Muenster 32. 11, Lovelady 32. 13, Alto (1) 21. 14, Post 17. 15, Seagraves 7. 16, Falls City 5. 17, Shelbyville 4. 17, Wellington 4. 19, Weimar 3. 19, Hico 3.

COVER STORY

August 25, 2016

DRC Football

Argyle aims for another title shot By Adam Boedeker Staff Writer

The gaffe was there, live and in living color for everyone to see on the 11,520 square-foot high-definition video board at AT&T Stadium. A game-tying touchdown by Navasota with just more than a minute to play in the 2014 Class 4A Division I state championship game should have been ruled a touchback as star receiver Tren’Davian Dickson was ruled down at the Argyle 1-yard line when the videoboard clearly showed he had fumbled the ball through the back of the end zone. A touchback would’ve effectively ended the game and given Argyle back-to-back state championships, but instead, the Rattlers scored on the next play to force overtime before eventually winning in double overtime. Ironically, Dane Ledford was the sophomore free safety who knocked the ball loose from Dickson’s hands on that controversial play two years ago. Now, he is the Eagles’ quarterback looking to help Argyle return to the state championship game for a fourth straight season this December. “It was very hard,” said Ledford, who tasted victory in 2013 as a freshman varsity call-up in the playoffs when Argyle’s state championship game win over Fairfield capped an undefeated season. “After the [Navasota] game, I watched it at least four or five times the next week. It was a good experience to learn from that and to motivate us for the next year.” Fast-forward two years, and Ledford is now a senior quarterback, back for his second year under center for the Eagles. He has committed to play college football for Tulane. Argyle is back in familiar territory — ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press Class 4A preseason poll and picked by several publications to hoist a state championship trophy back at AT&T Stadium in December. To get to that point, Ledford and the Eagles will have to bounce back from yet another disappointment suffered last season. Argyle was on the brink of the ultimate in high school football yet again before seeing the Class 4A Division I title game slip away in a 33-31 loss to Waco La Vega at Houston’s NRG Stadium. The Pirates scored the gamewinning touchdown with 11 seconds to play. Two epic games. Two equally heartbreaking losses in games that were universally praised as arguably the best games of the respective state championship weekends. Yet, Argyle came out on the wrong end both times. “Playing in the state championship and losing to those teams, it was hard,” Argyle

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News

Argyle quarterback Dane Ledford is brought down by La Vega linebacker Anthony Davis (33) and defensive back Kemoche' Hobbs during the Class 4A Division I state championship title game at NRG Stadium last season. coach Todd Rodgers said. “The problem I have with it is, I don’t have comforting words. I don’t. It’s hard because we don’t experience [losing] very much. It’s so difficult as a coach to comfort them in those types of games because they gave everything they possibly had. It wasn’t about effort or execution, it was about playing a good, formidable opponent that had also won five playoff games, and it’s hard.” Rodgers has put the pieces in place to create one of the most successful programs in the state, regardless of classification, and now will look to guide the Eagles back to Week 16 for the fifth time in six seasons with Ledford as his battle-tested quarterback.

ON THE COVER | Area schools

Brought up a winner

When Ledford committed to Tulane earlier this summer, it proved the Argyle senior is capable of being a quarterback at the big-time college level. While fans of the Eagles might have only seen Ledford as a quarterback last season, being under center was in his plans, and his coaches’, long before that. The athletic Ledford grew up in the youth ranks playing quarterback and was the junior varsity quarterback as a freshman before being called up to the varsity squad for the postseason. Ledford played on the kickoff return team and at free safety.

Argyle quarterback Dane Ledford, left, and coach Todd Rodgers will try to build on Argyle’s history of success that includes trips to the state title game in each of the last three seasons.

more and more. It motivated me to become a better player and a better leader.” Ledford said he feels like he was a part of that state championship run, but he also knows he was mostly just added depth in mop-up time. The next two years were vastly different. Though Ledford’s sophomore and junior seasons ended with heartbreak, Rodgers is quick to point out the fact those two years ended with Ledford and his teammates sporting an impressive postseason record. “There were 10 other playoff games in those two years,” Rodgers said. “In 10 other ones, he played really well. You look at his record when he’s a very impactful player, and he’s 10-2. “It was a great experience in 2013. The ’14 and ’15 seasons were unbelievable experiences, too. We were 5-1 in the playoffs those two years. We can’t let one failure define us. We’re never going to be perfect in a game, but we need to look back and say we were pretty dang good.” Ledford made what could have easily been the game-clinching play against Navasota in 2014 had that controversial call gone the other way. A win that day would’ve capped Ledford’s stellar sophomore season on a high note after he tallied

That was when he got his first taste of sweet victory — a taste he’s been trying to have again ever since. “It was an amazing experience,” Ledford said of his freshman season that ended at AT&T Stadium with the Eagles edging out Fairfield to cap a 16-0 season with gold medals around their necks. “Just looking up to those guys made me want to achieve See EAGLES on 57

DRC Football

COVER STORY

From Page 56

Eagles 97 tackles with five interceptions while also starting at outside receiver in Argyle’s spread offense. The next year, Ledford was the one distributing the ball to the Eagles’ receivers when he threw for 2,837 yards and 29 touchdowns. Despite his athleticism, Rodgers chooses to preserve his quarterback and doesn’t use him in the running game until big-time games in December. After rushing for just 72 yards in the regular season, Ledford added 247 more yards on the ground with the bulk of it coming in the final four games of the playoffs. “There’s only one Dane Ledford,” Rodgers said. “Running the quarterback and pushing the concept of the dual-threat is something I’m not in favor of unless we have to have it to win a game. It’s practiced all year, it’s just not applied unless we need it to win a game. “He’s a very, very, very good runner.” The Eagles plan on being in the type of games when Ledford’s number is called again in December.

Defeat fuels success

Aside from Ledford, only one player on the current roster was suited up for the 2013 state championship win.

Tight end Casey Harper and his quarterback have talked about that feeling they had more than a few times, and Harper makes it pretty clear he wants to feel it again before his high school career is over. “We know what it’s like to win, and we know what it’s like to lose,” Harper said. “Some of these guys only know what it’s like to get there and lose. That feeling after you win is incredible. We haven’t been able to feel that in a few years and it doesn’t feel good. We tell everyone that once you feel it, you’ll know why we want it so bad.” Just when Argyle fans thought the heartbreak they felt in 2014 couldn’t be replicated, the Eagles found themselves in a tussle with La Vega last December. Even after La Vega scored to take a two-point lead with 11 seconds to play, the Eagles still had hope. A blocked extra point was returned to near midfield by cornerback Dylan Sadler before he was tackled, preventing the Eagles from tying the game. “The second one [against La Vega] was a little easier to get over,” Ledford said. “The first one [against Navasota], I took a lot worse than this past one because I’d already been through it. It was,

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News

Argyle head coach Todd Rodgers gets a hug from quarterback Dane Ledford after the Eagles fell to Waco La Vega in the Class 4A Division I state title game. of course, very difficult to lose again but it’ll make us come out harder this year. It motivates us, for sure.” Rodgers admits he still questions some decisions and preparations leading into those two losses, referring to some “unresolved issues” he still carries with him. But in the end, he said, he realizes his program has played in five state championship games, including four in the last five seasons, and is picked to return again this year for what would be a fourth consecutive. “Over the course of a long period of time, as a program, we know how to win,” Rodgers said. “And we know how to win tough playoff games. In the state championship

August 25, 2016

games, our record isn’t very good, but there have been a lot of really tough games up to that point that we feel good about.” While putting all the pieces in place to set up that potential fourth consecutive 16week season, Rodgers said he can now look back on the way the 2014 and 2015 seasons ended with an appreciation of how great those games were without too much of a bitter taste in his mouth. “I really do appreciate it,” he said. “Those were great experiences. I feel like as a head coach and as a staff we have a responsibility to give our kids as many experiences as we can possibly have. If we truly reflect on how great all those moments were, the good far outweighs the bad. “There are many coaches in the state of Texas that would straight-up trade the experiences I’ve had in the last five years with me, no doubt. If you look back at the totality of the experience, anyone in the high school coaching profession would trade with me.” For the record, Rodgers and Ledford said they wouldn’t trade the last two seasons for anything, other than a win, obviously. Now, they hope to have one run left in them in their final year together. “I want to get back to the top, real bad,” Ledford said. “I’m a senior and I’m with all the guys I’ve grown up with. This season just feels right to me. Everyone has everyone’s back and the chemistry is outstanding. I feel like we can do it.”

August 25, 2016

Relax...and enjoy the difference.

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LAKE DALLAS

DRC Football

August 25, 2016

Breakout year bolsters Lake Dallas By Rich Luna For the Denton Record-Chronicle

The last time Lake Dallas was on the football field, the Falcons lost What they gained in that heartbreaking triple-overtime loss to Frisco lime Star in the Class 5A Division II state semifinal, however, just may have been more valuable. Pride, respect and inspiration do not come easy, but Lake Dallas earned all of that and more last December when the Falcons finally ran out of comebacks. Their quarterback Dagan Haehn, who could barely walk, much less run, by the fourth quarter, had engineered a 28-point comeback and willed his team into three overtimes before his final pass attempt was intercepted to end the game - one step away from a berth in the state championshipgame. Haehn and senior wide receiver Keegan Brewer walked off the field arm in arm. Haehn and Brewer are now playing atKansas, but left they a legacy. "I remember looking back in the stands and seeing the whole town there," said senior Spencer Frederickson, who takes over at quarterback. "There was so much pride. It still motivates us today. There might have been some youngerguyswhowouldn't consider playing football, but after that game, decided they wanted to be a part ofthis program. Our mindset all summer was to use that as motivation." Frederickson and the Falcons know all too well that they must focus on the challenges of rebuilding a team with only three returning starters on offense and two on defense. "It definitely helped us a lot in the offseason; Lake Dallas coach Michael Young said. "Weve got a lot of shoes to fill and we know we can't just show up. We don't feel entitled, but we've got of a lot of talented players who now know what it takes." Five returning starters is misleading. Young was able to platoon in a number of players last season so there actually is good experience coming back. Frederickson started the first five games last year as Haehn recovered from a tom anterior cruciate ligament. Frederickson passed for more than 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns and enters the season with a solid knowledge of the offense. "Spencer has played in two spring

Have a great season, Lake Dallas Falcons! From your fans at

DATCU

David Minton/ DRC

LAKE DALLAS ILake Dallas senior Spencer Frederickson will take over at quarterback for Dagan Haehn this season. Haehn helped lead the Falcons to the state semifinal in 2015. Lake Dallas has only three returning starters on offense, but has momentum as a program after finishing 12-3 in BUILDING BLOCKS 2015. Frederickson will try to keep that momentum going. Hethrew for more than UOO yards in 2015 while filling in for Haehn last season. games, led our 7-on-7 team and started five games," Young said. "He is a veteran quarterback coming back." Frederickson's competition includes Drew Sanders (6-4, 200), a freshman move-in from Oregon and sophomore Ryan Depperschmidt. While Frederickson will direct the offense, the other two will get some playing time at quarterback and at other skill positions. Chris Slater, Christian Covington, llistian Moody and Brendan Contreras serve as Frederickson's main targets in the passing game. Young has high praise for his sophomore running back Ky'Lee Smith. The offensive line is led by veterans Segun Ijiyera, Hayden Brockenbush and Justin Cadenhead. Gainesville transfer Zalen Long and Evan Lea give Lake Dallas size. While there are only two defensive start-

ers back, one is Thxas pledge Kobe Boyce, who anchors a veteran secondary with 'IYrin Bridgewater and Adam Tipp. Zach Russell and Jacob Schuster are experienced linebackers and the defensive line features veterans Damion Hyde and Jacob Biggerstaff. The experience will be critical when Lake Dallas gets to district play, especially with proven opponents like McKinney North, Prosper and The Colony. "One thing is there are no freebies on our schedule," Young said. "There is not one team who couldn't pull it offevery week. It's nice to play some new people, but it means we have to be ready to play every week. I like our athletes a lot. We've got kids who can run, kids who can cover and a lot offast guys. "We have a chance to be really good~

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FALCONS

I Quick Facts

District 14-5A

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2015 Record: 12-3

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District 6-5A) ;~â&#x20AC;˘ Coach: Michael Young (91.-37 â&#x20AC;˘ in nseasons at Lake Dallas) Returning starters: Three on offense, Two on defense Key players: WR Brendan Contreras, Ol Segun ljiyera, Ol Justin Cadenhead. WR Chris Slater, QB Spencer Frederickson, Dl Jacob Biggerstaff, DB Kobe Boyce. Offense: Multiple spread set Defense: 4-3

School Enrollment U90 Stadium: Falcon Stadium

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August 25, 2016

DRC Football

Lake Dallas Falcons 2016 Football Schedule Date

Opponent

Time

Aug. 26 ............ Denton ................................ 7:00 p.m. Sept. 2 ............. Frisco Centennial ............... 7:00 p.m. Sept. 9 ............. at Prestonwood .................. 7:30p.m. Sept. 22 ........... at Newman Smith * ............ 7:00 p.m. Sept. 30 ........... R.L. Turner • $ .................... 7:00p.m. Oct. 7 ............... at McKinney North • ........... 7:00 p.m. Oct. 14 ............. The Colony • ...................... 7:00p.m. Oct. 20 ............. at Carrollton Creekview * ... 7:00p.m. Oct. 28 ............. at Little Elm * ...................... 7:00 p.m. Nov. 4............... Prosper • ............................ 7:00 p.m. • Denotes District 14-SA S Denotes Homecoming

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August 25, 2016

DRC Football

Falcons CB Boyce attracts attention By Rich Luna For the Denton Record-Chronicle

As a highly-recruited defensive back, Kobe Boyce had scholarship offers from many of the nation's top college football programs- Texas, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, Mississippi and Houston to name a

few. Rather than drag out a decision throughout his senior season at Lake Dallas, the 6-foot, 185-pound Boyce made up his mind early. He committed to the Texas Longhorns and plans to study journalism or communications. "I felt it was the right way to go," he said. "[Texas coach] Charlie Strong has got something good going there, and I wanted to be a part of it:' Boyce has the exact sentiments for his Lake Dallas team this season. After losing a triple overtime heartbreaker to Frisco Lone

Star, 55-49, in the 5A Division II state semifinallast year, Boyce likes what he sees as the Falcons embark on another run to the playoffs. "Everyone on this team is so excited about it," he said. "That was a special run we made last year and it helped revive a lot of interest in the program. A lot of the enthusiasm from last year has carried over." Boyce knows, however, that opponents will be ready not only for Lake Dallas, but they'll be testing him, too. 'There's a target on my back," he said, "especially since I'm committed to Texas. I'm going to have to show I can play because they'll come after me. "I didn't stop working. Just because I've committed to Texas doesn't mean I could take it easy. I still have to go out there every day in practice and in every game and show I can play:'

SPORTS MEDICINE SPORTS PERFORMANCE PHYSICAL THERAPY See our ad on page 4 f or more inf ormation!

David Minton/ DRC

Lake Dallas cornerback Kobe Boyce will be in the spotlight this season after committing to Texas before his senior season. Boyce is one of the top players in the area this season and hopes to lead the Falcons deep into the playoffs.

LAKE DALLAS

August 25, 2016

FALCONS | Roster

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

Former quarterback Dagan Haehn, who is now at Kansas, threw for 2,318 yards and 29 touchdowns last year despite missing the first half of last season with an injury, but came on to lead Lake Dallas to the state semifinal. Spencer Frederickson started the first five games of the year and ended the season with 1,101 passing yards and 13 touchdowns. He’s back for his senior season and Sanders knows the system so there is confidence in him. What also makes this a position of strength is the addition of two new quarterbacks who will get some playing time under center and elsewhere on the field. Drew Sanders (6-4, 200) is a freshman move-in from Oregon (his dad, Mitch, is the new receivers coach). The duo of Sanders and sophomore Ryan Depperschmidt gives the Falcons exceptional depth at quarterback.

POINT OF CONCERN

The Falcons have experience and skill on the front lines. What they don’t have is

depth. Among the players who could contribute on the offensive line are senior Zach Baetz (5-10, 225) and sophomore Tyler Kay (6-4, 280). Defensively, seniors Erik Ukah (6-0, 215) and Hayden Boles (5-10, 200), and sophomore Telanio Evans (6-1, 215) have opportunities to play.

KEY NEWCOMER

In addition to Sanders and Depperschmidt at quarterback, Young likes what he sees from junior offensive lineman Zalen Long, a transfer from Gainesville, so much so that he’s likely to start at left guard. At 6-foot, 300 pounds, he’ll be a force to open holes for the run and offer pass protection.

GAME OF THE YEAR

Lake Dallas’ move to District 14-5A means some new competition. The first test will likely be Oct. 7 at McKinney North followed by a home game against The Colony. If Lake Dallas can get through those two games, the district title could come down to the regular season finale against Prosper. “It’s a new district for everyone, but those three games are going to decide the district,” Young said.

DRC Football

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 15 16 18 19 21 22 23 24 27 28 32 35 36 37 40 43 48

Player Chris Slater Tyrin Bridgewater Kobe Boyce Jacob French Charles Williams Christian Covington Spencer Frederickson Darryl Minor Brendan Contreras Ryan Depperschmidt Marcial Apaez Bryson Porter Zach Russell Drew Sanders Chris Hilliard Zach Sasser Adam Tipps Austin Shepard Tyler Duffey Garren Schantz Joseph Owens Ky’lee Smith Zach Graham Jacob Schuster Idsael Nava Michael Bayer Jakob Machuca Damion Hyde Matt Stockard

Pos. WR DB DB DB WR WR QB LB WR QB K WR LB QB WR WR DB DB DB LB RB RB LB LB RB DB TE DL LB

Ht. 6-1 6-1 6-0 5-11 6-0 6-2 6-0 6-0 5-8 6-1 5-1 6-0 6-0 6-4 6-0 5-11 5-9 6-2 6-0 6-0 5-9 5-8 6-0 5-11 5-7 6-0 6-2 6-2 5-11

Wt. 190 170 185 170 195 185 185 210 165 165 160 170 170 200 160 155 150 180 170 185 170 170 190 215 160 180 200 215 215

Yr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. So. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Jr, Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr.

LAKE DALLAS | Schedule Date Opponent Aug. 26 Denton Sept. 2 Frisco Centennial Sept. 9 at Prestonwood Sept. 22 at C. Newman Smith * Sept. 30 Carrollton R.L. Turner * Oct. 7 at McKinney North * Oct. 14 The Colony * Oct. 20 at Carrollton Creekview * Oct. 28 at Little Elm * Nov. 4 Prosper * * Denotes District 14-5A games 54 58 61 62 65 70 73 75 76 78 82 86 88

Erik Ukah DL Roberson Hayden Boles Evan Lea Justin Cadenhead Segun Ijiyera Tyler Kay Zalen Long Zach Baetz Hayden Brockenbush Jacob Biggerstaff Tristen Moody Telanio Evans

DL DL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL DL WR DL

Time 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

6-0 6-1 5-10 6-1 6-2 6-4 6-4 6-0 5-10 6-4 6-0 5-11 6-1

215 215 200 255 235 270 280 300 225 215 225 175 215

Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. So.

Football 2016 | Class 6A-5A district previews DISTRICT 6-6A Allen Eagles Coach: Terry Gambill 2015 record: 14-1 (8-0 in district) Returning starters: Six on offense, three on defense McKinney Boyd Broncos Coach: Don Drake 2015 record: 5-5 (4-4 in district) Returning starters: Four on offense, two on defense McKinney Lions Coach: Jeff Smith 2015 record: 3-7 (1-6 in district) Returning starters: Six on offense, seven on defense Plano Wildcats Coach: Jaydon McCullough 2015 record: 4-6 (2-6 in district) Returning starters: Five on offense, five on defense Plano East Panthers Coach: Joey McCullough 2015 record: 7-4 (5-3 in district) Returning starters: Seven on offense, six on defense Plano West Wolves Coach: Scott Smith 2015 record: 3-7 (2-6 in district) Returning starters: Two on offense, four on defense

Wylie Pirates Coach: Bill Howard 2015 record: 8-5 (5-2 in district) Returning starters: Six on offense, six on defense

DISTRICT 5-5A Denison Yellow Jackets Coach: Chad Rogers 2015 record: 5-5 (3-4 in disrict) Returning starters: Seven on offense, five on defense Sherman Bearcats Coach: J.D. Martinez 2015 record: 0-10 (0-7 in district) Returning starters: Seven on offense, 11 on defense Wichita Falls Coyotes Coach: Paul R. Sharr 2015 record: 1-9 (1-6 in district) Returning starters: Eight on offense, eight on defense Rider Raiders Coach: Marc Bindel 2015 record: 7-5 (5-2 in district) Returning starters: Two on offense, six on defense

DISTRICT 14-5A Creekview Mustangs Coach: Jay Cline 2015 record: 8-3 (7-0 in district) Returning starters: Six on offense, five on

defense Little Elm Lobos Coach: Kendrick Brown 2015 record: 0-10 (0-8 in district) Returning starters: Six on offense, six on defense McKinney North Coach: Mike Fecci 2015 record: 6-4 (3-4 in district) Returning starters: Four on offense, six on defense Newman Smith Trojans Coach: Paul Ressa 2015 record: 4-7 (4-3 in district) Returning starters: Nine on offense, eight on defense Prosper Eagles Coach: Brandon Schmidt 2015 record: 6-5 (3-4 in district) Returning starters: Five on offense, seven on defense The Colony Cougars Coach: Rudy Rangel 2015 record: 5-6 (5-3 in district) Returning starters: Four on offense, four on defense Turner Lions Coach: Michael Ramirez 2015 record: 4-6 (1-6 in district) Returning starters: Eight on offense, 10 on defense

David Minton/DRC

Guyer head coach John Walsh will lead the Wildcats in a tough District 6-6A that also includes Allen.

ARGYLE

DRC Football

August 25, 2016

Argyle’s Davies steps in at MLB By Adam Boedeker Staff Writer

It isn’t uncommon for a middle linebacker to be the focal point of any defense. For Argyle, that spotlight is even brighter. In the Eagles’ 5-1 Bear defense, he’s really the only true linebacker and is set up to make a lot of tackles. A quick look at recent years at the position reveals some all-time greats in program history — major college players like Kansas State linebacker Sam Sizelove and back-to-back state-title game defensive MVPs Colton Hinnrichs and Taylor Sweatt, to name a few. Now, Pierce Davies is ready to add his name to that list. “Some defenses are designed for a bigger, plug linebacker,” Argyle coach Todd Rodgers said. “One of the qualities of our Mike [middle] linebacker position is to be very mobile. Lots of them have been tall, rangy guys and then Taylor had great speed and was successful as a junior. Pierce is a combination of those. He’ll have every opportunity to achieve. “Sam was taller and rangy. Taylor was small and quicker but still weighed around the 200-pound mark, and Pierce is in that mold. It’s a safety type player who’s typically moved in there and taken that spot.” Davies, a 5-11 1⁄2, 200-pound senior, has followed that path from a safety/linebacker hybrid to being the focal point of the Eagles’ defense looking to help lead Argyle back to a fourth consecutive state championship game in December and a fifth title game in the past six seasons. “The hybrid has to fill a lot of holes to open things up for the Mike backer,” Davies said. “Now being a senior, I want to lead the team in tackles and be that guy that is in there on every snap making plays.” In that hybrid role, in which Davies played linebacker when the opponent lined up with multiple running backs in the backfield, he racked up 67 tackles with a stop behind the line of scrimmage. He also added two forced fumbles and broke up three passes. Aside from what he did on the field, Rodgers said Davies fits one of the most important qualities of his middle linebacker. Davies was voted a defensive captain in the spring by his teammates and has long excelled as a vocal leader, which leads Rodgers to believe the defense won’t miss a beat

David Minton/DRC

ARGYLE BUILDING BLOCKS

Pierce Davies will step in at middle linebacker for Argyle. The Eagles have a long tradition of standout players at the position, including Sam Sizelove, who went on to play at Kansas State, and Taylor Sweatt. Davies will look to carry on that tradition and power Argyle’s defense. The Eagles are ranked No. 1 in Class 4A in the preseason Associated Press state poll.

with Davies stepping in to replace last year’s middle linebacker Hudson Speed. “Without any reservation, yes,” said Rodgers, when asked if he believed in Davies as the leader of his defense. “He possesses everything. He has the ability to speak to kids who aren’t performing their best and can also jump on the pile and celebrate with those who are successful and not be consumed only with his own performance.” Rodgers isn’t the only one who thinks Davies is ready for the limelight. Senior defensive lineman Brett Lundy started last season and is familiar with Davies’ performance in that old hybrid role. With a bit of a weight gain, Lundy said his classmate should have a relatively seamless transition to middle linebacker.

“I think he’s got a little bit of a learning curve, but we played a lot of two-linebacker stuff with him last year and he was successful,” Lundy said. “Plus he’s put on a little weight, so I think he’s going to do fine.” Davies, who moved to Argyle from Southlake in the seventh grade, has had his eye on the position since joining the Eagles’ program in middle school. Last year, he actually heard whispers from his coaches, who thought the move would be beneficial. “Last year toward the end of the year, I started hearing they were thinking about doing that,” Davies said. “I got excited. I know that’s the main guy on the defense and they look to that guy to be captain of the defense, and I actually got voted spring captain this year. That made me excited.”

EAGLES | Quick Facts District: 4-4A (Division I) 2015 record: 14-2 (5-0 in district) Coach: Todd Rodgers (145-33 in 13 years) Returning starters: Five on offense, seven on defense Key players: QB Dane Ledford, TE Casey Harper, LB Pierce Davies, OL Jack Williams, OL Jaxon Frazier, OL Caelan Keenan, OL Bryce Hege, OL Gage Mallory, RB/DB Dillon Carter, DL Brett Lundy, DB Dylan Sadler, WR Cale Nanny, DB Scott Hayes Offense: Spread Defense: 5-1 Bear/multiple School enrollment: 752 Stadium: Eagle Stadium

August 25, 2016

DRC Football

August 25, 2016

DRC Football

Harper to fill void left byTE Chalk By Adam Boedeker

He played at 240 pounds in 2015. Now, he's 25 pounds lighter and has imLast year, Argyle's J.C. Chalk was one of proved his time in the 40-yard dash from the best tight ends in the country before a 4.8 to a 4.6 to ready himself for more eventually signing to play for Clemson. route running. "I wanted to stay that physical blocker, But in the final game of his high school career, Chalk didn't start at tight end due to but I also wanted to be able to run a route at injuries that forced him out wide. That full speed and create the threat of a wide opened the door for Casey Harper, who receiver," Harper said. plans on the Eagles not skipping a beat at Argyle coach Todd Rodgers pegged Harper as a future tight end when Harper tight end in 2016. "There's always something to live up to," was a freshman and said his path to the poHarper said. "J.C. and I are good friends, sition has been different than Chalk's. but I don't feel like I have to follow in his "J.C. was a quarterback, then a wide refootsteps. I can make my own trail." ceiver and then a tight end," Rodgers said. Harper is now a senior and preparing "But Casey went from defense to fullback for his first season as the team's starting to tight end. He came from a more phystight end, but he's no newcomer. He started ical path of preparation. I think we all kind on defense as an end/linebacker hybrid in of see Casey as a physical blocking tight 2015 and finished the year with 76 tackles. end, but he's much more than that." Staff Writer

306 Highway 377 North, Suite A Argyle, TX 76226 Phone: 940-464-6664

David Minton/ DRC

casey Haper filled in at tight end at times last season for former Argyle standout J.C. Chalk. Harper will move into the starting lineup this season and is expected to be one of the top playmakers for the Eagles, who will be state title contenders.

ARGYLE

August 25, 2016

EAGLES | Roster

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

This could be Argyle’s deepest, most complete offensive line in recent memory, and it should make the offensive skill players’ jobs relatively easy. Jack Williams, Caelan Keenan and Jaxon Frazier are all returning starters and Bryce Hege saw significant playing time a year ago. The Eagles also got a move-in in the form of Williams former Guyer starter Gage Mallory, a Tulane pledge, who will start at left tackle. The leanest of the bunch is Keenan, who is 240 pounds. Every other starter tips the scale at at least 265 pounds.

POINT OF CONCERN

One area coach Todd Rodgers hasn’t had to worry about in a while is the kicking game. That will change this year, as he still isn’t sure who will be kicking field goals. Argyle has had a long line of all-state and Football Bowl Subdivision kickers in Caleb Holt, Cole Hedlund, Chad Hedlund and Ben Parks, but the competition is wide open heading into this season. Travis Garner, Dylan Sadler, Grant Shaw and quarterback Dane Ledford will all factor into the equation.

KEY NEWCOMER

Another wide-open competition for Rodgers to evaluate is at running back, a position where the Eagles are traditionally strong. Perhaps the favorite to start there will be sophomore Dillon Carter, who recently committed to TCU to play baseball. If Carter doesn’t get the nod at running back, he’ll figure in elsewhere and con- Carter tribute all over the field, as Rodgers said he will factor in at running back and defensive back, as well as serving as the rugby-style punter and as a kickoff and punt returner.

GAME OF THE YEAR

Argyle doesn’t lose games very often, period. A regular-season loss is something that seems to happen once every few years, and in 2015, it happened in a big way. The Eagles were outmatched by a Celina team they had dominated in recent years and were given a rude welcome to Bobcat Stadium. This year, the teams meet again in what will be the Eagles’ home opener on Sept. 9, and it’s safe to assume Argyle will want some retribution.

DRC Football

No. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 40 41 42 44

Player Dane Ledford Garrett Carter Dylan Sadler Brenden Dixon Dillon Carter Don Williams Cale Nanny Chase Estrada Pierce Davies John Tarwater Hayden Clearman Branden Pruett Alex Gonzales Chase Petter Michael Ryon Scott Hayes Zac Pelton Trent McCloud Slater Wright Jake Pelton John Phillips Grant Shaw Matthew Horton Jameson Shaw Mason Thrash Jackson Adams Travis Garner Brian Massey Brett Lundy Tyler Arco Kaden Roberts Wade Pennington Omar Borrayo Cooper Straubmueller Peyton Hajok Will Palmer Casey Harper

Pos. QB WR DB DB RB RB WR WR LB DB QB WR WR DB WR DB QB WR DB RB DL K LB DB DL WR K RB DL WR DE DL RB DB DB TE TE

Ht. 6-1 5-11 5-11 5-10 5-11 5-10 5-9 5-10 5-11 6-2 5-9 5-9 5-10 5-9 6-2 6-2 5-9 6-2 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-9 5-9 5-10 6-1 6-0 5-9 5-9 6-0 6-1 5-9 5-9 5-9 6-0 5-11 6-2 6-2

Wt. 185 175 180 165 185 180 165 185 195 185 160 170 170 170 175 190 160 185 165 190 230 160 195 165 200 180 150 150 220 180 170 230 205 160 160 205 220

Yr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Fr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr.

ARGYLE | Schedule Date Aug. 27 Sept. 2

Opponent Time Lovejoy (at Allen) 7 p.m. La Grange (at Waco 7:30 p.m. Midway) Sept. 9 Celina 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at Abilene Wylie 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23 Paris 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at Decatur * 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Gainesville * 7 p.m. Oct. 21 Sanger * 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at Wichita Falls Hirschi * 7 p.m. Nov. 4 Burkburnett * 7 p.m. * Denotes District 4-4A (Division I) game 45 47 48 49 50 52 54 55 58 63 64 65 66 70 71 72 74 75 77 78

Hayden Mouser Scotty Dunham Caleb Halvorson Jacob John Noah Hill Cody Allcorn Brandon Michaels Peyton Patterson Parker Taylor Connor Homeyer Bryce Hege Caelan Keenan Matt Castle Gage Mallory Dawson Sarratt Preston Wilson Jack Williams Preston Coyle Jaxon Frazier Halston Homeyer

DL LB TE DE DL DE DL OL DE OL OL OL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL

5-10 5-10 6-1 5-10 6-1 6-2 6-3 5-10 6-1 6-5 6-3 6-0 5-11 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-5 6-3 6-5

210 190 185 175 215 190 215 235 175 235 265 240 205 275 215 210 270 305 270 230

Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr.

AUBREY

DRC Football

August 25, 2016

Ivy has Aubrey’s program growing By Rich Luna For the Denton Record-Chronicle

Keith Ivy is doing something right at Aubrey. After guiding the Chaparrals to a 1-9 season in his first year as head coach in 2014, last year they improved to 7-5, finishing second in District 3-4A (Division II) and advancing to the playoffs. They easily handled Ferris for the bi-district title, 41-0, before falling to Sweetwater, 30-6, in the area playoff. With a bevy of skill players returning and an all-state honorable mention defensive back, the Chaparrals just might be a team to watch in the realigned District 5-4A (Division II). “We took a giant step forward last year,” said Ivy. “We had eight seniors our first year so we knew we had a task in front of us. We knew we had to change the culture of the program. We emphasized a family atmosphere. We’re now starting to see the results. We still have some work to do, but there’s a lot of confidence from the players in what we’re doing.” One reason there’s an air of confidence in Aubrey is a roster packed with experienced players on both sides, or as is the case at smaller schools, the same players. On offense, for example, the Chaparrals have three players who took snaps under center and will go into the season with senior Grayson Grisso and junior Taylor Swarbrick rotating at quarterback. Grisso, who missed five games last year with a broken collarbone, is the better runner; Swarbrick the stronger passer. Ivy is confident with either. “Both are very athletically blessed,” Ivy said “We’ve got to get them both involved. It’s a great competition between them. They’re good friends and they push each other. It’s a good problem to have.” In the backfield, junior Pablo Vera (5foot-8, 165 pounds) is the top returning rusher. He gained 1,022 yards on 118 carries (average of 8.7 yards per carry) and scored nine touchdowns behind Jon Delbosque, who graduated with 1,416 yards rushing. Vera will be the featured back this season and he’s already been noticed — he was the district’s offensive newcomer of the year last season. “He had a great spring for us,” Ivy said. “He’s not a big kid, but he improved his speed and strength.” The running game accounted for more

David Minton/DRC

AUBREY BUILDING BLOCKS

Taylor Swarbrick will be a key component of Aubrey’s offense this season, when he is expected to share time with Grayson Grissso. Swarbrick is the better passer of the two quarterbacks and will be one of several key players returning for the Chaparrals. Aubrey finished 7-5 last season, a performance that has helped the Chaparrals build confidence heading into their 2016 campaign.

than 3,700 yards last season so the work of the offensive line will be critical. Aubrey will be led by three-year starter Andres Ramirez (6-0, 220), guard Derek Stevenson (6-0, 205), Travis Parker (6-0, 285) and center Zane Perkins (5-9, 205). Jordan Redfearn (6-3, 285) is back after suffering an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament. Ivy said it’s a solid group, but depth will be a concern. While the Chaparrals don’t throw the ball as much, Gatlin Grisso, Grayson’s younger brother, and Tanner Gardiner, who led the team in receptions last year, are both back. The Chaparrals defense has its stars, too. First there’s Gatlin Grisso (6-0, 165pound junior), who led the team with 67 solo tackles (114 total tackles) and four in-

terceptions. He was the team’s punt and kickoff returner. He was rewarded at the end of the season by being named a Class 4A all-state honorable mention defensive back and the District 3-4A (Division II) defensive newcomer of the year. Also on defense is the versatile Shingi Maraire (5-10, 170), who has played safety and linebacker (he’ll also get in at running back). He finished with 95 total tackles (42 solo) and had eight tackles for loss. “A lot of good things have happened in this program,” he said. “My sophomore year [1-9] was tough, but I believe we can have a more successful season this year. Everyone has put in a lot of work. We want better results. We built up our confidence. We have pride in our town. It’s all a combination of so many things.”

CHAPARRALS | Quick Facts District: 5-4A (Division II) 2015 Record: 7-5 (4-1, District 3-4A (Division II) Coach: Keith Ivy (8-14 in two seasons at Aubrey) Returning starters: Six on offense, six on defense Key players: RB/DB Shingi Maraire, RB/DB Tanner Gardiner, QB/DB Grayson Grisso, RB/LB Porter Sciba, RB/DB Gatlin Grisso, QB/DB Taylor Swarbrick, RB/DB Pablo Vera, OL/LB Derek Stevenson, OL/DL Zane Perkins Offense: Multiple/Wing T Defense: 4-3/multiple School Enrollment: 625 Stadium: Chaparral Stadium

August 25, 2016

DRC Football

AUBREY

August 25, 2016

Grisso brothers shine for Aubrey By Rich Luna For the Denton Record-Chronicle

Grisso and Grisso. Has a nice ring to it, wouldn’t you say? Except if you’re facing Aubrey. The Grisso brothers plan to be double trouble this season as the Chaparrals aim for a second straight playoff appearance. First, there’s Grayson Grisso. The 6foot-3, 200-pound senior missed five games last year with a fractured collarbone, but can play at several of the skill positions. He’s one of three returning players who spent time at quarterback last year, completing 18 of 29 passes for just over 300 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 141 yards on 31 carries. Then there’s his younger brother Gatlin, a 6-foot, 165-pound junior. He did most of his damage on the defensive side and led

the team with 114 tackles and four interceptions. He was rewarded at the end of the season by being named a Class 4A all-state honorable mention defensive back. “They bring so much to our team … they’re versatile, they’re leaders,” said head coach Keith Ivy. Grayson has recovered from an injury last season and will share time at quarterback with Taylor Swarbrick. “Both are very athletically blessed,” Ivy said “We’ve got to get them both involved. It’s a great competition between them. They’re good friends and they push each other. It’s a good problem to have.” The elder Grisso agrees. “We really complement each other,” Grayson Grisso said. “I’m the better runner, he can throw the ball better. Together we can open up lots of plays.”

David Minton/DRC

Brothers Gatlin and Grayson Grisso were both key factors in a breakout season for Aubrey last season and will be counted on this year as the Chaparrals look to return to the playoffs. Aubrey finished 7-5 last season.

AUBREY

August 25, 2016

DRC Football

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year CHAPARRALS | Roster POSITION OF STRENGTH

The Chaparrals are loaded at the skill positions. Taylor Swarbrick and brothers Grayson and Gatlin Grisso all played at quarterback last year. Pablo Vera, the team’s second leading rusher, returning top scorer and the District 3-4A (Division II) offensive newcomer of the year last season, is back for his junior year. Leading receivers Gatlin Grisso and Jordan Redfearn return. Most of them all play defense, too, along with ver- Vera satile Shingi Maraire and Gatlin Grisso, an all-state honorable mention defensive back and the district’s defensive newcomer of the year. Defensive end Scott Parrish and safety Tanner Gardiner were both first-team all-district.

POINT OF CONCERN

Many of the players have to go both offense and defense, so not surprisingly, depth concerns head coach Keith Ivy. “We just have to avoid injuries and identify our line starters,” he said. Seniors Derek Stevenson (6-foot, 205 pounds), Zane Perkins (5-9, 205), three-year starter Andres Ramirez Ramirez (6-0, 220) and Travis Parker (6-0, 285) are experienced and give

the Chaparrals leadership on both sides. Jordan Redfearn (6-3, 285) is coming off an injury in which he missed half of last season. Staying healthy is one thing; Ivy needs to find some players to step in for relief to keep everyone fresh.

KEY NEWCOMER

Keep an eye on Austin McCallion, a 6foot-1, 215-pound sophomore who plays tight end and on the defensive line. He played on the freshman team last year, but saw limited action with the varsity over the final four games. He gives the Chaparrals much-needed depth at both positions. “He’s McCallion rangy,” Ivy said. “He’s a big kid and he’s got good football savvy. He’s the future of our program.”

GAME OF THE YEAR

With realignment, the Chaparrals move to District 5-4A (Division II) and will see some new opponents in Nevada Community, Caddo Mills and Melissa. But there’s one team the Chaparrals know quite well — powerhouse Celina. The Bobcats handed Aubrey its only district loss last year, 63-19. The teams close out the regular season, Nov. 4, in Celina. “I hate to wake up the beast, but no doubt about it,” Ivy said. “It [district title] is going to go through Celina. We’ll have to go through the Orange town.”

No. Player Pos. 1 Shingi Maraire RB/DB 2 Hakeem Wiley WR/DB 3 Tanner Gardiner RB/DB 4 Spencer Neumann RB/LB 5 Jeff Wilbert WR/DB 6 Luis Ramirez RB/LB 7 Grayson Grisso QB/DB 8 Sheldon Wingert RB/LB 9 Aviel Weaver RB/LB 10 Porter Sciba RB/LB 11 Gatlin Grisso RB/DB 12 Taylor Swarbrick QB/DB 13 Pablo Vera RB/DB 14 Brady Pierce WR/DB 16 Bobby Dow RB/LB 20 Ryan Holmen QB/DB 21 Robert Auer WR/DB 22 Kaleb Scott RB/DB 24 Brendan Milacek RB/LB 26 Will Dow RB/DB 30 Landon Johnson WR/LB 33 Dylan Brown TE/DL 50 Derek Stevenson OL/LB 51 Andrew Alvarado OL/DL 52 Ryan Hall OL/DL

Ht. 5-10 6-0 5-10 5-8 5-11 5-7 6-3 5-10 5-8 5-10 6-1 6-2 5-8 6-0 5-8 5-7 5-10 5-7 5-9 5-9 5-11 5-11 6-1 5-8 6-1

Wt. 170 180 175 165 155 150 200 155 170 170 170 170 170 155 165 150 150 145 180 155 160 190 205 200 265

Yr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr.

AUBREY | Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 26 Bowie 7:30 p.m. Sept. 2 Whitesboro 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at Pilot Point 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16 Benbrook 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23 Pottsboro 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at Nevada Community * 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 Bonham * 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at Caddo Mills * 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28 Melissa * 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at Celina * 7:30 p.m. * Denotes District 5-4A (Division II) game 54 55 57 58 62 64 65 66 75 76 77 80 82

Zane Perkins Jordan Pedfearn Austin Matheus Connor Laughlin Nathan Wiseman Gene McCutchin Fred Reyna Bryson Britten Jarom Larman Dylan Morgan Travis Parker Andres Ramirez Austin McCallion

OL/DL OL/DL TE/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/DL

5-9 6-3 5-9 6-1 5-9 6-1 5-10 6-0 6-3 6-0 6-1 6-0 6-2

205 285 205 225 185 240 250 180 230 250 275 220 220

Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So.

KRUM

DRC Football

August 25,2016

Krum to depend on core of seniors By Randy Cummings For the Denton Record-Chronicle

When Krum head coach Gary Robinson walks into the locker room, he can look around and see plenty ofveteran leadership - perceived as a huge advantage for his team this season. The Bobcats have 22 seniors in 2016, a unique situation for a Class 4A school that usually carries between 30-35 players total on its varsity squad. A handful of those upperclassmen will be four-year starters while several more will go down as threeyear starters. Several ofKrum's seniors contributed to last year's playoff run to the regional final. "Seniors are special," Robinson said. 'They play harder. Plus they're more mature, physically and mentally. And it's their program. It's their time. They're the leaders of the school and they're the leaders of the program." One of Krum's key leaders will be 'Ii."ent McMillin, a senior who is new to the program. McMillin started at wide receiver and was a backup quarterback at Sanger last season. He moved to Krum last spring and is pegged as the new starter following the graduation of three-year starter Colten Graham. "He's stepped in here and adjusted to how we do things and our culture," Robinson said. "He's a great kid and an amazing athlete. He can run the ball, and he's big and tall~ McMillin's teammates believe he can be just as dynamic a playmaker as Graham. "He's a great fit for us," senior Brandon Reeves said. "It's a gift to have lrim. He's really athletic, pretty fast and he's got an arm. Th lose Graham from last year and to have lrim come in and take the spot, it really helps us out I think he1l be great for us~ And he only adds to their senior leadership. Krum's seniors have logged playing time in close to 30 varsity games, including the playoffs. For many of them, they've come up through the Krum school district, have been friends and teammates their entire athletic careers and are completely knowledgeable of the Bobcats' playbook. "This is definitely going to be the best team I've ever been a part of,' senior linebacker Coleton Spradley said. "'t's the talent, the brotherhood we've had - we just want to win. We're all together, we have the

David Minton/ DRC

KR UM BUILDING BLOCKS

I Senior linebacker Colton Spradley and defensive end Everette Gunnoe are two of 22 seniors Krum will lean on this year. The Bobcats havel4 returning starters from a team that advanced to the regional final in the playoffs a year ago. Krum is aiming to make an even deeper run this season and is one of the top teams in the Denton area heading into the 2016 campaign.

same plan, the same goal. We're ready to get things done." Reeves is a four-year starter and another big-time playmaker. He'll start at linebacker but will also return punts and kickoffs, slide back to the free safety position occasionally and also join the offense at either receiver or running back. Another veteran unit is the Bobcats' offensive line. Right tackle Everett Gunnoe, a 6-5, 280-pounder, may become the school's first Division I football signee. Seniors Evan Shipley and 'Ii'avis Draper are back as twoyear starters. Zane Howard at center and Jacob Wilson are two other seniors that will shore up the offensive front. "I anticipate us being a little bit better football team just because we have great senior leadership and a lot of experience," Robinson said.

When it comes to McMillin, there's plenty of weapons returning around lrim. Last year's top rusher, senior Haeden Knight (220 carries, 1,179 yards), will anchor a ground game that will also include Reeves (567 rushing yards) and junior Donald Brown (270 yards). Three of last season's top four receivers are back, including Reeves, Justus Martinez and Preston Shiftlett. On the defensive side of the ball, senior Ryan Gipson - one of four players a year ago with more than 100 tackles - joins Spradley and Reeves at linebacker while another senior, Raymond Barrington, returns to add starting experience to the defensive line. All in all, the Bobcats are loaded with returning talent and seniors, and are likely to continue to make more history in 2016.

Have a great season, Krum Bobcats!

From your fans at

DATCU

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KRUM I Quick Facts

District 3-4A (Division II) 2015 Record: 8-6 (3-2 in district) Head Coach: Gary Robinson (32-25 in five seasons at Krum) Returning starters: Eight on offense, six on defense Key Players: LBIRB Brandon Reeves, RB/DB Haeden Knight LBIRB Coleton Spradley, DE/T Everett Gt11noe, TIDERaymond Barrington, QB Trent M:Millin, Ol Evan Shipley, Ol Travis Draper, Ol Zane Howard, Ol Jacob Wilson Offense: Mlltiple Defense: 3-3

School Enrollment 600 Stadium: Bobcat Stadium

August 25, 2016

DRC Football

August 25, 2016

DRC Football

Reeves will play key role for Krum By Randy Cummings

the team," Robinson said. "It's hls team. He's a Krum kid, been here all his life. He's been a part of thls program his entire life." Reeves' evolution as a player who could Even though fall practice had barely begun a few weeks ago, Krum coach Gary contribute at multiple positions began in Robinson momentarily let hls nrind drift middle school. "He wants to do everything he can for ahead to 2017 as he was reflecting on one of the program," teammate and fellow linehls senior players, Brandon Reeves. "He will be missed at this time next backer Coleton Spradley said. year," Robinson said. His statistics from 2015 are an indicaThat's an understatement considering tion of the drive Reeves has to succeed. As a all that Reeves has done for the Bobcats linebacker, he was Krum's No. 2 tackler over the years and all that is anticipated with 129 stops. He was the third-leading he'll do for them in 2016 as the team's ulti- rusher (49 carries, 567yards) and was the Bobcats' second-leading receiver with 28 mate multi-tasker. A four-year starter, the 5-8, 160-pound catches for 443 yards. Reeves has evolved into essentially a "threeAs a return specialist, Reeves brought way" player for Krum, which is why he was back n kickoffs for 214 yards in addition to voted the district utility player of the year fielding 10 punts while averaging ll yards last season. He's a starter at linebacker and per return. receiver, but has also worked at running "Last year as a junior, he was focused in back, as a safety and handled return duties and had a great season," Robinson said, on punts and kickoffs. And if called upon, "but as a senior you can see how he's menhe could also slip in as a back-up quarter- tally and physically so focused now. He's mature and you can tell he's ready to make back. "To me, he's the best football player on great things happen." For the Denton Record-Chronicle

David Minton/ DRC

Brandon Reeves will do a little of everything for Krum this season, just as he has dating back to his days playing in middle school. He was named the District 3Âˇ4A (II) Utility Player of the Year last season after excelling in a variety of roles.

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August 25, 2016

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BOBCATS | Roster

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

It's always enjoyable for coaches to work with seniors because of all the positives that come with the older players, such as maturity, size, strength and familiarity with the playbook. This year, Krum's roster boasts 22 seniors, giving the Bobcats an advantage that most Class 4A programs won't enjoy. McMillin “We’ve just got so much experience and I think that’s got to be one of the most important things for any football team,” Bobcats coach Gary Robinson said.

POINT OF CONCERN

After making school history a year ago by advancing to the regional final in the playoffs, an outsider might think the Bobcats could be ripe for a little overconfidence and complacency heading into this season. But with his veteran team this year, Robinson and his coaching staff are making sure their players are focused on the new challenges of 2016.

KEY NEWCOMER

When Krum takes its first snap of the 2016 season, most eyes will fall on new quarterback Trent McMillin. Although he’s a senior, he’s new to the Bobcats after from Sanger. McMillin was a receiver and backup quarterback for the Indians a year ago and will take the reins of the Bobcats. His transition to a new program was made easier over the summer when he participated in Krum's 7-on-7 offseason program and helped the Bobcats reach the state tournament for the second straight year.

GAME OF THE YEAR

Following UIL's realignment the Bobcats are now in District 3-4A Division II, which means Krum doesn't have to face old nemesis Celina during the regular season — although a match up in the playoffs remains a possibility. Pilot Point, Carrollton Ranchview and Bridgeport are still on the 2016 schedule, but it’s a road game on Sept. 9 that likely will have the Bobcats excited. That's when Krum visits nearby Sanger and when transfer quarterback Trent McMillin will be facing off against his former teammates.

No. 1 2 3 4 6 7 9 10 11 12 15 17 18 20 21 23 32 36 42 44 48 55 56 58

Player Preston Shifflett Trent McMillin Hunter Addison Justin Adams Harrison Doyle Ronnie Gentry Jackson Smith Caleb Schertz Remi May Brandon Reeves Kale Pierce Jayton Harwell Dawson Shields Lorenzo Tystad Dakota May Donald Brown Coleton Spradley Boston Castillo Ryan Gipson Haeden Knight Josh Cummins Raymond Barrington Marc Barrera Everett Gunnoe

Pos. WR/DB QB/LB WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB QB/LB RB/LB WR/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB RB/DB RB/LB OL/DE OL/LB OL/DE

Ht. 5-11 6-2 5-10 5-11 6-0 5-7 5-9 6-2 5-11 5-9 5-9 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-2 5-11 6-0 6-0 6-1 5-10 5-10 6-4 5-11 6-5

Wt. 165 200 140 165 165 155 170 170 140 180 170 180 180 180 230 175 200 200 220 190 180 225 220 290

Yr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr.

KRUM | Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 26 Pilot Point 7:30 p.m. Sept. 3 at F.W. O.D. Wyatt 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Sanger 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16 Lake Worth 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23 Carrollton Ranchview 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30 Pleasant Grove^ 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at Iowa Park * 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 Bridgeport * 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at Graham * 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 Vernon * 7:30 p.m. * Denotes District 3-4A (Division II) game ^ at Royse City 60 67 70 72 74 75 76 81 83 85 88

Evan Shipley Zane Howard Antonio Barraza Travis Draper Josh Baker Matthew Medina Jacob Wilson Colton Oster Christian Ehrhart Ben Perches Justus Martinez

OL/DE OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB RB/LB OL/DL WR/DB

6-2 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-5 5-7 6-3 5-11 6-0 5-11 6-4

230 300 270 275 320 265 250 150 180 245 175

Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr.

FOOTBALL 2016 | Composite schedule Thursday, Aug. 25 Braswell at Haslet Eaton, 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26 Denton at Lake Dallas, 7 p.m.; Mansfield Lake Ridge at Guyer, 7:30 p.m.; Ryan at Lancaster, 7:30 p.m.; Melissa at Liberty Christian, 7:30 p.m.; Ponder at Benbrook, 7:30 p.m.; Pilot Point at Krum, 7:30 p.m.; Graham at Sanger, 7:30 p.m.; Aubrey at Bowie, 7:30 p.m.; Calvary at Waco Live Oak, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27 Argyle vs. Lovejoy, 7 p.m., Allen Eagle Stadium Friday, Sept. 2 Frisco Independence at Braswell, 7 p.m.; Frisco Centennial at Lake Dallas, 7 p.m.; Guyer at DeSoto, 7:30 p.m.; Argyle vs. LaGrange, 7:30 p.m., Waco Midway; Denton at Sanger, 7:30 p.m.; Ryan at Mesquite Poteet, 7:30 p.m.; Liberty Christian at Celina, 7:30 p.m.; Wichita Falls City View at Ponder, 7:30 p.m.; Pilot Point at Muenster, 7:30 p.m.; Whitesboro at Aubrey, 7:30 p.m.; Lucas at Calvary (Ryan), 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3 SMU at North Texas, 6 p.m.; Krum at O.D. Wyatt, 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8 Braswell vs. Frisco Reedy at The Star in Frisco, 7 p.m.; Ryan at Wylie East, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9 The Colony at Denton, 7 p.m.; Celina at Argyle, 7:30 p.m.; Lake Dallas at Prestonwood, 7:30 p.m.; Guyer at Dallas Kimball, 7:30 p.m.; Gilmer at Liberty Christian, 7:30 p.m.; Ponder at Holliday, 7:30 p.m.; Krum at Sanger, 7:30 p.m.; Aubrey at Pilot Point, 7:30 p.m.; Goldberg at Calvary (Ryan), 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10

Bethune-Cookman at UNT, 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15 Denton at Keller Timber Creek, 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16 Frisco Lone Star at Ryan, 7 p.m.; Braswell at Kaufman, 7:30 p.m.; Argyle at Abilene Wylie, 7:30 p.m.; S&S at Ponder, 7:30 p.m.; Lake Worth at Krum, 7:30 p.m.; Sanger at Bridgeport, 7:30 p.m.; Gunter at Pilot Point, 7:30 p.m.; Benbrook at Aubrey, 7:30 p.m.; Savoy at Calvary (Ryan), 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 North Texas at Florida, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22 Lake Dallas at Newman Smith, 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23 Denton at Ryan, 7 p.m.; Paris at Argyle, 7:30 p.m.; Guyer at Plano, TBA; Liberty Christian at Prestonwood, 7:30 p.m.; Ponder at Santo, 7:30 p.m.; Carrollton Ranchview at Krum, 7:30 p.m.; Sanger at Midlothian Heritage, 7:30 p.m.; Pilot Point at Brock, 7:30 p.m.; Pottsboro at Aubrey, 7:30 p.m.; Calvary at Canyon Creek, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 UNT at Rice, TBA Thursday, Sept. 29 Ryan vs. Braswell, 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30 Sherman at Denton, 7 p.m.; Plano East at Guyer, 7 p.m.; R.L. Turner at Lake Dallas, 7 p.m.; Liberty Christian at John Paul II, 7:30 p.m.; Krum vs. Texarkana Plesant Grove at Royse City, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 Middle Tennessee at North Texas, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 6 Sanger at Wichita Falls Hirschi, 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7 Braswell at Sherman, 7 p.m.; Denton at Wichita Falls, 7 p.m.; McKinney at Guyer, 7 p.m.; Lake Dallas at McKinney North, 7 p.m.; Argyle at Decatur, 7 p.m.; Parish Episcopal at Liberty Christian, 7:30 p.m.; Brock at Ponder, 7:30 p.m.; Krum at Iowa Park, 7:30 p.m.; Callisburg at Pilot Point, 7:30 p.m.; Aubrey at Community, 7:30 p.m.; Ovilla Christian at Calvary (Ryan), 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8 Marshall at North Texas, 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 Braswell at Wichita Falls, 7 p.m.; Denison at Denton, 7 p.m.; Sherman at Ryan, 7 p.m.; Guyer at Allen, 7 p.m.; The Colony at Lake Dallas, 7 p.m.; Burkburnett at Sanger, 7 p.m.; Argyle at Gainesville, 7 p.m.; Liberty Christian at Trinity Christian, 7:30 p.m.; Ponder at Boyd, 7:30 p.m.; Bridgeport at Krum, 7:30 p.m.; Pilot Point at Whitesboro, 7:30 p.m.; Bonham at Aubrey, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 Lake Dallas at Carrollton Creekview, 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21 Braswell at Denison, 7 p.m.; Wichita Falls Rider at Denton, 7 p.m.; Ryan at Wichita Falls, 7 p.m.; Wylie at Guyer, 7 p.m.; Sanger at Argyle, 7 p.m.; Bishop Lynch at Liberty Christian, 7:30 p.m.; Paradise at Ponder, 7:30 p.m.; Krum at Graham, 7:30 p.m.; Pottsboro at Pilot Point, 7:30 p.m.; Aubrey at Caddo Mills, 7:30 p.m.; Calvary at Watauga Harvest, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22 UNT at Army, 11 a.m.

Thursday, Oct. 27 Denison at Ryan, 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28 Wichita Falls Rider at Braswell, 7 p.m.; Guyer at McKinney Boyd, 7 p.m.; Lake Dallas at Little Elm, 7 p.m.; Argyle at Wichita Falls Hirschi, 7 p.m.; Gainesville at Sanger, 7 p.m.; Bishop Dunne at Liberty Christian, 7:30 p.m.; Ponder at Breckenridge, 7:30 p.m.; Pilot Point at Howe, 7:30 p.m.; Melissa at Aubrey, 7:30 p.m.; Abilene Christian at Calvary (Ryan), 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 North Texas at UTSA, TBA Thursday, Nov. 3 Braswell at Denton, 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4 Plano West at Guyer, 7 p.m.; Ryan at Wichita Falls Rider, 7 p.m.; Prosper at Lake Dallas, 7 p.m.; Burkburnett at Argyle, 7 p.m.; Sanger at Decatur, 7:30 p.m.; Liberty Christian at Fort Worth Nolan, 7:30 p.m.; Bowie at Ponder, 7:30 p.m.; Vernon at Krum, 7:30 p.m.; Van Alstyne at Pilot Point, 7:30 p.m.; Aubrey at Celina, 7:30 p.m.; Calvary at Midland Christian, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 Louisiana Tech at North Texas, 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 North Texas at Western Kentucky, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 Southern Mississippi at North Texas, 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26 North Texas at UTEP, TBA

SANGER

DRC Football

August 25, 2016

Sanger on rise under Galbreath By Brady Keane For the Denton Record-Chronicle

After going winless in 2012, Sanger wasted no time in clawing its way back into contention in Class 4A Under coach Chuck Galbreath, who is now entering his lOth season, the Indians have won 25 gamesoverthe~tthreeseasonsandr:nade

the playoffs each time. Galbreath feels the Indians' future looks brighter than ever with an explosive junior class that is champing at the bit to take control this season. Quarterback CJ Jackson, running back Dar:neon Moser and receiver Gavin Brown cor:nbined for more than 3,100 yards and 40 touchdowns as sophomores last season, and all three are expected to see expanded roles on offense. "I feel like we are all on the sar:ne page most of the time," Jackson said ofthe junior class. "We've known since seventh grade that we had a talented group~ Jackson progressed tremendously during the team's 2015 car:npaign. But Galbreath said he expects an even bigger jump this season from his quarterback, and even cor:npared his expectations for Jackson to those of former Sanger great - current Thlsa quarterback - Dane Evans. "I've seen this before with Dane Evans," Galbreath said. "He was a good player as a sophor:nore, but a whole lot better as a junior and senior. Were hopeful that we're going to see the sar:ne thing fror:n CJ." Galbreath, who is known for using a run-balanced offense, said Jackson's progression will result in more opportunities through the air. The Indians ran the ball more than twice as many times as they threw it last year - 494 to 188. The decision to incorporate the passing game into the playbook r:nore also extends out to the strong receiving corps surrounding Jackson on the outside. In addition to Brown, who led the team with 36 receptions ~t season, the Indians also return senior Braven Sr:nith and r:noved two-way star Peyton Howard fror:n running back to receiver. "I'm very excited, and so are the receivers," Jackson said. "We have a very talented group, and it's cool that we are spreading the ball around." While Jackson and the receivers will have more hook-ups in the passing game,

Have a great season, Sanger Indians! From your fans at

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SANGER I Sanger defensive lineman Nick Pinzel and quarterback CJ Jackson will look to lead theIndians to the playoffs for afourthstraight season this fall. Sanger has won 25 games over that span. Jackson, running back Dameon Moser and wide receiver Gavin Brown combined for BUILDING BLocKs more than 3,100 total yards last season, when Pinzel helped anchor the Indians' defense. Moser's ir:npact will also increase in the run game. Moser split tir:ne at running back with Howard ~tseason, and Howard's position change will allow Moser to take control of the backfield. The position change also allows Galbreath to keep two of his most athletic players on the field at the sar:ne tir:ne, rather than dividing their touches. Theone-two punch of Jackson, who was the tear:n's third leading rusher last year, and Moser in the backfield will be the focus of the offense. 'We've got two really good athletes back there, and our offense is going to be kind of centered around that," Galbreath said. "That's going to be who we are." With such an explosive offense, the fo-

cus is alr:nost drawn away fror:n an equally talented defense. Led by Howard, a fouryear starter at safety, and Nick Pinzel, the Indians are poised for yet another big year. "We have always had really good depth on defense, and having the younger guys learn how to play their spot before they becor:ne seniors is a huge key," Pinzel said. With a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, and rising stars at every skill position on offense, Galbreath and the Indians are confident going into this season and the future.

"They've won a lot of football gar:nes," Galbreath said of his junior and senior class. 'i\11 they know how to do is win, and I feel like that is going to help us continue to win this season."

INDIANS I Quick Facts District Class 4-4A (Division

2014 record: 10-2 (4-1 in district) Coach: Chuck Galbreath (58-39 in nine seasons at Sanger) Returning starters: Seven on offense, five on defense Key players: QB CJ Jackson, WRIDB Peyton Howard, RB Dameon Moser, WR Braven Smith, WR Gavin Brown, OL RJ Aores, DL Nick Pinzel Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2-5

School enrollment: 798 Stadium: Indian Stadium

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SANGER

August 25, 2016

Sanger's Howard finds role at WR By Brady Keane

ter a few weeks, the move made sense. "Sometimes you've just got to listen to your kids, and he was exactly right," GalGoing back to his freslunan year, Peyton breath said. "It made the most sense. He's Howard has always made his presence felt just a team player." on the field. When he is on the field, whethPart of the reasoning behind the switch er at his spot in the Sanger offensive back- was the young talent Sanger has at running field, at safety or on kickoff returns, oppos- back. Dameon Moser was the team's leading rusher as a sophomore last season ing teams know it But after rushing for 635 yards and 12 rushing for 733 yards and 15 touchdowns. touchdowns in 2015, Howard is preparing Moving Howard to receiver opens the for yet another role to help his team - wide door for both players to be on the field at the same time. receiver. The move also makes the Indians' of"I finally got the guts to ask [coach Chuck Galbreath] if I could play receiver fense more dynamic. instead of running back this year because Sanger returns its top two receivers in there's an open spot," Howard said. "I felt Braven Smith and Gavin Brown, who combined for 918 yards and nine touchdowns. like I could play the position very well." With the Indians looking to fill a hole at Adding Howard to the mix gives junior wide receiver, Howard felt like it would be a quarterback CJ Jackson yet another weapwin-win for everyone. on to work with. ''I'm real excited about making this It was an idea he had thought about for a while, but the opportunity never present- move," Howard said. "I feel like it's going to ed itself. help this team to be even more diverse in At first, Galbreath was skeptical. But af- throwing and running the ball." For the Denton Record-Chronicle

David Minton/ DRC

Sanger standout Peyton Howard has contributed to t he Indians' success in a variÂˇ ety of ways throughout his career. This fall he will take on a new role as a wide receiver. The move will allow the Indians to get another playmaker on the field.

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DRC Football

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year INDIANS | Roster POSITION OF STRENGTH

With a strong offense and defense this season, the Indians’ biggest strength is the speed and athleticism present on both sides of the ball. From top to bottom, Sanger has improved its athleticism. The attacking style of play that coach Chuck Galbreath and the Indians are known for will be kicked up a notch this year, and the athleticism on offense will allow the team to be extremely explosive through the air and on the ground. Defensively, speed and quickness on the defensive line and through the Galbreath secondary combines well with an athletic group of linebackers, and should provide for another year of stingy defensive play.

POINT OF CONCERN

The Indians are entering the season with one of the toughest schedules they’ve played in a while. With a non-district schedule including Denton, Graham and rival Krum, Sanger has a tough route ahead before district play begins. The Indians also play on the road against district rival Argyle, and have to travel to Decatur to take

on their newest district foe. The schedule is daunting, but Galbreath scheduled tough opponents to prepare for what is expected to be a tough road through the playoffs.

KEY NEWCOMER

A senior-laden group will anchor the defense, but Galbreath believes sophomore Brock Howard has the potential to break through for the Indians. With his strength and physicality, Howard will battle for playing time at linebacker.

GAME OF THE YEAR

Galbreath said he thinks a Sept. 2 game against Denton will mark the first time Sanger has ever played a Denton ISD school. The game against Denton will be a good benchmark game for the Indians, but Galbreath and the Indians know road games in Argyle and Decatur will decide the district race and playoff positioning. Narrowing it down to one game of the year was easy for returning first team all-district defensive end Nick Pinzel. “The most important game to me — and most of my teammates — is the Argyle game,” Pinzel said. “There’s always been a huge rivalry there, and when my class was younger we had always won against Argyle. I’m ready to bring that back.”

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 22 23 28 30 32 35 40 41 42 43 44 48 50

Player Pos. Braven Smith WR/DB Gavin Brown WR/DB Coleton Henry WR/DB Dameon Moser RB/DB Baron Bailey WR/DB Peyton Howard RB/DB Clay Webster TE/LB Eli Wilson WR/DB Luke Pennington WR/DB CJ Jackson QB/RB Tanner Cason TE/DB Erik Ly WR/DB Brandon WhitworthWR/DB Zach Allison WR/DB Juan Martinez PK Logan Walker QB/DB Travis Dunn WR/DB Hunter Looper WR/DB Tito Rodriquez PK/DL Cody Hunter RB/DB Blake Smith RB/DE Brock Howard RB/LB Alec Reynolds TE/DB Daniel Deacon RB/LB Larry Avala TE/LB Gsvin Erwin OL/DE Justin Maples WR/DB Joseph Varnall TE/LB Dakota Hopson OL/DL Mickey Sykes OL/DL

Ht. 6-4 5-9 5-7 5-11 6-0 5-11 6-3 6-0 5-9 5-11 6-1 5-7 5-9 6-0 5-9 5-11 5-10 5-9 5-11 5-9 5-11 5-11 5-10 5-11 5-9 6-2 5-8 5-11 5-9 6-0

Wt. 205 170 150 165 170 185 205 170 170 165 190 150 150 170 150 170 180 170 200 170 175 205 190 185 185 190 165 190 190 190

Yr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr.

SANGER | Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 26 Graham 7:30 p.m. Sept. 2 Denton 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9 Krum 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at Bridgeport 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at Midlothian Heritage 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6 at Wichita Falls Hirschi * 7 p.m. Oct. 14 Burkburnett * 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Argyle * 7 p.m. Oct. 28 Gainesville * 7 p.m. Nov. 4 at Decatur * 7 p.m. * Denotes District 4-4A (Division I) game

51 54 55 56 58 59 65 71 72 74 76 77 99

Garrett Windham Tucker Borxson Jake Galbreath David Wright Gage McCarty R.J. Flores Cameron Robare Zack Farris Tanner Polley Samuel Stroud Jonathan Hayes Blake Waters Nick Pinzel

OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

5-9 6-1 5-9 6-3 6-0 6-2 6-1 5-10 6-4 6-2 5-10 6-0 6-3

175 210 200 235 260 240 260 250 280 210 225 240 225

Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr.

FOOTBALL 2016 | UIL state championship history Class 5A, Division II — Cedar Hill 34, Katy 24 Class 4A, Division I — Guyer 31, San Antonio Brennan 14 Class 4A, Division II — Aledo 38, Brenham 10 Class 3A, Division I — Carthage 34, Kilgore 23 Class 3A, Division II — Argyle 38, Fairfield 33 Class 2A, Division I — Cameron Yoe 35, Wall 14 Class 2A, Division II — Cisco 56, Refugio 46 Class A, Division I — Stamford 41, Shiner 28 Class A, Division II —Wellington 42, Falls City 20 Six-Man, Division I — Crowell 78, May 52 Six-Man, Division II — Grandfalls- Royalty 73, Millford 28

The following is a list of Texas high school football champions

2015 Class 6A, Division I — Galena Park North Shore 21, Austin Westlake 14 (OT) Class 6A, Division II — Katy 34, Lake Travis 7 Class 5A, Division I — Richmond George Ranch 56, Mansfield Lake Ridge 0 Class 5A, Division II — Cedar Park 22, Frisco Lone Star 6 Class 4A, Division I — Waco La Vega 33, Arygle 31 Class 4A, Division II — West Organge Stark 22, Celina 3 Class 3A, Division I — Brock 43, Cameron Yoe 33 Class 3A, Division II — Waskom 33, Franklin 21 Class 2A Division I — Canadian 61, Refugio 20 Class 2A, Division II — Bremond 35, Albany 20 Class A, Division I— Abbott 40, Crowell 30 Class A, Division II — Richland Springs 72, Follett 26

2014 Class 6A, Division I — Allen 47, Cypress Ranch 16 Class 6A, Division II — Cedar Hill 23, Katy 20 Class 5A, Division I — Aledo 49, Temple 45 Class 5A, Division II — Ennis 38, Cedar Park 35

2012

Class 5A, Division I — Allen 35, Houston Lamar 21 Class 5A, Division II — Katy 35, Cedar Hill 24 Class 4A, Division I — Guyer 48, Georgetown 37 Class 4A, Division II — Cedar Park 17, Lancaster 7

David Minton/DRC

Guyer beat San Antonio Brennan 31-14 in the Class 4A, Division I state title game to cap the 2013 season. Guyer won back-to-back titles beginning in 2012. Class 4A, Division I — Navasota 42, Argyle 35 (2OT) Class 4A, Division II — Gilmer 35, West Orange Stark 25 Class 3A, Division I — Cameron Yoe 70, Mineola 40 Class 3A, Division II — Waskom 41, Newton 22

Class 2A Division I — Canadian 34, Mason 7 Class 2A, Division II —Bremond 28, Albany 21 Class A, Division I — Crowell 62, May 16 Class A, Division II — Throckmorton 66, Groom 20

2013

Class 5A, Division I — Allen 63, Pearland 21

Class 3A, Division I — Stephenville 70, El Campo 35 Class 3A, Division II — Navasota 39, Gilmer 3 Class 2A, Division I — Cameron Yoe 38, Daingerfield 20 Class 2A, Division II — East Bernard 56, Corsicana Mildred 14 Class A, Division I — Stamford 35, Mart 28 Class A, Division II — Munday 42, Tenaha 14 Six-Man, Divission I — Throckmorton 72, Abbott 30 Six-Man, Division II — Richland Springs 60, Follett 14

PILOT POINT

DRC Football

August 25, 2016

Pilot Point, Kemp aim for playoffs By Patrick Hayslip Staff Writer

Pilot Point quarterback Quincy Kemp and the rest of the Bearcats have a chip on their shoulders. After being edged out of the playoffs last year via tiebreaker despite a 7-3 record, disappointment is a driving force. This time, Kemp hopes to be a part of their final push. The Bearcats were dealt an untimely preseason injmy to starting quarterback Hunter Balderas leading up to the start of the 2015 season. Kemp stepped in and did more than hold his head above water as a sophomore. Kemp guided his team to a 5-0 nondistrict start. But as district play got underway, the Bearcats found themselves in what turned out to be one of the most important games of the season at home against Callisburg. Pilot Point lost bysix points and also lost Kemp for the rest of the season a week later against Van Alstyne when he suffered a concussion. Suddenly the Bearcats were staring at an 0-2 district hole and couldn't dig themselves out. Callisburg won a tiebreaker with Pilot Point for a playoffspot. "'t was really hard knowing I could have at least tried to help the team," Kemp said. 'We were so close. It's tough looking back tlrinlOng, What ifI got out ofbounds instead ofgetting my feet caught up?' There are a lot of big leaders that are still here to push our team. We sold ourselves short last year and we're pushing ourselves knowing we can be a better unit and make the playoffs:' The Bearcats have nine returning starters, but they are without one of the most dynamic playmakers program history in DaCoven Bailey, who is at Rutgers. The loss of Bailey has several ripple effects . "This team is pretty unique," Pilot Point head coach Rob Best said. "In the past, like on our 2009 state championship team, we had three Division I football players, so in the past, there has always been that player. The last two years, we leaned on DaCoven and he was very prolific catching and scoring the ball. This year it's going to be more by committee, and in some ways that's going to be better." Kemp will be surrounded by a speedy set ofskill players, starting with junior running back and wideout 1Y Hellman, senior

Have a great season, Pilot Poi nt Bearcats! From your fans at

DATCU

PILOT POINT BUILDING BLOCKS I

David Minton/ DRC Quincy Kemp stepped in at quarterback for Pilot Point last season and led the Bearcats to a 5-0 start before a pair of losses in district play helped derail their season. Pilot Point missed the playo~, despite finishing 7-3. The ~rcats are determined to bounce back this season behind Kemp, who has recovered from the concussion he suffered last season 10 a loss to Van Alstyne.

tight end Rance Kenny and junior wideout Connor Walker. Finding the right mix on offense will be important for Pilot Point Kemp's five wins and improved strength have given him confidence. "My arm is feeling a bitjuiced up; Kemp said. "I feel like I can launch the ball this year because I got stronger." Kemp said staying positive was the most important takeaway from last season and for Best, decision-making will be one of Kemp's challenges, but physically he has all the tools to lead the Bearcats back to the playoffs. "Quincy has good vision of the field and he's extremely competitive," Best said. "He likes to win and loves to compete. The other thing about him is that he can throw the ball well enough that he can hurt you, but

he's also a great scrambler when he's forced to run the football. He's a dual threat and an excellent athlete." Much like Thavis Garrett from a few seasons ago, Best has confidence in Kemp's legs, but also wants Kemp to understand he has to live for another play and another day - something Kemp feels he has a full understanding of now. Best expects to make the playoffs every year, but the five-team district comprised of Callisburg, Whitesboro, Pottsboro, Van Alstyne and newcomer Howe will be no easy task. Pilot Point still expects to win. "That's the Pilot Point mentality and that's what's fortunate for me," Best said. ''The kids place the bar and the expectations very high on themselves, plus they're willing to do the work to get there:'

. '4

BEARCATS I Quick Facts

District 5-3A (Division 0 2015 record: 7-3 (2-3 district) Coach: Rob Best (33-20 overaiO Returning starters: Four on offense, five on defense Key players: QB Quincy Kemp, RB/WR Ty Hellman, Ol Eze<p.~iel Trejo, TE Rance Kemy, LB Taylor Barrett, lB Coltyn Gallaway, CB Carson Blagg, DE Tyler Scott, DB Reagan Gochis, WR Jeremiuah Devereaux, T~LB Chase Hammer, WR Raymond lynch, Ol Cody Binyon, Ol Tyler Scott, Ol Zacharia Devereaux Offense: 1-fonnation Defense: 4-2-5

School enrollment: 435 Stadium: Massey Stadium

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August 25, 2016

DRC Football

August 25,2016

DRC Football

Hard work pays off for Gallaway By Patrick Hayslip

in the weight room and with his practice habits." To Pilot Point senior Coltyn Gallaway, Admittedly, Gallaway didn't have his playing linebacker carries with it a sense of heart fully invested in his freshman season, responsibility. but one day it clicked with him. The linebacker has to be a leader on the Gallaway told himself his sophomore field and show passion and dedication offof season would be dllferent. "I had to kick it in gear, get my head on it, and this year will be no dllferent for Gallaway and the Bearcats. straight and really commit to what I wantWith the offense in transition, the Bear- ed to do," Gallaway said. "I just wanted to cats are set to lean heavily on their defense, play football." and head coach Rob Best knows Gallaway After narrowly missing the playoffs last is the man to lead the way. season, Gallaway is ready to turn his crav"Physically, he's really dedicated in the ing for physicality into a return trip to the weight room," Best said. "He's very strong, playoffs and beyond. "I think were very hungry," Gallaway but the great thing is he's focused. He came in as a freshman and wasn't quite as said. "I feel that this year we are more drivcommitted, but he figured out he enjoyed en and more connected. We have a stronger playing the game. He dedicated himself team." Staff Writer

David Minton/ DRC

Pilot Point linebacker Coltyn Gallaway developed into a standout player for t he Bearcats largely because of t he dedicat ion he has shown to working out and focusing on the nuances of the game during practice.

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PILOT POINT

August 25, 2016

BEARCATS | Roster

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

Led by a trio of seniors, the linebacking corps will be the backbone of the Bearcats this season as they represent three of the five returning starters. Coltyn Gallaway, Taylor Barrett and Chase Hammer will all be relied upon to lead the defense that is making the change to a 42-5. The trio holds the most experience on both sides of the ball. For the Barrett Bearcats to make it back to the playoffs, the linebacker crew will need to improve.

POINT OF CONCERN

With just four returners on offense, the offensive line took a hit to its depth due to graduation. It lacks experience, but Best is impressed with their potential. The Bearcats should be able to surround their line will skill position players, but the line’s development will be crucial to helping the overall offense mature.

KEY NEWCOMER

As a junior, 5-7, 150-pound cornerback, Jeremiuah Devereaux will have his work cut out for him as he slides into the other corner spot alongside senior Carson Blagg. Pilot Point will use Devereaux’s speed and physicality as much as possible. His physicality will be useful as the Bearcats’ defense transitions to a five-defensive back system.

GAME OF THE YEAR

In a five-team district, getting off to a good start is paramount. A slow start last season kept Pilot Point out of the playoffs. The Bearcats piled up five wins before district play, but lost to Callisburg 22-18 to start their district slate. The Bearcats then fell to Van Alstyne. Despite going 2-1 in their final three games, Pilot Point’s loss to Callisburg was the tiebreaker that kept the Bearcats out of the playoffs. Pilot Point opens district play on Oct. 7 at home against Callisburg. Thankfully, the Bearcats have three district home games like last season, but they want to avoid needing help from other teams to make the playoffs.

DRC Football

No. 1 2 3 5 6 8 9 11 12 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 27 35 44 45 47 50 52 54 55 56

Player Quincy Kemp Carson Blagg Reagan Gochis Rance Kenney Jacob Pitts Coy Holman Tyler Williams Roy Brown Ty Hellman Adam Mendoza Jaime Tavera Gage Martin Jordan Harris Johnny Campbell Chase Hammer Tanna Tuinei Jeremiuah Devereaux David Colmenero Reid Riney Michael Walker Taylor Barrett Coltyn Gallaway Ezequiel Trejo Zachariah Devereaux Micah Henson Jacob Morris Ryan Williams

Pos. QB/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DE WR/DB QB/DE WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB/K K WR/DE RB/DE WR/DB TE/LB K WR/DB WR/LB WR/LB TE/DE RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DE OL/DL OL/DL

Ht. 5-11 5-10 5-11 6-1 5-10 5-10 6-0 5-9 5-9 5-9 5-10 5-11 5-9 5-11 6-0 5-10 5-8 5-9 6-0 6-0 5-9 5-9 5-9 5-9 5-10 6-0 6-2

Wt. Yr. 155 Jr. 155 Sr. 170 Jr. 195 Sr. 155 Fr. 165 Sr. 170 So. 150 Jr. 140 Jr. 120 Jr. 170 Sr. 170 Sr. 185 Jr. 150 Jr. 185 Sr. 165 Sr. 140 Jr. 150 Jr. 160 So. 165 Jr. 160 Sr. 170 Sr. 170 Sr. 190 Sr. 165 Jr. 190 So. 260 Jr.

PILOT POINT | Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 26 at Krum 7:30 p.m. Sept. 2 at Muenster 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9 Aubrey 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16 Gunter 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at Brock 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 Callisburg * 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at Whitesboro * 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 Pottsboro * 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at Howe * 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 Van Alstyne * 7:30 p.m. * Denotes District 5-3A (Division I) game

62 66 68 70 72 75 76 77 79 80

Kolton Reid Lane Whisenant Connor Lynch Evan Billmeier Antonio Puga Diego Martinez Dody Binron Tyler Scott J.W. Morgasn Raymond Lynch

OL/DE OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DE OL/DL WR/DE

6-2 5-1 6-0 6-1 5-10 5-6 6-2 6-0 5-10 6-0

165 So. 225 Jr. 200 Fr. 205 Jr. 185 Jr. 130 So. 230 Jr. 210 Sr. 165 Sr. 185 Jr.

2015 IN REVIEW | Denton Record-Chronicle all-area football team The following is the Denton Record-Chronicle’s 2015 All-Area Football team as selected by its staff in consultation with area coaches. Most Valuable Player – Tyreke Davis, LB/RB, Ryan Comeback Player of the Year – Dagan Haehn, QB, Lake Dallas Quarterback of the Year – Spencer Sanders, Ryan Coach of the Year – Dave Henigan, Ryan Co-Offensive Players of the Year – Keegan Brewer, WR, Lake Dallas; Xavier Scott, RB, Denton Defensive Player of the Year – Michael Carrillo, LB, Guyer Newcomer of the Year – Noah Cain, RB, Guyer First-team Offense QB – Shawn Robinson, Guyer RB – DaCoven Bailey, Pilot Point; Myron Mason, Guyer; Taylor Sweatt, Argyle WR – Gabriel Douglas, Ryan; Drew Estrada, Argyle; Gage McCook, Argyle OL – Gunnar Chance, Guyer; Segun Ijiyera, Lake Dallas; Grant Polley, Denton; Marco San Miguel, Aubrey, Ty Smith, Argyle K – Caleb Holt, Argyle Defense DL – Ken McLaurin, Ryan; Courtenay Holder, Lake Dallas; Jarrod Huther, Sanger; P.J. Broussard, Guyer; Earnest Brown IV, Ryan; Shane McKinney, Argyle LB – Nick Watts, Ryan; Hudson Speed, Argyle; Coleton Spradley, Krum; Dharius Timmons, Guyer DB – Delano Robinson, Ryan; Gage Campbell, Argyle; Bryce Jackson, Guyer Second team Offense QB – Colt Atkinson, Denton; Dane Ledford, Argyle

Ryan running back Tyreke Davis (21) stiff arms Keller defensive back Landry Hutchins last season at Keller ISD Athletic Complex. Davis was named the MVP of last season’s Denton Record-Chronicle All-Area Football Team. RB – Jon Delbosque, Aubrey; Haeden Knight, Krum; Pablo Vera, Aubrey WR – Emerson Espinoza, Denton; Rodney Gladney Ryan; Justus Lee, Liberty Christian TE – J.C. Chalk, Argyle OL – David Gray, Aubrey; Dawson Lahart, Ryan; Cody Pierce, Lake Dallas; Ace Ventura, Denton; Cesar

Vidana, Guyer Defense DL – Raymond Barrington, Krum; Jacob Forrer, Argyle; Tevan McAdams, Guyer; Nick Pinzel, Sanger; Thomas Wilson III, Ryan

LB – Kenny Bowen, Denton; Christian Martinez, Krum; Tylor Morris, Krum; Devin Turner, Lake Dallas DB – Tamar Butts, Ryan; Brandon Daniel, Guyer; Gatlin Grisso, Aubrey; Peyton Howard, Sanger; Jacob Peppard, Lake Dallas

PONDER

DRC Football

August 25, 2016

Aguilar to power Ponder offense By Patrick Hayslip Staff Writer

Ponder running back Jonathan Aguilar knows he can’t do everything himself as he heads into his senior season. Aguilar took the majority of the team’s offensive touches last season in the Lions’ Wing-T styled offense, while also seeing time at safety. The senior’s role is changing due to an influx of skill position players and a shift to a spread offense. Still, Aguilar only knows one speed. And with head coach Russell Ballard recognizing his true importance, he is trying to stress the value of staying healthy. Ballard says it’s a hard lesson to teach to Aguilar, considering the senior’s work ethic and impact on his teammates. “I don’t think he’ll ever learn to go down,” Ballard said of Aguilar’s never-giveup mentality. “I think the biggest takeaway from him is as hard as he plays and runs, he’s really rubbed off on the rest of our running backs. The other guys who might not have had such a bruising, hard-running mentality have adopted his ways. They keep their feet moving and they don’t go down on first contact.” For Aguilar, knowing he doesn’t have to carry the entire offensive load this season is a big relief. “We have a lot more options this year,” Aguilar said. “Last year, I had the ball a lot more. I wanted to do as much as I can for the team, but you can’t just depend on one person to carry your team. I’m really excited to be able to share the ball, but I couldn’t keep going like I did last year. When I do get the ball, I’ll have 150 percent as opposed to last year.” “I was already worn out by the first half because I was playing both sides of the ball.” Aguilar ran for 549 yards and five touchdowns on 128 carries and will be counted on to play safety. In an ideal world, Ballard hopes Aguilar will mainly stay on the offensive side of the ball where he can stack up with the rest of the Lions’ dynamic playmakers. “We’re going to be a lot more athletic than we’ve been here in a long, long time,” Ballard said. Aguilar is making that a tough decision as he was named a first-team safety on the all-district team. With the move to the spread offense, Aguilar’s role will be expanded. Ballard thinks Aguilar is ready to flourish as an

PONDER BUILDING BLOCKS

David Minton/DRC Jonathan Aguilar will continue to be a key component of Ponder’s offense this season, despite a shift in philosophy. The Lions are moving from the Wing-T, a system Aguilar thrived in, to the spread. Ponder has a number of skill position players it will look to get the ball to in its spread look, but Aguilar will continue to get plenty of carries again this season.

overall offensive threat, especially catching the ball. Aguilar didn’t have that opportunity often last year out of the run-heavy Wing-T look. “Now in the spread, we can move him around and it gets him in space and defenses are worried about where he is going to be,” Ballard said. “We were very single-minded and predictable on offense last year. Our inability to score on offense made it very difficult to win games even though we were playing relatively good defense.” The Lions’ spread offense will be rounded out by senior running back Ethan Hill, who also got his share of carries last season. Senior running backs Danny Cumpton and Colton McCarroll and junior Kaden McEwen will also see time.

Senior quarterbacks Shane Scott and Trey Ashmore each bring their own set of skills and will guide Ponder’s offense. Translating potential into production will be the overwhelming challenge for Ballard and his coaching staff, who are also emphasizing the importance of a good start in district play. “It’s a difficult district,” Ballard said. “Brock is the defending state champion. Breckenridge has played Brock as close as anyone has the past two years so they’ll be competitive. Bowie is going to put a really good team on the field. Boyd is Boyd. They always have a good team. I know they’re a little short on numbers, but they’re still Boyd. Paradise will have an option-type style and improve.”

See PONDER on 86

LIONS | Quick Facts District: 4-3A Division I 2015 record: 3-7 (0-5 in district) Coach: Russell Ballard (3-7 at Ponder) Returning starters: Eight on offense, eight on defense Key players: RB/S Jonathan Aguilar, RB Ethan Hill, DL Justin Stout, RB Danny Cumpton, QB Shane Scott, QB Trey Ashmore, OL Tyler Wagner, RB Kaden McEwen, WR Chase Harris, RB DJ Cumpton, WR Jacob Summerlin, OL Zack Johnson, WR AJ Read, WR Rylan Waldo Offense: Spread Defense: Split School Enrollment: 397 Stadium: Ponder Field

August 25, 2016

DRC Football

August 25, 2016

DRC Football

Stout gives Lions punch along line By Patrick Hayslip Staff Writer

Ponder senior Justin Stout is known for his unrelenting motor, often setting the pace for his team in the weight room and on the field. But it's his versatility that has put the coaching staff in a tough, yet enviable position. As an invaluable two-way player on both the offensive and defensive lines, the coaches can't resist giving Stout all the playing time. He's just that good. "He can just go and go and go," Ponder head coach Russell Ballard said. "He's full speed all the time, and he's going to have to play both ways. We ideally wanted to have five offensive linemen that don't have to play both ways, but he's just so good that he's not really giving us that option." If you ask Stout, he is just happy to be playing. "It's not easy playing both sides," Stout said. "''ve been doing it since seventh grade, and you get kind of used to it It's hard and a struggle, but you have to push through and

play evezyyard, every game, every snap and give it everything you have:' As the Lions mold their defensive scheme to an odd front, Stout will move over to nose guard from defensive end. Ponder will rely on Stout to set the tone just as he does in practice, creating havoc for offensive lines with his quick jump off the ball, good footwork and diverse set of moves. ''The way he came off the edge created problems, but playing him at nose, he can create problems on both sides ofthe line instead of just one side; Ballard said. "You can't run away from him with him right in front" The Lions have eight players returning on defense. Stout expects a big improvement and said that he can tell there is a different aura surrounding this year's squad. "I don't want to brag, but our defense is going to be great this year," Stout said. "Our whole team can play this year, and that has really built up the belief.'

David Minton/ DRC

Ponder lineman Justin Stout gives the Lions a powerful and versatile presence at the line of scrimmage. Stout rarely comes off the field while playing both offense and defense.

PONDER

August 25, 2016

LIONS | Roster

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

With the Lions’ transition to a spread offense, the versatility and speed of their wideouts will be one of the cornerstones of the team. Rylan Waldo and Chase Harris came over from the successful Lions basketball team. Each will bring speed and a winning attitude as well as some of the Waldo quickest feet on the team. They will force defenses to spread out and draw focus away from running back Jonathan Aguilar.

POINT OF CONCERN

Ponder has eight returners on the offensive side of the ball, but just one of the offensive linemen has significant playing experience. Juniors Tyler Wagner, Brendan Fruth and Cole Carroll will all slide in and take the brunt of the responsibility along with the returner — senior Zach Johnson. Also, defensive lineman and two-way star Justin Stout will also likely see time on the line due to the lack of experience.

KEY NEWCOMER

As a junior linebacker and tight end,

Noah Bean represents one of the most promising up-and-coming Lions. The 6foot, 180-pounder will be utilized all over the field. On the offensive side, Bean is expected to line up as an attached tight end, outside wide out or slot receiver. Defensively, Bean will mainly be at linebacker, but could move down to defensive end depending on the formation.

GAME OF THE YEAR

Boyd defeated Ponder for the Yellowjackets’ first district win of the season a year ago. The Lions can’t afford an 0-2 start in District 4-3A Division I play. The Boyd game falls the week after a district-opening game against defending Class 3A Division I champion Brock, meaning the Lions will need a big performance to avenge a 28-7 loss to Boyd a year ago. That game against the Yellowjackets following a stiff test against Brock will be a major barometer for how the season will go according to head coach Russell Ballard. The second district game of the season will be the first district road test and Boyd’s homecoming. Ballard sees this as the game that could get the momentum for the playoffs rolling in the right direction after a slow start to district a season ago.

DRC Football

No. 2 6 7 9 12 16 17 20 21 22 28 32 33 48 52 55 56 58 65 66

Player Trevor Anerson Trey Ashmore Shane Scott AJ Read Rylan Waldo Noah Bean Ryan Weides Ethan Hill Jonathan Aguilar Kaden McEwen Brock Anderson Chase Harris D.J. Compton Colten McCarroll Caleb McDaniel Cole Carroll Brenden Shafer Adam Kopez Jordan Davis Justin Stout

Ht. 6-0 6-3 6-0 5-9 6-4 5-11 5-11 6-0 5-8 5-8 6-2 5-10 5-7 5-10 5-7 5-10 5-9 5-9 5-7 6-0

Wt. 178 175 200 142 163 185 157 174 160 150 205 193 155 179 187 198 191 155 190 187

Yr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr.

From Page 83

Ponder Ballard is making several changes after watching his team go winless in five district games after a solid start to last season. The hope is Ponder can avoid a similar fate this

PONDER | Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 26 at Benbrook 7:30 p.m. Sept. 2 Wichita Falls City View 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at Holliday 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16 S&S Consolidated 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at Santo 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 Brock * 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at Boyd * 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 Paradise * 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at Breckenridge * 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 Bowie* 7:30 p.m. * Denotes District 4-3A (Division I) game

67 73 75 78 88

Brenden Fruth Julian DeJesus Tyler Wagner Zack Johnson Jacob Summerlin

6-0 5-10 6-0 6-2 5-11

287 287 300 255 155

Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr.

fall and build a winning culture in football. “I definitely think there is motivation to win coming from a school that has five state championships in basketball,” Ballard said. “The expectations are high. No one comes out to the field to practice in 100-degree heat every day. It is something that is on the mind of the players, the staff and the community. The expectations are to go to the playoffs and win.”

LIBERTY

DRC Football

August 25, 2016

Copeland getting his shot at Liberty By Steve Gamel Staff Writer

It was the seventh game of the 2014 season and Liberty Christian had just lost starting quarterback Nick Starkel to a broken arm. If that wasn’t enough, his backup tossed a late interception. Things were not looking good. “I remember thinking [before the interception], we can’t turn the ball over in this situation — because the game was still close,” said head coach Barton Hundley, who opted to go with then-senior Drew Hunnicutt to replace Starkel. “My coaching staff had said, ‘Well, what about Jon?’ and I said, ‘No, he’s only a freshman.’” Hundley regrets overlooking Jon Copeland in that moment, but he’s not about to do it again. The second-year coach needs a quarterback with Starkel now at Texas A&M, and he’s eager to put this season on Copeland’s shoulders. Copeland is one of two returning starters, and for a team craving leadership, the importance of continuing to get big plays from arguably the most important position on the field is critical. Hundley believes Copeland is that guy. “When the ball is in Jon’s hands, good things happen,” Hundley said. Yet Copeland, a junior, enters this season as an unknown commodity. At 5-11 and 182 pounds, he started at wide receiver last year (742 receiving yards, six scores) with Starkel entrenched as the team’s signal caller. His natural position is quarterback, yet there’s little to no high school film on him. He turned heads at this summer’s TAPPS 7-on-7 state tournament, but it’s easy to look at his size and question his ability. Copeland is only focused on leading his team. “I’ve played quarterback my whole life, so I’m just excited to be back at it,” Copeland said. “I was nervous as a freshman, but I also knew I was ready. I feel like this is my year. I know I need to be the one guiding people and making plays. That’s what I need to do. “I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. But I have all the faith in the world in this team.” While Copeland saw next to no snaps at quarterback as a sophomore, his teammates believe in him. He eventually made it into that game when Starkel was hurt against Bishop Dunne, and started the next five games. In that stretch, he had nearly 900 passing yards, 160 more on the ground, and scored nine total touchdowns.

LIBERTY BUILDING BLOCKS

David Minton/DRC Jon Copeland is in position to move into Liberty Christian’s lineup at quarterback after Nick Starkel graduated and signed with Texas A&M. Copeland was a key player for Liberty last season at wide receiver, where he racked up 742 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He will try to help Liberty improve on a 6-5 finish last season, despite having just one returning starter on both offense and defense.

What Copeland brings to the table that Starkel couldn’t is the ability to scramble or take the lead on designed quarterback run plays. Liberty did not have that in its arsenal last year, though Starkel threw for more than 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns. “It’d be difficult to tackle Jon in a phone booth,” senior offensive and defensive lineman Brooks Talkington said. “I’ve never played with an athlete like Jon before. He is going to surprise people, and so will this team.” Hundley agreed. “When you run a spread offense and your best runner is the quarterback, that makes things very difficult on an opposing defense,” Hundley said. “Jon makes plays when plays break down, and he’s smart, so he knows when to run and when to throw. It’s his show now.”

Liberty has weapons to surround its new quarterback. Cole Croce caught nine balls for 141 yards and two touchdowns last year. He will be one of Copeland’s top targets, along with Elijah Edwards and Grant Sawyer. Hundley said the running game should have plenty of speed and depth. It’s a talented group Copeland believes in. “I was very negative about the possibilities of this season right at the end of last year, because we lost so many guys,” Copeland said. “But guys came in, they stepped up, and we’ve filled a lot of spots. This is a team that wants to win, and I believe we can. “I don’t want to sound cocky, but if people don’t know who I am now, they eventually will.”

WARRIORS | Quick Facts District: TAPPS District 1 (Division I) 2015 record: 6-5 (4-3 in district) Coach: Barton Hundley (13-10 in two seasons at Liberty Christian) Returning starters: One on offense, one on defense Key players: QB/DB Jon Copeland, OL/DL Brooks Talkington, WR/DB Cole Croce, WR/LB Grant Sawyer, OL Luke Glaser, WR Elijah Edwards, LB Michael T Manning, OL/DL Sadler Engel. Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 School enrollment: 520 Stadium: Warrior Stadium

August 25, 2016

DRC Football

LIBERTY

August 25, 2016

Talkington set to anchor Warriors By Steve Gamel Staff Writer

Brooks Talkington is hard to miss on a football field. He’s not hard to hear, either. At the end of a recent practice, the Liberty Christian senior’s encouraging screams were heard over the shouting of coaches who were trying to direct sprint drills. His antics weren’t distracting, but he admits it’s a vocal edge everyone is getting used to. “When I walk in at 4:30 in the morning, [teammates] are like, ‘Brooks, it’s way too early for that,’” Talkington said with a laugh. “I can get people fired up.” It’s a new year and new outlook for Talkington, who plans to start on both the offensive and defensive lines for a team in need of a spark. Liberty finished 6-5 in 2015 and is always in the playoff mix, but return just two starters — one being Talkington.

Talkington says it’s time to back up his words in the trenches. His coaches agree and say they will lean on him. “When one of your best players is that leader, it trickles down to the team,” Liberty coach Barton Hundley said. “He is a playmaker and needs to be on the field as much as possible.” Talkington said he didn’t always feel like a centerpiece. Heading into last season, he had just transferred from Coram Deo Academy in Flower Mound. Coaches quickly had him playing both ways. But there was a learning curve. Now he’s ahead of that curve. “I felt at the time it was better that I do my time and learn,” Talkington said. “I was still a new guy. This year, though, I understand how things work. Actions do speak louder than words. I’m ready to be a leader.”

David Minton/DRC

Liberty Christian lineman Brooks Talkington is a vocal leader for the Warriors and one of their most valuable players. Liberty coach Barton Hundley said he will try to put Talkington on the field as much as possible this season.

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LIBERTY

August 25, 2016

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

Liberty coach Barton Hundley didn’t hesitate in saying quarterback is their strength. Junior Jon Copeland (742 receiving yards, six touchdowns) is the Warriors’ lone returning starter other than two-way starter Brooks Talkington, and will take the reins at his natural position following the graduation of Nick Starkel (Texas A&M). Copeland threw for nearly 900 yards and six touchdowns during the final 5 1/2 games of 2014 in place of an injured Starkel. Un- Hundley like Starkel, a pocket passer, Copeland is a dual threat. “In my mind, Jon could play anywhere [in college],” Hundley said. “That is if someone would just give him the chance.”

POINT OF CONCERN

Youth and inexperience. Hundley has just two returning starters in Copeland and Talkington on a team tasked with taking on a schedule that includes Celina and Gilmer in nondistrict. District foes Bishop Dunne and Plano Prestonwood played each other in the TAPPS state title game last year. Finding stable weapons

for Copeland has been the focus of this offseason, including revamping a receiver group that amassed more than 3,000 yards through the air last year. Talkington will play offensive line but is the clear leader on a defense that must also switch from the 3-4 scheme to a 4-3.

KEY NEWCOMER

Junior wide receiver Cole Croce isn’t necessarily a newcomer after catching nine balls for 141 yards and two scores last year, but he is now Copeland’s primary target with the loss of Justus Lee and Jalen Hurt. Croce stands more than 6-0 and will also play de- Croce fensive back.

GAME OF THE YEAR

Liberty’s schedule is a monster, starting with the season opener against Melissa on Aug. 26. Hundley said that game will set the tone for the initial few weeks of the season when they take on Celina and Gilmer before a much-needed open week. The Warriors then open the TAPPS district schedule with defending state champion, Plano Prestonwood on Sept. 23.

WARRIORS | Roster

No. Player Pos. 2 Connor Hotzkamper WR/DL 3 Elijah Edwards WR/DB 4 Will Kuehne QB/DB 5 Charles Christian WR/DB 6 Kade Johnson RB/LB 7 Logan Haire RB/LB 8 Jon Copeland QB/DB 9 Cole Croce WR/DB 10 Wilson Strange WR/LB 11 Grant Hudgens WR/DB 12 Grant Sawyer WR/LB 13 Ty Wheeler WR/LB 14 Michael Manning WR/LB 15 Blake Harris WR/DB 16 Preston White WR/LB 17 Matt Ramirez WR/DB 18 Connor Payton WR/LB 19 Grant Galyean QB/DB 21 Grant McCrea WR/DB 22 Will Richardson WR/DB 23 Adam Johnson WR/DB 24 Collin Gamble WR/DB 25 Brayden Kelly WR/LB 26 Michael Manning RB/LB 27 Andre Washington RB/DB 28 Zach Auerbach WR/LB 29 Kade Wellborn WR/DB 30 Caleb Shillingburg WR/DB 32 Connor Robbins WR/DB 33 Logan Moonier LB/RB 34 Truett Walker RB/DB 35 Luke Foster WR/DB 36 Micah Grizzle LB/WR 37 Isreal Isuman WR/DL 40 Travis Stockton OL/DL 43 Nathan McCray OL/DL 44 Joseph Tedford RB/DL

Ht. 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-2 5-11 5-9 6-1 6-3 5-11 5-9 6-3 5-9 6-2 6-0 6-1 5-10 6-1 5-9 6-1 6-0 5-9 5-8 5-10 5-11 5-11 5-11 5-11 5-11 5-9 5-10 5-6 5-8 6-0 6-5 6-0 5-3 5-11

Wt. 175 165 180 185 175 165 185 190 185 150 185 160 180 150 160 160 190 155 160 160 140 160 175 165 180 165 150 155 130 170 145 125 160 220 190 140 190

Yr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. So. Sr. So. So. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. So. So. So. So. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr.

LIBERTY | Schedule Date Opponent Aug. 26 Melissa Sept. 2 at Celina Sept. 9 Gilmer Sept. 23 at Prestonwood * Sept. 30 at John Paul II * Oct. 7 Parish Episcopal * Oct. 14 at Trinity Christian * Oct. 21 Bishop Lynch * Oct. 28 Bishop Dunne* Nov. 4 at Fort Worth Nolan * * Denotes TAPPS District 1-1

47 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 72 75 77

Jake Richardson Joseph Wolfe J. Bryan Cole Hardy Grant Mahon Blake Harrison Harlan Haire Micahel Hulke David Alvarez Brooks Talkington Luke Glaser Micah Martin Brock Shanks Dawson Blalock Jackson Hagen Brent Uys Jeancarlo Gutierrez Dalton Brann Sadler Engel

OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

5-8 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-2 5-10 6-3 5-9 6-4 6-0 5-9 5-8 5-11 5-9 5-11 6-0 5-11 6-3

Time 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

200 220 185 185 225 205 210 180 205 240 270 155 200 165 160 225 250 280 255

Fr. So. So. So. Fr. Sr. So. So. So. Sr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. So. Jr.

DRC Football

CALVARY

DRC Football

August 25,2016

Calvary's Mikeal takes over at QB By Randy Cummings For the Denton Record-Chronicle

Calvazy head coach Stacey Johnson's summer was going smoothly until early July when last year's all-state quarterback, James Helzer, finalized his decision to not play football this fall so he could focus on his basketball career. The move immediately forced the Lions into scramble mode for the 2016 football season. At the top ofthe to-do list was informing junior Blake Mikeal, one of Helzer's starting receivers last year, that he would be the Lions' No. 1 quarterback. Mikeal started working on his quarterback play twice a week with assistant Joey Longoria, and now Johnson believes the Mikeal will be ready to be the man behind center when the season opens. "I was definitely excited," Mikeal said. "I understood where James was coming from. I knew it was going to be hard to follow him because he had done a lot ofgreat work last year. But I was definitely excited to get the opportunity. Mikeal spent some time last season backing up Helzer, completing 11 of 28 passes for 105 yards and five touchdowns in a reserve role. But Mikeal was a bigger threat at receiver, where he was Calvary's fourth-leading receiver a year ago with 15 catches for 227 yards. Mikeal's experience on the field should aid in his transition to being the Lions' new signal caller. While Helzer's arm helped lead Calvary's to last year's TAPPS semifinals, this year the Lions can be expected to run the ball more in an effort to control the ball and the clock. But because ofMikeal's size and speed, the Lions are also expected to ditch their spread offense and line up with their new quarterback directly under center. "He's a smart kid and has been looking good," Johnson said. "We've had to adjust the entire playbook to him. When we set up the playbook, it was set up for James. We had to go back and set it up for what Blake can run. We'll have more tight formations with him. We're not doing a lot of sprints this year. "Once he found out he's going to be our quarterback, he's been putting in a lot of work," Johnson said. "Right now we're working on his footwork. He knows the

Have a great season, Denton Calvary Lions! From your f~ns ~ l

DATCU

David Minton/ DRC Blake Mikeal saw the course of his high school football career take adramatic tum in the offseason when all-state quarterback James CALVARY Helzer decided not to play football this season. Mikeal will take over on a full-time basis after serving as Helzer's backup last season, BUILDING BLOCKS I when he threw for 105 yards and five touchdowns in limited action.

playbook. Once we get his footwork right, it'll be alright" Helzer's decision to move Mikeal to quarterback has also forced the Lions' coaches to make another key position change. Jacob Hood, one of three seniors on the team, was last year's leading receiver (71 receptions, 1,294 yards) and No. 2 rusher (46 carries, 309 yards) but will line up in the backfield this season to bolster the Lions' running game. Hood and sophomore P.J. Orr (292 rushing yards) will be the Lions' main ball carriers. Junior Lane Pirkle and sophomore newcomer Josh Hunter are expected to handle wideout duties. "Besides Blake, Hood is the big key to this team," Johnson said. "He's been doing

this for four years and he's a leader on the field. He was James' safety valve last year if he got in trouble he knew Hood was always right there. The players know they can count on Hood." Hunter, who took last year off to focus on baseball, is also expected to contribute to the Lions' defense at one of the linebacker spots. Senior Zachary Masey provides experience at linebacker while Calvary's other senior, Kyle Parson, will provide stability at one of the defensive end positions in addition to playing center on offense. "This year's team is going to be small and scrappy;' said the second-year head coach. "We're going to have to play more as

LIONS I Quick Facts District TAPPS Six-Man 3A, Divisioo I, District I 2015 Record: 7-5 (3-0 in district) Head coach: Stacey Johnsoo (7-5 in one season) Returning Starters: Frve on offense, five oo defense Key Players: QBIDB Blake Mikeal, RB/DB Jac:OO Hood, RB/Rover PJ. Orr, DB/LBZachary Masey, WRIDB Lane Pirkle, WR/l.B Josh H111ter Offense: Tight Defense: 141 School Enrollment 1.30 Stadium: Ryan High School

See CALVARY on 93

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August 25, 2016

DRC Football

CALVARY

DRC Football

Jacob Hood, one of three seniors on the Lions, is being moved from receiver to running back this season to help strengthen Calvary's rushing attack, which probably will be emphasized this season. Hood carried the ball 46 times for 309 yards a year ago, but earned all-state honors as the team's top receiver. The Lions hope to control the ball and the game clock with a run-heavy Hood scheme and Hood, along with returning sophomore P.J. Orr, will be relied upon to carry the bulk of the workload for Calvary when it comes to the Lions' ground game.

KEY NEWCOMER

Junior Blake Mikeal got the notice in early July that he would be the Lions starting quarterback after last year's all-state signal caller, James Helzer, opted to focus on basketball. Mikeal is not technically a newcomer and he is not totally unfamiliar with the position, having completed 11 passes for 105 yards and five touchdowns last year as Helzer's backup. But while Mikeal has embraced the opportunity to be Calvary's

starter, his 5-7 height will mean the Lions will probably rely more on a ball-control rushing offense this season.

POINT OF CONCERN

When Calvary coach Stacey Johnson looks over his 2016 roster, he sees some challenges. Three players didn't play football at all last year while two freshmen will be making the leap to high school and will have to adjust to the increased speed of the game. One other new player is also making the transition from 11-man football to the six-man game. "So we've got a lot to teach," Johnson said. "It won't be easy, but it's going to be fun."

LIONS | Roster

EXTRA POINTS | Keys to a successful year POSITION OF STRENGTH

August 25, 2016

No. 3 4 5 7 10 11 18 22 24 27 33 44 48 88 90

Player Blake Mikeal Jackson Moya-Mendez Lane Pirkle Gabe Pucci PJ Orr Kyle Parson Brice Coffey Zach Bielss Joseph Schmidt Jacob Hood Mason Fellers Zachary Masey Wilson White Josh Hunter Hayden Yarbrough

Yr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. So. So.

CALVARY | Schedule Date Opponent Time Aug. 26 at Waco Live Oak 7:30 p.m. Sept. 2 Lucas 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9 Goldberg 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16 Savoy 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at Canyon Creek 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 Ovilla Christian 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at Watauga Harvest* 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28 Abilene Christian* 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at Midland Trinity* 7:30 p.m. * Denotes TAPPS Six-Man Division I, District 1 Home games played at Ryan High School

GAME OF THE YEAR

While Calvary has five home games lined up on its 2016 schedule, it's an early road contest that might just be one of the most intriguing games the Lions play this season. Their second test of the year will be a trip to Waco on Aug. 26 to face Live Oak — the team that knocked Calvary from the TAPPS playoffs last year. Calvary advanced to the semifinals in 2015 after a thrilling 6856 come-from-behind win in the quarterfinals over Dallas Tyler Street Christian Academy. Now Calvary will get a rematch with the team that ended last year's playoff run in the form of a 56-6 defeat.

From Page 91

Calvary a team this year. We won't be able to depend on one player. If we can't play as a team, it's going to be bad.” With a new quarterback and several players making key position changes, the Lions are facing plenty of challenges as they approach the 2016 season. The team's trio

of seniors along with four more juniors give the Lions needed experience to balance the fact that the 14-player roster also includes six newcomers. “Most people may think it's a rebuilding year,” Johnson said. “But if we put in the work during twoa-days, we'll be all right. And right now, they’re there early and ready to go to work. “It’s hard losing someone like James, but it's [a matter of] the next man up. It’s a whole new team."

August 25, 2016

2015 YEAR IN REVIEW

DRC Football

2015: A year to remember Several Denton area teams enjoyed memorable seasons last fall. Argyle advanced to the state final before falling to Waco La Vega. The season also marked the departure of former North Texas coach Dan McCarney. The Denton Record-Chronicle ’s photographers captured the excitement. ■ Argyle advanced to the Class 4A Division I state title game before falling to Waco La Vega 33-31 at NRG Stadium. The Eagles, who won a state championship in 2013, have lost the state title game in the closing seconds in each of the last two years and are favored to return to a fourth straight title game this season. ■ North Texas fired coach Dan McCarney after a 66-7 loss to Portland State that left the Mean Green 0-5. UNT finished 1-11 and hired former North Carolina assistant Seth Littrell as its new head coach. ■ Five area teams, including two from Denton ISD, played in the state quarterfinals. Argyle and Lake Dallas each advanced out of the fourth round of the playoffs while Guyer, Ryan and Krum were all defeated after making it to December. Krum made its deepest playoff run in program history, while Ryan returned to prominence after a 5-5 season in 2014. ■ After years of struggling to field a competitive team, Denton qualified for the postseason for the second straight season after winning a district title — the Broncos’ first since 1999. The Broncos had two first-team all-state players in graduated running back Xavier Scott and senior offensive lineman Grant Polley. ■ North Texas picked up its only win of the season, a 30-23 victory over UTSA in dramatic fashion. UNT trailed the Roadrunners 23-21 late in the fourth quarter when defensive tackle Austin Orr crashed through the Roadrunners’ line and blocked the extra point. Cornerback Chad Davis picked the ball up and returned it for a two-point conversion to tie the game. UNT seized the momentum and drove for the game winning touchdown a short time later.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News

Argyle wide receiver Gage McCook, right, celebrates with Drew Estrada after scoring a touchdown during the Class 4A Division I state championship game against Waco La Vega at NRG Stadium on Dec. 18 in Houston. Argyle fell in heartbreaking fashion when the Pirates drove for the game-winning touchdown in the closing seconds for a 33-31 win.

David Minton/DRC

Former Guyer quarterback Shawn Robinson throws on the run during a game against Ryan at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex. Robinson is now at DeSoto.

Ryan wide receiver Tauskie Dove tries to catch a pass while being hit by Keller Fossil Ridge defensive back Devin Smith at C.H. Collins Athletic Complex.

2015 YEAR IN REVIEW

DRC Football

August 25, 2016

Michael Clements/For the DRC

Sanger quarterback CJ Jackson drops back to pass during a game at Indian Stadium.

David Minton/DRC

Former North Texas coach Dan McCarney shakes hands with Portland State interim coach Bruce Barnum following the Mean Greenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 66-7 loss at Apogee Stadium. McCarney was fired after the game. UNT hired Seth Littrell a short time later.

David Minton/DRC

Krum linebackers Tylor Morris (33) and Dakota May (21) and defensive back Matt Robinson (3) tackle Celina running back Jarren Alexander (5), during a UIL Class 4A Division II state quarterfinal game at Apogee Stadium.

David Minton/DRC

Denton defensive backs Emerson Espinoza (10) and Tony Tony-Itoyah (8) break up a pass in the end zone intended for Grapevine wide receiver Madux Middaugh (20) at AT&T Stadium.

Louis DeLuca/The Dallas Morning News

Lake Dallas quarterback Dagan Haehn throws a pass during a game against Everman at AT&T Stadium.

August 25, 2016

DRC Football

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